Vol. 167 | No. 3

MARCH 2021

5600 North Braeswood Boulevard , 77096 BULLETIN main 713-771-6221 fax 713-771-5705 www.beth-israel.org

“A Gateway to Our Future”

The Jewish calendar is lunar and agricultural, perfectly reflecting nature’s cycles of the moon and the seasons. As spring comes, the Passover festival holiday tells our people’s story of freedom from bondage and the promise of the future reflected in the season. Trees become full and green and flowers reach up and blossom. There’s evidence that INSIDE YOU WILL FIND..... the pandemic is waning, the economy is recovering, and the winter will never be so cold, again. The past 12 months have Get to Know Executive Director, been a struggle for most of us, and for all of us a time we hope Pamela Kutner! will pass quickly. Online and In Person Passover As summer nears, we approach the Jewish season called “Z’man Matan Torateinu,” the Events and Service Information! season of the giving of Torah. Recalling the time when the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai, we note this season with special observances on Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, on the 2021 Golf Tournament! 50th day after Passover begins. In Torah we read the Ten Commandments, we eat dairy foods because the Promised Land is “the land of milk and honey,” and we recite Yizkor prayers to recall memories of loved ones. This summer, we observe Shavuot beginning on Update on Beth Israel Committees! the evening of May 16, 2021, through the next day.

As it was for the Israelites, we can see Shavuot in our day as a gateway, too. When the Welcome New Members! Israelites stood at Mount Sinai, they said in a unified voice, “Na’aseh V’nishma,” we will Rodolfo Benitez & Teresa Sisro faithfully do all that You, God, commanded. It might have been the last time in our history David & Celia Chotiner that an entire Jewish community held one opinion, but its lesson isn’t lost on us. As one David & Alyson Ebro community we can share memories about the past and what they mean to us. They can Amit & Jenifer Gill serve us as lessons learned. Then we can turn together and make our way into the future Matthew Penny & Amanda Sanders filled with necessary expectations for better health, deeper connections, and greater Richard & Tica Perwien peace. Welcome New Members The Israelites did more than accept God’s teachings; they also obligated themselves to live by them and model them. For themselves and generations-to-come they pledged to uphold Torah’s teachings as our highest ideals for morality, civility, and holiness. We can do the same.

On May 16-17, 2021, let’s prepare to mark time during the season of the giving of Torah. Let it be a revelation in our time when new hope and well-being accompany us. To do anything less would be to deny the revelation-of-old that can be renewed in us even now, as we look forward to the future, together.

L’Shalom,

1

IN THIS ISSUE Senior Rabbi...... David A. Lyon, D.D. Associate Rabbi...... Adrienne P. Scott, M.A.H.L Assistant Rabbi...... Aaron K. Sataloff, M.A.H.L. Mazel Tov Donations...... 22-25 Senior Cantor...... Star Trompeter, M.A.S.M. To our Endowment Update...... 12 Cantor Emeritus...... Robert M. Gerber, D.S.M. Adult B’Nei Mitzvah Executive Director...... Pamela Kutner class Generation to Generation..26-27 Director of Lifelong Learning & Engagement...... David M. Scott, R.J.E. Golf Tournament...... 6-7 Head of The Shlenker Dom Berta School...... Dr. Michelle Barton Library...... 10 President...... Roslyn Haikin Tara Gassett MBJLC...... 14-15 Vice Presidents...... Doug Aron Krista Haywood Richard Kaplan Bonnie Herst Meet Pamela Kutner...... 5 Marsha Stein Neil Wizel Neil Little Passover Information...... 8-9 Immediate Past President...... Irving Stern Rabbi’s Message...... 1 Treasurer...... Lu Ann Katz Please join us online for the Secretary...... Philip Wise Adult B’nei Mitzvah service on Sisterhood...... 18 Controller...... Wendy Airlie Technology Director...... Joan Gelfond Saturday, March 20, 2021. Social Justice Committee....13 Special Events & Catering Manager VIP...... 11 ...... Marsha Gilbert Membership & Executive Office Manager The class will also participate in ...... Liza Hirsch Friday night services on Marketing & Communications Friday, March 19th. Manager...... Laura Kaplan Facilities Manager...... Michael Reddick Cemetery Director...... Kathy Parven REMINDER Many area hospitals no longer notify us when a congregant is hospitalized. If you would like our clergy or the Inclusion and Caring Committee members to visit you or a loved one in the hospital, please contact the Temple 713-771-6221

PLEASE NOTE For all payments, the new return address for Beth Israel is: Congregation Beth Israel DEPT. P.O. Box 4851 Houston, TX 77210-4851

Rabbi Lyon on the Radio Rabbi David Lyon can be heard on Sunday mornings at 6:45 AM on KODA, Sunny 99.1 FM radio.

Congregation Beth Israel Bulletin (USPS 128640) is published in August, December, March, and June by Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Texas 77096. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 North Braeswood Blvd., Houston, Texas 77096.

2

Mazel Tov To our Adult B’Nei Mitzvah class

Dom Berta Tara Gassett Krista Haywood Bonnie Herst Neil Little

Please join us online for the Adult B’nei Mitzvah service on Saturday, March 20, 2021.

The class will also participate in Friday night services on Friday, March 19th.

3 DID YOU KNOW???

Welcome to Beth Israel’s new feature to give you a Your commitment also enables our Clergy to provide behind-the-scenes feel for our people and our the services we have come to love. As Judaism operations. This is another way to keep you up to teaches us, we must take care of those that cannot date and informed. Today: a short update on the take care of themselves. Your Sustaining Dues and Congregation financial picture and interview with above enables Beth Israel to never turn any family Beth Israel’s Executive Director, Pam Kutner. away because of their inability to pay. Pamela Kutner’s first day as Executive One of the most important duties of your Board of We thank you for all of your generous contributions Director of Trustees is to provide the oversight necessary to that allow us to meet the extensive needs of our Congregation Beth safeguard the financial security of the Congregation, Congregation while being good financial stewards. Israel was May 18, which we have been doing for the past 167 years. 2020, right in the middle of COVID-19. May we continue to go from strength to strength. This may be why many For the past year+ since COVID began, we have been members do not know analyzing, juggling, reviewing, rejuggling and that Beth Israel has a reanalyzing our operating expenses in order to allow new Executive us to provide for the needs of our Congregants. Director. Members may be wondering, Your Executive Committee is pleased to report that who is this Pam Kutner Beth Israel’s current year operating expenses have signing letters and increased less than inflation over the previous year appearing in photos? in the most challenging times. It costs approximately And who was that lady $3,000 per family to operate Beth Israel, which we who handed them their High Holy Days refer to as Sustaining Dues. So, you can imagine the prayer books at the cost controls, unwavering diligence, innovation and driveby? forward thinking that is required in order to keep our Temple relevant, modern, educational and spiritual. Pamela (Pam) may be Your annual dues commitments allow us to meet the the new Executive extensive needs of our Congregation with pastoral Director, but she is care, counseling, Torah study, holiday celebration, life not new to Houston cycle events, worship and social justice. or Beth Israel. In 1989 She moved from New Jersey to Houston after she met someone and they began their life far from friends, family, and anything she knew. Even though she’s been here for many years, she still considers her- self a Northeast gal, as her kids all live in Brooklyn. Overall, she is happy she moved to Houston because the 4 Introducing...... Pamela Kutner Executive Director

Houston felt like home. Limmud at Beth Israel Temple like a She found her people. in February 2020 and business, a business Working in the Jewish she was assigned to with a heart. “Every community just made check people in. As day we have had a Your commitment also enables our Clergy to provide her feel more she checked people in, new project, a new the services we have come to love. As Judaism comfortable she realized that she success, and the big- teaches us, we must take care of those that cannot and connected. was having a ball gest success that has take care of themselves. Your Sustaining Dues and Suddenly this huge visiting with members impacted the entire city, without family, and not in the back community has been above enables Beth Israel to never turn any family life she made here for felt small and full of office, and this was the onboarding of the away because of their inability to pay. Pamela Kutner’s first herself was an easier friends. After 3 years missing in her current online membership day as Executive and better life than if at Emanu El, she was job. portal, ShulCloud.” We thank you for all of your generous contributions Director of she had stayed in the open to other This project had been that allow us to meet the extensive needs of our Congregation Beth Northeast. Thinking opportunities and her Soon after, she heard needed for many years Congregation while being good financial stewards. Israel was May 18, back to the move, she former employer, the Beth Israel was looking and Pam knew it had 2020, right in the remarked that the best Alexander Group, for a new Executive to be implemented middle of COVID-19. May we continue to go from strength to strength. thing to come out of recruited her back as Director and she knew immediately. In order This may be why many her move was that it an Executive she had to apply. She for Beth Israel to members do not know forced her to become Recruiter. She had a told the Federation continue being that Beth Israel has a independent, which very successful career she was interested relevant, modern, new Executive helped her advance as a recruiter for many and they were very and joyful, launching Director. Members professionally. fortune 500 supportive, and in May ShulCloud had to be a may be wondering, companies and 2020, she got the job! priority. who is this Pam Kutner “I never imagined I traveled extensively. It was “bashert” she signing letters and would be an Executive For 6 years this was says, “it was the right A new year has begun, appearing in photos? Director of a very exciting, place at the right time. and we can see the And who was that lady Synagogue as I was rewarding, and Emotionally, Career light at the end of the who handed them not raised going to exhausting. So, she and for my life. And! tunnel for COVID-19. their High Holy Days Temple” Pam began decided she wanted a It’s across the bayou Pam is excited for prayer books at the our conversation with. dog, aka a change in from my house!” the new year as she driveby? But after a career as a her pace of life. She has put together a business administrator resigned from the “I have many fantastic team and Pamela (Pam) may be and CPA she was Alexander Group and memories from when everything is on the the new Executive looking to do planned to take a year we were members at table. “We are back in Director, but she is something different off and figure out her Beth Israel way back business!” not new to Houston and the position of the next step. This plan when. My kids were or Beth Israel. In 1989 Executive Director at lasted for two weeks Bat Mitzvah here. So Her next project? She She moved from New Emanu El fell into her when the Jewish now I am back ‘home’ laughed as she looked Jersey to Houston lap. It was so similar to Federation called and I am looking at her long list - hiring after she met someone managing a business, asking if she would forward to making a development and they began their that even though it help them find a new new memories when director, creating life far from friends, was a different CFO. When she members are back in more robust family, and anything industry, the role met with the CEO the building.” programming, the she knew. Even was very similar to to discuss what they Golf Tournament in though she’s been what she had been were looking for in a Pam hit the ground April, welcoming new here for many years, doing. She enjoyed CFO they both quicky running when she members, and she still considers her- the change, and it was realized that she was began in May because hopefully opening self a Northeast gal, very pivotal for her qualified, and she was even though COVID-19 the Temple soon. as her kids all live in life in Houston. When offered the position. closed the building for She is eager to see Brooklyn. Overall, she she walked into Emanu She was there for two members, there was what Beth Israel 2.0 is happy she moved to El, it was the first time years and then the still a lot to do. She will look like after the Houston because the after 20 years that Federation had Yom began managing the pandemic! 5 Title Underwriter NRL Mortgage

Gold Underwriter Doug Aron, Jonathan Hyman, Philip Wise, Neil Wizel

Blue Underwriter Adam Burke, Daniel Goodman, Gavin Roseman, Jeffrey Wise Bomasada Group- Julie & John Gilbert BoyarMiller Carnelian Energy Capital Johnny Carrabba Family of Restaurants Merrill Lynch- Daniel Levitt Ellen & Steve Robinson

White Underwriter Jodi & Adam Altsuler and Meredith & Dan Schlanger Boxer Property CBRE- Kevin Kushner Nancy & Jack Dinerstein and Carol & Jim Frankel Ethan Allen- The Chesnick Family ICStrategies Kati Sportcap & Bag Lara & Phillip Ladin and Jean & Ronnie Ladin Lasher, Finger, Newar, Kaplan Team Locke Lord LLP- Mitch Tiras Scott & Selber INC Capital Management Lynn & Armand Shapiro, Jeri & Marc Shapiro, and Brenda & Mansel Rubenstein TRC Capital Partners- Steve Lerner Uptown Wealth Advisors/ (UBS)

To register for trounament, contact Laura Kaplan at 6 LKaplan@beth0israel,.org or visit www.beth-israel.org Title Underwriter Beverage Cart Underwriter NRL Mortgage Beth Wolff Realtors Real Living- Ed Wolff Gold Underwriter Doug Aron, Jonathan Hyman, Cocktail Hour Underwriter Philip Wise, Neil Wizel Walker & Dunlop- Tom Fish and Jonathan Paine Blue Underwriter Adam Burke, Daniel Goodman, Golf Cart Underwriter Gavin Roseman, Jeffrey Wise Helfman Auto Bomasada Group- Julie & John Gilbert BoyarMiller Longest Drive & Closest to Pin Carnelian Energy Capital Underwriter Johnny Carrabba Family of Restaurants Schaffer Mechanical- Jack Schaffer Merrill Lynch- Daniel Levitt Ellen & Steve Robinson Lunch Underwriter Roslyn & Ricky Haikin White Underwriter Jodi & Adam Altsuler and Snack Underwriter Meredith & Dan Schlanger Attune Financial Advisors- Les Fox and Boxer Property Marc Sancton CBRE- Kevin Kushner Nancy & Jack Dinerstein and Hole Underwriter Carol & Jim Frankel BXS Insurance- Ethan Allen- The Chesnick Family Ed Schreiber & Susan Weil ICStrategies Greenway Capital Advisors LLC- Kati Sportcap & Bag Lewis Linn Lara & Phillip Ladin and Susan & Jack Lee Jean & Ronnie Ladin Rabbi David & Lisa Lyon Lasher, Finger, Newar, Kaplan Team Rosalyn & Barry Margolis Locke Lord LLP- Mitch Tiras Pasadena Insurance Agency- Scott & Selber INC Capital Management The Karkowsky Family Lynn & Armand Shapiro, Rice Epicurean Markets & Jeri & Marc Shapiro, and The Epicurean Catering Company Brenda & Mansel Rubenstein Rabbi Aaron Sataloff TRC Capital Partners- Steve Lerner Rabbi Adrienne & David Scott, RJE Uptown Wealth Advisors/ (UBS) Spolane Insurance/Spolane family Marsha Stein

Special Thanks to Daniel Levitt for underwriting gifted golf balls To register for trounament, contact Laura Kaplan at LKaplan@beth0israel,.org or visit www.beth-israel.org 7 8 9 LIBRARY NEWS It’s That Time Again! Passover Haggadot READERS GROUP available for your Seder! Whether you are having a family Seder this year, or choosing Our lively group continues via Zoom on the third Wednesday to meet via Zoom, the Schachtel Library has a lovely of the month at 1:30 pm. We are hoping to resume in-person collection of Passover Haggadot to borrow or use to create meetings as soon as possible. All congregants and friends are your own Haggadah. In spite of limitations imposed by welcome to join our meetings. We choose a variety of Jewish- COVID, Beth Israel Committees are themed and popular titles, led by our members, clergy and We have multiple copies of the traditional Baskin Haggadah, continuing to be creative and occasionally authors via zoom or skype. Watch the e-news the 30 Minute Seder, several Family Haggadot, plus many inclusive in their current programming for information, and rsvp to Judy Weidman at JWeidman@ interesting iterations of the service. The Gateways Haggadah while planning for the 2021-2022 fiscal beth-israel.org. provides enhancement for members with special needs, year. All committees have successfully The Human Rights Haggadah offers modern additions to adapted to the Zoom presentation the seder, and many other new Hagaddot are available to environment and in some cases, consider. Future Events! attendance at programs has even March 17: Suddenly, A Knock on the Door by Etgar Keret. Call or email Judy to reserve your copies. increased. As promised, in each Rabbi Aaron Sataloff has chosen this book of short stories by [email protected], 713 820 6410. Bulletin we are highlighting different the famous Israeli author. Copies available at the Beth Israel committees to give congregants a library. deeper understanding of each committee’s focus. We hope if you April 21: Being Heumann: an Unrepentant Memoir of a are interested in joining any of these Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann. Rabbi Adrienne Scott will discuss this impressive memoir of a leader in the committees you will contact Marsha movement to pass the American Disability Act. Copies Stein, [email protected] or Liza available at and the Beth Israel Hirsch, [email protected] so we Library. can connect you with the committee chairs. May 19: Untamed by Glennon Doyle. Cantor Star Trompeter has chosen this bestseller to discuss with us. A few copies Committee Spotlights will be available at the Beth Isarel library, but reserve a copy NOW at the Houston Public library if you are planning to Beth’s Israel Cemetery Committee borrow it there. one of the most active committees, June 16: The Last Kings of Shanghai: The Rival Jewish consists of 20 members, including its Dynasties That Helped Create Modern China by Jonathan Co-Chairs, Ronnie Ladin and Richard Kaufman. David Scott will be joining our group again. The Kaplan, along with its Cemetery Beth Israel Library has 1 copy but Houston Public Library Director Kathy Parven. Its primary owns several. OR CREATE YOUR OWN HAGGADAH responsibilities deal with WITH THIS ONLINE SITE: overseeing the maintenance and care NEW BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY of the Congregation’s two cemeteries The Schachtel Library continues to offer new publications of a topical, popular, or scholarly topic. Check out the Library page and the surrounding grounds, of the Beth Israel website under “New Books in the Library.” handling plot sales and record The catalog is available 24 hours a day on the Library page too, keeping. The committee recognizes if you are looking for a specific book. Just call or email Judy the importance of monitoring the to leave the book for you at the front entrance of the Temple This great site www.haggadot.com has everything you need appearance of our cemeteries and during opening hours. to prepare for your seder. To start, there is a Passover 101 to strives for excellence in their provide all basics. The site offers a huge variety of themed appearance and upkeep. Our haggadots available for download, such as a Liberal seder, Cemetery Director works closely a Comedy seder, a Minimalist, Secular, even the 10 Minute with Congregants and their families Remember you can access the library catalog any time Dayenu Virtual Seder! to browse for new titles! Go to www.beth-israel.org and in dealing with funerals and funeral click MIRIAM BROWNING JLC, then click on LIBRARY To create your own haggadot, a template can be used to drop planning. To ensure the future care of to access. The Library Catalog is available online 24 in clip art, skits, songs and other useful items. the cemetery, the committee closely hours a day! Requests for reservations can be sent to monitors the Congregation’s Judy at [email protected], or direct phone at 713-820-6410. perpetual care fund, as well as promoting

10

It’s That Time Again! Passover Haggadot available for your Seder! Whether you are having a family Seder this year, or choosing to meet via Zoom, the Schachtel Library has a lovely collection of Passover Haggadot to borrow or use to create your own Haggadah. In spite of limitations imposed by contributions to its fund. experience becoming a reform Israeli COVID, Beth Israel Committees are The Committee tries to meet rabbi and share insights into the We have multiple copies of the traditional Baskin Haggadah, continuing to be creative and regularly, along with our Clergy, to deeper meaning of Passover. Please the 30 Minute Seder, several Family Haggadot, plus many inclusive in their current programming discuss issues and review recent visit the Israel Advocacy committee’s interesting iterations of the service. The Gateways Haggadah while planning for the 2021-2022 fiscal events. This past year, the committee updated page on Beth Israel Website provides enhancement for members with special needs, year. All committees have successfully issued the Congregation’s COVID-19 at www.beth-israel.org/lifelong-learn- The Human Rights Haggadah offers modern additions to adapted to the Zoom presentation funeral policy to deal with coronavirus ing/adult-learning/israel-advocacy/ the seder, and many other new Hagaddot are available to environment and in some cases, issues. The Cemetery Committee is and save the date for our event on consider. attendance at programs has even also currently overseeing the May 11th featuring Herb Kinion, Senior Call or email Judy to reserve your copies. increased. As promised, in each expansion of the Antoine cemetery, Contributing Editor at The Jerusalem [email protected], 713 820 6410. Bulletin we are highlighting different and will report soon to the Post. Our next Israel Experience will committees to give congregants a Congregation the exciting news and be May 8-18, 2022, and registration deeper understanding of each details about the expansion, and new will be opening soon! committee’s focus. We hope if you facilities. Any questions about our are interested in joining any of these Cemeteries or the committee can be Membership Recruitment under committees you will contact Marsha directed to Kathy Parven at the Tem- the leadership of Leslie Margolis and Stein, [email protected] or Liza ple office. Sheila Horn and the Membership Hirsch, [email protected] so we Engagement Committee chaired by can connect you with the The Israel Advocacy Committee Sabria Lewis have been busy committee chairs. under the leadership of Co-Chairs focusing on welcoming new members Rob Shoss, Martha Barvin, and Ruth and engaging existing members with Committee Spotlights Sherman has also been very engaged tempting programs and contacts. The in focusing on the relationship of the Membership Engagement Beth’s Israel Cemetery Committee Reform movement and its presence Committee is planning another Virtual one of the most active committees, in Israel. A recent program featuring Oneg in April. They are already busy consists of 20 members, including its Rabbi Josh Herman and his Aliyah to planning programs for 2021-2022 Co-Chairs, Ronnie Ladin and Richard Israel 3 years ago. On January 24, he which will include a new small group Kaplan, along with its Cemetery updated the participants on his program, called “BINGE” (Beth Israel Director Kathy Parven. Its primary experiences moving to Israel, New Group Engagements) to provide OR CREATE YOUR OWN HAGGADAH responsibilities deal with becoming a father and discussed opportunities for congregants with WITH THIS ONLINE SITE: overseeing the maintenance and care recent trends in the Reform similar interests to meet online and of the Congregation’s two cemeteries movement in Israel and his work at later, in person, a “Yappy hour” for pet and the surrounding grounds, Hebrew Union College-Jewish owners to socialize, group discussions handling plot sales and record Institute of Religion campus in Je- on different topics led by facilitators keeping. The committee recognizes rusalem. On February 23, we held a and resumption of “Go To Shabbat“ the importance of monitoring the program featuring Houston Sh’licha programs. Recipe demonstrations This great site www.haggadot.com has everything you need appearance of our cemeteries and (Emissary) Rotem Cohen to learn have been popular and look for the to prepare for your seder. To start, there is a Passover 101 to strives for excellence in their more about Israelis as “Risk Takers.” upcoming Passover themed program. provide all basics. The site offers a huge variety of themed appearance and upkeep. Our She discussed extraordinary The Membership recruitment haggadots available for download, such as a Liberal seder, Cemetery Director works closely innovations that Israel has given to the committee is eager to solicit new a Comedy seder, a Minimalist, Secular, even the 10 Minute with Congregants and their families world and the people behind them. volunteers to help send personal Dayenu Virtual Seder! in dealing with funerals and funeral On March 11th, this committee has condolence and birthday notes to our To create your own haggadot, a template can be used to drop planning. To ensure the future care of planned an interesting program, congregants. Please contact in clip art, skits, songs and other useful items. the cemetery, the committee closely “Chametz and the Art of Letting Liza Hirsch, [email protected], monitors the Congregation’s Go” that will feature Rabbi David if you are interested in helping. perpetual care fund, as well as Barak-Gorodetsky, our former Israeli promoting rabbinic intern. He will discuss his

11 We work for social justice defined as “fair treatment Dear Valued Congregants, of all people, so we all have equal access to basic rights like health care, education, jobs, housing, The Congregation Beth Israel Endowment Fund, Inc. (CBIEF) Board of Directors trusts that each of you, and respect.” your family, are safe and well during these challenging times.

On behalf of the Endowment Board, I wanted to provide a few updates on how we are assisting the congregation, and at the same time, planning for our future.

I am pleased to report that your Endowment Board unanimously approved a record annual distribution to the Congregation in the amount of $360,000. This amount has, and will continue, to assist Beth Israel in funding and subsidizing all areas of congregational life. This includes religious programming, Jewish education, camp scholarships, The Shlenker School programming, cemetery maintenance and enhancements and library enrichment programs amongst other key opportunities for the current Temple fiscal year. Thanks to Jessica Chasin for taking the lead on a new project to provide mentoring for high school students. Our deep appreciation goes out to our Investment Committee, chaired by Jonathan Finger. This dedicated Ellen & Steve Leventhal and Beth Schneider have and outstanding committee is extremely devouted in providing a sound and disciplined investment strategy already said they want to help; please join them in for all 14 of the congregation’s endowment funds. mentoring or helping organize mentoring groups.

Upon the reopening of our Beth Israel campus, we look forward to continuing the production of our videos for those eligible members of the Ner Tamid Society. Our current library of videos provide an important historical perspective of Beth Israel along with inspirational messages reflecting the positive impact the congregation has played in their lives.

Our Ner Tamid Society consists of 120 members and is growing. Opportunities exists for establishing both restricted and unrestricted endowment funds in honor and memory of your family and loved ones. Please feel free to reach out to Pamela Kutner, Executive Director, at 713-771-6221 or [email protected] to discuss further on how you can easily make Beth Israel part of your estate planning process. Thanks to Linda Davis for taking the lead on another Last, I am glad to report that your Beth Israel Board of Trustees has approved a new position for our new project to support previously homeless people congregation, campus-wide Development Director. This person will coordinate with lay-leadership, clergy who’ve recently received housing. Dena Marks, Cindy and staff in creating a strategic development plan. This would include both short-term capital needs and Perlman and Beth Schneider have already signed up to legacy endowment gifts for both the congregation and Shlenker School. We will commence with the help folks practice life skills (like preparing resumes)— interview process soon and welcome any potential candidates you wish to recommend for this important please join them. position.

As we approach our 170th anniversary in a few years, the primary responsibility of our Endowment Fund is for continued growth of our endowment to assure our beloved Beth Israel perpetuates our Jewish identity for future generations. Thank you for all you have done, and will do going forward, to participate in this mission.

With best personal regards, Thank you to our New Joseph Chesnick, Jr. Chairman, Congregation Beth Israel Endowment Fund, Inc. Ner Tamid Donors Barry and Judith Kaufman

12 Your congregation stands for social justice!

We work for social justice defined as “fair treatment of all people, so we all have equal access to basic rights like health care, education, jobs, housing, respect.”

Warren Rich continues to represent us with both The Metropolitan Organization (TMO), which does community organizing around social justice issues, and The Religious Action Center of the Union for Reform Judaism RAC-TX (RAC-TX). A dozen congregants joined him in considering which issues RAC-TX should advocate for in the current session of the Texas legislature. We then were trained to better lobby for a variety bills to “defend democracy” by protecting voting Thanks to Jessica Chasin for taking the lead on a new rights and preserving election standards. Let us know if project to provide mentoring for high school students. you want to participate in this work. Ellen & Steve Leventhal and Beth Schneider have already said they want to help; please join them in We recently co-sponsored two workshops with the mentoring or helping organize mentoring groups. Adult Education committee:

“Becoming an Ally against Prejudice and Hate” and “Words to Action: Standing Up against Antisemitism.” These were for small groups to learn how to better recognize and respond constructively to all kinds of hate. These workshops can be offered again upon request.

We really appreciate the support of Nicole Nathan Gibson, our Board liaison, and Rabbi Sataloff and Rabbi Thanks to Linda Davis for taking the lead on another Lyon, our staff liaisons. new project to support previously homeless people who’ve recently received housing. Dena Marks, Cindy Our committee is growing, and we welcome new Perlman and Beth Schneider have already signed up to members! help folks practice life skills (like preparing resumes)— please join them. Contact committee co-chairs Dena Marks [email protected] or Lisa Stone [email protected] for more information or to offer to work with us.

We make more progress when more of us stand up for social justice.

13 MBJLC Mishpacha will soon be coming to a close for Registration for next year will launch on May 2nd. the year, and we look forward to welcoming We are excited to welcome back returning and new everyone back IN PERSON on August 29th. What a faculty in the fall. New family programming, thrilling year it has been to celebrate together and meaningful Jewish content, and special surprises learn about Judaism online! await us next year. Registration will be available online through ShulCloud, and we look forward to Mark your calendar for our special online Passover welcoming you back to the MBJLC, including our program on March 21st. If you have not yet picked up 8th-12th grade Madrichim. a box for the March 21st event, please contact Stephanie Robertson at [email protected]. For more information and to learn more about the Miriam Browning Jewish Learning Center, please After the Passover holidays, we look forward to contact David Scott at [email protected]. participating in the Temple-wide Mitzvah Day event on April 11th and a virtual MBJLC Trip to Israel to If you are interested in being part of the MBJLC celebrate Israel’s Independence Day on April 18th. faculty or included in the sub-list for next year, please MBJLC Mishpacha will conclude on Sunday, May 2nd contact Stephanie Robertson at with a farewell ceremony and a final look back at our [email protected]. year together.

All Madrichim will need to register for Kehillah High so they can be included in our programming for next year. Kehillah High sessions will take place on Wednesday nights and on Sundays. For more information about Kehillah High, please visit www.kehillahhouston.org or contact Danielle Alexander, Director, at [email protected].

14 Registration for next year will launch on May 2nd. We are excited to welcome back returning and new faculty in the fall. New family programming, meaningful Jewish content, and special surprises await us next year. Registration will be available online through ShulCloud, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the MBJLC, including our 8th-12th grade Madrichim.

For more information and to learn more about the Miriam Browning Jewish Learning Center, please contact David Scott at [email protected].

If you are interested in being part of the MBJLC faculty or included in the sub-list for next year, please contact Stephanie Robertson at [email protected].

All Madrichim will need to register for Kehillah High so they can be included in our programming for next year. Kehillah High sessions will take place on Wednesday nights and on Sundays. For more information about Kehillah High, please visit www.kehillahhouston.org or contact Danielle Alexander, Director, at [email protected].

15

BINGE is the Membership As Co-Chairs for Adult Education Committee, Ed Septimus and Miriam Friedman Engagement Committee’s new share the highlights for their December 2020 and small groups initiative January and February events along with future Given that everyone is binge- plans. They have kept a busy agenda in spite of watching their favorite shows on Covid limitations, but relying on Zoom to stay in Netflix, we want you to “BINGE” on touch and provide educational materials for our Beth Israel! BINGE stands for “Beth Congregation. Israel New Group Engagements,” and we already have small groups forming On Thursday, December 10, they welcomed the this year on a variety of topics. From Monthly Midrash Chanukah Special with Bob multiple book groups that now exist, Gomel, Photographer on the Lights of discussion groups on Mussar (Jewish Chanukah and Phil Grosman, highlighting his ethical living), learning about Talmud, “Chanukah House” in Meyerland. and discussing the weekly Torah portion, we want to expand to include On January 12th, they hosted the Friedlander even more! If you are interested in Forum with Eric Ward, a leading Civil Rights forming or joining a group like Joyful Advocate. Over 300 members and friends joined Grandparenting, Culinary Delights, online to hear Eric speak about the past year of Grape Expectations (wine group), social rights movement and what we can do to Tours Around the World, Museum continue the movement. Exhibits, Movie Nights, or any other interest or affinity group you can On January 14th, via Zoom, Ed Septimus imagine, contact David Scott, discussed current issues involving Covid 19 and [email protected]. We are understanding the various vaccines available or excited to BINGE on Beth Israel! coming soon. Members were able to ask questions and we hope everyone walked away learning more about the vaccine.

Hebrew Order of David

Our Antoine location was once again fortunate to receive, from the local Lodge Galil of the Hebrew Order of David (HOD), markers for eight additional unmarked graves.

The unveiling service for these markers, was held Sunday, February 7, 2021 with Rabbi Aaron Sataloff officiating. The effort by Lodge Galil to place a total of 160 markers through out the Houston Jewish cemeteries is the ultimate mitzvah. We have received 20 markers to date.

For further information on this project or how you can help donate funds, please visit www.hodgalil.org

For any questions about the Gravestone Project, or any other cemetery matters, please contact our Cemetery Director, Kathy Parven [email protected]

16 Adult education Committee BINGE is the Membership As Co-Chairs for Adult Education The 2021 Monthly Midrash Sessions on Committee, Ed Septimus and Miriam Friedman Thurdays at Noon Engagement Committee’s new share the highlights for their December 2020 and small groups initiative January and February events along with future March 11 – Rabbi David Barak-Gorodetsky Given that everyone is binge- plans. They have kept a busy agenda in spite of April 8th – Rabbi Aaron Sataloff watching their favorite shows on Covid limitations, but relying on Zoom to stay in May 13th – Ed Septimus, summary of COVID_19: Netflix, we want you to “BINGE” on touch and provide educational materials for our Beth Israel! BINGE stands for “Beth Congregation. where we are now Israel New Group Engagements,” and To register for these sessions, please visit we already have small groups forming On Thursday, December 10, they welcomed the beth-israel.shulcloud.com/calendar this year on a variety of topics. From Monthly Midrash Chanukah Special with Bob multiple book groups that now exist, Gomel, Photographer on the Lights of 2021 Clergy-Led discussion groups on Mussar (Jewish Chanukah and Phil Grosman, highlighting his Spring Classes ethical living), learning about Talmud, “Chanukah House” in Meyerland. and discussing the weekly Torah Sunday, March 7 at 11 am– Helping our Children portion, we want to expand to include On January 12th, they hosted the Friedlander During the Pandemic with Rabbi Adrienne Scott and even more! If you are interested in Forum with Eric Ward, a leading Civil Rights Karen Miller (co-sponsored with Inclusion forming or joining a group like Joyful Advocate. Over 300 members and friends joined Grandparenting, Culinary Delights, online to hear Eric speak about the past year of Committee) Grape Expectations (wine group), social rights movement and what we can do to Tours Around the World, Museum continue the movement. Tuesday, March 30 & April 6 at 7 pm– Sexuality and Exhibits, Movie Nights, or any other Intimacy in Judaism with Rabbi David Lyon interest or affinity group you can On January 14th, via Zoom, Ed Septimus imagine, contact David Scott, discussed current issues involving Covid 19 and April 13th, 7 pm- Wolff-Toomim Distinguished [email protected]. We are understanding the various vaccines available or Lecture Series featuring author Anne Applebaum, excited to BINGE on Beth Israel! coming soon. Members were able to ask which will be moderated by Ambassador Stuart questions and we hope everyone walked away Eizenstat learning more about the vaccine. To register for these events, please visit our calendar at beth-israel.shulcloud.com/calendar

Hebrew Order of David

Our Antoine location was once again fortunate to receive, from the local Lodge Galil of the Hebrew Order of David (HOD), markers for eight additional unmarked graves.

The unveiling service for these markers, was held Sunday, February 7, 2021 with Rabbi Aaron Sataloff officiating. The effort by Lodge Galil to place a total of 160 markers through out the Houston Jewish cemeteries is the ultimate mitzvah. We have received 20 markers to date.

For further information on this project or how you can help donate funds, please visit www.hodgalil.org

For any questions about the Gravestone Project, or any other cemetery matters, please contact our Cemetery Director, Kathy Parven [email protected]

17 SISTERHOOD The Ronald McDonald House and Beth Israel of Congregation Beth Israel Christmas Day Mitzvah

To every fabulous Beth Israel Volunteers, thank you for making the Christmas Day Mitzvah event for Ronald McDonald House (RMH) beyond exceptional. For almost 25 years, many of us have been so fortunate to give back on Christmas Day gathering together as we enjoyed preparing and serving meals, entertaining and interacting with the residents at all of the RMH houses in Houston. These have been very cherished times.

Then 2020 happened! With lots of creativity together with RMH to offer you options, you all went beyond all expectations for this year. We *Pop-up will be held during the temple Passover Drive by Event! collected almost 500 personalized bags of art supplies and/or grab and go snack bags. Most of which you decorated each bag to really brighten the day for a patient. Collectively, you all contributed Mah Jongg 2021 cards are in! We have both large nearly $3500 in dining gift cards. These giftcards wentowards t purchasing a wonderful lunch and festive holiday dinners for each and small sizes. Purchase on our website resident and their families. How special you each should feel in “paying www.shopsisterhood.org or call to make an it forward.” appointment with Anita to pick up in the gift shop 713-777-315. What a wonderful mitzvah!

Landon and Hayley Selzer creating 50 snack bags for Ronald Mcdonald House

Lauren Sorkin, Brandon , Jordan and Drew Sorkin. Jenny Selzer. Landon , Hayley and Austin Selzer. Fredda Friedlander and Millie Feldman. Laurie Selzer and Teri Straus

Don’t forget the gift shop has all your wedding, graduation and Sisterhood is on Instagram! confirmation gift giving needs. Call Anita to make an appointment Follow us @beth_israel_sisterhood to shop at 713.777.4315 or head to our website 18 www.shopsisterhood.org The Ronald McDonald House and Beth Israel Christmas Day Mitzvah

To every fabulous Beth Israel Volunteers, thank you for making the Ellen and Steve Robinson Christmas Day Mitzvah event for Ronald McDonald House (RMH) delivering 100 holiday dinners beyond exceptional. For almost 25 years, many of us have been so fortunate to give back on Christmas Day gathering together as we enjoyed preparing and serving meals, entertaining and interacting with the residents at all of the RMH houses in Houston. These have been very cherished times.

Then 2020 happened! With lots of creativity together with RMH to offer you options, you all went beyond all expectations for this year. We *Pop-up will be held during the temple Passover Drive by Event! collected almost 500 personalized bags of art supplies and/or grab and go snack bags. Most of which you decorated each bag to really brighten the day for a patient. Collectively, you all contributed nearly $3500 in dining gift cards. These giftcards wentowards t purchasing a wonderful lunch and festive holiday dinners for each resident and their families. How special you each should feel in “paying it forward.”

What a wonderful mitzvah!

Landon and Hayley Selzer creating 50 snack bags for Ronald Mcdonald House

Ryan, Lucy and Max Burke making snack and art bags.

Lauren Sorkin, Brandon , Jordan and Drew Sorkin. Jenny Selzer. Landon , Hayley and Austin Selzer. Fredda Friedlander and Millie Feldman. Laurie Selzer and Teri Straus

Don’t forget the gift shop has all your wedding, graduation and confirmation gift giving needs. Call Anita to make an appointment to shop at 713.777.4315 or head to our website www.shopsisterhood.org 19 Congreation Beth Israel Geographical Questionnaire

We cannot believe it has been a year since we were all together in the Temple. We have new members, new staff, and members who haven’t seen each other since 2020.

So, help us get to know you!

Answer the questions below, and email them to Laura Kaplan, Marketing & Communications Manager, at [email protected] and we will share all results in the June Bulletin and online!

1. Where are you from?

2. When travel resumes safely, where is the first place you’d like to go?

3. What generation Beth Israel are you?

4. Favorite Memory of Beth Israel?

20 21 The Congregation gratefully acknowledges the following contributions through FEBRUARY 15, 2021: COVID-19 FUND For a full list of our funds, please visit our website: www.beth-israel.org/giving/tribute-donations IN HONOR OF RABBI LYON’S Joseph Zuber Bat Mitzvah of Beryt Jessica CANTOR TROMPETER’S Erla Zuber’s 85th Birthday DISCRETIONARY FUND Minnette Robinson Scott DISCRETIONARY FUND Eleanor Zuber Milton & Janet Frost Suzanne Miller IN APPRECIATION OF Judy Breitenbach Marilyn Sonnenberg IN HONOR OF Russell Radoff MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR Erla and Harry Zuber Henrietta Wolf Bar Mitzvah of Samuel Eleanor Zuber SERVICE Robert & Susan Zeller Lou & Herb Mizis Rubinstein Speedy Recovery John Irwin Henrietta A. Wolf Connie Weil Whitney Sturm’s Bat Mitzvah Allie Falender and Leon Speedy Recovery Ken Marsha Gilbert Jack & Phyllis Selber Rubinstein Chapman IN APPRECIATION OF Sylvan Conrad Weil, Jr. Sandy, Tim and Whitney Sturm’s Bat Harriet & William Choice SERVICES Michael & Cheryl Whitney Sturm Mitzvah Linda & Shelton Rubenstein Her guidance and support Phyllis and Jack Selber Abrams, Sherrie & Raymond Levin in connection with Eliya Sandra & Tim Sturm IN MEMORY OF Richard Kaplan, Sylvia and Raymond Gibson’s Bat Mitzvah Cantor Trompeter’s caring Conrad S. Weil, Jr Marion & Dennis Schepps Levin George & Nicole Gibson support for Eliya Gibson’s Mandel & Rachel Selber Robert N. Landauer Dana Lepow’s Birthday Bat Mitzvah Walter & Adrienne IN HONOR OF Calvin Cooper Norman and Barbara Nicole and George Gibson Punkin Hecht Bar Mitzvah of Samuel Gloria Herman Schneidler Debbie Uzick Marc & Jeri Shapiro Rubinstein Franklin Harberg Jr & Rabbi Adrienne Scott Bar Mitzvah of Andrew Allie Falender and Karen Harberg Lawrence and Nancy Aron Alan & Sherrie Eisenman Leon Rubinstein Betty Rae Cohen Proler Kenneth & Gail Goldstein Bruce & Joanne Levy Congregation Beth Israel Shirley Toomim Stewart, Gary and Bruce Levy’s Birthday Kathryn Hecht Turcott Gerald Kassalow James & Nancy Gordon Maddy Waller Kay Levy Bev and Dan Steinfink Rabbi Lyon Mindy and Stephen In appreciation of Services Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Lois Frankel Brown IN MEMORY OF Arthur Hamberger Robin Kessler Whitney Sturm’s Bat Sarah Lee Marks Marlene Kaplan Suzanne Miller Mitzvah Pharr & Susan Smith Karen & Howard Bookstaff IN MEMORY OF Jack & Phyllis Selber Cathy and Robert Wise Connie Weil Annette Dover Karen and Marty Skolnik Sandra & Tim Sturm Noonie Zuber Schmidt Robert & Susan Zeller Ronald & Carolyn Bernell Debbie Maltz Marc Grossberg’s Birthday Judy Breitenbach Irving Berk Betty Rae Chotiner Cohen Bruce and Joanne Levy’s Erla and Harry Zuber Ray Berk DAVID SCOTT’S Walter & Adrienne Anniversary Ed Bersin Kathryn Hecht Turcott DISCRETIONARY FUND Punkin Hecht Bruce Levy’s Birthday Sue Ann Bersin Joy Hecht Harriet & William Choice Shirley Toomim Sarah Friedman Fink Carol Goodfriend IN MEMORY OF Kenneth & Jean Chapman His guidance and support Bill & Roz Fink Raymond Levin Emilie Bendix Slohm in connection with Eliya Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Sylvia and Raymond James & Barbara Hordern Ralph Cohen Gibson’s Bat Mitzvah Valerie Baron Levin Kathy Hecht Turcott Walter & Adrienne George & Nicole Dr. Louis Silverman Ruth and Bob Landauer Richard Loewenstern Punkin Hecht Gibson Jed Silverman Annette Dover Kenneth & Jean Chapman Bar Mitzvah of Andrew Aron Annette Dover Simone and John Irwin Joe Zuber Kenneth & Gail Goldstein Ronald & Carolyn Betty Rae Cohen Suzanne Miller Douglas & Joanie Aron Bernell Jan Bean Susan Meyer Rabbi Lyon joining the Nate Tudzin “Three Amigos”. Shirley Tudzin RABBI SATALOFF’S Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Joanie and Chuck Weiner DISCRETIONARY FUND Sally Fuchs Mila Rose Mazvinsky RABBI SCOTT’S Marvin & Susan Krasner Nancy and Larry DISCRETIONARY FUND IN HONOR OF Reader Bar Mitzvah of Samuel KIDS’ MEALS DONATIONS Rabbi Lyon IN APPRECIATION Rubinstein Stephen Robinson of Her Guidance Allie Falender and IN HONOR OF Valerie Baron Leon Rubinstein Birthday of Diane Berger IN MEMORY OF Jonathan & Susan Harris Whitney Sturm’s Bat 55th Anniversary of Ronnie Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Leslie Gilstrap Mitzvah and Al Harrison Pamela Hoffer of Her Services Jack & Phyllis Selber 40th Anniversary of Sharon Lynne Lipsitz Shirley Hecht Sandy, Tim and and Sonny Gerber Jack & Susan Lee Whitney Sturm 100th Birthday of Myron Herman Proler IN HONOR OF Eliya Gibson’s Bat Mitzvah Marks Suzanne Levin Bar Mitzvah of Samuel George & Nicole Gibson Marsha Gilbert Marlene Kaplan Rubinstein Nurture Pediatrics Michael & Cheryl Allie Falender and Leon IN MEMORY OF Allie Falender Rubenstein Rubinstein Betty Rae Cohen Laurie Selzer Irving Berk Robert & Cathy Wise Beck Wexler Ray & Dorothy Berk Lou & Herb Mizis Annette Miller Dover Chanukah Celebration Lynne Lipsitz Louise Rainer

22 The Congregation gratefully acknowledges the following contributions through FEBRUARY 15, 2021: COVID-19 FUND 20th Wedding Anniversary IN MEMORY OF Roslyn Haikin For a full list of our funds, please visit our website: www.beth-israel.org/giving/tribute-donations of Jill and Michael Betty Rae Cohen Kenneth & Gail IN HONOR OF Josephson Marjorie Rosenthal Goldstein CANTOR TROMPETER’S Erla Zuber’s 85th Birthday Richard & Barbara Susie and Alvin DISCRETIONARY FUND Josephson THE BUILDING Zimmerman Suzanne Miller Rochelle Oster IMPROVEMENTS FUND Nancy and Larry Reader IN HONOR OF Russell Radoff Diana Weil Stephen & Helaine Bar Mitzvah of Samuel Eleanor Zuber IN MEMORY OF Brochstein Rubinstein Speedy Recovery John Irwin IN MEMORY OF Irving Berk Desey Desenberg’s 85th Allie Falender and Leon Speedy Recovery Ken Helen Robinson Stanley & Marsha Stein Birthday Rubinstein Chapman Enid Robinsonr Norman & Barbara Whitney Sturm’s Bat Harriet & William Choice Lucille Gidseg THE BETH ISRAEL TEMPLE Schneidler Mitzvah Mel Bishop FUND Susie & David Askanase Phyllis and Jack Selber Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen In appreciation of services Sandra & Tim Sturm IN MEMORY OF Joe Zuber IN HONOR OF Arthur Hamberger Cantor Trompeter’s caring Conrad S. Weil, Jr Alan Rauch 80th Birthday of Rochelle Ana Litofsky, Mother and support for Eliya Gibson’s Mandel & Rachel Selber Lewis “Buddy” Harris Oster Bobe Bat Mitzvah Walter & Adrienne Annette Dover Jennie Karotkin Marcus Litofsky Nicole and George Gibson Punkin Hecht Calvin Cooper Eleanor Zuber Debbie Uzick Marc & Jeri Shapiro Doris Blumenthal Frank & Dorene Herzog IN MEMORY OF Bar Mitzvah of Andrew Marsha Gilbert Suzanne Miller Marvin Kaplan Aron Alan & Sherrie Eisenman Doyle Perry Corky and Melvin Maltz’ Alyssa Tiras Kenneth & Gail Goldstein Bruce & Joanne Levy Marsha Gilbert, Anniversary Gloria Pepper Bruce Levy’s Birthday Kathryn Hecht Turcott Jennifer Kirstein, Lila Rauch George & Nicole Gibson Kay Levy Bev and Dan Steinfink and Michael Kirstein Birthday of Melvin Maltz Irving Berk In appreciation of Services Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Nathan Lewis Lila Rauch Shirley Toomim Arthur Hamberger Robin Kessler Beatrice Lewis Carol Neuberger’s Birthday Marvin Kaplan Suzanne Miller Sylvan Conrad Weil Erla Zuber’s 85th Connie Weil IN MEMORY OF James & Beverly Fish Birthday Paula Friedlander Annette Dover Karen and Marty Skolnik Sharon Schwartz Myron Marks 100th Birthday Connie Weil Ronald & Carolyn Bernell Debbie Maltz Irvin & Diane Berger Paula Friedlander Irving Berk Betty Rae Chotiner Cohen Joseph Zuber Diana Weil Jarrold & Lynn Glazer DAVID SCOTT’S Walter & Adrienne Diana Weil Birthday of Linda Conrad Weil DISCRETIONARY FUND Punkin Hecht Walter & Adrienne Rubenstein Sid & Leslie Weiss Harriet & William Choice Punkin Hecht Alvin & Susie Zimmerman Connie Weil IN MEMORY OF Kenneth & Jean Chapman Harry Wexler The speedy recovery of Jack & Phyllis Selber Emilie Bendix Slohm Alan Wexler Laurie Selzer Fan G. Epstein James & Barbara Hordern Ralph Cohen Lou & Herb Mizis Rozanne and Howard Ross Epstein, Lauren Kathy Hecht Turcott Walter & Adrienne Marilyn Cohen Rubin Epstein Scharf and Richard Loewenstern Punkin Hecht Gilbert Cohen The 90th Birthday of Neal Epstein Kenneth & Jean Chapman Dorothy Broodo Estelle Jucker Joe Zuber THE ADULT EDUCATION Jack & Linda Broodo Marty and Karen Skolnik Suzanne Miller FUND Speedy recovery of Joyce Joe Zuber Susan Meyer Schechter Terry Seitz IN MEMORY OF Enid Robinson Joseph B Zuber Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Irving Berk Speedy Recovery of Punkin Lynne Lipsitz Sally Fuchs Stanley Shniderson Hecht Conrad Weil Jr Marvin & Susan Krasner Doris Blumenthal Speedy Recovery for Walter J. Desey & Carol Leslie Friedman Hecht Desenberg KIDS’ MEALS DONATIONS THE ART FUND J. Desey & Carol Gayle Zubowski Desenberg Betty Rae Cohen IN HONOR OF IN MEMORY OF Congregation Beth Israel Ralph Cohen Birthday of Diane Berger Gloria Herman Kenneth B Hankinson Annette Dover 55th Anniversary of Ronnie Cynthia Loewenstern Adam & Jodi Altsuler Tony Vallone and Al Harrison Jerome Lipnick Eric & Isabelle Mayer Joseph Zuber 40th Anniversary of Sharon Stephen Susman Ricky & Roslyn Haikin Doyle Perry and Sonny Gerber Kathy Hecht Turcott Bernard Fuchs Calvin Cooper 100th Birthday of Myron Phyllis Turkel James Gosdin and Morris Glesby Marks Leslie Malkin-Gosdin Art Daum Marsha Gilbert BERNE BLACK BIMAH Adam Newar Alan Rauch Nurture Pediatrics FLOWER FUND Saturday Morning Torah Buddy Harris Allie Falender Study Ricky & Roslyn Haikin Laurie Selzer IN HONOR OF Edward & Gloria Chaika Joseph Zuber Beck Wexler Morton and Anita Seline’s Chanukah Ralph Cohen Lou & Herb Mizis new great granddaughter Max & Trudi Esses Morris Glesby Chanukah Celebration Punkin and Walter Hecht Doyle Perry Louise Rainer Art Daum Alan Rauch

23 15 Tony Vallone Connie Simon Betty Rae Maltz Chotiner Sudy Zane IN MEMORY OF Betty Rae Cohen Ross Epstein, Lauren Cohen Cheryl Zane Evelyn Hyman Annette Dover Epstein Scharf and Nora Laufman Ralph David Cohen Denise & Stef Gorel and Gayle Zubowski Neal Epstein Ralph Cohen Maxine & Bubba Silberstein Liza Family Bernard Fuchs Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Robert & Alyse Caplan Ralph Cohen Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Betty Rae Maltz Chotiner Frann Lichtenstein Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Kerry & Judith Myers Paula and Rick Stein Cohen Ralph Cohen Les & Cindy Fox Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Mark and Patricia Rauch Linda Susman Betty Rae Cohen David & Marlene Spolane THE CEMETERY FUND Evelyn Hyman Betty Rae Cohen Lenny and Sherry Dubin Alan Rauch Arnold & Joan Altsuler Jack & Nancy Dinerstein Betty Rae Cohen Cissy and Joel Roth IN HONOR Connie Weil Ralph and Betty Rae Cohen Ralph David Cohen Congregation Beth Israel Thomas & Lisa Friedlander Calvin Cooper Diana Weil ALEXANDER ISRAEL Bradley & Aimee Chesnick S. Conrad Weil, Jr. Stephen & Helaine Ralph Cohen PROGRAMMING FUND Eleanor Zuber Brochstein Thomas & Lisa Friedlander IN MEMORY OF Samuel Alter, Matilda Alter Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Faye Miskind IN MEMORY OF Bruce & Elsa Mary and Bert Wesler Phyllis and Jack Selber Barry & Rina Zucker Norma Tucker Grossman Leslie Alter Laurie and Alan Selzer Betty Rae Cohen and Ralph Martha Barvin Donna Alwais Kathryn Hecht Turcott Joseph Zuber Cohen Corinne and Abe Litowich Marsha Wallace Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Barbara and Bob Collie BURKE TECHNOLOGY Alan Hurwitz & Drew Connie Weil Frank & Dorene Herzog Annette Dover FUND Tucker Melvin & Corky Maltz Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Pearl Katz Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Kenny & Sandra Kopel Betty Rae Cohen IN MEMORY OF THE SAMUEL E. KARFF Phyllis and Jack Selber Joe Zuber Thomas & Lisa Friedlander ENDOWMENT FUND Graciela Albin Karen Rosenthal Betty Rae Maltz Chotiner Conrad Weil Jorge & Veronica Albin Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Cohen James & Carol Frankel IN HONOR OF Gloria Katz Susan & Steve Weil Johnny Carrabba, Rosie Irving Berk Barbara and Barry Lewis Ralph Cohen Shirley Marks and Mr. C Connie Burke Keith and Mary Lewis Betty Rae Cohen Lester Marks & Penelope Betty Rae Cohen Ralph and Betty Rae Cohen Kenneth Lewis & Rolaine Abramson Gonzalez Robert & Alyse Caplan Gary & Toni Miller Carla Diaz Noonie Zuber Schmidt Vicki Greenberg Betty Rae Cohen Anne and Scott Bayme Kevin & Sabria Lewis Joseph Zuber Adam & Kara Gross Judy and Kerry Myers Claudia Pleason Selzer Kathy Hecht Turcott Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Betty Rae Maltz Chotiner Marc & Jeri Shapiro IN MEMORY OF Ralph Cohen Phillip & Lara Ladin Cohen Susie & Bob Hale Irving Berk Betty Rae Cohen Gloria Herman Jo Ann Schaffer Kathy and Garey Marks Doris Markoff Enid Robinson’s Birthday Liston McLeod Rice III & Joe Zuber Marcy Wessel Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Doyle Perry Margaret Goetz Bill & Roz Fink Connie Burke Craig & Beth Lieberman Annette Dover Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Betty Rae Cohen Betty Rae Cohen Stevan & Joan Dinerstein Josh Robinson Lila Rauch Pam Derbyshire Barbara Harberg Joseph Chesnick Jr & Paula Friedlander Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Betty Rae Cohen James & Carol Karen Chesnick Ralph Cohen Janet Cohen & Joy Cohen- Barbara & Norman Frankel Barry & Barbara Lewis M. Russ Robinson Blake Schneidler and Dana & Sherrie and Richard Betty Rae Cohen Betty Rae Chotiner Cohen Joe Zuber Randy Lepow Kaplan Michael & Betty Tapick and Ralph David Cohen Annette Dover James Rosenthall Lloyd & Sandra Burke Noonie Zuber Schmidt Stanford & Joan Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Bernice Friedlander, Nancy Sylvia and Adam Joe Zuber Alexander Lois Frankel Ducoff and Susan Burke Barry & Barbara Lewis Ralph Cohen Betty Rae Cohen Brochstein Ralph Cohen Edward & Betsy Phillip & Lara Ladin Ronald & Linda Turboff Harriet Friedman Sherrie and Richard Schreiber Ralph Cohen Bob Cooke Richard Friedman Kaplan Joe Zuber Jack & Nancy Dinerstein Ruth Cooke Joe Zuber Lucky & Sandra Burke Doris Markoff Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Archie Broodo Bruce & Joanne Levy Annette Dover Annette Dover Gary Glesby Jack & Linda Broodo Marjorie Kaplan Lloyd & Sandra Burke Joseph Chesnick Jr & Susan Glesby Joe Zuber Calvin Cooper Carol and James Karen Chesnick Ralph Cohen Cyvia Wolff Dianne & Eric Solsky Frankel Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Rabbi Jack Segal Betty Rae Cohen Calvin Cooper Valerie Baron Ruth Hoff Charles & Barbara Hurwitz Danny & Judy Danziger THE CARROLYN Nancy and Larry Reader Michael & Faye Joseph B. Zuber Joe Zuber FLEISHMAN FUND Copland Betty Rae Maltz Chotiner Betty Blumrosen THE GATHERING PLACE Ralph Cohen Cohen Herbert Laufman IN HONOR OF FUND Betty Rae Cohen Enid Robinson Nora Laufman Our Mother Joe Zuber Betty Rae Cohen Alan Rauch Kenneth & Jean Chapman IN MEMORY OF Doris Katz Linda Susman Susie and Alvin Zimmerman Speedy recovery of Lyn Richard Loewenstern Raymond Levin Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Lila Lerner Schmulen Bernice Friedlander Hope Lipnick Alan Rauch Calvin Cooper Howard and Rozanne Jon & Leah Gross Joel & Marilyn Kay Joe Zuber Rubin Joe Zuber The Yahrzeit of Bob Meisel Alan Rauch HH “Jack” Fleishman Jeffrey & Jeri Wolff Sue Ann Bersin Raymond Perry Bruce & Elsa Mary Betty Rae Cohen Betty Rae Cohen Grossman Alan & Debby Stanton Nancy and Larry Reader

24 Sudy Zane IN MEMORY OF THE GOOD WORKS FUND Brad Gaber THE SAMUEL E KARFF Cheryl Zane Evelyn Hyman Milton & Janet Frost SCHOLARSHIP FUND Ralph David Cohen Denise & Stef Gorel and IN HONOR OF Maxine & Bubba Silberstein Liza Family Speedy recovery of Rosa THE JEREMY TUCKER IN HONOR OF Ralph Cohen Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Castiel FUND FOR JEWISH Kerry & Judith Myers Paula and Rick Stein Speedy recovery of Jack SPECIAL EDUCATION the 40th Wedding Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Kriguer Anniversary of Mira and David & Marlene Spolane THE CEMETERY FUND Speedy recovery of Madelyn IN HONOR OF Bobby Wizig Alan Rauch Kamen Jamie Harberg Douglas Cowey Cissy and Joel Roth IN HONOR Robert Eby & Louise Levien Franklin Harberg Jr & Congregation Beth Israel and Beth Israel Havurah Karen Harberg IN MEMORY OF ALEXANDER ISRAEL Bradley & Aimee Chesnick Whitney Sturm Conrad Weil PROGRAMMING FUND Lou & Herb Mizis IN MEMORY OF Hunger Project IN MEMORY OF Robert S. Totz IN MEMORY OF Bruce & Elsa Mary Barry & Rina Zucker Ralph and Betty Rae Cohen Milton Dunn Norma Tucker Grossman The Chanukah Celebration Steven Epstein Jon & Eleanor Totz Martha Barvin Donna Alwais Louise Rainer Corinne and Abe Litowich 75th Birthday of Joyce BURKE TECHNOLOGY Alan Hurwitz & Drew Schechter THE SHERYL ROSE TORAH FUND Tucker Suzanne Miller SCROLL FUND 85th Birthday of Desey IN MEMORY OF THE SAMUEL E. KARFF Desenberg IN HONOR OF ENDOWMENT FUND Walter & Punkin Hecht Birth of Austin Silverman Conrad Weil Myron Marks Bach James & Carol Frankel IN HONOR OF Suzanne Miller Janice and Rick Silverman Irving Berk Barbara and Barry Lewis Connie Burke Keith and Mary Lewis IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF Ralph and Betty Rae Cohen Kenneth Lewis & Marvin Kaplan Ettienne Leibman Gary & Toni Miller Carla Diaz James & Beverly Fish Loved Ones Anne and Scott Bayme Kevin & Sabria Lewis Connie Weil, Jr. Janice and Rick Silverman Claudia Pleason Selzer Dotty Kagan Marc & Jeri Shapiro IN MEMORY OF Robyn Shkolnick THE TECHNOLOGY FUND Susie & Bob Hale Irving Berk Barbara and Michael Eaker Kathy and Garey Marks Doris Markoff Joe N. Cohen IN MEMORY OF Marcy Wessel Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen Gilbert Cohen Dr. Louis Pink Connie Burke Craig & Beth Lieberman Joseph Zuber Evelyn Wisenberg Betty Rae Cohen Stevan & Joan Dinerstein Beverly and Howard Barbara Harberg Joseph Chesnick Jr & Robinson CYVIA & MELVYN WOLFF James & Carol Karen Chesnick Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen EDUCATION FUND Frankel Barry & Barbara Lewis Lynn and Armand Sherrie and Richard Betty Rae Cohen Shapiro IN MEMORY OF Kaplan Michael & Betty Tapick Lucille Gidseg Lloyd & Sandra Burke Noonie Zuber Schmidt THE HUNGER FUND S.Conrad Weil Sylvia and Adam Joe Zuber Irving Berk Burke Barry & Barbara Lewis IN MEMORY OF Kathy Hecht Turcott Ralph Cohen Edward & Betsy Marc Grossberg Sherrie and Richard Anna Friedberg Schreiber Nelson Waldman Kaplan Joe Zuber THE PAULA & ALFRED Lucky & Sandra Burke Doris Markoff Beatrice Lewis FRIEDLANDER FORUM Annette Dover Annette Dover FUND Lloyd & Sandra Burke Joseph Chesnick Jr & THE HYMAN SCHACHTEL Carol and James Karen Chesnick LIBRARY FUND IN MEMORY OF Frankel Rabbi Samuel E. Karff Doyle Perry Valerie Baron IN HONOR OF Joe Zuber THE CARROLYN Nancy and Larry Reader Bat Mitzvah of Beryt Jessica Lynn Segal FLEISHMAN FUND Scott Betty Rae and Ralph Cohen THE GATHERING PLACE Alan Hurwitz & Drew Gary & Fredda Friedlander IN HONOR OF FUND Tucker Bruce & Joanne Levy Our Mother Joe Zuber Kenneth & Jean Chapman IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF Gary & Fredda Friedlander Speedy recovery of Lyn Richard Loewenstern Noonie Zuber Schmidt Schmulen Bernice Friedlander Stephanie Maierson Howard and Rozanne Kenneth Croft Rubin Milton & Janet Frost HH “Jack” Fleishman Jackie Litowich Hurwitz Bruce & Elsa Mary Alan Hurwitz & Drew Grossman Tucker

25 15

FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

DEATHS MAZEL TOV

Irving Berk Justina Goldstein Raymond Doyle (RD) Naomi Starr WEDDINGS Father of Sam Berk, Mother of Mila Perry Mother of Andy & and Rafael (Ray) & Goldstein & Michael Husband of Nancy Wendy Starr, Alex February 13, 2021 Dorothy Berk Milo Perry; father of & Lynn Starr, and Adam McCauley Kathy Perry & Diana Jonathan & Liz Mel Bishop Joel Hamberger and Kate Beeler Father of Eric & Rachel Phipps, Paula & Starr; sister of Joe & Husband of Shelley Dan Karp, Tommy Chana Simckes, Sima Bishop, David Bishop, Hamberger; father and Scott & Geri & Debra Perry, and & Karl Schapiro, and of Robyn & Dave Bishop; brother of Debbi & Gregg Seymour Simckes McMasters, and Madelyn Liss Jenkins; son-in-law Evan & Stephanie of Joe & Eleanor Marcy Taub-Wessel Doris Blumenthal Hamberger Zuber; brother-in-law Wife of Thomas F. Mother of Ann & Jerry Wessel; mother of Luisa Hernandez of Alan Zuber Maltz, and Laurence & Henry Taub Wessel, Mother of Daniel & Jennifer Maltz Lavina Petersen Maxwell E. Wessel, Kathy Hernandez, Mother of Craig Elfriede Borisewitz and Lauren E. Mary Lou & Richard & Cathy Petersen; Mother of Jacques Wessel; sister of Ketland, and David sister of John Borisewitz, and Viviane Henry J.N. Taub II & Juana Hernandez; Freeland & Naftali Klein sister of Elizabeth Kathryn Hecht Betty Rae Cohen Guerrero Harris Rotman Turcott Husband of Rosalind Wife of Joseph Troy Mother of Cathy & Evelyn Hyman Robert Wise, Joni Rotman; father of Turcott; mother of Mother of Linda & Beth Rotman & Micki Natalie, Micah & & Ben Webb, and Mitchell Buchman, Melanie Chotiner Eisenman, and Adine Matthew Turcott; Donna & Charles Rotman & Steven daughter of Shirley Ralph Cohen Freedman, and Evatt; brother of Hecht; daughter- Father of Cathy & Robert Hyman Marty Rosenberg & in-law of Brenda Robert Wise, Joni Estelle Jucker Ellen Fennick, and Turcott; sister-in-law & Ben Webb, and Mother of Maurine Rina Rosenberg & of Sean & Claudia Melanie Chotiner & Marc Rothschild, Bill Witherspoon Turcott Calvin Cooper Renee & Alan Sylvan Conrad Weil, Helfman, and Marsha Noonie Schmidt Husband of Harriett Wife of Howard Jr. & Keith Rubenstein; Cooper; mother of Schmidt; mother of Husband of Diana sister of Marion Sherrie & Richard Caren Schmidt, Ellen (Dede) Weil; father Lewis; sister-in-law of Kaplan; sister of Toby Schmidt, and Ashley of Steven & Deborah Edith Jucker Kahn Schmidt; sister of Weil, Ronald & Harry & Erla Zuber, Lenora Weil, and Kenneth Croft Eileen Lipsich and Bert & Rebecca Lauren & Jeffrey Husband of Charlotte Mother of Hannah Ann Croft; father Zuber Friedman; brother- Calechman; sister of of Rodney & Shari in-law of Suzanne Richard & Carlene Judith Stander Croft, Marla & Craig (Suzy) Miller Mother of Seth & Berkowitz, and Ginsburg, Larry Ginsburg, Bob Margot Stander, Joseph Zuber Fara & Marc Koren; Husband of Eleanor brother of Barbara & Ginsburg, and Jane and Sara & Robert Ginsburg Fredman Mahony Zuber; father of Art Squires, and Evelyn Nancy Perry, and Laviage; brother-in-law Raymond Levin Alan Zuber of Marlene & Eldred Husband of Sylvia Sinkoe Levin; father of Cheryl & John Annette Dover Susman, Michelle & Mother of Joan & Larry Alexander, and Howard Katz, Janet Cynthia & David & Rob Holliday, and Portugal Carolyn & Ron Bernell

26

FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

MAZEL TOV B’NEI MITZVAH

WEDDINGS APRIL 9-10 MAY 8 Dylan Fishman Jonathan Robert February 13, 2021 Daughter of Jamie Sweetland Adam McCauley & Brad Fishman; Son of Caren and Kate Beeler granddaughter of Schmulen Sweetland Ricki & David Komiss, & Robert L. “Rob” Cindy & Ron Moore, Sweetland, Jr.; Barbara Hurst & grandson of Lyn F. Richard Schatz & Carl Schmulen, Anita & Robert “Bob” APRIL 16-17 Sweetland, Yukon, Samuel Besmehn- OK,; great-grandson Ettelson of Carrolyn Fleishman Son of Jennifer Ettelson & Gregory MAY 15 Besmehn; grandson Blake Weiss of Meryl Ettelson, Son of Corey & Scott John Sare z”l and Weiss; grandson Marion & Chuck of Sandy & Dan Besmehn, Carmel, CA Courson, Stuart Weiss, Carslbad, CA, David Weinstein and Karen z”l & Henry Son of Karolyn Weilbacher, Baton Skalany and Daniel Weinstein; grandson Rouge, LA of Marcia & Bernard MAY 21-22 “Bud” Weinstein Jacob Aaron Hirsh Son of Dorothy & APRIL 23-24 Steve Hirsh; grandson Hayley Selzer of Roslyn & Jack Landon Selzer Hirsh, Montreal, and Children of Jennifer Christine & Antoni & Daryl Selzer; Grynczuk, Montreal grandchildren of Laurie & Alan Selzer, Roslyn & Bob Pittsford MAY 28-29 APRIL 30-MAY 1 Ryan Callahan Max Stuart Burke Sara Callahan Son of Sylvia & Adam Children of Jennifer Burke; grandson of & Kevin Callahan; Sandy & Lucky Burke, grandchildren of Anne & Scott Bayme; Andrea & Mark great-grandson of Epstein, New York, NY Shirley & Sonny Landsberg, Connie & Leonard z”l Burke. Laine Marie Wise Daughter of Allison & Philip Wise; granddaughter of Sandy & Lucky Burke, Cathy & Robert Wise; Please Note: great-granddaughter The abbreviation, z”l, of Shirley & Sonny stands for the Hebrew Landsberg, Connie & words, zichrono/a Leonardz”l Burke livracha, may his or her memory be for a blessing.

27 15 5600 North Braeswood Blvd. Houston, Texas 77096 713-771-6221 beth-israel.org

DATED MATERIAL relevant. modern. joyful.

28 relevant. modern. joyful.