Celebrate Chanukah at Beth Israel
Bulletin December 2014 Established 1858
Kislev-Tevet 5775 Vol. 64, No. 3
Friday, December 19
Join us for an evening full of latkes, music, prayer, latkes, friends, fun...and did we mention latkes? Chanukah Celebration - Friday, December 19 6:00 PM in Blumauer Auditorium The festivities begin with a traditional brisket and latke dinner, catered by Alfresco Catering and Sheraton Hotels. Wine and dessert included. Vegetarian and gluten free options available upon request. Please bring your Chanukiyot to kindle the lights of the 4th night together. Candles will be available on the tables. Pricing (includes 3% donation to MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger) $65 per family of 4 (immediate family only, based on 2 adults and 2 children; no charge for additional children in the immediate family) $24 per adult (age 13 and up) $8.50 per child (ages 3-12) Children under three are free
7:15 PM in Goodman Hall The celebration continues with a unique Shabbat/Chanukah worship experience. Come together in a different space to welcome Shabbat and celebrate the Festival of Lights. Music and visual t’filah will lead us through a family-friendly service. After the service, push back the chairs and prepare to party! Our Rockin’ Chanukah Eve party features live music by Def Schlepper with guest performances by members of the Kol Echad congregational choir. Wine, dessert, and possibly more latkes will be served so all who come can enjoy. CBI family and friends – especially our new community members – are welcome to join us! We hope to see you there.
This dinner sells out quickly! RSVP with payment to the CBI office at (503) 222-1069 by Tuesday, December 16.
See p. 6 for the candle lighting prayers
THE SOUL OF SHABBAT Pick up your family’s copy of this beautiful and exciting recording of our Friday night music as played by members of the CBI Band, including Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, Michael Barnes, Michael Allen Harrison, Ben Sandler, Kim Schneiderman, Arthur Steinhorn, and more. CDs are available at the office and at services. Make sure to pick up your copy when you join us for a Chanukah dinner, service, and party on Friday, December 19!
A Chanukah present to all members of our congregation, made possible by the generosity of the Nettie Director Library Book Endowment Fund
B’nei Mitzvah Saul Robert Schindler Saul Schindler will become Bar Mitzvah on December 6, 2014. He is the son of Matthew and Diana Schindler. Saul attends Lake Oswego Junior High School and for his Mitzvah Project is choosing to work annually with Clackamas County Dump Stoppers, an agency dedicated to preventing illegal dumping in the National Forests by organizing clean ups and providing support when illegal dumps are discovered. This decision came about in an interesting way. Saul explains, “I have been going to the woods since I was three years old to forage for mushrooms with my father. The garbage out in the forest always bothered me. I wanted to organize a group of my friends and family and share my love of the woods with them, at the same time cleaning up some of the garbage that has been dumped.” In September 2014 Saul, his family, and friends held the first ever Mushroom Mitzvah in the Mount Hood National Forest, collecting more than 100 pounds of shotgun shells, broken bottles, old speaker pieces, and other garbage from the woods and at the same time picking more than 15 pounds of beautiful early season chanterelles. He plans to continue this new tradition every fall. To learn more about Dump Stoppers, visit their website at www.clackamas.us/dumpstoppers/. If you want to participate in future Mushroom Mitzvah clean ups, please contact the CBI office to connect with Saul and his family.
Hunter Leo Newcomb Hunter Newcomb will become Bar Mitzvah on December 27, 2014. He is the son of Verne and Renee Newcomb, younger brother of Spencer and Parker, and grandson of CBI members Fay and Leonard Oppenheimer. Hunter attends Cedar Park Middle School in the Beaverton School District and has chosen to focus on the Robison Jewish Health Center for his Mitzvah Project. The Robison Jewish Health Center at Cedar Sinai Park holds a special place within our community. It serves as a shelter to elders and adults with special needs and allows them to live in comfort, independence, and dignity while keeping their Jewish values. Hunter will be helping to lead Bingo and other games during holiday breaks and when his school schedule allows, plus he’ll lead various Shabbat services. To learn how you can help, please visit cedarsinaipark.org/get-involved/volunteer/.
Upcoming Events CBI Book Group Sunday, December 7, 9:00 AM Herbert & Shirley Semler Board Room Please join our book group each month for a morning of pleasant literary discussion. There is no need to sign up. December’s selection is: My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel by Ari Shavit. If you’d like to plan ahead, the selection for January is Night in Shanghai by Nicole Mones.
ADULT EDUCATION EVENTS:
The Struggle with G-d: From Antiquity to Modernity This is the third in a series of three lectures by Rabbi Michael Cahana about our struggle with G-d. Previous attendance is not a prerequisite. Judaism’s radical insight to religion is the concept of a single G-d, unseeable and to a certain extent unknowable. And yet, that uniqueness creates a problem known to Moses and all the prophets: How can I know an unknowable G-d? In this series of classes, we will discuss the struggle we Jews have with divinity. Having trouble with G-d? Join the club!
Session 3: “Where is God? The Holocaust Defiance” Sunday, December 7, 10:00 AM Pollin Chapel We will discuss one of the most theological difficult subjects: The question of where is G-d in our most difficult times. We look at historic challenges from the Expulsions (Israel, Spain), the challenges brought by the Enlightenment, the Shoah, and the 20th Century “Death of God” movement.
Havdalah and a Movie: Keeping the Faith Saturday, December 20 6:00 PM – Potluck Dinner 7:00 PM – Movie Miller Room Keeping the Faith is a fun, smart, and warm comedy. It works on many levels: as a loving look at relationships, at the common ground Judaism and Catholicism share in compassion towards people, and at embracing love, no matter what obstacles might arise. Each character is unique and likeable; lifelong friends (a priest, a rabbi, and a successful businesswoman) reconnect as adults...until romance enters the picture! The optional potluck dinner will be a Jewish deli theme - with a kugel tasting! If you will be joining us for it, please RSVP to the CBI office at (503) 222-1069 with the item you will be bringing.
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Congregation Beth Israel
Our Leadership
L’Dor V’Dor From Generation to Generation
Impractical Lights by Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana In the Talmud, there is a fairly short discussion of the holiday of Hanukkah. Much of it is centered around the details of placing and lighting the Hanukkiah – the Hanukkah menorah. This is the Talmud’s only historic explanation of the post-biblical holiday: What is the reason [for Hanukkiah?]. . . when the Greeks entered the Temple, they defiled all the oils therein, and when the Hasmonean dynasty prevailed against and defeated them, they made search and found only one cruse of oil which lay with the seal of the High Priest, but which contained sufficient for one day’s lighting only; yet a miracle was wrought therein and they lit [the lamp] therewith for eight days. (Talmud Shabbat 21b)
23b). The increasing light represents the increasing awareness of the profound. The oil which should have lasted only one day kept the light burning until help arrived. After the darkness of oppression, the desecration of our holy places under Assyrian rule, the time needed to return the pure oil to its rightful place was a time of spiritual danger. The Maccabees, successful in their military ventures, could have found a temporary solution: use less than pure oil until the proper material arrives. Fair and practical. But that is what they did not do. Trusting in the impossible, they lit the one pure cruse of oil and waited. And that trust paid off: Nes Gadol Haya Sham - a great miracle happened there. Often our approach, even to holy things, is practical and pragmatic. We excuse ourselves from the trouble of participating in our Jewish rituals, experiences, and celebrations. We are busy, or there might be traffic – or we might have trouble parking! But the Hanukkah lights remind us that taking a chance on Holiness can resonate through the ages. It is dark out, but the daily increasing blaze inside symbolizes those who did not take the short cut, those who trusted in the Divine presence. Perhaps if we take a chance, we might encounter something inspired.
Such a short passage – and yet so much is behind it!
May we be so blessed.
The Hanukkah candles are meant to be seen by the outside world, not kept in – mishum parsumei nisah, “to publicize the miracle” (Shabbat
Happy Hanukkah!
Mazel Tov to
Jessie Burke and Jonathan Cohen on the birth of their daughter, Miette Simone, on October 10. She joins big sister Anouk (7) and brother Julien (3).
Philip Weiss on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. For his project, Philip designed and built a drum station at the playground on the campus of the Gan-Portland Jewish Preschool/Maimonides Jewish Day School. In addition to spending 250 hours designing, mentoring younger Scouts, and installing the station, Philip raised $1,250 in monetary donations plus $3,000 in in-kind donations. Philip is the son of Marcia and Stuart Weiss and grandson of the late Philip Feldman, CBI President 1977-79. Lainie Block Wilker, who was honored to participate in the Clinton Global Initiative on behalf of Treehouse Island, an educational technology company that teaches job-ready skills for in-demand tech jobs. To learn more about Treehouse’s recent work launching Code Oregon with Worksystems Inc. to train 10,000 Oregonians for high-paying jobs and build a tech talent pipeline, visit http://blog. teamtreehouse.com/launch-code-oregon. Colby Reade Feves, the 2014 New Professional Award of Excellence recipient, presented by the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) Portland Metro Chapter. He was honored at the PRSA Spotlight Awards on October 16. To learn more about Colby’s work and the award, visit www.prsa-portland.org/about-us/news-releases/2014-newprofessional-award-of-excellence/. Tracy Alifanz on the publication of her first novel, You Could Be Home By Now, on December 5th. The novel is being published under her maiden name, Tracy Manaster. Steve and Elaine Kantor on the birth of their grandsons: Edward Mac Krivosha on April 14 to Lindsay and Joel Krivosha, and Abel Gage Kestel on October 10 to Allison and Ian Kestel. Chet Orloff and Wendy Lee-Orloff on the birth of their granddaughter, Abigail Rose Orloff, on August 8, 2014 in Los Angeles. Callman and Reagan Orloff are Abigail’s proud parents, and she joins big brother Ariel (5). The late Janice Orloff, who passed away earlier this year, was her great-grandmother. Abigail was named at Kabbalat Shabbat services on November 28.
Brad and Ashley Cohen on the birth of their son, Saul Steven Cohen, on October 15. He was named at his brit milah on October 23. Stephanie and Jackson Faddis on the birth of their son, Liam Benjamin Faddis, on October 16. He was named at his brit milah on October 26. Alice and Michael Powell on the birth of their grandson, Abel Jackson Connor, on October 16. Abel’s parents are Emily and John Connor. Les and Martha Soltesz on the birth of their granddaughter, Molly Katherine Cox, on October 23. Molly joins big brother Andrew (2). Proud parents are Monica and Jordan Cox. Geri and Jerry Matin on the birth of their first great-grandchild and Bruce Hildreth on the birth of his first grandchild, Hava Lyn Hildreth, on November 3. Proud parents are Bobbie and Rich Hildreth. Paternal great-grandmother is Patti Hildreth, maternal grandparents are MaryAnn and Robert Vidourek, and excited “auntie” is CBI member Ashley Hildreth. May they grow in health and wisdom and be a source of strength to their family and all humankind.
Condolences to Jill Slansky on the death of her aunt, Miriam Newman, on October 12, in New Jersey. Bill and Kate Royston on the death of his brother, Peter Royston, on October 27, in Pittsburgh, PA. The Schnitzer family on the death of their sister-in-law, aunt, and greataunt Mollie Levin, who passed away in Los Angeles on November 5, 2014 at the age of 100. Mollie was the sister of Leonard, Harold, Gilbert, Morris, Manuel Schnitzer, and Edith Goodman.
December 2014
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Developing CBI With each gift, the light grows brighter
Call to Action! Taste of Temple – our much-anticipated annual tradition at Congregation Beth Israel – is fast approaching.
by Jenat Levison Feldman Development Director
Taste of Temple 2015 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 8th, 2015; please mark your calendars.
As the days get shorter and darkness descends earlier, it is easy to find ourselves feeling a bit sad about those things that bother us most. And while there is much about which to fret, December also provides us with thirty-one days to commit to doing something that ensures the year we are about to leave behind is one in which we made a difference and did something meaningful. In my family we often say, “Every moment you have the opportunity to make a ‘remembery,’ be sure you are making the memory you want to remember.” With that in mind, we in the Development Department want to be sure and thank each one of our donors (or, as I like to say, “our investors”) for investing in CBI in a way that helps us impact Jewish lives and create Jewish memories. When we say every gift counts and every gift matters, it is absolutely true. Together we are able to fill that $200,000 gap that comes from making it a priority to keep our doors wide open and provide a full range of support and services to all those seeking a Jewish connection, a Jewish place of worship. By being generous in a way that is meaningful to you, you create within the darkness a warm glow from knowing we are doing the right thing for the right reason. We believe you know that, too, which is why you have chosen to be with us as a member and/ or an investor. In our February bulletin, we will be honored to list all those who have helped us move closer to closing that gap. Our work is not done, yet we are proud of the progress we have made. Whether you enhanced your commitment to the annual contribution (formerly dues), donated to the Every Family Initiative, helped sponsor our Magical Fall Fundraiser, or proudly raised your paddle during its Mitzvah Moment appeal – thank you, thank you, and thank you again for being with us. You are helping the light grow brighter. Imagine how bright our light could shine if everyone joined in with a donation supporting our efforts to make our community a better place. Some of the ways we invest in our community are obvious, some are more subtle. Each is a priority, which is why it is a part of the vast array of all that Congregation Beth Israel has to offer. Please join me in feeling proud knowing you make a difference. Also know that you still have thirty-one days to join this amazing group of generous supporters and be listed in the February bulletin. If you do not want to be listed, please call the CBI office by December 10. With each gift, the light burns brighter.
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This is the 4th annual TOT. From the beginning, TOT was envisioned as a friend-raiser and a fund-raiser. The extraordinary leadership provided by the first chairs assured the success of this wonderful event for the past three years. The first two years were co-chaired by Judah & Ali Garfinkle and David & Tiffany Goldwyn. Last year’s edition was co-chaired by Joey Fishman and Jordan Menashe. We would like to thank these leaders for creating and growing our very special TOT, tailored to the values of Congregation Beth Israel. As we thank and recognize the leaders before us, it is important to remember the dedicated volunteers – too many to name here – who made sure the event was a success. So, yes – the forks are high!!! And yes, it is our responsibility now to ensure that the tradition continues and the success is even higher. We have committed to high expectations for 2015 TOT – “More Friend-Raiser and More Fund-Raiser” than ever before. This year, Stephen Cassell, Special Events Manager at CBI, will play an important role in the success of the event. We are lucky to have him on our team. TOT is our special CBI event. Our wonderful “dream team” of committee chairs for this year are very committed and enthusiastic to start the work. We are very proud of their efforts and the incredible creativity they are bringing to the event planning. To succeed in raising the “fork” even higher, we need some very dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to join one of our committees and pledge their commitment to a part of the project. The ultimate success of this event will depend on all of us. PLANT A ‘TEER! As we embark on this project, let’s remember that this is an annual tradition that will continue after this year. We will need people to volunteer next year, and the year after, and the year after. As some of us “old trees” will get cut down, new ones would need to replace us and ensure continuity. So, let’s PLANT A ‘TEER. Let’s invite and nurture volunTEERs that are new to the TOT experience. Not only will the experienced volunteers together with new ones create a very dynamic and creative participation for this year, they will also sustain the continuity for years to come. Are you ready to pledge your commitment to this year’s TOT team of volunteers? Please contact Tracy in the CBI office this week at (503) 222-1069 or tracy@bethisrael-pdx.org. Please remember to also PLANT A ‘TEER for our future. Deliciously yours, Tony & Bianca Urdes Taste of Temple 2015 Chairs
Congregation Beth Israel
Paying Tribute to our Tribute Funds Honoring a Wonderful CBI Tradition By Sydney A. Baer, Executive Director We’re always growing here at CBI and happily welcome new families throughout the year. So often, when we first connect with newest members, our conversations hinge on the essential “how-tos”: how to enroll in religious school, connect with our community, engage with our adult education programs, worship services, and upcoming events, and always always, where to park? We’re a busy, thriving community, yet somehow it has been a while since we have written about our tribute funds and the many ways they help to keep our community busy and thriving. If you are a longtime supporter of our funds, we are grateful. If you are new to CBI and this custom, then this is a mini lesson on our lovely tradition of honoring family and friends by marking a special occasion, expressing support, or remembering a loved one with a contribution to our tribute funds. The monthly bulletin listing usually appears just before the In Remembrance and calendar pages.
Robert Reich Lecture Thanks to the Oseran Family Lecture Fund
Our tribute funds could almost be called the unsung heroes of our budget, supporting many of the extras for our congregation. All contributions to our tribute funds are 100% tax deductible and 100% used by the directed activities of the named funds. Additionally, in keeping with the many, many things we do here, the funds have many, many different points of focus. The Nettie Director Library Book Endowment Fund has generously underwritten the production of CBI’s new Soul of Shabbat CD, featuring Cantor Cahana and our wonderful CBI musicians. The Oseran Family Lecture Fund brought us Professor Robert Reich this past September. Our newest fund, The Holzman Family Religious School Scholarship Fund, will help provide permanent religious school scholarship funding. Donations to the Allison B. Cohen Madrichim Training and Religious School Scholarship Fund support our madrichim training program. This fund was established in memory of Allison because of her love for our madrichim program and is one of many funds that speak to our deep commitment to education, a list that includes the Sanny Snell Preschool Scholarship Fund, Estelle Director Sholkoff
CBI Kids attend Camp Kalsman Thanks to the Sally Vidgoff Camp Kalsman Scholarship Fund
Educators Scholarship Fund, Judith Ann Epstein Education Director Fund, Jill Newman Slansky Early Childhood Leader Fund, Morris Klein Preschool Fund, Urman Family College Communication Fund, and the new Brotherhood Scholarship Fund. Funds supporting youth activities include the Lloyd B. Rosenfeld Youth Leadership Fund, Sally Vidgoff Camp Kalsman Scholarship Fund, and the Ruth Semler and Heims Family funds.
Confirmation Class Trip to Washington, D.C. Thanks to the Lloyd B. Rosenfeld Youth Leadership Fund
We have Social Action Funds supporting our many service projects, and an Adult Education Fund that supports the honorariums for our speakers and programs. We also have funds to support our plethora of programs: the Carolyn G. and Millard S. Rosenblatt Lecture Fund generously supports our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations, and the Hal Ruthizer Cultural Arts Fund supports our cultural arts programming. Three funds support our library: the Spear Research Library Fund, Nettie Director Library Book Endowment Fund, and Amy R. Goldsmith Library Fund. Former board member May Georges established the May Georges Study in Israel Scholarship Fund, which is used annually by our students, teachers, and congregants for study in Israel. The Simon and Helen Director Endowment Fund and the General Administrative Tribute Fund support membership services, while the Cemetery Beautification and Landau Chapel funds support our cemetery. For the repair and maintenance of our magnificent and historic campus, we have the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer Facilities Fund, Miller Room Refurbishment and Restoration Fund, and the Temple Improvement and Temple Restoration funds. The Rosenfeld Family Assistant/Associate Rabbi Fund supports our clergy, and the clergy discretionary funds help our clergy with their meaningful work and ongoing service committments. And just as all we do would never be the same without our ever-busy Sisterhood, no list would be complete without our WRJ/Beth Israel Sisterhood funds. This is an impressive list, and we are the grateful beneficiaries of the proceeds from your generous donations to our 80+ tribute funds.
John Lewis speaks at MLK, Jr. Celebration Thanks to the Carolyn G. and Millard S. Rosenblatt Lecture Fund
We are grateful to those who came before us for establishing many of these funds. We are thankful to our congregants and friends of CBI for their continued support for these funds and hope that if you are new to our community, you will make giving to our tribute funds a new family tradition when you want to honor, support, or remember a loved one. It is a simple and meaningful gift and ensures that CBI continues to honor the past and build for the future. May we continue to go from strength to strength.
December 2014
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Social Action
Social Action Committee December Activities
Lift Urban Portland Christmas Dinner
We have a number of fun and worthwhile activities this December. Please join us and reach out to our community this holiday season.
Help give some children a wonderful Christmas by buying a Christmas gift for a child at NW Towers. Sign up will be available on the SAC website.
An annual event since 1985, the Holiday Dinner in Goodman Hall is run by 175 volunteers – many of them CBI congregants – who offer their time to ensure a festive event for our guests. This year the dinner is on Christmas Day, December 25, from 11:30 AM until 2:00 PM. Volunteers are needed before, during, and after the dinner to: prepare and decorate, fill gift bags, meet and greet our guests, serve food and beverages, and clean up. If you are interested, you can sign up at www.mysignup.com/liftupdinner2014.
NW Tower Holiday Party
Donate to the SAC at CBI
Thursday, December 25, 11:30 AM-2:00 PM Goodman Hall
NW Towers Christmas Gift Drive
Sunday, December 14 NW Towers Community Room Join us for a festive holiday party for the residents of the NW Towers. The Social Action Committee provides food, decorations, music, activities, and prizes for our neighbors. Please help us by preparing and serving food, decorating, hosting activities, cleaning up, or just helping us make this event fun and welcoming. Please sign up on the SAC website.
Donations to the SAC are always appreciated and can be made on the CBI webpage at www.bethisrael-pdx.org/give. Just choose General Social Action from the drop-down menu. For more detailed information on all of our programming, please e-mail us at sac@bethisrael-pdx.org, call Tracy in the CBI office, or go to the Social Action page on the CBI website. There is a place for each of you in helping to repair the world, and we are very grateful for your continued support.
CHANUKAH - LIGHTING THE CANDLES Candles are added to the Hanukkiyah from right to left, but are kindled from left to right. The newest candle is lit first.
On the Shabbat of Chanukah, kindle the Chanukah lights first and then the Shabbat candles. Light the shamash - the helper candle set higher or lower than all the rest of the candles first using it to kindle the rest of the Chanukah lights; say or sing: Ba-ruch a-ta Adonai, Eh-lo-hei-nu meh-lech ha-o-lam a-sher ki-d’sha-nu b’mitz-vo-tav v’tzi-va-nu l’had-lik ner shel Hanukka. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: You make us holy with Your Mitzvot, and command us to kindle the Chanukah lights. Ba-ruch a-ta Adonai, Eh-lo-hei-nu meh-lech ha-o-lam, sheh-a-sa ni-sim la-a-vo-tei-nu/l’i-mo-tei-nu ba-ya-mim ha-heim ba-z’man ha-zeh. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: You showed wonders to our fathers/mothers in days of old, at this season. On the first night only we add: Ba-ruch a-ta A-do-nai, Eh-lo-hei-nu meh-lech ha-o-lam, she-heh-cheh-ya-nu, v’ki-y’ma-nu, v’higi-anu, la-z’man ha-zeh. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe: who has kept us alive, sustained us and enabled us to reach this season.
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Congregation Beth Israel
Sisterhood
Jewelry and Gift Shop Sale
WRJ Pacific District Convention Report
On Sundays, December 7 and December 14, Sisterhood will have a gift shop and gently used jewelry sale. The jewelry sale will take place in Blumauer Auditorium on December 7, from 10:00-noon and continue in the gift shop on December 14, from 9:15am-12:15pm. If you would like to donate jewelry, please contact Leslie Geller at lesliejgeller@gmail.com. Please come and support Sisterhood!
Four of our Sisterhood members attended the recent District Convention in Pasadena: Ellen Bick, Linda Harrison, Kate Royston, and Debbie Braymer. These women have been very active in our local Sisterhood and in supporting the District. Our delegates also led workshops. Sisterhood won another District Kavod award, for our project on Child Trafficking. Ellen Bick was honored as the outgoing District President and was presented with a special president’s pin and gift. Talk to one of these women who attended to learn more, and go to the District website: www.wrjpacific.org. We are very proud of our WRJ/BIS leaders!
Gift Shop Happenings Fall hours: Sundays: 9:15 AM-12:15 PM Wednesdays: 6-8 PM Second and Fourth Fridays: 11:00 AM -1:00 PM Volunteer: We always need volunteers in the Gift Shop. Please contact Debbie Braymer, Gift Shop Volunteer Coordinator, at (503) 649-8043 or djsbraymer@gmail.com for details.
Breast Cancer Awareness Ellen Lairson from the Providence Breast Clinic spoke to Sisterhood and CBI members about breast cancer awareness, the BRCA gene, and the Ashkenazi Jewish increased risk of breast cancer. Ellen’s presentation is available on the Sisterhood website at www.bethisrael-pdx.org/community/sisterhood.
Congregation Beth Israel Welcomes New Members Jennifer Jacobs and Isaac Sigfried, both of whom are medical students at OHSU. Isaac, a fourth year, is in the midst of applying for residencies in emergency medicine. Jennifer is taking an extra year to complete her master’s degree in public health and intends to specialize in internal medicine. Jennifer says, “We joined Congregation Beth Israel because we liked the feel of the services and really enjoyed speaking with Rabbi Joseph. We are hoping to become involved with Jews Next Dor and some of the Social Action events.” They also are enthusiastic Seahawks fans, have hobbies ranging from SCUBA to hot yoga, and love the outdoors, running, hiking, and (in moments of downtime) relaxing with family and friends.
We also welcome: David Stocker and Blythe Miller and their daughters, Elana (6) and Amalia (4). Pre-school family Jesse Treger and Candice Adelson and their daughters, Elissa (6) and Isabel (4). Leonard and Sharlene Ludwig
December 2014
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Very Thoughtful People
Adult Education Fund
In Memory of Spencer Daniels Abe Friedman Debbie Friedman and Gary Peterson Josef Neuberger Rosalyn Neuberger
Altar Flowers and Oneg Shabbat In Memory of Frank Blumenkron Mary Ann Bustamante Rachel Blumenkron Lucille Solomon Barbara and Howard Cohn Alan Green Nancy Green Max Swerdlik Gerald and Evelyn Leshgold Judith Meller Megan Brown In Honor of Ella Weprin (Consecration) Jeffrey and Jennifer Weprin
Brotherhood Scholarship Fund In Memory of Herbert H. Lauterstein Lee B. Lowenson
Cemetery Beautification
In Memory of Bertha Blauer Ruth Blauer Alan Green Gerel Blauer Josef Neuberger Patricia Neuberger Eve Black Rose Black Herb Black William and Ruth Philip Robert and Rita Philip Family Fund
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Rabbi Cahana Discretionary In Memory of Corinne (Corky) Zelinka Bob Zelinka Harriet Packouz Towne Bob and Wendy Steinberg Gilda Wexler Eldon and Carolyn Wexler Milton H. Reiter Philip and Dorothy Reiter Edwin I. August Josephine August David and Anita August In Appreciation Theodore Nelson Lorraine and David Popowich The Kirby/Clark Family Lance and Mary Steinberg Jeffrey and Judy Cohen Barbara Siegel Naomi Strauss
Cantor Cahana Discretionary In Memory of Herman Richman Jim and Michael Richman David Bloom Bob and Wendy Steinberg In Appreciation Theodore Nelson Lance and Mary Steinberg General Contribution Given By Ketzel Levine
Rabbi Joseph Discretionary In Memory of Edwin I. August Josephine August David and Anita August Morton Steinhorn Arthur and Benjamin Steinhorn In Appreciation Theodore Nelson David and Anita August Lance and Mary Steinberg Jennifer Levenson
Cantor Schiff Discretionary
In Memory of Irving Steinbock Edythe Steinbock
Jill and Ed Neuwelt (Birth of granddaughter) Sydney and Bill Baer General Contribution Given By David and Anita August Janice Isenberg Brad and Janice Berman Dorothy Lemay
General Administrative
Hal Ruthizer Cultural Arts
In Appreciation Theodore Nelson
Rabbi Rose Discretionary
In Memory of Charles William Pitkin Steve and Natalie Maizels Estelle Ellner Harold Ellner Kelly Puziss Carolyn and Lawrence Gorin Bernice Bernotat Frank Hochfeld Rick and Marilyn Gilbert David Bloom Harriet Packouz Towne Lance and Mary Steinberg Lillian Steinberg Mrs. Gilbert Schnitzer Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Novack Mr. and Mrs. Gary Schnitzer Miriam B. Aiken Fran Wolfe Bob Finger Roger Finger Alfred Edelman Carol Edelman Gregory Shapiro Jack Shapiro Marian G. Krantz Eldon and Carolyn Wexler In Honor of CBI Clergy Michael and Agnes McGaha Dick Dobrow Sabina Wohlfeiler Barbara Gilbert and Miles Newmark (Birth of granddaughter)
Congregation Beth Israel
In Memory of Joan Sitwell Barbara Glazer
Judith Anne Epstein Education Director’s Fund In Memory of Homer Kiser Sarah Kinder
Oseran Family Lecture In Memory of David Finkelstein Henry and Nancy Oseran
Preschool
In Memory of Evelyn Galen Patricia Layton Nemer Michael Grunbaum Marilyn and Hans Grunbaum Anna Feves The Marlene Weiner Family
Rosenfeld Family Assistant/ Associate Rabbi Fund In Memory of Betty Donoghue Nancy Caplan Bess Steinman Feldstein Benjamin Feldstein Tammy Kramer
Very Thoughtful People Ruth Semler Youth Activities In Memory of Morris Pollin Harold Pollin Nancy Caplan Barry and Barbara Caplan Ryan Ferrante Margaret Hasson Minnie Spivak Abe Spivak Henry Spivak Jacqueline Spivak Helen Spivak & Family In Honor of Adriana and Gabriela Steinberg (B’not Mitzvah) Roscoe Nelson III and Debra Harrison
Social Action (General)
In Memory of Benjamin Heller Fred Cohen and Randy Zasloff Renee and Arthur Bergman Barry and Marcia Bergman Robert J. Neuberger Stuart Neuberger Rosalyn Neuberger Anna Press Stephen Press Bernice Rosencrantz M. H. Rosencrantz Jacob Solomon Roza Willer Dick Solomon Eugene Eiseman Gerda A. Eiseman Fritz Carr Thomas and Leonard Carr In Honor of Dr. Jon Cress (Special birthday) Gerald and Evelyn Leshgold Ruth Gassner (Birthday) Dorothy and Ray Packouz In Appreciation of Steve Kantor Eve Rosenfeld General Contribution Given By Scott Lewis and Laura Rose-Lewis
Food
In Memory of Robert J. Neuberger Patricia Neuberger Miriam Rosenfeld Meryl Haber David C. Frisch LouAnn Frisch John May Susan and Stuart Shleifer Thea Grunbaum Marilyn and Hans Grunbaum Renee and Arthur Bergman Barry and Marcia Bergman Charles Berne Lee and Frank Berne Sara Bazelon Mimi Richman Mollie Katz Pearl Trachtenberg Lena Holzman M’Liss Gilbert Renée and Irwin Holzman Bertha Mayer Holtzman Wilma Jane Balick & Sandra Kailes Biller and family Dorothy Asher Evelyn Asher Maizels Dr. Harry and Gertrude Semler Henry Spivak Jackie Spivak Helen Spivak & Family Bluma Goldberg Jan Goldberg & Family Leo L. Matin Sherie Hildreth Geri and Jerry Matin Mara Forsythe-Crane Jim Crane and Karla Forsythe Harry Lewis Baron Roger Baron General Contribution Given By The Olshin-Mischel Family
Jackie Spivak Henry Spivak Alysmae and Victor Nudelman Helen Spivak & Family
Temple Improvement
In Memory of Marvin Swire Betty Polsky Gloria Swire Jacob Ovetz Hilda Steinbock Edythe Steinbock Irene Crane Jim Crane and Karla Forsythe
Heims Family Youth Activities Endowment In Memory of Alfred J. Davis Nathan Dickson I. Kenneth Davis
Lloyd B. Rosenfeld Youth Leadership Fund In Memory of Jerome “Jerry” Golby Moshe Lenske Ben Rosenfeld Miriam F. Rosenfeld Rosemarie Rosenfeld
Nettie Director Library Book Endowment In Memory of Fannie Director Nathan Rosen Sam Rosen Stuart and Nikki Director Harry Gross Neal and Lisa Rosen
Simon & Helen Director Endowment
In Memory of Gilbert Schnitzer The Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation
WRJ/Beth Israel Sisterhood Funds
Prayer Book
In Memory of Amy Lichtgarn Freedman Joyce and Stan Loeb & Family Nancy Caplan The Bernie Caplan Family Betty Veltman Goldman Marcia Colton & Family In Appreciation of Congregation Beth Israel Bud and Robin Marcus
Service to the Blind In Memory of Mae Hasman Arline Hasman
Sisterhood Programming, Leadership & Enrichment In Memory of Rosebelle Himelstein David and Shawn Looney Berta Delman Nicole and Jeff Gullish
I Have A Dream
In Memory of Leo Matin Harry and Joanne Glickman
CBI Team Senior Rabbi Michael Z. Cahana rabbicahana@bethisrael-pdx.org Senior Cantor Ida Rae Cahana cantorcahana@bethisrael-pdx.org Assistant Rabbi Rachel L. Joseph rabbijoseph@bethisrael-pdx.org Rabbi Emeritus Emanuel Rose, D.H.L., D.D. rabbirose@bethisrael-pdx.org Cantor Emerita Judith Blanc Schiff cantor@bethisrael-pdx.org
Education Department
Member Services
Education Director Ben Sandler, M. Ed. ben@bethisrael-pdx.org
Executive Director Sydney A. Baer sydney@bethisrael-pdx.org
Early Childhood Education Director Deborah Kaplan, MAT deborah@bethisrael-pdx.org
Development Director Jen Feldman jen@bethisrael-pdx.org
Youth Group Director Shoshanna Pro shoshanna@bethisrael-pdx.org
Congregational Affairs Director Jemi Kostiner Mansfield jemi@bethisrael-pdx.org
Education Administrator Ziva Sholin ziva@bethisrael-pdx.org
Finance Director Jim Baldwin, CPA jim@bethisrael-pdx.org Accounting Assistant Vicki Greif vicki@bethisrael-pdx.org
December 2014
Project Coordinator Dara Docherty dara@bethisrael-pdx.org
Art of Catering 503-231-8185 Larry Grimes
Office Administrator Tracy Alifanz tracy@bethisrael-pdx.org
Food in Bloom 503-223-6819 Catherine Hernandez
Facilities Manager Casey Barkmeier casey@bethisrael-pdx.org
Century Catering 503-849-2605 Allen Levin
Facilities Staff Keith Powers, Lead Jesse Fehrer Shalamar Washington
Devil’s Food Catering 503-233-9288 Charles Stilwell
Catering Panel Alfresco Catering by Sheraton 503-335-2858 Shellie Postlewait
Culinary Artistry 503-232-4675 Jenn Louis
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In Remembrance ~ May their memory be for a blessing. December 5 & 6 Lettie Adler Harry Lewis Baron Dorothy Baruh Arthur Bergman Ida Bergman* Albert Berkowitz* Robert Blank James D. Bromberg Nancy Caplan William Cohen Arnold Dayan E. Frieda Dobrow* David Finkelstein* David Frisch Frieda Gideon* Betty V. Goldman Bertha Mayer Holtzman* Leslie Dell Hughes Daniel Kivel Robert J. Neuberger* Hyman B. Nudelman Samuel Oldstein Rita Kantor Pearlmutter* Barbara Prebish Miriam J. Reinhardt* Abe Eugene Rosenberg Jeane Rosenberg Billie Rosenblum Miriam F. Rosenfeld* Miriam Rudnick Nathan Shapiro Harry Shleifer* Joan Sitwell Minnie Spivak Hilda Steinbock Caroline Berg Swann* Nancy P. Thalhimer Erick Thompson Dorothy Warner Ira Weiner Margie Winkler Leon Winters Lawrence Winthrop Frances Utay Wolf Albert A. Woolach Arthur Zacks December 12 & 13 Jack N. Barde* Marilyn Blaushild Rose Bloom Sylvia Davis Campf* Elizabeth Canter Della Cohen Fannie Director Marjorie Easton Alfred Edelman David Exposito Ryan Ferrante Charlotte Friend
Evelyn Galen Ann Goldsmith Barr Bertha Grenley Harry Gross Nathan Helman* Rosebelle Himelstein* Cecilia Hobin Frank Hochfeld Victor T. Hoeflich Robert Stuart Joseph Albert Kipnis* Adele Labow Hannah R. Lang Herbert H. Lauterstein* Julius & Lena Levistein and Children* Selma Lindberg Burton L. Lipman* Moses Mark Leo L. Matin Paul Matusow John May James Donald Monteith Josef Neuberger Phillip Leo Nudelman Elsie K. Payne Milton Reiter Jerrold (Jerry) Richard Lottie Roffe Rabbi Abraham J. Rose* Jacob Rosenberg* Jean Moss Rustin Louis Sandoz Jack Schneiderman Bess Shavzin Sigmund Sichel* Bessie Silverman Jacob Solomon Lucille Almeleh Spring Morton Steinhorn Milton Tenzer Ethel Young Mildred Zell December 19 & 20 Robert Adams Miriam B. Aiken Herbert Alexander Charles Berne Frances Bettman* Rebecca Bilow Rose R. Black Fred Carr Eugene R. Cohn Irene Crane Frank Director Eugene Eiseman Herman Fagin Anna Feves* Esther Fishman Mara Rosanne Forsythe-Crane
M’Liss Gilbert Samuel G. Gilbert* Mary E. Greenberg* Lily Grover Thea Grunbaum Mae Hasman Lena Holzman Mollie Katz Homer Kiser Ruth Kullman Ben Meyer Levin* Anne Levitt Olga Lewin Joseph Lipshutz* Rose Lyman Evelyn Mandelbaum Dora Manheim* S. Julius Mayer* Judith Meller Robert Arthur Nagel Stanley B. Nagel Fannie Oldstein Jacob Ovetz Mary Frances Peters Morris Pollin* Anna Press Anita Reinhorn Nathan Rosen Bernice Rosencrantz* Charles L. Rosenthal Harry Rubin Jack Ruby Ruth Saul Adele Savinar Sol Sax Milton Schatz Theodore Schoenfeld Cynthia Sherman Alan E. Shevach* Nisa Menashe Shleifer Flora Spaiser Gertrude Sussman Joseph Munroe Thom Harriet Packouz Towne Elise F. Wendel Gilda Wexler* Spencer Wing Harry J. Yurman Daniel Zell Norman Zimmerman December 26 & 27 Joseph Alkalay* Dorothy Asher Edwin I. August Josephine August Maxine Bauer Sara Bazelon Eve Black David Bloom Frank Blumenkron
Mary Ann Bustamante Ronald Cohen Sidney Cohen Alfred J. Davis* Berta Delman Louis Diamondstein* Nathan Dickson Ian Douglas Judith Epstein Victor Feibelman Benjamin Feldstein Jerome Freiberg Anna Geller Leonard Geller Thomas T. Georges, Sr. Bluma Goldberg Abraham Goldstein Rhonda Beth Goldstein Joseph Greenwald Michael R. Grunbaum Goldie Hammel Ethel Harrison Sherie Hildreth Seymour Kaufman Philip Kipnis* Morris Klein Janice Alexande Levy Samuel Lowengart* Morton Mills Morrie Mink Matthew Neuwelt Augusta Newmark Burton Nudelman Olive Owen Reva B. Reingold* Shirley Rickles Charlotte Rosen Louis Rosenberg* Max Schlesinger Edith Schnitzer Myra Scholnick Jacob G. Senders* Gregory Shapiro Anne Siegel Max Solomon Irving Steinbock Max J. Swerdlik* Bilah Vilner Stanley Wand Roza Willer Jack Winkler Sophie Jean Wolf Corinne “Corky” Zelinka
(*) next to a name indicates a memorial plaque has been purchased to ensure the beloved departed is remembered in perpetuity. For information about memorial plaques in the Temple, please contact Jemi Kostiner Mansfield at (503) 222-1069 or jemi@bethisrael-pdx.org.
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Congregation Beth Israel
December 2014 SUNDAY
Kislev-Tevet 5775
MONDAY 1 Kislev 9
TUESDAY 2 Kislev 10
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
3 Kislev 11
4 Kislev 12
5 Kislev 13
6 Kislev 14
Midrasha (grades 6-8) 5:30 PM SEC
Adult Education Committee 8:30 AM SBR
Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR
Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR
Adult B’nei Mitzvah 6:00 PM LB
IHP 4:30 PM SEC
Shabbat Service 6:00 PM PC
Tot Shabbat 9:30 AM PC
Social Action Committee 7:00 PM SBR
WRJ/BIS Board Meeting 6:30 PM SBR
JND Shabbat Service 7:30 PM PC
Shabbat Morning Service: Bar Mitzvah of Saul Schindler 10:30 AM Temple
Intro to Judaism 7:00 PM PC
7 Kislev 15
8 Kislev 16
Book Group 9:00 AM SBR
SATURDAY
9 Kislev 17
10 Kislev 18
11 Kislev 19
12 Kislev 20
13 Kislev 21
Education Taskforce 7:00 PM SBR
Executive Committee 12:00 PM SBR
IHP 4:30 PM SEC
Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR
Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR
Shir Shabbat Service 6:00 PM Temple
Shabbat Morning Service 10:30 AM PC
Religious School/ B’nei Mitzvah 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Midrasha (grades 6-8) 5:30 PM SEC Adult B’nei Mitzvah 6:00 PM SBR
Adult Ed series: The Struggle with God (Pt. 3) 10:00 AM PC WRJ/BIS Gift Shop & Jewelry Sale 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM BA Kol Echad Choir Rehearsal 11:30 AM BTB Midrasha (grades 9-12) 12:15 PM SEC
14 Kislev 22
15 Kislev 23
Religious School/ B’nei Mitzvah 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM
16 Kislev 24
17 Kislev 25
18 Kislev 26
19 Kislev 27
20 Kislev 28
Chanukah Begins 1st Candle
Chanukah - 2nd Candle
Chanukah - 3rd Candle
Chanukah - 4th Candle
Chanukah - 5th Candle
Midrasha (grades 6-8) 5:30 PM SEC
IHP 4:30 PM SEC
Mah Jongg 10:00 AM SBR
Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR
Adult B’nei Mitzvah 6:00 PM SBR
Board of Trustees Meeting 6:15 PM SBR
Chanukah Dinner 6:00 PM BA
Shabbat Morning Service 10:30 AM PC
Shabbat/Chanukah Service and Party 7:15 PM GH
Adult Ed: Havdalah & Movie Keeping the Faith + Kugel Tasting 6:00 PM MR
Kindergarten Family Program: Shabbat & Chanukah 10:00 AM BA ECE Chanukah program 10:00 AM SEC Kol Echad Choir Rehearsal 11:30 AM BTB Midrasha (grades 9-12) 12:15 PM SEC SAC: NW Tower Holiday Party 12:30 PM Latkes & Vodkas 2:00 PM BA
21 Kislev 29
22 Kislev 30
23 Tevet 1
24 Tevet 2
25 Tevet 3
26 Tevet 4
27 Tevet 5
Chanukah - 6th Candle
Chanukah - 7th Candle
Chanukah - 8th Candle
Winter Break - No Classes
Offices Closed
Shabbat Service 6:00 PM PC
Torah Study 9:00 AM SBR
Winter Break - No Classes
Winter Break - No Classes Lift UP Christmas Dinner 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM GH
28 Tevet 6 Winter Break - No Classes
29 Tevet 7
30 Tevet 8
31 Tevet 9 Winter Break - No Classes
Administration Offices & Clergy Education Department & Preschool Fax Machine WRJ/BI Sisterhood Judaica Gift Shop Beth Israel Cemetery 426 SW Taylors Ferry Road
Shabbat Morning Service: Bar Mitzvah of Hunter Newcomb 10:30 AM Temple
503-222-1069 503-222-2037 503-274-1400 503-222-1069 503-222-1069
Location Key HH = Harris Hall BA = Blumauer Auditorium GH = Goodman Hall LB = Library LF = Lipman Foyer MR = Miller Room PC = Pollin Chapel SBR = Shirley & Herbert Semler Board Room SC = Shemanski Chapel SEC = Sherman Education Center SFC = Schnitzer Family Center
View our calendar and campus map online at
www.bethisrael-pdx.org Congregation Beth Israel
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Congregation Beth Israel
1972 NW Flanders Street Portland, OR 97209-2097
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND, OR PERMIT NO. 594
Board of Trustees 2014/2015 Officers
Trustees
Ned Duhnkrack President
Jonathan Barg Stuart Chestler, Immediate Past President Eric Friedenwald-Fishman Stacy Friedman Robin McCoy Sharon Meieran Joanne Van Ness Menashe Marney Pike Yale Popowich Bob Rosenbaum David Sarasohn Arthur Steinhorn
Ted Nelson VP/President Elect Ilene Davidson Vice President Ali Garfinkle Vice President Brad Tonkin Vice President Mark Peterman Secretary John Epstein Treasurer
Auxiliaries Linda Harrison and Stephanie Siegel - WRJ/BI Sisterhood Co-Presidents Bob Winthrop - Brotherhood President
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Friday, January 16, 6:00 PM Temple Speaker: Myrlie Evers-Williams Join us for another uplifting celebration of the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at our annual MLK Shabbat Evening Service. Myrlie Evers-Williams will be our keynote speaker. She is a civil rights activist and journalist who worked to seek justice for the murder of her husband Medgar Evers in 1963. She has served as Chairperson of the NAACP, has received many honors for her work, and delivered the invocation at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Once again, the members of the NW Gospel Choir and CBI’s Kol Echad choir will share their voices to help make the music of the era come alive.
Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism since 1879
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Congregation Beth Israel