The Newsletter of Temple Beth Hillel of Valley Village

January-February 2016 Tevet-Shevat-Adar 5776 Featuring Adam Ray E S AS W JOIN U UP Kira SoltanOvich stAND R TBH FO 2 RY 230 A 1 JANU 6 7:00PM Dan Levy a night of fun s Hysterical Comics Great food & Drink go to Page 13 for more

Inside

From the Senior Rabbi ...... 2 Women of TBH ...... 5 Mitzvah Day 2015 ...... 11 Shabbat & Holiday Observances ...... 3 Education & Youth ...... 6-7 Calendar of Events ...... 12 TBH President ...... 4 Akela’s Corner ...... 7 Comedy Night 2016 ...... 13 TBH Brotherhood ...... 5 Counseling Center ...... 10 Temple Funds ...... 1...... 15 From the Senior Rabbi If I am not for myself, who will be for me? "'They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their If am only for myself, what am I? spears into pruning-knives; nation shall not lift up sword And if not now, when? –Rabbi Hillel against.' Isaiah 2:4" we must insure that safety mechanisms are put into place. With 88 guns per 100 people in the United States, the highest by Rabbi Sarah rate of gun ownership in the world, I believe that we have a re- Hronsky sponsibility to seek out responsible gun-control. Consider: • Jewish law in Avodah Zarah 15b instructs, “One should not A Reform congregation affiliated sell them (suspected criminals) either weapons or accessories with the Union for Reform Judaism here were the six children, their mother and her boyfriend of weapons, nor should one grind any weapon for them, nor in Houston, Texas. The nine worshippers in a church in 12326 Riverside Drive T Valley Village, CA 91607 may one sell them either stocks or neck-chains or ropes, or iron Charleston, South Carolina. The 53-year-old father who tried to chains…(materials they may use to make weapons.) This means 818-763-9148 • www.tbhla.org stop three men ransacking a metalworker’s minivan in Brooklyn. that the Talmud is teaching us that background checks to pro- OFFICERS, BOARD OF TRUSTEES & CHAIRS The 28-year-old mother of two in Indianapolis whose new hus- spective gun owners is important and must be enforced. SENIOR RABBI band shot her in the face 13 times. The two young reporters shot Sarah Rene Hronsky • With such rampant gun ownership, one might argue that guns to death during a live news broadcast in Virginia. The fourteen DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION have become an idol in our society. Jews have an obligation to individuals in San Bernardino and the nine people at Umpqua Rabbi Eleanor Steinman cry out against idolatry. Sign into www.house.gov/representatives/ CANTOR Community College. Sadly, as of December 23 this year 12,942 find enter your zip code and send a note. Shana Chandler Leon people have died in the United States at the hand of a gun wheth- • Responsible gun owners do not need semiautomatic weapons BETH HILLEL DAY SCHOOLS er it be homicide, unintentional, or suicidal shootings.1 This Interim Elementary Head Of School with huge capacity ammunition clips to defend one’s home or means that 12,942 mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, uncle, aunts, Kathryn Jensen family. Take a step and call for the banning of high capacity clips grandfathers, grandmothers, babies, and friends alike have met Director of Early Childhood Education and cry out for semiautomatic weapons to come off of our streets. Claudine Douglas their death at the end of a gun barrel. Go to www.rac.org our Religious Action Center and enter your PRESIDENT The discussion on gun control has some challenging elements Barbara Motz zip code sending our Reform Movements letters. for us as Jews, and yet must not be avoided no matter how uncom- • Participate in A.S.K. – Asking Saves Kids. In the United VICE PRESIDENTS fortable. A core value in Judaism teaches that preserving human Darren Turbow Paul Wunsch States, gun violence is the second-leading cause of death for life is one of the greatest of human callings. “Whoever destroys a TREASURER/VICE PRESIDENT children and teens. We are not afraid to ask, “Will an adult be soul, it is considered as if he destroyed an entire world. And who- Eric Goldman home?” “Who will be watching the kids?” But we are all too of- ever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world." 2 But FINANCIAL SECRETARY ten negligent by not asking the simple questions, “Do you own Freddie Goldberg it is here that the argument can be complicated by well-meaning gun(s)?” “Is there a gun in your home?” “Is it safely secured?” The RECORDING SECRETARY individuals on both sides of the debate. A.S.K. campaign wants us to simply ask a family before allowing Margie Meadow On one hand, Judaism is clear that if a person is pursuing an- our children to go to another person’s home. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT other to harm them, than one has the right to defend oneself. In M. Bruce Gumbiner • Many will argue it is not the gun that is the problem, but the in- Exodus it reads, “If, while breaking in, the thief is discovered, and PAST PRESIDENT tent of the person behind the gun suggesting that it is the violence he is struck and dies, (it is as if) he has no blood.” 3 Meaning that David Reff on TV, in the media, in our movies that influences such reckless it is not considered murder, or the shedding of blood, should one TRUSTEES and destructive behavior with guns. Yes, but in nations around Tim Fox Samantha Dorf stand up in self-defense and kill the thief. the globe like the U.K., Germany, Japan, and Canada they have JoanWeise Darren Ross On the other hand, Judaism also teaches that weapons im- Kim Hirsch Mya Rosett similar access to media and have far less gun violence that we do properly stored, that weapons in the hands of individuals who are Jamie Stevens Shayna Alpert in the United States. Removing excess guns imperative. Janis Feldman Horn not well, that possession of weapons in general is a reproach to • Finally if you are a gun owner, the best questions to ask yourself BROTHERHOOD CO-PRESIDENTS humankind and not desirable. 4 In Deuteronomy we learn that, Chris Dwyer David Schneider are, “How careful am I with my firearm?” Have I put up enough “When you build a new house, you shall make a guard rail for your WOMEN OF TBH CO-PRESIDENTS “fences” around this tool to protect not just myself, but my family, roof, so that you shall not cause blood to be spilled in your Jodie Reff Lillian B. Silver 5 and our guests? house.” Our ancestors used their roofs as a porch, and if one fell EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CHAIR I understand how delicate the conversation around gun control from a rooftop they could be gravely or fatally injured. Jennifer Rochkind is in our society. I personally have family members who own guns Since a gun in the home is 22 times more likely to be used BHDS BOARD PRESIDENT and use them for hunting and home safety. Yet, I also refuse to be Gail Steinberg to kill or injure in a domestic homicide, suicide, or unintentional paralyzed by the fear of terrorism and the numbness that pervades shooting than to be used in self-defense. 6 And another staggering HRTY PRESIDENT due to the sheer number of deaths at the hands of guns. Judaism Camille Moradian statistic; 59 times this year, a toddler age three or under has shot requires more from me. It requires me to keep guns out of the someone often fatally. That means that approximately once a hands of criminals, to raise my children and others the true value week, a toddler has put their hands on an unsecured loaded gun RABBI EMERITUS James Lee Kaufman of human life. As we enter 2016, I wish for us to take one step and accidentally fired it either killing or injuring themselves or an- CANTOR EMERITUS Alan Weiner forward in making a change. To reach out to our representative, other human being. Maybe this statistic isn’t surprising as one out to talk to the other parent before allowing our children to spend Hillel Omer, January-February 2016, Volume 74, Issue 4 of three homes with children have a gun in them and 1.7 million time in another’s home, and if one is a gun owner to take further Published bi-monthly September through June. children live in homes with loaded guns. Publication office at 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village,CA 91607. steps in being responsible. Subscription rate $1.00 per year. Our rabbis have taught us to put fences-like those around a roof Periodicals postage paid at Valley Village, CA. May we make this new secular year a safer and better year in Los top- around all dangerous situations to prevent death. Therefore, Postmaster: Send address changes to Angeles, in the United States, and around the world. if we are going to allow for gun ownership as a right for Americans, Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, Amen. Valley Village, CA 91607 1www.gunviolencearchive.org 4BT Shabbat 63a, Isaiah 2:4 2Jerusalem Talmud Sanhedrin 4:1/22a 5Deut. 22:8 USPS 537-460, ISSN 8096 3Some ideas drawn from Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe, 6RAC Resource Guide 2 Exodus 22:1 Shabbat & Holiday Observances SHABBAT, JAN. 22–23 7:30 pm—Erev Shabbat Service January Torah Portion: February Rabbi Sarah Hronsky and Cantor Beshalach, Exodus 13:17−17:16 SHABBAT, FEB. 5–6 Shana Leon lead services in SHABBAT, JAN. 1-2 Torah Portion: Kaufman Beit Midrash. Friday Torah Portion: Mishpatim, Exodus 21:1−24:18 Shemot, Exodus 1:1−6:1 5:45 pm—Shabbat Nosh Saturday Join us for a meet and greet with Friday 9:00 am—Brotherhood Shabbat Friday Shabbat refreshments in the Sands- 6:30 pm—Shabbat Ba'bayit Morning Experience 5:30 pm—Kaddish Shabbat Service Mallet Social Hall. No Shabbat services will be held at Special Musical Shabbat Morning Join Rabbi Sarah Hronsky in the 6:05 pm—Musical Kabbalat TBH this evening. Congregants are Service. Rabbi Sarah Hronsky, Song Kaufman Beit Midrash for a brief Shabbat Service invited to fellow congregants homes Leader Justin Stein, Musical guests, and Shabbat service and an opportunity Rabbi Ellie Steinman and Song to share in Shabbat blessings and Brotherhood lead a meaningful and to recite Kaddish. Leader Justin Stein lead services in community! (See the ad on page fun Shabbat service. All are welcome. the Bauman Sanctuary. 11.) If you are observing Kaddish An extended oneg to follow services. SHABBAT, JAN. 8–9 7:00 pm—Shabbat Celebration/ your names will be read on January Torah Portion: 5:00 pm—Bar Mitzvah of Casey Chinese Food & Movie 30. You may also come to services Va'eirah, Exodus 6:2−9:35 Wanatick Join us for a free movie screening at 10:00am on Saturday Feb. 6 to Friday of "Woman in Gold." There will be recite Kaddish. SHABBAT, FEB. 26–27 7:30 pm—Erev Shabbat Service free Chinese food for anyone who Torah Portion: Rabbi Sarah Hronsky, Songleader RSVPs by January 19. Saturday Ki Tisa, Exodus 30:11-34:35 Justin Stein, Cantor’s Chanters lead 10:00 am—Elementary School Friday services in Bauman Sanctuary. Brief SHABBAT, JAN. 29–30 Shabbat Torah service, story, and birthday Torah Portion: Morning Minyan 5:45 pm—Shabbat Nosh blessings. Oneg to follow. Yitro, Exodus 18:1−20:23 Beth Hillel Elementary School leads Join us for a meet and greet with Shabbat Morning Services in the Shabbat refreshments in the Sands- Saturday Friday Bauman Sanctuary. Mallet Social Hall. 10:00 am—Bar Mitzvah of Jonah 6:00 pm—Community Shabbat 5:00 pm—Bat Mitzvah of Sarah 6:05 pm—Musical Kabblat Shabbat Henry Dinner Shapiro Service Join us in the Sands-Mallet Social Rabbi Ellie Steinman and Song SHABBAT, JAN. 15–16 Hall for a Community Shabbat SHABBAT, FEB. 12–13 Leader Justin Stein lead services in Torah Portion: Dinner. Please call for reservations. Torah Portion: the Bauman Sanctuary. Bo, Exodus 10:1−13:16 818-763-9148. Terumah, Exodus 25:1−27:19 Friday 7:30 pm—Gospel Shabbat Saturday Friday 6:30 pm—Special Mechina Tot Musical Shabbat of Hope and 9:30 am—Drumming Shabbat 7:30 pm—Scout Shabbat Service Shabbat Service Friendship. Rabbi Sarah Hronsky, Experience Rabbi Eleanor Steinman, Song Leader Rabbi Sarah Hronsky, Songleader Cantor Shana Leon, Adult Choir, For families with young children led Justin Stein, and Cantor’s Chanters lead Justin Stein, and our Mechina Early Special Guest Choir, and Band lead by Rabbi Sarah Hronsky and Shabbat services. Our Scouts will be Childhood students lead us in a a festive and meaningful Shabbat Song Leader Justin Stein in the honored, birthday blessings shared, and brief service. Israeli dancing and service in the Bauman Sanctuary. Feldman Horn Mercaz. Oneg to Torah story. Oneg to follow. Oneg to follow. Oneg to follow. follow. 7:30 pm—Erev Shabbat Service SHABBAT, FEB. 19–20 10:15 am—Drumming Shabbat Rabbi Sarah Hronsky and Cantor Activity Torah Portion: Shana Leon lead services in the Join Us in the Feldman Horn Mercaz Tetzaveh, Exodus 27:20−30:10 Kaufman Beit Midrash. Oneg to for the Drumming Shabbat Activity. follow. Friday 4:00 pm—Moses Program: S'udah Saturday 6:30 pm—Tot Shabbat Shleesheet 9:00 am—Shabbat Morning Minyan Rabbi Sarah Hronsky, Song Leader Outreach to Jews with Rabbi Sarah Hronsky and Songleader Justin Stein, and our Religious disabilities. Songs, prayers, and Saturday Justin Stein lead Shabbat services in the School Kindergarten and First learning with Rabbi Jim 5:00 pm—Bar Mitzvah of Logan Kaufman Beit Midrash. Grade Students lead a brief service. Kaufman. Please RSVP. Townsend Shabbat Activity and Oneg to follow. 818-763-9148. 5:00 pm—Bar Mitzvah of Sam Meisler

Mazel Tov to our January/February B'nai Mitzvah!

January 9 January 16 January 30 February 6 February 20

Jonah Henry Sam Meisler Logan Townsend Sarah Shapiro Casey Wanatick son of Anna Henry son of Georgia & son of Marlowe & daughter of Lynn son of & Andrew Henry Martin Meisler Richard Bromberg & Scott Shapiro Jason Wanatick & Dana Green 3 Leadership Looking to the Future by Barbara Motz TBH President

ture. This process should take about a temple members who wanted to pro- s we move into 2016, my thoughts year to develop the plan and begin to vide for the future of TBH. They set up Aare turning to the future of our implement it. an irrevocable trust and specified that, Temple. From my perspective, the fu- The second way our congregation is once the fund reaches $2 million dol- ture is looking bright. planning for the future is to grow our lars, the trustees can begin to use the Even though we are only halfway TBH Endowment Fund. An endow- income from the investments to support through the year (warning: this means ment fund consists of contributions that the temple. We are close to reaching things could change), the immediate are not used to cover current operating that goal. future is looking good. Our member- expenses. Instead, the money is invest- A donation to the Endowment Fund ship, after years of decline, seems to be ed to create a stream of income that is should never take the place of support holding steady. Our finances are pret- available to support the organization. for our annual fundraising initiatives, ty much where we’d expect them to be. Contributions to endowments are usu- such as the High Holy Days Appeal and Our Elementary School and Religious ally larger gifts, sometimes made over Comedy Night. But for those who are School have gained students since start- several years or by bequests. As the able to provide additional support, it is ing in September, and our pre-school is fund grows in size, the stream of income a meaningful way to provide for the fu- full. We have many young(er) and new generated by the fund increases as well. ture of Temple Beth Hillel. congregants who are taking an active An endowment fund is a wonderful Over the next year, we will be reach- role in TBH. benefit to the organization it is intend- ing out to congregants to help us reach Our leadership is also looking to the ed to support. A strong endowment this milestone of a $2,000,000 Endow- wellbeing of the temple beyond the end fund can help to weather times of eco- ment Fund. If you are interested in par- of this fiscal year in June of 2016. We nomic hardship by providing additional ticipating, please contact Rabbi Sarah are doing this in two ways. First, as I income. It can support special proj- Hronsky at [email protected]. mentioned in my last column, we are ects that cannot be funded out of the beginning a strategic planning initia- operating budget. It can help pay for tive. Our last strategic plan was devel- “extras.” It is one way of ensuring the oped in 2005. It is over 10 years old, future of Temple Beth Hillel. and it is time for us to think about how Our Endowment Fund was created we will meet the challenges of the fu- many years ago by a group of generous

Coming This Summer

United Reform Judaism Summer Camp for Youth

4 TBH Brotherhood Women of TBH

We hope to see you for this fun eve- ning. Brotherhood Morning Minyan will be on Saturday, February 20 at 9:00am. The Happenings Please join us for a special musical ser- Building Our Community by Chris Dwyer and vice presented by Song Leader Justin David Schneider Stein and Company followed by Kiddish One Story at a Time TBH Brotherhood Co-Presidents provided by Brotherhood. If anyone by Jodie Reff & Lillian Burkenheim Silver BH Brotherhood hopes that every- would like to participate in this service Tone had a joyous holiday season by reading Torah or providing a D’var Women of TBH Co-Presidents and a very Happy New (secular) Year. Torah, please contact us at Brother- he winter months bring short, cool We have been quite busy of late and [email protected]. Tdays. This year we are told an El Niño would like to thank all of our Temple Save the Date: Please join Broth- weather pattern should bring lots of rain. Beth Hillel members and friends who erhood and Women of TBH Saturday What a wonderful time of year for a Jew- helped make our 15th Annual Thanks- February 27 for “Life is a Cabaret, Old ish holiday-to celebrate the green, life af- giving Feast of Caring a great success. Chums” an evening full of fun, food firming, winter harvest. Tu BiSh'vat or Rosh It was wonderful to see so many of our and frivolity. Catered dinner and en- HaShanah La’Ilanot, the New Year of the young members participate in provid- tertainment, $36 per person. Look for Trees occurs on January 25. The Women of ing a warm and welcoming experience details in upcoming eblasts and temple TBH will be celebrating Tu BiSh'vat, with for hundreds of guests on Thanksgiv- announcements. a special family activity on Sunday January ing Day. Thank you to all of our vol- Brotherhood is proud to announce 24 at 3:30pm. In contemporary Israel, the unteers and a special todah rabah to our that Phil Raucher has been voted our day is celebrated as an ecological awareness own Scott Tessler for being in charge of Man of the Year. He will be honored at day. Trees are planted in celebration. For our cooking corps. Temple Beth Shalom in Santa Ana on us, we recognize the importance of the land Please join us on Friday, January 22 Saturday, March 5 at 6:00pm as we join to bring us food, sustenance, and beauty. In immediately following Kabbalat Shab- with other congregations that are part a time when children do not have enough bat services, as we present the movie of Men of Reform Judaism West for the to eat, we honor the ability to grow plants "Woman in Gold." The remarkable 18th Annual Man of the Year Dinner. and harvest their fruits. Please join us in true story of one woman's journey to The cost is $36 per person. Please be our Tu BiSh'vat celebration by planting and reclaim her heritage and seek justice sure to offer Phil a well-deserved Mazel enjoying some exotic fruits and by drinking for what happened to her family in Tov the next time you see him. wine of the season with us. Please check World War II. Please RSVP to Broth- Finally, all are welcome to join us each the weekly e-blasts for more details. [email protected] by Tuesday, Jan- first Thursday of the month at 7:00pm Women were given a special gift - Rosh uary 19, as Brotherhood will provide for our regular Board meetings where we Chodesh. On January 10 and again on Feb- Chinese food for dinner, and popcorn discuss upcoming events and welcome ruary 9 we will continue our celebration and soda during the movie. The event ideas for new activities. of the new moon. Each month, led by our is free to all who RSVP by the 19th. clergy, we meet at a different home of one Otherwise, there will be a charge of Happy New Year and Shalom! of our members. Together we experience $5.00 per person at the door. wonderful programs that help look at the month in a different way. These celebra- tions are always fun and memorable and we would love to have all the women of the temple join us. More details to follow. The Brotherhood and Women of TBH invite you to join us on February 27 to share dinner and enjoy some very special entertainment. Bring your friends and family for a fun and musical evening. We are looking forward to brightening up our winter and hopefully yours too with these delightful celebrations!

5 Education & Youth Progressive Schooling by Kathyrn Jensen, Interim Head of Elementary School

What does it mean to be progressive? Progressive: \pruh-'gre-siv\ : making use of or interested in new ideas, findings, or opportunities he term “progressive” is frequent- ditional education in several respects. mean that our schools adopt the best Tly misunderstood as it relates to At the institutions of learning at new ideas, findings, and opportunities. schools and learning. Many believe Temple Beth Hillel, the Early Child- Students become lifelong and joyful that progressive means an absence of hood Center, Religious School, and learners because they are nurtured by standards and expectations or giving Elementary School, all students benefit educators who are forward thinking limited direction. This take on the from our forward thinking approach. and a learning environment that hon- term really mischaracterizes the true In Early Childhood Education the ors individual needs. value of progressive education. Pro- approach is often identified as "devel- gressive education is truly the educa- opmental" or "play-based learning." tional approach that embraces the lat- In later years we often use the term est research and best practices. Making "constructivist" to describe how stu- use of these new ideas creates a learn- dents are active participants in their ing environment that differs from tra- learning. All of these terms simply

Traditional Approach Developmental/ Progressive Approach School is a separate place in life where learning takes place. Learning is always happening and school is an integrated aspect of living. Students absorb information shared by authority. Students participate, question, solve problems, and create new ideas as co-creators in their learning. Parents are outsiders and have limited roles in education. Parents are important partners in cultivating a love for learning, setting goals, and extending knowledge. Curriculum and programs are determined by an outside Curriculum and programs are driven by the mission and authority or to advance on standardized tests. philosophy. Knowledge is learned and practiced through passive for- Knowledge is learned, practiced, and demonstrated through mats like listening to lectures or completing a worksheet. projects, play, discussion, and experience. If you would like to learn more about educational programs at Temple Beth Hillel, please contact the School Office.

What makes for a fun summer camp expe- Summer will be here before we know it! Our rience? Being outside, exciting hands-on ex- ECE staff is busy planning a rewarding camp periments, creative cooking, playing with wa- experience for your children. In late Feb- ter, and a nurturing and loving environment. ruary the summer brochures will be avail- Temple Beth Hillel ECE Summer Camp of- able, so take advantage of early bird pricing fers all this and more. Temple Beth Hillel’s through April 8th! If you would like more ECE Summer Camp plans themed weeks, information or a tour of our offers flexible schedules, and developmental facilities, please call 818-761-6983. grouping to fit your child’s needs.

6 January 4th & 5th Grade Retreat at JCA Shalom January 22-24 BHDS Professional Day Important (Day School Off) February January 4 School Teen Retreat (8th-11th grade) ES & ECE School Resumes Life @ Retreat at JCA Shalom January 5 Dates February 5-7 Religious School Resumes January 10-12 President's Weekend Elementary School Open House (Religious Shool Off) January 14 February 14 (Day School Off) NFTY West Coast Party January 15 January 17 - No Scool TBH K & 1st Grade Tot Shabbat Martin Luther King Weekend February 19 2015 Thanksgiving (Religious Shool Off) 5th Grade Family Education Day January 17 Feast of Caring February 21 (Day School Off) January 18

Akela’s Corner Exciting Winter Events for Pack 311 by Glenn Cote Cubmaster, Cub Scout Pack 311

n Saturday morning, January 16, bunking in the crew quarters. Then, Othe first of Pack 311’s month- on February 13 we’ll be on the trail ly Hiking Team events for the new again (this time, Botany Trail in Ne- year will take place — a hike on the whall), followed on the 15th by the Hollyridge Trail in Griffith Park — President’s Day Celebration at the followed that evening by our very Reagan Library — where everyone first Pack outing to an LA Clippers can mingle with our Founding Fa- game! Also in January, we’ll have a thers in a celebration that includes Pack Meeting at TBH on the 21st, crafts, musical entertainment, story- and a special Pack fundraiser on Fri- telling, and presidential and first lady day, January 28, at Bob’s Big Boy in lookalikes. Finally, we’ll round out Burbank (the oldest Big Boy in the the month with a Pack Meeting at country) — where classic car lovers TBH on Thursday, the 18th. from all around Los Angeles gather every Friday for a trip down memo- Pack 311 welcomes boys in first through ry lane. Come get in the spirit of the fifth grades, or 7-10 years of age, from Cub Scout Pack 311 Pinewood Derby all religious and family backgrounds. and raise some money for the Pack! For more information, please visit us on Contact me at: cubmaster@cub- the web at www.cubpack311.com. pack311.com to obtain the flyer for this event, and turn it in when you pay for dinner so that Temple Beth Hillel’s Pack 311 will receive a por- tion of the proceeds. On February 6, we’ll be spending an exciting night aboard the USS #tbhla IOWA at “Camp Battleship,” where we will take a tour, eat chow on the mess decks, and partake in an eve- ning entertainment program before facebook.com/tbhla

7 8 9 Counseling Center The Blessed Caregiver by Gussie Sitkin, MFT, Clinical Director of TBHCommunity Counseling Center

start with a definition of caregiving: A • Anxiety – who is going to meet my sense of security, grounding, safety and Icaregiver is an unpaid or paid person needs now? Can I do this for as long as wholeness, then the opposite is also true. who helps an impaired individual with will be necessary? Do I have a choice? When that attachment is breached, or his or her activities of daily living. • Financial concerns – who will be damaged, it can affect our physical, men- At any time in our lives, we may be- the breadwinner? What if this goes on so tal, emotional and spiritual health…” come caregivers of a loved one who be- long that we run out of money? What can the caregiver do for them- comes ill over the long term or is aging • Possible depression at the responsi- selves to prevent themselves from poten- in such a way as to require full-time as- bilities and frustrations connected to the tial trauma? The author has found relief sistance. We choose or, it seems, we are caregiving, and in the following: engaging in mindful chosen to become the caregiver. How do • Loss of any and all intimacies. awareness (seeing possibilities that will we handle/react to this situation? bring on positive changes); participating This article deals mainly with chal- Taken from an article in “The Thera- in a meditation class; seeing a therapist lenges for partner caregivers of a mem- pist” for September/October 2015, writ- who can help you through the emotion- ory-impaired individual and they are ten by Dana Julian, LMFT, the author ality such as grief, potential loss, trauma, many: quotes from her experience as a caregiv- and developing a positive sense of self; er and how and why caregivers develop and, joining a group of caregivers facing • The sudden shift in the relationship what we call, relational trauma. As the similar circumstances. and the intense grief that accompanies term applies, it is trauma because of a re- the awareness that the partner’s rela- lationship, rather than an event such as For more information on the subject, call tionship, as they have known it, is gone accident, rape, or natural disaster. the Counseling Center at 818 762-4817. forever. The term, relational trauma, is a new • Unsettledness due to the emotional term designed to describe the devastat- roller coaster of difficult feelings, such as ing stress on a person whose primary anger, guilt, resentment and loneliness. relationship bonds have been decimat- Mazel Tov! • Dealing with intense sadness at the ed. The author quotes: “If it is true that loss of shared hopes, dreams, and activ- when we attach to someone healthy and It's a New Client! ities functional, it feels good and provides a

Advertising in the Hillel Omer is a great way to boost your business while supporting When you and your guests want to be treated like royalty! the mission of Temple Beth HIllel. We publish bi-monthly throughout the year. For more information contact our Over 20 years serving the San Fernando Valley communications team at [email protected]

Size 1x Rate 5x Rate $295 Full Page $450 $1,475/annual $195 Half Page $310 $975/annual $140 SilverSpoonsCateringInc.com Third Page $260 $700/annual $80 Sixth Page $160 $360/annual $60 Ninth Page $95 (business card) $300/annual 10 Life @ TBH Chanukah Celebration 2015

Mitzvah Day 2015

Thank you to the TBH community for making Mitzvah Day 2015 a resound- ing success! More than 200 members of Beth Hillel ame together on Sunday November 1 and: • Collected 28 pints of life-saving blood • Knitted and adorned hats and blankets for Newborns in Need • Filled 500 bags for the North Interfaith Food Pantry • Weaved colorful pet toys to give to an animal shelter for our furry friends • Packed 240 bags of food for our members to give directly to people in need • Colored bags and wrote joyful notes for Thanksgiving Day • Braided and baked more than 100 loaves of challah, with all proceeds going to tzeda- • Tilled the soil and planted seeds at our kah Mitzvah Garden • Painted two shade shelters that will be • Decorated tennis balls to brighten up an sent to families in Africa through Jewish elder care facility World Watch • Sang, offered prayers, enjoyed bagels and • Played games and raised money to help cream cheese and drew pictures of “what the hungry home/bayit means to me” at our Opening Ceremony • Wrote letters of greeting and support to soldiers in the U.S. Armed Forces • Donated: 150 pounds of candy for Op- eration Gratitude and for the Brotherhood • Created beautiful centerpieces for the Feast; a huge bin of personal necessities for TBH Brotherhood Thanksgiving Feast of the New Friends Homeless Feeding Center Caring and Brotherhood Giveaway; and loads of coloring books and crayons for the Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Court! Thank you to the incredible Mitzvah Crew who made it all happen. To participate in planning Mitzvah Day 2016, please email #tbhla [email protected]. facebook.com/tbhla 11 Calendar of Events RSVP AND BUY TICKETS ONLINE January 23, Saturday February for courses, dinners and special events Moses Program: S'udah Shleesheet at bethhillel.info 4:00pm-5:00pm. February 5, Friday Tuesdays January 23, Saturday Shabbat Ba'Bayit Adult Education: Torah Tuesday TBH Comedy Night 6:30pm–8:00pm. 12:30pm -1:30pm. Please RSVP at bethhillel.info 7:00pm-11:00pm. January Shabbat Ba'Bayit February 5, 2016 January 10, Sunday Shabbat in Our Homes Women of TBH Rosh Chodesh sees TBH Congregants The Women of TBH will be celebrating the new gathering in one another’s houses to moon. Rabbi Sarah Hronsky will be talking about share in blessings, community, and the environment. food! Please RSVP to: [email protected] Please email Rabbi Sarah to be a host 7:30pm-9:00pm. for this event. January 10&24, Sundays at [email protected]. Adult Education: Midrash Join Rabbi Sarah Hronsky in exploring some February 7, 21, 28, Sundays fun and interesting midrashic texts, stories and January 24, Sunday Adult Education: The Story of Prayer parables. Women of TBH Tu BiSh'vat Gathering Join Cantor Shana Leon in this course that will Registration Required. Call 818-763-9148 Families are invited to join us for a planting explore the origins of prayers. 9:45am-11:15am. experience at Temple Beth Hillel in the Feld- Registration Required. Call 818-763-9148. 9:45am–11:15am. January 13, Wednesday man Horn Mercaz. We are going to make fairy Adult Education: gardens and/or container gardens. Have a fruit February 9, Tuesday TBH Book Club tasting of unusual fruits of the season along Women of TBH Rosh Chodesh Join Rabbi Sarah Hronsky for with traditional Tu BiSh'vat foods. Cost will be The Women of TBH will be celebrating the new Between the World and Me by $18/pp to cover supplies. moon. Ta-Nehisi Coates. Please RSVP to: [email protected] Please RSVP to: [email protected] 7:00pm-8:30pm. 3:30pm-5:30pm 7:30pm–9:00pm. January 14, Thursday January 24-25, Sunday-Monday February 10, Wenesday Elementary School Winter Open House Tu BiSh'vat Adult Education: 6:30pm-8:00pm. January 31, Sunday TBH Book Club Join Rabbi Jim Kaufman for Rebbe January 22-24, Friday-Sunday Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby RS & ES Retreat - 4th & 5th Grade 2:00pm–5:00pm. by Joseph Telushkin. 7:00pm-8:30pm. January 22, Friday January 31, Sunday TBH Brotherhood Movie Night Adult Education: Shalom Hartman February 21, Sunday You are invited to see "Woman in Gold." The Speaker Elana Stein Hain engages in current C.A.G. Meeting - Caring Across Generations Please RSVP to: [email protected] or TBH Brotherhood will be providing a Chinese challenges in North America and Israel. Explore [email protected] dinner (free if you RSVP by January 19), followed Jewish morals, values and identity at Temple Kol 12:30pm–2:30pm. by this sure to be iconic movie. Tikvah in West Hills. Jewish Family Services SOVA Event Please RSVP to [email protected] Registration is required, however, the event is free to 3:00pm–5:00pm. 7:30pm-10:00pm. all TBH members who pre-register. 818-763-9148. 9:30am–11:30am. February 27, Saturday Women of TBH and TBH Brotherhood Cabaret Dinner Join our Email list now TBH Brotherhood and Women of TBH invite with your cell phone! everyone—their friends included—to join us for TEXT dinner, entertainment and fun! Cost $36. BethHillel Please RSVP to: [email protected] TO 6:00pm–9:00pm. 22828 February 28, Sunday Mitzvah Circle Brunch 12:00pm–2:00pm.

12 Comedy Night 2016 January 23 @ 7pm In Our Community... Refuah Shleimah Wishing a full and speedy recovery to The Talent Lynn Shapiro Appearances: Cary Nord Adam Ray 's Kira SoltanOvich David Motz @Midnight, Appearances: Craig Ferguson, Two Jimmy Kimmel Live, Florence Adler Broke Girls, Arrested Last Comic Standing William Tamkin Development and Girls Behaving Laura Dickerman Movie Mentions: Badly The Heat, Spy and Condolences Tomb Raider. To the Saltsman family on the death of Helen Saltsman Greg Fitzsimmons Dan Levy To Theodore Field and family on the Appearances: Appearances: death of his wife, Joan Field The @Midnight on Comedy To Jeanne Turbow and family on the Show, Letterman, Central, Chelsea Lately, death of her father, David Schryver Conan, Kimmel, and Comedy Central To Janis Feldman-Horn and family on the Chelsea Lately, Adam Presents, The Late, death of her brother, Mark Feldman Corolla and The Joe Late Show, "Premium To Irving Gittelman and family on the Rogan Experience. Blend" by Comedy death of his wife, Nathalie Gittelman Other: Central, and The Has his own podcast Office. We Proudly Welcome the following Had Two Stand-Up Families who have joined our Specials on Comedy Temple Beth Hillel Family Central. Stephanie Meyer and Daniel Noah Haley and Kevin McSherry The Event Matthew and Vivian Kohon David and Michelle Podemski Join us for our 6th annual Comedy Night on Saturday January 23, 2016. This Amy and Andy Bloch event includes great food, specialty beverages, and stellar comedic talent. Matt and Tracey Horn

Claudia Yarmy This hilarious evening will benefit all of TBH, helping us continue to maintain high-quality schools for our children, to offer engaging adult education programs, to Mazel Tov on These provide meaningful Shabbat, holiday and festival celebrations, to engage in import- Special Wedding Anniversaries ant social action initiatives for TBH and our community at large and to continue to Werner and Beni Loewenthal—55th be the voice of Reform Judaism in the East San Fernando Valley. Your support can Darren and Jeanne Turbow—15th make this happen. Fredric and Debbie Adler—10th Matthew Littman and Valerie Barreiro—10th This spectacular event is part of our annual fundraising and plays an essential role Ofir and Ariunaa Keissar—10th in our non-profit community meeting its budgetary needs. Tickets

Tickets are available at bethhillel.info or at the door, More Info! however an RSVP is required.

Ticket Price(s): VIP (individual seats at table): $90 HA! Regular (theater style seating) : $75 HA! Senior (Ages 70+): $60 HA! Sponsor a Table (Seats 10): $1,200 HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! 13 Honor, Appreciate or Remember a Loved One

ark a birthday, bar or bat mitz- vah, anniversary, yahrzeit or Mspecial occasion with a dona- tion to Temple Beth Hillel. Make your choice from the funds listed below, then send your tribute and payment to: Temple Beth Hillel, 12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village, CA 91607. Please include the name and address of the person you are honoring, so that we can send a special acknowledgment card in your name. You can also make your donation online at tbhla.org/donate. Clergy Funds Rabbi Sarah Hronsky Fund Cantorial and Music Fund Emeritus Rabbi Jim Kaufman Fund

School & Youth Funds Beth Hillel Day School Elementary School Early Childhood Education Religious School Scholarship Campership Community Outreach Funds North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry Fund Community Counseling Center Fund Moses Fund $360 Construction Fund Tree of Life Fund Endowment Fund A complete list of Temple funds is available online at tbhla.org/donate Did You Know? All donations to TBH are tax deductable. If you need a little extra on your tax-write offs, consider making a donation to any one of our available funds.

School Funds Building Funds Memorial Funds Outreach Funds Community Funds and More!

For a complete list of available funds, please visit tbhla.org/donate.

14 Robert Cohen, by Sandra and Roger Cohen Nathalie Gittelman, by Burton and Anita Levinson Ruth Rosenberg, by Larry Rosenberg Nathalie Gittelman, by Paul Glickstein Temple Funds Leonard Feldman, by Tobi and David Schneider Nathalie Gittelman, by Alisa Katz In gratitude, we acknowledge the contributions of our friends Leonard Feldman, by Tim and Leslie Anderson Nathalie Gittelman, by Yasmeen and David Mazer to the mission of Temple Beth Hillel. Arthur Maler, by Helen Maler Gus Walden, by Lyn and Jeffery Fey NORTH HOLLYWOOD INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY RABBI SARAH HRONSKY’S FUND Sophie Pokras, by Neanette Quint In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of Rose Bromberg, by George and Riva Bromberg Ann Voiler, by Natalie Goldman Leonard Feldman, by Jonathan Berg Lena Golden, Doris Haimovitz, Irving Weiner, and Israel Minnie Rudolph, by Natalie Goldman Leonard Feldman, by Sheila Beller Yussen, by David and Jo Haimovitz Jeanne Seymour, by Natalie Goldman Leonard Feldman, by Maxine Stern Jennie Martin, by Connie and Van Martin Joan Levinson, by Lee and Howard Fink Judy Slavin, by Herb Slavin, Corey, Kevin, and Bill Leonard Feldman, by Arlene, Dani and Frank Balkin Fred Richard Shapiro, by Mary Streit Leonard Feldman, by Debbi Hidajat Pauline Maler, by Helen Maler Nathalie Gittelman, by Marcia and Audrey Friedman Leonard Feldman, by Jodie and David Reff Joan Stuller Giglione, by Mark Robert Giglione Fred “Richard” Shapiro, by Larry Picus and Susan Pasternak Leonard Feldman, by Lester and Renee Schwartz Abraham Barbolet and Ida Kohlberg, by June Ross Helen Reckon, by Zan Frailich and Howard Blumenfeld Leonard Feldman, by Patty and David Finkel Robert and Harold Neiman, by Norma and Robert Neiman Dick Shapiro, by Leslye Adelman, Richard Konigsberg and Daniel Lilie, by Matthew Sirota Shimon Kaiserman, by Moshe and Tara Kaiserman Adrian Arnold Nathalie Gittelman, by Irv Gittelman Sadye Glagovsky, by Helen Saltsman and Michael Saltsman Patricia Rosenthal, by Leslye Adelman and Richard Lee Waldman and Dorothy Fey, by Jeffery and Lyn Fey David Schryver, by Leslie Anderson Konigsberg Leonard Feldman, by Bruce and Judith Stern David Schryver, by Tobi and David Schneider Leonard Feldman and Mark Feldman, by Leslye Adelman Yetta Komsky, by Harry Komsky Eva Buchman, by Freddie Goldberg Mark Feldman, by Maxine Stern In Honor of Robert Neiman, by Robert and Susan Howell Helen Saltsman, by Maxine Stern Max Jacob Morin’s Bris, by Karen Morin Green and Solomon Fredlender, by Larry Fredlender Nathan Goldman, by Natalie Goldman Kenneth Green May Bierman, by Rita and Herbert Silverman Ruth Rutkin, by Maxine Stern Benjamin Kushnir’s Bar Mitzvah, by Alan and Carole Lance Marc Schneider, by Tobi and David Schneider Condolences to Kushnir Arthur Weiner, by Alan and Amy Weiner Ron Dresher and Family, by Lori Dinkin Irwin Tucker, by Ronald and Arleen Seigel Linda Glaser, by Lori Dinkin EMERITUS RABBI KAUFMAN’S FUND Morris Sobelman, by Sylvia Bremer John Mosunic, by Judith Harris In Loving Memory of Helen Saltsman, by Joan E. Redlich Get Well Wishes to Annie Berman, by the Kaiserman Family Helen Saltsman, by JoAnne and Jonathan Evans David Motz, by Zan Frailich and Howard Blumenfeld Leonard Feldman, by Maxine Stern Marie Goodman, by Bobbe and Ben Tadelis Donations Judith Seuthe, by Kathy B. Seuthe Anne Langsdon, by Charles and Roberta Baker By Michael Kramer Nathalie Gittelman, by Irv Gittelman Sofia Balshin, by Raisa Linetskaya By Cyndia Zumpft-Klein and Steve Klein Herman Berman, by Moshe and Tara Kaiserman Fanya Shapiro, by Klara Vizel By Jan Goldsmith Cecile Marx, by Marion Marx Irving Kohlberg, by June Ross By Connie Frank Leonard Feldman, by Barbara and Mark Singer In Honor of In Honor of Mark Feldman, by Barbara and Mark Singer The birth of Max Jacob Morin, by Karen Morin Green and Zoe Stevens, by Rabbis Denise Eger and Eleanor Steinman Nathalie Gittelman, by Barbara and Mark Singer Kenneth Green The life of Richard Shapiro, by Michael and Nancy Meyer In Honor Of Donations Benjamin Chasek, by Stanley and Judy Smith, Marsha and Magnus Xavier Gimple, by Julia Wackenheim By Trudy and Ed Field Saul Zwirn, Ruth Glickstein, Sharon R. Krause, Trent and Gus Gimple, by Evelyn Lever Shannon Cooper, and Paul Ganus MOSES FUND Lewis Frank, by Connie Frank DAVID S MORHAR CAMPERSHIP FUND In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of Yetta Komsky, by Tobi and David Schneider RELIGIOUS SCHOOL DISCRETIONARY FUND Helen Saltsman, by Tobi & David Schneider Mark Feldman, by Tobi and David Schneider In Loving Memory of In Honor Of Abraham Fruitman, by The Elman Family DAY SCHOOL FUND Tobi and David Schneider, by Gail Steinberg In Loving Memory of Tobi and David Schneider, by Ingrid Sacerio ROBERT & BETTY JOSEPH REAPER FUND Leonard Feldman, by C.Jean Pearlstein and Donald V. Get Well Wishes to In Loving Memory of Greenlee Lynn Shapiro, by Tobi and David Schneider Alissa Shulman, by Barbara and Daniel Elman Arlene Kingston, by Eric Mintz Joan Field, by Lauren Maslin NEIL J. GITTELMAN FUND ROEN & JOHN PASTERNAK SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor of In Loving Memory of In Loving Memory of Mila Rose Chojniak, by Beverly Yachzel Marcella Rosen, by Irving, Nathalie and David Gittelman, Leonard Feldman, by Larry Picus and Susan Pasternak Jayden Bartels, by Sam & Yvonne Bartels Susanna Griffin and Judith Harris Donations Nathalie Gittelman, by Andrea Korchek 360 CONSTRUCTION FUND By Josh and Monika Karchmer and Family Nathalie Gittelman, by Joyce and Harvey Reichard In Loving Memory of By Ariunaa Keissar Nathalie Gittelman, by Howard and Lee Fink Bud Cohn, by Sheila beller By Jerome Weiss Nathalie Gittelman, by Karen Rosenzweig Nathalie Gittelman, by Daniel and Barbara Elman By Stephanie Meyer Nathalie Gittelman, by Roberta and Paul Nathanson Helen Saltsman, by Jodie and David Reff By Scott Dolkart Nathalie Gittelman, by Michael, Dana, Andrew and Nicole Donations Glantz By Claudine Douglas EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FUND Nathalie Gittelman, by Chris and Andrea Hlavka By Eric & Susan Goldman In Loving Memory of Nathalie Gittelman, by Meredith McMorrow By Robert Pfeifer & Mindi Levins-Pfeifer David Schryver, by Barbara Pratt Nathalie Gittelman, by Joey Faermark By Sheila Beller Gary Gerson, by Marilyn Morris Nathalie Gittelman, by Rachel and Marc Ehrich and family By Jack & Claudine Douglas Nathalie Gittelman, by Richard Howard By Michel Stevens HIGH HOLY DAYS PRAYER BOOK/MACHZOR Nathalie Gittelman, by Sharon and Paolo Rosi By Anthony & Julia Lewinter Donations Nathalie Gittelman, by Norman and Meryl Leventhal By Barbara and Mark Singer Nathalie Gittelman, by Zan Frailich and Howard Blumenfeld MAX SANDS SPECIAL PROJECTS FUND Nathalie Gittelman, by Ben and Bobbe Tadelis In Loving Memory of Nathalie Gittelman, by James Storer Please note that all contributions listed Leonard Feldman, by Leslie and Steven Rouff Nathalie Gittelman, by Harriet Newton are through December 11, 2015 Rabbi Paul Kleinman, by Leslie and Steven Rouff Nathalie Gittelman, by Marilyn and Steven Wiener Frances Sands, Seymour Rouff, William Eisberg, Samuel Nathalie Gittelman, by Beatrice, Michael and Mimi & Mary Eisberg, Samuel & Tibbie Rouff, Johanna Goldberg We would like to take a moment Spiegel, by Leslie and Steven Rouff Nathalie Gittelman, by Steven and Norma Fenves Mark Feldman, by Leslie and Steven Rouff Nathalie Gittelman, by Robin and Annette Sweet to thank everyone who made David Schryver, by Leslie and Steven Rouff Nathalie Gittelman, by Julie Thwing Helen Saltsman, by Leslie and Steven Rouff Nathalie Gittelman, by Mark Maire Get Well Wishes To Nathalie Gittelman, by Joan Walston a contribution. We continue David Motz, by Leslie and Steven Rouff Nathalie Gittelman, by Debora Christensen Nathalie Gittelman, by Jack and Judy Glantz and family because of you. Thank you. MEMORIAL AND TRIBUTE FUND Nathalie Gittelman, by Elyse, Rand and Rhys Gladden In Loving Memory of Nathalie Gittelman, by Eileen Borow If you would like to see a full list Michael Morin, by Karen Morin Green and Kenneth Nathalie Gittelman, by Jerry and Charlene Eisen Green Nathalie Gittelman, by David Bautista and Pamela Bautista of Temple Funds please visit: Joseph Chilk, by Laurel Brodsley Nathalie Gittelman, by Suzanne Toten tbhla.org/donate Beatrice Nadell, by Howard Nadell Nathalie Gittelman, by Sarah Mechta and Greg Raczniak Nathalie Gittelman, by Gary and Theresa Falcon

15 12326 Riverside Drive Valley Village, CA 91607 Return Service Requesed

tbhla.org [email protected] facebook.com/tbhla

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