NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION
FALL 2013
The ann and stephen kaufman
41 Years OF AUTHORS, MUSIC & FILMS
Inside Connections JEWISH BOOK & ARTS FAIR RENAMING
WINTER BREAK CAMPS
CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL
OLIVER LAPIN FAMILY DAY
HANUKKAH CELEBRATION
RONNIE ARROW HALL OF FAME
The ERJCC Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair
to be Named for Longtime Community Leaders
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be a major event in our city and one of the best in the nation.” Over the years, the Kaufmans have enjoyed participating in the Jewish Book & Arts Fair and have a long history of involvement in the ERJCC. Ann, a past chair of the event, said, “The Book Fair is important to us because we are avid readers and enjoy literature and the arts of all kinds. It’s not limited to the Jewish community – it’s open to the whole Houston community. We have always encouraged the entire Houston community to come to the ERJCC and enjoy the authors, the books, films and art exhibits. It’s one of the city’s most outstanding cultural events.” The Kaufmans certainly understand the mission and purpose of the ERJCC as well as anyone. Their involvement with the ERJCC spans from their earliest days attending summer day camp at the original JCC on Hermann Drive, to both serving as President of the Board of Directors. Both have held prominent positions on the Board of Directors for the Jewish Community Centers Association of North America. They have also held leadership positions with the United Way of Greater Houston, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, both of which the ERJCC is a beneficiary. Stephen has been involved with procuring support, strengthening programs and leading initiatives for the J throughout the years. From raising funds to pay off the Weingarten Building and develop the Gordon Ranch, Stephen has been involved in ensuring the financial stability of
The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston is proud to announce the renaming of the annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair as The Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair. The ERJCC Board of Directors recently approved the name change, as a result of a generous gift from Ann and Stephen Kaufman, longtime community leaders. “The Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair is a meaningful function of the ERJCC. In many ways it encapsulates what the J brings to the Jewish community,” said Stephen Kaufman. “We planned for a long time to leave a meaningful portion of our resources to the J, but we recently decided to accelerate the process in order to enjoy seeing this gift benefit the community while we’re still living.” Stephen continued, “We chose to focus on the Book & Arts Fair because we’ve been so involved with the J for years. We want to perpetuate this two week event and keep it going for years to come.” “I am thrilled with Ann and Stephen Kaufman’s gift to the ERJCC to name our Book Fair. The Kaufmans have demonstrated their leadership in the community by setting an example of generous philanthropy that will really make a difference,” said ERJCC President Bobbi Samuels. “The ERJCC Book & Arts Fair, now the Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Fair, is a highlight of Houston’s literary, intellectual, and Jewish cultural season. Their gift ensures that our Book & Arts Fair will continue to
these facilities along with the JCC in West Houston and the Merfish Teen Center. Under Ann’s administration as President, the original Bertha Alyce Center on Sandpiper Drive was created, as well as many programs that continue to be central to the mission of the ERJCC. As a family, Ann, Stephen, and their daughter Lauren Kaufman Blachman led the fundraising for the outdoor pool complex renovations in 2006. “This is a generous and fitting way for the Kaufmans to give back to the community and for the ERJCC to honor Ann’s and Stephen’s longtime commitment,” said Executive Vice President Joel Dinkin. “This gift also recognizes how important community events like the Jewish Book & Arts Fair are to Ann and Stephen.” “The Kaufman gift honors the ERJCC Jewish Book & Arts Fair, a beloved annual community event that celebrates Jewish literature and arts, and conversely, the Fair is humbled by their gift,” stated Marilyn Hassid, Assistant Executive Director who has produced the Book & Arts Fair for the past 27 years. The Kaufmans are involved in many activities and charitable organizations in the Houston community. They served as co-chairs for the very first Children’s Scholarship Ball in 1991. Recognized for their work with children’s causes in Houston, Ann and Stephen were later chosen as Ball Honorees in 1995 and 2005, respectively. The Kaufmans enjoy spending time playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, skiing, and going to the opera and theater. They also enjoy traveling, and
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viewing and photographing wildlife, particularly with family, including their children: Lauren and Jeremy Blachman, Jeff and Marcy Margolis, and Gary and Shannon Margolis, and their four grandchildren: Jonathan, Jennifer, Abby and Ben.
The ERJCC Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair is one of the city’s leading cultural and literary events, attracting a large and varied audience of over 10,000 people of all ages and is recognized as one of the largest Jewish Book & Arts Fairs in the nation. This highly popular community-wide event, which opens on Saturday night November 2, brings together prominent and emerging writers in literature, the arts, philosophy, theology, history and current events to speak during this two-week literary event.
The ERJCC Fitness Center wants to help make a healthier you! We have the experts, the equipment and now the tools to give you an accurate assessment of your wellness. • Biometrics such as height, weight and BMI • Muscular strength and Endurance • Body composition • Flexibility • Blood pressure and heart rate • Cardiovascular fitness Your assessment also includes a wellness profile, which examines lifestyle behaviors and provides recommendations to reduce the risk of future disease or disability. To help you achieve your health goals, please contact J. Morgan at 713.551.7211.
SAVE THE DATE: Fitness Center Open House | Sunday, January 12
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Winter Winter Break Break C KCamps Camps
The ERJCC offers Winter Break Camps for members ages 2-13. Winter Break Camps include opportunities for your children to take part in gymnastics, tennis or our popular “Happy Days” Camp. Winter Break Camps are group-oriented, with low staff-to-camper ratios determined by the activity and age of the children. The ERJCC offers AM/PM Care (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM) options for most camps. Winter Break Camps run for two weeks, December 23-27 and December 30–January 3 (No camp on December 25 and January 1). The registration deadline is Monday, December 2. Registration will be accepted after December 4 on a space-available basis only, so be sure to register early.
KIDS NITE
OUT Winter Break Bash 2013 Featuring Billy Jonas
Wednesday, December 25 | 10:00 AM $8 Member & Patron | $30 Family Max $10 Public | $35 Family Max We are pleased to present Billy Jonas who will engage us all — big and small. You will discover that with Billy almost any object can become a musical instrument — especially the audience. So join us for this winter treat and shake your booty to the beat. Stay after the concert for a FREE screening of the movie Ice Age Continental Drift. For more information, please contact Nomi Barancik at 713.729.3200 ext. 3288 or nbarancik@erjcchouston.org.
Save the dates for the Fall 2013 – Nov 9, 23 & 31, Dec 14 $20 for one child / $10 each additional child For more information, please contact Alex Fritsch at 713.729.3200 ext. 3256 or afritsch@erjcchouston.org. Register online at erjcchouston.org/kidsniteout.
The Wizard of Oz After a tornado whisks her away to the magical land of Oz, young Dorothy Gale teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin man and a Cowardly Lion to find the mighty Wizard of Oz who can send her home. Along the way, they must avoid the clutches of the Wicked Witch of the West, who is trying to steal the mysterious magic slippers that once belonged to her
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Kids Nite Out (KNO) is a great social experience for children in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. Parents can enjoy an evening alone while their children are supervised at the ERJCC with activities such as arts and crafts, movies, sports and gymnastics. Activities vary at each event, and advanced registration is requested. KNO takes place on Saturday evenings from 6:30 - 10:30 PM
Jewish Community Center Stage Performing Arts brings to life the most beloved tale of all time…
Reading is Sweet
Adding to the excitement of the camps will be recreational indoor swimming, snack time, sports, games and crafts. Please be sure to bring a swim suit, towel and lunch daily. Happy Days Camp will be at the ERJCC Weingarten Building with transportation available from the West Houston–Herzstein Building on Dairy Ashford. All transportation campers must be at the West Houston–Herzstein Building no later than 8:00 AM and will return by 4:00 PM. Minimum of 5 participants is required by 12/13/13. For more information, please contact Alex Fritsch, at 713.729.3200 ext. 3256 or afritsch@erjcchouston.org.
evil sister but are now on Dorothy’s feet. Dorothy eventually learns just how magical friendship can be and how wonderful it can feel to go home again. “After working with the ERJCC children for the past few years in shows like Aladdin, Nifty Fifties, and Annie, I am really excited for the opportunity to continue with the JCCS theater program,” said JCCS Director, Eva Smetak. “It has been a very rewarding experience working with the cast in this show. They have stepped up to the challenge and it should be an exciting show for everyone,” said Musical Director, Lee LaForge. Join us at the ERJCC for performances in the Kaplan Theatre, I W Marks Theatre Center on December 5, 7 and 8. Tickets can be purchased online beginning November 4 at brownpapertickets.com.
O l i v er L ap i n Fam i ly D ay SunDAY, NOVEMBER 10 | 9:00 AM—12:30 PM Concert, Authors, Hebrew Books, Opera & Fun
Storybook opera reading: Itamar Meets a Rabbit
Ann Redisch Stampler The Cats on Ben Yehuda Street
AGES 6-8 9:00–9:30 AM | 11:15–11:45 AM 12:00–12:30 PM
11:15–11:45 AM | 12:00–12:30 PM AGES 6-8 FREE
FREE
Joanie Leeds ConcerT
AGES 5-8 10:15–11:00 AM FREE TO SERIES PASS HOLDERS Individual Tickets: $8 ERJCC Member | $12 Public Family of 5 or More: $6 ERJCC Member | $9 Public
Madelyn Rosenberg Featuring Music by Joanie Leeds & The Schmutzy Family
9:30–10:30 AM AGES 2-6 PJ Library Author
FREE
HEBREW BOOK CORNER
פינת הספרים
11:15–11:45 AM AGES 3-5 and 6-8
ERJCC Houston Meals on Wheels Needs You!
Oliver Lapin Family Day is endowed in loving memory of Oliver Lapin by his family
3.5 lb.– 5 lb. Bags of dry dog or cat food are needed for our clients’ pets.
The Joanie Leeds concert is supported by the Goldye M. and Samuel W. Spain Children’s Performing Arts Fund and PJ Library of Houston.
Please donate during Oliver Lapin Family Day November 10!
All events take place at ERJCC Houston | 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX 77096
All family events are FREE and open to the public, with the exception of the Joanie Leeds concert. For concert tickets call 713.551.7255 or visit erjcchouston.org/bookfair
CALE N DAR OF E V E N T S SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3
MONDAY NOVEMBER 4
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 5
November 2–18 erjcchouston.org/bookfair
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 6
8:00 PM
12:15 PM
6:15 PM
6:15 PM
OPENING NIGHT
Rabbi Elaine Rose Glickman The Messiah and the Jews: Three Thousand Years of Tradition, Belief and Hope
Slash Coleman The Bohemian Love Diaries
Local Literati
12:00 PM Book Lover’s Lunch
FREE EVENT
Lunch + Books + Authors
8:00 PM
Lisa Barr Fugitive Colors
Peter Sagal An Evening with Peter Sagal: Why Satire is the Only Reasonable Response to the Times in Which we Live
FREE EVENT
2:00 PM - FILM Etgar Keret: What Animal Are You?
8:00 PM Letty Cottin Pogrebin How to be a Friend to a Friend Who’s Sick
Jay Michaelson Evolving Dharma: Meditation, Buddhism, and the Next Generation of Enlightenment
Pam Jenoff The Ambassador’s Daughter
8:00 PM Alicia Svigals Composers and Klezmers: Alicia Svigals on Bartók, Bloch, and the score to The Yellow Ticket
4:00 PM Community Read Joshua Henkin The World Without You
7:00 PM
THURSDAY
NOVEMBER 7 alternate location
12:00 PM
Tina Sutton The Making of Markova: Diaghilev’s Baby Ballerina to Groundbreaking Icon
FREE EVENT alternate location
7:30 PM FILM
The Yellow Ticket alternate location
8:00 PM
Matt Sienkiewicz Saturday Night Live and American TV
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 8 no program Bookstore Open
Thursday, November 7 8:00 PM GET CULTURED Inside the Author’s Studio Exclusively for Ages 21-35 (PRIVATE) Barry Nalebuff Mission in a Bottle
Gil Cohen-Magen Hassidic Courts
FREE EVENT NOVEMBER 9
NOVEMBER 10
NOVEMBER 11
9:00 AM-12:30 PM
7:00 PM
6:15 PM
Kids Nite Out Ages 5 – 10 Havdallah & Songs Books & Activities
Oliver Lapin Family Day
8:00 PM – FILM
Goldie Morgentaler, ed. Allen Salkin Exile at Last: Selected Poems From Scratch: Inside the Tumultuous Billion-Dollar World 5:00 PM of the Food Network John Rosengren Hank Greenberg: The Hero of Heroes
The World is Funny
Joe Papp in Five Acts
Marion Grodin Standing Up: A Memoir of a Funny (Not Always) Life
4:00 PM
8:00 PM
2:00 PM – Film
NOVEMBER 12 10:00 AM
alternate
location Lihi Lapid Woman of Valor
6:15 PM Scott Rempell Five Grounds
8:00 PM Debra Band Arise! Arise! Deborah, Ruth and Hannah
NOVEMBER 13 6:15 PM
NOVEMBER 14 12:00 PM
alternate location
Gregory Wallance Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin America’s Soul in the Balance The Gods are Broken!: The Hidden Legacy of Abraham 8:00 PM Optional lunch at 11:30 AM Nina S. Spiegel Embodying Hebrew Culture: 5:00 PM - Film Aesthetics, Athletics, and When Comedy Went Dance in the Jewish to School Community of Mandate Palestine
NOVEMBER 15 1:00 PM - FILM When Comedy Went to School Shabbat Lunch at 12:00 PM
6:30 PM – CONCERT HGO Kristallnacht – 75th Commemoration
FREE EVENT
NOVEMBER 17
NOVEMBER 18
8:00 PM - CONCERT
12:15 PM
8:00 PM
Omer Avital Quintet
Dror Moreh On The Gatekeepers
CLOSING NIGHT
NOVEMBER 16
8:00 PM
alternate location
Dan Zevin Dad Gets a Minivan: Life at the Intersection of Dude and Dad In collaboration with the ERJCC Mishpacha and Me Program “Date Night” Event Adults Only
The ann and stephen kaufman
mitch albom The First Phone Call from Heaven
2:00 PM - Film The Gatekeepers
4:00 PM Jeremy Dauber The Worlds of Sholem Aleichem: The Remarkable Life and Afterlife of the Man who Created Tevye
7:30 PM David Berg Run, Brother, Run: A Memoir of a Murder in my Family
Due to circumstances beyond our control, programs are subject to change.
Tributes ADULT MITZVAH FUND In Honor of Anne Lichtenstein – Shirley and Jack Alter BOOK FAIR FUND In Memory of Aaron Sufian - Susan and Jamie Ganc CENTER FOR JEWISH LIVING AND LEARNING In Memory of Mark Joseph Warshaw – Ruth W. Brodsky In Memory of Mark Joseph Warshaw – Joanne and Donald Brodsky In Memory of Mark Joseph Warshaw – Ellen Brodsky Gaber In Memory of Renee Danziger – Marsha and Stanley Rosenblatt In Honor of Bobbi Samuels – Karol and Daniel Musher CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL In Honor of Janey Finger – Jody and Russell Radoff DANCE FUND In Honor of Susan & David Askanase – Bobbie Heubner DONNA FRANKOFF JEWISH BOOK FAIR FUND In Honor of Louise & Sherwin Kershman – Miriam and Ben Portnoy In Memory of Claire Estelle Reingold – Sharon and Daniel Brener In Honor of Josh Brener & Meghan Falcone – Nancy and Richard Freed In Honor of Lindsay Baum & Matt Braslow – Nancy and Richard Freed EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM FUND In Honor of Nancy Lerner – Ruth W. Brodsky In Honor of Nancy Lerner – Joanne and Donald Brodsky In Honor of Nancy Lerner - Ellen Brodsky Gaber In Honor of Bobby Lapin – Ruth W. Brodsky In Honor of Bobby Lapin – Joanne and Donald Brodsky In Honor of Bobby Lapin – Ellen Brodsky Gaber In Honor of Steve Maislin – Ruth W. Brodsky In Honor of Steve Maislin – Joanne and Donald Brodsky In Honor of Steve Maislin - Ellen Brodsky Gaber GENERAL TRIBUTE FUND In Honor of Bobbi Samuels – Miriam and Noel Graubart In Honor of Patricia Rauch – Joan and Stanford Alexander In Memory of Marcy Manne – Beverly M. Manne In Honor of Susan Lapin – Carol and Barry Goodfriend In Memory of Mark Joseph Warshaw – Diane Manning
Thank You to our Generous Donors!
BE A PART OF THE TRIBUTES SECTION
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our many individual, corporate and foundation donors whose generous ongoing support helps the ERJCC continue to be a vital community asset.
GERALD RAUCH MEMORIAL FUND In Honor of Renee Spolane – Lila Rauch In Honor of Beth Weisberg – Lila Rauch In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Cook – Lila Rauch In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Dover – Lila Rauch In Honor of Patricia Rauch – Doris and Gerald Katz In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Lila Rauch GERSHEN PLAYGROUND FUND In Memory of Jimmy Woodley – Barnett L. Gershen HARRIS J. WEINGARTEN TENNIS CENTER FUND In Honor of Emily Weingarten Stein – Cherill Dubinski HARRY K. SMITH MEALS ON WHEELS FUND In Honor of Diane & Mitch Levy – Barbara and Ronald Smoller In Honor of Selma Plotkin – Beatrice Lewis In Honor of Michael Lewis – Beatrice Lewis HEALTH CENTER FUND In Honor of Bob Gomel – Lorraine and Sidney Brown JERRY WISCHE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FUND In Honor of Jerry Wische – Debbie and Tom Collins JEWISH ARTS & CULTURE FUND In Memory of Shirley Chaskin – Jean and Morton Levy MARILYN HASSID JEWISH BOOK FAIR EMERGING AUTHOR FUND In Honor of Donald Brodsky – Meryl and Murry Cohen MAXINE SILBERSTEIN DANCE FUND In Honor of Maxine Silberstein – Arlene Levy In Honor of Maxine Silberstein – Shirley and Allan Weiss MIKE GROSSMAN/JUDY RICHKER MACCABI SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of Dr. Kamal Sheena – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Loris Cohen – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Maurice “Moe” Lewis – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Claire Estelle Reingold – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Irwin Richker – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Shirley Roth Feinstein– Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Max Redlich – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Susanna Stern Friedman – Vicky and Michael Richker
OLIVER LAPIN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR FUND In Honor of Eleanor & Jon Totz – Eve and Bobby Lapin In Memory of Renee Danziger – Eve and Bobby Lapin RAYMOND E. PLOTKIN JCC MACCABI GAMES TENNIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of Elaine Plotkin – Patti and Denny Anderson In Honor of Elaine Plotkin – June and Gary Blumenthal In Honor of Elaine Plotkin - Diane and Robert Pont In Honor of Elaine Plotkin – Gayle and Richard Rockoff REUBEN ASKANASE PAST PRESIDENTS LEADERSHIP FUND In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Susan and Milton Altschuler In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Joe Epstein In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Carol and Barry Goodfriend In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Miriam and Noel Graubart In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Marilyn and Joel Kay In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Nora Laufman In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Linda and Herbert Lesser In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Cheryl and Haran Levy In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Ellie and Paul Orseck In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Nancy Pickus In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Risa and Craig Brown In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Ellen and Franklin Gittess In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Dorene and Frank Herzog In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Susan and Syd Waldman In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Marsha and Joseph Cohen In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Barbara and Jonathan Day In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Linda Susman In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Ruth W. Brodsky In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Joanne and Donald Brodsky In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Ellen Brodsky Gaber In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Dolores Wilkenfeld In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Ange and David Finn In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Sherry and Gerald Merfish In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Maxine and Herman Lapin In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Linda and Jerry Rubenstein In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Cynthia Sax In Memory of Hilda Askanase – Joyce Greenberg In Memory of Renee Danziger – Joyce Greenberg In Memory of Milton Mandell – Joyce Greenberg In Memory of Hadassah Musher – Joyce Greenberg In Memory of Gerlad Rauch – Joyce Greenberg In Memory of Minnye Shainock – Joyce Greenberg In Memory of Dr. Sidney Wallace – Joyce Greenberg In Honor of Dr. & Mrs. Milton Boniuk – Joyce Greenberg In Honor of Karol Musher – Joyce Greenberg For corrections or to make a donation, please contact our Development Department at ext. 3103.
Recognize special life events with a tribute to support a program or fund at the ERJCC. A gift can be made for a birthday, anniversary, promotion, sympathy, holiday, graduation, wedding, new baby, bar/bat mitzvah and more. To make a donation visit the Support the ERJCC tab on our website. Elton and Janet Lipnick, David Lipnick, and Myles and Amy Kelman underwrite Shabbat Dinners in memory of Paul Lipnick, an active senior participant, so that other active adults can enjoy the traditional meal and meaningful service to usher in Shabbat. Paul Lipnick enjoyed dining with friends, and his family has chosen this special way to honor his memory. ............................................................................................. PLEASE NOTE: Names and organizations listed in this newsletter reflect donations received by August 31, 2013. Great care has been exercised to ensure the proper recognition of our donors. If an error or omission does occur, we apologize and hope you will bring it to our attention. Please address all corrections with the Development Office, 713.729.3200, ext. 3103 or mrathers@erjcchouston.org.
////// UPCOMING EVENTS ////// Lessons from the Hassidic Courts Instructor: Dr. Rabbi Daniel Horwitz 4 Mondays Beginning October 28 7:00 PM–8:00 PM $36 Member / $50 Public What made Hassidism into a great religious revival movement? What are its most compelling ideas? Meet some of the great masters who gave depth and energy to the new mystical program; study their teachings and their critique of the Judaism of their day; learn about a key 20th century Hassidic teacher and how he persevered during the Holocaust; and consider what might be the future of Hassidism in the modern age. This class is offered in conjunction with the exhibit Hassidic Courts which will be on display in the Deutser Art Gallery. To register, contact Nomi Barancik at 713.729.3200, ext. 3238 or nbarancik@erjcchouston.org.
Turn it and Turn It: Studying the Weekly Torah Portion Instructor: Rabbi Samantha Safran Fridays: Ongoing 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | FREE Join us for a weekly discussion of the Torah portion using both classic and modern commentaries. No knowledge of Hebrew is required.
See back cover for Hanukkah Balloon Blast!
Houston Grand Opera — The Passenger Wednesday, January 22 The bus will leave the ERJCC at 5:00 PM $35 member / $49 public (balcony seats) The cost includes a ticket to the show, a pre-performance lecture with food and drinks and transportation. Join the ERJCC at the Houston Grand Opera for the American premiere of the Holocaust opera “The Passenger.” The horrors of the Second World War, still raw today, were fresh in 1959 when Auschwitz survivor Zofia Posmysz wrote a play titled The Passenger from Cabin 45 for Polish radio. The action of the drama takes us from the stylish gentility of a luxury liner’s deck to the squalor of a death camp where cruelty, despair, and unspeakable courage are evident in equal measure. This American premiere will be one of the most important musical events of the year. To ensure group seating and pricing, we must receive your RSVP and payment by Monday, December 16. Please contact Esther Bethke at 713-595-8186.
Living
ERJCC Local Veggie Co-op Join our co-op on your own or with a partner and pre-purchase a share of organically grown produce for an entire season. This Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, coordinated nationally by Hazon, guarantees the farmer a secure market and gives members access to the freshest and healthiest produce in Houston, while helping to preserve farmland and promote environmental sustainability. Weekly or bi-weekly pick-up options available. Fall shares include tomatoes, squash, turnips, sweet potatoes, cabbage, and greens. Season runs October 16—January 22. To register contact Rabbi Samantha Safran at 713.729.3200, ext. 3322 or ssafran@erjcchouston.org.
E V E L Y N
RU B ENS T E I N
J E W I SH
C O MMUN I T Y
DANCE MONTH AT THE KAPLAN THEATRE J ANUAR Y 1 0 – FE B RUAR Y 9 , 2 0 1 4
C EN T ER
O F
H O US T O N
PRESEN T S
Experience a visual feast of cutting edge choreography and brilliant dance professionals on one amazing stage! For more information visit
erjcchouston.org/dancemonth or call 713.551.7255 Support for the Arts & Culture Season is provided by the ERJCC Patrons of the Arts and The Maurice Amado Foundation.
City of Houston
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 | erjcchouston .org
Houston Endowment
Official Hotel of the ERJCC
Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company | Photo by Tom Caravaglia
Bright Lights, Shining Stars… an Award-Winning Night!
A 24 th ANNUAL ERJCC CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL
fter a hugely successful gala and silent auction last March, Dana & Kenneth Katz take the “leading role” as Ball Chairs for the 24th Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at the Westin Galleria. The Academy Awardsthemed evening of dinner, dancing and silent auction promises to be an Oscarworthy experience for all attendees.
Benefiting the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston Saturday, March 1, 2014 7:30 PM The Westin Galleria Dinner, Dancing & Silent Auction
For information and questions, contact Melissa Gordon, ext. 3202 or mgordon@erjcchouston.org
erjcchouston.org/csb
Dana & Kenneth Katz, Ball Chairs
The evening will honor community leaders Ginni & Richard Mithoff and Betsy & Ed Schreiber. Honorary Chairs include Kathy & Drew Berkman, Roslyn Haikin, Joe Kaplan and Nancy Lerner. Fundraising efforts in honor of the two deserving couples will benefit the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to hundreds of families who want to enrich their children’s lives with programs at the ERJCC.
Tables of 10 and individual tickets may be purchased starting at $3,000 and $300, respectively. As always, a highlight of the evening is the extensive silent auction that annually raises more than $90,000. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To become a sponsor contact Larissa Potiomkin, Director of Development at 713.729.3200 ext. 3114 or csb@erjcchouston.org. Donations and tributes can be made in honor of these outstanding community leaders at erjcchouston.org/csb. Individual donors pledging $300 or more, and couples pledging $600 or more, will be listed on the invitation for the black tie gala, as part of the 2014 Tribute Committee.
The Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund provides financial aid to hundreds of families who want to enrich their children’s lives with programs at the ERJCC.
launches! he Campaign Committee of the ERJCC’s Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Center announces the launch of The Fourth Annual Giving Tree annual fund campaign. Leading the annual fund campaign are co-chairs Deb Baverman and Sallye Wasserstein. The purpose of this two-year campaign is to replace the equipment on the infant care playground and to enhance the preschool playground; both of which will include shaded play areas and green space. A fundraising goal of $36,000 this school year will enable the BAC to provide a fun and safe environment for our children to master their physical skills and explore their work. “The Giving Tree campaign exemplifies the family commitment that exists at the Bertha Alyce Center. The generosity of the families has provided our program
with technology and support that enhances and enriches the individual growth of the children,” said Meredith Sakowitz, BAC Teacher. Expanding education for the children and laying the foundation for their future is the driving force behind this campaign. The Committee created The Giving Tree campaign for the Bertha Alyce Center to maintain the bar of excellence at this preschool. In the past three years, families have been joined by grandparents, faculty members and corporations to raise over $100,000. The proceeds have provided a Smart Board, computers and iPads for classroom use, an indoor playscape area, and Judaic classroom materials. Funds have also been used to enrich the existing library. To make a contribution visit erjcchouston.org/givingtree.
Sally Wasserstein (Co-Chair), Bonnie Kasner (Director of ERJCC Early Childhood Programs), Deb Braverman (Co-Chair)
Memebership starts as low as $180/year!
Becoming a member has never been easier!
OUR NEW MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS ARE EASY AS…
1 2 3
Program Membership is a great way to get started at the ERJCC. This membership provides enrollment access to our various programs and classes. Health, Sports & Fitness Membership provides you with all the benefits of Program Membership, plus access to our state-of-the-art fitness center, group exercise, personal training, massage, indoor and outdoor pools, plus an option to upgrade to executive locker rooms. Tennis Membership provides all the benefits of our Health, Sports & Fitness Membership, plus access to our outdoor tennis courts, indoor tennis center, tennis leagues, clinics and lessons. For more detailed information on membership categories and rates, please visit us online at: erjcchouston.org/join. If you have questions about which membership is best for you, please contact Member Services at membership@erjcchouston.org or 713.729.3200. You can also visit us in person at the Member Services Office located inside the Fitness Center.
AQUATICS DANCE Ballet Tap Soccer Basketball Krav Maga Jazz Dance GYMNASTICS TENNIS SPORTS & REC MIND BODY ZUMBA Tai Chi Yoga
VOLUNTEER • DONATE • GIVE
Adopt-a-Senior! The ERJCC Community Meals/Meals on Wheels encourages you to “Adopt-a-Senior” in an effort to help feed homebound clients who are service-eligible, no longer able to cook for themselves, have limited mobility and are on our waiting list for nutrition services. Recent funding cuts of over $85,000 have raised greater urgency to maintain services for current clients receiving meals and increase efforts to serve more in need. Our waiting list hovers at 96 persons. Adoption is simple. Donors may provide meals per person at varying levels: • • • • •
$50 feeds 10 seniors for one day $100 feeds one senior for an entire month! $300 feeds three seniors for an entire month! $600 feeds one senior for six months! $1200 provides a senior nutritionally balanced meals for an entire year!
To donate or adopt, please contact Timothy Stewart at tstewart@erjcchouston.org or Lena Lieb at llieb@erjcchouston.org or call 713.729.3200.
Volunteer today!
MEALS ON WHEELS Please help spread the word that the ERJCC Meals on Wheels needs help with volunteer meal delivery drivers in Southwest Houston/ Harris County. Our service is looking for volunteer drivers to deliver meals weekdays between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm in our community. It could be once a month, once a week, or every day, depending on how much time a volunteer has. Delivery drivers must have their own car and be 18 years of age or older showing current proof of insurance. Please bring a friend to accompany you on deliveries. The work goes much faster that way. The service Meals on Wheels provides is vital to the people of our community, providing not only nutrition but companionship and contact with our world outside. For many, ours is the only face some may see today. We currently serve a rotating client base of over 600, served by over 100 volunteers. Daily service can top 400 meals. Ours is the only service providing kosher meals to Harris County residents. We served over 107,000 meals last year, plus holiday goods and special need requests. Ours is arguably one of the most valuable mitzvahs the community performs and an easy one to join. For more information, contact Victor Meston or Lois Carlisle at 713.595.8177 or vmeston@erjcchouston.org.
HANNUKKAH BALLOON BLAST!
RONNIE ARROW HALL OF FAME
We had such great colorful fun with Katie Balloons last year that we have invited her back for Hanukkah! Join us as we celebrate the holiday of lights (and balloons). Stay for latkes* and a special candle lighting after the show.
CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL
HANUKKAH CELEBRATION
paId
WINTER BREAK CAMPS
OLIVER LAPIN FAMILY DAY
nonprofit Org. u.s. postage
BOOK & ARTS FAIR RENAMING
houston, Texas permit no. 6217
Inside Connections
SAVE THE DATE
*To be purchased separately
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 erjcchouston .org
41 Years OF AUTHORS, MUSIC & FILMS
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 | 4:30 PM • Community Candle Lighting | 5:30 PM
The ann and stephen kaufman
• • • • • $8 ERJCC Member & Patron - Family Max $30 | $10 Public – Family Max $35 • • • • •
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION
FALL 2013
24 th ANNUAL ERJCC
CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL
In the Joe Frank Theatre 3:00 PM Induction ceremony Alan S. Finger and Mark E. Silberman Class of 2013 reception to follow RSVP by October 21 to Melanie beltram | 713.729.3200 ext. 3214 or mbeltram@erjcchouston.org
Alan S. Finger
dEvents
Calendar October
25 Adults on the Go Shabbat Dinner 27 Mishpacha & Me Mitzvah Magician Morning
NOVEMBER
2-18 The Ann and Stephen Kaufman 41st Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair Opening Night 7 Adults on the Go Veteran’s Day Lunch 9 Kids Nite Out 10 Oliver Lapin Family Day 16 Omer Avital Quintet Concert 16 Mishpacha & Me Bookfair Parent’s Night Out 23 Kids Nite Out 27 School’s Out Program 28 Thanksgiving Day - Closed
Mark E. Silberman
DECEMBER Ronnie Arrow Mission Statement To select Jewish men and women with connections to Houston, Texas who have achieved a high level with athletic competition or prestigious sports-related careers and exhibit Jewish values, to be honored by induction into The Ronnie Arrow Jewish Sports Hall of Fame SPONSORED BY THE EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER AND JEWISH HERALD-VOICE
erjcchouston.org EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096
2013
Sunday, October 27, 2013
1 Hanukkah Balloon Blast 1 Mother/Son Cooking Class 5 The Wizard of Oz Children’s Theatre Production 7-8 The Wizard of Oz Children’s Theatre Production 14 Kids Nite Out 15 Mishpacha & Me event w/ PJ Library 23 Winter Break Camp Begins 25 Winter Break Bash 31 New Year’s Sleepover and Kids Nite Out
For more information visit erjcchouston.org