Shofar Nisan-Iyar 5775 • April 2015

In this issue...you can click on the Rabbi’s Message page you would like to read first. Adult Education...... 7 Torah Study for All Blood Drive...... 10

Something new is happening in our sanctuary on Shabbat Brotherhood...... 11-12 mornings. There is an exciting dynamic in the room as young and Calendar...... 27 old, congregants, and guests are joining in lively conversation and debate. It begins with a passage or idea from the Torah, an open Cantor’s Message...... 3 question, a few possible interpretations, and an invitation to share thoughts and opinions. One week we considered why Moses broke the College Connection...... 12 tablets. Another week we discussed why people give. Each time, the conversation took off Community...... 8-9 and engaged the whole congregation. Contributions...... 26 Continued on page 2 Cultural Arts...... 13-15 Education Directors...... 5 Israel Matters...... 16-17 Jewish LIFE...... 7 April Holidays Lifecycle (TBE Family News)...... 24 President’s Message...... 4 Pesach (Passover) Rabbi’s Message...... 1-2 April 3 (First Seder) through April 10 (Last Day) Renaissance...... 18 Join us for Second Seder on April 4 (Click here for details) Ritual...... 18 7th Day service on April 9 at 7:00 pm Sisterhood...... 19-22 Social Action...... 23 Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) April 15 Worship Schedule...... 2 Community-wide Yom HaShoah Service April 19, 10:00 am Yahrzeits...... 25 at Flemington Jewish Community Center

Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) April 22

Yom HaAtzma’ut (Israel Independence Day) April 23

Temple Beth-El • 67 US Highway 206 • Hillsborough, NJ 08844 • (908) 722-0674 • www.ourbethel.org Worship Schedule Rabbi’s Message, continued from page 1 Friday, April 3 First night of Pesach No Erev Shabbat Services For years we have been looking for a formula that would effectively integrate Saturday, April 4 Torah study, communal worship, and life-cycle events into a single Shabbat morning Yom Tov Pesach celebration. Empowered by our involvement in the joint URJ-HUC B’nai Mitzvah 10:00 am Yom Tov Minyan Services Revolution (BMR), we have spent the last two years conducting conversations with our 6:30 pm Congregational Second Seder members and engaging in experiments – some modest, some bold. Now we can safely Thursday, April 9 say that our efforts have borne fruit. (See the May Shofar for more details about our 7:00 pm Yom Tov Pesach and Yizkor Services BMR work.) Friday, April 10 In April 2013 we conducted a series of visioning workshops that were attended by Yom Tov Pesach, 7th Day 113 members of our community. Among the many thoughts and opinions shared, 8:00 pm Erev Shabbat Services one dominant theme emerged. Our members, young and old alike, want our life-cycle celebrations to be more communal. Saturday, April 11 With this insight in mind, our BMR Core Team and our staff initiated a series of Parashat Shemini I Leviticus11:1-23 experiments over the last year and a half. We began by moving the consecration of our 10:00 am Shabbat Minyan Services youngest students from Erev Sukkot to the following Friday night. This had the dual Thursday, April 16 result of making the consecration a congregational celebration with our young families, Yom HaShoah and it opened the eve of Sukkot for a wonderful multi-generational evening of fun, Friday, April 17 food and celebration in a greatly expanded Sukkah. 8:00 pm Erev Shabbat Services with the choir, Kolot El Next we turned to our observance of Shavuot and the confirmation of our 10th- Saturday, April 18 grade students. Confirmation was moved to the Shabbat immediately following Parashat Shemini II Leviticus 9:1 - 11:47 Shavuot, which resulted in a large and joyous congregational celebration of Shabbat 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Services and Torah Study with led by our 10th graders. This shift enabled us to imagine a new and creative way to B’nei Mitzvah of Matthew Goralnick and Hayley Mandell celebrate Shavuot. We joined in dramatic re-enactments of the Ceremonies of the First Sunday, April 19 Fruits and the Receiving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai, followed by singing and dancing in Rosh Chodesh Iyar the center of our reconfigured sanctuary. The evening began with wine and cheese, Community-wide Yom HaShoah Service at Flemington and ended with an ice-cream social, all in keeping with the custom of eating dairy Jewish Community Center treats on Shavuot. As these communal observances of festivals and life-cycle events were proving Monday, April 20 Rosh Chodesh Iyar successful, our team began to consider possibilities for making our Shabbat morning services and bar/bat mitzvah celebrations more inclusive of our congregation. Our Wednesday, April 22 first experiments were modest, and included having our b’nei mitzvah lead the Yom HaZikaron congregation in the tallit blessing in the sanctuary at the opening of the service, Thursday, April 23 shifting from parents giving personal speeches to offering a blessing, and my offering Yom YaAtzma’ut reflections before the Torah and Haftarah readings. At the same time, on those weeks Friday, April 24 when there was no bar or bat mitzvah, our Shabbat morning minyan services were 8:00 pm Erev Shabbat Services, Shabbat B’Shir undergoing a transformation. Led by Ed Tolman, our Ritual chair, members of our with the Tefilah Band community were invited to offer two minutes of Torah, personal thoughts on the Torah and Haftarah portions, followed by free-flowing conversation. We included occasional Saturday, April 25 Parashtat Tazria-Metzora Leviticus 12:1 – 15:33 life-cycle moments in these minyans, such as a baby naming or the celebration of a milestone birthday aliyah, and we’ve been inviting members of our congregation to 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Services and Torah Study with Bar Mitzvah of Alex Milgram read Torah and help lead the music. These successes inspired our team to see that the path ahead could be the integration of our Shabbat minyan formula with our b’nei mitzvah celebrations in the sanctuary. The first fruit of this effort is the new format for Torah study and discussion. Temple Calendar Webpage Going forward, we intend to consider other possible ways to involve our congregants http://www.ourbethel.org/luach-beth-el more actively in Shabbat morning services. Our ultimate goal is to fulfill the vision of our b’nei mitzvah being called to the Torah in the presence of their community, not just Shofar Submissions their friends and family, and for our community to join together on Saturday mornings and Deadline for the joyous celebration of Shabbat. So join us on April 4 and 11 for Shabbat morning minyans and Torah discussion, and The next issue of the Shofar will be April 18 and 25 for Shabbat worship, Torah discussion, and the b’nei mitzvah of some of May 2015. PLEASE NOTE: The deadline for our wonderful students. submissions is April 15. Wishing you a Zissen Pesach! Submit articles via email to: [email protected]. Rabbi Arnold S. Gluck In the subject line, please use the following naming convention: Shofar Month/Shofar/ Committee Name or Professional Staff Name.

Temple Beth-El Shofar 2 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

A Note From Our Cantor

by Emily Wigod Pincus

he Israeli Cabaret Night of Song was a huge success, due thank you for creating such a beautiful setting in which Tto the dedicated, hard work of many. Many thanks to to put all of this. To Jim Lavranchuk, thank you for all the singers: my wonderful committee chair, Alta Malberg; your massive work on sound and setup! To Leigh Freeman, Cantor Darcie Sharlein; Cantor Joanna Alexander; and Kolot thank you for the beautiful program! To Richard and El; the players: Henry Nerenberg, Kathy Shanklin, Frank Jessica Freeman, and Art Roswell, thanks for video and Sole, and Lou Binder. photos! To Cantor Darcie and Cantor Joanna, thank you for To all the rest of the committee: Lil Swickle, Myrna bringing music and joy to my community. Alta, thank you Binder, Cindy Andrews, Harriet Thaler (and Liz Cohen for your songs and for being such a great partner! To Alta for your help on clean-up), thank you for being a great and Amy Rubin, thank you for your vision in helping me see committee, despite all of our weather problems! this through as something special and different. To Henry, Together, we all helped to entertain, enlighten and Frank, Kathy and Lou, words cannot express my gratitude inspire the TBE Community with a greater understanding for your tireless hours of rehearsal and the gorgeous of Israeli music and culture. At the same time, we fostered result! To the choir: you really did me proud. Thank you for connections within the community to make it stronger – bringing the music of Israel to life for us. and we more than met our fundraising goal! Now that’s To Marcy Rosenfeld, thank you for an excellent job in a great way to usher in the month of Nisan and to greet negotiating the catering! To Beth Lavranchuk, Karen and spring. Mitch Kaplan, Rita Fink, and Donna and Jay Tischfield,

Songs of Love and The Land of Israel

On Saturday, March 21, over 120 people were treated to a musical exploration of Israeli folk and modern music. The concert, led by our own Cantor Emily Wigod Pincus, featured two other cantors, Cantor Joanna Mass Alexander and Cantor Darcie Sharlein, along with congregant Alta Malberg, and our choir Kolot El. Music was provided by Lou Binder, Frank Cole, Henry Nerenberg, and Kathy Shanklin. A wonderful time was had by all.

Above right: Kolot El, our adult choir, and Cantor Emily Wigod Pincus.

Above: The four soloists join together in song. L-R, Cantor Emily Wigod Pincus, Cantor Darcie Sharlein, Alta Malberg, and Cantor Joanna Alexander.

Right: Alta Malberg performs.

Temple Beth-El Shofar 3 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

From Our President

by Lil Swickle Springtime Musings

Well, March certainly came in like a snowy, frosty lion. (plug!). I’m amazed at how many Here’s hoping that the end will be like the proverbial lamb people aren’t aware that there is an (or whatever you serve at the beginning of April at your Amazon link on our temple website Passover Seder). I was doing some research on this and and, more importantly, that we get a learned that Ashkenazi Jews do not usually eat lamb, as small percentage of the Amazon sales a reminder that the Temple no longer stands, and so the that originate from our TBE website. lamb cannot be sacrificed. So, I guess I was the April fool It’s only one additional step: go to who didn’t know this. the temple website, click on the link Besides looking forward to milder weather, what do we at the upper right that says “support us” and then click on have to look forward to this month? As many of you know, the Amazon logo. The “usual” Amazon site comes up. Try I just became a great-grandma for the second time with it, you might like it. End of commercial! the birth of Luke Jeffrey Tallmadge on March 10. He joins And finally, a sad farewell to Sarah Seemann, who is his “big” brother Carter, who is three. I’m certainly looking returning home to Israel. We will certainly miss her, and forward to playing with, holding and cuddling both and I know everyone who visits Israel will visit her (as we did am very fortunate that they don’t live that far away from with her son Guy when we were there last June). And she me. I will see them both for the Passover Seder and Easter will always be with us each Passover as I make my famous dinner, as both Christianity and Judaism are observed in dessert, which was her Israeli recipe (ask, I’ll give it to you). my family. What else is brewing? Well, when the nice weather Zissen Pesach to all, comes, I’d like to have some beach reading, so I’ll be ordering some books and other things from Amazon Lil Swickle

TO DISCUSS CREATING YOUR LEGACY GIFT TO TEMPLE BETH-EL, CONTACT: Whatever you cherish most about Jewish life…learning, community, worship, Rande Aaronson or caring for those in need or social justice, by leaving a legacy you ensure that the Rick Miller things you value are sustained for future generations. [email protected]

LIFE & LEGACY program and the LIFE & LEGACY logo are trademarks of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. All rights reserved.

Temple Beth-El Shofar 4 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

From the Education Directors

Sarah Gluck and Lisa Friedman

Ten Things Kids Hate About Seder

1. I don’t know what it means. 2. It’s boring. It just drags on and on. There’s so much to read. 3. I’m hungry. Being allowed only a small bite of food when we say the blessings is torture. 4. Horseradish doesn’t taste good. 5. My extended family speaks different languages. So let’s rework our list: 6. I’m not allowed to text at the table. 7. Being expected to read Hebrew just because I’m in Ten Things Kids Want From Seder: Hebrew school makes me uncomfortable. 1. I like being Jewish. Please help me understand what 8. I have to recite the Four Questions, even though I’m this means. not the youngest. Not fair! 2. The Haggadah is long. Please help me understand it by 9. It’s a drag to give up foods I like for eight days. choosing to read some, but not all, of it. I don’t mind 10. Matzah is messy. going from start to finish, but reading everything in between is too much. I’m still just a kid. A recent conversation with students in Grades 3 through 3. Please put some healthy nibbles on the table so I can 7 gave them the opportunity to express all the things they focus on the seder and not on my stomach rumbling. don’t like about seder. The idea wasn’t to focus on the 4. Explain what the foods on the seder plate represent negative, but to allow them to get everything they don’t so I know why horseradish is included and understand like about seder out of their systems before flipping the that it isn’t supposed to taste good. conversation around to the positive. 5. I love being together with my family; I just wish the It was important to acknowledge what the children had old folks would speak English consistently so we all can to say about their seder experiences — and you know talk to each other. what? They were right! 6. When you let me know that you value my presence Seder is not meant to be dry and boring. It should not be and participation, I’ll be happy to be present and too long, just long enough to tell the story, and to tell it participate. No problem leaving my phone in my room. meaningfully. Make the experience lively and interactive. 7. I like learning Hebrew and know you’re proud of me, Convey the messages of freedom and redemption clearly but please don’t put me on the spot. I may not be as and with feeling. Sing songs. Put on a skit. Come in comfortable with it as you think I am. Maybe someone costume, if you are so moved. Ask questions, and make could help me get started or even read with me. it clear that everyone around the table has something 8. I’d be happy to recite the Four Questions, even though valuable to contribute, including, maybe even especially, I’m not the youngest, but please ask me instead of just the children. After all, they are the ones who will carry the expecting me to do it. tradition forward. Our job is to help them understand the 9. Now that I understand the reasons for giving up foods great themes of Pesach through the rituals and symbols of I like, I guess it’s not so hard. I can manage without the seder. them…especially when you let me have some extra Passover treats. 10. Matzah is messy. [Sorry, it’s hard to find a positive spin For a wide variety of Passover resources from the URJ, on that one.] click here: http://www.reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/passover- The Passover story is a magnificent tale of faith and pesach Passover Resources freedom. Its message of the redemptive power of God that sustained our ancestors in their journey from slavery to For a delightful and informative article by Abigail freedom will continue to sustain us in our generation and Pogrebin on how to liven up a seder, click here: in generations yet to come. This year, as we gather for http://wonderingjew.forward.com/216926/a-seder- seder, let’s make sure that everyone around the table can shouldnt-be-flat-as-matzo- try-this-at-h/ play an active role in retelling the story to truly understand For guidance from the Religious Action Center of the URJ and live the values that distinguish our faith and our about incorporating themes of social justice into your people. seder, click here: Chag Pesach sameach — wishing you and your family a http://www.rac.org/community/holidays/passover joyous Passover! Sarah Gluck and Lisa Friedman

Temple Beth-El Shofar 5 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Our Full-Time Director of Youth Engagement

We are very excited to announce that our youth Thanks to a generous grant that we have received, director, Dan Merer, will be continuing to work at we are now able to expand Dan’s role to full time for TBE next year as our full-time director of youth the next two years. This will provide a continuity of engagement. Under Dan’s energetic and engaging leadership that we have not had for many years, and leadership, in partnership with our Youth Culture enable us to expand our program to include younger Committee, our youth programs are having one of grades and more options for youth engagement. Dan their best years ever. Unprecedented numbers of our will also begin to do outreach to young adults in their students are participating in an expanded variety twenties. of programs, including our youth group, SMOOCHY, If you’d like to congratulate Dan, you can reach him NFTY-GER, our regional chapter of our national at [email protected]. Reform youth organization, LTS, our leadership training seminar, and more.

Café Temple Beth-El Sofer Gedaliah Druin Returns to TBE on April 26 Open 8:45 AM-11:15 AM Follows Religious School Calendar On April 26 at 11:00 am, young and old are invited to learn how a sefer torah, a Torah scroll, is written. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Rabbi Gedaliah Druin, a master teacher and scribe, or sofer, will offer an enlightening demonstration of the ancient Jewish scribal arts and share with us the mysteries of writing a sefer torah.

Want to volunteer? call or email Jay Taylor @ 908-507-7849 or [email protected]

Torah Portions You can read a Weekly Torah Commentary by visiting the Union of Reform Judaism’s web page: www.reformjudaism.org/learning/torah-study

Temple Beth-El Shofar 6 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Fo Click here to return to Page 1 g Is r E in ve rn r a y e o Jewish LIFE n L Adult Education at Temple Beth-El e 2014-2015 / 5775

Please see the TBE-Letter for weekly updates about Jewish LIFE classes at TBE.

Classes

SUNDAY THURSDAY SATURDAY Beginning Hebrew Reading Israeli Folk Dancing with Ruach Jewish LIFE Film Series @TBE: Restoration 9:00 - 9:50 am — April 12, 19, 26 7:30 pm, in the multipurpose room (Boker Tov, Adon Fidelman) ; Thursday, April 23, 30 Saturday, April 18, 7:00 pm Making Prayer Real Wednesday, April 1 To register, contact Simona at [email protected]. 10:00 - 11:15 am — April 12, 19, 26 Yoga April 23, 30 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew 11:30 am - 1:00 pm — April 19 For information about yoga classes, contact Shari Czar at [email protected] or 908-963-6365. Advanced Hebrew 11:30 am - 1:00 pm — April 12, 26 For a complete listing of classes, lectures, and special events offered throughout the community, go http://www.ssbjcc.org/adults-seniors/jewish-life/ ENGAGING ISRAEL: FOUNDATIONS FOR A NEW RELATIONSHIP • Rabbi Gluck Session 7: Jewish and Democratic State April 26, 4:00 - 6:00 pm SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE JCC AND AROUND THE COMMUNITY The series continues: Film: No Place on Earth Session 8, Religious Pluralism and Human Rights: Monday, April 13, 7:00 pm at the JCC May 17 The harrowing story of a group of families during World War II who went underground to escape the Nazis. Session 9, Values Nation: June 7 Followed by a discussion led by Chris Nicola, the explorer who discovered the caves featured in the film. Fee: $5/person TUESDAY Community-wide Yom HaShoah Observance Back by popular request! Sunday, April 19, at 10:00 am, at the Flemington Jewish Community Center, 5 Sergeantsville Road, Mishneh Torah: The Masterwork of Flemington. The program will feature a presentation entitled, “Never Forget: How Do American Jews Maimonides Remember the Shoah?” The program is free to the community. 7:30 - 9:00 pm No presentation of Jewish tradition is clearer or more Film: The Other interesting than Maimonides’ code of Jewish law, the Monday, April 20, 7:00 pm at the JCC Mishneh Torah. The Rambam’s bold and creative This film features our community’s own Tova Friedman, the youngest child to survive Auschwitz, who philosophy of Judaism has much to offer us in our discovers that her daughter, Taya (also featured) has hired Stephanie, a nanny from Germany. The film own search for a compelling modern Judaism. The first also features Taya, Stephanie, and Reinhold, a staff member at Raritan Valley Community College, whose half hour of each session will be devoted to studying father was an SS officer during the Holocaust. The film challenges the participants to confront difficult questions about co-existence. Maimonides’ clear and accessible Hebrew text, This program is co-sponsored by the Raritan Valley Community College Institute of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, the Shimon and followed by study and discussion of the English text. Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center, and Jewish Family Service of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Counties. This program is free April 7, 14, 21, 28 to the community. Hebrew text study, 7:30 - 8:00 pm The Irma Horowitz Film Series English text study and discussion, 8:00 - 9:00 pm Thursday, April 30, 6:30 pm at the JCC The evening features a falafel dinner and Israeli short films presented by the Ma’aleh School of Television, Film, and the Arts in Jerusalem. Films shown include: And Thou Shalt Love, Fair Fight, A Woman Laughed and Memory Game. Hosted by the Birnbaum JCC, Bridgewater (Fee: $12/person in advance or $15/person day of event). Looking ahead to May… Show your support of Israel! Celebrate Israel Parade in New York City, Sunday, May 31 A bus will be taking spectators into New York for the annual Celebrate Israel Parade on Fifth Avenue. The bus will leave from two locations: the Flemington Jewish Community Center and the JCC in Bridgewater. Details on timing and bus fee to follow. Thank you to the Jewish Federation for sponsoring the bus.

Temple Beth-El Shofar 7 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Community Click here to return to Page 1

Temple Beth-El Congregational PASSOVER SEDER 5775 Join Rabbi Gluck and Cantor Pincus as they lead us on the second night of Pesach. 15 Nissan, Saturday, April 4 • 6:30 PM Offering the same reduced ticket price for the third year in a row!!!! Questions? Call Susan in the temple office (908-722-0674, ext 112). Or Click HERE to register.

Registrations must be received by Monday, March 30.

Please consider providing a donation for Temple members or other guests unable to pay

Caren Bateman PERSONAL ASSISTANT Have you ever wanted your own personal assistant who can help you with tasks you find too difficult or have no time to do? If the answer is yes, we can help. Our personal assistants are available for: • Shopping • Driving to Appointments • Pet Care / Sitting • Personal Visits / Companion • Typing / Proofreading Services 117 West End Avenue, Suite 201 • Computer Services / IT Somerville, NJ 08876 If you need it done, we can do it! Call Tina at 732-805-9725 or 732-672-1158 (Cell) (908) 722-9379 • Cell (908) 507-9024 (Somerset / Hillsborough Area)

Temple Beth-El Shofar 8 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Community Click here to return to Page 1

YomCommunity-wide YomHaShoah HaShoah Service

April 19, 10:00 am

At the Flemington Jewish Community Center 5 Sergeantsville Road, Flemington, New Jersey Guest Speaker: Professor Valerie Thaler “How Americans Remember the Holocaust”

For more information, call the FJCC office at 908-782-6410.

Temple Beth-El Shofar 9 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

One pint can help save 3 lives!!

Platelets for a cancer patient, red cells for surgery, plasma for a burn victim.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Sunday, May 3 (Mitzvah Day!) 7:30 AM-12:30 PM – Large Social Hall

MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY AT: www.redcrossblood.org

OR SIGNUP USING THE BLOOD DONOR APP Enter sponsor code: Temple Beth-El - Hillsborough To Download App: Search “American Red Cross blood” in your App store

or contact Jodi Siegal [email protected] (908) 541-1170

Parental/Guardian permission forms available for 16 year old potential donors. 

Go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1 800 RED CROSS for tips to boost your iron level, donor eligibility guidelines, donation tips (including tips for after donating) and to read recipient stories, “Why we’re Donors”. CDC malaria map: www.cdc.gov/malaria/map To learn how to participate in a Sickle Cell Donor Program: www.sicklecell.org

Please bring picture identification, remember to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating!

Temple Beth-El Shofar 10 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Brotherhood

by Harold Levin and Brian Wood, Co-Presidents

embers of our Brotherhood enjoyed a Chinese buffet Do you have a child involved in school sports? Are you Mdinner followed by an evening at the movies on March a “weekend warrior” still playing sports years or even 8. Whether they viewed American Sniper or Rush, a great decades after high school? Then you won’t want to miss time was had by all! what our guest speakers have to say about concussions, Special thanks to all Brotherhood members who nutrition, knee injuries, and other topics. Be an informed responded when the Sisterhood needed additional drivers parent and/or athlete. to deliver a record number of Purim boxes. They braved Our panelists and their topics will be: deplorable weather and road hazards to make sure every Katie Reynolds, RWJ Certified Athletic Trainer - member of the Beth-El family received a wonderful gift. Concussions and ImPACT Testing Kudos to the Sisterhood for spearheading such a wonderful Stacy E. Hujber, RWJ Physical Therapist - Management activity! and Prevention of Knee Injuries in the We were treated to an extremely informative panel Young Athlete discussion on March 15, when staff members from the Spiridoula Riley, RWJ Physical Therapist - Sports Wilf Campus for Senior Living and Jewish Family Service Nutrition provided guidance on how to properly care for aging family Lou Kupferberg, RWJ Physical Therapist - Shoulder members. This event was well attended and extremely Pathology helpful. On March 20, we were all set to use our catering talents For more information and to RSVP, contact to present a great Oneg Shabbat following the Sisterhood [email protected], or call Brian Wood at 908- service. Unfortunately, the decision to cancel the service 705-2600. due to inclement weather altered our plans. We managed to make lemonade out of lemons; the perishable baked Our People of Honor goods were donated to the cantor’s concert and rabbi’s Please read the adjacent article regarding Rick Miller, breakfast that weekend and the non-perishable drinks, this year’s Person of Honor. We hope you will help honor snacks and supplies were given to the family hosting the Rick by supporting the TBE Brotherhood Youth Scholarship oneg for the rescheduled Sisterhood service on March 27! Fund. The fund has seen an increase in scholarship requests in recent years. Only with your support will we Upcoming Program be able to keep up with the requests for scholarships both Join the Beth-El Brotherhood on April 19, 9:00 am in the now and in the future. Kitchen Social Hall for a special program on the topic of On Friday, June 5, we will honor Courtney Shapiro as the “Injury Prevention and Sports Safety.” This program is open TBE Brotherhood Youth Person of Honor. Courtney will be to everyone! Four experts from the Robert Wood Johnson recognized during that evening’s Family Shabbat Service. Sports Physical Therapy & Performance Center will discuss Details about Courtney’s wonderful accomplishments will a wide range of sports safety issues that affect both young appear in the May edition of the Shofar, so please stay and old sports participants. tuned.

“For Every Insurance Problem, There Is A Solution”

Ready to handle all your Business and Personal Insurance needs: • Business Insurance • Umbrella • Workers Compensation • EPLI • Directors & Officers • Health Insurance • Homeowners / Umbrella Michael F. Braunstein, CPIA, Partner Phone (973) 927-0084 x 3073 Fax (973) 927-0155 [email protected] www.paularnoldassoc.com

Temple Beth-El Shofar 11 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Brotherhood’s 2015 Person of Honor

The Brotherhood is very n Currently, Rick serves as co-chair of the Legacy excited to have selected Rick Circle Committee, sits on the Investment Miller as its 2015 Temple Committee and has been an IHN volunteer for Beth-El Brotherhood Youth 24 years. He is also an active member of the very Scholarship Fund Person of talented Guitar B’Ivrit. Honor! Rick will be toasted n Two of Rick’s favorite accomplishments were and roasted on Sunday, to become a bar mitzvah at TBE at the age of May 17. A delicious buffet 42, and to have been one of the key people in breakfast will be served establishing the Brotherhood Youth Scholarship beginning at 10:00 am Fund. followed by the roasting n Rick has served as TBE’s President and the (as only our Brotherhood Brotherhood’s Vice President. knows how to do!) and n Other roles Rick has filled at TBE include: presentation. Details about pricing and reservations will • Make-A-Difference, Atid, and La Dor Va Dor be forthcoming in late April. Campaign Committees Here are a few things you may or may not already • Religious School Committee, chair know about Rick: • Ways and Means Committee, chair n Born in Queens, NY, Rick has been married to Bev • Membership Finance Committee, chair for 38 years and they have lived in Raritan for 27 n Rick also serves Raritan as chair of the Municipal years. Land Use Board. n Rick and Bev are the proud parents of Justin and n He enjoys golf, fishing, and running, and supports Ashley. his alma mater, Penn State’s, football team. n The Millers joined Beth-El 26 years ago and have There will be a quiz at the breakfast, so start been members of the TBE family ever since. memorizing now. We look forward to joining with all of you on May 17.

College Connection

by Cindy Scott, Chairperson

In keeping with the College Connection Pesach tradition, the mayor of Tiberius. Yemin Orde continues to have a we made donations to Heifer International and Yemin top rating from Charity Navigator, a distinction earned Orde, a youth village near Haifa. This year we donated by only 2% of charity organizations. Through 2018, there $150 to Heifer to purchase an irrigation pump that will is a standing two-to-one Marcus Challenge grant that allow one family access to clean, healthy water for daily supports the expansion of the Yemin Orde Educational living. In communities with no well nearby, fetching water Initiatives programs throughout Israel, making our $54 a takes hours a day. It is a chore frequently left to children, $162 donation. With the matching grants over the years, especially girls, leaving no time for school. We also made the sum of our contributions to Yemin Orde for the past a second donation of $20 for a flock of chicks with which five years is $966! a family can start a small business, leading to financial We sent our students a letter, with the details of their security. Our total donations to Heifer over the past several contributions, along with a little Dunkin Donuts gift card years include three goats, and last year a $100 donation, to get them through the spring exam stretch. In addition, that was matched 100%, for the organization’s work in Sarah Gluck, on behalf of the clergy and religious school, Cambodia. also sends a Pesach E-message. We love to hear feedback Since 2011, College Connection has also supported Yemin about what our students think about their College Orde, a youth village near Haifa that is a safe-haven to Connection packages. You or they can share any feedback 500 orphan and troubled youth from more than twenty with Cindy Scott [email protected]. countries. Since 1953, Yemin Orde has graduated over 4,500 students, including a member of the Knesset and Thanks, and Happy Passover!

Temple Beth-El Shofar 12 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Cultural Arts

by Simona Rivkin, Chairperson Cultural Arts Happenings for April

Jewish Film Series presents: Israeli Folk Dancing! Going strong for over 10 years! On April 18, at 7:00 pm, TBE’s now famous Jewish Film Series will screen the movie Restoration. It’s a sensitive and Spring is here. I hope the last snow will fall by the end moving look at father-son relations and at memory. of March. Get in shape, start moving! Israeli dancing is the best workout for mind, body, and soul! I got my FitBit This film received many awards, including: recently as a Hanukkah gift from my husband, and it shows • 11 nominations, including Best Film, Israeli Film me that in an hour and a half of our dancing class, I danced Academy, 2011 7,500 steps and covered 3 miles. Isn’t it exciting? • Best Dramatic Screenplay Award at Sundance • Best Israeli Feature Film, “for its exploration of Dancing is the fun way to get to fatherhood in its many manifestations – tender, angry 10,000 steps and not even notice! and finally hopeful – in a highly original and moving Wear your pedometer and see context,” at the Jerusalem Film Festival. how the steps add up. Doors open at 6:45 pm. If you like to schmooze, snack and relax, but most of all to see a good movie and get involved in an invigorating discussion afterwards, come to And...the joy and spiritual experience the temple on Saturday, April 18 at 7:00 pm. of Israeli dancing is priceless. Do Not Miss!!! Come see why we love Israeli folk dancing so much! Pick up flyers in the lobby, check out the poster, and see Drop in to the multipurpose room of Temple Beth-El, the flyer in theShofar . RSVP please to Simona: bakerec@ any Thursday at 7:30 pm. The cost is just $10 for a one comcast.net and a half hour session (sometimes longer), including Let me also announce here that the next movie, to be refreshments. All levels are welcome, beginners to screened on May 16, will be Cupcakes. Prepare yourself for advanced. a pleasant surprise. The reviews below are exactly how I For registration and questions, contact Simona at would describe this film. [email protected] If you are a beginner, our instructors will start 30 Reviews: minutes early, just for you (but you have to let us know). “Wonderfully entertaining kitsch, and is as delicious as a film can get, but it is also about pushing oneself, seizing b’Shalom, opportunity and overcoming fear.” Jewish Daily Forward “Cupcakes is not realistic, or meant to be. It’s glorious Simona Rivkin escapism, an infectious and enjoyable movie, like taking a 90-minute vacation from reality, and who couldn’t use a vacation these days?” Jerusalem Post Again and again, I would like to thank those who come to TBE’s Jewish Film Series in any weather. I am thankful for your support, and I continue to be very thankful to the sponsors of this Cultural Arts film program. We try to bring you the best of Israeli cinematography. If you would like to donate to Cultural Arts’ Jewish Film Series, you can write your check to TBE Cultural Arts Fund, c/o Temple Beth-El, for any occasion you wish to commemorate, be it in honor, in memory, for a simcha or birth announcements • weddings bar & bat mitzvahs anything else. sign-ins & accessories holiday cards • stationery one-stop party planning top discounts Sharon Berry Tel: (908) 369-8470 87 Beechwood Circle Fax: (908) 369-1368 Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Temple Beth-El Shofar 13 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Jewish Film Series presents

April 18, Saturday 7:00 PM Temple Beth El, 67 US Hwy 206, Hillsborough, NJ Awards: 11 Nominations, including Best Film, Israeli Film Academy, 2011 At Sundance, the film won the award for best dramatic screenplay. At the Jerusalem Film Festival, the film won the prize for best Israeli feature film, "for its exploration of fatherhood in its many manifestations – tender, angry and finally hopeful – in a highly original and moving context."

About: Restoration , directed by Yossi Madmony, is a sensitive and moving look at father-son relations and at memory. In an old downtown Tel Aviv neighborhood full of colorful characters, surly Fidelman (Sasson Gabai, from The Band’s Visit) has to face the death of his longtime partner in their furniture restoration business. At the same time a mysterious, handsome young stranger arrives as an apprentice. A craftsman, Fidelman was oblivious to the business’ financial problems that his son Noah wants to solve by selling the property. Anton, the apprentice, finds in the dusty workshop not only the beauty of a neglected old Steinway, that could save the business, but Noah’s lovely, neglected, pregnant wife Hava. Their relationship could destroy the family.

DOORS OPEN AT 6:45 Noshing, Tea & Coffee

PROVOCATIVE DISCUSSION AFTER THE FILM WITH… TBA In Hebrew with English subtitles Not rated, 105 minutes. Suggested donation $5/pp or better

RSVP REQUIRED To Simona at [email protected]

Sponsored by TBE Cultural Arts Committee

Temple Beth-El Shofar 14 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Jewish Film Series presents

May 16, Saturday 7:00 PM Temple Beth El, 67 US Hwy 206, Hillsborough, NJ

About: In a nostalgic throwback to the bygone days of neighborliness, six fellow tenants gather together to watch an international singing contest. Unimpressed by the generic Israeli entry but still in musical mode, they join in an impromptu number to cheer up their hostess, whose husband has just left her. A cell phone-shot video of their ditty is submitted on a whim and soon goes viral, and the six soon find themselves elected as the official Israeli representatives at the next contest, to the great consternation of almost everyone involved.

Reviews: “Endearingly goofy with its “dare to be yourself” moral.” Variety “Wonderfully entertaining kitsch, and is as delicious as a film can get, but it is also about pushing oneself, seizing opportunity and overcoming fear.” Jewish Daily Forward “Cupcakes is not realistic, or meant to be. It’s glorious escapism, an infectious and enjoyable movie, like taking a 90-minute vacation from reality, and who couldn’t use a vacation these days?” Jerusalem Post

DOORS OPEN AT 6:45 Noshing, Tea & Coffee

PROVOCATIVE DISCUSSION AFTER THE FILM WITH… TBA In Hebrew with English subtitles Not rated, 92 minutes. Suggested donation $5/pp or better

RSVP REQUIRED Sponsored by TBE Cultural Arts Committee To Simona at [email protected]

Temple Beth-El Shofar 15 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Israel Matters

by Beth L. Lavranchuk, Chairperson

Begin Your Passover Preparations and Observance by Voting for ARZA in the World Zionist Congress Election! Join Your Community for Israel Shabbat!

n a few weeks we will gather at our seder tables for The Egyptian army was rapidly approaching from the IPassover to retell the story of our journey from slavery to rear, and the Red Sea was in front of them. So our people freedom. This is the seminal event in our collective history froze. And then, Nachshon, an Israelite, walked straight because it is how we became a unified people. into the sea. It was an an act of faith and courage. He took As I write this article, Israelis are going to the polls to the future into his hands. The sea split, and the rest is part vote for a new government. Some will be happy with the of the history of Passover. results; others will not be happy. But the citizens who took These are the last days in which you can cast your vote the time to vote will know they did all they could to have for ARZA’s delegation to the World Zionist Congress, that their voice heard. singular parliament of the Jewish people that will convene Be certain that your voice will be heard by voting for the in Jerusalem in October. On the agenda of the Congress ARZA slate (which includes our very own Rabbi Gluck and will be items critical not just to Israel’s future, but to the past president Steve Weitz) in the World Zionist Congress future of our own children and grandchildren in America. elections. A vote for ARZA is a vote for the realization of Each of us can be a Nachshon. Cast your vote for ARZA the Reform Jewish values of pluralism, equality and peace and for Israel’s future as a light unto the nations. Don’t in the miraculous modern State of Israel. be indifferent. Don’t for a moment think that your single On Passover, it is also traditional to recall the story of vote is not important. Remember to tell us you voted by Nachshon, which emerges out of the richness of Torah and notifying Beth Lavranchuk at [email protected] or Midrash. The Israelites were on the move, leaving behind Rabbi Gluck at [email protected] and we the bitterness of slavery. will enter your name to win dinner for two at Zahav, a fabulous upscale Israeli restaurant! Continued on page 17

How to Vote There is a small charge to vote, so please have your credit card handy!

1. Go to www.reformjews4israel.org 6. Tell us that you’ve voted so we can enter your name into a drawing to win dinner at Zahav, an upscale Israeli restaurant in Philly. Email “I Voted” to Beth Lavranchuk at [email protected].

7. That’s it!

Who can Vote

Requirements to register to vote: 2. Click on until you get to the 1. You must be Jewish. online voting site. 2. You must be 18 years of age or older by June 2015. 3. Complete the required fields on the registration page 3. You must be a resident of the United Sates. and submit your registration fee of either $10 or $5 4. The registration cost is $10 (or $5 for those under depending on your age. The fee can be paid by credit age 30). card, eCheck or PayPal.

4. Once registered, you will be redirected to the voting page. Click the “Vote Now” link.

5. Click the sixth checkbox, ARZA – Representing Reform Judaism and click “Vote.”

Temple Beth-El Shofar 16 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Temple Beth- El Celebrates Israel and Shabbat! Please Join the Israel Matters Committee, our Clergy and the Reform Jewish Community For Israel Shabbat Friday, April 24, 2015 Celebrate Shabbat! n with a delicious catered dinner at 6:30 pm featuring authentic Mediterranean cuisine (provided by Sahara) with our wonderful community, during which we will choose and announce the winner of dinner at Zahav Enjoy! n a beautiful (but brief) musical presentation by TBE “home grown” talents

Worship! n at our warm and inspiring Shabbat service. Rabbi Gluck will share some very important insights about Israel.

RSVP to Susan Walters by Monday, April 20, 2015 (908) 722-0674 or [email protected] or click here to register.

Adults $15; Children $8.

Israel Matters, continued from page 16

For more information, visit www.reformjews4israel.org. and vote for the ARZA: Representing Reform Judaism in Israel slate. Voting concludes April 30. Remember: our people’s greatest miracles have emerged out of our decisions to shape our own future. There can be no dayyenu until each of us has voted. Elegant Baths Showroom In addition, on Friday, April 24, 2015, please join the PLUMBING • HEATING • TILE • STONE Israel Matters Committee, our clergy and the Reform Jewish Community as we celebrate Shabbat and Israel 400 ROUTE 22 EAST Independence Day with a delicious catered dinner at BRIDGEWATER, NJ 08807 M-F 8:30 - 5:00 pm (732) 469-2266 Thur 8:30 - 7:00 pm 6:30 pm, and a wonderful Shabbat service at 8:00 pm. FAX: (732) 469-3010 Sat 8:30 - 1:30 pm www.ebdist.com email: [email protected] Happy Passover!

Temple Beth-El Shofar 17 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Renaissance Happenings Ritual Reflections

by Diane Morrison, Renaissance Group by Ed Tolman, Chairperson Thank you, Stan Mendelson, for setting up the paid-up Pesach Memories…. luncheon. A good time was had by all. As we prepare to celebrate another Pesach with the MARK YOUR CALENDARS reading of a special Jewish text, special foods and hopefully with the good company of family and/or friends, I am Sunday, May 3 Showkids is performing the musical brought back to the family Passover Seders of my youth. I Footloose at Voorhees High School in can only hope that you have the same warm and wonderful Glen Gardner, in Hunterdon County. memories of Seders of both your youth and your current There will be a senior brunch at noon situation, for as they did for me, they can only strengthen that is included in the price. The show your bond to our faith. is at 2:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now. We always gathered in my parents’ house, the house Tickets are $20 per ticket for the center into which I was born and in which I lived until the end section and $15 per ticket for the side of college. The “we” was my whole family (literally the section. Indicate how many tickets and whole family). The gatherings included my father’s brother which section. Make check payable to and his family, my mother’s sister and brother and their Barry Skolky and mail to 12 Wexford Way, families, Bubbe (my mother’s mother) and The Zayde Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Contact Barry (my father’s father, who lived with us). I was one of seven with any questions at barryskolky@ cousins, though in the later days, the husband of our oldest yahoo.com or 908-575-0444. cousin was included. Despite the usual family bickering – the cousin who always came late, the uncle and aunt who Sunday, May 17 Carpaccio Ristorante took a shortcut and also came late, the youngest (girl) 651 Bound Brook Road cousin who always felt left out, it was a warm and loving Middlesex, NJ 1:00 - 4:00 pm gathering. By the way, my close male cousin and I, in the $21 per person (includes tax and gratuity) same age category as that girl, did leave her out! The Zayde Menu: salad, entrée, soda, cake and presided over the Seder with the Haggadah read either coffee/tea very quickly if he was hungry or exceedingly slowly, if he Entrees: Choice of stuffed flounder, was not. I was the youngest male cousin and had to sing chicken parmesan, veal parmesan, (can you imagine that now) the four questions in Hebrew. or chicken francese, each with rice, I remember the fear that almost overwhelmed me when vegetable or pasta. I had to open the back door (to a dark stairway) to see if Elijah had come. What would I have done if he had been Send check payable to Temple Beth-El standing there? Renaissance Group to Ellen Brown, The food was more than abundant. Dozens of dozens 48 Bayard Road, Somerset, NJ 08873 of eggs were purchased and used. Boxes and boxes of (732-469-4160) by May 3. matzahs were stored in the kitchen (the eggs were sent to The Renaissance Group is a 50+ social group that the porch). Real gefilte fish was prepared in the kitchen welcomes temple members/non-members, singles/couples. sink; no bathtubs were involved. Did you know that gefilte We get together for informational and fun activities. fish can come not only in balls, but in actual pieces of fish Should you wish additional information about the group, with bones, which annually caught in Bubbe’s throat? The please call Harriet Thaler at 908-788-0269 or thalerz@ matzah balls could have been used as cannonballs. In our kosher home, we had three sets of dishes, one for meat embarqmail. and one for milk products during the regular year and only Please respond directly to the host of the event when you RSVP a set for meat during Pesach. No dairy did we have for for an upcoming activity. those eight days. Everyone got his or her favorite food. Chicken, brisket, tzimmes, and maybe green beans as the health food. The wine was usually Manischewitz, but sometimes The Zayde supplied homemade wine squeezed from grapes that grew on an arbor in our backyard. Occasionally it was good; more usually, feh! Did I mention that the giant glass jars, in which he fermented the grapes and stored in our basement, occasionally exploded? They were noisy, warm, loving and marvelous affairs. They brought a family (related through blood and marriage) together. The grandparents, aunts and uncles are now all gone. The cousins and their families (including grandchildren) are geographically dispersed. But the Pesach memories are still vivid and wonderful. For myself, my wife, Anita, and the Temple Beth-El Ritual Committee, I wish you a happy and sweet Pesach and your own warm and wonderful memories.

Temple Beth-El Shofar 18 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Sisterhood

by Marcy Rosenfeld and Cindy Scott, Co-Presidents

2015 Purim Box Update Ÿ We had over 40 terrific temple member drivers, up Sisterhood is very excited to report that this year from 32 drivers last year, which helped us deliver our Purim box project was the most successful yet. We 100 more boxes. Drivers included 18 Sisterhood and achieved our goal of providing a gift box to every one of 12 Brotherhood members. We also had five student the 422 temple members and 18 staff. Plus, boxes were volunteers whose parents helped them deliver Purim ordered for 65 individuals or families who are not Temple boxes for religious school community service hours. Beth-El members (“write-ins”)! We believe this success is Ÿ We are still collecting money for orders and due to two main factors: reciprocated boxes, as well as identifying the Ÿ Profits from Purim box orders were earmarked for a remaining costs. Check the May edition of the cause near and dear to many: kitchen improvements; Shofar for our announcement about the Sisterhood and contribution towards kitchen improvements. Our Ÿ People were motivated by the goal to send a box to projections at this time are very exciting! every member of our temple family. We want to offer a special thanks to Eric Schwartz and Some of the highlights of this year’s Purim box effort Brotherhood, who came through with six extra drivers at include: the 11th hour! Delivery was especially challenging with the weather and icy conditions, and our drivers should all be Ÿ We made and delivered 540 boxes; that’s 100 more congratulated as they were the last, and very important, than last year. personal touch in the process. Ÿ We had 24 Golden Grogger Givers, including the TBE We would also like to thank several generous local Board, an increase from 13 last year. sponsors for their donations. Wegmans, Stop & Shop in Ÿ This year, 28% of temple families gave a box, Hillsborough and Raritan, and ShopRite in Hillsborough compared to 23% last year. gave us monetary gift cards. Weis in Hillsborough also Ÿ The new Mitzvah box option was popular: 94 mitzvah generously donated the raisins for the boxes. We thank boxes were donated and 25% of temple orders them for the support of this effort in their community! included a mitzvah donation. Some orders were just Thank you to the TBE Board of Trustees for their Golden for mitzvah donations. Grogger donation and leadership in support of the goal Ÿ The reciprocation option was used on 41% of the to give a box to every family. We also thank Amy Rubin, orders. Susan, Ivy, Luis, Fernando and Jennifer for all their hours of support. Ÿ As they did last year, the Membership and Outreach This effort would not have been possible without the committees sent new members boxes that also tremendous amount of work, and countless hours put in by included a special Purim greeting card. Laura Miller. Sisterhood and our entire temple community owe her a huge “Thanks”! Finally, we want to thank ALL of our temple family, who contributed so generously within their means, whether a Golden Grogger giver, or a first time giver who made a “mitzvah” donation. All of these donations, together, allowed us to touch every single temple member in our community this Purim. Continued on page 20

Above: A sea of boxes ready to go.

Right: Jack Haftel, shown here with his mom Jennifer, was one of several students who earned community service credit for helping deliver Rhona Ferling (and her coffee) getting Purim boxes. ready to deliver boxes.

Temple Beth-El Shofar 19 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Many Thanks to Our Purim Drivers

Janet Aaronson Debbie and Neil Friedman Charlie Okun Stephanie Almeida and son Ross Lorie and Larry Paul Myrna Binder Simma Friedman Mark and Grace Reynolds Gari Bloom David Goldberg Sharon Rizzi Jim and Prissy Brown Shelley Gomolka Alan and Marcy Rosenfeld Keith Chanoch Jen Haftel and son Jack Amy Rubin, Amy Rubin and Tali Barbara Cohen Mike Herzog Eric Schwartz Debbie Cohen and Keith Holler Jodi Siegel daughter Amanda Wendy Horowitz Brian and Jodi Smith and Liz Cohen Karen Kaplan daughter Justine Michele Engler and Janice Klein Pat Ward mom Debora Engler Micah Kroloff Ken and Miriam Weinstein Rhona Ferling Bob Krovetz Joan Williams Carrie Feuer Ed and Marsha Malberg Brian Wood Rita Fink

Sisterhood, continued from page 19

March Sisterhood events: Two Sisterhood events: the Rosh Chodesh evening on March 25, and the Sisterhood Shabbat service on March NEW: Trial Sisterhood 27, will have happened after the deadline for the April Membership Option! edition of the Shofar. Check back in May for an update on these events. Save the Dates: Not yet a member of Sisterhood? Ÿ Sisterhood-sponsored Breakfast, Sunday, April It’s not too late to join and enjoy the 12, 9:00 to 11:00 am. We’ll hear presentations on remaining benefits for this year: two NFTY programs: experiences as a participant in Ÿ Access to the Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh the EIE high school program in Israel (multi-media Program (May 6) presentation by Dvorah Southland), and notes from the 2015 NFTY Biennial Convention in Atlanta, GA Ÿ Special Temple Gift Shop discounts (Max Friedman). This event is open to all in the Ÿ Discounted cost for the Sisterhood Day community. of Rest and Renewal at Water & Wine Ÿ Sisterhood Day of Rest and Renewal, at the Water Ristorante (April 25) & Wine Ristorante, 141 Old Sterling Road, Watchung, Saturday, April 25 from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm. The Cost for Trial Membership program will include a luncheon, activities and a craft from March through June 2015 is just $18. focused on the theme of “Gratitude.” The cost for Sisterhood members will be subsidized by Sisterhood. See Page 22 in this edition of the Shofar for details.

Ÿ Rosh Chodesh, Wednesday, May 6, 2015; 7:30 pm, location TBA. Ÿ Sisterhood hosts the Shabbat experience, Friday, May 8, at the temple. More information will be coming soon. We would especially like to invite all Sisterhood members to join others in our congregation for Shabbat dinner.

Temple Beth-El Shofar 20 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Temple Beth-El Sisterhood Invites the Entire Temple Beth-El Family For a Special Breakfast and Presentation

By Dvorah Southland On her experiences as a participant in the NFTY EIE High School Program in Israel Come join us! April 12 at 9:00 AM RSVP by April 5 to Susan Walters – 908-722-0674, ext 112

Details about the Breakfast Program:

Dvorah Southland is a Junior at Piscataway High School. She has a passion for language learning, and hopes to study International Relations in college. She has travelled to China and Poland, and will be talking about and sharing photos from her experiences during her recent four months of living and studying in Israel.

There will also be an update from Max Friedman, a Senior at Hillsborough High School, on his experiences at the February 2015 NFTY Biennial Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.

Temple Beth-El Shofar 21 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Sisterhood Invites You $ to the 25 Women’s Day of *Special Sisterhood Rest and Renewal Member April 25, 2015 Price 11:30 AM ~ 4:30 PM Water & Wine Ristorante 141 Sterling Rd., Watchung, NJ Let’s gather together for a special Shabbat and spend the day filled with relaxation, spirituality, food, fun, and friendship while enjoying tranquil lake views and the beauty of nature in spring!

The day will begin with a warm welcome at 11:30 AM. Coffee, tea and refreshments will be served…mimosas anyone? We will then begin an exploration of gratitude with a brief icebreaker. Afterwards a sit-down, four-course luncheon, with choice of entrée, will be served along with a selection of wine and beverages followed by a platter of desserts for every table. The afternoon will be spent exploring gratitude using different techniques including relaxation, spirituality and creativity. Special Sisterhood member pricing (50% off cost of day) is another example of Sisterhood giving back to its members.

Bring your mothers, sisters and friends for a truly unique and rewarding day…You’ll be grateful you did!

*Sisterhood members $25 ~ non-members $35 Space is limited: Please RSVP by April 17 to Karen Kaplan at 908-222-3423 or [email protected].

Temple Beth-El Shofar 22 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Social Action Repairing the World...One Mitzvah at a Time!

Save the Date: Sunday, May 3 Temple Beth-El Annual Mitzvah Day

Each year our community comes together on Mitzvah Day to repair the world. Watch for more information about a wide variety of projects from which you can choose. For more information or to volunteer, contact Vicki Schwartz or Beth Borrus at [email protected]

Interfaith Hospitality Network Leigh Freeman, Coordinator — IHN / Temple Beth-El

Our next hosting date is Upcoming hosting dates April 19-25 June 14-20, 2015 Please call the appropriate coordinator listed below to schedule a volunteer shift. Always check the IHN Coordinators Contact List in each issue of the Shofar, as it’s possible that there have been changes. Each volunteer is expected to honor their commitment to the IHN hosting week. If a volunteer is unable to fulfill their commitment, they should contact another volunteer and swap dates.

IHN Coordinators Contact List Function Name Main Phone Other Phone Email Address

Coordinator Leigh Freeman 908-359-2724 908-391-1397 (c) [email protected] Dinner Shift Volunteers Pam Cohen 732-629-1798 (c) [email protected] Evening Shift Volunteers Julie Hirsch 732-580-8246 [email protected] Overnight Shift Volunteers Sharon Sietz 908-231-0979 [email protected] Meals Nicole Goldstein 908-874-0899 [email protected] Food/Supplies Nicole Goldstein 908-874-0899 [email protected] Other Supplies Position Open Can you help? Linen Pick-Up Position Open Can you help? Set-Up/Breakdown Dave Cohen 609-683-5766 [email protected] IHNSC/Day Center Karen Donohue 908-704-1920 908-217-0217 (c) [email protected]

Temple Beth-El Shofar 23 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1 Lifecycle

Temple Beth-El Family News Our Caring Community Kesher Network: For those who are unable to attend our April B’nei Mitzvah worship and simcha events, the Kesher Network allows you to call in and listen by phone. For more information, contact Amy Matthew Goralnick Rubin at 908-722-0674, ext. 110. Haley Mandell Shiva Minyans: For a leader or participants, call Amy Rubin Alex Milgram or Cantor Pincus. Mitzvah Committee: To offer or request help, please contact Carol Ahlert, [email protected], or 908-359-9357. Our Condolences to... In the event of a loss during the evening or on the weekend, call Rabbi Gluck at 908-722-0674, ext. 111, Anne Weinstein, on the passing of her long-time partner, Dan Wachtel or 908-229-1618. Mickey Auerbach, on the passing of his mother, Augusta Auerbach To share your family’s news in the Shofar, call Susan Walters in Wendy Spinner, on the passing of her mother, Mary Beth Lieb the temple office. Please contact Susan with information about significant occasions, hospitalizations, or the loss of a loved one. Prayer for Healing Cards: Cards are available in the temple Mazel Tov to... lobby to let those in need of healing know that their names were included in our Mishebeirach prayer. The cards can be mailed Lillian Swickle, on the birth of her great grandson, Luke Jeffrey Tallmadge as postcards by writing the address over the Temple Beth-El watermark or directly inserted into get well cards. Mention 20% off this ad to receive

Temple Beth-El Shofar 24 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1 ahrzeits APRIL We extend our deepest sympathy to those of you who will be marking a loved one’s Yahrzeit in the Y coming month. Below are the dates for the Yahrzeits we will be reciting during Shabbat services. To be read April 4 To be read April 24 Abraham Levenson, father of Edith Rugg Kenneth Lieb, father of Wendy Spinner Irwin N. Levison, father of Carol Levison Selma Green, aunt of Iris Naroden Anne Gomolka, mother of Albert Gomolka Shirley Nelson, sister of Karen Andell Charles Bronston, father of Jan Gorban Herbert Greenberg, husband of Phyllis Greenberg Yael Gorban, mother of Arieh Gorban Bernard Isaacson, father of Gerald Isaacson Mollie Schenkman, mother of Gene Schenkman Hy Fine, grandfather of Tamar Yarkoni Benjamin Brown, father of Marvin Brown Lewis Busch, father of Ronald Busch Sol Ferling, father of Rhona Ferling Carole Rosenhaus, aunt of Steve Weitz Herbert Schall, friend of Stanley Mendelson Milton Skowronek, father of Joshua Skowronek Rosalie Zapolin, mother of Zorina Walitsky Robert Rosen, father of Steve Rosen Ottilie Wasserman, grandmother of Tamar Yarkoni Jean Chanoch, mother of Keith Chanoch Stanley Witlieb, father of Beth Berger To be read April 10 Philip Kaplan, father of Mitch Kaplan Benjamin Horowitz, father of Sidney Horowitz Shirlee Shandler, grandmother of Brett Miller Felice Platt, sister of Rena Fruchter Caryn Katz, sister of Pauline Schneider Jeffrey Mayer, brother of Cheryl Nelson Leo Mayer, father of Cheryl Nelson Hyman E. Cohen, father-in-law of Barbara Cohen John Yourman, father of Amy Berger Antoinette Bouchonville, mother of Maria Landau Robert Donohue, father of Karen Donohue To be read May 1 Lloyd Goldberg, father of David Goldberg George Paritz, father-in-law of Joshua Skowronek Lillian Richman, great-aunt of Lynn Small Jack Stein, father of Mitchell Stein Joseph Kelson, father of Ellen Brown Henry Rosewater, grandfather of Jonathan Andell Cheryl Bloomstein, wife of Michael Bloomstein Linda Goldblatt, mother of Lisa Friedman Jack Unrot, grandfather of Dave Sandler Bernard Malin, father of Marilyn Muzikar Irving Leventhal, father of Alan Leventhal David Cohen, father of Deborah Cohen David N. Cohen, husband of Barbara Cohen To be read April 17 Irving Fass, father of Alan Fass Sidney Zinn, father of Gary Zinn Sarah Glazer, mother of David Glazer Hadassa Gradowski, mother of Helen Gradowski Roz Hirsch, mother of Allan Hirsch Ada Sage, mother of Eileen Ruderman Beatrice Miller, mother of Sigmund Miller Esther Katz Rosen, aunt of Betty Roswell Norman Weinstein, husband of Ann Weinstein Fred Schrier, father of Sheryl Miller Ben Shandler, grandfather of Brett Miller William Weitz, father of Steve Weitz Edward Ditman, father of Robin Kimmelman Elaine Freiman, mother of Roy Freiman Gregory Grinberg, father of Michelle Gerner Patricia Klinczak, sister of Joan Weiss Bernard Cudzynowski, father of Joseph Cudzynowski Ruth Altschule, mother of Sara Friedman Sidney Reinhart, father of Morton Reinhart Irving Schwartz, grandfather of Debbie Manrique Joseph Burke, husband of Nancy Burke Miriam Youngerman, mother of Neil Youngerman Frederick Chester, father of Simma Friedman Armond Sherman, uncle of Jonathan Andell Milton Lottman, step-father of Elizabeth Cohen Seymour Morrison, brother of Leon Morrison Milton Schwartz, father of Eric Schwartz Fannie Fruchter, mother of Rena Fruchter Henry Samson, father of Shari Miller Fannie Friedman, grandmother of Doris Moshinsky

Temple Beth-El Shofar 25 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Contributions to Temple Funds

MEMORIAL FUND CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND GENERAL FUND RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In memory of Ed Fink In honor of Cory White’s bar mitzvah Jay and Pam Lavroff In honor of Cory’s bar mitzvah Rita Fink Michael and Mara White In memory of Dan Wachtel Michael and Mara White In memory of Phyllis Phillips In honor of Jason Wolff’s bar mitzvah Linda and Mark Roskein In memory of Stuart’s mother, Mary Rugg Ed and Jeanette Tuckman Jay and Pam Lavroff Lillian Swickle Stuart and Edith Rugg and Family In memory of George Okun In honor of Stephanie Brody’s bat mitzvah Toby Brown In appreciation for dedicating a mezuzah at her Charles and Madelyn Okun Bruce and Revalee Brody Mary Yuknis home In memory of Bessie Tucker Arthur and Betty Roswell Rita Musanti Barbara Cohen ISRAEL MATTERS Maryanne and Gary Ehrlich In memory of Dr. Dan Wachtel In memory of Marion Seinfeld For promoting Zionist Elections Bob Bord and Bonnie Brodsky Dr. and Mrs. Eliot Freeman Dave Sandler and Pat Ward Nicole and Keith Oringer Bernice Gelzer In memory of Anne Finkelstein In memory of Anna Rosenthal Stephanie and Bob Gittleman Beth and Jim Lavranchuk In memory of Dora Hysen GARDEN FUND Dr. and Mrs. Eliot Freeman In honor of Stepanie Brody’s bat mitzvah Arlene Hysen In memory of Dan Wachtel Betty and Arthur Roswell Bruce and Revalee Brody In memory of George Skowronek Harriet Thaler Joshua Skowronek JULES SWICKLE CHESED FUND In appreciation of all of Purim’s Golden Grogger givers Gari and Charles Bloom

Temple Beth-El has many funds available to which members can contribute. Donations to these committed funds help support Temple programs and enable us to continue to maintain a high level of programming for our community. • Adult Education • Endowment Fund • Library • Social Action (including IHN) • Beautification • Garden • Mazon Hunger Fund • Special Needs • B’nei Mitzvah Fund • General Fund • Memorial • Yad Chazak Fund • Brotherhood Youth Scholarship • Holocaust Education • Prayer Book • Youth Activities • Cantor Pincus’ Discretionary Fund • Israel Matters • Rabbi Gluck’s Discretionary Fund • Cemetery • Jules Swickle Chesed Fund • Religious School Enrichment • Cultural Arts • Kesher Network • Religious School Scholarship Fund

Please send donations to committed funds to Susan Walters in the temple office. We are not able to accept verbal or email dedications and donations.

ADVERTISE WITH US Temple Beth-El’s Resource Guide

Ads starting at $115 and Chai Greeting at $18 Hard Copy publication distributed to over 430 member families that live, work and shop in this area. An entire year of business exposure with a highly used publication – your ad will have longevity! Cost effective way to advertise that may also be tax deductible.

Please contact Susan Brenner for more information. 908-601-1297 or [email protected]

Temple Beth-El Shofar 26 Nisan-Iyar 5775 April Click here to return to Page 1 Calendar of Events

Wednesday, April 1 Tuesday, April 14 Thursday, April 23 4:30 pm No Religious School or Confirmation Academy 6:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Gentle Yoga Yom HaAtzma’ut 7:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Israeli Folk Dancing 7:30 pm Adult Education Class — Mishneh Torah IHN Hosting Week 6:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Gentle Yoga Friday, April 3 Wednesday, April 15 7:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Israeli Folk Dancing Erev Pesach - First Seder 4:30 pm Religious School 7:45 pm Jewish LIFE: Mixed-level Hatha Yoga 6:30 pm Confirmation Academy Saturday, April 4 6:30 pm Sisterhood Board Meeting Friday, April 24 10:00 am Yom Tov Pesach Minyan 7:00 pm Outreach Committee Meeting NFTY-GER Spring Kallah @ Kutz 6:30 pm Congregational Second Seder 7:00 pm Israeli Dancing Chavurah IHN Hosting Week 7:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Israeli Folk Dancing 6:00 pm Israel Shabbat Dinner 8:00 pm Shabbat B’Shir - Israel Shabbat Thursday, April 16 Sunday, April 5 Yom HaShoah Saturday, April 25 9:00 am No Religious School NFTY-GER Spring Kallah @ Kutz Friday, April 17 IHN Hosting Week Monday, April 6 8:00 pm Shabbat Evening Service with Choir 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service 4:30 pm No Religious School 11:00 am Sisterhood Day of Rest and Renewal 6:30 pm Youth Culture Committee Saturday, April 18 4:30 pm Grade 6 Family Ed — Tallit Workshop 7:30 pm Ritual Committee Meeting 10:00 am Shabbat Morning Service 7:00 pm Board Game Night 7:30 pm Religious School Committee Meeting 6:30 pm Youth: Grade 6 Shul-In 7:00 pm Jewish LIFE Film Series Movie Tuesday, April 7 7:30 pm Adult Education Class -- Mishneh Torah Sunday, April 26 NFTY-GER Spring Kallah @ Kutz Wednesday, April 8 Sunday, April 19 IHN Hosting Week 4:30 pm No Religious School or Confirmation Academy Rosh Chodesh Iyyar 9:00 am Religious School with School-wide Yom IHN Hosting Week Ha’Atzmaut Celebratrion Thursday, April 9 9:00 am Religious School 9:00 am Jewish LIFE: Beginning Hebrew Reading 6:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Gentle Yoga 9:00 am Brotherhood Monthly Breakfast Meeting 9:00 am Leadership Development 8:00 pm 7th Day Pesach and Yizkor 9:00 am Jewish LIFE: Beginning Hebrew Reading 9:15 am Brotherhood Board Meeting 10:00 am Jewish LIFE: Making Prayer Real 10:00 am Jewish LIFE: Making Prayer Real Friday, April 10 10:00 am Community-wide Yom HaShoah Service 11:30 am Jewish LIFE: Advanced Hebrew Yom Tov 7th Day Pesach 11:30 am Jewish LIFE: Intermediate Biblical Hebrew 4:00 pm Jewish LIFE: Engaging Israel Temple Office is Closed 8:00 pm Shabbat Evening Service Monday, April 20 Monday, April 27 Rosh Chodesh Iyyar 4:30 pm Religious School Saturday, April 11 IHN Hosting Week 6:30 pm Post-Confirmation 10:00 am Shabbat Minyan Service 4:30 pm Religious School 7:30 pm Executive Committee Meeting 6:30 pm SMOOCHY Midnight Run 6:30 pm Temple Youth Leadership Training Seminar Tuesday, April 28 Tuesday, April 21 7:30 pm Adult Education Class — Mishneh Torah IHN Hosting Week Sunday, April 12 7:30 pm Adult Education Class — Mishneh Torah Wednesday, April 29 9:00 am Religious School/Grade 3 Family Ed 4:30 pm Religious School 9:00 am Sisterhood Spring Breakfast Meeting Wednesday, April 22 6:30 pm Confirmation Academy 9:00 am Jewish LIFE: Beginning Hebrew Reading Yom HaZikaron 9:00 am Leadership Development IHN Hosting Week Thursday, April 30 10:00 am Jewish LIFE: Making Prayer Real 4:30 pm Religious School 6:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Gentle Yoga 11:00 am Grade 7 Field Trip 6:30 pm Confirmation Academy 7:00 pm Israeli Dancing Chavurah 11:30 am Jewish LIFE: Advanced Hebrew 7:00 pm Membership Committee Meeting 7:30 pm Jewish LIFE: Israeli Folk Dancing 7:30 pm Brit K’hilah Task Force Meeting Monday, April 13 7:45 pm Jewish LIFE: Mixed-level Hatha Yoga 4:30 pm Religious School 7:45 pm Board of Trustees Meeting

Temple Beth-El Shofar 27 Nisan-Iyar 5775 Click here to return to Page 1

Contacting Temple Beth-El Temple Office:...... 908-722-0674 Religious School Office: ...... 908-704-1212

To Contact the Temple Beth-El Staff by email: Rabbi Arnold S. Gluck [email protected] Cantor Emily Wigod Pincus [email protected] Amy Rubin, Director of Administration [email protected] Sarah Gluck, Education Co-Director [email protected] Lisa Friedman, Education Co-Director [email protected] Betty Parenti, Financial Manager [email protected] Susan Walters, Executive Secretary [email protected] Ivy Anglin, Religious School Secretary [email protected] Dan Merer, Youth Director [email protected]

Shofar Advertising To place an ad in the Shofar or for more advertising information, please contact [email protected]

Temple Beth-El Shofar 28 Nisan-Iyar 5775