March 2021 Adar / Nisan 5781 www.ti-stl.org
Congregation Temple Israel is an inclusive community that supports your unique Jewish journey. TEMPLE NEWS
SHABBAT WORSHIP SCHEDULE HIAS REFUGEE SHABBAT SERVICES WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE Friday, March 5 @ 6:30 PM Throughout the month of March, Shabbat services will Temple Israel will be a proud participant in HIAS’ Refugee be available online only. Join us and watch services Shabbat, during which Jews in the United States and around the remotely on our website or on our Facebook page, where world will take action for refugees and asylum seekers. you can connect with other viewers in the comments section. Founded as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society in 1881 to assist Jews fleeing persecution in Russia and Eastern Europe, HIAS’s work is rooted in Jewish values and the belief that anyone fleeing WATCH SERVICES ONLINE hatred, bigotry and xenophobia, regardless of their faith or Services on our website: ethnicity, should be provided with a safe refuge. www.ti-stl.org/Watch Services on our Facebook page: Over the Shabbat of March 5-6, 2021, the Jewish community www.facebook.com/TempleIsraelStLouis will dedicate sacred time and space to refugees and asylum seekers. Now in its third year with hundreds of congregations and thousands of individuals participating, this Refugee Shabbat SERVICE SCHEDULE & PARSHA will be an opportunity to once again raise awareness in our 6:00 pm Weekly Pre-Oneg on Zoom communities, to recognize the work that has been done, and to (Link shared in our eNews each week.) reaffirm our commitment to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers. Friday, March 5, 2021 6:30 pm HIAS Refugee Shabbat services We hope you’ll mark your calendars to join us on Friday, March See description in the column to the right. 5 for Shabbat services when our Rabbis will share about the Torah Portion: Ki Tisa importance of “welcoming the stranger” as a Jewish value. Friday, March 12, 2021 Watch this service on our website: 6:30 pm Shabbat services www.ti-stl.org/Watch Torah Portion: Vayak’heil - P’kudei Watch this service on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/TempleIsraelStLouis Friday, March 19, 2021 6:30 pm Shabbat services Torah Portion: Vayikra CONTACT US Friday, March 26, 2021 Our Rabbis, President, and Temple staff are always happy to hear 6:30 pm Shabbat services from you to answer questions, address concerns, or simply to Torah Portion: Tzav chat and get to know you better. You can reach us via email or by calling the Temple at 314-432-8050. Rachel Wallis Andreasson, Executive Director [email protected] Rabbi Amy Feder [email protected] Rabbi Michael Alper Mazel Tov! [email protected] TO TI’S MARCH BAR MITZVAH Leslie Wolf, Director of Family Education [email protected] Louise Losos, President Elijah Enger [email protected] son of Marc & Jenny Enger For a birth announcement, death, billing issue, or any other ELIJAH matter, contact the Temple office at 314-432-8050 or [email protected], and we’ll get you connected with the right person.
2 page / March 2021 / Congregation Temple Israel DATELINE TEMPLE NEWS
ACCESSIBILITY OF OUR NEWLY RENOVATED EDUCATION CENTER POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF SUPPORT FROM THE TILLES FOUNDATION Rabbi Amy Feder & Rabbi Michael Alper [email protected] [email protected]
One of the most remarkable features of our newly renovated thought that after having worked so hard to raise money for a Jack & Ellen Deutsch Family Education Center is its accessibility. good cause, he deserved the chance to be on the other end of Students, teachers, and their families need different amenities the conversation and give money away! Ten years later, he is and ways to engage than when the building was first built, still hard at work and loving it more than ever. Larry explained, and we’ve been overwhelmed by how many individuals and “This is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. You have foundations stepped up to support us in our endeavor to create the opportunity to hear about nonprofit organizations you didn’t a facility that was truly open for every type of learner. even know existed, each of which is doing so much good in the community.” One of the things Larry is most proud of is the One of these organizations is the Tilles Foundation, whose gift way that more Jewish organizations have been able to receive helped build the canopy over the ramp that leads in the school support from the Tilles Fund under his watch. Previously, there building. You may have heard of Tilles Park before, but Tilles and were countless Catholic organizations who knew about the Fund TI have a beautiful history that may surprise you. through the Archdiocese, but most Jewish organizations didn’t know of its existence. Now, schools like Mirowitz and our very It all started with a man named Cap Tilles. Andrew “Cap” own DECC have been recipients of grants from Tilles, which help Tilles was a first generation Jewish American whose parents support students whose needs would otherwise not be met by emigrated from Poland around 1847. Tilles was orphaned as existing programs or facilities. a boy yet managed to rise to success to become a business magnate. He later turned his sights towards philanthropy, hoping We are so grateful for Larry’s leadership and for the generosity to help future generations of poor children achieve the kind of of the Tilles Fund. success that he did. Among his philanthropic goals (in addition to Tilles Park) was the Rosalie Tilles Non-Sectarian Charity Fund, which he gave as a million-dollar Christmas gift “to the poor of St. Louis” in 1926. The organization has transformed over time, both in its name and in its original mission; they Rabbi Amy Feder & Rabbi Michael Alper now partner with charitable organizations to help children with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities through a multitude of ways.
So where does Temple Israel fit into all this? When Cap Tilles created the Fund, he wanted there to be 5 trustees, which included the Archdiocese and the Rabbi of Temple Israel, or a trusted community member to serve in their stead. We still don’t know (and probably never will) why he made those choices, yet it ensured that a diverse perspective would be brought to every conversation.
In 2010, Rabbi Feder asked TI member Larry Linkon if he would serve as her representative on the Fund. Larry had just completed his role as co-chair of the Livnot Campaign, and she
www.ti-stl.org / March 2021 / 3 page PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
SHALOM RAV, GRANT US PEACE Louise Losos President [email protected]
“Shalom Rav.” It is one of my wife Beth’s favorite songs in our Our community is what often brings to me Shalom Rav, peace. A Friday night service. Though to be clear, she likes one particular hard week, a disquieting week, can all be put at ease when I start version of the song. Thanks to Facebook Live and the streaming joining in services, singing along, I find some light in a week of of Friday night services, we have discovered that she is not shade. alone in this — there are many fans that start commenting as soon as Rabbi Amy begins singing. I too love this version of I hope this Dateline finds you and your families well and safe, the song. It is beautiful. But the song is not just beautiful in may you findShalom Rav in the days, weeks, and months ahead. its melody and the beauty of Amy’s voice, but the meaning is beautiful, as well. Grant abundant peace over Israel, Your people, forever. For you are the sovereign source of all peace. So may it be good in Your eyes to bless Your people Israel Shalom, In every season and in every hour with your peace. Louise Losos Blessed are you, Adonai, Who blesses his people Israel with peace.
Peace, safety, calmness, blessings. The past months have been an unending cacophony of vitriol in the world. Shalom Rav, grant us peace. An assault on the capitol followed by an inauguration, grant us peace. The stress of getting signed up for a vaccination (or getting your parents signed up for a vaccination). Shalom Rav.
But where there is darkness there is light. And Amanda Gorman, dressed in bright yellow, lifts us up in her poem*: “When the day comes we ask ourselves, Where can we find light in this never-ending shade?”
We find the light in each other, we find the peace in each other. One of our newly adopted core values is Community: We believe that everyone who chooses to be in our sacred community has a valued role. We believe that authentic, personal relationships are the basis of a caring community.
*Amanda Gorman, “The Hill We Climb,” 2021
4 page / March 2021 / Congregation Temple Israel DATELINE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OUR FUTURE MISSION “Strategy is about making choices, trade-offs; it’s about Congregation Temple Israel is an inclusive community deliberately choosing to be different.” that supports your unique -Michael Porter Jewish journey.
Rachel Wallis Andreasson CORE BELIEFS Executive Director Community: [email protected] We believe that everyone who chooses to be in our sacred community has a Michael Porter is best known for his writings and teachings related to strategic planning. The timing could valued role. We believe not be better for TI to update its strategic plan. We have adopted new ways to engage since going virtual, that authentic, personal and we have the opportunity to ensure we aligned with our updated mission and core beliefs. relationships are the basis of a caring community. The work began in early 2019 when TI became a part of the OnBoard Leadership program. As part of this Connection: program, we secured a grant and the Board of Trustees felt strategic planning was the most critical area We believe that we are for its use. The last update was in 2012. connected to one another, to Israel, to the traditions of our past, and to the We put together a Task Force and selected Brian Hayden, President of Collaborative Strategies, as our generations yet to come. facilitator. He gathered relevant data from TI on demographics, historical trends, surveys and interviews. Inclusion: A new mission statement and a documentation of our core beliefs were created (see side panel). We believe that a diverse, inclusive community creates OnBoard then presented us with another grant to continue our work. This year, we will focus on the four Jewish vibrancy, and we strategic priorities that will help shape the next five years: respect where everyone is on their personal path. Strategic Pillar #1: Reallocate our resources and time to better deliver on our passion for increasing engagement among TI members. Learning: We believe that a Jewish Strategic Pillar #2: Capitalize on our renovation, create greater integration among our pre-school education should begin with families and the larger TI community. our youngest children. Strategic Pillar #3: Develop and launch transformative youth programs that enhance and better We believe that lifelong serve our value proposition to families. Jewish learning encourages us to live examined lives Strategic Pillar #4: Increase our cultivation efforts with members (building on the efforts of #1) to and wrestle with life’s encourage greater philanthropic support for the Congregation. challenges, and that Temple Israel is a place to explore Strategic planning is difficult but important work. It is a time to reflect on what we will be doing in the difficult questions at any future and what we will be releasing from the past. Each one of us is connected to TI for a different age. reason. Each Jewish journey is unique and personal. Worship: We believe that worship The strategic pillars are meant as fundamental building blocks that are aligned with our core beliefs. should be participatory, We will create action plans while we put together a financial model that will support our goals and be joyful, musical, and incorporated into our operating budget. A scorecard will enable our Board and Staff to measure our intergenerational. progress. Repair of the World: We believe that it is our Temple Israel laid its roots in 1886. Today we can seize the opportunity to shape what is to come. Always responsibility to live emphasizing our faith and beliefs for future generations. We embrace our differences while celebrating Jewishly in ways that our common Judaism. Our ultimate goal is to support you on your Jewish journey and keep you valued change the world for the and connected by our TI community. better. Change: If you have thoughts you would like to share on our strategic pillars, I would love to hear from you. We believe that being Reform Jews means valuing tradition as we constantly reexamine our faith and practice. Rachel Wallis Andreasson www.ti-stl.org / March 2021 / 5 page FAMILY EDUCATION
SUMMER’S ALMOST HERE! AND SUMMER MEANS...CAMP SHOOK! Leslie Wolf Director of Family Education [email protected]
I cannot believe how quickly this year is going by already. Before Our early childhood center has always been a happy place, and you know it, summer will be here. And what does Summer mean this year is no exception. It feels good to be here doing what we for our preschoolers? Camp Shook! Camp will be in session all love – teaching your bright and wonderful children! for nine weeks this year and our staff is so excited! Dates are Monday, June 7 through Friday, August 6. You can sign up for camp by the week so you can enroll your child for any combination that works with your summer schedule. We will be following our COVID-19 guidelines, so the camp groups will Leslie Wolf remain with their teacher and counselors only, and groups will not be mixed throughout the day. Our hours of operation will be 8:15 am to 5:00 pm, just like during school, and our drop-off and pick up will be by age group.
Our camp director is the fabulous Sara Jones, who also serves as our office manager during the school year. She was so disappointed when we had to cancel camp last year, due to COVID and she is looking forward to finally having a great summer with your kiddos at Camp Shook! Sara has many awesome activities planned, and we will make use of our huge Temple Israel campus for lots of outdoor activities. We also have our inground swimming pool – for all children ages 3 and older – that will be staffed by YMCA swim instructors and lifeguards. The pool was retiled and resurfaced as part of our Reimagining Campaign project construction, and we’re so excited to swim in it for the first time! For our campers under age 3, we will have fun outdoor water play. It will be a wonderful and memorable time for our kids as we all look forward to a much more “normal” summer than last.
I’m happy to report that preschool is going so great, and I can’t wait for a time that we can show off our Jack & Ellen Deutsch Family Education Center to everyone. Due to our COVID policy, parents have not been allowed in the school to see firsthand how happy our students are in this new and beautiful space. Our teachers have been doing a fabulous job of creating a regular preschool experience despite the pandemic. Students (age 3 and up) have adapted extremely well to wearing masks, and the teachers have done an incredible job enforcing our guidelines Find out more and sign up for camp: and making sure that all hands are washed often using our WWW.TI-STL.ORG/CAMPSHOOK brand-new in-classroom sinks!
6 page / March 2021 / Congregation Temple Israel DATELINE FAMILY EDUCATION
TEMPLE ISRAEL HAS A SHINSHIN! WAIT...WHAT’S A SHINSHIN?... Lesley Goldenberg Assistant Director of Family Education [email protected]
We are thrilled to introduce our Shinshin for the year, Evyatar Shachar. Although he is just introducing himself now to the Temple Israel community, he has been a part of our Religious School community since September, before he even arrived in St. Louis! Evyatar “Zooms” in almost every week to our Religious School classes to teach about life in Israel. For our first semester Yom Chug, Evyatar took his students on a journey through Israel. For this semester’s Yom Chug, Evyatar is teaching a class called Explore The Israeli Start-up Nation: an introduction to Israeli high tech products. Evyatar’s warmth, expertise, and enthusiasm add so much to our TIRS community, and we are so excited that he is here with us! Read about what a Shinshin is and does, and meet Evyatar in his article below.
Lesley Goldenberg
HELLO TEMPLE ISRAEL COMMUNITY!
My name is Evyatar (Ev-ya-tar) Shachar and I’m one of the Shinshinim of the year in St. Louis! I’m 19 years old and from Ashkelon Israel. I consider myself an environmental activist and my wish is a world that is powered by a sustainable energy. Also my more personal dream is to become an airline pilot and explore the world! I love hiking in nature and exploring new places. As Dr. Seuss said: “If you go out you come to wonderful places,” (from his book in Hebrew).
A Shinshin is an 18-year-old Israeli emissary who defers army service for one year to volunteer in Jewish communities abroad. Each Shinshin lives with a different host family for a period of 3 months. The goal is to educate people of all ages about Israel and Israeli culture and to bring an authentic Israel experience to the community they serve by encouraging Israel engagement through educational programming, formal and informal social interactions, and building relationships with community members. The Shinshinim program is a partnership between the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, and local congregations/day schools.
I have loved spending time with the kids of TI and showing them “my Israel!” I can’t wait to meet you all one day, too.
Shalom,
Evyatar Shachar [email protected]
www.ti-stl.org / March 2021 / 7 page EVENTS & PROGRAMS
SATURDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Led by Rabbi Emeritus Mark L. Shook This class meets via Zoom each Saturday through May 1, 2021. 9:30 am - 10:30 am Judaism and The Messiah: This semester will focus on the exploration of the concept of a Messiah, its Biblical foundations, historical context, and the current theological impact on both Christian and Jewish religious communities. MARCH SENIOR LUNCH: Students are asked to have a copy of the Bible handy during class. JEWS AND BLACKS IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS ERA AND NOW, MIDRASH, AND FACT RSVP: Email Rabbi Shook at [email protected] to join! Join Temple Israel, Shaare Emeth, United Hebrew, and Temple Emanuel Seniors for a Virtual Senior Program LILITH READERS BOOK CLUB: 2021 Monday, March 1 Inspired by Lilith, one of the fiercest forgotten 1:00 pm on Zoom women of Jewish literature, we’ll read a book each month by a Jewish woman, about Jewish Join us as we welcome Billy Planer from Etgar 36. His women throughout history. Each book takes presentation will explore the reality of the relationship between place during a different time period, so we’ll the Jewish and Black communities during the Civil Rights era. learn a little history, enjoy some fantastic Why were there Jews on both sides, and the sidelines, of the Civil novels, and bring to light some forgotten Rights movement? What was the role of Judaism in the activism figures of the Jewish past. of young people in the 1960s? What are the implications for the streets of America today? 4th Thursday of the month If you are not comfortable with Zoom, you may watch on the March 25, April 22, and May 27, 2021 United Hebrew website at: www.unitedhebrew.org/Seniors 7:00 pm via Zoom Lunch: $10 each The Nesting Dolls by Alina Adams We will be providing boxed lunch for pre-order catered by About the book: Spanning nearly a century, from 1930s Siberia Sugarfire Smokehouse. You will have your choice of a brisket, to contemporary Brighton Beach, a page turning, epic family turkey, or portobello mushroom sandwich and either coleslaw or saga centering on three generations of women in one Russian potato salad. Everyone will also receive a chocolate chip cookie. Jewish family each striving to break free of fate and history, If you would like gluten free, please let us know when ordering. each yearning for love and personal fulfillment and how the Lunch orders must be placed by Wednesday, February 24 and be consequences of their choices ripple through time. paid for in advance.
To join the book club and find out the latest titles, email Lunch Pick Up: Rabbi Amy at: [email protected] Lunches will be available for contactless curbside pick up between 10:30 am and 11:30 am at Shaare Emeth (11645 Ladue NEW CLASS Road, St. Louis, MO 63141) on Monday, March 1 in the South Lobby CRASH COURSE IN JUDAISIM circle drive. If you are unable to pick up your meal, please let us know when placing your order. Led by Rabbi Michael This is an opportunity to learn all 3,000 Registration and Lunch Orders: years of Jewish history in just a few classes. Make your reservation by calling Valerie Cundy at Through art, maps, and other visuals, 314-692-5304. A Zoom link will be emailed to guests prior to experience Jewish history unlike you ever the online event. have before. This program is made possible through a grant from the Nathan Kahn- Mondays, April 5, 12, 19, and 26 and May 3, 10, 17, and 24 Ernestine Kahn-Charles Kahn Foundation of Congregation Temple Israel From 11:00 am – 12:00 pm via Zoom and by the Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged, a supporting To join the class, email Rabbi Michael at: [email protected] foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
8 page / March 2021 / Congregation Temple Israel DATELINE EVENTS & PROGRAMS
ORDER YOUR TI “TO GO” MEALS! Temple Israel’s beloved Chef Debbie Jennings is cooking up a delicious menu for March, and these handmade gourmet meals can be ordered by Mondays for easy, contactless curbside pick up at TI on Wednesdays. New menu each week; only $10 per meal! CONTACTLESS CURBSIDE PICK UP: Wednesdays, from 4pm – 6pm in Temple Israel’s Brodsky Circle (Enter from the Ladue Rd. Entrance and the Brodsky Circle is on your left; #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive, 63141)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3 Beef and Broccoli, Jasmine rice, salad, and fortune cookies
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10 Creamy herb chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and two cookies
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 Pasta Primavera, Italian salad, roll, and two cookies
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24 Baked fish with roasted green and red peppers, lemon rice, roll, and two cookies
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31 Mostaccioli, garden salad, garlic bread, and two cookies CHEF DEBBIE PREPPING Gluten-free version of each meal is available at no extra charge. DELICIOUS MEALS No other menu item substitutions offered at this time. All proceeds benefit the Temple.
NEW: Purchase a “Digital Gift Code” and share a meal with someone special! Purchase a TI To Go meal for a friend or family member. Each gift code is worth $10 toward the purchase of TI To Go meals. A unique code will be sent to the email address specified. To redeem: Fill out the TI To Go form for the desired meal and click submit. Then enter the gift code on the payment screen. Rules and disclaimers: One time use only. Only one code per purchase. No refunds. No cash value. Not applicable to any other programs or fees. TI To Go program may end at any time; any unused gift codes will be voided at that time.
Find out more and order your meals at: WWW.TI-STL.ORG/TOGO
www.ti-stl.org / March 2021 / 9 page PASSOVER 2021
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to create a unique and beautiful virtual Seder experience for your family and guests. We’ll show you how to include your favorite traditions and make new ones, and create the feeling of togetherness, even while celebrating apart. Monday, March 15, 2021 7:00 pm, online via Zoom
WORKSHOP INCLUDES: Gratitude Meditation, led by Rabbi Jessica K. Marshall Rabbi Jessica recently led our Women’s ConnecTIon Sacred Sizzle series, and we’re excited to bring her back to lead us through a gratitude meditation.
Building Your Own Haggadah, led by Rabbi Amy Feder Rabbi Amy will share the fundamentals of creating our own personal Haggadah, and tips and tricks to making your Seder fun and meaningful for all who attend.
Seder Music, led by Julie Aronson Julie Aronson is a singer and Jewish song leader who often performs at Temple Israel’s Shabbat and holiday services. At this workshop, Julie will share traditional Passover music so that we can incorporate songs into our Seders or create our own dinner playlists.
Making Charoset, led by Diane Packman Diane Packman leads Temple Israel’s Dishing with Diane cooking and baking program series and owns her own business making Jewish treats. She will show us how to make the most delicious charoset at the workshop.
Personalizing Matzo, led by Debbie Jennings A beloved tradition at TI’s Women’s Seders in the past, Temple Israel’s Chef Debbie Jennings will show us how you can create your own personalized matzo with rich chocolate.
RSVP to [email protected] by Friday, March 12, 2021. This event is free to attend! All presenters have graciously donated their time and talent to make this event free of charge! Instead of an attendance fee, we ask that you consider donating a gently used non-fiction book(s) for women and children for a Women’s shelter. 5 book limit per person; drop off at Temple Israel in the May Chapel Foyer vestibule at TI at any time.
Questions? Please call Martina at [email protected] or 314-432-8050. Thank you to our event chair, Stephanie Greenberg!
10 page / March 2021 / Congregation Temple Israel DATELINE PESACH 5781
This All-Star Seder is a live-streaming online event for kids ages 0-10 and their families! Sunday, March 28, 2021 5:30 pm (program will run approximately 50 minutes) Free to attend! No RSVP required!
You won’t want to miss this highly interactive Seder experience featuring an unbelievable lineup of the top Jewish kids’ music artists! NEFESH MOUNTAIN I RABBI JOSH WARSHAWSKY I ELIANA LIGHT I SHIRA KLINE ELLEN ALLARD I RICK RECHT I JOANIE LEEDS I ELANA JAGODA
This online event will feature traditional and contemporary songs; tell the Passover story; and explore the foods on the Seder plate, the blessings, the questions, and the highlights of the Exodus from slavery to freedom. Simply visit WWW.TI-STL.ORG/ALLSTARSEDER at 5:30 pm on Sunday, March 28 to enjoy the Seder!
www.ti-stl.org / March 2021 / 11 page SOCIAL JUSTICE & EQUITY
Guided by this quote, the Jewish people continue to learn and grow. We invite you to do that same through this engaging equity speaker series. Together, we can work to create positive change in our world. Mondays, March 8, May 10, and June 14 at 7pm. Open to the St. Louis community!
“YOU ARE NOT EXPECTED TO COMPLETE THE TASK, BUT NEITHER ARE YOU FREE TO ABANDON IT.” (Pirkei Avot 2:21) March 8 at 7pm As the only Black male currently in the Missouri Senate, Senator Brian Williams, University City, feels it is his duty to create positive change by fighting systemic racism. Join us as he shares information about his plans for reshaping our systems of public safety to be more equitable and more effective.
“LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” (Leviticus 19: 17-18) May 10 at 7pm Education is the foundation for our future, but not all foundations are built the same. Come join Dr. Howard Fields III, assistant superintendent of Human Resources in the Kirkwood School District and co-founder of the organization Black Males in Education St. Louis (BMESTL) as we explore the inequities of educational funding and the moral imperative, we all share to offer the BEST education to ALL our children.
“JUSTICE, JUSTICE YOU SHALL PURSUE.” (Deuteronomy 16:20) June 14 at 7pm Tony J. Westbrook, Jr., Assistant Director of Hillel at Washington University, will explore the ways racism and anti-Semitism in America are linked, the complex relationship between the Black and Jewish communities in America, and how we can only begin to address racism and antisemitism by finding allies and getting to work... together.
RSVP required. Register for one speaker or all. A Zoom link to attend the meeting will be sent to the email address provided in your registration closer to the event. WWW.TI-STL.ORG/SPEAKERSERIES
Thank you to our event leadership: Co-Chairs: Nancy Litz and Amanda Stein Committee Members: Patty Bloom, Carol Cohen, Beth Deutsch, Julie Devine, Judy Jacks, Ron Scharff, Debbie Schultz, Ken Susman, and Terry Weiss
This program is presented by Temple Israel’s Social Justice & Equity committee. Find out more at: www.ti-stl.org/SocialJustice
12 page / March 2021 / Congregation Temple Israel DATELINE COMMUNITY EVENT
FROM THE GENIUS MINDS THAT BROUGHT YOU TI’S WANDERING JEWS SCAVENGER HUNT, WE PRESENT:
TI’S AMAZING RACE: FAMILY & FRIENDS EDITION You’ll get dirty! You’ll have fun! You’ll make a fool of yourself in the best possible way! Enjoy Shabbat afternoon with your family & friends and get to know them in a whole new way as you and your team — based on your “social pod” — race around town doing crazy challenges! There will be roadblocks and detours along the journey, and you’ll cross the finish line together as champs! You’ll spend four hours having the time of your life — or hosting others along their journey — and will end your adventure with a Havdalah service led by the Rabbis and a special Amazing Race treat for every team, because this is all in good fun, and let’s face it…you’ll have earned that treat! SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 2021, FROM 3 PM – 7 PM All cars will meet at Temple Israel’s parking lot at 3 pm. All cars will swing back by TI after their challenges for a Havdalah service led by the Rabbis and a special treat! $18 PER TEAM One vehicle per team (you can fit as few or as many players as safely possible in your vehicle). All ages are welcome to participate in as many challenges or activities as necessary to help their team finish strong. COVID-safe, socially distanced protocol to ensure everyone’s health and safety. All guests are required to wear a mask and socially distance with those not on your team while outside of your vehicle. Open to the entire St. Louis community to attend! TYPES OF CHALLENGES There will be physical, mental, creative, and culinary challenges – codes to crack, brain (and body) twisters, and even challenges for the youngest participants, too! So, be prepared for anything! WHAT TO WEAR Wear your running shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty — or maybe even destroyed! BECOME A HOST AND/OR JUDGE Don’t want to “Race,” but still want to do something “Amazing?” Become a host and/or judge! We need volunteer “hosts” and “judges” for various stations to hand out clues and serve as on-site judges to make sure teams complete their challenge. More information online, or email Martina Stern at [email protected] to let her know you’re interested!
RSVP BY APRIL 9 AT: WWW.TI-STL.ORG/AMAZINGRACE
Thank you, Amy Lampert, for serving as our AMAZING event chair! www.ti-stl.org / March 2021 / 13 page TI & MONROE PARTNERSHIP
TI VOLUNTEERS INNOVATE TO CONTINUE MONROE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPPORT AMID PANDEMIC Liz Buchman and Susan K. Goldberg Co-chairs [email protected]
GREAT NEWS! As you can see, as our opportunities to volunteer in-person have You may have heard that Monroe Elementary School was under disappeared, we are finding new ways to make a difference. consideration for closure. On January 12, 2021, the St Louis Public We all can’t wait to get back to being able to make in-person School Superintendent decided to keep Monroe open. Leading connections with the students! For now, we are proud that we’ve up to the decision, the Rabbis and we sent a letter on behalf of remained by Monroe’s side through these difficult times. We want Monroe. We also participated in a number of virtual meetings to to sincerely thank everyone who has donated their time and help Monroe create a plan for school improvement. Part of the resources! plan includes a new series of virtual learning sessions we are calling “Career & College Conversations” where we will bring in More information about the partnership and get involved at: professionals from the community to speak with students. We www.ti-stl.org/Monroe are primarily looking for Black professionals for these sessions. Reach out to Liz Buchman at [email protected] if you can help make a connection.
HOW TI IS HELPING DURING COVID As we all know, this pandemic is taking its toll on under- resourced communities and educators in ways that are hard to imagine. Teachers and staff are having to teach students in their classrooms at the same time they are teaching students who are at home. Temple Israel members and volunteers have found many ways to help support Monroe Elementary School teachers, staff, parents and students through these trying times.
Here are ways we have been helping: Virtual tutors visit several times a week to read with students in most every classroom Gallons of hand sanitizer were donated by the Weglarz family of StilL 630 Distillery to help students safely return to in- person learning in October Gas cards from Wallis Companies to show appreciation for teachers and staff when they returned to in-person learning Halloween candy and trick-or-treat bags for each in-person student and delivered to the homes of virtual learners Thanksgiving pumpkin breads for each member of the staff Picture books from EyeSeeMe, a Black-owned bookstore, donated to the Pre-K classrooms by Cathy Arst Holiday e-gift cards (thanks to your generous donations to TI’s Mitzvah Market, chaired by Jodi Schneiderman and Stacie Weinstein) MONROE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT ONLINE Sent to the parent/guardian of every Monroe student TUTORING SESSION WITH so they could buy their child a special holiday gift TEMPLE ISRAEL VOLUNTEER Given to each Monroe staff member TUTOR, SUSAN GOLDBERG Valentine’s Day donuts for teachers and staff
14 page / March 2021 / Congregation Temple Israel DATELINE OUR JEWISH JOURNEYS
THEY FOUND EACH OTHER AT DIFFERENT PLACES ALONG THEIR LIFE’S JOURNEY We often meet our dearest friends and confidants at similar stages throughout our lifecycle. Sometimes, we’re lucky enough to connect with someone we wouldn’t normally befriend. And let’s face it — it’s tough to make new pals as it is, and even more so during a global pandemic! That’s why the bond between Temple Israel members Lorraine Elbein and Gracie Lieb is incredibly special. Here’s their story.
At 90 years young, Lorraine – a Temple Israel member – is a creative soul that enjoys reading books of all genres, and she loves to draw. Especially draw; it was her passion, and it turned into her career. Lorraine used to work downtown as a fashion illustrator and sketch the artwork for department store catalogues. “I have a friend, Gracie. Gracie is 6, and she’ll be 7 in March. I started drawing for her, and it’s an enormous amount of fun. I hadn’t drawn in years.”
The pair have never met but connected through Rabbi Amy not long after the initial stay-at-home order in St. Louis. They exchange letters and phone calls very often. “My grandchildren are all grown, and to interact with a child of that age is a lot of fun.” LORRAINE
Gracie, who is a Deutsch Early Childhood Center and Camp Shook alumna, is now a first grader at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School. She’s an only child who loves to read – just like Lorraine does – and enjoys playing with her dolls, riding her bike, watching cooking and science shows, and hanging with her dog Rosie. And also, eating lollipops. Gracie’s parents, Wendy and Jeremy, said that they were excited to have Gracie paired with an “intergenerational relationship outside of our immediate family. We also hoped to bring a connection to an older, isolated adult during these trying times.”
Their correspondences have included photos, and of course, beautiful drawings. Lorraine and Wendy GRACIE have talked, too, about politics, marriage, careers, favorite foods... “Lorraine’s letters are incredibly witty and always make us laugh, and we have also spoken on the phone several times. Lorraine always likes to ask how her favorite grandchild is.”
Lorraine was ecstatic about the pairing. “The Rabbi introduced us. Gracie’s mother and I get along so well. Rabbi must have had insight to put us together.” Wendy says, “[Lorraine] is like a part of our family” and that their connection to one another is ‘beshert’ – the Hebrew for ‘meant to be’.”
And Gracie is having a blast, too! “It’s really fun. And we have a lot in common. We both like GRACIE, MOM, AND DAD spaghetti.”
Gracie, her mom, and her dad can’t wait to meet Lorraine. “We all look forward to a time when we can finally meet in person.”
Join Temple Israel’s Pen Pal Program and make a new intergenerational friendship! Temple Israel has older members who are going through this tough time alone, and who may not have access to a community online. We also know there are many families with school-aged kids that would love to brighten the day and foster some new relationships. If you and/or your child would like to write a letter or card to someone, or if you are a senior interested in a pen pal, please HAND-DRAWN contact Rabbi Amy at [email protected] or 314-432-8050. NOTE FOR GRACIE
www.ti-stl.org / March 2021 / 15 page OUR JEWISH JOURNEYS
MY JOURNEY TO JEWISH LEADERSHIP BY RACHEL PROTZEL TI member, Board Trustee, wife of Max Protzel, mom of Eli and Ayla who attend Temple Israel Religious School I had a typical Jewish childhood raised by two Jewish parents. I reluctantly went to Sunday and Hebrew school and had my bat mitzvah at 13 just like all the other Jewish kids, but I never felt really connected to Judaism. I remember arguing with my parents about having to go to Sunday school and questioning whether there was a God. As I grew older, I felt more spiritual, but much to my mother’s chagrin, I didn’t really feel Jewish. Then in my freshman year of college, I went on the very first Birthright trip to Israel and loved every minute of it. It really opened my eyes and I felt that connection for the first time. Much to everyone’s surprise including my own, I came back home thinking I wanted to be a rabbi. My family laughed and called me a “born again Jew.” However, I started taking classes necessary for that path, and found myself completely bored. My enthusiasm for it faded just as quickly as it had come.
It wasn’t until later in life, after overcoming difficult struggles with infertility, that I really felt reconnected. Having our two amazing children sealed my faith in God. Since then, I have made it my routine to thank God for his many blessings every morning when I first wake up and every night just before I sleep. I make a point to tell each of my children that they are a gift from God. Despite this faith though, I still didn’t feel strongly connected to Judaism or a temple. We came to TI because we needed a preschool that had a flexible schedule and would accept my son before he was potty-trained. TI fit the bill. It was a bonus that it was close to my in-laws’ house so it was convenient for my mother-in-law to pick him up, but that was it. There was really nothing Jewish about why we came to TI. Why we stayed is another story.
When I came to tour the preschool, I happened to meet Rabbi Amy in the hallway. She had Molly in an infant carrier, and having never been to TI before, I had no idea she was the rabbi and figured she was just another one of the moms. But even in this brief first meeting, I felt I could relate to her, that we could be friends. The school seemed nice enough, so we enrolled Eli and eventually started attending occasional Tot Shabbats and other family events for the sake of child enrichment. It was then that we learned of TI’s incredible community of families. We connected with the people there though not the Temple necessarily. Coming from a more conservative background, the TI services didn’t really resonate with us initially. It seemed like too much was in English and all the seemingly folksy, upbeat songs felt unfamiliar. But the longer we stayed, the more comfortable it became. In fact, the music eventually became my favorite thing about the services and I actually came to really appreciate that so much was in English because I could finally understand what I was saying, which made the prayers more meaningful. It was nice to be part of a community where I felt comfortable and to have that new social camaraderie as a parent, but there still wasn’t a truly religious connection.
Years later, a crisis erupted in my personal life and everything changed for me. It felt like my world was crumbling and I was in a constant state of distress. One night, I brought the kids to a Tot Shabbat and my daughter wanted to stay with her friends in babysitting, so I spontaneously decided to stay for the adult service. I don’t know what it was about that service, but it was the first time in ages that I felt calm. I’m not sure I was even paying any attention to the service itself, but I felt a sense of relief. From then on, I started coming to Friday night services weekly just for some “me time.” Often, I would just sit there and zone out, but it was relaxing and when it was over, I felt better. It seemed like the only time of the week when I could escape all the madness in my life, focus on myself and feel centered again. Over time, I found myself saying the prayers and that brought me additional comfort. It was like no matter how much everything else was constantly changing, these prayers always stayed the same and I craved that consistency. Most of all, I loved the sermons because I could always find something in them that related to my life. Never before had I felt any connection to Judaism. The Torah was just a bunch of stories that had nothing to do with me, but Rabbi Amy and Rabbi Michael’s sermons taught me just how relevant it can be. For the first time in my life, Judaism seemed interesting, approachable, and valuable.
I was embarrassed by how little I knew about Torah and Judaism. I can’t remember much from my childhood Jewish education or perhaps I just didn’t pay attention because I didn’t care at the time, but now I wanted to strengthen my knowledge and deepen my connection. So, I started to lean in a little more and take some of the adult classes offered at the Temple. In those classes I found answers, and sometimes more questions, but I grew more into my Jewish identity. Since then, my involvement in the Temple has just continued to
16 page / March 2021 / Congregation Temple Israel DATELINE OUR JEWISH JOURNEYS expand. I developed true friendships and began to feel at home at TI. Last year, I was asked to participate in the “Leading with a Jewish Heart” program and thought it sounded like a nice opportunity to meet more people and learn more about the Temple. I had a great experience and came away feeling like I could contribute to the Temple community. So, when I was asked to join the board, it just seemed like the next logical step.
Like for so many others, this last year has been exceptionally difficult for me and my family. It brought challenges like I’ve never known and tested us in so many new, frightening ways to the point that I questioned if and how we would even survive it. Pulling through these crises has only strengthened my faith in God and connection to Judaism. For me, the live-streamed Shabbat services became a little oasis of relief and familiarity in an otherwise scary, stressful world. I’ve come to depend on them for my weekly fix of calm and comfort. Despite having endured so much recently, I still feel incredibly blessed on so many FROM LEFT: levels. My husband has always said, “God’s got my back!” and we ELI, RACHEL, MAX, AND AYLA feel that way now more than ever. Not only does God have our backs, but our TI community does as well. Through it all, our TI family has been there for us and has shown us an outpouring of love and support. I look forward to giving back to this amazing community that has already given me so much.
MEET TWO OF OUR TEMPLE ISRAEL STAFF
DERRICK BRYANT Temple Israel’s Building Supervisor, photographer, adventurer, husband and father “My father came to work at Temple Israel in the 1960s during segregation, and this place gave him a fair shake when others wouldn’t. Over the years, he developed a friendship with Rabbi Rubin, who used to swing by our house every Sunday to spend time with my dad on the front porch. Looking back, I grew up Jewish; I just didn’t know it at the time. And now, this faith and this place are my home.”
LESLEY GOLDENBERG Temple Israel’s Assistant Director of Family Education, New Yorker, Jewish camp lover, wife and mother “My life has always been entrenched in Judaism – from Jewish preschool, to Jewish summer camp, to Jewish college and grad school! Though, during my Religious School years, I was bored and misbehaved quite a bit, and I found myself in the front office. (Shh, don’t tell your children!) Somehow, that experience helped me find what I loved most – being Jewish, celebrating holidays, and making Judaism accessible to everyone, even the bored kids. I started directing a Religious School in 2005 and haven’t LESLEY’S BAT looked back.” MITZVAH PIC www.ti-stl.org / March 2021 / 17 page SCRIP TIP #302: Shop with Scrip to make spring cleaning a breeze! The garage can be a catch-all storage area; get those boxes off the floor and onto an easy-to-
reach shelving unit from The Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Now that you’ve done your taxes, get a head start on next year with plenty of paperwork organization tools from Staples or Office Depot/Office Max.
Ready to pack up the winter gear and get your closet in order? The Container Store and Bed Bath & Beyond have great closet organization ideas.
Everyday Essentials Dining Dierbergs ($25, $100) Brio/Bravo ($25) CVS Pharmacy ($10, $25) Buffalo Wild Wings ($10, $25) Walgreens ($25, $100) California Pizza Kitchen ($25) CBS All Access ($25) Cheesecake Factory ($25) Hulu Plus ($25) Chick-fil-A ($10) Netflix ($15 - $100) Chipotle ($10, $25) Sirius XM ($30, $50) Fleming’s ($25) Sling TV ($25, $50, $100) McDonald’s ($10) Noodles & Company ($10) Panera ($10, $25, $50) Department & Hardware Stores P.F. Chang’s ($25) Home Depot ($25, $100) Qdoba ($25) Kohl’s* ($25, $100) Red Robin ($25) Lowe’s ($25, $100) Starbucks ($5, $10, $25, $50) Nordstrom’s ($25, $100) Subway ($10) Target* ($10, $25) Taco Bell ($10, $25) TJ Maxx/Marshalls ($25, $100) Texas de Brazil ($25) Walmart/Sams* ($25, $100)
Entertainment and Travel Specialty Store and Gifts American Airlines ($100, $500) Amazon.com ($25 and up) AMC Theatres ($25) Barnes & Noble ($10, $25) Big Cedar Lodge Bath & Body Works ($10, $25) Chuck-E-Cheese ($25) Bed Bath & Beyond ($25, $100) Dave & Buster’s ($25) Brooks Brothers ($25) Delta Airlines* ($250) Build-A-Bear Workshop ($25) iTunes ($15, $25) Dick’s Sporting Goods ($25) Southwest Airlines Gap/Old Navy ($25) Sephora ($25) Ask about hotels & cruises! Shutterfly ($25)
Ulta ($25) * denotes cards that cannot be paid by credit card
Name Universal Pre-Paid Card – No activation Fee Phone Visa* ($50, $100, $250) Email
ORDER DEADLINES: Orders placed by Feb. 25 will be available by Mar. 5, and orders placed Mar. 25 will be available by Apr. 5.
HOW TO PLACE YOUR ORDER: To place a subscription or one-time order, or to authorize ACH or credit card payments, mail this form to ‘Scrip Coordinator’ c/o Temple Israel, at #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Dr., St. Louis, MO 63141, or email [email protected]. WE REMEMBER
February 28 - March 6 Sara Fox Ades Erna Deutsch Louis Honig Joseph Manne Mary Helen Silverman Benjamin Arnovitz Mildred Potlitzer Eckert Ida B. Horwitz Edith Mannheimer Ralph Silverman Jack Balk Mark Aaron Edison Dr. Ernst Jonas Natalie Mehlman Jerome J. Spector Morris Bass Jacob S. Finke Sidney Kelter Rosa Meyer Harold M. Stern Nathan C. Berger Ben J. Franklin Bessie Bramoweth Komen Hannah Meyer Mary S. Weil Lois Lee Bierman Samuel Gartenberg Frances Kraus Ida Meyer Louis Weinstein Leonard L. Bierman Eleanor Ghertner Bebe Krem Helen Miller Bertha Wildman Morton Brand Robert C. Gordon Barry Krem Saul L. Nymark David P. Wohl, Jr. Rose Brandt Charles Gregor Michael Kutten Augusta Schoenstadt Minnie Mayer Wolfheim Norman Cecil Broddon Max J. Grossman Dorothy Lending Leon J. Schwab Bella Woolf Stuart Caplin Hans K. Hagen Max Levis Malvern A. Schweig Charles H. Yalem Mindelle Bamberger Cerf Marcus Harris Gertrude Levy Dollie B. Shoenberg Hillard A. Young Emanuel M. Cole Fanny Holtz Harold E. Lewin Louis J. Silverman Emil A. Ziskind Jacob Crone
March 7 - March 13 J. Arthur Baer II Miriam Londy Goldman Fred J. Mishow Wallace Renard Ruwitch Charles M. Silverman Nathan “Smiley” Bender Frances Guckenheim Ben Muskin Byrdie Medalie Sanowsky Jack R. Smith Bessie Bernhardt Frieda P. Halpern Morris Neuberger Joseph D. Schaefer Marcus H. Solomon Hattie Bierman Rabbi Ferdinand M. Isserman Shirley Ades Platt Esther Perlman Schapiro Dave Solomon Rose Bolgar Sidney H. Jacobson Sol Reiches Rose N. Schasch Lena Meyer Steinberg Joseph J. Braman Rachel Bienenstok Kalish Charles S. Rice Avery Schermer Bonnie Ellen Steuer Dr. Clarence Theodore Eckert Ralph W. Kalish Ida E. Rosenblatt Louis Schwartz Aaron Waldheim Jacob H. Epstein Nathan Lending Anna Rosenbloom Frank E. Sclair Rose Wax Hilda Rose Fastman Samuel Ludwig Louis Rothgiesser Maurice Senturia Alan Lee Weilitz Ronald Fenster Joseph Mayer Saul L. Rubin Rosetta L. Siegfried Sander Bernard Zwick Jeanne Gerstein
March 14 - March 20 Theresa G. Agatstein Ann Steiner Friedman Sadie Herman Ida S. Platt Anna Hendin Steinbach Irvin Bettman Isadore Fry Sarah Shyer Hirsch Mitzi Ruth Reiser Yetta Stromfeld Michael Blumenfeld Albert Gelber Sadie Pill Jacobson Henry A. Rossen Berenice Tenenbaum Samuel R. Cohen Stella Sommers Glaser Arthur Jungmann Harriett Speier Rostenberg Edward N. Tepper Rachel Cohen Julius Glaser Ernestine Kahn Ruth Ann Rubin Ira L. Wagner Bella Cohen Martin H. Goldberg Raymond Kohn Dena Sachs Bill Wallis Anna Cotler Cecelia Goldman Emily Landauer Harold Sandmel Arthur Michael Washauer Dorothy Henrietta Dolgin Dr. Leo Gottlieb Ellis A. Levine Sam Schechter Dr. Albert G. Weiss Abraham Edison Philip Gram Mildred R. Levy Ida Schechter Klara Westheimer Carolyn Elaine Finkelstein Harry Greenberg Emma Berg Loewenstein Alvin Serkes Abraham Wolff Alberta H. Fisher John Julius Greenberg Samuel Mages David Silverman Morton L. Zalk Samuel L. Fox John J. Hamilton, Jr. Emil Manne Katherine Silverman Bertha C. Frensdorf Rose Schwartz Hearsh Ethel Orchard Walter J. Skrainka
March 21 - March 27 Gertrude Silverstein Alpert Leo Frank Laura May Isaacson Ned Roberts Arthur Simon Max Edward Arenson Ida Vetsburg Friedheim Fannie Isserman Alex Rochman Sarah Stein Marguerite Strecker Baer Oscar Frisch Moe Jacobs Sol Roos Max A. Wedeles Harry Raymond Bean Dr. Jeffrey Scott Gall Frieda Steiner Klauber Stanley E. Rosenfeld June Sachar Weil Norton Frederick Bender Carrie Glaser Ruth S. Kosberg Rose Rubin Gertrude M. Weiss Jack Berg Harold E. Goldberg John Kuriger Harry Schasch Dr. Richard S. Weiss Esther Offenbach Booke Albert M. Greenblatt Amy K. Lears Leo Schermer Anna Weiss Jonathan Israel Cohen Jay Gordon Henges, Jr. Max Lubin Sadie Reichman Schucart Laurel Kahan Wilson Rosalind Geist Epstein Lionel M. Herman Mildred Blustein Neuman Karl Schweizer Manuel Yanow Zella Esrock Marvin Holtzman Dr. Louis John Posener Pauline Silver Martin Feist Marion Harris Isaacs Esther R. Rimmel Rose Sigoloff Silver
March 28 - April 3 Ben M. Berger Hulda Arenson Freund Nathan Kahn Evelyn Orenstein Ralph Sherberg Julia Sigoloff Cohen Emanuel Friedman William P. Klauber Louis Abraham Platt Julia M. Shuchart Arnold Harvey Cole Dr. Ira C. Gall Samuel Kling Sara Schermer Poe Stephen R. Shuchart Albert L. Colowick Edith Katcher Glaser Nathan Koslow Joan W. Rosenblum Phillip L. Siteman Dr. Harry Cutler Nathan Goldberg Stella Weiner Kriegshaber Florence Rosenfeld Margaret Snider Jack Dubinsky Eugene M. Goldberg Curt B. Levi Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Theresa Hartmann Stillman Joseph A. Epstein Pauline Silver Goldman Jerome M. Lipkin Lewis H. Sachs George Studna Lory Schear Fadem Nathan Goldring Yetive Schapiro Lipschultz Abraham Lewis Schapiro Mildred Mae Talman Joyce Ann Conney Flaherty Harry Goldstein Bernhard Littmann Sophie Schorsch Elizabeth Waldman Fannie Fox Herbert V. Goldwasser Sol Loewenstein Samuel Schuchat G. Daniel Woolf Barbara Framer Louis Good Norma Ludmerer Jack Schuman Florence Brown Yalem
These names have been lovingly inscribed on our Wall of Honor or for a Perpetual Memorial. To establish a Perpetual or Wall of Honor memorial for a loved one, please visit www.ti-stl.org/perpetualmemorials or contact Lisa at [email protected] or 314-432-8050. We gratefully acknowledge these tributes received through January 31, 2021. RECENT TRIBUTES
BUILDING FUND In honor of Erin Wolfman May receiving a JPro award In honor of Erin Wolfman May receiving a JPro award Louise Losos & Beth Wiggins Rob & Nancy Litz Michael Weiss In appreciation of the Temple Israel Staff DEUTSCH FAMILY NURSERY SCHOOL FUND In memory of Carol Jacobson Rachel Wallis Andreasson L. Jon Atkinson In memory of Charles Wiggins In honor of Anita Kraus receiving a JPro award Carolyn Losos Michael Weiss YAHRZEITS In memory of Arthur Blatt NATHAN KAHN - ERNESTINE KAHN - CHARLES KAHN FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED Jackie & David Benedick BY LINA KAHN In memory of Maxine Blatt In honor of Erin Wolfman May receiving a JPro award Jackie & David Benedick Neil & Ricki Marglous In memory of Charles Elias Sean & Sheri O’Gorman RABBI MARK L. SHOOK FUND FOR In memory of Elaine T. Elias LIFELONG LEARNING Sean & Sheri O’Gorman In memory of Joy Lending In memory of Lillian Fox Jamie Dubinsky Musgrove Audrey Shanfeld In memory of David Katz RABBIS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND David & Jody Chassin Anonymous In memory of Ben L. Kessler In memory of Sara Efron Rosalind D. Kessler Dr. Nanci Allen In memory of David Ludwig In honor of Rabbi Feder Dr. Mark & Wendy Ludwig Barry & Carol Pessin In memory of Dorothy Ring Helene Spetner Lisa Ring & Gregory Storch In memory of Ruth Serkes Silverstein In memory of Jay Ring Mark Silverstein Lisa Ring & Gregory Storch In memory of Alan Spetner In memory of Sidney Ring Bob & Jan Abrams Lisa Ring & Gregory Storch In memory of Tillie O. Seigel TEMPLE ISRAEL GENERAL FUND Ina & Allan Padratzik In memory of Robert Bernstein In memory of Elizabeth Stone Scott & Robin Alton Robert Stone Barbara, Irene, and Melvin Greenspoon In honor of Jessica Brown Billhymer receiving the Catfish Award from the St Louis Press Club Marvin & Muriel Beckerman In honor of Irv Levy’s birthday Robert & Cathy Goldsticker In honor of Arthur Litz’s 98th birthday Rob & Nancy Litz In memory of Joseph Losos Jerry Berg & Rosa Alvarez Camps David & Jody Chassin
20 page / March 2021 / Congregation Temple Israel DATELINE LEAVE A LEGACY
THE HERITAGE SOCIETY Leaving a legaclegacyy at Temple Israel THANK YOU A gift was made by Alvin Stern z”l
JOIN OUR HERITAGE SOCIETY WITH A LEGACY GIFT A legacy gift symbolizes your commitment to the next generation and to your Temple Israel community. Not only does planned giving allow you give more than you thought possible, it generates a charitable estate tax deduction. Ways to leave your legacy include: Planned gift through your will or trust Beneficiary designation of retirement or savings plan Stock and appreciated assets Life insurance Real estate Charitable Lead Trust Charitable Remainder Trust
LEAVE YOUR LEGACY TODAY! Thank you for your profound kindness and for considering a planned gift that will help to sustain your community for generations. We’d love to discuss your objectives and aspirations for leaving a legacy! Please reach out to Rachel Wallis Andreasson, Executive Director, to get started! [email protected] or 314-548-9743
www.ti-stl.org / March 2021 / 21 page IN OUR COMMUNITY
IN OUR TEMPLE FAMILY GIFT CARD AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PURCHASE STAPLE ITEMS OR EMERGENCY NEEDS Temple Israel has gift cards and funds available for TI members in need to purchase immediate and necessary staple items during this difficult time. These gift cards are no cost to whomever may need them, and are paid for through generous gifts from our Scrip Program subscribers, TI donors, the Rabbis’ Discretionary Fund, and Jewish Federation of St. Louis’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund. All recipients will remain anonymous. If you are in need of gift card or financial support, please reach out to Rabbi Amy at: [email protected]
MAZEL TOV TO JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES IS HERE FOR Marc & Jenny Enger on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Elijah Enger OUR COMMUNITY Ryan Fields for being named as the inaugural recipient of If you are in need of financial assistance:Jewish Family Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis’s Kim and Services (JFS) can help with rent and mortgage payments, and Tim Eberlein Distinguished Professorship utility, medicine, and medical bills. Call Pat at 314-513-1678 or 314-993-1000 for confidential assistance. Donna & Steve Stone on the birth of their daughter, Allison Galit Stone If you are in need of emotional or mental health support: JFS has a variety of qualified counselors who are available to talk Sid & Cookie Wishne on the birth of their grandson, about anything that is on your mind. If they can’t provide you Kanain Wishne; parents are Kent & Kanlaya Wishne and big sister with what you are looking for, they know who can. Call Rochelle is Kallysta Wishne at 314-993-1000 for more information. CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF If you are in need of food: JFS delivers free, healthy, and nutritious foods to your door at no cost to you. Call Lori at Sara Efron, sister-in-law of Evelyn Bernstein 314-812-9300 for more information. Doris Fishman, mother of Susan (Barry) Barber If you’d like to donate non-perishable food items to the Peggy Ross, mother of Pam (Craig) Toder; grandmother of Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry: Drop off hours are Paige (Stuart) Noel Monday-Thursday, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm, and Friday, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm at 10601 Baur Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63132. Barbara Simon, mother of Kathy Simon Current items most needed include canned meats; canned and Elaine Wenneker, mother of Robin (Dennis) Chudacoff dry pastas; tomato and pasta sauce in plastic jars; soups, stews, and chili; rice and beans; peanut butter & jelly; canned fruits & Roberta Zaentz Wolfman, grandmother of Erin (Matthew) vegetables; mac & cheese; and dried or canned potatoes. Wolfman May Judy Zimmerman, step-mother of Lynn Zimmerman
TODAH RABAH TO Recent volunteers: Martha Aronson, Kathy de la Garza Ortbals, Beth Deutsch, Julie Devine, Amy Knoblock-Hahn, Martha Kreipke, Amy Lampert, The Levy-Thomeczek family, Nancy Litz, Neil Marglous, Steve Rosenblum, Darcy Scharff, Debbie Schultz, Nancy Solomon, and Michele Steinberg Frozen February Trivia Night hosts Matthew Litwack and Billy Rubenstein; Co-Chairs Matthew Meyer and Amanda Roodman; and Committee members Mark Biernacki, Amy Lampert, and Stacy Wolff Smart
22 page / March 2021 / Congregation Temple Israel DATELINE The Only Jewish Family Owned and Operated Funeral Chapel In St. Louis.
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THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS To advertise, contact Rachel Wallis Andreasson at [email protected] or 314-548-9743 March 2021 TEMPLE ISRAEL DATELINE Adar / Nisan 5781 #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive www.ti-stl.org St. Louis, MO 63141-7670
LEADERSHIP STAFF Amy Feder, Rabbi Michael Alper, Rabbi Mark L. Shook, Rabbi Emeritus Rachel Wallis Andreasson, Executive Director Leslie Wolf, Director of Family Education Lesley Goldenberg, Assistant Director of Family Education Erin Wolfman May, Communications Director Lisa Hirshberg, Membership Manager Martina Stern, Special Events Manager Debbie Jennings, Catering Manager Derrick Bryant, Building Supervisor Kim Rivera, Director of Accounting Janet Dillon, Accounting Manager
OFFICERS Louise Losos, President Robert D. Litz, Immediate Past President David Chassin, Vice President, Facilities Neil Marglous, Vice President Social Action & Membership Jeremy Shook, Vice President Legal & Human Resources Michael Weiss, Vice President, Operations Sarah Falkoff, Vice President Education Brad Arst, Treasurer Allan Epstein, Assistant Treasurer Julie Follman, Secretary Amy Knoblock-Hahn, Assistant Secretary Jeff Brown, Member at Large JoAnne Levy, Member at Large
GET EXCITED AND TELL YOUR KIDDOS. CAMP SHOOK IS BACK THIS SUMMER! We can’t wait to share a fun, wonderful summer with your children (walking through age 6) at Camp Shook. We’ve been cooped up inside for way too long, and we’re only a few months away from safely and healthfully following COVID-19 guidelines as we swim and play the summer days away at Temple Israel’s Camp Shook. Turn to page 6 for more information from our family education director Leslie Wolf!
VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS CONTACT US CONNECT WITH US Monday - Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Phone: 314-432-8050 /TempleIsraelStLouis Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Fax: 314-432-8053 /TIstl www.ti-stl.org /CongregationTempleIsrael
NOTE: Temple Israel Dateline (USPS: 128-700) is published monthly by Congregation Temple Israel. Periodicals postage paid at St. Louis, MO. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Temple Israel Dateline, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141-7670.