NOVEMBER 2016 Mr. Heshvan Rabbi Jeffrey Kurtz-Lendner At the conclusion of our fall Jewish holidays, we begin an unusual month in the Jewish calendar, the month is called Heshvan, sometimes known as Marheshvan. The rabbis of the Talmud took the dual name to make a play on words they sermonized that Heshvan was called Mar Heshvan because of what makes Heshvan unique Heshvan is the only month in the Jewish calendar that does not have any unique observances in it. The play on words the Talmudic rabbis developed asserted that Heshvan is sometimes known as Mar Heshvan because it is bitter, from the Hebrew word, MARor (bitter herbs, a word you may recognize from Passover). The month is bitter because it has no celebrations, no observances; it is a plain old boring month. There is an ironic beauty in the recognition that Heshvan is unique. By asserting that Heshvan is bitter because it has no unique character, that recognition makes Heshvan unique. By not having any unique observances, Heshvan becomes the only month not to have any unique observances. It is unique because it is the only month that has nothing unique! But this discussion teaches us something. It teaches us compassion for all people. The rabbis of the Talmud were brilliant thinkers, scholars, philosophers. They wouldn t have spent so much time debating how a month feels based on its name unless that discussion had a higher purpose. Everyone has intrinsic value. The Talmud states that one who saves the life of a single human being is the same as one who saves the life of the entire world. Every person is infused with the spirit of God, having been created in the Divine image as asserted so eloquently in the book of Genesis. The affirmation in the book of Genesis that human beings were created in the image of God is a profound theological statement. Every single human being was created in the image of God. Not some people, but everyone, including the oppressed, the poor, the powerless, and in biblical society, the slave. To afford precious space from the Talmud to a discussion on how a month feels indicates that this story must have greater meaning. By recognizing this fact we can learn an inspiring philosophy that may otherwise be hidden in what seems to be an obscure and irrelevant discussion.
From the President... Dear Friends, What a terrific holiday season we had at Beth Israel! Rabbi Kurtz-Lendner s first High Holidays with our congregation were meaningful; the festivities of Sukkot were joyful; and Simchat Torah, including the consecration of our youngest religious school students, warmed the hearts of all who attended. One theme that was continued throughout the High Holidays, by both the Rabbi and me, was Michele Schipper the need for your financial support for the Congregation. You will soon receive your 2017 President pledge form and letter in the mail. The Board has worked diligently to make sure our temple will be viable for many years to come. So we need YOUR HELP. Beth Israel has been issued a CHALLENGE by an anonymous donor! For every dollar that our members pledge for 2017, over and above their 2016 contribution, the donor will match dollar for dollar up to $10,000! Please help us reach our goal as we work hard to balance our budget. Your pledge is important please consider a meaningful increase this year and help us secure 100% of the $10,000 match! On behalf of the Board and Staff of Beth Israel Congregation, thank you for your continued commitment and support. FEDERATION SHABBAT November 4, 2016 6:15 p.m. GUEST SPEAKER Rabbi Bob Alper Rabbi Alper is a well-known humorist who has spoken in many types of venues. Those who have heard his presentations have described them as wonderful, and he is able to inject humor Into a variety of Jewish topics. The New York Times put it succinctly: Bob...had the audience convulsing." The Chicago Tribune described Bob's act as "hilarious, relaxed, clean, unhurtful." A warm type of humor. He often incorporates the Spirituality of Laughter into his routines. We hope you will join us for a wonderful Shabbat Service and a terrific guest speaker. A Special Oneg will follow. REMINDER Article Deadline for the following: CHAILIGHTS 10 TH OF EVERY MONTH FRIDAY NIGHT LEAFLET 1:30 P.M. Wednesday BETH ISRAEL OFFICE HOURS Monday: CLOSED Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Thursday: 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Friday: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Closed for lunch: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Page 2
Sisterhood Spotlight: A Message from the Sisterhood Co-Presidents "Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success!" ~Anonymous Thank you to our Sisterhood Board and all of our Members for your continued support, enthusiasm, willingness to help, and participation. YOU help to make our Sisterhood a SUCCESS! NOVEMBER: 6 Sisterhood Meeting, 3:00 p.m. (Location TBD) 11-13 WRJ Regional Conference in Memphis DECEMBER: 1-5 Sisterhood Cruise 25 Chinese Dinner & Movie, (TBD) 30 Chanukah Dinner at BIC ************************************************* We hope that everyone had a joyous High Holidays, and wish you a very Happy, Healthy & Sweet New Year! We are so excited for 5777 as we celebrate Sisterhood's 50th Bazaar in March 2017, and Beth Israel Congregation's 50th year in our current building. We hope that you will join our community for the exciting events highlighting this amazing achievement. On behalf of Sisterhood, we want to especially thank Paula Erlich and Melanie Dobel for Co-Chairing our delicious Break-the-Fast on October 12th, and to everyone who helped contribute, set-up and clean-up for this event. It truly was a lot of work, and was so appreciated by our Congregation. Thank you! Our Sukkot Mediterranean themed dinner followed by a service was well attended, and was a welcomed change for our popular event. Special thank you to Erica Abeles and Charna Schlakman and their wonderful committee of volunteers for preparing the menu, setting up and cleaning up afterwards. This involved a lot of work behind the scenes, and we are so glad. If you have any ideas or concerns, please feel free to let us know. We'd love to hear from you. Respectfully yours, Suzanne Freedman 601-454-2148 suzfreedman@aol.com Frankie Springer 601-383-1209 fmspringer5@gmail.com We also want to recognize and thank Cheryl Katz for graciously hosting our September event at her home. We are pleased there was a good turnout, and everyone had a wonderful time laughing together and sharing stories. Do you have a favorite recipe for an appetizer or dessert you'd like to share? Please join us for our next Sisterhood meeting on November 6th at 3:00 p.m. (location to be determined) -- and be ready to share your scrumptious item and taste delicious new ones. Should be quite interesting! Please look for updated information to be shared via emails and on the Sisterhood Facebook page. Our next Sisterhood Book Club meeting will be held at the Temple on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Our December selection is The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks. Please plan to join us. Page 3
BIC ISRAEL TRIP INFORMATION MEETING Wednesday, November 2, 2016 7:30 p.m. in the BIC Library Have you wanted to join fellow members of our congregation on a tour of Israel? Join us for an informational meeting to learn what a 2017 trip would look like, as well as to discuss travel dates and costs. Questions? Contact Rabbi Kurtz-Lendner at rabbijkl@bethisraelms.org BAGEL TALK Wednesday, November 9, 9:30 am Beth Israel Congregation Library Rabbi Kurtz-Lendner is offering a new daytime discussion group, called bagel talk, an open ended conversation on current events discussing any topics chosen by those who come to participate. There will be no parameters or limitations on any respectful conversation whatever YOU, our members, are interested in discussing. BAGELS AND COFFEE WILL BE PROVIDED Thank you for donating to the (Garden Beautification Project) Dumpster Project Tamar & Peter Sharp Mindy & Clay Humphrey Susan & Mark Fijman Beth & Steve Orlansky Donna & Ted Orkin Dana & Jonathan Larkin Christine & Jerry Branson Anne & Donald Sawyer Debra & Joel Jacobs Cheryl & Howard Katz Marla Harbor and Erik Hearon Peter Sharp Ted Orkin Oscar Echave Clay Humphrey Bill Gordon Page 4
Religious School Shabbat Together Do you ever think you d like to attend Friday night services as a family, but your kids aren t interested because their friends won t be there? Let s all go to services together! November 11 th at 6:15 p.m., bring the family to hear world-acclaimed Rabbi Rami Shapiro (he s been called a bridge of eastern and western wisdom, a master teacher, and Jon Stewart s spiritual double ), and enjoy a very special oneg afterwards. All our kids will thank us. Also, save the date: Friday, December 9 th at 6:15 p.m. is Family Shabbat! Religious School students will help lead the service, and we will have dinner together afterwards. Religious School calendar: Sunday, November 6, 13, 20 Wednesday, November 2, 9, 16, 30 November 13 th after Sunday school: Pack Birthday Boxes, hang out, have lunch with friends! November 11 th 5:15 p.m. A prayer, a story, a Torah parade The whole family is welcome for a sweet and early start to Shabbat siblings, parents, and friends with their infants, toddlers, and lower elementary-aged children. Beth Israel Congregation Presents: A Family Movie Night Bring your pajamas and sleeping bags! We will be showing: Disney's The Sword in the Stone November 19, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. in the Library Popcorn and beverages (water and apple juice) will be provided. Cheese Pizza will be available for purchase. Please RSVP via text or call Stefanie Salvage at 601-502-5753 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Wish List: laptops, tablets, or netbooks for classroom use Page 5
BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION DEDICATES THE GUS WATERMAN HERRMAN HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL GARDEN Jackson, MS October 4, 2016 - Michele Schipper, President of Beth Israel Congregation, announced today that a spectacular new Holocaust Memorial will be unveiled on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, at 4:00 p.m. We are all deeply moved to have such a significant and poignant art structure and memorial garden at our place of worship for all to experience, said Schipper. The dedication service and unveiling will include State and Local Dignitaries, Mississippi Clergy, Members of Beth Israel Congregation and invited guests. Music will be provided by the Clinton High School Choir along with the Beth Israel Shirim Choir, both under the direction of Carol Joy Sparkman. The memorial was designed and constructed by Pearl River Glass Studio overseen by Andrew Cary Young, with Bill Heimer serving as Project Manager, and coordinated by Peter Zapletal, Beth Israel Board Trustee. The abstract images allow each viewer the freedom to experience the Holocaust Memorial for themselves, said Young, of the seven glass structures surrounding a raised pulpit. The Bema is accessed by a spiral railroad walkway depicting the journey of Jews by railcar to their final destination. The seven glass structures each represent The Ghetto ; A Temple Menorah ; Kristallnacht ; Book Burning ; Disappearing Village ; Chai ; and a Striped Cloth illustrating events or symbols of the Holocaust period in our history. In addition Gilbert Metz, of blessed memory, was the only concentration camp survivor in Mississippi, and a member of Beth Israel Congregation. His concentration camp serial number tattoo is depicted in the glass structures. We hope Jews and non-jews alike, will visit the Gus Waterman Herrman Holocaust Memorial Garden to reflect and to contemplate this dark period in the history of the world, and that those who visit will be inspired to advocate for world peace now and for future generations. Schipper further remarked. Gus Waterman Herrman was a distinguished businessman and philanthropist. He lived in Lexington, Mississippi, and was a member of Temple Beth El. Having served in World War II, and moved by the atrocities of the Holocaust, he made a bequest several years ago to Beth Israel Congregation to be used exclusively for Holocaust remembrance. Other Beth Israel members also generously donated funds to complete the project. Beth Israel Congregation is the largest Reform Jewish Congregation in Mississippi, with two hundred and fifteen family members, and has served the Jackson Metro area for over 155 years. The Congregation conducts the Annual Bazaar every spring and strongly supports Stewpot Community Services providing food and shelter for those in need, along with many other Jackson Community organizations. Page 6
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE CONGREGANTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE 2 ND ANNUAL BIC ENVELOPE FUNDRAISER Total Donated: $9,479.00 Erica and Tedd Abeles Lynda and Eric Balfour Marcia and Robbie Barron Janice and Buddy Blumenthal Beverly and Malcolm Bonnheim Bonnie and James Bowley Erin and David Brower Christine and Jerry Branson Lauren Rosenbaum Brown Joan Burwell In Honor of Dudley Niki and Dudley Burwell M. O. and R. J. Buxbaum Lique Coolen and Michael Lehman Deborah and Clay Crystal Lynn Crystal Missy and Ralph Daniel In memory of Albert Wahba Tyler Daniel Chloe Edwards-Stowe & Christopher Stowe Joan Eisenstatt Cary and Robert Emmich, Jr. Shirley and Gary Eriksen Paula and Edward Erlich Trenia and Irv Feldman Susan and Mark Fijman Amy and Arty Finkelberg Bryan Flournoy Rose Mary Foncree Suzanne and James Freedman Alice and Gary Friedman Bea Gavant Monique Guimbellot Al Glass Sherrie and George Glass Peggy and Larry Goldstein Steven Goodman In memory of Dr. Robyn J. Levy Marla Harbor and Erik Hearon Ellen Hart Susan and Macy Hart Angela and Gil Hoffberg Mary Golde and Bill Howell Mindy and Clay Humphrey Debra and Joel Jacobs Emily Kamber Debra and Alex Kassoff Alan S. Kohn David Kweller Dana and Jonathan Larkin Rebecca Laskin In Memory of Luise, Harry and Barry Draft Rabbi Jeff and Robin Kurtz-Lendner Elizabeth and Trey McGregor In Honor of Thomas McGregor s 5th Birthday David and Molly Mandel Bill Morris Halina Mitchell Peggie Omolara Donna and Ted Orkin Beth and Steve Orlansky Lisa and Mike Palmer Kay and Phil Pollack Robyn and Greg Pollack Amy and Gerry Printz In Honor of Irv Feldman s 90th Birthday In Memory of Judy Feldman & Rita Printz Sarah and Greg Thomas Elizabeth Rankin and William Albright In Memory of David McGee and Anita Griffin Esther Roberts Gyl D. Rosenblum and Ann Williams Jeanne and Stephen Rozman Tammy and Bert Rubinsky Eugenia and Marcelo Ruvinsky Betsy and Joe Samuels In memory of Harold Samuels, Seyman Goldstein and Sam Rubin Michele and Ken Schipper Charna and Bruce Schlakman Tamar and Peter Sharp Alyssa Silberman Susan and Rick Snyder Susan and Stuart Rockoff Nafie and Gilbert Sollek Frankie and Francis Springer Judy and Richard Stamm Carol Thompson Honorine and Al Weiss In memory of Helen & Arthur Weiss Lena Gaethe Finegold Nick Sam Karno Mollyne Karnofsky Good Health for Burt Rubinsky Judy and Josh Wiener Jamilla and Peter Zapletal WINNERS OF THE 2ND ANNUAL BIC ENVELOPE FUNDRAISER Rosemary Foncree---Weekend at a three bedroom condo at Martinique on the Gulf in Fort Morgan, Alabama Susan and Rick Snyder--Overnight stay at Fairview Inn Tamar and Peter Sharp--Keurig coffee maker Michele and Ken Schipper--Brunch for Two at 1908 Provisions, Fairview Inn Kay and Phil Pollack--Brunch for two at the 1908 Provisions, Fairview Inn Peter and Tamar Sharp-- Gift Certificate for a Specialty cake Beverly and Malcolm Bonnheim-- $25 Visa Gift card Debra and Joel Jacobs-- $25 Mastercard Gift Card Charna and Bruce Schlakman-- Dinner for two at the 2016 Hannukah Dinner Tyler Daniel--Gift Certificate for complimentary Taster s Plate at 50th Annual Bazaar BIC WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO DONATED PRIZES FOR THE 2 ND ANNUAL BIC ENEVLOPE FUNDRAISER Amy and Arty Finkelberg Tamar and Peter Sharp Judy and Richard Stamm Robyn and Greg Pollack Susan and Mark Fijman Mindy and Clay Humphrey BIC Sisterhood Page 7
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Beth Israel Congregation Annual Meeting Sunday, December 11, 2016 4:30 p.m. WE NEED YOUR HELP FOR THE 50TH We need pictures of Temple events and our members - both past and present. We also need lots of pictures from past Bazaars. Please contact Debra Jacobs, Tamar Sharp, Susan Fijman or Jo Ann Gordon if you have pictures we can use. We will have a special Shabbat Service, February 24, 2017, to celebrate and commemorate the 50th anniversary of our synagogue. After its first building burned, Beth Israel constructed a brick gothic-style synagogue, dedicating it in an impressive ceremony in June of 1875. The dedication began with a procession starting in front of City Hall. Led by the Jackson Silver Cornet Band and the Grand Marshall Henry Strauss, the parade also included the children of Beth Israel s Sunday School, the male members of the congregation, and a delegation from the local Masonic lodges. When the paraders reached the new synagogue, the sanctuary was already so crowded with people from the larger community that many were unable to find seats. Rabbi B.H. Gotthelf of Vicksburg s Anshe Chesed Congregation gave the dedication address. That night, the young gentlemen of the congregation gave a ball at Angelo s Hall, with dancing that went on until the wee hours of the morning, raising money for the congregation. Beth Israel Temple s 50th Anniversary Tikkun Olam Project Let s Share Beth Israel s Warmth as we cover the homeless. The 50th Annual Beth Israel Bazaar March 29, 2017 Please bring a NEW blanket to Beth Israel during the month of December to donate to Stewpot s homeless shelters. Page 10
WE APPRECIATE THE THOUGHTFULNESS OF THOSE WHO SUPPORT BETH ISRAEL BY REMEMBERING AND HONORING THEIR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES THROUGH THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS Donations may be applied to the following funds, per your request: GENERAL FUND MEMBERSHIP & ENGAGEMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TIKKUN OLAM FUND ENDOWMENT FUND ONEG FUND LIBRARY/PRAYER BOOK FUND WEBSITE FUND RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND SATURDAY MORNING FUND MUSIC FUND CEMETERY FUND CARING FUND (SISTERHOOD) ART FUND PROGRAM FUND JEWISH CINEMA MISSISSIPP BITY RELIGIOUS SCHOOL GENERAL FUND In Memory of Albert Wahba Bernice & Steve Silberman In Memory of Albert Wahba Col.(Ret.) Jerry & Rosemary Thomas In Memory of Albert Wahba Mindy & Clay Humphrey In Memory of Albert Wahba--Michael Wahba CAPITAL FUND In Honor of Irv Feldman s Birthday Michele & Ken Schipper In Honor of A. J. Orkin, Sr. Donna & Ted Orkin NEW YEAR S GREETING Dana & Jonathan Larkin RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND In Memory of Albert Wahba Amy & Arty Finkelberg CEMETERY FUND In Memory of Lee Shornick Nafie & Gilbert Sollek In Memory of Lee Shornick Mary Golde & Bill Howell In Memory of Albert Wahba Mary Golde & Bill Howell In Memory of Ira Rubin Mary Golde & Bill Howell In Memory of Rosamond H. Sigal Joe Harris In Memory of Ruth & David Taub Mary Golde & Bill Howell In Memory of John Hart Lewis Reba G. Lewis In Memory of Meyer Crystal Lynn Crystal In Memory of Albert Wahba Lynn Crystal In Memory of Albert Wahba Janice & Buddy Blumentha In Memory of Albert Wahba Sitters, LLC In Memory of T. S. Orkin, Sr. Donna & Ted Orkin In Memory of Beulah Geiger Mindy & Clay Humphrey November Birthdays 1 Thomas McGregor 1 Bette Shornick 1 Lucy Cohen 1 Mathew Harris 2 Ellen McGregor 2 Steve Silberman 3 Ilia Giammarco 4 Rebecca Laskin 4 Aaron Samuels 5 Bear Atwood 10 Emily Kamber 10 Morris Mermelstein 11 Cheryl Katz 12 Benjamin Russell 12 Max Grossman 13 Mickey Fischer 13 Emily Fertig 14 Joseph Metz 15 Monique Guimbellot 17 Mary Golde Howell 17 Helen Greenberg 17 Charlotte Salvage 17 Matthew Dreffin 18 Judy Stamm 19 Emma Pollack 20 George Glass 21 Phoebe Spencer 22 Amy Finkelberg 22 Reed Leonard 23 Karen McDougal 23 Gary Schneider 26 Joel Jacobs 26 Peggie Omolara 27 Andrea Fish 27 Spencer Nessel 27 Rebecca Docter 28 Dinah Jeannette Briggs 28 Tille Docter 28 Casey Mabry 29 James Paul 29 Stephanie Salvage 29 Nina Mabry November Anniversaries 1 John and Becci Craig 2 David and Erin Brower 8 Aaron and Morgan Samuels 10 William Albright and Elizabeth Rankin 18 Trey and Elizabeth McGregor 25 Steve and Sandra Liverman Sarah Rivlin Inducted to the St. Andrews School Sports Hall of Fame In recognition of her record breaking career in long distance track and cross-country while attending the school, Sarah Rivlin was inducted to the St. Andrews School Sports Hall of Fame. While at Princeton University, she lettered in both sports all four years. Coach Andy Till introduced Sarah at the induction banquet, which was held September 21, 2016 at Shapleys Restaurant. Page 11
Non-Profit Org U. S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #123 JACKSON, MS P.O. Box 13249 5315 Old Canton Rd. Jackson, MS 39211 Phone: (601) 956-6215 Fax: (601) 952-0895 bethisraelms.org We Remember Yahrzeits for November 2016 10/30/2016-11/5/2016 Beatrice Lehman Betty Cohen Sam Griefer Fanya Gorelik Arthur Miller *Elaine Crystal Stephen Brower Harry Sandler *Harold Gotthelf, Jr. *Harry Draft Joseph Bernstein Beverlee Black Frances Bass Meredith Spencer Bruce Kweller *Morris Falk 11/6/2016-11/12/2016 *Samuel Rotwein Charles Ross Edward Prager *Wolfgang Wernicke Lillie S. Rouz Samuel Galea Rick Swick Maurine Wiener Mary Harris Morris Zelmon Tessie Levy Bensin Merlin Jacob Merlin Pearl Klausner Theadore Lamensdorf 11/13/2016-11/19-2016 Esther Feldman David Hirsch Simon Sharp Sara Chain Martha Thielman *Stanley Shindell *Joseph Rubinsky Timothy Amedee Ben Kreitman Frances Kast *Marian Docter *Florence Lehman *Jane Levy Mollie L. Spitzberg Lester Burgh Dorothy Hoffman Sadie Bloom *Isidore Lehman Meyer Lebed Frank Friedler 11/20/2016-11/26/2016 Ruth Greenfield *Albert Mitchell Ross Allyn Aaron Klavsner Howard Fishman Anne Rush Saul Grossman *Stephen Asher Rose Peltz Davis Cornelia Prager Betty Mermelstein Emil Lutfy Bernard Lasky *Freda Orkin *Albert Rosenfield *Harold Berg Sidney Goldfarb Guierl Lee Smith Ann Taylor 11/27/2016-12/3/2016 Allan Stewart Melvin Slifkin Emile Wise Isadore Draft Lucien Loeb Carl Bonas Maurice Sontheimer Samuel Libglid Harvey Nelson Phillip Gressel Adele Bernstein Leonard Pepper Milton Friedman *Memorial Alcove