J-Connections Spring 2013 by Daryl Freedman

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION

SPRING 2013

special Issue Look Inside for Annual Report Insert

Inside Connections SUMMER DAY CAMP

ERJCC ANNUAL MEETING

2013 CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL

MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS

MEALS ON WHEELS

FAMILY TRIATHLON

SUMMER DAY CAMPS AT THE J

hat child wouldn’t want to be in the circus for a week? They’ll get to at the J Camps Circus of the Kids Camp June 10 - 14. Or your kids can choose to sharpen their athletic skills at Sports Camp starting June. Parents can start their planning when it comes to occupying those long, hot summer days with structured activity. It is why registration for J Camps at the ERJCC this summer has been high and camps are filling up quickly. Not only does the ERJCC offer traditional camp activities, but also children have the choice to specialize in skill-based activities or sports. Camps are designed to help children sharpen skills in specialized fields of interest. This summer a number of new camps are being offered for 3rd – 5th graders including Digital Media Camp, Video Game Creator Camp and Aquatics Camp.

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“My children always look forward to participating in the J summer camps. They have a lot of fun, reconnect with old friends and make new friends, learn something new, celebrate being Jewish and build confidence,” said Ellen Tagtmeier, mom of J Campers. This summer’s stellar camp lineup includes more than 50 options with numerous themes including favorites such as Art, Tennis, Circus, Equestrian, Gymnastics, Cooking and a revamped Sports Camp with a different specialized sport each week including golf (Matt Swanson Golf Camp), basketball, baseball (Rice University Camp) and soccer. The ERJCC also offers traditional day camps for preschoolers through 2nd grade such as Camp Bami, Kinder Camp and Camp Kaleidoscope. “J Camps offer children all the traditional elements of summer fun with song, playtime and arts and crafts,” said Randy Comensky, J Camps Director. “We really focus on safety when it comes to swimming lessons and activities. We believe quality starts with our counselors and training starts well before the kids arrive.”

ERJCC camps offer daily instructional and recreational swimming, Judaic enrichment, friendship circles and planned activities that focus on fun and skill-building. The ERJCC has been giving children the ultimate summer day camp experience for more than 70 years. ERJCC offers flexible program options from 1- 12 weeks, making our

Summer Day Camp a popular and affordable choice for parents. J Camps are committed to hiring plenty of experienced staff members to keep a low staff-to-camper ratio. Camp begins May 29 and runs three sessions ending August 23, 2013. Your child can enjoy as many weeks of J Camps as he or she wants.

SAVE THE DATE

on.org erjcchoust /camps

become a member and enjoy our spectacular camps!

Children’s Membership only $29/month Membership based on 12 mos. Includes camp access. First year joining fees apply.

Summer Family Pool & Camp Membership $398

TREATS | PRIZES FROZEN DJ MUSIC | GAMES : er MEET THE COUNSELORS rtha Alyce Cent Be AM 0 :0 10 – i m Ba p Cam 3rd Floor 11:00 AM ERJCC Kinder Camp – en Center h 0 PM Merfis Te 1:0 pe co os id Kale

Fun for kids… easy for parents!

Birthday Parties at the

NEW THIS YEAR: Includes Bronze-Level Fitness

SUMMER MEMBERSHIP DEALS! POOL / TENN I S / F I TNESS

$225 Family $115 Individual Add on to the fun with Bronze Fitness and Tennis and enjoy unlimited access to all group exercise and Mind, Body & Spirit classes: +$75/month Family | +$50/month Individual

Contact member services today 713.595.8168 membership@erjcchouston.org

We’ll customize an unforgettable dream party for your child age four and up. Just pick your favorite theme, and leave the rest to us! For more information, contact Amanda Stein: 713.729.3200 ext. 3121 or birthdays@erjcchouston.org.

IT’S TIME TO honor mom and dad

he mitzvah of honoring one’s parents is considered so vital that it is one of the Ten Commandments. Recorded twice in Torah, we learn there are three partners in the creation of a new life; G-d, the mother and the father. The further back we go, the greater our elders are considered. In Judaism, we learn that every day has to be a day of thanksgiving and every day we must honor and cherish our parents. It is for these reasons that every one of us must endeavor to truly honor our parents. That means that we make an active effort to look after their needs (both physical and spiritual), as well as treat them with the utmost respect, whether we agree with them or not. This includes good nutrition to ensure health and well being. This includes the ERJCC Meals on Wheels. The Hebrew word for “honor” (ka-bed) consists of the same letters as the Hebrew word for “heavy” (ka-ved). The only difference is a dot in the second letter. In other words, “honor” means treating one’s parents with the gravity that their position demands.

The ERJCC Meals on Wheels takes very seriously this mitzvah, having served 640 of our neighbors within the past year. On average, 33 ERJCC Meals on Wheels referrals are received each month from adult children of clients who live away or are estranged from a parent. This commandment is the only one that lists a reward for its fulfillment — long life as a viable society. The Torah

emotional closeness. Each year 200 ERJCC Meals on Wheels volunteers provide a daily dose of human touch each weekday to our elder neighbors who are near us but alone. Join us this spring as the ERJCC Meals on Wheels honors Mom and Dad.

wants us to understand that a society in which children cease showing honor to their parents will cease to be a functioning society. 30% of all ERJCC Meals on Wheels clients are either estranged from their adult children or have outlived them. Another 14% live more than 250 miles from their nearest relative. Love comes from individual, unique relationships; whether or not there are blood ties does not create, by itself, an

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IN HO NO R OF IN ME MO RY OF Ple ase sen d ack no wle dg em en t to: NA ME AD DR ES S CIT Y STATE /ZI P PLE AS E SIG N CA RD

For:

 Mother’s Day

 Father’s Da y

IN HO NO R OF IN ME MO RY OF Ple ase sen d ack no wle dg em en t to: NA ME AD DR ES S

CIT Y A special tribu PLE AS E SIG te card will be N CA RD STATE /ZI P mailed in ackn Evelyn Rubens owledgemen tein Jewish Co PLE AS E SIG t of your gift. N CA RD mmunity Cent Please make er 5601 S. Brae checks payabl swood, Hous e to: ton, TX 77096. All Contributio ns are tax dedu ctible.

upcoming cjll events M u s i c i n M ay at t h e J center for jewish living and learning scholar series

Sounds Jewish, Doesn’t It?

From E n l i g h t e n m e n t to Intifada: FRENCH JEWRY THEN AND NOW Don’t miss these final lectures on the history of French Jewry by Dr. Robert Zaretsky, professor of modern French history at the Honors College of the University of Houston. Witness the lectures in-person or watch them streamed live by visiting houstonjewishlive.com.

Vichy Then and Now: The Jews of France in the Second World War Thursday, April 18 • 7:30 PM France’s military defeat in 1940 heralded the birth of the Vichy regime, which sought to turn the clock back to prerevolutionary France. Central to this reactionary agenda was the regime’s battery of anti-Semitic laws—initiated without the slightest of nudges from the Nazis. Beginning in 1942, these laws enabled Nazi Germany’s application of the Final Solution to France, leading to the murder of nearly 75,000 Jews, both foreign and native-born. We shall discuss the motivations of the bureaucracy that created and applied these laws and reflect on those institutions and individuals that resisted them.

A talk with music featuring Isabelle Ganz and Mary Carol Warwick. The influence of Jewish Music on Broadway and popular song composers. Monday, May 13 | 7:30 PM | Free

Hadar Noiberg Trio

From the Second World War to the Second Intifada: France and the Jews Today Thursday, May 2 • 7:30 PM In 1967, the great political theorist (and secular Jew) Raymond Aron, upon hearing President Charles De Gaulle’s remark that the Jews were an “elite people, sure of themselves and domineering,” wondered if this opened “a new chapter in Jewish history and perhaps antiSemitism.” With the surge of violence in North African quarters against Jews, climaxing in the horrific massacre at Toulouse, French Jews now ask themselves if they can remain both fully French and fully Jewish.

Register online at erjcchouston.org/frenchjewry $10 Member / $15 Public (per lecture) $36 Member / $48 Public (series pass)

Israeli flutist, composer, and arranger Hadar Noiberg brings Cuban, Jazz and World Music to the Kaplan Stage. Sunday, May 19 | 2:00 PM

$15 Member/$20 Public

Both events take place at the Kaplan Theatre I W Marks Theatre Center

––

These lectures are being streamed live. Visit houstonjewishlive.com. ARTS, CULTURE, EDUCATION

| ADULTS | SENIORS | KIDS & FAMILY |

HEALTH & WELLNESS

The Gerald Rauch Cultural and Performing Arts Center Visit erjcchouston.org/music for tickets.

2013

CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL S u c c e ss f u l S c h o l a r s h i p B a l l B r i d g e s t h e P o ss i b i l i t i e s

Starts at the J,” complete with flashing marquee lights. Native Houstonian Dan Dunn took the side-stage as the surprise pre-dinner entertainment and treated guests to “Paintjam,” a live theatrical performance art show of speed painting. His two 6-foot square paintings – one of Frank Sinatra and one of iconic New York City landmarks, both painted in less than 6 minutes each, were then up for bidding in the event’s silent auction. The black tie event honored long-time ERJCC community leader and volunteer Lenny Dubin; former director at McKinsey & Company Jim Crownover; Chairman of JPMorgan Chase in the Houston Region and CEO of Middle Market Banking Gina Luna. The Honorees, along with their Honorary Chairs were featured in three separate and inspiring videos, which highlighted the Honorees’ dedication and passion to children’s and educational causes, and talked about the work performed at the ERJCC through

2013 Honoree Jim Crownover with Honorary Chair and 1991 Honoree Marc Shapiro

2013 Honoree Gina Luna with Honorary Chair Amy Bernstein

2013 Ball Honorees Lenny Dubin, Gina Luna and Jim Crownover

PHOTOS BY MARK KATZ

he Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center’s 23rd Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball welcomed over 500 guests to the Westin Galleria on Saturday, March 2 for an evening of New York flair and entertainment that raised over $520,000 for the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund. Beginning with a cocktail reception featuring New York “street food” served from a food truck facade and food cart, guests also enjoyed the sounds of a piano player in an area inspired by the famous “Blue Note Jazz Club” in Greenwich Village. Guests were then ushered into the intricately-designed ballroom featuring New York street signs, lamp post centerpieces and a 24-foot wide backdrop of Times Square. The stage was adorned with a New York City skyline silhouette and large 3-dimensional buildings with backlit windows flanking both sides of the stage and a large hanging sign which read “It All

Tributes ADULT MITZVAH FUND In Honor of Bonnie Kasner – Diana Howard

ANN & STEPHEN KAUFMAN JEWISH EDUCATION FUND In Memory of Shirley Gerson – Leah and David Engelberg In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Theba and Buster Feldman BERTHA ALYCE CENTER FUND In Memory of Joan Danziger – Roz and William Fink In Memory of Terence “Terry” Redman – Preetha Kalathil and David Alleman In Memory of Terence “Terry” Redman – Shari and Stephen Kammerman In Memory of Terence “Terry” Redman – Tiffany Morrissette In Memory of Terence “Terry” Redman – Jessica Whiteside and Gordon Wong BOOK FAIR FUND In Honor of Henrietta Bell – Yiddish Class Friends CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL In Honor of Lenny Dubin – Kal Sarlat In Memory of Shari Epstein – Julie and John Gilbert In Memory of Shari Epstein – Ronda Feinberg and Allan Goldstein In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Liz and Ron Oppenheimer In Honor of Richard Frankoff – Marsha and Lionel Schooler In Honor of Lenny Dubin – Francine and Bradley Beckman In Honor of Lenny Dubin – A.I. and Manet Shepps Foundation In Honor of Lenny Dubin – Marsha and Stanley Rosenblatt In Honor of Lenny Dubin – Beverly and Howard Robinson In Honor of Lenny Dubin – Mindy and Barry Levinson In Honor of Lenny Dubin – Faye and Michael Copland In Honor of Lenny Dubin – Linda and Tim Erwin In Honor of Lenny Dubin – Rosalie Halpin In Honor of Lenny Dubin – Margolis, Phipps & Wright Charitable Foundation In Honor of Gina Luna – Margolis, Phipps & Wright Charitable Foundation

2013 Honoree Lenny Dubin with Honorary Chairs Louis Lippman (left) and Jeremy Samuels (right)

2013 Ball Co-Chairs Patti Hanfling and Robyn Shkolnick

Thank You to our Generous Donors! 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.

In Honor of Jim Crownover – Margolis, Phipps & Wright Charitable Foundation In Honor of Jim Crownover – Lee and Gary Rosenthal In Honor of Gina Luna – Susan and Michael Plank In Memory of Shari Epstein – Stefani and Andrew Golub In Honor of Lenny Dubin – Nathan Stein DANCE MONTH FUND In Honor of Terry Comnisky – Ann and Ken Friedman EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON FUND In Memory of Shari Epstein – Deborah Clark In Memory of Shari Epstein – Mike Springer In Memory of Shari Epstein – Lea and Brad Todes In Memory of Shari Epstein – Rebecca and Arthur Kay In Memory of Shari Epstein – Bob Smith In Memory of Jack Turk – Susan Levin In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Helen Charski GENERAL TRIBUTE FUND In Memory of Shari Epstein – Susan and Michael Kottwitz In Memory of Shari Epstein – Elena and Ronald Levy In Honor of Marilyn Hassid – Elena and Ronald Levy In Memory of Shari Epstein – Gail and Norman Stalarow In Memory of Shari Epstein – Ton Van Arsdel In Memory of Shari Epstein – Linda and David Cotts In Memory of Shari Epstein – Kathleen and Keith Ellison In Memory of Shari Epstein – George Gogola In Memory of Shari Epstein – K. Gregory Erwin In Memory of Shari Epstein – Janet and Ken Groue In Memory of Shari Epstein – Joan and Lawrence Katz In Memory of Shari Epstein – Cindie Lavenda In Memory of Shari Epstein – Kevin Sullivan In Memory of Shari Epstein – Sharon and Gerald Laderman In Memory of Shari Epstein – John Nolan In Memory of Shari Epstein – Patricia and Mark Rauch In Memory of Shirley Gerson – Lauren and Walter Carstensen In Honor of Barbara Winthrop Rose and Jay Steinfeld – Lauren and Walter Carstensen

In Memory of Jack Turk – Bobbi and Vic Samuels In Memory of Shari Epstein – Bobbi and Vic Samuels In Honor of Barbara and Raymond Kalmans – Bobbi and Vic Samuels In Memory of Shari Epstein – Elyse and Lewis Kalmans In Memory of Shari Epstein – Jay J. Madrid In Honor of Barbara Winthrop Rose and Jay Steinfeld – Elena and Joel Dinkin In Memory of Shari Epstein – Janey and Steve Mitnick In Memory of Shari Epstein – Cherill and Maurice Dubinski In Memory of Shari Epstein – Anne and Jimmy Spier In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Judith and Steven Abrams In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Abigail Neiman and Marshall Levit In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Larissa and Alexander Potiomkin In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Lynn Waldman In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Irene and Alex Wolchansky In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Janis and Larry Odensky In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Joseph G. Epstein In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Helen F. Mintz In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Saundra Turk In Memory of Madeline Wolf – Lynn Waldman In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Sharon and Abe Charski In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Debbie and Rick Colton In Honor of Joanne and Donald Brodsky – Barbara and Raymond Kalmans In Honor of Henrietta Bell – Marilyn and Maurice Robinowitz In Memory of Shari Epstein – Patti and Dan Steiner In Memory of Shari Epstein – Joyce and Alfred Goodman In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Ruth Brodsky In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Joanne and Donald Brodsky In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Ellen Brodsky Gaber In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Marsha and Stanley Rosenblatt In Memory of Shari Epstein – Teresa and Jeff Kaplan In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Martha and Donald Freedman

GERALD RAUCH MEMORIAL FUND In Honor of Fern Granowitz – Lila Rauch In Honor of Sally and Bernard Fuchs – Lila Rauch GIVING TREE CAMPAIGN FUND In Honor of Naomi Block – Janis and Stephen Block In Honor of Terra Haley – Brenda Solovitz In Honor of Bonnie Kasner – BAC Teachers and Staff In Honor of Whitney Gould – Erin and Brandon Gould In Honor of Bren and Drayden Johnson – Penny and Don Johnson In Honor of Sydney and Zoe – Regan and Jon Kasman In Honor of Rachel and Dylan Schwartz – Marni and David Schwartz In Honor of Ms. Cynthia, Ms. Sandra and Ms. Jennifer – Cassandra and Sean Smith In Honor of Truman and Ryan Wasserstein –Sallye and Brent Wasserstein In Honor of Corbyn – Jennifer and Ross Hutchmacher In Honor of Emma Doran – Nancy Doran In Honor of Ms. Thelma & Ms. Jeanette –Jessica Segal and Danny Miller In Honor of Hailey Fingeret – Michelle and Jeremy Fingeret In Honor of Miss Maya – Donna Warndof and Richard Fo In Honor of Samantha Odensky – Janis and Larry Odensky In Honor of Beryt Scott and Ezra Scott – Adrienne and David Scott In Honor of Jim Richards – Amanda and Stephen Cruser In Honor of Miss Leslie, Miss Vera and Ms. Dauphine – Meredith and Bradley Segal In Honor of Mildred and Ernest Webster – Alexandria Sewart In Honor of Teachers of the Bunny Class – David Meckley In Honor of Garrett Lloyd – Claudette and James Lloyd In Honor of Ella Cumagun – Amy Sher In Honor of Brody Mark – Donna and Brandon Mark In Honor of Ruth Contreras – Leslie and Michael Schwartz In Honor of Samantha Odensky – Angeka and Evan Odensky In Honor of Emily & Liat Rappaport – Mitzi Shure & Jerry Wische

its preschool, special needs, after school care, summer day camp and JCC Maccabi Games programs, conveying the importance of the ERJCC’s scholarship program. The Honorees were presented with award statuettes from their respective Honorary Chairs: Chairman, Chase Bank of Texas, Marc J. Shapiro for Jim Crownover; Attorney at Law Louis Lippman and Victory Packaging Regional President Jeremy Samuels for Lenny Dubin; and Founder of Bernstein Realty, Amy Bernstein for Gina Luna. 2013 Ball Co-Chair Robyn Shkolnick stated, “This year’s Children’s Scholarship Ball celebrated both the spirit of the legacy of the fund’s namesake, Irvin Kaplan, epitomized by our three Honorees, who provided both leadership and partnership in our mission, as well as the positive influence of early childhood opportunities, inherent in the essence of our theme – New York – and the idea that you really can make it anywhere! The iconic Brooklyn Bridge provided the visual element of ‘bridging’ our children’s potential, with the community providing the necessary support.” Ball Co-Chair Patti Hanfling added, “The ERJCC exemplifies every day, in every program orchestrated for children, the commitment to the foundational elements that are

necessary for kids to reach their potential and works tirelessly to ensure that opportunity exists for the whole of its community’s children, just like those actions of our deserving Honorees.” At the conclusion of the program, the Honorees, Honorary Chairs and Ball Co-Chairs were invited onto the dance floor for the ceremonial first dance, led by the music of Dave Halston and the Sinatra Nation Orchestra, a 16-piece band featuring the very best facsimiles of Frank Sinatra, The Rat Pack, and those bold and brassy big bands that made for a swingin’ good time! Following dinner, guests partook in a moveable feast of desserts and coffee in the foyer -- mouth-watering sweets including “guiltless bites” of New York cheesecake, tiramisu, carrot cake, apple strudel, and delicious cake pops allowing guests to walk thru the amazing silent auction and have their photos taken in front of a Times Square backdrop. The evening concluded with more music and dancing. Once again, the Ball’s silent auction raised additional scholarship funds attributable to the community’s generosity. “Patti Hanfling and Robyn Shkolnick really gave the community a night to remember,” said ERJCC President Sam Stolbun. “Our dedicated

ERJCC President Sam Stolbun welcomes guests and kicks-off the evening

Native Houstonian Dan Dunn entertains a ballroom full of guests with his famous “speed painting”

In Honor of Declan Wheeler – Amy Wheeler In Honor of Levi Kasner – Bonnie and Marc Kasner In Honor of Colby Stewart – Wendy Stewart

JCC MACCABI GAMES FUND In Memory of Shari Epstein – Sherry and Lenny Dubin In Memory of Thomas Holmes – Sherry and Lenny Dubin

GYMNASTICS FUND In Memory of Kenneth Young – HGC Men’s Booster Club

JERRY WISCHE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FUND In Memory of Shari Epstein – Leah and Jonathan Gross

HARRIS J. WEINGARTEN TENNIS CENTER FUND In Memory of Shari Epstein – Joni and Gary Lewis In Memory of Eleanor Lensky – Emily J. Weingarten

JEWISH ARTS & CULTURE FUND In Memory of Shari Epstein – Karen Dow In Memory of Shari Epstein – Dena and David Linda In Memory of Frances Silberstein Evensky – Hilda and Robert Frank In Memory of Kenneth Young – Dena and David Linda In Memory of Freida Bell – Dena and David Bell

HARRY K. SMITH MEALS ON WHEELS FUND In Memory of Louis and Rowena Goldfad – Lynn and Jeffrey Busch In Honor of Shari Epstein – Emily Herbster In Memory of Marvin Green – Yetta Green In Memory of Dr. Abel Schwartz – Aileen and Milton Gugenheim In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Diane B. Puschett In Honor of Sandy Lusky – Rici and Harold Miller In Memory of Sam Urbach – Sadie and Samuel Urbach In Honor of Our Family – Sandy and Joseph Kirk In Honor of Barbi & Craig Witz – Dena & David Linda In Honor of Rici & Harold Miller – Dena & David Linda In Memory of Jackie & Julian Hurwitz – Alan Hurwitz & Drew Tucker In Honor of Dr. & Mrs. Ralph D. Cohen – Benjamin K. Webb In Memory of Jean Baker Moore – United Salt Corporation In Honor of All You Wonderful Friends – Bernita Fogarty-Hebert and Marvin Hebert In Honor of Walter Hecht – Carol and Desey Desenberg In Honor of Edith & Bernard Stolbun – Norma and Jonathan Hyman In Memory of B.J. Waller – Carol Waller In Honor of Fredel McGee – Gabriel Barrow In Honor of Dr. David Wolf – Beverly and Harry Bloom In Honor of David Lowe – Carol and Desey Desenberg IRVIN KAPLAN CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of Shari Epstein – Suzan and Jeremy Samuels In Memory of Shari Epstein – Jane and Larry Wagner In Memory of Shari Epstein – Frances and Abraham Friedman In Honor of Lenny Dubin – Andrea Bochner and Harold Friedman In Memory of Shari Epstein – Allison and Lee Plotkin

JEWISH EDUCATION FUND In Memory of Shari Epstein – Dorothy Swann JSERVE FUND In Memory of Shari Epstein – Sherry and Gerald Merfish KAROL MUSHER STARS EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION PROGRAM In Honor of Karol Musher – Dan Gordon In Honor of Karol Musher – Marsha and Stanley Rosenblatt In Honor of Karol Musher – Lydia and Benjamin Musher MARILYN HASSID EMERGING AUTHOR BOOK FAIR FUND In Memory of Shari Epstein – Susan and David Morris In Honor of Marilyn Hassid – Susan and David Morris In Honor of Barbara Winthrop Rose & Jay Steinfeld – Kathy and Stephen Parven MARILYN LANDSBERG STEINER PRE-SCHOOL FUND In Memory of Dr. Barton (Bud) Glaser – Shirley and Isadore Landsberg In Memory of Harry Feltman – Shirley and Isadore Landsberg In Memory of Bob Meinzer – Cheryl and Haran Levy In Memory of Al Berger – Shirley and Isadore Landsberg In Memory of Murray Sennet MERFISH TEEN CENTER FUND In Memory of Mike Moszcyc – Madeline and Mario Jason MEYERLAND SOCCER PROGRAM FUND In Memory of Shari Epstein – Headway Marketing LLC

“The iconic Brooklyn Bridge provided the visual element of ‘bridging’ our children’s potential, with the community providing the necessary support.” Ball Co-Chairs, their committee, our Honorees, Honorary Chairs and ERJCC staff all contributed towards creating a fun, fabulous and very successful event.” Proceeds of the Ball benefit the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund, named in memory of one of the Houston Jewish community’s most outstanding public servants, Irvin Kaplan. Providing financial assistance to families of all religions, races and origins, the fund enables all children access to the outstanding ERJCC children’s programs. Since its inception over two decades ago, The Children’s Scholarship Ball has generated approximately $8.5 million in

scholarship assistance to children allowing the ERJCC to ensure that no family in need of financial assistance is ever turned away. And though this year’s Ball is now concluded, the need to help our children remains. Please contact Michele Rathers in the Development Office at the ERJCC at 713.729.3200 ext. 3103, or visit erjcchouston.org for more information and to contribute to the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund.

MIKE GROSSMAN/JUDY RICHKER MACCABI SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of Dr. Dvid Skibell – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Dr. Larry Greenfield – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Elizabeth Krohn –Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Marsha & Irl Bernstein – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Rabbi David Rosen – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Barbara Winthrop Rose and Jay Steinfeld – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Harvey Lewis – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Jane and Paul Lewis – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Joe A. Brown – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Benny Leonard Davis – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Shari Fisher Epstein – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Marsha Amdur Malev – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Lenore Garfinkel – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Helen Smolen – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Darryl Scott Lewis – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of John Perel – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Lawrence Rice – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Joseph Rifkind – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Rabbi Shimon Sadick – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Doris Kalmin – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Herb Brochstein – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Erlynn Daily Fitzgerald – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Norman David Wishnow – Vicky and Michael Richker

In Memory of Rubin Samelson – Michele Kantor In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Joan and Lawrence Katz In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Fran and Mark Katzenellenbogen In Memory of Rubin Samelson – Fran and Mark Katzenellenbogen In Memory of Mikey Moszczyz – Fran and Mark Katzenellenbogen In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Rachel Kern In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Barbara Konig In Memory of Evelyn Bell - Marjorie and Brett Marks In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Marian Prager In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Rose and Justin Rose In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Susan and Edward Septimus In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Edith and Robert Zinn In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Bikin ‘n Eggs Cycling Club In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Patricia Comer In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Beverly and Howard Feldman In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Cecile and Samuel Keeper In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Sandy and Moses Schimmel In Memory of Evelyn Bell – James Silver In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Phyllis and Peter Gingiss In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Judy and Barry Solomon In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Janis and Larry Odensky In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Marilyn Hassid and Marc Gessner

NITE OWLS PROGRAM FUND IN Memory of Evelyn Bell – Gail Kutin In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Melissa Riley In Honor of Dylan Bishop – Elena and Joel Dinkin In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Marcia Forbes In Memory Of Evelyn Bell – Amy Griswold In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Carol Hawkinson In Memory of Evelyn Bell – Michele Kantor

OLIVER LAPIN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR FUND In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Eve and Bobby Lapin RAYMOND E. PLOTKIN JCC MACCABI GAMES TENNIS SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of Elaine & Ronnie Plotkin – Maxine and Robert Karesh In Memory of Raymond Evan Plotkin – Eleanor Levine SOPH & AL NATKIN STARS PROGRAM FUND In Honor of Barbara and Raymond Kalmans – Linda and Jerry Rubenstein In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Barry Lewis – Linda and Jerry Rubenstein In Honor of Lynn Edelman – Linda and Jerry Rubenstein

Names and organizations listed in this newsletter reflect donations received by February 28, 2013. For corrections or to make a donation, please contact our Development Department at ext. 3103 or visit the Support the ERJCC tab on our website.

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TEENS at the

J-SERVE

J-Serve Houston returns April 28 with a goal to Make Hunger History. About 300 teens will spend the day learning about the issues surrounding hunger and homelessness in Houston. Teens will volunteer at the Houston Food Bank, SEARCH, Meals on Wheels, Target Hunger and Urban Harvest. J-Serve Houston, led by BBYO and the ERJCC in collaboration with all of the youth groups and synagogues in our community, is being coordinated again by the J-Serve committee of teen leaders. The teen committee is responsible for working on every aspect of the program, contacting partner organizations, raising money and recruiting peers to participate.

J TEEN ART SCENE

Fourth Annual J Teen Art Scene: A celebration of Houston Jewish teen art that captures the spirit of triumph and independence of Israel that has inspired and given hope to millions of people around the world. April 14 – May 24 | Deutser Art Gallery

JCC MACCABI Games & ArtsFest

Good Luck Team Houston! Team Houston goes back on the road this summer to Orange County, CA and Austin for the 2013 JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest. More than 150 teens, ages 13 – 17, will represent the ERJCC in 17 sports teams and 6 arts specialties. Auditions for JCC Maccabi ArtsFest will continue through early May.

in their neighborhoods. We saw great success with a Havdalah ceremony at a West U park and are looking forward to an upcoming Heights/Montrose community potluck Shabbat dinner. Mishpacha and Me will be at the Houston International Festival April 27 and 28. “We hope, through Mishpacha and Me programs, to help young Jewish families from all over Houston make connections with one another through both preschool play dates for children and ‘parent play dates’ for adults,” said Rebecca Block, the chair of the program’s steering committee.

The recent M&M programs really make us feel like we and our kids are part of a community.

5TH ANNUAL TKC/ERJCC

— Mollie Gordon

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P R E S E N T S

Today!

at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston

ONE FOR EVERY

J C C S

hlete’.

To register, visit trikidscamp.org and click ‘imathlete’.

ciate them.

Your patronage of our wonderful sponsors is what puts on our race! Please show them you appreciate them.

on ok mp

obody wants to miss the next Mishpacha and Me. The program for Jewish families with young children is getting more popular, drawing 40 – 50 families per month. “Mishpacha and Me activities have served as wonderful opportunities to attend events with Jewish content that then translate into meaningful conversations with our son,” said Leah Madof, a resident of the Heights who attended both the Tu B’Shevat Nature Festival and the Purim Puppet Show held in recent months. “The program has also been a nice resource to be able to meet other Jewish families in our neighborhood and throughout Houston.” Upcoming events include a Lag B’Omer Family Fun Day at Fire Truck Park in West U on April 21, a Havdalah and Shavuot Dinner at the Gordon Ranch on May 11 and a Havdalah Pool Party at the ERJCC pool on June 8. The outreach program also facilitates smaller, more intimate Shabbat gatherings throughout the year. The goal is for families with young children to get to know other families and to share experiences with other Jewish families

Leapin’ Lizards! Don’t miss this wonderful adventure put on by the ERJCC Children’s Theater Program. Enjoy everyone’s favorite spunky depression-era orphan determined to find her parents who abandoned her at a New York City Orphanage. Fall in love with Annie as she finds a new home with a lovable mutt named Sandy. Join us at the Kaplan Theater in The IW Marks Theater Center of The Gerald Rauch Cultural Arts Wing on Thursday, May 2 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, May 5 at 2:30 and 5:30 PM. Advance admission is $7. Reserve your tickets starting April 15 by visiting www.brownpapertickets.com/event/349829.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR W ONDER F UL ACTORS BY TAK I N G I N A S H O W EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 erjcchouston.org

Like us on Facebook at Tri Kids Camp

For reserved tickets visit

www.brownpapertickets.com

E V E L Y N

J E W I S H

C O M M U N I T Y

05/09/13 7:00 PM

he ERJCC of Houston will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, May 9 at 7:00 PM. The evening will honor outgoing President Sam Stolbun, who has completed a two-year term. New president, Bobbi Samuels will be introduced, new board members will be

Outgoing President Sam Stolbun completes two-year term.

Years

elected and community leaders will be recognized for outstanding service. The meeting provides an opportunity for members and the public to get caught up on the events of the past year and hear projections for the future. “The ERJCC has continued to thrive guided by its mission to bring Jewish values to families and building a strong and active Jewish community,” said Stolbun. “We are proud that we have brought many new programs that impact families to the ERJCC including Mishpacha and Me, a resident Shaliach, host city for the JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest and the live streaming of programs via ERJCC Live.” The program will highlight the creativity and leadership of several key members of the community.

MEET OUR NEW FITNESS DIRECTOR Fitness memberships are on the rise in this country with a growing aware-

s s a P k e e W 2 FREE ter r Tennis Cen o s s e n it F ERJCC

r. Tennis Cente ess Center or tn Fi C JC r. ER de s or ol pass to ust be 18 year Must present sitors only. M vi e im -t may apply. st ns fir io restrict Valid for er th O . 13 20 , by May 31 Must redeem

it takes to maintain new director oversees the ERJCC Fitness Center. J. Morgan relocated to Houston from New Orleans where he served as General Manager of a 36,000 sq. ft. workout facility. Morgan has more than 20 years of experience in the health and fitness field. He is a certified personal trainer and has operated his own CPR/AED certification firm through the American Heart Association, providing continuing

Journeys

! e l y t s e f i L r u o Y Activate

wellness and what

Jewish

The Selection Committee, chaired by Carol Goldberg is pleased to announce the 2013 recipient of the David H. White Award is Donald Brodsky. “We are thrilled to honor Donald for outstanding volunteer commitment and legacy of great leadership,” said ERJCC Executive Vice President Joel Dinkin. ERJCC staff member, Maxine Silberstein who is Director of the Dance program, will be presented the Jerry Wische Staff Excellence Award. Richard Stezer will receive the Stanley Rosenblatt Volunteer Excellence Award. Visit erjcchouston.org for more information about our upcoming 77th Donald Brodsky has been selected to Annual Meeting. receive the David H. White Award.

ness of health and

C E N T E R

annual meetinG

WITH A

77th

R U G E N S T E I N

active lifestyles.

expand programming and classes, ensure a consistently clean and maintained environment, provide even a higher level of customer service, while bringing best practices to enhance the overall member experience.” Fitness memberships are on the rise in this country with a growing awareness of health and wellness and what it takes to maintain active lifestyles. The ERJCC Fitness Center is relatively new with state-of-the-art strength training equipment and cardio machines with built-in I believe with my years of experience and fitness background personal the ERJCC Fitness Center will continue to provide quality TV’s. Members programming and services and a strengthened sense of have a community for our membership. – J Morgan variety education training to client businesses. of classes to choose from in our cycling Morgan is certified in a variety of fitness studio, large group exercise studio and classes such as spinning, boot camp a personal pilates studio. In addition, and core conditioning. Morgan is from qualified trainers, instructors and staff Metairie, Louisiana. are on hand to help and guide members. “I believe with my years of “We are very pleased to have J as a experience and fitness background the member of our fitness team,” said Teri ERJCC Fitness Center will continue Greenblatt, ERJCC Assistant Executive to provide quality programming and Director. “I believe the ERJCC Fitness services and a strengthened sense of Center will continue to grow and community for our membership,” said flourish under J’s leadership and high Morgan. “I welcome the opportunity to level of expertise.”

Ladies Ni ght Out N E W

P R O G R A M

May 8

June 11

Gather your girlfriends for DIY

Head to the Kendra Scott store in

ERJCC on Wednesday, May 8

Boulevard, to create colorful,

Monogrammed Mosaics at the

at 7:00 PM. Bring your friends

and wine and we will provide the inspiration, art supplies and finger

foods. Please RSVP to Esther Bethke at 713.595.8186. The cost of this

program is $30 for members, $42 for the public.

Spend quality time with friends — it’s the one thing that never goes out of style.

Rice Village located at 2411 Times beautiful jewelry using natural

gemstones on Tuesday, June 11, 5:00 -7:00 PM. You select the style, the

stones and the metal — then watch a trained stone-setter make your

design a reality. Hang out with your girlfriends and enjoy champagne

and cupcakes, all compliments of Kendra Scott. Twenty percent of the sales that night will benefit the ERJCC Adult Program.

E V E LY N R U B E N S T E I N J E W I S H C O M M U N I T Y C E N T E R O F H O U S T O N

Now enjoy either live or on-demand, Dr. Robert Zaretsky’s lecture series:

FRENCH JEWRY THEN AND NOW

From the Second World War to the Second Intifada: France and the Jews Today Thursday, May 2 7:30 PM

From Enlightenment to Intifada:

Vichy Then and Now: The Jews of France in the Second World War Thursday, April 18 7:30 PM

Thanks to our community partner:

PAID

FAMILY TRIATHLON

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

2013 CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL

MEALS ON WHEELS

Houston, Texas Permit No. 6217

ERJCC ANNUAL MEETING

MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS

MISSED THE LECTURE? WATCH ARCHIVE VIEWING ON-DEMAND. houstonjewishlive.com

EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 erjcchouston .org

OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF THE ERJCC

Inside Connections

Join thousands of Jews from around the world to watch our world-class programming online.

Tournament Underwriter

Golf Ball Sponsor

Hole-in-One Sponsor

Golf Cart Sponsor

Prize Sponsor

Look Inside for Annual Report Insert

houstonjewishlive.com

Dinner Sponsor

Beer Sponsor

special Issue

SUMMER DAY CAMP

Monday, April 22, 2013 25th Annual ERJCC Golf Tournament BlackHorse Golf Club

Putting Green Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor

THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR SPONSORS

Driving Range Sponsor

As of print deadline

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION

SPRING 2013

SUMMER MEMBERSHIP DEALS! POOL / TENN I S / F I TNESS

Add on to the fun with Bronze Fitness and Tennis and enjoy unlimited access to all group exercise and Mind, Body & Spirit classes: +$75/month Family | +$50/month Individual

Contact member services today 713.595.8168 membership@erjcchouston.org

on.org erjcchoust /camps

Calendar May 2&5 2 4 & 18 5 5 9 13 14 15 16 19 29

JCCS Presents Annie Dr. Zaretsky Lecture on French Jewry Kids Nite Out 5th Annual Houston Family Triathlon Outdoor Pool Open (weekends) ERJCC Annual Meeting Sounds Jewish, Doesn’t It? Erev Shavuot - Close at 6:00 PM Shavuot - Closed Reopen at 6:00 PM The Hadar Noiberg Trio Concert Pre-Camp Session 1 Begins

June

become a member and enjoy our spectacular camps!

Children’s Membership only $29/month Membership based on 12 mos. Includes camp access. First year joining fees apply.

Summer Family Pool & Camp Membership $398 NEW THIS YEAR: Includes Bronze-Level Fitness.

3 9 9 10 16 16 24

dEvents

2013

$225 Family $115 Individual

Pre-Camp Session 2 Begins Summer Classes Begin ERJCC School of Dance Recital Pre-Camp Session 3 Begins Splash Day J Camps Open House & Meet the Counselors Camp Session 1 Begins

For more information visit erjccouston.org