DECEMBER 2016 • Vol. 99, No. 5 KISLEV ~ TEVET 5777 WWW.BETHELNR.ORG
Save the date . . . Sunday, March 19th
FOR OUR ANNUAL GALA Honoring: Sam & Trisanne Berger President’s Ne’emanim Service Award: Dr. Abe & Donna Bartell
Tween Discussion.............................. page 2. Noam Schuck’s Bar Mitzvah............. page 4 Give to Beth El, not the IRS.............. page 3 Kol Nidre Appeal 2016................pages 8, 9
SMART People................................. page 10 Keruv................................................ page 12
Tween Discussion Saturday, December 3rd This is a place for tweens to discuss and study a topic that is relevant to tweens and/or to the Jewish calendar. It is informal and there are snacks at the beginning. After the discussion, we enter the sanctuary together for the sermon and musaf.
1 0: 30 AM - 1 1:1 5 AM ADDITIONAL DATES: January 7, February 11, March 11, April 29, May 27, June 3
2
IN A GIVING MOOD? SUGGESTIONS FOR GIVING TO BETH EL INSTEAD OF THE IRS!
As the holidays approach, many people look for ways of combining their desire to do good with their desire to save on taxes. For the charitably inclined, there are strategic ways of giving that can help the giver and the receiver. Contributing to charitable causes before the end of the year is one of the most popular tax-reduction strategies for people who itemize deductions. Tax changes that went into effect in 2013 raised the income tax rate for high-income earners, making charitable deductions a more attractive option. Generally, if you itemize your deductions, making charitable contributions can decrease your tax bill, but the higher tax rates for high-income earners add an increased tax benefit for charitable contributions. In the giving mood? Here is a strategy to consider that can help you make the most of your giving this year.
in value) may be donated to a public charity, and the donor can claim the fair market value as an itemized deduction on his or her federal tax return—up to 30 percent of the donor’s adjusted gross income. No capital gains taxes are owed because the securities are donated, not sold. The greater the appreciation, the bigger the tax savings will be. MAXIMIZE YOUR CHARITABLE DONATION TO BETH EL SYNAGOGUE CENTER. Donate stock, your IRA mandatory minimum distribution (taxpayers who are at least 70½-years-old are allowed to make up to $100,000 in qualified charitable distributions from individual retirement plans without including the distributions in income), or other investments that you have owned for more than twelve months and are worth more than you paid for them. Donating appreciated stock creates a “double play” of tax benefits—a charitable deduction AND avoiding tax on the unrealized long-term capital gains of the donated property. Besides deducting their full market value, you escape the long-term capital gains tax that would have been due had you sold the shares. Contributions of stock or other property are deductible for 2016 as long as the gifts are completed by Friday, December 30th. For donations made with checks, you may count checks as deductions for 2016 as long as the payments are put in mailboxes in sufficient time for letters to be postmarked by midnight Friday, December 30th. Credit card payments for charitable donations qualify for 2016 deductions as soon as you authorize the charge. This holds true even if the credit card companies don’t bill you until 2017.
GIVE APPRECIATED SECURITIES, RATHER THAN CASH. The donation of cash or check is, by far, the most common method of charitable giving. All things considered, however, cash donations are generally not the most tax-efficient way to give. Contributing stocks, bonds, or mutual funds that have appreciated over time has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Despite recent market gyrations, it’s likely your portfolio is filled with stocks that have appreciated over the past few years. Investors who give appreciated stock to charity avoid the capital gains tax on appreciation and can deduct the stock’s full market value at the time of the gift. Most publicly traded securities with unrealized long-term gains (meaning they were purchased over a year ago and have increased
Beth El does not offer tax or legal advice and encourages you to consult with your own professional advisors.
Blood Drive Sunday, December 4th 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting
at Beth El Synagogue Center
jointly sponsored by Beth El’s Men’s Club and Temple Israel of New Rochelle
beginning with cocktails!
Monday, December 19th
Blood cannot be manufactured. The one pint you donate can help to save three patients! We need all of you in order to meet our community’s need for blood. You can schedule an appointment at bethelnr.org/ blooddrive; call the office at 914235-2700, ext. 223; or e-mail BENRblooddrive@gmail.com.
Come schmooze with us and stay to hear about the state of Beth El! Hors d’oeuvres and drinks at 7:00
pm.
At 8:00 pm, we will learn some Torah with Rabbi Schuck, followed by the meeting. 3
RABBI’S MESSAGE Dear Friends, Whenever I speak to a bar or bat mitzvah family about the significance of their child’s simcha, I emphasize that despite all of the focus on the child, the essence of that special day is really the privilege of being part of Rabbi David Schuck a loving community. This is a lesson that I have been teaching my own son Noam, who becomes a bar mitzvah on parashat Vayishlach, December 17th. Tali and I feel deeply blessed to have become part of this wonderful community, and we are thrilled that Noam’s introduction to the obligations of Jewish adulthood will be learned through his experience with all of you. We are beyond excited to celebrate this moment with the entire Beth El community. Tali and I invite you to share our joy at services on December 17th as well as a Kiddush luncheon to follow. Thank you for the love and support that you have demonstrated to our family and to one another. I hope to dance with you on the 17th! L’shalom,
It is with great excitement that we invite you to share our delight as
Noam Yosef is called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah Shabbat morning, December 17th 9:00 a.m. Parashat Vayishlach Beth El Synaoguge Center 1324 North Ave., New rochelle
Please join us for a kiddush luncheon after services RSVP NoamsBMitzvah@gmail.com
Rabbi David A. Schuck
NOTES FROM THE HAZZAN MIRACLES I remember many years ago someone pointing up to the sky with excitement as the Goodyear blimp Hazzan Jamie Gloth f l e w d i r e c t l y overhead. Although it was a clear night and I could actually hear the humming of the blimp’s motor, I had not noticed it on my own. I was not nearly as impressed as they were, perhaps because I grew up in Akron, Ohio, where blimp-sightings were fairly commonplace. But the incident made me realize that I am not always present and aware of my surroundings. What other incredible, even miraculous things were happening around me that I completely missed? Rabbi Moshe Heifetz, a 16th century rabbinic scholar, commented that “The one to whom a miracle is entrusted is the last to appreciate it.” How many miracles do each of us take for granted each day? We
often overlook the miracles that are right there in front of us—like our families. There are husbands and wives who do not sufficiently appreciate each other. There are parents who do not appreciate the miracle of their children until they are grown up. And certainly most children do not appreciate the miracle of their parents until much later in their lives. All of these are miracles that many of us take for granted, not noticing how lucky we are until we no longer have them. We take our freedom for granted. Each year at Pesach we celebrate the freedom of our people from slavery in Egypt, and yet, too many of us take our own freedom here in the United States today for granted. Seeing the way in which others in some parts of the world live is unfathomable to us all. The fact that we live where we live in the relative comfort that we live is another miracle. “The one to whom a miracle is entrusted is the last to appreciate it.” The Hebrew word we use to translate 4
“miracle” is “nes.” Nes literally means “sign” or “banner.” A sign does not refer to something beyond or contrary to logic or nature. It is an ordinary experience with something extraordinary within it. A sign is seeing the wonder in the everyday, the marvel in the routine and celebrating and appreciating those things. It helps us develop eyes that can truly see. This month, Jews around the world will turn to our tradition to celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. We will light the menorah and spin the dreidel. On the dreidel are the Hebrew letters nun, gimel, hay, and shin, which stand for the words “Nes gadol haya sham—A great miracle, or sign, happened there.” Really, though, miracles happen all around us, if we would just take the time to notice them. May we all take this time to look around a little harder at the miracles around us every day. And may we not be the last to appreciate those miracles entrusted to each of us. Hazzan Jamie Gloth
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE HAG ORIM SAMEACH AND BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2017 hectic lives and come together with our loved ones to reflect upon and appreciate all our blessings. As we look ahead to the rest of December and the coming winter months, although the days will be colder and get darker earlier, we Jews as always are hopeful and optimistic and Samuel E. Berger seek to bring light into the world with the Hanukkah candles. It’s quite poignant that we will be celebrating the victory of the Maccabees over the forces of oppression and discrimination just when we need this timely reminder that through our strength and commitment we can overcome the forces of hate and discrimination in our own society. As Jews, with our particular sensitivity to being a stranger in a foreign land, we have always fought to protect the minorities among us and to guarantee freedom and equality for all. As we say goodbye to 2016, I hope the glow from the Hanukkah candles remind us of all the blessings and miracles in our lives and inspire us to greater acts of kindness and chesed in the year to come. Hag Orim Sameach and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2017. See you in shul. Sam
November has come and gone and, as Americans, I know it has left in its wake a lot of questions and different feelings for all of us. The election of Donald Trump to become the 45th president of the United States, whether you supported him or voted for someone else, has clearly indicated divisions in our country that we will all have to work on to bring our country together. And, like with many world events that we may find hard to understand and grapple with, our own Beth El community provided a space for us to come together and seek comfort. I am so proud that on the evening right after Election Day, Rabbi Schuck facilitated an event for our members to join together and share with each other their feelings no matter what side of the issues they supported through reflection and song. It was a meaningful and uplifting experience for all of us who attended and reminded me once again what an important source of strength and comfort our Beth El community is to all of us. In November, of course, we also experienced one of my family’s favorite holidays of the year—Thanksgiving. It was so wonderful for Tris and I to have our daughter Yali back from USC in California, together with my son Kenny, so that our whole family was reunited at home. Despite the challenges we face, we have so much to be thankful for and it’s truly a gift to be able to take a break from our
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE WEEKEND Friday, December 2nd, & Saturday, December 3rd
DR. MOSHE HALBERTAL is a noted Israeli Jewish philosopher, professor, and writer. He is the co-author of the Israeli Army Code of Ethics, which will be the central focus of most of his sessions. Free of charge and open to the community, with the exception of Shabbat dinner.
Friday, December 2nd 4:15 pm 6:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:15 pm 7:45 pm
Mincha/Maariv Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv Shabbat Dinner, by prior reservation only. Babysitting available through lecture for children under 12-years-old Scholar Presentation: “What is the Jewish Democratic State: Israel between Nationalism, Religion, and Democracy.”
Saturday, December 3rd 9:00 am Shabbat Service Dr. Halbertal will deliver the sermon about 11:00 am 1:00 pm Following Kiddush, Dr. Halbertal will teach a class on “Moral Challenges of Asymmetrical War: The Case of Israel.” 4:00 pm Mincha/Maariv & Seudah Shlishit. Dr. Halbertal will teach during Seudah Shlishit. 5
MAKING HALACHA MEANINGFUL Tuesday, December 6th Tuesday, December 13th 7:30
pm
with Rabbi Sitkin Judaism is a rich religion, which contains a lived tradition spanning thousands of years. Today, with information at our fingertips and the ability to freely interact with other cultures and people, we may lose sight of the deep wisdom and beauty that is an integral part of our own customs and laws. Please come join me as we explore these timeless laws and customs together with the hope of finding new meaning and uncovering the richness that is contained within them.
Service
Contemplative Service, with Rabbi Schuck Saturday, December 24th • 10:00 am -11:15 am
How can we pay better attention to living our lives with intention? You are invited to make time for yourself at our Contemplative Service, which is designed to slow the pace of our lives down in order to listen to what emerges from the silence. In this service, we will set aside time for mindfulness meditation, contemplative study, singing, and prayer. We will focus our attention on opening our hearts and minds. Everyone is welcome; dress as you would like. Just be sure to bring an open mind. We will begin promptly at 10:00 am; please arrive a few minutes early to minimize interruptions. The service will conclude by 11:15 am. After the service, those who would like to remain in the synagogue are welcome to continue to sit quietly in the Wiener Lounge, join the rest of the congregation for the sermon and the remainder of the Shabbat morning service (until 12:00 noon), and/or join us for the kiddush luncheon at 12:00 noon.
Limmud Classes in December 2016 Thursday, December 1 9:45 am Thursday, December 1 1:30 pm Thursday, December 1 6:30 pm Thursday, December 1 8:00 pm Thursday, December 1 8:00 pm Friday, December 2 7:00 pm Friday, December 2 7:45 pm Saturday, December 3 8:30 am Saturday, December 3 10:15 am Saturday, December 3 12:30 pm Saturday, December 3 1:00 pm Saturday, December 3 4:00 pm Sunday, December 4 10:00 am Tuesday, December 6 7:30 pm Wednesday, December 7 10:00 am Thursday, December 8 9:45 am Thursday, December 8 1:30 pm Thursday, December 8 6:30 pm Thursday, December 8 8:00 pm Thursday, December 8 8:00 pm Saturday, December 10 12:30 pm Sunday, December 11 10:00 am Monday, December 12 10:00 am Tuesday, December 13 8:00 pm Wednesday, December 14 10:00 am Thursday, December 15 9:45 am Thursday, December 15 1:30 pm Thursday, December 15 6:30 pm Thursday, December 15 8:00 pm Thursday, December 15 8:00 pm Saturday, December 17 8:30 am Saturday, December 17 10:15 am Saturday, December 17 12:30 pm Sunday, December 18 10:00 am Wednesday, December 21 10:00 am Thursday, December 22 1:30 pm Thursday, December 22 6:30 pm Thursday, December 22 8:00 pm Saturday, December 24 12:30 pm Thursday, December 22 8:00 pm Thursday, December 29 1:30 pm
Tilting at Whirlwinds: How & Why We Suffer Parashat HaShavua, Rabbi Dorsch/Jack Gruenberg Beginners Ulpan, with Miri Ben-Avi Advanced Ulpan, with Miri Ben-Avi Choir Rehearsal, with Hazzan Ellen Arad Scholar-In-Residence Shabbat Dinner Lecture: “What is the Jewish Democratic State A Modern Understanding of the Bible Shabbat Discussion, with Jack Gruenberg Daf Shevui Scholar-in-Residence Presentation Our scholar will teach during Seudah Shlishit Israeli Dancing, with Cantor Uri Aqua Making Halacha Meaningful, with Rabbi Sitkin The Zionist Idea, with Rabbi Molly Karp Tilting at Whirlwinds: How & Why We Suffer Parashat HaShavua, Rabbi Dorsch/Jack Gruenberg Beginners Ulpan, with Miri Ben-Avi Advanced Ulpan, with Miri Ben-Avi Choir Rehearsal, with Hazzan Ellen Arad Daf Shevui Israeli Dancing, with Cantor Uri Aqua Memories to Go, with Lynn Lowin Torah on Tap (Off-Site) The Zionist Idea, with Rabbi Molly Karp Tilting at Whirlwinds: How & Why We Suffer Parashat HaShavua, Rabbi Dorsch/Jack Gruenberg Beginners Ulpan with Miri Ben-Avi Advanced Ulpan with Miri Ben-Avi Choir Rehearsal, with Hazzan Ellen Arad “A Modern Understanding of the Bible” Shabbat Discussion, with Jack Gruenberg Daf Shevui Israeli Dancing, with Cantor Uri Aqua The Zionist Idea, with Rabbi Molly Karp Parashat HaShavua, Rabbi Dorsch/Jack Gruenberg Beginners Ulpan, with Miri Ben-Avi Advanced Ulpan, with Miri Ben-Avi Daf Shevui Choir Rehearsal, with Hazzan Ellen Arad Parashat HaShavuah
Questions? For Ulpan classes, contact Miri Ben Avi at miriulpan@gmail.com, or 914-602-1503. For all other classes, contact Rabbi Dorsch at jdorsch@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 260. 6
A MODERN UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE— ITS HEROES with Rabbi David Blumenfeld, Ph.D.
(Near Eastern Literature and Languages) Our sessions will explore the lives of a number of heroes in the Bible. By applying up-to-date scholarship to the biblical text, a deeper understanding of who they really were (without the usual hyperbole) will be achieved. All are welcome.
Saturday, December 3rd 8:30 am - 9:30 am: The Book of Joshua Joshua, venerable leader,
master spy, conquerer of Canaan, powerful proponent of a monotheistic God. Mainly remembered as the perfect disciple of Moses as stated in the Talmud: “The face of Moses was as the face of the sun, the face of Joshua was as the face of the moon.” (Bava Batra 75b). What kind of leader in Israel do we need in our troubling time? Discussion.
Saturday, December 17th 8:30 am - 9:30 am: The Book of Judges—Samson, Gideon, Jephtah, “Lefty” Ehud Ben Gera Israel’s rise to nationhood from a
mere collection of tribes was due to these and other “judges.” Their fascinating stories rival the classical epics of Homer.
SANDY SHEPPS IN THE KANNER-KURZON MUSEUM December 10, 2016 – January 15, 2017 This exhibit will consist of pastels drawn en plein aire at a local community garden, as well as watercolor paintings in the Chinese style, which she had studied for fourteen years. Art has been a lifelong commitment for Sandy, and will, no doubt, continue for the rest of her lifetime. Sandy’s interest in art started at an early age when she would draw on anything she could get her hands on. In Junior High School, an art teacher suggested that she should try out for the High School of Art and Design in Manhattan. Her acceptance started her long career in art. She attended The City College of New York and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees there, with postgraduate work there as well. She majored in Art Education and became a teacher of art. After twenty years in various New York City high schools, she taught art at Lehman College in New York, and then later at Indian River
Community College in Ft. Pierce, Florida, for five years. Upon returning from Florida Sandy entered the world of Advertising Art as a free lancer for five years. At the same time, she also illustrated greeting cards and exhibited her oil paintings. While doing all of this, she was recruited to a job training for new teachers for the New York City Board of Education. She did that work until the program ended fourteen years later. Sandy has become a life member of the Art Students League. She is now working in watercolor, pastel, stained glass, ceramics, and jewelry design. She is also constantly perfecting her figure drawing skills with brush, ink, and wash tones. Her work is exhibited regularly and is owned and displayed in collections around the country. This exhibit opens on Saturday, December 10th. The artist’s reception will be held on Sunday, December 11th, 2:00 pm-4:30 pm. Everyone is invited to come meet Sandy and discuss her work. You can visit the exhibit any time the synagogue is open. If the room is locked, please get the key from the office or the greeter at the front door.
TORAH ON TAP Tuesday, December 13th • 8:00 pm
Shabbat Afternoon Get Together for Empty Nesters!
at Rockwells, in Pelham
Torah means different things to different people in different places. Why not seek its meaning in a bar? Come join us, offsite, for an opportunity to discuss whatever it is that Torah means to you. There will be an opportunity to ask Rabbi Dorsch, in a very informal setting, any questions that you may have about Judaism, God, Torah, or Israel. Participate in a guided conversation on these topics while socializing with a drink or two. Ages 21+. R.S.V.P. to jdorsch@bethelnr.org.
SEUDAH SHLISHIT (Third Meal)
Saturday, December 10 4:00pm - 5:45pm PLEASE COME IN CASUAL ATTIRE. Shabbat, Judaism’s most sacred day, is meant to be a time for people to breath easy and find respite from the chaos and bustle which dominates their lives during the rest of the week. Once a month on Saturday afternoons, people will have an opportunity to break bread, share a glass of wine, and learn.
LEARNERS SERVICE
Shabbat, December 10th 10:00 am - 11:00 am with Rabbi Sitkin
THEME: “ACT II: CULTIVATING A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE WITHOUT CHILDREN”
Have you ever wondered why we do the things we do during services, like when to bow and when to stand, or what our prayers mean and how they are organized? Do you want to learn new and traditional melodies for our liturgy? If so, please join us and we will go through the Shabbat morning service and discuss its history, theology, and profound spiritual insight.
7
4:00
pm
SCHMOOZE, WINE, HORS D’OEUVRES
4:45
pm
LEARN WITH RABBI ZACH SITKIN
5:30
pm
MA’ARIV & HAVDALAH
KOL NIDRE APPEAL 2016 Beth El Synagogue Center would like to extend a sincere thank you to all those who contributed to our 2016 Kol Nidre Appeal. Your support of the Beth El community is greatly appreciated and it allows us to continue to provide excellent programs for all. % Ten Percenter: Those who increased their pledge by a minimum of 10% above their contribution last year. SHOMRIM SOCIETY Salo Aizenberg & Karine Kleinhaus% Graham & Hazzan Ellen Miller Arad Sam &Trisanne Berger% Arnold & Ellen Bernstein Brian Bosworth & Lauren FreemanBosworth Daniel & Jody Burton% Gary Claar & Lois Kohn-Claar Robert & Barbara Cohen% Robert & Barbara Ehudin Lawrence & Erica Epstein% Aaron J. & Sheryl Fleishaker
Shomrim Society: Those who made a contribution of $1,800 or more. Membership in this society demonstrates a deep commitment to the continuity of services and programs provided by Beth El.
Donald Fleishaker Moshe & Ellen Gelboim% Allan & Marilyn Glick Louis & Lynette Goldberg Michael & Linda Goldstein% Leon J. & Irene Greenspan Mitchell & Wendy Gross Jack & Sandra Gruenberg% Edward D. Heffner David & Rita Kaufman Matthew & Stephanie Klingsberg% Alexander LaTorraca & Jill E. Kurtzman% Jerome D. & Estelle Lebowitz% Warren & Linda Lesser
Kenneth & Lenore May Michael & Susan Meisler Michael & Tami Novoseller% Robert & Lisa Patchen% Naomi Raber David & Geralynn Reifer% Laurie & Eric Roth Steven M. & Lori Schwartz Mark & Marjorie Seidenfeld% Jeffrey & Dina Stahl% Laurence & Carla Stein% Joseph & Tamar Tait% Michael & Joyce Wechsler Joseph & Barbara Wygoda
KOL NIDRE CONTRIBUTORS Ari Abramowitz & Gwen Gorfinkle Edward & Debra Ackerman Eric & Elizabeth Alderman% Bradley & Adrianne Altman% Stan Arkow & Cindy Aaronson% Joseph Aronauer & Peri Schwartz Nathan E. & Marcia Assor Rick & Ellen Barlis Glenn J. Barney & Alisa Cohen Barney Charlotte Barst Abraham & Donna Bartell% Sanford L. Batkin% Joseph Baumgarten & Judy Kornfeld% Irving Baumwald Michele Silverman Bedell Alvin Begleiter Mark & Melinda Berman Melvyn & Priscilla Bloom% David & Frances Blumenfeld Fredric M. & Judy Bomback Erica S. Bonime Ellin Bousel Falk Perry & Lorraine Branson% Steven & Michele Brick% Richard J. & Sherry Brown Joshua Burack & Emma Medina Rochelle Chaiken% Jason & Jacqueline Friedland Charitable Fund Marvin & Shari Chinitz% Sarah Jean Cinquemani Steven Cohen & Jacqueline Spiegel-Cohen% Thomas Cohen & Elisa Singer Phyllis Cole% Raymond & Bernice Coll Lawrence & Judith Cooper% David & Carole Curtis
Irwin & Ilene Davison Paul & Carol Diament% Susan Diamond Marvin Dubin & Susan Solow Dubin Daniel & Jill Efron Avi I. & Jacqueline Einzig Lawrence & Karen Epstein Marc Esrig & Marci Lobel-Esrig% Russell & Ella Fayer% Phyllis Feingold Michael Felberg & Claudia AltschullerFelberg Gabriel & Judith Feuerstein% Michael & Davina Fisher% Nathan & Victoria Fisher% Abbe Fleishaker Herbert & Dorothy Fox% Bernard Freedman% Paul D. & Victoria H. Freedman Paul G. & Carol Freedman Blanche Fried Caryl Fuchs Steven & Debra Fuchs% Mel & Judith Gabriel% Edith Geisinger% Bruce & Rita Gilbert Jack & Faye Gingold% Stephanie Ginsberg Lawrence Ginsburg & Sari Dweck Jeffrey & Cynthia L. Glickman Jonathan B. & Elissa B. Glickman Bruce Gold & Grace Kalfus% Joseph & Carrie Goldberg% Leon Goldberg & Nina Kleiman A. Carl & Sondra Goldenberg I. David & S. Elizabeth Goldman% 8
Mark & Barbara Goldman Steven Goldman Arthur & Marsha Goldstein% Howard M. & Helene Goldstein% Jay & Bari Goldstein Joel S. & Susan Goldstein Judith Goldstein Robert & Susan Goldstein% Yvette Gordon Jerome & Bilha Gottlieb Bettina Graf Michael L. & Milagros Greenberg Daniel & Susan Groner% Marc & Ellen Gross Peter & Phoebe Gross Joel & Susan Grossman Steven Gruenstein & Lynn Chinitz% Sy Gruza Alan & Brenda Guber Steven Guggenheim & Susan Wolman Sol David & Linda Sherry Haber% Edward & Beth Halperin% Lawrence Hanau & Sharon Schoenholtz Ralph & Diane Heiman Robert & Cynthia Hershkowitz% Glen Herskowitz% David & Hope Herzog David M. & Ruth Hirsh% Arthur & Loretta Holland Elliot S. & Susan Hollander% David & Barbara Horowitz% Alain D. Hyman & Cynthia Evelyn Gray Kenneth Ingwer Paul E. & Joni D. Jablansky Perry & Lisa Jacobs Robert & Nadine H. Jacobson%
KOL NIDRE APPEAL 2016 Arthur & Janet Jakoby% Harvey & Phyllis Jay% Herbert & Florence Joffe Gary & Mathilde Joseph Arlene Kamer Mitchell & Robin Kaphan% Eunice Kaplan Mitchel & Ronnie Kaplan% Jack & Elaine Katz% Harvey & Barbara Katzeff Richard H. & Rosalind Kaufman Martin Keltz & Lynn M. Buckvar-Keltz Theodore Keltz & Beth Breakstone Vanessa & Adam Kerchner Steven & Maria Kessler% Theodore & Alisa Kesten% David & Jessica Keusch Ruth King Marc Klee & Barbara Engelson% Richard Klee & Randi Stock-Klee Sylvain & Anna Kleinhaus Donald & Barbara Kotler Roy & Rita Krasik Michael Kremins & Heidi Spitz% David & Sandra Langsam% Louis & Carol Lapides% Marc S. & Barbara Lazarus% Alan & Elizabeth Legatt Michael Lenchner & Michelle J. Sasson Jay & Barbara Lerman Elliot A. & Susan J. Lesser% Frank S. & Nancy F. Levin% Richard Levine & Lorri Liss Martin & Elaine Levitin Evan & Tracey Levy Janice Levy Laura Lewis% Matthew Evan & Shireen Lewis Stanley & Anita Liebowitz% Eugene & Diane Linett% Randy & Jenny Longman Jeffrey & Lynn Lowin Nina Luban & Scott Bonci Thomas & Marsha Lustig% Eric J. & Michelle Maidenberg Michael & Anita Malina Lawrence & Lisa Mandelker Alan & Marci Marcus% Arthur S. & Barbara Margolin Thomas Markovits & Debra Cohen Roberta Morse Marshall & Judith Matos Mark & Lisa Medin% Scott Mellis & Melanie Kogan% David & Meryl Mendelson Frank Meyers% Jeff Mittleman & Susan Eichen Mittleman% George & Susan Morris
John Morris% Ofer Nagar & Talia Swartz% Dianne Newman Trevor S. Norwitz & Shannon Lieberman Deborah Olstein Stephen & Amy O’Malley Lawrence E. & Barbara Orans% Stanley & Mindell Patchen Darren B. & Jayne S. Peister% Laura Penn David & Idette Pfeffer Joseph & Judith Pogostin Marvin P. & Ruth Price Hyman & Marcia Pryluck% Miriam Rabin Lester Resman & Randee Gordon Joseph & Linda Resnick Elise & Barry Richman Alan & Wendy Rosenberg Howard & Shery Rosenstein Theodore Rosenzweig & Barbara Conviser Brad & Stephanie Roth Todd & Evelyn Rothenberg Sid & Malva Rothstein Steve & Joy Rotker George & Sharon Rozansky Valerie Rudolph% Meir Salama & Ilisa Wallach Gary & Gwen Salmo% Barry & Evelyn Salter Henrietta Sanford Robert & Elise Schepp% Michael & Roni Schiffres Susan & David M. Schlecker Marjorie Schlosberg & Mitchell Glick Paul & Hanita Schneiderman Steven & Bette Schneidman% Edward & Judy Schwartz Jules L. & Harriet Schwartz% Alan & Thalia Segal Joe-Victor & Dawn Shammas David Shechter & Caroline Fox% Joshua & Monica Shedroff Lloyd Sherman% Samuel & Ella Shteingart% Harold & Barbara Shulman David & Gitta Silberstein% Mark & Candace Silver% Jason & Louise Silverman Jack & Hava Simkhay Barbara Simon Douglas & Doreen Simon Evan Snyder & Liat Simkhay% Robert & Marilyn Sofer% Jeffrey & Diane Solomon% Peter & Sharon Spenser% Steven J. & Shirin Stein% Howard Steinman & Barbara Birshtein% 9
Alan & Rise Stern Richard & Marcia Stern Seth Stern & Laurie Schaeffer Steven & Rachelle Stern% Max & Sandra Stolzberg Marc Straussberg & Sharon Brown Thomas & Pearl Sullivan Robert B. & Marianne Sussman Jeffrey R. Swarz & Kathy H. Kafer% Sheila Tanenbaum Eric S & Ruth Treiber% Mitchell & Betty Troyetsky Eric & Jane Turkewitz Harvey & Judy Wacht Abraham S. & Beatrice Walfish Bernice Ward% Norma Wasserman Richard & Charlotte Watt Robert L. & Lori Weber Sheldon & Beth Weinberg Sylvain M. & Naomi Weinberger Rick & Anne Weisbrod Jack & Rebecca Wertheimer Frederick & Leni Wiener William Winters% Arthur & Michele Wolk Ivor Charles & Renee Wolk Allan & Claire Wolkoff% Helene Wolloch Nora Klion Wolloch% Norbert & Claudia Wolloch% Daniel & Robyn Yairi% Janet Yoskowitz Steven & Debbie Young% Esther Zarembski Lester & Marjorie Zimmerman% Robert & Arline Zinaman Marc & Anita Zoldessy% Fred & Miriam Zucker Reba Zuckerman
Have fun with Yiddish! FRIDAYS, 1:00
pm
at beth el
Questions? Contact Bea Freedman, 914-337-8645.
Men’s Club The Blood Drive, one of our signature community events, will be held at Beth El on Sunday, December 4th, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. We will again jointly sponsor the event with Temple Israel of New Rochelle. Sign up at bethelnr.org/blooddrive. WALK-INS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME. Please participate in what is potentially a lifesaving mitzvah. Please e-mail any questions to BENRblooddrive@gmail. com, or call the office at 914-235-2700, ext. 223. It is not too early to plan to participate in the Dr. Ed Scharfman Men’s Club Shabbat on February 4, 2017. If you are interested in reading Torah or leading a part of the service, please contact Rob Levine at goBrother@ralasolutions.com. I look forward to seeing you at future events. Steven Young, Men’s Club President
New Rochelle Hadassah & Beth El Sisterhood are pleased to welcome
Laura Lewis who will be presenting
Jewish Diversity & the Zionism of Love Tuesday Afternoon, December 6th at
Beth El Synagogue Center
Some recent Israeli government decisions—secular as well as religious—may deny some Jews from recognition, funding, and religious practices. As Diaspora Jews, Zionists, and lovers of Israel, we hope that Israel remains a place where all Jews feel equally at home. Join us for a fascinating exploration of this timely topic. Light lunch 12:30 pm • Program 1:00 pm • Everyone welcome!
Hanukkah Concert
ORDER YOUR 2017 MAH JONGG CARDS Large print, $9/card • Standard print, $8/card DEADLINE: JANUARY 1st
Sunday, December 4 • 4:00 pm
Cards are mailed to you from the National Mah Jongg League. Checks payable to Beth El Sisterhood should be returned to Beth El, attention Arlene Salman. Include your name, address, phone number, and number of large and standard print cards.
at Shames JCC on the Hudson 371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY. For tickets, visit kolrinahchorale.org, or call 914-243-9059.
JOIN THE SMART* PEOPLE
*SMART = Senior, Mature Adult, Retired Together Programs
Additional SMART Programs
Tuesday, December 6th, we will visit New Rochelle High School’s museum for a private, docent-led tour of the Anne Frank exhibit. Meet at Beth El at 9:45 am to carpool, or meet at the high school at 10:30 am (265 Clove Road). R.S.V.P. to Julie Rockowitz, 914-235-2700, ext. 256. Lunch after.
Wednesdays, 10:30
am
- 11:30
am
At Beth El. We offer the same class schedule each month! No R.S.V.P. Free for Beth El members. $60 for 10 classes for community members, or $8 for a drop in class.
First Wednesdays of the month
Tuesday, December 20th, 10:30 am. We welcome our friends from the Temple Israel of New Rochelle community, who will join us to hear Assemblywoman Amy R. Paulin discuss The 2017 New York State Legislature: What to Expect. Latkes and refreshments provided. No charge. Happy Hanukkah.
DECEMBER 7: BALANCE EXERCISE AND FITNESS using resistance bands, with Tim from North End Fitness.
Second Wednesday of the month
DECEMBER 14: GOLDEN ZUMBA, with Laura, offering Latin rhythms for a low intensity dance workout.
Third Wednesday of the month
Save the Date: Tuesday, January 10th, 10:00 am. Meet Albert José, aka Bobby Schmeidler, and learn of his adventures from Belgium to New Rochelle. Belgian waffles for all! No charge.
DECEMBER 21: CHAIR YOGA, with Nan.
Fourth Wednesday of the month
DECEMBER 28: BUILD STRENGTH, BALANCE, AND FLEXIBILITY, wirh Judy. Current events with Shari Baum, M.S.W., to follow.
For questions or to R.S.V.P. on any SMART activity, contact Julie Rockowitz at jrockowitz@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 256.
CLASSES RETURN ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4th. 10
SISTERHOOD Sisterhood Scene
As many of you know, the deadline for submissions for this Bulletin is a few weeks in advance of the date that it is received by our members. This means that you will be reading this after Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays. However, as I compose my thoughts, it is a couple of weeks prior to that, and immediately following Election Day and Veterans Day. My focus, therefore, is thanksgiving – lower case “t”—since in the regular course of our daily lives we should always give thanks for our blessings, and I would like to use this space to express thanks. I do not plan to say anything about the election, except to reflect on the fact that I am grateful we live in a country where we are free to express our opinions and vote for candidates that, we hope, will represent us with intelligence and respect for our country, its citizens, and the world. I am also grateful for those who sacrifice greatly in service to our country. For many of us, service in the armed forces is not something we think about in terms of our own lives and that of our children. In Israel, of course, it is an immediate and always present concern for all citizens. For me, the
stories that my father told me of his service during World War II seemed like ancient history and far removed from our daily lives. Yet, there are those in our congregation today who have served, and are still serving, with distinction and we must always remember their selflessness and commitment to our safety and security. I am thankful that we live in a caring Jewish community—specifically the Beth El community—where we can celebrate festivals with great joy. The holidays were “late” this year so Sukkot is a very recent memory. It has been a tradition for as long as I can remember that Sisterhood has been responsible for Kiddush in the Beth El sukkah on the first two days of this very beautiful and joyous holiday. We owe a great debt of thanks to Ruth Hirsh and all those Sisterhood members who assisted her in providing such a lovely festive Kiddush. Ruth has been organizing this for many years and she never asks for any honor or recognition but she certainly deserves it. It is my hope that we can all share in the blessings of community and be grateful that we have each other as we travel this bumpy road that is life in today’s world. In gratitude, Barbara Horowitz, Sisterhood President
“BAGELS & BOOKS” BOOK CLUB Monday, December 19th, 9:30 am We will discuss The Human Stain, by Philip Roth. Our next session is Monday, January 9th, 9:30 am. We will discuss Something Red, by Jennifer Gilmore.
Mark your calendars!
Monday, January 16th (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
FOR SISTERHOOD’S ANNUAL
CINEMA BRUNCH Join us at 10:45 am for a light meal & the feature film Deli Man Special Beth El member price: $8 in advance: $10 at the door Non-member price: $10 in advance: $12 at the door Checks payable to Beth El Sisterhood R.S.V.P. to www.bethelnr.org/cinemabrunch. Questions? Call Phoebe Gross at 914-725-8711. 11
Thursday, January 12th 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Saving Sophie
by Ronald H. Balson Free! No R.S.V.P. needed.
Ongoing Sisterhood Programs CARD ROOM, 12:45 pm weekly: Canasta (Mondays); Mah Jongg (Tuesdays). WALKING CLUB meets every Monday at 9:30 am for a nice easy walk—not a jog. All are welcome! BAGELS & BOOKS BOOK CLUB usually meets on the last Monday of the month, at 9:30 am. Join us on Monday, December 19th, for The Human Stain, by Philip Roth. EVENING BOOK CLUB will meet on Thursday, January 12th, 7:30 pm to discuss Saving Sophie, by Ronald H. Balson. Free. No R.S.V.P. needed. MITZVAH KNITTING: Free lessons and supplies. Knit at home and donate your work. Children’s hats, scarves, and 7” squares for afghans needed. Questions? E-mail Phyllis at pjf920@verizon.net. Q U E S T I O N S? Contact Arlene Salman at aesalman@aol.com, or 914-235-2485.
Keruv* Korner
*“Keruv” = to bring close, to draw near
The days are short and grow colder as winter approaches, but we had a bright spot of warmth at our Keruv program last month. If you missed it, three non-Jewish spouses spoke about their experiences raising Jewish children in a Jewish home. Dan Colangelo, Jeanne Radvany and Ted Kilsdonk each candidly shared the story of his or her family and answered questions in a panel presentation moderated by Rabbi Schuck, who shared his own questions and reflections at the end. The thirty-six members of the audience universally found the program meaningful and thought provoking. Rabbi Schuck made it clear that the three speakers are not representative of the majority of spouses intermarried to Jewish individuals. Nonetheless, I left with a few key take away messages I would like to share. First, conversion was consistently felt by the panelists (and their spouses) to be a false issue. Though none of them had converted to Judaism, often because they didn’t “feel Jewish,” they all endorsed the tenets and practices of Judaism and took pride and ownership in their children’s Jewish
the non-Jewish family without feeling it in any way threatened their children’s Jewish identities. The grown children of more than one panelist had expressed to their parents that growing up with family members who were not Jewish had made them more sensitive to, and comfortable with, diversity in general, and appreciated this as a strength in facing the world. These are children who are active in their respective synagogues post Bar/Bat Mitzvah and feel very much a part of the Jewish community. The presentations were followed by honest questions and open, enlightening responses from our panelists. Rabbi Schuck concluded the meeting by suggesting that change is coming gradually to the Conservative movement and Beth El specifically, asserting that rabbis throughout history have followed in the direction their communities were moving, adjusting practice within the context of Jewish law. He hopes that Beth El continues having public and private conversations about intermarriage, airing differing perspectives as we evolve, one community together. Elise Richman and Nina Luban, Co-Chairs
“I feel somehow responsible for my child intermarrying.”
Let’s Talk About It! NEW DATE: Wednesday, January 11th Parents all along the spectrum of observance—whether they are shul-goers who sent their children to Jewish Day Schools and camps, or are totally secular—very often feel guilty and responsible when their child marries someone of a different faith. Please join us to discuss this provocative topic in a safe and supportive environment, facilitated by Shari Baum, L.C.S.W. We will meet at the home of Elise and Bob Schepp, 25 Mildred Parkway, New Rochelle, 10804. R.S.V.P. to Elise at LCmoocow@aol.com.
identities. They attended synagogue and family celebrations and participated in their children’s Jewish education. As Dan expressed, it is important to “be there.” Secondly, all three emphasized that they had discussed their religious differences and what their home should look like and had decided on a single faith before they married. When they were considering being wed, they found it helpful to meet with clergy to explore how each member of the couple felt and what values were most important to them. All three felt that it would not work to try to maintain two faith traditions in one home. Two of the panelists observed that among intermarried families that try to keep both religions, the children end up secular. Interestingly, the speakers described having little if any conflicts in the home regarding religion. Having discussed and decided ahead of time what direction they would take, the rest unfolded naturally, “seamlessly” as one speaker put it. Finally, the speakers and their spouses felt secure in their family’s Judaism. They all spent Christmas with their Christian families and enjoyed close relations with
MEMORIES TO GO: “My Elementary School” My elementary school in Montevideo, Uruguay, was called Escuela Bolivia 42. It was a public school in an old building on a busy street, about 15 minutes’ walking distance from my home. Although it was a nice looking building, it was somewhat neglected and the roof leaked in many places when it rained. Our classrooms were always cold and drafty in the winter and we often kept on our coats and gloves. Despite the building’s shortcomings, our teachers were good and caring people who prepared us well for high school. They called me “La Alemanita,” the little German girl, because as a recent immigrant from Germany, I was still learning Spanish. Although I was one of only two Jews in my class, the other girl, Matilde, held no special appeal for me. I made friends easily with all of my classmates, many of whom were immigrants from Spain. They were Catholics, but our respective religions were largely irrelevant to our friendships. I became part of a large group of girls who visited and played in one another’s homes daily. We got to know each other’s parents and were invited to many birthday parties and lifecycle events. 12
by Ruth Kon
I was from a traditional Jewish home, where holidays were always kept. The Jewish community had created a formal congregation, with its synagogue in a big rented house. They also started a Hebrew School that I attended twice a week. I always knew that I was Jewish, but my parents gave me the freedom to choose friends from all walks of life. My friends proved to be very loyal and true and, I remember once, when some anti-Semitic remarks had been directed at me, my friends came to my immediate defense. It escalated to a physical fight and our principal punished us all afterwards. My Catholic friends regularly attended catechism classes. I joined them every Wednesday afternoon when they would go down the block to attend these lessons. I learned about Christianity through them and over the years it became part of my general education. In contrast to the United States, ones religious affiliation is a relatively private affair in Uruguay. Matters of religion there are regarded as being very personal. The end result seems to be one of extreme tolerance, and I feel very fortunate to have been raised in such a benevolent and open society.
NURSERY SCHOOL Nursery School News Havdalah (Hebrew, meaning separation) is a Jewish religious ceremony that marks the symbolic end of Shabbat and ushers in the new week. Shabbat ends on Saturday night after the appearance of three stars in the sky. One of the warmest traditions that are observed in our Nursery School occurs every Monday morning as we gather in the Youth Lounge with children, teachers, and parents.
First thing in the morning we conduct our Library communities sponsored our own special Havdalah gathering to start off annual HavDairy event. Families the week by bidding farewell to Shabbat and joined together for a delicious dairy anticipating the wonderful week ahead of us. dinner, a musical Havdalah service, Every child holds their own cinnamon stick an exciting art activity, and a snuggle to smell as we say the blessing for a sweet story. A highlight for the children was week and everyone enjoys listening for the seeing their teachers wearing pajamas, special “sizzle sound� as the unique multicomplete with the Beth El logo. May wicked Havdalah candle is extinguished in we suggest that families begin celebrating a tray filled with grape juice. the wonderful tradition of Havdalah in their This past month our J-LiFE (Jewish homes on Saturday nights. Living and Family Engagement) and PJ Ronnie Becher, Director
PHOTOGRAPHS NOT AVAILABLE FOR WEB VIEWING
Calling all Mermaids, All Stars, Stars, and Astros! Come see your Beth El Day Camp friends and hear about next summer!
Tuesday, December 13th 5:00 pm-6:30 pm Pizza party and ice cream Games, sports, and improv fun!
Parents, drop off at 5:00 pm. Pick up in front of Beth El at 6:30 pm. R.S.V.P. required to jrockowitz@bethelnr.org. 13
YOUTH & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT A Note from Jen . . . I don’t think I’m alone when I say I’m gearing up for it. You know, the dark skies, cold winds which whip around me, the frost on the grass (or, dare I say, snow banks), and the harsh cold that always seems to catch me off guard when I exit my front door. My solution to all of this? Soup. Lots of soup! When I was a teenager, there was a book series called “Chicken Soup for the [insert group name] Soul.” It contained poetry and prose stories which were meant to warm your heart and soul. As I was reading children’s books to my kids a few weeks ago, I was reminded of this series, and began thinking about what the “chicken soup” for my soul is now. How can I nourish my soul? What brings me warmth? As we head into the dark, cold winter, I hope we can all find a little chicken soup for our souls.
December Youth Community Highlights Sunday, December 4
Rosh Hodesh Parent Learning with Rabbi Dorsch, 9:15 am-10:00 am METNY USY Ice Skating
Wednesday, December 7 Cub Scouts, 6:00 pm Thursday, December 8
Mosaic of Westchester Teen Dinner with Beth El USY
Friday, December 9
Sing Out Shabbat, 6:30 pm Kadima Shabbat Dinner, 8:30 pm METNY USY Fresh Fest
Saturday, December 10
Community Seudah Shlishit, 4:00 pm (followed by USY Night Out at the Movies)
Sunday, December 11
Ruach (K-2nd grade), 11:00 am-12:15pm Chaverim (3rd-5th grade), 12:00 pm-1:15 pm
Thursday, December 15
Rosh Hodesh Girls, 6:00 pm
Sunday, December 18
Kadima USY Joint Hanukkah Program
Sunday, December 25-29 USY International Convention
Youth Community News November began with a splash with our No School Party. We enjoyed pizza, popcorn, and watched The Little Prince. Youth Community parents gathered at NoMa Social for a fun, casual Parent Night Out meet up. Over the course of the month, Ruach (K-2nd grade) celebrated Thanksgiving with crafts and games, Chaverim (3rd-5th grade) experimented at their Mad Science day, Kadima bowled their hearts out, and USY enjoyed a Shabbat dinner at Rabbi Schuck’s house. Our Basketball teams began their first practices and games as part of the Westchester Jewish Basketball League. Many Youth Community families joined together for the Community Seudah Shlishit and we can’t wait for the next one on December 10th! Watch your calendars because December is filled with festivities and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
PHOTOGRAPHS NOT AVAILABLE FOR WEB VIEWING
Members of our youth community and their families came together to decorate our community Sukkah before Sukkot began. They had a great time making the Beth El Sukkah feel like home!
Beth El USYers celebrated Sukkot by making Sushi in the Sukkah at Hazzan Gloth’s family home.
Teens and parents in the Beth El community spent time learning with Zeev Ben Shachar, Director of Israel Education for Jerusalem U. They walked away with more questions to help them navigate the conversations about Israel. 14
YOUTH & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT Religious School News December Religious School Highlights
As you read in the September Bulletin, this year in the Religious School we have made our primary goal to put relationships at the core of our work (which is a key part of our mission.) Our teachers are on an ongoing journey to build learning spaces which provide opportunities for learners to connect with one another. They are regularly communicating with parents through e-mail, Facebook, and phone calls. As a staff, we spent our November Educator Professional Development Meeting exploring how active listening can impact our work. Our Parent Organization is hard at work building engaging community events, like the Paint Night in the Sukkah, Family Line Dancing, Zumba, Walking Club, and more. All of these provide opportunities for parents and families to build relationships with each other. This month, as our educators prepare detailed progress reports to send home to parents, and wrap up the first semester, we celebrate the relationships which have already been built and those which are still to come in the Spring.
CALL FOR BAR/BAT MITZVAH CANDIDATES If you have a child who is currently in 4th grade, please complete the form at www.bethelnr.org/bmitzvahdate or contact Hazzan Gloth at jgloth@ bethelnr.org or 914-235-2700, ext. 252, by Friday, December 16th.
Thank you!
Thursday, December 1
Gan-Vav Educator Meeting, 6:00 pm
Friday, December 2
Dalet, Hey, Vav (4th-6th grade) Erev Shabbat, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 3
Parent Organization Cooking Demo, 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 4
Rosh Hodesh Super Hero Day Art for Hey and Vav Teen Educator Meeting, 1:00 pm
Monday, December 5
Religious School Board Meeting, 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 11
Art for Bet and Gimel
Thursday, December 15 Art for Alef and Dalet Thursday, December 22Tuesday, January 3 Closed for Winter Break
PHOTOGRAPHS NOT AVAILABLE FOR WEB VIEWING
Kitah Bet is learning about Shabbat and practicing their skills by making Shabbat puzzles and playing Shabbat memory games!
Follow the Religious School on Twitter! @bethelrelschool Beth El Religious School’s bakers make fall-themed cookies in their Hebrew through Cooking chug on Tuesdays. They had a great time baking with their new teacher Morah Shoshy Markman! 15
Kitah Hey read Kitah Gimel stories they wrote about gratitude and Kitah Gimel presented their model of Sukkot to Kitah Hey. They enjoyed a day of sharing with one another!
DECEMBER 2016 MONDAY
SUNDAY
TUESDAY
1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804-2190 914-235-2700 • www.bethelnr.org
A Conservative synagogue affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi .................................... David A. Schuck Hazzan ........................................ Jamie Gloth Associate Rabbi...................... Joshua Dorsch Associate Cantor ...............................Uri Aqua Assistant Rabbi.........................Zachary Sitkin Rabbi Emeritus ......................Melvin N. Sirner Hazzan Emeritus ....................Farid Dardashti Executive Director ..................Erica Leventhal Controller .................................... Olivier Vogel Day Camp Director .................Julie Rockowitz Nursery School Director ......... Ronnie Becher Dir. of Youth & Family Engagement ...Jen Vegh Special Projects Director ........ Linda Newman Maintenance Director ............... Milton Sinclair OFFICERS President ............................ Samuel E. Berger Executive Vice President....... Mark Seidenfeld Vice President ...........................Daniel Burton Vice President ...................Sandra Gruenberg Vice President .................Geralynn C. Reifer Treasurer ...............................Joseph Wygoda Financial Secretary ................. Barbara Cohen Recording Secretary ..................Jayne Peister AFFILIATES Sisterhood President ...........Barbara Horowitz Men’s Club President ........... Steven L. Young Religious Sch. Parent Org. ........... Ellen Barlis, Sharon Brown, Rachel Casanova, Marci Marcus Nursery Sch. Parent Org. ...Rachel Messinger
4
4 KISLEV
Men’s Club Blood Drive 8:30 am Rosh Hodesh Parent Learning 9:15 am Zumba 9:30 am Israeli Dancing 10:00 am Keruv Committee 10:00 am
5
5 KISLEV
Walking Club 9:30 am Canasta 12:45 pm
Religious School Board Meeting 7:30 pm
11
11 KISLEV 12
Zumba 9:30 am
Israeli Dancing 10:00 am Bar/Bat Mitzvah Experience 10:30 am Ruach 11:00 am Chaverim 12:00 pm
12 KISLEV
Evening Minyan Times Mincha and Maariv
Nursery School Board Mtg 7:30 pm
13
13 KISLEV
Walking Club 9:30 am Memories to Go 10:00 am
Mahjong 12:45 pm
Canasta 12:45 pm
Beth El Day Camp Reunion 5:00 pm Making Halacha Meaningful, with Rabbi Sitkin 7:30 pm
Artist’s Reception 2:00 pm
Torah on Tap 8:00 pm (off-site)
18 KISLEV 19
19 KISLEV
20
20 KISLEV
Nursery School Hanukkah Chagigah 9:15 am
Rel. School Hanukkah Program 9:00 am
Sisterhood Bagels and Books 9:30 am
Zumba 9:30 am
Walking Club 11:30 am
Mahjong 12:45 pm
Israeli Dancing 10:00 am
Canasta 12:45 pm
Rosh Hodesh Group 12:30 pm
Semi Annual Meeting beginning with Hors D’oeuvres at 7:00 pm; Meeting at 8:00 pm
SMART People Discussion with Amy Paulin 10:30 am
USY Ice Skating 1:30 pm
Board of Trustees 9:30 pm
Shacharit*
Saturdays – 9:00 am Sundays – 8:00 am Mondays & Thursdays, 6:55 am Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 7:00 am
Sisterhood Executive Board Mtg. 6:30 pm Sisterhood General Board Meeting 7:30 pm Making Halacha Meaningful, with Rabbi Sitkin 7:30 pm
18 Beth El maintains morning and evening services every day of the year. Contact Associate Cantor Uri Aqua, 914-235-2700, ext. 222.
6 KISLEV
Hadassah & Sisterhood Joint Program 12:30 pm Mahjong 12:45 pm
BULLETIN EDITOR ............... Linda Newman
Daily Minyan
6
SMART Trip to NRHS,- leave at 9:45 am
25
25 KISLEV Religious School Closed
Hanukkah Hoopla 9:30 am Hanukkah Happy Hour 5:00 pm
26
26 KISLEV Synagogue Offices Closed Nursery School Closed
Walking Club 9:30 am
27
27 KISLEV Nursery School Closed Religious School Closed
Mahjong 12:45 pm
December 1 – 30 4:15 pm 31 4:30 pm
Light 2nd Candle 1st Day of Hanukkah
Light 3rd Candle 2nd Day of Hanukkah
Light 4th Candle 3rd Day of Hanukkah
KISLEV ~ TEVET 5777 WEDNESDAY 1
1 KISLEV
Tilting at Whirlwinds, with Rabbi Schuck and Carol Diament 9:45 am Parashat Hashavua 1:30 pm Hebrew Ulpan, Beginners 6:30 pm
Hebrew Ulpan, Advanced 8:00 pm College-Age Comm. Packing 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm ROSH HODESH
7
7 KISLEV
Limmud: The Zionist Idea, with Rabbi Molly Karp 10:00 am Get SMART Get Fit 10:30 am Cub Scouts 6:00 pm
FRIDAY
THURSDAY
8
8 KISLEV
2
SHABBAT 2 KISLEV
TOLDOT
Religious School Dalet, Hey, Vav Erev Shabbat Service and Dinner 6:00 pm
4:09 pm
Scholar-in-Residence Weekend Shabbat Dinner 7:00 pm (by reservation only) Shabbat Dinner 7:00 pm Babysitting 7:15 pm Discussion 7:30 pm
9
9 KISLEV
Parashat Hashavua 1:30 pm
Yiddish Vinkl 1:00 pm
Talmud’s Twists & Turns, with Rabbi David Hojda 1:30 pm
Sing Out Shabbat 6:30 pm
4:09 pm
Kadima Shabbat 8:30 pm
14 KISLEV
Limmud: The Zionist Idea, with Rabbi Molly Karp 10:00 am Get SMART Get Fit 10:30 am
Gala Executive Committee 7:30 pm
15
15 KISLEV
Tilting at Whirlwinds, with Rabbi Schuck and Carol Diament 9:45 am
Parashat Hashavua 1:30 pm Talmud’s Twists & Turns, with Rabbi David Hojda 1:30 pm
16
16 KISLEV
4:11 pm
21 KISLEV
Hebrew Ulpan, Beginners 6:30 pm Hebrew Ulpan, Advanced 7:00 pm
Limmud: The Zionist Idea, with Rabbi Molly Karp 10:00 am Get SMART Get Fit 10:30 am
22 KISLEV Religious School Closed
Talmud’s Twists & Turns, with Rabbi David Hojda 1:30 pm Parashat Hashavua 1:30 pm
23
23 KISLEV
Nursery School Hanukkah Chagigah 11:00 am
28 KISLEV Nursery School Closed
Get SMART Get Fit 10:30 am Current Events, with Shari Baum 11:30 am
29
29 KISLEV
Nursery School Closed Religious School Closed
4:14 pm
Yiddish Vinkl 1:00 pm
30
1 TEVET Nursery School Closed
17 KISLEV
Shabbat end 5:11 pm
Bar Mitzvah Noam Schuck
A Modern Understanding 8:30 am Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am
24
24 KISLEV
Shabbat ends 5:14 pm
Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Contemplative Service 10:00 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 12:30 pm
31 miKetZ
4:19 pm
Bar Mitzvah Ryan Altman
Light 6th Candle 5th Day of Hanukkah
17
Light 1st Candle EREV HANUKKAH
ROSH HODESH Light 5th Candle 4th Day of Hanukkah
Bat Mitzvah Shira Rochel Parsley Birthday Shabbat Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Learners Service 10:00 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 12:30 pm Seudah Shlishit for Empty Nesters 4:00 pm
VAYESHEV
Hebrew Ulpan, Beginners 6:30 pm Hebrew Ulpan, Advanced 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm
Cub Scouts 6:00 pm
28
22
10 KISLEV Shabbat ends 5:09 pm
Shabbat Discussion Group 10:15 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 12:30 pm
Rosh Hodesh 6:00 pm
Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm
21
Welcoming Chai House
10
VAYISHLACH
Yiddish Vinkl 1:00 pm
Shabbat ends 5:09 pm
A Modern Understanding 8:30 am Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Shabbat Discussion Group 10:15 am Pre-Service Oneg 10:15 am Tween Shabbat Experience 10:30 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 12:30 pm Scholar-in-Res. Discussion 1:00 pm Rel. Sch. Parent Cooking 8:00 pm
VAYETZE
Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm
14
3 KISLEV
Yiddish Vinkl 1:00 pm
Tilting at Whirlwinds, with Rabbi Schuck and Carol Diament 9:45 am
Hebrew Ulpan, Beginners 6:30 pm Hebrew Ulpan, Advanced 8:00 pm
3
Light 7th Candle 6th Day of Hanukkah
2 TEVET Shabbat ends 5:20 pm
Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 12:30 pm Light 8th Candle 7th Day of Hanukkah
MAZAL TOV
YAHRZEIT OBSERVANCES
Newsmakers . . . Mazal tov to:
Rabbi Melvin and Lenore Sirner on the birth of their granddaughter Maya Hazel, daughter of Gabrielle Sirner Cohen and Morris Cohen; Arlene Salman on receiving a “Women of Excellence� award from the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce; Joy and Steve Rotker on the marriage of their daughter Alicia Rotker to Alex Ochoa, son of Celia Ochoa; Cynthia and Robert Hershkowitz on the marriage of their daughter Rachel to Mark Kaplowitz, son of Steven and Debbie Kaplowitz.
A Warm Beth El Mazal Tov to One and All!!
Share your milestone events with us!
If you experience a milestone or a loss in your family, contact Linda at LNewman@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 246.
Kiddush The Kiddush of November 12th was be sponsored by Thalia and Alan Segal in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter Yaffa Segal; and by Amy and Justin Mayer on the baby naming of their daughter. The Kiddush of November 26th was sponsored by Jocelyn and Ron Burton in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son Zachary Burton; and by Burton Stern and family in honor of the aufruf of his grandson Matthew Kaufman. The Kiddush of December 10th will be sponsored by Gabriela Orgeary Parsley in honor of the bat mitzvah of her daughter Shira Rochel Sage Parsley; and by Aaron and Sheryl Fleishaker on the upcoming marriage of their daughter Kara Fleishaker to Max Kalman. The Kiddush of December 17th will be sponsored by Tali Aldouby-Schuck and Rabbi David Schuck in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son Noam Schuck.
Want to sponsor a Kiddush? Contact Alise Liquorie at aliquorie@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 223.
KIDDUSH KORNER We are proud of our weekly sit-down kiddush luncheons and know that they are enjoyed by Beth El members and guests. Our all-volunteer committee is comprised of members who work hard to have everything set up and cleaned up, and are happy to contribute their time and energy for the benefit of Beth El.
The yahrzeit of the following deceased persons permanently inscribed on our Memorial Walls are observed on these dates: DECEMBER Morton Bellin Sarah Diamond Harold Drimmer Edna Schulman Menucha Bryna Benzel Samuel Fuchs Milton H. Farber Arnold Feingold Morris Geller David Sirner Benjamin Solov Harriet Engelson Sadye Lesser Marjorie Silberman Nathan Cooper Avraham Gelboim Rose Levin Beate Grunauer Anne Polow Adele Scheffler Lena Weinrib Florence Zarovsky Dorothea Bernstein Alexander Brenner Sydell Heimowitz Marjorie Price Andrew Kaplan John Linden Rhea Newman Samuel Nathan Rubin Anna Stein Fanny Muller Ida Pearlman William Root Dr. Louis Scheinberg Bella Sheffer Jennie Imber Kenneth Paul Kaplan Samuel Mintz Dora Fishman Rebecca C. Gordon
1 2 2 2 3 3 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 13 14 14 15 12
Louis Haimoff Florence Lenchner Reuben Gilbert Betty Golub Mildred Gruberger Paul Rivel Elizabeth Rubin Meyer Gordon Samuel Kolins Emanuel Levin Ilona Rivel Eleanor Gore Seymour Kornfeld Alice Charnet Chaim Halevi Eichner Abraham Gosschalk Jan Peerce Sol Zeller Samuel Zuckerman Yetta Zuckerman Ethel Joslevitz Renee Ratner Philip Levene Lorraine Gittelson Bernard Marx Erna F. Schwarz Joseph M. Weber Joseph Wechsler Rose Glick Samuel Halpern Gussie Rappaport Ada Greenstein Pauline Duberstein Hyman Kleinman Phoebe Lampert Clara Locitzer Anne Schoen Arthur Hirsch Nathan Osofsky Louis Tarloff Louis David Wile Charlotte Zeller
12 12 17 17 17 17 17 18 18 18 19 20 20 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 22 22 23 25 25 25 26 26 27 27 27 28 29 29 30 30 30 31 31 31 31 31
CONDOLENCES We record with sorrow the losses suffered by our members and friends and extend to them our deepest sympathies. Condolences to: Burton Stern on the loss of his wife, Lila Stern; Harriet Ross on the loss of her husband, Martin Ross; The family of Lou Bronfman on his passing; Claire Kessler on the loss of her husband, Jonas Kessler, father of Debra Goldfarb.
We are seeking a few new members to help us provide this wonderful community service. Please contact Barbara Horowitz at kiddushbethel@gmail.com. 18
CONTRIBUTIONS RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
GENERAL FUND
Susan and Elliot Lesser in honor of the bar mitzvah of their grandson Joseph Lesser; Dana Stein; Susan and Michael Meisler congratulating Rabbi Schuck on completing his first year with our congregation and wishing him many more; Lynn and Jeff Lowin in memory of Sara Rothfeld, beloved mother of Lynn Lowin, on her yahrzeit; Annette and Mitchell Fogelman in memory of Richard Gilburn, beloved husband of Shira Gilburn; The family of Joe Steinberg; Lorri Levine in memory of her mother, Barbara Liss; Jack and Jack Gingold in honor of Dr. Marc Lazarus on his Simchat Torah honor; Joseph and Judy Baumgarten in thanks to the clergy for officiating during funeral and shiva for Edward Baumgarten; Rhona Renov Aronstein; Julie Rockowitz in honor of the Simchat Torah honorees; Steven and Shirin Stein and family and Laurence and Carla Stein and family in appreciation and gratitude to Rabbi Schuck; Carol and Paul Diament in memory of Phyllis Arad; Carol and Paul Diament in honor of Arlene Salman for receiving a “Women of Excellence” Award from the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce; Barbara and Donald Kotler in memory of Jacob and Fay Friedman; Barbara and Donald Kotler; Julie Rockowitz in memory of Phyllis Arad; Julie Rockowitz in memory of Sol Kaplan; Richard and Charlotte Watt; Caryl Fuchs in memory of her husband, Stanley Fuchs on his yahrzeit; Janet Seligman in memory of her father, Joe Kenler. Roberta Berman Reindel in loving memory of her dearly beloved mother, Sally F. Berman, her dearly beloved father, Edward H. Berman, her beloved grandparents Fannie and Jacob Felkin and Rose and Nathan Berman, and her beloved uncles Leonard Felkin, Louis Felkin, and George Felkin for yizkor on Shemini Atzeret; Rita and David Kaufman in memory of Pearl Kaufman on her yahrzeit; Leeam and Sara Aldouby; Erica and Lawrence Epstein in honor of the birth of Rabbi Melvin and Lenore Sirner’s granddaughter; Caryl Fuchs in memory of Jonas Kessler, beloved husband of Claire Kessler; Annette and Mitchell Fogelman in memory of Dr. Paul Podell, husband of Michelle Podell; Paul and Carol Diament in memory of Fay Dor, sister of Mark Seidenfeld.
IN MEMORY OF: A donation was received from Diane and Eugene Linett. Dr. Solomon Kaplan, beloved husband of Eunice Kaplan, from George Tecklin. IN HONOR OF:
HAZZAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Our Simchat Torah honorees—Cynthia Glickman, Marc Lazurus, Marci Marcus, and Robyn Yairi, from Barbara and Marc Klee, Elise and Bob Schepp, and Joyce and Michael Wechsler.
Lotte Glover, great old friend and beloved mother of Joan Levy and family, from Bettina Graf and family.
Phyllis Arad, beloved mother of Graham Arad, Cynthia Glickman, the bride on Simchat Torah, from Susan and Michael Meisler. from Deanna Fried. Sylvia Klee, from Barbara and Marc Klee. Tracey Levy, with thanks for her generosity, from YAHRZEIT/YIZKOR DONATION Pearl and Thomas Sullivan. Elise and Barry Richman on the marriage of their Irving Buchsbaum; Sandford L. Batkin; Gladys son Nathan Richman, from Pearl and Thomas Barish; Jeff Mittleman and Susan Eichen Mittleman; Barbara and Jay Lerman; Barbara Sullivan. Horowitz; Joyce and Michael Wechsler; Edythe Arlene Salman, on her New Rochelle Chamber of Berkowitz; Leonard Kahn; Debra Greenberg; Commerce “Woman of Excellence” Award, from Nan Hart; Michael Haber; Bruce Gold and Grace Janet and Isaiah Seligman. Kalfus; Dr. Arthur Elkind; Dr. Seth L. Stern; Jesse Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner on the birth of and Ronnie Weinberger; Diane and Eugene Linett; their granddaughter Maya Hazel Cohen, daughter Abe and Bea Walfish; Harvey and Phyllis Jay; of Gabrielle Sirner Cohen and Morris Cohen, from Phyllis Brown; Cindy and Ken Klein; Leonora Loewentheil; Marilyn Handler; Robert and Janet and Isaiah Seligman. Marian Baum; Rita and David Kaufman; Helene Imber; Marvin Greenbaum; Gerald Cohen; Eric SISTERHOOD MITZVAH FUND Turkewitz; Ellen and Moshe Gelboim and family. IN HONOR OF: Marc Lazarus on being named Hatan Torah for Simchat Torah, from Cynthia Glickman, and Blanche Fried. Marci Marcus on being named Kallat Kol HaNe’arim for Simchat Torah, from Cynthia Glickman, and Blanche Fried.
THE RABBI MELVIN AND LENORE SIRNER FUND FOR JEWISH INSPIRATION
IN HONOR OF: Robyn Yairi on being named Kallat Maftir for The birth of Maya Hazel Cohen, daughter of Simchat Torah, from Cynthia Glickman, and Gabrielle Sirner Cohen and Morris Cohen and Blanche Fried. granddaughter of Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner, Cynthia Glickman on being named Kallat Bereshit from Loretta and Arthur Holland. for Simchat Torah, from Lori and Steve Schwartz, and Blanche Fried. SYLVIA AND ROBERT SCHER The marriage of Adam Cohen, son of Barbara and Bob Cohen, from Sandy and Jack Gruenberg.
CHESED COMMUNITY FUND
IN HONOR OF: The bat mitzvah of Alison Kessler, daughter Our Simchat Torah honorees—Cynthia Glickman, of Maria and Steven Kessler, from Joyce and Kallat Bereshit, and Marc Lazarus, Hatan Torah, Michael Wechsler. from Sharon and Peter Spenser. IN MEMORY OF: IN MEMORY OF: Harry (Chaim) Kalfus, beloved father of Grace Joseph and Sylvia Newmark, Adele and Ronald Kalfus, from Sandy and Jack Gruenberg. Spenser, and John Spenser, beloved parents and Fay Dor, beloved sister of Mark Seidenfeld, from brother, from Sharon and Peter Spenser. Sandy and Jack Gruenberg.
Martin Silver, beloved husband of Linda Silver, Beth Siegel and family in honor of Ethan from Sandy and Jack Gruenberg. Glickman becoming a bar mitzvah. Hilde Stern, beloved mother of Linda Newman, Jeffrey and Dina Stahl in honor of Jacob Carr- from Sandy and Jack Gruenberg. Gloth becoming a bar mitzvah. Phyllis Arad, beloved mother of Graham Arad, Steven, Maria, and Alison Kessler in honor of from Joyce and Michael Wechsler, and Blanche Fried. Jacob Carr-Gloth becoming a bar mitzvah. In honor of the bat mitzvah of Alison Kessler.
DOROTHY FLEISHAKER RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND IN HONOR OF:
Our Simchat Torah honorees—Cynthia Glickman, Marc Lazurus, Marci Marcus, and Robyn Yairi, from Elise and Barry Richman, and the Shechter family.
Harvey and Phyllis Jay in honor of Jacob Carr- My beloved mother, Barbara Liss, from Lori Marc Lazarus, Hatan Torah, from Donald Fleishaker. Gloth becoming a bar mitzvah. Levine. 19
CONTRIBUTIONS BETH EL DAY CAMP FUND
SPECIAL NEEDS FUND
IN HONOR OF: IN HONOR OF: All the clergy that made the holidays so Marc Lazarus, Simchat Torah honoree, from meaningful, yishar koach, from Nora Klion- Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. Wolloch. Cynthia Glickman, Simchat Torah honoree, from Our Simchat Torah honorees—Cynthia Glickman, Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. Marc Lazurus, Marci Marcus, and Robyn Yairi, Marci Marcus, Simchat Torah honoree, from from Nora Klion-Wolloch. Elizabeth and Alan Legatt, and Lori and Steve Hazzan Ellen and Graham Arad on the engagement Schwartz. of their son Max Arad, from Nora Klion-Wolloch. Robyn Yairi, Simchat Torah honoree, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt, and Lori and Steve IN MEMORY OF: Fay Dor, beloved sister of Mark Seidenfeld, from Schwartz. Nora Klion-Wolloch.
Hilde Stern, beloved mother of Linda Newman, from Nora Klion-Wolloch. Anet Pieres, beloved mother of Miri Ben Avi, from Nora Klion-Wolloch. Phyllis Arad, beloved mother of Graham Arad, from Nora Klion-Wolloch. Marci Marcus on her receiving the Kallat Kol HaNe’arim honor on Simchat Torah, from Susan and Len Mark.
JEREMY SCHEINFELD MEMORIAL FUND
The marriage of Shanah Einzig, daughter of Jacqueline and Avi Einzig, to Amotz Segal, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. The birth of Maya Hazel Cohen, daughter of Gabrielle Sirner Cohen and Morris Cohen and granddaughter of Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt, and Wendy and Alan Rosenberg.
Arlene Salman on receiving a “Women of Excellence” Award from the New Rochelle The birth of Jacob Elliot Horowitz, grandson of Chamber of Commerce, from Elizabeth and Barbara and David Horowitz, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. Alan Legatt. IN MEMORY OF: The bar mitzvah of Jacob Carr-Gloth, son of Bina Carr and Hazzan Jamie Gloth, from Elizabeth and Martin Ross, beloved husband of Harriet Ross and father of Rich and Randi, from Wendy and Alan Legatt. Alan Rosenberg. The marriage of Rebecca Jay, daughter of Phyllis and Harvey Jay, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. Joan Stein, beloved sister of Florence Graff, from Dalia Fenster.
MEN’S CLUB FUND
ELEANOR G. BAUMWALD PRAYERBOOK FUND
IN HONOR OF: IN MEMORY OF: Our High Holiday Honors Committee for their incredible effort, from Barbara and Marc Klee. Eva Teitlebaum, from Jack R. Schwartz.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES FUND IN HONOR OF:
IN MEMORY OF:
The marriage of Nate Richman, son of Elise and Barry Richman, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt.
ANDREW SHAPIRO MEMORIAL FUND
IN HONOR OF: Phyllis Arad, beloved mother of Graham Arad, Our daughter, Simchat Torah honoree Robyn from the Jablansky family; and Liz, Eric, Sara, Yairi, on her Kallat Maftir honor, from Bernice The bat mitzvah of our granddaughter Sydney and Jeff Guest. and Jeremy Alderman. Rose Protass, from Barbara and Leon Protass.
Beth El Celebrates December Birthdays
Beth El Synagogue Center would like to extend a “Happy Birthday!” to its members with a birthday in the month of December. If you have a December birthday, we hope that you Jeremy Cohen Harriet Abrahami Rachel Collens Samuel Adams Lois Cottler Adrienne Altman Talya Davidowitz Bradley Altman Susan Diamond Judy Aqua Michael Dorfman Daniel Aronstein Lisa Dorman Myriam Batista Jacqueline Einzig Samuel Berger Stephen Field Miles Bernstein Victoria Freedman Barbara Birshtein Jason Friedland Rebecca Bloom David Fuchs Perry Branson Edith Geisinger Samuel Burton Murray Gelb Steven Chester Joshua Glickman Simona Chhahira Joel Goldstein Mattie Cohen
will join us for Kiddush lunch on Shabbat, December 10th. If you have a December birthday, but your name does not appear on the list, we are sorry for the omission and ask that you e-mail the synagogue at Ruth Gotian Amnon Gotian Cynthia Gray Debra Greenberg Alan Greenberg Jacob Gruza Alan Guber Jon Halpern Jessica Hecht Miriam Hirsch Alain Hyman Helene Katz Barbara Katzeff Amy Kline Melanie Kogan Matthew Krasik
Betsy Kravitz Alec Kremins Jill Kurtzman Lynn Kuszel Faith Liberman Stanley Liebowitz Anita Liebowitz Elliott Linczer Kelly Mamaysky Ethan Mayblum Susan Mittleman Claudia Morris Gregory Newman Lawrence Orans Shira Rochel Sage Parsley 20
info@bethelnr.org so that we can update our records. Please contact us if you do not wish to have your name appear on our birthday list. (The list reflects our adult members and postbar/bat mitzvah children up to the age of 21.) Jenna Siegel-Myron Gabriela Parsley Cori Silk Emily Patchen Linda Silver Jayne Peister Erica Sokoloff Ian Plaxin Robert Strauch Ian Polow Alan Striar Barbara Protass Zachary Wachs Geralynn Reifer Joyce Wechsler Bernard Rosen Rebecca Wertheimer Maya Scheinfeld Hanita Schneiderman Renee Wolk Steven Schneidman Joseph Wygoda Eleanor Zabb Martin Schulman Frieda ZarembskiLeora Segal Lewis Evelyn Selber Gail Shapiro Goldman Rachel Ziser Reba Zuckerman Jacob Shteingart
SISTERHOOD’S BAUM JUDAICA GIFT SHOP
Come and browse the Sisterhood Gift Shop for all your Judaica, gifts, and more.
Check out our new supply of Hanukkah Menorahs!
Open by appointment. Contact Carole Graham at carolegraham@optonline.net, or 914-576-6617; Ellen Hollander at ellenarts@optonline.net, or 914-632-4658; Erica Epstein at mmleepstein@gmail.com, or 914-633-3161; Phoebe Gross at phoebegross@aol.com, or 914-725-8711.
Willow Gardens: Westchester’s Newest Memory Care Residence
Opening in March 2016, Willow Gardens Memory Opened Care will be Westchester County’s only nonprofit assisted living residence devoted exclusively to Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias. Willow Gardens offers incomparable care and a real home, where adults with memory impairment continue to lead meaningful lives. A CAmpus of Comprehensive CAre
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Helping Older Adults Live Forward Since 1917
Meet RiverSpring Health™ For nearly a century, the Hebrew Home at Riverdale has been helping older adults live the fullest lives they can. Today, we’ve grown from our award-winning nursing home into RiverSpring Health, a new brand offering a full range of care solutions including managed long-term care, independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and much more. Learn more about how we can help you live forward at 1.800.56.SENIOR or by visiting riverspringhealth.org.
Plaza Jewish Community Chapel Serving the community since 2001. 630 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10024 212.769.4400 • 800.227.3974 www.plazajewish.org Pre-need services are available. Serving the metropolitan New York area, Florida, and Israel 24 hours a day Arranging for funerals in all 50 states and Europe 22
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T H E B R I S TA L A S S I S T E D L I V I N G • W H E R E E V E RY DAY M E A N S M O R E ®
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After 88 years, here’s what I know for sure…
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What a joy it is to give. For 20 years, I donated time and food to our local pantry. The hope families held in the face of crisis was truly inspiring, giving me back even more than I gave. Today, at The Bristal, through our Helping Hands program, I’m able to do the same. The scarves, blankets and sweaters we knit are touching lives in need. And when our fingers tire, we’ll play mahjong or laugh to a silly comedy at our theater down the hall. Exceptional lives. Extraordinary living.
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Includes Shabbat Lunch and Dinner!
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For more information, please contact the Dardashtis at 914-755-9933.
The staff of Lloyd Maxcy & Sons welcomes its new addition and is committed to providing the same excellent care that families have come to expect over the past 151 years. Please feel free to visit our new location. This trip is not affiliated with Beth El Synagogue Center.
Ever y ction e l e s thing e g lar ! you n a s d e v o a o f eed! h d e e r W a p e r of p Specializing in a complete line of Kosher Meats, Provisions, Cooked Foods & Specialty Groceries. We have a full-service catering department for all your party needs. Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center Scarsdale, NY 10583
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FILE: CLIENT:
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BETH EL SYNAGOGUE CENTER 1324 NORTH AVENUE NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10804-2190
Non Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID White Plains, N.Y. Permit No. 925
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
SHERY ROSENSTEIN Sales Associate
Wishing You A Bright & Festive Chanukah
Personalized attention to you and your needs.
(and maybe even a miracle or two)
B: (914) 723-8228 C: (914) 420-8556 E: s.rosenstein@yahoo.com W: www.clairedleone.com
29 Wilmot Road Scarsdale, NY
“A GENUINELY HAPPY PERSON IS ONE WHO HAS RENDERED OTHERS HAPPY.” DAISAKU IKEDA
JOCELYN BURTON Real Estate Salesperson Proud Beth El member
917.693.3557
GAY ROSEN
As Real As Real Estate Gets
Licensed R.E. Associate Broker ABR, CBR, CDPE, CRS, GREEN, GRI, SRES c: 914.907.2645 • gay.rosen@juliabfee.com gayrosen.com Larchmont Brokerage • 1946 Palmer Avenue Each office is independently owned and operated
JBurton@HoulihanLawrence.com
#1 Ranked Agent in New Rochelle
NEW ROCHELLE BROKERAGE | 15 QUAKER RIDGE ROAD Source: HGMLS, 1/1/2015 – 12/31/2015, by agent, all sold properties in New ROCHELLE school district.