November 2016 ~ Tishrei/Nisan 5777 Volume 164, Number 5 November

A VIEW FROM THE BIMAH November 2016 ~ Tishrei/Nisan 5777 I would like to use this having to think about participating. MARK THE DATE . . .

month’s column to reflect Some prefer a magnificent choir – and on our recent experience they are – while others have suggested COMING UP NOW with the High Holy Days. that a soloist on the bimah would bring Friday, October 28, 6 PM, New Member more warmth and connectedness with We were fortunate this Shabbat. A wine and cheese reception will those in the pews. Some prefer to stay year to be able to use pre- follow Shabbat service. with old prayer books, citing a certain publication “piloting” Saturday, October 29, 9:30 AM, Shabbat comfort level; others prefer the new, editions of the new morning service and Torah study with Rabbi and talk of not wanting to stagnate, but Reform High Holy Day Stevens. Light brunch served. have fresh forms of prayer to stay Prayerbook, Mishkan Hanefesh COMING UP SOON engaged. Even with transliteration as (“Tabernacle of the Soul”), for four of an aid to reading, some love having that Thursday, November 3, 7 PM, our services this year. Mishkan option, while others find it only Blachschleger Library Annual Lecture Hanefesh was published this past year, Series guest speaker is Mary Ann Neeley, confusing. and in the years leading up to Montgomery's preeminent local historian. publication, softcover piloting editions Finding the right balance is also a Light refreshments. were produced for Rosh Hashanah challenge in planning individual Thursday, November 10, 11 AM, L'Chaim evening, and for the evening, morning services – the use of lay readers, for League's Thanksgiving lunch and bingo for and afternoon services on Yom Kippur. example, or how we handle the section Capital Heights Senior Home. L'Chaim League's Thanksgiving lunch and bingo for When a congregation in Los Angeles of Torah readings. Capital Heights Senior Home. purchased the full hardcover edition, My own preference will be to VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. MEMBERSHIP making available these services for the recommend adoption of Mishkan IN L’CHAIM NOT NECESSARY. Call the cost of shipping, we snapped them up. Hanefesh as our new High Holy Day Temple office for details. Like our Shabbat book, Mishkan T’filah prayer book, as have hundreds of Friday, November 11, 6 PM, Shabbat (“Tabernacle of Prayer”), Mishkan service with full choir ensemble. Reform congregations around the Hanefesh includes elegant translations, Saturday, November 12, 9:30 AM, country. I have long since become full transliteration throughout and many Shabbat morning service and Torah study uncomfortable with male-dominated spiritually uplifting readings to with Rabbi Stevens. Light brunch served. language, especially referring to God, supplement the core texts. Thursday, November 17, 7 PM, Jewish and love the gender inclusive liturgies Book Council author Joel M. Hoffman, Adding to our experience this year, we used in Reform prayer books since the PhD, discusses his book "The Bible Doesn't introduced some new singers into our 1980’s. The transliteration made a very Say That." Sponsored by the Rothschild- choir, a new Director in Becky Taylor, noticeable difference, as most everyone Blachschleger Lecture Series. along with some new settings to joined in reading Hebrew blessings Friday, November 18, 5 PM, Family complement the traditional music we together – as is now the norm on Chavurah "Tot" Shabbat service in the Blachschleger Library - suitable for children have heard for years; for the first time Shabbat. Mishkan Hanefesh is also of all ages. our choir was accompanied by both much less about Jewish particularism Friday, November 18, 6 PM, Shabbat keyboard and organ – and in one than about our quest for spiritual uplift Service. Celebrating 170 years since the selection also by Clare Weil on violin and our search for transcendence. Its organization of our Montgomery Jewish who also maintained her long-standing lack of “stage directions” gives us more community. A champagne oneg follows the tradition of playing Kol Nidrei on Yom flexibility in how we worship together. service. Kippur. We even heard the occasional Tuesday, November 22, 7 PM, Joint I also believe that this year’s musical tambourine or bells. Thanksgiving Service with First United presentation was generally on the mark, Methodist Church and Church of the Finding the right balance of elements is and well received – though in need of Ascension. Held at Church of the Ascension no easy task. Some people prefer to tweaking (some pieces can be dropped; at 315 Clanton Avenue. Reception follows. hear the music of Shabbat, because they the Erev Rosh Hashanah service was Saturday, December 3, 10 AM, Cindy know it well; others prefer to hear the too long, and the tambourine and bells Kaufman Bat Mitzvah more traditional holy day motifs. Some did not resonate well [pun intended!]). want to sing along; others want to sit I am also pleased that we had the best back and let beautiful music wash over attendance yet at Tashlich – casting our them, deriving a sense of sanctity in not continued on page 10 continued on page 14

Volume 164, Number 5 November 2016 ~ Tishrei/Nisan 5777

Celebrating Our

164th Year President’s Message

Since April 12, 1852

ELLIOT L. STEVENS, D. D., RABBI The month of October is ending and for the first time in my recent David A. Baylinson, D. D., Rabbi Emeritus memory, the High Holy Days as well as the festivals of Sukkoth

Temple Beth Or Officers and Simchat Torah all were celebrated in the same month. John Ives ...... President Beginning with Rosh Hashanah, we enjoyed the beautiful music Steve Clein ...... Vice-President: Programs Joe Levin ...... Vice-President: Finance of our choir as well as using the pilot books of Mishkan Hanefesh, Larry Capilouto ...... Treasurer the new holy day prayer books. The feedback from you regarding Gracie Hanchrow ...... Secretary Diane Weil ...... Immediate Past President the prayer books as well as the music has been, for the most part,

Board Members overwhelmingly positive. As such, the Ritual Committee has Harriette Dorosin ...... Adult Education recommended and the Board has approved the adoption of Pete Hitchcock...... Cemetery Jim Levy ...... Youth & Scholarship Mishkan Hanefesh as the new books for the Holy Days. Jeff McKinney ...... Religion School Sheryl Rosen ...... Hospitality The new prayer books are a two volume set and will be purchased Steve Wallace ...... Facilities for less than $35 after our discount. We are reaching out to our Bob Weisberg ...... Co-Membership Alison Williamson ...... Co-Membership members to order these books through contributions to the Prayer SISTERHOOD PRESIDENT  . MEN’S CLUB PRESIDENT Book Fund, which can be acknowledged as a memorial Susan Finklestein Pete Ginsburg remembrance, as an honor to a family member or simply as a gift from you. I hope that you will all help us reach the goal of Temple Beth Or Staff Gina Friday ...... Temple Administrator purchasing these new prayer books for our congregation. Elana Hagler ...... Religion School Co-director Kerry Bleiberg ...... Religion School Co-director Regarding the security system that I have previously written Linda Smith ...... L’Chaim League about, I wanted you to know that 8 of the 10 cameras are now Marlon Cotton ...... Maintenance Manager Becky Taylor ...... Music Director installed and functioning. This system will provide 24 hour Temple Singers ...... Pete Hitchcock, Michelle Lott, coverage of the exterior of the building and drives and we feel Shane Nishibun, Tiffany Nishibun, David Peden, James Seay, Mabs Seay, Bill Taylor, Turia Stark Williams that it will be instrumental in helping to keep the Temple and the grounds safe. Office Hours Monday CLOSED Tues., Wed. & Thurs. 9-4 Sunday was Simchat Torah, the celebration of the Torah. We Friday 9-2 unrolled the scroll which was held by all those present as the

2246 Narrow Lane Road  Montgomery, AL 36106 Rabbi read from the end of Deuteronomy and the beginning of Office: [email protected] Genesis. It signifies the continuity of our religion and its Rabbi: [email protected] www.templebethor.net wonderful traditions. My hope for the New Year is that more of (334) 262-3314 Tel  (334) 263-5183 Fax you will make an even greater effort to experience the beauty and

Please call Gina Friday at 262-3314 to report any corrections community of our Shabbat services. or inaccuracies in the bulletin. See you in Temple! Please be understanding of others when you come to Temple by John Ives avoiding heavily scented perfumes, colognes and lotions.

Saturday, Oct. 29 & Nov. 12 Shabbat Morning Service

On Saturday mornings, October 29 and November 12th, Rabbi Stevens will lead a Shabbat morning service. Service will run from 9:30 – 11:15 a.m. and include Torah study and a light brunch.

Contributions to Funds We greatly appreciate the people who support Temple Beth Or by remembering and honoring Birthday and their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions. Those that are Anniversary Blessings received after the 20th of the month will be in the next bulletin. on November 4th YAHRZEITS Floral Fund

Get Well to Alan Weil, Sr. To be read 11/4/16 Charlotte and Joe Mussafer NOV ANNIVERSARIES 10/31/2016 Kalman Shwarts, Sr. On the Yahrzeit of Beatrice Gordon 8 ...... Bob & Erin Sommer 11/1/2016 Stuart L. Weissman Bari and Joe Levin 14 ..... Michael & Sari Capilouto 11/3/2016 Harry Stiller In Memory of Beatrice Shaffer 14 ..... Kenny & Terri Capouya 11/3/2016 Marilyn Sussman Gordon 14 ..... Jeff & Carrie McKinney 11/4/2016 Herman Dubin Joe and Bari Levin 20 ..... Herman & Anne Franco General Fund 22 ..... Nikki & Carolyn Rothschild To be read 11/11/16 In memory of my beloved wife, Phyllis 26 ..... Pee Wee & Eleanor Kohn 11/7/2016 Emily Hurt G. Franco 26 ..... Irving & Gay Winter 11/7/2016 Phyllis Franco Rubin A. Franco 27 ..... Lew & Karen Nyman 11/7/2016 Terri Berlin Meredith Prayerbook Fund 28 ..... Joe & Bari Levin 11/8/2016 Rhoda Dubin On the Yahrzeit of Joe E. Capilouto 11/12/2016 Theresa G. Bernstein

Corinne F. Capilouto In Memory of Abe and Miss" Jennie" NOV BIRTHDAYS To be read 11/18/16 11/13/2016 Irving R. Bean Monsky 1 ...... Alan Rothfeder Evalynn Monsky Duncan 2 ...... Jesse Bern 11/14/2016 David Byck, III Speedy Recovery Celia Dubin 4 ...... Bob Goldberg 11/14/2016 Samuel Kaufman Charles Dubin 7 ...... Rick Beringer 11/15/2016 Bertha Kaufman Rabbi's Discretionary Fund 8 ...... Marlene Beringer 11/15/2016 Elsa Herzfeld In Memory of Herman and Rhoda 8 ...... Adam Schloss 11/15/2016 Inez Greene Dubin 9 ...... John Allen Dees 11/15/2016 Jeannette Nyman Celia and Charles Dubin 10 ...... Gaby Capp 11/16/2016 Isabelle D. Goldberg On the Yahrzeits of Jerome Levy and 10 ...... Hannah Soloff 11/17/2016 Milton Long Marie Levy 11 ...... Ralph Capouya 11/17/2016 Reuben Herzfeld Babette Wampold 11 ...... Janey Sabel 11/18/2016 Edna Jane Bloom 13 ...... Craig Darch 11/18/2016 Louis Charles Neumann Social Concerns 15 ...... Loren Franco On the Yahrzeit of Marilyn Sussman 16 ...... Emme Kaplan Pete and Pam Hitchcock To be read 11/25/16 16 ...... Pam Hitchcock 11/21/2016 Bernice Clein Youth and Scholarship Fund 16 ...... Jarred Kaplan 11/21/2016 Charles C. Cahn In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of 18 ...... Andy Weil III 11/21/2016 Diana G. Hanan Nathan McKinney 18 ...... Charles Kohn 11/22/2016 Isador Marco Alison and Greg Williamson 19 ...... Morris Capouya 11/22/2016 Jack Loeb, Sr. 20 ...... John Ives 11/22/2016 Ray Worth 21 ...... Gavyn Capilouto 11/24/2016 Alma Happ 21 ...... LaNette Clein 11/24/2016 Julius Simon Marks 23 ...... Cindy Kaufman 23 ...... Erik Naprstek 11/26/2016 Bernard Eric Hanan Recent Death 25 ...... Elliot Cohen 26 ...... Robert Shinpaugh Sharon Benn ...... 26 ז״ל Wayne Shires 28 ...... Will Beringer September 20, 2016 29 ...... Bobby Weil 30 ...... Bill Goolsby  30 ...... Pat Dees 30 ...... George Beringer Former Temple Member

Welcome to our newest members!

Geron Gadd, Susan Watson and Katie and Kyle Hendrix

NEW MEMBER SHABBAT Wine and Cheese Oneg

Join us Friday evening, October 28, for our New Member Shabbat. We will welcome new members who have joined us over the past year, and who have already enriched our congregation by their participation: Buddy & Jo Anne Rousso, Jeanette Rousso, Joe & Stephanie Person, Pearl Hasson, Avi Nelson & Kristina Armstrong, Geron Gadd, Eric & Anna Sherman, Gillian & Ezra Caplan and Susan Watson.

A wine and cheese reception will follow the Shabbat service.

Friday  November 18  6 PM

Shabbat Service. Celebrating 170 years since the organization of our Montgomery L’Chaim League is in need of Prizes For their upcoming Thanksgiving Jewish community. A champagne Luncheon. Please drop off oneg follows the service. donations at the Temple or Synagogue office by Nov. 8th. Some suggested items needed: sheet sets, bed pillows, quilts/ bedspreads (queen size) wallets, purses, scarves, jewelry or a donation for purchases of prizes and food.

SISTERHOOD Ascension. the temple library collection. With the High Holy Days being very As we begin this New Year let us all be The Community Table: Recipes & late this year our Sisterhood has been thankful for each other and find the Stories from the Jewish Community extremely busy. Bette Sue Strasburger opportunity to Volunteer and serve our Center in Manhattan & Beyond by Katja and Corrine Capilouto had a lovely Rosh Temple. We need and want each of you Goldman, Judy Bernstein Bunzl, and Hashanah Eve reception with the help of for Temple Beth Or to continue our Lisa Rotmil (699 GOL 2015) many Sisterhood members. The sweets traditions and to serve the Temple. The Covenant Kitchen: Food and Wine were delicious and the cheese and Susan Finklestein for the New Jewish Table by Jeff and cracker platters made a beautiful array Sisterhood President Jodie Morgan (699 MOR 2015) under the flowers arranged by Ward * * * The World of Jewish Desserts: More Chesser. Than 400 Delectable Recipes from On Rosh Hashanah morning Alison L’CHAIM LEAGUE Jewish Communities from Alsace to Williamson arranged apples, honey and Volunteers needed: We are serving a India by Gil Marks (699.9 MAR 2000) challah for us to welcome in the wonderful Thanksgiving meal along The Dairy Gourmet: Secret Recipes sweetness of a Happy and Healthy New with playing bingo with the residents at from Tastebuds Gourmet Café and Year. Capitol Heights Senior Home. This Flower Shop by Sarah M. Lasry, A week later we observed Yom Kippur annual event is highly anticipated by the photographs by Estee Gestetner (699.9 beginning with the Kol Nidrei and residents and staff. They are so LAS 2006) concluding with the Break the Fast at glowingly happy when we come there. Help is needed to serve the food that A Drizzle of Honey: The Lives and sunset on Yom Kippur. Susan Recipes of Spain’s Secret Jews by David Finklestein and Akiko Bloom had many day, and to assist with Bingo. Prizes are needed: electric shavers, handkerchiefs, M. Gitlitz & Linda Davidson (699.22 helpers including Alison Williamson, GIT 2000) Maxine Goldner and Diane Weil who watches, wallets for men; women’s provided a wonderful spread. After prizes needed: jewelry, handkerchiefs, The Children’s Jewish Holiday Kitchen: fasting the congregation enjoyed such watches, wallets, scarves. Or, if you 70 Ways to Have Fun with Your Kids delicacies as tuna fish salad provided by like, please provide a donation to use and Make Your Family’s Celebrations Aimee Harris, egg salad made by Alison towards the event, or supply desserts. Special by Joan Nathan (699.1 NAT Williamson and dill-cilantro broiled Call or email me asap with your 1995) contribution. salmon made by Susan Finklestein. Nechama Cohen’s Enlitened Kosher Following our Sukkot service Joy HYUNDAI TOUR: MONDAY, Cooking: More Than 250 Good-Carb, Kaplan and Kerry Bleiberg had a NOVEMBER 14th. We will carpool Healthy-Fat, Sugar-Free Recipes from delicious reception outside near the from TBO lot at 8.45. After the tour, we the Simple to the Elegant (699.9 COH decorated Sukkot with 45 in attendance will eat lunch at “Southern Comfort” 2006) and lots of children. It was a big success. Restaurant. We now have only 2 slots left for this tour. Our group will have 24 Mother & Daughter Jewish Cooking: The following weekend we celebrated participants. Two Generations of Jewish Women Simchat Torah and sang and danced Share Traditional and Contemporary sharing the Torah. Many thanks to Betty Looking forward to a Chanukah Recipes by Evelyn Rose (699 ROS Goldberg for being such a gracious host. luncheon at a local restaurant in 2000) December. We also enjoyed our visitors from Kosher Light: Your Traditional Jewish Huntingdon College. Our organization is not only a fun Favorites Cooked Healthy by Zillan Our Carnegie Deli Cheesecake experience, but community minded, as Bahar (699.3 BAH 1998) well. Join us at any time. fundraiser ended the last of October. Jewish Soul Food: Traditional Fare and Many thanks to all who helped sell and Linda Smith What It Means by Carol Ungar (699 buy cheesecakes. We look forward to [email protected] UNG 2015) their arrival at the beginning of * * * November. Marlene Beringer and Lisa Recipes Remembered: A Celebration of Survival: The Remarkable Stories and Weil did an awesome job again this year FROM THE LIBRARY spreading the news to the Authentic Recipes of Holocaust Though the weather might not make one community .The money raised is always Survivors (699.736 HER 2012) believe it, we have entered the autumn a great resource so Sisterhood can Jewish Cooking in America by Joan holiday season, which means for many continue to contribute to Temple. Nathan (699.9 NAT 1998) people an increase in food preparation or Our Joint Thanksgiving service with a change in the types of foods we long to Eric A. Kidwell, MLS First United Methodist Church and enjoy. So, we’re revisiting our annual Church of Ascension will be November cookbook column – some oldies but 22nd hosted by Church of the goodies, as well as a few new titles to

Tot Save the date! Temple Beth Or’s Jewish Food FAMILY FRIENDLY 5:00 - 5:30 PM in Festival & SERVICES the Library especially for toddlers, rket kids, moms, dads and Treasure Ma grandparents too! November 18 17 February 26, 20

EXCITING NEWS ABOUT CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS!

The Goldring Family Foundation has BEDTIME BUNDLES announced that first-time campers at a Jewish For the 9th year we will be collecting sleep-away camp are now eligible for a bedtime items for Child Protect scholarship award of $1,500 – fully 50% during November and higher than in recent years. This is an December. Please put your purchases incentive award, and is not based on which must be new and unused in the need. This award is also available in addition playpen in the Temple to any subventions available from Temple Beth lobby beginning in early November. Or, the Jewish Federation of Central Alabama or other resources. After coming to Child Protect because they were abused or molested, these boys and girls go into foster Send your child(ren) to camp this care, often with nothing to call their own, according to Director summer! Experts agree that one of the most Jannah Bailey. Please be generous for these unfortunate effective ways to develop a child’s children, who are mostly ages 6-12. commitment to living Jewish lives is to expose them to a Jewish camp experience. Items wanted are pajamas, pillow cases, socks, underwear, bedtime stories, journals and writing implements, sketchbooks See Rabbi Stevens for more information, and and coloring pencils or crayons, toothpaste and toothbrushes, for a 2017 application form. Our regional washcloths, fleece throws, slippers, dolls and toys, combs/ camp is Camp Jacobs, in Utica, Mississippi, brushes/hair ornaments, and anything else you can think of. which also can provide funding support, aside from a fabulous experience. Note that If you don't want to shop or are unable to do so, please send a Goldring Foundation applications must be check to the temple office earmarked "for bedtime bundles" and received by March 31, 2017. More we will be glad to shop for you! Thank you! information is also available from the Foundation; call Ellen Abrams at 504-524- Louisa Weinrib 4559. 262-6155

Annual Joint Thanksgiving Service Church of the Ascension First United Methodist Church Temple Beth Or Tuesday, November 22nd  7 PM This year’s Thanksgiving service will be held at Church of the Ascension and Senior Minister Jeremy Pridgeon will speak. A reception follows the service.

Shimon Peres, one of Israel’s founding fathers and one of Israel’s great leaders, passed away on September 28, at the age of 93. His political career lasted more than half a century, and he held virtually every position in Israel's Cabinet, including Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Israel’s Ninth President. Peres was also a Nobel Peace Prize winner and awarded the USA’s Presidential Medal of Freedom. After his retirement, he continued to serve Israeli society and devoted his time to the Peres Center for Peace, an organization that works to build bridges between Israelis and Palestinians. Beyond the remarkable achievements of Mr. Peres, he symbolizes the generation of “the beautiful Israel” – the big dreamers of the Zionism idea who devoted their life to the building of Israel. Peres was born on 1923 in the small village of Vishniewa, Poland and made Aliyah to Israel when he was 11 years old. He led the creaƟon of Israel’s defense industry, negoƟated key arms deals with France and Germany and was the primary mover behind the development of Israel’s nuclear weapons. Shimon Peres gained universal appreciation due to his dedication to the vision of “New Middle East” and his endless hope for peace and optimism no matter the challenges.

“For 60 years I was the most controversial figure in the country, and suddenly I’m the most popular man in the land. ”

It will be surprising to hear that for years in Israeli politics he was known as a “loser”. Looking at his long list of achievements it’s hard not to appreciate his love for Israel and its people. I will always be thankful for the inspiration he gave us as Jewish people to strive for a better future and not give up on our dreams even when many people questioned them. The Jewish Federation mourns the loss of Shimon Peres. May his memory continue to be a blessing! Tzlil Bandy Community Director & Operations Coordinator

GUEST AUTHOR & BOOK SIGNING

Thursday, November 17th Joel M. Hoffman, PhD. 7 PM

Save the date: On Thursday, November 17th, Jewish Book Council author Joel M. Hoffman, PhD, discusses his book “The Bible Doesn't Say That.” The book has just been published. Dr. Hoffman, a biblical scholar and prolific author [including many elegant translations in the new Reform prayer book Mishkan T’filah], presents dozens of intriguing examples in his book, showing that many of our assumptions about biblical teachings are often based on misunderstanding.

Dr. Hoffman — who also authored In the Beginning and And God Said, is also the lead translator for the series My People’s Prayer Book, winner of the National Jewish Book Award.

The Bible Doesn’t Say That challenges the reader to think differently about many of the Bible’s core ideas. The book’s greater message–which is that the Bible must be read in consonance with the times in which it was written and with sensitivity to the nuances of its original language–is Hoffman’s most powerful point. Despite his academic background, the author writes in an accessible style that requires only an open mind and willingness to challenge long-held assumptions. A reader comes away understanding that while some of our misconceptions about the Bible are relatively minor, other misconceptions have led to significant misunderstandings, and even conflict, between people of faith. Sponsored by the Rothschild-Blachschleger Lecture and Culture Fund. Editorial Review: “The Bible Doesn’t Say That challenges the reader to think differently about many of the Bible’s core ideas...the author writes in an accessible style that requires only an open mind and willingness to challenge long-held assumptions. A reader comes away understanding that while some of our misconceptions about the Bible are relatively minor, other misconceptions have led to significant misunderstandings, and even conflict, between people of faith.” JewishBookCouncil.org "[A] witty and accessible look at Scripture...Hoffman has produced the best kind of popular scholarship, that will interest both religious and secular readers” - Publishers Weekly

Note from the Social Concerns Committee:

Our Food Drive/Fund Drive for the Montgomery Area Food Bank ended on Tuesday, October 25th. In addition to the barrel filled with food and supplies, we also collected about $1,200. Another way of looking this: since every dollar collected purchases about 6.5 pounds of food, our donation to the food bank will provide 7,800 pounds of food. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Pam Hitchcock

9 Rabbi Stevens’s View from the Pulpit, continued from cover An invitation to bread/sins into the water at the Museum of Fine Arts – with about 45 people present, and also our Study with best attendance at the moving and Tashlich. photos by Kerry Bleiberg spiritual Healing Service on Yom Rabbi Stevens Kippur afternoon, sung by Turia In Torah, the Israelites are commanded again Stark Williams. and again to study, as when Moses orders: We have much to discuss, and “Gather the people – men, women and children, much to decide. Our Ritual and the strangers in your communities – that Committee and Board will soon they may hear and so learn.” In traditional begin planning for next year. We Jewish culture the elite of society were not would all find it helpful to have princes or warriors, but scholars, and they – not feedback from those who attended business or political leaders – were the most – the more particular the better. If desirable marriage partners. As the Talmud you have comments to share or teaches: “No one is poor except he who lacks suggestions to make, I would love knowledge. A person who has knowledge has to hear from you. everything. A person who lacks knowledge, what has he?” My best to you and yours, This year’s study program with Rabbi Stevens offers something for everyone – on Jewish history and culture, practices and prophets, controversies and humor. Join us! – and bring a friend, everyone is welcome. We meet in the Blachschleger Library. All classes are free and are on Tuesdays at noon, and meet for about an hour.

THE JOY & PATHOS OF JEWISH HUMOR Jewish humor has its own distinctive flavor, reflective of the historical experience of the Jewish people. Even Torah’s humor was unique in its day, though much of that humor is literally lost in translation. This class will explore different genres of Jewish humor and story-telling through the ages. October 18  October 25  November 1

ETHICAL DILEMMAS: USING JEWISH SOURCES TO GUIDE US TOWARDS ETHICAL SOLUTIONS We will examine several real-life dilemmas and, after reviewing some Jewish textual sources (in English), see if we can agree on the best possible outcome. November 8  November 15

Simchat Torah 2016

We need your treasures!

2017 Food Festival and In preparation of next year’s event, we one or download from the are pleased to inform you that we are manufacturer’s website and attach Treasure & accepting the following donated items in an envelope. Collectible Market now for the Treasure and Collectible  Flat Screen TV’s & Electronics – Please mark Sunday, February 26, Market! in working condition with all plugs 2017 on your calendar for the 2017  Ladies' Jewelry of all kinds, and connections attached. Please Food Festival! Accessories, Scarves, Evening attach manual if you have one or The Annual Food Festival, Treasure & Bags, Purses download from the manufacturer’s Collectible Market is our only fund  Children’s Toys, Books, Furniture website and attach in an envelope. raiser for TBO. We will start working and Accessories Note: Please bring your items to the on cooking committees after High Temple on Tuesday – Friday of any Furniture - in good condition Holy Days. Participating in the kitchen  week. We do not have the ability to and serving on one of the various  Silver pick up any items. We cannot accept committees is a great way to meet used, large TV’s, broken items of any fellow congregants.  Books, especially coffee table books. sort and we are not accepting clothing. If you have not participated in the past, Looking forward to another successful  Artwork, Serving Pieces, Lamps & please call or email me. I’ll be happy event in 2017!!! to explain the various committees and Accessories Jenny Ives commitments to you so you can work  Kitchen and Household Items – [email protected] any of the various tasks into your clean and in working condition 334-546-2521 schedule. Please attach manual if you have

PLEASE SHARE IN OUR HAPPINESS AS OUR DAUGHTER

IS CALLED TO THE TORAH AS A BAT MITZVAH

SATURDAY, THE THIRD OF DECEMBER TWO THOUSAND SIXTEEN AT TEN O’ CLOCK IN THE MORNING

TEMPLE BETH OR 2246 NARROW LANE ROAD MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA LUNCHEON TO FOLLOW MANDY & ALEX KAUFMAN

Thank You to our 2016 Food Festival Sponsors Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors Other Respected Sponsors

BBVA Compass AMCO, Inc. Bern, Butler, Capilouto & Massey Oakworth Capital Dignity Memorial BB&T USAmeriBank Furlongs Security 13

Mark the Date . . .continued from cover Friday, December 9, 6 PM, Shabbat Tuesday, February 21, Noon, Rabbi featured our choir ensemble singing some of service with full choir ensemble. Stevens’s five-part series on great the great classics of our musical tradition. Saturday, December 17, 9:30 AM, controversies in Jewish life. Topic: The This service will mark the 165th anniversary Shabbat morning service and Torah study Saducees vs. the Pharisees. of our congregation. with Rabbi Stevens. Light brunch served. Sunday, February 26, 9 AM - 2 PM, Saturday, April 8, 9:30 AM, Shabbat Friday, December 23, 6 PM, Chanukah Temple Beth Or's 13th Annual Food morning service and Torah study with Rabbi family service and dinner with Rabbi Festival. Stevens. Light brunch served. Stevens. Service will begin in Sanctuary Tuesday, February 28, Noon, Rabbi Tuesday, April 11, 6 PM, Second Seder. then follow with dinner in Social Hall. Stevens’s five-part series on great Seating will begin at 5:30 PM, with the Reservations will be needed for dinner controversies in Jewish life. Topic: The service to begin promptly at 6:00. portion. More information to follow. House of Hillel and the House of Shammai. Tuesday, April 18, Noon, Adult Education Saturday, December 24, Sunset, First Tuesday, March 7, Noon, Rabbi Stevens’s with Rabbi Stevens. A two-part series on candle lighting of Chanukah. five-part series on great controversies in Jewish Ethical Wills. Part 2 of 2. Tuesday, January 10, Noon, Adult Ed: Jewish life. Topic: The Karaites and the Sunday, April 23, TBD, Community Introducing the Prophets - The prophetic Rabbinites. Interfaith Holocaust Memorial Service at period in the context of Jewish history, the Saturday, March 11, 6:30 PM, Purim Agudath Israel*Etz Ahayem. Reception nature of prophesy, and selected readings to service at Temple Beth Or. follows. illustrate the prophetic method. Tuesday, March 14, Noon, Rabbi Sunday, April 30, TBD, JFCA Israel Friday, January 13, 6 PM, Shabbat service Stevens’s five-part series on great Independence Celebration. Details to with full choir ensemble. controversies in Jewish life. Topic: The follow. Saturday, January 14, 9:30 AM, Shabbat Hassidim and the Mitnagdim. Tuesday, May 2, Noon, Adult Ed: Pirkei morning service and Torah study with Rabbi Thursday, March 16, 7 PM, Jewish Book Avot: The Wisdom of the Sages. Part 1 of Stevens. Light brunch served. Council author Melissa Fay Greene, 2. This collection of rabbinic wisdom, now Tuesday, January 17, Noon, Adult Ed: discusses her book "The Underdogs: 1,800 years old, summarizes the central Introducing the Prophets - The prophecies Children, Dogs, and the Power of teachings of Judaism. Many sayings are of the three Isaiahs. Unconditional Love." Sponsored by the well-known, some less so, but most remain Friday, January 20, 5 PM, Family Rothschild-Blachschleger Lecture Series. amazingly relevant in our day Chavurah "Tot" Shabbat service in the Friday, March 17, 6 PM, Huntingdon Tuesday, May 9, Noon, Adult Ed: Pirkei Blachschleger Library - suitable for children College Night Shabbat Service and Avot: The Wisdom of the Sages. Part 2 of of all ages. reception. Full choir ensemble. 2. This collection of rabbinic wisdom, now Tuesday, January 24, Noon, Adult Ed: Saturday, March 18, 9:30 AM, Shabbat 1,800 years old, summarizes the central Introducing the Prophets - The prophet morning service and Torah study with Rabbi teachings of Judaism. Many sayings are Jeremiah: His life and writings. Stevens. Light brunch served. well-known, some less so, but most remain Tuesday, January 31, Noon, Adult Ed: Tuesday, March 21, Noon, Rabbi amazingly relevant in our day Introducing the Prophets - The prophet Stevens’s five-part series on great Friday, May 12, 6 PM, Shabbat service Ezekial and his mystical visions. controversies in Jewish life. Topic: Reform with full choir ensemble. Tuesday, February 7, Noon, Adult Ed: Judaism and Orthodox Judaism. Saturday, May 13, 9:30 AM, Shabbat Introducing the Prophets - The “minor” Friday, March 24, 5 PM, Family Chavurah morning service and Torah study with Rabbi prophets, including Amos and Hosea. "Tot" Shabbat service in the Blachschleger Stevens. Light brunch served. Friday, February 10, 6 PM, Shabbat Library - suitable for children of all ages. Sunday, May 14, TBA, Confirmation service with full choir ensemble. Tuesday, April 4, Noon, Adult Education Service at Temple Beth Or. Saturday, February 18, 9:30 AM, Shabbat with Rabbi Stevens. A two-part series on Thursday, May 18, 6:15 PM, Reception morning service and Torah study with Rabbi Jewish Ethical Wills. Part 1 of 2. and Annual Meeting at 6:15 PM. Reception Stevens. Light brunch served. Friday, April 7, 6 PM, Shabbat service with hors d'oeuvres precedes at 5:30 PM.

When scheduling NEED HELP GETTING calendar events AROUND If you have accumulated involving the DURING SERVICES? unused Temple Beth Or Temple it is important that you check dates donation envelopes A wheelchair and walker are with the Federation and the Temple for please feel free to drop potential conflicts within the Jewish stored in the coat closet and community. Their number is 277-5820, and them off at the Temple you can view the community calendar at are available to members and office so they may be www.jewishmontgomery.org. guests during Temple events. reused. We would like to know. Please call the temple office when a family member is in the hospital or ailing. Too often we find out about illnesses, crises and hospitalizations long after they occur. This is a missed opportunity for the calls and visits the rabbi would like to share. Please let the temple know if there is a concern in your family or another congregation family (with their permission). We need your help in order to offer ours. 14

November 2016 Want an updated look at what’s going on at Temple? Go to www.templebethor.net.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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7 PM, 6 PM Blachschleger Shabbat Service Library Annual Lecture Series guest speaker is Mary Ann Neeley

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9:30 AM, Religion 12 PM, Adult 10, 11 AM, 6 PM 9:30 AM, Shabbat School, AI*EA Education: You Be L'Chaim League's Shabbat service morning service the Judge: Using Thanksgiving with full choir and Torah study Rabbinic Texts to lunch and bingo ensemble with Rabbi Judge Ethical for Capital Stevens. Light Dilemmas. Class Heights Senior brunch served 1. Home.

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9:30 AM, Religion 12 PM, Adult 7 pm 5 PM, Family School, AI*EA Education: You Be Chavurah "Tot" the Judge: Using Jewish Book Shabbat service Rabbinic Texts to Council author Judge Ethical Joel M. Hoffman, 6 PM Dilemmas. Class 2 PhD, discusses his Celebrating 170 book "The Bible years. A Doesn't Say That." champagne oneg follows the service

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No Religion School 7 PM, Joint 6 PM Thanksgiving Shabbat Service Service at Church of the Ascension.

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No Religion School 12 PM, Adult Education: The Hidden Story of Chanukah

Kahl Montgomery—Temple Beth Or 2246 Narrow Lane Road Non-Profit Org. NOVEMBER 2016 Bulletin U.S. POSTAGE PAID Montgomery, AL 36106 Montgomery, AL Permit No. 140

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED www.templebethor.net

Friday  December 23  6 PM

Chanukah family service and dinner with Rabbi Stevens. Service will begin in Sanctuary then follow with dinner in Social Hall. Reservations will be needed for dinner portion. Reservation form will appear in the December bulletin.