Temple Beth Or Bulletin

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A VIEW FROM THE BIMAH October 2012 ~ Tishrei/Cheshvan 5773 Writing in the midst of turning in a new direction is t’shuvah, one of many minority faiths, along with this year’s High Holy which is usually translated as Moslems, Hindus, Buddhists. Days, I have been “repentance,” a difficult, difficult True, in recent years we’ve continued to gratified to have received process that culminates on Yom Kippur. hold a disproportionate number of seats a number of requests for At this opening service of the High on the Supreme Court, in Congress, in my sermon on Erev Rosh Holy Days, however, I feel compelled the governor’s chairs, but as Jews have Hashanah. To share it to address some of the larger issues of continued to assimilate into the larger also with our out-of-town Jewish life, as context for our more culture, as our views (let us say in members and those who personal journeys. For just as we are politics) begin to mirror the larger could not attend, I am not the same people we were a year ago, population, we are no longer seen as pleased to reprint it here. or five years ago, so too has Judaism quite the voting bloc or as socially Shanah tovah! Once again, let me wish been changing. We face personal distinctive as we were not so very long you all a good, healthy, sweet, challenges; so too is Judaism ago. satisfying and productive year ahead. challenged, sometimes in unexpected Hand in hand with our loss of and disturbing ways. And if we take This has been an extraordinary year. distinctiveness – both in our own eyes our Judaism seriously, we see that our On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine and in the eyes of other Americans – is own fate is tied to the fate of the Jewish what an “ordinary” year would look our numerical loss. For a full people. like. They’re all extraordinary, and I generation and more our numbers have suppose that’s what keeps life One of my all-time favorite quotes – been well below reproductive rate. interesting. forgive me if you’ve heard this before – America’s population is rising, while is what Adam is supposed to have said ours is falling in real numbers, not even Our tradition, in Judaism, is to approach to Eve: We are living in an age of counting our losses through assimilation these holy days with introspection, transition! What are some of the and out-marriage. reflection and prayer, in a deeply transitions that Judaism has been going personal way. We consider all that is Consider the rest of the world, for a through recently? on our personal plates, all that we moment. We are no longer a global usually keep locked away in our own The National Opinion Research Center people. Since 1939, the Diaspora has hearts, even from ourselves; all that we has tried to identify what it calls mega- shrunk by more than 40%; today 95% are thankful for, yet also all that we feel patterns that characterize Jews and of Jews in the Diaspora are in just 14 of pain, longing and anxiety, as we Judaism. They reviewed 40 years of countries. Only 39 countries have 5,000 search for some sense of comfort and surveys, covering dozens of dem- or more Jews in the entire country; most direction – hopefully better direction ographic categories, as well as 153 non- of the world’s countries are now and a commitment to make better demographic questions that compared completely barren of Jews. The biggest choices in the way we conduct our lives, Judaism to other religions and ethnic or population shift of all is that for the first and the way we relate to each other – social groupings within the United time in nearly 2,000 years, a far larger family, friends, co-workers, or, for that States. number of Jews live in Israel than in matter, even people we might not like any other country on earth. I guess the most striking finding is that very much. The Hebrew word for Jews in America are less distinctive Yet if in this country we are less with each passing year. distinctive than we once were, we Jews Forty or fifty years ago, the still display some interesting patterns: Saturday, October 13 consensus model in this Shabbat Morning Service When compared with other religious, country was that we had ethnic and social groups in America, Saturday morning, three primary expressions Jews have the highest median age, the of faith: Protestant, October 13, Rabbi Stevens best educations, and most affluence, and Catholic, Jew. No longer. will lead a Shabbat morning the smallest families. We value Americans now perceive service. Service will run individual freedom of choice in such the split differently: from 9:30 – 11:15 a.m. and include Torah areas as abortion rights, civil rights, study and a light brunch. Christians, and everyone else. Jews are now seen as continued on page 7

Volume 161, Number 4 October 2012 ~ Tishrei/Cheshvan 5773

Celebrating Our 161st Year TBO PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

After 10 successful years, we had a meeting to revamp the Food

ELLIOT L. STEVENS, D. D., RABBI Festival and make the preparations and cooking easier for the David A. Baylinson, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus congregation. While in the meeting I noticed that over the past several Temple Beth Or Officers years the same people worked hard to plan and oversee the festival. In Jamie Loeb ...... President Diane Weil ...... Vice-President: Programs fact, for the past four years, including this year, the same two people Gracie Hanchrow ...... Vice-President: Finance have headed the Food Festival. There have been many members who Morris Capouya ...... Treasurer have graciously headed committees even longer. For instance, Diane Susan Finklestein ...... Secretary Jenny Ives ...... Immediate Past President Weil has headed the kitchen for the past nine years. However at this

Board of Trustees meeting there were new congregants stepping up to take lead roles. I Frances Capouya ...... Adult Education want to thank them for volunteering to help the Temple. Micki Beth Stiller ...... Cemetery Bob Goldberg ...... Facilities Sam Kaufman ...... Long Range Planning Even as we happily see congregants take up new roles in the Andy Weil ...... Member at Large congregation, there are a lot of others who frequently answer the call to Steve Clein ...... Membership & Attendance help the Temple. The Sisterhood always works hard to make sure that Philip Bernstein/Pete Ginsburg ...... Men’s Club President Jarred Kaplan ...... Religion School Temple functions are festive affairs that are thoroughly enjoyed by the Marlene Beringer ...... Ritual congregation. This year’s Oneg on Rosh Hashanah Eve and this year’s Susan Bernstein ...... Sisterhood President Adam Finkelstein ...... Youth & Scholarship Break the Fast are two examples of what Sisterhood adds to our congregational life. Thank you ladies for all you do. Temple Beth Or Staff Gina Friday ...... Temple Administrator Terri Finkelstein ...... Religion School Director On September 20th I was at the Rabbi’s “Taste of Judaism” welcoming Linda Smith ...... L’Chaim League Marlon Cotton ...... Maintenance Manager about 30 people from the area community joining the Rabbi for three Elizabeth French ...... Organist & Choir Director sessions to learn about Judaism. Katie Wetherbee headed this program Office Hours for the Rabbi. She made sure we had great coverage in the local Monday CLOSED Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 11-4 papers, took the reservations from the attendees and did whatever was Friday 11-2 necessary to make this a success. It was really nice to see people

2246 Narrow Lane Road  Montgomery, AL 36106 coming to learn about Judaism. Thank you Katie for all your help. As usual there was Sharon McDaniel assisting Katie to make sure the (334) 262-3314 Tel  (334) 263-5183 Fax attendees had snacks and drinks. I know that whenever the Rabbi Office: [email protected] needs help with providing food for a small group of guests at the Rabbi: [email protected] Temple, Sharon is always there with a smile making sure the Rabbi has www.templebethor.net what he needs. Thank you Sharon for all you do around the Temple. Please call Gina Friday at 262-3314 to report any corrections or inaccuracies in the bulletin. There are so many members to thank for tireless help and for always When scheduling working in the kitchen and around the Temple. As you see members calendar events working hard to make our congregational life richer, please thank involving the Temple them. In this bulletin we have listed the Temple’s Committee Chairs. it is important that you check dates with the Please look at the list and find a committee to join. We need your Federation and the Temple for potential help. conflicts within the Jewish community. Their number is 277-5820 and you can view the Jamie Loeb community calendar at www.jewishmontgomery.org.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION Recent Death If you plan to donate marketable ז״ל securities to Temple Beth Or for Andrew Kromis payment of your annual dues or to make a donation, please contact Gina September 21, 2012 Friday at 262-3314 or via email at  [email protected] to provide you with the transfer information for Husband of Robin Kromis you to provide to your financial institution. Father of Erin Kromis Connolly and Andrew G. Kromis, III 2

Contributions to Funds FLORAL FUND RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND We greatly appreciate the people who In Honor of As Thank" You" for our many blessings. support Temple Beth Or by remembering Irving Winter's 85th Birthday Charles and Celia Dubin and honoring their friends and loved ones Dr. William and Martha Hughes In Memory of Jean Weil through their generous contributions. Joan Loeb Those that are received after the 20th of the Albert and Debbie Labovitz month will be in the next bulletin. In Memory of Jean Weil In Memory of Morris Goldberg Gay and Irving Winter Betty, Bob and Erik Goldberg Doug Rice and Guy Wallace ARTS AND DECORATION Richard, Jason, Kit and Rick Roth RABBI'S PUBLICATION FUND In Memory of Jean Weil Richard and Jeanette Hanan In Appreciation to Rabbi Stevens Toby and Warren Gewant Susan and Joe Finklestein The Jean Weil Family Liza and Sam Kaufman Lynne and Pete Ginsburg SAMUEL SCHLOSS BEAUTIFICATION FUND In Memory of COMMUNITY FUND In Memory of Jean Weil Pryor Hurt's Yahrzeit In Honor of Marshall I. Karr Susan and Joe Finklestein Irving Winter's 85th Birthday BLACHSCHLEGER Burke Schloss In Memory of Bobbie Walton LIBRARY FUND Lynne and Pete Ginsburg SELMA MARCUS FUND In Honor of Rabbi's Happy New Year greetings to all my GENERAL FUND Awesome Summer Sermon Series "old" friends In Memory of Bubba Marcus Katie Wetherbee Sara Matile Schwarz Richard, Jason, Kit and Rick Roth BLANCHE WINTER FUND SISTERHOOD In Honor of the High Holy Days In Honor of In Memory of Jean Weil Donald and Linda Horwitz Irving Winter's 85th Birthday Micael and Amy Saag Babette Wampold In Memory of Florence Savler YOUTH AND Clare Weil & Bob Weisberg In Memory of Verna Wool SCHOLARSHIP FUND Kathie and Raymond Cohen Liza and Sam Kaufman In Honor of Ann E. Cohen CAROL L. HART Irving Winter's 85th Birthday EDUCATIONAL FUND In Honor of Bette Sue and Charlie Strasburger Irving Winter's 85th Birthday In Memory of Florence Savler In Memory of Jean Weil Peggy Cohn Jack and Michal Hart Hillman Shirley Beringer Shirley Beringer Rubin A. Franco Thinking of You In Memory of Isaac May In Memory of Jean Weil Jeanette and Richard Hanan Marlene and Rick Beringer Jack and Michal Hart Hillman Bette Sue and Charlie Strasburger Rebecca L. May ENDOWMENT FUND ------In Memory of Florence Savler In Memory of Jean Weil Micki Beth Stiller Peggy Cohn BIRTHDAYS Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ball In Memory of Jean Weil Kathie and Raymond Cohen 3 ...... Lorraine Lieberman Alan and Diane Weil Babette Wampold 5 ...... Herb Scheuer, Jr. Micki Beth Stiller Bobby and Sandy Segall 9 ...... Betty Goldberg In Memory of Verna Wool Clare Weil & Bob Weisberg 10 ...... Karen Nyman Micki Beth Stiller Dr. R. Lawon and Sherrill Bryan 18 ...... Isaac Cohen Sharon McDaniel 18 ...... Erin Sommer ------Betty Rose & Dick Gibian 28 ...... Tricia Wool 29 ...... Bob Herzfeld In Memory of Verna Wool 29 ...... Bruce Lieberman Richard, Jason, Kit and Rick Roth 29 ...... David Weinrib

Babette Wampold 30 ...... Pat Dees Birthday and Anniversary 30 ...... Bill Goolsby Blessings on October 5. PRAYERBOOK FUND In Memory of Florence Savler Sisterhood of Temple Beth Or In Memory of Jean Weil Sisterhood of Temple Beth Or

SISTERHOOD L’CHAIM LEAGUE th Temple Beth Or Sisterhood is off to a busy Tuesday, October 16 at 11:30 AM is the ANNIVERSARIES start for the new year. We began with our time to be at the home of Louisa and Mike opening meeting hosted by Aimee Harris Weinrib. We are honored to have Jerry

in her home. Delicious food and Thrash from Rosemont Gardens teach us 3 ...... Lisa & Andy Weil beverages were enjoyed by a large group how to make a table decoration. Bring 8 ...... Susan & Joe Finklestein of ladies and Rabbi Stevens. In the your own vase, and we'll supply the 8 ...... Linda & Bob Herzfeld business part of the meeting we discussed flowers. Lunch will be catered by Pepper 12 ...... Mary Lynne & Jim Levy plans for the year and chairs for our Tree Steaks and Wine. The cost of the 13 ...... Mae & Elliot Cohen committees. We are so appreciative of luncheon is $12.50 per person. Your 27 ...... Akiko & Alan Bloom those ladies who have volunteered to chair reservation is needed by: October 11th. 30 ...... Lynne & Stephen Weinrib a committee. I know when they call you to Your check is your reservation. assist them you will readily agree. Our annual Thanksgiving feast at the ------Bette Sue Strasburger and Corinne senior resident center at Capitol Heights is upcoming for November. To complete the YAHRZEITS Capilouto hosted our beautiful Rosh Hashanah reception following services on year, Mr. G's Restaurant will be hosting

Sunday night. The lovely tables were the Annual Chanukah Luncheon on To be read 10/5/2012 decorated by Maxine Goldner and Sandy Tuesday, December 11th. We really share Jerome Levy Lynn Stevens. Flowers were artfully a lot of good times together. We would Jennie B. Monsky arranged by Pat Dees. Please let these love to see you soon! Celia Diskin Neuman ladies know how much you appreciate Linda R. Smith Sonia Schedrow their hard work and dedication to our Ella Klein Shwarts * * * Temple. Apples, honey, and challah rolls Esther Ostrov Sklar were served after Monday services to wish FROM THE LIBRARY Virginia Loeb Weil everyone a happy and sweet New Year. Dr. Jack Wool For October we’ll highlight a few new Susan Finklestein prepared another lovely resources. You’ll find these new items To be read 10/12/2012 Break Fast reception following Yom displayed on the windowsill in the library. Joseph Eli Capilouto Kippur services. Susan has done this for We’ve received several gift items from Dorothy Jacobson several years and always serves such StandWithUs, which as the organization’s Morris Lichtman delicious and most appreciated food. mission states is an international, non- Helene A. Sabel Katie Wetherbee and Lisa Newcomb profit organization founded in 2001, and Ethel Sandler hosted our reception following Sukkot “… is dedicated to informing the public Caroline Moog Strassburger service. This is always a beautiful service about Israel and to combating the and reception with the wonderful fruit and extremism and anti-Semitism that often To be read 10/19/2012 other tasty treats. distorts the issues. We work by supporting Kevin Michael Goolsby Remember our annual Carnegie Deli people around the world who want to stand Harold Gubin Cheesecake sale is underway. This is an up for Israel and educate their own local Herman "Dick" Loeb, Jr. important fundraiser for Sisterhood and we campuses and communities. We believe Abe S. Monsky hope everyone will participate. These that knowledge of the facts will correct Sydelle Strickler cheesecakes are wonderful to have in your common prejudices about the Arab-Israeli Helen Jane Uhlman freezer for a special treat and also make conflict, and will promote discussions and Bert Weil delicious gifts for friends, family, and policies that can help promote peace in the business associates. An order form can be Middle East. Through print materials, To be read 10/26/2012 found on page 9 of this bulletin. You may speakers, programs, conferences, missions Frances Eisenberg also call Marlene Beringer or Lisa Weil to Israel, campaigns, focus on social media Saul Ginsburg with your order. The cakes will be and internet resources, we ensure that the Joyce Happ delivered from New York before story of Israel's achievements and ongoing Burghardt H. Klein Thanksgiving so put one on your menu for challenges is told on campuses and in Dr. Bernard Mount your family gathering. communities, the media, libraries, and Julius Rice churches around the world. Based in Los We hope all the ladies of the congregation Dr. Melvin Rosenthal Angeles, StandWithUs has fifteen offices will join Sisterhood. Our events are a vital Rae Kreisman Selber across the U.S., and in Israel, Paris and the part of our Temple community and we UK.” need everyone to be a part. Send your

dues to Mae Cohen or drop them by the Among the items we’ve received are Temple. several CDs/DVDs including “Ancient Israel’s Ethics & Values & Their Impact Susan Bernstein 4 on Western Civilization,” “Israel Up Those of you who have visited Israel are organization in the Middle East you will Close,” and “Forgotten Refugees.” The probably familiar with this term. find the Revolutionary Guards’ latter is a documentary film that tells of This phrase represents the Israeli fingerprints, whether in Iraq, Lebanon, the history and destruction of Jewish optimism, the Israeli way of living – Syria, or the Gaza strip. communities in the Middle East and everything will be all right. A nuclear Iran is not a threat only to יהיה בסדר - North Africa and the mass exodus of Israel, but to any country that believes in “Everything will be all right” is a Jews from these countries, focusing on a free world, that doesn’t believe in statement often seen as amateur, the 20th century. We’ve also received tyranny and in a Jihad doctrine. two books by Mitchell G. Bard - Israel unprofessional, and unacceptable in any A year ago, there was a mysterious Matters and Myths and Facts (about way in an American office or explosion in an Iranian base. A few days Israel). conversation. after, the Minister of Strategic Affairs in I want to share a little joke I heard while The last new item we want to mention is the Israeli Government – Moshe working in a camp during this summer. the book Monuments Men by Robert M. Ya’alon - said that in that same facility "When an American student is studying Edsel and Brett Witter, subtitled Allied Iran was developing long-range missiles for a test he will read through his notes a Heroes, Nazi Thieves and the Greatest that can hit even cities in the US. Treasure Hunt in History. Having few times, he will memorize them all By gaining balance-breaking weapons, consumed this book myself, I can highly and on the day of the test will pray for a Iran’s status in the world would change. recommend it. If you have an interest in miracle. When an Israeli student is Any move that Israel, America or any art, in history (particularly World War II studying he will read some of the notes, other country will do against Iran’s history), savor a story where good will memorize a smaller part of it - and interests would be extremely risky with triumphs over evil, or just love a great on the day of the test he will count on a the danger of a disproportionate suspense tale, you will enjoy this true miracle". response by the Ayatollah regime. יהיה בסדר. story of how a small group of men (and That’s the essence of the For example, in a scenario of Hezbollah women) saved much of Europe’s This is the statement that helps us enjoy firing rockets on Israel, Israel’s ability to cultural heritage from Nazi thievery and life and appreciate the good in every respond will be extremely limited destruction, as well as from the ravages situation we find ourselves in, while because of fear of an Iranian reaction. of war as Allied forces began the living with an unclear future. In addition, no one will have any control campaign to wrench territory from the “Everything will be all right” is what we of their spreading the knowledge or grip of Nazi forces. The Monuments keep telling ourselves when we read the weapons to any of the terror “Men” worked tirelessly to plot, identify newspaper every morning and when we organizations they support. The thought and protect and rescue works of art, watch the news before going to bed. of a terrorist attack weaponized with architecture, furniture, books and When we’re down on payments or when nuclear abilities – what they call a manuscripts, and many other valuable times are tough. But lately it’s just not “Dirty Bomb” – is one that keeps me items and collections known to be or enough. believed to be in those areas overrun by awake at night. As you all know, I just came back from Nazi Germany. One of Hitler’s I can understand why the world is a great vacation back home. But there obsessions was collecting (stealing waiting, trying to seek other solutions was one thing that clouded my stay would be more accurate) works of rather than the military one, but we can’t there. Danger and threats are part of our cultural heritage from private and wait forever. The world can’t allow Iran lifestyle, it is almost routine, but for the national collections, with the plan to get the same power as North Korea did first time in my lifetime, I really sensed build a new, massive art museum (sadly, in the past. This is not the same regime fear. People are really afraid and many works the Nazis deemed and for sure not for the same aims and uneased, they are not sure what will “degenerate” Hitler had destroyed). ideology as Iran’s. happen next. This is all a result of the Many of these heroes risked their lives The events in the last few weeks show for art; some gave their lives. Iranian attempt to get nuclear power. I was asked a few times to talk about this us that extreme and radical people do Eric A. Kidwell, MLS topic in my last year and I’ve tried to not share the same thought process we * * * stay away from that. To talk about other have, and we can’t trust unstable and irrational regimes gaining destructive SHALIACH NEWS stuff – Israeli society, technology and freedom of religion – but I won’t be power. Shalom, doing my job if I will keep on doing We as Jews stand here on the High As a Shaliach I am dealing with many that. This is what preoccupies everyone. Holidays in a crucial crossroads when questions about Israel, its future, its The idea of allowing a regime like the we look back on the year that passed, leaders and its citizens. one in Iran to acquire nuclear counting the good and bad, leaving it Questions that in the U.S. are not always capabilities is a frightening one. It’s not behind us on the verge of a new year easy to answer. But we Israelis have just another regular country. Iran is the with new opportunities. The Western one answer which we always use, a very number one exporter of hatred and World is at that same point. It needs to common phrase. Jihadism in the world. In every terror continued on next page 5 Shaliach report continued from page 5. decide if it is going all the way in with its values of peace, equality and compassion or going Tot backwards to the days the free world surrendered to tyrants and agitators. I don’t think this is about politics. It’s not about Netanyahu and Obama’s relations; it’s not about Democrats against Republicans. It’s just about us standing together. It looks as if the year of 5773 is another key year FAMILY in the long history of the israelites. I’m an optimist FRIENDLY but also a realist, so I’m not going to wish for SERVICES world peace and tranquility, but I will wish that by especially for babies, the end of this year I would be able to say that toddlers, kids, moms, October everything is going to be all right. dads and grandparents too! 12 יהיה בסדר - I want to say Ori Tal 5:00 - 5:30 PM in the Library

SUKKOT SIMCHAT TORAH

Sunday  September 30  6 PM Sunday  October 7  6 PM

This service will be held outdoors at our TBO sukkah; join us as we Simchat Torah service will be celebrate together with worship and held in the Baylinson Social Hall a symbolic meal inside our sukkah. of Temple Beth Or. Learn how to shake the lulav and etrog!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We need your help. The committees listed below do a lot to keep the Temple looking good and working. Just a few people cannot do all the work. Please look over the list and call a chair to offer your help. They would love to hear from you.

Committee Chair Email Home Phone Adult Education ...... Frances Capouya ...... [email protected] ...... 263-6753 Arts & Decoration...... Lisa Weil ...... [email protected] ...... 279-8979 Cemetery ...... Micki Beth Stiller ...... [email protected] ...... 263-5790 Facilities ...... Bob Goldberg ...... [email protected] ...... 239-7095 Floral ...... Lisa Weil ...... [email protected] ...... 279-8979 Hospitality ...... Sharon McDaniel ...... No email address ...... 277-3376 Library ...... Bette Sue Strasburger ...... [email protected] ...... 279-7059 Membership ...... Steve Clein ...... [email protected] ...... 281-9872 Religion School ...... Jarred Kaplan ...... [email protected] ...... 240-2567 Social Concerns ...... Susan Bernstein ...... [email protected] ...... 281-4340 Youth & Scholarship ..... Adam Finklestein ...... [email protected] ..... 277-2573

Don’t forget the Food Festival. This will be our 10th year and we are excited to have another successful year. In fact people are at work right now revamping the menus to add new items and make the cooking and baking easier on the congregation. One way to make it easier is to volunteer to bake and cook. We need a few hours of your time over a few months to get all the food cooked. Please call or email Gina in the office to let her know that you will help. A list of cooking times will be posted in future bulletins and on the website, http://www.templebethor.net. Please join us for fellowship and baking. If you do not want to bake, we could still use your help in the kitchen.

Rabbi Stevens’s View from the Pulpit, continued from cover sexual freedom and moral autonomy. to curve, but of course it just goes if not imminently then some years down We Jews continue to be more liberal in straight once it leaves the ramp, and the the road. our political affiliations, and more likely constraints of the wall that keep the All of the above leads, I think, to two to vote. We are more urbanized, believe marble on the curve, are lost. major challenges. The communal in egalitarianism and value children Judaism is like that. We have been kept challenge is that American Jews don’t who think for themselves. We also on the ramp by the walls of community, seem to have a compelling mission, have more intact marriages: more than institutional loyalty, closely knit Jewish around which to rally and become any other group, Jews are raised by two families, anti-Semitism, our inherited passionate about. The great causes of parents. Jewish commitments and values, and a Holocaust, Israel, Soviet Jewry, But we are at the bottom of the surveys strong sense of ideals, shared history Ethiopian Jewry and others are all past. when it comes to religious beliefs. We and future. Those walls have fallen Today’s great causes such as the are least likely of all religious groups to away, and we are at the bottom of the environment, education and health care believe in God, or an afterlife, or that ramp. The centrifugal and centripetal are universal, not Jewish. Survival for the Bible is the exact word of God. We forces are no longer in balance. Our its own sake cannot be enough. are least likely to attend religious marble is venturing forth on its own, The second challenge, therefore, is services! Only 7% of Jews attend and we seem powerless to stop it. The personal. That is the value of not just weekly (non-Jews are four times as strongest governing force is inertia. what Judaism brings to us, but what we likely to attend a house of worship We are living in an age of transition, bring to Judaism. Clearly there’s so weekly). Interestingly, we have just as and Judaism is at a crossroads. We see much at stake. I’ve been speaking in high rates of affiliation, attesting to the rampant assimilation, and a younger global terms, but it really gets personal importance of community, so long as generation who find it all too easy to when we think about where to send our we don’t have to attend! fall away. Yet we see around the kids to camp, or to college; about how Our community is also becoming country a resurgence of Jewish day care, often we set foot in temple, and how increasingly fragmented. We Jews can educational institutions, day schools, “voting with our feet” sets an example now enjoy an amazing variety of university Jewish studies programs, for our family. It is telling, I think, that religious expressions. The summer programs and camps, a majority of our members have yet to “reconformidoxy” of past years has talmudical academies, women’s studies attend a single adult education program given way to gay and lesbian programs and more. Jonathan Sarna, since I arrived here more than five years synagogues; spiritual groups based in maybe the foremost scholar of ago. Most of us profess to care about homes; chavurot; Jewish renewal American Judaism on the scene today, Judaism, yet regard any real groups, humanistic Judaism, New Age adds, “Every Jew today knows involvement as just not a big priority in Judaism and many others. One of the somebody whose children are far more our lives. We just don’t see the world latest trends is egalitarian orthodox. religiously observant than their as we once did, through a Jewish lens. Boundaries are permeable, since today’s parents.” That’s the nature of Judaism is a gift, and its blessings are focus is on the individual rather than the crossroads: we are free to go in either all around us, if only we will receive old denominational lines. Interfaith direction. them. boundaries are permeable too: converts We see signs of Jewish polarization As we work our way through these assume that their children will freely both here and in Israel, parallel to what Holy Days – and work it sure is – I choose their faith, just as they did, and we’re seeing on the American political would like to suggest that one of the Jews born into Judaism increasingly scene, but if there is good news, it is ways we can repent – turn in a new have the same assumptions – and lack that we also see signs of a growing direction – would be to strengthen our of loyalty, as Americans of all faiths center, ranging from Reform Jews more ties within our Jewish community, readily marry across religious lines. open to traditional modes, to Centrist thereby strengthening each other as we There is an old question given to observant and modern Orthodox who strengthen ourselves, that for us, physics students: Imagine a ramp made might indeed lead us toward a viable Judaism may once again be a tree of life of wood, and the ramp is in a spiral. Jewish future. Jonathan Sarna writes to all who hold fast to it, and lead us The ramp is actually a spiral-shaped that despite signs of polarization, “the toward a better future. track, into which you can place a marble vast majority of American Jews identify at the top. The marble enters the top of themselves as standing somewhere in Rabbi Elliot Stevens the spiral, and curves round and round the middle of the Jewish religious until it exits at the bottom. What spectrum, and most Jewish leaders happens: Does the marble continue on come from this group.” In our a curved line, or shoot out, once it gets community, such shifts might portend to the bottom of the ramp, straight well toward the eventual consolidation ahead? Some say the marble continues of the Montgomery Jewish community,

Temple Beth Or’s 10th Annual Jewish Food Festival Sunday, February 24, 2013 DIRECTORY UPDATE Please mark your calendar now for our 10th Annual Food Festival. Tammy Saperstein has a new The Jewish Food Festival is the only annual fund raising event we email address: have for Temple Beth Or. There are many ways congregants may participate and we urge you to volunteer now during the planning [email protected] and working process which will begin after High Holy Days. This is an excellent opportunity for members that want to be involved in Temple activities. We have many dedicated previous chairpersons that are committed to mentoring on each committee. Please call or email Karen Goldstein ([email protected] 265-1145) or Jenny Ives ([email protected] 263-4984) to make a commitment now. Please do not wait to be called upon! We are trying to fill the committee chair positions as quickly as possible. Our sincere appreciation goes to the corporate sponsors as their support is invaluable to our success each year. Please take an opportunity to thank these people.

Raymond Cohen – Cohen’s Electronics Publix Servis1st Bank River Bank Mazel Tov! Regions Bank Sterling Bank Aliant Bank Isabel Harper McCall Aronov Insurance BBVA Compass Born 9/4/12, Bank Trust weighed 7 lb. 10 oz. Capitol Refrigeration Bern Butler Capilouto & Massey 19 1/2 inches Furlong Security AmeriFirst Parents are Stephanie and Mac McCall.

Grandparents are Jenny and John Ives

We would like to know. Please call the temple office when a family member is in the hospital or ailing. Too often we find out about illnesses, crises and hospitalizations long after they occur. This is a missed opportunity for the calls and visits the rabbi would like to share. Please let the temple know if there is a concern in your family or another congregation family (with their permission). We need your help in order to offer ours.

NEED HELP GETTING AROUND DURING SERVICES? A wheelchair and walker are stored in the coat closet and available to members and guests during Temple events.

COMING TO THE TBO BIG SCREEN: Michael Oren with Thane Rosenbaum LIVE FROM THE 92ND STREET Y

Tuesday, October 16 7:00 p.m. in the Baylinson Social Hall

Live From NY’s 92nd Street Y series brings us one of the most passionate and articulate defenders of the State of Israel; Michael Oren is an American born historian, an award-winning, best-selling author, a veteran of Israel’s Defense Forces, and Israel’s current Ambassador to the United States. Michael Oren is author of Six Days of War and Pow- er, Faith, and Fantasy. Thane Rosenbaum is a novelist and law professor at Fordham Uni- versity and the director of the Forum on Law, Culture and Society.

Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Central Alabama Bring your family and friends.

COMING TO THE TBO BIG SCREEN: Eric Kandel & Elie Wiesel with Dr. Gail Saltz: Mind, Body and Soul LIVE FROM THE 92ND STREET Y

Sunday, November 4 6:30 p.m. in the Baylinson Social Hall

Live From NY’s 92nd Street Y series: Psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, columnist, best selling author and television commentator, Dr. Gail Saltz talks with an assortment of special guests to explore what it means to be human, with a focus on healing, feeling, fortitude and fitness. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of memory. How does the mind remember? Why are memories so vital to human be- ings? Can we alter or enhance our memories? What happens to memories over time? Explore both the biological and emotional aspects of the human memory with the world’s most knowledgeable authorities on the subject. Eric Kandel won the Nobel Prize in 2000 for his research on the physiological basis of memory storage in neurons. He is the author of the award-winning In Search of Memory, among other books. Elie Wiesel is a novelist, journalist and Nobel Prize winner. Chairman of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council from 1980 - 1986, he serves on numerous boards of trustees and advisors. Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University.

This program, is offered without charge by the Rothschild-Blachschleger Lecture Fund. Bring your friends and neighbors!

Issues of love, loyalty, and faith are set on a collision course in this award- winning drama. Rabbi Meltzer (Asi Dayan) is a respected Orthodox rabbi and leader of a yeshiva school in a remote section of the Judean hills. One of the Rabbi's Sunday  October 28  3 PM favorite causes is returning Jerusalem's Dome of the Rock to the control of Israel -- a holy shrine in the ancient city that Moslems use as a mosque and Jews call Temple Mount. JFCA's Shaliach event: With this goal in mind, the Rabbi organizes a military unit composed of his students, with military officer Menachem (Aki Avni) serving as an advi- Afternoon Movie at TBO. sor. While Menachem agrees with Rabbi Meltzer in principle, especially since the Rabbi regards the group's activities as more symbolic than anything else, he and other military authorities are wary of his plan, believing Movie: Time of Favor the Rabbi's soldiers could easily turn into a fanatical terrorist group with the wrong twist of the political winds. Time of Favor won wide acclaim in Israel, earning six Israeli Academy awards, including Best Picture, and it was the nation's official entry for the 2000 American Academy Awards competition

45STUDY OPPORTUNITIES WITH RABBI STEVENS JUDAISM BASICS & BASIC HEBREW L’Chaim Event This basic survey of Judaism runs for eleven sessions, starting Tuesday, October 16th at 11:30 AM October 9. Take a whirlwind tour of Jewish history, learn about Jewish traditions on life cycle events and the Jewish

calendar, study the main religious themes of Jewish tradition, and ask as many questions as you wish.

Sessions run from 4 - 5 PM. By Advance Registration: Please register with Gina Friday at the TBO office.

October 9 ...... Overview of Judaism. October 16 ...... A Whirlwind Tour of Jewish History. October 23 ...... The Basic Texts of Judaism.

October 30 ...... The Basic Texts of Judaism. Flower arranging program at the home of November 6 ...... Lifecycle: Birth through Bar Mitzvah. Louisa and Mike Weinrib. The cost of the November 13 ...... Lifecycle: Marriage and Divorce. luncheon is $12.50 per person. Your reservation is needed by October 11th. November 27 ...... Lifecycle: Illness, death, mourning. Your check is your reservation. December 4 ...... Holidays: Shabbat and Festivals. December 11 Holidays: Rosh Hashanah and Yom See L’Chaim article on page 4 Kippur. for more details. December 18 Holidays: Minor holidays (Chanukah, Purim, etc.). January 8 ...... Modern Judaism: Israel; Denominations.

Hebrew bonus session: For those who want to learn to read Hebrew, now’s your chance. You CAN learn to read in just eleven sessions, from 5 - 5:30 PM following the class in Basic Judaism.

AMAZING WOMEN IN THE JEWISH BIBLE – A NEW ADULT EDUCATION SERIES

Starting on Thursday evening, October 25, Rabbi Stevens will be offering a five-part series on biblical women – as seen through the eyes of rabbinic commentaries and midrash. The early rabbis knew how to “spin” a story to enhance – or destroy! – a reputa- tion, or to create a good yarn on sometimes sparse material. We will discover, as we read these commentaries, the “back stories” of these women, and learn from their per- sonalities that were all too human. The five sessions which will start at 7 PM are:

REBECCA ...... October 25 DINAH ...... November 15 DEBORAH and YAEL ...... December 13 BATHSHEBA ...... January 3 RUTH ...... January 24

All programs are offered without charge. Bring your friends!

BEDTIME BUNDLES

For the 5th year we will be collecting bedtime items for Child Protect during November and December. Please put your purchases which must be new and unused in the playpen in the Temple lobby beginning in early November.

After coming to Child Protect because they were abused or molested, these boys and girls go into foster care, often with nothing to call their own, according to Director Jannah Bailey. Please be generous for these unfortunate children, who are mostly ages 6-12.

Items wanted are pajamas, pillow cases, socks, underwear, bedtime stories, journals and writing implements, sketchbooks and coloring pencils or crayons, toothpaste and toothbrushes, washcloths, fleece throws, slippers, dolls and toys, combs/brushes/hair ornaments, and anything else you can think of.

If you don't want to shop or are unable to do so, please send a check to the temple office earmarked "for bedtime bundles" and we will be glad to shop for you! Thank you!

Louisa Weinrib 262-6155

September 13, 2012 sists of photos, paintings and Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. inside Whitley witz survivor Ann Rosenheck. Troy University narratives by the survivors that Hall. Admission is free and open Rosenheck will speak at the Press Release excerpts: teach the history of the Holo- to the public. Troy and Dothan campuses in caust and offer a rich under- October. MONTGOMERY—The stories standing of its impact on these “Darkness Into Life” is the first A Holocaust Film Series at the of Holocaust survivors now liv- individuals and their families. part of a Year of Holocaust Re- Troy and Dothan campuses. ing in Alabama will be the focus membrance at TROY, which A teachers’ workshop on Nov. 8 of an exhibit coming to Troy Dr. Dan Puckett, an associate will include a number of special at the Dothan Campus focused University’s Montgomery Cam- professor of history at the Mont- events designed to explore the on helping educators present the pus in October as part of a Year gomery Campus and a specialist history and lasting effects of the history of the Holocaust to mid- of Holocaust Remembrance. in Holocaust research, called Holocaust. dle and high school students. “Darkness into Life” a unique Additional exhibitions focused “Darkness Into Life: Alabama and powerful exhibit that puts a Dr. Puckett said the idea for a on Holocaust survivors. Holocaust Survivors Through local perspective on the history Year of Holocaust Remem- Dates and further details about Photography and Art,” an exhibit of the Holocaust. brance came from the successful upcoming events will be an- on loan from the Birmingham lecture series featuring Holo- nounced throughout the year. Holocaust Education Center, “I’ve never really seen anything caust survivor Ann Rosenheck “From Darkness Into Life” and will be on display from Oct. 1- like this before focusing specifi- who spoke at TROY’s campuses other events during the Year of Nov. 30 inside Whitley Hall, cally on Alabama and this state’s in 2010. Holocaust Remembrance are rooms 140, 141 and 142. connections to the Holocaust,” supported by a grant from the Dr. Puckett said. “It’s a very "The Ann Rosenheck events Alabama Humanities Founda- The exhibit will open with a moving exhibit that shows what were well received and we tion. community reception on Mon- these survivors experienced and thought there was an opportunity day, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. inside the lives they forged after.” here to build off that success and For more information about the Whitley Hall. Admission is free do more,” Dr. Puckett said. Year of Holocaust Remem- and open to the public. In conjunction with the exhibit, a brance, contact the Office of group of the featured survivors Events planned for the Year of Sponsored Programs at (334) Featuring the stories of 20 Holo- will discuss their experiences Remembrance include: 670-3102. caust survivors, the exhibit con- during a lecture on Thursday, A return to TROY by Ausch- 13

And Beyond!

Sunday, November 4, 6:30 PM, 92nd Street Y Program: ERIC at 5:00 PM. KANDEL & ELIE WIESEL WITH DR. GAIL SALTZ: MIND, Friday, December 28, 6 PM, Shabbat Service. TORAH BODY AND SOUL on TBO's big screen - in the Baylinson Social READING AND D’VAR TORAH. Hall. Sponsored by the Rothschild-Blachschleger Lecture Series. Thursday, January 3, 7 PM, Rabbi Stevens five-part series on Bring your family and friends. Women in the Hebrew Bible: Insights from Midrash and Tuesday, November 6, 4 PM, Basic Judaism with Rabbi Stevens Commentaries. Topic: BATHSHEBA. begins at 4:00 PM. Class five: Lifecycle: Birth through Bar Tuesday, January 8, 4 PM, Basic Judaism with Rabbi Stevens Mitzvah. A 30-minute Basic Hebrew class follows at 5:00 PM. begins at 4:00 PM. Class eleven: Modern Judaism: Israel; Friday, November 9, 5 PM, Family Chavurah Shabbat service in Denominations. A 30-minute Basic Hebrew class follows at 5:00 the Blachschleger Library - suitable for children of all ages. PM. Saturday, November 10, 9:30 AM, Shabbat morning service and Friday, January 11, 5 PM, Family Chavurah Shabbat service in Torah study with Rabbi Stevens. Light brunch served. the Blachschleger Library - suitable for children of all ages. Tuesday, November 13, 4 PM, Basic Judaism with Rabbi Stevens Saturday, January 12, 9:30 AM, Shabbat morning service and begins at 4:00 PM. Class six: Lifecycle: Marriage and Divorce. A Torah study with Rabbi Stevens. Light brunch served. 30-minute Basic Hebrew class follows at 5:00 PM. Thursday, January 24, 7 PM, Rabbi Stevens five-part series on Thursday, November 15, 7 PM, Rabbi Stevens five-part series on Women in the Hebrew Bible: Insights from Midrash and Women in the Hebrew Bible: Insights from Midrash and Commentaries. Topic: RUTH. Commentaries. Topic: DINAH. Friday, January 25, 6 PM, Sisterhood Shabbat Service Tuesday, November 20, 7 PM, Joint Interfaith Thanksgiving accompanied by Turia Williams and Becky Taylor. TORAH service at First United Methodist Church. Rabbi Stevens will READING AND D’VAR TORAH. preach. Reception follows. Jointly sponsored by FUMC, TBO and Friday, February 8, 5 PM, Family Chavurah Shabbat service in Church of the Ascension. the Blachschleger Library - suitable for children of all ages. Friday, November 23, 6 PM, Shabbat Service. TORAH Saturday, February 9, 9:30 AM, Shabbat morning service and READING AND D’VAR TORAH. Torah study with Rabbi Stevens. Light brunch served. Tuesday, November 27, 4 PM, Basic Judaism with Rabbi Stevens Friday, February 22, 6 PM, Shabbat Service. TORAH begins at 4:00 PM. Class seven: Lifecycle: Illness, death, READING AND D’VAR TORAH. mourning. A 30-minute Basic Hebrew class follows at 5:00 PM. Saturday, February 23, 7 PM, Purim Service - Costumes (adults, Saturday, December 1, 9:30 AM, Shabbat morning service and too!), Purim Pranks, the famous Megillah and Hamentaschen! In Torah study with Rabbi Stevens. Light brunch served. the TBO Library. Tuesday, December 4, 4 PM, Basic Judaism with Rabbi Stevens Sunday, February 24, 9 AM - 3 PM, Temple Beth Or's 10th begins at 4:00 PM. Class eight: Holidays: Shabbat and Festivals. Annual Jewish Food Festival A 30-minute Basic Hebrew class follows at 5:00 PM. Thursday, March 7, 2 PM, Interfaith Shoah Memorial Service at Friday, December 7, 5 PM, Family Chavurah Shabbat service in Agudath Israel*Etz Ahayem. the Blachschleger Library - suitable for children of all ages. Friday, March 8, 5 PM, Family Chavurah Shabbat service in the Friday, December 7, 6 PM, Union Prayer Book service. Blachschleger Library - suitable for children of all ages. Saturday, December 8, 6 PM, Family Chanukah dinner and Saturday, March 9, 9:30 AM, Shabbat morning service and service featuring renowned story-teller Pennina Schram. Torah study with Rabbi Stevens. Light brunch served. Sunday, December 9, 11 AM - Noon, Master class in story-telling Thursday, March 21, 7 PM, Guest Speaker: Mirabi Starr, author featuring renowned story-teller Pennina Schram. Special Sunday of GOD OF LOVE; A GUIDE TO THE HEART OF JUDAISM, school program [at AIEA] for story tellers of all ages. CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM. Sponsored by the Rothschild- Tuesday, December 11, 11 AM, L'Chaim League's Chanukah Blachschleger Lecture Series. Luncheon at Mr. G's Restaurant. Tuesday, March 26, 5:30 PM, Second Seder. Seating will begin Tuesday, December 11, 4 PM, Basic Judaism with Rabbi Stevens at 5:00 PM, with the service to begin promptly at 5:30. begins at 4:00 PM. Class nine: Holidays: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Tuesday, March 26, All Day, TBO Office closed for Passover. Kippur. A 30-minute Basic Hebrew class follows at 5:00 PM. Friday, March 29, 6 PM, Shabbat Service. TORAH READING Thursday, December 13, 7 PM, Rabbi Stevens five-part series on AND D’VAR TORAH. Women in the Hebrew Bible: Insights from Midrash and Friday, April 12, 5 PM, Family Chavurah Shabbat service in the Commentaries. Topic: DEBORAH AND YAEL. Blachschleger Library - suitable for children of all ages. Sunday, December 16, 7:15 PM, 92nd Street Y Program: GOD IS Sunday, April 14, Noon, Jewish Federation of Central Alabama ONE: MOSES, JESUS, MUHAMMAD, BRUCE FEILER, OMID sponsors an Israeli Festival. Details to come. SAFI AND KAREN KING on TBO's big screen - in the Baylinson Thursday, April 18, 7 PM, Guest Speaker, Janice Rothschild will Social Hall. Sponsored by the Rothschild-Blachschleger Lecture speak on her new book Rabbi Alphabet Browne: Prophet in Time Series. Bring your family and friends. of Priests. Janice Rothschild is the widow of the late Rabbi Jacob Tuesday, December 18, 4 PM, Basic Judaism with Rabbi Stevens Rothschild, who was senior rabbi at The Temple in Atlanta during begins at 4:00 PM. Class ten: Holidays: Minor holidays the Civil Rights Era. Program will be held in the Baylinson Social (Chanukah, Purim, etc.). A 30-minute Basic Hebrew class follows Hall. Sponsored by the Rothschild-Blachschleger Lecture series.

Be sure to check upcoming bulletins for possible date changes and more information. You may also consult the TBO website for additional information at www.templebethor.net.

October 2012 Want an updated look at what’s going on at Temple? Go to www.templebethor.net.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 6 PM, Troy University 6 PM reception to open Shabbat Service the Holocaust exhibit, Monday, October 1 at 6 PM. At Whitley Hall. See page 13 for details.

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 5 PM, Family 6 PM, 4:00 PM Chavurah 9:30 AM, Shabbat Simchat Torah Basic Judaism Shabbat service in morning service Celebration. 5:00 PM the Blachschleger and Torah study Basic Hebrew Library with Rabbi

Stevens. Light 6 PM Shabbat Service brunch served

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11:30 AM, 9:30 AM, Kol Ami L'Chaim League's 6 PM Religious School Opening Luncheon Shabbat Service at AIEA. (Weinrib home) 4:00 PM Basic Judaism 5:00 PM Basic Hebrew 7 PM, 92nd Street Y Program: MICHAEL OREN

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

9:30 AM, Kol Ami 4:00 PM 7 PM, Rabbi 6 PM, Shabbat Religious School Basic Judaism Stevens five-part Service. TORAH at AIEA. 5:00 PM series on Women READING AND Basic Hebrew in the Hebrew D’VAR TORAH. Bible: Insights from Midrash and Commentaries. Topic: REBECCA.

28 29 30 31

9:30 AM, Kol Ami 4:00 PM Religious School Basic Judaism at AIEA. 5:00 PM Basic Hebrew

Kahl Montgomery—Temple Beth Or 2246 Narrow Lane Road Non-Profit Org. OCTOBER 2012 Bulletin U.S. POSTAGE PAID Montgomery, AL 36106 Montgomery, AL Permit No. 140

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED www.templebethor.net

Religion School Schedule

AIEA TEMPLE BETH OR 9/30, Sukkot Celebration GIFT SHOP 10/14 Montgomery, AL 10/21 10/28 11/4 The upcoming Jewish Food Festival is

February 24, 2013

Committee chairs are needed. Please contact From Generation Jenny Ives to Generation (546-2521 c, 263-4984 h, cookbooks are [email protected]) available for if you’re willing to help. $22.00.