Congregation Beth Beth El El Summer Summer 2015 2015 Vol. Vol. 4 4 Congregation
Dor L’Dor
Generations at Beth El What Being being a San Diego Shul Is All About Cold Brewed Coffee And More
Contents Beth El, House of God, 3 A Natural Jewish Life, 4 Paul Barnett Photography
Rabbi Graubart’s Summer Reading, 5
8
Teen Spotlight: Cultivating Jewish Leaders, 6 Feature Story: Dor L’Dor, 8 What Being a San Diego Shul Is All About, 10 Ask Elana, 12
8 10
Calendar, 13 Member Spotlight: Laurielynn Barnett, 15
Photo Courtesy of Joe's on the Nose
A Taste of Beth El: Cold Brewed Coffee, 16 Megillat Avi Recap, 17 Legacy Spolight: Roselinsky Family, 21
16
Donations, 22 B’nei Mitzvah, 24 Life@Beth El, 26
In this issue of Zmanim we explore the continuity of Jewish culture and our vibrant, intergenerational life and community at Beth El. For many of us, summertime means Shabbat Beach Services, kids going to camp, and then preparing for the new school and Jewish year. It’s a period when we feel the pull of the cycle of life. To this end, Rabbi Graubart shares the experiences of parents who had their B’nei Mitzvah at CBE and are now watching their own children become Bar/Bat Mitzvah. It reminds us that our Judaism is not merely about ourselves and our own simchas, but about a community that plants seeds for the future for our families, our congregation, and Jewish life. You will also find a section dedicated to “Megillat Avi,” the incredible evening that brought our Beth El family together in celebration; our regular spotlights on members, staff, B’nei Mitzvah candidates, and teens; and, our summer calendar. Our staff will spend the summer gearing up for the High Holy Days, preparing the campus, and getting ready for 5776. This summer we hope to see you at our beach services, monthly Rosh Chodesh gatherings, Chai events, morning Minyans, and study sessions. We wish everyone a safe and happy summer. Judith Persky, Executive Director Mission Statement Congregation Beth El is a Conservative synagogue whose mission is to create a home for every soul by offering a variety of Jewish experiences to nourish the mind, heart, and spirit, while being a caring Jewish community.
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ADMINISTRATION Philip Graubart, Senior Rabbi Avi Libman, Rabbi & Education Director Judith Persky, Executive Director Jessie Blank-Birnbaum, Associate Director of Education Jason Lobenstein, Youth Director Doreen Prager, Director of Community Engagement Aliza Shalit, Communications Coordinator Elana Kobernick, Chai Prog. Coordinator Dvora Vinick, Community & Israel Affairs Coordinator Maria Alvarez, Executive Assistant Eva Blank, Rabbinical Assistant / Simcha Coordinator Yochanan Winston, Musical Director Cheri Weiss, Cantorial Intern Tina Marchiano, Accounting Operations Assistant Antonio Carmona, Facilities Supervisor Daniel Garcia, Facilities BOARD OFFICERS Laurie Greenberg, President Don Rosenberg, Vice President Mike Dolinka, Secretary Jeannie Posner, Treasurer Sonia Israel, Immediate Past President BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pam Amundson, Raquel Benguiat, Bernardo Bicas, Hollie Bierman, Cliff Boro, Sam Jacobs, Dan Kaplan, Rick Nerad, Gene Newman, Rebecca O’Neill, Laura Roselinsky, Larry Sherman, and Edna Wallace BETH EL ENDOWMENT FOUNDATION BOARD Lawrence Sherman, President Jeffrey Elden, Vice President Alan Viterbi, Vice President Marjory Kaplan, CFO Richard Gabriel, Director Rodney Stone, Director Laurie Greenberg, Beth El President COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Janet Clancy, Chair Karen Bohrer Judith Persky Aliza Shalit ART DIRECTION / DESIGN / PRODUCTION Aliza Shalit CONTRIBUTING WRITER Joseph Schuman COPY EDITOR Karen Bohrer COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Aliza Shalit
{ Synagogue }
Beth El, House of God “The world stands upon three things—on Torah, on service, and on acts of kindness.” Pirke Avot 1:2
A
s I am writing this, it is Passover, when we tell the story of the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt. But what about Jews now? What will our story be? How will our story confine us, and how will it let us evolve? Growing up, I remember hearing my dad’s frustrated comments about how, in our small Jewish community, there were Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox synagogues, and that subdividing ourselves as a people would be our demise. Within Conservative Judaism there are differences —what about music at services, intermarriage, same gender marriage? Though the answers to these questions define us, they also limit us. We will be better served by moving from identifying labels to identifying values. This is particularly important now on the heels of the Pew study, which brought to light the significant decline in synagogue affiliation in America. Are synagogues truly relevant to American Jews today? Why is Judaism important to America? Judaism gives us hope, gratitude, an imperative to learn and to question, a code of ethical behavior, and an obligation to Tikkun Olam. Within synagogues, values are taught and values are lived. The 2013 National Study of American Religious Giving and American Jewish Giving found that it is not only one’s identifying with a religion that is important to philanthropy, but active practice as well. Those who attend religious services were found both to give more generously and to volunteer more time to both religious and secular causes. Additionally, a feeling of engagement with a Jewish community was found to be a paramount driver of both Jewish charitable giving and giving to non-Jewish organizations. This finding reinforces the importance of community building and family engagement at Beth El, both to our future and to society. We face two challenges: We must get people in the door, and we must engage them in a meaningful fashion. Our very successful Chai program, Beth El Babies and Club 1318 are examples of our focus on engagement, but we must continue to explore and innovate. To get people in the door we need to remove the financial barriers to synagogue affiliation. We have taken a significant step toward doing this by not requiring members to present financial information when requesting dues
assistance. We have seen a significant increase in the request for dues assistance over the past two years. During this time our membership increased by 10%, while our dues assistance increased by 35%. It is noteworthy that Beth El has had an increase in membership despite the decline seen at other synagogues in our community; our welcoming policy and generous dues assistance are likely significant factors in Beth El’s health and success. We are blessed to have countless members who are a part of our family because we said, “Yes.” Our Executive Director Judy Persky and Treasurer Jeannie Posner have spent a significant part of this year cleaning up financial and membership information that was not only confusing but misleading. Though we will have even more clarity following our transition to ShulCloudTM, we now know that the current cost of running Beth El and providing our breadth of programming is just under $3,000/ household, an amount greater than our current household dues and unaffordable to many families. It is only with the generous support of our Honor Roll members that we have been able to offer our tremendous variety of services and programming while charging a lower membership rate, but we are seeing that the status quo is not sustainable. To ensure our viability and fulfill our mission, the Board has been reviewing alternative synagogue membership models so we can welcome the San Diego Jewish community in ways that are affordable and embracing. Our true endeavor as American Jews is not to find warm, engaging Jewish communities, but to create them. In doing so, we will ensure a society where Jews give their time and talent, their financial support and advocacy to a diverse group of organizations, and will share this legacy with future generations.
Dr. Laurie Greenberg is the current president and a 16-year devoted member of Congregation Beth El. She is a practicing obstetrician/gynecologist at IGO Medical Group in La Jolla, a board member of the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture, and is active with J*Company Youth Theatre. Most importantly, Laurie is the grateful mother of two inspiring daughters.
Summer 2015 | 3
{ From the Rabbis }
{ A Few Words }
A Natural Jewish Life by Rabbi Avi Libman
A
s you read this article, more than 100 of our Beth El children either will already have arrived or shortly be on their way to a Jewish summer camp experience. As I write this article, I am reminded of the faces of the many children who are anticipating a wonderful experience this summer at Jewish camps as far away as Ojai and as close as the JCC. Each year as I hear the many stories of summer experiences, both before and after the summer, I am reminded of why I am such a fan of Jewish camps and why they are so important to the continuity of Judaism. While our children are at camp, they are part of a total Jewish experience learning about the Jewish world firsthand. All the available food is kosher. For sleepaway camps, Shabbat is built into the experience of the week. Love of Israel and the sound of Hebrew language is routine. A spirit of care and consciousness of Jewish values is pervasive. Each day starts with Tefillah (prayer), which might be with traditional texts from the Siddur or individual meditation. The effect of these types of experiences on our children is dramatic. They learn to use Hebrew words and Jewish concepts routinely in their conversations and playtime. Much of this enthusiasm comes home with them at the end of the camp session. Then we are presented with a challenge: Can we offer them the same Jewish experience at home that lives up to the Jewish experience of camp?
I have seen first-hand how our children are embraced by love and affection and with great care. The challenge for so many families is to extend that natural Jewish experience to surround our children 12 months of the year. I believe that it is indeed possible for us, but we must all work together. I am proud that Beth El has many offerings for our children and is working on new and exciting ways to support all of us in our responsibility to the children of our community. We have a wide array of social activities as well as ample opportunities for tikkun olam projects, blending the important work of tzedakah into everyday life.
While our children are at camp, they are part of a total Jewish experience learning about the Jewish world first-hand. Can we offer them the same Jewish experience at home? We are very excited to be able to announce that this Fall we are starting a Teen Educational Initiative scheduled for every other Tuesday evening. The program will offer high school level courses about Jewish life, Israel, and Jewish peoplehood. We will also offer Hebrew for high school credit for those interested in such an opportunity. Detailed information will follow, but feel free to be in touch with
L ove of I s ra e l
Memories
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rience e p x E t abba The Sh
Rabbi Graubart's Recommended
Jason Lobenstein, our Youth Director, if you would like to hear more about these exciting new programs.
Reading List
Of course, you can always join us on Friday evenings for Tot Shabbat (the second Friday of every month for children up to age 6) and/or Pajama Shabbat (the third Friday of every month). Both of these growing programs are aimed at helping our children build a foundation for life-long Jewish engagement. We can create a whole and natural Jewish life for our children, based in homes and supported by our community. If we turn to each other and strengthen the work of this holy congregation, then I believe the makom kadosh (holy place) that we can create in our homes and our synagogue will lead us to discover again the words of our ancestor Jacob, “Behold God is in this place, and I did not know it.”
Gangsterland
by Tod Goldberg
My Promised Land by Ari Shavit
The Book of Strange New Things
Enjoy your summer. I look forward to hearing about your adventures and in particular your child’s Jewish camping experience. L’dor v’dor, from generation to generation,
by Michel Faber
All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews
B’virkat Shalom,
Rabbi Avi Libman The Hilltop
by Assaf Gavron
Like Dreamers
by Yossi Klein Halevi
The Circle
by Dave Eggers
hips Friends
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
Sen se o f
by Karen Fowler
Bel
ong ing
Love and Treasure by Ayelet Waldman Summer 2015 | 5
{ Teen Spotlight }
Cultivating Jewish Leaders
L
ast Fall we were proud to find out that Beth El teens were participating in the Jewish Community Foundation’s Teen Foundation.
Darren Schwartz, Philanthropy Officer at JCF, explained, “Their role as program officer is a ‘big deal’ in the San Diego Jewish community as they will be researching community need, meeting with community leaders and organizers, and ultimately deciding how to grant a significant amount of money to nonprofit organizations. “They are part of a group of 28 Jewish teens from around the County who have set this mission for the year: The 2014-2015 Jewish Teen Foundation is committed to understanding and strategically funding organizations that actively work toward securing human rights for women and children. They have decided to embrace the Jewish value of B’tzelem Elohim to help guide their decision making.” We are blessed at Beth El to have our young members carry on the tradition of Philanthropy and Tikkun Olam throughout the community. We are proud to feature them all in this month’s “Teen Spotlight.” You can support the teens’ philanthropic education with a contribution to JTF programs or an addition to the amount the teens will grant to nonprofits working toward equal rights for women and children. Interested teens can apply for next year’s Jewish Teen Foundation Board. During a 9-month term,they will learn about strategic philanthropy and how to support nonprofits effectively while deciding on grants from a fund of at least $10,000. Application deadline: September 22, 2015. To learn more: visit jcfsandiego.org/jtf.
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MAX FEINSWOG The Jewish Teen Foundation strives to teach high schoolers, like myself, the fundamentals of philanthropy and how to make the right choice in giving a grant. We will soon accomplish our goal of donating over $10,000 to multiple organizations in the US, Israel, and other countries around the world as they strive to help protect human rights for women and children. For my Bar Mitzvah project, I worked with the Hand Up Food Pantry, a well-sustained organization that has helped feed the homeless around San Diego, by putting out donation bins for non-perishable foods. This gave me a deeper interest in philanthropy and, after being informed by my dad about the Jewish Teen Foundation, I saw it as a great opportunity to learn what goes into philanthropy and how to find out about the mechanics and progress of specific charity organizations. I hope to use the tools that JTF has given me to choose to support inspiring and productive charitable services in the future.
SOPHIA GARDENSWARTZ I anticipated that JCF’s Jewish Teen Foundation would involve meeting Jewish teens and learning about various charitable organizations. While I have certainly accomplished that objective, the information I have gained about various worthy causes has not been the highlight of my experience. What I have really learned is how to critically evaluate worthy causes and how important it is to be able to prioritize among these charities to achieve a stated goal. In our case, we set a goal of selecting charities that focus on human rights for women and children. So far we have read approxi-
Max Feinswog, Jake Kornfeld, and Sophia Gardenswartz engaged in a variety of leadership activities.
mately 30 different grant proposals and have narrowed that list down to about 10. From there, we have to decide whether to reduce the number even further or to spread out the grant money among these worthy participants. As a result I have gained an understanding of the challenges associated with trying to repair the world despite a scarcity of resources and how to best overcome those challenges. It is so fulfilling to be a part of this program and I am so grateful for the amazing opportunities that JTF has given me! I also am President of Serving Spoons, a nonprofit organization that meets once a month to prepare and deliver healthy, home-cooked meals to families in need. I am honored to lead this organization and so thankful that I am able to do Tikkun Olam and help leave my impact on the world as a better place.
JAKE KORNFELD When I first heard about the Jewish Teen Foundation, I was hesitant to apply for it. I didn't really understand the first thing about professional philanthropy, having only done unofficial fundraising for Save A Child's Heart, an Israeli non-profit. I very much wanted to join, however, as experience in this ever-growing field would be very beneficial later in life. After several meetings and one retreat at the Leichtag Ranch, I learned several strategies and tactics to raising funds, meeting with community leaders, and using what we have raised to make informed donations to causes that can make a difference. Being a part of this group really made me feel like I was part of something bigger. We talked about problems not only in our community, but around the world. This has given me the philanthropic experience that I will be able to utilize later in life. I really want to thank the Jewish Community Foundation and Darren Schwartz for this amazing opportunity! All photos Courtesy of JCF
Summer 2015 | 7
{ Feature Story }
Dor L’Dor by Rabbi Philip Graubart
A
t our recent Beth El Community Seder, I stepped out of the room for a quick break and I ran into several generations of Smiedts studying the Tree of Life Bar-Bat Mitzvah display that hangs outside the Jacobs Family Community Hall. Jennifer Smiedt was slowly tracing her finger along the wall, showing her daughter Arielle her father’s Bar Mitzvah plaque: “Bradley Smiedt, January 1989, Vaera.” “Daddy had his Bar Mitzvah right in that room,” Jennifer explained to her rapt daughter. “You’ll have yours in just a few years.” Arielle stared at the name, the date, and smiled dreamily. How appropriate, I thought. During the Seder, the ritual which, more than any other Jewish practice, emphasizes dor l’dor—transmitting the tradition from generation to generation—a mother was inspiring her daughter to embrace her heritage by pointing to a souvenir of her father’s Jewish coming of age, in the presence of several generations. I felt a sense of pride that the moment was happening right here, in my Synagogue, near the very spot where Bradley himself confirmed his Jewish identity, an identity which has now spawned another generation.
Dor l’dor breeds confidence in both generations. It strengthens the family while it invigorates the community. — Rabbi Graubart
Ryan Stone was literally the first person I met from Beth El. He picked me up at the airport for my first interview. He looked about twenty; I assumed he was an errand boy for his mother Gloria, the Chair of the Search Committee. In fact, he was twenty-seven—but already a macher, Chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee, and visionary behind the as-yet-unbuilt new Sanctuary. On the ride from the airport he told me the story of his community—the colorful past, the challenging present, the hopeful future. More than anyone else that weekend, Ryan sold me on Beth El. Thirteen years later, I asked him
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how it felt watching his son come to the Torah for his Bar Mitzvah the previous Fall in the Stone Family Sanctuary. “Surreal,” Ryan told me. “It was such a pleasure to watch. And it goes by so damn quick.” There was also a deeper satisfaction. “It all came together,” Ryan said. “Full circle. All the challenges we had building the building. The reason we worked so hard to rescue the Synagogue. Why we need Beth El.” I asked him how his son Zakai’s experience differed from his. Beyond the obvious—Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah was in the Social Hall because we didn’t have a Sanctuary—Ryan told me, “Zakai’s a confident little dude. He was stronger than I, more confident.” I thought, well, maybe, but probably some of the confidence was Ryan’s. Dor l’dor breeds confidence in both generations. It strengthens the family while it invigorates the community. But Ryan sensed something in Zakai he didn’t feel. “I didn’t carry any burden during my Bar Mitzvah. Zakai does. Zakai feels the responsibility; he knows how important Beth El is to my family.” Dr. Kristee Beres-Pauker was Beth El USY President many years ago. Her older son Hunter, now a first-year college student, was a USY leader and officer; her middle son Shane celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Beth El two years ago; and, her youngest son Grant will celebrate his next summer. Kristee’s Beth El was very different from her sons’—she remembers the move from Clairemont—but she’s most struck by the similarities. “For me, it always felt warm, intimate, comfortable. My sister Laney, also a current Beth El member, was super active, along with me. My mother taught in the Preschool. I made my friends Photo by Paul Barnett Photography
Beth El boasts of several multi-generational families—families where successive generations came of age in the same community, either back in Clairemont or at our present location in La Jolla. I spoke to three of these families.
Rabbi Philip Graubart has been the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth El for the past 12 years.
Photos top to bottom: Celia Glezer receiving her father’s tallit from her grandparents. Jacob Glezer (second from left) at his Bar MItzvah. Ryan & Zakai Stone reading Torah in the Stone Family Sanctuary. Kristee Beres-Pauker (first from the left) with her adult B’nei Mitzvah class.
here. This was always home to me. And even though the Synagogue is much bigger now, with a much bigger campus, for my kids it’s still warm and intimate. The Rabbis are different, but it’s still home. Somehow we’ve managed to keep the same feel, from generation to generation.” Three years ago Kristee completed a circle of her own when she celebrated an adult Bat Mitzvah, surrounded by friends and a supportive family. I remember thinking at Kristee’s ceremony that sometimes dor l’dor flows the other way, from child to mother.
— Dr. Kristee Beres-Pauker
Photo by Paul Barnett Photography
Even though the Synagogue is much bigger now, with a much bigger campus, for my kids it’s still warm and intimate. The Rabbis are different, but it’s still home. Somehow we’ve managed to keep the same feel, from generation to generation.
We all know Judith Persky as our Executive Director, but it’s less known that her late husband Jacob (of blessed memory) celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Beth El (along with his brother Eli, also a current Beth El member). I asked her how her kids Simon and Celia felt about becoming Bar and Bat Mitzvah at the same place their late father came to the Torah. “They thought about it a lot,” Judy told me. “There was a rawness to Simon’s celebration. It was the first happy occasion our family celebrated since Jacob passed away. And Simon seems so much like Jacob. He didn’t talk about it, but we sensed his father’s presence all day. Celia certainly felt it at her ceremony. A funny story. We planned on giving Jacob’s tallit to Simon. But I couldn’t find it! And then Simon said, ‘That's okay, I want my own!’ Then I found it for Celia! It was so moving when Jacob’s parents presented it to her and reminded everyone that their son had received that same tallit just across the Plaza, in the Jacobs Family Community Hall.” A short distance for the tallit, from Community Hall to Sanctuary, but an immense distance through time and the mystical chords of memory—father to daughter, world to world, generation to generation. For these families and many more, Beth El makes the journey happen—dor l’dor, strength to strength. Summer 2015 | 9
{ Shabbat on the Bay }
What Being a San Diego Shul Is All About by Joseph Schuman
T
he grass under our picnic blankets, the ocean breeze in our hair, the smell of Mission Bay rising up through the air. Amid the sounds of children playing elsewhere along the beach and lawn, Rabbis Graubart and Freeman break into Lecha Dodi, and when we rise to sing the final verse, we have no door to face. There is something intrinsically Beth El about the Beach Shabbat service held the first Friday of the month, June through September, on the rough, rolling lawns of Mission Bay as the sun sets over the Pacific. For all the transplants from New York, Cleveland, Capetown, Los Angeles, and beyond, we are a San Diego shul, our weather and our ocean air all the more a part of our identity for the contrast with where some of us originated. (And let’s be honest: For many of us, that’s a point of pride lorded over relatives and friends back in the frozen months of wherever they are still.)
We are a congregation that takes pleasure in the strumming accompaniment of rabbinic guitar, praying aloud more with than against the wind and rival beach noises and welcoming the equally spiritual lingering summer twilight. Of course, the more visceral transition from work week to Shabbat takes place not when the sun disappears but when we break free from the traffic on the 5, find a parking place, and greet our friends and fellow congregants. I can’t help but exhale when I step from pavement to grass and then breathe in something different. I very much enjoy Friday nights in the Sanctuary at Beth El when I can make it, but the
Joseph Schuman currently writes and thinks about intellectual property protection for Qualcomm. He was a journalist for 20 years, including a decade at The Wall Street Journal, where he was a news columnist covering economics and global politics. Joe has been a member of Beth El for five years and currently serves the community as “Rebbetzin” to Executive Director Judy Persky.
Shabbat transition outside is both more starkly tangible and more effortlessly metaphysical. And we are, like so many others, a congregation that loves a good potluck—a tradition that goes back to our distant roots in Clairemont, as Betty Hoffman, Eva Nerenberg, or Phil Shapiro can tell you. As I write this, inside with a computer and the mundane chazerai of non-Sabbath life around me, I need only close my eyes to see, hear, and even smell Shabbat on the Bay. It is a meditative moment.
We are a congregation that takes pleasure in sharing our spiritual moments with as many generations as we can fit in a room—or an acre of grass. And with all due respect to the Stone Family Sanctuary, it’s just not as big a draw to kids and teens as the football-friendly Bay.
Fridays, June 5, July 3, August 7, and September 4
We are, all rabbinic allergies aside, a congregation that loves our dogs, who are welcome to daven with us just those four times a year.
A blessing for children attending Jewish overnight Summer camp will be given
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starting at 6:15pm at Playa Pacifica in Mission Bay Park
on June 5.
Summer 2015 | 11
Of any famous or non-famous Jews, who would you most like to have dinner with and why?
Elana
“Ask…” features questions from Beth El to key staff members. This month we asked various people to ask their questions to Elana.
Elana Kobernick is the Chai Coordinator at Beth El and has been with Beth El since August 2012.
I have always been fascinated by stories of Jewish spirit and strength from the Holocaust. As a granddaughter of survivors, it was always part of my history.I would love to have dinner with Elie Wiesel who’s been a source of inspiration for me. Zach I learned one of his quotes when traveling Warburg through Poland. It has stayed with me and is one of the reasons I spend time teaching Holocaust studies to VTS 7th grade students: There is divine beauty in learning...To learn means to accept the postulate that life did not begin at my birth. Others have been here before me, and I walk in their footsteps. The books I have read were composed by generations of fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, teachers and disciples. I am the sum total of their experiences, their quests. And so are you. What is your vision for Beth El’s Chai group over the next five years?
What is one of your favorite Chai memories?
My favorite moment of each Chai event is taking a step back and observing. From day one, the goal has been to build community. When I see everyone chatting, laughing, and eating, my heart Lisa feels full and I feel most proud of the Sussman work I am doing. My favorite memory comes from last year’s Chai Committee weekend retreat, spent in the mountains hiking, learning, cooking, playing games, and getting to know each other. This year’s Retreat included guests invited by the Committee. Next year we hope to include even more people. The time spent together, away from our busy lives, brings us closer and allows us to focus on Chai—who we are and where we are going. What other organization besides Beth El have you been involved in?
I was involved with USY when I was in high school and off and on over the last 10 years in various roles. In college I was involved with Hillel and JDC Entwine, the young professional initiative of Dor the American Jewish Joint Distribution Ashur Committee, where I am still involved. Beyond the Jewish world, I am working to start a chapter of the National Association of Women MBAs at SDSU where I am a student getting my MBA.
To have a strong and vibrant young adult community at Beth El, including more young families. We are at the forefront of young adult engagement in San Diego. In 5 years I’d like to see growth in the number of young adults Kesha committed to Beth El both emotionally and fiSpoor nancially as well as continuing improvement in our programming—all to enhance CHAI’s place as the hub for Jewish tradition and education for San Diego’s young adults. What is the greatest challenge you’ve encountered at Beth El?
Figuring out how to get young adults to attend events and then return. Attracting young adults means quality programming mixed with good food and interesting people. It might seem strange but food gets us in the door; Benjamin high caliber programming gets us to stay and Vinick return. We are striving to create the foundation for the future of our Jewish community and we are doing something right. It is also a fun challenge to find opportunities to integrate Chai participants into other Beth El activities. What was the best potluck dish brought to a Chai event?
Tater tots! Don’t get me wrong. People make amazing and delicious potluck dishes. But I have never seen grown adults get as excited as they did when eating tater tots!
Jarred Pin
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Continued on page 14
{ Calendar }
Classes, Events, and Activities This calendar lists Beth El classes, events, and activities from June through September 2015. Pull out this calendar and keep it for reference, but don’t forget to check your email for the weekly eblast and visit www.cbe.org for updates and additions.
ADULT EDUCATION
CHAI GROUP 20s & 30s, cont’d
COMMUNITY & FAMILIES, cont’d
See Jewish Journeys: Adult Learning at Beth El for full course descriptions and details. Also available online at cbe.org.
Film in the Park Saturday, Aug. 8 7:00pm – 10:00pm Location TBD
COMMUNITY Back to Shul Event* Sunday, August 23 12:00pm – 2:00pm Turk Family Plaza, Jacobs Family Community Hall
Daily Morning Minyan Monday – Friday 7:30am – 8:00am (9:00am – 9:30am on Federal Holidays) Sunday Morning Service 9:00am – 9:30am Beit Midrash Weekday – Torah Study 8:00am – 8:30am (9:30am – 10:00am on Federal Holidays) Beit Midrash Mondays & Tuesdays – Jewish Law Wednesdays – Talmud Thursdays – Torah Study Fridays – Pirkei Avot Shabbat Morning – Torah Study 9:00am – 9:30am Jacobs Family Community Hall Sunday – Torah Study Discussion* 9:30am – 10:15am *On days when VTS is in session Short Stories led by Mo Gold Sunday, June 14 10:30am – 12:00pm Beit Midrash Registration required Shirenu Chorus Wednesdays, June 10 & 24 6:30pm – 8:30pm Stone Family Sanctuary Registration required Scholar-in-Residence: Cantor Sara Geller Friday, July 17 6:15pm – 7:15pm Saturday, July 18 9:30am – 12:15pm Stone Family Sanctuary Registration required Prayer in the Plaza & Potluck Friday, July 24 6:15pm – Prayer Service in Plaza 7:15pm – Potluck in Social Hall
CHAI GROUP 20s & 30s CULTURAL JED Talks: Jewish Expressions & Dialogue Tentatively: Monday, June 1 6:00pm – 9:00pm Offsite Balboa Park Picnic Tuesday, July 14 6:00pm – 8:00pm Balboa Park
SHABBAT Chai Shabbat (Service & Dinner) Friday, June 26 7:00pm – 10:30pm Children’s Shul & Youth Lounge Chai Second Saturday Saturday, June 13 12:00pm – 2:00pm Youth Lounge Chai Beach Shabbat Friday, July 24 6:00pm – 9:00pm La Jolla Shores Havdalah Bonfire Saturday, Aug. 29 8:00pm – 11:00pm La Jolla Shores HOLIDAY Challah-Days - Challah Baking Thursday, Sept. 10 6:00pm – 8:00pm Beth El Kitchen Erev Rosh Hashanah Alternative Service & Oneg Sunday, Sept. 13 7:30pm – 9:30pm Stone Family Sanctuary & Turk Family Plaza Chai 2nd Day Rosh Hashanah Alternative Program Tuesday, Sept. 15 10:00am – 1:00pm Location TBD Kol Nidre Alternative Service Tuesday, Sept. 22 8:30pm Jacobs Family Community Hall Break Fast with Chai Wednesday, Sept. 23 8:00pm Location TBD Sukkot Potluck Dinner Wednesday, Sept. 30 8:30pm Sukkah on the Turk Family Plaza
COMMUNITY & FAMILIES SHABBAT Summer Shabbat Beach Services Fridays, June 5, July 3, Aug. 7 & Sept. 4 6:15pm – 7:30pm Playa Pacifica Beach, Mission Bay
BETH EL BABIES Funapalooza Sunday, Aug. 2 12:00pm – 2:00pm Turk Family Plaza FAMILY CONNECTIONS Strawberry Picking in Carlsbad Sunday, June 14 10:30am – 12:30pm Offsite Annual Beach Get Together Sunday, Aug. 16 5:00pm – 10:00pm La Jolla Shores CLUB 1318 Hand Up Food Pantry & Pool Party Sunday, June 28 11:00am – 3:00pm Offsite Annual Beach Get Together Sunday, Aug. 16 5:00pm – 10:00pm La Jolla Shores
HESED Bereavement Group Meeting Tuesday, June 2 1:30pm – 3:00pm Beit Midrash
MEN’S CLUB Men Talking with Men Tuesdays, 6:30pm – 8:00pm June 16, July 21, Aug. 18 Beit Midrash Men's Club Shabbat Saturday, June 27th 9:30am Stone Family Sactuary
TEENS/YOUTH USY Lounge Tuesday, June 2 6:00pm – 7:30pm Youth Lounge USY End of Year Party Saturday, June 6 7:30pm – 10:00pm Offsite
Summer 2015 | 13
{ Calendar } TEENS/YOUTH, cont’d
HOLIDAYS & OFFICE CLOSURES
USY Disneyland Sunday, Sept. 6 Time TBD
Beth El’s main office will be open on the following days unless otherwise specified.
VTS VTS Back to Shul* Sunday, Aug. 23 12:00pm – 2:00pm CBE Campus VTS Begins (Grades K-7) Sunday, Sept. 20 9:00am – 12:00pm Stone Family Sanctuary
WOMEN’S CONNECTION Rosh Chodesh Monthly Gatherings 6:00pm – 8:30pm June 16, July 16, Aug. 13* Jacobs Family Community Hall *Special Session: “Preparing for the High Holy Days” with Rabbi Susan Freeman Women’s Connection Board Meetings Tuesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1 Beit Midrash Mah Jongg Every Monday (except holidays) 12:00pm – 3:00pm Beit Midrash Knit ‘n’ Nosh Second Thursday of month 1:00pm – 3:00pm June 11, July 9, Aug. 13 & Sept. 10 Beit Midrash Taste of Honey/ Taste of Women's Connection in conjunction with Back to Shul Sunday, Aug. 23 12:00pm – 2:00pm Turk Family Plaza & Jacobs Family Community Hall
INDEPENDENCE DAY Friday, July 3 Office Closed
Sukkot (2nd Day) Tuesday, Sept. 29 Office Closed
TISHA B’AV Sunday, July 26
Congregational Family Sukkot Dinner in the Sukkah Friday, Oct. 2 7:00pm
LABOR DAY Monday, Sept. 7 Office Closed
Erev Sh’mini Atzeret Sunday, Oct. 4
HIGH HOLY DAYS Community-Wide Selichot Service Saturday, Sept. 5 8:30 pm Stone Family Sanctuary Erev Rosh Hashanah Sunday, Sept. 13 Rosh Hashanah 1st Day Monday, Sept. 14 Office Closed Rosh Hashanah 2nd Day Tuesday, Sept. 15 Office Closed Kol Nidre Tuesday, Sept. 22 Office Closes at 12:00pm Yom Kippur Wednesday, Sept. 23 Office Closed Erev Sukkot Sunday, Sept. 27 Sukkot (1st Day) Monday, Sept. 28 Office Closed
Sh’mini Atzeret/Erev Simchat Torah Monday, Oct. 5 Office Closed Simchat Torah Tuesday, Oct. 6 Office Closed
Look for Our NEW Second Day Rosh Hashanah Experiences • Traditional services • Youth Tikkun Olam program • Innovative, interactive family experience for people of all ages • Hiking • Family concert
Watch your mail for our Fall Edition of Zmanim and this year’s High Holy Day Preview for a detailed High Holy Day schedule of events and related information.
Some classes, events, and activities may require registration and/or fee. Check www.cbe.org for more information. *In conjunction with Women's Connection Taste of Honey Continued from page 12, "Ask Elana"
Nancy Wolman asked: I know many people with children who are dating, getting married, and starting to think about having children. What programming do you have for pre- and young families?
Beyond all the programming Chai offers, Beth El has wonderful opportunities for young couples and families. We have an annual New Baby Brunch for families with children born in the last year (scheduled July 12). We also have a Newlyweds’ Shabbat Dinner for anyone been married in the last year (scheduled September 11, just as we are getting ready for the High Holy Days).
14 | zmanim
Karen Bohrer asked : What led you to be so involved in the Jewish community?
I was born into it. I’m not joking. As the daughter of a former JCC president and co-founder of Camp Mountain Chai and the granddaughter of a Rabbi, I have commitment to Jewish community in my blood. I also happen to love it and have been involved in various ways my entire life. I believe we all have a responsibility to the future of the Jewish world and I am doing my part. For more information about Chai activities for young Jewish adults, contact Elana Kobernick, chai@cbe.org.
{ Member Spotlight }
Laurielynn Barnett – An Extraordinary Volunteer
Y
ou may not know Laurielynn Barnett by name, but if you’ve attended services or events at Congregation Beth El there’s a good chance you’d recognize her. Volunteers are often described as the lifeblood of organizations. And Laurielynn proves this is definitely true. Laurielynn serves Beth El in a wide variety of ways—from running the Blood Drive on Mighty Mitzvah Sunday to caring for people within and outside the synagogue community through the Hesed and Tikkun Committees. She is a member of the Minhag Committee, where she works with the Rabbis to discuss the rituals for Shabbat services; and she assists Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah families on their special day by providing anything they need—from kippot to baskets for the candy toss. Some mornings you may even find her at Beth El at 7:30am, without make-up, at the Daily Minyan. “I think of myself as the most visible anonymous person at Beth El,” says Laurielynn. But the volunteer activity she is best known for is her work as Gabbai #3 on Shabbat and the High Holy Days. In this capacity, she is responsible for overseeing honors and aliyot. Under the tutelage of Dr. Josh Cohen, Laurielynn learned the rules, including the requirement that the first aliyah must be given to a Cohen and the second to a Levite. She knows who in the Congregation can fulfill these roles as well as which members have the strength to lift the Torah for hagbah. In her quiet way, she moves around the room, gently reminding those who have been given an aliyah to make their way to the bimah or those who have the honor of opening the Ark to come forward at the right time.
Volunteering is definitely in her blood. Her father (of blessed memory) was on the Board of Directors for many organizations; her mother, now 94 years old, served on numerous committees including one for an orphanage for girls. Laurielynn hopes to have passed the volunteering gene along to her two grown daughters. “My parents taught me to care for others and to need very little myself,” says Laurielynn. Even her professional work is about providing service. Laurielynn is a buyer’s agent with Coldwell Banker La Jolla helping people find their dream home and is a lay mediator with the National Conflict Resolution Center. “Beth El is the most welcoming shul in San Diego,” says Laurielynn. “Our Rabbis are open to everyone, regardless of the way a person chooses to practice. I wish more people would attend Shabbat services. And I encourage anyone who wants an aliyah to request one by calling the Beth El office. If you’re intimidated by an aliyah, we’ll start you out with an honor. Or you can share the aliyah with someone else. Regardless, it will be an experience you’ll never forget.”
Laurielynn Barnett
Born to Jewish parents and raised in Mexico City, Mexico, Laurielynn was exposed to many religions during her early years. She was drawn to the synagogue, located one block from her home, by the Rabbi who encouraged her to become involved in the youth group. When she graduated from college, her parents asked what she’d like as a gift and she said, without hesitation, “a membership to the temple.” Laurielynn was one of the first women to join her synagogue as an individual member, not as part of a family. Having no formal training in the Hebrew language, Laurielynn is self-taught. She attributes her ability to recite the prayers and follow the service to an excellent memory as well as great mentors over the years. Photo by Aliza Shalit
Summer 2015 | 15
{ A Taste of Beth El }
Cold Brewed Coffee by David Wasserman
Around since the 19th century, cold brewed coffee is versatile: the concentrate can be used for hot morning coffee, made weaker or stronger (depending on how you dilute it) OR combined with milk for an easy iced latte. It can even be used in baking and lasts up to six weeks in your fridge.
Beth El member David Wasserman is the owner of “Joes on the Nose.” His Orange Coffee Truck opened in 2007 and is the longest-running gourmet food truck in Southern California.
We recommend using a light to medium coffee for cold brewing, preferably from a local coffee roaster (we use Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in La Jolla). Better and fresher coffee yields a better result. It’s easy to make cold brew concentrate using a pitcher or French Press, but cold brew kits are available. Ideally you can set up your “brew station” in a container that has a spigot, which makes it easier to drain. Coffee filters or cheesecloth help keep the grounds in your container and not in your concentrate. You can also use the small recipe in a French press coffee brewer—simply “press” down and filter out the grounds—though you won’t have a lot of coffee concentrate afterwards! Remember to dilute your concentrate. Drinking it alone is like drinking rocket fuel and is not recommended. Experiment a little and find the ratio that works best for you. Have fun with it—after all, that’s what coffee is all about, right?
COLD BREWED COFFEE
Small Batch: ⅓ cup coarse ground coffee 1½ cups cold water Large Batch: 1½ cups coarse ground coffee 6¾ cups cold water Directions: 1. Grind coffee to coarse (French Press) setting. Pour ground coffee into brewing container. If your container has a spigot on the bottom, line the bottom of container with coffee filters or cheesecloth. 2. Pour room temperature water (filtered or bottled) over the coffee. Fresh coffee may “bloom,” or puff up a bit—that’s okay. Using better water creates tastier coffee. 3. Wait. We brew large batches of cold brew (ten pounds of coffee at a time) for 14-16 hours, but overnight is fine at home or a minimum of 10 hours. Cold brewing should not be done in the refrigerator, but at room temperature (on the kitchen counter). 4. Drain. Remember to use a strainer to keep grounds out. Double filtering is key for cold brewing. Be patient, draining can take time. 5. Dilute and enjoy. Remember, drinking it straight is like drinking rocket fuel and is not recommended. We like one part concentrate, 2 parts water, one part ice. Experiment! Pour cold brew into milk and add ice. Try adding cinnamon, liquid caramel, or even sea salt. Have fun and be your own barista.
16 | zmanim
{ Synagogue }
V A
M
egillat Avi celebrated so much of what is best about Rabbi Avi Libman and Congregation Beth El—generosity, fun, and a feeling of warmth and community—while raising money to help renovate the education and youth facilities. In the carnival atmosphere, kids played games, jumped in a bouncy house, and had their faces painted; adults perused the silent auction and enjoyed cocktails and appetizers as Dixieland music set the scene. A Mardi Gras theme greeted guests for dinner in the community hall, with festive New Orleans fare and finery created by Batya and Rachel Ben Porat. We didn’t just honor Avi; we roasted him, too. Our associate rabbi played assistant to Magic Mike of the San Diego B’nei Mitzvah circuit; emcee Phil Shapiro kept the evening rolling at a borsch-belt tempo. The live auction featured week-long stays in Maui, a mystery basket of Avi’s favorite things, and field level tickets to a Padres games in the company of Avi and his son Yonaton. An offer of Shabbat dinner chez Rabbi Graubart with a bottle of French wine sparked a friendly bidding war between Ryan Stone and Julian Josephson—until Rabbi Graubart offered to host two Sabbath suppers that the bidders bought for $2,000 apiece, capping an event that raised more than $200,000. The Beth El staff presentations showed Avi as a colleague who brings trust and humor to his working relationships. Judy Persky, executive director, shared a story about a more serious side of Avi, when he provided peace and comfort to a dying congregant. President Laurie Greenberg talked about how Avi
Photo by Aliza Shalit
t a l l i g Me I
Honoring Rabbi Avi Libman for 10 years of devotion to Congregation Beth El
inspires her and treats everyone with consideration and kindness. Rabbi Graubart shared that his relationship with Rabbi Avi is like none he’s ever had— saying that they work so well together and share the same opinions and values. Rabbi Graubart said, “The Talmud urges us to acquire a friend and find for ourselves a teacher. Avi has been both for me.” Finally, Rabbi Avi thanked the community for supporting his passion by making a commitment to renovate the new education and youth wing at Beth El. It was particularly moving when Avi, quite moved himself, said he thought his greatest gift was that he could call Rabbi Graubart his teacher and friend, In fact, he said, the greatest gift was that Rabbi Graubart called Avi his teacher and friend. The evening ended with dancing to a live jazz band. After two other well attended, multi-generational events—Best of Both Worlds Cuban Nights and the Megillah Reading—it was hard to imagine that anything could be more fun. But congregants are asking us to make Purim like this every year. As Aron Davidson, who attended all three events told me, “With delicious food, great music, an open bar, and super activities for the kids, Megillat Avi was great for the whole family. When I was a kid I didn’t always love coming to shul with my parents, but Beth El is a place that makes us all want to be here.” Beth El shined that night, bringing so many of our diverse congregation together in celebration, joy and fun. Most importantly, it was a way to show our appreciation to the Libman family, for a decade of devotion.
Summer 2015 | 17
{ Synagogue }
Photos by Aaron Huniu Photography
18 | zmanim
{ Synagogue }
Summer 2015 | 19
{ Synagogue }
Todah Rabbah! Thank You!
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We are deeply grateful to everyone who made donations to help realize our vision for our Educational and Youth Programs. You have been an important part of enhancing the experiences we continue to provide at Congregation Beth El.
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Andrew Viterbi
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Jan Steinert & Richard Bosse Peter & Diane Yanofsky Valerie Viterbi
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00 0,0 00 $1$01,,0 0 0 Laura $10,0 0 & William Freeman 0 0 $10 Richard & Jennifer Greenfield Alan & Caryn Viterbi
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0 $5,00
0 & Jenny Josephson $5,0Julian 00 & Don Rosenberg 0 , Stacy 5 $
Laurie Greenberg Salvador & Monica Lombroso
Joseph & Kiyon Blatt Pamela & Bard Cosman Rabbi Philip Graubart & Rabbi Susan Freeman Jennifer & Avi Klinger Rabbi Avi & Vicki Libman Judy Persky & Joseph Schuman Anonymous
Lori Gildred Andrew & Sonia Israel Lloyd Kuritsky & Edwin Pullen Hilarie & Jeffrey Sehgal Barbara & Larry Sherman Gloria & Rod Stone
20 | zmanim
ADVOCATE - $613 Hillel & Roberta Silverman SUPPORTER - $360 Judith Eisenberg & Mark Oberman Neil Senturia & Barbara Bry Leslie Fastlicht & Mark Russo ANONYMOUS Hollie & Evan Bierman Bryna Haber Michael Wallace Morris & Phyllis Gold Morton & Jana Printz Hanna & Mark Gleiberman Elyse Sollender Mark Lohkemper Brian & Danielle Miller Jeffrey & Lisa Glazer Graeme & Simone Gabriel Joshua & Lyda Cohen Diane & Michael Busch Ruth Covell Myra & Jerry Glassman David & Marlene Katzman David & Beth Printz Marc & Leslie Russo Stuart & Sharon Davidson Hilary & Selwyn Isakow Mindy Gold Eli & Anita Plaxe Monica Handler-Penner & Amnon Gires Paul & Joan Schultz Elizabeth Wolfson CONTRIBUTOR - $180 Michael Sonduck & David Zeligson Fortune & Viktor Filiba Mark Greenberg Samuel & Kimberly Dychter Lesley & Roy Davis Edith Kahn Denise Handler & Stephen Shoemaker Robert & Dana Matorin Candice & Isaac Lagnado Ruthi Warburg Irv & Jacqueline Jacobs Oded & Galit Shezifi Edna & David Wallace Eugene & Suzanne Newman Gaby & William Kuperman Jason Lobenstein Fanny Lebovits Jessie & Josh Birnbaum Nancy & Randy Wolman Jackie & Israel Ismaj David & Nancy Kobrinetz Leon & Sofia Kassel Clifford Boro Daniel & Bess Blank Harvey & Judith Amster Michael & Lynne Silberstein Rhona & Raymond Fink Laura & Howard Roselinsky Joel & Denise Sperber Marion Hirsch Victor & Nehama Moreno
CONTRIBUTOR - $180, Cont'd Charles Rosen Stacy & Fred Vangoor Ruth & Joel Perlin Ira & Dana Grossman Philip & Debra Aronoff Roger & Marilynn Boesky Gladys Rosen Caitlin Wege & Evan Gutenberg OTHER Cindy & Kevin Nelson Rebecca O'Neill Terry Miller Martha Alden Judith & Howard Rubenstein Myra & Irv Bressel Larry & Monica Simpson Robin & Carolina Fischel Boekdrukker Larry & Elyse Schloss Sheila & Jim Nerad Richard & Sharon Gabriel Laura & Michael Elbaz Eva & Howard Greenberg Alissa & Steven Weiss Eric & Gretchen Adler Helen Klein Thomas & Alina Levy Marc & Casey Rachofsky Chaim & Wendy Avraham Hillel Katzeff Aaron Dodell Ruth Feldman & Norman Berger Lyn & Daniel Kaplan Todd & Fran Shimp Susan & Jordan Levin Michael Engel Barbara Friedman Linda Kozin Julie Hyde Richard & Katie Feifer Sue & Mark Appelbaum Renee and Evan Ravich Michael & Patricia Buczaczer Frieda Levinsky Linda & David Leibowitz Karen & Robert Bohrer Irv & Fran Elson Cheri & Dan Weiss Michael Winer Edna Yedid Robert & Susan Lapidus Ran & Sandhya Regev Gabriel & Tamy Erle Norman & Sivia Mann Stanley & Pam Amundson Richard Nerad Dagny Wiener Louise & Elliott Rosenberg Denise & Arthur Adler Ami Wolfe Joy Wasserman-Polun Tad & Diane Parzen Lana & Albert Schaffer Marc & Ana Muroff Odete & Salman Afari Eleanor Hoffman Max Friedheim Barbara Silverberg
If you are still interested in contributing in Rabbi Avi's honor contact: Tina Marchiano at (858) 452-1734
{ Legacy Spotlight }
From Generation to Generation by Dr. Howard Roselinsky
L
aura and I first came to Congregation Beth El in 2008. We were invited by friends to join them for a family service, and we instantly fell in love. Our daughters Berkeley and Mia were totally comfortable here, and we were mesmerized by Rabbi Graubart's teachings. Beth El offered something for each of us. We soon became regulars, attending Shabbat morning services weekly, sitting in the front row and in the same seats every week. Our girls are growing up surrounded by a welcoming community, with smiling faces and kind gestures. This environment is exactly what we wanted for our family and reminiscent of the way we grew up.
Now that our own family has become part of this Jewish community and Congregation Beth El is such a significant part of our lives, Laura and I want to help maintain and grow the Jewish institutions that are so important to us.
Unfortunately, by writing this I am violating my favorite level of Tzedakah. However, this issue of Zmanim is about our future, our children, and their children, l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation, so we wanted to come forward.
My favorite historical Jewish teacher, Rambam, or Maimonides, defined eight levels of Tzedakah (charitable giving). The highest level is giving without being asked in order to help fellow Jews sustain themselves in a dignified manner. But my favorite level, the second, teaches that giving should be done anonymously.
Laura and I encourage all of you to plan for your future, for your children, and your personal health choices. While doing this planning, consider— as we did—making a legacy donation to Congregation Beth El to help sustain its future. Mia, Laura, Berkeley, and Howard Roselinsky
Laura's family, the Waxmans, were founding members of Temple Beth Emet in Anaheim, and my grandparents, the Rodmans, soon followed and were dedicated to improving synagogue life until the end of their days. Laura and I both grew up with Jewish institutions playing central roles in our childhoods and in the formation of our individual Jewish identities. Laura was at Temple Beth Emet where she went to Hebrew school and participated in USY. I was at Temple Beth Sholom in Las Vegas, attended day school at the Hebrew Academy, and was also an active USY'er. We both looked forward to summers in Ojai at Camp Ramah California.
ANYONE CAN LEAVE A LEGACY Planning your legacy can be a meaningful, lifechanging experience. Legacy Circle donors in all life stages have unique family and financial situations. Remembering Congregation Beth El in your estate plans at any level would greatly impact Beth El’s future and provide a foundation for future generations of Jewish families.
If you would like to discuss your legacy plans or have questions about Beth El’s Legacy Circle, please contact Beth El Executive Director Judy Persky at (858) 452-1734, or Elise Wald, Charitable Planning Officer at the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego, at (858) 279-2740. Summer 2015 | 21
{ Donations } GENERAL FUND In loving memory of... Scott Stone by Gloria & Rodney Stone Batya Avraham by Ellen Fox Gary Ravet by Gloria & Rodney Stone Joseph Mermelstein, Bela Breziner's father by Mr. & Mrs. Abraham Romanowsky In appreciation of... Rabbi Libman and Rabbi Graubart helping Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah by Mr. & Mrs. Richard Effress In honor of... Andrew Viterbi’s special birthday by Gerald Rosen HESED FUND In honor of... Harry Jaffe’s birthday by Sheila & James Nerad Helene Brottman’s birthday by Sheila & James Nerad In loving memory of... Marilyn Posner by Renee & Evan Ravich ISRAEL COMMITTEE In loving memory of Chaim Avraham's mother, Batya Avraham by Marsha Sutton & Rocky Smolin by Sharon & Stuart Davidson by Phyllis & Mo Gold MEMORIAL FUND In loving memory of... My loving father, Fred Dallal by Hilarie Sehgal My loving uncle, David Goldstein by Katie Feifer My loving mother, Lucille Feifer by Dr. Richard Feifer My loving mother, Mildred Goldstein by Katie Feifer My loving father, Leo Feifer by Dr. Richard Feifer My loving sister, Nancy Rubnitz-Bernstein by Myra Bressel My loving mother, Rose Davis by Dr. Roy Davis My loving mother, Lillian Turk by Jerry Turk My loving grandfather, Benjamin Pearl by Dr. David Geffen My loving father, David Alkin by Morris Alkin My loving grandmother, Rose Busch by Michael Busch My loving mother, Dorothy Leon by Joy Gorodess My loving mother, Evelyn Aronoff by Philip Aronoff My loving father, Michael Gold by Eleanor Bluestein My loving grandmother, Mina Friedman by Dr. Lisa Braun Joseph Mermelstein, Bela Breziner's father by Mr. & Mrs. Michael Buczaczer My loving father, Herbert Schmidt by David Schmidt Roslyn Davis by Roy Davis My loving mother, Fay Nerad by James & Sheila Nerad My loving father, Alex Cohn by James & Sheila Nerad
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Donations received Feb. 2, 2015 to Apr. 23, 2015 MEMORIAL FUND, cont'd In loving memory of... My brother-in-law, Norman Haber by Bryna Haber My loving grandmother, Sarah Itzkowitz by Rochelle Freeman-Zuniga My loving brother, Scott Stone by Ryan & Ashley Stone My loving aunt, Claire Busch by Michael Busch My loving grandmother, Sara Marvin by Michael Busch My loving father, Bernard Kellner by Donald & Stacy Rosenberg My loving mother, Rose Brenner by Dr. Norman & Mrs. Sivia Mann My loving father, Abraham Silverberg by Dr. Victor & Mrs. Nehama Moreno My loving father, Achille Viterbi by Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Viterbi My loving brother, Barry Bluestein by Dr. Harry & Mrs. Eleanor Bluestein My father, Abraham Turk by Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Turk My father, George Davis by Dr. Roy & Mrs. Lesley Davis My sister, Florence Salem by Mrs. Mindy Gold My loving mother, Ada Gaddin by Louis & Arlene Navias My loving father, Abe Navias by Louis & Arlene Navias Max Lesnick by Roger & Marilynn Boesky My loving father, Reuben Leib by Gerald Leib My loving father, Maurice Russell by Helen Leib My loving father, Ruben Gladstone by Pamela Nathan My loving father, Avram Arditi by Fortune Filiba My loving father, Ben Raber by Sharon Davidson My loving mother, Dorothy Sager by Suzanne Newman Chaim Avraham's mother, Batya Avraham by Mr. & Mrs. Morris Gold My loving mother, Mary Silvermetz by John & Fay Silverstein My loving mother, Della Collins by Candice Lagnado My loving mother, Beatrice Schmidt by David Schmidt My loving brother, Peter Lepolstat by Hedda Schmidt My loving mother, Violete Rokni by Odete Afari My loving mother, Rahel Afari by Salman Afari My loving mother, Esther Hyde by Paul Hyde, M.D. My loving mother, Shulamith Glikman by Denise Hyde My loving mother, Martha Bruder by Sandra & George Vann My loving mother, Livia Malik by Jana Printz My loving brother, Harry Blum by Shirley Wenger My loving mother, Ann Bressel by Irv Bressel My loving father, James Collins by Candice Lagnado
MEMORIAL FUND, cont'd In loving memory of... My son, Rabbi Dovid (Dean) Levitan by Mrs. Barbara Sexter Dr. Stuart Goldstone by Alan & Caryn Viterbi My loving brother, Sandy Sigoloff by Bobbie Silverman Our loving mother, Ann Rachofsky by Marc & Casey Rachofsky My loving father, Albert Muller by Mark Muller My loving mother, Ruth Lebowitz by Chaim Heller My loving father, Benjamin Wine by Dorene Goldfinger My parents, Erna & Gerhard Sass by Eva Nerenberg My loving mother, Betty Marcus by Bess Marcus My loving father, Ben J. Robins by Cyril Adler Fran Hamblin by Marion Hirsch My loving father, Albert Muller by Linda Muller My loving father, Shea Teper by July Galper My loving father, Emery Weiss by George Weiss My loving grandmother, Sarah Steinmetz by George Weiss My loving mother, Elena Weiss by George Weiss My loving father, Abraham Cohen by Derryn Lipkovicius Gary Ravet by Terry Miller My loving mother, Sophie Friedheim by Max Friedheim Dora Pearlman and Frances Bronson by Roger & Marilyn Boesky My loving father, Joe Shapiro by Phil Shapiro My loving father, Philip Knox by Israela Manson My loving grandfather, Alexander Bronson by Roger Boesky My loving father, David Russell by Paula, Bella, Leslie, Heather, and Jacob Russell My loving father, Abe Blum by Justin & Shirley Wenger My loving father, Abraham Manson by Norman & Israela Manson My loving mother, Alta Wenger by Justin & Shirley Wenger My loving daughter, Amanda Rosenberg by Donald & Stacy Rosenberg My loving mother, Beatrice Kleinman by Barbara Silverberg My loving mother, Chana Cohen by Edna Yedid My loving grandmother, Dora Lesnick by Marilyn & Roger Boesky My loving father, Edward Carson by Dennis & Sandra Carson My loving mother, Elaine Wolman by Nancy & Randall Wolman My loving father, Alfred Nathan by Edith Kahn My loving mother, Else Nathan by Edith Kahn My loving mother, Esther Adler by Arthur & Denise Adler My beloved nana, Esther Rothenhausler Rico by Dr. Pamela & Dr. Stanley Amundson Howard Silverberg by Kim Buczek Mary Haber by Bryna Haber
{ Donations } MEMORIAL FUND, cont'd In loving memory of... My loving mother, Frances Gleiberman by Mark & Hanna Gleiberman My beloved father, Frank Flores by Dr. Pamela & Dr. Stanley Amundson My loving mother, Goldie Sherman by Lawrence & Barbara Sherman My loving father, Henry Kleinman by Barbara Silverberg My loving brother, Irving Levin by Mildred Millman My loving grandfather, Jacob Pearlman by Marilyn & Roger Boesky My loving sister, Janet Melman by Justin & Shirley Wenger Joseph Mermelstein, Bela Breziner's father by Morris & Phyllis Gold My loving mother, Lillian Berger by Gloria & Rodney Stone Marilyn Posner by Donald & Stacy Rosenberg My loving brother, Mark Adler by Arthur & Denise Adler My loving uncle, Mervin Wideman by Dr. Norman & Sivia Mann My loving husband, Michael Schwartz by Elizabeth Schwartz Mike Eisenberg by Larry & Elyse Schloss My loving mother, Millie Wine by Norman & Dorene Goldfinger My loving father, Murray Goldfinger by Norman & Dorene Goldfinger My loving father, Nathan Muller by Nancy Muller & Jeannie Posner Norman Manson by David & Edna Wallace Norman Manson by Anita J. Griffith My loving sister, Pauline Wishnick by Justin & Shirley Wenger My loving mother, Pearl Goldfinger by Norman & Dorene Goldfinger Sam Sperber by Joel & Denise Sperber My loving mother, Shirley Passow by Ruth Warburg My loving father, Yankiel Nagiel by Moises & Ruth Nagiel In loving memory of my mother, Erna Viterbi by Mr. & Mrs. Alan Viterbi In loving memory of Oscar Cardenas by Terry D. Miller by Barbara Barmatz & Family by Eva & Perry Nerenberg In loving memory of Bob Kritzik by Dan & Barbara Recht by The Goldin Family by Eric & Lisa Sheldon by Neil & Terri Siegel In loving memory of Erna Viterbi by Terry Miller by Roger & Marilyn Boesky by Michael & June Greer by Dr. Paul & Joan Schultz by Eva & Perry Nerenberg RABBI GRAUBART'S DISCRETIONARY FUND In appreciation of... Rabbi Graubart's friendship and guidance by Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Avraham Mo and Phyllis Gold's Short Story Course by Allan & Joan Kleinman
RABBI GRAUBART'S DISCRETIONARY FUND, cont'd In honor of... Jonah Sage Dajman's Upsherin by Daniel & Jami Dajman In loving memory of... My beloved mother, Sara Yedid by Joseph Yedid Batya Avraham by Barbara Friedman Oscar Cardenas by Rod, Gloria, Ryan & Ashley Stone Howard Silverberg by Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Silverberg RABBI LIBMAN'S DISCRETIONARY FUND In honor of... Rabbi Avi's 10 year Anniversary by Mr. & Mrs. Mark Mann In loving memory of... Erna Viterbi by Mr. & Mrs. Morris Gold Marjory's mother Rita Joshel by Mr. & Mrs. Morris Gold Gary Ravet by Mr. & Mrs. Morris Gold Howard Silverberg by Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Silverberg RITUAL FUND In celebration of... Dr. Isaac Lagnado's 85th Birthday by Sandy & Irv Samit TORAH FUND In honor of Rabbi Avi Libman by J. Richard & Barbara Leyner TIKKUN FUND In loving memory of... My loving father, Jack Winer by Michael Winer Ruth Covell's sister by Dr. Howard & Mrs. Elaine Maltz Norman Manson by Renee & Evan Ravich VTS CURRICULUM DONATION In loving memory of... Erna Viterbi Denise Handler Howard Cohen & Toby Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Levinson Dr. Jeffrey Glazer & Dr. Lisa Braun-Glazer Daniel Costello Jr. Drs. Andrew & Sonia Israel Dr. Norman & Mrs. Sivia Mann Bryna Haber Betty Hoffman Gary Rotto Dr. Stuart & Mrs. Sharon Davidson Mr. & Mrs. David Mandelbaum & Family Dr. Marc & Mrs. Casey Rachofsky Mr. & Mrs. Mark Gleiberman Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Smiedt Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Stone MEN’S CLUB In loving memory of... My loving mother, Berta Bicas by Bernardo Bicas & Maty Feldman-Bicas
WOMEN'S CONNECTION In honor of... Edna Yedid, Kol Hakavod to Edna— An exemplary woman who has dedicated her life to Jewish education. A wonderful role model to all around her! Odete Afari Martha Alden Pamela Amundson Suzanne Appelbaum Barbara Barmatz Karen & Bob Bohrer Myra & Irv Bressel Nurit & Raymond Carmel Pamela Cosman Ruth Covell Lesley & Roy Davis Nancy Dosick Fortune & Viktor Filiba Rhona Fink Sharon Glickman Mindy Gold Phyllis & Mo Gold Rabbi Graubart & Rabbi Freeman Dana Greene & Robert Matorin Spencer & Will Matorin Roberta & Norman Greene Bryna Haber Betty Hoffman Sonia Israel Cassidy Kaufman Kailey Kaufman Helen Klein Linda Kozin Gaby & William Kuperman Fanny Krasner Lebovits Freida Levinsky The Lorber Family Elaine Maltz Israela Manson Terry Miller Nehama Moreno Lucy & Linda Muller Eva Nerenberg Rebecca O’Neill Anita Plaxe Sheryl Rabinowitz Jared Ravich Joshua Ravich Renee & Evan Ravich Gladys Rosen Laura Jo Ross Judith Rubenstein Dr Anthony & Mrs. Ellen Sacks Betty Schwartz Joseph Sherman Margo & Dora Tabachnik Joy Wasserman Polun Jane Willoughby & Ingram Losner David & Marcia Wollner Nancy Wolman Sharone Yedid-Kaufman Esther Yeshanov
YOUTH CAMP & TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS In memory of Marilyn Posner by Judy Persky & Joseph Schuman
Summer 2015 | 23
{ B’nei Mitzvah }
Noa
Ari
WELTSCH • 6/27
Sarah
SIMMONDS • 6/20 What I love about being Jewish is celebrating all the holidays. My favorite holiday is Hanukkah because I love the story and lighting the candles each night. When I think about my Bat Mitzvah, I am most excited about accepting the responsibility of becoming a grown up Jewish woman. My role model is my mom. She teaches me things and guides me. I look up to her, and ask her for advice, and even give her some too. For my Tikkun Olam project, I am volunteering at FIDO (Fiesta Island Dog Owners Association). FIDO works to protect the 196 acre, off-leash dog area at Fiesta Island from being taken over by developers. l help them by gathering signatures of dog owners at community events like cleanup days and Earth day. I love making the world a better place for dogs and their humans in San Diego.
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What I love about being Jewish is having a smaller group of people outside of my school to become friends with and who relate to each other in a special way. I also love Shabbat every Friday night as it brings my family together. My favorite Jewish holiday is Yom Kippur because the fast renews our minds and bodies and makes us reflect on the past year and how we acted. We can each realize how our actions affect our community and ourselves and try to become a better person the next year. When I think about my Bat Mitzvah, I’m most excited about getting special time to spend with my family. I have established a special bond with my safta specifically, as she is my tutor. I will have many cousins, aunts, and uncles coming to San Diego to celebrate my Bat Mitzvah with me and it’s always fun spending time with them! Someone I most admire as a role model is my mom. I love spending time with her, and she inspires me to do well in school, dance, and all of my efforts. She helps me to work through any struggles and is truly supportive. My Tikkun Olam project is education, as I am passionate about children around the world receiving just as great an education as I am privileged to have. I have set up a website to sell handmade necklaces, with all proceeds going to a charity in Africa that helps build schools.
Tanner SHIMP • 7/11
What I love about being Jewish is how festive and joyful our religion can be. My favorite holiday is Hanukkah because of the presents. I know that may seem selfish, but giving and receiving gifts makes for such great memories. When I think about my Bar Mitzvah, I’m most excited by the feeling of being an adult. Someone I admire as a role model is Hans Zimmer, an extremely talented film score composer. I hope to be a composer as well. My Tikkun Olam project is volunteering at the library every week because I love to read and believe reading is helpful to people of all ages.
BRIN • 8/1 What I love about being Jewish is being a Bar Mitzvah, celebrating Jewish holidays, and going to services. My favorite Jewish holiday is Passover, because I enjoy the Seder. I like to be with family and friends during the Seder. I also enjoy matza and eggs. When I think about my Bar Mitzvah, the part that I’m most excited about is the service. I have been practicing for it very hard and putting a lot of effort into it. The service is the most important part of a Bar Mitzvah ceremony. The Bar Mitzvah is the “right of passage” to becoming an adult. Someone I most admire as a role model is Irwin Jacobs because he was successful in the technology business. He founded the company Qualcomm which has helped millions of people around the world communicate with each other. My Tikkun Olam project is helping seniors with technology. I’m excited about it because I like tech and I enjoy teaching others about it as well.
Danny ENGEL • 8/22
Amalia PARZEN • 8/8
What I love about being Jewish is our culture. It is so rich, our food is so good, and the value we place on family, friends, and community. My favorite Jewish holiday is all of them. They are special to me because they bring our family together. When I think about my Bat Mitzvah, I’m most excited about sharing the moment with my family and friends. Someone I most admire as a role model is my mom and dad. My Tikkun Olam projects are: A. Helen Woodward Center, I love all living creatures and enjoy seeing those who would otherwise suffer get care and a home. B. Ashley’s Angels, a non-profit that supports palliative care for children through Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania. No child deserves to suffer.
What I love about being Jewish is that there are so many stories that teach me about Judaism. My favorite story is Noah and the Ark because God gave the people many chances to change their evil ways before bringing on the flood. God chose Noah and saved him and his family because he was an honorable man. Finally, God made a rainbow as a sign of the promise to never destroy the people again. God believes in second chances and so do I. My favorite Jewish holiday is Pesach because my family has a tradition of creative Seders including using tunes from the Rodgers and Hammerstein collection to tell the story of Passover. One food I can’t get enough of is Matzah Brickle (matzah, butter, brown sugar, chocolate, and nuts…delicioso)! I especially enjoy being with friends and family on Passover. When I think about my Bar Mitzvah, I’m most excited about taking the first step into adulthood. I look forward to passing this beautiful tradition on to my own children when the time comes. My Tikkun Olam project is volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. I’m excited to help because when people are going through hard times with a loved one in Children’s Hospital, having basic needs met like a place to sleep or food to eat can have a positive impact on their ability to support their child.
Leah
TAUBER • 8/29 What I love about being Jewish is celebrating holidays with my family. This is a great time for us to be together and enjoy each other’s company while observing traditions and it feels good to belong to a group of people who share important beliefs and values. My favorite Jewish holiday is Rosh Hashanah because I like beginning a new, clean year. It gives me a chance to reflect on the past year and think about things I can do better in the year to come. When I think about my Bat Mitzvah, I’m most excited about having the chance to be with all my family and friends and share this important event that will continue to shape my Jewish identity. Someone I most admire as a role model is my basketball coach for the past four years. She has taught me how to overcome struggles, try my hardest, and never give up. We have a very close relationship and I admire what a positive person she is. My Tikkun Olam project is related to a special trip I made last year. I visited an elementary school in Cambodia. This school is built on water so it can be functional all year long when the tide rises. The government allows children to attend if they have a school uniform and proper school supplies. Since most children can’t afford to buy these two things I am raising money to send to these children so they can buy what they need and attend school.
Nikka FRANK • 9/12
What I love about being Jewish is that since I go to a public school there are not many Jewish kids there so I feel very unique. I love Friday night Shabbat with my family and the Jewish holidays that bring us all together. It keeps me connected to my Jewish heritage. My favorite Jewish holiday is Hanukkah because it is 8 days long and I get to spend a lot of time with both sides of my family. When I think about my Bat Mitzvah, I’m most excited about getting all of my friends and family together and having an amazing time with everyone. Someone I most admire as a role model is my older brother Sky. He had a Bar Mitzvah and he did really well. I want to do just as well as he did. My Tikkun Olam project is making gift baskets for Passover. It was really fun and I was excited to do it because it’s a great experience working as a community and helping others.
Summer 2015 | 25
{ Life at Beth El }
CHAI
15 amazing young adults and one dog came together for a weekend of learning, relaxing, and celebrating in Julian in April at the Chai Retreat. Tu B’Shvat Paint Nite was hosted by Chai but open to the entire community. Nearly 25 people enjoyed an evening of tasty treats and creating a colorful tree on canvas.
CHAI
Joan Jacobs and Amy Pinn at Chai’s JED Talks: Jewish Expressions & Dialogue. Speakers including Irwin Jacobs (left) from Chai’s JED Talks. JED Talks was made possible by a generous grant from Jewish Federation of San Diego County.
YOUTH
Beth El Kadima enjoyed a funfilled day at Belmont Park.
USY had a super time at Super Hero Rock Climbing at Solid Rock Gym. USY had a super time at Super Hero Rock Climbing at Solid Rock Gym On a Thursday afternoon, students dressed up as IDF soldiers and learned about the IDF.
VTS
VTS students engaged in learning about the IDF.
Making maps in Morah Orli's Class.
VTS
7th Graders celebrated the culmination of their VTS studies at Education Shabbbat.
Photo by Feifer Photography
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{ Life at Beth El } Megillah Reading Fun!
PURIM
Joe Schuman and Fanny Lebovitz at Megillah reading.
Joe Schuman, Rabbi Avi, MIchael Winer, and Rabbi Graubart in costume.
Megillah Reading Fun!
Dana Greene and Robert Matorin at our Megillah Reading.
Tikkun Committee Cooking at Ronald Mcdonald House.
Israel Committee Gourmet Cooking Class.
Award-winning artist and member Varda Levram-Ellisman led the session & shared her beautiful creations.
Jane Conners, Martha Alden, and Terry Miller prepare for Women’s Connection Shabbat. Joy Wasserman & Martha Alden share original handiwork at the monthly Knit ‘n’ Nosh.
CONNECITON
Esther Moscona discusses “Jews in Mexico” at Rosh Chodesh Gathering.
WOMEN’S
Women gathered in March for the second session of Women’s Connection’s FESTIVAL ART SERIES to create Miriam and Elijah Cups for Pesach with polymer clay on glass. Our “artists” share some of their finished creations, which then graced their Seder tables.
TIKKUN/ISRAEL
Beth El donated 100 turkeys to families in need!
PURIM
Kids in costune enjoying our Megillah Reading.
Summer 2015 | 27
NON-PROFIT ORG. U. S . P o st a g e Pa i d San Diego, CA Permit No. 925