25th ANNIVERSARY of RABBI VERNON KURTZ at
BETH EL
65th ANNIVERSARY of our
SYNAGOGUE
April 28, 2013
Welcome to A Night of Dreams, a Gala Evening Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El and Honoring Rabbi Vernon Kurtz on his 25th Anniversary at the Synagogue. Dinner Chairs: Karen and Michael Kesner Jackie and Michael Melinger Jenna and David Smiley Vice President of Finance: Lisa Rosenkranz Gala Committee: Joanne Blumberg Axelrod Annette Blumberg Wendy Braverman Gail Brown Susan Cohn Elise Dayan Wendi Ezgur Tracy Fisher-Zoldan June Back Frydman Barbara Hochwert Sari Kovitz Arielle Levitan Jennifer Levine Erica Lindon Michael Lipsitz Terri Lipsitz Dina Lissoos NSSBE Men’s Club Debra Rade Dawn Sidney Jorie Sigesmund Marci Sukenic
Special thanks to the staff of NSSBE who worked so hard to make this event a reality: Rabbi Vernon Kurtz, Rabbi Michael Schwab and Hazzan Larry B. Goller Chuck Kahalnik, Executive Director Rachel Kamin, Director of the Gray Cultural and Learning Center and the Rissman Family Kol Ami Museum Nancy K. Kekst, Development Manager Avram Pachter, Catering Manager Kathy Stinson, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director Lennie Kay, Executive Assistant to Rabbi Kurtz and the entire office staff Costica Mihialescu and the entire building staff
Thank you to our Dinner Sponsors Visionary:
Karen and Michael Kesner
Builder:
Gary Gordon and Marilyn Hirsch
Art Quest, Ltd. Debbie and Elliott Berman Chicagoland Jewish High School Jazz Band Danziger Kosher Catering Fox Valley Fire Safety Shari Gray Beth and Jordan Grey Irene and Jamie Jacobsohn G. Lionel Kramer Fred and Corrine Lane Judith Leff Rabbi Lionel Moses and Dr. Joyce Rappaport Susan Rifas
Dreamers: Becker Architects Maureen and Scott Chaiken Sharon and Harris Goldenberg JoAnn and Martin Jacobson Pearl and Joel Kagen Mary and Jerome Kaltman Betsy and Michael Katz Marlene and Sherwin Konik Julie and Coleman Kraff Bobbi and Jeffrey Kwall Beth Leeds Steven and Marsha Levin Erica and Zachary Lindon Terri and Michael Lipsitz Annette and Stephen Ray Devorah and Marc Richards Mark and Allyson Rose Ruth Lion and David Rosenbloom Carol and Robert Ruderman Mally and Alan Rutkoff Mae and Mark Spitz Miriam and Morton Steinberg Jeff and Mindy Sterns Diane and Loren Weil Lily Zoberman
Anne and Elliott Rossen Sally Joan Schechter Reena Shiffman Midge Shafton Marla Snyder Miriam Tabachnik Windy City Linens XPress Video Productions The many congregants and friends who shared their photos and memories for the Rabbi’s Tribute and the Rissman Family Kol Ami Museum exhibit.
Thank you to our Gala Donors
Program 5:30 pm Cocktails, Hors D’oeuvres and Silent Auction Music provided by the Chicagoland Jewish High School Jazz Band Please visit the Rissman Family Kol Ami Museum exhibit on 65 years at NSSBE
6:30 pm Introductions, Blessings, Dinner 7:30 pm Minyan, Dessert, Silent Auction 8:00 pm Tribute Program (Auction Closes) 8:30 pm Performance by Listen Up! a cappella Be sure and pick up your gift copy of the Rabbi’s new book in the Mae and Mark Spitz Sanctuary Gallery as you leave. You may also purchase extra copies of his book as well as Listen Up! CD’s
Listen Up! Provides a truly unique approach to Jewish entertainment. Their warmth and sheer ‘knock your socks off’ vocal power leaves no audience unaffected.
We are deeply indebted to Morton M. Steinberg for his devoted work in compiling and summarizing the history of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El.
Honoring Rabbi Vernon H. Kurtz on his 25th Anniversary at NSSBE Rabbi Vernon H. Kurtz is the Rabbi of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park, Illinois. He was born in Toronto, Canada, received his B.A. from York University (1971), his M.A. and Rabbinic Ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary (1976), and his Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary (1981). He also received a Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) from the Jewish Theological Seminary (2003). Rabbi Kurtz is President of the American Zionist Movement. He is an associate member of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel, has been elected to its Executive, and serves as deputy chairman of its Russian Speaking Jewry Committee. He is past President of the Rabbinical Assembly, the international association of Conservative rabbis, and he was a member for many years of the Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Jewish Law and Standards. He served for ten years as a member of the Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism. Rabbi Kurtz is a member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, and he previously served two terms on the Board, including a term as Vice-Chairman. He is a member of the Board of the Jewish People Policy Institute. Rabbi Kurtz has held numerous leadership positions in the areas of Jewish communal and interfaith activities and is the recipient of many awards. He has been President of MERCAZ USA; President of MERCAZ Olami, the world-wide Zionist organization of the Conservative movement; President of the Chicago Board of Rabbis; Chairman of the United Jewish Appeal Rabbinic Cabinet; and President of the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago. Rabbi Kurtz is the recipient of the Rabbinic Award from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, Council of Jewish Federations (1984 and 1985); the Young Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago (1985); the Rabbi Simon Greenberg Rabbinic Achievement Award from The Jewish Theological Seminary (1998); the State of Israel Bonds Jerusalem Covenant Award (1996); the State of Israel Bonds Star of David Award (2008); the Rabbi Mordecai Simon Memorial Award from the Chicago Board of Rabbis (2008); the Julius Rosenwald Memorial Award from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago (2010); and the Rabbi Mordecai Waxman Memorial Rabbinic and Community Leadership Award from Masorti Olami (2011). Rabbi Kurtz is Adjunct Professor of Rabbinics at Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership. He has authored teshuvot for the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly and has published many articles in periodicals and books. Currently, he is a monthly Torah commentator for the Chicago Jewish News and a Senior Rabbinic Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. Rabbi Kurtz and his wife, Bryna, are the parents of two daughters, Hadassa (Haim) who lives in Israel and Shira who works at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C. as a neuropsychologist. He is the proud saba of Shmuel Binyamin, Meytal Dvora, and Anael Rina.
KURTZ
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accaectes re conseceptati non rest, occae sant, consequas rerios et ra dunt enet et pel id ut re porepratius arume sam eum hiciumet eturios aperit, sitios et ullupta eici aruntur mincim quis et el ipsam vellestet lam nempor aut arum quiste nonet vellab ipsunda ad quaerum aligendam, simus ut voloreh endiorum in rerum et excea sita quas rat qui beritat isquiae vereperuptat ped que ma perunt fuga. Et ad quam dolendiciur? Qui consed quias eum destio. Cae nost alist, suntis eris illupti dipsumquae des et volore omnis eostiatibust volore, ut mo esto volor autem re sitatur mo molorem et porit volut aborporem susandam hicilloribus aut ommolest, nobit, cusci delita nonsend endiassin et exero qui quidest, core velicie niendae. Lorepudaes aspiduciet, offici odis ipsumquiam quam sam quiat. Et am quas esse voloremporis acearis expe voluptam, cumquiat elest qui occus il mincto to eost occatet expernature, illorepro volupti RABBI VERNON H. KURTZ oriaes as unditassunt aborion cumquam as et dent litatius th In honor of our qui 65dusam Anniversary, res ut ates dollace everyone at tonight’s gala rchillectem autatem quasped Encountering Torah: Reflections on the Weekly Portion, the
will receive a debut copy of newly published collection of sermons by Rabbi Vernon Kurtz, as a gift from North Suburban Synagogue Beth El. Rabbi Kurtz wrote this book to mark the occasion of his 25th anniversary as the Rabbi of our Synagogue. He has chosen two sermons on almost every Torah portion and assembled them in the book. It represents his understanding not only of the lessons of Torah, but the lessons of life. It is a beautiful example of Jewish thought and contemporary book publishing. This gift is being given to each of our member families on the occasions of the 65th Anniversary of the Congregation and the 25th anniversary of Rabbi Kurtz's service as our Rabbi. We hope that you find the messages contained in the book inspiring. Please know that the costs of publishing this book were defrayed entirely by our underwriters and not by general operating funds of the Synagogue. The fund raising effort associated with the publication of this book was very successful and has resulted in a significant increase in our funds dedicated to education and scholarships, helping to insure the continued vitality of our many educational programs. We sincerely thank each one of our generous book donors, all of whom are listed on the following pages.
Should you wish to purchase additional copies of Encountering Torah: Reflections on the Weekly Portion, they are available in the Mae and Mark Spitz Sanctuary Gallery at the end of tonight’s program. After tonight they will be available in the Sisterhood gift shop or through the Synagogue office for $25.00 per copy plus shipping (if applicable). Proceeds from sales will be added to the Synagogue's funds dedicated to education and scholarships.
KUR
ENCOUNTERING TORAH
ENCOUNTERING TORAH
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We wish to thank all those who helped with publishing this book and have made significant donations to support North Suburban Synagogue Beth El's education programs and youth scholarships. Publisher (Gifts of $10,000 and above)
Wendy and Steve Abrams Annette and Jerry Blumberg Dr.Gilbert Bogen in loving memory of Rosalyn Bogen Joan and William Brodsky and Family Andrew and Gail Brown Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin B. Cohen Larry and Barbara Field Family The Field Family in memory of Eli and Dina Field and Max and Frieda Gaynes Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Hecktman and Family Hochberg Family Foundation Michael and Karen Kesner and Family Karen and Mitchell Kopin and Family In memory of Mania and Jacob Levitan Alissa, Jared, and Todd Neuhausen in loving memory of Benjamin and Madeline Neuhausen North Suburban Synagogue Beth El Sisterhood The Posen Family in honor of Faye, Sam, Helaine and Lawrence Posen Andrea and Ken Saffir Lynne and Howard Schechter in memory of their parents Shirley Scheinman/Lansing Family in memory of "Izzy" Lynn and Skip Schrayer Mae and Mark Spitz in memory of Stanley Liebman and Michael Liebman
Editor (Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999)
Harry and Harriet Bernbaum Scott and Karen Bieber Mr. and Mrs. Donald Chudacoff Carey and Cheryl Cooper and Family In memory of Janice Freedman Elise and Ira Frost, Marc, Josh and Rachel Frost Gary, David and Gabrielle Gordon and Marilyn Hirsch Arnie and Nina Harris St. Andrews Foundation established by Morris and Sara Hirsch In memory of Elaine F. Krumbein from her family and friends The Matthew Family in memory of Norman Matthew Mally and Alan Rutkoff Phyllis Shalowitz and Deborah and Bruce Cowans Sara and Michael D. Sher and Family Karyn and Bill Silverstein and Family Yadelle Sklare in memory of Robert Sklare Miriam and Morton Steinberg In honor of Leonard Weitz
Designer (Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999) Sally Aaron in loving memory of Willard Aaron Susan and Joseph Ament Harvey and Jackie Barnett The Biller Family in memory of Rabbi Mordecai Simon Melvin and Lenore Blum Drs. Gordon and Carol Derman and Family Charlene and Pierre Eilian The Feinsteins-Steve, Linda, Sara, Matt, Carli and Melissa Nancy and Maury Fertig and Family Leonard and Rochelle Foxman Lynn and Michael Froy and Family Morris and June Back Frydman Dr. Paul and Eileen (Rubenstein) Goldstein and Family Mindy and Jeff Gordon and Family In memory of Raymond S. Hara Gwen, Scott, Jordan and Dana Heyman The Hochwert Family Edward J. and Ann Dee Holland and Family Joan Holland and Eli Glassman Carol and Joel Honigberg Brenda and David Jackson and Family Pearl and Joel Kagan and Family Ruth and Malvin Kaufman, Leslie and Jonathan Kind, and Laura and Scott Kaufman Edith and Bernard Kaye In memory of Alexander S. Knopfler Beth and Jeff Kopin Mitch and Sari Kovitz and Family Dr. Colman and Julie Kraff and Family Jeffrey and Roberta Kwall and Family Michael and Judy Lavin and Family Jerry and Linda Lebovitz and Family Jane and Scott Lederman and Family The Levin Family honoring Betty Ann Levin and the memory of Dr. Jacob Louis Levin Fran and Mark Levy and Family Mr. and Mrs. Lorry Lichtenstein and Family The Lidov Family in memory of Howard I. Lidov Michael and Terri Lipsitz and Family North Suburban Synagogue Beth El Men's Club Janet and Gary Resnick and their children and grandchildren Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Retsky and Family Lisa, Jeff, Ben and Josh Rosenkranz The Shapiro Family (Lori, David and Sara) Fran and Jonathan Sherman and Family Margaret and Alan Silberman The Skidelsky and Winick Families Rodney and Marilyn Slutzky Robin and David Small in loving memory of Merle Mattenson Sandy Starkman and Larry Pachter Mr. and Mrs. James Stempel and Family Bobbie and Len Tenner Otto and Phyllis Hofman Waldmann Diane and Loren Weil Sheri and Sherwin Zuckerman
Copywriter (Gifts below $2,500) Joyce Kamen and Ben Abraham Laurel and Barry Abramowicz and Family Susan and Joseph Adler Anonymous Greg and Leslie Apter Cheryl and Ted Banks Nancy and Richard Becker Robert M. Berger Yael Mirelman and Pere Berkowitz and Family Ryan and Stephanie Blumberg Gerald and Rita Buckman Jane and Dennis Carlton Iris and Robert Center and Family Jan and Brian Channon Lillian Ulman Charney Stuart and Rolly Cohen Art and Lynn Cohen Arthur and Judith Coren The Coven Family in memory of our parents Abraham and Hetty deLeeuwe Joyce and David Dlugie Sanford and Adrienne Eckerling Cal and Lana Eisenberg Alan and Susan Ellenby Michael and Wendi Ezgur Judy and Gerry Farby Harry and Arlene Feiger Phyllis Fischel and Family Ruth and Bruno Fischer Anne McDonagh and David Fishbaum Michael and Joyce Fox Marcy and Robert Freeman Eenie Frost Nina and Mark Gaines and Family Mr. and Mrs. Mark Gerstein and Family Eileen and Ronald Goldberg Stacy and Jeffrey Goldsmith Ellen and Larry Goldstein Hilary and Allan Greenberg Gail and Bruce Greenspahn Maxine and Robert Greenstein The Holt Family Suzanne and Donald Horwitz and Family Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Jacobs and Family Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Jacobson and Family Lois and Richard Janger Chuck Kahalnik Barbara and Louis Kahn Mary and Jerome Kaltman and Family Rachel and Michael Kamin Gerry Kaplan Sandi, Naomi and Rachel Kaplan Marcia and Alan Kaplan Richard Kaufman Nancy and Larry Kekst and Family Rachel Kesner Jason Kesner and Mackenzie Snyder Dr. Kimberly and Mr. Joseph Kesner
Joel Klein Myrna Kopin Mr. and Mrs. Michael Krawitz and Family Felissa Kreindler The Krent Family Ellen and Irv Kuperman Corrine and Fred Lane Dawn and Steve Lavin Iona and Milton Levenfeld Marcy and Ken Levin The Lutz Family in memory of Michael Paulette and Edward Margulies Jackie and Michael Melinger Susan and Robert Millner Jodie and Mark Mosk Robin and David Nankin The Ohcana Family Beth Olderman Robert and Linda Paley Amy and Dennis Pessis Greg Pestine and Family Jane and Nate Pickus Debora and Michael Pinzur Frances and Joel Rabinowitz Lori and Richard Rabinowitz in honor of Rabbi Kurtz's 25th Anniversary Debra Rade Elaine and Bernard Reisin Devorah and Marc Richards Rhonda and Richard Robbins Herbert Rosen Deborah and Ira Rosenberg Walter and Muriel Roth Dr. Irving H. and Betty F. Rozenfeld Rochelle and Earl Rubinoff Susan Sapir Sally Schechter Pamela and Richard Schlosberg David Y. Schwartz and Renee´ Hirsch and Family Gail Scully and Randall Iden Samuel and Irene Shanes Frances and Steven Shapiro and Family Marci and Keith Shapiro Robin Shartiag Debbie and Stuart Shiner Judy, Michael, Sam and Josh Smith Ernie Smolen Ronnie Jo Sokol Charles and Amy Spungen and Family Debby and Dale Strauss Gene and Nicole Terry Edith and Amos Turner Dr. and Mrs. Sherwyn Warren Carol and Stephen Weiss Brenda and Mark Wilkow Richard and Nadine Woldenberg Judith and Richard Zell
Silent Auction Items
Four Cubs Tickets*-Retail Value $500 Four White Sox Tickets* and Commemorative PillowRetail Value $275 Two Bears Tickets* –Retail Value $ 330 Idlewood Electric $250 Gift Certificate Toms-Price Furniture $250 Gift Certificate Four elements therapeutic massages —Retail Value $356 ABT Electronics $500 Gift Certificate Vintage Quilt—Retail Value $1000 Turquoise and Silver Necklace in Wooden Presentation Box-Retail Value $550 Parking Spaces at NSSBE for the High HolidaysPriceless (But being sold for $800) Parking Spaces at NSSBE for the Whole YearPriceless (But being sold for $1200) Dinner for Ten by Circle of Life Catering at NSSBE*Retail Value $750 Dinner for 25 by Circle of Life Catering at NSSBE*Retail Value $1800 Kids (ages 4-7) Birthday Party for 30 at NSSBE with live themed entertainment and pizza/drinks* *Game /event of your choice, some restrictions apply. Dates subject to availability upon coordination with donor.
Thank you to our Silent Auction Donors: WGN Sports and Ron Goldberg, 4 Keepsies and Joyce Fox, Fran Krasnow and Seth Pines, Barbara Lansing, Toms-Price Furniture, elements therapeutic massages, ABT Electronics and Ricky Abt, Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Engle, Phyllis Woloshin, Chuck Kahalnik and NSSBE .
Pesach, 5773 March 2013 Dear Rabbi and Bryna Kurtz, It is my honor and privilege to write about you on this special evening and to thank you for your many years of service and leadership, past present and future, in the Jewish Agency for Israel and currently, as the President of the American Zionist Movement. You continue to take on responsibilities and roles tirelessly. Tonight your community celebrates your leadership for the past 25 years, half of a jubilee and celebrates 65 years as a pioneer in the Conservative movement and Jewish community. Chicago and the conservative movement are blessed to have North Suburban Synagogue Beth El as a strong, vibrant synagogue and to have the two of you steering the ship. However, your leadership and commitment extend well beyond the synagogue, Chicago and even the conservative movement. Rabbi Kurtz, your impact in so many worldwide Jewish and Zionist institutions has made its mark and will continue to do so for many years. On behalf of the North American delegation and the entire Jewish Agency for Israel, I want to wish you a heartfelt Mazal Tov and YasherKoach. May you continue to go from strength to strength. Hasia Israeli Deputy Director General, Community Services North America The Jewish Agency for Israel
The Association of Conservative Congregations
April 28, 2013 18 Iyar 5773 Dear Friends, Mazal Tov on your 65th anniversary! We hope you have a wonderful celebration. North Suburban Synagogue Beth El is Conservative Judaism at its best: a vibrant, passionate community at the center of tradition and contemporary life. You are a shul that manages to be both warm and sophisticated, a community that places a high value on Jewish education and culture while caring deeply for the welfare of your members, the State of Israel and the wider world. It is no exaggeration to say that you have helped make Conservative Judaism the powerful force it’s been in North American Jewish life. We have no doubt you also will be one of the congregations to lead us into the future. We also send best wishes to Rabbi Vernon Kurtz on his 25th anniversary as spiritual leader at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El. Rabbi Kurtz’s work on behalf of his congregants, the State of Israel, and the entire world have justifiably gained attention, respect and gratitude locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Congratulations again on your anniversary and on your continued vitality and health. May you go from strength to strength!
B’Shalom,
Rapaport House 820 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 646-519-9310 TDD: 212•260•7442 Fax: 212•353•9439 Web Site: www.uscj.org The Shirley & Jacob Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism P.O. Box 7456 Jerusalem 94265 Israel
Richard Skolnik International President
Rabbi Steven Wernick Chief Executive Officer
The Executive Officers, Board of Trustees and Board of Directors salute with pride North Suburban Synagogue Beth El EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Andrew W. Brown, President Nancy Krent, Vice President Administration Richard Schlosberg, Vice President Ritual Gail Scully, Vice President Education Marilyn Hirsch, Vice President Education Lisa Rosenkranz, Vice President Finance
David Jackson, Treasurer Mark Mosk, Financial Secretary Ronald Goldberg, Financial Secretary Larry Pachter, Secretary Robert Freeman, Vice President Membership
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Abrams Leonard Birnbaum Gerald D. Blumberg Jack Blumberg Gerald Buckman Ramona Choos Benjamin Cohen Ruth Fischer Allene Frost Caryn Garber Larry Goldstein Daniel Hoseman Herbert Isaacs Lois Janger Richard Janger Pearl Kagan Arnold Kaplan Edith Kaye Karen Kesner Kenneth Levin Marilyn Lewis Zella Ludwig Manny Marczak Nissah Mattenson Elliot Mirman Janet Robbin Alan Rutkoff Lynn S. Schrayer Rodney Slutzky Mae Spitz Morton Steinberg Jerome Sternberg Leonard Tenner Howard Turner Lawrence Weiner Jeffrey Wohlstadter
Leslie Apter JoAnne Axelrod Nancy Becker Karen Bieber Michael Carney Jan Channon Sara Coven Sandee Crasko Wendi Ezgur Tracy Fisher-Zoldan Joyce Fox Elise Frost Mark Gaines Jeffrey Goldsmith Larry Goldsmith Ilene Goldstein Barbara Hochwert Brenda Jackson Audra Kaplan Jackie Kott-Wolle Michael Krawitz Michelle Krawitz Ellen Krumbein Larry Lederman
Jay Levine Jenny Levine Kim Levy Anne McDonagh Jackie Melinger Noreen Ohcana Beth Olderman Gregory Pestine Seth Pines Debra Rade Pam Schlosberg Fred Sechan Lilah Shapiro Robin Shartiag Fran Sherman Sam Skurie Richard Small Ernest Smolen Charles Spungen Sandy Starkman Loren Weil Roni Weiss Richard Zelin Bruce Zessar
Mazel tov to Rabbi Kurtz and North Suburban Synagogue Beth El on this memorable occasion The Sadoff Family
To Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Rabbi Michael Schwab Hazzan Larry Goller Chuck Kahalnik Mark Stadler Ali Drumm Alicia Gejman Caron Knopoff Rachel Kamin Samantha Isenstein Nancy Kekst Avram Pachter Costica Mihailescu All our Teachers, Office and Maintenance Staff We thank you and appreciate all the hard work, dedication, advice and leadership you provide us on a daily basis. The Beth El community is so fortunate to have each and every one of you.
The 2012 - 2013 Executive Committee Andrew Brown Gail Scully Marilyn Hirsch David Jackson
Nancy Krent Rob Freeman Ron Goldberg Larry Pachter
Richard Schlosberg Lisa Rosenkranz Mark Mosk
Rabbi and Bryna Thanks for being part of our lives the last 25 years. We look forward to many more years to come. Love, Michael and Karen Kesner
Dear Vernon: We celebrate you, we honour you, and we cherish you for all your contributions to your Chicago community, your Toronto family, and Jewish communities in Israel and around the world.
Rhoda and Clifford Waxman Robert and Rochelle Waxman and family Aviva and Jason Snyderman and family Eli and Devora Waxman and family
April 28, 2013 To our very own Rabbi Vernon Kurtz: You have been our spiritual leader since you were hired at Congregation Rodfei Zedek and then again at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El. We have valued your advice, your leadership and your friendship for the past 36 years. We are proud that you have participated in almost every one of our family’s life cycle events. We’ve enjoyed participating in many of your family’s life cycle events as well. We were together with our children at Florence Weiss Perlstein Park, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, tramping through the snow in Jerusalem, and have enjoyed watching each other’s children become active adults in the Jewish community. You are a very special individual who deserves to be honored today for the 25 years of dedicated service to North Suburban Synagogue Beth El. We wish you all the best in the years to come. May you, Bryna and your beautiful family know only good things and may you go from strength to strength. Our love to you and your family on this auspicious occasion, Harris and Sharon Goldenberg
NORTH SUBURBAN SYNAGOGUE BETH EL 65 YEARS RABBI VERNON KURTZ 25 YEARS LEADERS IN UNITED SYNAGOGUE , MERCAZ & MASORTI May they continue to go from strength to strength Kol Ha’Kavod to our Clergy and Staff
MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME
ERNIE SMOLEN
Thanks to Rabbi Vernon and Bryna Kurtz for close to 30 years of friendship and 25 years of leadership at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El. We have shared so many smachot with you, including our wedding and the birth and naming of our children. We thank you for all that you have done for us and the entire community. With love and friendship, Arnie and Nina Harris
Mazel Tov To a Great President And A Wonderful Son-in-Law Love, Mom and Dad
With our Gratitude To Rabbi Kurtz For 25 years of Spiritual Guidance
Cheri Friedman Karyn and Mel Berks
Donalee and Norman Markus
Yashar Koach and Mazel Tov to my mentor, colleague and friend, Rabbi Vernon Kurtz. Thank you for your leadership and your dedication to our community. Rabbi Michael Schwab and Family
Rabbi Kurtz Thank you for your leadership and devotion to our Beth El community. We look forward to many more years of your counsel and friendship. With Respect and Admiration, Wendy and Steve Abrams
I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework. ~Lily Tomlin
Thank you Rabbi Dr. Kurtz – Your 2013 Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Studies Major Jewish Values Concepts class: Fern Baker Bill Bietsch Matthew Charnay Rachel Cort Dorit Dahani Robert Feiger Kendra Gerstein Danny Glassman Rachel Kesner Shalom Klein Becky Kupchan Lia Lehrer Ronit Levy Hagit Lewis Hanna Pashtan Carrie Rosen David Schwartz Karen Singerman Louis Stromberg
Congratulations to Rabbi Kurtz on his 25th Anniversary at Beth El and Beth El on its 65th Anniversary!
From Alex, Dina, Max, and Kira Obolsky
Thank you Rabbi Kurtz and Beth El For enriching the lives of three generations of The Rabinowitz Family Fran and Joel Lori and Richard Lena and Jacob
Beth El is fortunate to have the best in the position of Rabbi! My Family and I wish Rabbi Kurtz and his family the very best of all there is. Regards, Roger
Kol Hakovod Rabbi Vernon and Bryna Kurtz for 25 years of leadership Happy Birthday to North Suburban Synagogue Beth El From our family Ellen and Larry Grossman Adam, Lynn, Annie, Robby and Emily Judy and Michael Smith Sam and Josh Nina and Mark Gaines Matt and Jill Laura and Ben Sheridan Jacob, Max, Nate and Danny Carol and Steven Edelson Sammi, Andy, Jeremy, Jonny and Helen GREAT GRANDSON NOAH JASON GROSSMAN
Zella Edidin Ludwig
We are proud to honor Rabbi Vernon H. Kurtz on his 25th Anniversary at Beth El, and salute the Synagogue on its 65th Anniversary. We are proud to carry out the work of Beth El’s vision and standard of excellence.
Rabbi Michael Schwab Hazzan Larry B. Goller Aliza Drumm Alicia Gejman Samantha Isenstein Chuck Kahalnik Rachel Kamin Nancy Kekst Caron Knopoff Mark Stadler
To our Rabbi and Friend Thank you for your continuous guidance and friendship. We have shared happy times and sad times together. May our friendship continue to grow. Annette and Jerry
Mazel Tov
Rabbi Kurtz
JCC Chicago is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring a strong and vibrant Jewish life and community for generations to come. JCC is a partner in serving our community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation. Š2013 JCC Chicago
THANK YOU TO THE BETH EL STAFF
Clergy, Directors, Office and Building Staff Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Rabbi Michael Schwab Hazzan Larry Goller Edward Aronson George Bora Ali Drumm Marcie Eskin
Rayna Forman Samantha Isenstein Alicia Gejman Simona Gergaluga Chuck Kahalnik Rachel Kamin Vicky Kaplan Lennie Kay Caron Knopoff Elise Kline
Frances Altman Sandra Becker Albert and Eleanor Boxerbaum Lillian Ulman Charney Dena, David, Gabriella and Danielle Cooperman Greta DeBofsky Kim and Eric Ephraim & Family Michael, Joyce, Jorie, Jane Jason and Mark Fox Isaac and Barbara Gottesman David and Susan Greenberg Lorna Greenspahn Robert and Maxine Greenstein Eileen and Dov Kahana Gerry Kaplan Michael and Karen Kesner Mryna Kopin Debbie and Barry Kravitz Michael, Michelle, Brandon, Jordan and Deena Krawitz Felissa Kreindler Eliezer Krumbein
Nancy Kekst Jose Liera Costica Mihialescu Ava Nussbaum Avram Pachter Jon Patrascu Kristin Schici Kathy Stinson Mark Stadler Cheryl Swenson
Professors Jeffrey and Roberta Kwall and Family David and Janice Lasky Steve and Beth Leeds Marsha and Steven & Family Levin Mr. and Mrs. Zachery Lindon Dan and Dolly Nast Amy and Dennis Pessis Marc, Devorah, Jacob and Sara Richards Sally Schechter Lynn and Skip Schrayer Ann Siegel Susan and Larry Silberman Dr. and Mrs. Sam Skurie Jenna, David Rachel, Adam & Lauren Smiley Ernie Smolen Miriam Tabachnik Amos and Edith Turner Roger and Ronnie Wilk Amy Zisook and David Rosen & Family
THANK YOU TO THE BETH EL STAFF of the
Paul S. & Sylvia Steinberg Pre-School Marcia Bender Adam Bellows Sarah Chupack Stacy Epstein Eileen Goldberg Libby Goldenberg Mimi Horowitz Renee Kahn
Cori Katz Caron Knopoff Rinna Maletsky Jodie Mosk Ava Nussbaum Sarit Pogofsky Stacey Reingold Debbi Rosenberg
Rocky Rubinoff Inbal Schnitman Jill Sejzer Joan Shapiro Carole Stephens Linda Wolfson Robin Zacharias Brenda Jackson
Michael and Karen Kesner Michael, Michelle, Brandon, Jordan and Deena Krawitz Eliezer Krumbein in memory of Elaine Krumbein Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Lindon The Ripes Family Lynn and Skip Schrayer Jenna, David, Rachel, Adam & Lauren Smiley Ernie Smolen
THANK YOU TO THE BETH EL STAFF of the
Jack and Mildred Cohen Religious School Avi Allali Barbara Barnett Edith Belkind Trudy Isbitz Brodsky Zion Cohen Stacy Daybook Debbie Feiger Alicia Gejman
Jodi Gershman Ariela Haymberg Chuck Kahalnik Ety Lutz Yonit Mhrazi Chaya Minkus Noreen Ohcana Shelley Orbach
Rebecca Rice Leah Rimer Yaacor Rothstein Lilach Schrag Joyce Witt
Dena, David, Gabriella and Danielle Cooperman Isaac and Barbara Gottesman Michael and Karen Kesner Michael, Michelle, Brandon, Jordan and Deena Krawitz Eliezer Krumbein in memory of Elaine Krumbein Mr. and Mrs. Zachary Lindon Marc, Devorah, Jacob and Sara Richards Amy Zisook and David Rosen and Family Susan and Larry Silberman Jenna, David, Rachel, Adam & Lauren Smiley Ernie Smolen
THANK YOU TO THE BETH EL STAFF
of the Bernard H. Sokol Hebrew High School & Youth Staff Gidon Berman Ali Drumm Dov Kahana Chuck Kahalnik
Aaron Klein Ety Luz Avram Pachter Anna Raiber
Noah Rosen Aviel Vaisler Joyce Witt Richard Brenner
Isaac and Barbara Gottesman Eliezer Krumbein in memory of Elaine Krumbein Gail Taxy and Ronnie Jo Sokol Ernie Smolen Michael and Karen Kesner Susan and Larry Silberman Michael, Joyce, Jorie, Jane, Jason, and Mark Fox Michael, Michelle, Brandon, Jordan and Deena Krawitz Marc, Devorah, Jacob and Sara Richards
Brtittany Abramowicz Melanie Axelrod Stacy Daybook
Does everyone know what kind of day it is? I sure do! Andrew Brown
MAZAL TOV To My Colleague and Our Friend RABBI VERNON KURTZ and His Family on Their 25th Anniversary and To NORTH SUBURBAN SYNAGOGUE BETH EL His Synagogue Family on Its 65th Anniversary Judy and Rabbi Carl Wolkin
Todah Rabah to the Fabulous Education Program Staff, Lay Leaders and Committee Members You help make NSSBE a Special Place for all our Congregants In honor of Ali Drumm, Director of Informal Education and Director, CEC Rachel Kamin, Director and Pam Schlosberg, Chair, CLC Samantha Isenstein, Director and Sara Coven, Chair, Youth Commission Elise Frost, Chair, CEC Marcie Eskin, Informal Education Assistant/Library Assistant Alicia Gejman, Director of Formal Education and Director, Religious School and High School Caron Knopoff, Director and Lilah Shapiro, Chair, Pre-School Sandee Crasko, Chair, Religious School Wendi Ezgur and Tracey Hendler, Co-Chairs, High School Rayna Forman, Coordinator of School Administration Ava Nussbaum, Manager 0f Pre-School Administration
Larry Pachter, Leslie Apter, Nancy Becker, Terri Lipsitz, Jori Saks and Michael Schwab, Board of Education Our wonderful Pre-school, Religious school and High School teachers and staff
With much appreciation and gratitude for all your efforts Marilyn Hirsch and Gail Scully, Vice Presidents of Education
In Honor of Rabbi Vernon Kurtz "And now, write for yourselves this song, and teach it to the Children of Israel." Deuteronomy 31:19 The rabbis teach us that this is the final mitzvah of the Torah, to write for ourselves our own Sefer Torah. Yishar Koach for more than 25 years of writing and teaching Torah to our community and the Jewish people. May you continue to go from strength to strength Lisa Alter Krule & Michael Krule
Mazel Tov to Rabbi Kurtz on his 25th Anniversary at NSSBE Mazel Tov to NSSBE on its 65th Anniversary Mazel Tov to Karen and Michael Kesner for their part in planning a Wonderful Celebration With Best Wishes from Highland Park and Israel for Many More Wonderful Years and Wonderful Celebrations Marilyn Hirsch and Gary, David and Gabrielle Gordon
The Board of Education of North Suburban Synagogue Beth-El Congratulates Rabbi Vernon Kurtz on his 25 year Anniversary And is very Grateful for his commitment to the Educational Future of the Synagogue Leslie Apter Nancy Becker Sara Coven Sandee Crasko Ali Drumm Wendi Ezgur Elise Frost Alicia Gejman Tracey Hendler Marilyn Hirsch Terri Lipsitz Larry Pachter Jori Saks Michael Schwab Pam Schlosberg Gail Scully Lilah Shapiro
Andrew Brown Gail Scully Marilyn Hirsch David Jackson
Nancy Krent Rob Freeman Ron Goldberg Larry Pachter
Richard Schlosberg Lisa Rosenkranz Mark Mosk
Thanks to the Executive Committee for your hard work and dedication. Yasher Koach for a job well done. Michael and Karen Kesner
To our synagogue NSSBE: Thanking you for 65 years of traditions and values L’dor v’dor Annette and Jerry Blumberg Ryan, Stephanie. Austin and Hailey Damen, Justin, Paige and Cooper
To Rabbi Schwab and Hazzan Goller Thanks for your spiritual guidance and friendship throughout the year. Karen & Michael Kesner
Mazel tov and Yasher Koach to Rabbi Vernon Kurtz Barb and Michael H. Zaransky
Sandee Crasko Kim Ephraim Leslie Kaufman
Arielle Levitan Jackie Melinger Beth Olderman
Gail Scully Amy Zisook
Thank You to All the Clergy and Staff for Their Dedication and Support Nancy and Richard Feldstein
Congratulations to Beth El & Rabbi Vernon Kurtz! We loved our time with all of you! Vernon, it was wonderful to spend five years learning from and with you at Beth El. חזק חזק ונתחזק Mazal tov, Rabbi David Lerner, Sharon Levin, Talya, Ari and Matan
Bernard H. Sokol Hebrew High School Committee:
Eve Biller Wendi Ezgur Ilene Goldstein Tracey Hendler
Melanie Hoffman Dina Lissoos Gail Scully Karen Skurie
In honor of Rabbi Kurtz on his 25th Anniversary at Beth El ...and Beth El's 65th Year!
Gail Scully and Randall Iden Sam, Jacob and Nancy
Congratulations to Rabbi Vernon and Bryna Kurtz on celebrating 25 years with the Beth El community. Our lives have been greatly enhanced by your many acts of kindness. Thank you, Rabbi Kurtz, for being our Rabbi and teacher for the past 25 years. Not only a respected spiritual leader, and a caring support for our Beth El families, your leadership in the Jewish and interfaith community has brought much credit to Beth El as a leading synagogue, helping to ensure our future. Congratulations on the publication of your book, Encountering Torah: Reflections on the Weekly Portion. Your sermons have been inspiring and I am looking forward to reading and sharing them with friends with this new book. Congratulations to North Suburban Synagogue Beth El on its 65th Anniversary! Debra Rade
Our best regard with much respect to Rabbi Kurtz Francine and Herbert Lippitz
The Preschool Committee honors the incredible teachers and staff of the Paul S. and Sylvia Steinberg Preschool. Thank you for what you do for our children every day.
Congratulations to North Suburban Synagogue Beth El on their 65th Anniversary and to Rabbi Vernon Kurtz on his 25th Anniversary Laurie and Andrew Hochberg
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••Every person contains a capacity called ••Moses•• that allows him to bring the knowledge of G*d into the community• •The essential thing is to train both the heart and mind to see all things as G*d•• (Tanya, transl. by Rabbi Rami Shapiro).
Mazel tov to Rabbi Kurtz and NSSBE
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Richard and Judy Zelin
Rabbi Nina J. Mizrahi
MAZEL TOV to Rabbi Vernon Kurtz ~ 25 years of leadership and vision~ North Suburban Synagogue Beth El
MAZEL TOV! To REB VERNON & BRYNA
The Leiderman Family Hermine and Mike Leiderman Jill Leiderman and Robert Cohen Eric and Natalie Leiderman April 28, 2013
In friendship Reb Shlomo & Annabel
In honor of Beth El and Rabbi Kurtz, Thank you for making this a warm and caring community!
Thank you Rabbi Kurtz for 25 years of your caring and thoughtful teaching.
Jackie and Michael Melinger
David and Madeleine Solomon
Vernon & Bryna מזל טוב ושפע ברכות You have brought blessings to all And are a blessing to all Sandy & Joel Meyers
To Beth El and Rabbi Kurtz: Thank you for welcoming us warmly into your community. I am honored to work such wonderful and talented leaders and friends.
Nancy K. Kekst, Development Manager Larry and Pamela Kekst, Carrie and Allie Ross
I am proud and happy to greet you on this special occasion.
Mazel tov to Rabbi Kurtz. Thank you for the special role you have played in our lives. Kim, Ellie, Madeline and Audree
With appreciation and thanks for all you have done for our family.
From your loving Aunt, Charna Galper
Mazel tov Rabbi Kurtz Debbie and Barry Kravitz
Mazel tov and Yasher Koach, Vernon From, “The other� Judy and David Weiss
The Holts Sulie, Jessica, Jaime
Congratulations to the Synagogue and a special thank you to Rabbi Kurtz for all his guidance. Shari, Matthew and Laura, and Keith Gray
We are so proud of your 25
years as Rabbi of NSS Beth El. Thinking of you and Bryna with much love.
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