FALL 2012
HAPPENINGS AT THE EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF HOUSTON
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION
on the cover:
JEWISH BOOK & ARTS FAIR OPENING NIGHT SPEAKER: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
Inside Connections
Photo Credit: Gilles Toucas
GIFTING, TRIBUTES & LEGACIES
JEWISH BOOK & ARTS FAIR CALENDAR
JEWISH SOCIAL ACTION MONTH
THANKSGIVING & WINTER CAMP
FOUNDATIONS OF JEWISH FAMILY LIVING
KIDS: QUICKSTART TENNIS
Gifting, Tributes and Legacies Members Supporting our Programs and Investing in the Future of our Community
D
id you know that over 300 Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center members, friends, local companies, national corporations, Houston-based and national foundations have made gifts to the ERJCC since June 1? Their generous gifts of giving are already supporting enriching programs like the Jewish Book & Arts Fair, the Center for Jewish Living & Learning, West Houston, the ERJCC Locke Lord Golf Tournament, Jewish Programs, Meals on Wheels and the JCC Maccabi Games® & ArtsFest®. Campaigns are underway to fund arts programming through the Patrons of
HOW TO HELP OR DONATE
the Arts, early childhood education at the Bertha Alyce Center and financial aid through the Children’s Scholarship Ball. But these programs can’t exist independently. Where could we set up the bookstore without The Levit/Haikin Auditorium? Think of the concerts and Dance Month without the Kaplan Theatre. Where would you swim in the winter if not for the Proler Indoor Pool? Maintaining these facilities and ensuring their smooth operation requires resources beyond membership dues and program fees. A gift to the General Fund can help offset these expenses by allowing the ERJCC to
direct money to infrastructure projects and emerging programs. Consider designating your gift the General Fund to benefit the entire community. Honoring a loved one, commemorating an important event or remembering a special day through a tribute gift to the ERJCC is another way people can support the Center financially. When you make a gift online, you not only honor a person or event but also help to strengthen an institution important to many in the community. The ERJCC notifies the honoree of your thoughtfulness while you get a tax benefit. Please keep this option in mind when planning gifts to your family, friends and business associates. Planning for the future is something every individual, family
and organization does. Financially preparing for retirement and generational wealth transfers can provide an opportunity to support an organization through ones’ estate. The ERJCC has a group of such donors called the Legacy Society. By making a provision in their will to the J, these donors ensure future access to the programs we all enjoy today. These are some of the ways we give. Remember, your membership dues and program fees alone don’t cover all of our costs. Consider making a gift to the ERJCC; we’ll thank you for it! Want to give? Contact Larissa Potiomkin, Director of Development, at lpotiomkin@erjcchouston.org or 713.729.3200 ext. 3114 or visit the Donate page on erjcchouston.org.
Contact Larissa Potiomkin, Director of Development, at lpotiomkin@erjcchouston.org or 713.729.3200 ext. 3114 or visit the Donate page at erjcchouston.org
WE’RE GOING LIVE!
Announcing the debut of houstonjewishlive.com. Bringing
he Jewish Federation of Greater Houston and the ERJCC are pleased to announce the debut of Houston Jewish Live, a collaborative effort bringing online programming to the Houston Jewish community and beyond. Houston Jewish Live (www.houstonjewishlive. com) will serve as the portal for locally produced Jewish programming. The ERJCC unveiled ERJCClive this past summer and will continue the live streaming program this fall with the 4th Annual Rice University Jewish Studies Program Lecture Series on Modern Jewish Literature. Two more lectures will be streamed live on October 17 and 24 at 8:00 PM The first lecture is entitled Gender in Modern Hebrew and Yiddish Literature by Dr.
author Stuart Eizenstat’s The Future of the Jews: How Global Forces are Impacting the Jewish People, Israel and its Relationship with the United States on Sunday, November 11 at 4:30 PM. While the live streaming concept has grown in popularity for agencies across the country, it was ERJCC President Sam Stolbun who made the idea come alive with assistance from the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. The Federation has played an integral role in the portal’s creation and hosts the streaming video through Houston Jewish Live. The Federation is also funding the technology for the site, host page design, and content development and coding. “Originally we were looking at streaming our events for people who live in the outlying areas of Houston or for those were unable to attend the event. But we have seen such a growing interest in our programming that we expanded the initiative to reach as many people throughout the south as we could,” said Sam Stolbun, President of the ERJCC.
T
Melissa Weininger. The second lecture is Biographes of Moses in German Exile Literature by Dr. Klaus Weissenberger. ERJCClive will stream Opening Night of the 40th Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair with Michael Feinstein’s
The Gershwins and Me on Sunday, October 28 at 7:30 PM. Also look for author Matti Friedman’s The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, Faith and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible on Monday, November 5 at 8:30 PM and
ERJCC programming to our community and beyond.
“We are glad to be a part of this program, which will enable us to broaden the reach of important, relevant Jewish community programs through emerging technologies,” said Federation President & CEO Lee Wunsch. “As a convener and community leader, the Federation sees it as part of our mission to collaborate with our partner agencies, engage the community and educate every generation so our traditions endure.” Live Streaming at the ERJCC is free to the public so support is needed to see this free community service continue.
Originally we were looking at streaming our events for people who live in the outlying areas of Houston or for those were unable to attend the event. But we have seen such a growing interest in our programming that we expanded the initiative to reach as many people throughout the south as we could. —Sam Stolbun, ERJCC President
& G N I V I G S K N THA
K A E R B R E T N I W
erjcc houston
THE ERJCC OFFERS CAMP FOR ERJCC MEMBERS AGES 2 – 13 DURING THE FALL AND WINTER HOLIDAYS. CHILDREN HAVE THE CHOICE OF GYMNASTICS CAMP, TENNIS CAMP OR OUR POPULAR “HAPPY DAYS” CAMP. WINTER BREAK CAMPS ARE ALSO 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 OF THE CAMPS. ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Winter Break Camp include two weeks, December 24 - 28 and December 31 – January 4.* The registration deadline is Monday, December 3. Registration will be accepted after December 4 on a space-available basis only, so be sure to register early.
Happy Days Camp will be at the ERJCC Weingarten Building with transportation available from the West Houston - Herzstein Building on Dairy Ashford.** 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. For more information, please contact Claire Adams, at 713.729.3200 ext. 3256 or email cadams@erjcchouston.org.
Vacation Camp Package includes two weeks of Winter Break Camp, one week of Spring Break Camp, School’s Out program, early school dismissal days and AM/PM Care for all Break Camp programs. The Vacation Camp Package follows HISD school calendars. This package can not be pro-rated and is not refundable.
.................................................................................................................... * There will not be camp on December 25 and January 1. * * 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 five participants is required.
KNO!!!
Fall 2012 JCCS Presents
c
D
on’t miss this full-scale musical production by children from Jewish Community Center Stage. The Nifty Fifties comes to the Kaplan Theatre December 6, 8 and 9. The Nifty Fifties stars Gracie Stanley who has gotten herself in hot water by promising to deliver her distant cousin, rock star Ziggy Springer, for a high school dance. Ziggy’s manager doesn’t want his client performing anywhere without pay, so Gracie and her friends have to produce a double — and fast!
Eva De La Cruz directs this Fall/ Winter JCCS production of The Nifty Fifties. Eva directed Alice in Wonderland for the ERJCC and more recently Aladdin for Performing Arts Camp, this summer. She will be directing with Assistant Director, Susan Shofner. The Nifty Fifties guarantee family fun, starring children from all over our community who participate in the ERJCC’s Children’s Theater Program. For reserved seating tickets visit www.brownpaperetickets.com and look for the JCCS production of The Nifty Fifties. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 2.
40th Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair
O L I V E R L A P I N F A M I LY D A Y
AT THE
Concert, Authors, Stories, Songs, Crafts & Cooking 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
J
Adding to the excitement of the camps will be recreational indoor swimming, snack time, sports, games and crafts.
...............................................
Thanksgiving Camp is offered just one day Wednesday, November 21 from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
ome be a part of the ERJCC’s After School Program at KidZone. Whether it’s one or five days a week, KidZone provides a fun and safe place to hang out after school. Activities include: snack time, homework time, sports, crafts, cooking, games, Judaic programming and more. Transportation is available from the following schools: Beren Academy, Beth Yeshurun, Herod, Horn, Kolter, Lovett, Parker, Shlenker, Red, Trafton and Emery/Weiner. The ERJCC also offers transportation, where your child can take the ERJCC bus from school to the ERJCC where they will receive a snack, optional supervised homework time and taken to class; all this for a nominal transportation fee. For more information, please contact Claire Adams, at 713.729.3200 ext. 3256 or email cadams@erjcchouston.org.
KID’S NITE OUT
K
ids Nite Out (KNO) is a great social experience for children in grades Kindergarten through 5th. ERJCC activities include arts and crafts, movies, sports and gymnastics. Activities vary at each event, and advanced registration is requested. KNO takes place at the ERJCC on Saturday evenings from 6:30 - 10:30 PM.
Fall October 27 2012 November 10 & 17 KNO Dates December 8 & 22 Fees in Advance: $20 for one child/ $10 each additional child. Register online at www.erjcchouston.org/kidsniteout. For more information, please contact Claire Adams, at 713.729.3200 ext. 3256 or email cadams@erjcchouston.org. See Calendar on back page for KNO themes.
9:30 – 10:20 AM • Ages 2 – 6 PJ Library Story Time FREE 10:30 – 11:15 AM • Ages 2 – 6 StoryCorners and Crafts FREE 12:00 – 1:00 PM • 2nd – 5th grades Get Cooking! with Mama Doni and Recipe Rachel FREE (TREATS FOR ALL) Hands on Cooking Demo with Rachel Harkham and Doni Zasloff Thomas
1:30 – 3:30 PM • 2nd – 5th grades Building Blocks – Masada FREE Stephen W. Schwartz, Jewish History Construction Series
Sunday, November 4
4:00 – 5:30 PM • K – 5th grades Mama Doni Band Concert, Book and CD Signing Individual Tickets: $8 ERJCC Member • $12 Public Family of 5 or more: $6 ERJCC Member • $9 Public
Oliver Lapin Family Day is endowed in loving memory of Oliver Lapin by his family All events take place at ERJCC Houston (5601 S. Braeswood) All family events are FREE and open to the public, with the exception of the Mama Doni Band concert.
The Mama Doni Band concert is underwritten by the Barbara and Mark Paull Families and the Goldye M. and Samuel W. Spain Children’s Performing Arts Fund
For concert tickets call 713.551.7255 or visit erjcchouston.org/bookfair
October 28 – November 11
CEL
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
A U T H O R S ///// sunday /////
///// monday /////
OCTOBER 28
OCTOBER 29
10:00 AM Bookstore opens
6:15 PM LOCAL LITERATI
///////////////////////////////////////////////
///////////////////////////////////////////////
2:00 PM FILM Nicky’s Family
8:00 PM Simon Sebag Montefiore Jerusalem The Biography
///////////////////////////////////////////////
free event
4:30 PM Helen Nash Helen Nash’s New Kosher Cuisine: Healthy, Simple, & Stylish 7:30 PM OPENING NIGHT free event Michael Feinstein The Gershwins and Me: A Personal History in 12 Songs
F I L M S
//// wednesday ////
–
OCTOBER 31
NOVEMBER 1
6:15 PM Leslie Maitland Crossing the Borders of Time: A True Story of War, Exile, and Love Reclaimed
6:15 PM Deborah Feldman Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots
7:30 AM Rachelle Bergstein Women from the Ankle Down: The Story of Shoes and How They Define Us (private)
///////////////////////////////////////////////
///////////////////////////////////////////////
///////////////////////////////////////////////
8:00 PM Dr. Wendy Mogel The Blessing of a Skinned Knee
8:00 PM Rabbi Yosef Mendelevich Unbroken Spirit: A Heroic Story of Faith, Courage and Survival
12:30 PM Yehuda Kurtzer Shuva: The Future of the Jewish Past (Melton Lunch and Learn)
AT I
NG
YEAR
S
M U S I C
///// thursday /////
OCTOBER 30
The Blessings of a B Minus: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Resilient Teenagers
///////////////////////////////////////////////
NOVEMBER 4
///// tuesday /////
–
EBR
////// friday ////// NOVEMBER 2
///// saturday ///// NOVEMBER 3 8:00 PM Film Strangers No More With Karen Tal
///////////////////////////////////////////////
6:15 PM Francesca Segal The Innocents ///////////////////////////////////////////////
8:00 PM Naomi Wolf Vagina: A New Biography
NOVEMBER 5
NOVEMBER 6
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM 6:15 PM OLIVER LAPIN FAMILY DAY David Misch /////////////////////////////////////////////// Funny: The Book Everything You Always 2:00 PM Wanted to Know about Film Portrait of Wally Comedy ///////////////////////////////////////////////
///////////////////////////////////////////////
4:30 PM Anne-Marie O’Connor The Lady in Gold: The Extraordinary Tale of the Gustav Klimt Masterpiece, Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer
8:00 PM Matti Friedman The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible
///////////////////////////////////////////////
NOVEMBER 7
NOVEMBER 8
NOVEMBER 9
NOVEMBER 10
6:15 PM Leonard Mlodinow Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior
6:15 PM Larry Smith Six-Word Memoirs on Jewish Life
1:00 PM Film Welcome to Kutsher’s: The Last Catskills Resort
7:30 PM DAVID BROZA CONCERT
///////////////////////////////////////////////
///////////////////////////////////////////////
at Congregation Beth Yeshurun 4525 Beechnut St.
6:30 PM Ari Schonbrun Miracles & Fate on 78: A 9/11 Story of Inspiration (private)
8:00 PM Dr. Howard Pollack Marc Blitzstein: His Life, His Work, His World
///////////////////////////////////////////////
///////////////////////////////////////////////
10:00 AM Alicia Oltuski Precious Objects: A Story of Diamonds, Family and a Way of Life
7:00 PM Michael Bar-Zohar Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service
7:30 PM Gail Hareven On the Crazed Experience of Translating Shakespeare’s Sonnets
8:00 PM Frankin Foer & Marc Tracy Jewish Jocks: An Unorthodox Hall of Fame
OCTOBER 21 4:00 PM Nathan Englander COMMUNITY READ What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank Stories
///////////////////////////////////////////////
8:00 PM Rabbi Rami Shapiro Amazing Chesed Living a Grace- Filled Judaism
///////////////////////////////////////////////
7:30 PM Inside the Author’s Studio Justin Halpern I Suck at Girls
at Miller Outdoor Theatre
at Congregation Or Ami 3443 Wilcrest Dr.
for 21 – 35 yr olds (private)
NOVEMBER 11 11:00 AM Andrew Erlich The Long Shadows: The Story of Jake Erlich
Watch the programs we are streaming online
///////////////////////////////////////////////
2:00 PM Film Bar Mitzvah ///////////////////////////////////////////////
To check out our upcoming live streaming programs, visit houstonjewishlive.com
4:30 PM Stuart Eizenstat The Future of the Jews: How Global Forces are Impacting the Jewish People, Israel, & Its Relationship with the US ///////////////////////////////////////////////
7:30 PM CLOSING NIGHT Jeffrey Toobin The Oath: The Obama White House and the Supreme Court
upcoming programs The ERJCC proudly presents ERJCClive
Rice Lecture Series OCTOBER 17 & 24 8:00 PM Lecture
Michael Feinstein SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 7:30 PM Author Presentation
Matti Friedman MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 8:00 PM Author Presentation
Stuart Eizenstat SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 4:30 PM Author Presentation
a free live streaming service open to the community that allows you to watch select programs LIVE on your computer screen or mobile device. It even has archived viewing on-demand, so you can attend the program in-person and then go home and watch it again. Join thousands from around the globe to watch our world-class programming ONLINE.
Tributes ANN & STEPHEN KAUFMAN JEWISH EDUCATION FUND In Memory of Jack Turk – Kim and Jonathan Fishman In Honor of Abby Blachman’s Confirmation – Kathy & Stephen Parven
CENTER FOR JEWISH LIVING AND LEARNING FUND In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Kathy and Drew Berkman In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Frances and Abe Friedman In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Joni and Randy Levy In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Karen and David Palans In Memory of Sylva Schreiber – Minnette Robinson In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Barbara and Ernest Golub CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL In Memory of Brad Gaber – Vikki and Richard Evans DONNA FRANKOFF JEWISH BOOK FAIR FUND In Memory of Lee Hardy, Sr. – Marsha and Lionel Schooler ELLEN BONIUK EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FUND In Memory of Jack Turk – Laurie and Milton Boniuk EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC BUILDING FUND In Memory of Jack Turk – Mitzi Shure and Jerry Wische In Memory of Jack Turk – Patti and Dan Steiner EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON FUND In Memory of Brad Gaber – Kay and Joel Levy In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Ann and Bobby Rauch
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.
GENERAL TRIBUTE FUND In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Joanna Brofman In Memory of Jack Turk – Lara and Phillip Ladin In Memory of Jack Turk – Carol and Barry Goodfriend In Memory of Jack Turk – Anita and Arthur Kotlen In Memory of Jack Turk – Kay and Joel Levy In Memory of Jack Turk – Gloria and Andrew Todesco In Memory of Jack Turk – Laurie and Bob Gidlow In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Ann and Stephen Kaufman In Memory of Brad Gaber – Ann and Stephen Kaufman In Memory of Jack Turk – Ann and Stephen Kaufman In Memory of Jack Turk – Esther Z. Shelby In Memory of Jack Turk – Maxine and Bubba Silberstein In Memory of Brad Gaber – Maxine and Bubba Silberstein In Memory of Jack Turk – Betty and Sidney Aron In Memory of Jack Turk – Theba and Buster Feldman In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Theba and Buster Feldman In Memory of Brad Gaber – Theba and Buster Feldman In Memory of Jack Turk – Frances and Abe Friedman In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Joy and Joseph Kaplan In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Patti and Dan Steiner In Memory of Jack Turk – UHY LLP, Certified Public Accountants In Memory of Jack Turk – Shirley and Hy Warshaw In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Kathy Dreyfus and James Grotta In Memory of Leonard Hyman – Martha and Donald Freedman In Memory of Brad Gaber – Martha and Donald Freedman In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Martha and Donald Freedman In Memory of Jack Turk – Laura and Bruce Shelby In Memory of Jack Turk – Sharon and Daniel Brener In Memory of Gil Shoham – Sharon and Dan Hanan In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Susan and Tom Martin
In Memory of Jennifer Falik – Sherry and Gerald Merfish
In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Sherry and Gerald Merfish In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Debbie and Stuart Diamond In Memory of Leonard Hyman – Debbie and Stuart Diamond In Memory of Jack Turk – Maxine and Herman Lapin In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Joanne and Bruce Levy In Honor of Lila Rauch’s Birthday – The Susman Family In Memory of Jack Turk – Marsha and Stanley Rosenblatt In Memory of Brad Gaber – Marsha and Stanley Rosenblatt GERALD RAUCH MEMORIAL FUND In Honor of Barbara Cook’s Birthday – Lila Rauch In Honor of Beth Weisberg’s Birthday – Lila Rauch In Honor of Renee Spolane’s Birthday – Lila Rauch In Honor of Lila Rauch’s Birthday – The Susman Family In Honor of Lila Rauch’s Birthday – The Glesby Family In Memory of Veda Mae Glesby – Mitzi Shure and Jerry Wische In Honor of Bernard Fuchs’ Birthday – Lila Rauch In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. John Falik’s Anniversary – Lila Rauch In Honor of Molly Ann Kaplan’s Birthday – Lila Rauch HARRY K. SMITH MEALS ON WHEELS FUND In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. J. Lawrence Folloder’s Wedding – Jeffery Folleder & Family In Memory of Roz Kilsdonk – Michele and Bob Perchonok In Honor of Albert Stein – Shelley and Victor Wisner In Honor of Jim Falick – Carol and Desey Desenberg In Memory of Jack Turk – Michelle and Marvin Blum In Memory of Roberta Yellin – Susan and David Morris In Honor of Louis Lippman – Beverly, Howard and Daniel Feldman In Honor of Perry Schwartzberg – Beverly, Howard and Daniel Feldman
IRVIN KAPLAN CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor Ruth Brodsky – Mitzi Shure and Jerry Wische In Memory of Jack Turk – Sally and Bernard Fuchs In Memory of Jack Turk – Roslyn and Ricky Haikin In Memory of Veda Mae Glesby – Sally and Bernard Fuchs In Memory of Veda Mae Glesby – Roslyn and Ricky Haikin In Memory of Brad Gaber – Mitzi Shure and Jerry Wische In Memory of Gabby Glesby – Joy and Joseph Kaplan In Memory of Bradley Finger – Maxine and Herman Lapin IZZY ROBINSON MEN’S HEALTH CENTER FUND In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Mindy and Stephen Brown JEWISH ARTS AND CULTURE FUND In Honor of Malcolm Marco’s 80th Birthday – Sonia and Leon Horowitz LEO HORVITZ SCHOLAR FUND In Honor of Joe Kirk’s Speedy Recovery – Shirley and Sigmund Horvitz JCC MACCABI GAMES FUND In Honor of Jonathan Margolis’ Confirmation – Kathy and Stephen Parven In Memory of Jack Turk – Sherry and Lenny Dubin In Honor of Debbie Kaplan – Susan and Caspar Heyl In Honor of Joel Dinkin – Kathy and Stephen Parven In Honor of Alan Lipman – Kathy and Stephen Parven In Honor of Mindy Levinson & Andy Bursten – Kathy and Stephen Parven In Honor of Lenny Dubin – The Dubin Family In Honor of Michael Benjamin Hirschfeld – Ruth and Richard Hirschfeld
Mechon Hadar Houston Join us as Rabbi Ethan Tucker, Co-Founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Mechon Hadar, the only egalitarian yeshiva in the United States, visits our community from September 2012 through February 2013. Rabbi Tucker will offer an in-person residency in September and February and lead four interactive webinars in October through January. Rabbi Tucker was ordained by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and earned a PhD in Talmud and Rabbinics from the Jewish Theological Seminary. He was named one of Newsweek’s Top Fifty Rabbis in America in 2011 and 2012.
WEBINAR LECTURES AT THE ERJCC OCTOBER 15 — JANUARY 15, 2012 Shabbat: Creating A Meaningful Atmosphere with Ancient Ritual Laws Monday, October 15 • 7:00 PM—8:30 PM
FOUNDATIONS of Jewish Family Living A N E W P RO G RA M FO R FA M I L I ES W I T H YO U N G C H I L D R E N with Rabbi Adrienne Scott
What are the Jewish values you want to teach your child?
F
oundations is a new learning opportunity that gives parents the confidence to teach and practice the core values of Judaism at home with their families. The only cost to participants is a $54 materials fee.
The program is generously underwritten in our community by Saranne and Livingston Kosberg.
This session will look at the overarching themes that undergird Biblical and Rabbinic thinking about Shabbat and explore how the details of practice aim to advance a larger vision.
FIND OUT IF FOUNDATIONS IS RIGHT FOR YOU. Join us for a Taste of Foundations at the ERJCC Wednesday, October 24 • 12:00 PM Thursday, November 1 • 12:00 PM
Kashrut: Toward Sensible, Meaningful, Contemporary Jewish Food Choices
.......................................
Monday, November 26 • 7:00 PM—8:30 PM
Foundations begins Thursday, November 8 at 12:00 PM. Classes meet for 20 sessions of 1.5 hours each.
This session will seek to understand the broad picture of motivations and frameworks for eating differently than we might otherwise without the Jewish tradition.
Inclusion: The Halakhic Case for Egalitarianism Monday, December 10 • 7:00 PM—8:30 PM If much of the Jewish past assumed that many supporting roles were delegated to women in order to allow men to be fully present, how can an egalitarian world ensure full presence for some without dividing roles along gender lines alone? We will attempt to address this difficult and contentious topic with sensitivity and honesty.
....................................... For more information or to RSVP, contact Nomi at nbarancik@erjcchouston.org or at 713.729.3200, ext. 3288.
4 th Annual Rice University Jewish Studies Program Lecture Series READING BETWEEN THE LINES IN MODERN JEWISH LITERATURE
OCTOBER 17, 24 AT 8:00 PM
What is a Jew? Monday, January 14 • 7:00 PM—8:30 PM In this session, we will look at sources that grapple with the precise definition of Jewishness. What are the ramifications for contemporary policy in the Jewish community?
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE AT THE ERJCC FEBRUARY 24 — 27, 2013 Between Wisdom and Honor: When Divine Commands Threaten Human Dignity Sunday, February 24 • 7:30 PM
Ethical Norms as the Foundation of the Torah
To register for any of these
Monday, February 25 • 7:30 PM
programs contact Nomi Barancik at 713.729.3200 ext. 3288 or
Was Abraham Asked to Sacrifice His Ethics?
nbarancik@erjcchouston.org.
Tuesday, February 26 • 7:30 PM
Can Jewish Texts Be Unethical? Grappling with Difficult Sources Wednesday, February 27 • 7:30 PM
In partnership with Congregation Brith Shalom, Congregation Beth Yeshurun and Congregation Or Ami.
Center for Jewish Living and Learning
THIS SERIES IS FREE TO PATRO N S O F T H E A RTS W H O S E L ECT T H I S AS O N E O F T H E I R B E N E F I TS.
Neither Here Nor There: Gender in Modern Hebrew and Yiddish Literature
Biographies of Moses in German Exile Literature
Lecture Offered by Dr. Melissa Weininger Wednesday, October 17 • 8:00 PM
Lecture offered by Dr. Klaus Weissenberger Wednesday, October 24 • 8:00 PM
From the Rabbinic Period, gender has been understood as an unstable category in Jewish culture, and in constructing a modern literature Jewish writers have had to grapple with female characters and the place of women in Jewish society. Displacement has typically been understood as a condition of modernity, but to what extent does the sense of dislocation described by modern Jewish literature overlap with issues of gender and gender relations?
Sigmund Freud, Thomas Mann and Martin Buber, all three wrote biographies of Moses during their exile period. The purpose of this lecture is to discuss the different intentions for their endeavors and the varying literary devices which they used to convey them.
Dr. Melissa Weininger is currently a post-doctoral fellow in Jewish Studies at Rice University. She received her Ph.D. in 2010 from the University of
E X A LTAT I O N O F P R AY E R Thru – Oct 19, 2012 This exhibit includes the work of more than 20 artists, and is composed primarily of paintings, etchings, photographs and lithographs. The 30 images are of Jews, both men and women, at prayer or at study, contemplating the words of Torah. The work is from the permanent collection of Hebrew Union College Museum
$10 Member/$15 Public (per lecture) $25 Member/$36 Public (series pass)
Chicago. Her areas of scholarly interest include Modern Hebrew and Yiddish literature, gender studies, and Jewish nationalism.
Dr. Weissenberger has been a professor of German language and literature at Rice University since 1971. His major areas of research are lyric poetry, exile literature and non-fictional prose. In these areas he has published or edited 7 books and written 75 articles.
These lectures will be held at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center. This series is made possible by the Maurice Amado Foundation. WATCH THESE PROGRAMS STREAMED LIVE AT
Gallery Hours Monday – Thursday • 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday & Sunday • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
houstonjewishlive.com
BE A PART OF THE TRIBUTES SECTION MARILYN HASSID JEWISH BOOK FAIR EMERGING AUTHOR FUND In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Relda Finger-Hoffer In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Cindy and Les Fox In Memory of Brad Gaber – Marilyn Hassid In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Marilyn Hassid In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Leslie and Mark Kaufman In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Evelyn Evans In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Susan and Steven Weil In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Gloria and Buzzy Bluestone In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Diane and Scott Grogin In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Marsha and Stanley Rosenblatt In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Barbara and Mark Paull In Honor of Raffi & Devorah Arbisser’s Wedding Anniversary – Barbara and Mark Paull In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Gail Volkman In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Patricia and Mark Rauch In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Sherry and Lenny Dubin In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Beverly and Howard Robinson In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Pam and Steven Rosen In Honor of Rafi & Dorit Arbisser’s Wedding Anniversary – Abigail Neiman and Marshall Levit MARILYN LANDSBERG STEINER PRE-SCHOOL FUND In Memory of Jennifer Beth Falik – Shirley and Sonny Landsberg In Honor of Bob Goldberg’s Speedy Recovery – Shirley and Sonny Landsberg MELTON MINI SCHOOL FUND In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Julie and Andrew Alexander
MERFISH TEEN CENTER FUND In Memory of Jack Turk – Valerie and Michael Wallace In Memory of Jack Turk – Sherry and Gerald Merfish MIKE GROSSMAN/JUDY RICHKER MACCABI SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of Chester Grevsky – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Barbara Schultz Lerner – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Clarice Pesses – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Ruth Gardner Romano – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Katie Silverstein – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Jack J. Turk – Vicky and Michael Richker NANCY LERNER SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of Nancy Lerner’s Birthday – Mitzi Shure and Jerry Wische OLIVER LAPIN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR FUND In Memory of Sylvia Schreiber – Eve and Bobby Lapin In Honor of Bobby Lapin’s Birthday – Mitzi Shure and Jerry Wische PATRONS OF THE ARTS FUND In Honor of Bunny Radoff – Kaki & Larry Buck SOPH & AL NATKIN STARS PROGRAM FUND In Memory of Jack Turk – Linda & Jerry Rubenstein In Memory of Barbara Wagner – Linda & Jerry Rubenstein In Memory of Bradley Finger – Linda & Jerry Rubenstein In Honor of Sandy & Sammy Chaskin’s Wedding Anniversary – Linda & Jerry Rubenstein
................................................................................ 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.
Recognize special lifecycle events with a tribute to support a program or fund
............................................................................................. PLEASE NOTE: Names and organizations listed in this newsletter reflect donations received by August 31, 2012. 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.
at the ERJCC. A gift can
To make a donation visit the Support the ERJCC tab on our website..
ation, wedding, new baby,
be made for a birthday, anniversary, promotion, sympathy, holiday, gradu-
bar/bat mitzvah and more.
Jewish Social Action Month
T
he Meals on Wheels program at the ERJCC is successful because of its volunteers. As the ERJCC observes the programs 30th anniversary, we look back with pride at those served and those serving. Meals on Wheels are probably the most important day-to-day mitzvah that we perform. Keeping homebound seniors fed and socializing are primary to our mission, but growing referral lists and reductions in funding make this necessary community service all the more challenging. The ERJCC Community Meals program is one place to put your mitzvoth in action with the opportunity to support Be’Tay Avon weekday lunches, RSVP, Senior Companions, Jewish Family Service, school food drives, chili cook-offs, or support of the Houston Kashrut Association in guaranteeing the integrity of kosher food items. Committed volunteers have figured out how to transform their talents into mitzvoth for Meals on Wheels clients. They incorporate client need into bar and bar mitzvah preparations, home repair and gardening projects or scholastic community service. Some synagogues require students to earn mitzvah points by organizing group projects and performing charitable deeds, while others encourage community service but
do not make it mandatory. “Other than funding, primary challenges to maintaining core client nutrition services is fewer full-time volunteers,” said Community Meals Director, Timothy Stewart. “More volunteers mean lower operational costs for the program and more rewarding dividends for our clients. More than 50% of our Meals clients are home alone or with limited and infrequent care from family, neighbors, or providers. Volunteers let the light in.” A full-time volunteer is defined as one who commits to delivering at least one route once weekly throughout the year. Of the rotating roster of over 160 committed delivery volunteers, fewer than 100 deliver a weekly route. To volunteer to deliver meals, host a food drive, or assist our clients in some other way, please call Community Meals at 713.595.8178. Since 1989, the program has been subsidized by the Harris County Area Agency on Aging with federal Title III and Community Development Block Grant funding secured by the Older Americans Act of 1965. Substantial funding is received from the Texas State Department of Agriculture and Harris County Community Services as part of the Texans Feeding Texans home-delivered grant program. Nosher Catering provides kosher meals.
ERJCC COMMUNITY MEALS AS MITZVOTH
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
As part of her Bat Mitzvah last August, Zoe Katzenellenbogen collected more than 200 pounds of food for use in centerpieces to be given to the Meals on Wheels food pantry. Many of the foods made for a nice treat for clients over the Labor Day weekend. Her brother, Zak, did the same for his Bar Mitzvah.
On Saturday, September 15, Ian Toubin and friends worked together to fulfill one of his requirements of Bar Mitzvah. They made extensive exterior repairs to the home of an ERJCC Meals on Wheels client. The Meals on Wheels client expressed, with great emotion her appreciation for their work; as she had ‘been embarrassed” by her home’s appearance. If your son or daughter would like to perform similar tasks for a Meals on Wheels client, please contact our office at 713.595.8178.
HEADS UP! HERE COMES THE BALL 23rd Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball · Saturday, March 2, 2013 · Westin Galleria
P
atti Hanfling takes the lead as Chair and Robyn Shkolnick as coChair for the 23rd Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Westin Galleria. Benefitting the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, this evening of dinner, dancing and silent auction is always a memorable experience for all participants.
The evening will honor Jim Crownover, former director at McKinsey and Company; Lenny Dubin, community leader and owner of Dubin’s Fine Jewelry and Gina Luna, Chairman of Chase Bank-Houston Region. Honorary Chairs are Marc Shapiro, Louis Lippman & Jeremy Samuels, andAmy Bernstein. The Honorees are selected for their extraordinary commitment and support of children in our community. Fundraising efforts 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.
As always, a highlight of the evening is the extensive silent auction that annually raises more than $90,000 to help defray the cost of the event. Tables of 10 and individual tickets may be purchased starting at $300 and $3000, respectively. Donations and tributes can be made in honor of these outstanding community leaders at erjcchouston.org/csb. Individual donors pledging $600 or more will be listed on the invitation for the black tie gala as part of the 2013 Tribute Committee.
Benefitting the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, this evening of dinner, dancing and silent auction is always a memorable experience for all participants.
W H O T O C O N TA C T T O G E T I N V O LV E D : Silent Auction donations......................Lena Lieb, ext. 3212 or llieb@erjcchouston.org Tables, tickets or tributes......................Michele Rathers, ext. 3101 or mrathers@erjcchouston.org General event questions.........................Melissa Gordon, ext. 3202 or mgordon@erjcchouston.org LEFT TO RIGHT Honorees Jim Crownover, Lenny Dubin and Gina Luna; Ball Co-Chair Robyn Shkolnick and Ball Chair Patti Hanfling.
QuickStart Tennis is coming New Courts, New Colors: Team Training Tennis Programs for Kids Ages 10 and Under
T
he tennis courts at the Merfish Teen Center have recently been resurfaced, with added lines to accommodate the latest innovation in tennis, “QuickStart,” or 10 and Under Tennis. As a QuickStart certified facility, the ERJCC Tennis Center uses low-compression balls and smaller courts and racquets to make learning the game easier and more fun for children, the same way Little League scales down the game of baseball. With equipment suited to their size, younger children are able to sustain rallies and hit the ball with more success. The new bright green and blue court colors are appealing to the younger tennis player, while the additional lines will help create smaller courts, allowing the ERJCC to hold its newest program, QuickStart Team Training, at the Merfish Center. “We already have a large group of five- to ten-year-old players who are ready to start playing tournaments, so this class is just what they need to get more competitive and hone their skills,” said ERJCC Tennis Pro Erik Kiser. Resurfacing work was also just completed on the Boniuk Family Indoor Tennis Center courts at the main ERJCC campus. Utilizing “US Open blue and green” court colors
has brightened and modernized the ERJCC’s state-of-the-art facility. The resurfacing was completed just in time for the center’s eighth annual Harris J. Weingarten Tennis Tournament, taking place November 2-4, 2012. The Weingarten tournament was initiated in 1983 to honor community leader Harris Weingarten, and is open to all junior singles and doubles and adult doubles and mixed doubles players. The tournament draws 200 participants each year, and its proceeds fund improvements to the ERJCC Tennis facilities. Contact the Tennis Center if you are interested in sponsoring the 2012 Harris J. Weingarten Tennis Tournament with the opportunity to play in the fourth annual Weingarten Pro-Am on November 17. The Tennis Center is also the home of the ERJCC’s Junior Tennis Programs and Excellence Academy, summer and holiday tennis camps, adult leagues, Junior and Adult USA Tennis and The Emery Weiner Jaguars School Tennis Team. The Center is open seven days a week (times vary). Call 713.551.7292 to arrange for a tour of our beautiful facility or for more information about the professional coaching and great events available at the ERJCC Tennis Center.
WE ALREADY HAVE A LARGE GROUP OF FIVE TO TEN YEAR-OLD PLAYERS WHO ARE READY TO START PLAYING TOURNAMENTS, SO THIS CLASS IS JUST WHAT THEY NEED TO GET MORE COMPETITIVE AND HONE THEIR SKILLS.
— ERJCC Tennis Pro Erik Kiser
.
THANK YOU!
Larissa Potiomkin, Director of Development
On behalf of the Housing and Volunteer Committees, we want to thank you for your time and support to make the 2012 JCC Maccabi Games® and ArtsFest® a huge sucess.
Glenn Lowenstein, Vice-Chair, Development
Opening your homes to our visiting teens and lending a helping hand is what makes the Maccabi Experience unique and creates memories and friendships that lasts a lifetime.
Mindy Levinson, Co-Chair
We have recieved such positive feedback from our our-of-towners and we can only attribute it to your enthusiasm and smiles.
Andy Bursten, Co-Chair
FALL 2012
HAPPENINGS AT THE EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF HOUSTON
E V E LY N
–
J E W I S H
M U S I C
R U B E N S T E I N
F I L M S
S
C O M M U N I T Y C E N T E R
Naomi Wolf
P R E S E N T S
MUSICAL ARTISTS: David Broza Mama Doni Band
EVENTS FOR ALL AGES
COMMUNITY READ:
NG
FILMS: Bar Mitzvah Nicky’s Family Portrait of Wally Strangers No More
KIDS: QUICKSTART TENNIS
AT I
Howard Pollack Ari Schonbrun Francesca Segal Rami Shapiro Larry Smith
Welcome to Kutsher’s
JEWISH SOCIAL ACTION MONTH
FOUNDATIONS OF JEWISH FAMILY LIVING
YEAR
David Misch Leonard Mlodinow Wendy Mogel Simon Sebag Montefiore
Marc Tracy
Doni Zasloff Thomas Jeffrey Toobin
JEWISH BOOK & ARTS FAIR CALENDAR
THANKSGIVING & WINTER CAMP
EBR
Helen Nash Anne-Marie O’Connor
GIFTING, TRIBUTES & LEGACIES
CEL
Franklin Foer Matti Friedman Justin Halpern Gail Hareven Rachel Harkham
Alicia Oltuski
–
Yehuda Kurtzer Leslie Maitland
A U T H O R S
AUTHORS: Michael Bar-Zohar Rachelle Bergstein Stuart Eizenstat Nathan Englander
Yosef Mendelevich
PAID
Photo Credit: Gilles Toucas
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
Houston, Texas Permit No. 6217
Inside Connections
October 28 – November 11
Deborah Feldman
Andrew Erlich Michael Feinstein
JEWISH BOOK & ARTS FAIR OPENING NIGHT SPEAKER: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN
Save Money on Programs Plus Even More this Year!
EMBER 11, 2012
OCTOBER 28 - NOV
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 erjcchouston .org
OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF THE ERJCC
on the cover:
ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE RECOMMENDED
40 TH ANNUAL
$50 ERJCC Member/$70 Public $10 Discount for Seniors $3 Discount for Seniors on Single Tickets Full Time Students: Free Admission with Student ID
2012 MBER 11, 28 - NOVE OCTOBER
Buy a Book & Arts Fair Series Pass Receive Guaranteed Reserved Seating for Opening Night with Michael Feinstein and the David Broza concert on Nov. 10 PLUS Admission to all Programs
AL 40TH ANNU
ONLINE
erjcchouston.org
IN PERSON
BY PHONE
Visit the ERJCC Information Desk or the Box Office 30 minutes prior to the start of a program
713.551.7255
Unless otherwise specified, Jewish Book & Arts Fair programs take place at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, Joe Weingarten Building, Milton Levit Family Campus, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX 77096
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION
The book that binds
Sunday, October 21
*Purchase book in advance at ERJCC for free entry
J
oin the conversation on the book everyone’s talking about! Nathan Englander’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank is a
collection of short stories that is sure to captivate just about anyone. Whether you are in a book club, part of an organization or a fellow book lover, make this year’s
Calendar October 16 21 26 27 28
Symposium Classes Begin Community Read: What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank (Nathan Englander) Shabbat Zahav Dinner Kids Nite Out (Pajama Party themed) 40th Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair opens
November
ADDED BONUS: With Community Read participation (book or author program purchase), receive a FREE ticket to Francesca Segal (The Innocents) appearing Thursday, Nov. 1 at 6:15 PM. If purchasing the book, receive a discounted rate of $18.
2-4 4 9 10 10 11 16 17 21 22
Don’t miss the LOCAL LITERATI: Writer’s Workshop Panel October 21 @ 2:30 PM (preceding Community Read event)
December
Community Read your October choice!
BOOKS ON SALE NOW! Purchase your book at the ERJCC and receive FREE entry to the Nathan Englander event.
Meet a panel of experts on the written form of short story, editing and publishing. The panel will consist of Aaron Howard, Jewish Herald-Voice Book Editor & Critic, Marsha Friedman, CEO of EMSI, a public relations company which promotes authors through radio and television and Gerald Blumenthal Ph.D., author of The Brass Compass (now being made into a full length movie) who will give a first time author’s perspective on publishing & promoting. BUY A BOOK & ARTS FAIR SERIES PASS: Receive guaranteed reserved seating for Opening Night with Michael Feinstein and the David Broza concert Sat. Nov. 10 PLUS admission to all programs. For more information visit erjcchouston.org/BookFair
1 6,8,9 8 14 22 24
dEvents
2012
AUTHOR TALK AND BOOK SIGNING 3:30 PM Reception 4:00 PM Author Presentation Location: ERJCC (5601 S. Braeswood) Price: Free to Series Pass Holders $10 ERJCC Member / $15 Public Tickets: erjcchouston.org/BookFair
Harris J. Weingarten 2012 Tennis Tournament Oliver Lapin Family Day Shabbat Zahav Dinner Kids Nite Out (Super Hero themed) Concert: David Broza (Miller Outdoor Theatre) 40th Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair closes Shabbat Zahav Dinner Kids Nite Out (Carnival themed) Thanksgiving Break Camp Thanksgiving - closed
Kids Nite Out The Nifty Fifties Children’s Musical Production Kid’s Nite Out (Hanukkah themed) Shabbat Zahav Dinner Kids Nite Out (Jungle themed) Winter Break Camp begins
For more information visit erjccohuston.org