Tzedek = Justice Women of Reform Judaism/Sisterhood’s Semi-Annual Blood Drive

This month’s value:

Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life)

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The Newsletter of Mount Zion Temple April 2013 Nisan/Iyar 5773 Vol. 157, No. 7 We will make a difference. L’DOR VADOR FROM THE RABBI FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION Reflections from Israel MAZEL TOV TO... I am writing this article in a café in Jerusalem, a short distance from where Our members who will celebrate a milestone my family lived during our sabbatical in 2008. The sun warms my table anniversary in April: Charles & Vicky Fodor; through the window. I can hear birds singing brightly in the trees. The lively Martin & Sheila Schuman. red, violet, and yellow flowers contrast wondrously with the ever-present white Jerusalem stone. In other words – a typical and inspiring morning in Israel. I am here visiting my son Eiden who is participating, along with Mount Zion 11th grader ZICHRONAM LIVRACHA Anna Ehrlich, in a semester-long program sponsored by the Reform Movement. They are May their memories be a blessing both flourishing along with 83 other teens from around North America. We note with sorrow the passing of our members: The program (called Eisendrath International Exchange-EIE-High School in Israel) Robert Lovich transports the students through 3000 years of Jewish history, with the land of Israel as Our condolences to his family, including his their outdoor classroom. They develop a true sense of ahavat Yisrael, a love for the land wife, Recie Lovich and and people of Israel. This love is not without a healthy, critical spirit, something that his step-son Jules (Janice) Goldstein. Israelis have in large doses. They learn how to debate the ins and outs of government Rivian Steinberg policies and ways to apply Jewish values to the challenges of army service, relations with Our condolences to her family, including her son, Palestinians, and religious pluralism in a land where Orthodox Jews have disproportionate James (Terri) Steinberg. power. There is no shortage of dilemmas in a modern nation-state, let alone one trying to preserve the only home for full Jewish expression in the world and one located in the WE EXTEND CONDOLENCES TO... Middle East. Jay Horvath (Nancy Mendelsohn) on the death of his mother, Betty Horvath, on March 1. In two days President Obama will visit and by the time you read this, you will know the Hilary (Jerry Kobrin) Stecklein Kobrin on the death impact of his time in Israel. Right now expectations are low for anything significant to of her father, James Pert,on March 4. arise. The coalition government of Israel has just been patched together by Prime Minister May God grant peace to all who mourn and Netanyahu. Many believe that the casualty of the coalition will be negotiations with comfort to all who are bereaved. Palestinians. I certainly pray that this is not the case for Israel’s sake. Last month we hosted, with JCRC, a conference at Mount Zion about Iran and the horrific threat it poses to Israel, America, and the world. A conclusion from that day was that Israel must remain vigilant and strong. A few weeks later, we helped host a Palestinian WELCOME...B’RUCHIM HA’BAIM... and Israeli from the Parents Circle Family Forum in a program entitled “Reconciliation TO OUR NEW MEMBER! not Revenge.” Over 1000 people met Wajih Tmaiza and Roi Golan and heard their stories Pola Rest of losing their brothers in the conflict and their desire to work toward a two state solution. A conclusion from these programs was that Israel must take risks for negotiated agreements with the Palestinians. This space is too short to go into greater detail. The issues are complex and their solutions Hospital Visits elusive. However, I will end with contrast. Being in Israel now for a week, it is possible to Our Rabbis and Cantors routinely forget the challenges. There is so much beauty, diversity, and co-existence I have seen every make many visits to local hospitals to day in my travels in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ein Rafa (an Israeli Arab village), and more. I have visit congregants. Most hospitals no not seen the fullness of the region of course in this visit. However, as we prepare for Israel’s longer release patient information. 65th Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut), it is helpful to know that there is indeed so Please let us know if you, a loved one or much to celebrate. I hope you will join me in our community Yom Ha’atzmaut event at friend from the congregation is in the the State Fairgrounds on Sunday, April 21st. Please see the enclosed flyer for more hospital so that we can offer our pres- information. ence and prayers. With prayers for peace, Adam Stock Spilker, Rabbi Iton Tziyon Cover: Women of Reform Judaism/Sisterhood’s Semi-Annual Blood Drive Value of the Month: Pikuach Nefesh – Saving a Life More on this value, see p. 3 for Tzedek Testimonial and p. 18 for Study The photos on the cover are from recent Mount Zion Sisterhood Blood At the November 2012 blood drive, we netted 61 units of blood which Drives. They show our volunteers cooking Matzah Ball soup, checking can help over 180 people We had many Mount Zion members as well people in, giving blood, and providing moral support. In 2012, first as members of the community donating. We had teenage donors as time donors received T-shirts punning on the word “dam”, which is well as senior donors. We had a group from one area workplace who Hebrew for blood. were moved by the devastation from hurricane Sandy and chose our blood drive as a place to support the cause. 2 MAKE YOUR SANCTUARY APRIL Tzedek Testimonial Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life) FRIDAY SHABBAT SATURDAY SHABBAT by Amy Ariel EVENING SERVICES MORNING SERVICES Amy Ariel, formerly Mount Zion’s Teen and Young April 5, 6:30 p.m. April 6, 10:00 a.m. Adult Activities Director and author of the middle- Soul Food Friday, 7:15 p.m. (see p.8) Shemini – Lev. 11:1-11:47* grade book Friends Forever, lives in Saint Paul Mount Zion congregants and with her partner Liddy Rich. If you have questions community are welcome to join the about being a bone marrow or stem cell donor, April 12, 7:30 p.m. teen-led service, part of NFTY Kallah please contact her at [email protected]. Congregational Shabbat Dinner nd April 13, 10:00 a.m. The Blood of My Neighbors 2 Generation Speaker: Laura Zelle Birthday Blessings Tazria/Metzora – Lev. 14:33-15:33* We could have simply each pricked our fingers and made a vow. At Professional Quartet Celebrate Shabbat! midnight, we could have had a secret blood-brother-sister ceremony. Instead, even though we’d never met and still don’t know each other’s April 19, 7:30 p.m. April 20, 10:00 a.m. names, his marrow set up shop in my bones and now makes all of my Food for Thought, 5:45 p.m. (see p.6) Acharei – Kedoshim – Lev. 19:15-20:27* blood because my marrow . . . my marrow needed back-up and my Value of the Month Margaret Cohen, Bat donor did not stand idly by. Brotherhood Participates Continued on p. 16. Brotherhood Mensch Award Congregational Shabbat Dinner April 26, 7:30 p.m. April 27, 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 12 Emor - Lev. 23:23-24:23* Chai School Graduation & Celebrate Shabbat! Dinner: 5:45 p.m.; Film: 6:45 p.m.; Service: 7:30 p.m. Senior Send-off Cost: $18 for adults; $12 for children Dinner will be followed by the viewing of the film: In the Schedule Every Shabbat Day Shadow of the Acropolis: Discover the Untold Story of the 9:00 a.m. Open - Drop in any time to Holocaust in Greece and 2nd Generation Survivor Guest study the week’s Torah portion (listed above). Speaker, Laura Zelle. For more details, see page 9. *Using a triennial [3 year] cycle, we are reading the third third of each parashah this year. Mount Zion Helps Make Mother’s Day Meaningful! 10:00 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service This event has been one of Mount Zion’s best kept secrets. Yom Ha’aym - Mother’s Day Service Daily Service Schedule Daily services are held in the Harris Chapel, Monday through Thursday Sunday, May 12 at 5:45 p.m., Sundays at 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Music and Prayers April 10:00 a.m. Complimentary Brunch Mondays: Rita Grossman, Jonathan Eisenthal, Abram Eisenthal Sponsored by Brotherhood Tuesdays: John Mast, Charlie and Marjorie Levine The service is led by our clergy, with music from both cantors and Shir Wednesdays: Eric Lund, Stuart Foss and Carol Foss Tzion, who help bring meaning and joy to the day. The brunch that fol- Thursdays: Patrick Zimmerman, Ian Ellis, Margo Friedman lows is sponsored by Brotherhood, many in tuxedos, waiting on beauti- Sundays: Sally Glick, Lindsay Nauen, Kurt & Anne Schaeffer, fully set tables and serving a delicious, complimentary brunch. The Ray Sevett brunch is for all in our congregation! Confirmation students will sell roses If you would like to participate in Leading or Greeting at daily to fundraise for their class gift. services, contact Janet Kampf 651-482-9951 or Charles Fodor 651-646-6543. Don’t wait any longer. Plan to spend at least part of the morning at Mount Zion. If you do, you will bring added joy and meaning to this day! Chai School Graduation and Senior Sendoff! Tot Shabbat Friday, April 26, 7:30p.m. Tot Shabbat is the second Saturday of every month. Come to this special service to For families with children from birth to seven years old celebrate our Chai School graduates, as well as wish farewell to all our Yom Ha’atzmaut/Israel’s Birthday graduating seniors! All are welcome! Saturday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. At oneg, enjoy special Mitzvah Project presentations Please bring a healthy, nut-free vegetarian dish to share. by our 7th graders! For more details, see page 11. 3 Rabbi Gershom Sizomu from CHAI NOTES Uganda visits the Twin Cities

Come add your voice to Intergenerational Choir

The Intergenerational Choir has become a beloved Mount Zion tradition. It gives all congregants, regardless of age or musical ability, an opportunity to sing together from our bimah during a Shabbat service. Just come to three rehearsals: Sundays, May 5, 12, and 19 from 8:45-9:30 a.m. and Plan to sing for the Shabbat service on Conversation and Dessert with Rabbi Sizomu, Friday, June 7 at 6:00 p.m. (with a 5:00 warm-up) leader of the Abayudaya community in Uganda, You do not have to be able to read music to participate! Thursday, April 25, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the home of Adele & Curt Brown in St. Paul Cantors’ Concert RSVP to Sheila Schuman in the office by Monday, April 21 Save the Date: Tuesday, July 2, 7:30 p.m. [email protected] 651-698-3881 at Bet Shalom in Minnetonka

Tapestry of Diaspora Jewry with Rabbi Sizomu at Adath Jeshurun Congregation Friday, April 26 & 27 This year’s American Conference of Cantors* convention will be in For more details, please contact Jill Orbuch, Adath Jeshururn’s Minneapolis! Each convention features a cantorial concert. In honor of Synaplex coordinator, at [email protected]. the convention theme “B’chol Kol: Every Voice Counts,” this year’s con- cert will also highlight OVation, a small ensemble from One Voice Mixed Chorus: Minnesota’s GLBTA Chorus. *The Amercian Conference of Cantors is the professional association of over 450 Reform cantors. AT ITZVAH Trope Troupe B M ... the more Torah, the more life. -Hillel Margaret Cohen Todah Rabah to our March Ba’alei Korei (chanting April 20, 2013 Torah): Siana Goodwin,Ruben Lotz, Laura Magel, Shelley Robbins, Maria Rubinstein, Kent Simon. Margaret is the daughter of Steve Cohen and Lisa Murphy. She is Todah Rabah to our March Ba’alei Haftarah a freshman at Central High School; only after several years of explo- (chanting Haftarah): Karen Gjerstad, Renae Goldman, ration did she decide to make Judaism her faith. Her sister Zipporah Brian Serle, Kent Simon also recently committed to Judaism and is in the 6th grade class at Mount Zion. Margaret’s (current) favorite subject at school is Eng- Todah Rabah to our Shir Hashirim/Song of Songs lish. She is contemplating a career in Psychology. When not study- Chanters: Karen Gjerstad, Renae Goldman, Siana Good- ing, she enjoys practicing many forms of dance, and hanging out with win, Shelley Robbins, Maria Rubinstein her friends. Although not sure which, she plans to donate a portion To sign up to chant Torah or Haftarah on Shabbat, of her gifts to an organization which provides aid to third world coun- e-mail Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein at [email protected] tries. 4 FROM THE PRESIDENT You are cordially invited to As I write this article another snow has fallen, another pull of the snow blower rope, another cold day need- ing a fire in the fireplace. Last year, on March 17, it MOUNT ZION’S 157TH ANNUAL MEETING was 80 degrees– today it is around 10 degrees. Hope- fully, by the time you read this, Spring will have on sprung. Pesach celebrations will be over and thoughts Friday, May 17 look forward to Shavuot. The counting of the Omer has begun. The tells us that God gave the Ten Commandments to the Jews on 5:30 p.m. - Annual Meeting the sixth night of the Hebrew month of Sivan. Shavuot always falls 50 6:00 p.m. - Shabbat Dinner days after the second night of Passover. The 49 days in between are known as the Omer. 7:30 p.m. - Shabbat Services Installation of Besty Rest as President In my Google studies of Shavuot I found, as in many , that this holiday also has a food component. According to tradition we and Installation of the New Board should eat dairy foods such as cheese, cheesecake, and milk on Shavuot. This custom seems obscure but some speculate that it is related to The Register online at www.mzion.nirsham.com Song of Songs. One line of this poem reads “Honey and milk are under More details coming in the May bulletin! your tongue.” Many believe that this line is comparing the Torah to the sweetness of milk and honey. Mount Zion has a rich history in Shavuot celebrations. I have fond Volunteer of the Year: Nancy Lewis memories of the whole Torah being unwrapped and held in a great This award will be presented at circle by the congregation. Memories of Rabbis racing to find different Shabbat Services on Saturday, May 25. parts of Torah before their colleagues could find them. Dancing with all of our : from the largest to the smallest. Our cycle of Jewish life continues. As I think of looking at the completely unwound Torah, I reflect back on the last two years of my Presidency. My Presidential tenure has gone faster than I could ever have imagined. I look forward to celebrating our communal successes at our Annual Meeting on May 17. I hope to see you all there. For details and registration: urj.org/biennial13 Robert O. Mast, President

Mount Zion’s Strategic Planning Update How will we best use our energy and resources to fulfill our vision during the next five years? Your input is needed. Mount Zion Temple: A welcoming and vibrant Jewish spiritual home. We are committed to our vision of Mount Zion Temple as devoted to life-long learning, worship and acts of loving kindness. In our holy community, we celebrate, comfort, and create meaning in our lives while we seek justice in our world.

In February, the Board of Directors approved a The Board will be leading the effort and hopes to finish its work within strategic planning process focused on the question: a year. The Steering Committee will guide the Board’s work. The Steering How will we best use our energy and resources to Committee is co-chaired by Dan Rybeck, nominated to be Mount Zion’s fulfill our vision during the next five years? President-Elect beginning in May, and Karen Suzukamo, a Mount Zion member who has years of planning experience with 3M. Other members Strategic planning has been described as “what, so what, and now what.” include Betsy Rest, President beginning in May, Judy Sharken-Simon, The Board and Steering Committee are in the “what” phase—gathering Facilitator of the Kehillah Council, Jean King Appelbaum, past-President, information about Mount Zion. We are examining the needs and wants Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker, and Larry Solomon, Executive Director. If of our congregation and formulating our questions on how to fulfill our you have any questions or comments, please be in touch with the co- vision. Your input is important. Later this spring, you will receive a con- chairs (Dan Rybeck, [email protected] or 763-544-2987, Karen gregational survey as one way to understand where we are and where we Suzukamo, [email protected] or 651-653-0377). want to go. Your completed survey is key to our success in planning and we depend on your input to help determine our course. 5 Food for Thought 5:45-7:15 p.m. Learn and Nosh before Shabbat Services Discussion over wine, juice, and light appetizers. Child care available. Friday, April 19 Friday, May 10 Two options: Two options: A Rabbi and Minister talk The Case for Marriage Equality about Jesus at the Supreme Court Charles Nauen Rev. David Van Dyke and Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker On March 26 and 27, the United States In this hour-long session, participants will Supreme Court heard oral argument regarding learn Christian and Jewish views of the his- marriage equality in the United States. The first torical Jesus and have an opportunity for Q round of these arguments addressed the consti- & A discussion. tutionality of Proposition 8, a California ballot initiative that eliminated the right of same-sex Rev. David Van Dyke is Pastor and Head of couples to marry in California. The second Staff at The House of Hope Presbyterian round addressed whether the Federal Defense of Marriage Act Church on Summit Av- violates equal protection by denying federal marriage benefits to enue in St. Paul. He same-sex couples who are legally married under state law. A earned his M.Div. degree from Western The- decision in these cases is expected by the end of June. ological Seminary, and a M.Th. degree in Ethics and a Ph.D. in Ecclesiastical History The Supreme Court has ruled fourteen separate times in its from the University of Edinburgh in Scot- history that marriage is a fundamental right. Now, in deciding land. the fate of these two laws, the Court has the opportunity to extend this right to same-sex couples. On May 17, come hear Charlie Nauen speak about the constitutional issues involved in these cases and how the potential outcomes will impact marriage equality in the United States. Community Supported Agriculture It's So Easy Eating Green Wellstone-Barlow Mental Health Chris James, Chief Farming Officer & Owner of Fresh Earth Farms Initiative (WBMHI) What is Community Supported Dave Wellstone and Ken Barlow Agriculture (CSA)? How does it Since 2007, Dave Wellstone work? What makes it so green? has been a key figure in Learn how you can forge a tighter Washington D.C. with the relationship with the food and the recent passage of the Paul farmers who grow it while improv- Wellstone and Pete ing your health and the health of Domenici Mental Health the planet. Parity and Addiction Equality Act. He continues to be actively in- Chris started Fresh Earth Farms in volved in these Congressional level conversations. Ken Barlow is 2002. Prior to that he worked in a meteorologist for KSTP-TV. Ken publicly disclosed his battle the corporate world sitting in an with bipolar disorder in September of 2012 while hosting the office dreaming about the outdoors. annual NAMI walk. Ken's main interest now is reducing of the stigma associated with all mental illness, including addiction.

6 MAZAL LIFE LONG LEARNING ONE STEP AT A TIME

The Many Faces of Jews: The Jews of Iraq Sunday, April 7 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Mount Zion Steven Derfler, Ph.D, Instructor One of the first major Judean communities out- side of Eretz Israel can be found here, with ori- gins dating to the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple in 586 BCE. It would be the lamentation of the Priests in the Galut, the Exile, that would give rise to spiritual Zionism embodied in Psalm 137. Steven Derfler weaves historical teachings with personal anecdotes and pictures enriching our understanding of Jews around the world.

Advanced Trope Refresher Sunday, May 5, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Taught by Cantor Strauss-Klein Cost: Member $36, Public $50 Have you ever wondered why there are two sets of trope marks on the Ten Commandments? Have you come across a passage in the Torah or Haftarah where you couldn’t figure out why the trope is the way it is? Have you ever mistaken a t’lisha g’dolahfor a t’lisha k’tanah or a kadma for a pashta? If so, this class is for you! This is an oppor- tunity for the more experienced chanter to brush up on or learn more advanced Torah and Haftarah chanting. The content and direction of the class will be determined by the participants, so please register in advance at www.mzion.org and come prepared with specific ques- tions, passages, or chanting situations you would like to see covered. Participants must have experience chanting Torah or Haftarah trope and be able to read Hebrew. If you have questions, please contact Cantor Strauss-Klein at [email protected].

Guest Speaker at Rashi Class An Israel Book Discussion: Rabbi Sheldon Lewis, Author of My Russian Grandmother and Her American Vacuum Cleaner Torah of Reconciliation By Meir Shev Thursday, April 18, 12-1 p.m. Hensen & Efron Law Conference Room, 220 S. 6th St, 18th floor, Mpls Monday, May 13, 7 p.m. Meet in the Mount Zion Library Rabbi Lewis will speak on texts of peacemaking found in Genesis 18- 22 (Parashat Vayera). All guests are welcome; no experience is necessary; Join Charles Fodor and other members of Mount Zion’s for an en- you may bring your own lunch. More details can be found at: gaging conversation about Israeli life through its literature. Even if torahofreconciliation.com/vayeira. you cannot read the book in advance, you are welcome. Questions: Contact Charles Fodor at [email protected].

7 Tuesday, May 14 - 6 Sivan Wednesday, May 15 - 6 Sivan 7:30 p.m. - Midnight Shavuot Festival Service (Yizkor) 8:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m. Shavuot/Confirmation Service We celebrate the final festival of the year with our newest members 10:30 p.m. Tikkun Leil Shavuot of Mount Zion (see below). Join us for Torah Study on the Festival of Shavuot More details in the May Bulletin. B’ruchim Ha Ba’im Welcoming the First Fruit All babies born since May 2012 Our 2013/5773 Confirmation Class Part of Shavuot morning services Join us as we welcome the youngest members of our Mount Zion Sophie Dora Elwood community. Families with babies born since last Shavuot (May Talia Fossum-Wernick 2012) will be honored with a special ceremony and gift during Ruth Peninah Hardin Shavuot services on Wednesday, May 15 at 8:30 am. Please RSVP Claire Elizabeth Krelitz to Julie Beckman at [email protected] or 651-698-3881 by Benjamin Frazier Miller Wednesday, May 8 with your baby’s Hebrew name. If you need Liam Arad Plambeck help choosing a Hebrew name, please contact any of the clergy. Marni Allyson Pulford Help us celebrate these new guarantors of Torah! Noah Kennon Robiner Lana Eden Rubinstein Eliza Jasmine Cerise Skoler Eiden Shir Spilker Joshua George Weisenfeld

Send A CONFIRMATIONGRAM To Our 2013/5773 Confirmands If you wish to send a CONFIRMATIONGRAM to any of the Confirmands/Parents, please send a list of the names and a check made out to Mount Zion Temple Sisterhood to: Deb Bachrach, 1163 Edgcumbe Rd, Saint Paul, MN 55105. ConfirmationGrams are $3.00 each; GoldenGrams are $4.25 each. DEADLINE to send CONFIRMATIONGRAMS is May 6. Orders are only accepted when accompanied with a check.

8 4th Annual 2nd Generation Survivor Speaker A Mount Zion Production! In the Shadow of the Acropolis: We Could Recall/We Could Tell Stories Reflections of a 2nd Generation Survivor Pulpit Guest: Laura Zelle Friday, April 12 5:45 p.m. Congregational Shabbat Dinner (Cost: $18 for adults; $12 for children) RSVP at www.mzion.org.

6:45 p.m. Viewing of the film: In the Shadow of the Acropolis: Discover Joe Wiener portrays Erwin Farkas the Untold Story of the Holocaust in Greece (more details: acropolismovie.org). Performances: 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Services; 4th Annual 2nd Generation Survivor Wednesday, April 24, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 7:00 p.m. Laura Zelle is Director of Tolerance Minnesota at the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and Sunday, April 28, 2 p.m. the Dakotas, (JCRC) where she has been on staff since Tickets are free, but seats are limited. RSVPs are necessary. 2005. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas Make your reservation at www.mzion.org. with a Masters in Teaching and Curriculum. Laura and her husband Danny, and two children, Eli and Mira, Please make plans to see We Could Recall/We Could Tell Stories, a play are members of Mount Zion. based on the oral transcripts of eight Mount Zion members who survived Nazi Germany. Written by congregant Sharon DeMark and staged by director Leah Cooper, this performance features the acting talents of Shirley Berdie, Scott Johansen, Hugh Kirsch, Arnie Krohn, Seth Levin, Sam Schauvaney, Jeremy Skoler and Joe Wiener. They will tell the stories of Fred Amram, Erwin Farkas, Charles Fodor, Henryk Gurman, Walter and Anita Schwarz, and Victor Vital. Local musician Judith Eisner plays violin. Additional community performances will be at Central High School on April 29, Sholom West on May 1, Saint Paul City Hall on May 3, and Sholom East on May 5. We Could Recall/We Could Tell Stories is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. It is sponsored by Mount Zion Temple, the Jewish Monday, April 8, 7:00 pm Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas, and Sholom. Adath Jeshurun Congregation (10500 Hillside LN W, Minnetonka) Featuring Eli Rosenbaum, Director, Human Rights and Special Prosecutions, U.S. Department of Justice The annual Yom HaShoah Commemoration hon- ors the memory of the six million Jews and other victims murdered in the Holocaust. The 2013 PRIME TIMERS Twin Cities Commemoration will feature Eli For members 55 and older. Rosenbaum, the longest serving prosecutor and in- vestigator of Nazi criminals in history. As is tradi- Potluck Lunch and Guest Speaker tion at Yom HaShoah, Holocaust survivors are invited to light candles in memory of the victims of the Holocaust. Guest Speaker: Gerald Siegel Members of the Children of Holocaust Survivors Association in Min- author of You Shoulda Been There nesota (CHAIM) will assist in the lighting of candles. Thursday, April 4, 12:00 p.m. at Mount Zion

The Yom HaShoah Commemoration is co-sponsored by the Jewish Community You Shoulda Been There is a book of very funny stories of Jewish life Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC), Children of Holocaust in the Midwest. Please bring a dish to share for the pot luck lunch Survivors Association in Minnesota (CHAIM), Adath Jeshurun Congregation, Everyone is invited. Contact Anne Starr at 651-698-5905 or the Jewish Federation of Greater St. Paul, and the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. [email protected] with questions. 9 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NEWS Upcoming Events Parents and Congregants Wednesday, April 3 Join us for Yom Acharon -- School is back in session The Last Day of School! Sunday, April 7, 11:45-12:15 p.m. Special Yom Ha’Shoah/Holocaust Remembrance Day Service. Sunday, May 19 Parents/guardians – please join together with your child. 9:30 a.m. Students Attend Class 10:45 a.m. Closing Ceremony Begins Sunday, April 14, 11:45-12:15 p.m. Special Yom Ha’atzmaut/Israel Independence Day Celebration. Second Grade Mechina Parents/guardians – please join together with your child. Hagigat HaSiddur Ceremony Sunday, April 21 The Celebration of the Siddur 9:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Grade 6 Family Workshop: Celebrate the culmination of the first year of Hebrew studies with “Putting God on the Guestlist” our second grade Mechina class. 3:30-8:00 p.m. - Community-Wide Yom Ha’atzmaut Festival at Sixth Grade Dalet Siyyum/Completion Ceremony the State Fair Grounds Sixth graders will show off their beautiful handmade tallitot and Sunday, April 28 mark the culmination of five years of Hebrew Study. 9:30-12:15 p.m. Community Wide (Color Games) at Teacher Appreciation Camp Butwin for students in Grades 2-6. th Please come to show your support and appreciation for the faculty 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. 5 Grade B’nei Mitzvah Orientation and staff who create a vibrant Jewish learning environment at (parents/guardians only) Mount Zion. Help Us Honor Our Teachers! Family Picnic with DJ iPad Mini Raffle following the service Secure for yourself a teacher and acquire for yourself a friend. -Pirkei Avot, 1:6 The Religious School Satisfaction Survey! This year we are raffling off an iPad Mini at the We care about your opinion and we want to know how we can improve Annual Picnic! Tickets cost $5 each. With each our Religious School program. During April, a survey will be sent to all ticket purchased you will receive a leaf to write a Religious School parents and guardians to gather information and sug- special note to your child’s teacher. Our goal is to gestions about our program. We can only make our school program collect 200 leaves for our teachers. All of the leaves better with input from YOU. Questions? Please contact the Evaluation will be placed on a large tree in the main hallway. Committee Chair, Lija Greenseid at [email protected]. All of the money raised will go directly into our Kibbud Morim fund, which is used during the year to honor our teachers. Registration Coming Soon to a Computer Near You! Back by popular demand! Registration for the upcoming school year will again be available online. An email with the registration link will be sent by the first week of May!

Mitzvah Day at Neighborhood House A HUGE Success! On March 10, over 325 Mount Zion congregants and Religious School students joined together to make a difference by both learning and Sunday, May 5, 2:00 p.m. serving. This was an example of Torah in Action! We donated over at Adath Jeshurun (10500 Hillside Lane W. Minnetonka) 1,000 combined pounds of food and dollars to the Food Shelf. We $9 Kids 11 & under * $18 General *$36 Reserved made 250 snack packs for the youth who attend programming at This a cappella sensation that has become a major YouTube hit is Neighborhood House. We made 125 reusable grocery totes recycled coming to Minneapolis! With their catchy arrangements and lively from t-shirts. We made 75 sets of math flashcards for adult education. musical styles, the Maccabeats will delight fans young and old with Thank you for helping to make a difference in this world! Thank you their beautiful harmonies. They will even sign autographs after the for your support of this important mitzvah!! show! More details on this event at adathjeshurun.org/maccabeats. 10 TEEN AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES Chai School Those Who Can, Teach! (7th-12th Grade) Are you passionate about Jewish life? Ever thought about how much fun it would be to 7th Grade (Gesher) spend your Wednesday evenings with 7th, Gesher Mitzvah Trips 8th, and 9th graders? If you or someone you know would be a great Chai School teacher, Thursday, April 11, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. - Scott Fried at Mount Zion e-mail Ana Apter at [email protected]! Pekuach Nefesh: Lifeguard Always on Duty! 7th-12th Graders Noar Tzion & Gesher JYG Joint Event Chai School Graduation and Senior Send-off! End of the year, joint event/celebration Friday, April 26 6:00 p.m. – Join us for a spaghetti Shabbat dinner introduce our Sunday, May 5, 12:15 - 2:30 p.m. seniors. RSVP at mzion.nirsham.com. More details coming soon! 7:30 p.m. – Continue the special evening at Shabbat Services as we honor our Chai School graduates who have continued with their Jew- ish education through 12th grade and send-off our High School Sen- Tamchui! iors! 7th graders will participate and will present their Mitzvah projects during Oneg. All Mount Zion teachers and specialists are in- vited to celebrate with us! 11th-12th Grade Jewish on Campus: Hillel, Greek Life, & More! Sunday, April 21, 12:00 - 2:30 p.m. Sign up online at mzion.nirsham.com. Contact Ana Apter at [email protected] with an questions. Thanks to the Religious School students for voting for their favorite charities. The total of $1,157.49 (so far!) will be split between the Teens at Neighborhood House for organizations as follows: Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development: 25% Mitzvah Day! Kiva: 22% Neighborhood House: 20% Jordan River Village: 19% Be the Match: 14%

SPORTY News and Events SPORTY Elections Want to plan teen events? Want to bring the teen perspective to the Mount Zion Board? Run for SPORTY Board! Watch your e-mail for more information!

SPORTY Board Meetings All Meetings are from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. April 3, 10, 17, 24, and May 1 11 THANK YOU...FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

RABBIS’ IRENE FINBERG CAMP MITZVAH FOODSHELF MOUNT ZION TORAH RESTORATION DISCRETIONARY FUND FUND FUND CEMETERY FUND In Memory of: In Yahrzeit Memory of: In Yahrzeit Memory of: MAINTENANCE & In Memory of: Jerry Ann Applebaum Rhoda Kantor Harry Breitman PERPETUAL CARE Rita Mironov Richard Applebaum Seymour Kantor The Breitman Family FUND Mary Ann & David Wark Rita Mironov Raffe/Coleman Families Jerry Gillman In Yahrzeit Memory of: YAHRZEIT FUND Jan Dubinsky & Howard FIRESTONE ART FUND Beverly Bunin-Gillman Blanche Baer Mironov Cathryn M. Jackson Barbara Bentson In Yahrzeit Memory of: Rivian Steinberg In Memory of: Jan Jackson Kathleen L. Baer Janice Applebaum Connie & Harry Katz Jerry Ann Applebaum Harry Mintz Marsha Baer-Dennis & Joni Abramson & Margery Weisman Rivian Steinberg Steve & Gail Brand Family Daniel Dudon Irwin Weisman Herman Birnberg Mollie Ruder Matthew Calin David (Dudi) Arad Aglaia Vital In Yahrzeit Memory of: Carol Gurstelle Edith Calin & Family Sharon Arad, Stefan & The Vital Family Fannie Birnberg Martin Suess Perry Goldberg Liam Plambeck In Yahrzeit Memory of: Herman Birnberg Gloria Livingston Marsha Baer-Dennis & Rose Beloff Archie Gingold FUND FOR MOUNT Dr. Fritz Stransky Family The Beloff Family Carla Gingold Feldhamer ZION Walter Schwarz Harry Mintz Lucy Fink Rosalind Rybeck In Memory of: Steve & Gail Brand Paul Fink In Memory of: The Rybeck/Searls Family Jerry Ann Applebaum Esther Krause Titow Henry Fink Robert Lovich Milton G. Smith Connie & Paul Ross Arlene Spilker Irving Gendler Judy Smith & Howard Tomar Mary Ann & David Wark Matthew Calin Terri, Mark, Chris, Emily & Gene Spector In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of: Edith Calin PARENTS AND TOTS Kyle Anderson Batya Spector Ben Konstan Shirley Grossman FUND Henry Latts Esther Krause Titow Janet Kampf Rita Grossman In Honor of the Birth of: Bonnie Buchbinder Arlene Spilker Larry & Margie Solomon Eve Hoffman Zelda Strauss-Klein Mitzi Kane In Honor of the Brit Milah of: HARRIS SUMMER CAMP Jan Hoffman Ilona & Bob Rouda George Levy Kallen Charles Paper ENDOWMENT FUND Rivian Steinberg In Yahrzeit Memory of: Ian Ellis Steven & Rita Paper Rita Grossman Stephen Pierkowski Katherine Linwick In Memory of: In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of: Mildred Miller Ilona & Bob Rouda Daniel Linwick Margery Weisman Ben Konstan Connie & Paul Ross Ben Oberman Jean & Roger Harris PRAYER BOOK FUND Joe & Ellen Konstan Mary Ann & David Wark Jeff Oberman & Kathy CANTORS’ JIM & NANCY HARRIS In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of: In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah Connor DISCRETIONARY FUND LEADERSHIP Ben Konstan of: Bert Rosen ENDOWMENT FUND Gloria & Marty Livingston Ben Konstan Nancy Mendelsohn & In Honor of the Birth of: In Honor of the Bat Mitzvah of: The Konstan, Kletzman & Jay Horvath In Yahrzeit Memory of: Zelda Strauss-Klein Mira Zelle Bodenheimer Families Joe Sher Albert Aberman Vicki & Charles Fodor Larry & Margie Solomon In Honor of the Bat Mitzvah Reine Shiffman Natalie & Bud Harris Rob Lebowitz & Rabbi Esther In Honor of the 90th Birthday of: Edward Stein Adler JULIE LAZOR of: Mira Anna Zelle Liz Stein, Rob & Ethan Larry & Margie Solomon CONFIRMATION FUND Bette Levin Honey & Larry Zelle Larson In Memory of: In Yahrzeit Memory of: Judi & Todd Marshall SISTERHOOD Dr. Fritz Stransky Jerry Ann Applebaum Leon Lazor Donations: LEADERSHIP FUND Walter Schwarz Richard Applebaum Toba & Mort Lazor Susan Benfield Jan Swiler Aglaia Vital In Yahrzeit Memory of: In Memory of: Alyssa, Doug, Eli & Anna Berg Dick & Jill Swiler The Vital Family Ada Larson Jennie Chansky Shel Finver & Dee Albert Sylvia Taran In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of: Rob & Ethan Larson & Gloria & Marty Livingston The Kanihan Family Lisa Taran-Maddy Ben Konstan Liz Stein In Honor of the Special Birthday Steve & LoRene Leikind Emanuel Verbin Joe & Ellen Konstan of: Yvonne Lerew TORAH TONES FUND Janice & Henry Snyder BLOOM LIBRARY FUND Dorothy Lipschultz Jack Wolfson Sue Schwartz Donations: Toba & Mort Lazor William McDonough Michael Smith In Memory of: The Monday Bridge Group Allyson Perling In Memory of: Jerry Ann Applebaum Sheila & Martin Schuman Betsy Rest In Honor of Being Awarded Life Raline Paper Jerry Ann Applebaum Bette Ann & Richard Bloom Ilona & Bob Rouda The Jeff & Richard Barbara Melamed Membership on the WRJ Midwest Board: Ellen & Martin Sampson Applebaum Families In Honor of the Birth of: Neil & Jessica Segal Zelda Strauss-Klein Sheila Schuman Gloria & Marty Livingston Marilyn & Howie Silver Shirley Kulevsky Richard Soule BROTHERHOOD FUND ANNETTE & JAMES LEVINE CHOIR FUND In Appreciation of: Richard Newmark In Memory of: Todah Rabah Anonymous Margery Weisman Debbie Lipschultz Goldenberg We are grateful for these significant donations to support Mount Zion’s sacred work. CARING COMMUNITY FUND M. S. MANDEL MUSIC FUND To the family of Phillip Freeman, z”l, To an Anonymous donor for a gift to In Appreciation of: for a gift to the MUZICA Fund to the Caring Community Fund in Caring Community Volunteers In Memory of: Julie Dean Robert Launer sponsor concerts and special musical memory of Herbert Hadler, z”l, Judi Marshall Aglaia Vital Roxy Lerner events, in loving memory of Philip father of Laurie Hadler, in Allyson Perling Freeman who traced his roots to the appreciation of the good works of In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of: Ben Konstan founding generation of Mount Zion. Mount Zion’s Caring Community. Allyson Perling & Glenn Hardin If you are considering a legacy gift to Mount Zion as a way to help future generations, contact Larry Solomon, Executive Director, 651-698-3881, [email protected]. 12 BROTHERHOOD ISRAEL MATTERS Brotherhood Board Meeting - Tuesday, April 2, 6:15 p.m. in the Sisterhood Lounge following daily service. All Mount Zion men are all invited. We will be planning events for the summer and fall as well as fi- nalizing plans for the Brotherhood Shabbat. To RSVP, contact Richard Newmark ([email protected]) and join us for pizza, salad, & dis- Minneapolis: Sabes JCC cussion. Please attend if you would like to champion a sports, tzedakah, or St. Paul: Mount Zion Temple educational event. Mensch of the Year Award. At Erev Shabbat services on Friday April Remembering Israel’s Fallen Heroes 19, please join Brotherhood as we recognize this year’s Mensch award re- cipient, Donald Mains. As we celebrate the Earth Day events and “Broth- erhood Shabbat,” we are delighted to recognize Don who, in numerous ways, has played a leadership role in Jewish organizations over many, many years. Not only has he served on the Boards of Directors of the Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Min- nesota and the Dakotas, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Vocational Service, the United Jewish Fund and Council, and Sholom Home, he has also served as Co-Chair of the Sholom Community Alliance Shaller Family Campus Capital Campaign and Campaign Director and President of the United Jewish Fund and Council. Yesher koach! Brotherhood Retreat, Friday, May 31 – Sunday, June 2, in Timber Lodge (Cedar Valley Resort) in beautiful Lanesboro, MN. Space within the lodge is limited (especially bedrooms); early registration is encouraged. You need not be a Brotherhood member to attend. The agenda includes food, discussion, spiritual opportunities, singing around the campfire, and recre- ation in the Lanesboro area. Optional activities will be available on Friday afternoon and Sunday morning for those interested. Cost (lodging and food) is $195. Send a check to the Brotherhood, see Sheila in the Temple Mount Zion Israel Bonds Match office, or register online at mzion.nirsham.com/form/mens-retreat2. Ques- For more than 60 years Israel Bonds has been helping to tions? Contact event chair Daniel Sogin at [email protected] or build Israel and strengthen its economy - enabling Israel to Richard Newmark (651 340-3487). grow a nation, protect citizens, connect Jews to Israel Brotherhood Elections for our 2013-2014 officers will occur in early worldwide, and become the leader and innovator it is today. May. Please consider joining our governing team to help plan events for War or cease-fire in the days ahead - we don't know what will be, but you next year. Please contact Brotherhood president Richard Newmark (ranew- can be sure Israel Bonds will always be there for Israel and for you. Build, [email protected]). We need vice presidents of membership and events. strengthen, protect, grow, connect, support by investing in Israel bonds. L’Hitraot, Mount Zion has a $150,000 match for all new investments made in Richard Newmark, Brotherhood President 2012-13 made by May 6, 2013. For information, contact Eric Goldstein ([email protected] or 651-340-3487) at the Israel Bonds Midwest office at [email protected] or 1-(800)-969-3987. Men’s Retreat NOAZIM - 20S/30S GROUP Save the Date: Friday, May 31- Sunday, June 2 Making Judaism relevant to 20- & 30-somethings at Mount Zion! (Lanesboro, MN) For more information on upcoming events, to get involved, or to simply get on our mailing list, email [email protected] or find our group on Facebook! Soul Food Friday Come for the food, stay and feed your soul! First Friday of every month. Join the Men of Mount Zion for an exciting and meaningful early April 5 summer weekend. Bike along the scenic Root River Trail; Canoe or Shabbat Dinner* @ 7:15 kayak for miles; Learn a little Torah; Observe the incredible Hav- Kabbalat Shabbat Service @ 8:15 p.m. dalah outdoors; Spend Saturday evening in an intellectually stimu- lating program with Rabbi Spilker. Connect with new people at this friendly and inviting service! Sin- gles, couples, partners, ALL are welcome! *For dinner, RSVP to See bulletin insert for more details. [email protected] ($5). 13 The Great Purim Mash-Up was a HUGE success, thanks to: Chapter 1: “La Cage Aux Folles” Players: THE KING: Leslie Martin; THE QUEEN: Fred Haeusler; GUYS: Charlie Bulman, Robert Garfinkle, Arnie Krohn & Eric Lund; GALS: Karmit Bulman & Dariane Van Waes

Chapter 2: “Weekend Update” Chapter 3: (Shira the Bat Mitzvah Girl) Players: “Purim Miserables” Players: Dan and Lisa Schibel Written by Sophie Elwood Jeremy Lund, Jeremy Skoler, Sophie Elwood

Chapter 4: “Radio Days” Player: Chapter 5: Peter Bloch “Comedia Dell’Arte” Players: Written by Dan Rybeck Sam Rybeck, Lisa Heyman, Kati Hilton, Charlie Rich

Chapter 7: Chapter 6: “Wait, Wait, Don’t Kill me” “Broadway” Players: Players: Lela Wright MacGregor, Sydney Eric Lund * Jeremy Lund * Sue Lund MacGregor, Mark MacGregor

Our Megillah Readers: Chapters 8-10: “What Really Deborah Bachrach, Sally Glick, Happened” Players: Siana Goodwin and Brian Serle Isaac Garfinkle, Robert Garfinkle, David Torah Tones & Shir Chants Glick, Rachel Glick, Sally Glick, Scott Johansen, Sue Koch, Laura Schauben, Sam Instrumentalists: Schauvaney Jerry Brakke, Scott Davies, Mick LaBriola

Photos courtesy of David Wark, Phil Goldman, and Hannah Riederer.

Thank you to all our Purim Carnival Volunteers! Steve Abrahamson, Ruth Abrahamson, Aly Akers, Dylan Amnuel, Sasha Amnuel, Miller, Michelle Morris, Perleberg Family, Hannah Riederer, Noah Robiner, Sydney Paul Bagdade, Adam Bahr, Cheryl Bemel, Sarah Bloomberg, Susanne and Warren Roston, Anna Rothstein, Berneen Rudolph, Dan Rybeck, Abe Rybeck, Laura Cohen, Isabella D’Aquila, Hannah Davis, David Demark, Phoebe Ellis, Amelia Schauben, Sam Schauvaney, Jennifer Schneider, Andy Schneider, Carrie Siegel, Forman, Talia Fossum-Wernick, Sidney Garner, Gail Gendler, Jessica Griffith, David Jeremy Skoler, Michael Skoler, Noah Somberg, Mirit Spilker, Charles Stander, Guthertz, Laurie Hadler, Ally Hakes, Jerry Helfand, Joe Heyman, Lexi Hilton, Ethan Amanda Thomm, Rene Tragatsch, Danny Turin, David Wark, Sophie Weber, Melissa Kinsley, Maria Kirsch, Ben Konstan, Krelitz Family, Annie Kristal, Eamon Kuhne, Weisman, Mitch Wittenberg. Special thanks to our teachers who went above Natalie Lassman, Chuck Long, Vicki Long, Jeremy Lund, Tom Marver, Sandy and beyond: Max Hendrix, Aaron Grossman, Mike Kann, Ronit Zemel, Sarah Meirovitz, Alison Mellin, Mark Miazga, Nicole Messinger Post, Ben Miller, Nancy O’Connor, Sara Sandmel, Noah Westreich. 14 Nominating Committee Report 2013 SISTERHOOD Mount Zion’s Board of Directors The following person has been nominated to serve as President Elect for IRIAM S ELL a term of two years from June 2013 – May 2015. He will automatically M ’ W Sisterhood’s Judaica Shop News ascend to Presidency in 2015: Dan Rybeck Passover Market: Last Day Blow Out Sale on April 7. Come check The following person has been nominated to serve as Vice President out the Deals! for a term of two years from June 2013 – May 2015. He is eligible for New Mah Jongg cards will be available in the Judaica Shop sometime a second term in this position. in April. Supplies are limited. All Jewelry 30% for April! Steve Levin Hours for the Judaica Shop are Wednesdays, 4:30 - 7:15 p.m., Fri- The following people have been nominating to serve second terms as days, ½ hour before Services; and Sundays from 9:30 - 12:15 p.m. Vice Presidents for a term of two years from June 2013 – May 2015. They are not eligible for an additional term in this position. Theater Schedule Susan Robiner War Horse, $75, June 19, 7:30 p.m. Varda Nauen Wicked, $62 & $82, Sunday, October 27 (Main floor seats) NEW! The following person has been nominated to serve as Treasurer for a Coming soon: Phantom of the Opera and Mamma Mia! Call Toba term of two years from June 2013 – May 2015. He is eligible for a sec- with questions or to reserve your tickets, 952-953-0228. ond term in this position. Daniel Sogin WRJ Midwest District Kallah The following person has been nominated to serve as Secretary for a April 12-14, OSRUI, Oconomowoc WI term of two years from June 2013 – May 2015. She is eligible for a sec- Join other women from Reform Temples throughout the Midwest for ond term in this position. Fun, Worship and Camaraderie! Rozanne Glass The HPV Vaccine – Who Is It For? The following people have been nominated in accordance with Article VI, section 2 of the bylaws to serve as Directors for a first term of two Sunday, April 14, 10:00 a.m. at Mount Zion Temple years from June 2013 – May 2015. They are eligible to run for a sec- Dr. Hilary Sticklein Kobrin, Mount Zion member and Pediatrician ond two year term in 2015. will answer questions and address concerns about the HPV vaccine. Mark Cohen David Knapp Robert Garfinkle Karen Suzukamo Red Cross Blood Drive - Volunteers Needed! Andrew Greenseid Daniel Zelle April 17, 2:30-7:30 p.m. at Mount Zion Temple The following people have been nominated in accordance with Article schedule online go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter the Sponsor VI, section 2 of the bylaws to serve as Director for a second term of Code of 4008 or contact Terry Stander at 651-293-1776 or two years from June 2013 – May 2015. They are ineligible for addi- [email protected]. Double red cell donor appointments are found at tional consecutive terms as Directors. the bottom of the schedule. We also need volunteers to help run the Glenn Hardin Erin Miller Drive. Contact Terry to volunteer to help. David Kristal Charlie Nauen Women Who Write, Brunch and Program All of the above people have been contacted and have agreed to accept Sunday, May 5, 10:00 a.m. at Mount Zion Temple (Free!) their respective nominations. Meet local writer Rebecca Kanner, whose first novel, Sinners and the The following people have been nominated to serve on the 2013 Nom- Sea, will be published in April. Sinners and the Sea is about Noah’s inating Committee. They will be contacted next year when the Nom- wife; Rebecca will discuss the writing process and how her story came inating Committee is reconvened. to be. Come have brunch and enjoy hearing about this new novel! Ian Ellis, Sheri Frisque, Rita Grossman, Sue Lund, Sara Rice, Switching Jobs? Looking for a Job? Worried about the Job Interview? Philippa Stelter Come to the next Women's Professional Networking Event: Respectfully submitted, The Job Interview From Both Sides of the Desk: Ellen Konstan, Convener Ellen Sampson, Chair What You Need to Know Nominated for President Nominated as President-Elect Monday, May 20, 7:00 p.m. at Mount Zion 2013-15 (President 2015-17) Bring your friends, family and neighbors to this networking event, which includes a panel of people who do the hiring, along with women who have recently found jobs. Sponsored by the Sisterhoods of Mount Zion, Temple Israel and Bet Shalom! Call Gail Gendler with any questions at 651-210-1699.

15 SOCIAL ACTION UPDATE Tzedek = Justice Tzedek Testimonial by Amy Ariel Neighborhood House: Making a Difference Continued from p. 3 Approximately 325 Mount Zion members made a difference I don’t know how much he knows about me. I know he is around 34 at Neighborhood House on Mitzvah Day, Sunday, March 10th, by both years-old, has A+ blood, and on May 12, 2011 lived in another coun- learning AND serving. Learning included having a conversation with try. It is only by loose definition that one could consider us neighbors. three immigrant participants (from Korea, Cambodia and Mexico), hear- I don’t know why he joined the Be the Match registry. www.marrow.org ing from President Armando Camacho, and touring Neighborhood I don’t know if he had been on the registry for weeks or years. I don’t House. Serving included: know if he thought about saying no when he got the call saying he was *Donating almost 700 pounds of food to the Food Shelf and helping to someone’s match. I don’t know if he flinched when they told him his shelve it. Thanks to the Jennifer Wall and Mark Miazga and the Food recipient needed marrow (surgically removed) and not peripheral stem Shelf Committee, Dana Prottas and the Religious School, and Mary Ann cells (a fancy blood donation). I don’t know what he read in the wait- Wark and Batya Spector! ing room between the extensive physical exams that made sure he was *Making 250 snack packs for hungry youth coming to Neighborhood healthy enough to be a donor. I don’t know who accompanied him to House for after-school tutoring, athletics and youth leadership programs the hospital, who held his hand as he went under anesthesia, or who was (these will last a whole month). Thanks to Sisterhood! with him when he woke up. I don’t know whether his recovery took *Making 125 reusable cloth grocery bags to hand out in the Food Shelf. three days or three weeks. I don’t know if he prayed for my health. I Thanks to Betsy Rest and her team! have said the misheberach for his. I don’t know if he wakes up thinking about me. Every day I wake up thinking about him – my blood brother *Making 75 sets of math flashcards for adult education students studying – nicknamed Valinor. to get their high school diploma and go on to college or a better job (math Between my AML (Leukemia) diagnosis and my transplant, I received is frequently their hardest and last subject to pass). Thanks to Brotherhood about 30 blood and platelet transfusions. After my transplant I received and the Tzedek Committee! about five more. That is a lot of people I will never be able to thank. It Continue to Make a Difference by: took Valinor’s bone marrow to hopefully save my life. My next bone- *Helping Food Shelf families shop for culturally appropriate food on Fri- marrow biopsy to check on my cancer-free status is scheduled for May days. Must be 14 plus and commit to a minimum of one shift per week 8. My two-year transplantaversary is May 12. On Monday May 13, I for 4 weeks. hope to fill out the forms to start the process to meet Valinor. *Teaching English for basic math situations on Wednesdays or Fridays I was invited to write about what drives me to work for tzedek. I pray during the day. Students learning English need your help navigating gro- my life is its own illustration of that. I am only able to continue to do cery store conversations, telling time, and reading recipes. Must commit so because of the blood of my neighbors and the marrow of my blood to 2 hours per week for 12 weeks. brother. I write, therefore, in gratitude and with a promise: In your Contact Riley Karbon at Neighborhood House (651-789-3626 or honor and by your example, I am committed to always do what good [email protected]) or Mount Zion's Liaison with Neighborhood House I can and to never stand idly by. P.J. Pofahl (651-646-2217 or [email protected]). Read more or donate online at www.neighb.org. Jewish Community Action invites Mount Zion members for a Lobby Day at the Capitol CARING COMMUNITY Thursday, April 4, 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. (Meet in Capitol Rotunda) In this year of Tzedek, many have had conversa- Mount Zion Cares! tions, many attended the Nov 11 Tzedek gather- The Caring Community Program is here to help Mount Zion Temple mem- ing, and many attended JCA and Isaiah’s bers in their moments of need. We reach out to you with a helping hand when “Speaking of Faith after the Elections”. Some there is injury, illness, grief or other life stressors. Mount Zion members may now want to speak to the Legislature at the State Capitol. This is an We provide meals, rides, visitors, and shiva support. opportunity to join with others from the congregation, engage in open To get help contact the program at [email protected] conversation on the issues, and speak with some legislators. This day is or call 651-698-3881 not about speaking on behalf of Mount Zion Temple; it is a Jewish Com- Looking for a 7th Grade Mitzvah Project? Like to make people smile? munity Action morning for Mount Zion members who are interested. If you want to speak about your values and how they impact some issues Become a Mitzvah Clown! of the day, please RSVP to Jesse Rothman at JCA (jesse@jewishcom- Sun, April 14, 12:30 – 3 p.m. at Sholom Home West munityaction.org or call him at 952-201-9564). Additional site visit planned (same time): June 2 Additionally, if you cannot make it to this event but want to continue the As mitzvah clowns, we will role play, learn how to make balloon an- year of Tzedek work with Jewish Community Action, please get in touch imals, apply clown makeup, get dressed in clown clothes, and bring with Jesse. JCA is doing important and timely work (right now!) advo- joy to those who need some! This is great for both adults and kids cating for the freedom to marry, foreclosure prevention, immigration, (Grade 5 and up!), Teens, Families and especially 7th graders! Con- and gun violence prevention. There is a lot to do and now is the time! tact Sue Lund at [email protected] or 952-217-0594. 16 SOCIAL ACTION UPDATE Tzedek = Justice Your Making a Difference Journey: Stories, Values and Passions

What part of your life story motivates you? When: Mondays, April 8, 15, May 6, 13, & 20, 6:30-8:00 p.m. What values speak to you? What passions drive you to work for a better world? Cost: $20 to cover materials (scholarships available for anyone with For some of us, these questions can feel a bit limited resources). daunting. However, when we take time to reflect Please contact Julie Beckman to reserve your place and your upon and understand our unique life experi- RSVP: ences, stories, values, and passions we often find materials at [email protected]. Tracie Bluse Ward it is easier to live our lives with greater intention, The program will be facilitated by fellow congregant, Tracie Bluse Ward, generosity and compassion. President and Founder of Celebrations of Life Services In this Year of Tzedek at Mount Zion, we invite Inc. Her company’s mission is to provide meaningful you to join us in a powerful and engaging five- Legacy Journey® experiences to help individuals and week program to help you begin to: share your families live their lives with intention and share their wisdom through your life stories and experiences, values, wisdom and generosity with loved ones and fu- uncover your values for living a Jewish life, define ture generations. These innovative programs are uti- your passions for making a difference personally, lized by senior living, hospice, financial/estate inspire and engage your loved ones, and enact planning, healthcare, non-profit, and faith-based or- change through our Jewish community. ganizations nationally. Each 90 minute workshop will help you get Contact Tracie with questions about the program: started along your Making a Difference Journey™ [email protected]. and homework activities will help you reflect and share what is most important in your life, family, work, and generosity. No prior writing experience needed.

A wonderful coincidence with our Year of Tzedek at the State Legislature:

As you may remember, the push for early childhood funding was one of Members of Mount Zion’s Tzedek committee invite you to attend a the most enthusiastically applauded requests at our January 6 “Speaking of Faith” event (co-sponsored by Mount Zion, JCA, ISAIAH His Works MinneMinds Policy Agenda Discussion United ) for legislators before the session started. Well great minds think (Early Childhood Development) alike! Sunday, April 7, 10 -11:30 a.m. Early childhood development has re-surfaced as a major policy initiative Speakers: Barb Yates, Executive Director of Think Small; Rob this year at the state level. The initiative, called MinneMinds, has been Grunewald, economist at the Federal Reserve ( co-authored the report planned out and refined over a period of years and has the support of with Art Rolnick that showed that investment in quality early child- dozens of Minnesota’s premiere educational organizations and non-profit hood saved society money) and Kat Kempe, Senior Policy Advocate at foundations. This large coalition of community organizations is advocat- Think Small. ing at the state legislature for scholarships that will enable all of the state’s Join us for a presentation by some of the leaders of this advocacy cam- low-income 3- and 4-year-olds to attend high quality early childhood ed- paign. Our guest speakers will cover the research-both the early child- ucation programs. Their goal is to see this proposal passed into law before hood development research and the economic research were used to the end of this legislative session (May 31), therefore there is a need to formulate the policy agenda. We will also learn about the strategy for act quickly. advocacy. You might want to explore at Minneminds.org. Lori Sturdevant also wrote an excellent Op-ed piece about MinneMinds in the January 19 issue of the Star Tribune, “The Year We Attend to Early Ed?” For more information, contact Mary Ann Wark at [email protected] or 651-644-8533.

17 TAKE HOLD OF TORAH - A YEAR OF TZEDEK Whenever a person can save another person's life but fails to do so, he The laws of Pikuach Nefesh are a test for us. They give us the chance transgresses the commandment “Do not stand idly by the blood of your to hear God’s voice, telling us to save life. Just as Maimonides takes neighbor." This commandment applies when a person sees a colleague a single line in Torah and imagines many contexts for saving a life, we drowning at sea or being attacked by robbers or a wild animal, and he must use our moral imagination to be aware and ready when the op- can save him but does not. Similarly, it applies when he hears others portunity presents itself. conspiring to harm a colleague, and he does not intervene… and all --Jonathan Eisenthal, editor, Take Hold of Torah page things in this vein. Maimonides Mishneh Torah 1:14 Comments from Mount Zion Temple Sisterhood, sponsors of our semi-annual Blood Drive: We all hope that if the situation arose we would step up. We live in a so- I believe each person has a responsibility to take care of each other as ciety of hope. May we hope and pray that we would be there for others long as it doesn’t cross over boundaries of being unethical or immoral or as they would step up for us. might harm oneself. Every life is sacred and equally special and unique. –Gail Gendler –Liz Stein There have been revolutions in communications over the millennia pre- I always knew it was a gift to donate blood but my first intellectual con- senting us with images of tragedy from afar, with telegraph, radio, tele- nection between donating and living Jewishly was when my Hadassah phone and the Internet being only the most recent. Yet the precepts of group studied Pikuach Nefesh, specifically the opportunity to safe a live our religion, in the face of famine, pogroms, isolation and war have kept by designating oneself as an organ donor on one’s driver’s license. Do- together a people against all odds. Surely the strength of those tradi- nating blood also has the potential to save a life, and you can do it over tions has been tested by time. One can only hope that “the advent of and over! It’s that simple. (Tell your friends!) global, instantaneous media cov- –Leslie Martin erage,” just one more of those I’m reminded of the Yiddish say- man-made revolutions, will not Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life) ing: “Die ganzer veld is ein destroy the hallowed principles of stat.” (The whole world is one Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor. our faith by efforts to adjust to town.) manmade moral relevancy. -Leviticus 19:6 –Bernice Rosten –Deborah Bachrach Why were the first humans created alone? To teach that if While I’m not crazy about pop- I must know and remember that you destroy a single life it is as if you have destroyed all up donor centers (I prefer a clin- life is precious and each life has humanity and if you save a single life it is as if you have ical or hospital setting because I value. Not only must you do no tend to get woozy and need extra saved all humanity. harm to another - it is an obliga- attention during the donating tion to do whatever is within your -Mishna Sanhedrin 4:5 process), I thought the post-do- power to protect the lives and nation care provided by our Nothing must stand in the way of saving a life, except well-being of others. I think this Sisterhood (and some gives perspective on what is im- being forced to commit idolatry, incest, or murder. Brotherhood!) members was ex- portant as we go about our busy -Talmud Yoma 82a ceptional. No hospital or clinic lives and get stressed by the day to can top it. The food was deli- day hassles. The blood drive is cious, but the time that they one of the most straightforward ways we have to safeguard the lives of gave to each person was really remarkable. others. –Aimee Gonzales –Michelle Morris Seventy-five years ago, I awakened with severe pain in my joints. I could I have donated blood since college. The only time I have received blood not walk; I could not sit. My mother called the family doctor who found was in 1984 after the birth of my first child. At that time HIV-AIDS was a heart murmur and diagnosed my illness. Rheumatic Fever had only re- new and very misunderstood so the transfusion I received scared me. cently been given a name. I was sent directly to the hospital. The doc- This has really led me to appreciate the Red Cross and the real lengths tor prescribed sulfanilamide, a new drug being tested by the army. I they go to screen donors and test blood and to ensure that the blood awakened the next morning with blue lips and blue fingernails. The only supply is safe. Any one of us, or our family members could need blood antidote was a blood transfusion. This was well before the time of stored at any time. It is great to know that people donate so it will be available blood. It was a person to person procedure. My dad, who owned a when we need it. plumbing company, called in all his crews for a blood match for his only –Terri Stander daughter. The match turned out to be a total stranger who answered the The blood drive welcomes the congregation and the community to our call for help. Today I am a healthy, contributing, 1 pint Irish, senior-cit- temple to give to others. We all bleed and we all need this vital life fluid, izen. Thank you Mike Flaherty. whatever our backgrounds. –Shirley Berdie –Sue Stein

18 Website: E-Mail: Phone: 651-698-3881~ Fax:651-698-1263 [email protected] Teresa Matzek, Iton Tziyon, editor Address Requested Service Saint Paul, MN55105 1300 Summit Avenue Mount Zion Temple Ellen B.Rest, President-Elect Robert O.Mast, President Ana Apter, Teen andChaiSchoolDirector Dana Prottas, Lower SchoolandHebrew SchoolDirector Solomon, ExecutiveLarry Director Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein Cantor RachelStock Spilker Rabbi EstherAdler Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker INSIDE Tuesday-Wednesday, May14-15/6Sivan zdk16-17 19 15 Take HoldofTorah 14 Tzedek 13 Sisterhood 12 Purim Photos Committees 11 Contributions 7 10 9 Teen andYouth Religious School Prime Timers 6 4 MaZAL Food forThought 5 From thePresident 3 2 Chai Notes Service Schedule Rabbi’s Letter [email protected] www.mzion.org See page8formoredetails. S at MountZion HAVUOT A Rabbi andMinisterA Rabbi Talk aboutJesus Rabbi RickJacobs, Change andChallenge: Reform Judaism ataCrossroads Rabbi Jacobswillspeakfromservices. thebimaduring Saturday, May 25, 10a.m. Shabbat Service Holocaust Remembrance Rev. David Van DykeandRabbiAdam Stock Spilker Community Supported Agriculture Yom HaShoah Food forThought See page9. It's So EasyEatingGreen Friday, April 19,5:45-7:15p.m. Scarsdale, New York andBrooklyn Heights Synagogue inBrooklyn, New York. a dynamic, spiritualleaderat visionary Westchester longtime anddevoted creative changeagent, Rabbi Jacobs spent30years as congregational armoftheReform Jewish Movement in Rabbi RickJacobsispresident oftheUnionfor Reform Judaism, the See page 6formore details. President oftheUnionfor Reform Judaism Chris James See fordetails. insert Israel Independence Day Yom Ha’atzmaut TWIN CITIES,MN TWIN PERMIT NO.814 US POSTAGE PAID PRESORTED STANDARD Reform Templein North North America. A ISRAEL isis 65!65! Celebrate Israel’s independence state fair style April 21, 4-8 pm State Fairgrounds

ISRAEL ON A SCHTICK! FALAFEL matzo balls and more...on a stick FAMILY FUN HEBREW STORYTIME FACE PAINTING SOVEV KINNERET MUSICIANS ISRAELI MARKET shop for handmade Israeli goods Hit Israeli hip hop group HADAG NACHASH APRIL 14-21 IS ISRAEL WEEK Show your love of Israel in a new way each day JOIN THE FUN @ ISRAELWEEK.ORG

6pm HaDag Nachash Live Mount Zion’s 2nd Annual Jewish Men’s Retreat in scenic Lanesboro, MN Friday May 31- Sunday, June 2

Join the Men of Mount Zion for an exciting and meaningful early summer weekend in fabulous Lanesboro, MN. Here are just some of the activities:  Bike along the scenic Root River Trail  Find your spiritual side  Watch eagles soar over the bluffs  Learn a little Torah  Canoe or kayak for miles  Observe the incredible  Explore historic Lanesboro outdoors under the stars  Enjoy the camaraderie of other Mount  Spend Saturday evening in an Zion men intellectually stimulating program with  Listen to the grasshoppers Rabbi Adam Spilker.

All this at the fabulous Cedar Valley Resort in Lanesboro, MN. Lanesboro was named one of America's Prettiest Towns by Forbes Traveler, one of the 50 Best Sports Towns in the Nation by Sports Afield Magazine, and the Bed & Breakfast Capitol of Minnesota. With the Root River State Bike Trail – the #1 rated trail in the state – winding through the resort, and the Root River running alongside, there is no better access for fishing, biking, hiking, blading, kayaking or tubing.

The registration fee covers lodging for both nights, 5 delicious meals, snacks, drinks and all programming. Check-in for the retreat will be from 4 p.m. with Shabbat dinner to start at 7 p.m. Optional early activities on Friday to be announced at a later date! We expect the retreat to fill up early, so please register early to ensure your spot! For a shared room the cost is $195 and for dormitory style accommodations the cost is $125. To register, go to mzion.nirsham.com/form/mens-retreat2 or call Sheila at 651-698-3881.

Confidential financial assistance is available. Please call Rabbi Spilker for assistance. For more information, contact Daniel Sogin ([email protected] or 651-387-0997) or Richard Newmark ([email protected] or 651-340-3487).