NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION
MARCH 3, 2012
22 ND ANNUAL CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL BENEFITING THE IRVIN KAPLAN CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Inside Connections INFANT/PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
MACCABI TEAM HOUSTON TRYOUTS/AUDITIONS
DANCE MONTH
SUMMER DAY CAMP SPECIAL
HORVITZ SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
ACTIVE ADULTS
T T h e 2 2 nd A n n u a l
C h i l d r e n ’ s Sc h o l a r s h i p B a l l b e n e f i tt i n g t h e
Irvin Kaplan Children’s
helps families of all religions, races and origins provide their children with quality infant care, preschool, Summer Day Camp, after school care and special needs programs at the ERJCC every year. Since 1990, the Ball has raised more than $8.2 million and granted over 6,300 scholarships to families in financial need. Each year one-third of the children participating in the ERJCC’s early educational programming receive financial assistance, including 80% of children in the STARS preschool intervention program for students on the autistic spectrum. Scholarship funds also enable families of school age children to engage in after school activities and the J’s highly regarded summer day camps. “Like all parents, we want the best education for our child,” says Heather Beliveaux, the parent of a child enrolled in the STARS program at the Bertha Alyce Early Childhood Center (BAC). “Our daughter was born severely premature resulting in developmental delays. She began STARS a year and a half ago, with a limited speech and social skills, and delayed gross and fine motor skills. Today she reads, makes friends, is fully pottytrained, can cloth herself, draws, sings, takes ballet at the ‘J’, and more. BAC has provided the opportunity for our daughter to have independence and confidence that will be the foundation for her success in life. There is a dream team of professionals that come together and work with not only the child, but also the family, to provide miraculous results” said Beliveaux. The ERJCC’s 22nd Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball will be held Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Westin Galleria honoring long-time ERJCC community leader and volunteer Barbara “Bobbi” Samuels, Kenneth J. Simon, Managing Partner of Locke Lord LLP and Douglas L. Foshee, President and CEO of El Paso Corporation. The ERJCC is proud to recognize these caring community leaders whose deeds inspire others to help thousands of preschoolers, children, youth and Sc h o l a r s h i p F u n d
teens. These outstanding individuals have committed themselves to enriching the lives of our next generation through longstanding engagement with many causes beneficial to Houston’s children. Serving as Honorary Chairs for the Ball are ERJCC Past President and community leader Ann Kaufman on behalf of Bobbi Samuels; Marc Watts, President, The Friedkin Group on behalf of Ken Simon and Michael Feinberg, Superintendent & Co-Founder, KIPP Houston on behalf of Doug Foshee. A former high school English teacher and retired associate professor (emerita) of at the University of Houston Clear Lake School of Education, Dr. Barbara “Bobbi” Samuels has made the well-being of children the focal point of her
“Bobbi is a person who is interested in and interesting on so many subjects. She puts people at ease with the smile on her face when she sees you,” said Bobbi’s longtime friend and Honorary Chair Ann Kaufman, a past President of the ERJCC and 1995 Ball Honoree. Ken Simon is the third honoree from Locke Lord LLP and has helped to foster the long-term relationship between the firm and the ERJCC. In addition to his position as the Managing Partner of the Houston office of Locke Lord LLP, Ken participates in numerous community endeavors including serving as Board Chair of the Houston Chapter of the MakeA-Wish Foundation where he helps bring light to kids facing terminal illness. Additionally, Ken serves on
Helping families of all religions, races and origins provide their children with quality infant care, preschool, Summer Day Camp, after school care and special needs programs at the ERJCC. professional and charitable career. Following her retirement from UofH, after 20 years, Bobbi continues her efforts on behalf of Houston’s kids as the Vice President for Education, and member of the Executive Board, of the Houston Children’s Museum, where she presents workshops to teach parents how to engage their children in literacy activities. Bobbi chairs the Education Committees and serves on the Board of Directors for The Collaborative for Children and the Houston Zoo. Previously, Bobbi served on the Boards of Inprint, the American Festival for the Arts and ChildBuilders. Currently, she serves on the Advisory Board of Inprint, the American Festival for the Arts and the READ Commission. Bobbi’s ERJCC activities include eight years as a member of the Board of Directors and chair of the Jewish Book and Arts Fair, the Arts & Culture Steering Committee and the Jewish Education Committee of the Center for Jewish Living & Learning. Bobbi is a graduate of the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School program and enjoys many of the J’s programs and classes with her husband Vic, with whom she served as Honorary Chairs for the 20th Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball.
the boards of the Greater Houston Partnership, Teach for America, Central Houston and the Catch a Dream Foundation. Previously, he served many other community organizations including the boards of the American Heart Association, the Arthritis Foundation and Congregation Beth Israel. “I have known and worked with Ken for many decades, and have admired how he dedicates his time and resources to help improve the lives of those around us. This is well-deserved recognition for Ken’s significant and ongoing contributions to our community,” said Marc Watts, Ken’s Honorary Chair for the Ball. “Doug Foshee understands both the challenges that some individuals face as well as the tenacity of spirit it takes to overcome these challenges,” said Mike Feinberg, Doug’s Honorary Chair. Deeply involved in the community, Doug serves on the boards of the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Endowment, Rice University and KIPP Houston. For KIPP, Doug provides college scholarships, hires KIPP high school interns and alumni, builds robotics and science labs and ensures students and teachers possess 21st century educational tools. Knowing the opportunities a college education provides each child, Doug
commits his time to counsel each one of El Paso’s KIPP high school interns. ERJCC Vice-President Elizabeth Cohen and her husband Mark Toubin will chair this year’s Ball. Elizabeth first became involved as a member and then chair of the ERJCC Camping Committee. Elected to the ERJCC Board in 2006, she served as Board Secretary and continues to serve as a member of the Finance and Executive Committees. Elizabeth is currently an IT Manager at Invesco responsible for North American Equity, Legal & Compliance, and Direct Real Estate Applications and is a member of the New York Women’s Bond Club. Previously, she served on the board of The Shlenker School and as a volunteer for the Houston Area Women’s Center and Planned Parenthood. Mark Toubin is a consultant with ConneXion, LLC and for the past 12 years has focused his professional life on Israel advocacy as the former Southwest Regional Director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and a consultant for The Israel Project (TIP). Previously, Mark served as General Counsel to the Harris County Democratic Party, a Board member of the Houston Area Women’s Center and Chair of the Inter-Ethic Forum. Lending her experience and support is the 1995 Ball Chair and ERJCC Board Member Lauren Kaufman Blachman, who will take the reigns as Auction Chair. Numerous Houston companies support the ERJCC’s scholarship efforts and recognize the work of the Ball’s Honorees. Diamond Underwriters include Locke Lord LLP and El Paso Corporation. Additional corporate table sponsors include: BoyarMiller, Chubb Group, EnCap Investments L.P., Frank Crystal & Co., The Friedkin Group, GEM Insurance Agencies LP, Pat Lobb Toyota, Reliant, Silver Eagle Distributors, UHY LLP, United Airlines, Wells Fargo, Weinstein Spira & Company, P.C. and Zinn Petroleum. For more information about the Ball or to purchase tickets to the event, please contact Melissa Gordon at 713.729.3200, ext. 3202, or mgordon@erjcchouston.org or visit erjcchouston.org/csb.
THE CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL WHO’S WHO? 1
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1. Douglas L. Foshee Honoree // 2. Bobbi Samuels Honoree // 3. Ken Simon Honoree // 4. Michael Feinberg Honorary Chair // 5. Ann Kaufman Honorary Chair // 6. Marc Watts Honorary Chair // 7. Elizabeth Cohen & Mark Toubin Ball Chairs
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ince its founding in 1989, the Bunny and Leo Horvitz Scholar-inResidence program has brought outstanding scholars to Houston to discuss all aspects of Jewish life, including History, Literature, Art and Music. Interestingly enough, perhaps because the guest scholars are most often Israeli academics, the program has never considered American Judaism. American Judaism represents a unique chapter in the larger history of Modern Jewry, and it will be the focus of this year’s program. The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center is delighted to bring Dr. Adam S. Ferziger to our community for the program’s 24th year. Dr. Ferziger is a Senior Lecturer and Vice Chairman of the Graduate Program in Contemporary Jewry at Bar-Ilan University. He is also a senior research fellow at Bar-Ilan’s Rappaport Center for Assimilation Research. He has published extensively on Jewish religious denominations and their ideologies, modern Jewish identity formation, religion in
the State of Israel and 20th century American Jewry. In addition to his scholarly publications, Dr. Ferziger is the author of a graduate curriculum of the Melton program entitled Jewish Denominations: Addressing the Challenge of Modernity. The program will begin on Monday, February 6 at 7:30 PM with an opening lecture entitled Tradition, Modernity, and Beyond: The Evolution of American Judaism. This lecture will highlight those traits that distinguished American Judaism during its early formation and how they have evolved over subsequent centuries. This lecture will set the stage for the other presentations throughout the residency. The program will continue with
mini-courses that explore America’s Jewish denominations, leading figures of American Judaism including Abraham Joshua Heschel, Mordecai M. Kaplan, and Joseph B. Soloveitchik and the challenges and opportunities of Jewish Peoplehood in Modernity. Dr. Ferziger’s mid-residency lecture, entitled From Al Jolson to Chelsea Clinton: Continuity and Change in the American Jewish Quest for Acceptance, will consider how American Jews have strived to be considered part of the larger fabric of American society. The program’s closing lecture, entitled Beyond Denominationalism: Post-Modern Directions in Contemporary American Judaism, will consider how the decline in denominational affiliation, but the birth of alternative affiliations, presents a new direction for the future of American Judaism. In addition to the public lectures and mini-courses, which are held at the ERJCC, the Residency also offers
This lecture will highlight those traits that distinguished American Judaism during its early formation and how they have evolved over subsequent centuries. a series of lectures for special interest groups. Dr. Ferziger will offer presentations to the Houston Rabbinic Association, the Jewish Federation’s Bureau of Jewish Education, the Hebrew Speakers Professional Organization (in Hebrew), and to participants in the Florence Melton Adult MiniSchool. For more information about the Residency, please contact Nomi Barancik at nbarancik@erjcchouston.org or call 713.729.3200, ext. 3288. The opening lecture of the Residency is free to the community. Participation in the additional lectures and minicourses requires a $36 pass available throughout the program.
upcoming cjll events DR. STEPHEN BERK
LECTURE SERIES Presented in collaboration with Congregation Beth Israel Underwritten by the Maurice Amado Foundation
A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs, 1910 - 1965 Jan. 18 – Feb. 24
THE LAST CENTURY THAT SHATTERED THE WORLD AND TRANSFORMED THE JEWISH PEOPLE
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A TALE OF TWO POPES Thursday, January 19, 2012 7:30 PM
Americans have always responded to the optimism, the wit and sophistication, and the passion and verve of the standards that make up the “American Songbook.” The best songwriters associated with this era combined a genius for melody, memorable lyrics, and the ability to connect with a wide audience. A remarkably high percentage of these songwriters were Jewish by birth and heritage. In this exhibit, curated by essayist and poet David Lehman, and illustrated with colorful posters from Broadway shows and photographs of composers, singers,and the casts of hit musicals and films, we learn about the lives and works of Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern and a host of other Jewish songwriters who wove the American songbook deep into the fabric of American culture.
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ROOSEVELT AND THE JEWS Thursday, March 29, 2012 7:30 PM
In the Kitchen with Laykie Donin of Laykie’s Gourmet Four Wednesdays, January 11, 18, 25, and February 1 • 7:00 – 8:30 PM $60 series/$20 per session Member $80 series/$25 per session Public Classes are held at a private, kosher home* Join us for four sessions with Laykie Donin of Laykie’s Gourmet, one of Houston’s exceptional kosher caterers. Laykie, a former math and Jewish Studies teacher with a passion for gourmet food in a beautiful setting, opened her catering business three years ago to rave reviews. Here is your opportunity to learn a few of her secrets and sample some delicious food.
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THREE WHO MADE ISRAEL: WEIZMANN, BEN GURION AND BEGIN Thursday, April 26, 2012 7:30 PM
The Klezmatics w/ Special Guest Joshua Nelson Brother Moses Smote the Water February 18, 2012 • 8:00 PM Tickets $20: erjcchouston.org/music Location: Congregation Beth Israel 5600 North Braeswood Blvd Houston welcomes back Grammy Award-winning international superstars, The Klezmatics, joined by another Houston favorite, Joshua Nelson, an African American Jew known as the “Prince of Kosher Gospel.” Brother Moses Smote the Water, breathes new life into songs from both Jewish and AfricanAmerican heritage. It tells a story of inspiration and social action. This vibrant and rousing live show alternates between age-old Hebrew-Passover songs, Nelson’s own brand of kosher gospel and traditional Yiddish anthems.
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STEVEN SPIELBERG IN HISTORY Thursday, May 24 2012 7:30 PM
Get your New Year started off right at the ERJCC
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he state-of-theart Fitness Center and Studio J are available to meet your every need with cardio equipment, new strength training machines, degreed and certified Personal Trainers, TRX® and Pilates Reformer classes, and our amazing selection of over 75 free drop-in Fitness classes for our Fitness Center Members!
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ERJCC offers four indoor racquetball courts along with lessons from beginner to advanced, and for the tennis buff there are six indoor tennis courts and four outdoor lighted courts for your playing pleasure. The Tennis Center offers lessons, camps, classes and leagues for all. We have the finest gymnastics training facility around, with instructors and coaches who have competed and coached at the highest levels. From Tiptoe Toddlers to Adult classes and our award winning Teams,
Y O U ’ R E
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n a healthy, “normally” functioning body, weight loss occurs when you use (burn) more energy (calories) than you take in from food. This calorie deficit forces your body to take fat out of storage and turn it into fuel that your cells can use to maintain necessary body functions. A pound of fat represents about 3,500 calories of stored energy, so you can predict that a calorie deficit of 3,500 will translate into one lost pound, give or take a little. By far the most common reason why weight loss seems to be going slower than people expect is that their calorie deficit is not as large as they think it is. Either they’re not burning as many calories as they think they are, or they’re eating more than they think they are, or a combination of both. Let’s look at the
Tributes BERTHA ALYCE CENTER ANNUAL GIVING FUND In Honor of Becky Alleman – Preetha Kalathil and David Alleman In Honor of Kristofer Melendez – Ana C. Alvarado In Honor of Max and Eli Miller – Anonymous In Honor of the Devoted Teachers – Ksenia Kostenko and Aviv Arieli In Honor of Dakota Banks – Bari Banks In Honor of Dylan and Marissa Bishop – Rachel and Eric Bishop In Honor of Fron Podell – Marni and Gary Bloch In Honor of Naomi and Joshua Block – Janis and Stephen Block In Honor of Refuah Shleima for Sandy Burke – Stacey Burke In Honor of Branwen Burks – Amber Burks In Honor of Jonah and Ari Carlson – Danielle and Michael Carlson In Honor of Aerin and Blair Carstensen – Lauren and Walter Carstensen In Honor of Leora Vayner – Emily Caulfied and Michael Vayner In Honor of Stephen Cruser – David Garfinkel In Honor of Gabriela Davis – Claudia and Cliff Davis In Honor of Emma Doran – Nancy and Gunther Doran In Honor of Madison Fields - Kristina K. Fields In Honor of Avery Fisher – Anne and Chris Fisher In Honor of Brayden’s Class – Kelly Franzeskos In Honor of Our Students – Vicky Hananel In Honor of Max and Goldie Harris – Renee and James Harris In Honor of Drayden and Bren Johnson – Penny and Don Johnson In Honor of Drayden abd Bren Johnson – Dawn and Lance Johnson
exercise or “output” portion of the equation. Think about the intensity range you are in when you are doing your cardio. Ask yourself the following question: “How breathless am I?” If you are able to engage in conversation without much trouble, you are NOT working in a range that is going to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Here is a second question you can ask
there is something for everyone to flip over! If swimsuits and goggles are more your speed, come take a dip in the indoor pool that has recently been replastered – and the facilities repainted! Our Aquatics department is the only facility in Houston offering Infant Swimming Resource classes for infants and parents. Our swim instructors are seasoned with even the youngest of children. Come take a Master Swim Class or get your children involved in Swim Team.
Come take advantage of all that your membership offers to you, or send in your friends and tell them to see for themselves! For
yourself: “Can I close my mouth and just breathe in and out through my nose?” If you answer yes to that question, and your goal is to lose weight and improve fitness, you need to INCREASE your intensity. Working with a personal trainer is an excellent way to ensure you are working to your maximum potential. Every new ERJCC Fitness Center member receives an assessment and two 30 minute training sessions with one of our certified personal trainers. Our trainers take the time to get to know you and your goals so we can provide you with the best program to fit your needs. Gina & Gregg Fleishman have been working with trainer Lee Hardy since joining the facility several weeks ago. “We knew we needed to make exercise a priority, and Lee is showing us how to do that. So far, he’s shown us three different total body strength training workouts that are actually kind of fun and definitely challenging. We are both amazed at how fast the time passes when we are working out,” stated the Fleishmans. Group training is a great option for people who want to work with a trainer and share the cost with a few friends.
Fitness Center member Lillie Hurwitz has been working with a group of three friends with personal trainer Blair Bushong for over a year. “I really look forward to our weekly workouts with Blair. Working with a group of friends provides me with the accountability and support I need, and I have improved my fitness level and lost inches.” The ERJCC Fitness Center offers packages of six 30 minute or one sixty minute training sessions at $15 and $25 per session respectively. For more information please contact Blair Bushong at bbushong@erjcchouston.org.
questions about membership, Winter/ Spring programs, or for a tour, please contact Lauren Carstensen, Director of Member Services, at 713.729.3200 ext. 3221. See back page for exclusive membership promotion.
Think about the intensity range you are in when you are doing your cardio. Ask yourself the following question: “How breathless am I?” If you are able to engage in conversation without much trouble, you are NOT working in a range that is going to improve your cardiovascular fitness.
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 The Bears Class A7 Children & Families – Hana and Gabi Karny In Honor of Sydney and Zoe – Regan and Jon Kasman In Honor of Drayden and Bren Johnson – Loretta and Carl Krohn In Honor of Levi Leibman – Ben Leibman In Honor of Alex and Owen Leif and all of the BAC Teachers and Staff – Jessica and Joshua Leif In Honor of Isabel Kariel – Cindy and David Lipshutz In Honor of Miranda Lu – Tao Zhang and Wanli Lu In Honor of Brody – Donna and Brandon Mark In Honor of Lane, Allie, Administration & Teachers – Joelle and Aaron Miller In Honor of Max and Eli Miller – Bernice and Steven Miller In Honor of Samuel, Casey & Jacob – Nikki L. Morgan In Honor of Madeline and Alexander – Tiffany Morrissette In Honor of My Class C-16 – Joanie Murland In Honor of Olivia & Zoe Newman – Erin and Jeffrey Newman In Honor of Bonnie Kasner – Barbara and Hylton Nitsun In Honor of Samantha Odensky – Janis and Larry Odensky In Honor of Addison and Ella Wolf – Mildred Pfluger In Honor of Ms. Zvia and Ms. Maria n– Renee and Yuval Raizen In Honor of Emily & Liat Rappaport – Abigail and Joey Rappaport In Honor of Bonnie Kasner – Akhila and Bharath Reddy In Honor of Ethan Robins – Adele and Brian Banks In Honor of Evan – Edith Rose In Honor of Evan Jacob Rose – Janice Rose In Honor of Dylan and Rachel Schwartz – Marni and David Schwartz
In Honor of Beryt & Ezra Scott – Paul Scott In Honor of The Monkey Teachers - Miss Leslie, Miss Tracey and Miss Cathy – Meredith and Bradley Segal In Honor of Logan Sewart – Anna and Byron Sewart In Honor of Quinn and Brock Shefman – Drew Shefman In Honor of BAC Teachers – Amy Sher In Honor of Daniel and Kyle Shetsky – Adriana and Savid Shetsky In Honor of Teresa Rose Haley – Brenda Solovitz In Honor of Liem Starkey – Annie and Homer Starkey In Honor of Colin Steinberg – Morgan and Kevin Steinberg In Honor of Colby Stewart – Wendy Stewart In Honor of The 2011-2012 Pre-K Class – Laura Talisman In Honor of Morgan and Macyn Tannery – Suzanne and David Tannery In Honor of Ethan and Joshua Taylor – Kimberlee and Gary Taylor In Honor of Emma B. Doran – Beatrice L. Tenorio In Honor of Truman and Ryan Wasserstein – Sallye and Brent Wasserstein In Honor of Liat Rappaport – Jerry Wische In Honor of Addison and Ella Wolf – Bethany and Michael Wolf CENTER FOR JEWISH LIVING AND LEARNING In Memory of Al Goldblatt – Julia and Jack Mazow DONNA FRANKOFF JEWISH BOOK FAIR FUND In Honor of Irene Weingarten – Adele and Steven Croft ELLEN BONIUK EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FUND In Honor of Jack Turk – Laurie and Milton Boniuk
ENDOWMENT TRUST FUND In Memory of Regina Hiller – Ann and Stephen Kaufman EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON FUND In Honor of Stanley Rosenblatt’s Retirement – Simone and Frank Silberlicht GENERAL TRIBUTE FUND In Memory of Al Goldblatt – Sherry and Gerald Merfish In Memory of Regina Hiller – Sherry and Gerald Merfish In Memory of Charles Kaplan – Sherry and Gerald Merfish In Memory of Gerald Kaplan – Sherry and Gerald Merfish In Honor of Art Kotlen’s Birthday – Milton & Lee Levit Family In Memory of William Nemzin – Sherry and Gerald Merfish In Honor of Lila Rauch – Herb Cook GERALD RAUCH CULTURAL & PERFORMING ARTS FUND In Honor of Stanley Rosenblatt – Patricia and Mark Rauch GERALD RAUCH MEMORIAL FUND In Honor of Lee Levit’s Birthday – Lila Rauch In Honor of Fannie Rauch’s Birthday – Lila Rauch In Honor of Lila Rauch’s Birthday – Robin, Aron, Pam, Andrew, Braden & Zachary Susman In Honor of Lila Rauch’s Birthday – Shirley and Jay Marks In Honor of Lila Rauch’s Birthday – Milton & Lee Levit Family In Honor of Lila Rauch’s Birthday – Katherine and Leonard Rauch In Honor of Veda Mae Glesby’s Birthday – Shirley and Jay Marks
FIRST
BE THE
TO REGISTER FOR J CAMPS!
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ord is getting All camps are off site and include This summer’s stellar camp lineup around about transportation. includes more than 50 options with the new and ex- “The 2012 summer is right around numerous themes including favorite citing Summer the corner and we’re adding some new such as Art, Sports, Tennis, Circus, Equestrian, Dance, Performing Arts, Day Camp opactivities for campers,” said Randy tions the ERComensky, ERJCC Camp DirecGymnastics and Cooking. The ERJCC will be offering this summer. Be tor. “It’s also important that we keep JCC also offers traditional day camps for preschoolers through 2nd grade one of the first to register your child the focus on quality. The difference on Camp Registration Day Sunday, FebruThis summer’s stellar camp lineup includes more than 50 options with ary 5, 2012 from 9:00 numerous themes including favorite such as Art, Sports, Tennis, Circus, AM – 1:00 PM. There will also be a Camp Equestrian, Dance, Performing Arts, Gymnastics and Cooking. Information Meeting for parents of preschoolers through between our Summer Day Camp and such as Camp Bami, Kinder Camp 2nd grade on Thursday, February 2 at other camps around the city is the and Camp Kaleidoscope. 7:00 PM. ERJCC camps offer daily instrucquality of our caring and experienced New camps being offered to 3rd tional and recreational swimming, staff. We also include instructional – 5th graders include Water Skiing, swimming to all campers younger Judaic enrichment, friendship circles SCUBA Diving and Golf. and planned activities that focus on than third grade.”
J CAMPS 2012 JUNE 4 - AUGUST 17
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ONE DAY SPECIAL REGISTER AT 2011 PUBLISHED RATES
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM ON REGISTRATION OPENING DAY ONLY
*OFFER VALID ONLY ON FEBRUARY 5, 2012
ages 2-13 • preschool & kindergarten • sports • tennis gymnastics • performing arts • dance • circus mad science • aquatics • teen travel • art kaleidoscope • wits • magic • cooking • camp jam
Half-Day & Full-Day Options
fun and skill-building. The ERJCC has been giving children the ultimate summer day camp experience for more than 60 years. ERJCC offers flexible program options from 1- 11 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 June 4 and runs three sessions ending August 17, 2012. Your child can enjoy as many weeks of Summer Day Camp as he or she wants. For more information about J Camps, contact Randy Comensky at 713.551.7208 or visit our website erjcchouston.org.
ERJCC EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTERS 2012–2013 SCHOOL YEAR REGISTRATION SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
OPEN HOUSE January 25 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CLASSROOM VISITATION & TOURS Meet the Teachers Ask Questions ERJCC EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER / AGES 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS
MEMBERSHIPS START AT $199
1,2 & 4 Week Programs Available
pARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
7:00 PM - FEBRUARY 2
Get your 2012 Winter Program Guide online winter class registr ation There is still time to register for
OLIVIA NEWMAN KEEPING IT COOL AT J CAMPS
HARRIS WEINGARTEN OUTDOOR TENNIS CENTER FUND In Honor of Stanley Rosenblatt – Shelley and Victor Wisner In Honor of Oster’s Wedding Anniversary – Emily and Albert Stein HARRIS J. WEINGARTEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT In Honor of Tu Nyugen – Theresa and Michael Worsham HARRY K. SMITH MEALS ON WHEELS FUND In Honor of Richard Lowe – Carol and Desey Desenberg In Honor of Art Kotlen’s 90th Birthday – Carol and Desey Desenberg In Honor of Harry Zuber – Carol and Desey Desenberg In Memory of Dan Forbes – Janet and Milton Frost In Memory of Norman Miller – Janet and Milton Frost HEALTH CENTER FUND In Honor of Joel Dinkin – Randi and Kerry Bloom IN HONOR OF STANLEY ROSENBLATT Lauren and Jeremy Blachman Randi and Kerry Bloom Celine and Richard Stetzer Irene and Alex Wolchansky IRVIN KAPLAN CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of Samantha Binstock – Kathy and Stephen Parven In Honor of Elimelech Lubin – Kathy and Stephen Parven In Honor of Bobbi Samuels – Patricia and Stephen Reiner In Honor of Bobbi Samuels – Maxine and Bubba Silberstein IZZY ROBINSON MEN’S HEALTH CENTER In Honor of Minnette Robinson’s 80th Birthday – Anita & Arthur Kotlen JERRY WISCHE LEADERHSIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FUND In Honor of Stanley Rosenblatt – Mitzi Shure and Jerry Wische
In Honor of Marc Gessner – Mitzi Shure and Jerry Wische JEWISH ARTS AND CULTURE FUND In Honor of Oster’s 50th Wedding Anniversary – Hilda and Robert Frank In Honor of Michael Blyezer’s 60th Birthday – Hilda and Robert Frank MACCABI 2012 GAMES FUND In Honor of Stanley Rosenblatt – Sharon and Daniel Brener In Honor of Stanley Rosenblatt – Brodsky Foundation
OLIVER LAPIN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR FUND In Honor of the Birthday of Bobby Lapin – Nancy & Steve Lerner PATRON OF THE ARTS FUND In Honor of Iris & Uri Mushin – Susan & David Morris In Honor of Jenny Tavor – Susan & David Morris RONNIE ARROW JEWISH SPORTS HALL OF FAME FUND In Honor of Stanley Rosenblatt’s Retirement – Even Ben-Ora and Avi Schulman In Honor of Stanley Rosenblatt – Marcia and Howard Siegel
MARILYN HASSID JEWISH BOOK FAIR EMERGING AUTHOR FUND In Honor of Volunteers – Gloria and Buzzy Bluestone In Honor of Marilyn Hassid – Dee Dee Dochen In Honor of Marc Gessner’s Birthday – Karol and Daniel Musher
SENIOR ADULT MITVAH FUND In Honor of the 18th Anniversary of Celine and Richard Stetzer – Linda and Brian Shapiro
MARILYN LANDSBERG STEINER PRE-SCHOOL FUND In Honor of Barton “Bud” Glaser’s Speedy Recovery – Shirley and Sonny Landsberg In Memory of Shirley Quint - Shirley and Sonny Landsberg
SOPH & AL NATKIN STARS PROGRAM In Honor of Marvin Kaplan’s Recovery – Linda and Jerry Rubenstein In Honor of Oster’s Wedding Anniversary – Linda and Jerry Rubenstein In Honor of Anita Seline’s Speedy Recovery – Linda and Jerry Rubenstein In Memory of Sam Kamin – Linda and Jerry Rubenstein
MIKE GROSSMAN/JUDY RICHKER MACCABI SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of Michael Blum - Michael & Vicky Richker In Memory of Jacob “Jay” Cohen - Michael & Vicky Richker In Memory of Gerald Kaplan - Michael & Vicky Richker In Memory of Maurice S. Laufman - Michael & Vicky Richker In Memory of Ralph S. Marks – Michael & Vicky Richker In Memory of Diana Wuntch - Michael & Vicky Richker NANCY LERNER SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of the Dick Schissler’s Birthday – Nancy & Steve Lerner
SENIOR PROGRAM FUND In Honor of Charles Kaplan – Miriam and Ben Portnoy
SPECIAL NEEDS – CLUB HAVER – NITE OWLS In Honor of Eliana Friedman – Marian Prager STOLBUN/SPIWAK RESTRICTED FUND In Honor of Alana Spiwak & Sam Stolbun – Martha & Donald Freedman SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAM FUND In Memory of Regina Hiller – Nancy & Steve Lerner
classes
CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 8
visit jcchouston.org/program gui
de for more details and to reg
ister.
Recognize special lifecycle events with a tribute to support a program or fund at the ERJCC. A gift can be made for a birthday, anniversary, promotion, sympathy, holiday, graduation, wedding, new baby, bar/bat mitzvah and more.
................................................................................ The Senior Adult Shabbat Dinner Program is underwritten in memory of Paul Lipnick, who was active in ERJCC senior adult activities, by Janet and Elton Lipnick, David Lipnick and Amy & Myles Kelman.
............................................................................................. PLEASE NOTE: Names and organizations listed in this newsletter reflect donations received by November 15, 2011. 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. 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.
Amazing Dance from Around the World
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he Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston presents the 32nd annual Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre January 11 - February 12, 2012. Dance Month 2012 kicks off with Tirkedu Houston! a fun-filled weekend of enthusiastic and energetic Israeli dancing. Young and energetic choreographer and instructor Elad Shtamer from Haifa, Israel, has been teaching for 10 years and started choreographing at age 15. He is a second generation teacher. Elad took first place for his couples dance Yesh be Mashu at the Karmiel Festival in 2011. For the full brochure and registration, visit erjcchouston.org. Mixed Bag is an exhilarating array of young Houston Dance, featuring Houston Met Too, Inertia, Kennedy Dance Theatre/Jeté, and Uptown Dance Company II. Houston Met Too, the pre-professional training company of the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company, is a non-competitive concert based repertory dance company that is a product of the growth of the school. Inertia is the elite performing ensemble representing the Westside Dance Program. The group is nationally
recognized with over 30 national titles from competition performances in New York City, Chicago, New Orleans, Miami, features in People Magazine, Dance Teacher and Southern Living as well as appearances on CBS Early Show, The Tony Danza Show and all local affiliates. Jeté, the pre-professional dance company at Kennedy Dance Theatre, was formed in 2009 to provide additional training and performance opportunities for dancers who wish to pursue a professional dance career or plan to study dance in college. Uptown Dance Company II presents contemporary, diverse and innovative choreography created to expand the imagination of the dance audience.Uptown Dance Company II is a pre-professional company for students who wish to pursue a career in dance. Join us for Triple Focus, an evening of intriguing professional Houston dance companies featuring infinite Movement Ever Evolving, Chapman Dance and Wyld Styl, who come together for an evening of dance presenting works ranging in style from hip hop to contemporary. These innovative companies will premier one new work and one piece from their repertoire. Amid numerous, easily accessible entertainment choices, infinite Movement Ever Evolving (iMEE) aspires to motivate community members to choose to experience the art of dance. By presenting dance that focuses on excellence while challenging and stimulating the intellect, iMEE strives to attract and excite audiences. Full-bodied and athletic,
Chapman Dance’s choreography highlights the strength and vulnerability of the female physique. Wyld Styl is a hip hop crew based out of Soundbox Studios. The company has a deep history rooted in the Houston Dance scene and has received recognitions and awards from competitions as well as the hip hop dance community. New York based Gallim Dance will be teaching a week-long residency, sharing their unique style of dance at local schools, before they perform at the ERJCC. Founded in 2006 by choreographer Andrea Miller, Gallim Dance quickly caught the attention of the dance community. Called “gloriously quirky” by Dance Magazine and noted in The New York Times for its “visceral excitement, fervor and undeviating commitment,” the company has performed in many premier venues and festivals. Gallim will perform a mixed repertoire including Mama Call, that explores Miller’s Sephardic roots and
Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre January 11 - February 12, 2012 Pupil Suite, an exhilarating suite of dancers set to a highly contagious score of music from Israel, Mexico, Australia, Italy and Denmark. With a cast of seven dancers wearing a rotation of colorful costumes, Pupil follows the development of two cells through the organization and chaos of evolution. Dance Month at the Kaplan Theater is proud to announce the addition of Motion Captured, An Evening of Dance On Film, to the stellar 2012 line-up. Motion Captured is a concert of dance on film by local and national
active adults Lifestyle
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ACTIVE ADULT CLASSES
OPEN TO EVERYONE
NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
did you know? that the ERJCC has a whole new series of “Active Adult” classes designed to help older adults “age in place”? We don’t just target weight loss or muscle building. We offer a range of services geared to promote physical and emotional well being. Whether you’re interested in Cardio, Pilates, Yoga, Water Fitness, Painting or Mah Jongg, we offer it, plus much more! And, it’s open to the public with no membership fees required.
JUST TO NAME A FEW
YOUR
Activate
choreographers and film-makers. Experience this visual feast of site specific, innovative choreography that combines dance and technology. In addition to presenting performances by renowned companies, Dance Month brings extraordinary companies to teach master classes to Houston dancers at affordable prices in partnership with SPA at the J. This year, Dance Month will host master classes by Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Gallim Dance. All Dance Month events will take place at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX 77096. Concerts take place in the Kaplan Theatre, IW Marks Theatre Center, The Gerald Rauch Cultural and Performing Arts Wing. For more information about times, dates and fees, contact Maxine Silberstein at msilberstein@ erjcchouston.org or 713.729.3200 ext. 3223 or visit erjcchouston.org/dancemonth. For tickets, contact our box office at 713.551.7255. Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre is funded in part by the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center Patrons of the Arts, a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Endowment Inc., JPMorgan Chase Foundation, The Medallion Foundation, Inc. and RBC Wealth Management.
Cardio Dance
Hatha Yoga
Painting
Power Yoga
Hula Hoop
Masala Bhangra
Ballroom Dancing
Drawing
Symposium Lectures
Guitar Lessons Zumba® Fitness
Hatha Yoga
Ceramics
Nia
Yoga Pila
Jewelry Making
Cardio Fusion
Jewish Learning
Pilates Mat
Tai Chi
Book Club
Mah Jongg
Flexibility-Strength
To view a full listing of Active Adult classes, visit erjcchouston.org/activeadults or contact Esther Bethke at 713.729.3200 ext. 3258
i
t’s an opportunity that has only come to Houston four times in the last 30 years. Now is the time to be part of the JCC Maccabi experience as the event gets ready to come to Houston August 5 - 10. It will take thousands of volunteers to make the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest a huge success. “Hosting the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest will be a huge undertaking for the community,” said Mardi Kunik, Volunteer Vice Chair. “We need everyone to step up to the plate and volunteer. We will need help before the games begin as well as during the games. We need day and night volunteers, full-time and
part-time volunteers. We can use all of the talents that people in our community are willing to share.” More than 2,000 volunteers are needed to help plan and facilitate the 2012 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest. All kinds of skills are needed, from coaching to food service to hosting a family in your home. The committee welcomes volunteers of all ages and backgrounds from throughout the Houston area. Volunteers do not need to be Jewish. HOSTS NEEDED. Approximately 600 host families are needed to host the visiting athletes and artists. The host family experience is a unique aspect of the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest and an integral part of an athlete’s experience. The hospitality offered by local Jewish families makes visiting athletes feel at home. Host families have the opportunity to experience the Games and Arts-
Fest on a personal level by enjoying a special relationship with participants that often lasts years beyond the event. Being a host family means providing: housing for at least two participants, breakfast and two dinners, transportation to and from the Games/ArtsFest venues, access to laundry facilities and a fun evening on host family night. “It’s truly an enjoyable life experience to witness Jewish teens from around the globe gather together in the spirit of competitive camaraderie and community contribution,” added Kunik. The ERJCC invites you to support this unique social, cultural and life shaping experience that fosters Jewish values and Tikkum Olam. For information on how you can become a volunteer, host family or make a donation to the 2012 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest, visit jccmaccabihouston.org or contact Alan Lipman at 713.551.7233.
We need day and night volunteers, full-time and parttime volunteers. We can use all of the talents that people in our community are willing to share.
Be a Part of Team Houston!
t
T R Y O U T S
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he countdown to H-Town is on as the ERJCC gets ready to host the 2012 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest
A U D I T I O N S
Athletic teams include boys baseball, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, girls volleyball, girls softball and dance. Bowling, swimming, tennis and table tennis are the individual sports. Teens must meet basic eligibility criteria in order to participate. All
B E G I N
I N
year the ERJCC Houston will offer ArtsFest, a non-competitive combination of master classes, performances and exhibitions designed for creative teens led by an Artist–in-Residence, a nationally recognized leader in their artistic field. ArtsFest categories will include rock, jazz ensemble, acting/
For more information visit jccmaccabihouston.org
August 5 – 10, 2012! The Maccabi Games and ArtsFest is an entire week of athletic competitions, master classes in the arts, parties and community service involving more than 1000 Jewish teenagers from all over the country and abroad. Excitement is building in the community as volunteers and staff have been visiting with local teens, and the ERJCC recently hosted an official Kickoff pep rally that offered teens and their parents the opportunity to meet with coaches and receive information on how to get involved in this experience of a lifetime. “We want all Houston area athletic and creative Jewish teenagers to be a part of the home team - Team Houston, the local delegation of about 400 athletes and artists who will compete and create during the festivities,” said Delegation Head Debbie Kaplan. “There are plenty of opportunities for every Jewish teen to be a part of Team Houston!” she added. Tryouts and auditions for Team Houston begin on January 8. Throughout January and February, tryouts for the 12 athletic teams and individual sports, and auditions for the nine ArtsFest categories will be held at a variety of locations around the ERJCC campus, and teens will have the opportunity to compete for their spot on Team Houston.
teens must be Jewish and members of the ERJCC, or purchase temporary memberships. For the Games, teens must be between 12 - 16 years old by July 31, 2012, and 12 year-old teens can only participate in individual sports. For ArtsFest, teens must be entering 8 - 12 grade and must submit a sample of their work prior to auditions. We are expecting exciting competition for tryouts for the Games! “Athletes are encouraged to try out for as many sports as desired,” said longtime Delegation Head Lenny Dubin, “but you can only participate in one sport. We suggest that athletes try out for their best sport, but are advised to try out for numerous sports, in the event that you do not get your first preference. And for sports with more than one tryout date, do your best to be at all of them.” Athletes will be selected to teams based on ability. The tryout process does not guarantee placement on a team sport, but athletes are assured a roster spot for individual sports. Dubin added, “No matter what, you must tryout for any sport to be considered for Team Houston!” This will be the first
improv, dance, visual arts, creative writing, musical theater, vocal and culinary. For more information on ArtsFest, please contact Brittany Horwitt, ArtsFest Delegation Head, at bhorwitt@erjcchouston.org. “Being a part of Team Houston is a great experience for everyone who participates,” said Dan Edelstein, Team Houston Delegation Head and ERJCC Teen Programming Coordinator. “Besides showcasing their athletic and artistic abilities, teens get to have fun all over
J A N U A R Y Houston, meeting peers from around the world, and making friendships that will last a lifetime; what more can you ask for during summer vacation?” There are also opportunities for older Jewish teens to participate in the Games, too. Those 17 - 20 years old are eligible to participate in a JCC Maccabi Jr. Coaches Program (MAC) but are not eligible to compete in team or individual sports. If you are interested in participating as an athlete or artist, please contact Dan Edelstein at 713.729.3200, ext. 3113 or dedelstein@erjcchouston. org. For those who need information about the ERJCC Teen Membership fee for participation, please contact Lauren Carstensen at 713.729.3200 ext. 3221. For more information about the 2012 JCC Maccabi Games visit jccmaccabihouston.org. You can also find us on Facebook under “teamhouston” for the most current updates.
ACTIVE ADULTS
SPECIAL
DANCE MONTH
HORVITZ SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
JAN 9 – FEB 5
PAID
MACCABI TEAM HOUSTON TRYOUTS/AUDITIONS
SUMMER DAY CAMP SPECIAL
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
INFANT/PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
AUGUST 5 – 10, 2012
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 erjcchouston .org
Houston, Texas Permit No. 6217
Inside Connections
OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF THE ERJCC
CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP FUND
LEND A HELPING HAND
BENEFITING THE IRVIN KAPLAN
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CURRENT
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25% OFF RATES
Joining fees will apply. Must not have been a member in the past 12 months.
AND REMEMBER, WITH OUR SPECIAL MEMBER-GET-A-MEMBER
FOR EACH NEW MEMBER YOU REFER
BlackHorse Golf Club Monday, April 23, 2012
PROGRAM, EXISTING MEMBERS WILL EARN VALUABLE DOLLARS
24rd Annual ERJCC Golf Tournament For more info visit erjcchouston.org
MARCH 3, 2012
SAVE THE DATE
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION
dance at a glance Dance Month continues to spotlight prominent choreographers, master teachers, companies and dancers.
...................... JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 12
Tirkedu Houston! Friday, Jan 13 - Sunday, Jan 15
Featuring Elad Shtamer, a gifted Israeli folk dance choreographer and teacher from Haifa, Israel. Mixed Bag Saturday, Jan 21 8:00 PM • Concert Mixed Bag is an exhilarating array of pre-professional Houston Dance, featuring Houston Met Too, Inertia, Kennedy Dance Theatre/Jeté, and Uptown Dance Company II. Triple Focus Saturday, Jan 28 8:00 PM • Concert Sunday, Jan 29 3:00 PM • Matinee Three dynamic professional dance companies are brought together for an evening of dance presenting works ranging in style from hip hop to contemporary. Commissioned this season are infinite Movement Ever Evolving, Chapman Dance and Wyld Styl. These innovative companies will premier one new work and one piece from their repertoire.
Gallim Dance
Saturday, Feb 11 8:00 PM • Concert Gallim will perform I Can See Myself in Your Pupil, an exhilarating suite of dances set to a highly contagious score of music from Israel, Mexico, Australia and Denmark. Motion Captured An Evening of Dance on Film Sunday, February 12 7:00 PM • Short films SPA AT THE J DANCE MASTER CLASSES Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet Saturday, Feb 4 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Gallim Dance Master Class Thursday, Feb 9 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Dance Month at the Kaplan Theatre is funded in part by the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center Patrons of the Arts, a grant from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Endowment Inc., JPMorgan Chase, RBC Wealth Management and The Medallion Foundation Inc. United Airlines is the official airline of the ERJCC. Marriott Houston Westchase is the official hotel.
Calendar January
dEvents
2012
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8 8 11 22
JCC Maccabi Games® & ArtsFest® Tryouts Begin Winter Classes Begin Dance Month Begins Tu B’Shevat Family Event / ShirLaLa Concert
26
Preschool Open House
February 2 4 5 12
Summer Day Camp Info Night Daddy/Daughter Dance Summer Day Camp / Preschool Registration Dance Month Ends
March 3 2—4 5 6 12—16 18
22nd Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball 18th Annual Houston National Invitational at GRB Convention Center Spring Class Registration 8th Annual Houston Jewish Film Festival Opens Spring Break Camp 8th Annual Houston Jewish Film Festival Ends
For more information visit erjccouston.org