July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Mazel Tov to all our Religious school students for another great year of learning. IN THIS ISSUE
Special kudos to the Zayin Class who graduated in Host an Oneg…………………………. 2 President’s Column …………………. 3 May: Rabbi’s Column ……………………… 4 David Arlen Holiday Services ………..…………… 7 Ari Bernstein Yahrzeits July ……………………… 9 Adam Belkin-Rosen Yahrzeits August …………………10 Contributions ……………………..... 11 Rose Chusid In Memoriam ………………………… 13 Leah Lurie Education Director’s Column ...….. 14 Benjamin Margolis Gala Update …………………………. 16 Nathan Stein Kosher Korner ……………………. 17 Sisterhood News ………..…….…… 18 Jack Hyams Gift Shop …………………………… 19 Philly Soul Arena Football Team … 20 UPCOMING EVENTS Film Festival Schedule ……………. 21 Classes w/ Rabbi Jacob …….…….. 26 Please visit Donation Form……………………….. 27 orshalom.com/ Monthly Calendar ……………….. 28 calendar for the latest Advertisers ……………………….. 30 information about Office Hours: Monday 10:30 to 3:30 events. Tuesday 11 to 4 Wednesday 10 to 3 Thursday 10 to 3 September Horizons Friday 10:30 to 3:30 articles will be due
August 21st Office Closed June 30 July 3
HORIZONS July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775 TD Bank Affinity Program
One of our best opportunities to increase Or Shalom’s revenue is through TD Bank. The bank has a program which pays Or Shalom a percentage of the total balances of the accounts that are enrolled in Horizons is published monthly. Material the program and affiliated with Or Shalom. If you already have an submitted for publication may be edited account at TD Bank, you can easily enroll your account in the Affinity for style, length and content. Program by calling Jeff Salvo, the TD Bank branch manager in Devon. Jeff’s phone number is 610-254-9150. Please contact the office to report any errors or omissions. Thank you. Remember, any member, relative of a member, or friend of a member can open a savings or checking account then enroll the Editor: Lauren Porter account in the Affinity Program, providing them with Or Shalom’s Congregation Or Shalom name and address. Please note that all your bank account information 835 Darby-Paoli Road is held in strict confidence by TD Bank. Or Shalom is not told anyone’s Berwyn, PA 19312 account balances and we are not told who is enrolled in the program. Phone: 610-644-9086 The only information we receive from TD Bank is the total number of www.OrShalom.com accounts enrolled and the total account balances. E-mail: [email protected]
Over the past four years, TD Bank has donated just under Congregation Or Shalom $21,000! Executive Committee
President: Stuart Lurie Vice President: Treasurer: Alan Daroff /Ellen Gross Do you know Unaffiliated Jews in Secretary: Larry Bilker Membership: Scott Markovitz Chester County, Montgomery Events/Fundraising: Wendy Markind IPP: Fred Leibowitz County and Delaware County?
Auxiliary & Community Groups Do you have Jewish friends or acquaintances who live in Chester
County, Montgomery County and Delaware County who are not Sisterhood: Mindy Bernstein already members of a synagogue? If you do, why not invite them to Men’s Club: Dan Bernick Social Action: Gina Arlen one of the upcoming events at Or Shalom, for example our next Education Chair: Melissa Schneider Friday night dinner? They may have a good time and decide to come Ritual Committee: Murray Klug back. They may have such a good time that they decide to become members themselves. According to a recent survey by the Jewish Advertising rates Federation, there are many, many unaffiliated Jews in Chester county. Advertising contracts are arranged We’d love to contact them, but don’t know who they are. You can through the Temple office. All advertis- help. ing is due the first of the month for next month’s edition of Horizons. We accept Todah rabah! ads with a check made out to Congrega- tion Or Shalom and the ad copy sent at the same time. Celebrate with an Oneg
Size 11 issues Per issue Full Page $900 $100 Or Shalom Sisterhood is delighted to announce that 1/2 page $450 $50 you can sponsor an Oneg for any celebration you wish! 1/4 page $225 $25 Friday night and/or Saturday morning. The Sisterhood 1/8 page $180 $20 will be happy to purchase it and set it up, we only want you to join us and celebrate! Call Mindy Bernstein at (610) 647-1128 or email Mindy at [email protected].
HORIZONS 2 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775 From your newsletter editors The President’s Column Stuart Lurie Do we have your correct email address? If you have not been receiving the weekly update, We Are Family we probably don’t have a cor- rect address. Please email the As we all prepare for summer, let me recap some office with your correct address recent events that underscore the importance of our Or Shalom community, our extended family. Just in the last few weeks, we’ve had a number of events, both happy and sad, that perfectly encapsulate how important Or Shalom is to all of us. Do we have a complete list of your Yahrzeits? We send out a In May, we had a terrible accident befall one of our reminder letter each month. If you young congregants and his family, and we saw our don’t get one, we don’t have your community spring into action with words and deeds Yahrzeit records up to date. Email the office with the name, relation- of love and compassion. On May 31 alone, we had ship to member, and civil date in- our Hebrew School graduation, our annual meeting, cluding year and we will add it to and our fundraiser gala. What an action-packed day. our records. We got to “talk business,” see our kids advance, and enjoy each other’s company. Then, in June, we experienced the joy of two Bar Mitzvahs, as well as Mazel Tov to the Graduating Zayin the sorrow of three untimely deaths. class, after eight years of Jewish Education at Or Shalom. We hope For all of these things, having a supportive you will come visit from time to time. Thank you so much to the families, community is critical. Whatever the occasion, Or who gave our school a beautiful Shalom is here for us. It’s our extended family. Havdalah set and a big movie screen Enjoy your vacations, but don’t be a stranger. for the synagogue. With your help we See you real soon. will be able to upgrade both our religious ceremonies and social events. Stuart Lurie, President
This newsletter is for all communicate, to share thoughts, to tell simchas, to speak of our losses, our joys, and to say “did you know?” Let us know! E-mail us: [email protected]
HORIZONS 3 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Mitzvah of the Month Rabbi Jacob Rosner
tzedaka/gleanings
Everyone knows that it is a mitzvah to give tzedaka-commonly translate as charity. In addition to the commandment to “open up your hand to the poor your brother”, the Torah specifies certain types of gifts. These mitzvoth reflect the agrarian society of the time. The most well known of these mitzvoth is to leave a corner of the field for the poor.
I am sure you have often heard a rabbi teach that charity is a bad translation for the Hebrew word tzedaka (righteousness). Charity implies doing something above and beyond, out of the goodness of your heart. Tzedaka is a mitzvah-a commandment- and the courts could force the farmer to leave that corner open to the poor.
This concept is brilliantly illustrated by a colleague rabbi, Ronnie Cohen with the following story that I shared in a recent sermon. I want you to use your imagination.
You are a married couple or a single with a friend. If you have kids, you left them at home with bubbie and zeyda. It’s vacation time and you have been looking forward to getting away. you come to this resort recommended to you by your rabbi. He doesn’t tell you anything about it, but you trust his judgment….maybe a mistake. The resort is pretty enough, it’s like any other resort; comfortable bungalows, swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course, restaurant, game room. Nothing special. You decide to have your first meal at the restaurant….after all you are on vacation. The rabbi knew you kept kosher Conservative style, and there were many fish and vegetarian options; but there was something a bit strange about this restaurant. There seemed to be not one, but two lines of people waiting for tables. The lines moved fast. In less than five minutes, the hostess showed you to your table, gave you menus and took your drink order. "Is this your first time here?" she asked. You tell a little white lie saying you had been there be- fore, since you're not particularly interested in that little spiel hosts go through on the history of their restaurant. It was a nice menu with a decent wine list, just a little bit pricey, but you figure, "hey, what are vacations for?"
As you get ready to order, the people get up from the table next to you, and you noticed that they had actually left quite a bit of food on their serving dishes. Apparently, this was a family- style restaurant, with all the food served in serving dishes, so everyone at the table could try everything. You wait for your food, nurse your drinks, munch on the bread-sticks and look around at the tables surrounding you. At the next table a party of 4 was being seated. 2 older folks and 2 younger folks. Perhaps a couple and their in-laws. Strange, even though this was a casual restaurant, you are surprised at how casually they are dressed. HORIZONS 4 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Rabbi Article continued
The older couple's clothes in particular looked threadbare. You notice something else. The busboy in clearing the table had neglected to remove the serving dishes that still had the food from the previous party. Just then the waiter arrives with your appetizer and you focus on the food in front of you. The food portions are really generous.. The serving dishes were huge. And what's more, those holding hot food were actually hotplates, so that every time you take another portion, the food is nice and hot. You manage to finish your appetizers and make a good dent in your entrees when you finally reach your limits, and ask the waiter for a doggy bag.
"I'm very sorry," he said with genuine sorrow in his voice, "I thought you understood." "Understood what?" you ask. "Understood that we don't give out doggy bags at the restaurant." "Look, I don't care what you call it, just give us something in which we can carry this extra food to our rooms. ""I'm very sorry," he says again, "I'm obviously doing a poor job of explaining this to you. It's not that we don't have containers, rather, it is the policy of this establishment that you're more than welcome to eat whatever you want in the restaurant. However, once you get up from the table, you're not allowed to take any uneaten food with you."“ But I'm paying for it!” You say, “ Or are you going to not charge me for the uneaten food?" "I'm sorry," he said for the third time, "you are indeed paying for it, and no, we cannot reduce the charge for the uneaten food." "So I'm paying for it, but I can't have it." "You can have it, sir, at the table. But no, you cannot take it back to your room." "That's ridiculous," you want to shout, but you manage to keep your voice controlled. "It's not as if you can sell it to someone else, for G-d's sake. What are you going to do with it?" "I can assure you, sir, that the food will not go to waste. Now, can I get you some coffee and dessert?"
"No," you grumble, "just give us the check." As you walk out you notice the busboy come to clear your table. It was already set with new place settings, even though the busboy still hadn't removed the serving dishes. You think to yourself, how strange that no one had bothered to train the busboys to clear the table completely before resetting it. As you wait at the cash regis- ter to pay your bill, you notice an old couple being led to your table. There was no mistaking that they were from south of the poverty line.
Then, all of the sudden, everything clicks into place. The two lines, the large portions, the small dinner plates, the obvious poverty of some of the diners, the no doggy bags, and the serving dishes on hotplates left at the table. That's exactly what the old couple was going to do: finish your salmon, rice and veggies. That's what 'the policy of this establishment' was: to feed the poor, in a dignified and hygienic manner, from the leftovers of those who could afford to be generous. This was not charity, at the whim of the waiters or hosts or paying diners.
HORIZONS 5 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Rabbi Article continued
The system was specifically designed this way, and the poor had just as much right to line up in their line, had just as much right to the leftover food on the table they were shown to, as did those who were more fortunate and were in the paying line. Did I tell you the name of the resort? If I had thought about the name at the beginning, their policy might not have come as such a surprise: The Gleaners. * * * * * It is difficult for us to picture a farmer who spends the entire growing year tending the field, worrying about rain and insects and weeds, and then being told he cannot harvest his entire crop. What do you mean? It's my field? I bought it… and I worked so hard. I tilled the field and planted the seeds and brought the water to nourish it… and now you are telling me I have to give some of it away?
Yet the Torah tells me that I have to leave the corners. The Torah instructs me that if anything falls down while I’m harvesting, that too, no longer belongs to me. If I forget a bunch, I can't go back and get it. All of these things must be left for the poor. It belongs to them, and if I were to go back and get it, not only would I be guilty of violating the commandments about gleaning; I would be guilty of theft. By law, once I had made one pass through my field, what- ever was left behind no longer belongs to me. These entitlements of the poor aren't instead of taxes and tithes the farmer has to pay; they are in addition to them!
Imagine telling farmers in America they have to behave like that. Imagine running a resort like the one I described.
The idea of the resort is so far-fetched because it flies in the face of the basic organizing principles of our society.
The right to ownership. What's mine is mine The economic basis of biblical society is that G-d owns everything, and we have the inaliena- ble right to pursue stewardship of property. As stewards we wield a great deal of autonomy and authority. Indeed, we are partners with G-d in developing the land, and making the most of it. We are entitled to enjoy the benefits of the property but the bedrock of this system is G- d's ownership. If he says the poor have an inalienable right to the gleanings, that's just part of the deal. If he says that every 7 years, debts are released, and slaves are freed; that every 50 years land reverts back to the families of the original owners; these are simply the terms of the stewardship agreement.
The challenge facing us as Jews in 21st century America, is to bring innovative approaches to poverty that translate the biblical concepts of stewardship, and of the inalienable rights of the poor to food (not to mention clothing, shelter, healthcare, education, productive employment and self-respect) in a manner that's consistent with the basic principles of our western society. Not an easy task. However, as it says in Pirkei Avot, we're not required to finish the job, but we cannot stop working on it.
HORIZONS 6 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Holiday Services
This year the Fast of the 9th of Av occurs on Saturday July 24th. The fast is postponed until after Shabbat. Therefore we will observe the 9th of Av on Saturday night beginning at 9:00 PM. There will be a short film shown prior to services.
Selihot Services will be held on Saturday night September 5 beginning at 9: 00 PM. We will have a program (T.B.D) and refreshments prior to the service.
On Sunday September 13, in the morning, adult help will be needed to set up the Sanctuary and social hall for the High Holy Days.
Rosh Hashanah
Services for Erev Rosh Hashanah will begin at 8:00 PM on Sunday September 13. Baby sitting will NOT be provided.
First Day Rosh Hashanah Monday September 14: services will begin at 9:00 AM. Children Services will be held from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Babysitting will be provided from 10AM to 1:30 PM **. Tashlich will be held at Wilson Park beginning at 5:30 PM followed by Min- chah/Maariv at Or Shalom beginning at 7:00 PM
Second Day Rosh Hashanah Tuesday September 15: Services begin at 9:00 AM. Minchah/ Maariv will begin at 7:00 PM. There will be no Children services nor babysitting
Yom Kippur
Kol Nidre will begin at 6:30 PM on Tuesday September 22 Babysitting T.B.D. ** There will be NO school that afternoon.
Yom Kippur Services will begin at 9:00 AM. Yizkor will be recited after the Torah service. Children's services will be held from 10:30AM to 12:30PM. Baby sitting will be provided from 10AM to 1:30PM.** Minchah will begin at 5:15 PM and the Shofar will be blown to end Yom Kippur at approximately 7:30 PM.
HORIZONS 7 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Holiday Services continued
Sukkot
Erev Sukkot: September 27--The school will meet beginning at 4:30 PM rather than in the morning. Maariv services for the entire community will begin at 6:30 PM followed by "Pizza in the Hut". *** We expect to be finished at 7:30PM
Sukkot: September 28 and 29--Morning Services will be held beginning at 9:00 AM. School will be held at the regular time on Tuesday September 29 but it will be a special Sukkot
related program.
Shemini Atzeret: October 5--Morning Services will be held beginning at 9:00 AM.
Yizkor will be recited
Simchat Torah: October 5--Combined school and community event and services
5:00 PM Rolling of the Torah so everyone can see every word in the Torah
5:25 PM Maariv services including a Procession of the Torah and an aliyah for all
children. A dessert buffet will be provided after services.
We expect to be finished by 7:00 PM
Tuesday October 6--Morning Services beginning at 9:00AM. There will be no school that day.
**There will be a charge for babysitting and advance reservations will be required.
*** There will be a charge for Pizza dinner
HORIZONS 8 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
July 3 - Tammuz 16, 5775 Arthur Barkhouse, father of Sue Daroff
July 10 - Tammuz 23, 5775 Laura Feinberg, mother of Sheryl Tregerman Milton Natanblut (Moshe ben), father of Herman Natanblut
July 11 - Tammuz 24, 5775 Milton Bornstein, father of Janet Emanuel Paul Hoicker, father of Arlene Noble
July 13 - Tammuz 26, 5775 Michael Levitsky, brother of Shirley Shapiro
July 14 - Tammuz 27, 5775 Israel Leonard Keet (Yisrael ben Avraham), father of David Keet
July 15 - Tammuz 28, 5775 Albert Hayman, father of Harris Hayman
July 18 - Av 2, 5775 Sol Milberg, father of Barry Milberg Grandfather of Helaine Leibowitz Grandfather of David Milberg
July 27 - Av 11, 5775 Milton Leight, father of Lester Leight
July 28 - Av 12, 5775 Benjamin Horowitz, Sol's father Ruth Harman
HORIZONS 9 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
August 1 - Av 16, 5775 Jacqueline Ivins Bilker, mother of Larry Bilker
August 3 - Av 18, 5775 Gizella Friedman, grandmother of Glenn Boyet David Robbins (David ben Isaac), brother of Harriet Krant Florence Wachter, mother of Michael Wachter
August 4 - Av 19, 5775 Mark Kosterich, brother of Jeffrey Kosterich Robert Noble (Rachmeel), father of David Noble Helen Wolf, mother of Charlotte Lafair, Grandmother of Julie Miller, Beth Burak
August 6 - Av 21, 5775 Harry Burak, father of Steven Burak Oscar Klein (Izhac Meir Ben Herschel), husband of Vera Klein
August 8 - Av 23, 5775 Rachel Krant (Rachiel Tserol bat Eliezer), mother of Bernard Krant Leah Roth (Chaia Lea), grandmother of David Hoffman
August 9 - Av 24, 5775 Adolphe Berman, father of Linda Mand
August 11 - Av 26, 5775 Edith Sigman, mother of Kelly Sigman
August 15 - Av 30, 5775 Sarah Rubin (Sarah bat Benjamin), mother of Harriet Krant
August 17 - Elul 2, 5775 Marvin Erlich, father of Michelle Cohen
August 18 - Elul 3, 5775 Meyer Mand, father of Jeffrey Mand August 28 - Elul 13, 5775 Sylvia Schuman, mother of Binnie Donald August 21 - Elul 6, 5775 David Krant (David ben Abraham), father of Bernard Krant August 29 - Elul 14, 5775 Mel Leibowitz, father of Fred Leibowitz August 22 - Elul 7, 5775 Frank Shine, brother of Carolyn Shine Travis Rhue, nephew of Harriet Krant August 30 - Elul 15, 5775 August 24 - Elul 9, 5775 Samuel Kesselman, father of Florence Hoffritz Mary Blaustein, mother of Bernard Blaustein Solomon Skolnick, father of Miriam Seres
August 27 - Elul 12, 5775 August 31 - Elul 16, 5775 Hugo Sachs, grandfather of Miriam Leshem Belle Mushlin, mother of Theodore Mushlin
HORIZONS 10 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Contributions Congregation Or Shalom gratefully acknowledges the following generous contributions in the month of May 2015
Annual Celebration
Michael & Gina Arlen Brenda Belkin & Lawrence Rosen James & Mindy Bernstein Alan & Susan Daroff Rabbi Alan J. Iser & Sharon Liebhaber Leslie Jay & Laurie Katz Murray Klug Howard & Jennifer Lurie Scott & Mindy Markovitz BettyAnn Monash Herman & Zora Natanblut Elgin & James Nowoswiat James Patton & Ellen Gross David & Marsha Peltz Stephen Prince & Melissa Hartstein-Prince Steve & Nieta Shapiro
Yahrzeit Donations
Elizabeth Wolman Blumen: in memory of Arthur Wolman Diana Braunstein: in memory of Sara Swerdlow, Martin Kaplan, William Swerdlow Todd S. & Christina Chusid: in memory of Muriel Chusid Sam & Hilda Daniel: in memory of David Gorbacz Alan & Susan Daroff: in memory of Maxwell A. Daroff & Ellen G. Barkhouse Sheila & James DiDomenico: in memory of Harold Koobrick Harris & Renee Hayman: in memory of Sophie Freeman Leslie Jay & Laurie Katz: in memory of Ruth Kornreich Lester Leight: in memory of Adolfine Leight Marjorie Leonard: in memory of Larry Leonard and Selma Aronoff Howard & Jennifer Lurie: in memory of Julius Lurie Theodore & Fay Mushlin: in memory of Morris Mushlin Scott & Jan Sachs: in memory of Morton Aaron Roth- schild
HORIZONS 11 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Contributions
Congregation Or Shalom gratefully acknowledges the following generous contributions in the month of May 2015 continued from page 10
General Donation Michael & Gina Arlen Daniel & Elizabeth Bernick David & Lindsay Liebman James Patton & Ellen Gross Ayalah Sorkin Roerich
General Fund Elizabeth Wolman Blumen Boaz & Jill Cohen Anne Engel Leslie Jay & Laurie Katz Alan Messing
Please Note: Any error or omission of a name or contribution is NOT intentional. Please contact the office via email [[email protected]] if your name and contribution was not included the list, and we will publish in the next issue. Thankyou.
HORIZONS 12 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
In memoriam
Israel Gold June 2, 2015
Betsy Blumen June 16, 2015
Sandy Birnbaum June 18, 2015
HORIZONS 13 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
From the Education Director Na’ama Yarden
What is the Meaning of Meaning in Jewish Education?
On a sunny Sunday afternoon in June, I arrived at JTS, The Jewish Theological Seminary in NYC for a conference called “What is the Meaning of Meaning in Jewish Education”. This title caught my eye a few months before and I made sure not to miss the opportunity to learn about the ideas that are hiding behind this name. For two days, Rabbis, Professors and head educators discussed this topic from different points of view: Philosophically, psychologically and educationally, in regards to Jewish thought.
It was an amazing experience to sit together and try to craft the new direction of Jewish Education. All around everyone was saying: the approach to Jewish Education has to change. It is actually already changing from the ground up. ((explain more about what “ground up” means)) The students are telling us, in their own way, that the old way does not work anymore. For a long time, Jewish Education was about rote learning: fact-based, teacher-centered, with an emphasis on practicing prayers. Research has shown that a large percentage of the Jewish world has grown up differently than the one from a hundred years ago. This new age is more diverse, creative and individually connected to Judaism, as opposed to the traditional synagogue-centered community. If we don’t change our way of thinking, they will no loner look for a Jewish connection. This is already happening all around us.
So, what is the meaning of “Meaning in Jewish Education”? Is the answer we are looking for objective or subjective? Are we looking for one right answer, or are there many different ones? Everyone is looking for meaning in their lives, something beyond money, health and power. Belonging to a community is an essential part of building confidence and meaning in one’s life, highlighting the appreciation and recognition a person receives from the authentic relationships they develop.
The modern world has brought about different needs to our audiences. The search for identity and con- nection comes from within and can no longer be initiated by the educators’ agenda for the students. Curriculums must be personalized in order to relate best to each individual student. Before, education was viewed from the teacher’s perspective, but now we must look at it from the student’s outlook. So what is the new way to involve our young Jews in their traditions? How can we shape our Jewish institutions to inspire and encourage individuals to search for their own answers? Here are a few ideas: Educators need to talk with their students, not to them. What we thought about our lives yesterday might change today. We need to constantly create new meanings for ourselves. An educator has to instill a sense of security within their students. When discussing meaning, there are no right and wrong answers. These questions might provoke anxiety for our students, so we must create a safe environment where people feel comfortable asking questions, searching for answers and exploring new directions.
HORIZONS 14 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
From the Education Director (continued)
The last big survey of American Jews, conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2013 (http:// www.jewishdatabank.org/studies/details.cfm?StudyID=715) showed that most Jews see them- selves as culturally Jewish, many being kids of intermarried families. Today, Judaism is viewed as a choice and not as an inherited obligation. This is why the famous idea of “M’Dor L’Dor”, transferring Jewish identity from generation to generation, does not work any more. Everyone needs to ask themselves: Why does it matter if I’m Jewish or not? What do I feel strongly about? The connection to our people and tradition will only come from our minds and hearts.
We still need to find ways to expose our students to Jewish sources, ancient and new, our moral laws and culture. We should always let the expression, “70 faces to the Torah,” play a role in our discussions. We need to respect different opinions, keep an open mind, listen to our students and be ready to change our plans if this is what is needed to keep them engaged.
There are many challenges on this new path. The tension between unity and individuality can prove difficult in finding the right path. We need educators who feel comfortable teaching by this method. How are we going to build our curriculum? And which subjects form the core of our program?
This new path is not the easy way to get our students to become young Jewish-involved people, but it may be the right way, and the only one that will succeed. We will only know when we try, retry and recheck our ideas over and over.
HORIZONS 15 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
GALA UPDATE
On Sunday evening, May 31st, Or Shalom held our annual fundraiser/gala. This event was organized by the Programming Committee, staffed by our Education Director, Na'ama Yarden, who is motivated and excited to help our congregation hold more social functions throughout the year. Underneath her is the committee, consisting of Marla Gropper, Melissa Hartstein, Warren Hyams, David, Marsha Peltz, BettyAnn Monash, and myself.
We decided to 'combine' the gala with an event that was already on our schedule as part of the concert series my husband, Scott Markovitz, has been enthusiastically making possible for over a year now. This was the fourth concert Scott has brought to Or Shalom and we made it a little more special with a catered meal, a (paperless) tribute booklet, a silent auction & raffle items. Mike Agranoff, folk singer and entertainer took the stage as we listened to him sing and recite colorful and comedic stories. He was truly a 'one-of-a-kind'. Our gala was attended by over 60 people, but only 40-some RSVP'd. Although this is a good problem to have, I cannot stress enough how important it is to respond and respond early enough so there is enough food.
Fun was had by all! We grossed over $7,500 that evening!
This event could not have been possible without the help of everyone who volunteered their time. Brenda Belkin Rosen put together a beautiful power-point showcasing all who donated both objects for the silent auction and money to the fundraiser. Her sister, Lisa, whose paintings adorn our sanctuary generously donated another one of her pieces in a 50/50 auction as well. Steve & Nieta Shapiro are the proud new owners of this piece. David Keet designed the evite and collected responses, picked up the food from the caterer. Melissa Hartstein wrote letters, made spread sheets, and logged everything in tremendous detail leading up to this event. Marsha Peltz and Mindy Bernstein greeted people the whole night collecting money and selling tickets for raffle items. BettyAnn Monash made the auction items look gorgeous and created bid sheets. Warren Hyams helped with set-up and clean-up, which as we all know at Kibbutz Or Shalom, is a huge task! Marla Gropper and Julie Miller helped to sell raffle tickets too. And LP is behind all of the scenes doing what she does, for this we are grateful. Sue Daroff had the gift shop open the entire night for anyone who wanted to browse in there; thank you, Sue.
I attribute the success of this fundraiser to a great committee of people working together who 'got the job done' in a professional and very organized manor. Consider getting involved with the Program- ming Committee next fall - it's a fun way to get the shul together.
Mindy Markovitz & Na'ama Yarden Gala Co-Chairs
HORIZONS 16 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
KOSHER KORNER
CHICKEN IN VERMOUTH By Helaine Leibowitz
4 boneless chicken breasts, cut in half 1 stick parve margarine 7 chopped scallions ½ c. vermouth Pepper Flour seasoned with garlic powder, pepper and paprika
Season the flour. Lightly dredge the chicken. Saute the chicken in part of the margarine for approximately 6 to 8 minutes until chicken has turned white. Remove to a warm dish. Saute scallions in the margarine and add the remainder of the margarine and stir. Add the vermouth and stir. Pour over the chicken.
LADIES IN WINE By Bertha Zylberdrut
1 pkg. ladyfingers 1 (3 or 3-1/2 oz.) pkg. vanilla pudding 1 (3 or 3-1/2 oz.) pkg. chocolate pudding 1 c. sweet Port wine
Prepare pudding according to instructions on package. Soak ladyfingers in wine. In 9 inch pie plate, place ½ ladyfingers on bottom. Pour ¾ vanilla pudding on top. Then add another layer with the other ½ ladyfingers and pour remaining vanilla pudding and chocolate pudding on top in a swirl de- sign. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serves 6– 8
HORIZONS 17 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
SisterhoodSisterhood newsnews
This summer, the Sisterhood Book Club choice is The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant. It is an easy, summer read. We will meet sometime in August. The date and location will be announced soon in the weekly email along with the date for our Opening Dinner in the early fall.
Thanks to Bari Brandt for donating her extra paper goods to the Sisterhood. We appreciate the extra napkins and cups! (And Mazel Tov to Nathan.)
This weekend I am very excited to be celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of my youngest child, Ari. After 14 years of driving to Hebrew school at Or Shalom (starting when Shaina was 5), it will be very strange to at least have Tuesday evenings free. Ari will be going to Confirmation classes on Sundays, so I still won't have Sunday mornings free for a while.
Have a wonderful summer!
Sisterhood President, Mindy Bernstein
HORIZONS 18 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
GiftGift ShopShop
GIFT SHOP NEWS
It’s Summer Time! And the Shopping is Easy At the Or Shalom Gift Shop Hours by Appointment Call Binnie 610-688-6750 Cash or Checks Accepted-sorry no credit cards
HORIZONS 19 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Philadelphia Soul Arena Football Team. On Sunday August 2nd, we will be hosting our Yalla, Soul; celebration of the Jewish Community event. Packages start at $18 per person which includes a Philadelphia Soul Hebrew t-shirt, postgame concert by Six13 and a ticket to the Soul/Voodoo game. Glatt Kosher food will also be available for purchase in the arena during the game.
Look forward to having your congregation celebrate Yalla, Soul in early August.
Bethany Lang Group Sales l Philadelphia Soul P: 215-253-4900 x214 E: [email protected]
HORIZONS 20 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Community Events
The Kehillah of Chester County A Jewish Community Collaboration funded by
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia presents the 2nd Annual Summer Shorts An Eight-Session Film Festival & Discussion Series of Selected Contemporary International Jewish Short Films
Wednesdays, July 8 through August 26, 2015 • 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. The Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA
Seating is limited. Reservations must be made
3rd Floor Screening Room (handicap accessible) Suggested donation per session: $6.00
HORIZONS 21 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Kehillah of Chester County's "Summer Shorts" Film Festival schedule JULY 8 - PROGRAM 1: OPENING NIGHT
DEAR G-D Israel | 2014 | 13 min. In this beautiful and poetic fi we witness life at the Western Wall through the eyes of Aaron, one of the site’s security guards.
JERUSALEM ER Israel | 2012 | 17 min. Dr. Stalnikowicz runs a hospital in Jerusalem, along with Dr. Salameh, who is a Palestinian Israeli from the north. The two female doctors come in early each morning, and every day are confronted with new moments, both revelatory and shocking.
70 HESTER STREET USA | 2014 | 10 min. A filmmaker reflection on the past lives and legacies of his childhood home, a 140-year-old building in New York City’s storied Lower East Side.
EYEWITNESS USA | 1999 | 30 min. A compelling examination of the lives of Jan Komski, Dinah Gottliebova, and Felix Nussbaum – three artists forced to pursue their creative work in secret while living in Nazi death camps during WWII.
REVERENCE Canada | 2015 | 13 min. Batman, Homer Simpson, a New York Yankees logo – you’re likely to see any of these logos on the yarmulke of a Jewish boy in modern Jewish communities today. Explore “fitting in” and “standing out” within Jewish communities.
THE TAILOR USA | 2011 | 6 min. Culture and confusion meet on a Brooklyn street.
JULY 15 - PROGRAM 2
MOSES ON THE MESA USA | 2013 |18 min. This short drama was inspired by the real life of Solomon Bibo, a Jewish boy from Germany who came to the Wild West in the late 1800s. He learned how to ride a horse, shoot a gun, play poker with outlaws, make friends with “Indians” from his grandpa’s tall tales... and always remained a Jew... a Moses on the Mesa.
HOLLOW LAND Canada, Denmark, France | 2013 | 13 min. This animated short tells the story about the eternal search for home. Hollow Land pursues the dream of utopia. Making of Hollow Land: The makers of the fi speak about the process. 6 min.
EVAN KAUFMANN: FATHER’S LAND USA | 2012 | 9 min. The survivors of the Holocaust, as well as their descendants, grapple with the issue of modern Germany. Jew- ish-American hockey player Evan Kaufmann faces a dilemma as he wrestles with whether he should con- tinue playing in Germany, despite the fact that many family members were killed in the Holocaust.
ME AND THE JEWISH THING Denmark | 2009 | 43 min. A witty, thoughtful meditation on the collision of two cultures. Danish Jewish filmmaker Ulrik Gutkin and his Danish non-Jewish girlfriend find themselves on opposite sides regarding circumcising their new baby boy.
HORIZONS 22 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
JULY 22 - PROGRAM 3: PHILADELPHIA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL’S 2014 SHORTS PROGRAM
AUSCHWITZ ON MY MIND Israel, Poland, UK | 2013 | 16 min. Two Israeli teens on a school trip are torn between the remote events of the Holocaust and a more immediate bio- logical attraction.
HANNAH COHEN’S HOLY COMMUNION UK | 2012 | 10 min. A spirited 7-year-old growing up in Dublin in the 1970’s can’t wait to make her Holy Communion. The only problem is… she’s the wrong religion.
THE FUNERAL UK | 2013 | 10 min. Arnold Cowan is not a religious man. He does not believe in any of “that nonsense,” which is a bit of a problem, because his son wants a proper bar mitzvah.
HEAVY DUTY Israel | 2012 | 15 min. Ronny wakes up one morning to find her husband is not there. She decides to go confront his mistress, but how far will she go in order to return her nutty husband back home?
I’M A MITZVAH USA | 2014 | 19 min. An unexpected cancellation of his flight leaves David and his deceased friend stranded in Mexico overnight. With one evening to kill under these unique circumstances, David sets out on a night of reflection.
I THINK THIS IS THE CLOSEST TO HOW THE FOOTAGE LOOKED Israel | 2012 | 9 min. A man recreates, with poor means, a lost memory – a memory of the last day with his Mom.
THE MAN WHO BURIED HIS OWN LEG USA | 2014 | 4 min. What would drive a man to bury his own amputated leg? Jewish paranoia, of course. Find out about what’s possibly the weirdest religious custom ever in three minutes of animated narashkeit.
JULY 29 - PROGRAM 4
NOT YOUR TIME USA | 2010 | 25 min. Life could be funny. A failed screenwriter’s suicide threat turns out to be his best sales pitch.
WHAT WE LEFT BEHIND USA | 2014 | 6 min. In 2003, American soldiers found thousands of Jewish religious documents and artifacts in Saddam Hussein’s intelligence headquarters. This is the fi journey of 49 heavily damaged Torah scrolls framed in the turbulent history of the Iraqi Jewish people.
ORBIT USA | 2011 | 19 min. Caught in the space between childhood and adulthood, a ‘tween at her father’s second wedding tries to cope with the increasing gap between the intimacy she craves and the distance she feels. Jessica Dorfman, filmmaker, to speak at this program.
THE KIDDUSH MAN USA | 2008 | 11 min. The Kiddush Man is a coming-of-age story about 10-year-old Yoni, who each Sabbath attempts to sneak past curmudgeonly Mr. Katz into Kiddush before the end of services. But one day Mr. Katz is nowhere to be seen.
BROKEN BRANCHES Israel | 2014 | 25 min. Michal Rechter was only 14 when she left her home in Poland and traveled to Palestine by herself on the eve of the Second World War. Her family was supposed to join her the following year, but when the war broke everything changed. Michal’s memories come to life in this colorful animation.
HORIZONS 23 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
AUGUST 5—PROGRAM 5: ESS, MEIN KIND!
CALIFORNIA SCHMEER USA | 2006 | 25 min. More than 350 years after the establishment of the first Jewish community in North America, Jewish food plays a central role in the American culinary experience. No better example of this phenomenon exists than the bagel.
WEST BANK STORY USA | 2005 | 21 min. This Oscar-winning musical comedy is set in the fast-paced, fast-food world of competing falafel stands in the West Bank.
THE SEDER Canada | 2011 | 12 min. When openly gay Leo decides to bring his boyfriend Mitchell home for the first time to his family’s Passover Seder, the boundaries of love and understanding get a little strained.
A REUBEN BY ANY OTHER NAME USA | 2010 | 5 min. Are all Reubens created equal? This film takes a hilarious look at the differences among Jewish denominations in terms of the making of the Reuben sandwich.
HOW MATZOH IS MADE USA | 2015 | 5 min. Streit’s Matzos is leaving New York’s Lower East Side after 90 years. Before they leave the old equipment behindwe went to see how matzoh is made in the old-fashioned way.
BAKLAVA AND THE MEANING OF LIFE USA | 1999 | 23 min. Where does one find the meaning of life? Perhaps it lies in the kitchen of sculptor Helene Simon, where she demonstrates how to make her world famous baklava. Recipe provided!
AUGUST 12 - PROGRAM 6 WELCOME AND… OUR CONDOLENCES Israel | 2012 | 26 min Twelve-year-old Misha is documenting his family’s journey from Russia to Israel in a home-video. The immi- gration experience moves to absurd proportions, when the family’s old aunt dies on the plane just before they reach the land of their ancestors.
WOODY BEFORE ALLEN France, Russia, USA, Germany | 2011 | 14 min. An adventurous meditation on past and present, on two former Konigsbergs – a man and a city that no longer use the name: one a Russian city which was renamed Kaliningrad, another a renowned film director who changed his name to Woody Allen.
B-BOY USA | 2012 | 15 min. Thirteen-year-old Eli navigates two diverse cultures while coming of age as a bar mitzvah and a competitive break dancer, in this moving short documentary about the power of passion, dedication and community.
GLOOMY SABBATH Germany | 2013 | 15 min. Christian is renovating his new flat when his mother calls to inform him that Greta, his demented grandmoth- er, is about to die. Surrounded by the family, Christian discovers that his parents sold Greta’s favorite paint- ing without her knowledge to enable him to purchase the residence.
SORRY, RABBI Canada | 2011 | 10 min. Josh is a young secular Jewish professional living in Montreal’s Mile End Neighborhood. One night he’s confronted by a group of Hasidic men who accuse him of throwing a rock at them and of anti-Semitism.
BAKLAVA UK | 2015 | 3 min. When Pip and Lydia make it to the final round of a popular game show, their luck, and maybe their relation- ship, hangs by the thread of a single question.
HORIZONS 24 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
AUGUST 19 - PROGRAM 7
MUSIC MAN MURRAY USA | 2012 | 22 min. A portrait of Murray Gershenz, 88, who is struggling to fi a buyer for the nearly half-million records in his Los Angeles rare-record store. The drama between father and son, dual eccentrics who evoke con- trasting sympathies in the viewer, provides a humorous and moving counterpoint to the story about Murray’s legacy.
WILT CHAMBERLAIN: BORSCHT BELT BELLHOP USA | 2013 | 9 min. In 1954, before his senior year of high school, Wilt Chamberlain, one of basketball’s greatest players, took a summer job that would change his life. He worked as a bellhop at Kutsher’s Country Club, a Jewish resort in the Catskill Mountains
PHILADELPHIA TO THE FRONT USA | 2005 | 37 min. One of the few documentaries to explore the stories of Jewish-American World War II soldiers, this film focuses on six Philadelphia veterans in their 80’s, their individual experiences during the war, and a bittersweet reunion they share in their old age. We will be joined by guest speaker Judy Gelles, filmmaker and photographer. Judy, who was very close with her father-in-law Sidney Gelles until his death in 1966, discovered a box of his World War II artifacts. Sidney was one of the veterans who appear in the film.
PUR Israel | 2012 | 14 min. Rare archival footage shows underground plays staged by groups of Jewish dissidents during the Soviet regime, when all expression of Jewish culture was forbidden.
AUGUST 25 - PROGRAM 8: THE SAM SPIEGEL FILM AND TELEVISION SCHOOL
SAM SPIEGEL: THE LAST TYCOON – A TRIBUTE Israel | 2000 | 12 min. Documentary about Sam Spiegel, the highly successful and award-winning Hollywood producer of notable films. including On the Waterfront, Lawrence of Arabia and Bridge over the River Kwai.
LOOKOUT Israel | 2014 | 18 min. As a diversion from her draining frame work, an Israeli soldier creates an imaginative, childish world, which setsher apart in a mundane routine.
FIRST AID Israel | 2010 | 16 min. A day before his wedding, Shai visits Tamar, his ex-girlfriend, for a tempestuous encounter prior to becoming established. Tamar leaves him a hickey, entangling the situation.
A DIFFERENT WAR Israel | 2003 | 15 min. Against the background of the last days of the school year, Noni has been chosen to play King David in the end-of-the-year play, which the Prime Minister himself is coming to see; but in his heart, Noni wants the role of princess.
DRIVER Israel | 2011 | 30 Min. Nachman, an ultra-orthodox macher, and his childhood friend Shaie are driving around to solicit donations for Shaie who is very ill.
LOVE LETTERS TO THE CINEMA Israel | 2014 | 40 min. Love Letters to Cinema is a collection of 10 “letters” in the form of short fi (four minutes each), written and directed by 10 outstanding Israeli directors. (unconfirmed at time of schedule printing)
Although we will make every effort to adhere to this schedule, it is subject to change. When possible, we will announce changes prior to the screening date.
HORIZONS 25 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Classes with Rabbi Jacob
Mishna Class Rabbi Jacob offers this class on each Sunday morning at 9:30 (immediately following the Sunday morning minyan). This is a very interesting class with plenty of opportunity for discussion and debate.
(Not So) Basic Judaism Rabbi Jacob offers a Basic Judaism class for adults each Monday evening, from 7:30 to 8:30. The focus will be on learning about the holidays, life cycle events, great Jewish books and more. The Rabbi promises that even the most knowledgeable will find something new and intriguing in this class.
Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class Rabbi Jacob invites any adult seeking to have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, to schedule private lessons with him.
Other One-on-One Classes with Rabbi Jacob Rabbi is offering one-on-one classes at your convenience on many Jewish topics such as: Learning to read or speak Hebrew, synagogue skills, bible, Mishna, etc. You can even name your own class!
Please email the office at [email protected] to schedule your class with the Rabbi now.
HORIZONS 26 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775 Or Shalom Donation Form
I would like to help support Or Shalom. I have specified each donation and I have included one check for the total amount payable to Or Shalom. Please send all donations to: Congregation Or Shalom, 835 Darby Paoli Road, Berwyn PA 19312
Name______Name______
Address______Address______
Fund #______Amount $______Phone #______Fund #______Amount $______Phone #______
Made in memory of______Made in memory of______
Made in honor of______Made in honor of______
Speedy Recovery______Speedy Recovery______
Send acknowledgment to (include address) Send acknowledgment to (include address)
Definition of Funds
1. Building Fund: Donations are used for the continuous upkeep of our building. These funds help offset unexpected expenses such as A/C, Heater, roof repair and any emergency repairs to our facility.
2. Beautification Fund: Donations are used for the upkeep of our grounds. Trees, plants, mulch, etc.
3. Biblical Garden Fund: Donations are used to maintain and support our biblical garden. Any questions for this fund should be addressed to BettyAnn Monash at [email protected].
4. David Braunstein Memorial Scholarship Fund: Donations are used to offer scholarships for Jewish related travel or Jewish summer camps. For questions regarding this fund please contact Diana Braunstein at [email protected].
5. Paul Seres Education Endowment Fund: This fund is maintained to provide interest income for restricted use by the syna- gogue for Education.
6. General Fund: All monies donated to this fund will supplement the current year’s budget.
7. Hebrew School: Funds are used for the needs of the Religious School. Examples: Bulletin boards, books and school supplies, etc.
8. Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund: The Rabbi uses these funds for charitable purpose. Donations to this fund can be made directly to the synagogue office.
9. Social Action: Donations will be used for all social action events and programs. Any questions to this fund should be addressed to Gina Arlen at [email protected].
10. Tree of Life: A leaf can be purchased to honor or commemorate any important life event. The cost of a leaf is $180.00 which will be displayed in our foyer. For more information please contact Christina Chusid @ [email protected]
11. USY-Or Shalom Chapter: Funds are used to support USY for their activities.
12. Yahrzeit Plaque: Two plaques can be purchased for $360.00. The first would be a permanent plaque on the back wall of the sanctuary. The second plaque would be placed during the week of the Yahrzeit on the memorial wall in the front of the sanctuary. Additional information will be requested when purchasing a plaque. Please contact Ellen Gross at [email protected] for more information.
13. Oneg: Sponsor an Oneg for Friday night and /or Saturday morning for any celebration you with. The cost is $40.00 and the Sisterhood will purchase and set it up.
14. Sisterhood Cards & Contributions: Cards for all Occasions cost $5.00, Chaverim is $18.00 and Sisterhood Flowers are $18.00. A donation can also be made to the Sisterhood General fund.
15. Acme & Giant Script-Purchase supermarket cards and Or Shalom receives 5%. Purchase any amount in multiples of $50. This donation to Or Shalom COSTS YOU NOTHING! There are no restrictions and no expiration on the use of these cards at Acme and Giant. Call Paula Blaustein 484-999-8077 or [email protected].
HORIZONS 27 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
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HORIZONS 28 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
HORIZONS 29 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775 advertisements
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HORIZONS 30 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775
Here's an easy way to raise money for Or Shalom. Just start using Yahoo! pow- ered GoodSearch.com as your search en- gine and they'll donate about a penny to Or Shalom every time you do a search!
HORIZONS 31 July/August 2015 Tammuz Elul, 5775