Connection April 2018 Nisan/Iyar 5778

Levite Jewish Community Center Participating organizations include Birmingham Jewish Federation, Levite Jewish Community Center, Temple Beth-El, Temple Emanu-El, Chabad of Alabama and Knesseth Israel.

See pg. 5 for more details on the return of the Kosher BBQ. Cook-Off!

PAGE 2 CONNECTION APRIL 2018 RELIGIOUS SERVICE SCHEDULE Note: A complete schedule of services for Passover is available on the Temple Beth-El website. April 1 Pesach Day 2 9:30 am April 20 Erev 5:45 pm Maftir: Julian Brook Candle lighting 7:04 pm

April 6 Pesach Day 7 9:30 pm April 21 Saturday morning 9:30 am Yizkor Parashat Tazria-Metzora Maftir: Chevra Kadisha Bar Mitzvah of Brandon Clark Candle lighting 6:53 pm Maftir: Jimmy Krell Mincha 7 pm April 7 Pesach Day 8 9:30 am Parashat Ki Tisa April 27 Erev Shabbat 5:45 pm Maftir: Raffi Ivker Candle lighting 7:09 pm Mincha 6:45 pm April 28 Saturday morning 9:30 am April 13 Erev Shabbat 5:45 pm Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim Candle lighting 6:58 pm Maftir: David Reznik This will be a joint service held at TEE. Mincha 7 pm (See pg. 21 for details.)

April 14 Saturday morning 9:30 am Parashat Shmini Maftir: Dalia Abrams Mincha 6:45 pm Visit www.templebeth-el.net to livestream services. WEEKDAY SERVICE SCHEDULE SHABBAT SERVICE SCHEDULE Daily Morning Minyan 7:00 am Friday Evening Services 5:45 pm Sundays & Secular Holidays 8:00 am Saturday Morning Services 9:30 am Daily Afternoon Minyan 5:30 pm Tot Shabbat 11:00 am

Saturday afternoon Minyan times will vary. See above for times.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF BOARD OFFICERS Rabbi Barry Leff President Jacob Halpern [email protected] [email protected]

Executive Director Bob Greenberg Vice President Jessica Goldstein [email protected] [email protected]

Music and Youth Director Sarah Metzger Vice President Ronald Levitt [email protected] [email protected]

Bookkeeper Lisa Adams Vice President Dan Weinrib [email protected] [email protected]

Communications Lindsey Herring Treasurer Evan Rhodes [email protected] [email protected]

Administration Pam Williams Secretary Naomi Kipp

[email protected] [email protected] 2017-18 Board of Directors Dalia Abrams Todd Doobrow Allen Halpern Marjorie Perlman Martin Sher Steve Altmann Cathy Fingerman Dani Kahn Krell Loraine Reznik Stuart Shiland Marsha Asman Arlene Fisher Sue Lischkoff Ben Rosenbaum Steven Sikora Barbara Brande Steve Greene Lynette Mazer Rebecca Rothman Alan Weintraub Julie Cohen Shira Goldberg Leonid Mazur Esther Schuster

PAGE 3 CONNECTION APRIL 2018 Message from Rav Barry CELEBRATING ISRAEL Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day – and Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, fall on April 18 and 19 this year. Israel is celebrating 70 years since the establishment of the Jewish state.

Here in America, most Jews aren’t at all aware of Yom HaZikaron. Here in Birmingham we don’t have any communal ceremonies for Yom HaZikaron. Many of my friends and I celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut the same way we celebrate Independence Day in America – with a barbeque! And that’s what we’re doing here: Yom HaAtzmaut is being celebrated with the “When Pigs Fly Kosher BBQ” on April 22.

Here in America, most of us don’t pay much attention to our own Memorial Day, let alone to Israel’s. Memorial Day here seems to be more an occasion for sales and out-of-town getaways, thanks to the long weekend. It’s a very different experience in Israel.

Israel is such a small country – and has fought so many wars in its short existence – that almost everyone either knows someone who gave his/her life for the country or knows someone who lost a close family member. It’s a very solemn day: kids in school all have official ceremonies honoring those who died for Israel, solemn music is played on the radio, entertainment venues such as movie houses are closed. Everyone who lost someone makes a pilgrimage to the grave. Since the Jewish day begins at sunset, the start of the holiday is marked by a one- minute siren at 8 pm on the eve of the holiday, and there’s another two-minute siren at 11 am the following morning. It’s an eerie experience when the siren goes off in the morning: traffic stops completely, cars and buses stop in the middle of the street, everyone stops, gets out of their vehicle and stands at attention. It feels like a very long time.

But all that changes at sunset, when we transition from Yom HaZikaron to Yom HaAtzmaut. And that juxtaposition was a brilliant decision: yes, we mourn and are sad for those we’ve lost, but the reason they gave their lives – Israel’s independence – is right on its heels.

If you compare Israel to other countries that gained their independence from Britain in the mid-20th century – Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, and India – Israel has the smallest population, and yet has accomplished the most. Israel is one of only 12 countries in the world that has launched satellites with “home-built” launch vehicles. Israel has never acknowledged having nuclear weapons, but it’s generally considered one of only nine countries to have that capability. In 70 years Israel has transitioned from being an impoverished country with an economy largely dependent on agriculture, to being the “Startup Nation,” home to the second largest pool of venture capital outside Silicon Valley. In many ways Israel is as much a part of Europe as of the Middle East. We’re the only country in our neighborhood to be a part of the OECD, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a body of developed nations. Israel is the only country in the world that has more trees now than it had in 1900 – a testimony to the donations we gave as kids to the blue boxes for the JNF. And Israel did all this while absorbing nearly a million Jewish refugees from Arab and Muslim countries and another million immigrants from the former Soviet Union.

Israel obviously also has a lot of challenges and problems. Regional instability – including the civil war in Syria and Iran sponsoring terrorism. Corruption in the government – a former president and a former prime minister were both convicted of crimes and sent to prison and the current prime minister is under investigation in four different cases. Discrimination against minorities – including against Israeli Arabs (who are full citizens), Ethiopian Jews, and non-Orthodox Jews. And then there’s the conflict with the Palestinians which seems insoluble.

But, overall, Israel has accomplished an incredible amount in the last 70 years. And Israel didn’t do it alone – we had help from American Jews, such as yourselves, and from the American government, which gets a lot of credit for Israel’s state of the art military, now ranked as the 15th most powerful in the world. We can all share in the sense of accomplishment and celebrations surrounding Israel’s 70th birthday. Yom Holedet Sameach! (Happy Birthday!)

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Programs MINYAN SIGNUPGENIUS RETIRED We had tried an experiment with using SignUpGenius to encourage people to attend minyan, especially on days when we’re short of people. Unfortunately, the experiment didn’t work that well, not enough people who were coming signed up for us to be able to actually tell if we were going to be short of people for a minyan, so we’ve discontinued the program. Please do continue to support the minyan – it will only remain viable and active with your support. There’s a value to communal prayer, and by attending you’re doing a service to those in our community who need our support, those who are in mourning, and those who are observing a yahrzeit. At the moment, two of the minyans that can use support on a regular basis are Sunday morning (8 am) and Saturday afternoon (see pg. 2 for schedule, as times vary this month). Thanks for your support!

HAG CHESED STYLE The room was filled to capacity when the Chesed Committee celebrated Purim with Brookdale residents, Greenbriar residents and other senior members of our community. Rabbi Leff and Sarah Metger arrived in costume to treat everyone to an informative and fun-filled program. We all noshed on homemade hamentaschen and other lovingly baked goodies as hugs and smiles filled the room. Other seniors around town received visits from our volunteers, along with the delivery of Shalach Manot bags.

Many thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers who made it all possible: Esther Schuster (aka hamantaschen baking elf), Julie Ceitlin, Eleanor Binderman, Toby Siegel, Bari Roseman, Donna Schiff, Sherrie Grunfeld, Naomi Fineberg, Lisa Engel, Micky Rubenstein, Karen Halpern, David Reznik, Amy Peetluk, Marsha Asman, Ruth Siegler, and Diane Slaughter. Special thanks goes to Robert Cooper of Greenbriar.

The fun continues on April 19 at Greenbriar at the Altamont. Please join us!

YOGA NIDRA WITH NAN SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 7 HAS BEEN CANCELED

The next meeting of Yoga Nidra, yoga sleep, with Nan Unkenholz is scheduled for May 5.

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Social Action Committee M’SHALACH MANOT FOR PURIM M’Shalach Manot, the gifting of treats to our community, is one of the four commandments we are obligated to fulfill on Purim. Volunteers who joined TBE Social Action team are pictured here after placing a gift bag on each door of the 111 residents at the Highland Manor Apartments. The bags were stuffed with individually wrapped snacks, home baked cookies and hamantaschen. Included in the photo from left to right are Deborah Chargois, Ella Rosen, Diane Slaughter, Highland Manor Resident Sue, Bari Sokol and Stuart Padove. Our warm appreciation also goes to the staff at both TBE and TEE for their assistance, to the congregants who donated snacks, and to the families who helped in stuffing the gift bags after services on Erev Purim. Our Social Action team members, Dalia Abrams, Shira Goldberg, and Karen Weinrib, also provided outstanding support on the project. Yasher Koach to everyone who participated! We hope to make this effort an annual project.

Programs

The Low-Down on this Year’s Friedman Family Foundation Jewish Food & Culture Fest Featuring When Pig’s Fly Kosher BBQ Cook-Off April 22, 2018 The Food: BBQ Beef , freshly made falafel, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, stuffed cabbage rolls, matzah ball soup, potato burekas, noodle , Israeli salad, special sampler and whitefish plates. Hot dogs for kids, an array of desserts, drinks and beer will round out the menu. The BBQ Cook-Off Competition: Categories include Beef Brisket, BBQ Chicken, Baked Beans, Team Name, and Team Booth. Visit the TBE Website or Contact Michael Duvdevani for more details. Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Birthday): Come experience a model of the Western Wall (Kotel) with special decorations; a mock IDF obstacle course incorporating Jewish education for kids; and a unique photo and art exhibit of Israel Family Fun: Inflatables, an obstacle course, and educational games will be featured in the Kid Zone. Entertainment will be provided by The Regulators and the Disco Amigo Dancers. This event is pet-friendly; dogs must be on a leash at all times. Sponsors: Title Sponsor, the Friedman Family Foundation. Additional featured sponsors: Birmingham Jewish Foundation, ALSCAN, Total Skin and Beauty, Southern Jewish Life magazine and many additional sponsors. For a sponsorship packet contact LJCC staffer Dan Tourtellote at [email protected] tuned for more details!

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April Religious School Calendar

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 No Religious Services School Tot Shabbat

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Religious School Religious School Yom HaShoah Services 9 am to noon 3:45 to 6 pm program at TEE 5 pm Tot Shabbat Greenbriar Chocolate Seder 10:45 am to noon (pickup at Greenbriar at 12:15 pm)

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Religious School Religious School USY Regional Services 9 am to noon 3:45 to 6 pm Convention (Orlando) Yoga Tot Shabbat

USY Regional Convention

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Religious School Religious School Contemporary 9 am (meet at 3:45 to 6 pm Shabbat Services NEMJDS) Food & Culture Tot Shabbat Fest; Kosher BBQ

USY Regional Convention

29 30 Religious School 9 am to noon

YOGA TOT SHABBAT WITH KATHERINE BROMBERG 11 am–noon, Saturday, April 21, Pillow room

Wear comfy clothes for stretching and having FUN! Bring your kids/grandkids, birth to age 5. Older siblings welcome.

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Message from Music and Youth Director Sarah Metzger

Reflections from Your Ambassador of Music, Laughter and Smiles

April is a wonderful time of year, not just because it’s my birth month and I have an excuse to eat cake for several days, but because we get to celebrate Passover with our friends and family who we only get to fight with a few times a year. We were once slaves in the land of Egypt, and now we celebrate our freedom by singing off key in a dining room that smells like stale farts because that hard-boiled egg smell hasn’t yet dissipated. But even in the most painful of times, there is always hope for a neutral-smelling seder. Before I reveal all the cool stuff that’s happening in April, allow me to reflect a bit on the past few weeks. Due to b’nai Front row, left to right: Jonah Herman, Haley Applebaum, Julia mitzvot, recent visits from rabbinical Goldberg, Casey Newell. Back row: Josh Crowley, Jake Bengelsdorf, Jacob Kipp, Erin Keenan and Maia Herman. candidates and our special volunteer Shabbat, we had about a month and a half of some of the most spirited Shabbat services I’ve ever seen! I had a blast working with all of the candidates and hearing so many of you sing your hearts out. I’m also excited that I get to keep leading havdala with you even after DST. Havdala at Temple Beth-El has been described as Birmingham’s best kept secret, but feel free to spread the word (in hushed tones, of course). In the past few weeks, we’ve also had some fun youth programs including a Kadima/USY trip to Orlando for Yom Universal, Laser tag with the Community Youth Group, a community Purim celebration at Temple Emanu-El, and USY’s Spring Sub-regional convention, hosted by Nashville. “Wow, that sounds fun and all, but what’s going on this month??” —– you I’m so glad you asked! • April 8 —– Passover After-party! The Religious School will be joining forces with the Chesed Committee and residents of Greenbriar for a fun and delicious chocolate seder from 10:45 am to 12:15 pm. Remember to pick up your kids at Greenbriar! • April 20—22 -— USY Regional Convention in Orlando • April 22 —– Kosher BBQ at the LJCC. Students will meet at the N.E. Miles Jewish Day School at 9 am for Religious School before its BBQ time!

*other events likely to be added

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Men’s Club

MEN OF TEMPLE BETH-EL

We are only 3 months into 2018 and look at what we have already ACCOMPLISHED! But, there is so much more that we need to accomplish in order to have another POWERFUL year just as we did in 2017 and 2016.

I have to turn my attention to MEMBERSHIP because Men's Club cannot get to where we need to be unless we have YOU as a member. It is absolutely crucial for the success of Men's Club.

MANY of you have already sent in your dues for Men's Club (and we THANK YOU for that). On the other hand, we still have many who have not paid their dues. Dues are only $36 and hopefully you are getting as much out of your $36 as I am. I know the Temple is!

I think, as many others do, that Temple Beth-El is on a ROLL! The MORALE, the COMMITMENT, the BUILDING is SO STRONG right now and Men's Club has been a part of helping Temple Beth-El reach that success!

I was asked by one of the Rabbinic candidates, "What does Men's Club do?" Without hesitation I told him, "Men's Club's main goal is to help Temple Beth-El reach success."

PLEASE, help Men's Club achieve its goal and become a 2018 member of Men’s Club. (It’s easy: Just mail in your $36 membership dues, call Lisa and give her your credit card info or pay online.)

Sincerely, Allen Halpern President of Temple Beth-El’s Men’s Club

2017 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2018 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1. Sisterhood/Men’s Club Shabbat 1. Sponsored and Volunteered for “Forging Ahead: 2. Tefilin for all our fifth graders Civil Rights Stories & Song” 3. Shabbat Ruach from Jerusalem for our 5th graders 2. Sponsored “World Wide Wrap” and purchased 6 4. Musical Megillah Tefilin 5. Yom HaShoah Memory Candles 3. Sponsored & built a new Puppet Stage for Tot 6. “Celebration of 90 Years on Highland” Shabbat 7. The Keruv Movement 4. Sponsored “Volunteer Appreciation & Awards 8. End-of-The-Year Religious School Party Shabbat Ruach” at Red Mountain (May 7) 5. (We are only 3 months into the year at this point!) 9. Celebrating the Life of Justin Cohen 6. 10. 4th of July Rooftop Celebration 7. 11. Supporting Closing Night for the Maccabi Games 8. on the calendar 12. Ushering for the High Holidays 9. 13. The Sukkah Build 10. on the calendar 14. “BBQ in the Sukkah” 11. 15. The Habitat Build 12. on the calendar 13. on the calendar 14. 15.

16. One more ACCOMPLISHMENT than last year

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TBE Foundation WHAT I’VE LEARNED SO FAR FROM OUR DONORS Submitted by Marjorie Perlman

We interrupt the regularly scheduled article, “Know Our Donors,” to bring you this special bulletin… article. Since the beginning of 2017, the Temple Beth- El Foundation article has featured 12 named funds and the donors who started them or continue to donate to them. We have all learned something about the families who generously support Temple Beth-El through their Foundation Funds. I know that I have learned a lot about both the people and the motivation that influenced the decision to open the funds. There are differences and similarities in all of the donors and this may help you decide if you want to join this group and open a named fund. First, how our donors differ:

• Some donors are born and bred in Birmingham and surrounding areas and others are “transplants.” • Some donors want their funds open in perpetuity and others don’t care if it is depleted. • Some donors are specific about where they want the funds spent and others want the Temple to decide. • Some donors are active in the synagogue and others feel associated without being active. • Some funds were started to honor the legacy of a member family and others were started simply to meet a need. There may be a lot of differences, but the thing that unites our donors is a CONNECTION to Temple Beth-El and an enduring LOVE for what it was, what it is, and/or what it can be/will be. Temple Beth-El is riding some serious positive momentum. Sarah Metzger has brought music back to our services, we have enjoyed two well-attended special programs – The Civil Rights Weekend, and Volunteer Recognition Shabbat, and we will be welcoming Rabbi Slater and his growing family in a little over two months. This is a great time to ensure that the Temple has the resources available to keep the drive alive! Please consider adding your name to the list of the 60 existing named funds. If this appeals to you, please contact the TBE office and a member of the TBEF Board will get in contact with you.

PAGE 10 CONNECTION APRIL 2018 CONDOLENCES With sympathy, we wish the following families peace and love during their time of sorrow:

Melvin Howard Olshan Husband of Rochelle Bloomston Olshan; and father of Jeff Olshan (Heidi), Gary Olshan, Lindsay Raymond (Evan), Marc Bloomston (Robin), Scott Bloomston (Jodi), Barry Bloomston, Joel Bloomston (Janet), Brett Bloomston (Marian), Peggy Klug (Isaac), Steve Spielberger (Susan) and Jeff Spielberger

Lenora G. Buchalter Sisterhood Past President Mother of Bettie Forman (Brian), Helene Massey (Tim), Judy Rechtman (David) and Alan Buchalter (Pam), and sister of Murray Stein (Nohemi) and Mel Stein

Ari Nachum Berlin Son of Marsha & Kenny Berlin, husband of Hallie Morris, brother of Jessie Berlin and Josh Berlin, and grandson-in-law of Gloria Weintraub

May the families be comforted among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

SISTERHOOD GIFT SHOP

Passover SALE! Close out Passover with our Close-Out Passover SALE!

Contemporary Shabbat Service: April 28 Join Rav Barry and Sarah Metzger at 10 am April 28 for Contemporary Shabbat. The service features Sarah’s voice and guitar, and lots of music in general. Plus it includes more English and is shorter than the traditional service. Kehillat Shalom will be leading traditional services at 9:30 am on April 28.

BRANDON CLARK BECOMES A BAR MITZVAH! Brandon Clark Son of Rachel & Kevin Zivitz 9:30 am, April 21

Kiddush luncheon following services is sponsored by Brandon’s grandparents, Melissa & Melvin Zivitz.

Brandon’s Mitzvah Project: Brandon is helping to feed the homeless by serving food as well as collecting items for the food bank.

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MAZAL TOV Mazal Tov to Amber & Robert Lewis of Tampa on the birth of their daughter, Cora Elise Lewis, on Feb. 15. Cora joins 18-month-old big brother Merritt. Also celebrating are grandparents Melissa & Melvin Zivitz of Birmingham.

Mazal Tov to Lisa & Alan Engel on the birth of their granddaughter, Dalia Vivien Haines, on Feb. 22. Address Update

Barbara Bonfield’s temporary address:

5610 Glen Ridge Dr. Apt 434 Say hello to new TBE members: Sandy Springs, GA 30342

Rebecca & Michael Millsap She and her son, Barney, Daughter, Maya (age 1) will be there for about 6 5406 6th Ave. S. Birmingham, AL 35212 months. Email: [email protected] Special Birthdays Anniversaries Rochelle & Martin Green (23) Toby & Joel Mendler (50) James Abroms Shelby & Joel Kimerling (4) Tatyana & Zanvel Shitsel (62) Jeffrey Redisch Ricki & Lanning Kline (41) Marilyn & Malcolm Sokol (54) Helene Wolf Andrea & Jack Koenig (14) Evdiniya & Boris Zinger (43) Boris Yampolsky Anna & David Levy (5) Special birthdays are published from age 50 and every 5 years thereafter.

PASSOVER BIMAH FLOWERS Passover ( First 2 Days ) In Memory of our Beloved Family Members From: Lynette and J.B. Mazer, Carole and Michael Mazer and Family, Nancy and Dennis Lutz and Family

Passover ( Last 2 Days ) In Memory of Our Loved Ones From: Anonymous

PAGE 12 CONNECTION APRIL 2018

Sisterhood

On March 3, Sisterhood held a screening of the documentary Violins of Hope - Strings of the Holocaust. With this major event begins a myriad of community events leading up to the April 14 concert at the Alys Stephens Center where violins that were played by prisoners in the concentration camps will be a featured part of the Alabama Symphony concert. In six weeks, with everyone pulling together - from Executive Director Bob Greenberg to the TBE office staff (Pam Williams, Lindsey Herring), to the maintenance staff (Nico Cusi, Warren Collins), it was all hands on deck as we worked fast and furious attending to all the details. Sallie Downs was the driving force behind this event, and Sue Lischkoff and Arlene Fisher accepted the responsibility of bringing it to fruition. Over 200 people were in our sanctuary for this exceptional program! The evening began with Jeannette Hightower playing musical selections from Schindler’s List on her violin. Michele Forman, Director of the Media Studies Program at UAB, introduced Lance Shultz, Director/Producer of the documentary. Thank you to Pam Ruttenberg who created this beautiful centerpiece featured at the dessert reception; thank you to Eva Wilensky who is the owner of this prized violin and who graciously let Pam use it as the vocal point. Greeting and warmly welcoming our guests were Arlene Redisch and Shira Goldberg. The delicious dessert reception was prepared by CoKo Catering (Nadine Cohen/Betsy Koepsel). If you missed this magical evening, here is the link to watch: https://livestream.com/tbebirmingham/events/5530506/videos/171030068 And here is a link to a PR piece that ABC3340 published on our March 3 event: http://abc3340.com/news/local/violins-of-hope-coming-to-birmingham-this-april

NEW SISTERHOOD MEMBER! Delighted to announce that SISTERHOOD has another NEW MEMBER: Arlene Redisch. We look forward to having her be an active participant!

NEW WOMEN’S LEAGUE READS BOOK SELECTION Eternal Life by Dara Horn (http://darahorn.com). An interview with the author will be held on Wednesday, April 25 at 8:30 pm EST. In this highly original new work, the protagonist, Rachel, lives her first of many lives in Roman-occupied Jerusalem and witnesses its destruction. She is the mother of Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakai, the historical figure whose disciples snuck him past Roman guards in a coffin, and who thereby established the continuity of study in exile.

Rachel’s desperation to save him as a toddler from a fatal illness leads her and her partner to take a vow in the Temple in a non- negotiable deal—the child lives, but the pair become immortal. Throughout the centuries, the two are reborn as 18-year-old Jews in each successive life, creating hundreds of children, all beloved but mortal. As her lover stalks her through time, Rachel desperately tries to escape the roulette wheel of her immortality.

2018–2019 WOMEN’S LEAGUE CALENDAR DIARY If you would like to order a pocket-sized Women’s League Calendar Diary, email Arlene Fisher at [email protected]. In this year's edition is original artwork by Sisterhood members, recipes, activities, facts and olam ideas.

PAGE 13 CONNECTION APRIL 2018 DONATIONS Good Fortune Fund Mazal Tov to Donna & Gary Schiff A Chai donation wishing Eph Mazer on the birth of their granddaughter, a speedy recovery and continued A Most Generous donation wishing Jamie Wren Morgenstern good health Mazal Tov to Albert Sikora on his Mazal Tov to Julie & Charles Stein From: Pam Ruttenberg & 85th birthday on the birth of their grandson, Arnold Shiland From: Cindy & David Senior Jackson Leonard Somerville From: Marian & Myron Radwin A Chai donation thanking TBE A Most Generous donation in Sisterhood for the parsley seeds support of Temple Beth-El Mazal Tov to Kim & Dan Mirelman From: Sylvia Berman From: Cedric McNeal on the marriage of their daughter, Val Mirelman A Chai donation in loving memory A Generous donation in Mazal Tov to Albert Sikora on his of Lenora Buchalter appreciation of the TBE 85th birthday From: Adrienne & Julian Brook Administration From: Betty Anfanger From: Robert & Geri Stone In loving memory of Lenora Mazal Tov to Barbara Bonfield on Buchalter A Double Chai donation in honor of receiving Faculty of the Year From: Natalie & Albert Sikora Rebecca Rothman recognition at the University of From: Lindsey Deckard Montevallo Edie Wilensky Memorial Fund From: Arlene & Milton Goldstein A Chai donation in honor of Steven Mazal Tov to Eph Mazer on his 90th Brickman receiving the Visionary Mazal Tov to Eph Mazer on his 90th Birthday Award at Oasis birthday In loving memory: From: Lynette & J. B. Mazer From: Sherri & David Romanoff — Isaac Benjamin — Janis Friedman A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov Mazal Tov to Albert Sikora on his — Harry Bressler to Eph Mazer on his 90th birthday 85th birthday On her Yahrzeit: From: Sherry & Jerry Cherner From: Rhoda Feirman — Edie Wilensky, niece From: Ilene & Allen Wilensky A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov Simcha Shabbat to Eph Mazer on his 90th birthday Robert Spielberger Memorial Fund From: Adrienne & Julian Brook A Double Chai donation in support of the Rabbinic Search meals In loving memory of Bernie A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov From: Robert & Geri Stone Bloomston, uncle to Albert Sikora on his 85th In loving memory of Isaac Benjamin From: Lynn & Bert Bloomston birthday From: Marian & Myron Radwin From: Barbara & Scott Brande Speedy Recovery Sisterhood Fund A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov A Chai donation wishing a speedy to Lisa & Alan Engel on the birth of A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov recovery and continued good their new granddaughter, Dalia to Danielle & Alan Weintraub on health to Andrea Glazer Vivien Haines their daughter Gili becoming a Bat A Chai donation wishing a speedy From: Loraine & David Reznik Mitzvah recovery and continued good A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov health to Mary Culpepper Mazal Tov to Gili Weintraub on to Gloria Weintraub on her From: Adrienne & Julian Brook becoming a Bat Mitzvah granddaughter Gili becoming a Bat Mazal Tov to David Applebaum on Mitzvah becoming a Bar Mitzvah A Chai donation in loving memory From: Karen & Dan Weinrib of Anabelle Marks

PAGE 14 CONNECTION APRIL 2018 DONATIONS A Chai donation wishing a speedy Elmwood Cemetery Fund Donation to the planetarium seat recovery and continued good purchase by the [T]BE Involved health to Joy Fleisher In loving memory of beloved Social Action Committee Wishing Frieda & Eph Mazer grandmother Miriam Cohen on her From: Jeff Padawer speedy recovery and continued Yahrzeit good health From: Marion Auerbach & In loving memory of Chita From: Marian & Myron Radwin Victor Cohen Weintrob on her Yahrzeit From: Lynn & Bert Bloomston A Chai donation wishing a speedy Library Fund recovery and continued good Youth Department health to Barney Bonfield In loving memory of beloved father From: Dorothy Shiland E. M. Zeidman on his Yahrzeit A Most Generous donation in From: Philip Zeidman loving memory of Lenora Buchalter Wishing Micky Rubenstein speedy From: Steven Funk for Friends of recovery and continued good Chico Bomchel Memorial Social David & Judy Rechtman, health Action Fund “The Birthday Boychicks” Thinking of you Dolly & David Staff From: Betty Anfanger and A Most Generous donation in A Generous donation in loving Family loving memory of Isaac Benjamin memory of beloved grandmother From: Roslyn Mannon and great-grandmother Della Katz Wishing Esther Schuster speedy on her Yahrzeit recovery and continued good A Generous donation in support of A Double Chai donation in loving health [T]BE Involved Social Action memory of beloved father and From: Nadine & Louis Cohen Committee for stadium seat in grandfather Nathan Kianoff on his planetarium Yahrzeit Wishing speedy recoveries and From: Lynette & J.B. Mazer A Double Chai donation in loving continued good health: memory of beloved mother and — Ilene Wilensky A Chai donation in loving memory grandmother Tese Kianoff on her — Marian Radwin of beloved father & grandfather Yahrzeit — Joy Fleisher Harry Biel on his Yahrzeit From: Lisa & Alan, Natalie and From: Faye Bernstein A Chai donation in loving memory Hayley Kianoff of beloved mother & grandmother Wishing a speedy recovery and Libby Brook on her Yahrzeit In Loving Memory continued good health to From: Adrienne & Julian Brook Marian Radwin A Very Generous donation in loving Eph Mazer A Chai donation in honor of Glynnis memory of Isaac Benjamin From: Sherry & Jerry Cherner Levitt, Steve Greene and the From: Geri & Robert Stone Rabbinic Search Committee for Wishing Thelma Bernstein speedy their hard work A Very Generous donation in loving recovery and continued good From: Karen & Dan Weinrib memory of Lenora Buchalter health From: The Share Family From: Charlotte Corenblum A Chai donation in loving memory of beloved wife Chita Weintrob on A Very Generous donation in loving Bill Bernstein Memorial Fund her Yahrzeit memory of Richard Waller From: Howard Weintrob & Family From: Bryna & Greg Rapp A Chai donation in loving memory of Judith Smith A Generous donation in loving From: Thelma Bernstein memory of Lenora Buchalter From: Sharon & Ken Herman

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DONATIONS

A Generous donation in loving A Chai donation in loving memory In loving memory of Annabel memory of Lenora Buchalter of Annabel Marks Marks From: Carol & Michael Buchalter From: Shirley & Ron Froehlich From: Susan & Michael Stein

A Double Chai donation in loving A Chai donation in loving memory In loving memory of Isaac Benjamin memory of Isaac Benjamin of Lenora Buchalter From: Deborah & Phil Gross From: Rebecca & Josh Rothman From: Lynette & Alvin Slaughter In loving memory of Isaac Benjamin A Double Chai donation in loving A Chai donation in loving memory From: Marjie & Myron Butler memory of Stella Antselevich of Lenora Buchalter From: Lenora Pate & Steven From: Lara Salzman Yahrzeits Brickman In loving memory of Annabel A Most Generous donation in A Double Chai donation in loving Marks memory of beloved father Charles memory of Stella Antselevich From: Arlene & Milton Goldstein Raymond on his Yahrzeit From: Gail & Abraham Schuster From: Paula Glover In loving memory of Stella A Chai donation in loving memory Antselevich A Most Generous donation in of Annabel Marks From: Sherri & David Romanoff loving memory of beloved father From: Sherry & Jerry Cherner Alan Perlman on his Yahrzeit In loving memory of Annabel From: Marjorie Perlman Marks From: Arlene & Milton Goldstein

A Letter of Thanks from Eph & Frieda Mazer

I am so grateful and overwhelmed having received so much attention for my 90th birthday! I would like to thank each and every one of you so much for your kind greetings and donations to Temple Beth-El in honor of my birthday, and making this such a memorable occasion.

With all of your wonderful wishes I am looking forward to another great year!

Frieda joins me in sending our most heartfelt thank you to each of you.

—Eph Mazer

PAGE 16 CONNECTION APRIL 2018 DONATIONS A Most Generous donation in loving A Generous donation in memory of A Generous donation in memory of memory of beloved father Joseph beloved mother Rosemary Laskin beloved father Sam Slaughter on Bindler on his Yahrzeit on her Yahrzeit his Yahrzeit From: Vitaly & Larissa Charny From: Barbara Nissenbaum From: Harlene & O.J. Wehby

A Most Generous donation in loving A Generous donation in loving A Double Chai donation in memory memory of beloved father Peter memory of beloved mother Marilyn of beloved father and father-in-law Kline on his Yahrzeit Bearman on her Yahrzeit Ross Giambrone on his Yahrzeit From: Maxine Sklute From: Julia & Lance Bell From: Shea & Allen Halpern

A Most Generous donation in loving A Generous donation in loving A Double Chai donation in loving memory of beloved wife Doris memory of beloved brother memory of beloved father Michalove Kanter on her Yahrzeit Genrikh Shicel on his Yahrzeit Abraham Michaelson on his From: Fred Kanter From: Zanvel Shitsel Yahrzeit From: Judith Michaelson A Most Generous donation in loving A Generous donation in loving memory of beloved husband Ross memory of beloved sister Evelyn A Double Chai donation in loving Giambrone on his Yahrzeit Hansman on her Yahrzeit memory of beloved daughter-in-law From: Camilia Giambrone A Double Chai donation in loving Mae Ruth Green on her Yahrzeit memory of beloved father From: Anna H. Green A Most Generous donation in loving Abraham Shiland on his Yahrzeit memory of beloved mother Sadie From: Sylvia Berman & Family A Double Chai donation in loving Shiland Starr on her Yahrzeit memory of beloved husband From: Anita Shapiro & Toby A Generous donation in loving Marvin Cohn on his Yahrzeit Gordon memory of beloved father and From: Anne E. Cohn grandfather Nathan Epsman on his A Most Generous donation in loving Yahrzeit A Double Chai donation in loving memory of beloved mother Marilyn From: Mervyn Epsman, memory of beloved father Herman Bernstein on her Yahrzeit Janice & Tom Gwin, Siegel on his Yahrzeit From: Roslyn Mannon Lynne & Mark Cohen, From: Rhonda & Eric Siegel Rose & Erwin Ostrow, A Generous donation in memory of Staci & Kenny Epsman, and A Double Chai donation in loving beloved mother Roberta M. Gerwin Debbie & Martin Sher memory of beloved father Norman on her Yahrzeit Hirschberg on his Yahrzeit From: Beth & John Gerwin A Generous donation in loving From: Ricki & Lanny Kline memory of beloved mother A Generous donation in memory of Elizabeth Slater on her Yahrzeit A Double Chai donation in loving beloved brother Norman Fleisher From: Barry Slater memory of beloved granddaughter and beloved grandmother Hannah Abbey Benck on her Yahrzeit Fleisher on their Yahrzeits A Generous donation in memory of A Double Chai donation in loving From: Joy & Robert Fleisher beloved grandmother Paulina memory of beloved mother Steffi Belotserkovskaya & grandfather Levite on her Yahrzeit A Generous donation in memory of Abraham Belotserkovskiy on their From: Pam Ruttenberg & beloved father Oscar Davis on his Yahrzeits Arnold Shiland Yahrzeit From: Olga Belotserkovskaya & From: Lynn Davis Al Belotserkovskiy A Double Chai donation in memory of beloved mother Elaine Royal on her Yahrzeit From: Joyce & Arthur Serwitz

PAGE 17 CONNECTION APRIL 2018 DONATIONS A Double Chai donation in loving A Chai donation in memory of A Chai donation in memory of memory of beloved mother and beloved father Marvin Kemeny on beloved grandmother Anna Rubin grandmother May Meyerowitz on his Yahrzeit on her Yahrziet her Yahrzeit From: Fred J. Kemeny From: Richard Toranto From: Sandy & Gene Siegal and Family A Chai donation in memory of A Chai donation in memory of beloved father and grandfather beloved grandfather Rabbi Nissan A Double Chai donation in memory Felix Cohen on his Yahrzeit Yablonsky on his Yahrzeit of beloved uncle Philip Schattner From: Mayer Cohen From: Nissah Mattenson on his Yahrzeit From: Ernst Billig A Chai donation in memory of A Chai donation in loving memory beloved stepfather Bert Steinberg of beloved wife Sofia Shilkrot on on his Yahrzeit her Yahrzeit From: Jay Cohen From: Leonid Shilkrot

Thank you to the following Volunteer Appreciation & Awards Weekend donors:

In honor of all the wonderful volunteers at Temple Beth-El Rabbi Debra Eisenman-Gelberg Marjorie Perlman Dalia & Keith Abrams Joyce Spielberger & Maury Shevin Rabbi Bernard and Billie Eisenman Hazel & Murray Pizette Jennifer Gordetsky Cathy & Irwin Fingerman Caryn Roseman & Shahar Dillbary Dorothy Ziff Jessica & Evan Rhodes Sherry & Jerry Cherner Mary & David Kimerling—TBEF Marissa Feigelson Award Fund Sandy & Morton Stern Phyllis & Norman Berk In honor of Chevra Kadisha Loraine & David Reznik Susan & Michael Stein—Chesed Shel Emet Sandra Jaffe & Barry Dreayer Shirley & Ron Froehlich Natalie & Albert Sikora In honor of Arlene Fisher Barbara & Stuart Royal: Micky Rubenstein and Virginia Heiman Eileen & Len Levin Faye Bernstein; Grateful for people like you and the rest of the Mayer Cohen Chevra Kadisha Committee Shirley & Ron Froehlich Leah & Henry Lapidus: Mazal Tov on your recognition Hannah & Colin Helman: Congratulations on your many achieve- Jeri Berman-Davis ments Cantor Jessica Roskin Natalie & Albert Sikora Shira & Matt Goldberg In honor of Arlene Fisher, Shira Goldberg, Micky Rubenstein, Leah & Henry Lapidus: Mazal Tov on your recognition Eph Mazer and Virginia Heiman Mary & David Kimerling—TBEF Marissa Feigelson Award Fund Rebecca & Josh Rothman: Mazal Tov on your honor Karen & Dan Weinrib—Chico Bomchel Memorial Action Fund In honor of Shira Goldberg Mary & David Kimerling—TBEF Marissa Feigelson Award Fund Shirley & Ron Froehlich Natalie & Albert Sikora

PAGE 18 CONNECTION APRIL 2018 DONATIONS A Chai donation in loving memory A Chai donation in loving memory A Chai donation in loving memory of beloved husband Paul Schlaff on of beloved father and grandfather of beloved father Aisic Hirsch on his Yahrzeit Gustave Meyerowitz on his his Yahrzeit From: Shirley Schlaff Yahrzeit From: Felice Hirsch From: Sandy & Gene Siegal A Chai donation in loving memory and Family A Chai donation in loving memory of beloved husband David Fleisher of beloved father Mikhail Golger on on his Yahrzeit A Chai donation in loving memory his Yahrzeit A Chai donation in loving memory of beloved friend Albert Robins on From: Marina Mazur & Iosit Golger of beloved mother-in-law Rita his Yahrzeit Fleisher on her Yahrzeit From: Ross Cohen A Chai donation in loving memory A Chai donation in loving memory of beloved brother Norman of beloved father-in-law Norman A Chai donation in loving memory Fleisher on his Yahrzeit Fleisher on his Yahrzeit of beloved father Seymour Padove From: Robert Fleisher From: Celeste Fleisher on his Yahrzeit From: Susan & Stuart Padove A Chai donation in loving memory A Chai donation in loving memory of beloved aunt Lillian Cohen on of beloved sister-in-law Muriel A Chai donation in loving memory her Yahrzeit Gershon on her Yahrzeit of beloved mother Estelle From: Rochelle Olshan A Chai donation in loving memory Berkowitz on her Yahrzeit of beloved mother Rebecca From: Richard Berkowitz A Chai donation in loving memory Gershon on her Yahrzeit of beloved mother Sadie Goldberg From: Marian & Myron Radwin A Chai donation in loving memory on her Yahrzeit of beloved father Aisic Hirsch on A Chai donation in loving memory A Chai donation in loving memory his Yahrzeit of beloved husband David Levin on of beloved mother Rose Glick on From: Sheryl & Jay Perlstein his Yahrzeit her Yahrzeit From: Betty Anfanger and Family From: Dolly & David Staff A Chai donation in loving memory of beloved mother Polina A Chai donation in memory of A Chai donation in loving memory Kalikhaman on her Yahrzeit beloved mother Ester Solodukha of beloved grandmother Polina From: Bronya Belotserkovskaya on her Yahrzeit Kalikhman on her Yahrzeit From: Leonid Bolshinskiy From: Olga Belotserkovskaya & A Chai donation in loving memory Al Belotserkovskiy of beloved mother-in-law Ruth A Chai donation in memory of Shechter on her Yahrzeit beloved mother Beatrice Solomon A Chai donation in loving memory From: Jerome Brown on her Yahrzeit of beloved mother Rosa Colb on From: Jane & Melvin Davis her Yahrzeit A Chai donation in loving memory From: Nancijoy Weissman of beloved mother Esther Padove A Chai donation in memory of on her Yahrzeit beloved father-in-law Harry Pike on A Chai donation in loving memory From: Susan & Stuart Padove his Yahrzeit of beloved father Isadore Wientrob From: Norman Berk on his Yahrzeit A Chai donation in loving memory From: Marty Kontos of beloved father Harry Wilk on his Sylvan Gershon, beloved brother Yahrzeit From: Marian & Myron Radwin From: Arlene Fisher Myer Staff,beloved brother Lillian Goldstein From: Dolly & David Staff

PAGE 19 CONNECTION APRIL 2018 DONATIONS Sophie Winograd, beloved mother Clavdja Peremitina, mother From: Judy & Errol Helfman From: Valentina Gutman Annie Routman, grandmother Vita Koshina, aunt From: Cindi & Michael Routman David Koshin, uncle From: Genya Safynova & Yankel Zaltzer, brother Linaida Golubova From: Anya Treyger

Gita Golubova, grandmother Sima Kaz Kagan, aunt From: Lazar Golubov From: Lazar Golubov

Lolly Abrams, aunt Aisic Hirsch, husband Harry Padawer, uncle From: Riva Hirsch From: Jeff Padawer Bernie Bloomston, father Joseph Schuster, father From: Rhoda Feirman From: Riva Hirsch Josif Iacubovich, grandfather Nazlie Senior, grandmother From: Lazar Golubov From: Natalie & Albert Sikora Bruce Mayer, husband Alfred Long, husband From: Norma Jean Long From: Norma Jean Long

Bessie Shapiro, aunt Joe Feldser, uncle From: Sharon & Steve DeShazo

Paul Schlaff, father From: Linda Karlin

Jerome Greenberg, brother From: Dorothy Marks

Henry Greenberg, father From: Katherine & Bruce Greenberg

Maurice Davis, father From: Sue Davis LaSalle

Paul Simon, nephew Stuart Simon, brother From: Arnold Simon

Joan Fields, aunt From: Myra & Eddie Griffith Donations submitted after March 5, 2018, will Joe Seligman, father be printed in the May 2018 bulletin. From: Bobbye & Michael Seligman

PAGE 20 CONNECTION APRIL 2018

TEMPLE BETH-EL FOUNDATION DONATIONS

 A donation has been made by loving friends to the Jill Radwin Confirmation Trip Fund in memory of Marian Radwin’s sister, Judith Gershon Smith.

 A donation has been made by Mayer Cohen to the Rabbi Culpeper and Irby Cohen Performing Arts Fund wishing Mary Culpeper a speedy recovery and continued good health.

 A donation has been made by Marian & Myron Radwin to the Jill Radwin Confirmation Trip Fund in memory of beloved son, Rusty, on his Yahreit.

 A donation has been made by Marian & Myron Radwin to the Bonfield Family Volunteer Recognition Fund wishing Barney Bonfield a complete and speedy recovery.

 A donation has been made by the Bonfield Family to the Bonfield Family Volunteer Recognition Fund in honor of Barbara Bonfield receiving the Montevallo Distinguished Alumni Award.

 A donation has been made by Joyce Spielberger & Maury Shevin to the Tenenbaum/Spielberger Tikkun Olam Fund wishing Mazal Tov to Lisa & Alan Engel on the birth of their granddaughter.

 A donation has been made by Margy Rosenbaum to the Margy & Albert Rosenbaum Fund in memory of her father-in-law, Herman Rosenbaum.

 A donation has been made by the Hirsch and Perlstein Families to the Bonfield Family Volunteer Recognition Fund in honor of Barbara Bonfield receiving the Montevallo Distinguished Alumni Award.

 A donation has been made by Camille Butrus and Susan & Michael Stein to the Myron “Pete” & Ann Z. Cohen Aron HaKodesh Fund in loving memory of Harold Stein on his 100th birthday.

 A donation has been made by Lynette & J.B. Mazer to the Murray Saul Fisher Cantorial Fund in honor of Arlene Fisher’s work on the “Violins of Hope” event.

 A general donation has been made by Suzanne & Howard Bearman to the Suzanne & Howard Bearman Adult Education Fund.

 A donation has been made by Lynette & Alvin Slaughter to the Jill Radwin Confirmation Trip Fund wishing Marian Radwin a speedy recovery, and to the Bonfield Family Volunteer Recognition Fund in honor of Barbara Bonfield receiving the Montevallo Distinguished Alumni Award.

PAGE 21 CONNECTION APRIL 2018 SPECIAL TEMPLE BETH-EL PROGRAMMING COMMUNITY HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE EVENT 5 pm, April 13, Temple Emanu-El (2100 Highland Ave.) Historic, restored violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust will be featured in a two-part Community Holocaust Remembrance event. The first portion of the event will be a Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) commemoration featuring the Violins of Hope. The program will include remarks by Rabbi Douglas Kohn of Temple Emanu-El and Rabbi Barry Leff of Temple Beth-El. Musical selections will include traditional works and original compositions by Dr. Alan Goldspiel, Chair of the Department of Music at the University of Montevallo. Instrumental performers include violinist Pei-Ju Wu of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra; violinist Jeanette Hightower, Executive Director of the Mason Music Foundation; and guitarist Dr. Alan Goldspiel. Vocalists include Rabbi Moshe Rube of Knesseth Israel Congregation; Sarah Metzger, Music and Youth Director of Temple Beth-El; and Cantor Michael Horwitz, Chaplain at UAB Hospital. The second portion of the Community Holocaust Remembrance event, beginning at 5:50 p.m. will be a Survivors’ Sabbath Service in honor of survivors of the Holocaust, conducted by Rabbi Douglas Kohn, Cantor Jessica Roskin, and Rabbi Laila Haas of Temple Emanu-El, with guests Rabbi Barry Leff and Sarah Metzger of Temple Beth-El. The featured speaker will be Assi Bielski Weinstein, wife of Amnon Weinstein and daughter of Assael Bielski, one of the renowned Polish partisans depicted in the film Defiance. A reception will follow the Survivors’ Sabbath Service. The event is free and open to the public.

Jewish Community News

ALABAMA HOLOCAUST COMMISSION YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION 11 am, April 10, Old Senate Chambers (second floor of the State Capitol), Montgomery, AL The program will be conducted by Rabbi Scott Kramer of Agudath Israel-Etz Ahayem, ( Montgomery) and include a proclamation by Governor Kay Ivey and a congressional resolution read by Representative David Faulkner of Birmingham. OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THE HOMELESS IN BIRMINGHAM Next Volunteer Opportunity: May 13-20 Family Promise is a small but vital community program, serving approximately 20 families per year by providing safe, home- like lodging where homeless families can stay together while working to regain their independence. Temple Emanu-El, along with the support of Temple Beth-El, houses and feeds these parents and their children four times a year for a week at a time. We need volunteers: To help transform classrooms into bedrooms and back again a week later, to cook or buy one dinner for 4-8 people, and to have dinner with the guests and stay the night in their own classroom-bedroom. If you would like more information or are interested in receiving emails four (4) times per year regarding volunteer opportunities – call or email the Family Promise Coordinator for Temple Emanu-El & Beth-El, Billie Marsala at [email protected] or 417-861- 1410. SUMMER CAMP COUNSELORS NEEDED AT LJCC Being a part of the LJCC Summer Day Camp staff is a unique and rewarding experience. Teachers, college students, and high school students all have a place on our staff. Now hiring for senior/junior counselors and those who’d like to enter the Counselors in Training (CIT) program. The new CIT program is designed to be fun, challenging, and create a lasting, positive summer experience. To apply go to Bhamjcc.org. Contact Camp Director Tina Weldon with questions at [email protected].

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YAHRZEITS *Isaac Torme *Bernard Lichter Max Matlick Bernard Trachtman Khaya Lyublinskaya Sadie Michelson Shabbat Pesach *Bobby Tuck Judy Mayer Helen Ostrovsky April 6-7 *Harold Weisner *Walter Morris Sophie Padawer *Minnie Stern Zakuto Natalie Morrow Ligia Rascovsky *Ike Abelson Richard Nassau Fred Reed Ida Abroms Shabbat Shmini Jerrold Packler Audrey Rich Warren Axelroth April 13-14 *Jacob Radwin *Fannie Royal Nathan Azrin *Barnet Randman *Rebecca Scurry Ann Banks *Abraham Banks *Benjamin Roth *Morris Sher Seymour Barnes *Sara Bearman Neville Wallace *Ethel Schoenberg *Marion Siegel *Joyce Benjamin *Jennie Berman *William Weber *Eugene Schwartz *Rebecca Silverman Harmon R. Berger Barney Bonfield *Morris Weinstein Ralph Sokol *Helene Silverstein Abraham Blatt Harold Bruchis *Freddy Weintraub *Edward Isaac Stein Leon Skurko Alfred Buchalter Abraham Cohen *Max Weintraub Louis Stubblefield Helen Slansksy Pearl Cohen Jack Cohen Louis Winick *William Torme *Ruth Weinstein *Sam Cohen *Isaac Copeland *Rebecca Witt Joyce Weintraub *Irvin Weintraub *Frances Copeland *Aaron Dombrow *Rosa Weintrob *Mores Wientrob *Marilyn Crayne Aaron Eidex Shabbat *Simon Wolf Max Wilson *Etta Dannis *Dina Feldstein Tazria-Metzora Muriel Zable Charles Wolf *Grace “Tootsie” Israel Fitterman April 20-21 Samuel Zakuto *Rose Zimmerman Eiman Frank Friedman Itsk Zeltser Sam Zivitz Ann Elder *Gladys Friedman Abraham Altman *Nathan Zivitz Lillian Zuckerman Michael Epstein Lillian Furman Dyna Asman *Morris Fisher *Sam Geeser Gabriel Asman Shabbat Sarah Gettinger Claire Gettinger *Abe Baker Achrei Mot-Kedoshim Albert Goldforb David Glick *Fred Berman April 27-28 Nakhoma Helen Coplon Grusin Lizzie Bloomston Guberman Helen Jaffe Yefim Bubis *Joe Axel Lee Harris *Ida Jaffe Ida Bubis David Biel *Rose Helman Anita Kaplan Kishinevskaya *Bryna Binderman Norman Kurman Dorothy Kaplan Benjamin Buchalter Frances Cohen Jack Lande *Isidore Kulpe Louna Capouya *Selma Cohen Carl Levy Lola Liberman Max Chused Victor Cohen Blanch Lipman *Reuben Lipsitz Esther Cohen Thelma Coltan *Folly Marcus Rosa Litovsky *Wallace Cohen *David Corenblum Blanche McCrossen Morton Litowich *Sarah Copeland *Clara Davis *Benjamin Mesch Sam Michelson Florence”Tootsie” *Thekla Dreyfuss Boris Mintsin Alexandra Nelubin- Epsman Hyman Fishman Ruth Mirelman Bearman *David Finkelstein *Arthur Frohman *Isadore Newman *Fannie Pearlstein *Sarah Frankel *Max Goldberg Andronit Peremitin Louis Roth *Mary Goldstein Fannie Goldman *Harry Ravitz Mel Safer Bessie Halpern *Max Green *Marvin Rich *Edward Schulman Roselle Harris *Bess Hirshman Alex Rittenbaum Carl Schultz Nadja Idelman Ida Itzkow *Moses Robins Margaret Schwartz Marvin Kaplan Abraham Kessler Jerome Schwartz Nathan Schwartz *Baila Karasek *Sophia Koz *Maurice Schwartz *Joseph Senior *Harry Kirshner *Abe Kravitz Bette Shapiro *Stuart Shevin Raya Kishnevskaya James Labowitz *Morris Silverfield Isadore Shiland *Israel Landau Sam Leaf Elsie Siskin *Sylvia Shiland *Samuel Lemkin *Louis Levy Morris Staff *Jennie Simon *Solomon Lepp *Herbert Lewitt Cecile Sundock *Rose Sokol *Max Levin Jerome Ludsky Michael Sundock *Morris Tenenbaum Edna Levine Pati Mandel *Peter Tichansky Asya Udler *Mary Lichtenstein *George Markowitz

*Denotes a perpetual memorial plaque in sanctuary given by family members.

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A Message from TBE President Jacob Halpern The following is adapted from an email sent to the congregation on March 16.

WELCOMING RABBI STEPHEN SLATER I am happy to share with you that Temple Beth-El has a signed contract with Rabbi Stephen Slater. His initial term will be three years, and he will be joining us on June 15, 2018, to begin serving as our Senior Rabbi. Rabbi Slater is in his final year before ordination at Hebrew College in Boston, MA. He has most recently served as spiritual leader at Congregation Shaaray Tefila in Glens Falls, NY. I will be assembling a transition team to support Rabbi Slater. The team will guide him through his first year, serving as a resource to draw on as he learns about all aspects of our synagogue and our community. Bethany & Stephen Slater with daughter Anav This search has been a long process. On behalf of Temple Beth-El, I thank the Rabbi Search Committee co-chairs Stephen Greene and Glynnis Levitt, as well as the entire committee for their devoted work. This process began in January 2017, when Steve and Glynnis began discussing the needs and wants of our congregation, guided by the Visioning feedback. The committee, formed in the summer of 2017, is comprised of Julie Cohen, Barry Dreayer, Lisa Engel, Arlene Fisher, Naomi Ivker, Jimmy Krell, Amy Peetluk, Rebecca Rothman, Abraham Schuster, Carol Tuck and Karen Weinrib, as well as Rabbi Leff, Bob Greenberg and me. My thanks to each of these individuals for the amazing amount of time, energy and devotion they each contributed to this process.

After initially posting our search with the Rabbinical Assembly, and receiving little response in the way of promising candidates, the Committee decided to ask for a waiver to search outside the RA. We received that waiver on January 11, 2018, posted our position with other sources, and received multiple responses. After extensive Skype interviews with all applicants, the Committee brought in the three most promising candidates. Based on interviews, verification of references, congregational survey results, feedback from the Jewish community at large, and an open congregational meeting, the committee unanimously voted to recommend Rabbi Slater. The Board of Directors also was unanimous in its acceptance of that recommendation. Rabbi Slater happily accepted — he and his wife Bethany were quite taken with our beautiful city, our community, and most of all, Temple Beth-El.

Rabbi Slater’s outgoing, inspirational ability to reach all age groups was evident from the overwhelmingly positive feedback the Committee received from the congregation. I am excited for the promising future Temple Beth-El holds.

Once again, please join me in thanking the Committee co-chairs and its members. Additionally, thanks are due to Bob Greenberg, Pam Williams, Lindsey Herring, Lisa Adams and Sarah Metzger for working with each candidate. We have an awesome staff. They are committed to helping Rabbi Slater flourish in his new role. I know you will each join me in welcoming the Slaters upon their arrival in June. Thank you for your continued commitment to our synagogue.

Jacob Halpern Temple Beth-El Board President

Temple Beth-El Non-Profit Org. 2179 Highland Ave. S. U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 550220 PAID Birmingham, AL 35255-0220 Permit No. 889 (205) 933-2740 Birmingham, AL

Shown left to right are this year’s volunteer award recipients: Micky Rubenstein, Virginia Heiman, Eph Mazer, Arlene Fisher and Shira Goldberg.