Congregation Beth El

“A Reform Congregation with a warm approach to tradition” Celebrating 60 years 1960-2020

February 2021 The Rabbi’s Corner 19 Shevat-16 Adar 5781 By Rabbi Lynn Goldstein Vol. 60, No. 8 שבט-אדר תשפ"א

Congregation Beth El The jolly festival of is celebrated every year on the 14th of the Hebrew month 2525 Mark Ave. of Adar (late winter/early spring). Purim 2021 begins on Thursday night, February 25 and

Windsor, Ontario N9E 2W2 continues through Friday, February 26, (February 27-28 in Jerusalem). It commemorates the (Divinely orchestrated) salvation of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian empire 519-969-2422 from ’s plot “to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews, young and old, infants and E-mail: [email protected] women, in a single day,” as recorded in the (book of ). www.bethelwindsor.ca The Story in a Nutshell Senior Rabbi: Lynn Goldstein The Persian Empire of the 4th century BCE extended over 127 lands, and all the Jews Email: [email protected] were its subjects. When King had his wife, Queen , executed for failing to follow his orders, he arranged a beauty pageant to find a new queen. A Jewish girl, Esther, found favor in his eyes and became the new queen, though she refused to divulge President : Karen RosenThe her nationality. Meanwhile, the Jew-hating Haman was appointed prime minister of the

Inside this issue empire. Mordechai, the leader of the Jews (and Esther’s cousin), defied the king’s orders and refused to bow to Haman. Haman was incensed, and he convinced the king to issue a • Rabbi’s Message decree ordering the extermination of all the Jews on the 13th of Adar, a date chosen by a • Congregational Happenings lottery Haman made.

• Birthdays, Anniversaries, Mazel Mordechai galvanized all the Jews, convincing them to repent, fast and pray to G‑d. Tovs, Good Health Wishes Meanwhile, Esther asked the king and Haman to join her for a feast. At a subsequent • Yahrzeits and Condolences feast, Esther revealed to the king her Jewish identity. Haman was hanged, Mordechai was • Contributions appointed prime minister in his stead, and a new decree was issued, granting the Jews the right to defend themselves against their enemies.On the 13th of Adar, the Jews mobilized • Committee information and killed many of their enemies. On the 14th of Adar, they rested and celebrated. In the • Community events capital city of Shushan, they took one more day to finish the job.

Courtesy of Chabad.org The Rabbi’s Corner By Rabbi Lynn Goldstein Who We Are The Canadian Council for Reform Judaism (the CCRJ) is the umbrella organization for the Reform Movement in Canada. More than 30,000 Canadians are affiliated 25 Reform congregations across Canada who are also members of the North American Reform Movement which has at its core the 850-congregation strong Union of Reform Judaism, or URJ. The Reform Movement of Canada also includes affiliate organizations, Camp George, the URJ and the only Reform Jewish camp in Canada and Leo Baeck, our Reform Jewish day school. The Canadian Reform Movement offers: • Opportunities to be involved in social action and social justice. We don't merely talk the talk: we walk the walk! Examples of our activism are everywhere. We have taken a leadership role in responding to the Syrian Refugee Crisis. More than half of Canada's Reform congregations have been involved in private sponsorships of families and raising half a million dollars to support this effort. We have also been involved in numerous programming initiatives to help with reconciliation awareness with our First Nations communities. • A range of congregations across the country. The Reform movement is all about our congregations -- older congregations like Toronto's Holy Blossom, one of the largest in North America and Kolot Mayim in Victoria, the oldest congregation in Canada and one of the smallest. Congregations that have their own practices and cultures that fit within their communities. By working together collaboratively at the congregational level and between congregations, we work to make stronger congregations, engage our youth, pursue social justice and engage in what we call audacious hospitality. • Membership in professional associations and employee pension programs for its clergy, educators, and other professionals. • A reform Jewish overnight camp that is part of a network of Reform Jewish camps across North America; • A network of temple youth groups for Jewish teenagers in grades six through 12; • Travel, study, and work programs in Israel for Jewish teenagers and young adults; and National, regional, and local leadership development conferences and events for teens and adults.

Our Judaism is for everyone. It is egalitarian, intellectually rigorous, joyful, spiritual,

pluralistic, and constantly evolving. It is soul-elevating spiritual practice, life-altering Torah study, courageous practice of tikkun olam, loving care for our community, especially the most vulnerable — that is what we are.

— Rabbi Rick Jacobs, URJ President Shabbat Services and Tanakh Study עֲבוֺדׇ ה February 2021

19 Shevat - 16 Adar Worship and Spirituality

Our Friday night service features the rituals, melodies and warmth of our congregation. The service features a sermon or presentation by our rabbi. During this COVID-19 time period, we are celebrating Shabbat together. We will meet in the Zoom room (information will be sent out to you to join us from your Shabbat table). We will begin each service with candle lighting. We invite you to light your own candles with all of us.

Join us for Tanakh Study 9:30 am every Saturday unless otherwise noted. Discussion of the weekly portion is lively, informed and well- researched, Participants express a wide range of interpretations of the central text of our faith.

Shabbat Services Tanakh Study Friday, February 5 Saturday, February 6

יִתְ רוֹ Candle Lighting 5:34 pm Yitro Shabbat Services 7:00 pm Tanakh Study Friday, February 12 Saturday, February 13 Candle Lighting 5:43 pm מִשְׁ פָּטִ ים Mishpatim Shabbat Services 7:00 pm Tanakh Study Friday, February 19 Saturday, February 20 Candle Lighting 5:52 pm תְּ רוּמָ ה T’rumah Shabbat Services 7:00 pm Tanakh Study Friday, February 26 Saturday, February 27 Candle Lighting 6:00 pm תְּ צַ וֶּה T’tzaveh Shabbat Services 7:00 pm Tanakh Study Purim

Shabbat Services and Tanakh Study will be held using Zoom. Please look for the invitation to join the group and participate virtually.

All Shabbat Service and Tanakh Study dates And God blessed the seventh day and called it holy. subject to change. Details will be sent by e-Blast Genesis 2:3 and email as information becomes available. Congregational Happenings February 2021

Zoom Learning with Rabbi Goldstein

Please be sure to check the EBlast or the Temple Bulletin for all listings, including our Shabbat Celebrations, our Tanakh Studies, our Wednesday Holocaust Studies, and our Thursday Jewish Spirituality Class. There will no longer be a second reminder every week. Shabbat Celebration Every Friday night at 07:00 PM Every week beginning on Friday night until May 28, 2021 Shabbat Zoom Celebration begins every week at 7:00 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81040937629?pwd=YUgxOUkrdm1RWTIyV2xzaUNHVkNvZz09

Meeting ID: 810 4093 7629 Passcode: 812819 Tanakh Studies 09:30 AM Every week on Saturday until May 22, 2021 Join Our Tanakh Studies by Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83700578837?pwd=VEJjdEdBeHBWQmZLNG8zV0lCemFXUT09 Meeting ID: 837 0057 8837 Passcode: 275594

Holocaust Studies by Zoom 06:30 PM Join Our Holocaust Studies Program https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84198454644?pwd=ZVBwb2p2eW9nRmwwMEtaMThUYXZwUT09 Meeting ID: 841 9845 4644 Passcode: 231202 Jewish Spirituality 11:30 AM-12:30 PM Every week on Thu, until Apr 29, 2021 Join our Jewish Spirituality discussion, based on Rabbi Lawrence Kushner's book: God Was in this Place, and I, I Didn't Know it. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86414178861?pwd=b1lLK3RvOUJWZi9qTG50c1ZuUGUyQT09

Meeting ID: 864 1417 8861 Passcode: 608129 Purim

Purim is a joyous holiday that affirms and celebrates Jewish survival and continuity throughout history. February 25-26, 2021

PURIM'S ORIGINS

With celebrations including costumes, skits and songs, noisemakers, and gifts of food, Purim is definitely full of fun! Purim is a joyous holiday that affirms and celebrates Jewish survival and continuity throughout history. The main communal celebration involves a public reading—usually in the synagogue—of the (M'gillat Esther), which tells the story of the holiday: Under the rule of King Ahashverosh, Haman, the king's adviser, plots to exterminate all of the Jews of Persia. His plan is foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai, who ultimately save the Jews of Persia from destruction. The reading of the m'gillah typically is a rowdy affair, punctuated by booing and noise-making when Haman's name is read aloud.

Purim is an unusual holiday in many respects. First, Esther is the only biblical book in which God is not mentioned. Second, Purim, like Hanukkah, is viewed as a minor festival according to Jewish custom, but has been elevated to a major holiday as a result of the Jewish historical experience. Over the centuries, Haman has come to symbolize every anti-Semite in every land where Jews were oppressed. The significance of Purim lies not so much in how it began, but in what it has become: a thankful and joyous affirmation of Jewish survival.

THE STORY

The story of Purim is found in the Book of Esther, one of the books in the Ketuvim section of the . It is set in the land of Persia (current day Iran) at the time when Ahashverosh (Ahasuerus) was king. King Ahashverosh held a banquet in the capital city of Shushan and ordered his queen, Vashti, to come and dance before his guests. She refused to appear and lost her royal position.

Acting on advice from his counselors, Ahashverosh had women from all over the kingdom brought to him, so he could choose a new queen. Esther, a young Jewish woman from Shushan, was chosen. However, following the advice of her cousin, Mordechai (who raised her after her parents died), Esther did not reveal her Jewish origins to the king.

Mordechai often sat near the gate of the king's palace. One day he overheard two men, Bigthan and Teresh, plotting to kill the king. Mordechai reported what he had heard to Esther. She then reported the information to the king. The matter was investigated and found to be true, and Bigthan and Teresh were put to death. Mordechai's deed was recorded in the king’s diary.

Meanwhile, the king's evil adviser, Haman, paraded through the streets, demanding that all bow down to him. Because Jews do not bow to anyone but God, Mordechai refused to bow down to Haman. Upon learning that Mordechai was Jewish, Haman decided to kill all the Jews in the Persian empire. He plotted to kill them—convincing King Ahashverosh to go along with the plan—and cast purim ("lots," plural of pur), a kind of lottery, to determine the day on which he would carry out his evil deed: the 13th of Adar.

However, Mordechai alerted Esther to Haman's evil plot, and Esther, in turn, revealed her Jewish identity to the king, convincing him to save the Jews and foiling Haman's plot. The Jews were allowed to fight back against the king’s soldiers, and triumphed after a fierce battle. Haman was hanged, Mordechai received his estates and the position of royal vizier (adviser), and the Jews of Persia celebrated their narrow escape on the 14th of Adar, the day after they were supposed to be annihilated.

Thus, the fate Haman had planned for the Jews became his own. The holiday of Purim celebrates the bravery of Esther and Mordechai and the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s decree of death.

Over the centuries, Haman has come to symbolize every anti-Semite in every land where Jews were oppressed. The significance of Purim lies not so much in how it began, but in what it has become: a thankful and joyous affirmation of Jewish survival.

WHEN WE CELEBRATE

Although Purim is celebrated in most places on the 14th of Adar, in Jerusalem, it is celebrated on the 15th. M’gillat Esther explains, “on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month—that is the month of Adar—when the king’s command and decree were to be executed, the very day on which the enemies of the Jews intended to have rule over them, the opposite happened, and the Jews prevailed over their adversaries.” The Jews fought and won on the 13th of Adar and celebrated the following day. However, M’gillat Esther continues by explaining that the Jews did not defeat their enemies until the 14th of Adar in the walled city of Shushan. Therefore, cities that were enclosed during the time of Joshua do not celebrate until the 15th of Adar, which has been appropriately named Shushan Purim. Because of the significance of Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated there on Shushan Purim. Congregational Happenings February 2021

Committee Updates Rabbi Goldstein will be teaching a special class in February offered to rabbis in the Central Conference of American From Your Friendship Circle Rabbis. She was at a zoom seminar Monday through Here we are, February already. Almost a year of on and off Thursday, January 4 - 7 all day. After completing her lockdown, a year since our world changed to the unfamiliar. seminar, Rabbi will share particular theories, tools and In thinking about this year, your “ Friendship Circle” might be tasks to help Beth El grow ever stronger. You must colouring outside the lines a bit. As we are home more, our register with Rabbi Goldstein by Friday, February 15th to options for activity are limited. We may be reading more, participate in the class. enjoying television, taking up a new skill or picking up an old one! We want to hear from you!

Let's join our community, in conversation and sharing. In the next few weeks we will be asking “What are you reading and Kosher Products watching” this will either be done on Congregation Beth El’s existing Facebook page or a newly created group. We may If anyone is interested in ordering Kosher meat and/or even create our own little “lending library” for those that still chicken products, the Windsor Jewish Community Centre read books. is establishing a program with the Superstore on Dougall

Watch for information in an upcoming eblast. Avenue to bring in these products on a regular basis. Until this is finalized, the store will accept orders as long as Purim isn't too far off, and the Friendship Circle will be called in by Monday morning at 9:00 am to the meat looking at ways to celebrate and create some fun. manager Mike 519-972-1010 extension 3. Further details Check it out! Guess what is back? The Canadian Jewish will be provided when available. News. We have missed you. They are just getting started again but you can have a newsletter delivered to your inbox. They also have something called the CJN Lounge, go to cjnnews.com for more info.

The Windsor Public Library also sends a little newsletter to those who sign up with a library card. Kitty Pope, their CEO, always has something interesting to say. They have a seed exchange program coming up go to windsorpubliclibrary.com. Yes, we hear there will be spring and summer this year.

So while the above things are a bit outside the lines of the Friendship Circle. If there was ever a time to take out our brightest crayons and scribble a bit, it would be now.

Overall plans are in the works, you will be hearing more as they come together.

Congregational Happenings February 2021

The practice of hand washing dates all the way back to Prayers and Blessings for receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine: the time of the First Temple period when the Israelites made special offerings on Shabbat. In order to make Prior to receiving each dose of the vaccine, say: ייְהִ רָ צוֹן מִ לְפָנֶָך ה' אֱֹלהַ י שֶיְהֵ א עֵסֶ ק זֶה לִי לִרְ פוּאָ ה כִ י these offerings, they needed to cleanse their hands with fresh water then raise up their hands and recite a רוֹפֶא חִ נָם אַתָּ ה blessing before eating. Y'hi Ratzon Mil'fanekha Adonai Elohai shey'hei eisek zeh li lir'fu'ah ki Washing Hands rofeh chinam atah. After Kiddush and before the meal, each person in the household should wash hands by filling a cup with water May it be Your will Adonai, my G-d, that this endeavor provide healing and pouring it over the top and bottom of the right for me, for You heal freely. hand and then the left hand. Some say that it is to be Upon seeing the vial or syringe with the vaccine in it, say: done three times. Before wiping the hands dry on a בָ ּרוְּך שֶ נָתַ ן מֵחָכְמָתוֹ לְבָשָ ר וָדָ ם :towel, the following blessing should be recited

Barukh SheNasan Meichokhmato l'vasar vadam.

Blessed is the One who gave God's wisdom to flesh and blood.

After receiving a dose of the vaccine:

בָ רוְּךאַתָּ היְיָ אֱֹלהֵ ינוּ מֶ לְֶך הָעוֹלָם הַ ּטוֹב וְהַמֵטִ יב

Barukh Atah A-donai E-loheinu Melekh Ha`olam Hatov v'hameitiv

Blessed are You Adonai, Our God, Ruler of the Universe, Who is good and does good. After each dose of the vaccine, you might recite a chapter of Psalms such as Psalm 100, which follows: מִ זְמ֥ וֹרלְתוֹדָָ֑ה הָרִ֥ יעוּ לַַ֝ ה' כָל־הָאָָֽרֶ ץ׃ עִבְד֣ וּ אֶ ת־ה' בְשִמְחָָ֑ה ב ֥ אוּ לְַ֝ פָנָָ֗יובִרְ נָנָָֽה׃ וּדְעָ֗ כִָֽ י־ה' ה֤ וּא אֱ -ֹלֹ֫הִ ים ָֽהוּא־ ָ֭ ָע ָשנוּ ולא ] ְו ֣לוֹ[ ֲא ַָ֑נ ְחנוּ ַ֝ ַע ָ֗מוֹ וְצֹ֣אן מַרְ עִ יתֽ ֹו׃ב ֹּ֤ אּושְ יועָרָָ֨ ׀ בְתֹודָָ֗ ה חֲצֵר תָָ֥ יו בִתְהִלָָּ֑ההֽ ֹודּו־לָ֗ ֹו בָרֲכָּ֥ושְמֽ ֹו׃ כִ י־טֹ֣ ֹוב ה' לְעֹולָֹ֣ם חַסְ דָֹּ֑ו וְעַ ד־ד ָ֥רוָ ד רָ֗ אֱ מּונָתֽ ֹו׃ A Psalm of thanksgiving. Make a joyful noise to Adonai, all the earth. Serve God with gladness: come before God's presence with singing. Know that God is the one who made us, and we belong to God; we are God's people, and the sheep of God's pasture. Enter into God's gates with thanksgiving, and into God's courts with praise: be thankful to Adonai, and bless God's name. For God is good; God's steadfast love endures forever; and God's faithfulness to all generations. by Rabbi Garth Silberstein with editing Congregational Happenings For Your Information February 2021

Office Closures in February The building is closed until further notice, based on the local and provincial guidelines. You will be Open Mon-Fri. 9-12 notified of the opening in the eblast and the bulletin and after the building has been sanitized. By appointment in the afternoon

The Office will be closed Monday, February 15th for Join us on the first and third Sundays of the month Family Day. for a Sunday Social by Zoom: Sunday, February 7 at 10:30 am

and

Sunday, February 21 at 10:30 am

Bring a coffee, cocktail, glass of wine, whatever and we will just check in with each other, and solve the weekly problems of the world.

Our Anniversary Tree will soon be installed in Board of Directors the social hall. Leaves are available for purchase Meeting and can be inscribed for many occasions – 7:00 pm celebrating family simchas, to remember a loved February 16 one or adding a permanent dedication to this by Zoom milestone in our congregation’s history Maccabi Update The Maccabi Sports Club is encouraging all former and

potential athletes and artists to continue training throughout this pandemic. Hopefully we will be competing again in the near future. We wish to thank Breakaway Gaming Centre for the funds they have provided to keep our programs going. I hope everyone stays safe and we will get through this together.

“And you Shall Teach Them Diligently To Your Children” Religious School News ושננהם לבניף ודברה בם

Purim and the Pen Pal Program

During this time of social distancing, the senior residents at I. L. Peretz House (ILPH) are feeling more isolated than ever as we keep Long Term Care homes as safe as possible and restrict general access. This is why Congregation Beth El Religious School is initiating a Pen Pal Program to bridge the social distance gap.

Our pen pal project is reviving an old tradition to make connections between generations and also help reduce the social isolation many seniors are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our students of Congregation Beth El Religious School will become pen pals with some of the residents of the ILPH and exchange notes and letters at intervals through the remainder of the school year.

A few seniors have expressed an interest in this opportunity for intergenerational activities and learning. We hope that the success of this project will encourage more of the senior residents to participate. We expect our students to gain as much as the senior correspondents from this experience and look forward to both groups meeting “face to face” once “lockdowns” are a thing of the past.

Before you know it, Purim is upon us on February 25th (starting after sundown Thursday evening) in the Hebrew month of Adar (15th). In addition to hearing the Book of Esther, another important part of its celebration is the giving of baskets of food to family and friends. The commandment of , giving gifts on Purim, comes from a verse in the Book of Esther after the Jewish people have been saved from annihilation, “They were to observe them as days of feasting and merrymaking, and as an occasion for sending gifts to one another and presents to the poor” (:22).

This year, the students of our school, in combination with the friendship Circle, will be bringing joy to the senior residents of ILPH by making and sending them Mishloach Manot. This is another opportunity to connect the generations for a joyous celebration and for reaching out to let them know how much we care. We hope to have community support from the students’ families and anyone else who wants to join in this meaningful merrymaking and quality of life project. Please let me know if we can count on you by sending me an email at [email protected].

Wishing everyone a safe and joyous upcoming Purim for you and your families, Ruthy Mazel Tov and Best Wishes Mishpacha-Our Congregational Family February 2021

To those celebrating anniversaries in February

7 Cecilia & Dr. Michael McLauchlin

To those celebrating birthdays in February

8 Aviva Schnayer 2 Jim Cohen Good Health Wishes - 22 David Shanbaum Refu’ah Sheleimah 25 Stephen Ellis A complete healing to: 27 Emelia Brynn Polsky

27 Hannah Williams Dorothy Buckhalter Hannah Levin Pat Routliffe Tony Lee Ed Levitt Mildred Silver Nina Zlotnik Cindy Jeris Valerie Horner Nel Chelsky Mazel Robin Martin Duttman Mark Vruble Annette Teich Sidney Chelsky Tov Morton Kaplan Dr. Milton Cohen Jackie Farrell Rona Paquette A baby girl named Lyla Ellis was Louise Ziff Miriam Schnayer Samantha Lock Avigail Sarah Bat Devorah Brenda Kay born to my granddaughter Tori Wayne Katz Michael Blacher Marilyn Guss Rita Karp Avraham Labe and Dan Cohen of New York on Jenna Whisitt Peter Winagar Richard McGuinty January 4, 2021. Marla Rivard

Grand parents are Steve and Barbara Cheifetz, and great-grandmother is Selma Cheifetz.

Thank you to all our members who contribute to our many funds. A gift of $18 to the Temple is a very meaningful way to con- gratulate a friend or family member on happy occasions or to express get wells or condolences. Please remember Beth El with your donations. All donations are eligible for a tax receipt.

If you wish to have your birthday or a family member's birthday or your anniversary listed in the bulletin, please contact the Beth El office at 519-969-2422.. To ensure that you receive your bulletin, please call us if you have a change of address or if you wish to receive your bulletin by e-mail.

Yahrzeits May their memories always be for a blessing February 2021 Zichronam L’vracha - We remember זייל

To be read Friday, January 29 To be read Friday, February 12, 2021 To be read Friday, February 19, 2021 1 Rhona Lazar 13 Eva Kutchai 20 Kate (Kay) Haron 1 Joseph Lutvak 13 Sol Steinbruck 20 Jack Novominsky 1 Pearl Redburd 13 William Glazer 20 Nathan Brown 1 Saul Burak 13 Morris Egber 20 Dvorah Schlossberg 1 Galina Sionov 13 Rosanne Agree 21 Barrie (Robert) Weingarden 1 Victor Linden 13 Isaac Blechman 21 Rachel Mondeschein 2 Robert Fenwick 13 Cecil Hoffman 21 Rose Appel 2 Sylvia Coppel 13 Wolfie Blacher 21 Robert Tucker 2 Samuel Mock 13 Bessie Joffe 22 Samuel Taub 2 John Kalbol 14 Robert Brown 22 Esther Goren 2 Marcus Fishgendler 14 Seymour Goldstein 23 Jack Shuster 2 Lisa Jacobs 14 Rhona Weinberg Nudds 23 Sylvia Finestone 2 Jacob Cohen 14 Annabelle Hochberg 24 Dorothy Weingarden 2 Molly Cohen 15 Elsie Ableser 24 Bernard Putterman 3 Mikhail Fedyuk 16 Sally Farkus 24 Abner Weingarden 3 Daniel Katzman 16 Mona Horlick 24 Isaac Indig 4 Charles Shumer 17 Dorothy Atin 26 Morley Bodnoff 4 Edith Newman 17 Sylvia Garber 26 Allen Kaplan 5 Reisa Perlman 17 Esther Barat 5 Joanne Morrison 17 Jack Arber To be read Friday, February 26, 2021 5 Hannah Coren 17 Charles Cohen 27 Joanne Brodsky 5 Paulina Moldowansky 18 Maurice Berg 28 Jenny Bass 19 Bessie Lederman 28 Harry Rosenthal To be read Friday, February 5, 2021 28 Bruce Fortier 6 Dr. Harold Laker 6 Joseph Arnoff

6 Nathan (Norm) Shklov 6 Sheldon Wax 7 Sam Warsh 7 Harry Kaplan 7 William E. Kovinsky 7 Marie Katzman 8 Jennie Whiteman 8 Morris Zlotnik 9 Ann Greene In Memoriam Condolences are extended, : 9 Annie Rosenbaum To Stephen Lutvak on the loss of his beloved cousin, Diane Silverstein. 10 William Kaiman 10 Ronald E. Meretsky To Mike Malowitz on the loss of his beloved aunt, Marg Reiter. 10 Lillian Pevzner 10 Hilda Gerchicoff 11 Esther Everett 12 Syrel Greene 12 Aron Fink 12 Rose Chelsky

Congregation Beth El Request for Information

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A DEATH OCCURS?

Unlike a larger city where there are Jewish Funeral Homes, in Windsor our community is serviced at this time by members of the community who work with a local funeral home (usually Janisse Bros., but not limited to) to guide and help the family from a Jewish perspective through this difficult life cycle event.

Of course there are many unseen variables at the time of a person’s death. Place, time of day, location of relatives are all things that must be considered. But generally, this is what happens when a death occurs in our community.

At the time of death, the following people need to be informed:

1. Jewish Funeral Co-coordinator Cell number 519-564-6788 – one of the following will answer:

Jonathon Bruneau, George Hensz or David Lazurus

2. The Rabbi Rabbi Goldstein 519-966-3727 or 314-591-8559

3. The Congregation Beth El office 519-969-2422 or Sarah Cell 519-991-3471

Any of the above can be the first point of contact, and then they should call each other, but all will need to be involved in the process as follows:

The co-coordinator will arrange for the following:

Certification of death by the proper authorities

Transport of the deceased to the Rachel Kaplan Chapel.

Shomers to sit with the deceased until time of funeral*

Chevra Kaddisha to prepare deceased for burial**

Consultation with the family about funeral arrangements and liaison with funeral home

All transportation requirements

Preparation of Grave

Invoicing for all expenses incurred

The co-coordinator and the Rabbi will each arrange to meet with the family to discuss the details.

The coordinator will work with the family to arrange the following:

The casket, newspaper obituary, time and place of funeral, and any other details

The Rabbi will work with the family on the actual service details

Beth El members are able to have funeral services at the Congregation or at the Rachel Kaplan Chapel or Graveside.

The office will arrange:

Notification to community of death, Funeral, and Shiva details

Receive payment and distribute to all service providers.

Send condolence cards from donations

* According to Jewish tradition, a Shomer (watchman) stays with the deceased from the time of death until the funeral and burial, and Psalms are recited through this period of time.

** Chevra Kaddisha (the sacred society) is a group of men or women who have taken on the obligation to ritually prepare the deceased on who they perform the Tahara (Purification).

HOW HAS COVID-19 CHANGED ALL OF THIS?

All aspects of funerals and burials in the province of Ontario are regulated by the BAO – The Bereavement Authority of Ontario. They are in constant contact with the funeral homes and our funeral coordinators as to the latest directives regarding what is permissible and what is not. This includes the entire process, from death to burial, and there are severe penalties for not observing these restrictions. Thank you to those who have given generously to Congregation Contributions Beth El this month. Gifts are a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, the arrival of a child, or to remember the life of someone who has passed away. Your donations to צ ד ק ה February 2021 these Temple funds are greatly appreciated.

Building Maintenance Fund In memory of Sue Selby, beloved wife of Dr. Stuart Selby by: Judith Spring; Karen & Charles Rosen; Bob & Joan Cornwall.

Honouring Brenda & Philip Cohen on their 50th wedding anniversary by: Bill & Rochelle Tepperman. In memory of Shirley Pomerantz, beloved sister of Mendy Dalfen by: Bill & Rochelle Tepperman.

Cheifetz Family Memorial Fund In memory of Sue Selby, beloved wife of Dr. Stuart Selby by: Selma Cheifetz.

Friendship Circle Fund In memory of Sue Selby, beloved wife of Dr. Stuart Selby by: Mort Kaplan; Fida Dakroub; Harvey Kessler & Marcia Weinberg; Elaine Sinnott. In memory of Patrick Leathorn, beloved husband of Rosemary Selby by: Stu Selby. Honouring Leo & Natasha Schnayer on the birth of their daughter Mackenzie by: Nels Katzman. Honouring Dr. Reuben & Aviva Schnayer on the birth of their granddaughter Mackenzie by: Nels Katzman; Sarah Shklov. Wishing Michael Blacher a speedy recovery & good health wishes by: Dr. Michael & Sandi Malowitz.

Hochberg/Kaplan Memorial Fund In memory of Sharon Kaplan, beloved wife of Morton Kaplan by: Barrie, Maureen & Courtney Rubin.

Ted Hochberg Memorial Fund In memory of Zelda Jonas, beloved mother of Ellen Melman by: Sharon Hochberg.

Rabbinic Chair Fund In appreciation to Rabbi Goldstein by: Dr. Stuart Selby. In memory of Shirley Pomerantz, beloved sister & sister-in-law of Mendy & Rosalie Dalfen by: Harvey Kessler & Marcia Weinberg.

Religious School Fund In memory of the beloved brother of Sandy Chatkin by: Barrie & Maureen Rubin.

Social Action Committee Fund In memory of Sue Selby, beloved wife of Dr. Stuart Selby by: Phyllis & Howard Solomon. In memory of Arthur Rashbaum, beloved father & father-in-law of Victoria Rashbaum Horowitz and Stephen Rashbaum by: Dr. Stuart Selby.

Dorothy & Max Weingarden Endowment Fund In memory of Sue Selby, beloved wife of Dr. Stuart Selby by: Jerry Weingarden & Patti Dunlop. "It is a tree of life to all who grasp it, and whoever holds on to it is happy; its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all it paths are peace." (Proverbs 3:17-18)

Jethro Exodus 18:1-20:23 February 6, 2021 יִתְ רוֹ Yitro

Yitro brings his daughter Zipporah and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, to his son-in-law Moses. (18:1-12) Moses follows Yitro's advice and appoints judges to help him lead the people. (18:13-27) The Children of Israel camp in front of Mount Sinai. Upon hearing the covenant, the Israelites respond, "All that God has spoken we will do." (19:1-8) After three days of preparation, the Israelites encounter God at Mount Sinai. (19:9-25) God gives the Ten Commandments aloud directly to the people. (20:1-14) Frightened, the Children of Israel ask Moses to serve as an intermediary between God and them. Moses tells the people not to be afraid. (20:15-18)

These are the] Rules Exodus 21:1-24:18 February 13, 2021] מִשְׁ פָּטִ ים Mishpatim

Interpersonal laws ranging from the treatment of slaves to the exhibition of kindness to strangers are listed. (21:1-23:9) Cultic laws follow, including the commandment to observe the Sabbatical Year, a repetition of the Sabbath injunction, the first mention of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals, rules of sacrificial offerings, and the prohibition against boiling a kid in its mother's milk. (23:10-19) The people assent to the covenant. Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel ascend the mountain and see God. Moses goes on alone and spends forty days on the mountain. (24:1-18)

Gifts Exodus 25:1-27:19 February 20, 2021 תְּ רוּמָ ה T’rumah

God asks the Children of Israel to donate gifts (t'rumah) for the building of the Tabernacle so that God may "dwell among them." (25:1-9) Instructions for the construction of the Ark, table, and menorah are provided. (25:10-40) Detailed directions are given on how to build the Tabernacle. (26:1-27:19)

You] Shall Further Instruct Exodus 27:20-30:10 February 27, 2021] תְּ צַ וֶּה T’tzaveh

The children of Israel are commanded to bring pure olive oil for the ner tamid "a constantly burning light," above the sanctuary. (27:20-21) Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, are chosen to serve as priests. (28:1) God instructs Moses to make special clothes for the priests. (28:2-43) Aaron and his sons are ordained in a seven-day ceremony (29:1-29:46) Aaron is commanded to burn incense on an acacia altar every morning and evening. (30:1-10) Winter Break Fun for Jewish Families: New Online Arts & STEM Online Programming!

Jewish wisdom teaches that in each age, the children of Torah become its builders (Mishkan T’filah).

This winter, ReformJudaism.org is proud to introduce a tactical application of that truism – a simple way for families with school- aged children to take part in fun, meaningful Jewish experiences that will also help them connect to and engage with their local Reform Jewish community.

Our full schedule of weekday online activities, hosted on our RJ on the Go platform, includes Minecraft tutorials, visual and paper arts projects, game nights, a 3D design course, and more. All sessions are designed for students in grades 3-8 and will be led by expert staff from across the Union for Reform Judaism’s robust camping system.

First introduced in fall 2020, RJ on the Go is an online platform that hosts interactive, meaningful, and fun Jewish experiences that are easily accessible at home or on the go. These all-new winter sessions are designed as multi-week series – perfect for our family to enjoy high-quality, remote experiences that speak to you, on a schedule that works for your life.

Special activities being offered this winter are free and open to all students in grades 3-8. Program options include:

Everything Minecraft: Enjoy tutorials, structured play, and build time, with beginner, intermediate and advanced options available.

Visual Arts: Join in hands-on creation together while learning about great artists like Albert Hirschfeld, Peter Max, Louise Bourgeois, and more.

Graphic Design & 3D Print program: Participants will create their own original designs that our URJ 6 Points Sci-Tech Academy staff will laser-cut or 3D print and ship to them.

Game Night: Small, facilitated groups will engage in popular, interactive online games like Apples to Apples, Herd Mentality, Crazy Eights, Uno, Yahtzee, Snake Oil, and Fictionary.

Paper Arts: More hands-on creation… using only paper! We’ll learn how to make paper lanterns, origami animals, luminaries, and more.

Performing Arts Workshops: Immerse yourself in Improv 101 with Eliana Rubin, graduate of the NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

As a parent, you’re invited to join your child(ren) for any of our weekly activities.

As an added bonus, you’ll find a series of parenting sessions throughout January, focusing on topics like video games and violence, sports parenting, and supporting our children’s creative sides (even if we aren’t always as creative as they are!).

Not yet a part of a Jewish community but want to get connected? Participating families who are new to organized Reform Judaism will be connect to Reform congregations in their area to begin to engage in more direct and personal relationship-building.

To learn more and register, visit RJ on the Go, your virtual home for interactive, meaningful, and joyous Jewish experiences. Visit reformjudaism.org/summercamp to continue the fun this summer at one of 15 Reform Jewish summer camps across North America. Events and Announcements For Your Information

YOUR CONGREGATIONAL RABBI- Rabbi Lynn Goldstein is available for all congregants for all life cycle events, including funerals and unveilings. She will also visit those in hospital, nursing homes or homebound. She is also available if you are struggling with an issue, if you would like to talk or if you would just like to say “hi”. If you know of someone who would appreciate a visit; or would like more information, please call or email the Temple office.

SIMCHAS- Please notify the office by the 15th of each month, if you wish to have a special event in your life (simchas, life-cycle events, etc.) published in your bulletin.

STONE DEDICATIONS & UNVEILINGS- Rabbi Goldstein is available to perform Unveilings and Stone Dedications. Please contact her to make arrangements. We kindly request that you advise the Beth El office of any Unveiling dates to be announced in the Beth El bulletin (please advise us if you wish the unveiling to be private and unpublished). The office will contact the Cemetery Caretaker to make the necessary preparations at the Cemetery before the unveiling.

SPECIAL NOTICE- When scheduling a simcha, a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, or Kiddush, please schedule your date first with the Rabbi, and then, after talking with the Rabbi, please confirm arrangements with the Beth El office. When holding such events please advise the office of catering details, deliveries, set-up of tables, number of guests expected, etc. so that we may avoid any misunderstandings and your event will be a pleasant one for all. Thank you for your consideration.

SUPPORTING CONGREGATION BETH EL- A donation to Beth El is a wonderful way to congratulate friends and family on simchas, as well as a thoughtful and meaningful way to extend condolences. A contribution card will be mailed to the recipient (minimum donation $18). You can phone the office at 969-2422 or the office can take your requests for donations on-line (or any other request, such as names to be included on our Mi Sheberach list, yahrzeits to be read, reservations for events) through our email address: [email protected].

NOTICE- We would like to recognize the achievements of all our members, from our youngest children to our seniors. Whatever your achievement, we would like to send a hearty mazal tov to you in the Bulletin so everyone will know of your efforts! If you have a simcha, please call and provide us with details! Thank you for your cooperation. BAR/BAT MITZVAH- Please contact the Rabbi to set a date for your family's simcha (joyous event) a year in advance. After the Rabbi and family set the date, please notify the office so your special event will be on the community calendar as well as our Temple calendar. CANNABIS POLICY- As our Members will be aware, the recreational use of Cannabis has been legalized by the Provincial Government as of October 17th, 2018. The Board of Directors considered the impact of this new legislation at their Board Meeting convened October 16th, 2018. At that time, the Board agreed that not only would the recreational use of Cannabis on Beth El property not be in keeping with the family values that Beth El aspires to, but the recreational use of Cannabis in public places is still prohibited, despite the new legislation. The Board accordingly unanimously agreed to prohibit the use of Cannabis on Beth El property, at all times. The Board asks that Members and their guests respect this decision and adhere to it fully.

CEMETERY NOTICE LET US KNOW WHO IS IN THE HOSPITAL

The Beth El Cemetery gates are open on Privacy laws do not permit the hospital to call and advise Beth El when Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 8:00 our congregants are hospitalized. a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with the exception of Jewish Holidays. Please Note: even though Please remember that we cannot identify Jewish patients in the hospital the gates are open on the days and hours unless our Rabbi is notified they are there! Rabbi Goldstein very much stated above, you will notice that there are chains wrapped around wants to visit with any of our members who are hospitalized or the gates and they appear to be locked. In the past few years, due to homebound. Please call her and let her know. If you are calling during youths in the area gathering at the cemetery on occasion, the care- business hours, please call the Temple. In an after-hours emergency, taker had closed the gates with a chain to make it appear they were please call our Rabbi on her cell phone at 314-591-8559. locked. Unfortunately at times this chain and lock were difficult to remove by our members, and has now been removed on the above Bikkur Cholim or “Visiting the sick, is a very important Jewish value. In mentioned days when the cemetery will be open. addition to the calls and visits to your ill family and friends, you can help our rabbi to perform this mitzvah too. Call the Rabbi Goldstein so that she can help perform this mitzvah. Congregational Happenings For Your Information February 2021 חֲבּורָ ה Community Events

February 2021 Save the date, attend the event and support your community חֲבּורָ ה Community Events

February 2021 Save the date, attend the event and support your community

2020-2021 Board of Directors Congregation Beth El Special Fund List

Executive Rabbinic Chair George and Rosanne Agree Endowment President Karen Rosen Arthur and Brian Barat Memorial

Vice President Julie Tepperman Building

Vice President Camp George Scholarship Cemetery Improvement Secretary Dr. Michael H. Malowitz Cheifetz Family Memorial Treasurer Charles and Ethel Cohen Endowment

Past-President Lawrence Pazner Joseph M. and Florence Cohen Endowment Sam M. and Celia Cohen Scholastic Endowment Faye, Morris and Harvey Duke Memorial Directors Saul and Marion Fainstein Memorial Aron Fink Endowment

Jane and Sam Freed Memorial

Friendship Circle

Golden Book Maurice and Esther Goldstein Endowment Hochberg/Kaplan Memorial Ted Hochberg Memorial Trustees Ethel and Harry Hoffman Memorial Cantor Sidney Resnick Memorial Music Michael Blacher Stephen Lutvak Larry Kaiman Memorial Audrey Bondy Dr. Michael H. Malowitz Fran and Aaron Katzman Endowment William Botton Dr. Reuben Schnayer Ronald Meretsky Memorial Rabbi Dr. Jonathan V. Plaut Memorial Brenda S. Cohen Paula M. Taub Rabbi’s Discretionary Carl S. Cohen, Q.C., LL.D. Al Teshuba Religious School James L. Cohen Arthur B. Weingarden Harry and Dora Rosen Memorial William Goldstein Joani Rosenthal Nursery School

Marc S. Katzman William Silver and Doreen Silver-Bricker Memorial Social Action Projects

Harold Taub Scholastic Memorial Dorothy T. & Max Weingarden Endowment What better way to celebrate, honor, or remember loved ones, Joyce Weingarden Memorial special occasions or friends through a generous tax-deductible Yahrzeit donation. Minimum donation is $18. Golden Book and Mitzvah Fund donations are $36.00. New prayer books are now available for plating with the cost remaining $54.00. Thank you for making a culture of giving to Congregation Beth El an integral part of your Jewish life.

Tree of Life

Inscribe your family “Simchas” on our synagogue’s Tree of Life. An inscription is a permanent dedication to the happy meaningful events that touch our lives. Leaf inscriptions are $150.00 and stone inscriptions are $1000.00 Please call the Beth El office to order Golden Book

The Golden Book in the Beth El lobby may be inscribed for Simchas for any occasion for a donation of $36.00.

Memorial Plaques

To honour your loved ones who have passed away, a memorial plaque shows a genuine sign of religious feeling. It bears the individual’s name with the Hebrew and secular dates of death. A contribution of $450.00 to the Temple secures this memorial inscription. Please call the Beth El office 519-969-2422 to order.