Shofar Iyar-Sivan 5775 • May 2015

In this issue...you can click on the Rabbi’s Message page you would like to read first. Adult Education...... 6 Education Must Be An Affirmation of Life Blood Drive...... 9

Lately I find myself having the same conversation over and over Brotherhood...... 10 again. It concerns teens today and their emotional and spiritual Calendar...... 24 health. Reasonable people are worried. Adolescence was never easy, because it is a liminal state. A teen is Community...... 7-8 no longer a child, but not yet an adult. So it is normal for teens to feel awkward and uncertain, desirous of freedom, but not necessarily ready Confirmation Invitation...... 5 to shoulder the responsibility that comes with it. This “normal state” is challenging enough, but it seems that for many of our young people today life has become almost more than Contributions...... 23 they can bear, and with increasing frequency, it is leading to self-destructive behavior and Cultural Arts...... 11-12 even suicide. Continued on page 2 Education Directors...... 4 Israel Matters...... 13 Jewish LIFE...... 6 Lifecycle (TBE Family News)...... 21 Join us to Celebrate the Festival of Shavuot Mitzvah...... 14-15 President’s Message...... 3 In Prayer, Song, and Study Rabbi’s Message...... 1-2 Saturday Evening, May 23 Renaissance...... 16 7:00 pm – Yom Tov service and Yizkor Ritual...... 16 8:00 pm – Traditional dairy treats for Shavuot Sisterhood...... 17-18 8:30 pm – Traditional Tikkun Social Action...... 19-20 Shavuot Study Worship Schedule...... 2

“Memories of Sinai” Yahrzeits...... 22 Text study and discussion of the giving of Torah at Sinai Led by Rabbi Gluck

Temple Beth-El • 67 US Highway 206 • Hillsborough, NJ 08844 • (908) 722-0674 • www.ourbethel.org Worship Schedule Rabbi’s Message, continued from page 1 Friday, May 1 7:00 pm Erev Shabbat Service – Family Shabbat Service Saturday, May 2 What has changed? A lot! Parashat Achrei Mot / K’doshim, Leviticus 16:1-18:30 / 19:1-20:27 First, the digital age has created a situation in which there is very little privacy and 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Services and Torah Study with little time for quiet reflection. This is the first generation that is growing up perpetually Bat Mitzvah of Cameron Ward attached to their devices and in constant communication with others. Whatever is on our Thursday, May 7 teenagers’ minds is shared in real time, for good, and, too often, for bad. Gossip has always Lag BaOmer – Omer Day 33 been a social ill, but thanks to the internet, evil speech now has immediacy and a reach that knows few bounds. A young person in such an environment is constantly at risk of Friday, May 8 embarrassment and humiliation, or of causing it to others, and no one is giving them the 6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Services tools to navigate these dangerous waters. 6:45 pm Pot-luck Shabbat Dinner celebrating Chai Circle Second, though parents have always had high expectations of their children, our 8:00 pm Erev Shabbat Services with Chai Circle society and our schools have increased the pressure to perform to unrealistic and Saturday, May 9 unreasonable proportions. Education has always involved tests, but where once they were Parashat Emor, Leviticus 21:1−24:23 tools for measuring progress, today testing has become obsessive and oppressive, and 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Services and Torah Study with the message our kids are getting is that they will never be good enough. This tyranny of Bat Mitzvah of Sydney DeLierre testing squelches curiosity and creativity, often eliminating the joy of discovery and the fun that should be at the heart of learning. Friday, May 15 A sign of just how bad things have become in public education is the recent convictions 8:00 pm Erev Shabbat Services with the Choir of educators in Atlanta for falsifying their students’ test scores. If the moral fiber of these Saturday, May 16 teachers was overwhelmed by the need to produce results, we can only imagine what Parashat B’har / B’chukotai, Leviticus 25:1-26:2 / 26:3-27:34 this pressure must be doing to our children. Sadly, it seems that schools are doing more 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Services and Torah Study with to crush souls than to enlighten them, and the environment in extra-curricular activities is B’not Mitzvah of Talia Hirsch and Lindsey Skole often even worse. Sunday, May 17 The pressure placed by coaches on student athletes often goes beyond excessive to Yom Yerushalayim cruel. Cherished values are perverted by mantras like: “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” No doubt, competition builds character, and the discipline involved in sports is Tuesday, May 19 an important life skill, but something has gone terribly wrong when fear of failure is more Rosh Chodesh Sivan palpable than the fun of the game and healthy competition. Schools and communities Friday, May 22 do right to build playing fields for our kids, yet it is too often hard to characterize what is Shabbat B’Shir: Erev Shabbat Services with the Tefilah Band happening on them as play. Saturday, May 23 One of the people I have had this conversation is with the superintendent of Parashat Bemidbar, Numbers 1:1−4:20 Hillsborough schools, Dr. Jordan Schiff, together with other local clergy. Dr. Schiff 10:00 am Shabbat Minyan Services convened a meeting to discuss appropriate responses to an alarming rise in the incidence 7:00 pm Yom Tov Shavuot Services and Yizkor of teen suicide. After sharing with the group the thoughts that I have just expressed in this column, I offered the model of our Confirmation Academy as an antidote to the ills Sunday, May 24 we are confronting. Its central theme is the affirmation of life and its sanctity, beginning Shavuot with the core Jewish teaching that every human being is created in the image of God. Friday, May 29 We are explicit about the fact that the most important thing we teach our teens is what 7:00 pm Erev Shabbat Services and Ceremony of they should see when they look in the mirror— a precious child of God, with intrinsic and Confirmation infinite value. There are many important agendas involved in a good Jewish education, just as there Saturday, May 30 Parashat Naso, Numbers 4:21−7:89 are many disciplines to be learned in a good secular education. But at TBE we have made a strategic decision to sacrifice some of the Judaic knowledge we would wish to impart 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Services and Torah Study with B’nei Mitzvah of Alex Fromberg and Emily Brandt to our kids in favor of the kind of values education that will help them to stand strong against the debasement of human value that has been all too pervasive in our culture. I believe that as a temple community, with the strong partnership of our parents, we are Temple Calendar Webpage doing well in this sacred mission of raising grounded and well-rounded children and http://www.ourbethel.org/luach-beth-el young adults. There is nothing that we do at TBE that is more important. And my message to our schools is not that they should begin teaching religion. It is that they should place our children’s well-being above their performance. This need not entail Shofar Submissions any compromise of academic standards. On the contrary, I am confident that learning and Deadline will only improve if students are assured that their value is not measured by their test results, or by whether their team won or lost the game. Our schools will succeed when The next issue of the Shofar will be they replace the atmosphere of scrutiny, examination, and fear of failure, with one of June 2015. PLEASE NOTE: The deadline for curiosity, creativity, discovery, wonder, open-mindedness, open-heartedness, compassion, submissions is May 15. acceptance, appreciation, and love. Submit articles via email to: At Temple Beth-El, our Religious school and youth programming is an affirmation of life in the context of a community that embraces and loves every one of our children as [email protected]. they are, for who and what they are, without qualification or judgment. May we continue In the subject line, please use the following to grow and strengthen this sacred work of raising healthy children, and let us raise our voices to advocate for schools that share our commitment to this ethos. naming convention: Shofar Month/Shofar/ Committee Name or Professional Staff Name. Rabbi Arnold S. Gluck

Temple Beth-El Shofar 2 Iyar-Sivan 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

From Our President

by Lil Swickle Answering the Call

I don’t think I have ever cried at a funeral for someone I There were nearly 1,000 people didn’t know. On a recent Thursday, I did. I want to share a packed into our facility. Every one of little about that experience. the 750 chairs we had set, plus two- Rabbi Vicki Tuckman, spiritual leader of Temple Micah and three-deep standing-room-only in Lawrenceville and formerly of Camp Harlam and the crowds around the sides, in the quiet Union of Reform Judaism, passed away during the week of room and lobby. I’ve never seen so Passover. I’m not going to talk about Rabbi Tuckman’s life many non-relatives openly crying and and career (you can Google her for that!) But I will point weeping as they left the service. It out that she was young — in her mid-forties — with a was impossible not to be deeply moved by this service. husband and three children, ages 10, 14 and 16. While I felt sad at the lost opportunity that I would never Rabbi Tuckman fought cancer for many years. At the know this remarkable person, I was also warmed by the end, she knew her days were limited. She reached out support of our community. Many people volunteered to to Rabbi Gluck and asked him to officiate at her funeral. help manage the large crowds — most of them didn’t even She and her family expected a large crowd, which would know Rabbi Tuckman or know of her, and some even took overwhelm Temple Micah’s home in the Lawrenceville time off from their day jobs to help. Presbyterian Church. It was our honor to support her Our volunteers directed parking (and the exceedingly family and host the funeral at Temple Beth-El. Together, high number of cars descending on our property), served she and Rabbi Gluck carefully planned her funeral service. as “greeters” in the lobby, ensured the sound system She selected the psalms, readings, speakers, and musical worked, or simply helped in whatever way was needed. I’m pieces of the service. very proud of our community and the way many of our The resulting service was an incredible tribute with such congregants answered the call. an outpouring of love for this woman. Listening to all of the loving remarks saddened me that I had not ever met Lil Swickle this wonderful person.

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From the Education Directors

Sarah Gluck and Lisa Friedman

Celebrating the Gift of Torah

First, a little Hebrew. The three root letters of shavu’ot are shin-bet-ayin — the same root that yields the word sheva’, “seven, sevenfold, seven times.” (In the language of the Bible, sheva’ can also mean the less specific “many times.”) Sheva’ appears frequently in Jewish tradition. The sheva b’rachot, “seven blessings,” are recited at a wedding ceremony. Sh’nat ha-sheva’, “the seventh year,” is the Sabbatical year, when the mitzvah of leaving one’s fields to lie fallow is to be fulfilled. based on this teaching is a beautiful old custom related to The masculine form of the number seven, shiv’ah, is how the beginning of a child’s Jewish education. Children who we commonly refer to the traditional seven-day period of were in the classroom for the first time and just beginning mourning. to learn the alef-bet would find the letters covered in Seven days make a week, a shavu’a. On the seventh day honey. As they learned each letter, they would be allowed (ba-yom ha-sh’vi’i), God rested, and so we, too, on Shabbat to lick the honey — a tangible demonstration that and throughout the weekend (sof ha-shavu’a), take a learning, especially Jewish learning, is sweet and rewarding. break from routine. Part of a restful Shabbat could mean For Jews everywhere, Shavuot has agricultural, historical, having time to catch up on the latest weekly publication and religious significance. In the American Jewish (shavu’on), for example, among other relaxing pursuits. community, it is also the time when Jewish teens, typically Come Saturday night, at the end of Shabbat, we wish each 10th graders, reaffirm their commitment to Judaism. other a good week, with a hearty Shavu’a tov! Confirmation is a beautiful ceremony led by our young The plural of shavu’a is shavu’ot, which is one of people who have chosen to continue their Jewish education the names of the holiday we celebrate 49 days after after bar/bat mitzvah and live a Jewish life as they grow the second day of Pesach — this year on May 24 on into independent young adults. It has become customary the secular calendar (6 Sivan every year on the Jewish for many Reform congregations to celebrate the ceremony calendar): Chag ha-Shavu’ot, also known as the Feast of of Confirmation on or around Shavuot, for just as Shavuot Weeks. commemorates the moment in Jewish history when our Shavuot is the festival that commemorates the giving people accepted the Torah, so Confirmation marks the of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Like so many other Jewish time when Jewish young adults take their next significant holidays, it began as an ancient agricultural festival, step in publicly accepting Torah and affirming their marking the end of the spring barley harvest and the covenant with God. beginning of the summer wheat harvest. On Friday, May 29, at 7:00 pm (the Shabbat immediately Our tradition teaches that the words of Torah are as following Shavuot, which falls this year May 23-24; see the sweet as milk and honey, which is where the custom of front page for details of our congregational celebration), eating sweet dairy foods on Shavuot comes from. Also Temple Beth-El’s 10th graders will take their place on the bimah during the Erev Shabbat Service and Ceremony of Confirmation. Please share our pride in our students and join us for this joyous and moving service, as we witness their affirmation of the rewards of Jewish learning and the sweetness of the Covenant.

Chag Shavuot sameach — a happy Shavuot! Sarah Gluck and Lisa Friedman

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Temple Beth-El Shofar 5 Iyar-Sivan 5775 Fo Click here to return to Page 1 g Is r E in ve rn r a y e o Jewish LIFE n L Lifelong Learning at Temple Beth-El e 2014-2015 / 5775

Please see the TBE-Letter for weekly updates about Jewish LIFE classes at TBE.

Upcoming Classes at TBE

ENGAGING ISRAEL: FOUNDATIONS FOR A Israeli Dancing NEW RELATIONSHIP • Rabbi Gluck Thursday, May 7 , 14, 21, 28 Session 8: Religious Pluralism and Human Yoga Rights Thursday, May 7, 14, 21, 28 May 17, 4:00 - 6:00 pm For information about yoga classes, contact Shari Czar The series concludes... at [email protected] or 908-963-6365. Session 9, Values Nation: June 7

Mishneh Torah: The Masterwork of For a complete listing of classes, lectures, and special events offered throughout the community, go Maimonides http://www.ssbjcc.org/adults-seniors/jewish-life/ 7:30 - 9:00 pm Maimonides’ bold and creative philosophy of Judaism from the 12th century has much to teach us as we search for a compelling modern Judaism in the 21st. Join Rabbi Gluck for a look into Maimonides’ classic AT THE JCC AND AROUND THE COMMUNITY code of Jewish law, the Mishneh Torah. Celebrate Israel Parade in New York City, Sunday, May 31 The first half hour of each session will be devoted Show your support of Israel! A bus will be taking spectators into New York for the annual Celebrate Israel to studying Maimonides’ clear and accessible Hebrew Parade on Fifth Avenue. The bus will leave from two locations: the Flemington Jewish Community Center text, followed by study and discussion of the English and the JCC in Bridgewater. See the flier for more details. text. Thank you to the Jewish Federation for sponsoring the bus. Session 4: Tuesday, May 5 Hebrew text study, 7:30 - 8:00 pm English text study and discussion, 8:00 - 9:00 pm

ADVERTISE WITH US Temple Beth-El’s Resource Guide

Ads starting at $115 and Chai Greeting at $18 Hard Copy publication distributed to over 430 member families that live, work and shop in this area. An entire year of business exposure with a highly used publication – your ad will have longevity! Cost effective way to advertise that may also be tax deductible.

Please contact Susan Brenner for more information. 908-601-1297 or [email protected]

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Laura Boretz and Alissa Fox Women’s Philanthropy Division Co-Chairs

The Women’s Philanthropy Division of The Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties welcomes June Feiss Hersh to our community. She will discuss her book Recipes Remembered, A Celebration of Survival, a cookbook featuring recipes and stories from Holocaust survivors. Books will be available for purchase at the event with the proceeds going to Women’s Philanthropy. June will personally sign each book. Proceeds from this event will benefit homeless children and families locally and in Israel at Interfaith Hospitality Network of Somerset County, Family Promise of Warren County, Family Promise of Hunterdon County, and Gagon in Israel. Temple Beth El, Hillsborough Thursday, May 28, 2015 6:30 PM Couvert $40

Thank you to our Sponsors Drs. Alissa and James Fox Gold Sponsors

To register visit www.jfedshaw.org/women.

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Lincoln and the Jews “Lincoln and the Jews” is an exhibit at the New York Café Temple Beth-El Historical Society (170 Central Park West between West 76-77 Streets in Manhattan) that explores Lincoln’s Open 8:45 AM-11:15 AM hitherto little known relationships with Jewish friends and associates. Follows Religious School Calendar The exhibition of photographs, documents, Lincoln’s writings, and first person accounts was inspired by the WE NEED YOUR HELP! book of the same name by Jonathan D. Sarna, professor of Jewish Studies in the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis University. Running through June 7, 2015, the exhibit chronicles Lincoln’s relationships with individual Jews and explores their implications for Lincoln, for America, and for the Jews. At a time when the Jewish population was far smaller than it is now, Lincoln’s positive, productive relationships with Jews led him to become a strong advocate for their Want to volunteer? equality and acceptance in America. Visiting the exhibit, you’ll learn the answer to such call or email questions as: Who is the only Jewish man on American currency? Who designed the Lincoln penny? What Jewish Jay Taylor @ lawyer was appointed Postmaster by Lincoln? What three Jewish doctors are associated with Lincoln? Did you know 908-507-7849 or it was a Jewish man who telegraphed the Emancipation Proclamation? [email protected] To learn more about this fascinating exhibit, click here or visit the New York Historical Society’s website at www. nyhistory.org.

Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Post 133, a veteran’s service organization, is looking for new members. The Post conducts its regular meetings at 9:00 am on the first Sunday of each month, except for January and February, at the Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence 350 DeMott Lane Somerset, N. J. 08873 Basic Eligibility: Jewish, of good character, and a citizen of the United States who was regularly enlisted, drafted, inducted or commissioned, and who was accepted for and assigned to active duty in the armed forces of the United States of America (including the National Guard and Reserves), in any of its wars, campaigns, or Jewish War Veterans conflicts. of the USA, Post 133 Post 133 pays for your initial membership year. For additional information, contact Andrew Fishman, COL, USA (Ret), at 908-359-2997.

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One pint can help save 3 lives!!

Platelets for a cancer patient, red cells for surgery, plasma for a burn victim.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Sunday, May 3 (Mitzvah Day!) 7:30 AM-12:30 PM – Large Social Hall

MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY AT: www.redcrossblood.org

OR SIGNUP USING THE BLOOD DONOR APP Enter sponsor code: Temple Beth-El - Hillsborough To Download App: Search “American Red Cross blood” in your App store

or contact Jodi Siegal [email protected] (908) 541-1170

Parental/Guardian permission forms available for 16 year old potential donors. 

Go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1 800 RED CROSS for tips to boost your iron level, donor eligibility guidelines, donation tips (including tips for after donating) and to read recipient stories, “Why we’re Donors”. CDC malaria map: www.cdc.gov/malaria/map To learn how to participate in a Sickle Cell Donor Program: www.sicklecell.org

Please bring picture identification, remember to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating!

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Brotherhood

by Harold Levin and Brian Wood, Co-Presidents

tart the month of May out with a shiny, clean car! SMOOCHY board she filled the position of 9th Grade SThe Brotherhood and Youth Culture Committee are Representative; the last two years she has served as sponsoring a car wash on Mitzvah Day, May 3, during Religious & Cultural Vice President. Under Courtney’s religious school hours. Proceeds will benefit the Temple leadership, we have seen the membership of SMOOCHY Beth-El Youth Scholarship Fund. grow.

People of Honor • Courtney has been an active participant in the National We have arrived at the time of year where the Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) regional programs. Brotherhood is focused on recognizing and honoring This past year she was one of the programming leaders within our congregation. On Sunday, May 17, please coordinators for our local NFTY region. join us as we roast and toast Rick Miller as this year’s • She has been a participant in our Leadership Training Brotherhood Youth Scholarship Person of Honor. Rande Seminar program, helping to plan and implement youth Aaronsen will entertain us all as the morning’s emcee and programs for our 3rd through 8th grade students. we will also introduce Brotherhood’s slate of officers for • Courtney is also regularly at Shabbat services and other the coming year. We awarded 17 scholarships this year and temple-wide programs. really need your support of this event to replenish the fund for the upcoming year! Rick was one of the originators of the fund and we hope you will come out in great numbers to say thanks to him! Please use this link to register http:// tinyurl.com/TBEPersonofHonor2015. Register before May 11 to take advantage of the early-bird rate of $18. After May 11, the breakfast will be $25 per person. Courtney Shapiro, During Family Shabbat Service on June 7, we will salute Brotherhood’s Youth Courtney Shapiro as the Brotherhood Youth Scholarship Person of Honor Fund Youth Person of Honor. Each year, we select a high school junior who exemplifies what it means to be a leader among the young people of our congregation. We thank Dan Merer, Youth Director, who shared the following about We look forward to these wonderful events on May 17 Courtney: and June 7. Finally, donations to the Temple Beth-El Youth • Courtney has been a madricha in the religious school for Scholarship Fund are graciously accepted and needed at all the last four years. times. Please consider the fund when making a donation • She has sat on the SMOOCHY (our senior youth group) on behalf of a simcha or any special occasion. board for the last three years. Her first year on the

Chavurah! “To Dance Is To Live”

Our next meeting is on May 14. When: 7:00 to 7:30 pm, followed by dancing until 9:00 pm, if you wish birth announcements • weddings to stay. bar & bat mitzvahs sign-ins & accessories Where: Multipurpose Room at TBE holiday cards • stationery Everybody is welcome, young or old, male or female, one-stop party planning religious or not, Jewish or not. top discounts Help us to plan our next activities, like a dinner-social, Sharon Berry or the May 31 Israeli Parade and dancing in NYC, or...come Tel: (908) 369-8470 87 Beechwood Circle with YOUR idea. Fax: (908) 369-1368 Hillsborough, NJ 08844 If you plan to come, please drop Simona a line at [email protected]. An RSVP is necessary!!

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Cultural Arts

by Simona Rivkin, Chairperson Cultural Arts Happenings for May

Jewish Film Series presents: refreshments. All levels are welcome, beginners to advanced. On May 16, at 7:00 pm, TBE’s now famous Jewish Film For registration and questions, contact Simona at Series will screen the movie Cupcakes, directed by Eytan [email protected] Fox. Prepare yourself for a pleasant surprise: It just opened If you are a beginner, our instructors will start 30 in NYC, it’s a New York Times Critic’s Pick, and it’s a joyful minutes early, just for you (but you have to let us know). comedy at TBE (at last). Get moving... Get in shape... It’s the best workout for Don’t drive to New York. mind, body, and soul! Come see it with us at TBE. I would like to post some comments from some Hear what the critics have to say... participants in our Chavurah “To Dance Is To Live”, who went to the Israeli Folk Dance Festival in Manhattan on “The gaudy excesses of the annual Eurovision contest Sunday, March 29. have inspired filmmakers, but rarely have they been employed as sure-footedly as in Eytan Fox’s dramedy Gayle: Cupcakes. This candy-coated confection is so irresistible “We realized how many dances we learned when we were that you’re captivated by its sentiment even as you able to participate in the three hour dance session. Then acknowledge its manipulations.” NY Times there was a wonderful performance by multiple dance companies from Florida, Maryland, D.C. and New York. “As delicious as a film can get, it is also about pushing Naturally, we ended the day by eating at Ben’s Kosher Deli. oneself, and overcoming fear.” Daily Forward We look forward to planning new events.” “Cupcakes is glorious escapism, an infectious and Esther: enjoyable movie, like taking a 90-minute vacation from “My first festival!! WOW!! Now I am even more reality, and who couldn’t use a vacation these days?” committed to learning new dances (to keep up). I enjoyed Jerusalem Post music that touches the soul, rejuvenates the spirit through Do Not Miss! Doors open at 6:45 pm. If you like to dance, and learning and re-learning the dances, which schmooze, snack and relax, but most of all to see a good is good for the memory. It was great fun trekking off to movie and get involved in an invigorating discussion dance with all you fellow trekkers!” afterwards, come to the temple on Saturday, May 16 at Doreen: 7:00. Pick up flyers in the lobby, check out the poster, “My experience at the festival was unique in that I am and see the flyer in theShofar . RSVP please to Simona: not Jewish, but I felt welcomed and learned so much there. [email protected] I enjoyed not only the dances but the performances. I I continue to be very thankful to the sponsors of this would especially like to thank Simona for inviting me and Cultural Arts film program. We try to bring you the best of the ladies being there for moral support. Looking forward Israeli cinematography. If you would like to donate to the to the next time we get together.” Cultural Arts Jewish Film Series, you can write your check to TBE Cultural Arts Fund, c/o Temple Beth-El, for any One can see from the above notes how much enthusiasm occasion for which you wish to donate, be it in honor of or and joy were in the community dance room and on the in memory of a person, for a simcha or anything else. stage. It was my first festival, too. I would like to bring more people next year to it, and I would try to bring my Israeli Folk Dancing! Now in its 10th Year! granddaughter. There were a lot of kids, ages six and up, who enjoyed themselves tremendously. If you want Dancing is the fun way to get to to come with our chavurah group next year, talk to me. 10,000 steps and not even notice! Now our chavurah is contemplating going to the Salute to Wear your pedometer and see Israel Parade on May 31, eating somewhere, then going to how the steps add up. some Jewish exhibit, and then, at 7:00 pm, going to Israeli folk dancing uptown. If interested, call me ASAP. Our next chavurah meeting is May 14 at 7:00 pm in the multi- And...the joy and spiritual experience purpose room at TBE. Come with ideas. of Israeli dancing is priceless. Come see why we love Israeli folk dancing so much! b’Shalom, Drop in to the multipurpose room of Temple Beth-El, Simona Rivkin any Thursday at 7:30 pm. The cost is just $10 for a one and a half hour session (sometimes longer), including

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Jewish Film Series presents

May 16, Saturday, 7:00 PM Temple Beth El, 67 US Hwy 206, Hillsborough, NJ Just one month after opening in NYC. Don’t drive to New York. Come see it with us at TBE. About: In a nostalgic throwback to the bygone days of neighborliness, six fellow tenants gather together to watch an international singing contest. When they spontaneously record a tune, that cell phone video finds its way to the contest’s judges, and the group is off to Paris for the big competition. Throw in a soundtrack offering an infectious ditty, and it received the…

New York Times Critics’ Pick (5-star Rating)

“The gaudy excesses of the annual Eurovision contest have inspired filmmakers, but rarely have they been employed as sure-footedly as in Eytan Fox’s dramedy Cupcakes. This candy-coated confection is so irresistible that you’re captivated by its sentiment even as you acknowledge its manipulations.” New York Times “As delicious as a film can get, it is also about pushing oneself, and overcoming fear.” Daily Forward “Cupcakes is glorious escapism, an infectious and enjoyable movie, like taking a 90-minute vacation from reality, and who couldn’t use a vacation these days?” Jerusalem Post

DOORS OPEN AT 6:45 PM Noshing, Tea & Coffee

PROVOCATIVE DISCUSSION AFTER THE FILM In Hebrew with English subtitles Not rated, 92 minutes. Suggested donation $5/pp or better

RSVP REQUIRED To Simona at [email protected]

Sponsored by TBE Cultural Arts Committee

Temple Beth-El Shofar 12 Iyar-Sivan 5775

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Israel Matters

by Beth L. Lavranchuk, Chairperson Celebrate Israel Parade in New York, May 31

here will be a community bus going to the Israel Day TParade in New York City on Sunday, May 31. The bus will pick up parade-goers at 8:30 am at the Flemington Jewish Community Center (5 Sergeantsville Road, Flemington) and at 9:00 am at the Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC (775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater). The bus will bring spectators to the parade and will pick them up at the same location at 4:00 pm. The bus will then drop off parade-goers, first to the JCC in Bridgewater and then to the Flemington JCC. The cost is $5/person for the coach bus. All reservations / payments must be made by May 20. There are only 48 seats on the bus…first come, first served. Please call the Birnbaum JCC to register at 908- 725-6994 x201.

This Year in Jerusalem

Our TBE graduate, Amy Julian, on the day of making aliyah to Israel. Mazal tov to Amy and her proud family, parents Neil and Susan, and big brother Andrew.

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Mitzvah

by Carol Ahlert, Chairperson

About the Mitzvah Committee Mission Statement: Strengthening our community by reaching out in support of congregants, through performing mitzvot

Committee Structure: Perform Just One Mitzvah • Core committee, with expanded network of volunteers You can be part of the team by simply agreeing to performing mitzvot perform just one mitzvah. Join a network of volunteers to • Collaboration with Caring Committee and Shiva Minyan perform a discrete mitzvah: Leaders Committee • Call another congregant recently bereaved, facing • Programs in collaboration with clergy and staff challenges, or less well connected to our community; • Provide a ride to services, shopping, a doctor’s appointment, religious school, temple programs, etc.; What We Do • Attend a Shiva Minyan to offer support on behalf of • Respond to requests to support families in need (rides our community; for children to religious school, meals) • Visit a patient at the hospital; and • Send out condolence, speedy recovery and simcha cards • Help with the blood drive by giving blood, helping • Coordinate the semi-annual blood drive (fall and with food shopping, checking people in. spring) • Help fulfill our community’s vision of “caring for our Why? community” The work of the Mitzvah Committee directly supports our temple vision, that “we... embrace our founders’ legacy Join us in saying “Hineyu” … We are here! If we each do a of caring community... (Where)...we nurture each other... little, we will accomplish a lot. (And) reach within the congregation to the less involved...” Please call Carol Ahlert at 908-359-9357 or email at [email protected] and say “Hineini.”

Caren Bateman

117 West End Avenue, Suite 201 Somerville, NJ 08876

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Temple Beth-El Shofar 14 Iyar-Sivan 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

What’s Your Mitzvah? Mitzvah Day:

Sunday, May 3 8:30 AM-noon

These activities are open to everyone!

Food Drive for the Somerset County Food bank: Mitzvah Day to Mother's Day Car Wash to support the Brotherhood Youth Scholarship Fund sponsored by Brotherhood and the Youth Culture Committee. Contacts are Harold Levin and Brian Wood ([email protected]) or Randy Appel ([email protected])

Blood drive for the Red Cross Contact Jodi Siegal ([email protected]) Fundraiser for Best Friends Animal Shelter

Collection of Household Items for the Giving Network sponsored by Sisterhood. Contacts: Marcy Rosenfeld ([email protected]) and Cindy Scott ([email protected])

Alex's Lemonade Stand Fundraiser to fight childhood cancer sponsored by Youth Culture Committee. Contact: Randy Appel ([email protected])

Cleanup and General Repairs and Sprucing Up sponsored by House and Grounds. Contacts: Jim Lavranchuk ([email protected])

Singing at Assisted Living Facilities sponsored by the Choir. Contact: Cantor Emily Wigod Pincus ([email protected])

Nothing But Nets sponsored by Social Action and the Religious School Committee. Contacts: Beth ([email protected]) and Vicki ([email protected]) (Social Action) and Debbie Engler (mailto:[email protected]) (Religious School Committee)

Vegetable Garden Cleanup, Composting, and Planting sponsored by Social Action. Contact: Vicki Schwartz ([email protected]) Find your opportunity to make a mitzvah!

See upcoming eLetters for more . . .

Temple Beth-El Shofar 15 Iyar-Sivan 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Renaissance Happenings The Ritual Committee by Diane Morrison, Renaissance Group would like to thank the following Yes, We Are Going To Lunch Again – Join Us On: area businesses for their generous support Sunday, May 17 Carpaccio Ristorante 651 Bound Brook Road of Temple Beth-El’s congregational Middlesex, NJ 1:00 - 4:00 pm Passover Seder on April 4. $21 per person (includes tax and gratuity) Menu: Salad, Entrée, Soda, Cake and Coffee/Tea Entrees: Stuffed Flounder, Chicken Parmesan, Veal Parmesan, or Chicken Colalillo ShopRites Francese, each with rice, vegetable or including: pasta. • ShopRite of Flemington • ShopRite of Clinton Send check payable to Temple Beth-El • ShopRite of Greenwich Renaissance Group to Ellen Brown, 48 Bayard Road, Somerset, NJ 08873 (732-469-4160)

The Renaissance Group is a 50+ social group that welcomes temple members/non-members, singles/couples. We get together for informational and fun activities. Should you wish additional information about the group, please call Harriet Thaler at 908-788-0269 or thalerz@ embarqmail. Please respond directly to the host of the event when you RSVP for an upcoming activity.

Shabbat Experience with Chai Circle, Hosted by Sisterhood May 8

A Shabbat Experience is a lovely way to welcome Shabbat, to decompress from the work week with music, song, prayer, and good eats. This month, we have the opportunity to celebrate our Chai Circle members – those who have been members for 18 years or more. Maybe if we’re lucky, they will share some stories during dinner.

The Shabbat Experience evening flows as follows:

6:00 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat service 6:45 pm: A community pot-luck dinner with Chai Circle, hosted by Sisterhood 8:00 pm: Erev Shabbat worship service honoring Chai Circle members Choose which of the worship services is best for you or your family. The dinner should be Kosher-style (dairy or pareve) and nut-free. Any dish you bring would be welcomed, but if you’d like a little guidance, contribute according to the first letter of your last name: A-O: Green salad/appetizer P-Z: Main dish Please provide enough to serve 10-12 people. Bring what is easiest for you. We want you to enjoy the experience.

Please respond to Susan in the temple office ([email protected]), or 908-722-0674 by 10:00 am Friday morning to let us know what you will be bringing. Please bring any hot dishes ready to serve or arrive early to heat them beforehand.

Temple Beth-El Shofar 16 Iyar-Sivan 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Sisterhood

by Marcy Rosenfeld and Cindy Scott, Co-Presidents

2015 Purim Box Update: Purim results are in! Shari Czar for leading us on our “gratitude journey” and to Karen Kaplan and Donna Tishfield for all of their efforts to Sisterhood is pleased and excited to announce that create an extraordinary day and experience! due to the generous donations made by so many from our temple community for Purim this year, we will be contributing $6,000 toward kitchen improvements! Sisterhood initially pledged half of the profits, but given the tremendous response from our temple members who supported our dual goals (giving a box to every member and pledging funds to improve the kitchen), Sisterhood will be giving two-thirds of the profit to the kitchen. The money will fund two purchases: a new range/double oven, and a new freezer (with additional funding from an anonymous donor). Sisterhood is also contributing $2,440 from other monies toward the repair of the refrigerator. We are also making a donation of $180 to the Brotherhood Youth Scholarship program in recognition of their assistance during Purim box delivery, as well as their ongoing partnership and support. The remainder will go towards Sisterhood efforts such as community support, support of our temple youth, and giving back to Sisterhood members by subsidizing the cost of programs like the Sisterhood Day of Rest and Renewal. Thank you Women at the Day of Rest and Renewal writing again to all our temple family for supporting this incredibly thoughts of gratitude in journal. successful effort that touched every member in our temple community!

Sisterhood held a Rosh Chodesh on the evening of March 25. Thank you to Marsha Malberg for hosting and Gayle Skolky for leading the discussion. The next Rosh Cindy Scott and Gari Chodesh will be Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 7:30 pm Bloom chat during at the home of Donna Tishfield, who will also be the the Women’s Day of discussion leader for Parashat Emor, Leviticus 21:1-24:23. Rest and Renewal.

Unfortunately, Sisterhood had to cancel our April 12 breakfast that was to feature a presentation by Dvorah Southland about her semester as a participant in the NFTY EIE high school program in Israel. Fortunately, we were able to arrange for Dvorah to make her presentation at the temple’s April 24 Israel Shabbat, where a temple-wide audience had the opportunity to enjoy her presentation and learn about her experiences. As part of Sisterhood’s mission to support temple youth, Sisterhood was happy to award Dvorah an honorarium for her presentation. We also provided an honorarium to Max Friedman to make a presentation to Sisterhood about his experience at the NFTY Biennial Convention in Atlanta. See the excerpt in Irene Lieberman, Sisterhood’s 2015 this month’s Shofar on Max’s experience. Woman of Valor, shares her group’s Sisterhood held its Day of Rest and Renewal on reaction to a piece on Saturday, April 25, at the Water & Wine Ristorante, in gratitude. Watchung. The program included an opening activity, a four-course luncheon, several interactive activities and a craft focused on the theme of gratitude. Over 30 women attended a beautiful day of rejuvenation and re-connecting with one another. All left with a feeling of rest and gratitude for the day. A special thanks to Ronnie Weyl and Continued on page 18

Temple Beth-El Shofar 17 Iyar-Sivan 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Sisterhood, continued from page 17

Sisterhood: Planning for Next Year Network. This year, we didn’t request household items Sisterhood is looking for “a few good women” to for our rummage collection; as a result, these items are consider joining the Sisterhood Board for next year. If you especially needed now. A table to collect items will be would like to be part of a fun group of dedicated women, outside the temple doors on Mitzvah Day. So, do some please contact any of the Sisterhood Board members for spring cleaning and support your community! See box information, or Cindy Scott, Marcy Rosenfeld or Marsha for details. Malberg.  Sisterhood’s annual End-of-the-Year Dinner and Installation of the New Board will be Wednesday, Sisterhood Judaica Shop May 27. Look for more details in the weekly TBE May and June are perfect times to visit the Judaica newsletter or Sisterhood Tidbits. shop for Mother’s Day, graduation, Father’s Day, teacher appreciation and wedding gifts. Please stop by. We are  Honey, Honey, Honey! Look for information in the June open on Mitzvah Day, May 3, for our temple Mitzvah Shofar about how to send honey to family and friends Day Sale of 30% off almost all Judaica and holiday items. for Rosh Hashanah. Sisterhood members and blood donors will get 35% off that day. In addition, prices have never been lower for our “red dot” specials; usually 50% off but 75% off Mitzvah Day only. As always, the Traditions Jewish website has thousands of items to supplement our shop. Please visit Mitzvah Day Giving Network Collection them at http://www.traditionsjewishgifts.com and use code Once again Sisterhood is collecting items for the AF 222 at checkout for the temple discount. Giving Network, a 501 (c) (3) volunteer organization Save the Dates: and outreach program dedicated to delivering donated household items to people in need in Somerset  Sisterhood hosts the Shabbat Experience Friday, County. Needed items are listed below; those with an May 8 at the temple. Members of the temple’s Chai asterisk are especially needed. Circle (folks who have been members for 18 years or longer) are being honored that evening. This is a special  Microwaves * opportunity to honor the long-standing members and  Blankets and sheets; especially twin size * to hear wonderful stories of our temple’s past. We hope  Infant car seats * you can join us for the dinner and choose one of the  Towels two Shabbat services: Kabbalat services at 6:00 pm or  Dishes, glasses and silverware Erev Shabbat services at 8:00 pm.  Vacuums, toasters, irons  Mitzvah Day, May 3. Sisterhood will once again be  Pots and pans participating in Mitzvah Day by collecting household items for the Giving Network, an organization dedicated Questions? to distributing excess household items to people in need Contact Barbara Johnston, in Somerset County. Sisterhood has long supported the [email protected] Giving Network. In past years, many unsold household items at the rummage sale were donated to the Giving

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Temple Beth-El Shofar 18 Iyar-Sivan 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Social Action Repairing the World...One Mitzvah at a Time!

by Beth Borrus and Vicki Schwartz, Co-Chairs

Social Action Food Drive

n Yom Kippur, when the truck bearing the High beginning of the “dry season” for the Food Bank is cruelly OHoliday Food Drive was unloaded at the Food Bank ironic, as we associate motherhood with sustenance and of Somerset County, we learned that the Food Bank nurturing. experiences a severe drop-off in donations after Mother’s This year, we would like Mother’s Day to be the Day. During late spring and summer, stock dwindles initiation of a season of plenty for our neighbors in need. until the shelves are mostly bare, and the volunteers and Between Mitzvah Day and Mother’s Day, the Social Action beneficiaries of the Food Bank look forward to the autumn, Committee will be sponsoring a food drive. Please drop off knowing that the community at Temple Beth-El will a bag of food at the temple. Do it for your neighbors. Do it be providing their annual donation, the largest delivery for Mom! Because “hunger never takes a vacation.” of food for the year. The fact that Mother’s Day is the

Interfaith Hospitality Network

Welcome Mara! IHN Linens Coordinator Needed!

I’m very pleased to announce that Mara White is our new Do you have a few hours during the day, and a bit of IHN Food Supplies Coordinator, effective immediately. muscle to perform an easy mitzvah? Mara will coordinate the purchase of supplies with a Linens and towels for our homeless families are donated team of volunteer shoppers. Please consider purchasing a by Robert Wood Johnson at Somerset in Somerville for few items for our hosting week. Just as one might choose each hosting. to make a meal, one can purchase some supplies for our The linens are ordered on the Thursday prior to the families. hosting, and picked up on Friday at a pickup location A list will go out the week prior to hosting with all the behind the hospital and delivered to TBE. paper goods and foods organized by category: paper goods, After the hosting week is over, the linens are picked up condiments, sandwich makings, fruit, breakfast foods, at TBE and returned to Robert Wood Johnson at Somerset beverages, snacks, etc. This list will change from hosting to in Somerville. hosting, as it will reflect the needs and preferences of our The IHN Linens Coordinator should be able to lift rather current families. We are very committed to purchasing only hefty bags of linens, and pick them up during 9:00 am to what’s needed. 5:00 pm business hours. Shoppers will also be needed during the week for Please contact Leigh Freeman or Amy Rubin if you are additional supplies like milk, juices, fruit, and such for willing and able to do this wonderful mitzvah! same-day purchasing and drop-off. Please consider volunteering as a shopper by contacting Mara at [email protected] or 301-704-6066 (c).

Thank you, Mara, for joining our IHN Team!

Temple Beth-El Shofar 19 Iyar-Sivan 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Social Action Repairing the World...One Mitzvah at a Time!

Interfaith Hospitality Network 2015 IHN Hosting Schedule Leigh Freeman, Coordinator — IHN / Temple Beth-El November 915-21 December 20-26

Our next two hosting dates are June 14 - 20 and August 9 - 15

(Interfaith Hospitality Network) is a temporary homeless IHNshelter and support program that assists homeless families Following are the main areas of involvement... find and sustain housing and employment with skills to forge a happy and successful family life. Temple Beth-El assists by providing Meals: Delivered hot to the temple Overnight Shift: 10:00 pm – 6:00 am accommodations and meals for one to four families (up to 14 people) 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm — dinner is (weekdays) / 8:00 am (weekend) for one week, six times a year on a rotating schedule. served at 6:00 pm. Provide a complete Two adults lock up, sleep, awaken Volunteers are always needed for the dinner, evening or overnight nutritious dinner with dessert. guests at 5:00 am and see the families shifts, to make and deliver a hot meal each evening, and to provide off on the bus or their car. paper goods and other food supplies (contact info below). Volunteers Dinner Shift: 5:00 - 7:30 pm are also needed for the set-up and/or breakdown of the guests’ rooms Two adults welcome the families, set Food/Supplies: Assistance is needed at the temple (contact Dave Cohen). up and clean up the evening meal. during the hosting week to purchase Email is our primary method of communication. Please make sure Volunteers share dinner with guests. additional supplies. Leigh Freeman and the coordinators have your email address. Emails Early Sunday announce scheduling for an upcoming hosting week with contact Set Up/Breakdown: Evening Shift: 7:30 – 10:00 pm mornings. Dave Cohen sets the information, provide the guest roster and room assignments, and Two adults talk with guests, play with provide the volunteer shift schedule. If you don’t have email, please let schedule and can always use some children, or just relax. the coordinator know so we can remind you by phone. help on each Sunday (1 week apart). Getting involved requires only a few hours from one to six times a year…you choose your level of involvement. Our volunteers range It is critical that a volunteer keep their commitment to assist during a shift or from the young children who accompany their parents to the hosting make a meal. Someone MUST be present to support and assist the clients at and play with the children—to the teenagers who raise funds for our temple. Emergencies do happen, and when they do, it is imperative that a birthday presents or holiday gifts, or who plan an activity to benefit phone call is made to the coordinator in charge of the shift as soon as possible, the families—to the adults who prepare meals, host a shift, straighten preferably within 24 hours’ notice. The coordinator will make the necessary effort up the lounge area and enjoy getting to know our families. Every to fill the slot. Please note that we do not currently have an ‘’on call/emergency” volunteer is an important mentor to our IHN families. volunteer list. In addition to the phone call (and text if to a cell phone), an email can also be sent to the coordinator, but immediate response to an email is virtually impossible. Please call the appropriate coordinator listed below to schedule Temple Beth-El is committed to serving the homeless families of Somerset a volunteer shift. Always check the IHN Coordinators Contact List County, and we are proud of the more than 20 years of hosting these families in in each issue of the Shofar, as it’s possible that there have been our spiritual home. We would love to add you to our team of IHN supporters and changes. angels.

IHN Coordinators Contact List Function Name Main Phone Other Phone Email Address

Coordinator Leigh Freeman 908-359-2724 908-391-1397 (c) [email protected] Dinner Shift Volunteers Pam Cohen 732-629-1798 (c) [email protected] Evening Shift Volunteers Julie Hirsch 732-580-8246 [email protected] Overnight Shift Volunteers Sharon Sietz 908-231-0979 [email protected] Meals Nicole Goldstein 908-874-0899 [email protected] Food/Supplies Mara White 908-231-1518 301-704-6066 (c) [email protected] Linen Pick-Up Position Open Can you help? Set-Up/Breakdown Dave Cohen 609-683-5766 [email protected] IHNSC/Day Center Karen Donohue 908-704-1920 908-217-0217 (c) [email protected]

Temple Beth-El Shofar 20 Iyar-Sivan 5775 Click here to return to Page 1 Lifecycle Our Caring Community Temple Beth-El Family News Kesher Network: For those who are unable to attend our worship and simcha events and some adult education classes, May B’nei Mitzvah our video streaming service is the next best thing to being there. Navigate to new.livestream.com/OurBethEl from a personal Cameron Ward Lindsay Skole computer or mobile device (apps are available for apple, Sydney Delierre Alexander Fromberg android and roku devices) for a list of upcoming and recent Talia Hirsch Emily Brandt livestream events from Temple Beth-El. Shiva Minyans: For a leader or participants, call Amy Rubin or Cantor Pincus. Mitzvah Committee: To offer or request help, please contact Our Condolences to... Carol Ahlert, [email protected], or 908-359-9357. Ken Rubin, on the passing of his father, Robert Rubin In the event of a loss during the evening or on the The Tuckman family, on the passing of Rabbi Vicki Tuckman weekend, call Rabbi Gluck at 908-722-0674, ext. 111, or 908-229-1618. To share your family’s news in the Shofar, call Susan Walters in the temple office. Please contact Susan with information about Mazel Tov to... significant occasions, hospitalizations, or the loss of a loved one. Bruce and Marlane Wolf on the arrival of their third grandchild, Max Prayer for Healing Cards: Cards are available in the temple Reuben Wolf, son of Evan and Lori Wolf (see cute pictures this page) lobby to let those in need of healing know that their names were included in our Mishebeirach prayer. The cards can be mailed as postcards by writing the address over the Temple Beth-El watermark or directly inserted into get well cards.

Our Heart is in the East

From Sarah Seemann on her move to Israel

Above the Bimah there is a beautiful statement:

It means: there is God in this place. It is absolutely correct.

I want to thank you so much for a beautiful and moving farewell evening.

Please stay in touch. Here is my contact information in Israel: What’s app phone: +972 53 629 0057 Email: [email protected] Evan and Lori Wolf (and proud grandparents Address: 2/4 Emanuel Zamir St. Marlane and Bruce Wolf) are proud to announce Petach Tikva, Israel 49710 the birth of Max Reuben, born on March 16. Max is Evan and Lori’s first child and Bruce Everyone is invited. There is always space. and Marlane’s third grandchild. Max surprised everyone by coming a month early, but he’s L’hitraot, doing just fine. Max is named after Lori’s and Sarah Seemann Evan’s beloved maternal grandmothers.

Temple Beth-El Shofar 21 Iyar-Sivan 5775 Click here to return to Page 1 ahrzeits MAY We extend our deepest sympathy to those of you who will be marking a loved one’s Yahrzeit in the Y coming month. Below are the dates for the Yahrzeits we will be reciting during Shabbat services.

To be read May 8 Elizabeth M. Stryker, mother of Barbara Blake Joseph Landau, father of Steve Landau Herman Vogel, father of Irwin Vogel Irene Gluck, mother of Julie Hirsch Doris Braun, mother of Daniel Braun Arthur Wolinsky, father of Shari Farmer Jack Hewitt, step-father of Kenneth Kunzman Rose Poe, grandmother of Rick Miller Max Tolman, father of Ed Tolman Florence Roswell, mother of Arthur Roswell William Davidson, father of Bruce Davidson Arlene Reilly, sister of Kelley Evens Dr. Joyce Brothers, sister of Elaine Goldsmith Anne Mendelson, mother of Stanley Mendelson Milton Zerring, father of Judith Goldberg Mae Waldman, mother of Dori Knauer Herbert L. Grand, father of Philip Grand Ethel Milstein, mother of Gail Meyers Leonard Koen, father of Peter Koen Dorothy Chester, mother of Simma Friedman David Schoenberg, father of Isa Beck Alice Nackman, wife of Gary Nackman Marie Greenberg Berkowitz, grandmother of Marcy Rosenfeld Sylvia Goldstein, grandmother of Seth Goldstein Olga Tompa, mother of Gary Tompa Nettie Gross, mother of Carol Ahlert Arnold Bernstein, grandfather of Lisa Friedman To be read May 29 Murray Hysen, husband of Arlene Hysen Charles Levinston, father of Bruce Levinston Oscar Schneck, father of Esther Kaufman-Helfman William Rosenfeld, father of Alan Rosenfeld Wanda Michaelson, mother of Stacy Boxer Frances Blond, mother of David Blond Bernard Brienes, brother of Zina Wolin Daniel Wial, father of Ellen Zelnock Malwine Schneck, mother of Esther Kaufman-Helfman To be read May 15 George Weintraub, grandfather of Sheldon Stept Hilda Goldfeder, great-aunt of Lynn Small Judith Weinstein, mother of Jeffrey Weinstein Phillip Eisenberg, uncle of Sheldon Stept Cornelia Nierenberg, mother of Lisa Ahern Joel R. Stryker, father of Barbara Blake Barbara Alden, mother of Vicky Brody Larry Vogel, brother-in-law of Max Spinner Burton A. Levy, father of Jill Grand Lloyd Swickle, brother-in-law of Lillian Swickle Morris Migdal, friend of Martin and Zina Wolin Esther Young, mother of Anita Tolman Edwin Nusbaum, husband of Ellen Nusbaum James Fishman, father of Andrew Fishman Larry Cudzynowski, brother of Joseph Cudzynowski Ida Wolf, grandmother of Alan Naroden Richard Johnston, brother of Russ Johnston Tobi Goldberg, grandmother of Shavaun Gliksman Ida Friedman, aunt of Doris Moshinsky Dora Greenberg, mother-in-law of Phyllis Greenberg Leonard Carter, father of Pamela Attner Annette Schlosser, mother of Lynn Levine To be read May 22 Frank Weigl, uncle of Lynn Small Meyer Breslow, grandfather of Janice Klein Dora Cohen Kanterman, mother of Stanley Kanterman Perla Tentler, grandmother of Simona Rivkin Marian Ginsberg, mother of Ellen Nusbaum Anita Rosenthal Lidman, mother of Judy Lissa Roberta Mangel, mother of Howard Mangel To be read June 5 Hyman Kaplin, father of Phyllis Greenberg Ronald Rose, father of Deborah Stark Philip Applebaum, grandfather of Seth Goldstein Herb Helfman, husband of Esther Kaufman-Helfman Sheldon Taylor, father of Jay Taylor Barney Shapiro, father-in-law of Joshua Skowronek Ann Adler, grandmother of Michael Cohen Ed Andell, father of Jonathan Andell Betty Berger, grandmother of Wendy Horowitz Shirley Kantor, mother of Melissa Pyle Jeanette Busch, mother of Ronald Busch Joan Becker, mother of Marci Becker-Morelli Jean Eisenberg, mother of Dorothy Vogel Stephen Lavranchuk, father of Jim Lavranchuk Jessie Steinberg, grandmother of Wendy Horowitz

Temple Beth-El Shofar 22 Iyar-Sivan 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Contributions to Temple Funds

GENERAL FUND MEMORIAL FUND CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In appreciation of Temple Beth-El In memory of Ada Sage In appreciation of the cantorial concert In memory of Beth’s mother Anne Finkelstein Rich and Zahava Schaefer Eileen Ruderman Irene and Steve Lieberman Beth and Jim Lavranchuk In memory of Daniel Wachtel In memory of Herbert Schall In honor of Justin Brenner becoming a bar In honor of Stephanie Brody becoming a bat Ellen and Bruce Davidson Barbara Schall mitzvah mitzvah CWW Movie Club In memory of Jack Unrot The Brenner Family Bruce and Revalee Brody Diane Lieberman Dave Sandler and Pat Ward In memory of Robert Rubin In honor of becoming a bar mitzvah Toby Brown In memory of Bob Rubin Ken and Amy Rubin Susan, Darren, Justin, and Ally Brenner Mary Yuknis Rhona Ferling and Simon Stark In appreciation of Rabbi Gluck Claire Tannenbaum In memory of David Cohen ISRAEL MATTERS Phyllis Kirshner In memory of Robert Rubin In memory of Hyman Cohen In memory of Abraham Levenson Roy Cornely Beverly Rubin Gershon Barbara Cohen Edith and Stuart Rugg and Family In memory of Dan Wachtel Ken and Amy Rubin In memory of Cheryl Bloomstein Marian Wachtel In appreciation of Steve Weitz Michael Bloomstein CULTURAL ARTS In memory of William Weitz Ken and Amy Rubin In memory of Irving Fass In memory of Victor Vigdergaus Robert and Marilyn Weissman Alan and Elaine Fass In memory of Sophia Tentler In memory of Robert Rubin BROTHERHOOD YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP In memory of Milton Skowronek Simona Rivkin and Ted Baker Ken and Amy Rubin FUND Joshua Skowronek In honor of Mark Lieberman’s engagement In memory of Henry Samson GARDEN FUND RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ENRICHMENT FUND Sheldon and Ellen Stept Leigh and Shari Miller In memory of Dan Wachtel In honor of Sarah Gluck Goldie Taub and Murray Levine With gratitude and appreciation from her Beginning Adult Hebrew class

Temple Beth-El has many funds available to which members can contribute. Donations to these committed funds help support Temple programs and enable us to continue to maintain a high level of programming for our community. • Adult Education • Endowment Fund • Library • Social Action (including IHN) • Beautification • Garden • Mazon Hunger Fund • Special Needs • B’nei Mitzvah Fund • General Fund • Memorial • Yad Chazak Fund • Brotherhood Youth Scholarship • Holocaust Education • Prayer Book • Youth Activities • Cantor Pincus’ Discretionary Fund • Israel Matters • Rabbi Gluck’s Discretionary Fund • Cemetery • Jules Swickle Chesed Fund • Religious School Enrichment • Cultural Arts • Kesher Network • Religious School Scholarship Fund

Please send donations to committed funds to Susan Walters in the temple office. We are not able to accept verbal or email dedications and donations.

Amount Collected to Date: $1,784.06 Temple Beth-El Shofar 23 Iyar-Sivan 5775 May Click here to return to Page 1 Calendar of Events

Friday, May 1 Monday, May 11 Thursday, May 21 7:00 pm Family Shabbat Service — Yad Chazakah 4:30 pm Religious School 6:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Gentle Yoga 6:30 pm Post-Confirmation 7:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Israeli Folk Dancing Saturday, May 2 7:45 pm Board of Trustees Meeting Friday, May 22 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Study with 8:00 pm Shabbat B’Shir, Erev Shabbat Services with the Bat Mitzvah of Cameron Ward Wednesday, May 13 Tefilah Band 4:30 pm Religious School 6:30 pm Confirmation Rehearsal Saturday, May 23 6:30 pm Sisterhood Board Meeting 10:00 am Shabbat Minyan Service Sunday, May 3 7:00 pm Erev Shavuot Services and Yizkor Mitzvah Day Thursday, May 14 7:30 am Blood Drive 6:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Gentle Yoga 9:00 am Religious School 7:00 pm Israeli Dance Chavurah 9:15 am New Member Bagel Breakfast 7:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Israeli Folk Dancing Sunday, May 24 Shavuot Monday, May 4 Friday, May 15 Memorial Day, Temple offices are closed 4:30 pm Religious School 6:30 pm Confirmation Class Dinner 6:30 pm Temple Youth Leadership Training Seminar 8:00 pm Erev Shabbat Service with Choir Tuesday, May 26 7:30 pm Ritual Committee Meeting 7:30 pm Executive Committee Meeting Saturday, May 16 Tuesday, May 5 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Study with Wednesday, May 27 7:30 pm Adult Education Class — Mishneh Torah B’not Mitzvah of Talia Hirsch and Lindsey Skole 6:30 pm Confirmation Rehearsal 1:00 pm Person of Honor Prep Work 7:00 pm Sisterhood End-of-Year Dinner and Installation Wednesday, May 6 6:30 pm Youth: Grade 5 and 6 Shul-In of New Officers 4:30 pm Religious School 7:00 pm Jewish LIFE Film Series: Cupcakes 6:30 pm Confirmation Academy Thursday, May 28 6:30 pm Grade 7 Student-Parent CA Orientation 6:30 am Federation Event: Recipes Remembered 7:30 pm Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh Service 6:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Gentle Yoga Sunday, May 17 7:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Israeli Folk Dancing Thursday, May 7 Yom Yerushalayim Lag BaOmer 9:00 am Religious School — Last Sunday of Religious Friday, May 29 6:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Gentle Yoga School 7:00 pm Erev Shabbat Service and Ceremony of 7:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Israeli Folk Dancing 10:30 am Person of Honor Breakfast Confirmation 7:45 pm Mixed-level Hatha Yoga Noon Youth: Grade 7 and 8 Trip to Six Flags 1:00 pm Renaissance Luncheon Saturday, May 30 Friday, May 8 4:00 pm Jewish LIFE: Engaging Israel NFTY-GER Spring Gala 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service 6:00 pm Leadership Development 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Study 6:45 pm Pot-Luck Shabbat Dinner Celebrating Chai with B’nei Mitzvah of Alex Fromberg and Emily Circle Monday, May 18 Brandt 8:00 pm Erev Shabbat Service with Chai Circle 4:30 pm Religious School 4:00 pm Brotherhood/Sisterhood Picnic 6:30 pm Youth Culture Committee 7:00 pm Board Game Night Saturday, May 9 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service and Torah Study with Tuesday, May 19 Bat Mitzvah of Sydney DeLierre Rosh Chodesh Sivan 6:30 pm Religious School Teacher Appreciation Dinner Sunday, May 31 and Year-End Faculty Meeting Israel Day Parade in NYC

Sunday, May 10 Wednesday, May 20 Grade 4 Field Trip 4:30 pm Religious School 9:00 am Grade 6 Heritage Museum 6:30 pm Confirmation Rehearsal 9:00 am Religious School 7:00 pm Outreach Committee Meeting

Temple Beth-El Shofar 24 Iyar-Sivan 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Contacting Temple Beth-El Temple Office:...... 908-722-0674 Religious School Office: ...... 908-704-1212

To Contact the Temple Beth-El Staff by email: Rabbi Arnold S. Gluck [email protected] Cantor Emily Wigod Pincus [email protected] Amy Rubin, Director of Administration [email protected] Sarah Gluck, Education Co-Director [email protected] Lisa Friedman, Education Co-Director [email protected] Betty Parenti, Financial Manager [email protected] Susan Walters, Executive Secretary [email protected] Ivy Anglin, Religious School Secretary [email protected] Dan Merer, Youth Director [email protected]

Shofar Advertising To place an ad in the Shofar or for more advertising information, please contact [email protected]

Temple Beth-El Shofar 25 Iyar-Sivan 5775