all you need is love! March 2017 5777 BETH ISRAEL BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sunday School Shabbat Service Friday, March 24, 6:30 p.m. Brad Kessie, President The Sunday school children will lead this fun service. Dinner will be provided following services. bkessie@wlox.com Sonia Quade, Vice President soniahq@cableone.net Rayanne Weiss, Secretary rweiss@wlox.com Curtis Halstead, Treasurer chalstead.80@gmail.com TRUSTEES Terry Loebenberg crafttty@cableone.net Becky Guidry beckyogini@gmail.com Toby Goldin trgoldin@gmail.com Lori Beth Susman loribeth@m2mediacorp.com Gary Taylor, Administrator bethisrael1818@yahoo.com Office hours are usually Monday and Tuesday, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Friday, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, or by appointment. The office schedule may vary due to holidays and other events. Please call 228.539.1655 to confirm. Cheryl Fishman, Newsletter Designer cpartist19@gmail.com Rabbi Annie Lewis returns March 31 - April 2 Friday, March 31 6 p.m.: Family Shabbat Celebration. Join us for a playful, soulful service where we will sing, dance, and celebrate Shabbat together. People of all ages are welcome to join us for this 30 minute service geared toward children and their families. 6:30 p.m.: Community Shabbat Dinner. Enjoy a dairy, potluck dinner, a chance to let go of the work week and to connect with the community. 7:30 p.m.: Shabbat Friday Night Service & Naming Ceremony. All are welcome to come together for a meaningful service led by Rabbi Annie including song, meditation, and words of Torah. During our service we will hold a naming ceremony for those who have chosen Hebrew names for themselves for the first time. We will recite a special blessing and share these names and their meanings with the community. Saturday, April 1 10:00 a.m.: Jewish Learning, "Women in Judaism: The Power of Egalitarian Community" This Shabbat, Rabbi Annie will lead a text study and conversation about the role of women in Judaism, past, present and future. We will learn little-known stories of Asenath Barzani, a Jewish leader and scholar in the 16th century Kurdish Jewish Community and Rabbi Regina Jonas, who was ordained in Berlin in 1935. We will talk about the struggles and triumphs of the advancement of women in the Conservative Movement of Judaism over the past half-century. We will discuss the gifts we receive when men and women lead together. All people and all questions are welcome! Sunday, April 2 9:30 a.m.: Model Passover Seder & Workshop for All Prepare for the holiday with a fun, participatory Passover seder. We'll share traditions and new ideas for bringing the Passover story to life at our seder tables, for children and people of all-ages. Congregation Beth Israel 12277 Three Rivers Road Gulfport MS 39503 228.539.1655 email: bethisrael1818@yahoo.com Visit us on Facebook! website: www.cbigulfcoast.org
President's Message Shalom Friends, We have so much going on these days. And everything we plan is to offer you a more robust experience with Congregation Beth Israel. Saturday and Sunday, March 11-12, we celebrate Purim with our friends at Chabad of South Mississippi. Rabbi Akiva Hall will be at Congregation Beth Israel on Saturday, March 11, for his third annual Megillah reading. Bring the family. When he s finished, we ll nosh on hamantaschen. Yum. The Megillah reading begins at 7:30 p.m. The next day, we ll visit Rabbi Akiva s facility so the kids can participate in a Purim event. That should be quite a turnout. Sunday s Purim fun begins at 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, April 26, I m hosting a baseball outing at MGM Park. The Biloxi Shuckers play Jackson. The game starts at 1 p.m. I ll meet you at the north side ticket window at 12:30 p.m. That will give us time to buy tickets, purchase refreshments and get to our seats for the first pitch. If you d like to join me at the Shuckers game, just show up. I believe Lori Beth Susman dubbed the ballgame Brad s Baseball Bonanza. I call it a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in South Mississippi. In between those events, Toby Goldin will host a coffee talk at Barnes and Noble. She ll share details as those plans become finalized. Notice what we re doing. We re planning events that get us in more social settings. Yes, the ritual aspect of Congregation Beth Israel is our bond. That will never change. But, not everybody likes to hang out at the shul. So, we re trying to strengthen that bond by organizing fun events each month that give our members something social to do as a Jewish community. See you around the community! Brad 2
Purim Megillah Reading Join the Chabad of South Mississippi at Congregation Beth Israel to hear the reading of the Megillah on Saturday, March 11, 7:30 p.m. Come dressed in costume and bring hamantaschen to share with your friends! Purim Party Sunday, March 12, 4:30 p.m. at Chabad of South Mississippi, 2030 Pass Road, Suite D. Biloxi. Shalach Manot One of the mitzvahs of Purim is sending shalach manot to friends and family. The book of Esther tells us that the Jews of Shushan celebrated their deliverance from Haman by sedning gifts (shalach manor) to one another. Cards with wishes for a Happy Purim and notice of your tzedakah contribution will be mailed to those whose names you select. By now, you should have received your order form in the mail. Please fill out the form and return with your check to Congregation Beth Israel. If you have not received a form and wish to participate, call or email bethisrael1818@yahoo.com today. www.challahcrumbs.com 3
MARCH 2017 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. - noon Sunday School 10 a.m. - noon later start time PURIM Sunday School 9:30 a.m. - noon SUSHAN PURIM DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME is 2 a.m. on March 12. Set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed! Sunday school Shabbat service March 24 @ 6:30 p.m. A special dinner provided by Sunday school parents. *NEW SHABBAT SERVICE TIME Shabbat Services 7 p.m.* Oneg After Shabbat Services 7 p.m.* Oneg After Sunday school Shabbat service. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. - noon ROSH CHODESH NISAN Special Event with Rabbi Annie Lewis 4 SERVICE TIME CHANGE On March 3 at 7:00 p.m. was the beginning of the NEW TIME SLOT for Friday night Shabbat services! (This is with the exceptions of March 24 for the Sunday school Shabbat service and March 31 when Rabbi Annie is here) WHAT'S IN A NAME? name says a lot about you. And so does Yyour Hebrew name. If you are a Jewish adult or child without a Hebrew name, but would like one, Rabbi Annie can help. First, find a Hebrew name for yourself. Maybe it is a family name, a name from the Torah you like or check a source online to find Hebrew names and their meanings. Select one you like and be sure to let Rabbi Annie know. During the March 31 Shabbat services with Rabbi Annie, there will be a special naming ceremony for all adults and children. For more information, contact Rabbi Annie at rabbi.annie. lewis@gmail.com.
MARCH 2017 YAHRZEITS March 3 March 10 March 17 March 24 March 31 Minnie Lam William Fishman James H. Rosenblum Jack Rutter Jacob Shulman Mildred Gross Bessie Manas Fred Kaplan Isie Flagler Seymour Kremin Belle Susman Harris Danzig Robert Shulman Rose Friedman Abe Frey Seymour Richer Abraham Herman Helen Caplan Jeffrey Kendis Rose Bauer Lacoste Jerrie Sue Mathews Ivan Weiss WESTERN SHORE TORAH STUDY CBI members are invited to the "Western Shore" study group of Mobile's Springhill Ave. Temple with Rabbi Dana Kaplan. The discussion group will meet Thursday, March 23, 6 pm at the Wingate Hotel in D'Iberville. The topic will be "Symbols of the Seder". For more information, call Dr. Cal Ennis at 228-475-1166. The hotel, near the I-110 exit of I-10, is located at 12009 Indian River Rd., D'Iberville, MS 228-396-0036. Please bring a dish for the potluck nosh, which precedes the lively discussion. WANT TO DONATE Challah, The kitchen is out of challah. It is available for order through many companies,including Amazon.com. BUT DON T BAKE? Thank you for your donations! Yahrzeit Memorial Plaques Remember your loved one with a plaque on the memorial boards inside the sanctuary. Plaques are now $180 Call 228.539.1655 or email the office today at bethisrael1818@yahoo.com. 5
March Mark Lieberman...March 6 Brennan Goldin...March 8 Alina Goldin...March 12 Julien Guidry...March 13 MarchAnniversary Hershel and Jacquelyn Lippmann...March 12 Lori Beth Susman and Terry Lilly... March 22 February Donations Harry Thames Sonia Quade Dorothy Huddleston Headstone Martin and Amy Goldin Mason Goldin Jerry Mathews Yarhzeit Donations In Memory of Jack Goldin Martin and Amy Goldin In Memory of Moody Grishman Milton Grishman In Memory of Flora Piltz Jerrold and Susan Pinsker Special Event Toby Goldin A Time for Prayer May God who blessed our ancestors, bless and heal our chaverim. May the Holy One in mercy strengthen them and heal them soon, body and soul, together with others who suffer illness. Amen Jamie Herman Roberta Avila Phyllis Fishman Jen Jenkins Taylor Hopwood Vickie Rubenstein David Grishman Muriel Schwartz Shelia Racz David Martin Russell Goldin Mike Loebenberg Terry Loebenberg Wilma Fishman Pat Boyle Randy Brewer Jerry Mathews Randy Benowitz Susan Zukoski Maurice Schwartz Muriel Laverson Denise Skrmetti Margaret Levie Perkins Lehwmon Skrmetti Leeann Rasmussen And we continue to pray for Israel and for peace for all people. 6 Is there someone you know who needs to be kept in our thoughts and prayers? Please send their name to bethisrael1818@yahoo.com.
Shabbat Prayer BOOK DRIVE Congregation Beth Israel has purchased new prayer books to be used during Shabbat services and on certain holidays. The books feature modern language, transliterations, bonus readings and explanations that make them very user friendly and meaningful. We are confident these prayer books will make future Shabbat celebrations so much more enriching for you and your family. You have the opportunity to sponsor one or more of the siddurs and help support the synagogue with the cost of the new books. For $54, you can personalize one book "in honor of" or "in memory of" someone special. (All books remain the property of Congregation Beth Israel.) YES! I want to sponsor a prayer book at $54 each. Book 1: Indicate choice: In Honor Of In Memory Of Name: Your name as you would like printed: Book 2: Indicate choice: In Honor Of In Memory Of Name: Your name as you would like printed: TOTAL AMOUNT OF ORDER $ Make check payable to Congregation Beth Israel, and mail to: 12277 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS 39503 Credit card orders also accepted. Call the synagogue at (228) 539-1655 to make arrangements Share your Simcha The leaves on your beautiful, custom-made Tree of Life are waiting for your special message. Mark a birthday, a wedding or any simcha with an engraved leaf. Call 228.539.1655 or email the office today at bethisrael1818@yahoo.com. Happy 80 th Birthday, Grandma We love you, Sara and Jacob Leaves are now only $72 Illustration purposes only. A few things to do to celebrate Shabbat Invite friends over Ask guests to prepare a Shabbat blessing, story or song Set a special table for Shabbat dinner Use a special tablecloth Arrange fresh flowers in your home Polish the silver Pour a nice wine Bake or buy challah Give thanks for the blessings of the week Light special candles Read a Shabbat prayer then read it again Say blessings over the wine and challah Sing some nice songs Listen to the quiet peace of a dinner at home without phone, TV or radio Take a Shabbat walk Be open to moments of wonder, of soulful encounter Come to Congregation Beth Israel for Shabbat services 7
WAYS TO GIVE There are many meaningful ways to give to Congregation Beth Israel. Helping our community institutions to thrive is a wonderful mitzvah and a rewarding part of living a Jewish life. Your financial contributions make a tremendous impact in keeping Jewish life strong along the Gulf Coast. Consider a gift to our synagogue in the name of a departed friend or loved one. A donation is also a great way to mark a celebration or simcha. Purchase a leaf on the new Tree of Life to mark the celebration or honor. Honor a congregant by making a gift in his or her name. Beautiful bricks will fill the walkways, and you can dedicate an engraved brick today for just $54. Consider Congregation Beth Israel in your will or setting up an endowment. Your gifts are much appreciated and will only be used to support our synagogue. For more information, reply to bethisrael1818@yahoo.com. Enclosed is my gift of $ In Memory Of In Honor Of q From: Name: Address: q Please send an acknowledgement to the following: Name: Address: Mail your gift to CBI 12277 Three Rivers Rd. Gulfport, MS 39503 Southern Memorial Park Cemetery Plots in the Jewish section are $1,800! the only Jewish cemetery on the Gulf Coast Plot purchases include opening and closing costs. Still plenty of spaces left in the cemetery. Call 228.539.1655 or email bethisrael1818@yahoo.com 8