Beth – The West Temple BULLETIN March 2021, Adar – Nisan 5781

Our Mission from the Rabbi's Desk... To be a center of worship and 15 Steps to Hope vital community life where Jews and their families from It’s the month of March. The month of spring. Cleveland’s western Time for spring cleaning. Time to clean out our communities learn Jewish cupboards. And time to get ready for Passover! traditions and values, develop We can use the 15 steps of the Passover their Jewish identity, and seder as part of our personal preparation assure the continuity of process, especially in this continuing time of Jewish life. COVID. Our seder can be the ultimate antidote to despair as we move from sadness to joy, from desperation to hope. Let’s take a look… Features 1. Kadesh – reciting Kiddush, designating the time as Rabbi's Desk...... 1-2 sacred. Set aside time to allow for real listening, March & Passover introspection, and growth. Programming ...... 2-3 2. Urchatz – washing the hands. Set aside time for reflecting 21st-century Renovations .....4 on that which burdens you and how you can let it go. BI-TWT Supporting Statement for the Historical Marker ...... 5 3. Karpas – eating a vegetable dipped in salt water. How has sadness (the salty tears) over this past year tempered What Was It Like?...... 6-8 our growth? We eat a green vegetable—a sign of spring, of By the Book ...... 9-10 new growth. How does that reflect us as we come to bloom Educator's Desk & Virtual after the winter? Retreat Pictures ...... 11-12 4. Yachatz – breaking the middle matzah. Indeed, there are Pictures from February ...... 13 parts of us that are not whole. Where are they hidden from Circle of Friends & us? How can we search for them? Does it take someone Pictures ...... 14 else to help us find them? Changing Lives with Climate 5. Magid – reciting the Haggadah. What are your questions? Change ...... 15-16 How do you reflect different perspectives in the course of YYYYY your life? What has been/is your Egypt – your narrow Calendar...... 17 place? What is your song of thanks? Celebrations ...... 17 6. Rachtzah – washing the hands, this time with a blessing, as we prepare to eat. What are the blessings in your life? Perpetual Yahrzeits ...... 18 What nourishes your soul? Service Schedule ...... 19 7. Motzei – reciting the blessing HaMotzi, “Who brought Contributions ...... 20 forth bread from the earth.” Knowing full well it doesn’t come out of the ground looking like this, how do you help in bringing creation to fruition? continued on p. 2. March 2021 Beth Israel – The West Temple 2 continued from p. 1 8. Matzah – reciting the blessing on eating matzah, unleavened 7:30 p.m. – Friday, bread, the “bread of poverty.” It is bread, but bread without March 5th leavening. What “puffs us up”? What can you do to maintain a sense of humility, especially in the face of those who have so little Shared to eat? Shabbat 9. Maror – eating the bitter herbs. Tasting the bitterness of harsh words, defeat, loneliness. How is that tempered by the sweetness of Join Rabbi Lader for a family- the haroset; by the sweetness in your life? friendly Erev Shabbat Service 10. Korech – eating a sandwich of matzah and maror (in ancient as we welcome Shabbat and times together with the Passover lamb). Our life is filled with rich celebrate March Birthdays and moments (lamb), bland moments (matzah), and bitter moments Anniversaries (maror). Liberation comes when we discover the art of sandwiching all the components of our life into a single mosaic. And finding the Zoom link will be sent in the News balance. You Can Use 11. Shulchan Orech – setting the table, eating the festive meal. How do you set aside time to celebrate? How do you include others? Lifelong Learning’s First 12. Tzafun – eating the hidden afikomen. Eating the afikomen Wednesdays Series: means that you have found it. How have you located the parts of yourself that are hidden away? 13. Barech – reciting grace… AND welcoming Elijah, who will usher “Conversations we wish in the time of redemption. How do you make time to feel and show we could have during the appreciation for your blessings? AND… as we seek to welcome service (but the train has Elijah, what can you do to help have a positive impact on those around you, on those in need, on our environment??? already left the station.)” 14. Halel – reciting psalms of praise. Each moment can be an Co-Facilitated by opportunity to show appreciation for what you have… for what you Rabbi Lader and Julian Ross don’t have… Wednesday, March 10th, 7:30 p.m. 15. Nirtzah – concluding declaration that we followed all the steps. It is a time of completion, a time of celebration. A time of continued We continue to slowly hope in a future of freedom and peace. What are your hopes? make our way through the Shabbat services and 15 steps. It’s a personal journey… that we take together. invite everyone to make With wishes from my family to you and yours for a zissen Pesach – comments and ask questions as we a sweet Passover, go along.

Rabbi Enid Zoom link will be sent in the News [email protected] You Can Use.

Bulletin published 11 times a year by: Congregational Beth Israel—The West Temple Educator: Debbie Chessin 14308 Triskett Road, Cleveland OH 44111 Ritual Committee: Luis Fernandez Phone (216) 941-8882; [email protected] Buildings & Grounds Committee: Rick Keller On the web: www.thewesttemple.com Social Action Committee: Barbara Feldmar & Ken Dunn Rabbi: Enid C. Lader (216) 228-9735 Membership Committee: Sandy Pankiw President: Peter Sackett Finance Committee: Robin Kaufman Vice President: Walter Wright Cemetery Committee: Rick Keller Treasurer: Robin Kaufman Public Relations Coordinator: Becky Watts Secretary: Judy Wright Bulletin Editors: Jan Miyake, Pat Outlaw April Deadline: Monday, March 15th Table of Contents March 2021 Beth Israel – The West Temple 3

Passover Planning PASSOVER SEDER PLANS Via Zoom

Rabbi Lader will be leading our Community Second Seder on Sunday, March 28th at 6:30 p.m. and Barbara Schwartz and Rabbi Lader will co- lead our Women's Seder, with special guest Trisha Arlin, on April 1st at 7:00 p.m. The haggadot for each seder will be sent out ahead of time, and screens will be shared, so we'll all be on the same page!

Rabbi Lader will lead our Passover Festival Morning Service Sunday, March 28th at 11:00 a.m. All Zoom links will be sent in the News You Can Use

If you or someone you know in our congregation would appreciate a Seder-in-a-box, please let Rabbi Lader know, and we will deliver our seder boxes before Passover. Our hope is that each box will include: Passover matzah, matzah ball soup, an easy-to-read Haggadah, and Passover sweets... If you or someone you know in our congregation would like a box, please call the temple office to let Rabbi Lader know as soon as possible - 216-941-8882. Contributions to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund will be used to help make this mitzvah possible.

Sunday Morning, April 4th Yizkor & Healing Service for the Concluding day of Pesach at 10:00 a.m. with Rabbi Lader

MITZVAH OPPORTUNITY

Our Passover seder includes the famous invitation: Let all who are hungry, come and eat. As we are coping with the challenges presented by the coronavirus, let us keep in mind those who face economic challenges every day. We encourage you to make a tzedakah contribution to the SCAN Hunger Center, to help them support all those who are hungry. Please make out your check to: SCAN Hunger Center

Send to: SCAN Hunger Center c/o 11556 White Tail Run Columbia Station, OH 44028 Table of Contents March 2021 Beth Israel – The West Temple 4 update on the 21st-century Renovations Kitchen Almost Out of the Oven We are nearing the end of the renovation of our kitchen! We are awaiting delivery of the sinks, which are on back-order from the manufacturer, and the installation of the appliances. Unless we are very unlucky with the sink delivery, we could be done by Passover. The pictures below show what the kitchen looks like at the moment. Todah Rabah to those who have responded to our $2,000 challenge appeal. So far, $1,364 has been received. If we can get to $2,000, some anonymous donors have pledged to match it. That means $636 will unlock another $2,000. Your gift could be the one that gets us over the line. You don’t even need to write a check or address an envelope or affix a postage stamp; just go to www.thewesttemple.com and click on the Donate Now! button. Luis Fernandez, Chair, 21st Century Renovation Campaign [email protected]

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BI-TWT Supporting Statement for the Ohio Historical Marker In his essay “The Soviet Jewry Movement” in Remembering: Cleveland’s Jewish Voices, Louis Rosenblum, one of the founders of the Cleveland Council on Soviet Anti-Semitism recalled “I believe that, for the Jewish people, the struggle for the right of Soviet Jews to freely emigrate stands as the great redemptive event of the latter part of the 20th century.” Rosenblum and several other members of Beth Israel–The West Temple in Cleveland, Ohio, had formed a study group in the fall of 1961, which examined why Americans had not acted against the activities in Germany that would result in the Holocaust. In doing so they looked at the present and saw the rise of anti-semitism in the Soviet Union and decided to act—they feared a repetition of what had happened in Germany under the Nazis. In 1963 they created the Cleveland Council on Soviet Anti-Semitism, a grassroots activist group that would seed a national and international movement that would involve several U.S. Presidential administrations and thousands of volunteer advocates, and eventually result in the free emigration of Soviet Jews and other persecuted minorities from the former Soviet Union. Their action did, indeed, result in a great, international redemptive event. This historic marker reflects specifically on the seminal role played by congregants of the Beth Israel Temple in creating the movement to allow Soviet Jews to emigrate from the Soviet Union at a time that their rights and religion were severely suppressed by the USSR. Specifically, that indigenous, Cleveland- based movement eventually became a critical factor in US-Soviet relations during the Cold War and prompted the Jackson-Vanik Amendment of 1974 which, by linking trade and the right to emigrate, allowed significant of Soviet Jews to come to the United States—many of them to Cleveland with the assistance of the Council and the Jewish Community Federation. That this activism emanated from Beth Israel–The West Temple, is not coincidental. Founded in 1954, Beth Israel served a growing number of Jews who were settling on the west side of Cleveland, Ohio, a city in which the preponderance of the Jewish population had, since the 1830s settled on the east side and later the city’s eastern suburbs. The establishment of Beth Israel was, in many ways, reflective of the movement of American Jews away from the urban core resulting in what some scholars describe as “Americanized” suburban Jewish identity in the post-World War II era. Residents in such areas had largely moved into the professions. At Beth Israel, that characterization had a very important “Professional” connection. Many (including Rosenblum and one other founder of the Cleveland Council on Soviet Anti-Semitism) were scientists who had come to work at what is now the Glenn NASA Lewis Research Center located nearby. One of the founders of Beth Israel, Abe Silverstein, who would serve as president of the Cleveland Council in the mid-1960s, was the director of what was NASA Lewis at that time, and today is one of the most honored figures in the history of NASA. Thus the site of the proposed historical marker reflects on not only a significant international event and its origins within Ohio, but also upon the role that the American Jewish community played in the areas of science and technology during the years of the “Space Race.” The Jewish scientists at NASA were critical to the American victory in the “Space Race” with the Soviets. Thus this site has an important “double” connection to American-Soviet relations during the Cold War as well as serving as a “marker” for the importance of advocacy in the cause for social justice.

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What Is It Like? Romy Larsen “Good teaching is 1/4 preparation and 3/4 theatre.” -Gail Goldwin

What drove you to teaching? Why special education? Is it cliché to say “I love children”? That’s really why I love teaching so much. I also knew I couldn’t get into a career that wasn’t helping better the world and touching people’s lives—tikkun olam and all those mitzvot. While seeing my younger brother go through special education and have his life so greatly improved by the incredible teachers he had, I knew that I wanted to have that same impact on other families, especially since I’ve had the experience of being the family member on the other side of the parent-teacher conference table. Seeing children learn and grow is one of the most rewarding careers I could have chosen, and I’m so lucky to have found my calling.

How has student teaching been in the age of COVID? Do you think that some of the changes are here to stay? It’s gone about as well as you hear on the news—disastrous. Luckily, most special ed has been in person for a while, however we haven’t been immune from COVID and have had a quarantine because of an individual in the testing positive. I think this has been a good way to demonstrate to school administrators how ineffective virtual learning is for a majority of students, as I think an inevitable “pilot program” that would be rolled out in an effort to save money (they’re always trying to save money aren’t they?) would be teaching over video conferencing. I know for a fact that these changes aren’t here to stay for the population of students I teach, which is moderate to severe intellectual and developmental disabilities, but schools already have changed snow days so that kids still have to log in virtually, which is a total injustice if you ask me.

Having passed state testing, how was the preparation for the tests? Any tips for the test takers out there? Preparation wasn’t too bad. Out of the three licensure exams I had to take, the only one that intimidated me was the Teaching Literacy exam. I bought a study guide online and read it almost cover to cover. My biggest tip is, take the practice exam! Thursday, March 4th, 7:00 p.m. What do you love the most about teaching? Like I mentioned before, just seeing how I can have an impact on young Town Hall with Peter people’s lives, especially those who are the most challenging to teach. One of my teaching professors did an observation for a student teacher Sackett and Cuyahoga who was in early childhood education (non special ed), and remarked “it County Executive was so boring—you give the students an assignment and they just… do it, without any help!” I always say I could never teach typical Armond Budish kindergarten because there are so many kids with so many challenges https://youtu.be/Xt4PWGdzasY that are unique to typical children, I honestly applaud those teachers because I think their job is much harder than mine. It’s easier to corral 7 kids with disabilities than 25 without! That being said, my favorite part of the day is just seeing my students develop and grow despite their learn more unique and profound challenges. I couldn’t imagine my life anywhere but about Armond a classroom. Budish here. What is the hardest/most frustrating thing about teaching? Probably the fact that people think teaching is super easy and anybody could do it. Not just for my job as a special educator, but even typical educators. The biggest thing you learn in student teaching is there’s so much more to teaching than just reading a book and asking the kids questions. There are so many factors that can impact your lesson and require you to adapt with literally zero notice, especially now in the time of Zoom University.

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Not only that, but when you think you’ve explained a concept perfectly to students and they just have a blank stare and did not understand any of what you’ve just said, that can be very discouraging. The thing that frustrates me most about teaching? I went to college to get my MRS degree, and I’m graduating with no husband and a crummy Bachelor’s!

-Israel- Tell me about the teaching program in Israel. So Baruch Hashem I’ve been accepted to the Masa Israel Teaching Fellows program, which is a program in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Education to bring native English speakers to Israel to teach English to schoolchildren for one full school year, since Israel has a huge need for English teachers right now. I’ll be teaching 3rd-6th grade students in , and living in a dorm-style living arrangement with several other teaching fellows.

What do you hope to accomplish while part of the teaching program? Honestly just immersing myself in Israeli culture and experience what it’s like to be a religious majority for once! I visited Israel on my Birthright trip in 2019 and I didn’t want to leave, I totally fell in love with the country and knew I needed to come back. Israeli schools are also very different from American schools: children call their teachers by their first names, kids don’t always sit in their seats or stay quiet during lessons, and recess is a total free-for-all! I’m hoping my experience in a foreign school system will give me a more dynamic and well-rounded approach to teaching back home in the States, and make me a better teacher overall.

What do you love about Israel? That’s like asking what I love most about my own mother! Israel is a wonder of the world, so much history and culture all in one tiny country. The people there are so much different from in America, the phrase “Sababa” comes to my mind—it means cool, don’t worry about it, it’s all Sababa. On top of that, what a breathtaking landscape! There are so many national parks in Israel, and you can find just about any climate. From the barren desert of the Negev to the bucolic forests of the Galilee, Mt. Hermon’s snowcapped peaks and the blue beaches of Tel Aviv and Haifa, and everything in between, there’s a reason it’s called The Promised Land.

What are your plans while you are there besides work? To make as many relationships as possible and really integrate into Israeli society as much as possible. I want to see what it’s like to live as a local and experience their struggles and their simchot (joys). I also want to travel around the country as much as possible while I’m there, and luckily my program facilitates a lot of day travel to big sites around the country. I’m a history nerd and would love to see all the historically significant locations that are littered around Israel (since I’ll be living in Jerusalem, I’ll have plenty within walking distance!) I hope to make lifelong friends there, and hey, maybe might be my calling! No one knows what the future brings.

-Other- Ear buds while doing your work? If yes, first choice for ? Typically yes. I can’t work to anything with lyrics or a beat. Chopin or Beethoven for me.

If not, what’s your first choice for music to listen to? I listen to practically every kind of music. My all time favorites include Brockhampton, Frank Ocean, Lana del Rey, Joji, Ishay Ribo, Benny Friedman, and My Chemical Romance, among many, many others. Recently I’ve been super into King Princess, MARINA, and Nissim Black. Rather eclectic I must say.

Favorite musical - the one you know all the lines to! Knowing all the lines? That doesn’t narrow it down much! My favorite of all time is Les Miserables, but my favorite Andrew Lloyd Webber is definitely Jesus Christ Superstar. My favorite newer show is either Book of Mormon or Dear Evan Hansen (because I’m 15, I guess).

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What is your favorite genre of books? Fiction-wise, definitely fantasy (like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson) or surrealist sci-fi, like Kurt Vonnegut. Non- fiction-wise, I’m always a few chapters into some book on halacha or Jewish mysticism, as well as a wellness book by Neal Barnard or John McDougall.

Favorite topping!!! Hot fudge, no contest.

Do you have any pets? Right now I have one very old kitty cat named Hidey (whom I named when I was 8 years old!). She’s around 14 now, so she is the queen of the castle.

How about pet peeves? (lol, I thought I was witty there) When people make rude comments about others appearance/body/actions totally unprovoked, especially if it’s a stranger or a random person you see on the street. Just like an idle comment that happens to be rude is so frustrating. Didn’t your mother teach you “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all.”???

What famous person would you like to have a cup of tea with and why? Living: Manis Friedman, the famous Chabad rabbi. I don’t always agree with everything he says, but he is such a captivating speaker and I’d love to hear his perspective on some of my own problems and opinions. Deceased: Theodor Herzl. Imagine being the Father of the State of Israel… enough said.

Pictures from February Lunch & Learn (courtesy of Renee Kolesar and Susan Wagner)

Zoom ‘n Lunch ‘n Learn with Rabbi & Friends Wednesday, March 17th at Noon

in honor of St. Patrick's Day “The Jews of Ireland”

Zoom link will be sent with the News You Can Use.

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By The Book This month, answers are from temple members Vicky Abady and Renee Kolesar. Participants choose questions to answer from a fun list. What books are on your nightstand? VA: I recently read American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins, City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert, Chicken Sisters by KJ DellAntonia, The Dutch House by Ann Patchett RK: I can tell you the last three books I finished recently: The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larsen, Most Wanted by Lisa Scottoline, and The Alienist by Caleb Carr. I’m just starting The Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters. Are there classic novels that you only recently read for the first time? RK: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Most people have seen different movie versions of this story, but there is a lot more to learn about life in England in the 1800s, when you read the book. Describe your ideal reading experience (when, where, what, format). VA: Summer morning, afternoon or evening. Outside on the porch or in our pavillion. RK: My favorite place to read is our screened-in porch on a pleasant day, not too hot, in a comfortable chair, possibly reading something by Dave Barry, who makes me laugh out loud! What's your favorite book no one has heard of? RK: Alex & Me by Irene Pepperberg, about a scientist discovering the world of parrot intelligence. It was a NY Times bestseller, copyright 2008, but whenever I mention it to anyone, no one seems to know about it. Which writers—novelist, playwright, critic, journalist, poets—working today do you admire most? RK: My favorite writer working today is Erik Larsen who writes historical non- fiction in a very readable format, backed by amazing, excellent research. The poet who I am admiring most right now is Amanda Gorman, the young woman who presented her poem at the presidential inauguration. However, my three favorite authors are no longer alive, James Michener, Irving Stone, Leon Uris, all writers of historical fiction backed by detailed research. I think every Jew should read The Source, by Michener. Has a book ever brought you closer to another person, or come between you? RK: Even though I’m already close with my children, after I told them about Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, they loved the books and we had a subject we could all enjoy discussing together. Currently, Horton Hears a Who, by Dr. Seuss, has brought me closer to my granddaughter. She always wants to read it with me and really understands the importance of “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” What’s the most interesting thing you learned from a book recently? VA: I recently read The Thyroid Reset Diet by Alan Christianson. I learned about how a healthy thyroid is vital to overall good health. RK: All of Erik Larsen’s books have so much historical information that we never learned in our social studies classes! Reading The Splendid and the Vile, I learned so much about Winston Churchill, his family, his private life and his relationship with FDR and his administration. What moves you most in a work of literature? VA: The characters. RK: Since I love history, anything that helps me learn more details about people and events from all periods

Table of Contents March 2021 Beth Israel – The West Temple 10 of history, is my favorite part of reading. It compels me to do more research, delve into subjects I hadn’t thought about before. Which genres do you especially enjoy reading? And which do you avoid? VA: I like historical fiction, cookbooks, beach reads. Usually avoid nonfiction. RK: Any type of history is my favorite, whether it’s readable non-fiction or historical fiction. I don’t care for supernatural type subjects, so I won’t be reading any books about vampires. Also, I respect Stephen King as an author, but his type of subject matter isn’t for me. How do you organize your books? VA: I usually read books from the library. RK: We have so many books in our house, in almost every room! Many are on shelves that my husband built in the basement. Since everyone in the family is an avid reader, the shelves are filled to overflowing. Several years ago, I had made a database on an ancient computer, but that file is long gone since it was on a floppy disk!! Ever read a best seller and been disappointed? Which one? VA: The Daughters of Erietown by Connie Schultz. RK: I used to really like romance novels by Jude Deveraux. I recently read one by her that was not very good, so that was disappointing. What book might people be surprised to find on your shelves? RK: She Walks in Beauty, a book of poems selected by Caroline Kennedy, which is a cherished gift from a dear friend. I absolutely love poetry. I’ve been writing poetry since I was in elementary school. My favorite poets are Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Longfellow. What do you do when a book is disappointing? Finish it or stop reading? RK: I try to finish, thinking it might get better. But I have just stopped reading when a book lost my interest or the plot gets too convoluted. Recommend one book!!!! VA: Becoming by Michelle Obama. RK: I guess I cheated, because I already mentioned The Source. But now I’ll take the opportunity to recommend In the Garden of the Beasts by Erik Larsen, which takes place in Germany as the Nazis slowly rise to power.

Going into the hospital? Interested in Extended time in rehab? Membership? Need help with meals? Contact the Need a ride to appointments? Need a friendly visitor? temple office 216-941-8882 Our Caring Committee is or email us at ready to help. [email protected] for more information. Please contact the temple office or Rabbi Lader. 216- 941-8882. Table of Contents March 2021 Beth Israel – The West Temple 11 from the educator's desk... March 2021 March Calendar: Passover Lessons for Your Children Monday, 1st – 6:30 p.m., Hebrew School Every year families all over the world share the Sunday, 7th – 9:30 a.m., Religious School extraordinary story of Passover with their children. It's a story that reminds each one of us Monday, 8th – 6:30 p.m., Hebrew School how we were freed from slavery and began a journey that would lead to the birth of a modern nation. The Passover Saturday, 13th – 10-12 p.m., High School Class story is ancient, passed down from generation to Shabbaton generation, but it still has important lessons for our children. Sunday, 14th – 9:30 a.m., Religious School Passover is a holiday that can teach us all about being Monday, 15th – 6:30 p.m., Hebrew School appreciative for what we have, and at the same time remind us to be empathetic about the plight of other Sunday, 21st – 9:30 a.m., Religious School people. Each year as we retell the story of the Passover, the Haggadah tells us to try to experience the Seder as if Monday, 22nd – 6:30 p.m., Hebrew School we ourselves were slaves in Egypt. As we talk about the th symbolism of the special foods that are eaten during the Saturday, 27 – Erev Pesach holiday—matzah, haroset, and maror (bitter herbs)—it is Sunday, 28th – Virtual Congregational Seder a perfect opportunity to have your children think about what life was like for the Jews when they were slaves, Sunday, 28th – No Religious School, Spring and then discuss why we all should be thankful for our Break own freedom. th Encourage your children to ask questions. These are so Monday, 29 – No Hebrew School, Spring important that, at the very beginning of the Seder service, Break the Haggadah provides Four Questions for the youngest Highlights from February: At the end of child to ask. However, that should only be the beginning. The children’s participation and inquiries during the Seder February, our Congregation enjoyed should be encouraged and valued. Of course, this participating in a virtual retreat with guest involvement should not be restricted to children. As we scholar in residence Dr. Greg Marcus and the make our way through the seder, everyone in the family is Bible Players. We enjoyed a weekend of encouraged to participate in the retelling of the story of learning and fun together. We concluded the the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, and a special effort weekend by enjoying a Havdalah pizza party. should be made to encourage our children’s curiosity. It is Enjoy the pictures! their questions that keep them engaged and help them feel connected to the story of the Jewish people. As you gather around the Seder table with your children, you will be taking part in a very special tradition—one that encourages storytelling and questioning. Every year the story of Passover is told, it will take on new meaning for you and your children, and it will remind them of why they need to continue to remember and retell this story in the future. Debbie Chessin* BI-TWT Congregational Educator, [email protected] *This position is partially funded through the Fund for the Jewish Future of the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland.

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Pictures from Virtual Congregational Retreat (photos courtesy of Debbie Chessin, Renee Kolesar, and Susan Wagner)

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Pictures from February (photos courtesy of Susan Wagner and Renee Kolesar) Tu B'Shevat Lunch 'n Learn and 2/12 Shabbat.

Table of Contents March 2021 Beth Israel – The West Temple 14 from Circle of Friends – BI-TWT's Rosh Chodesh Women's Group Passover Preparation, pt. 1 - February 10, 2021 On Tuesday evening, February 10th, Trisha Arlin met with us for the first of two Zoom meetings to work on writing prayers and rituals in preparation for our Women’s Seder, which will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 1st. We began with Rabbi Enid leading us in a service for Rosh Chodesh Adar. Trisha then began a discussion about creating ritual and prayer with these thoughts: A prayer is like a feeling–not good or bad, but true for the person creating it. She also wanted to assure us that there will be no critique of our work: not by each other, not by her, or by ourselves of our own work. The goal is that we do not feel inhibited or judged, but that we feel safe. If we wish not to read our work out loud, we can just say “pass.” Trisha then took us into a discussion about ritual, asking us how we would define it. She suggested that ritual can be like a journey that takes you from one place to another. It can be like going through a gateway into a story. The story is like a journey in which something has happened to change you in a mindful way. The Haggadah is that kind of story. Attending a service is the same–going through a journey that leads to you being a different person at the end. We talked about Miriam, water, Miriam’s Cup and salt water. We each wrote blessings for Miriam, for salt water/tears, and for washing hands. Then, each was given a separate blessing to write for one of the four cups of wine representing one of the matriarchs, and one of the four questions. We concluded by writing two “songs” – Lo Dayenu or “it is not enough”, and Dayenu for that which has been “enough.” Our session will be Wednesday, March 3rd at 7:30 p.m. In preparation, Trisha asked us to think if we could choose one item meaningful to us to include on the Seder plate, what would it be? We will be thinking about the afikomen, the four children, the plagues, and the blessing after the meal. If you missed the first session, we hope that you will want to join us for this second one and for our Women’s Seder. We are looking forward to being together again, Barbara Schwartz, Chair, Circle of Friends [email protected] photos courtesy of Barbara Schwartz, Susan Wagner, & Renee Kolesar Please visit Trisha’s website for information about her blog and book.

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Changing lives with climate change

The question isn’t if but when life on Earth will be forever altered by climate change, say Mandi Goodsett and Evan Meszaros, speakers at Beth Israel’s Mini Winter University on Jan. 24. Goodsett and Meszaros are active with the Climate Reality Project and the Citizens Climate Lobby, Cleveland chapter. The couple advise that the time to be concerned is now. The increases in flooding, mud slides, forest fires and storms are warning signs, the couple told Beth Israel members via Zoom. Goodsett and Meszaros addressed three crucial questions – Must we change, can we change, and will we change? The answers, they say, are yes. “The sky is a thin shield around the earth. It is not limitless. It is vulnerable,” Meszaros said. He said we spew 152 million tons of pollution into the air every 24 hours. “We are treating the sky like a sewer,” he said. Add to that a dramatic rise in daily temperatures, mostly due to fossil fuels, he said. Oil, gas, and coal provide 80 percent of our energy sources. That has led to 2020 being the hottest year on record with the average temperature 2.25 degrees above average. “Cleveland can expect at least 30 days of 90-degree temperatures a year going forward,” Goodsett added. Sea level rise, increasing temperatures, and pollution of air and water also have led to a risk of losing 50 percent of all land-based species, Meszaros said. “This would be the worst extinction since the dinosaurs,” he said. The Lancet, the official journal of the British Medical Association, has called climate change “a medical emergency.” Without addressing the issue of climate, we’ll see more pandemics, the authors concluded. The world also will see more refugees as people flee floods and droughts, the spread of tropical diseases plus water and food shortages. Against this grim backdrop, Goodsett and Meszaros see hope, especially with a transition away from fossil fuels to the burgeoning renewable energy industry – wind and solar. The Icebreaker Wind Project, for example, has proposed building, at least at first, six wind turbines off Cleveland’s Lake Erie shore. The cost of wind and solar energy has decreased dramatically, they say. “In some cases, the cost of solar is half the cost of burning coal,” Meszaros said. Also, car manufacturers, especially GM and Ford, have committed to building more electric vehicles. So, will we change? The U.S. has re-committed to the Paris Climate Agreement, which has a goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century. Goodsett and Meszaros also tout H.R. 763 – the Bipartisan Climate Change Solution Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. The resolution is sponsored by the Citizens Climate Lobby. The measure would put a fee on fossil fuels – coal, gas and oil – at the source. Those fees would be passed on to consumers. Imported goods would be assessed a border carbon adjustment. Manufacturers of goods that are exported would receive a refund. According to the Citizens Lobby web site, “This will encourage energy companies, industries and consumers to move toward cleaner, cheaper options.” Goodsett said the annual dividend to a family of four could be $3,456 a year. The proposed resolution, which has been introduced to Congress, “will save lives and create jobs,” she said.

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Goodsett and Meszaros live in Cleveland Heights. She graduated from Cleveland State; he from Case Western Reserve University. They both attended a Climate Reality Project virtual seminar last summer that trained volunteers to take action for climate change, they said. The Climate Reality Project is an international non-profit founded by former Vice President in 2006. Goodsett said she really became motivated to “do something” because of her two small nephews, William and Ramon, who live in South Carolina. “What kind of world will they inherit? With climate change, it’s really looking grim,” she said. Meszaros said he was pleased they could present the program so close to Tu B’shevat, when trees and plants are a focal point of the holiday. In closing, Goodsett and Meszaros had some suggestions on what we can do every day to help limit the effects of climate change. Eat less meat. Cattle produce methane – a more intense greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Travel less. Get an energy audit for your home. Check windows and flashing. Turn down the thermostat. The program was arranged by the temple’s Social Action Committee chaired by Barbara Feldmar and Ken Dunn. For more information, visit www.climaterealityproject.org and www.citizensclimatelobby.org. Linda Kramer, Member, Social Action Committee [email protected]

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Calendar of Events (Please call the Temple Office for more information or to RSVP; 216.941.8882); information on Shabbat services can be found on p. 20) Tuesdays, March 2 & 9 Exploring Jewish Thought, 7:00 p.m., contact Mark Jaffee for the login link (p. 16). Wednesday, March 3 Circle of Friends Meeting with Trisha Arlin, 7:30 p.m., Zoom link TBA (p. 14). Thursday, March 4 Town Hall with Peter Sackett and Armond Budish, 7:00 p.m., https://youtu.be/Xt4PWGdzasY (p. 6). Friday, March 5 Shared Shabbat, 7:30 p.m., Zoom link TBA (p. 2, p. 19). Wednesday, March 10 “Conversations we wish we could have during the service (but the train has already left the station),” 7:30 p.m., Zoom link TBA (p. 2). Saturday, March 13 High School Shabbaton, 10:00 a.m., Zoom link TBA (p. 11, p. 19). Wednesday, March 17 Lunch 'n Learn with the Rabbi, noon, Zoom link TBA (p. 8). Saturday, March 27 Erev Passover Sunday, March 28 Passover Festival Morning Service, Zoom link TBA (p. 3, p. 19) Sunday, March 28 Community Second Seder, 6:30 p.m., Zoom link TBA (p. 3, p. 19). Thursday, April 1 Women's Seder, 7:00 p.m., Zoom link TBA (p. 3, p. 14, p. 19). Sunday, April 4 Yizkor & Healing Service for the Concluding Day of Passover, 10:00 a.m. Zoom link TBA (p. 3, p. 19)

Celebrations

March Birthdays (young people up to age 25) Hannah Ross March 10 20th Isabella Brashear March 26 15th Ava Watts March 12 14th Vivian Griffith March 26 7th Avital Shmois March 15 15th Talon Basiewicz March 27 18th Stella Melott March 21 9th Caroline Sumner March 28 8th Sam Friedman March 24 13th Alex Watts March 30 12th Hannah Cutrona March 25 22nd

March – Wedding Anniversaries Jeremy & Rhoda Rak March 18 15th

March – Adult Birthdays Zach Robock March 4 Bette Goodman March 21 Patricia Lehrer March 29 Irma Laszlo March 6 David Maynard March 22 Jan Morse March 30 Lawrence Goodman March 9 Rosalind Roberts March 24 Dr. Melissa Morse March 30 Dr. Robert DreshfieldMarch 15 Sidney Donahoe-Goldberg Joy Mattes March 31 Richard Keller March 16 March 29

Table of Contents March 2021 Beth Israel – The West Temple 18 Perpetual Yahrzeits

WEEK ENDING WEEK ENDING WEEK ENDING MARCH 6 MARCH 13 MARCH 27 Bina Levin Morris Krissoff Robert Ethan Horvitz Charles K. Seldin Paula Williams Hyman Lader Otto Eckstein Ida M. Wissman David McGary Rodgers Gerhardt Boris Bruckman Martha Bruckman Leon Altfeld Joshua Fernandez Max Briskman Aron Altchouler Steven Hill Marilyn Josselson Ludwig Clara Altchouler Frank L. Seitz, Jr. Joseph Butensky Daniel Barnes Pepi Weiner S. Herbert Gruber Tino Fernandez Pauline Miller Sonia Keller Rose Eigen WEEK ENDING Shirley Krissoff APRIL 3 Mary C. Friedman Dr. Harold Feldman Benjamin Gruber Samuel Mesiboff Ada Ludwig Moyer Edna Smilgoff Hermine M. Stern Charlie Gluck Myron F. Kramer Irwin L. Newman Mandara Provder Rachel Ellen Thornton Harold Paul Conrady Debbie Thornton WEEK ENDING Douglas Byron Schwartz MARCH 20 Emma Deborah Caron Adolfo Margulis Dina Grinberg Arthur Rutenberg Anna Mark Zelda Greenfield Rose Seldin Kenneth Bogart Estelle Scheinman Keen Mimi Caro Lucille Velardo

Table of Contents March 2021 Beth Israel – The West Temple 19 Shabbat Service Schedule

Friday Evenings Saturday Mornings Virtual Services at 7:30 p.m. by Zoom Torah Study by Zoom at 9:30 a.m. Virtual Service by Zoom at 11:00 a.m. Call the Temple Office for more information.

March 5 – Shared Shabbat March 6 Service Leader: Rabbi Lader Service Leaders: Peter Sackett & Scott Machol

March 12 March 13 – High School Shabbaton Service Leader: Rabbi Lader Service Leader: Rabbi Lader

March 19 March 20 Service Leader: Rabbi Lader Service Leaders: Rabbi Lader

March 26 March 27 Service Leader: Rabbi Lader & Service Leader: Luis Fernandez High School students

Sunday, March 28 11:00 a.m. Pesach Festival Morning Service Service Leader: Rabbi Lader

Sunday, March 28 6:30 p.m. Congregational Second Seder Service Leader: Rabbi Lader

Table of Contents March 2021 Beth Israel – The West Temple 20 Contributions – January and February 2021

General Fund 21st Century Renovation & Capital We gratefully acknowledge donations from Campaign Fund – Kitchen Anonymous We gratefully acknowledge donations from Maria E. Cruz Former members Dr. Karl & Dorothy Lubitz of Delray Jack Kreuscher Beach, FL Susan & Tom Wagner In Memory of Dana & Nathan Eckert Anne Webster Romy Larson -Karon Greenfield Michael Kukura Leo Machol Myrna Pendery Ilse Machol Linda Steerman In Memory of Lou Goldman Les Ackerman Jennifer Rinehart -Pat Outlaw Rhea Seldin Russ Siegel Barbara Schecter Tree of Life Fund -Scott Machol In Memory of Molly Lader Marvin M. Goldberg -Dr. Harry & Rabbi Enid Lader -Beryl & Michael Palnik Les Ackerman Les Ackerman -Rabbi Sally Priesand -Beryl & Michael Palnik -Dr. Robert & Eleanor Dreshfield -Carolyn & Howard Wesoky -Murray Stein The Alan B. Lettofsky Fund for the -Arthur Dunn -Ellen Reisman Center for Jewish Life In Memory of Les Ackerman Rabbi Lader's -Rabbi Alan & Jean Lettofsky Discretionary Fund We gratefully acknowledge a donation from Religious School Fund Romy Larson We gratefully acknowledge a donation from Peter Sackett In Appreciation -The Ackerman Family In Memory of Les Ackerman In honor of Rabbi Lader -Susan & Tom Wagner -Carol Kandiko of Centering Space

The Evy & Lou Rosenblum Fund Security Fund In Memory of for Education & Social Justice Morris Roberts In Memory of -Rosalind Roberts Les Ackerman -Dr. Harry & Rabbi Enid Lader -Miriam Rosenblum

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