NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION
SPRING 2012
Inside Connections SUMMER FUN AT J CAMPS
DIALOGUES 2012: SUMMER IN THE CITY
ERJCC ANNUAL MEETING
SUMMER DAY CAMP SPECIAL
A ROOM WITH A VIEW: 2012 CSB RECAP
MACCABI TEAM HOUSTON ROSTER
NEW NAME Summer Fun! SAME
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ummer fun at the ERJCC may have a new name, but make no mistake that it is the same quality summer day camp that thousands of children will get to experience again this summer. The ERJCC is offering new camps this summer to 3rd – 5th graders such as Water Skiing, Scuba Diving and Golf. All camps are off site and include transportation. All J Camps for kindergarten though second grade will have daily instructional swim by Red Cross trained instructors. “Summer is right around the corner and we’re adding new activities to some of our camps,” said Randy Comensky, ERJCC Camp Director. “The difference between our Summer Day Camp and other camps around the city is the quality of our caring and experienced staff as well as including instructional swimming to all campers younger than third grade.” When it comes to versatility the
ERJCC is the best option for parents who want to choose how many weeks their children attend J Camps and what skills they want their children to acquire. This summer’s camp lineup includes more than 50 options with numerous themes including favorites such as Art, Sports, Tennis, Circus, Equestrian, Gymnastics and Cooking. The ERJCC also offers traditional day camps for preschoolers through 2nd grade such as Camp Bami, Kinder Camp and Camp Kaleidoscope. Swimming is not only a daily, recreational activity in all camps, but also a daily instructional lesson for every child between the ages of 3-7 years old. The ERJCC camp swim instructors are certified in safety and quality by the American Red Cross and maintain a 1:4 instructor/child ratio. “At the ERJCC, kids can enjoy summertime fun in a traditional camp setting and at the same time learn how to swim or sharpen their skills. Kids who don’t know how to swim are given personalized instruction (or small groups) to help them get the confidence they need,” said Susan Heyl, parent and ERJCC Children and Camping Committee Chair. J Camps runs May 29 - August 24.
Judaic enrichment is interspersed throughout all camps. The ERJCC has been giving children the ultimate summer day camp experience for more than 60 years.
For more information about J Camps, contact Randy Comensky at rcomensky@erjcchouston.org or call the camp office at 713.551.7208.
At the ERJCC, kids can enjoy summertime fun in a traditional camp setting and at the same time learn how to swim or sharpen their skills. Kids who don’t know how to swim are given personalized instruction (or small groups) to help them get the confidence they need. —Susan Heyl, parent and ERJCC Children and Camping Committee Chair
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EN TR EATS AW IN GS | FR OZ S | PR IZ E DR ME GA | C SI DJ MU
ERJCC SWIM ACADEMY
ERJCC Membership Required for Camp Two easy ways to become a member!
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Children’s Membership only $28/month Membership based on 12 mos. Includes camp access. First year joining fees apply.
REFRESHER COURSE PROGRAMS NEW! Starfish Refresher Course This class is designed for the 2 year old beginner swimmer. Emphasis on adjusting to group situation, water acclimation and developing independent movement in the water on the front, side and back. Min 2/Max 3. T/TH 4:00 - 4:30 PM
Summer Family Pool & Camp Membership $398 Includes camp access. No joining fee. Not valid for Fitness & Tennis.
CAMP / POOL / FITNESS HOT SUMMER DEALS MAKE ERJCC THE PLACE TO BE!
Limited Time Specials thru May 31
$199 Summer Family Pool Membership ........................................................................... does not include camp access
$99 Individual Pool Membership Add $75/month and receive Summer Fitness & Tennis membership and enjoy unlimited access to over 50 FREE drop-in fitness classes weekly.
May 1 - May 24
8 classes $140
STARRS
LEVEL 1 3 - 6 YRS For children with little or no water experience. Children will become comfortable in the water, learn water safety skills and basic swimming. Each child will be provided a reusable water swim diaper which is included in the class fee. Min 4/Max 6. M/W 3:00 - 3:30 PM T/TH 4:00 - 4:30 PM
April 30 - May 23 8 classes $140 May 1 - May 24 8 classes $140
LV1 LV1A
LEVEL 2 4 - 11 YRS For children who are comfortable in the water, have basic swimming knowledge and are able to go underwater without support. Children will learn front crawl, back crawl and beginning butterfly stroke. Min 4/Max 6 M/W 3:30 - 4:00 PM T/TH 3:30 - 4:00 PM
April 30 - May 23 8 classes $140 May 1 - May 24 8 classes $140
LV2 LV2A
LEVEL 3 5 - 11 YRS For children who can swim 10 yards, front crawl, back crawl, and beginning butterfly. Children will learn breaststroke and work on stroke refinement with distance. This class will also prepare swimmers for the FROGS Swim Team. Min 4/Max 6. M/W 4:00 - 4:30 PM T/TH 4:00 - 4:30 PM
April 30 - May 23 8 classes $140 May 1 - May 24 8 classes $140
LV3 LV3A
ANOTHER
SUMMER IN THE CITY
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his summer the ERJCC will bring together some of the brightest minds for Dialogues 2012 on Thursday, June 14. Dialogues 2012 is a special evening where guests are treated to a seated dinner with conversation facilitated by a Table Host of notoriety, representing a particular field of interest. Committee chair, Barbara Marcus, and co-chair, Rosanne Kaufmann, have recruited a variety of table hosts including: County Judge Ed Emmett, Chef Matt Marcus of the Eatsie Boys, child actor Grant Goodman, social media specialist Brian Block, Cressandra Thibodeaux of 14 Pews, Arthur Schecter and Fred Zeidman political adversaries; Fashion Diva Roz Pactor, entrepreneur Janet Gurwitch and KHOU news anchor Courtney Zubowski. Barbara and Al Marcus hosted committee members to a kick-off reception in their home, featuring a sampling of the Grateful Bread’s best
nibbles. New Committee members Rhoda Goldberg, Jay Steinfeld, Deborah Kaplan, Helen Lesartre and Elizabeth Kaufmann generated an exciting list of potential hosts
are filled on a first come, first served basis, with 9-10 guests at each table. Couples can choose to sit together or with different Table Hosts, based on their unique areas of interests.
WE AIM FOR A VARIETY OF HOT TOPICS AND NEW HOSTS TO KEEP THE OFFERINGS FRESH AND TRENDY EACH YEAR. AND NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS ALWAYS HAVE NEW IDEAS AND CONTACTS TO BRING TO THE TABLE. representing the arts, business, sports, politics, education, food and wine, social media, entertainment, personalities and Houston society. “We’re very excited about the caliber and variety of our new Committee members this year,” said Barbara Marcus. “We aim for a variety of hot topics and new hosts to keep the offerings fresh and trendy each year. And new Committee members always have new ideas and contacts to bring to the table.” When guests send in their reservations, they send in their first three choices of Table Hosts. Tables
The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a wine reception followed by a three-course Kosher, seated dinner at 7:00 p.m. The Table Host acts as a facilitator, presenting information on one’s field of expertise, followed by questions and conversation amongst the table guests. It is always a fun evening with lots of positive energy in the room. The event is limited to ten tables and the first 90 guests to control the noise level and ensure an intimate feeling for all. For more information, contact Gayle Rockoff at 713.595.8171 or Janey Finger at 713.729.3200, Ext. 3209.
upcoming cjll events
(Israel Independence Day)
Center for Jewish Living & Learning Scholar Series
FREE Community Celebration at the ERJCC
Dr. Stephen Berk Thursday, April 26 ● 7:30 PM
Yom Ha’atzmaut
MAIMONIDES on the Issues of Our Times
(Folloing the Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration)
Thursday, April 26 ● 5:00 - 7:00 PM
3rd Annual Teen Visual Art Exhibition
$10 Member / $15 Public (per lecture)
Rock Climbing / Face Painting
April 22 – June 1
Camel rides / Games & crafts
For the 3rd year, the ERJCC Deutser Art Gallery will exhibit original works by local Jewish teenagers. This year, the exhibit will open with the J Teen Art Scene: Showcase for (e)ART(H), an all-day arts festival showcasing teenage artistic talents across many platforms.
Food & carnival snacks (free 1/2 pita falafel as long as supplies last, drinks available for purchase)
Three Who Made Israel: Weizmann, Ben Gurion and Begin
Israeli folk dancing Israeli animation short “Ben Gurion Hosting” (for adults)
SUMMER ISRAELI FILM SHOWCASE Don’t miss this annual premiere of three of Israel’s greatest films from the past year. View one film each month this summer.
This showcase is the best way to take a trip to Israel…at the movies!
The Last Century that Shattered the World and Transformed the Jewish People Dr. Stephen Berk is the Henry and Sally Schaffer Chair in Holocaust and Jewish Studies at Union College in Schenectady, NY. This lecture will consider how these early statesmen both created the first modern, Jewish state and changed the socio-political reality of the Middle East and the World post the Second World War. Steven Spielberg in History Thursday, May 24 • 7:30 PM This lecture will explore how three of Spielberg’s films: Schindler’s List, Amistad and Saving Private Ryan can be used as a valuable window into modern history and how these films changed the world’s perception of the modern Jewish experience.
To register contact Nomi Barancik at 713.729.3200 ext. 3208 or nbarancik@erjcchouston.org
Instructor: Amy D. Goldstein Four Wednesdays Beginning May 9 7:30 – 8:30 PM $36 Member / $45 Public One of Judaism’s greatest thinkers, Moses Maimonides, addressed the most pressing issues of his own times for Jews - many of which reflect concerns today. His life experience and writings included addressing the challenge of radical Islam, conversion, women’s issues, anti-Semitism, interfaith relations, secular versus religious education, Jewish communal responsibility and medical ethics. We will explore these and other related topics in Maimonides’ writings such as his Mishneh Torah, Guide for the Perplexed, various letters and other writings. Amy D. Goldstein holds a Masters in Jewish Cultural History specializing in Sephardic Jewry from the Jewish Theological Seminary, where she pursued her doctoral studies. For more than 20 years she applied this knowledge while working for such organizations as Hadassah, AIPAC, the AntiDefamation League and B’nai B’rith International all the while teaching about the history and culture of the Jewish people.
2012
CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL
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2012 Honoree Bobbi Samuels with Honorary Chair Ann Kaufman and husbands, ERJCC Past Presidents Vic Samuels and Stephen Kaufman
Honorary Chair Marc Watts with 2012 Honoree Ken Simon
Tributes ANN & STEPHEN KAUFMAN JEWISH EDUCATION FUND In Honor of Sandy Chaskin’s Speedy Recovery – Kathy and Stephen Parven In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Debbie Goodman BERTHA ALYCE CENTER ANNUAL GIVING FUND In Honor of Abraham’s Birthday – Gary Fruhman In Honor of Michelle Friedman – Sara and Ron Ralph In Honor of Lauren and Elliot Getz – Yvonne De Leef In Honor of Amalya A. Patrick – Cynthia and David Patrick In Honor of Shira and Talia Babajanov – Maytal and Daniel Babajanov In Honor of Haley Fingeret – Susan and Alan Cororve In Honor of Sam Glina – Mel and Dan Glina In Honor of Lincoln Tigerman – Susan and Izhak Grinbaum In Honor of Rayna Laufman – Robin Laufman In Honor of Riley Most – Mira and Darry Temkin In Honor of Benjamin Adachi – Karen J. Vigil In Honor of Isabella Adachi – Karen J. Vigil In Honor of Blair and Aerin Carstensen – Helen and Richard Wolf In Honor of Walker Cable – Jennifer and Alan Cable In Honor of Isabel Kariel – Rene and Jason Kariel In Honor of Drayden and Bren Johnson – Jennifer Krohn In Honor of Henry Rorai – Dawn and Tony Rorai In Memory of Rosalind Horwitz – LivHome In Honor of Beryt and Ezra – Adrienne and David Scott In Honor of Isabel Kariel – Cindy and David Lipshutz
he Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center’s 22nd Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball welcomed over 500 guests to the Westin Galleria on Saturday, March 3 for an evening of “Tuscan style” entertainment that raised a record amount of over $600,000 for the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund. Beginning with a cocktail reception replete with street artists, a Roman “living statue,” and delectable antipasto bar, guests then entered the exquisitely-designed ballroom featuring colors of the Tuscan sky, grass, sun and grapes. While natural spiraled cypress trees offset the stage adorned with a backdrop of the Tuscan countryside and lush greenery, the draped dance floor resplendent with soft, colored lighting and more natural foliage formed “Club Arno” at the opposite end of the Ballroom. The black tie event honored long-time ERJCC community leader Bobbi Samuels, Managing Partner of
the Locke Lord LLP Houston Office; Ken Simon; and President and CEO of El Paso Corporation, Doug Foshee. An inspiring video entitled, “In the Presence of Our Future,” highlighted the Honorees’ dedication and passion to children’s and educational causes, as well as the important work performed at the ERJCC and its Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Center and The Ellen Boniuk Early Childhood Center on the West Houston campus. The Honorees received the awards from their respective Honorary Chairs, ERJCC Past President and community leader Ann Kaufman for Bobbi Samuels, The Friedkin Group President Marc Watts for Ken Simon, and KIPP Co-Founder and Houston Superintendent Michael Feinberg for Doug Foshee. After which, the Honorees shared their thoughts on education, community activism, family, and the importance of the ERJCC’s scholarship program. “Each day our Honorees and Honorary Chairs work to make children’s lives better through their many community commitments and ability to motivate others to
2012 Honoree Doug Foshee with Honorary Chair Michael Feinberg
Michael Feinberg, Ann Kaufman, Doug Foshee, Bobbi Samuels, Ken Simon, Marc Watts, ERJCC Executive Director Joel Dinkin, Elizabeth Cohen and Mark Toubin
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.
BUNNY & LEO HORVITZ SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE FUND In Memory of William Nezmin – Shirley and Sigmund Horvitz In Memory of Manny Kaplan – Shirley and Sigmund Horvitz In Honor of Bunny & Leo Horvitz – Orna and Jacob Tsabar DANCE MONTH In Honor of Maxine Silberstein – Ed J. Smith In Honor of Joanne and Donald Brodsky – Terry and Martin Cominsky ELLEN BONIUK EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FUND In Honor of Dr. Stephen Wallach – Bonnie and Marc Kasner EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON FUND In Honor of Stanley Rosenblatt’s Retirement – Nancy and Steve Lerner In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Julie and Ronnie Stein GENERAL TRIBUTE FUND In Memory of Manny Kaplan – Karen and David Wolf In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Abigail Neiman and Marshall Levit In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Carol and Michael Goldberg In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Stephanie and M. David Odle In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Ann and Stephen Kaufman In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Sherry and Gerald Merfish In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Barbara and Raymond Kalmans
In Memory of Rachel Wallach’s Grandmother – Sharon and Gerald Laderman In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Martha and Don Freedman In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Helen Charski In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Liz and Ron Oppenheimer In Honor of Joanne and Donald Brodsky – Barbara and Raymond Kalmans In Honor of Edith and Bob Zinn – Veda Mae and Morris Glesby In Honor of Jack Turk – Veda Mae and Morris Glesby In Honor of Gerald Merfish – Alan Eisenman, John Rubin, Arnie Miller, Alan Law, Max Blankfield, Mark Huvard, Carl Schmulen In Honor of Bobby Lapin – David Polatsek GERALD RAUCH MEMORIAL FUND In Memory of Marvin Kaplan – Lila Rauch In Honor of Fern Granowitz’s Birthday – Lila Rauch In Honor of Sally Fuch’s Birthday – Lila Rauch In Honor of Elaine Proler’s Birthday – Lila Rauch In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Fuch’s Anniversary – Lila Rauch HARRIS WEINGARTEN OUTDOOR TENNIS CENTER FUND In Honor of Emily and Albert Stein’s Anniversary – Cherill and Maurice Dubinski HARRY K. SMITH MEALS ON WHEELS FUND In Honor of Walter Hecht – Carol and Desey Desenberg In Memory of Dinah Wuntch – Sandy and Joseph Kirk In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Saundra and Jack Turk In Honor of Shirley Toomim – Ellen and Stephen Robinson
In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gold – Wendy and Steven Schwartz In Honor of Harvey Reiter – Leanne and Mark Reiter In Honor of Penny Murphy & Jim Lanclos’ Wedding – Diann Resnick In Honor of Aaron Resnick – Diann Resnick In Honor of Barry Lewis – Carol and Desey Desenberg In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Max Levit – Carol and Desey Desenberg In Honor of Mr. Melford Meyers – Carol and Desey Desenberg IRVIN KAPLAN CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of Rick Stein – Holthouse Foundation for Kids In Honor of the Scholarship Ball Honorees – Francine and Bradley Beckman In Honor of Elizabeth Cohen and Mark Toubin – Meryl and Murry Cohen In Honor of Sam Stolbun – Phillip Ladin In Honor of Sam Stolbun – Ronald Ladin In Honor of Doug Foshee – Petrello Family Foundation In Honor of Bobbi Samuels – Kelli Cohen and Martin Fein In Honor of Kenneth J. Simon – Cindy and Bill Warner In Honor of Bobbi Samuels – Linda May and John Morrison In Honor of Bobbi Samuels – Janet and Jeff Pozmantier In Honor of Bobbi Samuels – Ayala and Ami Samuels In Honor of Bobbi Samuels – Julia and Jack Mazow In Honor of Bobbi Samuels – Julie and Andrew Alexander In Honor of Elizabeth Cohen and Mark Toubin – Liz and Ron Oppenheimer In Honor of Bobbi Samuels – Stephen Reiner In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Julie and John Gilbert
LOOKS FORWARD TO THE FUTURE do the same,” said Ball Co-Chair Mark Toubin. Added Mark’s Co-Chair and wife, ERJCC Vice President Elizabeth Cohen, “We could not be any more grateful for Doug, Bobbi, and Ken. Their impact on the lives of young people at the ERJCC, as well as the greater Houston community, cannot be calculated.” The Ball’s online and silent auctions raised additional scholarship funds due to the community’s generosity and the hard work of Auction Chair Lauren Kaufman Blachman and her committee. Lauren
custom-built playhouse by Cronin Builders and Hollenbeck Architects; a $1,000 Reliant Energy gift certificate; a Tootsies $1,000 shopping spree and fashion show; and a NYC trip for four including round-trip airfare on United Airlines with luxury hotel accommodations and tickets to see “The View,” “Live with Kelly,” and a late-night talk show host. Following dinner, guests partook in “la dolce vita” — a mouth-watering dessert bar featuring mini-tiramisu, colorful meringue cookies and kosher gelato, and snapped a few photos backed by a gorgeous Tuscan land-
“Each day our Honorees and Honorary Chairs work to make children’s lives better through their many community commitments and ability to motivate others to do the same.”
staff all contributed towards creating the most successful Ball to date.” 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 including infant care, preschool, summer day camp, special needs and after school care. Since its inception over two decades ago, The Children’s Scholarship Ball has generated approximately $8 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 www.erjcchouston.org, for more information and to contribute to the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund.
re-introduced the “Big Board” concept but with a high-tech twist; creating a “live electronic auction” that enabled guests to bid via wireless, iPad-like touch-screen tablets. This newly-added feature resulted in higher bids for the 13 luxury items including a $5,000 Zadok’s gift certificate; a realistic,
scape. The evening concluded with dancing in the cozy “Club Arno.” “Elizabeth Cohen and Mark Toubin really gave the community a night to remember,” said ERJCC President Sam Stolbun. “Our dedicated Ball Chairs, their committee, our Honorees and Honorary Chairs and ERJCC
Vic and Bobbi Samuels with their grandchildren – Megan, Leah, Nathaniel, Gabby, Mimi Zachary and Ethan - who sang the HaMotzi.
Past Honorees Roslyn Fuchs Haikin and Nancy Lerner with husbands Ricky Haikin and Steve Lerner
2012 Auction Chair Lauren Kaufman Blachman with parents Honorary Chair and ERJCC Past President, Ann Kaufman, and ERJCC Past President Stephen Kaufman
In Memory of Cantor Mark Levine’s Mother – Elyse Kunick In Memory of Cantor Mark Levine’s Mother – Barbara and Jay Rosenfeld In Memory of Cantor Mark Levine’s Mother – Nancy Stern
OLIVER LAPIN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR FUND In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Eve and Bobby Lapin
Roman “living statue” entertained guests during the cocktail reception.
ALL PHOTOS BY MARK KATZ
JEWISH ARTS AND CULTURE FUND In Memory of Betty Brourman Dinkin – Marcia and Stanley Katz In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Rochelle and Lee Wunsch In Honor of Susie Askanase’s 70th Birthday – Lorraine and Alexander Dell MACCABI 2012 GAMES FUND In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Sherry and Lenny Dubin In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Mardi and Mark Kunik In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Debbie and Stuart Diamond In Honor of Marilyn Hassid – Debbie and Stuart Diamond In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Mindy and Barry Levinson In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Kathy and Stephen Parven In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Gayle and Richard Rockoff In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Nancy and Steve Lerner In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Michelle and Robert Perchonok In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Betsy and Ed Schreiber In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Marsha and Stanley Rosenblatt In Honor of Glenn Lowenstein – Shari and Daniel Spier In Memory of Joel Mandel – Sherry and Lenny Dubin MARILYN HASSID JEWISH BOOK FAIR EMERGING AUTHOR FUND In Honor of Judy Weil – Susan and Ed Septimus MARILYN LANDSBERG STEINER PRE-SCHOOL FUND In Memory of Josephine Eskanos – Shirley and Sonny Landsberg In Memory of Arnold Leanse – Shirley and Sonny Landsberg In Memory of Arnold Levine – Shirley and Sonny Landsberg In Memory of Morton Gart – Shirley and Sonny Landsberg MELTON MINI SCHOOL FUND In Memory of Cantor Mark Levine’s Mother – Michelle and Jim Dannemiller In Memory of Cantor Mark Levine’s Mother – Renee and Alan Helfman
MIKE GROSSMAN/JUDY RICHKER MACCABI SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of Rena Katz – Selma and Jorge Guttin In Memory of William Nemzin – Selma and Jorge Guttin In Memory of Ruth Backrach – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Carl Seltzer – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Eva Grevsky – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of David Haimovich – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Rena Katz – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of William K. Nemzin – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Bertha Grevsky Kaplan – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Lionel Roberts – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Esther Sadoff – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Phillip Rose – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Irvin Leder –Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Dr. Maryon Ruchelman – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Ida Bauer Robinson – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Paul Brochstein – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Darryl Edelman – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Judy Yambra – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Richard Kammerman – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Hope Lipnick – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Greg Lewis – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Malcolm Slatko – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Steven Croft, M.D. – Vicky and Michael Richker In Honor of Sanford Herskovitz – Vicky and Michael Richker
SENIOR ADULT MITVAH FUND In Memory of Phil Kraus – Ethel Shocket SOPH & AL NATKIN STARS PROGRAM In Honor of Sandy Chaskin’s Recovery – Linda and Jerry Rubenstein STARS PROGRAM In Memory of Betty Dinkin – Linda and Andrew Burger
Recognize special lifecycle events with a tribute to support
................................................................................ 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.
a program or fund
............................................................................................. PLEASE NOTE: Names and organizations listed in this newsletter reflect donations received by March 23, 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.
promotion, sympathy,
For corrections or to make a donation visit the Support the ERJCC tab on our website or call the Development Office at 713.729.3200 ext. 3103.
at the ERJCC. A gift can be made for a birthday, anniversary, holiday, graduation, wedding, new baby, bar/bat mitzvah and more.
CELEBRATING 76 YEARS OF JEWISH JOURNEYS Carol Goldberg Selected to Receive the David H. White Award
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he ERJCC of Houston will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. This year’s meeting will mark the beginning of 76 years of committed service to the Houston Jewish community. New board members will be elected and leaders and contributors will be recognized for outstanding service, leadership and community impact. The annual meeting will provide an opportunity to hear reports on events of the past year and projections for the future. ERJCC President Sam Stolbun will speak about his first year as President of the ERJCC. “The ERJCC has continued to push forward, guided by its mission to bringing Jewish values to life and building a strong, active and sustainable Jewish community,” said Stolbun. “We are proud that we have been able to increase the level of scholarship assistance so that families impacted by this difficult economy continue to
participate in our exceptional childcare, preschool and camping programs.” The program will highlight the creativity and leadership of several key members of the community. The Selection Committee, chaired by Bobby Lapin and Karol Musher, is pleased to announce the 2012 recipient of the David H. White award is Carol Goldberg. “We are thrilled to honor Carol for her outstanding volunteer commitment and legacy of great leadership,” said ERJCC Executive Vice President Joel Dinkin. ERJCC staff member Rachel Wallach will be presented the Jerry Wische Staff Excellence Award and Jack Turk will receive the Stanley Rosenblatt Volunteer Excellence Award. The evening will also include the election of officers, presentation of awards, and highlighting the Agency’s community building initiatives. Visit www.erjcchouston.org for more information about our upcoming 76th Annual Meeting.
ERJCC ANNUAL MEETING MAY 17, 2012, 7:00 PM
THE ERJCC HAS CONTINUED TO PUSH FORWARD, GUIDED BY ITS MISSION TO BRINGING JEWISH VALUES TO LIFE AND BUILDING A STRONG, ACTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE JEWISH COMMUNITY. WE ARE PROUD THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE David H. White, who died on January 12, 1972, represented the finest in Jewish life. He left a legacy of love for his family, service to his community, and a heritage characterized by a deep devotion to equal rights for all mankind. In view of his unique role in the community, this living memorial was established by the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center as an annual award to a man or woman whose service to the Jewish community of Houston reflects the highest integrity, love for one’s fellow man and commitment to the ideals of Jewish life.
SO THAT FAMILIES IMPACTED BY THIS DIFFICULT ECONOMY CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDCARE, PRESCHOOL AND CAMPING PROGRAMS.
JCCS PRESENTS
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
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his spring the Jewish Community Center Stage Performing Arts will perform Alice in Wonderland. This is an incredible experience for 16 young actors in grades 3-7. Eva De La Cruz will be directing the Spring JCCS production of Alice in Wonderland, a show Eva has directed before. Eva will be working with Assistant Director, Kendahl Atkinson and Musical Director, Bill Bartlett. Alice in Wonderland is based on the 1951 Walt Disney film.
Join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game. Enjoy this fast-paced stage adaptation featuring many of the classic songs like “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” The JCCS production of Alice in Wonderland will take place at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center Kaplan Theater on Thursday, May 3 at 7:00 PM, Sunday May 6 at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM The actors are children from all over our community who take part in the ERJCC Children’s theater program.
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his year the ERJCC has launched “Mishpacha and Me: Jewish Experiences for Young Children and their Families,” a series of Judaic outreach events taking
place at family-friendly venues around Houston.
Geared for families with children between the ages of 0-6 years old, Mishpacha and Me events give young families the opportunity to celebrate Jewish festivals and events together. In the past few months, Mishpacha and Me has celebrated Tu B’shevat at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Cockrell Butterfly Center, Purim at Wonderwild in the Heights, and Passover at the Children’s Museum. More than 50 families from around the Houston community have shared their Jewish experiences with one another. For more information on Mishpacha and Me, please contact Children’s Program Coordinator, Gillian Richter, at grichter@erjcchouston.org
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR WONDERFUL ACTORS BY TAKING IN A SHOW: Naomi Alberts, Emma Arriaga, Brianna Burgan, Olivia Dadoun, Katie Faour, Rachel Feldman, Karli Fisher, Noah Friedman, Max Hoffman, Rachel Levine, Sarah Levine, Julia Minkowitz, Samara Moll, Katherine Solberg, Julia Strug and Daisy Walters
For reserved tickets visit
www.brownpapertickets.com and look for the Alice in Wonderland
or 713.729.3200 ext. 3256.
CONGRATULATIONS TEAM HOUSTON! The JCC Maccabi Games® and ArtsFest® are coming back to Houston! From August 5 - 10, thousands of Jewish teens will meet, compete and have a great time, creating memories that will last a lifetime. NOW PRESENTING YOUR 2012 ATHLETES, ARTISTS, COACHES, MACS & DELEGATION HEADS ATHLETES
Ashley Doctor
Esther Graves
Rebecca Leisten
Brandon Olifant
Evan Sack
Ilana Vines
Ross Aaronson
Jordan Dokell
Abby Greenbaum
Shane Lerner
Zach Oretsky
Henry Sarshalom
Andrew Warden
Dylan Agnich
Tomer Downing
Jake Greenberg
Zach Lerner
Darci Papell
Alex Schaffer
Alex Wasserstrom
Samantha Agnich
Jonathan Downing
Jillian Greenberg
Eliana Lerner
Sophie Pappas
Sydney Scherer
Lauren Weinberger
Tomas Aisenberg
Logan Elitzky
Jacob Grzebinski
Jeremiah Leventhal
Sean Pappert
Grant Schneider
Jamie Weiser
Joshua Alevy
Natalie Engel
Sarah Grzebinski
Emily Leventhal
Zach Pappert
Jamie Schneider
Sam Weiser
Daniel Amran
Bucky Engel
Jonathan Gurvey
Sammy Levin
Jamie Penn
Lauren Schoen
Jackie Wertheimer
Rachel Amran
Joe Engelhart
Megan Haas
Joshua Levy
Jordan Penn
Nicole Schwartz
Lindsay Weycer
Lauren Applebaum
Ian Estes
Josh Hamat
Mecah Levy
Jake Plantowsky
Lindsey Selzer
Jared Wiesenthal
Ciara Appelbaum
Liam Faigen
Taylor Hartman
Sean Levy
Zack Pokroy
Carlos Serna-Cohen
Jake Yudkin Holden Zisman
Meagan Applebaum
Daniel Feldman
Collin Hecht
Akiva Levy
Jake Polansky
Elle Shaw
Jacob Arnold
Jake Feldman
Sofia Heyl
Morgan Levy
Josh Raizner
Grayson Sheena
Dylan Zisman
Alyssa Arnold
Annie Ferdman
Rebeccah Hoffmann
Alexandra Lewinbuk
Kayla Raizner
Erin Sheena
Nicole Zucker Grant Zucker
Ian Arzt
Richard Fielkow
Greg Holste
Mallory Lieberman-King
Dana Ran
Meagan Sheena
Amanda Atzil
Priya Fink
Molly Horowitz
Seth Lieberman-King
Michael Ran
Sara Shkedy
Michael Barsky
Kelly Finnerman
Rebecca Kalinsky
Jacob Lighthill
Drayton Ratcliff
Lauren Shkolnick
ARTISTS Mitch Chaiet
Reagan Bazarsky
Zachary Fleishman
Andrew Kalmans
Lauren Liss
Dylan Rich
Ari Silverman
Will Bazarsky
Jonathan Flusberg
Samuel Kaminsky
Jordan Loev
Larson Riff
Hudson Silverman
Rachel C
Anabella Berti
Sean Folloder
Jordan Kaplan
James Long
Benjamin Roberts
Trenton Simmons
Sarah C
Scott Bickart
Sarah Friedman
Michael Kaplan
Geoffery Lore
Ashley Rogers
Bailey Slawin
Anna Epstein
Brandon Binder
Tyler Gehring
Emily Kaplan
Coby Lowenstein
Brandon Roseman
Dennis Smirnov
Allan Frederick
Harrison Biro
Ellie Gershenwald
Brooke Kaplan
Everett Lowenstein
Kacy Rosen
Mikayla Smolensky
Madolyn Friedman
Dylan Bishop
Sophie Gershenwald
Dylan Katz
Jeremy Maislin
Lauren Rosenberg
Dylan Solomon
Audrey Goodman
Nathan Bishop
Alex Ghelman
Aaron Katz
Jonathan Maislin
Amanda Rosenfield
Joseph Sondock
Abraham Hausman-Weiss
Benjamin Blachman
Yael Ghelman
Ethan Katz
Holden Markoff
Katie Rosenkrantz
Ben Spier
Aiden Israel
Joseph Blanga
Doug Ginsberg
Sarah Katz
Brooke Markowitz
Jill Rosenkrantz
Logan Stalarow
Holly Kapp
Lennie Blatt
Adam Glombicki
Hannah Kay
Alyssa Marks
Adam Rosenthal
Jonathan Stein
Mika Kol
Grear Blitzer
Meagan Glover
Rebecca Klaff
Kaitlyn Massin
Sterling Rosenthal
Kyle Stein
Sam Linda
Jonathan Blum
Shelby Glover
David Kleban
Sigal Melnik
Max Rosenthal
Jake Stein
Elana Loftspring
Hersh Bootin
Jeffrey Gold
Michael Klein
Jake Meltzer
Holden Rosenthal
Jake Stern
Abbie Markowitz Emery Mintz
Ryan Brandt
Jordan Goldberg
Mackenzie Kleinman
Max Mendel
Jason Rosenthal
Sam Stewart
Belle Bressler
Natalie Goldberg
Sebastian Kopinsky
Ethan Middleman
Harrison Rosenthal
Sara Suttin
Marlo Olifant
Lindsey Bronston
Melissa Goldblatt
Matias Kopinsky
Jenny Miller
Jonathan Rosenzweig
Danny Tadmor
Marisa Papell Hallie Perlman
Ryan Bronston
Hannah Golub
Jordan Kreindler
Amitai Miller
Samuel Ross
Michael Talisman
Ariel Brown
Orly Golub
Illan Kunik
Joseph Minkowitz
Gavin Roth
Avery Thomas
Ben Portugal
Brianna Burgan
Danielle Golub
Sophia Kuperman
Samantha Minkowitz
Zachary Rouah
Jillian Ticatch
Michael Rosen Gabrielle Ross
Jake Chotiner
Brandon Gomel
Asaph Kupferman
Michael Moroz
Zach Roubein
Avery Tiras
Tyler Cohen
Andrew Gomel
Gayla Kusin
Rachel Morris
David Roubein
Ryan Tiras
Noah Rubin
Alyssa Cohen
Sam Goodfriend
Ashley Kwartler
Talya Morris
Cameron Rubenstein
Rachel Totz
Erika Selzer
Sarah Cohen
Rachel Goodman
Noah Lack
Justin Moser
Alec Rubenstein
Josie Toubin
Bet Suttin
Caroline Cweren
Jonathan Gorell
Alec Lapin
Jonathan Moulton
Lauren Rubenstein
Andrew Towber
Dikla Taylor-Sheinman
Melissa Darlow
Kyra Goren
Johnny Lefkowitz
Zach Nathan
Jordan Rutman
Simone Trevas
Jenni Daum
Ervin Graubard
Adam Leightman
Eli Night
Aron Sable
Ben Tuchshnieder
Evan Diebner
Isabel Graubart
Matthew Leightman
Ashton Normand
Ryan Sable
Adi Tuchshnieder
COACHES
Cori Leva
MACCABI ASSISTANT
Sam Robinson
DELEGATION
Jeff Abrahams
Jennifer Leventhal
COACHES
Ryan Sack
HEADS
Marty Applebaum
Louis Lippman
Lucas Aisenberg
Cara Sheena
Lenny Dubin
Dave Barsky
Bruce Loeser
Taylor Bookstaff
Jacob Silver
Dan Edelstein
Kelly Bormaster
Isaac Malca
Jessie Bursten
Sarah Skolnick
Debbie Kaplan
Michael Borrel
Gordon Morrison
Josh Daum
Ellie Stein
Matt Caplan
Mike Pappert
Haley Greenberg
Austin Thomas
Jordan Dubin
Ryan Peel
Jordan Hecht
Jordan Tiras
Jordon Emmott
Todd Riff
Alex Lampert
Elle Wermuth
Alli Feinstein
Jeff Rovinsky
Kevin Lefkowitz
Sara Witz
Marc Hanfling
Brittany Sadoff
Sarah Leisten Michelle Levine
Michael Hirschfield
Brett Levinson
Ashley Horn
Brandon Levinson
Taylor Hunt
Drew Levy
Rick Kaplan
Dean Melloul
Melanee Kaplan
Kase Pappert
Juan Kopinsky
Erica Robinson
Seeking 500 Beds Welcome at least two visiting teens into your home for the 2012 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest and engage your entire family in this rich, cultural, social, athletic and artistic experience. A few meals, transportation and a comfortable resting place suffice for you to provide the home away from home that the teens will appreciate after long days of athletic competitions, arts master classes, community service and social events.
MAJOR SPONSORS United Way of Greater Houston
LEADERSHIP
Craig Hersh
HOST A VISITING TEEN
as of print deadline
Andy Bursten – Co-Chair Mindy Levinson – Co-chair Alan Lipman – Games Supervisor Ken Leventhal – Games Director Eric Bishop – Assistant Games Director Terry Cominsky – Artsfest Vice-Chair
For a complete list of sponsors go to jccmaccabihouston.org
Brittany Horwitt – ArtsFest Director
A LEND G N I HELP D N HA
Volunteer! We can’t do this without you!
The 2012 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest is in need of more than 2,000 volunteers to ensure that all participating teens are fed and hydrated properly, transported safely, connected socially and able to engage in all athletic events and arts classes to the best of their abilities. A wide range of skill sets and expertise are essential. There are opportunities for everyone.
To become a host family or volunteer, for more information and to register, visit jccmaccabihouston.org.
‘LIKE’ US ON
FACEBOOK!
“teamhouston” and “jccmaccabihouston”
MEMBERSHIP & REGISTRATION
Considering membership? Take a tour of our new and expanded fitness facilities. Call or visit the membership office today, now located in the Fitness Center.
LEND A HELPING HAND
MACCABI TEAM HOUSTON ROSTER
AUGUST 5 – 10, 2012
PAID
ERJCC ANNUAL MEETING
A ROOM WITH A VIEW: 2012 CSB RECAP
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
Houston, Texas Permit No. 6217
DIALOGUES 2012: SUMMER IN THE CITY
SUMMER DAY CAMP SPECIAL
SEE PAGE 7 FOR DETAILS
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 erjcchouston .org
OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF THE ERJCC
SUMMER FUN AT J CAMPS
Already a member? Take advantage of all we have to offer. Fitness Center & classes, swimming pools, basketball, racquetball, tennis, gymnastics, access to free programs and invitations to member-only special events. To learn more call the Membership Department 713.729.3200 or visit erjcchouston.org.
Golf Ball Sponsor
Hole-in-One Sponsor
Tournament Underwriter
Dinner Sponsor
Prize Sponsor
Inside Connections
Monday, April 23, 2012 24th Annual ERJCC Golf Tournament BlackHorse Golf Club
THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR SPONSORS
Beer & Beverage Cart Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Golf Cart Sponsor
As of print deadline
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION
SPRING 2012
4TH ANNUAL TKC/ERJCC
FAMILY TRIATHLON part of the 2012 USAT
Sunday,
May6 at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston
{3} RACE DISTANCES: ONE FOR EVERY MEMBER OF
RACE STARTS AT
7:30 AM
THE FAMILY. INCLUDING MOM AND DAD!
SERIES Register
Today! Maximize your race potential by joining Reason2Race.com
To register, visit trikidscamp.org and click ‘imathlete’. Your patronage of our wonderful sponsors is what puts on our race! Please show them you appreciate them.
Kerry Bloom, DDS Cosmetic and Family Dentistry www.kerrybloomdds.com Rita Cammarata, DDS Pediatric Dentistry www.kids-teeth.com
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 erjcchouston.org
May 3 & 6
youth championship
JCCS Presents Alice In Wonderland
5 & 19 Kids Nite Out 5
Outdoor Pool Open (weekends)
6
4th Annual Houston Family Triathlon
17
ERJCC Annual Meeting
20
An Afternoon of Dance
24
CJLL Scholar Series
26
Erev Shavuot ERJCC closes at 6
27
Shavuot ERJCC Closed
28
ERJCC Reopens at 6
29
Pre-Camp Session 1 Begins
June 4
Pre-Camp Session 2 Begins
10
Splash Day
10
J Camps Open House & Meet the Counselors
10
Summer Classes Begin
11
Camp Session 1 Begins
14
Dialogues: Summer in the City
21
Summer Israeli Film Series
Like us on Facebook at Tri Kids Camp
dEvents
2012
Calendar
For more information visit erjccouston.org