JANUARY 2015 TEVET ~ SHEVAT 5775 WWW.BETHELNR.ORG
Please mark your calendar and join us for our Dorothy and Hyman Shanok Scholar-in-Residence Weekend FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
with Rabbi Ethan Tucker Rabbi Tucker will be our scholar for this exciting weekend of learning. He is the cofounder and rosh yeshiva at Mechon Hadar and chair of Jewish Law. He was a faculty member at the Drisha Institute for Jewish Education, where he taught Talmud and Halakhah in the Scholars’ Circle. Rabbi Tucker was ordained by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and earned a Ph.D. in Talmud and Rabbinics from the Jewish Theological Seminary, Rabbi Ethan Tucker and a bachelor of arts degree from Harvard College. A Wexner Graduate Fellow, he was a co-founder of Kehilat Hadar and a winner of the first Grinspoon Foundation Social Entrepreneur Fellowship. Rabbi Tucker was named one of America’s Top Fifty Rabbis by Newsweek in 2011 and 2012. Please join us for services on Friday evening, February 6th, at 5:00 pm, followed by an Oneg at 6:00 pm with wine and hot hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to informally schmooze with Rabbi Tucker. Dinner will begin at 6:30 pm. Reservations are required for the dinner. Please visit bethelnr.org/shanok or call the office at 914-235-2700, ext. 223. At 7:30 pm, Rabbi Tucker will give a forty-five minute presentation. On Saturday morning, February 7th, he will deliver the D’var Torah for Parashat Yitro, and we will have a one hour study session following Kiddush lunch (approximately 12:45 pm). He will also speak briefly at Mincha/Maariv at 5:00 pm.
It’s Shabbat! Let’s pray & eat together!
For Kids & Families of all ages!
FAMILY SHABBAT EXPERIENCE
Special Guest, Rabbi Ron Fish FRIDAY, JANUARY 9th • begins 5:30 pm* Join Hazzan Gloth for a family-friendly, interactive service, filled with song and prayer! Following services, join in a festive Shabbat dinner (advance registration required*), complete with the traditional Shabbat evening rituals, songs, and a child-friendly menu. $18/member adult • $22/non-member adult $10/children ages 3-12 • Children ages 2 and under, free * Dinner R.S.V.P. required by Monday, January 5th, at bethelnr.org/FamilyShabbat, or by calling the office, 914-235-2700, ext. 223. Questions? Contact Hazzan Gloth, jgloth@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 252.
e e dat h t e Sav
. . .
Sunday Evening, May 31st
for Beth El Synagogue Center’s
Gala Celebration honoring our beloved
Lenore and Rabbi Melvin N. Sirner Join us for a weekend of exciting activities, beginning on Friday, May 29th
B.E.S.T. Shabbat................................ page 3 New Fun in Honor of Our Rabbi...... page 5 Nursery Sch. Game Show Night ..... page 14 Day of Service................................... page 3 Sisterhood Cinema Brunch............. page 13 Youth Shabbat.................................. page 18
ONE SYNAGOGUE - MANY SERVICES Beth El Synagogue Center 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 Melvin N. Sirner Hazzan Jamie Gloth Associate Cantor Uri Aqua Assistant Rabbi Joshua Dorsch Cantor Emeritus Lawrence Avery Hazzan Emeritus Farid Dardashti Executive Director Erica Leventhal Controller Olivier Vogel Day Camp Director Julie Rockowitz Maintenance Director Milton Sinclair Nursery School Director Ronnie Becher Religious School & Youth Activities Dir. Jen Vegh Special Projects Director Linda Newman
OFFICERS President Executive Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President Treasurer Financial Secretary Recording Secretary
Samuel E. Berger Geralynn C. Reifer Daniel Burton Mark Seidenfeld Mark Silver Joseph Wygoda Debbie Young Sandy Gruenberg
AFFILIATE OFFICERS Sisterhood President Barbara Horowitz Men’s Club Co-Presidents Robert Levine Steven L. Young Parent Organization Ellen Barlis, Rachel Casanova, Marci Marcus
BULLETIN COMMITTEE Editor & Production Assistant Editors
Linda Newman Michelle Levy Blaustein Jack Gruenberg Steven L. Young
EDITORIAL BOARD Rabbi Melvin N. Sirner Samuel E. Berger Hazzan Jamie Gloth Erica Leventhal Steven L. Young
The Bulletin Vol. 97, No. 5
January 2015 Tevet ~ Shevat 5775
Please visit the Beth El Synagogue Center website, www.bethelnr.org for the most current information on meetings and events. To send us a message, e-mail info@bethelnr.org.
Shabbat Youth Services
January 3, 10:45 am 10:15 am Pre-Service Oneg 10:45 am Torah for Tots Family Kehillah Service; clergy visitor: Cantor Aqua January 10, 10:45 am Birthday Shabbat 10:15 am Pre-Service Oneg 10:45 am Torah for Tots Family Kehillah Service; clergy visitor: Rabbi Dorsch January 17, 10:45 am - Youth Shabbat 10:15 am Pre-Service Oneg 10:45 am Torah for Tots Family Kehillah Service January 24, 10:45 am 10:15 am Pre-Service Oneg 10:45 am Torah for Tots Family Kehillah Service; clergy visitor: Rabbi Sirner January 31, 10:45 am 10:15 am Pre-Service Oneg 10:45 am Torah for Tots Family Kehillah Service; clergy visitor: Hazzan Gloth • Torah for Tots: Birth - Kindergarten in the Wiener Lounge • Family Kehillah Service in the Levenson Chapel
Daily Minyan Beth El maintains morning and evening services every day of the year. Contact Associate Cantor Uri Aqua, 914-235-2700, ext. 222.
Shacharit
Saturdays – 9:00 am Sundays – 8:00 am Mondays and Thursdays – 6:55 am Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays – 7:00 am
Evening Minyan Times Mincha and Maariv January
1 – 2 3 – 16 17 – 30 31 2
4:15 pm 4:30 pm 4:45 pm 5:00 pm
Shabbat Discussion Group Services take place in the Bess and Nathan P. Jacobs Library from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon. Participants gain a better understanding of the Shabbat morning service through study and discussion of individual prayers and the weekly Torah portion. Other relevant topics are also discussed. Contact: Jack Gruenberg jackgruenberg@gmail.com JANUARY 24 I n S h a b b a t S . P. A . C . E . (Synagogue Play Activities Children’s Environment), offered weekly on Shabbat, children are supervised by child-care providers in a safe and fun environment, be with their friends, and play with Shabbatfriendly games and toys. No food is allowed in Shabbat S.P.A.C.E., allergy-aware snacks and water are available. If your child has any allergies, please alert the supervisor in the Kasakove. An American Sign Language interpreter will be provided upon request.
Visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/ BethElSynagogueCenter On Shabbat and Yom Tov, the telephone in the main office is available only for physicians answering electronic pagers, and not for other purposes.
Cemetery Grave & Plot Availability Beth El Synagogue Center has sections at Mt. Eden and Sharon Gardens Cemeteries (both in Valhalla), in which graves and plots are available for members and their families. (A plot is made up of four graves.) For information, call the office, 914-235-2700, ext. 223/226.
BETH EL SHABBAT TABLES
Beth El Synagogue Center’s 6th Annual
Family Pancake Breakfast & Day of Service Sunday, January 18th • 9:00 am
Back by popular demand!
Join us on Friday night, March 13, 2015, for the BEST Shabbat Dinner ever!! We searched and searched everywhere for a table that was long enough and big enough to fit us all. Since we could not find one, we have come up with a wonderful way for our entire community to connect and spend time together at the Beth El Shabbat Tables (BEST).
Enjoy yummy pancakes, fluffy eggs, juice, cocoa, and coffee, courtesy of Beth El’s Men’s Club, as we begin our Annual Day of Service. Feed your body, then feed your soul. We can make a difference!
How does it work? Participating families can choose to be a guest or to host. Every host family will be serving the same dinner and everything will be provided by the synagogue.
OPERATION GRATITUDE: Send candy, toothbrushes, and toothpaste to our troops
How much preparation will I have to do? NONE!! The synagogue will provide everything needed for an enjoyable evening: delicious catered Kosher dinner, including dishes and utensils, materials for Shabbat rituals and hosting ideas to create a meaningful, relaxing, and social Shabbat experience. How about our children? Families will be matched according to family ages and interests. How about empty nesters? Families will be matched according to interests. Sounds wonderful, but how much will it cost? $10 per person; children five and under are free. Any questions, please e-mail Jayne Peister at peisterjs@gmail.com, Trisanne Berger at tberger@ jmi-inc.com, or call the office at 914-235-2700, ext. 223. To sign up, visit www.bethelnr.org/BEST.
CEREAL COLLECTION: Wrap a breakfast to go, for H.O.P.E. Food Pantry
DOGGONE BOOKS: Bring a book to donate and read to a cuddly kelev (dog) MAKE SANDWICHES: to be distributed by the Bronx Jewish Community Council to needy families PROJECT LINUS: Make fleece blankets for children in hospitals KIDS’ KLOSET: Sort clothes for donation SING-ALONG WITH SENIORS: Sisterhood will carpool to United Hebrew at 10:00 am and entertain the residents (more information on page 12). AND MUCH MORE! Register at bethelnr.org/dayofservice: $8 per person/$20 per family unitl January 15th $10 per person/$25 per family after January 15th Questions? Contact Hazzan Jamie Gloth, jgloth@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 252. Sponsored by the Nursery School, Men’s Club, JLiFE, Youth Community, and Religious School
ry 27th
iday, Februa
Deadline: Fr 3
RABBI’S MESSAGE From time to time I like to refer to the sports news because there are often insights, Rabbi positive and Melvin N. Sirner o t h e r w i s e , f r o m which we may learn. This past November I read a moving article about Charlie Sifford, a name I previously did not know. Charlie, at the age of ninetytwo, received the presidential medal of freedom from President Obama. It seems that Charlie rose from the status of caddie to being an outstanding golfer. Back in the 1950s, golf was regarded as an “all white” person’s game, and Charlie was black. He endured harassment and verbal abuse along his climb. In 1961, he became the first
African American to join the PGA tour. For me, this moving story was a reminder that even in this wonderful country in which we live, we have not always lived up to the ideals our nation so nobly professes. Like individuals, we as a country are always striving to do better and be better. This article resonated with me as our country has been agonizing these last few months over several cases where African Americans have died at the hands of the police. To be sure, the job of a policeman is quite difficult and these men and women who are protecting us all are frequently called upon to make split second decisions. While each of the cases prominent in the news is quite different, several ended with the same result—the death of an African American male who was apparently unarmed. Many wonder whether
the fight was in any way fitting the alleged crime. I believe our society is in the process of insuring that these cases are investigated and justice, not so easy to determine, indeed be done. We can surely understand how our African American neighbors may feel that they are treated differently and punishment is meted out differently to blacks. This is not an easy matter, but I do believe that each of us, in our own modest way, has a role in bettering race relations in our country. We interface at school, at work, and in our neighborhoods with people of all races and religious traditions. On the eve of the commemoration of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday on Monday, January19th, let us all do our part in making a more just and equitable society for all. Rabbi Melvin N. Sirner
NOTES FROM THE HAZZAN Most of our members know that as the Hazzan, I lead many of our religious services, oversee and train our Bar and Bat Mitzvah students, and participate in lifecycle events. Many do not know, however, that I also serve as Director of Congregational Programming at Beth El. In this capacity, I oversee all our programming for the year, and with the help of others, I plan much of it. I do not do this in a vacuum, however. Without the help of volunteers like you,
Join Hazzan Gloth on SHABBAT, JANUARY 3rd, at 12:45 pm, for an informal get together. We will sing old Shabbat morning favorites as well as some new tunes. No registration or sign up. You do not need to have a good voice or be fluent in Hebrew. Anyone can come! You just have to love to sing.
our staff and I could not pull off the type of quality programs—many of which are congregation-wide and aimed at people of all ages and interests—we have come to expect at Beth El. So how do we do it? A couple of years ago, I formed a new committee called the Programming Think Tank, and what we do mostly is think. Our primary goal is to brainstorm through creative idea sharing to help shape and improve major congregational programs, finding ways to reach more members of our congregation in meaningful ways. The members of the group come from all areas of the congregation—early childhood parents, grade school parents, parents of teens, empty nesters, seniors, and everyone in between. It is quite stimulating to shoot ideas around the room, sharing various insights to try to shape the best programs we can for our membership. As with all committees, we are looking to bring new people onto the Programming Think Tank. We meet several times throughout the year, always engaging in lively discussions. We are looking for dedicated people with fresh ideas who are willing to share and implement them. If you are interested in being a part of this wonderful group, please let me know (jgloth@bethelnr.org). We need your help. 4
We also need your help at the actual programs themselves. Volunteers are the bread and butter Hazzan Jamie Gloth of our programs. Simply stated, they could not happen without them. Our wonderful volunteers are part of just about every aspect of every program. And we need more. That is where I hope you come in. We are currently planning for several programs in the coming months: Purim, Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day), the Family Kallah and the Israel Scouts (Tzofim), just to name a few. Our theme for the year, “V’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha,” “Love your neighbor as yourself,” will be infused in all of them. But by helping out as a volunteer, each of us can bring joy and meaning to our Beth El neighbors, our congregational family, as we celebrate throughout the year. Winter seems to be a time of new resolutions. Please consider making this year’s resolution to get more active in your shul. Beth El needs you, and I am certain you will find it rewarding and meaningful yourself. Hazzan Jamie Gloth
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE A Fantastic Weekend Honoring Rabbi Melvin and Lenore Sirner Save these dates for a Special Shabbat: May 29-30 and the Gala Celebration on Sunday evening, May 31st
David I. Golovensky, z”l, in 1976, he was selected as senior rabbi. For more than four decades, Rabbi Sirner has taught us Torah, led us in worship, celebrated with us at s’machot, and comforted us when Samuel E. Berger we mourned. His commitment to caring for us during life’s crucial moments has been unwavering—an inspirational rabbi at all the brit milahs, baby namings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, and weddings. He has also comforted the sick and visited the lonely, and counseled us when we and our family members had problems or were ill, and he mourned with us when we lost loved ones. Rabbi Sirner taught our children and grandchildren and inspired us to live meaningful Jewish lives. During the weekend of May 29-31, we will express our personal appreciation to Rabbi Melvin and Lenore Sirner and wish them well as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. We are planning an exceptional weekend, with a community Shabbat dinner, a special Shabbat service and Kiddish lunch, and the Gala Celebration on Sunday evening. This Gala Celebration will replace our Annual Dinner Dance this year so that we can devote our full attention to this meaningful milestone in the history of our shul. Aaron Fleishaker, Hazzan Ellen Arad, and Jack Gruenberg are the co-chairs for this extraordinary weekend. Please look for announcements requesting volunteers to get involved and help us plan and execute these exciting events. It is sure to be a historical moment for our shul and I hope you will all help in whatever way you can, and join us on the weekend of May 29-31 to help celebrate the legacy of Rabbi Sirner. See you in shul, Sam Berger
Dear Friends, With deep affection, we honor and celebrate Rabbi Melvin N. Sirner as he prepares to retire on June 30th after forty-three years of devoted service to Beth El Synagogue Center. While the unique artistic and architectural features of Beth El’s physical spaces distinguish our synagogue from other synagogues, it is our caring and attentive clergy that contribute to make our kehillah truly special. Throughout our history, we have been blessed with extraordinary rabbis who have contributed to our strength and cared for our members. Some of you may have noticed the plaque on the lower level listing the names of rabbis of Beth El since 1925. They are: Louis Greenberg .............1925-1927 Solomon Katz .................1928-1929 Louis J. Schwefel ............1930-1937 Abraham Nowak .............1938-1943 Jacob Freedman ..............1943-1944 Gershon Feigon ..............1945-1946 David I Golovensky ........1946-1976 And, of course, our beloved Rabbi Melvin N. Sirner, who has led us from 1976- 2015. What is truly amazing is that we have had only two senior rabbis for approximately the past seventy years!! Rabbi Sirner came to Beth El Synagogue Center as our assistant rabbi, immediately following his ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1972. Following the retirement of Rabbi
BETH EL TO ESTABLISH THE RABBI MELVIN AND LENORE SIRNER FUND FOR JEWISH INSPIRATION—THE NER TAMID FUND Our beloved Rabbi Sirner is retiring on June his ability to make people feel special in 30th after forty-three years at Beth El and we every interaction with him. This is now our are planning a spectacular weekend in honor of opportunity to return the compassion, kindness the Rabbi and his wife, Lenore (see president’s and generosity of spirit he has shared with message above). us for so long. By providing a solid financial In an ever-changing world, our rabbi’s foundation, this Fund will ensure that our shul affection has been constant. In gratitude for his will remain a warm and nurturing place where loving devotion and in honor of his dedication, Jewish values are learned and lived. The Rabbi Melvin and Lenore Sirner Fund One of the most important ways to for Jewish Inspiration—The Ner Tamid Fund demonstrate your gratitude is to support The is being established. This fund will preserve and Rabbi Melvin N. and Lenore Sirner Rabbi Melvin and Lenore Sirner Fund for perpetuate Rabbi Sirner’s commitment to Beth Jewish Inspiration—The Ner Tamid Fund. El Synagogue Center. The Rabbi Melvin and Lenore Sirner Fund Please look for information in the coming weeks how you can for Jewish Inspiration—The Ner Tamid Fund is not only a tribute participate and join us in celebrating Rabbi Sirner, his love for the to Rabbi Sirner and his family, but an opportunity for us to invest highest precepts of Conservative Judaism and our shul by paying for a financially strong future of Beth El. tribute and with a personally meaningful donation to this special Fund. One of Rabbi Sirner’s most distinctive qualities has been Thank you in advance. 5
Limmud Programs for January Saturday, January 3rd
1:00 pm Daf Shevui
Tuesday, January 6th
7:40 am Torah Tuesdays (off-site)
Thursday, January 8th
10:00 am WAJE: The Prophets: First Isaiah and Jeremiah, with Rabbi Molly Karp
Thursday, January 8th
6:30 pm Ulpan Beginners, with Miri Ben Avi
Thursday, January 8th
7:30 pm Ulpan Intermediate, with Miri Ben Avi
Thursday, January 8th
7:30 pm Talmud Class, with Rabbi Josh Dorsch
Thursday, January 8th
8:30 pm Ulpan Advanced, with Miri Ben Avi
Thursday, January 8th
8:00 pm Choir Rehearsal, with Hazzan Arad
Saturday, January 10th
1:00 pm Daf Shevui
Sunday, January 11th
10:00 am Israeli Dancing
Thursday, January 15th
10:00 am WAJE: The Prophets: First Isaiah and Jeremiah, with Rabbi Molly Karp
Thursday, January 15th
6:30 pm Ulpan Beginners, with Miri Ben Avi
Thursday, January 15th
7:30 pm Ulpan Intermediate, with Miri Ben Avi
Thursday, January 15th
8:00 pm Choir Rehearsal, with Hazzan Arad
Thursday, January 15th
8:30 pm Ulpan Advanced, with Miri Ben Avi
Saturday, January 17th
1:00 pm Daf Shevui
Sunday, January 18th
10:00 am Israeli Dancing
Thursday, January 22nd
10:00 am WAJE: The Prophets: Second Isaiah and Ezekiel, with Rabbi Molly Karp
Thursday, January 22nd
6:30 pm Ulpan Beginners, with Miri Ben Avi
Thursday, January 22nd
7:30 pm Ulpan Intermediate, with Miri Ben Avi
Thursday, January 22nd
8:00 pm Choir Rehearsal with Hazzan Arad
Thursday, January 22nd
8:30 pm Ulpan Advanced, with Miri Ben Avi
Saturday, January 24th Saturday, January 24th
Retirees Group To commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I, the Retirees Group toured the “Over There, Over Here” poster exhibit at the New Rochelle Public Library and enjoyed a private tour led by Barbara Davis, City Historian. The War was waged not just by soldiers on the battlefield, but also by artists of the Golden Age of Illustration, who created works to stir up patriotism, and by citizens who did their part on the home front. It was a fascinating program! Later in the month of December, Marianne Sussman, Beth El member, former City Councilwoman, and chair of the New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency, shared her knowledge and hopes for the city’s rebranding project. There are exciting and innovative plans taking place in our community! Open to the whole community, on Tuesday, January 13th, Michael Malina, attorney, Beth El member, commentator on Jewish texts and author of Reflections of an Honest Skeptic: An Unorthodox Approach to Genesis, will speak on “Messianism in Judaism and Christianity.” He is back by popular demand, so join us for coffee and a nosh at 9:30 am, discussion at 10:00 am. O n We d n e s d a y, January 28th, join us a s N e w Yo r k S t a t e Assemblywoman Amy Paulin talks about The Trafficking Victims Protection and Justice Act and her fight to end human trafficking. Coffee and a nosh at 10:30 am, Amy will speak at 11:00 am. Julie Rockowitz
10:30 am Shabbat Discussion Group, with Jack Gruenberg 1:00 pm Daf Shevui
Sunday, January 25th
10:00 am Israeli Dancing
Thursday, January 29th
10:00 am WAJE: The Prophets: Second Isaiah and Ezekiel, Rabbi Molly Karp
Thursday, January 29th
6:30 pm Ulpan Beginners, with Miri Ben Avi
Thursday, January 29th
7:30 pm Ulpan Intermediate, with Miri Ben Avi
Thursday, January 29th
8:00 pm Choir Rehearsal, with Hazzan Arad
Thursday, January 29th
8:30 pm Ulpan Advanced, with Miri Ben Avi
Questions? Contact Rabbi Dorsch, 914-235-2700, ext. 260, or jdorsch@bethelnr.org. 6
Yiddish Vinkl Fridays at 1:00 pm All are welcome! We all enjoy speaking mamalochen! Join us every Friday! Speak Yiddish, shmooze, and have fun! For further information, contact Bea Freedman, 914-337-8645.
Seniors attending Westchester Community College’s Mainstream Program in December, under the direction of Ed Pressman, pictured seated at left
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE NORTH END SENIOR PROGRAM Friday, January 2
Closed for Vacation
Wednesday, January 7
Exercise with Cheryl, 10:30 am How to Organize your Affairs, Speaker Sara Meyers, Esq., 11:15 am
Friday, January 9
Zumba with Julie, 10:30 am The Life of Alfred Dumcombe. Speaker David Osborn, 11:30 am
Wednesday, January 14 Tai Chi with Norma, 10:30 am Health Awareness & Hearing Screenings. Speaker Avery Hoffman, 11:45 am Friday, January 16
Exercise with Cheryl, 10:30 am Issues affecting seniors in 2015. Speaker Senator George Latimer, 11:15 am
Wednesday, January 21
Exercise with Julie Rockowitz, 10:30 am Current Events with Shari Baum, 11:30 am
Friday, January 23
Zumba with Julie, 10:30 am
Wednesday, January 28 Coffee and a nosh at 10:30 am “Sex Trafficking in New York,” Speaker Amy Paulin. 11:00 am Friday, January 30
Exercise with Julie Rockowitz, 10:30 am
All seniors are welcome to attend any of these programs. In case of inclement weather, please call 914-235-2700, ext. 223, to make sure the Senior Program is being held.
HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS At left, Cantor Uri Aqua lighted candles and sang songs with residents of 1270 North Avenue; at right and below, our youth at our Congregatonal Menorah Lighting on Beth El’s front lawn.
PHOTOGRAPHS NOT AVAILABLE FOR WEB VIEWING
7
ISRAEL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Conversation with Aline Benain, President of Adath Shalom Adath Shalom: Focus On Youth and post bar/bat mitzvah students. Aline feels there is also a potential joint program opportunity with younger children. We all agreed that it would be productive for Rabbi Sirner to speak with their rabbi, Rabbi Rivon Krygier, and for our respective youth advisors and Religious School directors to explore joint programming opportunities. We exchanged contact information and will continue the dialogue for the mutual benefit of our two synagogues. Anti-Semitism in France is of great concern to Adath Shalom. Aline confirmed the findings of a recent survey conducted by the Foundation for Political Innovation (Fondapol) and reported by the American Jewish Committee that about one-third of the population of France has anti-Semitic views. The survey shows that most antiSemitic views come from the extreme right (National Front Party), the extreme left, and the Muslim community. Aline pointed out that most anti-Semitic incidents have
In October, Beth El Synagogue Center formed a sister synagogue relationship with Adath Shalom in Paris, France. Established in 1989 with ten families, as the first Masorti congregation in France, Adath Shalom has steadily grown to its current membership of over 300 families. Jeff Swarz and David Horowitz had a Skype conference with Aline Benain, president of Adath Shalom, on November 23, 2014. Aline expressed appreciation on behalf of her congregation for our sister synagogue relationship. Aline noted that one of the challenges facing their synagogue is keeping their teens involved in Judaism and connected with synagogue life. Her synagogue has approximately 100 children enrolled in religious school, and about twenty-five to thirty bar/bat mitzvah and post bar/bat mitzvah children. She suggested that a good starting point for a joint program would involve their Talmud Torah/b’nei Torah students and Beth El’s bar/bat mitzvah
occurred in the less affluent suburbs of Paris and not in Paris itself. Aline noted that the members of her synagogue, which is located in the middle of Paris, do not feel they are in immediate danger although they have security for Shabbat services and extra security during the High Holidays. There is more religious tension in the suburbs, especially in small Orthodox shuls. Sadly, Aline states that Jews in France cannot rely on the French government to protect them and to enforce French laws prohibiting antiSemitic acts, due to the economic difficulties facing the country. Adath Shalom is grateful for our showing of solidarity—knowing they are not alone—and look forward to joint youth programs and cultural and informational exchanges as our friendship grows. We welcome comments and suggestions. Jeff R. Swarz (jswarz119@aol.com) David Horowitz (dbhlspc@aol.com) Israel Affairs Committee
Report from the Keruv Committee . . . The Keruv Committee continues to focus on the subject of intermarriage. Of particular concern is the possibility of having truly Jewish children emerge from intermarried families. We hold in high esteem the non-Jewish parent who is willing to have their child raised as a Jew. We know that in many situations, they are not only willing, but actively assist in this process. We would like to speak with these parents, on an informal basis, to learn what motivated them to do this.
Last month Keruv ran an announcement in The Bulletin on this subject. This is a reminder to those in the community who may not have acted on that announcement to come forward so that we can learn from their experiences. Of course, we want to support these families and we want to learn how best to do this. We understand that in many situations, nothing is needed or wanted. People just want to live their lives without any special attention. We respect that desire. But if
we can be of assistance, we would like to learn just how to do so. Are there common themes with regard to rearing children in intermarried families? Are there specific stress points? Family relationships? Jewish and non-Jewish holidays? How have these been handled? If you are interested in these issues or have personal experiences, please e-mail me at rbsuss@optonline.net. Thank you. Bob Sussman
KOL NIDRE APPEAL 2014 ADDENDUM Beth El Synagogue would like to extend a sincere thank you to all those who contributed to our 2014 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* Mr. & Mrs. Jack Auspitz* Mr. & Mrs. Allan Glick*%
* 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.
KOL NIDRE CONTRIBUTORS Mr. Alvin Begleiter & Ms. Binnette Lipper Drs. Lawrence Hanau & Sharon Schoenholtz Mr. Dan Kusnetz Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Fogelman Dr. Risa Ryger & Mr. Peter Wasserman Dr. & Mrs. Edward Halperin% 8
“REGULAR AND IRREGULAR ART” IN THE KANNER-KURZON MUSEUM This exhibit will open in our museum on Saturday, January 10th, and remain on display until Sunday, February 15th. It has been put together by William (“bil”) Scher, M.D., who did basic biomedical research (for many years, at Mount Sinai School of Medicine) after graduating from medical school and until his retirement. He and his family have been interested in various arts, some of which will be included in this exhibit. Bil did not have formal training, but he was always interested in the visual and other arts and was willing to ask experts for advice whenever he felt the need in order to help carry out any of his ideas. He first made a construction with found objects (shells and ice cream sticks) with his then five-year-old daughter. Since 2009, he has used other found objects that he arranges in various patterns and then photographs. The titles for these constructions may be puns, explanations, or descriptions. This exhibit will also include works by other family members. Although his late mother made jewelry and enameled work, she did not want to part with what she had designed or manufactured. She will be seen
in a photograph wearing some of her work. His father, the late William Scher, was a businessman and then a stockbroker in Cleveland, Ohio, where bil was born. During the crash in 1929, his father lost everything. He then moved to Toledo, Ohio, where he was a businessman again. He was also a parttime entertainer, singing on a cowboy radio show for a while. After giving up the radio show, he only entertained as a hobby until he retired to Sarasota, Florida. In Florida he became a stalwart member of the Sarasota Players, while his wife became the property
manager of the group and sat on the Board of Trustees. He also took drawing and painting lessons. He then exhibited, won some prizes, and sold a number of paintings. Some of his work will be included in this show. Bil’s great-grandfather was a poet, writing in Hebrew. Some of his work was published in a book that bil still has. Shmuel Winograd, whose daughter was married at Beth El, translated a few of the poems. Several of these poems will be on display. Bil has a brother who is also a poet, but that work will not be displayed. A son is a writer, and he has also composed and recorded songs, and also performed them. At the artist’s reception, bil will bring CDs with songs composed by, or lyrics written by, his son, father, brother, and bil himself. The artists’ reception will be on Sunday, January 11th, 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm. All are invited to come and talk to bil about his work and that of other members of the family. If you would like to visit at any other time, if the room is locked please get the key from the Beth El office or from the greeter at the front door.
Beth El Celebrates January Birthdays Beth El Synagogue Center would like to extend a “Happy Birthday!” to its members with a birthday in the month of January. Please join us for a birthday Jonathan Altman Uri Aqua Jason Aronstein Dana Asher Joan Atlas Robert Baker Daniel Bases Jeffrey Bloom Sherry Brown Jocelyn Burton Micah Carr-Gloth Rachel CohenZolottev Joel Davis Jeremy Dubin Claudia Felberg Barbara Finder Nathan Fisher
Jordan Fishler Anne Friedman Barry Friedman Leon Geller Tanner Glickman Simone Goldberg Judith Goldstein Meryl Gordon Jeffrey Gordon Remy Gordon Bilha Gottlieb Sybil Gottlieb Irene Greenspan Myron Greenspan Linda Haber Wendy Herlands Alexander Herman David Herskowitz
celebration at our Kiddush luncheon on January 10th. If you have a January birthday, but your name does not appear on the list, we are sorry for the omission and we ask that you contact the synagogue at info@bethelnr.
org so that we can update our records. Please also contact us if you do not wish to have your name appear on our birthday list. (The list reflects our adult members and post-bar/ bat mitzvah children up to the age of 21.)
Michael Herskowitz Carol Herzberg David Horowitz Linda Hyman Jessica Jakoby Florence Joffe Mathilde Joseph Leonard Kahn Yariv Katz Shirley Katz Harvey Katzeff Richard Kaufman Adam Kerchner Jessica Keusch Ruth King Marc Klee Roy Krasik Estelle Lebowitz
Sharon Spenser I. Milton Robbins Dina Stahl Jordan Rose Shirin Stein Eric Roth Carla Stein Nathaniel Roth Richard Stern Dana Rottman Lawrence Rubenstein Carolyn Strauch Joyce Striar Meir Salama Joseph Tait Gwen Salmo Dylan Tait Mary Salpeter Betty Troyetsky Henry Scholder Howard Wenig Rachel Schwartz Danielle Wolk Lori Schwartz Joseph Wygoda Jennifer Seidner Barbara Wygoda Simone Shteingart Dava Yavetz Arnold Silverman Lori Zung Ruth Slater Marilyn Sofer Happy Birthday! Sherry Solomon
Peter Levine Deborah Levine Lorri Liss Marci Lobel-Esrig Nina Luban Michelle Maidenberg Harry Mamaysky Howard Mandelbaum Jesse Morris Samantha Morris Orli Moscowitz Ann Oestreicher Laura Penn Samuel Perlman Kelly Plaxin Helene Pollack Jay Rehr Arlene Reifer 9
MEMORIES TO GO: OUR STORIES ABOUT THE TWENTIETH CENTURY The Yiddish Shirley Temple From the day my mother began her perilous journey from LeHavre, France, in the hold of the ship Nieuw Amsterdam, where she, her mother, and her two younger brothers were ensconced for the four-week trip across the Atlantic Ocean in order to reach the docks in New York City, she dreamt of becoming an American. Being poor and uneducated in English, she soon realized that she could only fulfill her dreams through her children, who were born in the United States. And then she saw Shirley Temple, everyone’s sweetheart! No question—were she to have a daughter, her daughter would somehow become the next Shirley Temple. I was born in 1932; Shirley Temple was born in 1928, which meant that she was a star when I was born. Since EVERYBODY spoke Yiddish, read Yiddish newspapers, saw Yiddish movies, and went to Yiddish productions in Yiddish theaters all over New York City, especially on Second Avenue, it seemed obvious that I was going to fulfill my mother’s dream by becoming “The Yiddish Shirley Temple.” Spending the summers in the Catskill Mountains, whether in a bungalow or a small hotel, was a given for almost every Jewish immigrant family living in New York City. Air conditioning did not exist, and the heat and dust could be overwhelming. The “fresh air” in the Catskills attracted everyone. Of course, that meant that mothers and children were in the country, while the fathers spent mid-week working at their jobs and businesses in New York City, traveling north on Route 17 every Friday afternoon, and south every Sunday. Day camps for children did not exist, and so my mother spent a great deal of her time teaching me Yiddish songs by playing them on a Victrola (a hand-wound machine) that played 78 RPM records. I entertained mother’s friends in the evenings by standing on a table and singing Molly Picon’s popular repertoire. It was 1938 and I was six years old. My life on the stage began in a small hotel located in Loch Sheldrake, New York. The casino, where the entertainment of the evening was held, was a large, rectangular, simple enclosure with a peaked wooden roof. There was a raised area in the back right-hand corner for a bandstand, with an
old upright piano against the back wall, so placed that the pianist could see the performer on stage at all times. The sun streaming through the windows that lined the walls made it the hottest place to be in the Catskill Mountains in the afternoon. This was where I was one day when I saw a fat, sweaty, weird looking man hand his music to the piano player in order to rehearse for the evening’s performance. He waddled back onto the stage as his hair fell in an unruly mess onto his forehead, and, as he swept the room with his bugged-out eyes, he saw me sitting in the back-most corner of the room, hoping not to be noticed. Zero Mostel had spotted me and all was lost. “I never go on stage with children or dogs,” he bellowed, and I ran for my life. Summer ended and life back in New York City meant going to PS 105, which was right down the block from where we lived. Regular homework assignments were alternated with riding the “El” train to my various coaches. I went to Mrs. Brikel, my midweek singing coach, and to Marjorie Ward’s Dancing School. Marjorie Ward was the mother of actress and film director Penny Marshall. My routine also included going to popular singing coach Joe Stewaret on Broadway, and going for Yiddish coaching on Sunday mornings with Shalom Secunda. Since my father was in the dress/shmata/ party dress business, he was in charge of seeing to it that I had gowns designed and sewn for me by the designer and sample maker of the manufacturer with whom he did business. I spent my winters waiting for my summers to begin. As news from Europe started to affect all of the entertainment world, radio, movies, and regular reporting by “Pathé News” in the movie theaters, I became a very popular singer at the various dinners and banquets hosted by the lansmanshaften in New York. Each town in Poland, Russia, Galicia (now Ukraine) and Rumania had sad songs of longing for the old days about souls lost to the horrors of war. I learned songs like Beltz, Galicia, and Zlatapol that harkened back to the good old days in Europe that no longer existed. As Jews in America, we kept a very low profile. We were not welcome guests. Back in 1924, the United States government had 10
by Shirley Katz passed a quota resolution limiting the number of immigrants from Eastern Europe and Italy. So, although horror stories were coming out of Europe in 1940 and 1941, we had absolute faith that our president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, would do the right thing. He was our savior. We trusted him. I knew nothing about the ship that was refused entry to New York, filled with educated, well-to-do Jews from Europe that was sent back and the people to be murdered by the Germans. An old movement arose anew, very real and necessary—Zionism. It became obvious that the Jews had to have a home. Though not a new notion, now it was imperative because we learned that no matter how accomplished we were, nobody wanted us if we were Jewish. My father saw to it that I was a regular at the fundraisers at AMPAL banquets, a Jewish organization formed to raise the money to buy tracts of land in Palestine. He worked tirelessly with the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), which meant that I was kept busy singing in order to raise funds needed to realize the dream of a Jewish state. All the while, we only knew that the news from Europe was bad and getting worse. America entered the war in 1941, after our friends the Japanese, sitting in Washington, D.C. purporting to sign a peace agreement, ordered the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. It was only after our armies went into Europe that we learned of the massive catastrophe that had led to the murder of eleven million people, six million of them Jews. The war in Europe ended in August 1945. Having been out late singing and dancing in the casino (in the Laurel Park Hotel in South Fallsburg, where Jerry Lewis was our busboy, but that’s another story), I was awakened by the chambermaid shouting, “Wake up! The war is over!” Over in Europe, perhaps, but Japan finally surrendered in September 1945. I was thirteen years old, and, like Shirley Temple, one would assume that my Yiddish musical career had come to an end and one would be right! Yiddish died along with the Jews in the cities, towns, and concentration camps of Europe. Memories to Go meets on select Monday mornings, under the direction of Lynn Lowin. Contact her at lrockiel@aol.com.
MEN’S CLUB A Note from Your Men’s Club . . . The Men’s Club is making pancakes (and some eggs) in January! Start your Beth El Day of Service with a hearty meal, courtesy of the Men’s Club. We begin in the kitchen at 7:30 am, but if you just want to eat and do good deeds, we will bring the food out at 9:00 am and serve it until 11:00 am. Please see the Day of Service box on page 3 for additional details about this day, and remember to sign up. While technically next month, we ask that you put February 1st on your calendar for the World-Wide Wrap. We partner with the Religious School, but assist ALL members who want to experience wearing t’fillin. The World-Wide Wrap is a signature program of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC). Jews around the world are literally “bound together” by focusing on this unique ritual that spans ages and generations. Whether you do it every day
MEN’S BOOK CLUB
and want to help or have not done it since your bar or bat mitzvah, please consider joining us. We will have spare pairs of t’fillin available if you need them and will serve breakfast afterwards. The BEMC had a spectacular December with our Monday Night Football barbecue and OUR signature event—the Blood Drive. We were able to donate sixty-four pints of blood to the New York Blood Bank. We also started a new tradition with Jewish Heritage Night with the Westchester Knicks. Our “bagel and shmear” monthly meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 11th, at 9:00 am. Please join us! We are gearing up for our pre-Purim Karaoke party on February 28, 2015. There will be booze to loosen the vocal chords, so 21 and over only. Look for details in the next Bulletin. Rob Levine and Steven Young Co-Presidents
Men’s Club World-Wide Wrap Sunday, February 1st
In January 2015 we will launch a Men’s Book Club at Beth El. We will meet during the day at Beth El, or perhaps explore other venues. The frequency of our meeting is to be determined in accordance with the interests of those who respond. The exact time of the meetings is also to be determined. If you‘re a reader and would like to participate in this club, please contact Bob Sussman at rbsuss@optonline.net. Kindly include your phone number, the day of the week, and the time of the day most suitable for you. We will try to arrange a schedule that suits most of us, as well as Beth El space availability. Naturally, we’ll pick books that are of particular interest to men. (We won’t exclude books, of course, that women also find interesting.) Those who express an interest will then be contacted regarding details. Bob Sussman
Men’s Club Meeting Sunday, January 11th 9:00 am
Watch for more information. Learn how to put on t’fillin, or practice with us. Extra sets of t’fillin are available for those who need it. Afterwards, join Men’s Club for some breakfast! Open to men and women!
Join us for a bagel and shmear, and help us plan our upcoming events. We need your ideas and your time!
Men’s Club proudly announces its
Second Annual Pre-Purim Karaoke Event Saturday Evening, February 28th 8:00 pm
Hazzan Gloth donating blood at our December Blood Drive 11
Food, drink costumes optional. 21 years of age and older! Watch for details!
Join Sisterhood on Beth El’s Day of Service—Bring Smiles and Friendship to Senior Citizens
NEW ROCHELLE HADASSAH invites you to join us as, back by popular request, we feature
Please join Sisterhood when we visit the residents of the United Hebrew Home, 391 Pelham Road, New Rochelle, on Sunday morning, January 18th. Women, men and children are all encouraged to join us for a rousing sing-along of old music (or just clap along). We will also engage the residents in conversation to bring joy to their day. They love our annual hour-and-a-half visit! Help make our seniors happy. We will meet at Beth El at 10:00 am and carpool to the United Hebrew Home. Come at 9:00 am to have some breakfast, prepared by the Men’s Club, and participate in additional Day of Service activities. For information about the Day of Service, see page 3. Please R.S.V.P. to Lauren Berger at Lberger422@aol.com to let her know you’ll join Sisterhood at the Hebrew Home.
TRACY WRIGHT
Director, Eastchester Public Library
“What’s New! What’s Hot! in Current Books of Jewish Interest!” With her extensive background, Tracy will review recently published Jewish-themed books. Books are available for checkout, so bring your library card!
Monday, January 26, 2015 Eastchester Public Library 11 Oakridge Place, Eastchester, NY Dessert: 12:30 pm Program: 1:00 pm
Torah Fund Pins Replacement pins have arrived. Please contact Gaby Newfield at gabyn77@yahoo.com, or Rita Kaufman at rita.kaufman@gmail.com.
Everyone welcome!
Beth El Synagogue Center Wins Four METNY Awards
Beth El Synagogue Center won four METNY awards—A Silver Award for Early Childhood Education, and Gold Awards for The Bulletin, Special Programs, and Israel Awareness. Pictured are Beth El’s Vice President Geralynn Reifer, President Samuel E. Berger, and Vice President Debbie Young with METNY District Vice-Chair and Beth El Past President Marc Klee. 12
SISTERHOOD Sisterhood Scene Happy 2015! I hope that everyone had a happy Hanukkah with family and friends. As we begin the secular New Year, Sisterhood continues to be active. On pages 3 and 12 you will see information about Sisterhood’s participation in the synagogue’s Annual Day of Service on Sunday, January 18th. Lauren Berger has arranged for us to start the day at Beth El, along with families participating in a variety of service projects, and then proceed to the United Hebrew Home on Pelham Road. We have been doing this for several years and it never fails to bring joy and satisfaction to all who participate. Also this month is our Annual Cinema Brunch on Monday, January 19th, chaired by Phoebe Gross. This year’s film is Dancing in Jaffa, is about internationally renowned ballroom dancer Pierre Dulaine, who returns to his city of birth, Jaffa, to teach ten-yearold Arab and Jewish children to dance and compete together. The morning will begin with brunch and a boutique. The screening of the film will follow. Please see the box at right for information and mark you calendar!
As you know, our Sisterhood has been a major fundraiser for the Jewish Theological Seminary for many years. We do this through our Torah Fund campaign. This year, however, the campaign was nearly derailed because of a defect with the pins that are given to women to represent participation in this program. All problems with the pins have now been resolved and we have received the replacement pins. If you have not yet picked up your replacement pin, have any questions regarding the pins, or are interested in joining us as we raise funds for JTS, please contact either Rita Kaufman at rita.kaufman@gmail. com or Gaby Newfield at gabyn77@yahoo. com. We appreciate your patience. The Sisterhood Evening Book Club is off to a great start. We welcome all who would like to join us. Our next meeting is Thursday, February 5th, at 7:30 pm. We will discuss The Nazi Officer’s Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust, by Edith H. Beer. Get the book and start reading! In friendship, Barbara Horowitz, Sisterhood President
New 2015 Sisterhood Mah Jongg Cards available for purchase! Regular size, $8 • Large cards, $9 For every Mah Jongg card Sisterhood sells, we will receive a donation from the National Mah Jongg League. Support your Sisterhood! Contact Arlene Salman at aesalman@aol.com, or 914-235-2485.
Clean out your attic and basement and help raise funds for Sisterhood at the same time! Tag Sale Sunday, May 3, 2015 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at Beth El Synagogue Center
Under the direction of Miriam Schwarz Goods may be brought to the synagogue office and we will store the items safely until the sale.
No clothing or books.
Ongoing Programs CARD ROOM, 12:45 pm: Canasta (Mondays) and Mah Jongg (Tuesdays) meet weekly! WALKING CLUB meets every Monday at 9:30 am for a nice easy walk—not a jog. Everyone is welcome! BAGELS & BOOKS BOOK CLUB usually meets on the last Monday of the month, at 9:30 am. Join us on January 12th for Between Friends, by Amos Oz. MITZVAH KNITTING meets once a month on Wednesdays. We have supplies. Lessons are available. We will meet on January 28th. Join us! FOR QUESTIONS about any of these activities, contact Arlene Salman at 914-235-2485, or aesalman@aol.com. 13
Sisterhood presents its Annual CINEMA BRUNCH Monday, January 19th
Dancing in Jaffa
Registration and Winter Boutique begins at 10:30 am Brunch • 11:00 am Film begins • 11:30 am The film demonstrates the powerful role that the arts, and dance in particular, can play in enabling children to overcome prejudice and build strong personal ties. 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) To register, visit bethelnr.org/cinemabrunch. Questions? Call the office at 914-235-2700, ext. 223.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR SUMMER 2015 Early Bird Deadline: February 10, 2015 MONDAY, JUNE 29 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 Open Friday, July 3, and Monday, July 6! To register, visit bethelnr.org/daycamp To arrange a tour, call Julie at 914-235-2700, ext. 256 Questions? E-mail jrockowitz@bethelnr.org
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NURSERY SCHOOL NEWS December was a very busy month for our Nursery School and, of course, it focused on Hanukkah! Once again, we approached our “ritual item making” in a new way. We divided our efforts according to grade level. Our two-year-olds made a Hanukkiyyah for their families. Children simply glow when they light their very own hanukkiyyot (menorahs) for the first time. If they designed it themselves and were able to successfully follow through on their own ideas, the shine on their face is even greater. Not only are they proud to be participating in a very “grown-up” mitzvah, but also they themselves have created this special hanukkiyyah: a hanukkiyyah that reflects their own ideas, creativity, and ability to create something useable, important, and unique. Our hope is that this “family heirloom” will be used for many years as part of our two-year-old families’ tradition. Our threes made a unique Drip Tray, which can be used under the Hanukkiyyot to catch all the wax and oil. Complete with photographs and a mirrored base to reflect the flames, we trust that families will use this tray for many years as a reminder of their child’s time in Gezah at Beth El Nursery School. They also each created their own candle to use as a shamash, our helper candle. The theme for our four-year-olds was LATKES! Their latke tray, entitled “I love you a Latke,” was inspired by cutting and grating potatoes and creating one of the tastiest dishes on Hanukkah. This learning was expanded to different types of potatoes—cooking, boiling, and mashing potatoes, and even growing potatoes. Our four-year-olds also explored dreidels. They learned about the Hebrew letters on the dreidel, and in addition to playing many games of dreidel, they counted and sorted
them by size, materials, and color. Our three- and four-year-old classes jointly created a special Class Hanukkiyyah, which they lit each morning of the holiday. These beautiful hanukkiyyot will be auctioned off at our January Silent Auction. They are all truly museum quality! Hanukkah is not just about candles— it’s about oil as well. A unique experience for our four-year-old Anaf classes was their exposure to olives and oil. They discovered that the process of making oil is a slow one. The children experimented with different equipment and items in the classroom to squeeze the olives. They did it by hand, by placing the olive under the blocks, in garlic presses, or other things they found in the classroom. In this way, they could really see how difficult it is to get oil from an olive. We spoke about how many olives must have been needed to make enough oil to light the menorah in the Temple so many years ago. Our annual Hanukkah Chagigah was a fabulous success! We invited the parents of our three- and four-year-old children to spend time with their children experiencing firsthand the creative process and methodology of good early childhood practice. They built hanukkiyyot in the block corner, sewed dreidels, decorated Hanukkah cookies (which were pre-baked by the children), played dreidel and “Pin the Shamash on the Menorah,” and engaged in a variety of art activities related to the holiday. Later we gathered in the Crystal Room for our traditional Hanukkah Chagigah: candle lighting, communal singing and dancing with our music specialist Bobby Doowah. A few highlights of our program where seeing four dads create a huge human dreidel and spin around at different speeds, and watching our clergy and synagogue leaders jump out of the frying pan and run around the room, acting the part of runaway
latkes. Although we were all a bit dizzy from spinning around like dreidels, it did not stop us from enjoying some tasty sufganiot (jelly doughnuts). We look forward to celebrating many more holidays together with our extended Beth El community. This year it was my pleasure to partner with Rabbi Dorsch and offer a Hanukkah Helper Interactive Workshop for our parent body. A group of us learned the historical basis for this holiday, as well as how to play dreidel, sing traditional songs, prepare latkes and jelly donuts, light a hanukkiyyah, and host a Hanukkah party. Plans are underway to offer a similar workshop for Purim and Passover. We all know that famous phrase, “It is better to give then to receive,” but this is a difficult concept to convey to children, who are culturally bombarded with a much different message. We would like to thank our parent body for remembering to send tzedakah coins with the children. This hands-on-approach helps the children internalize one of the important meanings of “doing a mitzvah.” As Jews, we are obligated to walk the world mindfully. We teach our children to act with kavod (respect); to realize their responsibilities towards one another and the earth. Our parent body launched a Mitzvah Committee, a program that seeks to increase our children’s understanding of what a mitzvah is and promote a desire in our children to perform acts of kindness. In December we sponsored a Mitten Menorah Drive, which afforded families and children a chance to donate a pair of children’s mittens or gloves that will be donated to Kids Closet. It makes us all feel good to do something for others and we hope, with your support, to continue to be a source of ma’asim tovim (good deeds). Ronnie Becher, Director
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YOUTH NEWS Youth Community Update In December, Ruach (K-2nd grade) warmed up on a cold day with Stone Soup! They read the popular story and worked together to make their own pot of stone soup. Chaverim (3rd-5th grade) played Hanukkah-themed games and created a beautiful Hanukkah keepsake—a decorated candle storage box. Kadima (6th-8th grade) also celebrated Hanukkah together at their Hanukkah lounge night. USY (9th-12th grade) made a difference at their annual Koach Jawanio Carnival, where they joined teens from all over Westchester and Rockland Counties for an afternoon of crafting with over 100 residents of local homes for developmentally disabled adults. USYers also celebrated Shabbat with a festive service and dinner at Rabbi Dorsch’s home. It was exciting for us to partner for the first time with the Nursery School for our Family Hanukkah Mitzvah Day at the United Hebrew Home. Families gathered to sing songs and play dreidel games with residents. In January, all eyes are pointed towards our Annual Youth Shabbat on January 17th, when kids of all ages will come to Beth El for a festive Shabbat. Don’t forget—K-12th graders who arrive early will get doughnuts and hot chocolate, and the first fifty kids to arrive will also get a Starbucks gift card!
Jen’s Corner Over the past few years, we have explored a great many opportunities for community building among our families. We have had youth programming for various ages that utilized sports, cooking, games, crafts, performances, or other unique and engaging experiences. We’ve had Shabbat programs, book clubs, babysitting classes, and even a Magic the Gathering meet-up. One initiative that I particularly enjoyed was the Rosh Hodesh Women’s Group. For two years, we met monthly for schmoozing and
YOUTH COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS Thursday, January 8
Chaverim (3rd-5th grade) Minute to Win It, 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm
Saturday, January 10
Magic the Gathering and Pokemon Kiddush
Thursday, January 15
Play Practice for Youth Shabbat, 2nd-5th grade, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Saturday, January 17
ANNUAL YOUTH SHABBAT Emek USY Prom at OJC
Sunday, January 18
Beth El Day of Service (details, page 3)
Sunday, January 25 Ruach (K-2nd) Superhero Day, 11:00 am - 12:15 pm Kadima, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm Friday, January 30
METNY Palooza, in Queens
Watch your e-mail for information about other upcoming Youth Events!
SAVE THESE DATES . . . Our first Youth Community “Parent Night Out” dates are fast approaching. Join us at a local bar for a drink and schmoozing!
Details are coming soon. Ruach and Chaverim Parents (K-5th grade) Saturday Evening, February 7th 8:30 pm-10:30 pm Kadima & USY Parents (6th-12th grade) Saturday Evening, March 28th 8:30 pm-10:30 pm
Torah learning. Women of all ages joined us—recent college grads, Nursery School and Youth Community moms, seniors and retirees, empty nesters, and everyone in-between! By popular demand, we are bringing back the Rosh Hodesh Women’s Group on Wednesday, January 21st. Watch your e-mail for details, because this is surely a women’s night out that you won’t want to miss! You’ll get to meet someone new, learn something new, and celebrate the new Hebrew month of Shevat.
ANNUAL YOUTH SHABBAT JANUARY 17th Details, page 18 PHOTOGRAPHS NOT AVAILABLE FOR WEB VIEWING Above, Ruach (Kindergarten 2nd grades) making their own “Stone Soup”
At right, Chaverim (3rd - 5th grades) creading candle boxes for Hanukkah 16
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL & YOUTH NEWS Religious School News December was, of course, Hanukkahthemed in the Religious School. Our Gan, Alef, and Bet children learned how olive oil is made from a real olive press, and each child lit his or her own hanukkiyyah. The Gimel-Gesher classes competed in the second annual Hanukkiyyada competition. With trivia, games, cheers, song parodies and more, this is an annual favorite in the Religious School. The Religious School Parent Organization hosted an evening of Hanukkah cooking with Chef Larry Hoffman, which was as much fun as it was delicious! We also held our first Erev Shabbat program of the year for Hey/Vav and Gesher to experience an exciting service and build community over Shabbat dinner. We’re looking forward to a fun January!
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Monday, January 5 Sunday, January 11 Monday, January 12 Tuesday, January 13 Thursday, January 15 Saturday, January 17 Sunday, January 18 Friday, January 23 Sunday, January 25
Incentive Scholarships for Ramah Sleep Away Camp for Beth El Members Beth El Synagogue Center is pleased to offer incentive scholarships to support children of our Beth El members to attend Ramah Sleep Away Camp. Scholarships are intended to encourage youth to participate and are not based on financial need. For a scholarship application, contact Lauren Berger at Lberger422@aol.com. Thanks to a generous donation from the Price-Wexler Family Camp Ramah Endowment, scholarships are offered to campers in families who have not had a child attend Camp Ramah sleep away, or have attended for only one summer. You may apply for a scholarship for up to $1,000 for first timers and up to $500 for a second summer.
Religious School Resumes Art for Gimel-Vav Olim and Tichon Educator Meeting, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm E.L.I., 5:45 pm-7:00 pm Tuesday Teens resumes, with Rabbi Dorsch Gan-Gesher Educator Meeting, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm ANNUAL YOUTH SHABBAT Beth El Day of Service Olim & Tichon Erev Shabbat, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Rosh Hodesh Shvat Hawaiian Dress Up Day WAHS Zimriyah for Dalet at JCCH, 10:00 am-11:00 am Religious School Board & Educators Brunch, 12:00 pm-1:00 pm Teen Program with JNF, 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
Follow the Religious School on Twitter! @bethelrelschool
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Pictured above left, Gan spinning dreidel art; above right, Kittah Bet building halachically accurate Lego hanukkiyyot
Our Westchester Jewish Basketball League
The Westchester Jewish Basketball League season is off to a great start. Our 12th grade and 5th/6th grade teams played their hearts out at Sunday’s games!
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Call for 2017 Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebrants Are you . . . • Born in 2004? • Currently in fifth grade? • Marking your bar/bat mitzvah in 2017? If you answered “yes” to these questions and you have not received a letter from our clergy asking for your input regarding date assignment, please notify Rosalie in the clergy office at 914-235-2700, ext. 228, or e-mail rcristofalo@bethelnr.org, as soon as possible. Thank you.
Youth Shabbat, Saturday, January 17th Each year, the Youth Shabbat is an opportunity for members of our Youth Community to take part in the main service. The youth take over the entire service—from announcing pages to reading Torah, from leading Ashrei to giving the D’var Torah. This is always an exciting Shabbat, and our young people look forward to participating before a large congregation. Please join us on this special Shabbat!
teens are invited to join their grades for the following parts: • Ruach (K-2nd Grade) - Adon Olam • Chaverim (3rd-5th Grade) - Ein Keloheinu and Aleinu • Kadima (6th-8th Grade) - Torah Honor Hosafa Shlisheet • 9th & 10th Grade- Torah Honor Shvi’i • 11th & 12th Grade - Torah Honor Hosafa Shisheet
ATTENTION YOUTH We are so excited for Youth Shabbat on January 17th. The service will begin promptly at 9:00 am. Please plan to arrive early. There will be donuts and hot chocolate waiting for you at 8:40 am, and Starbucks gift cards for the first fifty youth (Kindergarten 12th grade) to arrive. Every child has the opportunity to participate in the service. Those who are interested in individual parts can contact Hazzan Gloth at jgloth@bethelnr.org. In addition to individual parts, children and
Additionally, Chaverim is invited to join the Parasha Players, who will perform a brief skit of the parasha, as well as a special commercial. Every child who attends rehearsal will receive a role. To participate, simply R.S.V.P. to amoldoff@bethelnr.org that your child will attend the rehearsal on Thursday, January 15th, and will perform on Saturday, January 17th.
COMMUNITY NEWS
at Beth El Synagogue Center 7:15 pm Cocktail Dinner 8:30 pm Entertainment & Program Register online at wjcouncil.org, or call 914-328-7001.
WAJE Announces New Class for January at Beth El Jews for Exegesis: Interpreting the Biblical Text, with Rabbi Molly Karp, will meet for five Tuesday mornings, from 10:00 am to 12:15 pm. A stipend is available to interested Beth El members. To register, contact Alice Tenney at waje@wjcouncil.org, or 914-328-7001, ext. 704. Class dates: January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3 18
If any youth are interested in participating, please contact Hazzan Gloth at jgloth@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 252.
JANUARY YAHRZEIT DATES
MAZAL TOV
The yahrzeit of the following deceased persons permanently inscribed on our Memorial Walls are observed on these dates:
Newsmakers . . .
Mazal tov to:
Isadore Ginsburg Susan Kramer Yosef Rapoport Beckie Walek Alexander Ira Boner Hyman M. Charm Isidore Eisenberg Hannelies Guggenheim Edward Heligman Stanley Josell Frances Miller Leon Nirenberg Chaim Rubin Benzel Bertram Klein Jacob Sohn Beatrice Berens B. Merton Aronstein Rose Goldman Rebecca Goldstein Joseph Kurzon Samuel Zucker Rose Cohn Irving Friedman Jacob Katzof Morris Loinger Joseph Sunshine Eva Sussman Frances Rosenblum Barbara Teichman Nathan Fink Ralph P. Katz Rose Goldstein Ada Hirsch Ella G. Farber Myra Farber Theodore I. Garfein Helene Guggenheim Tillie Nirenberg Anna Sohn Frida Szlachter Herman E. Getzoff Rose M. Greenberg Charlotte Hirsch Florence Singer Louis H. Streger Coloman Lowenkopf Deborah Miller
Gregory Stein and Amy Kline-Stein upon the birth of son Keller Jacob Stein; Joseph and Linda Resnick upon the birth of grandson Jacob David, and to parents Brian and Jennifer Resnick; Richard Wolloch and Nora Klion-Wolloch upon the engagement of their daughter Deena Wolloch to Eliran Mesika, son of Rina and Shlomo Mesika; Dr. Mitchell and Robin Kaphan upon the engagement of their daughter Dr. Alison Kaphan to Timothy Coyle, son of Teresa and Timothy Coyle; Lauren Berger and Jay Rehr upon the marriage of their son Joshua to Elana Jacob, daughter of Helene and Howard Jacob.
A Warm Beth El Mazal Tov to One and All!!!
Share your milestone events with us! We would like to hear about your engagements, births, graduations, losses, and other events. If you experience a milestone or a loss in your family, please call Rosalie in the clergy office, 914-235-2700, ext. 228, with your news.
Kiddush The Kiddush of January 10th will be sponsored by Edith Geisinger in honor of her ninetieth birthday. The Kiddush of January 24th will be sponsored by Tamar and Joseph Tait in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son Dylan Tait. The Kiddush of January 31st will be sponsored by Nina Kleiman and Leon Goldberg in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter Simone Goldberg.
Interested in Sponsoring a Kiddush? Call Alise Liquorie in the synagogue office, 914-235-2700, ext. 223, or e-mail aliquorie@bethelnr.org.
CONDOLENCES We record with sorrow the losses suffered by our members and friends and extend to them our deepest sympathies. Condolences to: Dr. Ruth Kling upon the loss of her mother, Luba Kaminer; Edna Hoffer upon the loss of her husband, Dr. Alex Hoffer; Judy Shapiro upon the loss of her husband, Edward Shapiro; Eleanor Walfish upon the loss of her father, Jack Radin; Dorothy Fox upon the loss of her mother, Sylvia Aig; Blair Selber upon the loss of his father, Joel Selber; Alan Legatt upon the loss of his father, Herbert Legatt; David Blaustein upon the loss of his sister Felicia Blaustein; The family of Aziza Mowlem on her passing; Nina Luban upon the loss of her father, Irving Luban.
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David Snyder Fannie Bogash Emil Feuerstein Arline Kasakove Amelia Lyons Mary Schifter Philip Schonberg Herman Axelrod Molly Warriner Beatrice Bergman Frances Goldman Victor Gordon Rebecca Jackson Leon A. Messing Hyman Batkin Shirley Ilberman Irving Barasch Ida Bolnik Jack H. Epstein Martin M. Fagin Seymour Kostrinsky Teresa Ginsberg David Barish Lillian Fried Dr. Max Goldstein Janet S. Levene William Rosenberg Anita Rothenberg Moses Baer Sheffer Reuben Sherman Samuel Guggenheim Daniel Halpern Harry Zuckerman Max Goldman Sidney Shalat Sigi Engler Eunice Fishman George Y. Winter Tola Messing Dinah Ross Maurice Isaac Cohen Gertrude Schwartz Nathan Behr Joseph Brandes Robert Brenner Rabbi Abraham Nowak
Welcome to the Beth El Community
The Kaufman Family of Tuckahoe Harold & Lisa Stanley, & Alex 19
The Messinger Family of New Rochelle Andrew & Rachel Ari, 5; Joshua, 2
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CONTRIBUTIONS THE ANDREW SHAPIRO MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF: Ed Shapiro, beloved husband of Judy Shapiro and beloved father of Larry Shapiro and Douglas Shapiro, from Thelma Levine; Iris Wein and Allan Byer; Rose Arlene and Harland Shapiro; Helen Brill, Babs and Harvey Shapiro, Mark Shapiro, Annette Berul, Brenda and Bernie Levin, Ann and Stanley Seeb; Allison, Aaron and Ryan of Platinum Select Nursing; Roni and Gary Glassman; Judy and Hy Harary; The New Years Group; Roz and Dick Kaufman; Tom and Carmen Corey; The Staub Family; Wendy and Andrew Tannenbaum; Alyssa and Michael Sokoloff; Stefani and David Alcosser; and Rebecca Shankman.
SYLVIA AND ROBERT SCHER CHESED COMMUNITY FUND IN HONOR OF: Martin Levitin on his eighty-fifth birthday, from Dana Rottman. Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner on the birth of their grandson Lev Benjamin, from Laura Lewis. IN MEMORY OF: Alex Hoffer, beloved husband of Edna Hoffer, from Tamar and Joseph Tait and family, and Elissa and Jonathan Glickman. Sylvia Aig, beloved mother of Dorothy Fox, from Tamar and Joseph Tait and family, and Kay and Rabbi Moshe Pomerantz. Harriet Engelson upon her yahrzeit, from Barbara Engelson and Marc Klee. Shirley Salzman, beloved mother of Judy Schustack, from Fran and Larry Rubenstein. Jack Radin, beloved father of Ellie Walfish, from Fran and Larry Rubenstein.
PTA ISRAEL TRAVEL STUDY SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN MEMORY OF: Alex Hoffer, beloved husband of Edna Hoffer, from Laura Lewis, and Louise and Jason Silverman.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES FUND IN HONOR OF: Lauren Berger and Jay Rehr on the aufruf of their son Josh Rehr, from Laura Lewis. IN MEMORY OF: Sylvia Klee, beloved mother and grandmother to the Klee family, from Linda and Harvey Heir. Sylvia Aig, beloved mother of Dorothy Fox, from Linda and Harvey Heir.
GENERAL FUND IN HONOR OF: A generous donation was received from Diane and Eugene Linett. Our Simchat Torah honorees Robert Baker, Donna Bartell, Michael Meisler, and Robert Weber, from Phyllis and Harvey Jay. Marjorie and Mark Seidenfeld on their twentyfifth wedding anniversary, from Phyllis and Harvey Jay. Harvey Jay on his special birthday, from Trudy Garshovsky. Judy and Bobby Schmeidler on their fiftieth wedding anniversary, from Phyllis and Harvey Jay, and Mila and Michael Greenberg. Marianne and Bob Sussman on their fiftieth wedding anniversary, from Mila and Michael Greenberg. Shari and Marvin Chinitz on the birth of their grandson, from Phyllis and Harvey Jay, Mila and Michael Greenberg, and Harriet and Marc Suvall. Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner on the birth of their grandson Lev Benjamin, from Mila and Michael Greenberg, and Janet Yoskowitz. Barbara and Jay Lerman on the birth of their grandson Jacob Yair Heistein, from Mila and Michael Greenberg. Rochelle Chaiken on the birth of her grandson, from Mila and Michael Greenberg. Ruth Kon on the birth of her great-granddaughter, from Mila and Michael Greenberg. Margo Lampert on the birth of her grandson, from Mila and Michael Greenberg, and Janet Yoskowitz. Stephanie Millman and Rabbi Josh Dorsch on their engagement, from Phyllis and Harvey Jay. Selma and Fred Moses on their special wedding anniversary, from Irene Pasternack. Fred Moses on his special birthday, from Mila and Michael Greenberg.
SISTERHOOD MITZVAH FUND IN HONOR OF: Victoria and Nathan Fisher on their fiftieth wedding anniversary, from Eunice and Sol Kaplan, and Clara Ingwer. Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner on the birth of a grandson, from Clara Ingwer. IN MEMORY OF:
Vicki and Nate Fisher on their fiftieth wedding anniversary, from Shari and Marvin Chinitz. The engagement of Ariel Roth, daughter of Laurie and Eric Roth, from Shari and Marvin Chinitz. Marilyn and Mitch Sofer on the birth of their grandson, from Shari and Marvin Chinitz, and Janet Yoslowitz. Martin Levitin on his special birthday, from Marianne and Bob Sussman, and Roz and Dick Kaufman. Stanley Batkin on his 100th birthday, from Roz and Dick Kaufman. IN MEMORY OF: Shirley Knopp Nutkis, beloved mother of Debbie Young, from Harriet and Mark Suvall, and Mila and Michael Greenberg. Harry Borenstein, beloved father of Helene Liebstein, from Laurie and Eric Roth, and Erica and Larry Epstein. Adele Spenser, beloved mother of Peter Spenser, from Debbie and Steven Young. Sylvia Klee, beloved mother and grandmother of the Klee family, from Debbie and Steven Young, Dina and David Brot, Phyllis and Harvey Jay, Mila and Michael Greenberg, and Erica and Larry Epstein. Avraham Isaac Glickman, beloved father of Jonathan Glickman, from Shari and Marvin Chinitz. Muriel Newman, beloved mother of Steve Newman, from Mila and Michael Greenberg. Alex Hoffer, beloved husband of Edna Hoffer, from Roz and Dick Kaufman. Sylvia Aig, beloved mother of Dorothy Fox, from Roz and Dick Kaufman, and Janet and Isaiah Seligman. YAHRZEIT DONATIONS Ben Zvi Family; Cynthia and Robert Hershkowitz; Cantor Alan and Erica Sokoloff; Jeff and Paula Weckstein; Arlene Kamer; Barry and Elise Richman; Ted and Barbara Davis; and Valerie Rudolph.
THE DAVID GINGOLD MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR OF: Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner on the birth of their grandson Lev, from Eugenie Gingold.
ELEANOR G. BAUMWALD PRAYERBOOK FUND
Alex Hoffer, beloved husband of Edna, from Eunice and Sol Kaplan, Clara Ingwer, Harriet and David Rudnick, Naomi Raber, and Erica and Larry Epstein.
Ray Atlas, my dear mother, on her yahrzeit, from Deborah Olstein and family.
Sylvia Aig, beloved mother of Dorothy Fox, from Rita and David Kaufman, and Harriet and David Rudnick.
Martin Getzler, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, who celebrated many happy occasions at Beth El, from Faye and Jack Gingold and family.
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IN MEMORY OF:
CONTRIBUTIONS ENDOWMENT FUND IN HONOR OF:
THE BETH EL DAY CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Barbara and Jay Lerman on the birth of their grandson Jacob Yair Heistein, from Barbara Finder and Jack Renick.
Stanley Batkin on his 100th birthday, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.
IN MEMORY OF: Sylvia Klee, beloved mother and grandmother to the Klee family, from Susan and Michael Meisler.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND IN HONOR OF: Laurie and Robert Levine on the b’nei mitzvah of their children Sarah and Michael Levine, from Barbara Finder and Jack Renick. IN MEMORY OF: Sylvia Klee, beloved mother of Marc Klee, from Ella and Russell Fayer.
THE DOROTHY FLEISHAKER RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND IN MEMORY OF: The beloved sister of Jeff Stern, from Donald Fleishaker. The beloved sister of Susan Taxin Baer, from Donald Fleishaker. Alex Hoffer, beloved husband of Edna Hoffer, from Elly and Ted Zabb.
MARC FRIED SPECIAL NEEDS RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND IN MEMORY OF: Sylvia Klee, beloved mother of Marc Klee and Richard Klee, from Alan and Wendy Rosenberg.
THE JEREMY SCHEINFELD MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR OF: Our daughter Dr. Alison Kaphan on her engagement to Timothy Coyle, from Robin and Dr. Mitchell Kaphan. IN MEMORY OF: Murray Ginsberg, beloved husband and father of the Ginsberg family, from Susan and Michael Meisler and family, Scott Mellis and Melanie Kogan, and Dina and David Brot. Harry Borenstein, beloved father of Helene Liebstein, from Robin and Dr. Mitchell Kaphan. Our beloved mother, Esther Futterman, on her yahrzeit, from Robin and Dr. Mitchell Kaphan. Alex Hoffer, beloved husband of Edna Hoffer, from Robin and Dr. Mitchell Kaphan.
IN HONOR OF:
Vicki and Nate Fisher on their fiftieth wedding anniversary, from Nora Klion-Wolloch. Noah Rockowitz on his honor by the American Friends of Magen David, from Nora KlionWolloch. Lynn and Jeffery Lowin on the engagement of their daughter Joanna, from Laura Lewis. RECOVERY OF: Refuah shleimah to Blanche Fried, from Nora Klion-Wolloch. Refuah shleimah to Helene Wolloch, from Nora Klion-Wolloch. IN MEMORY OF:
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Ellen Greenebaum and Simeon Schwartz in memory of Alex Hoffer; Eric and Laurie Roth in memory of Sylvia Klee; Linda and Steven Newman in honor of Ariel Roth’s engagement, Noah Rockowitz’s Westchester Leadership Award, Marc Klee on the loss of his mother, Sylvia Klee, and Barbara Klee for her good deeds; Susan and Jeff Mittleman in memory of Sylvia Klee; Jacqueline and Avi Einzig in memory of Sylvia Klee; Sol and Linda Haber in memory of Sylvia Klee, Herbert Haber and Adele Spenser and in honor of the birth of a grandson to Jay and Barbara Lerman; Caryl, Steve, and Debbie Fuchs in memory of Sylvia Klee; Jack and Faye Gingold in memory of Sylvia Klee; Barbara and Jay Lerman in honor of the birth of their grandson Jacob; Merill and Ellen Resnick in honor of the birth of a grandson to Jay and Barbara Lerman and to Mitch and Marilyn Sofer.
HAZZAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Harry Borenstein, beloved father of Helene Liebstein, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.
In memory of Sylvia Klee.
Muriel Newman, beloved mother of Steve Newman, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.
Carla and Laurence Stein and family on the yahrzeit of Raphael Kruss.
Leonard Pearlman, beloved brother of Herb Pearlman, from Nora Klion-Wolloch.
Jay and Barbara Lerman on the birth of their grandson Jacob Yair Heistein
SPECIAL NEEDS FUND IN HONOR OF: Vicki and Nate Fisher on their fiftieth wedding anniversary, from Judy and Hy Harary.
Bobby and Judy Schmeidler on their fiftieth wedding anniversary, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt and Laura Lewis.
The birth of Eli Judah Menchel, son of Emily and David Menchel and grandson of Dr. Rochelle Chaikin and the late Dr. Ed Scharfman, z”l, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt.
Vicki and Nate Fisher on their fiftieth wedding anniversary, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt.
The birth of Nadav Tamir, son of Ilana and Uri Tamir and grandson of Shari and Dr. Marvin Chinitz, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt.
Donna Bartell, Simchat Torah honoree, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt.
The birth of Lev Benjamin Cohen, son of Gabrielle and Morris Cohen and grandson of Lenore and Rabbi Melvin Sirner, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. The birth of Ian Samuel Sklar, son of Linda and Phil Sklar and grandson of Margo Lampert and the late Howard Lampert, z”l, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. The birth of Jacob Yair Heistein, son of Alicia and Yoel Heistein and grandson of Barbara and Jay Lerman, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. Rabbi Joshua Dorsch and Stephanie Millman on their engagement, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt.
Luba Kaminer, beloved mother of Dr. Ruth Kling, from Robin and Dr. Mitchell Kaphan.
Marjorie and Mark Seidenfeld on their twentyfifth wedding anniversary, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt.
Sylvia Klee, beloved mother of Marc Klee and Richard Klee, from Robin and Dr. Mitchell Kaphan.
Marianne and Dr. Bob Sussman on their fiftieth wedding anniversary, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. 21
Robert Baker, Simchat Torah honoree, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt.
Robert Weber, Simchat Torah honoree, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. Michael Meisler, Simchat Torah honoree, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. Noah Rockowitz on receiving a Leadership Award from the American Friends of Magen David Adom, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. IN MEMORY OF: Shirley Knopp Nutkis, dear mother of Debbie Young, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. Larry Heligman, dear husband of Wendy Goulston and dear father of Tamara and Benjamin, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. Sylvia Klee, dear mother of Marc Klee and Richard Klee, from Elizabeth and Alan Legatt. The beloved mother of Jeanette Levine, from Bettina Levine. Alex Hoffer, beloved husband of Edna Hoffer, from Idette and David Pfeffer, and Norma Wasserman.
APARTMENT AND HOUSE for SALE
The family of
SYLVIA AIG, z”l
1 BEDROOM APARTMENT
offers our thanks to the Beth El community for their caring, support, and generosity.
At 1255 North Avenue, with balcony, very sunny and quiet, facing the golf course Gorgeous, pristine, move-in, mint condition, brand new bathroom, new kitchen 3 BEDROOM HOUSE Center Hall Colonial on lower Bon Air Avenue, New Rochelle
SISTERHOOD’S BAUM JUDAICA GIFT SHOP
Large, spectacular lot; just completed brand new kitchen
Buy both, or buy either one!
Looking for a gift? Visit our showcase
Ideal arrangement for family with elderparent(s) situation
and see our large selection! For an appointment, contact
$1 million package or make an offer
Wendy Troodler, 914-563-9000.
Contact Barry at 646-208-9144 (cell)
Where Your Child Comes First Comprehensive Care from Birth to Age 21 Convenient on-site parking Extended evening and weekend hours
State of the Art Pediatric Office Spacious child-friendly waiting area Most insurances accepted
Susan H. Meisler, M.D. • Hilary S. Smith, M.D., Lisa Mandelker, D.O., • Debra Etelson-Mayblum, M.D.
145 Huguenot Street, Suite 200, New Rochelle, NY 10801 Telephone: (914) 235-1400 Fax: (914) 235-1534
www.pasw4kids.com 22
We’re serious about Kosher We Aim to Offer The Best Quality Kosher Selections Throughout Our Stores!
Kosher, Catered to You!
Kosher Selections • KOF-K Certified nut butters • Coffee from all over the world roasted on premises certified by KOF-K • Fresh made Salads, Sandwiches, Entrees, Rotisserie Chickens and more. • Large selection of Glatt Kosher meat and poultry “OU” and/or KOF-K certified. • More than 100 varieties of olive oils including KOF-K Certified un-filtered barrel oils imported exclusively from Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Australia and California • Made from scratch KOF-K Certified baked goods
Full Service Kosher Butcher
FAIRWAY KOSHER CATERING IS PLEASED TO OFFER
At our kosher meat department, you can count on stellar quality. Our USDA Choice
a delicious, extensive menu to help you serve your guests, whether an intimate party of 8 or a wedding extravaganza of 800. Choose from exclusively prepared oven-ready options to ready-to-serve dishes and everything in between!
Angus beef is all-natural, antibiotic-free, hormone-free, and vegetarian fed. We're also proud of our poultry: we offer Murray’s locally raised, veggie-fed chickens from Pennsylvania farms--free of hormones and antibiotics. Fillers or "pink slime"? Absolutely not. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we’ll order it special, just for you.
Kosher Ground Beef We use no fillers, dyes, or anything else. Just simple, high caliber beef, kosher under the strictest supervision of OU and/or KOF-K, and Rabbi Marmorstein.
The Biggest and Freshest Selection of Produce We have more fruit on display than most stores sell in a week.
Premises-roasted Coffee Roasted fresh each and every day! The whole fabulous department is certified KOF-K.
Exclusively Imported KOF-K Certified Olive Oils A superb selection of olive oils means you get to choose based on preference. Our divine barrel oils are un-filtered at our direction for extra flavor and fragrance.
TO ORDER CONTACT OUR CATERING CONSULTANTS
Our non-barrel oils are also spectacular and carefully chosen by our experts.
Organics Over 10,000 natural and organic foods priced better than that other store.
WESTBURY AND PLAINVIEW Jack Wasserman Koshercatering@fairwaymarket.com
KOF-K Certified Baked Goods Fresh-baked award winning bagels, baguettes and so much more.
POST ROAD PLAZA 847 PELHAM PARKWAY PELHAM MANOR, NY 10803 914.633.6550 8AM - 10PM DAILY
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The authority on great food is under the supervision of Rabbi A. Marmorstein and now KOF-K certified!
LAKE GROVE OPENING SUMMER 2014 Follow us on
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Car Service in Your Own Car Serving Westchester County
Better than driving yourself • Door-to-door and curbside service • No airport parking costs/hassles • Leave the driving and traffic to us
Better than traditional car service
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• Pack at your convenience • Child seats already installed • No extra charge for families
Hourly service at half the cost Rob Anhouse, Proprietor
info@yourdriverishere.com
914.356.0393 Drivers are fully insured and bonded. References available upon request.
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The Bristal Assisted Living | Where Ever y Day Means More
TM
I am living a new chapter in my LifeStory “Ever since selling War Bonds during WWII, I’ve always been an activist. I believe in standing up for your rights. Though the story of my life has been a dream come true, when I came to The Bristal, a whole new chapter opened up before me. Especially during elections, where I help fellow residents consider candidates that value senior issues. I help get out the vote — our vote. Then, after heated political debate, we cool off with a cocktail, enjoy the pool, putt a few holes, play some cards... and do a little more debating. Cause that’s what friends do.”
Terry, Resident of The Bristal
For more about Terry, tune in at thebristal.com/truelifestories
Ask about Reflections at The Bristal an area providing secure and compassionate memory care
WHITE PLAINS | 305 North Street | (914) 681.1800 ARMONK | 90 Business Park Drive | (914) 432.8200
THE BRISTAL.COM
Quality Communities By The Engel Burman Group PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR ALL LOCATIONS IN THE TRI-STATE AREA LICENSED BY THE DEPT OF HEALTH • ELIGIBLE FOR MOST LONG TERM CARE POLICIES
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reTHINK SCHECHTER
RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL CHAPEL
Being a mensch doesn’t just make the grandparents happy.
WESTCHESTER: 21 West Broad Street Mount Vernon, NY 10552
Research confirms that learning to do the right thing with the right attitude leads to stronger academic performance. Schechter Westchester’s K-12 commitment to Jewish character education means our students feel safe, engaged and respected, so they can focus on achieving success – in the classroom, in the lab, on the playing field, and in the world.
914-664-6800
Just off Exit 7 of the Cross County Parkway East
The Source of Support for the Jewish Community since 1897 www.riversidememorialmountvernon.com Charles S. Salomon • Joel E. Simon Continuing to maintain the high service standards of the Rosenthal, Grossberg, and Alpert families
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Steven Guggenheim, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Specializing in counseling adults regarding:
• Aging and physical illness
…Westchester’s Outstanding Day Camp… in Scarsdale, NY
• Caring for sick loved ones
A SUMMER TRADITION FOR 87 YEARS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 3-13
• Coping with everyday problems Provider for Medicare & most insurance plans. (914) 714-4426
FOR INFORMATION, CALL (914) 949-8857, OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CAMPHILLARD.COM One Family
Four Generations
Est. 1929
2039 Palmer Ave. Larchmont
George T Davis Jewish Ad3_625x4_75_Ad 12/11/13 4:24 PM Page 1
An unforgettable simcha
George T. Davis Funeral Home
starts with a classic caterer
Providing quality services at affordable prices.
Gourmet Kosher Catering customized to your taste and theme Exclusive caterer at Beth El Synagogue Center
Chapel Service
Impeccable personal service Complete planning and coordination
$5,385
including traditional orthodox casket
Elegant ~ Tasteful ~ Affordable
Graveside Service including traditional orthodox casket
$4,790
Vincent Fasano, Manager 14 Le Count Place New Rochelle, NY 10801 914-632-0324
Weddings ~ Bar/Bat Mitzvahs ~ Kiddushim Babynamings ~ Brit Milah ~ Fundraising Call for a private, no obligation consultation!
CLASSIC CATERERS 1-845-353-5578
The price of the recommended caskets in the above offerings which include caskets is $795. The caskets included in the above offerings are recommendations only. You are not required to purchase these or any other casket or container as part of this offering. All of the components of these offerings may be purchased separately if you prefer, and pricing will be the same whether purchased separately or as a component of one of these groupings.
tion c e l e s e g e a lar foods! v a h e W ared p e r p f o
Everyt
hing y
ou nee
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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.
1066 Wilmot Road Scarsdale, NY 10583
SEASONSNY.COM Place your order online and either pick it up in the store or have it delivered to your home! E-mail scarsdaleorders@seasonsny.com. 28
Tel: 472-2240 Fax: 472-2215
Thinking of buying or selling in 2015? Please give me a call.
290 OVERLOOK ROAD, NEW ROCHELLE The home of dreams. Stately brick Colonial perched on one of the largest and most breathtaking lots in all of New Rochelle. Stunning architectural details and endless space for entertaining. Seven bedrooms and ďŹ ve bathrooms. Walk to houses of worship. WEB# RO1108291 asking $2,625,000
376 BEECHMONT DRIVE, NEW ROCHELLE This fully renovated and me- 145 VALLEY ROAD, NEW ROCHELLE Charming six-bedroom Colonial set ticulously restored 1924 Georgian Colonial is a celebration of architecture and design. Nestled on over 1.5 acres of stunning grounds & gardens, it is a grand and majestic retreat. Complete with six+ bedrooms; a state-of-theart oasis. WEB# RO1105803 asking $1,640,000
serenely in sought-after Wykagyl Park. Enjoy the beautiful new landscaping and the tranquil sounds of the lovely shallow brook. Two of the bedrooms sit more privately with their own full bath and staircase. Walk to houses of worship. WEB# RO1088778 asking $849,000
Jocelyn Burton Real Estate Salesperson
Ranked #1 Agent in New Rochelle Mobile 917.693.3557 | JBurton@houlihanlawrence.com New Rochelle Brokerage | 914.636.6700 ext. 309 HGMLS, 1/1/14–12/7/14, All Property Types, Total Dollar Volume, by Agent, New Rochelle School District.
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Ray Catena Lexus of Larchmont and NOEL GREENSTEIN invite you to see our
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270 north avenue, 8th floor new rochelle, ny 10801 30
914-355-5900
www.lacherlaw.com
JANUARY 2015 1a SUNDAY
TEVET ~ SHEVAT 5775
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 1
Nursery & Religious Schools Closed Synagogue Offices Closed
B’NAI/B’NOT MITZVAH 1/24 Dylan Tait 1/31 Simone Goldberg
FAST: TENTH OF TEVET Fast begins 5:52 am Fast ends 5:08 pm FAST DAY NEW YEAR’S DAY
Visit us on facebook at facebook.com/BethElSynagogueCenter
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13 TEVET 5
14 TEVET 6
Religious School Walking Club 9:30 am Closed Zumba 9:30 am Israeli Dance 10:00 am Canasta 12:45 pm
Officers Mtg. 7:30 pm
11
20 TEVET 12
Men’s Club Meeting 9:00 am Zumba 9:30 am Israeli Dance 10:00 am Sis Executive Board Meeting 10:30 am Artist’s Reception 2:00 pm
18
15 TEVET 7
Mahjong 12:45 pm Nursery School Board Meeting 7:30 pm
22 TEVET 14
Messianism in Judaism and Christianity 9:30 am
WAJE:Jews for Exegesis: Interpreting the Biblical Text 10:00 am
29 TEVET 21
6 SHEVAT 27
8 SHEVAT 29
Walking Club 9:30 am
Shabbat
Yiddish Vinkl 1:00 pm
2 SHEVAT 23
9 SHEVAT 30
26 TEVET
Shabbat ends 5:38pm
VAERA
Seniors 10:30 am 4:35 pm
Annual Youth Shabbat Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 1:00 pm
3 SHEVAT 24
4 SHEVAT
Shabbat ends 5:46pm
BO
Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Shab. Disc. Grp 10:30 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 1:00 pm West. Jewish Council 39th Annual Gala 7:00 pm
10 SHEVAT 31
WAJE:Jews for Sis. Mitzv Knit 9:30 am WAJE: The Prophtets Exegesis: Interpreting Seniors 10:30 am 10:00 am Hadassah 12:30 pm Seniors 10:30 am at Eastchester Library the Biblical Text 4:51 pm Yiddish Vinkl Retirees 10:30 am 10:00 am 1:00 pm Canasta 12:45 pm Hebrew Ulpan 6:30 pm Mahjong 12:45 pm Kasakove Play Date Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm 4:30 pm E.L.I. Meeting 5:45 pm Senior Staff & Officers Dinner 7:30 pm 31
19 TEVET
25 TEVET 17
ROSH HODESH
7 SHEVAT 28
12 TEVET
18 TEVET 10
Hebrew Ulpan 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm
1 SHEVAT 22
SHABBAT
Seniors 10:30 am SHEMOT ends 5:31pm Yiddish Vinkl 4:27 pm Israel Awareness 1:00 pm Shabbat Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv. Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Family Shabbat Birthday Shab. 12:00 pm Experience 5:30 pm Daf Shevui 1:00 pm
24 TEVET 16
Chaverim Play Practice 6:00 pm
11 TEVET 3
Nursery School Closed WAJE:Jews for WAJE: The Prophtets Seniors 10:30 am Synagogue Offices Exegesis: Interpreting Baby U 10:00 am 10:00 am Yiddish Vinkl Closed the Biblical Text 1:00 pm 4:43pm Seniors 10:30 am Walking Club 9:30 am 10:00 am Sisisterhood Cinema Olim (8th) & Tichon Brunch 10:30 am (9th-11th) Shabbat Mahjong 12:45 pm Canasta 12:45 pm Rosh Hodesh Women’s Kadima 6:00 pm Dinner 6:00 pm Grp 8:00 pm (off-site) Hebrew Ulpan 6:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm MARTIN LUTHER KING,
5 SHEVAT 26
WAHS Zimriyyah 9:00 am (off-site) Zumba 9:30 am Israeli Dance 10:00 am Ruach 11:00 am Teen JNF Program 12:00 pm
23 TEVET 15
Retirees 10:30 am Mahjong 12:45 pm
28 TEVET 20
Chaverim Minute-toWin-It 6:00 pm Hebrew Ulpan 6:30 pm Talmud Class 7:30 pm Choir Rehearsal 8:00 pm
FRIDAY
Shabbat Nursery School Closed VAYECHI ends 5:25pm Synagogue 4:20 pm Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Offices Closed Pre-Serv. Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am ShabbaTunes 12:45 pm Daf Shevui 1:00 pm
17 TEVET 9
WAJE: The Prophtets 10:00 am
Connect to Care 10:00 am WAJE: The Prophtets 10:00 am Seniors 10:30 am
JR. DAY
25
16 TEVET 8
Torah Tuesdays, after Baby U 10:00 am minyan, 7:30 am Seniors 10:30 am (off-site) WAJE:Jews for Exegesis: Interpreting the Biblical Text with Rabbi Karp, 10:00 am
21 TEVET 13
Sisterhood Bagels and Books 9:30 am Walking Club 11:30 am Nurs. Sch. Kasakove Play Date 11:45 am Canasta 12:45 pm E.L.I. Meeting 5:45 pm Sisterhood Nominating Comm. 7:30 pm Board of Trustees 8:00 pm
27 TEVET 19
Religious School Closed Men’s Club Pancake Breakfast 9:00 am Zumba 9:30 am Beth El Day of Service 10:00 am Israeli Dance 10:00 am
10 TEVET 2
11 SHEVAT
BESHALACH
Shabbat ends 5:54pm
Shabbat SPACE 9:30 am Pre-Serv Oneg 10:15 am Youth Services 10:45 am Daf Shevui 1:00 pm Nurs. School Game Show Night 7:30 pm SHABBAT SHIRAH
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
Personalized attention to you and your needs.
B: (914) 723-8228 C: (914) 420-8556 E: s.rosenstein@yahoo.com W: www.clairedleone.com
Meryl Chassen
29 Wilmot Road Scarsdale, NY 10583
JOCELYN BURTON Real Estate Salesperson
Sales Associate
The #1 Ranked Agent in New Rochelle Proud Beth El Member and New Rochelle Resident
Prudential
jburton@houlihanlawrence.com Mobile: 917.693.3557
Wykagyl/Rittenberg Realty 1299 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804
New Rochelle Brokerage 15 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle, New York 914.636.6700 ext.19309
Bus: 914 632-9100 Cell: 914-420-7877 Top Producer Over the Last Several Years
An independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.
Source: EAMLS, 1/1/2013–12/31/2013, Condominium, Co-operative, Multi Family 2–4, Single Family, Total Volume and Units Sold, by Agent, New Rochelle School District.