CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL A Family of Families October 2015 CALENDAR OF RELIGIOUS SERVICES >> Friday, October 2 Simchat Torah Celebration @ 6:00 pm Family Dinner to Follow Saturday, October 3 @ 9:00am Friday, October 9 @ 7:30 pm Saturday, October 10 @ 9:00 am Friday, October 16 @ 6:00 pm RABBI S MESSAGE Israel - (Edited from Rosh Hashanah Morning Sermon 2015) Lately it seems that no matter what Israel does anti-israel sentiment is getting worse and Israel is becoming increasingly more isolated on the world scene. The BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment, Sanction) has worked hard to convince the world that Israel is an apartheid state and should be treated accordingly and this idea is becoming more accepted in world opinion. Israel is certainly not perfect, but it does a lot right and frankly a lot more right on balance than most of us could claim as individuals, and significantly more than the nations that criticize it. No person or nation is perfect but Israel has much to be proud of and much that we should be shouting from the rooftops to counter those who would only see its flaws. Sadly many in America, who are well meaning and have no specific animosity towards Israel, are finding themselves disturbed by what is presented to them about Israel. They are swayed by anti-israel rhetoric and are beginning to feel that Israel does not reflect their modern Western values. Saturday, October 17 @ 9:00 am Friday, October 23 @ 7:30 pm Saturday, October 24 @ 9:00 am Friday, October 30 @ 7:30 pm Saturday, October 31 @ 9:00 am Torah Study Saturdays @ 11:00am Please come and join us The BDS movement and others work hard to ensure that we see about Israel is focused on the bad, on the images of downtrodden Palestinians and powerful Israeli soldiers in tanks. These images rarely reflect the reality of the situation and certainly do not reflect the massive culpability of the Arab world and the Palestinian leadership in putting and keeping Palestinians in such situation. Nor do these images reflect all the many positives that make Israel what it is and that should make it so the world, and not only Jews, should be proud of Israel. So what is the positive that we are sadly seeing so little of? One aspect is the astounding way in which Israel has been at the vanguard of innovation and creativity in the business and tech world. Everything from your USB flash drive, to drip irrigation, to software that can predict pandemics, machines that can help people to walk, and even drugs that might one day cure certain forms of cancer have, all been developed in Israel. If, as one Israeli business advocate suggests, we put Israel Inside on every product made in Israel or made possible by Israeli ingenuity, like with IBM products, people would be astounded and humbled by the extent to which Israel has contributed to the good of the world in its innovation and creativity. And with respect to those who feel Israel does not reflect their modern western values, one has to wonder what Israel people are looking at. Is it the Israel in which Arab Israelis and Jewish Israelis alike have equal right and in which Arabs serve as members of the parliament and on the Supreme Court, and actively participate in every aspect of Israeli society? Continued on next page...
continued from first page Is it the Israel in which women are equal members of the armed forces and always have been? Is it the country with one of the freest presses in the world, never mind the Middle East? Is it the country that sends doctors and aid worker to aid after every natural disaster around the world? Is it the country whose innovation helps so many people live their lives better all around the world? CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL 4402 Saratoga Blvd Telephone:361.857.8181 Fax: 361.857.8227 Email: congregation@bethisraelcc.com Website: bethisraelcc.com Rabbis Ilan Emanuel, Rabbi Rabbi Kenneth Roseman, Rabbi Emeritus Staff Debbie Bustillo, Office Administrator Meredith Ryan, Religious School Director Leslie Green, Shabbat Dinner Coordinator CBI Executive Board President Chris Adler First Vice President George Kopf Second Vice President Richard Hausman Secretary Leslie Levy Treasurer Robin Adams Past President Suzy Hilliard Sisterhood Representative Jerri Osberg Committee Chairs Adult Education Chair Cemetery Chairs David Jacobs Robert Adler Is it the country whose army, despite being provoked at all turns maintains a level ethic and accountability that no other country on the face of the planet, including our own, would be able to live up to or would even try? That Israel is the Israel described by Hassan Hussainam, an Egyptian Arab and recent valedictorian of Tel Aviv university. Hussainam grew up in a country in which he was told Israel was his eternal enemy despite the peace between the two countries. In giving his graduation speech he explained: On my very first day here at the university, I saw men in kippas, women in headscarfs and hijabs. I saw soldiers walking peacefully among crowds of lively students. I learned there were people of every kind in the university, and the university had a place for all of them Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, Bedouins, and even international students How fascinating is it to be in a city where you can to go a beach in central Tel Aviv and see a Muslim woman, a couple of gays kissing, and a Hasid sharing the same small space? Where else can you find a Christian Arab whose apartment is decorated with posters of Mao and Lenin? Where else can you see a Bedouin IDF soldier reading the Qur an on the train during Ramadan?" This is the Israel I wish we saw more, an Israel of tolerance, equality, and compassion that is at the forefront of helping those in need around the world even as much of that world continues to look vilify it. As American Jews and supporters of Israel we must continue to connect with and give to Israel. We should certainly give generously in monetary terms, but perhaps even more importantly, give emotionally, politically and spiritually. We should visit Israel, learn about its culture and politics, rejoice in its achievements, engage with its people, recognize how much we share, and be forthright and proud in our defense of Israel and its right not only to exist but to thrive. FOOD DRIVE Ritual Committee Chairs Membership Committee Chair Social Action Committee Chair Dues Committee Chairs Building Chair Grounds Chair Fine Arts Chair Carl Kuehn, Gary Blum Andrew Sheinberg Jim Gold Suzy Hilliard Jim Gold Ann Engel Jim Gold Bill Adams Rikki Schmitchel Laurie Mintz On Sukkot we remember the fragility of life wandering in the desert, and how fortunate we are to be well fed and have a roof over our heads today. But for many this is still not the case and we encourage you to bring canned and dry goods to contribute to the food bank to help those in need. Please bring such contributions to Shabbat services, and to our Sukkot and Simchat Torah celebrations (or any other time over the next few months!) to help in this important mitzvah. Page 2
According to the scriptures (Leviticus 23:42), we shall live in the sukkah for seven days in order for future generations to know the Israelites were commanded to live in booths when they were brought out of the land of Egypt and at this point, I m ready to do just that. After a very fulfilling, but very busy past few weeks, I think I d enjoy living in a booth for a few days, or maybe one day. No cooking, no phone, no e-mail, no TV well, maybe a couple of hours. What wonderful holidays we have enjoyed. Meaningful, spiritual, thought provoking hours to reflect and re-evaluate our lives and our time. Rabbi Emanuel did an excellent job preparing and delivering all of our beautiful services. The music was outstanding and our High Holiday Choir was inspirational and soothing. Kim and Laurie Bryce, our regular choir, were standouts and we appreciate both of them. Sisterhood was responsible for our Rosh Hoshana Oneg and for our Yom Kippur Break Fast. Both were delightful events and many thanks to all of you who contributed to their success. Thank you, thank you. Our appreciation to Joe Gazin and Maurice Schmidt for their discussions during the Yom Kippur afternoon break. All in all, it was an interesting hour of thought provoking issues. The Day of Fasting was over quickly and I know we felt renewed. DON T FORGET THE HIGH HOLIDAYS APPEAL. Several of our funds need replenishing the Mitzvah Fund, the Cemetery Fund, the Camp Fund, and the Adult Education Fund, to name a few. Please pick your favorite fund and send your check to the Temple. Each of these funds are very important and are used regularly we need your help. The Sukkoth program at the JCC in the sukkah was a great experience. We have Dr. David Ryan to thank for the idea of having Sukkot at the JCC and for building a sukkah large enough for all to get inside and have a meal. We plan on using the sukkah for many years to come, as it is packable and can be stored for later use. Thank you, David Ryan. We have other holidays coming soon. The holidays are a great time for all of us to get together for family events. And they are great fun and strengthen our ties to each other. FOOD FEST IS ON THE HORIZON (November 14-15) ACTUALLY, it s well into all the preps and planning for this huge community event. We need each of YOU to help cook, serve, clean up, sell pickles, make cabbage rolls, donate a silent auction item.the list is almost endless. Thank you, JIM GOLD, for chairing this important public relations/fundraising event for CBI. WE APPRECIATE YOU. We re already preparing for the High Holy Days next year. The Ritual Committee has ALREADY met to review and redesign some areas of services in order to closely meet our needs and expectations. If you have suggestions, send them to me.we strive to please. Sincerely, Chris Adler President, Congregation Beth Israel PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Family Shabbat Dinner L'Shana Tova to All! Now that the High Holidays are behind us, we invite you back to CBI to celebrate Simchat Torah Shabbat together and enjoy a Family Dinner. The date will be Friday, October 2 nd and as usual, services begin at 6 pm with dinner to follow! Remember to bring your appetite and a dessert to share! Until we break bread together again, Leslie Green Family Shabbat Dinner Coordinator Cell: (804) 334-5662 Email: clutterqueen2758@gmail.com Page 3
SUKKOT 2015 Many thanks to Dave Ryan and his crew for building the amazing Sukkah and for Dr. Blum for taking these beautiful pictures. Page 4
CBI Sisterhood News L Shana Tova from the CBI Sisterhood! First and foremost, I must thank our esteemed Rabbi Emanuel and CBI Choir for the wonderful and moving High Holiday services. Secondly, a big shout out to Randi Emanuel for her hard work and dedication in providing CBI with the truly exquisite High Holiday Torah Covers, which wouldn t have been possible without the generous donations from: The Adler Family The Susser Family in honor of Rabbi Roseman Carol & Sammy Kins in memory of Zelma and Jack Kins, Dorothy and Albert Miller Gail Loeb, Howard and David Sadoskas in memory of Leon Stephen Loeb Last, but not least, a big thank you to all our sisters who provided a beautiful and delicious Rosh Hashanah Oneg and to Julia Noble and all her helpers that prepared and provided a fabulous Yom Kippur Break Fast. I hope you are as excited as I am with the approach of CBI s Food Fest. This is such a wonderful opportunity for our Sisterhood to truly shine! Please be generous with your time and efforts to be sure we have the most successful Food Fest ever!! Jim Gold is hoping to have as many of us volunteer for the following tasks: Preparation and day of Food Fest tasks, Sell and purchase raffle tickets, Donate items for the Vintage and Sweet Shop Solicit and/or bid, bid, bid on our Silent Auction prizes. If you would like to participate in any of these Food Fest areas, please contact Jim Gold at (361) 548-8437. Please save the date!! With Chanukah right around the corner, I d like to announce the Sisterhood Chanukah Party will take place at Bill and Robin Adams home on December 9th at 6:00 p.m. Reminder: If you have paid your dues, thank you! If you haven t paid your dues, please do so as soon as possible. Jerri Osberg, President (361) 443-9894 Jerri.Osberg@hotmail.com Corpus Christi Community Religious School Meredith Ryan, Director Shalom, Welcome back to Religious School! We had a great start as the kids played games and showed off their Hebrew skills. We have a great line-up of teachers including: Daya Butler (2nd grade), Shayna Sands (3rd & 4th grade), Greg Marks (5th & 6th grade), Brian Honigbaum and David Ryan (7th & 8th grade). Yoav Kadosh is returning to teach Hebrew (Gimmel Level) and will be joined by Shayna Sands & David Ryan (Aleph Level) and Rabbi Emanuel (Bet Level). Please remember that Hebrew is from 9-10:15am and Sunday School is from 10:30-12:30. Please ensure that your children arrive promptly and that you return to pick them up on time. An exciting upcoming event for interested 6th -8th graders is the Fall Fest at Greene Family Camp October 16-18. If your child is interested, please contact Meredith Ryan at rsdirector@bethisraelcc.com. This event is limited to 6th-8th graders only. If your child registers before Oct. 5th, the fee is $140, after October 5th, the fee is $165. There may be some scholoraship funds available, so please let Meredith know ASAP if you are interested. "This is a great opportunity to try new activities and revisit old favorites, climb to new heights on the ropes course, experience the magic of a camp Shabbat, and meet friends from all over Texas & Oklahoma." Shalom, Meredith Ryan CBI Religious School Director Religious School dates: October 4, 11, 18 & 25 Hebrew School 9:00 am-10:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am-12:30 pm Page 5
Jewish Food Fest Calling All Volunteers Like us on Facebook: JewishFoodFestival Volunteers needed: www.facebook.com/jewishfoodfestival Shift Volunteers; Saturday November 14 & Sunday November 15 Food Prep Volunteers To volunteer, please contact Laura Hausman at 549-7505 or laurita@northernbeef.com Phyllis Roseman at (214) 202-1492 or phyllisroseman@outlook.com SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED: Silent auction committee is looking for items to be included in our silent auction. Food Fest goers appear to have a wide variety of interests with Restaurant and Services being among the most popular. Donor Forms are available in the Temple office. Contact Person: Keren Thoms at (607) 229-7297 or kerenthoms@gmail.com Vintage Shop Items: The Vintage Shop is completely dependent on our donations to be successful. Check your closets for purses, belts, jewelry, scarves, etc. Please drop off donations at CBI or contact the office at 361-857-8181 or congregation@bethisraelcc.com
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PERPETUAL YAHRZEITS Sabbath of October 2nd *Ascher Abbey *Henry Abbey *Rose Axelrad Burton Bloom *Joseph Cohn *Louis Eisenberg Kathy Feiertag *Harry Ginsberg Sylvia Hytner *Arnold Kolpack *Irene Krams *Draga Kurzner *Flora Landy Tarbo Lashinsky *Ruth Lehrman *William Levinson *Pearl Lieberman *Molly Marks *Chana Melamed *Hirsh Melamed *Shirley Mintz *Julia Obrembski Sabbath of October 9th *Sol Black *Seraphine Bornstein *Cecelia Cohen *Sam Evainier Rosella Hollingsworth *Leo Horowitz Leonard Jacobs *Natalie Moskowitz Sophie Rocklin *Fred Rosenberg *Blanche Sheiness *Hyman Stillman Julius Union *Morris Veenik *Sherrie Waldman *Sam Weisman Abraham Weissman Sabbath of October 16th *Fanny Alexander *Abram Bobys Arthur Bussey *Herman Caplan Rose Eisenberg *Bessie Feldman *Blanche Frank Nettie Golden *Helen Goodman *Sylvan Grossman *Gerald Hausman *Leopold (Yehuda) Kannengiesser *Abe Klein *Nathan Lakin *Freda Mandelstamm Sue Marks *Charles Nieman Samuel Sheinberg *Ruth Sikora *George Solka *Louis Tanenbaum *Jechiel Tepper Mary Weissman *Sylvan Wolfson Sabbath of October 23rd *Hyman Bloom *Jacob Engel *Eva Goltzman *David Hirsch Janet Hurst *Joe Katz *Isaac Lasky *Louis Leshin *Morris Liedeker, Sr. *Gregory Makrow *Meyer Mayerson *Ruben Melamed *Morris Pearlman Fannie Podolsky *Miriam Seldin *Joseph Silver *Irvin Simon *Isaac Weisman *Bertha Willensky Sabbath of October 30th *Ida Appel *Eli Berman *Edward Birnberg Joe Bornstein Carl Gogel *Janet Goldstein *Louis Goltzman *Ethel Goodman George Gorsuch *Pauline Querido *Julius Racusin Berney Rothschild Leon Rubin *Irvin Samuels *Bette Solovey *Lewis Weil *Joseph Zobel Page 8
The Congregation thanks you for the following contributions Yahrzeit Donations Offenberg Library Fund In Memory of------------------------------------------------ From In Honor of-------------------------------------------------- From Sam Susser Pat & Sam J. Susser Arnold Kolpack Jeri Kolpack Edy Laser on her birthday Kay Nell Bates Isaac Maniloff Phyllis & Jerry Rozen Adler Camp Scholarship Fund Donation----------------------------------------------------- From Ruth & Hank Josephs Chris & Robert Adler Jackie & Ryan Mendeloff Carol & Don Feferman Elizabeth & Jerry Susser Pat & Sam J. Susser Adult Education Fund Donation----------------------------------------------------- From Chris & Robert Adler Jackie & Ryan Mendeloff Pat & Sam J. Susser Iris & Andy Lehrman Cemetery Endowment Fund In Memory of------------------------------------------------ From Joseph Newman Edith Mason Jeno Meister General Fund In Memory of------------------------------------------------ From Leonard Jacobson Amy Goldfarb Ray & Wendy Ramsey Mitzvah Fund Donation----------------------------------------------------- From Ruth & Hank Josephs Chris & Robert Adler Jackie & Ryan Mendeloff Pat & Sam J. Susser Randy Berry Julia & Tim Noble Rebecca & Maurice Schmidt Norma Levens Diana & Michael Stillman Rios Family Phyllis & Rabbi Ken Roseman Barbara Samuels Chip & Barb Schwamb Eva Brown In Honor of-------------------------------------------------- From Ann & David Engel Shelly & Bruce Jacobson Rabbi's Discretionary Fund In Memory of------------------------------------------------ From Elena T. De Pena Carla De Pena Susan Marks Craven Jay Ginsberg Rabbinical Endowment Fund In Memory of------------------------------------------------ From Leonard Jacobson Ann & David Engel Doris Katz In Honor of-------------------------------------------------- From Wedding Anniversary Ann & David Engel of Catherine & Sam L. Susser Seaside Beautification Fund Donation----------------------------------------------------- From Chris & Robert Adler Jackie & Ryan Mendeloff Rebecca & Maurice Schmidt Jim & Annette Cottingham Jerry Silverman Robin & Bill Adams Pat & Sam J. Susser Suzy & John Hilliard In Memory of------------------------------------------------ From Dottie Heffler Rochelle Adelstein Otto Heffler Susser Family Fund Recovery of------------------------------------------------ From Sam J. Susser Shelly & Bruce Jacobson Don t forget. You can remember a friend or relative with a minimum contribution of $5.00 to one of our many funds. These funds support camp scholarships, education, cemeteries, fine arts, library, & building improvements, to name a few. An acknowledgement card will be sent to the honored person or family. Please make checks payable to CBI and specify the fund. Call the CBI office with any questions. Page 9
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October 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Sukkot Day 4 2 Celebra ng Simchat Torah @ 6:00 pm *Family Dinner to follow Light Candles at: 6:57 PM 3 9:00 am Sukkot Day 6 4 Hebrew School 9 10:15 Sunday School 10:30 12:30 Sukkot Day 7 5 SHMINI ATZERET Office Closed 6 SIMCHAT TORAH 7 CBI Board Mee ng Exec 6:30pm Reg 7:00pm 8 9 @ 7:30 pm Light Candles at: 6:54 PM 10 9:00 am 11 Hebrew School 9 10:15 Sunday School 10:30 12:30 12 13 14 CBI Board Mee ng Exec 6:30pm Reg 7:00pm 15 16 @ 6:00 pm Birthday Celebra on for Dr. Judith Prewi Oneg hosted by David and Diane Prewi 17 9:00 am 18 Hebrew School 9 10:15 Sunday School 10:30 12:30 25 Hebrew School 9 10:15 Sunday School 10:30 12:30 19 20 21 22 23 @ 7:30 pm Light Candles at: 6:35 PM 26 27 28 29 30 @ 7:30 pm Light Candles at: 6:29 PM 24 9:00 am 31 9:00 am
CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL 4402 SARATOGA CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78413 CBI Sisterhood Gift Shop announces its new *Judaica Exchange * Donate your previously loved and gently used Judaica, get a tax donation receipt, then come to the Gift Shop to browse and buy! Fall hours begin on September 20, 2015 Sundays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. To schedule alternate appointment times, please call the CBI office at (361) 857 8181.