Congregation Beth El Winter 2014 Vol. 2
Personal Dreams and Miracles Reflections from Cantorial Intern and Beth El Member Cheri Weiss
A Good, Good Man Best Latke Recipe And More
8
Photo by Amy & Jarred Pinn
Dana Greene Photography
Contents
16 A Few Words, 3 From the Rabbi, 4 Ask Jason, 6
8
Teen Spotlight: Danya Greenberg, 7 Cover Story: Dreams and Miracles, 8 Carnaval, 10 Calendar, 11
14
Legacy Spolight: Dr. Stuart Goldstone, 14 Taste of Beth El: Latkes, 16 Member Spotlight: Gene and Suzanne Newman, 17 Tributes & Donations, 18 B’nei Mitzvah, 20 Life@Beth El, 22
Welcome to the second issue of Zmanim! Zmanim means “Times” in Hebrew, and our quarterly publication aims to reflect the diversity, creativity, intellect, and soul of our ever-evolving times at Congregation Beth El. Each issue features articles and learning by, for, and about our community. The goal is to give you a more insightful and more intimate sense of our Beth El members. If you would like to contribute to a future issue, please contact publisher@cbe.org. And we welcome all comments, too. Happy Hanukkah! 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.
2 | zmanim
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, Administrative Assistant Eva Blank, Rabbinical Assistant / Simcha Coordinator 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 Dana Greene Judith Persky Aliza Shalit ART DIRECTION / DESIGN / PRODUCTION Aliza Shalit CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Joseph Schuman COPY EDITOR Karen Bohrer COVER STORY PHOTOGRAPHY Dana Greene Photography
{ A Few Words }
Sustaining the Light
I
admit I’m a bit of a sermon junkie. While preparing to write for this 2nd issue of Zmanim, the “winter edition,” my thoughts turned to Hanukkah. I reviewed the Parashah and Haftarah for Hanukkah, and as so often happens the readings led me back to some of our Rabbis’ sermons of the past few weeks and how they are relevant to us as individuals and as a community. As I read, a phrase from the Hanukkah Haftarah (Zechariah 2:14 – 4:7) jumped out at me: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit – said the Lord.” I am guessing that after reading this many of you, like me, will spend the next several days with the Debbie Friedman song with these words ringing in your head. "Not by might, and Not by power, but by spirit alone— Ruach!! Shall we all live in peace." What surprised me, however, was that when I searched the Internet for her song, I found many songs in other faiths with these same words—a Christian song by Leslie Phillips, beautifully sung by Eden’s Bridge and others, a Quaker version, African reggae versions, and more. I discovered that these words are relevant to many different faiths, who speak with different terms, languages, and symbols, but who all feel God’s spirit and are grateful for the protection, love, and guidance that it brings. I immediately thought of Rabbi Graubart’s sermon from Parashah Noah (Genesis 6:9 – 8:14), in which he discussed how God confused the language of the people at the Tower of Babel, making it difficult to understand each other and forcing us to slow down and really listen. Similarly, the common experience of God
amongst different faiths has been made complex and unintelligible to others of different faiths. My thoughts then turned to another recent sermon, Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1 – 17:27), and Rabbi Graubart’s discussion of how we are not only the oppressed but we are also the oppressors. I thought of how we oppress in the name of religion. We exclude or are unwelcoming to those of other faiths, but also towards fellow Jews, Jews who are more or less observant than we are, who think differently, daven differently, celebrate differently than we do. What does all of this have to do with Beth El? We are a house of learning, and the opportunities are everywhere—a sermon at Shabbat service, an adult education class, a speaker, a committee program, or any of countless other events. Learning is a vacation without having to plan or pack. We travel beyond the confines of our minds to discover new ideas and new approaches. We are a house of celebration. We celebrate holidays, life-cycle events, and opportunities for mitzvot. This spring we will be having a family Purim celebration and fundraiser to honor and celebrate Rabbi Libman’s 10 years of dedication and contributions to Beth El. Proceeds from this event will be used to renovate and invigorate the Viterbi Torah School. Please look for the “save the date” and plan to attend as we joyfully celebrate as a community. We are truly a house of spirit. This spirit infuses all of our prayers and celebrations. It makes us an embracing community, one that worships,
celebrates, and mourns together. It makes us an open and caring family, conscious of the danger of indifference and striving to embrace the stranger in our midst—Vayera—Rabbi Libman’s sermon this time (Genesis 18:1 – 22:24). Our leadership is working on some necessary housekeeping to meet the needs of our congregants and community—tasks such as revising the bylaws and governance, and moving toward a new software and accounting system. We are also exploring home improvements to better serve our current and future members— programs such as musical services and the VTS refurbishment. Most importantly, however, is that we seize the daily opportunities we all have to perform mitzvot, to make our home welcoming to all, and to go beyond its walls to include the stranger in our embrace. We will accomplish our goals together—not by might, nor by power, but by the miracles that surround us and sustain the light— teamwork, patience, persistence, generosity, and spirit. L’Shalom,
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.
Winter 2014 | 3
{ From the Rabbi }
The Miracle of Hanukkah
J
ewish law requires that we publicize the miracle of Hanukkah in terms of when and where we light the candles. We light the Hanukkah candles after dark when they are most visible and we light them in the early evening when most people are still out and about. We place our hanukiyot by the window facing the street or at the entrance to our homes, so as many people as possible will know about the miracle. In Israel, hanukiyot are placed in front of one’s property near the street, which is a beautiful sight to see. But what exactly is the miracle we are trying to publicize? Why do we care so much that other people will see the lights of our hanukiyot? What difference does it make when and where we light the Hanukkah candles? According to the prayer book liturgy, we thank God on Hanukkah for the miraculous victory of the Hasmoneans over the Greeks: “You (God) defended them, vindicated them, and avenged their wrongs (Al Hanisim).” In the poem Ma'oz Tzur, the author so movingly reminds us to express gratitude for God’s protection of the Jewish people from the Egyptians, the Babylonians, from Haman, and more generally from all of Israel’s enemies throughout history. Giving thanks is not only commendable—it is a Mitzvah! But this only answers one of my questions. As a child, I was taught that the light of the Hanukkah candles symbolizes to the world and to ourselves, that God’s covenant with us has never been broken. Long after the great empires of Egypt, Babylonia, and Greece have disappeared, it is the Jewish people, our culture, and faith that continue to bring light into the world. In a world where the darkness of anti-Semitism still looms, the light of the Hanukkah candles says proudly, “We are still here!” On a deeper level, the Hanukkah candles are lights of friendship with all who suffer. They spread a message of hope to those people around the world who are still being persecuted. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of a small, weak people against a great empire. We thank God who “delivered the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few, the corrupt into the hands of the pure, the guilty into the hands of the innocent (Al Hanisim).” We put the hanukiyot in the window as a way of saying to those who are persecuted, those who suffer, and those who are weak that there is hope. There is light in times of darkness. We know what darkness is and we have not forgotten. You are not forgotten. The candles shine a
4 | zmanim
message of redemption to a broken world: never stop believing that the forces of light and goodness can ultimately triumph. Finally, maybe it is not only the world that needs to know about the miracle; maybe each of us needs reminding. As the lights of Hanukkah shine in our own houses, they remind us again of what is most important—our mission to bring God’s light into the world. The Hassidic tradition teaches that the “final signing” of the year is not on Yom Kippur but rather on the last day of Hanukkah. After a long autumn of work and school and the challenges of daily life, it is so easy to forget our own source of light, so easy to forget the people we strive to become when Yom Kippur ended only a few months ago.
The light of the Hanukkah candles says proudly, "We are still here!" This year, as you celebrate Hanukkah with family and friends, be mindful that we will once again be a part of the Interfaith Shelter Network. Our campus and members will be the shining light for many transitionally homeless San Diegans, including young children. By the time you read this article, we may still be in need of volunteers. For volunteer information please check Congregation Beth El’s homepage or email tikkun@cbe.org. Lastly, when you light the Hanukkah candles this winter, I hope you will take a moment to think about how many people live in a world of darkness. And ask yourselves if you can find ways in which your family and friends can bring some of the light of the Hanukkah candles into the world that needs our tender embrace.
Rabbi Avi Libman has been a Rabbi at Congregation Beth El and the Viterbi Torah School Education Director since 2004.
Art by Aliza Shalit
As the lights of Hanukkah shine in our own houses, they remind us again of what is most important—our mission to bring God’s light into the world. Winter 2014 | 5
Jason Lobenstein joined the Beth El team as our Youth Director in July 2014.
Jason
What does being a Jew mean to you?
A: Being a Jew means everything to me. What inspired you to be a Youth Director?
A: I’ve always enjoyed being involved with USY. I was one of the most active USYers at my synagogue. When I graduated from college, I came home and began working on the childcare Emily staff for Ashley Falls Elementary Gold School in Carmel Valley. That was when I realized how much I enjoyed working with kids and the impact I could have on someone’s life. I decided then that my goal was to become a Youth Director for a synagogue.
I was raised in a Conservative household where I regularly attended synagogue services and religious school, celebrated holidays, and participated in USY. Since
Zach
Judaism was a large part of my life, I became
Lafer
involved with Hillel when I went to the University of Arizona and joined a Jewish fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi. I also served as a USY Youth Advisor for Anshei Israel in Tucson, Arizona. Being Jewish has had a large impact on my life and I continue to live my life based on the Jewish values I inherited as a child.
What was your favorite subject when you were in school? What was your least favorite subject?
I love working with our USYers and hearing all of their ideas. We are lucky to have such passionate and devoted teens in our program here at Beth El. These kids make our program special.
A: My favorite subject was history. I really enjoyed learning about historical events throughout time. I found it really intriguing.
What happened at your Bar Mitzvah?
Ari Brin
A: When I was young, I really disliked putting on suits although I wore one for my Bar Mitzvah service. I made sure that my party was casual; the theme was Hawaiian. At my party, we had tropical birds to hold and take pictures with, Hawaiian dancers, and
of course a DJ. I didn’t realize that the Hawaiian dancers were going to bring me onto the dance floor while they were performing. They had me put on the clothing that the guys were wearing which was a hula skirt, Hawaiian arm bands, and head bands. After I put on my wardrobe, I was asked to dance in front of all of my guests. This was one of the most embarrassing things I had done in my life at that point, but it was fun and very memorable.
It also helped that I had a high school teach-
Cayla
Surovsky
er who would dress up in costume to teach class. She made history fun and exciting. My least favorite class was math. I would always need extra help with this subject, plus the amount of homework turned me off.
What is your favorite holiday memory?
A: When I was a child we used to have a family reunion during Hanukkah. It was really great to be together with 30-40 people as we lit candles and, of course, opened presents. My favorite Hanukkah present that I received, as a child was a BMX style bike. I cannot tell you how many hours each week I would ride that bike growing up. If I wasn’t in school, playing sports, or doing a USY activity, you’d find me on my bike.
6 | zmanim
Rebecca Engel
{ Teen Spotlight }
Caught Up in a World That Isn’t All About You Danya Greenberg's Tikkun Story by Joseph Schuman Some teenagers see life beyond the social and scholastic churn of high school and hope that one day they will make a difference in the world. Danya Greenberg already does. She has helped lead an entrepreneurial effort to support fellow teens dealing with the angst of adolescence and a Jewish Community Center program that ties the arts to community service, even as she volunteers as a teacher’s aide at the Viterbi Torah School and keeps up an active dance and theater regime. "Being able to influence somebody else’s life, their story, their day -- that’s really special,” Danya said during a recent interview at Beth El before she ducked back into a meeting for USY. (Yes, she’s on the USY Board as well.) “I’ve seen how much other people can influence my day, and I want to have a positive impact on someone else’s day.” And if this 17-year-old junior at The Bishop’s School is well aware of problems that impact people on a global level, her efforts to make a difference are decidedly local.
At the JCC, where Danya frequently dances, sings and acts in J*Company productions, she’s on the board of Artists Taking Action (ATA), an organization that harnesses teens’ artistic energy for a variety of community-service projects. Through ATA, Danya has helped raise money for scholarships at the JCC, and is involved in other community service projects. Danya said her passion for Tikkun Olam was influenced and kindled by her sister, Elisa, and her parents, Laurie Greenberg, obstetrician/gynecologist and president of Congregation Beth El, and Mark Greenberg, the director of the San Diego chapter of the American Technion Society. But Tikkun Olam is a pursuit that has become her own. “Even for these few fleeting moments, you get caught up in a world that isn’t all about you," Danya said. "And it feels good.”
Through an afterschool program called “Whatever It Takes,” Danya and her sister Elisa – now a freshman at Wesleyan University – learned how to draft, pitch and launch their own social impact projects. One was “Embrace”: Danya, Elisa and some friends sold low-cost purple bracelets, embracelets, to bring awareness to negative self-talk that is so common among girls and women. The idea came from a discussion Danya had with several friends about how negative girls can become about themselves when one starts to put herself down. “No one else would ever say such detrimental things to you as you say yourself,” she said. “We all saw how infectious such harmful talk was, and wanted to change the conversation to more substantive and positive dialogue." “The embracelets serve as a reminder to be kind to yourself. Each time you have a negative thought, the wearer switches the embracelet to the other wrist and replaces the negative thought with a positive one,” Danya explained.
Danya with "Embracelets" (above), with her sister Elissa (top right), and presenting (bottom right).
Winter 2014 | 7
{ Cover Story }
Personal Dreams and Miracles Reflections from Cantorial Intern and Beth El Member Cheri Weiss
I
would like you to list the first three things that come to your mind when you think of Hanukkah.
What did you come up with? Dreidels? Menorah and candle lighting? Judah Maccabee fighting the Romans? Latkes? Chocolate coins? Fun songs? Presents? Hanukkah is a big deal in this country, especially for children. It certainly was for me as a child growing up in the Boston area. I loved it—especially the part about the presents. So imagine my surprise when as a 20-year-old I moved to Israel and found out that in that country Hanukkah is considered a minor holiday and celebrated with minimal fanfare. Candles are lit, sufganiot (jelly doughnuts) are eaten, but presents are NOT exchanged. I was really horrified to learn that there aren’t any presents! Once I regained my equilibrium, I realized that I could find my own meaning for the holiday. As I was living in Israel, it was not all that difficult. Everywhere I went I felt the Jewish spirit and a deep connection to my religion regardless of whether I was performing a Jewish ritual or not. In Israel, the history of the Jewish people and its culture permeates the very air you breathe. It's everywhere, and it's comforting. Fast forward more than 30 years to my present life as a Cantorial graduate student. Once again I find
8 | zmanim
myself reevaluating the meaning of Hanukkah. I still love the rituals: the beauty of the candles shining in the Menorah, sharing home-made latkes with my family, watching the dreidel spin. (I have a particular fondness for spinning it on its head.) I especially love singing the songs that are unique to this holiday: Ma'oz Tzur for its regal music and the history of its text (in its entirety it is actually six stanzas long and recounts Jewish history against multiple enemies and is believed to have been written in the 13th century); Ner Li for its sweetness and innocence; Not by Might, Not by Power by Debbie Friedman and Light One Candle by Peter Yarrow for their messages of hope, peace and determination. This year I went deeper into the themes of Hanukkah on a personal level. First of all, Hanukkah is a celebration of miracles. According to legend, it celebrates the miracle of the one-day supply of oil lasting eight days. Yet amazing miracles happen all the time. Reflect over the past year and think of the miracles that happened in your own life. Another major theme of Hanukkah is overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds to achieve a personal or collective victory. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabees, whose heroics against larger armed forces led to the re-consecration of the Temple in Jerusalem and ultimately to independence of the Jewish people. Have
Cheri Weiss currently serves as Beth El's Cantorial Intern and is studying for the Cantorate at the Academy for Jewish Religion in Los Angeles. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in vocal performance from CSU Northridge and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. Cheri previously taught music at Palomar College and has performed at many synagogues and other venues in San Diego, Los Angeles, Providence (RI), and Israel.
there been instances in the past year when you faced seemingly insurmountable odds and won? Was there something you believed in so strongly that you persevered and prevailed? It had long been my secret dream to become a Cantor. For so many years, I was convinced that this would remain an unfulfilled dream. A few years ago, with the real estate market plummeting to depressing lows and my livelihood threatened, my then teenage daughter, Emma, countered my self-pity with a lecture. "Don't you realize that you're in the wrong field? You're supposed to be in MUSIC!" I rolled my eyes. "Never gonna happen," I replied. I had been down that road before. Teaching voice was not going to pay her college tuition or our monthly expenses. I had no interest in performance, especially singing in English. The only singing that touched my heart was in Hebrew, and there was not exactly a huge market for that. I thought of my days as a Cantorial soloist at my previous synagogue where I had been a longtime member, and I realized with deep sadness that those days were probably over forever. I had to accept the fact that I had nowhere to express my voice. "No," I told her firmly, "you're wrong. That ship has sailed." In early 2011, I met my eventual husband Dan and began attending services regularly at Beth El. I learned Haftarah trope from Gene Newman
One day Gene Newman approached me and said, "You need to go to Cantorial school." As I had done with my daughter, my eyes rolled. "You can't be serious," I said. "Where there is a will, there is a way," he stated. My husband encouraged me to at least visit the Academy for Jewish Religion in Los Angeles and learn about their Cantorial program. I loved what I saw and began my graduate Cantorial studies in the spring of 2013. I will forever be grateful to Gene, our Rabbis, and my family for encouraging me in this endeavor, which I truly believe to be my calling. Being a Cantorial student is not easy. I drive to Los Angeles one day a week for classes and return late at night. I balance homework with the responsibilities of running my real estate firm, interning at Beth El, and caring for my family. Yet I'm now well into my second year of study at AJR, and every day I spend studying for the Cantorate is a blessing and a miracle. Every time I stand at the Bimah is a
blessing beyond measure. I honestly feel that God sings through me, I just happen to be the vessel. I also now have the good fortune of serving Beth El as a Cantorial intern. I help lead Shabbat services regularly and a musical Shabbat Shirenu on the 4th Friday of each month. I teach the new Shirenu Chorus class (held two Wednesday evenings each month), lead occasional Shiva Minyanim, and make pastoral care visits to congregants. My secret dream was to be a Cantor, and my ultimate secret dream was to serve as Cantor for the High Holy Days. This year that dream came true when I served in that capacity for a wonderful 90 year-old synagogue in Providence, R.I. Standing at the Bimah before God is always humbling, but standing before God on the High Holy Days is overwhelming. How the congregation experiences the Days of Awe is largely dependent on how honest and sincere the Cantor is in her own prayer to God. At the start of the Musaf service is the "Hineni" prayer, the only prayer in these services not recited by the congregation. The Cantor alone makes a plea before God that her prayers on behalf of the congregation be accepted and that her sins not negatively impact the congregation. For me, it is the most transcendent prayer in the service. As I began to chant it, the words poured out of me in gratitude and humility. I had miraculously gone from having no voice to being the only voice.
A wonderful aspect of our holidays is that they return year after year. We, therefore, have the opportunity every year to find new meaning in them, to find the ways they impact our lives and the lives of people who are dear to us: our family, friends, neighbors, fellow congregants, and community members. This year, as Hanukkah approaches, think of the miracles you want to see happen in your life. Ask yourself if there is some challenge you have dreamed of taking on. It need not be a career change, just something meaningful to you. The great thing about life is that there is no age limit on dreams…or miracles. Happy Hanukkah.
Winter 2014 | 9
Dana Greene Photography
and began to chant Haftarah at Beth El (another dream of mine). In early 2012, I was asked to help lead the Sisterhood Shabbat (now Women's Connection) Shacharit service. As I stood at the Bimah, my soul was stirred in a way it had not been in years. Soon I began leading Shabbat services on a semi-regular basis and eventually led some of the High Holy Day services as a volunteer chazanit at Beth El.
{ Synagogue }
A Family Purim Event Celebrating Rabbi Avi's 10 Years at Beth El Sunday, March 8, 2015
10 | zmanim
{ Calendar }
Classes, Events, and Activities This calendar lists Beth El classes, events, and activities from December 2014 through March 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
ADULT EDUCATION, cont'd
CHAI GROUP 20’s & 30’s, cont'd
See Jewish Journeys: Adult Learning at Beth El for full course descriptions and details. Also available online at cbe.org.
Rabbi Graubart’s Class: Big Ideas Wednesdays, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Dec. 10, 2014; Jan. 14, Feb. 11, Mar. 18, 2015 Jacobs Family Community Hall Registration required
SHABBAT Chai Shabbat (Service & Dinner) Fridays, 7:00pm – 10:30pm Dec. 26, 2014; Jan. 23, Feb. 27, Mar. 27, 2015 Children’s Shul
Daily Morning Minyan Monday – Friday 7:30am – 8:00am (9:00am – 9:30am on Federal Holidays) Beit Midrash Sunday Morning Service 9:00am – 9:30am 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 (before Shabbat Morning Services in the Jacobs Family Community Hall) Sunday – Torah Study Discussion* 9:30am – 10:15am *On days when VTS is in session Class: Tribes of Israel A Shalom Hartman Class Tuesdays, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Dec. 3, 16, 2014; Jan. 6; Feb. 3, 17; Mar. 3, 2015 Jacobs Family Community Hall Jan. 20, 2015, Children’s Shul Registration required Class: Intro to Judaism I Mondays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Dec. 1 & 8, 2014 Beit Midrash Registration required Class: Intro to Judaism II Mondays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015 Beit Midrash Registration required Class: Brush up Your Judaism with Gene Newman Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 7:00pm – 8:30pm Youth Lounge Registration required Shirenu Chorus Wednesdays, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Dec. 10, 2014; Jan. 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25; Mar. 11, 25, 2015 Stone Family Sanctuary Registration required
Short Stories, Led by Mo Gold Sundays, 10:30am – 12:00pm Dec. 21, 2014; Jan. 18, Feb. 22, Mar. 15, 2015 Beit Midrash Registration required
Second Saturday Saturdays, 12:00pm-2:00pm Dec. 13, 2014; Jan. 10, Feb. 14, Mar. 14, 2015 Youth Lounge
Shabbat Shirenu Service/Fourth Friday Fridays, 6:15pm – 7:15pm Dec. 26, 2014; Jan. 23, Feb. 27, Mar. 25, 2015 Stone Family Sanctuary
HOLIDAYS Chai Hanukkah Event Thurday, Dec. 18, 2014 6:00pm – 9:00pm Offsite
A Cinematic Tapestry of Israeli Ethnicities Movie Series Sundays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm Dec. 14, 2014; Jan. 11, Mar. 8, 2015 Jacobs Family Community Hall Registration required
Chai: How to Lead a Pesach Seder Tuesdays, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Jan. 27, Feb. 17, Mar. 17, 2015 Beit Midrash
Class: Judaism, Science & Theodicy Mondays, 7:30pm – 9:00pm Dec. 1 & 8, 2014 Conference Room Registration required Seven Decades of Israeli Music Mondays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Jan. 5, 12, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 23, 2015 Beit Midrash Registration required Shabbat Schmooze: Lunch & Learn Saturdays, following Shabbat Services Feb. 21 & Mar. 21, 2015 Jacobs Family Community Hall
CHAI GROUP 20’s & 30’s CULTURAL Judaism: Inside Out Monday, Jan. 26, 2015 6:00pm – 9:00pm Offsite Chai Retreat Friday - Sunday, Feb. 6, 7, 8, 2015 5:00pm – 12:00pm Offsite HEbrews Poker Tournament Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 1:00pm – 4:00pm Offsite SHEbrews High Tea Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 1:00pm – 4:00pm Offsite
Tu B’Shevat Paint Nite Monday, Feb. 2, 2015 6:00pm – 9:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Shabbat B’Bayit (With Children and Without Children) Friday Dec. 5, 2014; Jan. 2, Feb 6, Mar. 6, 2015 With Children, 6:30pm – 8:00 pm Without Children, 7:45pm – 9:00pm Offsite Shabbat Mishpachah & Lunch Saturdays, 10:30am – 12:00pm Dec. 13, 2014; Jan. 10, Mar. 14, 2015 Children’s Shul Tot Shabbat & Potluck Dinner Friday, 6:00pm – 7:00pm Dec. 12, 2014; Jan 9, Feb. 13, Mar. 13, 2015 Children’s Shul Pajama Shabbat & Potluck Dinner Friday, 6:30pm – 7:30pm Dec. 19, 2014; Jan 16, Feb. 20, Mar. 20, 2015 Children’s Shul & Youth Lounge Carnaval: Celebrating Rabbi Avi's 10 Years Sunday, Mar. 8, 2015 Afternoon/Evening Jacobs Family Community Hall Chicken & Latkes Congregational Dinner Friday, Dec. 19, 2014 Services at 6:15pm, Dinner follows Registration required
Winter 2014 | 11
{ Calendar } COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, cont'd
TIKKUN COMMITTEE
TEENS/YOUTH, cont'd
Fiesta Hanukkah Party Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 4:00pm – 6:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall
Interfaith Winter Shelter Dec. 14 – 28, 2014 All Day at VTS
Jr. USY Overnight Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 6:30pm-8:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall
Best of Both Worlds Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 6:00pm – 9:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall BETH EL BABY Hanukkah Party! Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 4:00pm-6:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall
TEENS/YOUTH BETH Lounge Tuesdays, 6:00pm – 7:30pm Dec. 9, 2014; Jan. 27, 2015 Youth Lounge Machar & Kadima Event Sunday, 12:00pm – 3:00pm Dec. 14, 2014; Feb. 8, 2015 Youth Lounge
Farmers’ Market Picnic Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015 10:00am-12:00pm La Jolla Farmers’ Market
Machar Event Sunday, 12:00pm – 3:00pm Jan. 4, Mar. 22, 2015 Youth Lounge
Hullabaloo Fest! Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 10:00am-12:00pm Beit Midrash
Kadima Lounge Thursdays 6:00 – 7:00pm Dec. 11, 2014; Jan. 8, 20; Feb. 2; Mar. 26, 2015 Youth Lounge
Baby Costume Party and Brunch Sunday, March 8, 2015 10:00am-12:00pm Beit Midrash
Kadima Event Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015 12:00pm-3:00pm Youth Lounge
FAMILY CONNECTIONS Tide Pools at Cabrillo Sunday, Mar. 15, 2015 12:15pm – 2:30pm Offsite
Kadima Kinnus at Camp Ramah Friday - Sunday Dec. 5 - 7, 2014 Offsite
Tu B’Shevat Program Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 12:15pm – 2:30pm Jacobs Family Community Hall CLUB 1318 Movie & Chinese Food Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014 (TBA) Offsite & Jacobs Family Community Hall Laser Tag Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 12:15pm Jacobs Family Community Hall
ISRAEL COMMITTEE Israel Bazaar & Concert Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 12:00pm – 4:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall Shabbat Luncheon & Speaker Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 Following Shabbat Services Jacobs Family Community Hall Beth El Reads Book Together/Lunch Saturday, Mar. 7, 2015 11:00am – 1:30pm Beit Midrash
MEN’S CLUB Men Talking with Men Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00pm Dec. 16, 2014; Jan. 1, 2015 - Beit Midrash Feb. 17, Mar. 17, 2015 – Children’s Shul
12 | zmanim
Banot Lounge / Banim Lounge Thursday, 6:00pm – 7:30pm Jan. 15 and Mar. 12, 2015 Youth Lounge / Children's Shul USY Hanukkah Lounge Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014 6:00pm – 7:30pm Youth Lounge USY International Convention Sunday – Thursday Dec. 21 – 25, 2014 Offsite USY Board Meeting Tuesdays, 5:00pm – 6:00pm Dec. 2, 2014; Jan. 6, Feb. 3, Mar. 3, 2015 Youth Lounge USY Prom Saturday, Mar. 14, 2015 Los Angeles, CA USY Shabbat Dinner Friday, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Dec. 12, 2014; Feb. 6, 2015 Offsite USY Lounge Tuesdays 6:00 pm -7:30 pm Dec. 2, 16 2014; Jan. 6, 20; Feb. 3, 17; Mar. 3, 17, 2015 Youth Lounge USY Purim Event Saturday, Mar. 7, 2015 6:00pm-9:00pm Youth Lounge
Sr. USY SATO/Hechalutzim Kinnus Friday – Sunday, Jan. 16 – 15, 2015 5:00pm – 5:00pm Offsite Sr. USY Kinnus Friday – Sunday, 3:00pm – 5:00pm Feb. 13, 14, 15; Mar. 13, 14, 15, 2015 Offsite Jr. USY Kinnus Friday – Sunday, 3:00pm – 3:00pm Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2015 Offsite Sr. USY Into the Night Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 8:00pm – 7:30am Offsite BETH Lounge Goes to San Diego Jewish Film Festival Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Offsite
VTS VTS for Tots (pre-k/ages 3 & 4) Sundays, 9:30am – 11:30am Dec. 7, 2014; Jan. 25, Mar. 22, 2015 Jacobs Family Community Hall 6th Grade Mini-Shabbaton Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 6:15pm – 9:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall Registration required 6th Grade Food Pantry Tiyyul Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 9:00am – 12:30pm Offsite 5th Grade Yachad Tiyyul Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015 9:00am – 12:30pm Offsite Model Seder Parents Invited! Sunday, Mar. 29, 2015 10:30am – 12:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall
WOMEN’S CONNECTION Rosh Chodesh Monthly Gatherings 6:00pm – 8:30pm Mon. Dec. 22, 2014, Tue. Jan. 20, 2015, Wed. Feb. 18, 2015, Thurs. Mar. 19, 2015 Jacobs Family Community Hall Festival Art Series II – Creating Miriam’s and Elijah’s Cups for Pesach Sunday, March 22, 2015 10:00am – 1:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall
WOMEN’S CONNECTION, cont'd Women’s Connection Board Meetings Tuesdays 7:00pm – 9:00pm Dec. 2, 2014; Jan. 6, Feb. 3, Mar. 3, 2015 Children’s Shul Women’s Connection Annual Shabbat Services & Luncheon Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 Services, 9:30am - Sanctuary Luncheon, 12:00pm – 3:00pm Jacobs Family Community Hall
IsraelTour June 17-29, 2015
Women’s Connection Purim Event Sunday, Mar. 1, 2015 Time TBD Jacobs Family Community Hall Ladies’ Lounge Thursdays, 4:00pm – 6:00pm Jan. 8, Mar. 12, 2015 Jacobs Family Community Hall Mah Jongg Every Monday (except holidays) 12:00pm – 3:00pm Beit Midrash Knit ‘n’ Nosh Second Thursday of month 1:00pm – 3:00pm Dec. 11, 2014; Jan. 8, Feb. 12, Mar. 12, 2015 Beit Midrash Book Club Third Tuesday of month 2:30pm – 4:00pm Dec. 16, 2014; Jan. 20, Feb. 17, Mar. 17, 2015 Youth Lounge
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014 Office closes at 3:00pm Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014 Office closed Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 Office closes at 12:00pm Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015 Office closed
Sunday, Mar. 8th Some classes, events, and activities may require registration and/or fee. Check www.cbe.org for more information. Winter 2014 | 13
{ Legacy Spotlight }
A Good, Good Man Remembering Dr. Stuart Goldstone by Rabbi Philip Graubart
I
hurried into the sanctuary after the study session eager to start services and peaked into my podium. It was gone. My new tallis was missing. In its place, neatly folded, was my old tallis, the reason I bought a new one, the one I’d replaced, but couldn’t bring myself to throw out. I glanced over at Dr. Stuart Goldstone who was immersed in his prayer book. But was he smiling slyly with half of his mouth? Did he just wink at me? Too late to ask questions; it was time to start the service. I reluctantly folded myself into my old tallis. I’d grown to despise that old, big shambling tallis. Each of its strings was curled into loops so it was constantly catching on something, or someone, tying me to the Torah or a pew or the Bar Mitzvah boy. And I could never get it to stay on my shoulders. It seemed to be made of the most slippery substance God could imagine. But Stuart appreciated it. He said he enjoyed the clumsy presentation, claimed it suited me and my style. On a trip we took together to Israel, he accompanied me tallis shopping and always managed to talk me out of buying a new one. Finally though I’d had enough. I found a nice, stable, non-hooked, non-shambling specimen from Rene Ravich at our Women’s Connection Judaica Shop. But now it was gone. And—yes—Stuart was smiling, first with his eyes, and then with his mouth, and then his whole body. He’d switched tallises on me! I loved Stuart and somehow the tallis story points to many of the reasons why—his sense of humor, his sly mischievousness, his playfulness. One time we had a guest hazzan who was bravely trying out some new melodies. There were several congregants in the third row on the left who kept trying to out-sing him, direct him to the true and proper tunes. During announcements Stuart thanked the guest hazzan, and said “and my friends in row 3 especially thank you.” For the rest of his presidency he made cracks about his friends in “row 3.”
Stuart was my leadership mentor. To the extent that I became a leader at all, it was from watching Stuart when he was President of Beth El. This is a hard trait to describe but he was good, good man, who could easily work with people who weren’t as good as him. He was a tsadik, but he withheld judgment. He could laugh with the sinners and pray with the saints, and you need that in a good leader. And he could muster just enough sharpness, just enough good natured annoyance to get his point across. His Southern gentleman ways helped in this. One time he was a little annoyed that a group of shul regulars were talking during services (not row 3), probably during the sermon. He shuffled over, politely—the Southern gentleman that he was—and said, “Y’all need to shut the heck up.” But he didn’t use the word heck. He was polite but you knew where he stood. I loved his Southern accent because it was more than an accent. It was a set of mannerisms where he showed his loyalty to his roots, his Southern Belle Mom, the small town in Tennessee with hardly any Jews, and the genteel education at Vanderbilt University. He was never a Californian, really—he was a Southerner, a Southern Jew, and we all knew it. He and I shared a rather torrid love affair with God (kind of a spiritual love triangle). He and I loved to talk about God, with both traditional faith and modern sophistication. For Stuart there was no contradiction: he loved God like a lover and questioned the whole notion of God like a scientist. What he didn’t do—what he taught me never to do—is to ignore God. In his memoir, a book he entitled Stuart’s Memories: A Book That No One Wants to Read, he describes several moving encounters with God when he was at his loneliest, or sickest, or most in pain. Stuart created our Legacy program, Beth El Legacy Circle, when he was President—our opportunity to leave
Make Congregation Beth El one of your legacies.
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. 14 | zmanim
Stuart Goldstone in his official photo as President of Congregation Beth El (2008-2010). Stuart left us a legacy of leadership, friendship, and so much more. Stuart enjoying the outdoors and with his beloved wife, Jo Ann.
money to Beth El in our wills, so our synagogue can benefit from our generosity after we’re gone—so our values live on. Stuart was immensely proud of his two wonderful children—his son and his daughter. And of course he was deeply in love with his wife Jo Ann. But in his later years his favorite topic of discussion—the subject of his Southern-style tall tales—was his grandchildren. He’d bring them to services when they visited and talk to them about God. He told me he was cementing his legacy, pro-
jecting his Jewish journey into the third generation. His Beth El legacy perfectly mirrored his grandchild mentoring project. They were both about the future, the world to come, the world we inhabit now—a sadder, less joyous place, now that Stuart’s gone. His memory remains a blessing, but so do his leadership deeds here in San Diego, and particularly at Beth El. Every time we give to the Legacy program we honor his memory.
Winter 2014 | 15
{ A Taste of Beth El }
Hands Down the Best Latkes by Amy & Jarred Pinn
This is the simple and straightforward latke recipe that we entered last year in the Chai Group and YAD Cooking Cluster's Latke Cookoff. We took 1st Place! Sometimes it's the basics that turn out the best. Make sure to remove as much moisture as you can from the potatoes, and then, once you mix in the onion, seasonings, and other ingredients, this recipe is a foolproof way to homemade latkes. When it comes to toppings, I prefer jam; Jarred goes for apple sauce every time.
HANDS DOWN THE BEST LATKES Ingredients: 2½ pounds baking potatoes, peeled 1 medium onion, julienned 2 eggs ¼ teaspoon baking powder 2 tablespoons matzoh or all-purpose flour Salt Freshly ground pepper Vegetable oil, for frying
16 | zmanim zmanim
Amy & jarred Pinn, 2014
Directions: Using a hand grater or food processor, grate the potatoes. Wring dry in cheese cloth or a dish towel. Put into a mixing bowl, and toss with onion, eggs, baking powder, and flour. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, cast iron works best, over medium-high heat, cover the bottom with ½-inch of oil. When the oil is hot, spoon 2 tablespoons of the filling into individual cakes into the skillet. Using the back of the spoon, flatten each pancake. Pan-fry until golden brown on each side, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Fry the cakes in batches and do not over-crowd the pan. Makes approx. 2 dozen latkes
{ Member Spotlight }
{ Member Spotlight }
Paying It Forward Gene and Suzanne Newman are two of the warmest, most welcoming people you will meet at Saturday morning services. Originally from the DC area, Gene and Suzanne met at a coffee house at their local JCC. Suzanne was still at the University of Maryland and Gene had graduated from Drexel University a few years before and was working as an electrical engineer. Gene says he arrived at the coffee house with a friend, and when he saw a table of four women, he went over and sat with the cutest one. Two nights later they had their first date. The following night they ran into each other at a Jewish singles event. Eight weeks later, they were engaged. When Gene and Suzanne bought their first home in Brookeville, they were concerned they wouldn’t find any Jews there. In fact, they not only found some Jews but founded the congregation that today has a membership of about 500 families. They remained members for nearly 40 years. Gene had virtually no Jewish upbringing, not even a Bar Mitzvah, despite having two Jewish parents. At 28, he learned to read Hebrew. His learning continued under the tutelage of Rabbi Philip Pohl, whom Gene admires to this day. It was in service to community that Gene learned how to be a Gabbai (the person who assists in the running of services) and read Haftarah. Suzanne had slightly more of a Jewish upbringing than Gene, attending High Holy Day services and youth events, but she also had no Jewish education. When their kids were attending Hebrew Day School
Academy, Suzanne learned Hebrew so she could help their kids with homework. Gene eventually retired from his job at the FAA, where he managed an info tech group. Suzanne retired a few years later from her job with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Seeking a warmer climate in 2007 they bought a house in San Marcos to be closer to their daughter’s growing family. Gene and Suzanne shul shopped and almost gave up on San Diego—until they came to Beth El. It reminded them a bit of their home shul. They found people friendly and welcoming, and they received an aliyah that very morning. They were invited to Shabbat dinner at Beth El and soon made friends. Gene and Suzanne had found their new Jewish home. Gene was hoping to take some time off from volunteering, to just “daven and leave,” as he put it, but it wasn’t long before Stuart Goldstone—of blessed memory—asked Gene to chair the Minhag committee. Gene and Suzanne believe they have an obligation to “pay it forward” by passing on their learning. “The wonderful thing about Judaism is anyone can be involved. As a Gabbai, you don’t just sit in the background and watch. You are a part of the service.” Suzanne and Gene schedule the weekly Haftarah readers and Gabbaim, and they frequently must handle last minute changes. Gene has trained a few adults in reading Haftarah. A source of pride for us all, Gene taught Cheri Weiss and worked with her to learn to chant Haftarah, and today she is studying to become a Cantor! (See article on page 8). Gene is happy
Gene and Suzanne Newman
to teach adults looking to learn the trope for Torah or Haftarah. Outside CBE, Suzanne plays bridge twice a week, started knitting, and is an avid reader. Gene loves to read and is involved in geneology research. Each year on the second day of Passover he shares with their two children and their four grandchildren his family tree, grounding them in their Jewish heritage. Continuing the tradition, their daughter’s family belongs to Congregation Beth El, and their grandchildren attend the San Diego Jewish Academy. Although Gene and Suzanne have only been members of Beth El since 2007, it is hard to imagine a Shabbat service without them.
Winter 2014 | 17
{ Donations } GENERAL FUND General Donations Mark Lohkemper Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Newman In appreciation of… Anita Plaxe by Renee Barnow In celebration of… The baby naming of Eden Liat by Bradley Vlotnick Mr. and Mrs. Erwin Siegal's 75th birthday by James and Sheila Nerad The marriage of our children by Ms. Lisa Kenter In honor of… Fran and Mort Libin's 65th Wedding Anniversary by Morris Stein, PhD Robert Bernstein’s 70th Birthday by Ms. Jennifer Bernstein In memory of... My loving grandmother Florence Pessah Rosenberg by Rebecca Waldorf Stuart Goldstone by Mr. Rodney & Mrs. Gloria Stone by Mr. Eugene & Suzanne Newman by Drs. Andrew and Sonia Israel HESED FUND In honor of… Dr. Stephen Shoemaker, with profound gratitude by Mr. Joseph S. Schuman In memory of... Dear Ilya Perlingier, of blessed memory by Nicole H. Tellier MEMORIAL FUND In honor of… James Nerad on your special birthday by Carole & Buddy Feldman In memory of... Eva Raben by Dr. Stuart & Mrs. Sharon Davidson In loving memory of Irving and Rose Tesler and Jakob and Esther Rosenbaum by William and Sarah Rosenbaum Stuart Goldstone by Alan & Jill Swerdloff by Lauren and Andy Weisenfeld by Ms. Dorothy Block by Keith & Ruth Wahl by Ms. Jenny Meiselman by Mr. Leonard and Mrs. Beth Sloan by Mr. & Mrs. Elliott Rosenberg by Mr. Matt Brehm by Ms. Marsha Schuman by Mr. Paul and Mrs. Margaret Meyer by Mr. Richard and Mrs. Judy Cohen by Mr and Mrs William Miller by Marjory Kaplan by Mr. & Mrs. Perry Nerenberg by Mr. & Mrs. Eli Plaxe by Elizabeth Rosen Jerry and Miriam Katzin by Stuart & Jo Ann Goldstone My loving grandfather, Benzion Sasportas by Benjamin Lechman
18 | zmanim
Donations received August 16-November 15, 2014 MEMORIAL FUND, cont'd In memory of... Beatrice Russel by Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Leib My loving mother, Anne Maltz, by Dr. Howard & Mrs. Elaine Maltz Anna Harris by Mrs. Elizabeth Schwartz My loving father, Isaac Moreno by Dr. Victor & Mrs. Nehama Moreno My loving father, Phil Ruvman by Joel Barry & Vivian Entous Michael Sexter by Mr. Michael & Mrs. Maureen Nichols My loving mother Sonia Guss and beloved family members Raul Huber, Esther Huber, Salomon Guss, Vilia Mavser, Helen Kassel, Franco de Rungs by Mr. & Mrs. Leon Kassel My brothers Philip and Hyman by Mr. & Mrs. Max Friedheim My father, Jacob Smiedt by Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Smiedt Levi Cohen, from your loving daughter by Mrs. Edna Yedid Robert Gildred, From your loving daughter by Ms. Lori Gildred My loving father, Jacob Levin by Ms. Mildred Millman Lilly Avruch by Norman & Dorene Goldfinger Yahrzeit Donations In memory of... My loving husband, Lawrence by Bryna Haber My loving mother, Eleanore by Charles Rosen My loving brother, Arthur Rosen by Charles Rosen My loving mother, Rita Carson by Dennis & Sandra Carson My loving father, Harry Seid by Dr. Allan Seid My loving mother, Fanny Seid by Dr. Allan Seid My loving father, Aaron Fischer by Mrs. Sylvia Geffen My loving mother, Belle Brantz by Dr. Emanuel Brantz My loving father, Jack Maltz by Dr. Howard & Mrs. Elaine Maltz My loving mother, Sara Pappelbaum by Dr. Stanley & Mrs. Roselyn Pappelbaum My loving brother, Alan Gibbs by Dr. Stanley & Mrs. Roselyn Pappelbaum My loving mother, Leona Goldstone by Dr. Stuart Goldstone My loving mother, Amelia Klein by Leonard & Linda Klein Our loving son, Alexander by Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Viterbi My loving father, Arthur Sager by Mrs. Suzanne Newman My loving father Moe Senz by Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Turk My loving father, Ben Abelowitz by Mr. & Mrs. Julian Josephson My loving grandmother, Toni Weingold by Mr. & Mrs. Mark Gleiberman
MEMORIAL FUND, cont'd Yahrzeit Donations In memory of... My loving father, Yankiel Nagiel by Mr. & Mrs. Moises Nagiel My loving grandmothers, Rose Berger and Sophie Ritter by Beverly and Stan Berger Eva Raber by Sharon Davidson My loving grandparents Moses and Selma Sass by Eva Nerenberg My loving cousin, Joseph Yedid by Yosi Yedid My loving mother, Maria Viterbi by Mr. Andrew Viterbi My loving mother, Belena by Mr. & Mrs. Roger Boesky My loving grandmother, Riva by Mr. & Mrs. Roger Boesky My loving father Morad Shadpour by Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Breskin My loving mother, Frances Mandell by Mr. & Mrs. Steven Mendell My loving mother, Cecila Michan by Mr. Carlos Michan My loving father, Fred Mandelbaum by Mr. David Mandelbaum My loving Uncle, George Schneider by Mr. Irv Bressel My loving father, Sam Bressel by Mr. Irv Bressel My loving father Moosa Farajzadeh by Mr. Jamshid Farajzadeh & Mrs. Ramesh Kabbai My loving mother, Shirley Steinert by Mr. Jan Steinert My loving grandfather, David Pinzer by Mr. & Mrs. Michael Busch My loving Uncle David Busch by Mr. Michael Busch My loving Uncle, Samuel Haft by Mr. Michael Busch My loving father-in-Law, Mark Moss by Mr. Morris Alkin My loving mother, Yochel Alkin by Mr. Morris Alkin My loving father, Mauricio Rechtszaid by Mrs. Ana Rothman My loving mother, Zilla Pakier by Mrs. Brenda Mann My loving mother, Ida Batzofin by Mrs. Felicia Mandelbaum My loving mother, Lucille Reznick by Mrs. Joan Schultz My loving father, Myron Coler by Mrs. Sandra Carson My loving mother, Regina Cohn by Mrs. Sheila Nerad My loving father, Benajmin Penn by Mrs. Sheila Seid My loving Ffather, Morton Melnick by Ms. Barbara Barmatz My loving father, Samuel Rodofsky by Ms. Etta Palin My loving mother, Amelia Klein by Ms. Janet Clancy My loving husband, Stanley Gelfand by Ms. Marcia Gelfand
{ Donations } RABBI GRAUBART'S DISCRETIONARY FUND General Donations Dr. Ruth Covell Mark Lohkemper In appreciation of… Rabbi Graubart by Mr. & Mrs. Roger Boesky by Ms. Galina Cotler Peter Louis for his gracious professional support by Yosi Yedid Congregation Beth El for opening Yom Kippur High Holy Days services to the public by Ms. Robin Werner In honor of… Rabbi Susan Freeman for leading the Elul Rosh Chodesh Gathering from Women's Connection Our friend, Michael Bernique by Mr. & Mrs. Roger Boesky Celia Glezer's Bat Mitzvah by Mr. Joseph S. Schuman Rachel and Roy's wedding by Ms. Estelle Silverstein Rabbi Graubart for his wisdom and example by Mrs. Meg Goldstein Alexandra Hirschhorn and family by Ms. Susan Ulevitch In memory of... Michael by Mr. & Mrs. Howard Greenberg Sherry Sherman, sister-in-law of Barbara & Larry Sherman by Mr. Rodney & Mrs. Gloria Stone Stuart Goldstone by Ms. Adele Reznikoff RABBI LIBMAN'S DISCRETIONARY FUND General Donation Mark Lohkemper In appreciation of… Your support at the passing of my husband Gunter Hirsch by Mrs. Marion Hirsch
RABBI LIBMAN'S DISCRETIONARY FUND, cont'd In appreciation of… Rabbi Libman, for enriching our tradition by Yosi Yedid Eva and Jordan’s wedding by Mr. Jordan and Mrs. Eva Marks TIKKUN FUND General Donation Support for the Tikkun projects by Mr. & Mrs. Eli Plaxe In appreciation of… Dr. Lawrence & Mrs. Nancy Levy by Eugene Newman In memory of... Lillian Gilevitz by Dr. Isaac & Mrs. Candice Lagnado Seymour Blatman by Mr. Eli and Mrs. Anita Plaxe Stuart Goldstone by Mr. and Mrs. Evan and Renee Ravich Yahrzeit Donation My loving father, Aaron Fialkow by Mrs. Elaine Maltz YOUTH FUND General Donation Todd Kirschen In honor of… Celia Rose Glezer on her amazing Bat Mitzvah success by Ms. Cathy Jo Cozen ISRAEL COMMITTEE General Donations Ruth Gilboa Myra Glassman Richard Serwin Nina Brodsky Sharona Benami Lesley Davis Martin Haas
ISRAEL COMMITTEE, cont'd General Donations Laurie Greenberg Denise Handler Sharon Davidson Stephen Celniker Wendy Avraham WOMEN'S CONNECTION TORAH FUND Thank you for your generous donations to our Torah Fund Benefactors Patron Renee Ravich Guardian Sue Appelbaum Mindy Gold Rebecca O'Neill Benefactor Karen Bohrer Ruth Covell Rabbi Susan Freeman Sharon Glickman Phyllis Gold Denise Handler Eleanor Hoffman Sonia Israel Gaby Kuperman Fanny Lebovits Nehama Moreno Cindy Nelson Anita Plaxe Gladys Rosen Diane Sherman Thank you to everyone who has made a donation to the Annual Torah Fund in honor of Rabbi Avi Libman.
Donations processed after November 15th will appear on the next issue of Zmanim.
Winter 2014 | 19
life@beth_el
Bethelgram
life@beth_el Edit Profile @mighty_mitzvah_sunday
@beth_el 6th grade VTS class volunteers at Western Service Workers @beth_el making pillos was great fun!
@mighty_mitzvah_sunday #bloodbank @beth_el
@beth_el
@vts #backtoshulevent @beth_el great fun had by all!
@beth_el enjoying delicious shaved ice and gread friends
22 | zmanim
Bethelgram
Bethelgram
youth@cbe
womens_connection
#macharkadima&usysukkahsleepover!
#paintinginthesukkah/tasteofhoney/torahfund
SD_MensChoir #bethelmensclub
#usyfun
#machariceskating
NON-PROFIT ORG. U. S . P o st a g e Pa i d San Diego, CA Permit No. 925
Congregation Beth El of La Jolla 8660 Gilman Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 Tel. (858) 452-1734 Fax (858) 452-5578 shalom@cbe.org www.cbe.org