Panim el Panim

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The Newsletter of Mount Zion Temple April 2012 Nisan/Iyar 5772 Ways to Engage at Mount Zion Vol. 156, No. 7 This month: Meet our Cemetery Committee (Not all members pictured.) Pictures above are of the Barbara and Larry Bentson Commemorative Garden at the Mount Zion Cemetery L’DOR VADOR FROM THE RABBI ROM ENERATION TO ENERATION F G G It has finally happened. The Central Conference of American Rabbis recently announced the release of iT’filah: The Mishkan T’filah App, MAZEL TOV TO... now available in iTunes. Our members who will celebrate a milestone Will we now be referred to as “the people of the iPad?” instead of the anniversary in April: Michael & Stephanie Chauss, people of the book? I know God commanded Moses to write the 10 Scott & Susan Applebaum, Dave Knapp & commandments on “tablets,” but really? Yasmine Moideen, Charles Anderson & Jeri Glick- According to the press release, “Now you can carry Mishkan T’filah with you on your iPad Anderson, Adrienne & Scott Beerling, Mark Mi- and interact with the prayers in the siddur as never before.” azga & Linda Starr, Mitch Wittenberg & Jaine Strauss, Lester & Joan Strouse, Jr. Call me old fashioned, call me a worship luddite, but I think the old way of interacting with the prayers was just fine. Personally, I like interacting with the pages of the prayer “The giving of Torah happened at one specific time, but book, with the people around me, and our beautiful worship spaces. Don’t get me the receiving of Torah happens all the time, in every wrong; I am not opposed to progress or to improving the way we do things. generation.” - Meir Alter, the Gerer Rebbe In fact, we have just improved our own daily service prayer book. True, it is still the old- fashioned paper-and-ink kind, but it is both beautiful and user-friendly. I urge you to We welcome Kathryn (Katie) Heisel who has re- come to Daily Services and see for yourself. cently chosen Judaism: May she go from strength to strength! Our daily services are an under-appreciated treasure here at Mount Zion. Over 90 vol- unteers are involved each year as readers, greeters, and Shamashim. But unfortunately, sometimes it is only the volunteers who are present, along with one or two mourners ZICHRONAM LIVRACHA who could really use a “minyan” (community) to worship with. May their memories be a blessing It is considered a great Mitzvah to be part of the minyan when someone comes to say We note with sorrow the passing of our members: Kaddish for a loved one, either after a recent loss or when commemorating a Yahrzeit Jerry Gillman (anniversary of a loss). Comforting a mourner is considered one of our most impor- Our condolences to his family, including his wife, tant Mitzvot. Beverly Bunin-Gillman and son, Scott Bunin. There is great wisdom in the Jewish practice of praying in community. When we pray Katherine Linwick in community we reach out not only to God but to each other as well. It strengthens Our condolences to her family, including her husband, relationships between individuals, thereby strengthening the community itself. Daniel Linwick and her daughter, Sarah Linwick. I would like to encourage you to try out this Mitzvah in the coming months. Come WE EXTEND CONDOLENCES TO... to daily services and be part of the Minyan. You will see our beautiful new prayer book, Stacey Dinner-Levin (Michael Levin) on the death of support your fellow congregants who have volunteered to lead the service, and perhaps her father, Bernard Dinner, on February 28. be able to offer comfort to a mourner. You will be strengthening our Mount Zion com- munity, and, hopefully enriching your own Jewish life. Maria Kirsch (Michael Skoler) on the death of her fa- ther, Karl Martin Kirsch, on February 21. How many Jews does it take to make a difference? Elsie (Mordecai) Shallom on the death of her mother, One. Will it be you? Susan Aaron, on February 28. Rabbi Esther Adler May God grant peace to all who mourn and comfort to all who are bereaved. For Details about Daily Services, see page 3.

Iton Tziyon Cover Panim el Panim: Face to Face Relationship and Community Building April’s cover features the Cemetery Committee. The Summer Shabbat Eve Service Times Cemetery Committee oversees the operations and ad- Every Friday night June 1 - August 31 at 6:00 p.m. ministration of the cemetery, including adherence to the by-laws, finances, and maintenance and grounds 5:30 p.m. Kabbalat Panim – Greeting Time. A social time for eating and mingling. upkeep. The top photos are of the Barbara and Larry We will serve cheese & crackers and fruit. Bentson Commemorative Garden at the Mount Zion 6:00 p.m. Hour-long Shabbat Service. Led by our guitar corps starting with Cemetery (corner of Payne and Larpenteur Aves, St. blessings around a table in Margolis Hall. Paul). Pictured (l to r): Tom Edelstein, Barney Harris, Jack Silverman, Jules Goldstein, Barbara Bentson, Ira 7:00-7:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat. For those who wish to stay, there will be more light Kipp, Mayda Raffe, Bob Mast. Not pictured: Brian snacks and a few desserts. We encourage all to connect with friends or family and go Krasnow and Bill Lipschultz. to a Shabbat dinner. 2 MAKE SHABBAT YOUR SANCTUARY The Spirit of Survival: APRIL Life Lessons of Holocaust Survivors Pulpit Guest: George Barany FRIDAY SHABBAT SATURDAY SHABBAT Friday, April 20, 7:30 p.m. EVENING SERVICES MORNING SERVICES The parents of University of Minnesota Professor and Mount Zion member George Barany were April 6 April 7, 10:00 a.m. Holocaust survivors who passed away during the A brief service at 5:45 p.m. 1st Day of Pesach - Ex. 12:37-42; 13:3-10* summer of 2011. Kate and Michael Bárány were Passover begins. The Book Song of Songs is read part of a generation of young European intellec- Torah Tones participates tuals indelibly defined by the Holocaust but al- April 13, 7:30 p.m. April 14, 10:00 a.m. ways striving to move beyond it. As refugees from the 1956 Hungarian Celebrate Shabbat! Revolution, they passed through Israel and Germany before establishing Sh’mini - Lev. 9:1-10:11* Professional Quartet Celebrate Shabbat! distinguished scientific careers in New York City and then Chicago. George Guest Cantor Messinger will reflect on how his parents’ approaches to work and family were formed by their attempts to make sense of and transcend the challenges that oc- April 21, 10:00 a.m. April 20, 7:30 p.m. Sh’mini II - Lev. 10:12-11:32* cured during their young adulthoods. These events impacted George him- Food for Thought (see p. 8) self and other family members in the second and third generation. After Zoe Klass-Warch, Bat Mitzvah Birthday Blessings services, George will share photographs, memorabilia, and anecdotes about his parents, as well as answer questions and discuss shared experiences. April 27, 7:30 p.m. April 28, 10:00 a.m. Chai School Graduation Tazria – M’tzora - Lev. 13:40-14:32* Sophia Lipset-Dean, Bat Mitzvah Honoring Amy Ariel (see p. 6) Tot Shabbat Shir Chants Participates Schedule Every Shabbat Day Tot Shabbat is the second Saturday of every month. For families with children from birth to seven years old 9:00 a.m. Open Torah Study - Drop in any time to study the week’s Torah portion (listed above). Saturday, April 14, 10:30 a.m. *Using a triennial [3 year] cycle, we are reading the Counting (it’s the Omer)! second third of each parashah this year. 10:00 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service Please bring a healthy, nut-free vegetarian dish to share. Daily Service Schedule Daily services are held in the Harris Chapel, Monday through Thursday at Mount Zion Helps Make Mother’s Day Meaningful! 5:45 p.m., Sundays at 9:30 a.m. This Sunday has been one of Mount Zion’s best kept secrets. April Yom Ha’aym - Mother’s Day Service Mondays: Shel Finver, Mitch and Sally Rubinstein Tuesdays: John Mast, Henry Lippman, Rita Grossman Sunday, May 13 Wednesdays: Betsy Rest, Karen Gjerstad, Kent Simon 9:30 a.m. Music and Prayers Thursdays: Patrick Zimmerman, Batya Spector, Janet Kapf, David 10:00 a.m. Complimentary Brunch Upin, Phil Goldman Sponsored by Brotherhood Sundays: Sally Glick, Rita Grossman, Lindsay Nauen, Ray Sevett, The service is led by our clergy, with music from Curt and Adele Brown. both cantors and Shir Tzion, who help bring meaning and joy to the If you would like to participate in Leading or Greeting at our daily services, day. The brunch that follows is sponsored by Brotherhood, many in call Janet Kampf at (651) 482-9951 or Charles Fodor at (651) 646-6543. tuxedos, waiting on beautifully set tables and serving a delicious, complimentary brunch. The brunch is for all in our congregation! Guest Cantor Confirmation students will sell roses to fundraise for their class gift. Friday, April 13, 7:30 p.m. What are you waiting for? Plan to spend at least part of the morn- Hazzan Harold Messinger, Rabbi and Cantor Spilker’s ing at Mount Zion. If you do, you will bring added joy and mean- Brother-in-Law, will join us on the bimah and will ing to this day! add his voice to our prayers.

WELCOME...B’RUCHIM HA’BAIM... Passover Festival Morning Services TO OUR NEW MEMBERS! Saturday, April 7, 10:00 a.m. Daniel & Laura Zelle Friday, April 13, 10:00 a.m. (Yizkor) and their children, Eli and Mira. More details, see page 9. 3 CHAI NOTES

Some of you know that I just completed an 18 month Come add your voice to training program in Yoga and Jewish Spirituality. Over the course of the last year and a half I have attended four Intergenerational Choir week-long intensive training workshops at Isabella Freed- man Retreat Center in Falls Church, Connecticut with nearly 20 others from around the country. The retreats were challenging, profound and joyful periods of study, yoga practice and sharing with our phenomenal group. In between the retreats, each of us learned Torah at least once a week, studied texts on Judaism, the body and spirituality with a chevruta (study partner) biweekly, and developed our own regular yoga practice, both at home and with experienced teachers in a studio. This endeavor has had a profound effect on me as a cantor The Intergenerational Choir has become beloved Mount Zion tra- and as a human being, and I am truly looking forward to sharing my pas- dition. It gives all congregants, regardless of age, musical ability, or sion with you. time commitment, an opportunity to sing together from our bimah during a Shabbat service. Many wonder how yoga and Judaism can intersect. As Ben Bag Bag, a rabbinic sage, said of Torah, “Turn it and turn it again for everything is Just come to three rehearsals: in it. While many of think of Judaism as a primarily intellectual religion, Sundays, May 6, 13, and 20 from 8:45-9:30 a.m. it turns out that our tradition has a lot to say about our bodies, our souls and and our spirits. When Judaism and yoga practice intersect, we can ex- Plan to sing for the Shabbat service on perience a full range of learning and exploration in all parts of our beings. Friday, June 1 at 6:00 p.m. In mid-March a group of about ten people met with me to discuss how You do not have to be able to read music to participate! we can bring yoga to our Mount Zion community. Ideas included of- fering special sessions based on holiday themes, holding weekly classes paired with Jewish teachings, practicing outside on the patio in the sum- Passover Prep Yoga Practice mer, having yoga classes during Religious School, and encouraging folks Saturday, April 7, 12:45 p.m. to attend classes at the studios of Mount Zion members who are yoga teachers. There was energy and enthusiasm, and it will be exciting to see what unfolds. In the meantime, I will be co-teaching a special Passover-themed class with one of our members, Chris Gordon (owner of and teacher at Big River Yoga,) on the first day of Passover, Shabbat afternoon, April 7, 12:45-2:15 p.m. See right for more details. Attendees are invited to come just for the class or to join us first for the Shabbat Passover Festival Morning Service and a light Passover potluck lunch. Led by Mount Zion Member Chris Gordon from Big River Yoga and Cantor Spilker. What better way to treat your body and soul after the Passover is the perfect time to begin something new as it is sometimes first seder? Please bring a yoga mat if you have one, but we will have seen as the beginning of the New Year. In fact, every day is a good day some extras. to begin anew and to renew. As our morning liturgy says, “B’chol yom tamid ma’asei v’reishit/Every day, we are always creating from the begin- Questions? Contact Cantor Spilker at [email protected]. ning.” When we are truly aware of this, we can really appreciate and cel- ebrate that we are new creatures not only each day, but each moment, as our cells renew and our breath leaves us and returns refreshed. Trope Troupe The S’fat Emet, a 19th Century Chassidic rabbi, teaches that just as the ... the more Torah, the more life. -Hillel Holy One renews creation and brings new blessings into the world every Todah Rabah to our March Ba’alei Korei (chanting day, so do we have the opportunity to bring something new to our bod- Torah): Sue Benfield, Karen Gjerstad, Siana Goodwin, ies and souls each day. In a way, we get to choose what b’racha, blessing, Brian Serle, Kent Simon, the Spilker family including Eiden is in our bodies each and every day. It is comforting, I think, to know that and Mirit, Sandy Weisberg renewal is always possible. Todah Rabah to our March Ba’alei Haftarah Whether you are an experienced yogi, new to the practice, or just curi- (chanting Haftarah): Siana Goodwin, Brian Serle ous to give it a try, I hope you will join us as we celebrate z’man matan Todah Rabah to our Megillat Esther Chanters: Karen cheiruteinu, the time of our freedom, by opening our bodies, our souls Gjerstad, Siana Goodwin, Mia Nosanow and. . .who knows what else? To sign up to chant Torah or Haftarah on Shabbat, Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker e-mail Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein at [email protected] 4 FROM THE PRESIDENT B’NEI MITZVAH Ok… I love Pesach! I love Matzah! A little butter and Zoe Klass-Warch a little salt and I am set. I love getting together with family. I cherish the fond memories of these family April 21, 2012 gatherings over the years. We always celebrate with our Zoe Klass-Warch is the daughter of Alexandra Klass and Stephen Warch close family on the first night of Pesach and have been lucky enough to celebrate the second night of Passover and the sister of Helen Klass-Warch. She is the granddaughter of Bon- with our Conservative relatives. My memories go back to my Great- nie and David Klass and Richard and Margot Warch and the great-grand- Aunt’s Seder when I was very small. I remember so many relatives who daughter of Brena Cantor. She is in the 7th grade at Capitol Hill Magnet are no longer with us because of these special celebrations. School St. Paul where her favorite subjects are science and history. She loves to play tennis and also enjoys reading; hanging out with friends; I remember…The Food. The arguments about whether the matzah raising Monarch butterflies; and spending time with her dog, Macy, her balls are better hard or soft. The beef tzimmes, the Passover popovers, the cat, Miles, her tortoise Millie, and her gecko, Roger. Zoe is donating a fresh gefilte fish made from scratch, and even the little jellied candies portion of her gift money to the St. Paul Humane Society and to the Fred that I always dipped into before the meal was finished. Wells Tennis and Education Center, a community outreach organization Pesach also signals that Spring has arrived. The Spring of our Freedom whose mission is to empower youth to reach their potential through ten- from bondage at the hands of the Egyptians. The weather this Spring has nis and education. been so delightful compared to last year. I was even able to play golf on March 17th… in shorts no less. Sophia Lipset-Dean So, a Passover Jewish golf joke: Moses and Adonai are playing golf. April 28, 2012 Moses went to tee off. The ball landed in the pond and sank to the bot- tom. Moses walked up to the pond, stuck his club into the ground, and Sophia Lipset-Dean is the daughter of Diana Dean and David Lipset. the water split in half. He walked into the pond on dry land, the water She is the sister of Ben Davis, Hazel Davis Hackbarth, and Mike and hazard forming walls on the left and the right, and from there he took Max Lipset. She is the granddaughter of John and Flora Dean and Mar- another shot and sank it… hole in two. tin and Elsie Lipset. Sophia is a 7th grader at Linwood-Monroe Arts Plus. Adonai tees off and shoots his ball right into the same water where it im- Her favorite school courses are theatre, science, and art. She enjoys mediately gets swallowed by a fish. The fish swims to the surface and swimteam, being with friends and family, making movies, celebrating gets swallowed by a bird. There is a sudden lightning strike, and the holidays, and traveling. She would like to visit Europe, particularly Lon- bird falls to the ground on the green and the ball dribbles from its mouth don and Paris. Her Mitzvah Project is feeding the hungry and working and rolls into the hole….hole in one. Moses looked up to Adonai and with Neighborhood House. She appreciates the long years of going to said, “Do you wanna play golf or are you just going to show off! Hebrew School, now that she is becoming Bat Mitzvah. But seriously folks, Julie and I and my entire family wish you all a joy- ous Pesach and may it fill you with lasting memories for years to come. Harris Chapel Torah Dedication Robert O. Mast, President in memory of Sherman Grossman, Nettie and William Blaine by Rita Grossman The butterflies on the cover of the Hey Torah in the Harris Chapel have special meaning for Rita Gross- man. They are inspired by the poem “The Butter- fly” and reminds her of the Holocaust, the survivors, You are cordially invited to those lost there, and her family history. To read a copy of this poem (I Never Saw Another Butterfly: Children's Drawings and Poems from Terezin Con- TH centration Camp, 1942-1944, expanded second MOUNT ZION’S 156 ANNUAL MEETING edition. New York: Schocken Books, 1993), please on go to www.mzion.org and click the article under the News section. Sunday, May 20 Rita has worked with this Torah scroll for over 25 years in her role as leader of daily services and over the years Rita has developed a special re- 10:00 a.m. - Annual Meeting lationship with it. On April 27 at Shabbat Services, Rita and her fam- 11:00 a.m. - Religious School Closing Program ily are dedicating the Torah scroll and Torah cover to Mount Zion in blessed memory of her husband Sherman Grossman and her parents 11:45 a.m. - Community Picnic Nettie and William Blaine. Mount Zion is grateful to Rita and her fam- ily, and shares with them the beauty of these memories and the signifi- More details in the May bulletin! cance of this gesture.

5 UGANDA UPDATES Honoring Amy Ariel Mount Zion Mitzvah Trip to Uganda and December 23-January 4, 2012 Application Deadline: May 1, 2012! Mount Zion’s Chai School Graduates We need YOU to make this mitzvah trip a “go!” So far, we All are welcome to Shabbat dinner and services as we honor Amy have 3 (of 10 necessary individuals) planning to go and 4 Ariel, Chai School graduates, and all 12th graders. families seriously considering it.

Amy was Mount Zion’s first Teen & Young Adult Activities Director (2005- 2011) and currently is our Consultant to NOAZIM and Chai School and in charge of Outreach to College/Post High School. Amy’s innovative pro- grams continue to engage, challenge and entertain. What teen does not re- Volunteer opportunities with the call the question box from Sacred Abayudaya (Jewish community) may include: Choices or the candid discussions about any topic under the sun? Amy • Assisting with micro-business plans. has touched the lives of so many • Medical professionals will consult in advance with Dr. Banir Mount Zion congregants, both young Masaba, our clinic contact, to identify the most-needed medical and old, and for that we honor her. assistance. • Helping to plan and participate in an evening musical event. • Youth leadership development. • Leading sports and drama activities for children and teens. Friday, April 27 • Children and teens will have an opportunity to shadow a similar-aged youth for part of a day to learn about the daily lives 6:00 p.m. Shabbat Dinner – Spaghetti & Salad of their counterparts. (suggested $5 donation). RSVP by Wednesday, April 25 If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our travel at mzion.nirsham.com.We will honor Amy during the agent and trip guide, Joanne Trangle at [email protected] or Cantor Spilker at [email protected]. dinner and at services. Please go to the mzion.org/2011/09/uganda for the brochure and trip application. We will need a minimum of 10 participants to keep the 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Services – Including Chai costs to those listed on the brochure. School Graduation, honoring all 12th graders, and honoring Amy Ariel. Tzedakah for Uganda Our SPORTY Board teens raised funds on Purim, and we added monies collected at a recent Mount Zion Board meeting to send over $300 to The Semei Kukungulu High School to pay for Afripads to keep girls in school when they are menstruating.

Pen Pal Program Would your teen like a pen pal in Uganda? If so, please contact Cantor Spilker at [email protected] or 651-698-3881

Mount Zion Camping Overnight Finishing Shavuot with your Mount Zion community. Sun., May 27, 3 p.m.-Mon., May 28, 1 p.m. Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Approximately $20 per tent or family

Featuring s’mores and a kumzitz (campfire with singing) To make reservations or for more information, contact Cantor Spilker at [email protected]. 6 The Muppets Take Purim

Thank you to the Hamantaschen Bakers

Every year the Sisterhood gathers volunteers to prep materials and bake Hamantaschen, to raise funds for programming and as a service, providing handmade Purim treats for all who wish to purchase them. This year over 50 Mount Zion members gave their time and energy to complete 408 dozen cookies in a variety of flavors. We would es- pecially like to laud our every-shift stalwarts, Anne Starr and Jim Johnson! We heartily thank these volunteers and hope everyone en- joyed their Purim. Karen Gjerstad and Michael Wall Hamantaschen Baking Co-Chairs

7 Food for Thought Learn and Nosh before Shabbat Services Come at 5:45 p.m. to learn or come at 7:00 p.m. to socialize before services! Friday, April 20 5:45-7:00 p.m. Food for Thought Discussion over wine, juice, and light appetizers. Child care available.

Wednesdays in Mississippi: Jewish and African American Women Working Together for Civil Rights Guest Speaker: Dr. Josie R. Johnson

In 1964, a multiracial and religiously diverse group of women from This is a unique opportunity to learn Minnesota joined together to witness first-hand the civil rights strug- about this important part of history gle in Mississippi. Dr. Josie R. Johnson, University of Minnesota Pro- directly from one of the most influen- fessor Emeritus and nationally recognized civil rights icon was a tial and admired women in Min- founding member of the group's effort, called "Wednesdays in Mis- nesota. Dr. Johnson was the first sissippi", along with Maxine Nathanson from Minneapolis. Dr. John- African American appointed to the son will be the guest speaker for this session. Dr. Johnson will discuss University's Board of Regents, helped how Jewish and African American women worked together during create the Minneapolis Department of the civil rights movement. We will also show a brief documentary Civil Rights, served as acting director done by two local students telling the story of these two Minnesota of the Minneapolis Urban League and women and their role in this journey. was the University's associate vice- president for academic affairs.

7:00 p.m. Kabbalat Panim - Welcome A time to socialize. Cheese & Crackers and Fruit Served.

7:30 p.m. Shabbat Services Beginning around the Shabbat table in Margolis Hall with blessings. Accompanied by our Guitar Corps.

Save the Date - May 18! In May, one of the Food for Thought sessions will be a facilitated discussion of the book Still Alice by Lisa Genova. It is a fictional account of early onset Alzheimer's disease told from the point of view of the affected person. The author, Lisa Genova, is a neurobiologist. Advance reading of the book is recommended.

8 PASSOVER Passover Festival Morning Services Saturday, April 7, 10:00 a.m. Torah Tones will be singing (See page 4 for details). Friday, April 13, 10:00 a.m. (Yizkor)

The Voice of Turtledove is Heard Shabbat Passover, Saturday, April 7, 10:00 a.m. On behalf of Neighborhood House, Mount Zion Sisterhood and the Mount Zion Mitzvah Food Shelf Project Committee*: Thank You for your generous contributions to the March food drive. During this drive, all cash and food donations receive a partial match from Minnesota FoodShare During the service, we will hear Shir Hashirim, the Song of and the Feinstein Foundation. Songs, along with songs inspired by this beautiful text sung by The need does not stop with the campaign. the Torah Tones. A Shabbat Passover potluck lunch will follow the service. Please continue to give online at mzion.org and/or Why is this night different from all other nights? Drop off food donations at the Mitzvah Food bin by the front doors. *Janet Kampf, Yvonne Lerew, Mark Miazga and Jennifer Wall. What makes it special, one could argue, is not the matzah or the Hag- gadah, but the fact that the family spends the evening at the table to- gether, eating and talking. No one calls to say "I'll be late, start without me." Nobody leaves early for a meeting, a game, a favorite TV Chocolate Seder show. And the result is, what we do on all other nights of the year is Saturday, April 14, 7:00 p.m. forgettable, but the Seder leaves us with warm and precious memories. at Mount Zion Temple Mount Zion Sisterhood’s Seder. For details, see page, 13. Planning for Passover For excellent resources on Passover and all other The First Seder is on Friday night, April 6 Jewish learning, go to: www.myjewishlearning.com Yes, it begins on Shabbat. Do you have plans?

This year Mount Zion will not have a congregational seder. In- stead we want to make sure everyone has a place to go. Are you willing to: • Invite someone to your table? • Be invited? Contact the Mount Zion office 651-698-3881or e-mail Julie Beck- man [email protected].

9 YOM HASHOAH - HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE

2012 Yom Hashoah Commemoration UNsilenced. Jewish and GLBT Voices of the Holocaust Thursday, April 19, 7 p.m. | 27 Nissan 5772 Beth Jacob Congregation (1179 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights) Free of charge

Featuring: Janet Horvath, solo cello Heather MacLaughlin, piano and Ovation, the Small Ensemble of One Voice Mixed Chorus Jane Ramseyer Miller, artistic director and Randi Grundahl Rexroth, vocal coach For details, contact Susie Greenberg at [email protected] The Jewish Community Relations Council The Yom HaShoah Commemoration is co-sponsored by the Jewish Community of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) presents: Film: Paragraph 175 - The film chronicles the lives of several gay men and one lesbian who were persecuted by the Nazis. The gay Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC), Children of Holocaust men were arrested by the Nazis for the crime of homosexuality under Survivors Association in Minnesota (CHAIM), Beth Jacob Congregation, Min- Paragraph 175, the sodomy provision of the German penal code, neapolis Jewish Federation, and United Jewish Fund and Council of St. Paul. dating back to 1871. April 4 & 9 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Film: Saving Marriage - The true story of the Massachusetts fight to save marriage equality. Singing in the Dark (1956) Wednesday, April 18, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. University of Minnesota Mondale Hall 229 Screened in observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day 19th Avenue South, Room 25– Subplaza Tuesday, April 17, 7 p.m. Free The National Center for Jewish Film recently restored the rare film Book Lecture and Signing: Singing in the Dark starring popular cantor and Yiddish theater sen- Flagrant Conduct: The Story of Lawrence v. Texas sation, Moishe Oysher. Oysher plays a German concentration camp with Professor Dale Carpenter survivor suffering from traumatic amnesia. While most of the action How a Bedroom Arrest Decriminalized Gay Americans takes place in New York, the film includes extremely rare and Monday, April 23, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. poignant material shot amid the remains of the Levetzow Synagogue RSVP to Cheree Channon at [email protected] in Berlin, which was badly damaged during WWII and razed shortly after. Register at 651-698-0751. Film: For the Bible Tells Me So - An exploration of the in- Sponsored by the Harry and Manya Goodman Memorial Jewish Culture tersection between religion and homosexuality in the U.S. and how Program Fund of the St. Paul JCC Endowment Funds. extremists have used its interpretation of the Bible to stigmatize the gay community. Wednesday, May 2, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

The Spirit of Survival: All events will take place at: Life Lessons of Holocaust Survivors University of Minnesota Pulpit Guest: George Barany Mondale Hall Friday, April 20, 7:30 p.m. at Mount Zion 229 - 19th Avenue South, Room 25– Subplaza See page 2 for more details. Minneapolis

10 SHAVUOT AT MOUNT ZION

Saturday, May 26 - 6 Sivan, 7:30 p.m. - Midnight Sunday, May 27 - 6 Sivan, 10:00 a.m. Shavuot/Confirmation Service - 7:30 p.m. Shavuot Festival Service (Yizkor) First Fruits Tikkun Leil Shavuot Torah Study “Late Night”- 10:30 p.m. Anshei Mitzvah (Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service)

Tikkun Leil Shavuot, 10:30 p.m. Join us for Torah Study on the Festival of Shavuot Send A CONFIRMATIONGRAM To Our 2012/5772 Confirmands Guest Speaker: Earl Schwartz If you wish to send a CONFIRMATIONGRAM to any of the Earl Schwartz is on the religion faculty and directs the Confirmands/Parents, please send a list of the names and a check academic program in social justice studies at Hamline made out to Mount Zion Temple Sisterhood to: Jane Trosdahl, PO University. He has published widely on aspects of Jew- Box 6787, Saint Paul, MN 55106. ConfirmationGrams are $3.00 each; GoldenGrams are $4.25 each. DEADLINE to send ish history, literature and education, and serves on the CONFIRMATIONGRAMS is

Join us as we welcome the youngest members of our Mount Zion B’ruchim Ha Ba’im community. Families with babies born since last Shavuot (May Welcoming the First Fruit 2011) will be honored with a special ceremony and gift during Shavuot services on Sunday, May 27 at 10:00 am. Please RSVP to All babies born since May 2011 Julie Beckman at [email protected] or 651-698-3881 by Friday, Sunday, May 27, 10:00 am. May 18 with your baby’s Hebrew name for the inscription of your Part of Shavuot morning services personal gift. If you need help choosing a Hebrew name, please call Rabbi Adler. Help us celebrate these new guarantors of Torah!

For all your Shavuot questions: www.myjewishlearning.com or contact our clergy. BROTHERHOOD CARING COMMUNITY Brotherhood Meeting - Tuesday, April 3, 6:15 p.m. in the Mount Zion Cares! lounge/chapel following daily service (re-scheduled from 3/27). All Mount Zion gentlemen are all invited. For details and to RSVP, contact The Caring Community Program is here to help Mount Zion Tem- Charlie Levine ([email protected]) and join us for light dinner & ple members in their moments of need. We reach out to you with a discussion. helping hand when there is injury, illness, grief or other life stressors. Men’s Weekend, Friday, June 1 – Sunday morning, June 3. An ex- We provide meals, rides,visitors, and shiva support. citing and meaningful early summer event for gents in the Mount Zion To get help contact the program at [email protected] kehillah. The agenda: a fun, relaxing, spiritual weekend in the Timber or call 651-698-3881 Lodge (Cedar Valley Resort) in beautiful Lanesboro, MN. Cost (lodg- ing and food) is $190 for those registering before May 1; $220 after. Space within the lodge is limited (especially bedrooms); early registra- tion is recommended. Additional information: mzion.org/whats-at- mount-zion-for-me/mens-retreat/ or contact event maven Daniel Sogin at [email protected]. Clergy Visits Next year’s Brotherhood. Elections for our 2012-2013 officers will Our clergy would like to visit or call you if you are ill or occur in May/June. If you’re interested in serving as a member of the homebound. To be sure we visit all of our members in governing team or would like to nominate someone, please contact need, please call us and let us know the name of the per- Brotherhood treasurer Richard Newmark ([email protected]). son who needs a visit and all available information such Wishing everyone a great Pesach! as location (home or specific hospital or nursing home) and phone. L’Hitraot, Shel Finver, Brotherhood President Thanks for helping us make connections! 11 Engaging Torah NOAZIM - 20S/30S GROUP Making Judaism relevant to 20- & 30- somethings at Mount Zion! A SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE For more information on upcoming events, to get involved, or to SHABBAT WITH simply get on our mailing list, email [email protected] or find our group on Facebook! Rabbi Andrea Weiss, Ph.D. Associate Editor, Torah Study Group: Torah & Tonics The Torah: A Women’s Commentary; 2nd Thursday of every month Associate Professor of Bible, HUC-JIR Thursday, April 12, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Drop in to this informal study group, where we will be looking Friday-Saturday, May 4-5 at Mount Zion at and discussing the weekly parashah/Torah portion. No previous Hebrew or Jewish knowledge required, and no need to prepare anything in ad- vance. All welcome! Questions? Contact Katie Heisel at 651- 324-5840. Do you need place at a Passover Table? Saturday, April 7

Friday, 7:30 p.m. (after services) In your 20s-30s and looking for a second- Intermarriage, Homosexuality, and Gender: night Passover seder? How Reform Jews Read the Torah Today Contact [email protected] for more details. The Reform Movement published a revised version of The Torah: A Modern Commentary, nearly twenty-five years after the publication of the original commentary edited by Rabbi Gunther Plaut. Differ- ences between the two volumes reflect a number of significant Soul Food Friday changes in how the Reform movement approaches topics such as in- termarriage, homosexuality, and gender. We will examine the new Come for the food, stay and feed your soul! features of the revised commentary and reflect on what they can teach First Friday of every month. us about these important issues and the place of Torah in the lives of May 4 Reforms Jews today. There will be no Soul Food Friday in April Shabbat Dinner* @ 7:30 Saturday, 9:00 am. Kabbalat Shabbat Service @ 8:15 p.m. Torah Study: Acharei Mot & Kedoshim Connect with new people at this friendly and inviting service! Singles, The Torah: A Women’s Commentary brings together the research and couples, partners, ALL are welcome! *For dinner, RSVP to insights of over a hundred Jewish women: scholars, rabbis, and poets [email protected] ($5). from around the world and from all segments of the Jewish com- munity. We explore the weekly Torah portions with this award win- NOAZIM Joins J-PRIDE at Pride 2012 ning commentary. Save the Date: Sunday, June 24 Saturday, 1:00 p.m. The Poetry of Torah: Voices from The Torah: A Women’s Commentary One of the unique aspects of The Torah: A Women’s Commentary is its collection of poetry and other creative responses to each Torah por- tion. We will study a sampling of Voices poems and reflect on how poetry can enhance our understanding of Torah and enrich our per- sonal connection to this sacred text. 12 SISTERHOOD Chocolate Seder MIRIAM’S WELL Saturday, April 14, 7:00 p.m., Mount Zion Temple Sisterhood’s Judaica Shop News All are invited! Come join us in a celebration of The Judaica Shop is ready for Passover! ARE YOU? The first night of the holiday in this fun symbolic look into Pesach Passover is April 6. We have: with everything chocolate! All over the age of Haggadot, Seder Plates, Matzoh Plates and Covers, 9 welcomed for this fun evening. Please RSVP! Elijah’s Cups and Miriam’s Cups, Toys and Games, Story Books, Cost: Free. Contact: Ruth Garner, 651-278- Cassette Tapes & CDs, Videos, Cards, Cookbooks and more! 9596 or [email protected]. Stop in early for the best selection. Attention Bar/Bat Mitzvah Families: The Judaica Shop has a Kibbitz n’ Krafts Is Back for 2012! large selection of Tallit and Kipot. Stop in and take a look at them. Sundays, April 22, 9:45 a.m. at Mount Zion We have a gift registry that your child can fill out. It makes gift buy- Knitters, beaders, scrappers, stampers and crafters of all ing for your guests much easier. Gift Certificates are available in any kinds wanted to join us! We get together to share our amount for gift giving. loves and to chat! Do you have trouble finding time for that project? Now is the perfect time to chase away Hours for the Judaica Shop are Wednesdays, 4:30 - 7:15 p.m., Fridays, your Winter Blues! Join us for Schmooze, Coffee, and Nosh. ½ hour before Services; and Sundays from 9:30 - 12:30 p.m. Miriam’s Well Brunch Honoring all Tour the St. Paul Mikvah Gift Shop Volunteers & Sheila Schuman For men, women, and teens! Sunday, May 6, 10 a.m. –12:00 p.m. at Mount Zion Sunday, April 22, 12:15-1:15 p.m. (We will meet at the Mikvah at 12:15) Join us in honoring all the Gift Shop volunteers and espe- cially our Guest of Honor: Sheila Schuman. Sheila is step- Mount Zion’s Sisterhood and Women’s ping down as Gift Shop Chair and this is the perfect time Spirituality Group invite you to join to to show how much we appreciate everything she has done tour and learn about the mikvah. Con- for Sisterhood and Mount Zion! This will also be the clos- tact Cantor Spilker with questions: ing meeting for Sisterhood. Please join us for a nosh and celebration of [email protected] Sheila Schuman, our volunteers, and Sisterhood!

Cost is FREE to Gift Shop Volunteers & Sisterhood members; $5 for Mount Zion Sisterhood Board all others. Donations will be accepted at the door. Please RSVP by April 20 to Sheri Frisque at [email protected]. Proposed Slate 2012-2013 Job Opening in the Gift Shop Co-President Jennifer Eisen We are Looking for the Perfect Fit! Co-President Gail Gendler Co-President Elect Michelle Morris The Gift Shop (Miriam’s Well) is seeking woman(women) who can Treasurer Sue Stein help complete the team that will be taking over for Sheila Schuman VP Religion & Education Sheri Frisque when she steps down as Committee Chair. We are looking for a VP Membership Edith Pang woman who is computer savvy(or at least trainable), with a flexible VP Events OPEN schedule, people skills, and the willingness to do what is needed to VP Human Relations Liz Stein keep the gift shop running smoothly. Additionally, any retail, mer- VP Finance Penny Druker chandising, buying experience would be a bonus. Recording Secretary Karen Kaplan Membership Secretary Susan Levey Red Cross Blood Drive VP Publicity Ruth Garner April 18, 2:30-7:30 p.m. at Mount Zion Corresponding Secretary Shirley Berdie Advisor Penny Druker For your convenience, we are offering the ability to schedule your ap- Auditor Diane Frichol pointment online. Go to www.redcrossblood.org and search for spon- sor code 0174008. Double red cell donor appointments are found at the bottom of the schedule. If you have donated after February 20, you can- Blue Man Group not donate due to the 56 day interval. Double red blood cell donors Thursday, June 21, Orpheum, $66.80 need to have 4 months between their donations. No payment required until one month before performance. Volunteers Needed: Contact Terri at [email protected] to work the blood drive and/or to bring snacks for the blood donors. Questions? ContactToba at 952-953-0228 or [email protected] 13 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NEWS

Upcoming Events Parents and Congregants Passover Break - no classes Join us for Yom Acharon -- Wednesday April 4 and Sunday April 8 The Last Day of School! Grade 6 Family Workshop: Sunday, May 20 “Putting God on the Guest List” 9:30 a.m. Students Attend Class Sunday, April 15 – 9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. Closing Ceremony Begins Yom Ha’Shoah / Holocaust Remembrance Day Second Grade Mechina Sunday, April 15 – Commemoration, 12:00 p.m. Hagigat HaSiddur Ceremony Parents/guardians – please join together with your student(s) The Celebration of the Siddur Fifth Grade B’nei Mitzvah Orientation Meeting Celebrate the culmination of the first year of Hebrew studies with Sunday, April 22, 10:45 a.m. our second grade Mechnia class. Sixth Grade Dalet Siyyum/Completion Ceremony Yom Ha’Atzmaut / Israel Independence Day Celebration Sixth graders will show off their beautiful handmade tallitot and Sunday, April 22 , 12:00 p.m. mark the culmination of five years of Hebrew Study. Parents/guardians – please join together with your student(s)

Teacher Appreciation Special Yom Ha’Atzmaut Program (PreK - 6) Please come to show your support and appreciation for the faculty Sunday, April 29 at Temple of Aaron and staff who create a vibrant Jewish learning environment at Mount Zion. All Religious School programs will relocate to Temple of Aaron for a morning of learning together with other Jewish youth in Special tributes will be given to staff reaching special St. Paul. milestones. We will also celebrate and thank our Shir Tzion will take place at Temple of Aaron at 9:00 a.m. B’nei graduating Madrichim! Mitzvah will also take place during the morning.

Family Picnic with DJ Community-Wide Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebrations Following service Sunday, April 29, Walk begins at 1 p.m. in St. Louis Park For more details, see page 16 Please watch your e-mail for more information about this amazing event! PreK, Kindergarten and First Grade Family Shabbat Musical Program and Dinner Registration Coming Soon to a Computer Near You! Friday, May 4 Back by popular demand! Registration for the upcoming school year Arrive by 4:45 p.m. 2012-2013 will again be available online. An email with the Dinner at 5:00 p.m. registration link will be sent by the first week of May! Rehearsal (in the Chapel) 5:45 p.m. Services at 6:30 p.m. March Mitzvah Food Shelf Update During the month of March, there is a statewide ef- fort to fill food shelves all across Minnesota. Our Secure for Yourself a Teacher and Mitzvah Food Shelf donations go to Neighborhood Acquire a Friend! House and will receive a partial match from Min- nesota FoodShare and the Feinstein Foundation. In We are looking for committed and the Religious School we use this special food drive dedicated individuals to work in our to increase awareness of our responsibility as Jews Religious School. Are YOU passionate to feed the hungry. Over half of the food shelf re- about Jewish life? Do YOU love working cipients are children. Every donation makes a dif- with kids? Do YOU love learning? If you ference in somebody’s life! or someone you know would be interested The Religious School students brought in bag loads of food! Kol Ha’kavod in joining our amazing team, please let us know by contacting Dana – way to go! Thank you for your support of this important mitzvah! Prottas at [email protected] 14 TEEN AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES Chai School Those Who Can, Teach! (7th-12th Grade) Are you passionate about Jewish life? Ever thought about how much fun it would be to 7th Grade (Gesher) spend your Wednesday evenings with 7th, 8th, and 9th graders? If you or someone you Gesher Mitzvah Trips know would be a great Chai School teacher, May 4, 5:30 - 8:45 p.m. at Mount Zion - Shabbat Dinner, Services, e-mail Ana Apter at [email protected]! and Scott Fried Pekuach Nefesh: Lifeguard Always on Duty! 7th-12th Graders Noar Tzion & Gesher JYG Joint Event Chai School Graduation and Senior Send-off! And Honoring Amy Ariel Chocolate Seder Sunday, April 15, 12:15 - 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 27 6:00 p.m. – Join us for a spaghetti Shabbat dinner where we will RSVP online: mzion.nirsham.com or to honor Amy and introduce our seniors. RSVP at mzion.nirsham.com. Liza at [email protected] or 651-698-3881. 7:30 p.m. – Continue the special evening at Shabbat Services as we honor our Chai School graduates who have continued with their Jew- ish education through 12th grade and send-off our High School Sen- SPORTY News and Events iors! 7th graders will participate and will present their Mitzvah projects during Oneg. All Mount Zion teachers and specialists are in- Simba Birthday Bash & Lock Out vited to celebrate with us! Saturday, April 28 Watch your email and Facebook for 11th-12th Grade more information! Sacred Choices Gimmel April 13 - 15 FREE this year! Sign up online at mzion.nirsham.com. Contact Ana Apter at [email protected] with an questions. NFTY Spring Kallah Registration is now open! Real World: NFTY 7th Graders at Neighborhood House April 19-22 in Milwaukee and Kenosha 8th graders welcome! Register online at www.nfty.org/no username: nftyno password: mooses For more information, contact Liza Mole, SPORTY advisor: sportyad- [email protected] or 651-698-3881

SPORTY Elections Want to plan events for teens? Want to bring the teen perspective to the Mount Zion Board? Run for SPORTY Board! Applications available now, and elec- tions will be held on May 16.

SPORTY Board Meetings All Meetings are from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. April 11, 18, 25, and May 2 15 ISRAEL MATTERS IN THE COMMUNITY Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration (Israeli Independence Day) Sunday, April 29 in St. Louis Park Get the Facts Education Series Minneapolis and St. Paul Jewish communities will come together to FREE Monthly Classes at Mount Zion Temple celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. Activities will in- April 24, and May 22, 7:00-8:00 p.m. clude: walk, musical entertainment, a marketplace and traditional Moroccan food. Are you or is someone you know living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia? This FREE educational series offers strategies A solidarity walk will kick off the festivities (rain or shine) at 1:00 p.m. for living with purpose for people with dementia and their care in Nelson Park, next to Peter Hobart Elementary School (2500 Geor- partners. gia Ave. S., St. Louis Park). Participants will walk along the North Cedar Join us every month! Lake Regional Trail ending at the Minneapolis Sabes JCC (4330 Cedar Lake Rd. S). April 24 - What's it like to live well with dementia? (Panel discus- sion of people care partners and people with early stage dementia) The celebration will continue at the Sabes JCC – inside and outside – with music, dancing and activities for children of all ages. Free parking May 22 - Living Well: Spirituality with shuttle service to all events will be available at both Beth El and For more information, contact the Alzheimer's Association at 952- Temple of Aaron. Shuttle service will run from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., 830-0512 or visit www.alz.org/mnnd. completely ceasing by 4:30 p.m. For information, please contact: [email protected] or Dan Mogelson at 651-695-3189. Yom Ha’zikaron April 24, 7:00 p.m. at Temple of Aaron Yom Ha’zikaron is Israel’s official Memorial Day, which honors Israeli PJ Pajama Party fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Free and open to the public. Wednesday, April 11, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the St. Paul JCC We are thrilled to welcome PJ Library to St. Paul and there’s no bet- Izun/Mizan: ter way to celebrate than with a PJ’s Milk and Cookies Party! Come A Film Dialogue Series about Israelis and Palestinians dressed in your PJ’s and enjoy Kosher for Passover cookies and milk, Photos from the screening of My So Called Enemy on share a Passover story from the PJ Library, enjoy time with family and friends and more. Party PJ attire requested! Saturday, February 25 at the Islamic Center of MN. Register by contacting Tracey Agranoff, Jewish Family Programs Co- ordinator, at 651-255-4730 or [email protected] or call the JCC Front Desk at 651-698-0751.

Understanding the Arab-Israeli Conflict: The Challenge of Peace Sunday, April 22 at the St. Paul JCC (1375 St. Paul Ave. St. Paul) Registration at 9:45 am Programs from 10:00 a.m. - Noon. As a part of the celebration in honor of Hadassah's 100th anniversary, the Minneapolis and St. Paul Chapters of Hadassah are proud to in- vite the community to this multi-media event. Everyone is invited at no charge. Light refreshments will be served. This program features a presentation by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Min- nesota & the Dakotas (JCRC) interwoven with vignettes of Hadas- sah's intimate involvement with the development of Israel for the past 100 years. Hadassah is proud to be known as an "Island of Peace" in Israel. This program promises to provide balanced and thought provoking information and discussion about the history and events that shape today's reality. This program is co-sponsored by the JCRC and the St. Paul JCC. 16 THANK YOU...FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS Z. WILLARD FINBERG Bessie Stollman Mary Lou Baird RABBIS’ Max Stollman MOUNT ZION DISCRETIONARY FUND EDUCATION DAY FUND Jeanne Schnitzen Stephen & Rita Levin CEMETERY Eleanor Conner In Memory of: In Memory of: Fritz Stransky MAINTENANCE & Jeff Oberman & Kathy Rose Brown Eva Launer Walter Schwarz PERPETUAL CARE Conner Dean Barr DeeDee & Dick Harris In Memory of: FUND Francine Travis Cutts Marilyn Broussard MILTON FIRESTONE Barbara “Bobby” Cohen In Yahrzeit Memory of: Howard Cutts The Family of Rose Brown ART FUND Karen & Bradley Bream Eva Krasnow Aberman Gertrude Ehrlich Catherine Flowers Vic & Sue Levy Brian & Judith Krasnow Ann Oppenheimer Mary & Robert Gehrke In Memory of: Rosanne Nathanson Richard B. Baer Montague Ellis Joni Hymanson Eva Launer Raline Paper Marsha Baer & Family Ian Ellis Bill & Linda Lapp David & Barbara Eijadi Ellen Sampson Matthew Calin Lucy Fink Bonnie & Sanford Resig Brian & Judith Krasnow Rita Wine Edith Calin Henry Fink Rochelle & David Rottenberg FUND FOR MOUNT Barbara Winthrop Anna Gallia Connie Fox Elaine Steinman ZION Esther Feinsmith Erich Gallia Thelma Fox Teresa & Irving Victor Raline Paper Susan & Patrick Parks Jane, Anna & Sarah Fox In Memory of: Rose L. Wilson Jerry Gillman Nancy Iannone Lloyd Gramling Pearle Cohen Joseph Wolkowicz Lois & Bud Seltzer Ed Pickett Rich & Mitzi Gramling Karl Kirsch Katherine Linwick Karl Kirsch Edwin Levey Charlotte (Mogol) Harris Mary Ann & David Wark Daniel Linwick Anne Starr Steve Levey Alan Harris Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut HARRIS CHAPEL Eva Launer Harry A. Mintz Henry Latts Connie & Paul Ross Beverly Bunin-Gillman & Mitzi Kane In Memory of: Steve & Gail Brand In Yahrzeit Memory of: Jerry Gillman (z”l) Bonnie Buchbinder Jerry Gillman Patrick Parks Sr. Irving Gendler Rosanne Nathanson Edwin Levey Mary Ann & David Wark Susan & Patarick Parks Terri & Mark Anderson & Katherine Linwick Heath Rosenbloom Steve Levey Family JIM & NANCY HARRIS Anne Starr Sue Rosenbloom George Levy Rosalind Rybeck LEADERSHIP Edward Paster Sol Schaeffer Ian Ellis The Rybeck/Searls Family ENDOWMENT FUND Raline Paper Rosemary Sevett Rachel Mandelbaum In Honor of the Birthday of: In Honor of: In Honor of: Esther Krause Titow Bruce Manning Barbara Winthrop Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker Natalie Harris Arlene Spilker Ben Oberman Susan Winthrop Rabbi Esther Adler Brian & Judith Krasnow PRAYERBOOK FUND Jeff Oberman & Kathy In Honor of her Birthday: Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker Conner Joni Burg K.U.L.A.M. FUND Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein In Memory of: Trudy Pert Donation: In Honor of: Emily Seesel Pearle Cohen Hilary Kobrin Women of Reform Judaism Josh Roston In Honor of the Bat Mitzvah of: David & Barbara Eijadi Steven Pierkowski Josie Slovut (Sisterhood) Kevin Stadmeyer SILVERMAN FAMILY Bob & Ilona Rouda CANTORS’ Abbey Kuller Sefra Pitzele JULIE LAZOR In Honor of Being Named COMMUNICATIONS DISCRETIONARY FUND FUND Jerry Kobrin CONFIRMATION FUND “Mensch of the Year”: Ignaz Prager In Yahrzeit Memory of: For a Speedy Recovery of: David Wark In Memory of: Mary Prager David Beloff Len Nachman Carolyn Borow Moore Katherine Linwick Rosemary Sevett The Beloff Family Toba & Mort Lazor For a Speedy Recovery of: Tedda Neff Joseph Sher In Memory of: In Yahrzeit Memory of: Natalie Harris Andrea & Jack Silverman Reine Shiffman Rose Brown Seymour Lazor Connie & Paul Ross TORAH RESTORATION Rita Shubb The Family of Rose Brown Toba & Mort Lazor Donations: FUND Jerry Adler Katherine Linwick The Douglas Berg Family Gregory Shumakher Daniel Linwick MALMON/COHEN Tom Edelstein In Memory of: EDUCATION FUND Maya & Simon Abramovich Susan Yoedicke Phil & Renae Goldman Katherine Linwick Eugene “Yehoshuah” Spector Laura & Jon Savin In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of: Siana Goodwin Jessica Frisco Batya Spector CARING COMMUNITY Herb Fantle Jeffrey & Susan Gottlieb TORAH STUDY/LARRY Fritz Stransky FUND Mark & Michelle Schuleman Mitzi & Rich Gramling KULLER FUND Walter Schwarz Nancy Mason Hauser & Rick David Taran In Memory of: MITZVAH FOODSHELF Hauser For a Speedy Recovery of: FUND Sylvia Taran Katherine Linwick Stacey & David Kanihan Jan Pickett Lisa Taran-Maddy Michael & Tabatha Casey In Yahrzeit Memory of: Shirley Kulevsky Ray Sevett Benjamin Tilsner Tom Chase & Marilyn Mary Lou Baird LoRene Leikind Rosemary Sevett Ralpha Burstein Graham Jeanne Schnitzen Steven & Susan Levey Havarah Gimel Esther Krause Titow Tim & Mary Hassett Harry Breitman Gloria & Bill Levin Arlene Spilker Katarzyna McMahon Rolla Breitman James Levine ARVIN ZAIKANER Emanuel J. Verbin Liz Stein & Rob Larson Josefine Csillag Lee Litman FUND Janice & Henry Snyder Ilona & Robert Rouda Sandor Csillag Todd & Judi Marshall Sunny Willenson Alexandra Oppenheimer Sally & Mitch Rubinstein In Memory of: In Yahrzeit Memory of: Archie Gingold Jeanne Schnitzen Rabbi W. Gunther Plaut James Kuhne Carla Feldhamer Sam & Reine Shiffman The ZaiKaner Family Marlene Collins Kuhne Alvin E. Greenfeld Marilyn & Howard Silver Michael Kuhne Carol & Aaron Mack Michael Skoler & Maria Kirsch YAHRZEIT FUND Florence Levin Anne Starr IRENE FINBERG CAMP In Yahrzeit Memory of: Stephen & Rita Levin Liz Stein FUND Eva Krasnow Aberman Harry A. Mintz Diane Wolfson Brian & Judith Krasnow In Yahrzeit Memory of: Steve & Gail Brand Vladimir Abramovich Rhoda Kantor Bess Price Maya & Simon Abramovich Seymour Kantor Barbara F. L. Penn Ruth Adler Raffe/Coleman Families H. James Seesel Jerry Adler Ellen Seesel Bette Austrian Edward Stein Kim Austrian Liz Stein & Rob & Ethan Larson 17 SOCIAL ACTION UPDATE Tzedek = Justice “Just Vote No” Gathering Upcoming April Events: The Marriage Amendment – How to Talk about It Sunday, April, 22, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. at Mount Zion Temple Wednesday, April 25, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. at Mount Zion Temple Now sure how to discuss the marriage amendment? Concerned that you won’t have a response when someone speaks in support of the amendment? This 90-minute interactive workshop will provide participants with take-home materials, as well as opportunities to engage others in conversation strategies and techniques. Bring a friend and have some fun while we tackle this serious issue. If you are Photo courtesy of Amy Wurdock (www.amywurdock.com). interested, contact Michael Kuhne ([email protected]) or Sharon Demark ([email protected]). Almost 800 people attended the “Just Vote No” gathering Sunday, March, 4 at Adath Jesherun in Minnetonka. Mount Zion was well-represented with 83 congregants. This group learned more about the proposed con- stitutional amendment which will appear on the ballot in November and Planning Mount Zion’s Focus on Tzedek/Social Justice would define marriage exclusively as a “union of one man and one Open Planning Meeting: Monday, April 23, 7-8:30 p.m. woman.” During a part of afternoon, we as a congregation had the op- The Kehillah Council (Board, Committee Chairs, and others interested) portunity to share our own stories. It was a remarkable gathering, one that met on Tuesday, March 13, to begin planning the next kivvun focusing energized and activated the crowd. To give you a flavor of the afternoon on social justice. Kivvun is Hebrew for “direction” and the last kivvun from multiple perspectives, we have asked a few people to share their was on Israel. The year-long focus on Israel set a high standard in terms thoughts: of programming, civil discourse, and spirited engagement, and we will Brita Kukich – To “Vote No” means I am actively taking steps to en- endeavor to make the tzedek kivvun every bit as exciting and inviting. shrine the process of defeating discrimination. As an African-American fe- We will have, as with each kivvun, six months of planning and then a male who also happens to be a Jew, to “Vote No” exercises empowerment; full-year of implementation. The next planning meeting will be to use my freedom of speech and right to vote to offer the same freedoms Monday, April 23, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Mount Zion. If you value to gay and lesbian couples and their families that I now have because vot- Mount Zion Temple’s long-standing and respected tradition of social ers before me took a stand to expand Civil Rights to my family and me. justice action, we need your talents, skills, time, and commitment. For th Participating in the March 4 event also clarified how critical it is to “Vote more information, contact Tzedek Committee co-chair Michael Kuhne No” because in Minnesota there is already a law on the books called De- at [email protected]. fense of Marriage Act, preventing the state from acknowledging same gen- der marriage, so we need to defeat this amendment to prevent its solidification in Minnesota’s Constitution. As a Jew, I learned my “Vote No” upholds the Jewish values of Davod HaBriyot, that all human beings Neighborhood House Wants You! are created in the image of God and therefore all humans should be treated with dignity and respect and Lo ta-amod al dam rei-eicha, Lev. 19:16. Do Join the many Mount Zion members who LOVE volunteering at this not stand idly by as your neighbor bleeds. As a Jew of action I honor the multi-cultural, multi-lingual social service agency on St. Paul’s West Side individual and my “Vote No” stands one with G-d. (179 Robie Street East). Shirley Kulevsky – I was actually bursting with pride all afternoon. Please Help out in the Food Shelf! First of all, I am proud that we refuse to ostracize and despise others as *Drivers are needed Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-10am to pick up food was done to us as Jews. I was proud of our Jewish community for organ- from Woodbury Trader Joe’s and deliver it to Neighborhood House food izing opposition to the marriage amendment. I don’t think any other re- shelf. ligious group (as opposed to individuals or particular congregations) has *Drivers are needed Tuesdays 10am-12pm to pick up food from St. been so active. And I am proud that I belong to a congregation that leads Louis Park and deliver it to Neighborhood House food shelf. in this endeavor and that so many members voted with their feet (or *Volunteers are needed in the food shelf Mondays through Thursday af- should I say wheels) to support the rights of gays and lesbians to enjoy ternoons 1 p.m.-4 p.m. the legal and social sanctions of marriage. Please Come Teach English Language Learning Classes to Adults! - The rally on March 4 was amazing. It was incred- Sam Schauvaney *Volunteers are needed Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-11am and Thurs- ible to see so many people that were fighting for a cause that hits so close days 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. to home. The marriage amendment is a civil rights issue. Our society should be one that allows us to support every lifestyle. I shouldn’t have to For information, contact Neighborhood House Coordinator, Riley Kar- be worried about peoples’ reaction to the fact that I have two moms. Let’s bon ([email protected] or 651-789-2501) or Mount Zion's Liaison fight for marriage equality and get one step closer to accepting everyone. with Neighborhood House, P.J. Pofahl ([email protected]). 18 Teresa Matzek, Address Requested Service Saint Paul, MN55105 1300 Summit Avenue Mount Zion Temple Website: E-Mail: Phone: [email protected] INSIDE Ellen B.Rest, President-Elect Robert O.Mast, President Ana Apter, Teen andChaiSchoolDirector Dana Prottas, Lower Schooland Hebrew SchoolDirector Solomon, ExecutiveLarry Director Cantor Jennifer Strauss-Klein Cantor RachelStock Spilker Rabbi EstherAdler Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker sal16 17 18 Social Action Update Contributions 15 Israel 13 14 12 Teen andYouth 11 Religious School 9 Sisterhood NOAZIM Shavuot 8 7 Passover Food forThought 4 Purim Photos 5 From thePresident 3 2 Chai Notes Service Schedule Rabbi’s Letter 651-698-3881 ~ [email protected] www.mzion.org Iton Tziyon See page6formore details. uation, honoring all12thgraders, andhonoringAmy Ariel. 7:30 p.m.Shabbat Services 6:00 p.m.Shabbat Dinner Mount Zion’s ChaiSchoolGraduates Fax: Honoring AmyAriel , editor 651-698-1263 Friday, April 27 All are welcome! and Including ChaiSchoolGrad- Jewish andAfricanAmerican Women Working Together forCivil Rights Food forThought This year Mount Zion willnothave acongregational seder. Instead Learn andNosh before Shabbat Services Wednesdays inMississippi: Friday, April 20,5:45p.m. *There will beabriefShabbat/Pesach at5:45p.m. service See page8formore details. we wanttomake sure hasaplacetogo. everyone Guest Speaker: Dr. Josie R.Johnson The FirstSederisonFriday April6 night, Planning for Passover Holocaust Remembrance Yom HaShoah See page9for more details. See page10 Yes, itbeginsonShabbat. Do you have plans? TWIN CITIES,MN TWIN PERMIT NO.814 US POSTAGE PAID PRESORTED STANDARD Israeli Independence Day Yom Ha’Atzmaut * See page16.