Words from Rabbi Cohen. Miracles sometimes

A Publication of Beth Israel Congregation December 2013 What s Inside... Words from Rabbi Cohen President s Message Upcoming Events Sisterhood Spotlight Men s Club BITY/Religious School Financial Corner & Contributions Birthdays and Anniversaries Annual Budget Calendar of Events 2 5 10 Mazel Tov 12 7 9 13 14 15 18 Yahrzeits 20 Miracles sometimes occur, but one has to work terribly hard for them. As you read this quote from Chaim Weitzman, a great leader of the Jewish people, we are close to the end of our Chanukah celebration. What wise words for living; personally, I believe in miracles miracles brought by the partnership of God and people working together. Leadership at Beth Israel Congregation reflects the partnership between God and people, and our temple leaders work terribly hard. Through their work, as Chaim Weitzman said, miracles sometime occur. Miracles big and small, seen and unseen, for the congregation and the greater community, for individual congregants and even for the leaders themselves. On January 1, 2014, some of our leadership will transition. Rebecca Laskin will become our Immediate Past-President and Howard Katz will follow her as President of Beth Israel Congregation. A few years ago, Rebecca might have said that she would never be president of the congregation. Never say never. One lunch, some sushi, and lots of conversations later with a number of trusted people, and Rebecca has led our congregation with wisdom, determination, and energy. And we can t forget patience. More than just hard work, being president of a synagogue means honor and blessing. It is a special privilege to be entrusted with the care of a community, to be called upon to hear people s joys and pains, their worries and their dreams. In many ways, it is also humbling. Every president s term has special challenges and particular highlights, and each president meets those times with their own unique talents. Rebecca has shared numerous hours in order to care for us, to be a partner with other leaders and members; and, she has always remembered that the work we do is for the sake of Heaven. cont. on page 3... He that does not add to his store of knowledge decreases it. ~ Rabbi Hillel ~ Quote of the Month 1

President s Message We Go Further By Sharing A Common Direction And A Sense Of Community When I wrote my first ChaiLights article in March 2012, I talked about the lessons from geese. I noted that just like geese flying in formation allows them to go further, we as a community would be able to go further by sharing a common direction and sense of community. You all have done just that. Your encouragement and support during my term as President allowed us to have an incredibly great 22 months. We (not me) have accomplished so much. I d like to share a bit of what we ve undertaken. I know there s a danger in doing this because of forgetting something or someone. If I do, I apologize now. celebrated numerous life cycle events, holidays and festivals welcomed several new members had valuable congregational engagement events & are developing a long range strategic plan given our children numerous learning, social and Tikun Olam opportunities had many study, entertainment & social opportunities & even tried out Jewish Yoga & Jewish Meditation been blessed with our Men s Club& Sisterhood who had 2 very successful bazaars and a blood drive been blessed to have opportunities to partner with the ISJL, JJF, and Jacobs Camp been fortunate to have and proud of our preschool been privileged to have been represented by our own URJ and WRJ board members been proud to have our Rabbi recognized as 1 of the 36 most inspiring Rabbis in North America been proud to have a number of our members recognized/honored by other organizations revised our constitution re-organized our music program and library We ve: proudly hosted the AIDS Quilt hosted the SWARR convention & are proud to have Valerie elected as its 1st female President been honored to have a visit from Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the President of URJ enjoyed and benefited from Jewish Cinema Mississippi instituted board presence at Saturday AM services worshipped regularly on Friday PM and Saturday AM and seen attendance at both increase had potluck suppers just for the fun of it been blessed with donations of renovation of the Office lobby, a Tzedakah box and sculpture had multiple opportunities to study, worship and socialize with three other faith groups updated our computer system & website, (including a donate button), and added a Facebook page honored congregants at a B nai TzedEk Shabbat & were recognized by URJ for this program chartered a fine arts committee benefited from the repair and protection of our parking lot and our accessibility ramp cont. on page 4...

Rabbi s Message continued... As a rabbi, I have been blessed to work with Rebecca. I have grown professionally during her tenure, and I am thankful that our lunch so many years ago ended with a yes. In January, we welcome Howard Katz as our new president. He brings new talents, new excitement, and new dreams to our congregation. Every transition is a time for creative energy. I am confident that Howard s presidency will be such a time. Congratulations to Howard and all our new and returning board members, and may you continue to lead us from strength to strength. ~Christmas at Stewpot ~ December 25, 2013 It is Beth Israel s annual custom to prepare and serve lunch at Stewpot for Christmas. Please watch the BIC Blast for more information to come 3

Messages... President s Message continued... None of this could not have happened without so many of you becoming the lead goose on various activities and projects. I thank all of you for whatever it is that you have done for our congregation. We have so much talent and so many who give both their dollars and, equally important, their time. But I would be remiss if I didn t thank the board members who worked so closely along with me: Shawn Alexander, Eric Balfour, Arty Finkelberg, Debra Jacobs, Howard Katz, Carol Kossman, Lawrence Haber, Mindy Humphrey, Bert Rubinsky, Betsy Samuels, Michele Schipper, Charna Schlakman, Peter Sharp, Rick Snyder, Michael Steiner, Judy Wahba. Everyone had something different to bring to the table. Our meetings, though often long, were productive, and we conducted ourselves with mutal respect. I also could not write this without thanking Rabbi Valerie for twisting my arm to become your President. But I have even greater appreciation for her support, direction and guidance throughout the last 22 months. It s very important for a Rabbi Geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. I asked.. and that you did. and her President to be able to work together well, and I believe we ve done that. So, back to the geese.. The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. I asked you all to honk from behind, to encourage me, and that you did. I had wondered how the lead goose feels when leading the group. Now I know for sure - I felt proud, delighted to do it, but relieved to know that when my time is up, there will be someone there to take my place. We are so lucky that our incoming President, with the encouragement of not only the board, but the rest of you, will be able to do just that. I hope the rest of you will join me in wishing Howard congratulations and good luck. I trust that all of you, along with me, will be behind him honking loudly, continuing to take our congregation to greater heights. Shalom and Honk-honk, Rebecca 4

Upcoming Events Important Deadlines! PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING DEADLINES! WEEKLY BLAST: For Tuesday s weekly Blast, all information must be submitted on Friday by noon. FRIDAY SHABBAT LEAFLET: For Friday s Shabbat Leaflet, all information must be submitted on Tuesday by noon. MONTHLY CHAILIGHTS: For Monthly Chailights, all information must be submitted on the 10 th of the month. It is not necessary for you to create a complete ad. Contact Erica on the size of your ad, to find out the number of words you are allowed. Please e-mail all information for publication to office@bethisraelms.org with the name of your publication in the subject line. Information that is submitted after the deadline is not guaranteed to be placed in the next publication. We appreciate your cooperation. At Office Depot or Target? Throw some extra stuff in your cart. Office Supplies Needed! It s so easy to help the Temple by donating much-needed office supplies. Here s our wish list of office-related items you can donate: Colored paper (card stock, too) Paper clips (various sizes) Notebooks (hard-backed) File folders (letter size) Post-It notes (any size) Manilla envelopes (large) Dry erase markers (Expo low odor) Lined notecards Thumb drives Staples Binder clips Tape Sharpies Kleenex First aid kit (one) Pocket folders AA batteries Forever Stamps ALL OF YOUR DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED!! 5

Upcoming Events In Partnership with St. James Episcopal Church AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT DECEMBER 1 ST - 7 TH BETH ISRAEL Congregation Beth Israel is Honored to Host THE AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT DECEMBER 1 st - 7 th Viewing Times: Mon. Tues. Thu. 4-7pm Wed. 4-6:30pm Fri. 4-6pm and by appointment Wednesday, December 4 th : Interfaith Healing Service 6:30pm at Beth Israel Keynote Speaker: Rabbi Emily Aviva Kapor Donations accepted to benefit Grace House June 1987, a small group of strangers gathered in a San Francisco storefront to document the lives they feared history would neglect. Their goal was to create a memorial for those who died of AIDS & to thereby help people understand the devastating impact of the disease. Today the Quilt is a powerful visual reminder of the AIDS pandemic. More than 48,000 individual 3-by-6-foot memorial panels most commemorating the life of someone who has died of AIDS have been sewn together by friends, lovers and family members. This is the story of how the Quilt began The Aids Memorial Quilt will be displayed at Beth Israel Congregation December 1 st - 7 th 6

Sisterhood Spotlight New Year s Eve: Dancing Through The Decades Put On Your Casual Clothes, Dancing Shoes and Let s Boogie!!! Dancing Through the Decades: BIC on New Year s Eve Tuesday, December 31 st ~ 8pm- 12am Limited Space is available!! Reserve your spot on the dance floor before December 15, 2013! Entrance Fee: $20 per person in advance. $25 per person at the door Includes Champagne toast to ring in 2014! * Please bring hors d'oeuvres or sweets to share. This is a B.Y.O.B. event. Set-ups provided: Ice, Coke, Ginger Ale, Tonic, Limes, Lemons, Cranberry Juice and O.J. Questions? Click here to contact us. Click here To register for the event. Click here To register for babysitting. Babysitting available for this event - RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! See next page for details and form. At $20 per child, space is limited, so register your child early!! Babysitting hosted at Rebecca Laskin s home from 7:45 pm- 12:15 am. ** ALL Reservations requested by December 15** Don t have access to a computer? That s cool, print, complete, mail or drop off the information below: Name of Attendee: Name of Attendee: Total: x $20.00= Make check payable to: Beth Israel Sisterhood 5315 Old Canton Road Jackson, MS 39211 Complete this form & return with payment. Please write NEW YEAR S on check. *Beth Israel Congregation is not responsible for your or your guests alcohol consumption.* 7

Sisterhood Spotlight Babysitting Reservations For BIC New Year s Dancing Through the Decades Event ONLY!! Babysitting Reservation for BIC New Year s Eve Dancing Through the Decades Event: Child s Name/Age Child s Name/Age Parent/Guardian Name: Phone Number: Babysitting will be held at Rebecca Laskin s Home: 5371 Fairway Street Jackson, MS. 39211 Babysitting Facts: Time: 7:45 pm- 12:15 am Price: $20.00 per child. CASH only & should be given directly to Gloria (Babysitter). **Deadline: December 15, 2013** Please feed your little one(s) dinner prior to drop off. Your child(ren) may bring a pillow & blanket. Rebecca Laskin has graciously opened her home Be respectful: Pick up your child(ren) immediately following the party. Please mail this form & payment to BIC: 5315 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211 Sisterhood Luncheon Cancelled With Thanksgiving, Chanukah and all of the events happening at the temple this week, we are CANCELING the Sisterhood luncheon that was scheduled for Wednesday, December 4th. We will set up a box in the lobby for items collected for Grace House, a traditional living facility for those living with HIV/AIDS. Please feel free to donate these items: warm socks for men and women, personal care items for men and women, towels and kleenex. We hope everyone will attend the World AIDS Day Interfaith Service at Beth Israel on December 4 at 6:30pm along with our friends from local churches. 8

Sisterhood Spotlight Save the Date! Sisterhood Wine Tasting Saturday, January 11 7:30 pm $10.00 per person to benefit Sisterhood Wine & Desserts will be provided At the Home of Missy & Ralph Daniel 138 Oakhurst Trail (Bridgewater Subdivision) Ridgeland, 39157 RSVP to Charna at (954) 629-1371 or charna515@aol.com Men s Club Thank you! Men s Club Report The Men s Club would like to thank everyone who helped to make our First Annual Men s Club Temple dinner such a success! On Friday, November 1, 2013, we served over 50 brisket dinners to members of the Congregation, as well as a few servings of vegetarian lasagna. Men s Club members stepped forward to set-up, cook, serve and clean up. Thanks also to everyone who made donations to the event and provided deserts/wine. Special thanks to Susan Fijman and Mindy Humphrey who provided technical advice/ expertise. The event would not have gone so well without the invaluable help of Erica and Kim in the office helping with reservations as well as Mr.Jimmy having everything ready for us that night. In other local Jewish dining news, the Men s Club has volunteered to cook the brisket for next year s Sisterhood Bazaar, and the Sisterhood has generously allowed us to share in the agony and ecstasy of Bazaar preparation. Brisket cooking, slicing and freezing will be divided over two weekends. The cooking dates and a call for Men s Club volunteers will be announced after the first of the year. The Men s Club also is planning another purely social gathering in January, so stay tuned. For information about Men s Club events or membership, contact Mark Fijman. 9

BITY / Religious School Winter Break Activity Days!! BITY s Chanukah Latke Lock In BITY LOCK-IN! Join us: Saturday, December 7 th -8 th 6pm-9am Co-chaired by Alex Goldstein & Lily Katz 10

BITY / Religious School Dinner and a Movie 11

Mazel Tov! Congratulations to L.J. & Valeria Trascher on the birth of Victoria Emily Trascher. Victoria is the great-granddaughter of Honorine and Allen Weiss, Billie Faye Karno & Mercedes Sanchez. She is the granddaughter of Toby Weiss, Alejandro & Gloria Castillo. She was born on July 26 th,2013 Weighed 8lbs. 0 oz., 19¾ inches long Born at 4:51 am Mazel Tov! Congratulations to to the Newlyweds Daniel & Mado Glass November 23, 2013 Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Club Bronx, New York Daniel is the Son of George & Sherrie Glass Please RSVP to schippermichele@yahoo.com 12

Financial Corner The General Fund Demystified Beth Israel Congregation has several sources of revenue: fundraisers, interest, and general operating fund donations. What happens when you donate to the General Operating Fund? The word general can often confuse donors because they feel that their contributions aren t being given a specific label. At Beth Israel Congregation, it s quite the opposite! When you give to the General Fund, you re supporting everything! From staff salaries, electricity and cleaning supplies to paper, postage, and even Challah. The list of expenses that general fund contributions assist in covering is endless! Along with fulfilling your membership pledge, please consider making end of year donations to the Beth Israel General Fund. Donations can be made for recognition of special events or to simply memorialize a loved one. Please write general fund on the memo line of your check along with any additional instructions for acknowledgements. Beth Israel Congregation Giving Opportunities: General Fund - Unrestricted donations that help fill the gap between our expenses and revenue. BIC Endowment Ensures the future of Beth Israel and ensures that our Jewish values live on in the Jackson Metropolitan area. Tikkun Olam Heal the World social justice projects throught the Jackson metro area. Library/Prayer Book Provides new library literature and prayer book purchases. Adult Education Supports the thriving adult education program. Music Provides opportunities for enhancement of our worship with beautiful new music. Memorial Plaques ($500) Memorializes loved ones. Tree of Life ($100) Purchases a leaf on the beautiful tree of life in the Beth Israel foyer. Rabbi s Discretionary - Used by the Rabbi for charitable and educational purposes. Cemetery Maintains the Cemetery grounds. Capital Improvement- Provides funds for large captial expenditures and improvements to the property. 2014 Pledge Forms are due on December 15, 2013 Please notify temple bookkeeper Kim if you need another copy. *Checks are deposited within 1-2 business days, unless clearly noted on the check. If you ve made a contribution to Beth Israel Congregation by check that has NOT cleared the bank in 5 business days, please contact the temple bookkeeper, Kim, to verify receipt of the payment.* 13

Contributions In Appreciation of The Music Department By: Carol Kossman to the Music Department In Honor of Stefanie Salavage By: Honorine K. Weiss to the Rabbi s Discretionary Fund In Appreciation of Rabbi Valerie & Jonathan Cohen By: Dr. Richard & Ashlie Gavant to the Rabbi s Discretionary Fund By: Steven Goodman to the Rabbi s Discretionary Fund Donation to the General Fund By: Cheryl Broome By: Dale & Gale Sisulak In Memory of Ann Rush By: JoAnn Eisenstatt to the General Fund By: Melanie Dobel to the General Fund Donation to Rabbi s Discretionary Fund By: John & Ann Taylor In Memory of Morris Falk, George Mitchell, Celeste Orkin and Carolyn Wiener By: Lynn P. Crystal to the Cemetery Fund In Memory of Dr. Ralph Daniel Jr. By: Dr. S. H. McDonnieal Jr. to the Rabbi s Discretionary Fund In Honor of Dr. Rick & Ashlie Gavant By: Arty Finkelberg to the General Fund In Memory of Mellie & Henry Spitzberg By: Lynne & Roger Rosenfield to the Cemetery Fund In Memory of Lucile & Albert Rosenfield By: Lynne & Roger Rosenfield to the Cemetery Fund Donation to the Capital Improvement Fund By: Ted & Donna Orkin Birthdays 12/01 Duncan McCullough 12/02 David Blumenthal 12/03 Bob Dellar 12/03 Jacob Schipper 12/06 Elaine Barenblat 12/07 Brittany Klingler 12/07 Sheila Rubin 12/07 Maya Freedman 12/07 Kovi Katz 12/07 Mindy Humphrey 12/08 Sandor Feldman 12/08 Bruce Schlakman 12/08 Jonathan Wiener 12/09 Daniel Snyder 12/10 Harrison Torrez 12/10 Macy Hart 12/11 Philip Pollack 12/11 Steven Dobel 12/11 Jan Docter 12/12 Gerry Printz 12/13 Bert Rubinsky 12/13 David Guimbellot 12/13 Helene Rotwein 12/13 Erik Hearon 12/16 Larry Goldstein 12/16 Marcelo Ruvinsky 12/17 Ira Rubin 12/17 Albert Leveck 12/19 Esther Roberts 12/19 Alice Friedman 12/23 Lynn Crystal 12/24 Gail Chadwick 12/25 Sheila Hailey 12/25 Jack Blumenthal 12/26 Nathan Docter 12/27 Gene Crunk 12/27 Bea Gavant 12/28 Jacob Klingler 12/29 Alyssa Silberman 12/30 Tara Blumenthal 12/30 Lisa Ivshin 12/31 Jeramie Klein 12/31 Joseph Harris Anniversaries 12/17 David & Sharon Norris 12/19 Richard & Mary Ann Schwartz 12/24 Sheila Hailey & Bear Atwood 12/28 Allen & Honorine Weiss 12/29 Jake & Brittany Klingler 12/30 Joey & Betsy Samuels Life makes warriors of us all. To emerge the victors, we must arm ourselves with the most potent of weapons. That weapon is prayer. ~ Rebbe Nachman ~ 14

Annual Meeting Agenda: December 8 th, 4:30pm 1. 2014 Budget* 2. Nominating Committee for Board of Trustees & Officers* 3. Constitutional Changes regarding cemetery policies* (See Below ~Old~ and page 14 for proposed policies changes) ARTICLE XII - CEMETERY (Old) 4. Reports *Voting Items Sec. 1. The Board of Trustees shall delegate the management of the Cemetery to a Cemetery Committee whose actions will be subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees. The Cemetery Committee shall establish complete regulations for the management and maintenance of the Cemetery. All Cemetery fees shall be paid in advance. Sec. 2. The Cemetery Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) members, one- third (1/3) to be appointed each year to serve for three (3) years. Sec. 3. A member of the Congregation shall be entitled to burial in the Cemetery subject to the cost of upkeep, for the members of his immediate family, that is, the member, the spouse and children who have not reached the age of twenty-one (21) years. Sec. 4. The spouse of a deceased member, who has not remarried, and is a member in good standing of a Jewish Congregation, shall be entitled to be buried in the Cemetery, subject to cost of upkeep. Sec. 5. The Non-Jewish spouse of a deceased member, who has not remarried shall be entitled to be buried in the Cemetery, subject to cost of upkeep. Sec. 6. Any ritual of interment in the Cemetery shall be conducted by a Rabbi or a member of the Jewish faith. Services by Fraternal Orders may be conducted following the aforementioned ritual, and must be of a non-denominational nature. 15

Annual Meeting Agenda: ARTICLE XII BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION CEMETERY (New) Sec. 1. The Board of Trustees shall delegate the governance, management and maintenance of the Beth Israel Congregation Cemetery to a Cemetery Committee whose actions will be subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees. The Cemetery Committee shall establish complete rules and regulations for the governance, management and maintenance of the Cemetery to be approved and adopted by the Board of Trustees. Sec. 2. The Cemetery Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) members. Each member shall serve for a minimum of three (3) years. Sec. 3. A member of the Congregation shall have the right to burial in the Cemetery for the members of his or her immediate family; that is, the member, the spouse and unmarried children who have not reached the age of twenty-six (26) years. Burial in the Cemetery shall be subject to the prior payment of the Perpetual Care Fee for each plot reserved. Sec. 4. The Jewish spouse, of a deceased member, who has not remarried and whose deceased spouse is buried in the Cemetery, and is a member in good standing of another Jewish congregation shall be entitled to be buried in the Cemetery, subject to the reservation of a plot and payment of the Perpetual Care Fee prior to burial. Sec. 5. The Jewish spouse of a deceased member, whose deceased spouse is buried in the Cemetery, who has not remarried and is not a member in good standing of another Jewish congregation is entitled to burial in the Cemetery subject to the payment of the Perpetual Care Fee for the reservation of a plot and the payment of the Non-Member Cost prior to burial. Sec. 6. The Non-Jewish spouse of a deceased member, whose deceased spouse is buried in the Cemetery, who has a reservation for which the Perpetual Care Fee has been paid has the right to burial in the Cemetery. However, a subsequent Non-Jewish spouse whose deceased Non-Jewish spouse is buried in the Cemetery shall not have the right to burial in the Cemetery. Sec. 7. Any person who was a former member of the Congregation and is a member in good standing of another Jewish congregation at the time of their death and for whom a reservation for a plot has been made and for which the Perpetual Care Fee has been paid has the right to burial in the Cemetery. 16

Annual Meeting Agenda: ARTICLE XII BETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION CEMETERY (New) cont n.. Sec. 8. Any person who was a former member of the Congregation and who is not a member in good standing of another Jewish congregation prior to or at the time of their death shall pay or have paid on their behalf the Perpetual Care Fee for the reservation of a plot and the Non-Member Cost in order to have the right to burial in the Cemetery. Sec. 9. Any Jewish person who has never been a member of the Congregation, whether they have or have not been a member in good standing of another Jewish congregation must pay or have paid on their behalf the Perpetual Care Fee for the reservation of a plot and the Non-Member Cost prior to burial in order to have the right to burial in the Cemetery. Sec. 10. In cases of financial duress or for other reasons, as determined by the Board of Trustees of the Congregation in its sole discretion, the Non-Member Cost may be waived in whole or in part. Sec. 11. A Rabbi or a member of the Jewish faith shall conduct any ritual of interment in the Cemetery. Services by Fraternal Orders may be conducted following the aforementioned ritual, and must be of a non-denominational nature. Righteous people are not perfect beings who never make mistakes, who never experience burnout. Rather, righteous people are those despite everything, despite falling, despite burnout, stand up, start all over again, and continue to express their loyalty to our Heavenly Ruler ~ Esther Jungreis ~ 17

From the Office Contributions processed after December 10 th will be included in the January issue of Chailights. Reports and articles for the January issue of ChaiLights are due Tuesday, December 10 th. Submissions can be e-mailed to office@bethisraelms.org. Submissions received after the 10 th will be included on a space-available basis. *Please note in the subject line (January 2014) ChaiLights submission. Calendar of Events 12/1 No Religious School Chanukah Dinner 6pm Shalom Group 7pm Display of AIDS Quilt 12/2 Meals on Wheels 8:30am Display of AIDS Quilt 12/3 Beginning Hebrew 5:30pm Biblical Hebrew 5:30pm Intro to Judaism 7pm Display of AIDS Quilt 12/4 Billy Brumfield 4pm Hebrew Hangout 4:45pm Hebrew School 5:15pm Confirmation Dinner 6pm Confirmation at service 6pm Interfaith Healing Service 6:30pm Display of AIDS quilt 12/5 Talmud Noon Display of AIDS quilt 12/6 Meals on Wheels 8:30am Shabbat Services 6:15pm Display of AIDS quilt 12/7 Shabbat Services 9am Toarh Study 10:15am BITY s Chanukah Latke Lock In 6pm- 9am Display of AIDS quilt 12/8 Religious School 9:30am Annual Metting 4:30pm Shalom Group 7pm 12/10 Beginning Hebrew 5:30pm Biblical Hebrew 5:30pm 12/11 Hebrew Hangout 4:45pm Hebrew School 5:15pm Confirmation Dinner 5:30pm Confirmation Class 6pm 12/12 Talmud Noon 12/13 Shabbat Services 6:15pm 12/14 Shabbat Services 9am Torah Study 10:15am 12/15 Religious School 9:30am Book Club 11am Shalom Group 7pm 12/17 Beginning Hebrew 5:30pm Biblical Hebrew 5:30pm Intro to Judaism 7pm 12/18 Hebrew Hangout 4:45pm Hebrew School 5:15 Confirmation Dinner 5:30pm Confirmation Class 6pm 12/19 Talmud Noon Monthly Board Meeting 6pm 12/20 Shabbat Services 6:15pm 12/21 Shabbat Services 9am Torah Study 10:15am cont d on page 19... 18

Calendar of Events continued... 12/22 No Religious School Shalom Group 7pm 12/24 All Classes Cancelled 12/25 Office Closed for Christmas All Classes Cancelled 12/26 Talmud Noon 12/27 Shabbat Services 6:15pm 12/28 Shabbat Services 9am Torah Study 10:15am 12/29 No Religious School Shalom Group 7pm 12/31 All Classes Cancelled Dancing Through the Decades New Years Eve Party 8pm- 12am Judaica Shop Sale! 20% Off all Shabbat items through 12/31! Have you......always wanted to know more about Judaism?...struggled over our relationship with Israel?...wondered what Judaism teaches about Death and the Afterlife?...wanted to know more about the faith of Jesus?...wondered What Would Moses Do? Intro to Judaism Tuesdays @ 7:00pm at BIC 14 sessions taught by Rabbi Valerie Cohen No cost for Beth Israel members Suggested donation for non-members of $120 for all 14 sessions Contact the Temple office: 601.956.6215 12/3 What Happens When We Die and Afterward? 12/17 Two Jews, Three Opinions: Jewish Theologies 1/7 History in a Nutshell 1/28 Remaining Questions and Conclusions 19

5315 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211 Phone: 601.956.6215 Fax: 601.952.0895 Yahrzeits for December 2013 December 6-7 Adele Bernstein Phillip Gressel Samuel Libglid Milton Friedman Leonard Pepper* Jack Harris Deborah Blumenthal Jack Freedman* S. Cyril Hart Meyer Levy Anne Trubman Rebecca Ida Jacobs* Jack Laboda Naomi Rubin Pauline Cohen* John J. Fischer* Berton Friedman Irving Sollek Jacques Wahba Barry Draft December 13-14 Fannie Abrams Ethel Geoghegan Maurice Handelman Norman Stamm* Simon Rubinsky Samuel Steeg David Levy William Rofes Lillie Hart Gus Herrman* Selma Geiger Brown Samuel Joseph* Raja Volfson December 20-21 Joseph Ascher* Esther H. Docter Rosalie Lasky Frances Lefkowitz* Harris Botnick* Max Fratkin Chester Kossman Gilbert Metz Louise Metz Israel Berman* J Lawrence Levy Goldie Cecila Sokolsky Victoria Finkelberg* Pearl Hesdorffer* Shirley Klateman* William B. Wiener, Jr.* Phyllis Lehman Herman* Israel Abrams December 27-28 Jacob Kulman Joe Gerache Harry Glass* Leonard Smith Ruth Browdy Manny Crystal* Wesley Daniels Rabbi Joshua Goldberg Jacob Nechamkin Andrew Orkin Estelle Pollack Millie Stamm* Molly Belanoff Lucille Rosenfield* Sally Spiegal Joseph Lasky Libbie Rotwein* Linda Denmark Hassiba Ifrah Elfassy Morris Mermelstein Cecile M. Priebatsch Joseph Rotwein* Ann S. Cohen* Daniel Aven Hendrix Helen Praver Charles Shapero Sr. Louis Jacob Buchman Morris Danzinger Roy Hanf Adolph J. Orkin III Kitty Steckel Shepherd Tucker Fradie Bear Cecil Julia Cohen Arnold Draft Melvin Mel Korelitz Izzy Stone 20