of El Paso Non-Profit Org.

7110 N. Mesa U.S. Postage

El Paso, Texas 79912 PAID El Paso, Texas RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Permit No. 1256

got to do with it? with do to got love what’s

Rosh Hashanah Issue Hashanah Rosh

September 2019 September Elul 5779 to Tishrei 5780 Tishrei to 5779 Elul 2 | September 2019 The Jewish Voice

BETTER TOGETHER The Jewish Voice September 2019 | 3

Coming Soon: Shofar Across Borders Sunday, September 8 October Jewish Voice 1:30 p.m. The Leadership Issue Join friends and neighbors on both sides of the Submissions Due: September 10 Border to celebrate the coming new year

• Who’s leading our Jewish organizations this year? Meet: Watch for our first directory of boards and leaders. Congregation B’nai Zion • Working with a Jewish organization? Send leadership parking lot at 1:30 p.m. rosters to [email protected] by Sept. 10. 805 Cherry Hill Lane Pictures of your board at work due Sept. 17. We’ll depart at 1:40 p.m. • What did Sue Bendalin and Wendy Lanski learn on to the border location the Federation Leadership Mission to South America? Bring: • Want to get to know a member of our next generation Water, sunscreen, hats, of leaders? Don’t miss the new “Up Close” feature shofars and smiles! in October. RSVP: Strongly suggested at [email protected]

Our Shofar Border ceremony begins at 2:00 and A publication of the Jewish ends by 3:00 Federation of Greater El Paso

The Jewish Voice of El Paso, published ten times a year, is dedicated to informing, educating, and uniting the Jewish community by providing news items of local, national, Israeli and international concern. The Jewish Voice will consider for publication any materials submitted that support the mission of the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso and have relevance and appeal to the El Paso Jewish community. Articles are subject to editing at the editor’s discretion and are subject to space Todah Rabah to our Volunteers limitations. Letters cannot be longer than 150 words and articles must be kept to a maximum of 300 words. Please email to [email protected] Event Photographers JFED Finance Borderlands Café Opinions are those of individual writers and not necessarily those of the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso. The Jewish Voice is not responsible for the kashrut of any product or eating Brian Kanof Committee Europa Speakers establishment advertised herein. Edward Dubowitz Eitan Lavi Ophra Leyser-Whalen Debra Pazos Alison Westermann Executive Director: Robert French Cindy Graff Cohen Stuart Shiloff Campaign Director: Sue Bendalin Editor: Beatriz Garcia President: Janet Kent Wechter Layout and Design: PDX Printing Office: 915-842-9554 Printing: Due Date for the October issue of the Voice: September 10 7110 North Mesa, El Paso, TX 79912 Due Date for the November issue of the Voice: October 10

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 4 | September 2019 The Jewish Voice

Securing Our Jewish Future In addition to its ongoing support of our community through its annual IMPACT grants, the Jewish Community Foundation of El Paso’s Board of Trustees granted $5,000 to help offset security costs to each of our local synagogues, Jewish schools and agencies in El Paso and in Las Cruces. Community leaders have expressed sincere gratitude for this much needed assistance. To inquire how you can play a role in securing our Jewish future, contact Robert French, Executive Director, Jewish Community Foundation of El Paso, at 915-842-9554.

BETTER TOGETHER The Jewish Voice September 2019 | 5

These We Honor With Tributes Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso To: Robert Trevizo in Honor of Joining the Covenant between God and the To: Leslie Beckoff in Honor of Your People of Israel Special Birthday From: Janet and Randy Wechter From: Jane Snow To: Cindy and David Metrikin in Honor To: Lauren and Adam Rosenfield of the Birth of Their Granddaughter in Honor of Your Receiving the Elliott Rae Metrikin Schoichet Leadership Award From: Janet and Randy Wechter From: Martha and Cliff Eisenberg To: Debby and Mike Robalin in Honor To: Robert French in Honor of his one- of the Birth of Their Granddaughter year anniversary as JFED Executive Sadie Jo Fox Director From: Janet and Randy Wechter From: Rochelle Saks With: Thanks to the Jewish Federation To: Jane Rosen and Family in Memory for Shalom Shuttle Service of Your Husband and Father Bob From: Rochelle Saks From: Robin and Tony Furman From: Estelle Goldman Camp Kadima Memorial Scholarship From: Janet and Randy Wechter in Memory of Leona Goldfarb and Minna Frank To: Marilyn and Hy Silverstein in Memory of Marilyn’s brother Steve To: The Family of Frank Altus in His Rybak Memory From: Robin and Tony Furman From: Bobby Goldfarb

TEXAS NEURODIAGNOSTIC, HEADACHE & SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER, P.A. BORIS KAIM, M.D. F.A.A.N., FAASM Board Certified in Neurology, Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine

PRACTICE LIMITED TO CONSULTIVE NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY, ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY, NERVE CONDUCTION, EMG, SLEEP DISORDERS, AND TESTING FOR DIABETIC NEUROPATHIES.

2311 N. Mesa, Bldg. F • El Paso, Texas 79902 Phone: (915) 544-6400

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 6 | September 2019 The Jewish Voice From the Editor: Happy New Year! I’ve been working with The Jewish and small details. I’ve been writing for Of course, our campaign Voice since 2014, when I loved put- a living on and off since 1981 and I continues, as it does at about ting the pieces together with Blanca will tell you it’s a treat to take a breath- 150 other Federations across Carrasco, a member of Congregation er and just talk about a publication. North America. It’s the Jew- B’nai Zion. Her graphic design skills In June, Federation board president ish United Way. The Federa- and warm personality kept it fun. Janet Wechter, Robert and I sat down tion benefits organizations I took 2016 off and came back in at my dining room table to brain- and initiatives that are im- 2017 in time for the opening of our storm. We invited a friend of mine, portant to us here. wonderful new headquarters at 7110 Wendy White Polk, one of our area’s As 2018-19 campaign co- North Mesa and our Federation’s 80th most experienced print journalists and chair, I’m hoping that we anniversary celebration. editors, to join us. can make our goal of clos- I don’t have a long perspective, but Before the meeting, she reviewed ing as many pledges as pos- I can tell you that your Federation past issues and then shared her sible before our New Year looks, feels, and acts like a different thoughts. She found that The Voice starts on Rosh Hashanah. group compared to five years ago. The filled its niche well, capturing the vi- When campaign chair Les- Jewish Voice reflects that shift. tality of the Jewish community and lie Beckoff and I meet with sharing news of use to its members. 2020-21 campaign co-chairs Thinking for a moment She suggested new ways of present- Robin Furman and Wendy I’m not a Federation employee, but ing information, such as reminding us Lanski, along with Sue Ben- as the freelance Voice editor, I spend that a picture tells a thousand words. dalin and Robert French, a lot of time thinking about the orga- I’ll begin implementing Wendy’s rec- we have a dream that goes nization. These thoughts have been ommendations throughout the year. like this: Wouldn’t be great gaining clarity for a year, since Robert to focus on building up our French, our executive director, came Community-building community from October to on board in July 2018. If you asked me the goal of The December, rather than make Where does community building take place? Everywhere, I discovered -- including at my congregation’s retreat He and I meet regularly to ana- Jewish Voice in 2014, I would have pledge calls? Fingers crossed! lyze the role of the paper, which, you said “raise money for the Federation’s should know, is just one of the ways good works.” I looked for content that Ready for the New Year news and event announcements go out might help the annual fundraising I don’t make resolutions – inside our souls and in the radiating to our community. The paper comple- campaign. rule-following, sadly, is not my strong concentric circles of the Jewish com- ments the Federation’s website, weekly However, after working with Rob- suit. However, I will think more care- munity. email blast, and Facebook page, along ert, my thoughts evolved. He helped fully about interactions and intentions May we start that improvement in with congregational and organization me re-shape the paper’s purpose to in the new year. the very epicenter of those circles – newsletters and other communication better reflect Federation’s community- On Rosh Hashanah, we have the our own heart and soul – and work channels. building focus. What can this newspa- chance for a new start to make the outward toward the world! My meetings with Robert are philo- per do to strengthen the remarkable world a better place, day by day. What L’Shana Tova sophical, strategic, educational, and Jewish community in El Paso and Las a joy to live in this Jewish faith that Cindy Graff Cohen sometimes funny. We talk big picture Cruces? values continuous improvement, both Editor, The Jewish Voic

JFNA NEWS Meet new JFNA CEO: Eric Fingerhut

many colleges, with the BDS move- the three-day problem-solving meeting The 2020 meeting in Chicago next ment hurting Jewish students and is described as a new JFNA experiment fall will be a traditional large General faculty over the last decade. Hillel that will stimulate the Jewish communi- Assembly conference. has a presence at some 550 campus- ty and help Federation leaders achieve Cindy Graff Cohen es, including nine in Israel. certain goals for the Federation move- Editor, The Jewish Voice The Federation has been part of ment. the new president’s life since child- hood. His mother worked at the , a Federa- tion-supported newspaper, for 30 Summer 2019 years and his education began at a JCC pre-school. Happy Campers A graduate of Stanford Univer- Recognizing the importance of the summer camp sity’s law school, Fingerhut served as an Ohio state senator for three terms experience, the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso and a U.S. Representative in Con- distributes camperships through the popular One Happy Last month, The Jewish Federations gress from the Cleveland area for Camper grant. This support goes to Jewish children of North America welcomed a new one term. In Congress, he was a strong attending Jewish summer camps. president and CEO, Eric D. Fingerhut, advocate for Israel and co-sponsored Here are the 2019 recipients and their proud parents. Watch a native of Cleveland. Fingerhut had four key bills supporting Israel. for their summer camp reports in the Jewish Voice “Summer served as the president and CEO of Camp Issue” next spring. since 2013. He re- “FedLab: Take a quantum leap” places Jerry Silverman, who led JFNA Federation leaders from around the Camp for ten years. country will get to speak to Fingerhut Alexis Siegel and Jacob Siegel, children of Tara in person in Washington, D.C., in No- and Mark Siegel Long career of service vember. He will be presiding at a rather Camp Daisy and Harry Stein At Hillel, Fingerhut significantly unconventional JFNA annual meeting Matthew Stevens, son of Letty and Nathan Stevens increased Hillel’s annual revenue, in- – a much smaller and more intensive Camp Interlaken JCC creased advocacy for Israel, and formed gathering. Leila Untereker, daughter of Melissa and Jed Untereker key partnerships for the organizations Instead of a large General Assem- URJ 6Points Sports Academy for Jewish students at college campuses bly open to any Federation members Samuel Farley, son of Joann and Matthew Farley around the world. He worked with Hil- from around the country, this meeting Zachary Fraker, son of Liz and Trey Fraker lel through a challenging era for Jews at is by invitation only. Called FedLab, BETTER TOGETHER The Jewish Voice September 2019 | 7 PJ Library Family Spotlight: Heidi and Skyler

This year, we will be introducing you to Where did you grow up? How did you hear about PJ some of the families taking part in the Heidi: I grew up in New York. Library? Jewish Federation’s PJ Library program, From Alison Westermann a national initiative providing free books How did you come to El Paso? (PJ Library professional) at of interest to Jewish children. This month, H: A job opportunity presented itself. an event at our local temple. we meet Heidi, whose son Skyler, age 5, enjoys PJ Library books and activities. How long has Skyler been receiving PJ Library What is your family’s favorite PJ books? Library book and why? H: Almost one year. H: “The Lion and the Bird” by Marianne Dubuc. Skyler is beginning to comprehend the actual story... in this book, a lion and a bird become friends and then the bird leaves the lion (temporarily). Skyler realized that the lion and the bird were friends and that it was sad when they had to leave each other.

How does Skyler react when he receives a book in the mail? H: He enjoys getting any mail addressed directly to him. He opens What would you say to a family that hasn’t it and wants to read it with me right away. subscribed to PJ Library yet? H: We have received some wonderful What is your family’s bedtime routine? books. All Jewish families should subscribe During the school year, every other night, and be a part of PJ Library. It’s a we read for a half hour and on the other wonderful opportunity to bring Jewish life nights practice with sight words. into your home in a very simple way. No prior experience necessary! In what ways does PJ Library help you make the most of your time? To subscribe to PJLibrary visit PJ Library allows me to spend more time pjlibrary.org or call Alison reading with Skyler without having to Westermann at 269-251-0871 or email take the time to travel to a bookstore and [email protected] spend money.

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 8 | September 2019 The Jewish Voice Next generation leads the way Dr. Lauren Eisenberg and Adam ish community and in groups such as the and Carol Rosen- Rosenfield received the 2019 Jewish Fed- Maimonides Society for Jewish medical field, who have eration of Greater El Paso’s Bernard and professionals and their synagogue, Con- been active in gregation B’nai their synagogues, Zion. Now Jewish organiza- with 3 chil- tions, and Fed- dren – Davna, erations and have 9; Oliver, 6; been generous to and Andrew, Jewish causes. 4 – they focus The two met much of their at the University energy into the of Texas, where Jewish com- their first date was munity and at the UT Hillel. Jewish educa- Lauren majored tion. in kinesiology They each and joined Sigma grew up active Delta Tau, a Jew- in their Jew- ish sorority. Adam ish communi- studied account- ties, Lauren in ing and joined El Paso and , versity in California, a Jewish medical Florence Schoichet Leadership Award at Adam in Fort Worth. They attribute a Jewish Fraternity. He spent a semester school. She graduated from the Texas the Federation’s Annual Meeting in May much of their dedication to their parents at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort for their ongoing involvement in our Jew- – Cliff and Martha Eisenberg and Mark Lauren went on to study at Touro Uni- Worth, followed by a five-year residency in urology with the Detroit Medical Center. She is now the city’s only female urologist. After Adam earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees through UT’s five-year Professional Program in Accounting at the McComb Graduate School of Busi- ness, he completed an internship with Arthur Anderson in Dallas. He currently leads a boutique software consulting practice headquartered in San Francisco. Previous recipients of this award, in- cluding Lauren’s father, are some of the most accomplished leaders and mentors in our community and Adam and Lau- ren say they are humbled to be named among these outstanding individuals. Cindy Graff Cohen Editor, The Jewish Voice Florence and Bernard Schoichet Leadership Award To nominate someone for next year’s award and learn how you can become more active in our Federation, email [email protected] or call Robert French, Federation executive director, at 915-842-9554.

Bernard and Florence Schoichet Leadership Award Winners, 1983 - 2018

Beth Lipson, David Brown, Jack Neumann, Robert Novick, John Kasdan, Norman Gordon, Marcia Dahlberg, Shari and Stuart Schwartz, Allan Goldfarb, Cliff Eisenberg, Ellen Goodman, Geri and Tom Given, Richard Krasne, Nancy Heydemann, Robin and Tony Furman, Rebecca and Alan Krasne, Cindy and Dr. David Metrikin, Nancy and Stuart Shiloff, Debra Oppenheim, Janet and Randy Wechter, John Moye, Rachel Horn, Robin Krasne, William Ehrlich, Ellyce Kimmelman, Dori Fenenbock, Debra Pazos, Blanca Carrasco, Shelly Mansfield, Eitan Lavi, Kristin Kimmelman, Wendy Lanski, Jacob Barde, and Ophra Leyser-Whalen

BETTER TOGETHER The Jewish Voice September 2019 | 9 The J Center for Early Learning opens with new director: Meg Birk After a local and national recruitment thing in her career has prepared her for of NAEYC. process that brought in over 160 resumes, this role,” emphasized one board mem- In just two years, the pre-school sharing Searching for a new director The J Center for Early Learning Director ber. space with Temple Mount Sinai has be- Search Committee unanimously named That career includes classroom teach- come a key institution in our community. The J Center for Early Learning board of directors extends deep Meg Birk as the school’s new appreciation and gratitude to the director in June. A kindergar- Director Search Committee. ten teacher with over 40 years of experience as an educator, Director Search Committee Birk served as the school’s in- terim director last spring. Teachers: “We interviewed a number Desiree Ainsa of people who were highly Ceci Valencia, M. Ed. qualified,” said Temple Mount Parents: Sinai’s Rabbi Ben Zeidman, Dinesh Bahl, M.D. who served on the selection Stefanie Block, MBA committee. “Meg Birk was far April Thomas, PhD. and away the person who had the best sense of the mission Board Members: and goals of the school. She Neal Rosendorf, Ph.D is prepared to educate the fu- Stuart Shiloff ture of Jewish El Paso, as well as share the beauty of Juda- Community Members: ism and Jewish values with our Susan Glaser families and students.” Deb Pazos Rabbi Ben Zeidman When The J Center’s board of directors set out to search for A special thank you goes to Susan the new director, they wanted Glaser, an educational psychologist viewpoints from a variety of stakehold- ing, curriculum development, crafting lit- With continuing support from the Jew- who served on the committee both in El ers. The final search committee included eracy and dual language programs, and ish Community Foundation of El Paso Paso and from her home in Cleveland. two of The J’s teachers, three parents of piloting the El Paso Independent School and The Jewish Federation of Greater El Director of Early Childhood Services at the Cleveland JCC for 16 years, Glaser students at The J, two of The J’s board District’s writing-to-read program. An Paso, enrollment and staff have more than is a consultant for the national Jewish members, and three members of the Jew- EPISD Gifted and Talented Task Force doubled since the program began, with Community Center Association. Her ish community. member, Birk belongs to the National families of all backgrounds welcomed daughter Rebecca moved to El Paso After interviewing the best candidates Association for the Education of Young at the school. In late August, the school and Glaser will live here part-time. in person, the group was most impressed Children (NAEYC) and is a board mem- started its third year with ten full classes. The J Center has already benefitted tremendously from her expertise. by Birk’s experience and vision. “Every- ber of both the local and state chapters Nearly all of them have waiting lists.

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 10 | September 2019 The Jewish Voice Around the world with Camp Shamayim Week one they were in China. Week proach to summer camp, combining eight took them to Egypt. In between engaging curriculum, in-depth proj- they were in Africa, Israel, Mexico, ects, and collaboration with hands- Italy, Japan, and India. What sounds on learning and fun. Campers didn’t like an ad for Travelocity – or maybe simply play; they engaged with cul- a promotion for the next season of ture from around the globe through “The Amazing Race” – was actually art, music, literature, and even food. the itinerary for Camp Shamayim’s “Each week began with children “Amazing World Adventures” sum- learning interesting facts about each mer at The J Center for Early Learn- country,” reports Meg Birk, The J’s ing. director. “Teachers accomplished Over 100 kids, ages one through this by reading informational texts 11, “traveled” the globe, with coun- or sharing YouTube videos with the tries chosen to reflect the diversity of children, followed by planning for a the Camp Shamayim’s own educa- project related to the country being tors and community. studied.” The J Center for Early Learning For instance, throughout the week brought their signature Reggio ap- in China, campers built their own Chinese kites, participated in cook- Shamayim song of “On the Line.” ing experiences, listened to Chinese Fridays began with Shabbat, with the folk tales, and played both indoor and older campers visiting the El Paso outdoor games indigenous to China. Tennis and Swim Club, while the The goal wasn’t just entertainment, younger campers enjoyed water slides but education as well. “We are very and splashing on campus. grateful for this wonderful experi- Camp Shamayim has grown over ence,” said camp mom Joanna Ruszc- the past two years, with parents of- zyk. “My 5-year-old daughter had ten signing their children up for one the best time, loved all activities and week – and then quickly extending learned a lot!” their enrollment for the full summer. In addition, students from the The camp owes a debt of gratitude to UTEP art department joined camp- the Jewish community of El Paso, as ers each week. These budding artists well as The Jewish Community Foun- worked with each class, introducing dation of E l Paso and the Jewish Fed- an artist from the country of the week eration of Greater El Paso for grants and preparing an art project to reflect and support for the program. the work of that particular artist. Jordyn Rosensky Each morning campers joined in the pledge and the classic Camp Treasured friendships continue at Camp Kadima

Camp Kadima 2019 season certainly his family. They listened to a maria- proved that “time does fly when you’re chi group, golfed at Ascarate Park, ate having fun.” After our 32nd season of pizza at Chuck E. Cheese, and ended this Jewish Federation-supported sum- the season with a party and awards cer- mer camp for children and adults with emony at La Bella Palacio. special needs, we reflected on our trea- Camp Kadima appreciates the con- sured friendships, both new and old. tinued support from the Jewish Federa- An amazing experience was had by all. tion of Greater El Paso. Thank you to Camp Kadima campers enjoyed a all our special campers, parents, staff wide variety of activities throughout and our amazing leader, Tom Murphy. the three-week session, including field Camp Kadima would not be possible trips to Gigi’s Playhouse, the zoo, the without the generosity of our commu- pool, a splash park, a movie theater, nity, including Camp Kadima staff and a bowling alley, and the therapeutic parents. We thank you from the bottom horsemanship stables. They made fun of our heart. Toda raba – and we can’t things in arts and crafts and met spe- wait for Camp Kadima 2020! cial guests including Rosalind Rogers Robin Gold and football player Aaron Jones and Director, Camp Kadima

BETTER TOGETHER The Jewish Voice September 2019 | 11

What Do We Say About God? Study, Dessert, Havdalah and Selichot Service Saturday, September 21, 2019 7:30 pm Temple Beth-El, Las Cruces 3980 Sonoma Springs Avenue Study: To help prepare us for the High Holy Days, Rabbi Larry Karol will lead a discussion on selected excerpts from Rabbi Alfred Kolatch’s 1999 book, “What Jews Say About God.” Rabbi Kolatch’s collection of reflections on God takes us from Biblical times to the present, with comments from rabbis, novelists, poets, politicians, scientists, humorists, and more, including such diverse thinkers as Baal Shem Tov and Allen Ginsberg. Songs about God by contemporary Jewish songwriters will add to the conversations.

Dessert: Please bring a dessert to share.

Havdalah: We move to the sanctuary to close our week.

Selichot: The evening ends with Forgiveness Prayers as our “overture” to the High Holidays.

RSVP: Rabbi Karol at [email protected]

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 12 | September 2019 The Jewish Voice

High Holidays Services 5780 Erev Rosh Hashanah: Monday, Sept. 30 Rosh Hashanah, New Year: Tuesday, October 1 Erev Yom Kippur: Tuesday, Oct. 8 Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement: Wednesday, Oct. 9

You are welcome to worship at the congregation of your choice; no tickets or reservations needed. Please visit each synagogue’s website for High Holiday services and child care schedules. Is enough ever enough? Each Rosh Hashanah we reflect on complete. There are those who wish to Until the answer is “yes” we are faced Rosh Ha- what it means to seek holiness. We know precisely how kind, how gentle, with the cold reality that there remains shanah is evaluate how we’ve done the past year, how caring, how compassionate we much work to be done. not only a and inevitably recognize that we can must be. Unfortunately, there is no an- Our work is not limited to our own time for in- do more, be better. For some this un- swer because it is never enough. activities. We fail in our task if we are dividualistic ending task feels frustratingly impos- It can be merely good assessment, Rabbi Ben Zeidman sible. For others, the effort brings great hard, though, “Have we yet inspired all individuals. which would meaning and joy. to come to the of humanity to justice and Yes, we may rightly leave “There is no limit to the fulfillment New Year and righteousness?” have given a many of us feeling a bit put off. It is of these mitzvot (commandments): be told we need lot of charity. a time for the Jewish people to come leaving the corners of your fields for to do more. But We may have together in sacred community to reflect the needy; giving to God the first fruits what we too often forget in the midst attended every communal gathering, on our responsibilities as covenantal of your harvest; gathering with the of our self-concern and individualism been kind, and even studied Torah. partners with the Divine. As the High community for festivals; acting with is that this is not just a personal eval- We may have had a great year! But did Holy Days approach, may we each be kindness (g’milut chasadim). And striv- uation. To be a Jew is to a part of a we inspire others to do those things as inspired for the work of the year ahead. ing for knowledge of Torah” (Mishnah national evaluation as well. After all, well? Did we find ways to bring others Please know you are welcome at Tem- Peah 1:1). Jewish tradition teaches that an enduring question for the Jewish along with us? Did we do all that we ple Mount Sinai. for certain efforts there is no end. Some people is: Have we yet inspired all of could to spread a broader commitment Rabbi Ben Zeidman responsibilities are impossible to fully humanity to justice and righteousness? to justice and goodness? Temple Mount Sinai Take off your sunglasses T h e sary to shield creation from G-d’s bril- into the infinite divine brilliance. This is why we observe Rosh Hasha- season is liant infinity. Here is the catch. Because we are born nah on the day Adam was created. On changing. Here is an analogy we can easily re- into this filtered universe and live with it that day, coming to his senses, Adam Some El late to. The benefits we derive from the all the time it is easy to forget the truth immediately perceived the truth and Pasoans sun are obvious but looking directly at it behind the filter and imagine that world- called upon every element of creation to Rabbi Levi Greenberg are kvetch- is dangerous and destructive unless you ly matters can be a real impediment to crown G-d as King of the Universe. He ing they wear sunglasses serving G-d. saw past the proverbial “sunglasses” and will miss the heat while others look for- to filter the bril- “Such a mindset is comparable Making a liv- shared his knowledge with the world. ward to cooler weather, but before you liant sunlight so to wearing sunglasses and ing may not Once again, we, his descendants, are pack away your sunglasses, here is a les- that your eyes re- thinking that the sun is not so jive with Shab- called upon to do the same. As we re- son they teach us about Rosh Hashanah. main functional. powerful after all” bos observance move our sunglasses in anticipation for Rosh Hashanah commemorates the The same is or daily Torah fall, let us commit this coming year to sixth day of creation when Adam, the true with cre- study or giving perceiving the truth of reality. Observe first human being, was created 5,780 ation. G-d desired a world where ev- Tzedakah generously and keeping Ko- an extra Mitzvah, invest more time in years ago. erything has a defined space and time. sher may interfere with the important Torah study, give more generously to Creator and Creation are opposites. Only the finite hand of the human body social scene. Tzedakah and share this truth with ev- The Creator is infinite and omnipresent can wear Tefillin and only real Matzah Such a mindset is comparable to wear- eryone. while Creation is finite and confined. In digested by a real stomach counts for ing sunglasses and thinking that the sun Rabbi Levi Greenberg order for the universe to be measured Pesach. Therefore, the divine filter called is not so powerful after all and really has Chabad El Paso and perfect as we know it, it was neces- “nature” shields the world from expiring a dark tinge to it. Naive! How to make this year an adventure Imagine you were given an oppor- This week, this day, this very moment Kabbalah teaches us that each year filled with tunity to travel the entire world, every will never happen again; there will be also brings an even greater energy fresh and continent, every country at no cost. many more mo- than the year untapped But there would be one condition: ments to come, “The sound of the Shofar past. The po- beauty. you would have to do it blindfolded. but none will be is the sound of us piercing tential waiting The choice You can trek from Hawaii to the like this. to be unlocked is ours, we Swiss Alps, from the Amazon to Jeru- One can go heaven and drawing down a will be some- can slide Rabbi Bery Schmukler salem, but it will all have to be done through life, day year that is unlike any that’s thing the world right into without you seeing any of it. It’s a after day blind- ever been before” has never seen. the New Year blindfolded, complete- frustrating idea. Here you are going folded, like lis- All this hap- ly unaware of the fact that we just from place to place but to you, it all tening to the same song on repeat. pens with the blast of the Shofar. entered into an entirely new dimen- seems the same. Or one can take off their blindfold, The sound of the Shofar is the sound sion, or we can go hear the Shofar The truth is, this dilemma does not look at each day and recognize that of us piercing heaven and drawing and blow the blindfold off. We can just exist in the realm of space – it the challenges and triumphs that are down a year that is unlike any that’s open our hearts and pray for a year also exists in the realm of time. unfolding before them is unique, it ever been before. Its unique tone bea- of health, redemption, prosperity The Kabbalah teaches us that just has its own flavor and will never hap- cons us to take off our blindfold and and happy adventures! as every place has its own unique en- pen this exact way again. witness the transition into a brand- Rabbi Bery Schmukler ergy and purpose, which is why trav- This is what’s so significant about new year. Alevy Chabad Jewish Center eling is always filled with newness and Rosh Hashanah, when the energy This year, we are given the oppor- of Las Cruces adventure, every point in time has its that will define the year ahead enters tunity to go on a magical journey of (With a thank you to my colleague own exclusive character and rhythm. our world for the very first time. The time. To experience moments that are Rabbi Yisroel Zavdi)

BETTER TOGETHER The Jewish Voice September 2019 | 13

Alevy Chabad Jewish Center Congregation B’nai Zion Chabad Lubavitch of Temple Beth-El Temple Mount Sinai of Las Cruces congregationbnaizion.org El Paso tbelc.org​ templemountsinai.org chabadlc.org 805 Cherry Hill Lane chabadelpaso.com​ 3980 Sonoma Springs Avenue 4408 N. Stanton St 2907 East Idaho Ave. El Paso, TX 79912 6615 Westwind Drive Las Cruces, NM 88011 El Paso, TX 79902 Las Cruces, NM 88011 915-833-2222 El Paso, TX 79912 575-524-3380 915-532-5959 575-524-1330 Rabbi Scott Rosenberg 915-584-8218 Rabbi Lawrence Karol Rabbi Ben Zeidman Rabbi Bery Schmukler info@congregationbnaizion.​ org​ Rabbi Yisroel Greenberg and rabbi@tbelc.​ org​ [email protected]​ rabbi@chabadlc.​ org​ Rabbi Levi Greenberg chabad@chabadelpaso.​ com​ Responding as an individual El Paso Rosh Hashana we listen to the shofar. spection and resolutions, it is also a time amazing fauna, the diversity of animals just expe- The shofar’s cry empowers us to stay to appreciate the tremendous capacities and life, the heavens and the earth, and rienced its focused on the mean- and gifts to declare his awe of G-d’s creation, greatest ing of life and avoid “Nothing fancy: just a simple that we and to inspire the rest of creation to fol- tragedy, the getting caught up in horn with a simple sound from possess as low suit. Rabbi Yisrael Greenberg murder of material life. Nothing the head of a simple beast.” human This is what we do on Rosh Hashana: neighbors fancy: just a simple beings, We look around (and within) and we and friends in such a cruel and despi- horn with a simple and as declare that though we may get a little cable fashion. How do we respond as a sound from the head of a simple beast. Jews. Rosh Hashana is not observed sidetracked here and there, G-d is the community? More importantly, how do I can’t recall getting inspired to emu- on the day the world was created, but real reality in our lives, and we resolve I respond as an individual? late the nuclear physicist who won the on the day that humanity was created. to make this recognition a practical part We often think that the people who Nobel Prize, but I can remember doz- This impresses upon us that the destiny of our daily lives. make the greatest impact are the ones ens of times when the simple actions of all life on earth depends on human- As we approach 5780, let us take who make the cover of Time Magazine of simple people have motivated me to ity. upon ourselves a one-month resolu- or win a Nobel Prize. But the truth is emulate them and become better. Even one person can make a monu- tion and with this usher in the new year. that the simple actions of so-called sim- Rosh Hashana marks the anniversary mental difference, as expressed in the One mitzvah, one month at a time. ple people are what really make a differ- of the creation of Adam and Eve in fact that all humanity descends from Shana Tova umetuka, May we all have a ence and whenever we do things right, the Garden of Eden. It’s our collective one man and one woman. The first good and sweet New Year. it becomes contagious. birthday. action undertaken by Adam upon his Rabbi Yisrael Greenberg During the month of Elul and on In addition to being a time for intro- creation was to look around at all the Chabad Lubavitch How easily we forget A man are you doing? You can’t land on the run- actions! We forget whom we have hurt! power to change through the actions that who flew his way … you don’t have any wheels!” And sadly, we also forget how we have we take and the amends that we make. own plane, Fortunately, the opportunity We can remember to say we are sorry or so the he was able “We can remember to say to make things and act differently the next time. story goes, to abort the right! New beginnings are possible. They got tired of landing and we are sorry and act The month of may not be easy, and they don’t require Rabbi Scott Rosenberg the long car swing his plane differently the next time.” Elul awakens us a splash, but they do require a sincere trip from the around and to this opportu- investment of spirit, soul and action that airport to his cottage which was situated head for the lake. After he landed safe- nity to change with the daily sounding will affirm our commitment to renewal on a lovely lake. So he equipped his plane ly, he heaved a big sigh of relief, turned of the shofar and the recitation of Psalm and growth in the year to come. with pontoons so he could land on the to his wife, and said, “That’s about the 27. “Show me your ways, dear God…” May 5780 be a year of blessing and lake, right in front of his home. dumbest thing I’ve ever done!” Then Show me the path of teshuvah, of re- goodness and may wisdom and strength On his first trip with his newly equipped he opened the door, stepped out of his pentance. Don’t allow me to forget that I support and guide us along our journey plane, he headed for the airport as he had plane—and fell directly into the lake! need to work to make things right. to greater blessings. Shana tova! always done. As he was going in for the Oy! How easily we forget. We forget With the approaching High Holidays, Rabbi Scott Rosenberg landing, his terrified wife yelled, “What about what we have done, we forget our we affirm our belief that we have the Congregation B’nai Zion The first couple: Worries – and hopes Adam since their expulsion from Eden. That children the benefit of your wisdom. who will ever exist. Because of that, and Eve didn’t stop them from expressing their It’s just that, well, they may still make they will assert that, if someone takes were com- concerns. their own mistakes and have to learn one life, it will be as if he or she de- pleting Adam spoke up: “God, we are wor- from them.” stroyed the whole world, and if some- their new ried for ourselves and our children. Adam was mortified. “Our Creator, one saves one life, it will be as if he or Rabbi Larry Karol living quar- We know that we disobeyed You in the haven’t we already done enough dam- she saved the entire world. They will ters. It had Garden. We are trying to do better. We age?” declare no one can claim to be better been several want to be good teachers. How can we God comforted Adam and Eve. than anyone else, because they all came months since God had banished them prevent our children from repeating “You are both learning and improving. from the two of you.” from the Garden of Eden, their first, our mistakes?” “They hadn’t heard from Some of your Eve quietly spoke, “That means we idyllic address. They heard a descendants, have a big responsibility, Eternal One, Life was hard. Eve was pregnant, and low hum that be- God since their expulsion teachers doesn’t it? Adam, are we ready for Adam was acclimating himself to his came increasing- from Eden” called rabbis, this?” extensive, detailed work as a farmer. ly louder. The will debate Adam looked into her eyes and said, Yet, something else was bothering sound became words. whether or not I should have created “Yes, Eve, we are ready, with God’s him. Why were they driven to their It was God speaking. “Adam and you. They will decide that I shouldn’t help.” drastic mistake in the Garden? And Eve, I am gratified that you still want have done so. They will also say that, God sighed at what was to come. now, in the outside world, would there my help. I have an answer, but you may since people exist, they should be care- And, even still, filled with hope, God still be an inner voice that might tempt not like it.” ful to do the right thing in all situa- smiled. them to violate God’s rules? Eve said, “What do you have to tell tions.” Rabbi Larry Karol Adam and Eve sought God’s guid- us, Eternal One?” “They will also see the two of you as Temple Beth-El ance. They hadn’t heard from God God replied, “You should give your the common ancestors of every person

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 14 | September 2019 The Jewish Voice Local graduate rides for cancer research If you were to look for the El Pasoan The team broke into three zones, Si- who combined the most physical activ- erras, Rockies, and Ozarks, and Seth ity with philanthropy this year, Seth was in the third group. They followed Krasne would take the cake. Seth rode what is known as the “cancer belt” of close to 5,000 miles in the longest char- the country, zig-zagging a trail through itable bike ride, the Texas 4000, now in East Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas Ten- its 15th year – and his team raised close nessee, Missouri, and on north and to $1 million for cancer research and through Canada. patient care. Everywhere they went, especially Seth, son of Robin and Dick Krasne in large cities like Houston, New Or- and grandson of Elaine and Bob leans, Memphis, St. Louis, and Chi- Krasne, and Marlene and the late Al- cago, the group presented educational len Levine, was one of 83 Univer- talks about cancer prevention. They sity of Texas students chosen for the met many people whose lives or fami- 18-month service and training pro- lies were changed by cancer and they gram that culminated in the 70-day shared their own stories of loved ones bike ride from Austin to Anchorage. who faced cancer.

The team will have input on how was well worth the challenge. their more than $900,000 will be spent, Cindy Graff Cohen as the money will be disbursed to re- Editor, The Jewish Voice searchers and facilities such as M.D. Anderson. “It goes to show what a small Texas 4000 group of people can do,” says Robin Applications for the 2021 team close September 30, 2019. The Krasne. She goes on to say that her son first year of the program builds has always had an interest in making a stamina and conditioning with long positive difference in the world. bike rides, but it also includes Seth, who studied political science at extensive skills development in UT and graduated in May, returned to such areas as communications and leadership. For information, visit El Paso to live last month. The trip was Texas4000.org a demanding one, but in Seth’s eyes, it : Celebrating 20 years Since 1999, Birthright Israel has sought the Jewish Federation of North America, to ensure the future of the Jewish people by the program’s founders and other phi- strengthening Jewish identity, Jewish com- lanthropists, the Jewish Agency for Israel, munities, and connection with Israel via a and some 30,000 individual donors from trip to Israel for Jewish young adults. Par- around the world. ticipants come from 67 countries including Eligibility all 50 U.S states, all Canadian provinces, The Birthright Israel gift is open to all and nearly 1,000 North American colleges eligible Jewish young adults, ages 18 to 26, and universities. who have not participated on an educa- Today, Birthright Israel is the largest edu- tional trip to Israel since they turned 18 nor cational tourism organization in the world. lived in Israel past the age of 12. (New: A More than 650,000 young people have ex- very limited number of trips will be accept- perienced these unique free trips. ing ages 27 to 32.) The organization’s goal is that the trips Eligible individuals are those who iden- Molly Goldman in Israel with Birthright, January 2019 motivate young people to continue to ex- tify as Jewish and are recognized as such plore their Jewish identity and support for by their local community or by one of the Israel and maintain long-lasting connec- recognized denominations of Judaism. Ap- tions with the Israelis they meet on their plicants must also have at least one Jewish trip. Alumni are encouraged to take active birth parent or have completed Jewish con- roles in Jewish organizations and to partici- version through a recognized Jewish de- pate in follow-up activities worldwide. nomination. The gift of a Birthright Israel trip is made Registration for selected 2020 trips opens possible thanks to the generous support of September 4; visit birthrightisrael.com for many sources, including the State of Israel, information. Corey Fruithandler (far right) and new Birthright friends at the Western Wall in August 2019

BETTER TOGETHER The Jewish Voice September 2019 | 15

Members of Chabad El Paso, Chabad Las Cruces, Congregation B’nai Zion, El Paso Holo- During Temple Mount Sinai’s May retreat, caust Museum and Study Center, El Paso Jewish Academy, Hadassah, Rabbi Ben Zeidman held Saturday morning J Center for Early Learning, Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso, services oudoors at Tanque Verde Ranch PJ Library, El Paso Pro-Musica, Temple Beth El, and Temple Mount Sinai met to coordinate calendars/programming for 2019/2020 at the Jewish Federation office.

Hadassah El Paso held a painting event at Whole Foods in July.

UTEP Associate Professor Ophra Leyser- Whalen, who specializes in medical sociology, spoke at a Borderlands Cafe Europa luncheon.

Families, couples and singles Temple Beth-El Las Cruces held a Spiritual Response and Memorial Service for the enjoyed fellowship and fun at victims and survivors of the shootings. Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima attended. Temple Mount Sinai’s retreat in Tucson .

Shari Schwartz comforted a stranger standing beside her at the city-wide vigil for the shooting victims.

ElPasoConnect, the Jewish Federation’s group for those of us in our 20s, 30s, and 40s, celebrated the end of summer at Hotel Indigo’s rooftop. Isaac Bencomo sang along with the bar’s guitarist.

Adam Levine, new chair of ElPasoConnect, shares news with the group at their August event at Hotel The Jewish community was represented onstage at the vigil on the day after the Indigo. Wal-Mart massacre

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 16 | September 2019 The Jewish Voice

BETTER TOGETHER