GET ON THE GO-GO TEAM!

Transcription

1 TEMPLE ISRAEL Memphis, Tennessee August 2015 ~ Av-Elul 5775 Voice volume 69; number 11 timemphis.org MISSION STATEMENT 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 for Reform Jews, the greater community, and the world. SHABBAT SERVICES Torah Study Saturday mornings, 8:45-9:45 am Prenegs Friday evenings, 5:45-6:15 pm Thank you to those who sponsored the prenegs in June, July, and August: Julie, Andrew, Jeremy, & Allison Boshwit, Freda Brode & David Weinstein, Lisa & Jonathan Frisch, Gayle & Marty Grusin, Jan Klein, Cynthia & Michael Lisle, Judy Royal, Esther & Dr. Joel Saltzman, Bobbie Shainberg, and WRJ-Sisterhood. The prenegs in August are in honor of: Cynthia & Michael Lisle s 1 st anniversary (Aug. 7); Blood Drive volunteers (Aug. 14); Temple s Create Your Jewish Legacy donors (Aug. 21); and Erma Cohen on her retirement from Temple (Aug. 28). Friday, July 31, 6:15 pm Saturday, August 1, 10 am Friday, August 7, 6:15 pm Tot Shabbat (See page 5 for details.) Friday, August 7, 6:15 pm Saturday, August 8, 10 am Katy Gilmore, daughter of Susanna Gilmore and Dr. Barry Gilmore, will become bat mitzvah. Friday, August 14, 6:15 pm L dor Vador Shabbat (See page 5 for details.) Led by members of our teen community. Saturday, August 15, 10 am Madison Brode, daughter of Rhonda and Bill Brode, will become bat mitzvah. Friday, August 21, 6:15 pm Saturday, August 22, 10 am Friday, August 28, 6:15 pm Saturday, August 29, 10 am Daniel Meskin, son of Laurie and Jeff Meskin, will become bar mitzvah. voice GET ON THE GO-GO TEAM! Calling all creative, organized, helpful, fun, and Temple-loving volunteers! Temple Israel will host the fourth Temple a Go-Go on Saturday, November 21. Go-Go will feature fabulous food and entertainment, as well as silent and live auctions. This exciting event is held every other year and is attended by hundreds of people. Proceeds from Go-Go help ensure that key programming will continue to be excellent and available to all Temple members. You are invited and encouraged to be a part of the planning! Sign up for one or more of the following committees by contacting one of this year s Go-Go Co-Chairs: Molly Bernatsky, mevensky@gmail.com or Patti Weiss, pweiss711@gmail.com or Or, contact Jan Reisman, janr@timemphis.org or , to volunteer. Go-Go Committees: Auction Items Acquisition, Auction Décor, Auction Logistics, Auction Runners, Check-In, Set-Up and Clean-Up, Sponsorships, Ticket Sales, Thank-Yous, and Welcoming. If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact the Sponsorship Co-Chairmen, Jonathan Frisch, or Jonathan.Frisch@Regions.com, or Elkan Scheidt, or elkanscheidt@gmail.com. Also, if you have a fantastic item, such as estate jewelry, that you would like to donate to the auction please contact the Auction Items Acquisition Co-Chairs, Marisa Baggett, marisa@marisabaggett.com or , or Lee Plesofsky, leepstuff@yahoo.com or

2 BETWEEN YOU AND ME The most beautiful thing that one can do is to forgive a wrong. ~Rabbi Eleazar ben Judah of Worms (ca ) Resist the ravages of illness, fear, and despair. Asked by an interviewer what I thought of an experiment that seemed to show that praying for people in hospitals made no difference, I told her, God s job is not to make sick people healthy. That s the doctor s job. God s job is to make sick people brave. ~Rabbi Harold Kushner The above snippets are culled from the just published two-volume masterpiece, Mishkan Hanefesh: Machzor for the Days of Awe. Given in memory of her brothers, Robert Goldsmith and Elias Goldsmith, Jr., Sylvia Goldsmith Marks has made possible this uplifting, inspirational, and beautiful work we can all look forward to reading and praying on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Ray Charles once quipped that when it comes to music, he doesn t care what kind it is; he just has one question: Is it any good? Evaluating traditional Jewish liturgy when translated from Hebrew into English is inherently subjective, but the team of rabbis who edited our new High Holy Days prayerbooks has given the Jewish world an edifying and beautiful work of art. In the words of the editors, This book is intended for the members of a dynamic, everchanging and diverse Reform Movement who gather in community to experience awe Rabbi Greenstein and forgiveness and hope, as well as all others who seek to find a spiritual home in this prayerbook. Some call themselves classical Reform; some seek to recover and reinterpret the broader Jewish heritage. Some resonate with traditional views of God; others find it hard to believe in God at all. Our new machzor s respectful yet fresh approach to tradition, its transliteration of key Hebrew, and heartfelt English passages combine to make this prayerbook accessible to every worshipper with us for the approaching New Year. The name of this High Holy Days machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh means Sanctuary of the Soul. It suggests that each person s spiritual quest happens within the holy space of the community. Returning to the authors own words, We hope that this machzor will be a meeting place for the inner life of each individual, the warm embrace of community, and the sacred traditions of the Jewish people. May this book be a source of healing and repair, and may it provide nourishment to meet the spiritual hunger of our times. Your new clergy team has studied this exciting new High Holy Days prayerbook, and we cannot wait to share it with every man, woman, and child at the warmest and most inclusive place to be for the High Holy Days next month right here at Temple Israel. Faithfully yours, Rabbi Micah D. Greenstein P.S. I am awed by the history of our extraordinary synagogue; we are a blended family of newcomers to Temple mixed with 7 th generation Memphians. On Rosh Hashanah day, the honor of the Torah blessings will go to those of you who have been members of Temple Israel for 50 years or more, whether you were born into Temple or moved here from somewhere else. On Yom Kippur day, we will call forward members who have joined Temple within the past ten years. (Those like me who ve been here for years will get the honor in future years!) A A HIGH HOLY DAYS NOTES Roll of Remembrance information has been mailed to members of our congregational family. Please note that the form, which also is posted on the High Holy Days page at timemphis.org, is due back to Temple by August 17. Questions? Contact Carol Geller, carolg@timemphis.org or High Holy Days information will be detailed in a mailing to our members, the September issue of the Voice, in weekly Temple Israel News s, and on the High Holy Days page at timemphis.org. -2- TIMEMPHIS.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/TEMPLEISRAEL AUGUST 2015 VOICE

3 WRJ-TEMPLE ISRAEL SISTERHOOD BOOK CLUB Wednesday, September 9, 1:30 pm The Wednesday Book Club, which meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1:30 pm, takes a break for August but will resume in September with The New York Times bestseller Fall of Giants by Ken Follett. SISTERHOOD STRUTS THE RUNWAY Thursday, September 10, 7 pm Sisterhood Struts the Runway opens the New Year with a glittering Paris-style fashion show. Join us for a lavish champagne dessert reception and see your Sisterhood sisters model clothes and accessories from Joseph s, Timna, Betty Hays, Henny Penny, Chicos by Laurelwood, Dazzle, CAbi (Carole Anderson by invitation), and Coming Attractions. This exciting event is complimentary for paid-up Sisterhood members and $18 for non-members. RSVP by September 3 by scanning the QR code, calling , ing sisterhood@timemphis.org, or going to timemphis.org. For more information, contact Kathy Wexler at WHAT AN HONOR WRJ-Temple Israel Sisterhood has been chosen as a Silver Or Ami Light of My People Award Winner for its Adopt-a- School Colonial Vision Camp initiative for the Biennial Assembly period and will be honored at the WRJ 50 th Assembly in Orlando in November. Temple Israel Sisterhood s outstanding efforts are a source of pride to WRJ nationwide. Thank you to all volunteers for keeping this important mitzvah opportunity thriving for all the deserving youngsters at Colonial Vision Camp. GREAT SHOPPING! Shop at the Judaica Shop for your holiday, wedding, and b nai mitzvah needs. For a sweet New Year, select from apple and honey sets, shofars, and collectible shofar and yad stands. Also, you ll find a variety of greeting cards, challah boards, and more. Regular hours begin Aug. 17: Mon.-Thur. 10 am-4 pm, Fri. 10 am-1 pm, and when religious school is in session, Wed. 4-6 pm as well as Sun. 9 am-12:30 pm. Contact Susie Bender, sbb813@bellsouth.net. PLANT BULBS, ENJOY FLOWERS For information or to see the selection of available bulbs that will be delivered this fall, contact Judy Royal, jeroyal@aol.com or If your garden is full, donate bulbs to Temple Israel, Memphis Jewish Home, and Plough Towers. MITZVAH OPPORTUNITIES PREPARE SNACKS AND COOK CASSEROLES Wednesday, August 5, 5:30-7:30 pm Beginning August 5th, cooking for MIFA s COOL initiative will resume in the Temple kitchen on the first Wednesday of each month. COOL offers counseling about higher education to at-risk area public school students. The students meet with counselors weekly throughout high school at the MIFA offices to learn the life skills they need to prepare for college life. Sisterhood provides healthy snacks for the students who come to the program. Contact Elise Meyer, imaginethatem@aol.com. DONATE BLOOD Sunday, August 23, 8:30 am-1:30 pm Saving a life is the mitzvah of all mitzvot, and just one pint of blood can save up to four lives. Upcoming blood drives at Temple are on these Sundays: (8:30 am-1:30 pm) Aug. 23, 2015; Nov. 15, 2015; Jan. 24, 2016; and April 3, Please contact Betsy Libby, bwlibby@yahoo.com or , or Steve Libby, or stevelibby@comcast.net. After 25 years of incredible service, Julie Klein is retiring from the chairmanship of the Temple Blood Drives. Julie and her wonderful committee of volunteers as well as the new awesome Co-Chairs, Betsy and Steve Libby, will be honored at the preneg on August 14 at 5:45 pm. Julie Klein KNIT AND CROCHET Thursdays, 1:30 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. Contact Jenny Baer, jjb8126@aol.com or VOLUNTEER FOR TEAM READ Team Read, an effort by Temple s Social Action Committee, helped students at Temple s adopt-aschool, Wells Station Elementary, during last school year and will again this year. Volunteers can work any weekday 12-1 pm every week, or they can work every other week and partner with another person. Contact Betsy Saslawsky, bsaslawsky@aol.com or , to learn how you can be a part of this rewarding and impactful mitzvah opportunity. TIMEMPHIS.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/TEMPLEISRAEL AUGUST 2015 VOICE -3-

4 Did you know there are research-based benefits to taking a Baby and Me class? If you are searching for something to do with your infant or toddler, then consider the Baby and Me class offered by the Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center. Our Baby and Me class offers a wonderful opportunity for parent-child bonding. Bonding provides a sense of security and attachment, which fosters positive self-esteem. In Baby and Me you will interact with your child by singing songs and participating in the games and activities offered by our wonderful teacher Karen Greene. Our new Music Director, Abbie Strauss, also joins the class each week to sing, teach sign language, play musical instruments, and groove to the beat of favorite Jewish tunes in both English and Hebrew. Participating in Baby and Me promotes literacy development, social-emotional development, and motor development. Children acquire listening skills when they hear the rhymes and finger-plays, clap hands to the rhythms, and take turns ringing the welcome bell. Baby and Me is also a great way to meet new people and create adult friendships with other parents of young children. Many play dates have been arranged among those attending the class. Finally, an interactive class is a great introduction to a school setting for very young infants and toddlers. It introduces them to the structure of a group under the direction of a teacher. The Baby and Me playgroup is offered once a week on Thursdays. There are two age groups one for infants and pre-walkers (9:15-10:15 am) and one for sturdy walkers and toddlers (10:30-11:30 am). Participants do not need to be members of Temple Israel. Moms, Dads, or caregivers are welcome to attend. Registration is required, plus proof of immunization. Enrollment is free. Application forms are available at the school office or on our website, templepreschoolmemphis.com. L Shalom, Jamie Baer, Director jamieb@timemphis.org / TIMEMPHIS.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/TEMPLEISRAEL Teach a child according to his (or her) ways, and even when he is old, he will not depart from it. ~Proverbs 22:6 We are so excited to begin another great year in the Wendy and Avron Fogelman Religious School on Sunday, August 23 rd. We know this will be our best year yet! For , our religious school theme is Helping kids become their best Jewish selves! We have a great curriculum focused on building a strong Jewish knowledge base, but also we know that it is equally important to teach our children how to be good people who love being Jewish. A central focus of our year will be building relationships and creating a caring community among our students. When our children feel welcome, accepted, and comfortable among their peers, they are much more likely to feel great about being Jewish. Each of our faculty members will participate in training before school begins to learn how to more effectively build community among all our students. We have also developed a new Judaic curriculum that allows our students to explore big Jewish questions about Torah, worship, holidays, God, and acts of g milut chasadim (loving-kindness). This curriculum builds upon our students previous Jewish knowledge and allows for hands-on and creative learning. Our Hebrew program also continues to grow and improve. All of our students will participate in Hebrew Through Movement, an interactive and fun method for them to learn the Hebrew language, which provides not only a basis for reading Hebrew, but also a much broader cultural context for the language. In addition, our older students will learn Hebrew reading and prayers in smaller groups, which will ensure that everyone receives the Hebrew attention he or she needs. In order to help our children become their best Jewish selves, parent involvement in Jewish learning is incredibly important. Our faculty will be communicating with parents on a regular basis through text messages and s. We also will have a number of opportunities throughout the year for parents to share in Jewish learning and celebrating with their children, from Sunday morning learning sessions to grade-level Shabbat dinners. In addition, my office is always open. Please stop by any time! By engaging students according to their ways and embracing creative, hands-on learning, we hope to help all students become their best Jewish selves! L Shalom, Lauren Luskey, RJE, Director of Youth and Family Learning laurenl@timemphis.org / AUGUST 2015 VOICE

5 TOT SHABBAT SERVICE & DINNER Friday, August 7, 6:15 pm Celebrate Shabbat at this service created especially for our youngest members (ages 5 and under), followed by dinner and a chance to get to know other families in our community. TEMPLE DIRECTORY This year we are launching a new suite of web services so that you can manage your own Temple account. Information from your account will be used for our new membership directory. Note that the information we have in our system as of August 7, 2015, is what will be printed in the directory that will be mailed to you later this year. For details, refer to the information you received in the mail, go to timemphis.org (Membership page under Quick Links), or contact Karen Snyder, or karens@timemphis.org. Shabbat dinner is complimentary to Temple members who RSVP by Aug. 5; after that and for guests, the cost is $8/adult and $4/child. Please go to timemphis.org or scan the QR code to make dinner reservations. Questions? Call Jackie Evans, Tot Shabbat is made possible by the generosity and vision of the Mildred H. and Edgar C. Haas, Sr. Family Endowment for Education and WRJ-Temple Israel Sisterhood. L DOR VADOR SHABBAT SERVICE & DINNER Friday, August 14, 6:15 pm L dor Vador Shabbat is a congregational Shabbat celebration held several times throughout the year. Adults and children enjoy worshipping at the service together. It is designed to appeal to congregants of all ages and features participatory music, both traditional and contemporary. This service will be led by members of our teen community, and we will honor our MeFTY officers. After the service, enjoy dinner with your congregational family. RSVP for the dinner ($8/adult; $4/child) by Aug. 12 by going to timemphis.org or by scanning the QR code. Questions? Call Jackie Evans, L dor Vador Shabbats are made possible by the generosity and vision of the Mildred H. and Edgar C. Haas, Sr. Family Endowment for Education. BE SOCIAL! Share. Like. Watch. Comment. Favorite. Retweet. Links to these social media platforms Temple Israel uses are on timemphis.org. CONNECTING ConnecTI, Temple Israel s new 20s/30s initiative, is in the midst of a fantastic summer through a wealth of social and spiritual programming opportunities. With a mission to connect to one another, to Temple Israel, and to Memphis, ConnecTI has held weekly events around town (The Levitt Shell and South of Beale Restaurant, to name a few) and monthly, peerled Underground Shabbat services on Downtown rooftops and at the Center for Southern Folklore. ConnecTI s new board Sarah Fenderson, Spencer Glaser, Jami Lazarov, and Kevin Padawer under the direction of Cara Greenstein, is eager to provide an even deeper connection for the organization and its 200 participants this fall. RIDE WITH PURPOSE The Brotherhood Bike Team and other Temple members are gearing up to ride in the Bike MS: FedEx Rock-n-Roll Ride on Sept to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. For those who would like to participate, but not in the 150-mile round-trip course over two days, a 45-mile route is offered. For details, please contact Vic Butcher, vbutcher@aol.com. TIMEMPHIS.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/TEMPLEISRAEL AUGUST 2015 VOICE -5-

6 TEMPLE ISRAEL STARTS A JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP A MESSAGE FROM JULIE FORTUNE, TEMPLE ISRAEL S DIRECTOR OF TEEN ENGAGEMENT Over the past year, I have met with many of our high school teens and their parents to listen to the needs and wants of our community. I was interested to learn if these needs were reflective of the larger Jewish community. So I did some research and I discovered that, according to the Federation s Community Needs Assessment, the needs that Temple members were expressing were the same needs expressed by the entire Jewish community. Julie Fortune While the majority of our older families live near Temple, our population has become more dispersed throughout the greater Memphis area. From Midtown to Collierville, Downtown to Lakeland, Jewish families now live all over Memphis. This results in many of our children attending different schools. So, while most of our 11 th and 12 th graders attend a total of three or four schools, our younger teens (6 th -9 th grade) attend schools all over the city. The implication from this is that our younger teens struggle to build strong relationships with their Jewish peers, because they don t see each other very often. They struggle to make friends with other young Jews, which makes having meaningful experiences with their peers challenging. In light of this, Temple started a Junior Youth Group (JYG) to help Jewish teens build meaningful relationship. JYG will be open to all 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th graders, and its purpose is to help Jewish teens connect with each other, their community, and to simply have fun. It will be open to all 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th graders regardless of their congregational affiliation. Participating in JYG allows teens to build personal relationships with their Jewish peers and to create the Jewish community that THEY want to be a part of. A Junior Youth Group enables our teens to physically connect with their Judaism and with the Jewish community. Beginning Wednesday, August 26 th, JYG meetings will occur on the last Wednesday of every month at Temple Israel from approximately 6-8 pm. The purpose of these meetings is to have fun and foster lasting relationships. A typical meeting could be watching a movie in the Scheidt Family Center, playing kickball in the field by the rose garden behind Temple, having a costume party, or just hanging out and eating pizza. JYG also will host special events which will take place throughout the Memphis community. We will have one event a quarter, totaling four a year. Community service, leadership development through the Kroc Center s high ropes course, and laser tag are a few examples of what these events might look like. Temple could not be more excited to launch JYG! To register your teen(s), please scan the QR code or visit timemphis.org. If you have any questions about JYG or are interested in volunteering, please contact me at julief@timemphis.org or TIMEMPHIS.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/TEMPLEISRAEL AUGUST 2015 VOICE

7 Last year, MeFTY had a phenomenal year! Our first ever Kallah-Clave, which occurred over MLK weekend, was a huge hit. We had almost 100 teens from all over the Mid-South participate in this stellar event, where we partnered with Knowledge Quest for a community clean-up in South Memphis. Not only were our teens able to help our Memphis community, they also were able to build a lasting relationship with Knowledge Quest, with which they will continue to partner in the upcoming year. On the last day of JCM s high school, we held MeFTY elections. The board has been restructured to fit the needs of MeFTY, and I could not be more excited to work with this great group of teens! ANDREW ROGERS, our President, is a senior at White Station. He was the co-chair of Kallah-Clave and has amazing leadership skills. JAMIE LINDY, a junior at Christian Brothers, and BLAKE LINDY, a senior at White Station, are our two Executive Vice Presidents. They will work together to ensure all programs, including religious and cultural events, are meaningful and fun. WILL ROYAL, our Membership Vice President, will work hand-in-hand with EMMA MANSBERG, our Regional Membership Vice President, to help us maintain our current membership and develop creative ways to attract new members. MOLLY ROGERS, our Regional Communications Vice President, has an incredible skill of communicating with teens and their families that is both effective and efficient. MATTHEW SASLAWSKY, MeFTY s Historian, will be helping us document all the amazing experiences our teens have together. ALLISON BOSHWIT, PAULINA BULLARD, BEN CHARNEY, ABBY LEITNER, and HAYLEY ROYAL are all a part of our board and will help to implement programs throughout the year. Teens and parents, please take note: A A A The Kallah-Clave at Temple Israel in January was a huge success! On August 14 th, teens from Temple will lead the L dor Vador Shabbat service during which the MeFTY board will be honored and inducted. On August 15 th, MeFTY will host a Shabbat Kick-Off Party that is open to all MeFTY-ites. Starting September 19 th, on the third Saturday of every month, MeFTY will hold a Shabbat/ Havdalah dinner that will take place in different restaurants and homes. For more information about MeFTY, a comprehensive calendar, etc., please contact me anytime. L Shalom, Julie Fortune, Director of Teen Engagement / julief@timemphis.org While our teens have been enjoying the summer, Temple has been working hard to ensure that next year s Junior Congregation offers lots of programs, experiences, and opportunities that are fun, meaningful, and mirror what our teens already have going on in their lives. These programs include volunteer opportunities, educational classes, and religious experiences. JCM s first day of high school is August 23 rd during the traditional time of 4:30-6 pm. If you are interested in learning more about our teen program, please contact me. L Shalom, Julie Fortune, Director of Teen Engagement / julief@timemphis.org BRUCHIM HABAIM! WELCOME BACK! The Wendy & Avron Fogelman Religious School and JCM s high school begin on Sunday, August 23 rd. For registration details, contact Jackie Evans, jackiee@timemphis.org. TIMEMPHIS.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/TEMPLEISRAEL AUGUST 2015 VOICE -7-

8 LUNCH AND LEARN CELEBRATION OF TU B AV ~THE JEWISH VALENTINE S DAY~ Wednesday, August 12, 12 pm Celebrate our love for Israel and for each other during a thoughtful discussion with Rabbi Feivel Strauss. Please bring your brown bag lunch; we will supply cookies and drinks. While there is no charge for this Lunch and Learn, RSVP by August 7 by calling Sylvia Appleton, , by Rabbi Feivel Strauss scanning the QR code, or by going to timemphis.org, so that we will have enough refreshments for everyone. LIVE FROM NY S 92 ND STREET Y Wednesday, September 30, 7 pm Rabbi Harold Kushner, the author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People and 13 other landmark books, including a new title, Nine Essential Things I ve Learned About Life, is joined by Rabbi Rachel Cowan, author of Wise Aging, for what is sure to be an inspiring and uplifting discussion about what it means to live a good life. Rabbi Harold Kushner Rabbi Rachel Cowen Rabbi Peter Rubinstein Join these great thinkers as they discuss faith, life lessons, wise aging, and other significant issues about which we should all be thinking. This event is part of The Future of Faith with Rabbi Rubinstein, a new series of provocative, timely, and enlightening talks about issues of faith, moderated by Rabbi Peter Rubinstein, Director of Jewish Community and Bronfman Center for Jewish Life. Special thanks to the Hohenberg-Scheidt Fund for Lifetime Learning for sponsoring the broadcast. -8-TIMEMPHIS.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/TEMPLEISRAEL ADULT HEBREW CLASSES Temple Israel is pleased to offer many levels of Hebrew for the adult learner. Are you a beginner who wants to read along with the service? Are you interested in improving your Hebrew reading fluency and want to understand some of the prayers in the prayerbook? These one-hour weekly Hebrew classes taught by Dr. Dick Rubin are on Sunday mornings when religious school is in session: READING HEBREW 1 weekly, beginning September 20, 11 am Learn the alef-bet; begin to read prayers in Hebrew. Materials fee: $25 READING HEBREW 2 weekly, beginning September 20, 10 am Improve your reading fluency; learn some prayer vocabulary and Hebrew grammar. Materials fee: $25 To sign up for Reading Hebrew 1 or Reading Hebrew 2 classes, call the Education Office at If you are interested in learning more about any of the classes, contact Dick Rubin at rmrubin@att.net. BIBLICAL HEBREW CLASS Temple Israel is pleased to offer a Biblical Hebrew Class for the adult learner. Would you like to experience the excitement of learning to read and understand the Torah text? In this class you will begin the multi-year journey of learning the fundamentals for translating Hebrew in the Torah and in the prayerbook. Before long, you will be able to understand the Hebrew you read in prayer and in the weekly Torah portion. This one-hour weekly class will meet on Sunday mornings while religious school is in session. Prerequisite: the ability to read Hebrew. Text: First Hebrew Primer, Simon, Resnikoff, & Motzkin, EKS Publishing Co. 3rd Ed, (available from EKS Publishing Co. or Amazon.com) If you are interested in joining this fall s Biblical Hebrew Class with Rabbi Feivel Strauss, please contact Jan Reisman, janr@timemphis.org or CAREER TRANSITION GROUP Sundays, August 2 and August 16, 9:30 am Receive help finding a job through resume writing tips, enhanced interview techniques, and other methods. For additional details, contact group facilitators Rob Mann, robertdmann@gmail.com, or Barbara Hermann, barbhermann@aol.com. AUGUST 2015 VOICE

9 THANK YOU TO THOSE MAKING DONATIONS TO TEMPLE ISRAEL (MAY-JUNE 2015) BARBARA K. LIPMAN EARLY CEMETERY FUND Dr. Robert L. Forman Julian Samuel Bloom LEARNING CENTER FUND Evie, Alvin, Elyse & Robert Alana Bloom Sullivan Rebecca Burson Dr. Wilbur Lazarus Kay Saslawsky Emma Iskiwitz s Kindergarten Harry Burson Ann & Larry Adler Judy Kaplan McCown graduation Deanna & Dr. Albert Burson Bev & Gil Halpern Lisa & Jonathan Frisch Kelly & Jamie Iskiwitz Edward Greenberg Lauren & Sam Notowich Rabbi Micah Greenstein named Dr. Lynn & Vic Butcher Thelma Greenberg Mary S. Shainberg of Divinity Susan & Greg Gilluly Faylese Gruber Larry Perlberg Shelli & Sheldon Rosengarten Dorothy Laitman Margie Snetman Golden & Steve Bearman Aimee Ginsburg Harriet Mintz Lewis Barnett Pat Isaacs Alan Abis Jewell Brody Peggy & L.R. Jalenak, Jr. Carole & Dr. Charles Plesofsky Debra & Cary Califf Natalie Graber & Family Jake Shainberg Le Roy T. Brown Kay Saslawsky Thelma Greenberg Patricia & David Okeon Karen Snyder Adele Kisber Jane Harmel Libby & Julius Reisman Dorothy Gellerman George Fisher Bob Harmel Maureen Rosenblum & family Geri & Hal Lansky Sue Ann & Bernard Lipsey Jeff Breazeale Loren Sparks Alan Abis Peggy & L.R. Jalenak, Jr. Linda Ellen & Ron Sklar Rose Rich & Sherwood Platt Jeff Manis Milton Fortas Dr. Wilbur Lazarus Renee Newman Geyer Bayla & Arnold Manis Billie Fortas Carole & Robert Pinstein Carrie Angel Newman Jerry Hanover Owen Yellen Jerome Hanover Isa Newman Theresa Balestrino & Raymond Francine Yellen Toba & Leslie Kornberg Benjamin Sklar Buring Linda Ellen & Ron Sklar Janis & Dr. David Iansmith & Carolyn Marshall & Alan Terhune Jeanne & Dr. Bruce Alpert Peggy Sternberger family, Bruce & Patty Malkin, Dee & Rudi Schiffer The Bernsen Family Bill Sternberger Reed & Dianne Malkin & family Jessica & Adam Birnbaum Terri & Paul Burson Additional donations Jerry Buring Marilyn & Harvey Cook Debra & Cary Califf Mr. & Mrs. Robert Scharff Mary Lynn & Arnold Perl Barbie & Ray Dan Peggy & Sidney Evensky Irina Segal Johanna Silverstein Mindy & Harry Diament Toba & Leslie Kornberg GENERAL FUND Dorothee Gottschalk Sherry & Maury Evensky Cynthia & Rabbi Jordan Parr Eileen & Allen Exelbierd & family Karen Snyder & Daniel Snyder Abe Margolin Red Door Wealth Management, LLC Melanie & Dr. Ricky Fine Kay Saslawsky Drs. Gloria & Jerome Siegel Suite 1910 Associates, LLC Teter Finn & Margaret & Dr. Cary Finn Jeanne & Bruce Alpert Alan Abis Robin Baer Hal Fogelman Debra & Cary Califf Sylvia Appleton Jean & Buddy Ballin Lisa & Jonathan Frisch Toba & Leslie Kornberg Melanie & Dr. Ricky Fine Sharon Berman Shara Lynn & Arnold Goldin Jan & Marc Hanover Mickey & Arthur Buring Jan & Marc Hanover Dale & Richard Caen Debbie & Ron Lazarov Doris & Irvin Califf Ann & Mason Hawkins Debra & Cary Califf Natalie & Ron Lefkowitz Anita & Todd Chanon Judy & Morris Kriger Renee Newman Geyer Jan & Dr. Lee Stein Elaine & David Krueger Charlene, Jill, & Suzanne Snider Alvin Eber Mindy & Harry Diament Natalie & Ron Lefkowitz Rose Sachs Ruth Edmonds Donna & Robert Nathan Barbara & Ira Lipman Alvin Gruner Ricki & Barry Fife Sally & Mark Wender Steve Mednikow Natalie & Ron Lefkowitz Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Freedman Rena Jacobs Eiseman Toba & Leslie Kornberg Anna Rose Byall Lisa & Jonathan Frisch Carol Aronoff Barbara & Dr. Norman Towbin Sylvia Appleton Carol Geller Sam Jacobs Sylvia Walter Bernard Garfinkel Leslie & Dr. Mark Gillenson Samuel Davidson Terri & Paul Burson June Garfinkel Rusty, Beth & Zac Graber CANTOR EMERITUS FUND Steve Mednikow Rayna & Michael Greenberg & Sandra Young Mickey & Arthur Buring family Judith Kaplan McCown Major Jonas Buring s military Dave Dermon Jan & Marc Hanover & Steve Mednikow retirement Drs. Gloria & Jerome Siegel family Arlene & Dr. Vic Schlesinger Raymond Buring Margie Snetman Allan & Marcia Hayden Sidney Kaplan Cantor John Kaplan s Rabbinic Justine Place Homeowners Sylvia Walter ordination Sylvia Appleton Association, Inc. Harris Nagelberg Paula & Dr. Avrahm Cohen Beverly & Dr. Bob Buchalter Gina Jolly Carol Geller Jill & David Buring Ros Kimmelman Friends in Archives Pearl Goldberg Steve Kisber Natalie & Ron Lefkowitz Bettye & Neal Berlin Allen & Eileen Exelbierd & family Linda, Benjamin & Emily Kline Walter Roman Sheldon Cohen Lisa & Jonathan Frisch Debbie & Ron Lazarov Theresa Balestrino & Raymond Carol Geller Ellen & Alan Lescht Arlene & Dr. Vic Schlesinger Buring Judy & Morris Kriger Delores & Roland Oser Zelda Singer Anna Byall Elaine & David Krueger Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Roberson Francine Yellen Janis & Dr. David Iansmith Arlene & Dr. Vic Schlesinger Cheri & Marc Rubenstein Steve Mednikow Connie & Mike Sherman Beta Alpha Theta Building Jacob Rotter becoming an Eagle Scout Gill Stephenson Association Marion & Dr. Joel Bessoff Barbara Michel Sally & Mark Wender Barbara & Mannie Scheinberg Betsy Saslawsky & Team Read Peggy Sternberger Arlene & Dr. Vic Schlesinger Jane & Dr. Gene Eckstein Judy & Jim Mosely Aileen Burson Dorothy & Harold Schneider Louise & Jerry Sklar s 50 th wedding Sheila Hollander & Arlene Gritz Robin & Andrew Shainberg anniversary Sondra & Scott Price, Edie, Eric Cynthia & Rabbi Jordan Parr family Judith & Ralph Evans & Sophie Efron Diane Sachs & Robert Vidulich Drs. Gloria & Jerome Siegel Gail & Dr. Myron Lewis Additional donation Margie Snetman R. Barry Solomon Judy & Nick Ringel s wedding Sondra & Scott Price, Edie, Eric Arlene & Dr. Vic Schlesinger Lorraine & Barry Steinberg anniversary & Sophie Efron Dr. Marvin Klein Harriet & Lou Strasberg Ann & Dr. Sid Friedman Carol Geller Mary & Corey Trotz Iris & Ronald Harkavy Carol & Elliot Slutsky Sally & Mark Wender Judy & Morris Kriger The Shainberg & Menton families Jenny & Larry Herman (continued on p. 10) TIMEMPHIS.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/TEMPLEISRAEL AUGUST 2015 VOICE -9-

10 donations (continued from p. 9) Carol & Joel Hertz Clara Marie Berns Evelyn & Jerome Makowsky Jane & Dr. Gene Eckstein Lynn & Dr. David Meyer Peggy Seessel Betsy & Andy Saslawsky & family Louise & Jerry Sklar Sara Beth & George Silverman Stacy Canales Dr. Marvin Klein Martha & Jerrold Graber Carole & Dr. Charles Plesofsky Dr. Charles Plesofsky s birthday Henry Fortas Natalie & Jimmy Jalenak Carol & Joel Hertz Sally Rosenberg Allison Lux Sylvia Appleton Amanda Scheidt s confirmation Beverly & Dr. Bob Buchalter Bayla & Arnold Manis Kay Dortch Ellie Schwartz s High School Graduation Sandy Goldstein Max Schwartz s High School Graduation Roy, Paula, & Jessica Greenberg Judy & Nick Ringel Cathy & Richard Kessler Ella Belvin s bat mitzvah Lynn & Dr. Robert Kline Emma Feinstone s bat mitzvah Charlotte Levitch Leah Greenberg s graduation Roberta & Scott Picker Mildred Schwartz Sara Beth & George Silverman Lynn Kline s birthday Leah Jean & Richard Snyder Drs. Gloria & Jerome Siegel Jan, Dr. Lee, Michael, & Karen Leslie & Dr. Ira Stein, Hannah & Stein Talia Carole & Dr. Charles Plesofsky Mildred Schwartz Steve Mednikow Stephanie, Joel, Drew & Benjamin Racelle Mednikow & Family Sklar Sylvia Walter Justin Bender & Jackie Paller s Sondra Price wedding William Wim Cohen Barbara & Dr. Norman Towbin Pattye Cohen For the recovery of RABBI HARRY DANZIGER Louis Roman DISCRETIONARY FUND For the recovery of Amanda Scheidt Dick Orgel Lisa & Jonathan Frisch Susan & Neal Jackson Juliet Klein Louise & Jerry Sklar birth of Benjamin Danziger Lesley Marks Paula & Dr. Avrahm Cohen Jan & Dr. Lee Stein Jan & Marc Reisman Additional donations Lorraine & Barry Steinberg H.B.A. Camonte Louise & Jerry Sklar Waffle Shop Volunteers Lisa & Jonathan Frisch Helaine & Richard Grassgreen Jean & Buddy Ballin Leslie Landau Leo Edward Bearman MEFTY FUND Kay Bearman Murray Alan Wagner Dr. Wilbur Lazarus Reva Wagner Cook Laura & Dr. Alan Tanenbaum Dick Paris Harry Radin Larry Perlberg Sharon Kerson Stanley & Debbie Friener Violette Greenberg Dee & Stewart Cannell & family Glenda & Howard Greene Mabel B. Paul Dorothy & Edwin Laitman Jake Shainberg Judith & Richard Laitman Deanna & Dr. Albert Burson & Charles Samuel Lewis Family Nicole & Jack Lewis MRJ-BROTHERHOOD FUND Louis Barnett For the recovery of Carole & Dr. Charles Plesofsky Max Notowitz Sam Buchalter Myrna & Dr. Sonny Salomon Dr. Carol Buchalter Stapp Seymour Rosenberg Additional donations Charles Willner Bob Harmel Diane & Michael Willner Jerry & Louise Sklar RABBI KATIE BAUMAN RABBI MICAH GREENSTEIN DISCRETIONARY FUND DISCRETIONARY FUND Judy Royal s twin grandchildren Alan Abis Jane & Dr. Gene Eckstein Leslie & Nat Landau Ferris Mogy Jan & Marc Reisman Cindy & Louis Mogy Betsy & Andy Saslawsky Max Fargotstein Albert Morris Harmel Ann & Sam Rabinovitz Paul Harmel Anna Rose Byall Anna Rose Byall Marilyn & Harvey Cook Harriet Byall & Peggy Byall Abby Simon Judy Royal Belle Eshman Balkin Ramona & John Byall Lynn & Vic Butcher -10-TIMEMPHIS.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/TEMPLEISRAEL Beryl Malkin Amy & Michael Egerman Clara Marie Berns Temple Israel Book Club Karen & Dr. Michael Koplon Arlyne Lovett Sondra & Scott Price, Edie, Eric & Sophie Efron Doris Marks Lesley & Sam Marks Dr. Ben Beatus Lynn Gruber Freddie Gubin Chris & Mort Gubin Linda & Dr. Edward Kaplan Judy Korones Brenda & Dr. Rodney Wolf Brother Joel William McGraw, FSC Dr. Gilbert Levy Doris Levy Bodan Dr. Marvin Klein Freddie Gubin Dr. Stanley Kaplan Sidney Kaplan Sue Kaplan Dr. Warren Weinberg Lynn Gruber Fannie N. Magids Jan & Jack Magids Fay Gubin Dr. & Mrs. M. L. Gubin Freida Baruchman Beverly & Dr. Bob Buchalter Jane Harmel Paul Harmel Jerry Buring Judy Kaplan McCown Barbara & George Lapides Jerry Hanover Amy & Michael Egerman Marybelle Arnett Joan & Stanley Baker Anise & Ron Belz Bonnie Chambliss & Allison & Shane Kupperman Monograms by Cie Samantha & Andrew Edelson Lynn Gruber Karen & Dr. Michael Koplon & family Rae Jean & Sandy Lichterman Melanie & Rob Mann Billie & Barry Pelts Sondra & Scott Price, Edie, Eric Sophie Efron Diane & Dr. Lewis Reich Jan & Marc Reisman The Rosenthals Lynda & Dr. Stephen Shiffman Nancy Stern, Joshua, Cory & Jeremy Bobbi & Steven Stern Fran & Steve Twersky Curt Ward Brenda & Dr. Rodney Wolf Lyn & Dr. Gordon Yukon Dinkelspiel Rasmussen & Mink Joseph Krivcher Sonya Krivcher Judy Freuberg Jean & Buddy Ballin Kay Saslawsky Amy & Michael Egerman Marilyn Haas Drs. Lisa Usdan & David Portnoy Jan & Marc Reisman Lynda & Dr. Stephen Shiffman Lyn & Dr. Gordon Yukon The Saslawsky & Usdan Families Marna Lee Blindman Debbie & Ron Lazarov Max Fargotstein Laura Riskind Mike Caplan & Esther Loevy Barbara Loevy & Meryl Klein Morton Cohn Terry & Dick Orgel Miriam Alabaster Sheri & Ron Bishop Gina & Dr. Joel Cook Dale Engelberg Judy & Peter Felsenthal Marcia & Tom Fisher Dr. Rita Green Jan & Dr. Daniel LaVene Debbie & Ron Lazarov Roselle Lazarov Dianne & Dr. Lewis Reich Jan & Marc Reisman Judy & Jerry Shore Curt Ward Ida Leigh & Monte Wener Polly Cooper Karen & Murray Riss Pam & Rob Cooper Sam Haspel, Sr. Geraldine Haspel Barbara Konig Barbara & George Lapides Steve Mednikow Reva Wagner Cook Steven Alan Lazarov Roselle Lazarov Sylvia Walter Anise & Ron Belz Tillie Blen Alperin Sonya Krivcher Jan & Jack Magids For the recovery of Tony Oliver Rita Hutchins Jill Kutner Lisa Dattel Ina Eiseman Bruce Kahn Alyssa Chase & Brady Tanner s wedding Pam Chase & Frank Horrell Dr. Steven Chase Freddie Gubin s birthday Sandy Grissom Ari Weiss bar mitzvah Helen Leitner Craig Weiss The Leitner Family Frank Perlman Beverly & Dr. Bob Buchalter Seymour Levine Gerry Haspel Rabbi Micah Greenstein Allison Lux Additional donations Lisa & Dan Barzel Sean & Audrey Belvin Demi, David, & Banks Yaffe Susan & Alan Kosten Leslie M. Landau RABBI JAMES A. WAX MEMORIAL FUND Diana Stein Kabakoff Dessie Sewel donations (continued on p. 11) AUGUST 2015 VOICE

11 donations (continued from p. 10) Dr. Marvin Klein Holly & Paul T. Combs Zelda Halper Lynn Andrea Lowe WRJ-SISTERHOOD TEMPLE GROUNDS & BEAUTIFICATION FUND Anna Kabakoff Gruber Lynn & Vic Butcher Annie Schatz Samuels Evelyn & Martin Snyder Clara Marie Berns Vicki & Dr. Edward Lazarus Lynn & Dr. Robert Kline Judy Royal Sandy & Dr. Mark Tanenbaum Dr. Marvin Klein Evelyn & Martin Snyder Dr. Wilbur Lazarus Andrea & Dr. Robert Kerlan Paula & Dr. Avrahm Cohen Andrea & Dr. Robert Kerlan Vicki & Dr. Edward Lazarus Robin & Jeffrey Wallace Kay Saslawsky Minnie Samuels Loket Sylvia Walter Lynn & Dr. Robert Kline Paula & Dr. Avrahm Cohen WRJ-SISTERHOOD BEULAH R. VOSSE LIBRARY FUND Billy Fortas Connie Shelton Connie Shelton Lisa Todman Faylese Gruber Diana & Bill Arlene, Frank & Jeremy Mix Eddie & Gloria Felsenthal Barbara & Chuck Lurie Timna Myers Karen Sacks Lynn Kline s birthday Barbara & Stanley Zitron WRJ-SISTERHOOD SERVICE TO THE BLIND FUND Alan Abis Debbie & Ron Jackson Debbie & Ron Jackson Jan Meyer Dolph Simon Dr. Wilbur Lazarus Dr. & Mrs. Arthur Jacobs Edna Stiman & Harry Levenson Helen Weiss Aileen Burson Debbie & Ron Jackson Reed Landau & Shelley Robbins Sondra & Larry Levingston Joyce Cooper Gallant Dr. Donald Gallant Mildred Brandes J. Edward Wise Reed Landau & Shelley Robbins Lynn Kline s birthday Debbie & Ron Jackson WENDY & AVRON FOGELMAN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND Robin & Jeffrey Wallace Wynne & Barry Wilder Drs. Lisa Usdan & David Portnoy For the recovery of Avron Fogelman Judy & Morris Kriger Additional donation Sherry Grosman TEMPLE ISRAEL MUSEUM FUND Dr. Wilbur Lazarus Margaret & Steve Biller Marcia & Bill Levy Steve Mednikow Myrna & Dr. Joe Levy Susan Adler Thorp Blotner Fertel Deborah & Steve Brackstone Cantor John Kaplan s Rabbinic ordination Deedee & Ron Perel OUR SYMPATHY The Temple Israel family extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of these loved ones of blessed memory: Alan Abis Dr. Marvin Klein Clara Marie Berns Dick Paris Anna Rose Hutken Byall Shirley Fink Richard Fischer Velma Sanford Lindsay Friedman Kay Usdan Saslawsky Nina Geller Donna Epstein Smith Renee Jason Rose Gordon Solomons Sylvia Cohn Walter Alex Klein Christina Wishnia OUR SIMCHAS The Temple Israel family shares in the happiness of its members and is thankful for the blessings they enjoy. Congratulations to: Gabriella Elkaim and Charles LaVene on their marriage. Lindsey and Michael Danziger on the birth of a son; Jeanne and Rabbi Harry Danziger, Pat and John Neuhaus, and Beth and Stephen Rothschild on the birth of a grandson. Jackie Paller and Justin Bender on their marriage. Sarit and Ben Thorp on the birth of a daughter; Susan Adler Thorp, Allan Thorp, and Dina and Sandy Ashmann on the birth of a granddaughter. Rebecca and Charles Buring on the birth of a son; Arlyne Schwartz, Elisabeth Silverman, and Edie and Marc Silverman on the birth of a grandson. Jennifer and David Arbeit on the birth of a daughter; Marian Levy and Cheryl and Mike Sell on the birth of a granddaughter. NEW MEMBERS The Temple Israel family welcomes its newest members: Jessica & Sam Reese Laura Talbot & Jeff Metter Michelle & Pamela Buchwalter Justin & Benjamin Katz To make a donation online, go to timemphis.org and click the DONATE button. TIMEMPHIS.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/TEMPLEISRAEL TEMPLE ISRAEL 1376 East Massey Road, Memphis, Tennessee ~ timemphis.org Temple Israel is a member congregation of the Union for Reform Judaism. reformjudaism.org A urj.org Rabbi Micah D. Greenstein, Senior Rabbi Rabbi Katie M. Bauman, Associate Rabbi Rabbi Bess Wohlner, Assistant Rabbi Rabbi Harry K. Danziger, Emeritus Cantor John M. Kaplan, Emeritus 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 AUGUST 2015 VOICE -11-

12 voice The Voice is published monthly (with a combined June/July issue) by Temple Israel, 1376 E. Massey Road, Memphis, TN Periodicals postage paid (USPS ) at Memphis, Tennessee. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Temple Israel, 1376 E. Massey Road, Memphis, TN TIME-SENSITIVE MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY AUGUST 1, 2015 PERIODICALS POSTAGE P A I D AT MEMPHIS, TN HONORING ERMA Friday, August 28 From her remarkable volunteer work to her impactful tenure as a vital part of Temple Israel s staff, Erma Cohen has been an integral and beloved leader in the Temple Israel family for nearly 40 years. Erma, currently Temple s Special Projects Coordinator, diligently has served Temple in many capacities, including leadership roles on the Temple Israel Board of Trustees, on the Executive Committee, and as President of WRJ-Sisterhood. She was MeFTY s long-time advisor and for twenty-five years taught several grades in Temple s religious school. As Temple s first Program Director, over the years she engaged talented Temple members to lead and implement three outstanding programs that won prestigious national awards from the Union for Reform Judaism. Her stewardship of the Temple member directories, Mitzvah Day, Mitzvah Opportunities, numerous social action programs including the building of two Habitat homes, festival celebrations, young adult programs, programming for 3 rd -8 th graders, and many other projects and initiatives has been invaluable. Before she transitions to her retirement at the end of the month, we have an Erma Cohen opportunity to honor her for her selfless service to our congregation. You are invited to be a part of the celebration, which includes a preneg (5:45-6:15 pm), Shabbat service (6:15 pm), and dinner (approximately 7:30 pm), in her honor on the evening of August 28. Come and wish Erma well in her retirement and thank her for her countless contributions to Temple Israel. The catered dinner, which includes wine, is $18/person through August 18 and $25/person after. Please note that there will be a limited number of spaces...first come, first reserved. To RSVP, scan the QR code, go to timemphis.org, or call Sylvia Appleton, TIMEMPHIS.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/TEMPLEISRAEL AUGUST 2015 VOICE