November–December 2016 Tishrei–Tevet 5777 Ellen Allard is our scholar/musician–in–residence and will be joining us for two special events!
November 18 November 20 6:30pm–Special Erev Shabbat 9:45am– Adult Education: Family Services Smoothies, Songs and Scripture Join us in the Bauman Sanctuary for festive family Cost: $10/TBH Members and $40/ non–members services open to all ages, and led by Ellen Allard, Rabbis Scholar–in–residence, Ellen Allard shares an opportunity Hronsky and Steinman, Song Leader Stein, Religious to explore texts, sing together, and think about how School Kindergarten and First Grade, Cantor’s Chanters. things we put in our bodies are expressions of our values.
Scholar–in–residence funded by generous gift in memory of Eleanor Freedman.
High Holy Day Thank Yous ...... 2 WTBH ...... 7 Counseling Corner ...... 12 Shabbat & Holiday Observances ...... 3 Brotherhood ...... 7 Food Pantry ...... 12 Leadership ...... 4 Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving ...... 7 Calendar of Special Events ...... 13 Important School Dates ...... 4 Akela's Corner ...... 8 Temple Funds ...... 14-15 Education and Youth ...... 5 Chanukah Celebration Information ...... 9 Save the Date! "Celebrating 70" ...... 15 Mitzvah Day ...... 5 Adult Education ...... 10 Interfaith Thanksgiving Service ...... 16 Youth Group ...... 6 Chanukah Boutique ...... 10 1 If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? am profoundly grateful to the incredible us week after week to practice and being And if not now, when? –Rabbi Hillel community of Temple Beth Hillel and all the highlight for so many during our Rosh e Beth H I pl i l em le friends of TBH. The congregation created Hashanah services. T l such a sacred community in which to pray • Thank you to all of our Torah readers and and gather throughout the Holy Days. It our Jonah story tellers.
was an honor to be with everyone and to • I extend my deepest thanks to all the Est. 1946 share in inspirational liturgy from our new volunteers and staff who made the High A Reform congregation affiliated machzor. Thank you for creating such a Holy Days season extraordinary: Executive with the Union for Reform Judaism beautiful place to share in. Director Al Welland, Carlos Mendoza– 12326 Riverside Drive I would like to share a few words of Head of Maintenance, and our entire Valley Village, CA 91607 thanksgiving, todah raba– THANK YOU. maintenance crew. To our staff Leslie 818-763-9148 • www.tbhla.org • To our clergy team for their leadership and Anderson, Beth Giarmona, Nardit Gilboa, OFFICERS, BOARD OF TRUSTEES & CHAIRS thoughtful words and voices. Thank you Claudine Putnam Douglas, Kathryn Jensen, SENIOR RABBI to Rabbi Eleanor Steinman, Cantor Patti Audra Blum, Jasmine McKay, and J.C. Sarah Rene Hronsky Linsky, Cantor Jennifer Roher, and Rabbi McKinley DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Jim Kaufman. • Special thanks to all of our ozreem–ushers Rabbi Eleanor Steinman • To our organist Erik Belsheim, the choir, who went above and beyond assisting CANTOR and the magnificent band from Rosh congregants and community members in a Patti Linsky DIRECTOR OF BAR AND BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM Hashanah evening services, our harpist and warm and wonderful manner. Thank you to Cantor Jen Roher chellist, and to Matt Bohm from Affordable David Reff and Freddie Goldberg for leading EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Soundworks our usher corps. Al Welland • We respect the anonymity of our 12– • Thank you to our Board members who BETH HILLEL DAY SCHOOLS step service leaders, and thank them for joined us on the bimah, and as greeters. Elementary Head Of School Kathryn Jensen arranging this special service. • To Women of TBH for their special oneg Director of Early Childhood Education • We thank Howard Blumenfeld for his at S'lichot, to our Board of Trustees for Claudine Douglas guided meditation and Chaplain Barbara sponsoring the oneg on Rosh Hashanah, to PRESIDENT Singer for leading the Yom Kippur discussion Brotherhood for their break–fast. Eric Goldman group. • Thank you to Bruce Thomas who, along VICE PRESIDENTS • And our senior youth group, H.R.T.Y., for with our security company, helped us to feel Paul Wunsch Margie Meadow Freddie Goldberg leading our youth service on Rosh Hashanah safe and secure. TREASURER/VICE PRESIDENT • Youth Education Professional, Ellie • Thank you to all those who participated Tim Fox Laycook, for creating incredible Youth in our High Holy Day Annual campaign, FINANCIAL SECRETARY programming and coordinating Sukkah assisting us in keeping TBH doors open Freddie Goldberg
Palooza. to our members and the wider East Valley RECORDING SECRETARY • Special thanks to Eric and Michael community. Darren Turbow Goldman who led our George Friedman It takes a village to make our High Holy PAST PRESIDENT, IMMEDIATE Shofar Corps class and organized our shofar Days come together. Thank you all. Barbara Motz sounders for their special task. And thank Shalom, PAST PRESIDENT M. Bruce Gumbiner you to all of our shofar sounders for joining Rabbi Sarah Hronsky TRUSTEES Lara Abell Darren Ross Jodi Friedericks Kim Hirsch Mya Rosett Erika Jarrick Joan Halpern Weise Brian Kushnir High Holy Days Bruce Thomas CO-PRESIDENTS OF BROTHERHOOD Chris Dwyer Mark Singer 2016 at TBH CO-PRESIDENTS OF WOMEN OF TBH Jodie Reff Evelyn Lever EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CHAIR Jennifer Rochkind BHDS BOARD PRESIDENT Gail Steinberg HRTY PRESIDENT Jonathan Goldberg RABBI EMERITUS James Lee Kaufman CANTOR EMERITUS Alan F. Weiner Hillel Omer, November–December 2016, Volume 75, Issue 3 Published bi–monthly September through July. Publication office at 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village, CA 91607. Subscription rate $1.00 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Valley Village, CA. Postmaster: Send address changes to Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village, CA 91607 2 USPS 537–460, ISSN 8096 SHABBAT & HOLIDAY OBSERVANCES November SHABBAT, NOV. 18-19 Saturday, December 17 Torah Portion: December 9:00am SHABBAT, NOV. 4-5 Vayeira, Genesis 18:1-22:24 SHABBAT, DEC. 2-3 Shabbat Morning Minyan Friday, November 18 Torah Portion: Join us in the Kaufman Beit Midrash Torah Portion: for services led by Rabbi Steinman Noach, Genesis 6:9-11:32 5:30pm Tol'dot, Genesis 25:19-28:9 and Song Leader Stein. Friday, November 4 Picnic Dinner Friday, December 2 Bring your own picnic dinner and 7:30pm 4:00pm 7:30pm join us on the Upper Yard (weather Moses Program: Erev Shabbat Services permitting) or Sands Mallet Social Erev Shabbat Services Join us in the Bauman Sanctuary S'udah Shleesheet- Join us in the Bauman Sanctuary Hall. Special Chanukah Party for services led by Rabbi Hronsky, 6:30pm for services led by Rabbi Hronsky, Cantor Linsky and the Adult Choir. Cantor Linsky, and the Adult Choir. A special outreach to Jews who Birthday blessings will be shared. Special Family Erev Oneg to follow. have developmental disabilities. Oneg to follow. Shabbat Services Featuring Please RSVP to Tobi Schneider at Ellen Allard SHABBAT, DEC. 9-10 [email protected] Saturday, November 5 Join us in the Bauman Sanctuary Torah Portion: SHABBAT, DEC. 23-24 5:00pm for festive family services open to all Vayeitzei, Genesis 28:10-32:3 ages, Ellen Allard, Rabbis Hronsky Torah Portion: Bar Mitzvah of and Steinman, Song Leader Stein, Friday, December 9 Vayeishev, Genesis 37:1-40:23 Aaron Nemiroff Religious School Kindergarten and 7:00pm Friday, December 23 First Grade, Cantor’s Chanters, and Erev Shabbat Services SHABBAT, NOV. 11-12 all of our temple families. Oneg to Join us in the Bauman Sanctuary for 5:45pm Torah Portion: follow. services led by Rabbi Hronsky, Song Shabbat Nosh Lech L'cha, Genesis 12:1-17:27 Saturday, November 19 Leader Stein, the Cantor's Chanters, Join us in the Sands-Mallet Social Friday, November 11 and the 5th and 6th grade Religious Hall for light refreshments before 9:00am School students. December birthday services. 6:00pm Shabbat Morning Minyan blessings will be shared. Oneg to Shabbat Services at Join us in the Kaufman Beit Midrash follow. 6:05pm Adat Ari El for services led by Rabbi Steinman Musical Kabbalat Join us at Adat Ari El for Shabbat and Song Leader Stein. Saturday, December 10 Shabbat Service Services. Join us in the Bauman Sanctuary for 5:00pm 9:00am 7:00pm services led by Rabbi Hronsky and Bar Mitzvah of Shabbat Text Study Song Leader Stein. Shabbat Dinner at Justin Gamm Our monthly, hour-long text study Adat Ari El will be led by Rabbi Steinman, in the CHANUKAH OBSRV. DEC 25 After services we will dine with Adat Kaufman Beit Midrash. Ari El. Please RSVP at bethhillel.info WEDNESDAY, NOV. 23 Sunday, December 25 6:30pm SHABBAT, DEC. 16-17 5:00pm 8:00pm Interfaith Torah Portion: Chinese Dinner Election Reflection Part 2 Thanksgiving Service Vayishlach, Genesis 32:4-36:43 Join us in the Feldman Horn Mercaz Join us in the Bauman Sanctuary to kick-off our Chanukah Family at Adat Ari El Friday, December 16 Join Rabbi Sarah in attending this for a special Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration with a Chinese dinner. event. Featured Speakers and Service led by Rabbi Hronsky, 5:45pm Cost is $10/pp (kids 5 and under are Scholars J.J. Goldberg and Jonathan Cantor Linsky, the Adult Choir, and Tot Shabbat Dinner free) Please RSVP to bethhillel.info Tobin will be speaking about this Cantor's Chanters. Pack a delicious dinner and join us in years' election. the Sands Mallet Social Hall before 5:45pm SHABBAT, NOV. 25-26 services. Candle–Lighting & Singing Saturday, November 12 Torah Portion: Bring your Chanukiah for this special 9:00am Chayei Sarah, Genesis 23:1-25:18 6:30pm candle–lighting event. Shabbat Text Study Friday, November 25 Tot Shabbat Service 6:00pm Monthly hour-long text study led by Join us in the Bauman Sanctuary for Rabbi Steinman in the Kaufman Beit 5:45pm a family friendly service led by Rabbi Family Movie Midrash. Mourner's Kaddish will be Shabbat Nosh Hronsky, Song Leader Stein, and We will be watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Starring Gene recited. Join us in the Sands-Mallet Social Early Childhood Rooms 1, 2, and 3. Hall for light refreshments before Oneg to follow. Wilder). We will also have a popcorn 10:00am services. bar with fixings. Bar Mitzvah of 6:05pm 7:30pm Ry Kagan SHABBAT, DEC. 30-31 Musical Kabbalat Erev Shabbat Services Torah Portion: Shabbat Services Join us in the Kaufman Beit Midrash 5:00pm Join us in the Bauman Sanctuary for for services led by Rabbi Hronsky Mikeitz, Genesis 41:1-44:17 Bar Mitzvah of services led by Rabbi Hronsky and and Song Leader Stein. Oneg to Friday, December 30 Benjamin Coen Song Leader Stein. follow. 7:30pm Erev Shabbat Services Join us in the Bauman Sanctuary for a special Musical Erev Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Steinman and Congrats to our November B'nei Mitzvah! Musical Guest. Oneg to follow. November 5 November 12 November 12 November 19 .
Aaron Nemiroff Ry Kagan Benjamin Coen Justin Gamm Son of Stacy Schrier Son of Jeffrey Kagan Son of Daniel Son of Larry & & Ed Nemiroff & Briana Kagan & Myrna Coen Sarwi Gamm 3 Leadership Education and Youth place of support for each other in times Proud to be a Member of TBH of need and life cycle events, from baby by Eric Goldman We moved to Philadelphia for Susan naming through the rest of our lives. TBH President to go to medical school. I have rotated I receive great personal satisfaction between computer work and the last by what we do for others, which is one of several years focused on accounting and our core values, tzedakah: Mitzvah Day, finance. When my oldest child started our upcoming Thanksgiving dinner will school, I decided to stay with accounting serve those in need, our steady support s I reread through my previous and finance. of the food pantry, and helping others APresident’s columns, my first Upon our arrival in Los Angeles, we through the counseling center. We also column thanked the outgoing Board, joined TBH and a havurah. One year later enrich lives through education–from and introduced our new Board and a member of our havurah was running "Parent and Me" classes and our Early my second article was High Holy Day for a Board position, so I came to my first Childhood programs to an award– centric. I have not taken the opportunity congregational meeting to support him. winning Elementary School to Religious to introduce myself to those who do not I was inspired and chose to be part of the School and Confirmation classes, know me, maybe tell you something solution by joining a committee for the as well as adult and family learning about myself, and perhaps my motivation first time in my life. From there, I joined opportunities. for being involved in Temple Beth the Temple Board, became Treasurer for While I have a very strong love of Hillel. While I was born in Brooklyn, two terms (enabling me to work closely TBH and its people, I am aware that I consider myself as being raised in the with two different Presidents, providing we have opportunities to achieve even Northern San Fernando Valley. Growing me with two different perspectives), and more. How else can we make our temple up, my family observed the holidays, but later President. I would like to think that better year after year? I assure you that we were not affiliated with any temple. my decades of work experience have our Board is continually working on Most everything I learned about Judaism benefited the Temple, as the Temple has making our temple the best it can be. If has been through Temple Beth Hillel provided me many insights that I have you would like to get involved, or have and expanded through my children's been able to apply to both my personal ideas to make our temple a better place, religious education that exceeded my and professional life. please feel free to get in touch with me wildest expectations (also from TBH, of I am truly honored to be part of at [email protected]. Whatever we course). TBH. I have found this place to be implement will help us make the next I earned a degree in accounting very welcoming from our first service, 70 years even better! from Cal State Northridge. Shortly where we decided to join because fellow after graduating (3 days to be precise), temple member and past President, I married the love of my life, Susan Peter Weiss, made my wife and children (whom I met exactly 30 years ago this feel so at home. TBH provides a home New Year’s Eve). for all people to pray and learn. We are a Important School Dates November December Sunday, November 6 Wednesday, December 7 Mitzvah Day ES Fall Drama Performance Friday, November 11 Thursday, December 15 Coming soon! NO SCHOOL Veteran’s Day ES Generations Day Friday, November 18 Friday, December 16 ECE Thanksgiving Feast & Performance Tot Shabbat ECE Rooms 1, 2, 3 Friday, November 18 Monday December 19– Ellen Allard Scholar–in–Residence Monday, January 2 Special Shabbat @ 6:30pm NO SCHOOL Winter Break Wednesday, November 23– Monday, December 19– Friday, November 25 Friday, December 23 NO SCHOOL ECE Winter Camp Thanksgiving Observance Sunday, December 25 Chanukah celebration, Chinese dinner, candle lighting, and movie Party Book launches on January 19. Please join us in this FUN–raiser! Tuesday, December 27– More information is available at Friday, December 30 tbhla.com ECE Winter Camp 4 Education and Youth Proud to be a Member of TBH Teaching Jewish Values to Our Children by Claudine Douglas Director of Early are holding a tricycle–a–thon to raise Childhood Education money for Nokidhungry which provides nutritious meals to children who do not iving back to those in need is an have enough food to eat. Have your Gimportant part of living a Jewish children take pride in some goodwill by life, and it is central to the values that bringing gently used books to benefit includes making cards for the sick and we teach our children in the Early a Los Angeles School, giving books to giving gently used or new toys to kids Childhood, Elementary School and children who can’t afford them. in need. Devote at least one night Religious School. Therefore, we instill At the ECE Thanksgiving Feast of Chanukah to giving rather than the importance to reach out to others. & Performance join us in bringing a receiving. Whether giving financially (tzedakah), canned food item, peanut butter and/or These customs promote social growth through acts of loving kindness (gemilut dried beans to the event. Supporting our and teach our children, from a very hasadim), or social action (tikkun olam), Interfaith Food Pantry here at TBH is a young age, that they matter and can help it is essential to our Jewish identity. large part of every classroom’s tzedakah to make the world a better place. Taking During the months of November and donations each week. On Fridays, as care of the sick, comforting friends in December there are many ways that you the children celebrate Shabbat, you can times of sadness, and celebrating simchas can participate in these fundamental often see our children stopping to drop are important ways that we honor our Jewish values. Mitzvah Day, on off food while on their way to spend Jewish identities. Finding opportunities November 6, is a wonderful opportunity Shabbat with the Rabbi. to incorporate these values into your to come to Temple and share in gemilut During Chanukah we teach children everyday life will bring more hope and hasadim. The Early Childhood children the importance of tikkun olam. This joy into your life.
Mitzvah Day Please bring to Lobby any of the below: •Toiletries for Brotherhood’s November 6 at Temple Beth Hillel Feed the Hungry Guest bags •Bra–ject – for Jewish World Watch. 9:00am Many teenage girls are dropping out of school because of fear about their Meet on the Upper Yard for a quick nosh bodies. Please donate NEW sport/ jogging bras for teens especially white followed by opening assembly. or nude colored. All sizes are great! •Laundry Pods in SEALED containers Activities include: & dryer sheets for L.A. Family Housing •Coloring Books–L.A. County Family •Trike–A–Thon Services •Gently used children books benefiting a •Blood Drive Los Angeles based school and Valley Community Health Care’s waiting room •Mitzvah Garden •Toilet paper and Paper towels– L.A. Family Housing •NHIFP Food Packaging •$5 and $10 gift cards for L.A. Family Housing–Leave in TBH main office •Letters to Our Soldiers •Day of collection (Nov. 6 only): Men’s Dress for Success: Dress slacks, shirts, •Projects in Jewish Homes for the Aging jackets, & shirts for interviews. •And Much More!
5 Youth Group Making This Year Great by Nathan Schnider HRTY Vice President (Beth Hillel Reform Temple Youth–Children 8–12th grade) ello, I am Nathan Schnider, the HHRTY Programming Vice President. I want to make HRTY fun for everyone with interesting and inviting programs and games. My goal is to plan events where everyone not only gets to, but also wants to, participate. HRTY is a place for teens to have a great time and make new friends. I want to make this a great year, and this will help greatly.
November–December Youth Group Events
November 20 December 3 December 17 Jr. HRTY Jr. HRTY HRTY Temple Beth Hillel 6th, 7th, & 8th December 3 is the first N.F.T.Y. 678 Happy Chanukah from Hogwarts. graders, join us for our November event of the year. Our 6th, 7th and H.R.T.Y. will be hosting a Harry Potter Thanksgiving themed event. We will 8th graders will join other 6th 7th and themed event. Keep an eye out for be playing games, eating delicious 8th graders from around Southern more information. food, and learning about the Jewish California for a day of programming, views on gratitude. community and fun! Keep an eye out February 17–20 for registration details. HRTY November 18–20 Registration is Open Now! HRTY December 11 N.F.T.Y. Convention is a one of a NFTY SoCal Social Justice Kallah– Club 345 kind experience – bringing together better known as S.J.K., this meaningful TBH 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are more than 1,000 Reform Jewish teens weekend retreat embodies our year– invited to join our December event, from across North America. You will round focus on Tikkun Olam through Magic and Miracles. We will be learn valuable leadership skills, meet experiential programming and a celebrating the Miracles of Chanukah incredible people, and laugh, learn, unique partnership with the Religious a bit early and will enjoy a magic show. and sing as one community. Action Center.
For more information about any of Temple Beth Hillel’s Youth Group programs please contact Ellie Laycook, Youth and Family Programs Coordinator, [email protected] or 818–763–9148 ext 109 6 Women of TBH Feed the Hungry A Time to Be Thankful on and a Time to Give by Jodie Reff & Evelyn Lever Thanksgiving Women of TBH Co-Presidents
igh Holy Days season is over craft–night are possibilities. Hand now we move on to a very Our biggest fund-raiser event of busy November and December. the year––the annual Chanukah Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for Boutique––takes place on Sunday, all we have, and Chanukah is a time to December 4 from 9:00am–3:00pm. celebrate our freedom. Our November We are always looking for volunteers activities include several members of to cashier. Start making your lists and Women of TBH attending the W.R.J. come and buy. We have gifts for all, our Pacific District Convention in Las hot dogs (cooked by Brotherhood) and Vegas. We will have fun and bring back our homemade latkes are delicious. new programming and fundraising Every December, Women of TBH Community volunteers cook, ideas to share with the congregation. participates in Adopt–A–Family. L.A. We are sponsoring a book drive for the Family Housing provides us with a set–up, and serve over 500 Valley Community Health Care and wish list for two needy families, and we meals on Thanksgiving Day. are looking for childrens' books for the contribute and raise money to shop for Financial donations are waiting room to keep the families busy the family members to provide them while they wait. The book drive will with gifts for the holidays. We wrap welcome to help fund the culminate on Mitzvah Day, November the gifts and they are delivered in time feast. 6, so please collect your books and for their holiday observance. We are bring them by when you come to planning a movie night with a speaker Temple. Look for the collection bins as and snacks for December 17, and our Will you help fund the Mitzvah Day approaches. On Sunday, Chanukah Party with Early Childhood feast? November 13, we have our annual Parents on December 27. We wish Brotherhood/Women of TBH Paid–Up everyone a happy Thanksgiving and a Yes! I want to feed Membership Dinner. joyous Chanukah, and hope you can On Tuesday, November 15, an evening join us and make our events even nicer the hungry! Here is a activity is being planned—dinner and with your presence. Thanksgiving gift of: $10 to feed 5 people TBH Brotherhood $20 to feed 10 people $40 to feed 20 people In Action for the Holidays $______, a donation that is by Chris Dwyer & Mark Singer TBH Brotherhood Co-Presidents meaningful to me, to feed as many people as possible. Thank you to our volunteers who made the opening day of Religious School Please return this form to: BH Brotherhood is looking forward “Pancake Breakfast” so successful. We Tto a very active month of community appreciate the work of our High Holy Temple Beth Hillel service this November. We will be Days ushers, the “Break–the–fasters.” Brotherhood, enthusiastic participants of Mitzvah Day Thank you to the “Sukkah–Putta– on November 6. We will also be focusing Uppas,” and those who participated in 12326 Riverside Drive, on our 16th Annual Thanksgiving Feed “Scotch in the Sukkah” who helped make Valley Village, CA 91607 the Hungry event on Thanksgiving those respective holidays meaningful and Day. This will take place on November enjoyable. Keep your eyes on this space Donate online at: for photos from these events. 24 in our own parking lot. For more tbhla.org/donate. information on the Thanksgiving event Brotherhood is open to new ideas and activities. Please, feel free to contact us or to volunteer for Thanksgiving, please Volunteer via email at: email us at [email protected]. You at [email protected] if you have can also volunteer by cooking for the any ideas or suggestions. [email protected] event during the week leading up to it. 7 The Latest from C.A.G. "The Emotional Toll in Redefining Your Aging Self" DATE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 PLEASE RSVP to: TIME: 12:30pm-2:30pm Rabbi Jim at PLACE: Adat Ari El, ([email protected]) 12020 Burbank Blvd, Light lunch provided (with vegetarian Valley Village, CA 91607 option).
Akela's Corner We Are Mitzvot by Glenn Cote be on December 15, when the boys will Cubmaster, Pack 311 receive their Pine-wood Derby kits. One of the most popular and successful family activities in Cub Scouting, the Pine- t’s no secret that community service wood Derby features small wooden model Iis a big part of Scouting, which is cars that Cub Scouts make themselves why this November 6—as every year— (with help from their families). Then Pack 311 is looking forward to kicking they get to race the cars in an exciting off November by participating in competition! The cars are powered by TBH’s Mitzvah Day. gravity and run down a track. We give The following Sunday, on November out trophies not only for winning races, 13, the boys and their families will but for these accomplishments as well: take part in a Hiking Team event on Most Patriotic, Best Cub Scout Theme, the old missile site trail in Encino, and Funniest, Most Realistic Race Car, Best then on the 17 we’ll have our November Detail, and Most Unusual. The Derby Pack meeting in the Mercaz. Our last will be held in the Mercaz on January 29. pack activity for November is another exciting community service project— Pack 311 welcomes boys in kindergarten the Thanksgiving Day event at TBH. through fifth grades, or 6–10 years December 10 will find us hiking Millard of age, from all religious and family Canyon Falls Trail (Alta Dena) and our backgrounds. For more information, last meeting in the Mercaz for 2016 will visit www.cubpack311.com Want to advertise with us?
Advertising in the Hillel Omer is a great way When you and your guests want to be treated like royalty! to boost your business while supporting the mission of Temple Beth Hillel. We publish bi-monthly throughout the year. Over 20 years serving the San Fernando Valley For more information contact our communications team at [email protected]
Size 1x Rate 5x Rate $295 Full Page $450 $1,475/annual $195 Half Page $310 $975/annual $140 Third Page $260 SilverSpoonsCateringInc.com $700/annual $80 Sixth Page $160 $360/annual $60 Ninth Page $95 (business card) $300/annual
8 Dreidel Game Temple Beth Hillel presents You will need “tokens” or “pieces” for each person such as: plastic chips, pennies, small candies like M & M’s Family or Hershey Kisses. One dreidel is also needed per group. Distribute equal number of “pieces” to each player. Chanukah Begin play be having each of the players ante up one or two “pieces” to the common pot. Take turns spinning the dreidel and take the action determined Celebration by the letter your spin lands upon: dinner, candle-lighting, • bNun – the player takes nothing and a movie • dGimel – the player takes all • vHey – the player takes half Sunday, December 25 5:00pm–Chinese Dinner • aShin – the player puts in one 5:45pm–Candle–Lighting and Singing Bring your own Chanukiah as we light our candles together! 6:00pm–Movie: We will be watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder. We will also have popcorn with all the fixings! $10/per person (kids 5 and under are free) Please RSVP to bethhillel.info
Chanukah at Home: Candle–Lighting Times and Blessings Chanukah begins at sunset on December 24 and the last night to light candles is December 31.
Lighting: Candles are added from right to left, but lit from left to right–the newest candle is lit first. First light the shamash (helper candle;) Then use it to kindle the rest of the Chanukah lights. On Shabbat, light the Chanukah candles first followed by the Shabbat candles.
The Blessings: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu ladlik ner shel Chanukah. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe; You make us holy with Your mitzvot and command us to kindle the Chanukah lights. Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam she’asah nisim la’avoteinu ul’imoteinu bayamim haheim baz’man hazeh. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe; You showed wonders to our fathers and mothers in this season of days of old. On the first night only, we add: Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha’olam shehecheyanu v’kiy’anu v’higianu laz’man hazeh. We praise You, Eternal God, Sovereign of the universe; for giving us life, for sustaining us, and for enabling us to reach this season.
9 TBH, You Are Invited to Attend: Visions For a Shared Society The "Tribes" of Israel A Synagogue Collaborative Lecture Series Lecture is FREE to TBH Members. Non–members $20/lecture or $75 for series pass. (Post–lecture dinners are $36/individually or $100 for all three for both members and non–members. You must RSVP and pay for your dinner ahead of time.)
To RSVP and pay for post–lecture dinner, visit shalomhartman.org/LAcollaborative
Generously funded by the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles.
Chanukah Boutique Sunday, December 4 9:00am-3:00pm
•Gift Shop Specials •Jewelry, Art Glass, Pottery •Food Court, Hot Dogs, Latkes, & More! •Clothing, Soaps, Candles • Gourmet Bake Shop •Specialty Foods & Jams •4 Kids Only Shop
le Beth H p il em le T l Your one-stop shopping experience!
Est. 1946 10 tbhla.org/community/sisterhood Generously funded by the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles.
Chanukah Boutique Sunday, December 4 9:00am-3:00pm
Your one-stop shopping experience! tbhla.org/community/sisterhood 11 Counseling Corner Sexual Assault–How Prevalent Is It? by Gussie Sitkin, MFT, Clinical Director of TBH at the Community Counseling Center It is important to know that most heal from sexual assault. Individual and rapes are committed by someone who group counseling are both available is known to the victim. Many survivors resources. t seems that daily we hear about sexual of non–stranger rape have a difficult The Center Against Rape and Iassault through the media. I wondered time recognizing that the assault is a Domestic Violence has a hot-line 24 how prevalent it was and have done crime. Survivors often know, and until hours a day. The numbers are: some research to clarify its prevalence the assault, had no reason to distrust (541)754–0110 or 1 (800)927–0197. and how victims are coping with sexual the perpetrator. As a result, survivors Healing from a sexual assault takes assault. sometimes worry that their actions time and support. Here are some things According to the Center Against caused the assault. This is never the survivors can do after they have reported Rape and Domestic Violence every two case! the crime and have received help. minutes, someone in the United States It is vitally important that victims •They can continue to build a support is sexually assaulted. That translates to of rape report it at once. I know that network. You can’t have too much 30 assaults each hour, 715 assaults each sometimes victims fear reporting it for support. day, 21,452 assaults each month, and fear of retaliation, fear of not being •You can talk to an advocate, or trusted 272,350 assaults a year! That answers believed, shame or embarrassment, friend, or counselor. You can spend time the question of prevalence. But what desire to keep details private, lack of with safe people who can help lessen happens to the survivors? How do they trust in the criminal justice system, your stress. cope? or self–blame. However, if we allow •You can simplify your life by dropping First of all, what constitutes sexual perpetrators to get away with it, the any activities that add to your workload assault? Sexual assault is any non– perpetrator continues to assault. or cause additional stress in your life. consensual sexual act; if “no” is not an The survivor of sexual assault needs to •You can minimize your contact with option, it is sexual assault. It can take know these facts: people or situations that may be hurtful. the form of unwanted verbal, visual, •It was not your fault. The perpetrator •Be patient. Healing takes time, so be or physical contact. Unsolicited sexual is solely responsible! Place the blame gentle with yourself. comments, being forced to touch where it belongs. another person in a sexual manner, •Nightmares or flashbacks are normal For further information, call the being forced to watch or perform sexual under the circumstances. Community Counseling Center at acts, and rape are all examples of sexual •Seek support. You don’t have to deal (818)762–4817. assault. with it on your own. It is possible to
FoodFood Pantry Pantry The Blessings of Working Together by Leslye Adelman, The North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry s the year comes to a close, I look in preparation for her Bat Mitzvah easier and more pleasurable knowing Aback at how the Pantry has done, in October. Ella first raised money you are in the basement with us and and I am pleased with the attention to purchase baby, toddler and adult bringing donations to keep the box and assistance EVERYONE at TBH diapers and filled an SUV with them. in the lobby constantly in need of has offered us. The High Holy Days She then held a food drive that was emptying! Food Drive was a success this year and amazingly successful. Her success is I thank you all for your generosity. That a testament to her commitment to said, please do not forget the Pantry serving her community. throughout the year. A special thanks to the Oakdale Food donations have been coming Preschool. They did several collections in from congregants, students, and of canned food for the Pantry. They employees, and I love looking into a wheeled the cans in little red wagons full big box in the lobby each time I from their school to TBH. They were come by the Temple. Your donations an inspiration for me to get the entire mean we only need to purchase what TBH school community more involved is essential in the bags of groceries we in the Pantry, and I am pleased to say it provide and fill it with the food we are is definitely working! given. As 2016 comes to a close, I look Kudos to Ella Gardner. She chose the forward to the continued support from Food Pantry as her Mitzvah Project all of you. It makes the undertaking
12 Calendar of Special Events
Temple Closures for Nov-Dec 6:00pm Sunday, December 11 Please be advised that the Temple will be closed for a few days over these two Bingo Bistro at Temple Beth Hillel 4:00pm months in observance of National Holidays. Back by popular demand! Hosted by Brotherhood Shalom Hartman These dates are as follows. and Women of TBH. Paid up members are free, Institute presents non-members $10. Lots of pizza/pasta, salad, Tal Becker at Stephen Fri., Nov. 11 - Veteran's Day garlic bread, desert, drinks/wine included. Please S. Wise Temple Thurs., Nov. 24 and Fri. Nov. 25 RSVP to [email protected] See page 10 for details. -Thanksgiving Mon., Dec. 26 - Christmas (Observed) Wednesday, December 14 7:00pm Tuesdays 12:30pm Adult Education: Adult Education: Torah Tuesdays TBH Book Club Study the weekly Torah portion for an hour. Join us in the Kaufman Beit No previous experience required. Midrash as we discuss The Man in the White Sharkskin RSVP AND BUY TICKETS ONLINE Suit, by Lucette Lagnado. for courses, dinners and special events Sunday, November 20 Led by Jan Goldsmith. at bethhillel.info 9:45am Smoothies, Songs, and Scriptures Saturday, December 17 November Scholar-in-residence, Ellen Allard 7:00pm Sunday, November 6 shares an opportunity to explore Movie Night and Guest Speaker sponsored by 9:00am texts, sing together, and think about how the things we put in WTBH Mitzvah Day our bodies are expressions of our Join us at TBH for a screening Join us on Mitzvah Day at Temple Beth Hillel! values. Cost $10/TBH members of the documentary "Crime After See page 5. and $40/non-members. Crime." There will be a meal that Wednesday, November 9 includes pizza, salad, and garlic bread. There will also be a guest speaker from 7:00pm Thursday, November 24 the California Religious Action Center for this Adult Education: 11:00am event. Please RSVP to [email protected] by TBH Book Club 16th Annual Thanksgiving November 6, so that we can make sure to have Join us in the Kaufman Beit Community Feast by Brotherhood Midrash as we discuss with Our congregants rally Saturday, December 24- Rabbi Ellie a short story together to bring a warm Monday, January 1 from The Oxford Book of Thanksgiving meal for Jewish Stories, by Ilan those in need. Led by Chanukah Stavans. the Brotherhood. For We wish you a happy, volunteering opportunities reflective, and wonderful contact [email protected] Chanukah! See page 9 Friday, November 11 for Candle-lighting times 6:00pm and more! Election Reflection Before and AfterPt 2 December Join us as we meet with Adat Ari El for services, Sunday, December 25 followed by dinner, and finally hear guest Sunday, December 4 5:00pm speakers and scholars J.J. Goldberg and 9:00am Jonathan Tobin. RSVP for dinner at bethhillel.info Family Chanukah Celebration WTBH Chanukah Holiday Boutique Join us for a family friendly Chanukah celebration See page 10 for details. in the Feldman Horn Mercaz. We will celebrate with a Chinese dinner, a screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (starring Gene Wilder), pop-corn bar with fixings, and a candle-lighting. Bring your Chanukiah. Cost is $10/pp (kids 5 and under are free). RSVP to bethhillel.info.
Sunday, November 13 Sunday, December 11 4:00pm 12:30pm Shalom Hartman Caring Across Generations Institute presents See page 8 for details. Yehuda Kurtzman at Leo Baeck Temple Tuesday, December 27 See page 10 for details. Did you know? 6:00pm WTBH Chanukah Party with Chanukah begins four days before Early Childhood Parents the new moon, which is the E-mail [email protected] for more info. darkest night of the Kislev month. Chanukah literally brings light The month is close to the winter in the darkest time of the year. solstice, which is the longest and darkest month of the year. 13 In Honor of Arnold Katz, by Fay Bass Zoe Hronsky’s Bat Mitzvah, Arthur Weinstock, by Arlene by Roz Tuckman and Sandy Weinstock Honor, appreciate, or by Tara and Moshe Kaiserman and Family Barbara Tessler–Solomon, In Appreciation of Rabbi Sarah by Sue Howell remember a loved one... by David and Jodie Reff by Bernard Reder by Grant Thomas by Orly and Glen Reder by Shelia Milov by Marina Misraje ark a birthday, bar or bat mitzvah, In Appreciation of Bob Groswirth, by Dolly Groswirth Manniversary, yahrzeit or special The TBH Staff, by Lindsay Cummings Corinne Alkin, by Leslie Anderson occasion with a donation to Temple Don Keller, by Sheila Milov Beth Hillel. RABBI ELEANOR STEINMAN FUND Dorothy Cohen, by Marlene Putterman In Loving Memory of Ed Edelman, by Sheila Milov Make your choice from the funds, Emmy Lou Bartenstein, by Evelyn Lever Harry Bromberg, by George and Riva Bromberg which are listed below, then send your In Honor of Harry Chaiken, by Marlene Putterman tribute and payment to: Rabbis Eleanor Steinman and Denise Eger Harvey Haimovitz, by David and Jo Haimovitz by Freddie Goldberg Irving Chaiken, by Marlene Putterman Temple Beth Hillel, by John and Linda Vacca Isadore Rothfeld, by Marlene Putterman 12326 Riverside Drive, by Sheila Milov Jack Ortzman, by David and Jo Haimovitz Valley Village, CA 91607 by Susan Pasternak, Larry Picus, and Matthew Jean Weinstock, by Arlene and Sandy Weinstock In Appreciation of Joseph Weiner, by Jo and David Haimovitz Please include the name and address Rabbi Ellie, Larry Zoller, by Dolly Groswirth of the person you are honoring, by David and Jodie Reff Liliane Sirota, by Matthew Sirota so that we can send a special by Mark and Nancy Vannier Michael Cummings, acknowledgment card in your name. by Mindi Levins–Pfeifer by Leslie Anderson and Nardit Gilboa You can also make your donation by The Grosswasser Family by Tobi and David Schneider online at tbhla.org/donate. Mitchell Schwartz, by Marlene Putterman EMERITUS RABBI KAUFMAN’S FUND Pearl Gale, by Arlene and Sandy Weinstock Clergy Funds In Loving Memory of Phyllis Weiner, by Jo and David Haimovitz •Rabbi Sarah Hronsky Fund Annie Berman, by Moshe and Tara Kaiserman, Ralph Tuckman, by Rosalind Tuckman •Rabbi Eleanor Steinman Fund and family Roger Sirota, by Jill and Matthew Sirota •Cantorial and Music Fund In Appreciation of Sam Jenkins, by Sid Jenkins •Emeritus Rabbi Jim Rabbi Jim Sandy Cherry, by Arlene and Sid Rosenblatt Kaufman Fund by David and Jodie Reff Sarah Rabinovitz, by Lynn Rabin by Joanne Serin Shirley Arenson, by Arlene and Sid Rosenblatt School and Youth Funds by Joyce Rabinowitz and Family Sofie Altman, by Moshe and Tara Kaiserman, •Beth Hillel Day School Donations and Family •Elementary School By Anita Chernis Sylvia Schneider, by David Tobi Schneider •Early Childhood Education Ted Galatzan, by Sharon Galatzan •Religious School CANTORIAL AND MUSIC FUND The Tadelis and Schickman Family, by Bobbe •Scholarship In Loving Memory of and Ben Tadelis •Campership Corinne Alkin, by Steve and Leslie Rouff Tillie Cooper, by Barbara and Harry Hirschensohn Ted Field, by Marvin Maslin Victor Weiss, by Lori Weiss Community Outreach Funds Vyacheslav Vizel, by Klara Vizel •North Hollywood Interfaith DAVID S. MORHAR CAMPERSHIP FUND Warren Spivak, by Tobi and David Schneider Food Pantry Fund In Honor of William Harris, by Sylvia Marcovitch •Community Counseling Rabbis Eleanor Steinman and Denise Eger, Donations Center Fund by Arlene, Frank and Dani Balkin By Charles Perelman •Moses Fund Dani Balkin’s Bat Mitzvah, by Rabbis Denise Eger By The Friedman Family •$360 Construction Fund and Eleanor Steinman • Tree of Life Fund Grant Thomas’s Bar Mitzvah, by Rabbis Denise MOSES FUND • Endowment Fund Eger and Eleanor Steinman In Loving Memory of Corinne Alkin, by Tobi and David Schneider A complete list of Temple funds DAY SCHOOL FUND Nancy Cutler, by Tobi and David Schneider is available online at Donations Phillip Stevens, by Tobi and David Schneider tbhla.org/donate Daniella and Jonathan Polk Sarah Widiss, by Tobi and David Schneider In Honor of Remember—all donations are ENDOWMENT FUND The birth of Steve and Robyn Peck’s tax-deductible! In Honor of granddaughter, The birth of Marcia Friedman’s great grandson, by Tobi and David Schneider by Sheila Milov Donations By Jacob Haimovitz GEORGE FRIEDMAN SHOFAR FUND In Loving Memory of NEIL J. GITTLEMAN FUND Corrine Alkin, by Marcia and Audrey Friedman In Loving Memory of Temple Funds Barbara Tessler–Solomon, by Marcia Nathalie Gittelman, by Irving Gittelman In gratitude, we acknowledge the contributions of our and Audrey Friedman and family friends to the mission of Temple Beth Hillel. In Honor of In Honor of The birth of Marcia Friedman’s great grandson, Dr. Irving Gittelman’s 90th birthday, RABBI SARAH HRONSKY’S FUND by Susan Pasternak, Larry Picus and Matthew by Barbara Kerman In Loving Memory of by Sue and Bob Howell Corrine Alkin, NORTH HOLLYWOOD INTERFAITH FOOD by Barbara and Peter Weiss MAX SANDS SPECIAL PROJECTS FUND PANTRY by Bobbe and Ben Tadelis In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of Barbara Tessler–Solomon, Ted Field, by Sue and Bob Howell Barbara Tessler–Solomon, by Barbara and Peter Weiss Sarah Widiss, by Leslie and Steve Rouff by Barbara and Mark Singer by Bobbe and Ben Tadelis by Sheila Milov Gidi Zilberstein, by The Sirota Family MEMORIAL AND TRIBUTE FUND Corinne Alkin, Roger Sirota, by The Sirota Family In Loving Memory of by Barbara and Mark Singer Sarah Widiss, by Marlene and Gregory Gurewitz Albert Gale, by Arlene and Sandy Weinstock by Dolly Groswirth Anna Toledo, by Sarah and Charles Alexander by Harriet Newton Anna Zalis, by Sanaat Vakhidova by Jeannine and Victor Esban
14 by Leslye Adelman by Sharon and Morris Adato by Sheila Milov by Zan Frailich and Howard Blumenfeld Dan Elman, by Arleen and Manny Bernstein by Harvey and Joyce Reichard Don Keller, by Leslye Adelman Emilie Bose, by Ann Bose Harold Sosner, by Barbara Kramer Heidi E. Levy, by Lee Fink Jerry Rabinowitz, by Barbara Kerman by Carol and Jan Somers by Eunice Kerman by Harvey and Joyce Reichard by Jeannine and Victor Esban by Judy and Jack Glantz by Leslye Adelman by Maxine Stern by Roger and Jeri Streneck Lee Petersil, by Leslye Adelman Leo Adelman, by Leslye Adelman Linda Dresclher’s son, Robert, by Maxine Stern Michael Cummings, by Sheila Milov by Susan Pasternak and Larry Picus Mother of Patty Finkle, by Maxine Stern Sam Hananel, by Victor and Jeannine Esban In Appreciation of Lucy Cotter and Family, by Karen Stern In Honor of Rabbis Ellie Steinman and Denise Eger’s wedding, by Leslye Adelman and Richard Konigsberg Jean Stern’s 70th Birthday, by Karen Stern RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DISCRETIONARY FUND In Appreciation of Rabbi Sarah Hronsky, by Arlene and Frank Balkin Rabbi Eleanor Steinman, by Arlene and Frank Balkin Cantor Jen Roher, by Arlene and Frank Balkin In Honor of Rabbis Eleanor Steinman and Denise Eger, by Barbara and Mark Singer ROBERT AND BETTY JOSEPH REAPER FUND In Loving Memory of Helen Fruitman, by the Elman Family In Appreciation of Brotherhood of TBH, by The Hronsky Family Women of TBH, by The Hronsky Family ROEN AND JOHN PASTERNAK SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Loving Memory of Frieda Gerstein, by Susan Pasternak, Larry Picus and Matthew Hal Gerstein, by Susan Pasternak and Larry Picus and Matthew 360 CONSTRUCTION FUND In Loving Memory of For store hours visit www.tbhla.org/community/sisterhood-giftshop Corinne Alkin, by Sue Howell Donations by Tony and Julia LeWinter by Michaelyn and Charles Alson Save the Date! Please note that all contributions listed are "Celebrating 70" through October 07, 2016 A Gala celebrating Temple Beth Hillel's 70th year! If you would like to see a full list of Temple Funds please visit: tbhla.org/donate May 06, 2017 Remember—all donations are tax–deductible! 15 12326 Riverside Drive In Our Community... Valley Village, CA 91607 Refuah Shleimah Return Service Requested Wishing a full and speedy recovery to... •Josh Spitz •Marcia Friedman •Sabrina Fleischman Condolences To... •Sheryl Fox and her family, on the death of Sarah Widiss •Michael Stevens and Zoe Stevens, on the death of Phillip Stevens •The Childers and Popeski families on the death of the mother of Brie Childers •The Glikmann and Nieman families on the death of Edna Glikmann •The Quint family, on the death of Neanette "Nina" Quint •The Field family, on the death of Theodore Field •The Edelman-Benadon family, on the death of Ed Edelman •The Disney and Meinhart families, on the death of Don Keller •The Tessler family, on the death of Barbara Tessler–Solomon •Rabbi Keara Stein and family, INTERFAITH on the death of Michael Cummings We Proudly Welcome •Eric S. Rollman SERVICE of •Ilyssa and Curt Foxx •Jason and Andrea Sirota •Jeffrey and Edrickcan Loox •Kate Aaronson and Ernesto Gudino •Michelle and Daniel Schnider •Stephanie and Jeremy Mighdoll Mazal Tov To... Wednesday, November 23 at •Jill Miller & Robert Faust and big sister Lilah on the birth of Asher Zev •Great Grandma Marcia Friedman and Temple Beth Hillel Great Aunt Audrey Friedman on the birth of Jack Leonard Friedman 7:30pm •Sarah Angel and Dan Nieman and big sisters Eleanor and Jacqueline, A Family Service–All Are Welcome! on the birth of Theodore (Teddy) Henry Angel–Nieman Embracing All: •Steve and Robin Peck on the birth of Helping Those In Need In their granddaughter, Isabel Peck Our Community As We Build •Daniel Cohen & Eva Torres on the birth of Talia A Culture of Caring Mazal Tov on These DONATIONS OF STAPLE FOODS Special Wedding Anniversaries & MONEY ARE WELCOME le Beth H p il www.NHIFP.org & www.facebook/NHIFP em le •William and Marjory Tamkin—70th T l •Howard and Lee Fink—65th Suggested Food Donations: Canned Tuna, Canned Chicken, •Aaron and Sue Balkin—65th E Chili, Beans, Peanut Butter •Kevin and Orit Edelman—10th st. 1946 celebrating 33 years of service
16 tbhla.org [email protected] facebook.com/tbhla