Beth El Temple Center Bulletin
October 1997
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Table of Contents
October Worship Schedule
{For High Holy Day services, see separate schedule}
Special Services
Wednesday, October 15th-Thursday, October
16th
Erev Sukkot Service 6:30 PM
Sukkot Morning Service 9:00 AM
(both services in Sukkah, weather permitting)
Wednesday, October 22nd-Thursday, October
23rd
Consecration Service 6:30 PM
Simchat Torah Service & Celebration 7:00 PM
Shemini Atzeret/Yizkor Service 9:00 AM
Sabbath Services
Friday, October 3rd and
Saturday, October 4th
Shabbat Shuvah Service 8:00 PM
Shabbat Shuvah Morning Service 10:00 AM
Ha’azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-52)
Bat Mitzvah of Sarah Carlamere,
daughter of Deborah Carlamere & Carl Carlamere
Friday, October 10th
and Saturday, October 11th
Yom Kippur Services (see High Holy Day schedule)
Friday, October 17th
and Saturday, October 18th
Shabbat Chol Ha’Moed Sukkot 8:00 PM
Shabbat Chol Ha’Moed Sukkot 10:00 AM
Friday, October 24th
and Saturday, October 25th
Shabbat Evening Service 8:00 PM
(October simchas)
Shabbat Morning Service 10:00 AM
B’reisheet (Genesis 1:1-6:8)
Bar Mitzvah of Isaac Gross,
son of Jill Mesirov and Benedict Gross
Friday, October 31st
and Saturday, November 1st
Shabbat Evening Service 8:00 PM
Shabbat Morning Service 10:00 AM
Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32)
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From the Rabbi
As I write this, hope for an early peace in the Middle East continues
to dim. Each day, both sides seem to become more entrenched in their positions,
increasingly cornered by pressure from their respective extremists and
their own rhetoric. In such a climate, lovers of Israel (and peace) struggle
to find a foothold for optimism, hope and sometimes, continued commitment.
Loving Israel has become increasingly complex and painful in recent
decades. As she approaches her 50th birthday, Israel seems to be struggling
with a sort of "mid-life" crisis. Not only the search for peace,
but questions of the society’s religious character, the future of a somewhat
beleaguered Zionist vision, the pervasive and sometimes corrosive influence
of Western culture—all these issues and more challenge the nation as she
struggles towards maturity.
We sometimes forget that Israel is still a relatively young nation.
When the United States was only 50 years old in 1826, she still stood well
before the threshold of painful confrontations that would eventually test
and transform the national character. Of course, the issue of slavery challenged
our young country from its inception. But it took Americans almost 90 years
and a tremendous amount of upheaval before we were ready to come to terms
with slavery. We pray with all our hearts that Israel does not require
her own Civil War to work through her challenges. But we should not be
surprised if, at the age of 50, the early optimism and euphoria that followed
Israel’s founding are replaced by the complex, painful and challenging
problems of a maturing society. That reality should seem familiar.
At such a perilous time, those of us who love Israel have a role to
play that is more crucial than ever. Whether we agree or disagree with
the policies of a particular Israeli administration, we must not abandon
our people or our land—now, more than ever. As Israel approaches her 50th
birthday, may she continue to grow into a blessing for our people and for
all the peoples of the world. And may our brothers and sisters in Israel
always know they will have our active love, support and commitment—even
when we disagree. We are a family.
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President's Message
PRESIDENTIAL MEDICAL ALERT
At the risk of offending the many medical professionals who are members of the Temple, and in the interest of the general health of the Temple Community, I must report to you that we've noticed a number of vision problems popping up in our congregation. Although not life threatening, these conditions can cause needless emotional drain and have other lasting side effects, so we all need to be on the look out for the symptoms, and to help people recover.
Far Green Color Blindness - Unlike the garden variety color blindness that makes it difficult for some of us to choose neckties, the typical symptom here is the afflicted person's insistence that the lawn is greener in front of some other congregation in the area. Or perhaps their B'nai Mitzvah are better prepared, or their services are more spiritual, or their Cantor is a new Caruso, or their Rabbi is younger, or more handsome, or their finances are better and their dues are lower. This diagnosis is difficult as one or more of these conclusions may be factual; the syndrome can be identified by the refusal to accept than this Temple is as good or better in any area. Patients suffering from this affliction should be treated with kindness, and encouraged to attend two services, one committee meeting, and two classes or social functions each month. If the condition persists they should repeat this treatment choosing different services, classes, and social events. I am confident that these experiences will remedy this condition. Be careful, however, of the rarer conditions, roseate myopia, in which the congregant professes that everything is perfect and rosy at the Temple and we have no need to look outside for improvements to our programs and services.
Window Vision - This condition appears all too commonly in both younger and older members of the congregation. The sufferer perceives that all other members of the congregation are on the other side of the window while he is outside. Typical symptoms include comments like "I have nothing in common with other Temple members. They are all more (choose any one){reform, conservative, religious, educated, wealthy, spiritual, intellectual, etc.}than I am, " or "It's their Temple . . . ." Clinicians have reported cases where among three congregants, each felt he was the outsider to the other two. Breaking this erroneous perception can be very difficult. Theoretically, by reaching through the perceived window and joining hands the patient will see the mirage for what it is. Occasionally, however, the old perception is replaced by a new one where both the patient and the person trying to help are both seen as outside. As more Congregants reach out, eventually this misperception must cease. Involving the patient in any of our committees or programs for a period of six months should entirely cure this condition. If left untreated, however, this disease can spread and erode the community by making it forget the value of diversity, so the best course is preventive. From Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur to Sukkot to Simchat Torah, during the first three weeks of October this year many of us will spend more time in prayer and reflection than at any other time of year. During this time try greeting or sitting with someone new; invite a Temple family to share supper; try to appreciate what we can learn from one another by breaking down the self-imposed barriers of our differences.
Both of these conditions are serious if not treated. If you see these symptoms in others (or in yourself) contact any member of the Board of Trustees or call me for a consultation. If we can control the outbreaks of these disorders, the year 5758 will be an extraordinary one in the life of Beth El.
L'Shana Tova Tikatavu
Jonathan Miller, Co-President
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From the Director of Education
Recently, I attended a Bar Mitzvah here at the temple. As I was going to my office, I walked by the younger brother of the Bar Mitzvah. He was with a friend and I heard him remark, "Come see my school, this is my room." There was pride in his voice. This sense of pride in the school, the temple and the Jewish community is what we are all about in Jewish education.
How does this happen? It has several components. In the school, we try to provide the best teachers possible. Teachers who inspire, motivate and involve their students in the sharing and learning of Judaism, teachers who serve a role models by being here. The curriculum is constantly being evaluated to provide content and materials that will meet the goals of the program.
In order for this pride to develop it requires support from the home. I am seeing some of that already. Parents have followed up on our invitation to visit the classroom. We had a meeting of parent volunteers for the library, one of the Confirmation parents helped get the ice cream party ready and another parent made new tzedakah boxes for the classes and helped in the school for several days prior to opening.
The more parents are involved in the school and temple, the more students will develop that sense of pride. Here’s another way you can help - be sure your child arrives at school on time and with their materials. Our time is limited and we want to make the most of it. Together we can make the school a place of which we all can be proud. Thanks for your support.
Toby Koritsky
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From the Preschool Director
PRESCHOOL
The Preschool families joined together for a "bring your own" picnic supper to start the year. The children coming here to school were able to meet and play while the parents were welcomed by Rabbi Kraus and Toby Koritsky, and myself.
New parents were also welcomed at a morning coffee planned by Sisterhood and Elyse Shuster. Elyse is the newly appointed trustee serving as liaison between the school and Temple members. She is the mother of one of our graduates.
The teachers are beginning to plan for the new school year—full of wonderful learning experiences. Please stop by and see us! There is nothing like the happy sounds of children’s voices!
-Rolene Karp, Director
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In the Beth El Family . . .
ELIZABETH REARDON…was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on September 27, 1997.
Lizzie is a seventh grader,
and a graduate of Winn Brook Elementary. She is the daughter of Emily Isberg
and Marc Reardon.
A sought-after babysitter,
Lizzie swims with the Aquatic Team, plays the oboe, and likes
to make beaded jewelry. This summer she paddled close to 250 miles on
a canoe camping trip with her family in Canada’s Northwest
Territories.
ISAAC LEON MESIROV GROSS…will become Bar Mitzvah on October
25th, 1997. He is the son of Jill Mesirov and Benedict
Gross. Isaac is a seventh grader, where
he enjoys Math, and playing violin in the school orchestra. Outside
of school, Isaac plays tennis and Little League baseball. He also
enjoys drawing, windsurfing, and skiing.
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Tree Of Life Update
We’d love to grow more leaves on this beautiful tree, in our lobby!
What a wonderful way to remember a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, Anniversary, or any Simcha!! It is so special to see it actually spelled out.
Each leaf is $250., and it has a life-time guarantee!
Please contact the temple for more information. L’Shana Tovah!
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EARLY HASIDISM
An Introduction to the Ba’al Shem Tov, his life and thought, the beginning developments, ideas and philosophy of this heartfelt and charismatic movement of Judaism.
On Mondays, October 20 & 27;
November 3, 10, 17, & 24
from 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Please consider joining us for this
interesting program.
Tuition: $36 for Beth El members,
$54 for others.
For further information, please leave a message at the Temple Office. Thank –You.
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Bulletin Volunteers Needed…
Looking for one or two people to help type articles and columns onto diskette…Please contact the bulletin editor, if you can help out 2 hours per month…Thank You!
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ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS
Each of us must come to terms with the past. No individual can expunge the background, the homes, the traditions that went to shape us as we are now. We are the end products of all our remembrances, our associations, our experiences, All of these are integrated into the self-image, we present to ourselves and to others during these holy days.
Yizkor means REMEMBER. Even in pain we realize that our beloved will never vanish as long as beloved thoughts’ remain with us. No one can take away our hurt because no one can take away our love. Nothing can detract from the happiness we once shared.
Yet we must cling in a slavish way to our memories. To grow we must "let go." To live only in the past will only create more misery and loneliness. We become stuck in a history that can never be repeated. Even within the limitations set by our past we have the coming year, the considerable freedom to make the most profitable use of the present.
Our loved ones have provided the background music of our lives. Let us make creative use of these memories as we construct new melodies. And when Yizkor is concluded and we dry our eyes, let us remember: LIFE IS FOR THE LIVING.
L’Chayim, Rabbi Earl A. Grollman
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TEMPLE DIRECTORY AD BOOK NEWS
Last year we redesigned our Annual Directory and created a new look for the Directory. Thanks to the extra effort and talent of Leslie Saul and Bettina Winter, we now have our new design. Over the summer, Irving Adler, who has been our Ad Book Solicitor for the past 35 years, contacted over 100 businesses and renewed the ads for this year’s Directory. Many thanks to Irving. We really appreciate your commitment to this important fundraiser.
We have a new member of the Ad Book/Directory Committee. Welcome to Richard Winter, who will contribute his extensive talent in database management and systems development. Richard brings a new perspective to this project. I look forward to his insights and technology expertise. We are very interested in taking a new look at the Directory.
We welcome your ideas and involvement. We are looking for Temple members to contribute ideas to use via email or telephone. We will listen and incorporate your ideas and invite you to become part of the planning process.
We are very excited to be creating an efficient and effective way to deliver information to you.
If you would like to place an ad or sell ads to local business, please call Paulette Black.
We invite you to become part of the planning process to take a new look at our Ad Book.
-Paulette Black, Chair
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Sisterhood’s Fall Rummage Sale
Sunday, November 9,1997
NOON – 3 PM
Drop Off Rummage at Beth El :
Thursday, November 6 5:00pm-8:00pm
Friday, November 7 9:00am-2:00pm
Saturday, November 8 6:00pm-9:00pm
Help Support Sisterhood.
Donate Your Rummage.
Volunteer Your Time.
If you can help please call :
Shelley Rubin.
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Jewish Philosophy Study Group
The Jewish Philosophy study group will meet on Wednesday, October 8, 1997 at 7:30PM, at the Temple. We will discuss the philosophy of Rabbi Abraham J. Heschel, in regard to Yom Kippur.
Copies of the readings are in the Adult Education box at the Temple office. Please come and join the group! Call Julian Harlowe for any further details.
Julian Harlowe
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Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh Group
ROSH HODESH
On Tuesday, October 21st at 7:30PM, we will meet at a member’s home to decorate the Succah and enjoy a snack. Please bring New Year’s cards, corn stalks, fruits, and gourds to decorate the Succah. We will learn about our ancestor Judith, and welcome in the month of Heshvan.
For our November meeting, we will see a film at the Jewish Film Festival, during Nov 6-16th. Films are playing at the Coolidge Corner Theatre and Museum of Fine Arts. Please call Sheila for more info…
R.S.V.P., Myrna, or Sheila
Sheila Doctoroff
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Sisterhood Book Discussion Group
ANGELA’S ASHES
By Frank McCort
At the home of a member
Monday November 3rd,
at 7:30PM
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Outreach Committee
We are about to observe the two most holiest holidays of our religion: Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. These holidays are quite serious and somewhat somber. And then the partying begins! Only days after Yom Kippur comes the longest Jewish festival, in which three distinct holidays are combined into one continuous celebration: Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret and Simkhat Torah. I once read somewhere that these holidays come deliberately on the heels of Yom Kippur to remind us that not all of Judaism is so serious.
Please join us for our annual Sukkot party on Sunday, October
19 at 3:00 p.m. at a member's home
. We will have a Sukka, which symbolizes the
booths or tents in which the Jewish people lived during their forty
years wandering in the desert. It is traditional for children to
decorate the sukka with fruit (in this case pictures of fruit they
color first) and other beautiful ornaments. We will shake the lulav
(palm branch) and etrog (citron), sing songs and eat a pot-luck meal
in the sukka. It is a fun time for families and singles alike. If
you would like to join us, please contact the temple for
directions to their house and ideas of what to bring for dinner.
Simkhat Torah marks the end of the reading of the Torah. Once the last words are read, it is traditional to celebrate and dance with the Torah. Again, it is a fun party for all ages. This takes place at the Temple, so check the bulletin for the date and time. L’Shana Tova.
- Cindy Rubin, Chair
(General information is available on-line about the Reform
outreach program, and regional
outreach programs.)
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Religious School Committee
I’m pleased to say the school year got off to a great start! We have experienced an increase in enrollment. We also have a great staff in place to meet the needs of our increasing student body.
I had the opportunity to work with the staff as they participated in a two hour workshop, the Sunday before school began. I presented a workshop on classroom management entitled, Managing Kid’s Behaviors: Who’s In Charge? As a national presenter to educators, I was impressed by this staff’s level of interest, involvement, responsiveness, and willingness to think, rethink, and work towards the best classroom management practices.
I also had the opportunity to talk with a number of parents at Orientation Night. As I said that night, I feel it is important for parents to be involved and to convey to their child how much they value their child’s Hebrew and Judaic Education. Just parking the car and coming into the building at the end of school, is one easy way to convey this message. Any other ideas? Try them out in the new year. Let’s work together to make this year our best yet.
-Ronda Brenner, Chair
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SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Sorry, article was not made available to web site maintainer in digital form.
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Women of Reform Judaism
Your sisterhood will be well represented in Dallas, at the 41st Annual Convention of The Women Of Reform Judaism on October 29-November 2nd. Joining me will be : Sharon Feinberg, Sheila Doctoroff, Annie Fantasia, Sue Kuelzer, Arlene Feinberg, and Toby Koritsky. At the convention, we will have the opportunity to meet and study with other women who will share their ideas and experiences of Temple life around the United States and around the world. We will attend classes, and workshops given by scholars and other leaders of The Reform Judaism world. We will share our Shabbat services with six or seven thousand, (yes, thousand) of our closest friends. Best of all, we will come back excited about all we have seen and heard. When you see one of us, please ask us about our adventure! We want to share what we see and hear with as many of our members as we can reach. Our November meeting, will feature the participants. Please plan to be there!
Thank you to Elyse Shuster, for planning coffee with the nursery school parents. Rolene Karp offered cake and coffee, so we could get to know one another. If you are a new member, who received a welcome basket—it was arranged by Debbie Nager and her welcome committee. Our membership supper went on thanks to a crew led by Penny Roscoe. Soon you will be hearing about our Mystery Dinner. Even I don’t know where we are going, but last year Liz Malsky sold out the bus!! Don’t let this one pass you by!
Families with children, between the ages of 2-5, should contact Merle Kummer. On October 5th, her Cradle Roll group will have its’ Sukkot celebration, a fun morning for parents and their kids. To our new members, we extend a warm welcome.
-Myrna Robinson-Weiner, President
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