FEBRUARY 2021 | SHEVAT/ADAR 5781 THE MESSENGER The Official Newsletter of Temple Beth Sholom | Sarasota, FL
WHAT’S INSIDE: Acknowledgements 20 Announcements 4 Azi! 8 Calendar 22 Community Day School 19 Continuing Education 5 Life & Legacy 15 Life & Legacy Spotlight 16 Member Feature 14 Men’s Club 13 President’s Message 3 Rabbi’s Message 2 Sisterhood 10 Social Action 18 Torah Fund 11 Visionary Society 12 Youth & PREP 17 Page 1 RABBI’S MESSAGE
There is a Jewish expression that says, “With the arrival of the Jewish month of Adar, our happiness is greatly increased!” The reference to “greatly increased happiness” is a reference to the holiday of Purim celebrated on the 14th day of Adar.
This year Purim is celebrated from the evening of Thursday, February 25 through February 26. With the COVID-19 pandemic still in place, this year’s celebration promises a uniquely different experience. On the other hand, what better time for a holiday defined by joy, happiness, and some good laughs!
Jewish humor is another form of Jewish learning. Instead of teaching with a “kvetch”, we learn with a laugh. Let’s do a little of both.
The most exercised statement in Jewish religious life is, “Rabbi, this is our tradition!” It doesn’t take thousands of years to create a tradition. It’s not uncommon in Jewish life for thousands of traditions to be created in the space of one year! Each tradition comes to replace another one, until the other one comes back to replace the new one. And so on, and so forth!
The story is told of a new rabbi officiating his first religious service. When the time comes to recite the Shema, half the congregation stands up and half the congregation remains seated. As the prayer begins, the congregants standing start taking issue with those seated, while those seated send forth their own verbal volley toward those standing. Bewildered by this behavior, the new rabbi decides to confer with his emeritus.
The rabbi asks his senior colleague, “What is the tradition in this congregation for the recitation of the Shema? Should the congregants be seated?” The elder rabbi replied, “No.” “Then the tradition is to stand?” Again the elder rabbi replied, “No.” “I’m confused,” said the new rabbi. “Some stand and some sit. Those who stand argue with those who sit, and those who sit argue with those who stand.” “Ah,” replied the senior colleague, “that’s the tradition!”
In the spirit of Purim, it’s only a joke! I hope.
Rabbi Howard Siegel
Page 2 In the words of Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l: “Community is society with a human face – the place where we PRESIDENT’S know we’re not alone.” MESSAGE Last year was probably the most challenging that any of us have had to face, yet our Temple Beth Sholom congregation held together as a community despite the synagogue closing in mid-March for religious services and social activities. During this difficult time, through the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, TBS has made significant monetary donations in both January and February this year to All Faiths Food Bank and JFCS Kosher Food Pantry as well as our continued food drive donations to organizations such as Family Promise and Meals on Wheels.
In common with synagogues throughout the country, we had many challenges to surmount. We have had to resort to Zoom services, however, attendance has always been high. It is very gratifying that snowbirds remained loyal to the congregation and were also logged in. For the High Holy Days, mahzorim were made available to our local congregants and were also mailed out to snowbirds who requested them. Our “Staying Connected” weekly zoom programs, which offered a wide array of topics, played a major role in keeping our congregation engaged. The outdoor sing-along in November was followed in mid-December by the drive-in Hanukkah celebration and dedication of our impressive new Hanukkiyah.
We have a lot to look forward to this year! There is a light at the end of the long tunnel with the availability of vaccines. At the time of writing this in late December, vaccination had commenced in Sarasota, and some of our congregants were amongst the first to be vaccinated. The re-opening of Temple Beth Sholom grows ever closer!
At our semi-annual congregational meeting held by Zoom in December, which was extremely well attended, the congregation almost unanimously voted to approve that we engage in the process of hiring Rabbi Stuart Altshuler as our new rabbi. He is presently completing a 10- year term as rabbi in a large London synagogue and enthusiastically looks forward to being in Sarasota, a city that he and his wife are very familiar with.
We are very honored to have Dr. Stephen Berk as our Freund Scholar-in-Residence this month. He is a professor of Holocaust and Jewish studies at Union College and is widely known for his expertise on the Holocaust, Russia, and the Middle East. He has earned an international reputation for his teaching, writing, and research surrounding Russian and Soviet Jewish history, the American Jewish experience, and anti-Semitism, among other topics and is a critically acclaimed author. Please mark your calendar for his four varied and thought-provoking presentations to be given between February 3 and 7. The times and dates are listed in this issue of The Messenger together with all the other programs for this month.
Best regards to you all,
Eric Faerber
Page 3 ANNOUNCEMENTS December Bimah Basket Sponsors Dr. George Gitlitz wishing everyone a good Shabbos Marlene & Sandy Goldberg, in honor of their 58th wedding anniversary Sue & Martin Spector, in honor of Sue’s birthday Miriam & Mario Hallphone, in honor of Mario’s birthday Susan & Harold Halpern, in honor of their 46th wedding anniversary Willie & Norm Walter, in honor of their 61st wedding anniversary Ronnie Riceberg & Dennis Zimmerman, in honor of their 6th wedding anniversary Joan & Bart Levenson, in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary Shelley & Sheldon Goldklang, in honor of their 49th wedding anniversary Mara & Randall Winn, in honor of their 45th wedding anniversary
Mazel Tov! Esta Snider, in honor of her great-great Nephew, Ariel Meyers, who was one of two winners in a national essay contest. His essay was “Why I Like Hanukkah” written from the point of view of the Hanukkiyah sitting in the china cabinet. He was the 1st speaker after the cantors at the National Menorah Lighting across from the White House.
February Anniversaries JoAnn & Ronald Spiegel 47 years Marla & Robert Katz 27 years Jeanne & Paul Gartenberg 31 years Susan & Murray Post 40 years
TBS MEMBERSHIP We are thrilled to welcome our newest members: Ruth & Harry Leichter, Lynn Brock, and Patricia (Patti) Bourke, who joined as an individual but is married to Dr. Robert Downie. Welcome to the TBS family! Susan Cahn Membership Chair
December Shabbat Participants Rabbi Stuart Altshuler Stan Mitchell Ben Berman Cantor Neil Newman Len Berman Ronnie Riceberg Deborah Bortnick Len Stein Bill Fogel Bethamy Weinberger Don Friedman Susan Weintraub Jessica Green Mara Winn Josh Mellits Dennis Zimmerman
Page 4 CONTINUING EDUCATION Dr. Stephen Berk TBS Scholar in Residence February 3 - 7 by Al Treidel You will not want to miss any of the four presentations delivered by our Scholar-in-Residence, Stephen Berk. Dr. Berk is sponsored by the Freund Scholar in Residence Fund. He is a renowned professor of history at Union College in Schenectady, NY, former chair of the department of history, director of the Russian and Eastern European studies program, and faculty advisor to the Jewish student organization. He has written several books and is presently working on a book on American Jewry and the struggle for civil rights between 1954 and 1965. Dr. Berk has been a consultant to the Wiesenthal Holocaust Center in Los Angeles. He has written articles on Russian and Jewish history, anti-Semitism, and the Middle East. Dr. Berk has lectured throughout the United States including distinguished colleges and universities such as Princeton, Vanderbilt, and Williams College. Two college guidebooks mention him as the best teacher at Union College. Dr. Berk’s course on the Holocaust is the most popular course offered at the school.
Professor Berk is frequently consulted by newspaper reporters and by television and radio stations including the BBC. He is considered an absolutely superb lecturer and teacher. Dr. Berk has spoken in countless cities and towns in the United States and Canada and is frequently invited to return.
On the 50th anniversary of the end of the Nuremberg Trials, Dr. Berk was awarded the Holocaust Memorial Award for his years of dedication to understanding and education as a world-wide lecturer and spellbinding speaker on the lessons of the Holocaust and its meaning today. In 2010, Professor Berk was designated an Israel Hero for his defense and advocacy of the State of Israel by the Jewish Educational Resources of New York.
Dr. Berk will speak via Zoom on the following dates and times:
Wednesday, February 3 – 7:00 p.m. 1945 A Year of Great Consequence: A view from the perspective of 76 years Thursday, February 4 – 7:00 p.m. Great Trials in Jewish History: Jesus, Dreyfus and Beilis Saturday, February 6 (Torah reading time) approx. 11:00 a.m. Our People are Your People: American Jews and the Struggle for Civil Rights Sunday, February 7 – 10:00 a.m. Putin and the Return of Russia (and the future for Russian Jews)
The entire Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community is invited as TBS’ guests to attend any and all of these presentations. Non-members may access the Zoom link for these lectures by visiting the TBS website at www.templebethsholomfl.org/events.
Page 5 CONTINUING EDUCATION Hurricane Katrina: Planting the Seeds for Long-term Recovery of New Orleans’ Healthcare System & Tulane by Al Treidel Tuesday, February 23 at 7:00 pm with Dr. Benjamin Sachs
Please join us for another fascinating evening with Dr. Benjamin Sachs (pictured left). Dr. Sachs served as SVP & Dean of the School of Medicine and was a Doty Distinguished Professor (2007-14) at Tulane University. On Monday August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi gulf coast. The following morning, the levees failed, flooding over 80% of the city of New Orleans. Approximately 1,836 deaths were directly attributed to the storm. The damage exceeded $150 billion, and parts of the Mississippi gulf coast disappeared. Over 1 million people from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama fled the storm.
Five hospitals in New Orleans were destroyed. Tulane University and its hospital sustained over $900 million in damage, so the university declared financial exigency and borrowed $100 million to remain solvent.
In 2007, Dr. Sachs was asked to go to New Orleans to help lead the recovery of Tulane and the city’s healthcare system. His six-year journey in New Orleans was a unique privilege and an extraordinary challenge for him. On February 23, Ben will share with us a multi-media presentation that will demonstrate both the highs and the lows and the lessons learned from this incredible experience. This is a program that you will not want to miss.
Save the Date for These March Programs:
Tues., March 2 – 7:00 p.m. – Part 2 – Is This Life All That There Is? with Rabbi Siegel
Thurs., March 4 – 7:00 p.m. – The Vaccine and COVID: Does It Reflect Jewish Values? How Do We Allocate Scarce Medical Resources? Whose Life is More Valuable? with Sue Spector
Tues., March 9 – 7:00 p.m. – Foods of Jewish Italy with Lael Hazan
Tues., March 16 – 7:00 p.m. – Israel Update with Harold Halpern
Thurs., March 18 – 7:00 p.m. – Purim/Passover Trivia Night with Marshall Horwitz
Tues., March 23 – 7:00 p.m. – Italian Jewish Personalities with Lael Hazan
Page 6 CONTINUING EDUCATION Asolo Players to Appear in Reader’s Theater Format in “A Bintel Brief” by Al Treidel Wednesday, February 10 at 1:30 p.m.
Join us for what promises to be a delightful presentation from the Asolo Players bringing to mind the many problems and obstacles facing our turn-of-the-century immigrant ancestors from Eastern Europe. The cast of the Asolo Players Group will present A Bintel Brief via Zoom to the TBS community.
For more than eighty years the Jewish Daily Forward’s legendary advice column, “A Bintel Brief” (“a bundle of letters”) dispensed shrewd, practical, and fair- minded advice to its readers. It was created in 1906 to help bewildered Eastern European immigrants learn about their new country. The column also gave them a forum for seeking advice and support in the face of problems ranging from wrenching spiritual dilemmas to petty family squabbles to the sometimes hilarious predicaments that result when Old World meets New. Isaac Metzker’s beloved selection of these letters and responses has become for today’s readers a remarkable oral record not only of the varied problems of Jewish immigrant life in America, but also of the catastrophic events of the first half of our century. Everyone is sure to enjoys this theatrical reading of actual letters interspersed with Yiddish music.
Please note: we cannot record this event due to copyright restrictions.
Course Description: Is This Life All There is: One Rabbi’s Perspective On Life After Death with Rabbi Howard Siegel Tuesday, February 16 & March 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Is death really the end of life, or just the beginning? Join Rabbi Siegel on two Tuesday evenings, February 16 & March 2 at 7:00 p.m. for “one rabbi’s perspective” on life after death. In this two-part course, Rabbi Siegel will explore Jewish eschatology (what Judaism has to teach about the afterlife) and offer his own personal understanding of the end of life.
Page 7 T E M P L E B E T H S H O L O M P R E S E N T S AZI SCHWARTZ: CELEBRATION IN SONG Along with Cantor Rachel Brook of Park Ave Synagogue Returnin g 1.9.22 7 pm at the Sarasota Opera House You will not want to miss this spectacular evening with Cantor Azi Schwartz!
Tickets range from $50-$125
Tickets go on sale through the Opera House beginning September 1, 2021.
Chairs: Listen to Azi at: Edie Chaifetz, Fran Cohen, Saranee Newman http://azischwartz.com/music
Outreach Committee: Meredith Ernst, Lauren Haven, Sandi Kligman, Evites, Eblasts, and Emails to follow Barbara Simon, Adrea Sukin ------Yes, I would love to sponsor the Azi Schwartz: Celebration in Song Concert ! Name (as it will be listed in the program book) May we use your name in our print materials? Please circle one. YES NO Included with Sponsor Level Tickets: Phone # Email Prime seats for the Diamond sponsor - $10,000 - 10 tickets - $9,000 tax deductible concert
Emerald sponsor - $5,000 - 8 tickets - $4,200 tax deductible A lovely dessert reception catered by Ruby Sponsor - $2,500 - 6 tickets - $1,900 tax deductible Michael’s On East with Cantors Azi Schwartz & Sapphire sponsor - $1,000 - 4 tickets - $600 tax deductible Rachel Brook at the conclusion of the concert Quartz sponsor - $500 - 2 tickets - $300 tax deductible Pearl Sponsor - $250 - 1 ticket - $125 tax deductible
Check Enclosed Bill Member's Account Credit Card Form
Page 8 Azi Schwartz: Celebration in Song Sponsors
D I A M O N D S P O N S O R Edie & David Chaifetz Rabbi Anat Moskowitz & Jeff Bain
R U B Y S P O N S O R Marsha Eisenberg Adrea & Jack Sukin
S A P P H I R E S P O N S O R Charlotte & Richard Berman Saranee & Neil Newman Fran & Jeff Cohen Joyce & Frank Podietz Dana & Elliott Corn Lauri Pollack & Bert Rapowitz Meredith & Albert Ernst Belle & Ted Probst Lauren & Todd Haven Ronnie Riceberg & Dennis Zimmerman Sandy & Terry Hayden Nadia Ritter Valda Kaye Barbara Simon & Richard Enslein Sandi Kligman Hannah & Norman Weinberg
Q U A R T Z S P O N S O R Molly & Mark Ballow Margie & Bernie Barrie Shelly & Sheldon Goldklang Susan & Marshall Horwitz Becky & Jeff Miller Teri & Steven Seiler Toby & Murray Simon Ann & Al Treidel
P E A R L S P O N S O R Marilyn Ross
We would like to sincerely thank all of our sponsors for the Azi concert arriving 1.9.22. This list is as of 1.5.2021
Page 9 SISTERHOOD
In spite of the fact that our Annual Sisterhood Shabbat on January 16 was done via Zoom, it still was an amazing morning.
I want to thank Susan Weintraub and Bethamy Weinberger for coordinating the service.
We honored Sue Prohofsky, an amazing woman, with Sisterhood’s Woman of Achievement Award. Sue has been a long-time member and volunteer and currently holds the social action seat on the Sisterhood Board of Directors. Prior to the pandemic she coordinated the preparation of casseroles and delivered them to the Salvation Army Food Kitchen each month. She also works hard with the food collection that goes to the local food banks. She is most certainly worthy of this award for all that she does.
We have many worthwhile programs on our future agenda. First and foremost is our Torah Fund event on February 17, at 6:30 p.m. This requires registration, and there is a nominal fee of $18. The registration form can be found on the next page for your convenience.
All of the funds that we raise will go directly to the Torah Fund campaign. This supports all of the learning institutions that train our Conservative rabbis, cantors, and educators.
Our speaker will be Rabbi Shira Wallach of Congregation Shearith Israel in Dallas. Her topic will be Queen Esther: The Unlikely Heroine of Shushan. We will be honoring Lea Zatz with our Light of Torah Award.
The month of March will bring us our Memories Roadshow on March 3 and our first ever “Tallit Fashion Show” on March 17.
Going forward to April 27, we will have another book review. The book is When we Turn Within: Reflections on COVID-19. This is a collection of essays, poems, prayers, and reflections on the past year and the challenges we have faced. Additionally, one of the contributing authors of our book, Rabbi Danielle Upbin, will be participating in this book review.
Thanks to all who support our bimah basket fundraiser. Recently, Sisterhood made two $500 donations. One went to All Faiths Food Bank and the other to the JFCS Kosher Food Pantry. This is an ongoing program, and your continued support will help with future contributions.
Sheryl Glickman Sisterhood President
Page 10 TORAH FUND
B’Yachad, Together
Keynote presenter RABBI SHIRA WALLACH Congregation Shearith Israel of Dallas
Esther: The Unlikely Heroine of Shushan As Purim approaches, we’ll examine Esther’s rise to power in Ancient Persia. How did she defy the odds to save the Jewish people from Haman?
TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM SISTERHOOD virtual TORAH FUND EVENT Wednesday, February 17, 2021 6:30 pm ~ Your home on Zoom
Light of Torah Presentation HONORING LEA ZATZ You may honor Lea with a separate donation to “TORAH FUND”
Your gift to Torah Fund supports five Conservative/Masorti seminaries whose endeavors will help us navigate our future together as one people.
Register by February 10, 2021 $18 registration payable to: TBS Sisterhood Send to: Sheila Maslow, 5511 Country Lakes Trail Sarasota, FL 34243 Contact: Sheila Maslow (941-351-3638) [email protected] ********************************************************************************** Torah Fund Event Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Name: ______Address: ______- City: ______Zip: ______Phone: ______Email: ______The Zoom link to the event will be sent to the email above. Please print it legibly. Payment: ___ Check enclosed for registration $18 Make check payable to TBS Sisterhood ___ Check enclosed for donation IHO Make payable to Torah Fund
Registration by credit card: ___ Amex ___ MC ___ Visa CC#: ______Expiration Date: ______CVV code: ______Name on Card ______Secure on-line donations to Torah Fund via credit card can be made directly to: The Jewish Theological Seminary (convio.net)
Joan Braude - [email protected] - 941-355-9257 Evie Mitchell - [email protected] - 941-554-8529 Page 11
Temple Beth Sholom Visionary Society
We are pleased to present the following participants in the 2020 - 2021 Visionary Society program: Builders
Edith & David Chaifetz Rickie & Jana Paley
Architects
Sue Rosin Jeffrey Bain & Rabbi Anat Moskowitz
Partners
Ruth & Jerry Beck Martin D. Cohn Marsha Eisenberg Debbie & Larry Haspel Hadassah & Martin Strobel Patti & David Wertheimer Mark Yecies
Investors
Ruthe Actor Sandi Kligman Benjamin Berman Joan & Bart Levenson Charlotte & Richard Berman Joyce & Frank Podietz Len Berman Lauri Pollack & Bert Rapowitz Dana & Elliott Corn Nadia Ritter Esme` & Eric Faerber Lois Portnoff Dr. George F. Gitlitz Belle & Theodore Probst Marlene & Sanford Goldberg Susan Prohofsky Grace M. Goldstein Barbara G. Steinbach Drs. Wendy & Kenneth Hurwitz Adrea & Jack Sukin Valda Kaye Drs. Phyllis & Richard Yonker
* as of 1.5.21
Page 12 MEN’S CLUB
On Saturday, February 20, we will be observing Men’s Club Shabbat at Temple Beth Sholom. I hope that you will join us at 10:00 a.m. to both learn more about TBS Men’s Club and to celebrate all that it does as an important arm of Temple Beth Sholom.
TBS Men’s Club is affiliated with the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. The FJMC mission is to involve Jewish men in Jewish life by building and strengthening Men’s Clubs in the Conservative/ Masorti Movement. We accomplish this mission by:
Leadership: mentoring leaders at the club, region, and international level
Innovation: developing programming that better connects people of all ages to the Jewish community
Community: forming meaningful long-lasting relationships based on camaraderie, common interests, and core values.
TBS Men’s Club is very active in this partnership of over 200 affiliated clubs with more than 20,000 members across North America and around the world. Together, we bring value and add meaning to the lives of men and their families. Through our programming, we touch the lives of many in the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish community.
In previous articles, I have tried to outline the many things that TBS Men’s Club does for the TBS community. We are in the process of doing a lot of self-reflection to set a broader course for TBS Men’s Club that will add to our sense of community. During normal times, we sponsor Sunday and Minyan breakfasts and speakers, and these programs are well- attended. We provide for our youth community, maintain the Holocaust Garden, and are creating a Judaica museum. Along with Sisterhood, we have made generous donations to area food banks and are trying to enrich the lives of congregants not only through our speakers series but also with Zoom trivia nights. The next Trivia Night will be a Purim/ Pesach Trivia Night in March. We of course have our annual December 24 dinner and movie. Despite the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic, our membership has increased by more than 10%. However, we welcome your input in what other types of programs and activities Men’s Club should offer that will enrich your life. Feel free to drop me a note via email at [email protected] or call me directly at 203.461.1305. I welcome your input and we would love to have you actively involved.
Please join us on Men’s Club Shabbat and feel free to communicate with me or anyone else on the Men’s Club Board. Wishing you and yours a very happy Purim.
Kol tuv, Al Treidel Men’s Club President
Page 13 MEMBER FEATURE Female Jewish American Astronaut Will Be On The Team Returning To The Moon by Ed Rosenthal
I am so proud to announce that Jessica Meir a NASA American Jewish astronaut has been selected as part of the Artemis team returning Americans to the Moon in 2024!
Jessica Meir was selected to be an astronaut in 2013. Her collegiate degrees are numerous. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Brown University, Master of Science in Space Studies from International Space University, and a Doctorate in Marine Biology (diving physiology) from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (UCSD).
Photo Above: For her doctorate research, Meir studied the diving physiology Jessica Meir tastes Mizuna mustard of marine mammals and birds, focusing on oxygen depletion in greens on ISS diving emperor penguins (Antarctic field research) and elephant (Photo credit: NASA) seals (northern California). She investigated the high‐flying bar-headed goose during her post‐doctoral research at the University of British Columbia, training geese to fly in a wind tunnel while obtaining various physiological measurements in reduced oxygen conditions.
From 2000 to 2003, Jessica worked in NASA Johnson Space Center supporting human physiology. During Jessica’s first spaceflight, Meir conducted the first all-woman spacewalk with crewmate Christina Koch of NASA, totaling 21 hours and 44 minutes. The crew contributed to hundreds of experiments in biology, earth science, human research, physical sciences, and technology development.
Among the investigations to which Jessica contributed is a study co-led by a former colleague of hers, examining how human heart tissue functions in space. She spent 205 days in space, 3,280 orbits of Earth, totaling 86.9 million miles!
In 2012, Meir accepted a position as Assistant Professor at the Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, where she continued her research on the physiology of animals in extreme environments. She also took part in Smithsonian Institution diving expeditions to the Antarctic and Belize and has been very active with scientific outreach efforts.
In 2019, she participated in research growing Mizuna mustard greens for the Space Plant Biology Vegetable program on the ISS. This program uses Florikan controlled release fertilizer which was developed by Ed Rosenthal, an American Jewish scientist. Even as busy as she is with NASA, she has some hobbies which include skiing, hiking, running, cycling, soccer, and SCUBA diving.
We are all so very proud of Jessica Meir, our NASA American Jewish astronaut, who with Ed contributed to the success of growing vegetables on the International Space Station. We wish Jessica and the Artemis team bon voyage on the journey to the Moon and a highly successful mission!
Page 14 Temple Beth Sholom and the TBS Endowment Fund are proud to participate with the LIFE & LEGACY Campaign. LIFE & LEGACY is a national campaign sponsored by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and is coordinated locally through The Jewish Federation of Sarasota Manatee in support of multiple synagogues and Jewish organizations in the area. The purpose of the campaign is to encourage support of local Jewish organizations through contributions and legacy gifts.
We thank our contributors to the program! Dor L' Dor Society
Ruth & Jerry Beck Marla & Rob Katz Ben Berman Sandra Katz Charlotte Berman Valda Kaye Len Berman Sandi Kligman Richard Berman Judy Lebowich ◊ David Chaifetz Joan & Bart Levenson Edie Chaifetz Becky & Jeff Miller Chana “Alice” Chanover Susan Milman Fran & Jeffrey Cohen Evie & Stan Mitchell Martin D. Cohn Iris Nahemow Dana Corn Phyllis & Fred Nathan Elliott Corn Saranee & Neil Newman Marsha Eisenberg Norman Olshansky Harry Eisenberg ◊ Joyce & Frank Podietz Meredith & Albert Ernst Lois Portnoff Esme & Eric Faerber Susan Prohofsky Marsha & Marvin Frank Loretta & Paul Rabin William Freund Ronnie Riceberg Donald Friedman Michael Ritter Julie Friedman Sue Rosin Sheldon Goldklang Samuel C. Schwartz Shelley Goldklang Felicia & Joel Servetz Grace M. Goldstein Carol & Larry Shatoff Judy Haber ◊ Susan & Martin Spector Stacy & Ben Hanan Susan Benson-Steenbarger Lauren & Todd Haven Hadassah & Martin Strobel Marshall Horwitz Adrea Sukin Susan Horwitz Bryna & Howard Tevlowitz Wendy & Ken Hurwitz Norman & Hannah Weinberg Emma Joels Melissa & Rabbi Michael Werbow Edward Kalin Patti & David Wertheimer Carolyn Kaplan Lea & Saul Zatz Barbara Katz Dennis E. Zimmerman Wendy & Michael Katz
◊ passed For more info, please contact the TBS office and ask for Nancy: 941.955.8121 or email her at [email protected] (As of 28 December 2020)
Page 15 LIFE & LEGACY SPOTLIGHT
Meet the Millers by Norman Olshansky
Three years ago, the Millers moved to our community full-time after having a vacation home in Sarasota for the previous 11 years. Their journey to Sarasota actually began in Europe.
The Miller’s family history of moves to new communities, is sadly, an all too familiar story. Becky’s family was in Poland during the Holocaust, and her parents, after being liberated from various concentration camps and losing their entire families, were able to cross the Alps to Cyprus in an attempt to get to Palestine/Israel. Photo Above: The British intercepted them while they tried to get Jeff & Becky Miller into Israel and sent them back to Cyprus. They were able to get to Israel on their second attempt, and they fought in the War of Independence.
Her family wanted to get to the U.S. but wasn’t allowed to go directly, so they went back to Germany after the war where Becky was born in a displaced persons camp. They finally were able to get to Montreal, Canada, where they lived for a while prior to finally getting to the U.S. when Becky was 5 years old. Jeff’s mother left Poland in 1939. She lost her parents and immediate family in the war. She eventually met Jeff’s dad on the lower east side of New York City.
Jeff and Becky have been married for 45 years, spending their formative and professional lives in Philadelphia. They both went to Temple University. Jeff worked as an accountant for major corporations, and Becky went on to obtain several degrees and was an educator at the high school and college level.
Becky grew up in a strictly Orthodox family and Jeff in a more secular Jewish environment. They blended their Jewish backgrounds by being involved with a conservative congregation in Philly and maintained a kosher household. Their adult children continue to keep kosher. Their two sons and daughter are in Florida, Delaware, and Pennsylvania and are involved in public service professions. They also have two grandchildren to round out their family. Joining TBS was a natural transition for them when they started visiting and then permanently living in Sarasota.
They have lived active lives in various civic and Jewish organizations. Becky sings with Belle Canto and sang with the Jewish Chorale, and both she and Jeff have been involved with Brandeis National Committee locally and nationally. Jeff currently is on the board of TBS and the Men’s Club, and they are involved in several Temple committees including continuing education, programming, COVID-19 Task Force, security, and Shabbat dinners. In addition, they are active members of a local congregational Chavurah.
Page 16 LIFE & LEGACY SPOTLIGHT
When asked what were some of the important influences TBS has had on them, one event, about 1 ½ years ago immediately came to mind. Becky suffered two devastating strokes and was in the ICU and hospital for an extended period. The response of temple members and leadership made a significant impact on both Jeff and Becky. Visits, calls, cards, dinners, and the Rabbi coming to the ICU were so much more than expected and were truly appreciated. It spoke volumes to them about the caring and support that exists within the congregation.
The Millers are among an important group of TBS donors who have made a legacy gift to the Congregation. When asked what motivated them, they said, “It is important to pay it forward, L’dor V’dor… from one generation to another.” They consulted with their children who were very supportive of their giving through the legacy program. They emphasized that you do not have to make a large gift, but it’s important that as many people as possible participate so that the next generation will have a vibrant, caring congregation here in our community. They added that “TBS is our home, and it means a lot to us and to so many others!”
YOUTH & PREP
Youth Group
We are looking forward to many great programs this spring! Send us your ideas on how to lift our community, programs you would like to have, etc. As always, SEND PICTURES, and please don’t hesitate to contact Kelly Nester with any questions at 941.955.8121, Ext. 1002 or [email protected].
PREP
Classes continue via Zoom and in-person. Let us know what you are up to – send Kelly a brief message to let us in on what you are learning and what activities you are participating in. Please SEND PICTURES and don’t hesitate to contact Kelly Nester with any questions at 941.955.8121, Ext. 1002 or [email protected].
February Youth Birthdays Leora Tyrrell February 1 Spencer Cohen February 1 Ariella Graber February 10
Page 17 SOCIAL ACTION
FOOD PANTRY COLLECTIONS brushes & toothpaste etc. for SPARCC! They We wish to extend a very special “Thank You” can be dropped off at the temple same as food to Anne & John Ebin who monthly deliver donations. a trunk full of food donations and to Sid Finkelstein who brought in 18 cases of food SOMETHING NEW: MEALS ON WHEELS earlier this year as well as this past month. Meals on Wheels has some very specific He said he is “Just doing my part.” Early in requests as follows: December we loaded up Joel Servetz’s van to its limits and ably assisted by his very energetic Cheese & crackers Crackers - saltines or granddaughter, Destiny Servetz, delivered it packaged (Lance, others to Meals on Wheels! Family Promise has also Frito Lay, etc.) received food from our donations. We are Easy open fruit cups Ensure powdered or grateful to all who bring donations every time & applesauce bottled - no cans they come to the temple. These add up and are greatly appreciated as so many are struggling Gatorade Zero Graham crackers to make ends meet in this current crisis. You Healthy Nutrition No sugar added can bring items when you pick up Shabbat Bars pouches of apple meals or you can leave them in the drop box juice in front of the synagogue during the week: Peanut butter Peanut butter & Tuesday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. crackers (Lance, and 3:00 p.m. Frito Lay) Puddings and Jello Raisins (small Todah Rabah and Yasher Koach. Please cups individual boxes) donate only non-perishable foods with good Vanilla wafers Water (6 or 8 pack) expiration dates. We look forward to your generous contributions. We have started including Meals on Wheels Susan Prohofsky & Joel Servetz in deliveries. It would be very helpful if you could indicate that your items are for Meals BIMAH BASKETS on Wheels. Many congregants have continued to donate bimah baskets to celebrate birthdays and STARFISH PROJECT anniversaries! Mazel tov to all the celebrants! Wendy Katz said she is hoping to be able to Donations for bimah baskets are divided do “Book Buddies” sometime in the spring. among Sisterhood, All Faiths Food Pantry, We know that COVID-19 will be with us for and the JFCS Kosher Food Pantry. This is a while. Whenever she gets the ok, she will an easy way to celebrate a special event contact everyone who has participated in the and do a mitzvah at the same time. This is past. If you would like to be added to the list especially appreciated as we continue to deal please contact Wendy, preferably by email so with COVID-19 and the food pantries prefer that she can contact you easily. Contact her at receiving monetary donations. Contact Evie [email protected] or 941.350.5654. Mitchell, [email protected] or 941.554.8529 to donate a bimah basket. Susan Prohofsky SPARCC Social Action Chair We are still collecting haircare items, tooth 765.426.5830 [email protected]
Page 18 COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL Community partners help CDS prepare for Hanukkah by Sharon Kunkel
celebrated in countries such as Israel, Mexico, and Italy.
While Community Day is a Jewish day school, families of all faiths are welcome and enrolled. The school strives to build bridges between different faiths, levels of observance, and cultures in order to create a safe, inclusive environment for children to learn, play, and grow.
Photo Above: Ian Freeman (left) and Henry Freeman with Menschy, Community Day’s school mascot
While Hanukkah is typically a very social and festive occasion, COVID-19 made the traditional observance of the holiday more difficult. Leaders and teachers at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School – with the support of several community partners – planned advance activities as well as in-person and virtual celebrations during the Photo Above: holiday’s eight days in order to enable school Hanukkah supplies provided by Chabad of Sarasota families of all faiths to share in the joy and fun were distributed to school families of the holiday while keeping everyone safe and distanced.
Some of the donations from the community included: hanukkiyot for families that didn’t have one, from Chabad of Sarasota; dreidels and gelt from the Sisterhood at Temple Beth Sholom; and “Hannukits” – which provided supplies for parents or teachers to teach a lesson about the cultural significance of Hanukkah and the dreidel game, and read a PJ Library book about the holiday – from the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.
In advance of Hanukkah, classes learned about the holiday and did craft projects related to Photo Above: the holiday. For example, one preschool class Hayes Frandsen hugs Menschy after receiving her “traveled the world” to learn about the holidays hanukkiah Page 19 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS These donations were received by the TBS office during December (12/1-12/31). CEMETERY BEAUTIFICATION FUND IN HONOR OF SARANEE & CANTOR NEIL NEWMAN IN LOVING MEMORY OF RITA BESSEN ON THE BAR MITZVAH OF THEIR GRANDSON Sandi Kligman Nadia Ritter IN HONOR OF CHARLOTTE & RICHARD BERMAN ON CONTINUING EDUCATION FUND THE BAR MITZVAH OF THEIR GRANDSON IN HONOR OF STANLEY TANNENBAUM’S BIRTHDAY Nadia Ritter Esme & Eric Faerber WISHING JACK STEENBARGER A SPEEDY AND FULL WISHING MYRA SNOWISE A SPEEDY RECOVERY RECOVERY Esme & Eric Faerber Adrea & Jack Sukin WISHING CHERYL BRILLIANT A SPEEDY RECOVERY IN HONOR OF NANCY & SETH KOPLIN ON THEIR Esme & Eric Faerber WEDDING ANNIVERSARY IN MEMORY OF RONNIE RICEBERG’S BROTHER, Burton Raimi DAVID BOXSTEIN IN HONOR OF SUSAN & HAROLD HALPERN ON THEIR Esme & Eric Faerber WEDDING ANNIVERSARY IN HONOR OF HANUKKAH Burton Raimi Susan Johnson IN HONOR OF BERT RAPOWITZ IN APPRECIATION IN HONOR OF TBS’ GREAT PROGRAMS FOR INSURING THE FUTURE OF TBS! Hadassah & Martin Strobel Adrea & Jack Sukin IN HONOR OF EVIE MITCHELL ON HER BIRTHDAY IN MEMORY OF SHARON ASNIS, MOTHER OF BETH Lois Portnoff HIRSCH IN HONOR OF THE RECOVERY OF OUR DAUGHTER, Beth & Marc Hirsch ELANA, IN TIME FOR HER BIRTHDAY IN HONOR OF MERRILL OLTCHICK FOR HIS Yvonne & Rabbi Ed Weinsberg COMMITMENT TO JEWISH PRACTICES & INSTITUTIONS CORN ART & MUSIC FUND Len Berman IN HONOR OF WENDY & MICHAEL KATZ ON THE IN HONOR OF TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM WEDDING OF THEIR SON JASON TO CHELSEA Ruthe Actor Dana & Elliott Corn Len Berman IN HONOR OF THE MARRIAGE OF OUR SON, JASON TO CHELSEA MOBLEY IDELSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND IN HONOR OF NANCY & SETH KOPLIN ON THEIR IN MEMORY OF WENDY’S BROTHER, MICHAEL CORN 25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Wendy & Michael Katz Ruth & Bruce Fleegler IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL’S FATHER, DR. SAMUEL WISHING CHERYL BRILLIANT A SPEEDY RECOVERY KATZ Anita & Louis Klainbaum Wendy & Michael Katz JACK SALZMAN CAMP RAMAH FUND DR. JULIUS AISNER EDUCATIONAL/CULTURAL & IN HONOR OF THE ALIYAH FOR FREDA EPSTEIN PRAYER BOOK FUND Harriett Epstein IN HONOR OF HANUKKAH FOR SHELDON GENSLER Helen Shafer ONEG/KIDDISH FUND IN MEMORY OF DANA CORN’S AUNT DORIS FAMILY PROMISE Beth Cooper & Lewis Lefer IN LOVING MEMORY OF MORRIS W. MILMAN IN HONOR OF SANDI KLIGMAN ON HER GRANDSON’S Susan Milman ENGAGEMENT Meredith & Albert Ernst GENERAL FUND IN HONOR OF ADREA & JACK SUKIN ON THE IN MEMORY OF CARL FRIEDMAN ENGAGEMENT OF THEIR GRANDDAUGHTER Bert Rapowitz and Lauri Pollack Meredith & Albert Ernst IN MEMORY OF RUTH STEEL IN HONOR OF LAUREN & TODD HAVEN ON THE Bert Rapowitz & Lauri Pollack ENGAGEMENT OF THEIR DAUGHTER A SPEEDY RECOVERY FOR CHANA CHANOVER Meredith & Albert Ernst Maddy & Jed Freshwater IN HONOR OF THE BIRTH OF LUNA, IN HONOR OF HANUKKAH GRANDDAUGHTER OF KELLY NESTER Susan Johnson Valda Kaye
Page 20 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
GET WELL TO JACK STEENBARGER Alan Goldfarb for his mother, Shirley Goldfarb Dana & Elliott Corn Alan Goldfarb for his wife, Marlene Miriam Goldfarb Leah Greenberg for her mother, Betty Dacus PASSPORT TO ISRAEL FUND Godofredo Herzog for his mother, Louise Gittler Herzog IN MEMORY OF ELLIOT BENDER Godofredo Herzog for his wife, Eva Müller Herzog Felicia & Joel Servetz Carolyn Linz Kaplan for her mother, Erna Neu Carolyn Linz Kaplan for her mother-in-law, Elsie Linz RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Carolyn Linz Kaplan for her husband, Rudolf Linz DEDICATED IN HONOR OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY Irene Kauffman for her father, Charles Drourr OF OUR LOVING GRANDPARENTS AND GREAT Irene Kauffman for her step mother, Anne Drourr GRANDPARENTS, MARTY & IRIS COLLINS Mark Kauffman for his mother, Min Kauffman Reuven, Yaffa, Meir Simcha, Hadassah Miriam, Moshe, Rosalind Kessler for her sister, Dorothy Sperling Mozen Chana, Gedalya, Yehuda, Nechama, Chaim, Shmuli, Rosalind Kessler for her brother-in-law, Jack Kessler Rochel Leah, Bracha, Shevi, Shmuel Aaron, Rafeel, Rosalind Kessler for her father-in-law, Nathan Kessler Yisroel, Yakov, Yehudit, and Sara Rosalind Kessler for her mother-in-law, Sarah Wedren Kessler YAHRZEIT FUND Andrew Krinsky for his mother, Irene Krinsky Jerry Beck for his brother, Leo Beck Claire Levin for her father-in-law, Benjamin Levin Ruth Beck for her mother, Dora Dorfman Jackie Levinson for her mother, Betty Levinson Alan Belasco for Lucille C. Belasco Vilma Liedman for her father-in-law, Samuel Sussman Alan Belasco for his father, Bernard Belasco Larry Mandel for his mother, Anna Mandel Alan Belasco for Sophia Belasco Irving Mason for his mother, Molly Mason Alan Belasco for his grandfather, Philip Belasco Susan Milman for her father, Morris Milman Burton Benjamin for his wife, Susan Benjamin Lois Portnoff for her father, Irving Robins Gloria Cole for Leonard Cole Lois Portnoff for her husband, Alan Portnoff Lydia & Jack Corn for brother of Jack and Wendy Corn Lois Portnoff for her father-in-law, Irving Portnoff Stacey & Rob Edelman for Rob’s grandfather, Hyman Ronnie Riceberg for her father, Gerald Boxstein Neuman Lita Ann Robbins for her brother-in-law, Stanley M. Stacey & Rob Edelman for Stacey’s grandmother, Rose Robbins Engle Sandy Salzman for his father, Morris Salzman Benjamin Eisenberg for Doris Epstein Martha Sherman for her father, Shimen G. Sherman Lynn Elkes for her uncle, Murray Wrubel Lila Siegel for her mother, Jeannette Fromme Eric Faerber for his mother, Mary Faerber Lila Siegel for her father, Samuel Fromme William Freund for his father, Hugo Freund Sheldon Wald for his mother, Jennie Wald Katarina Fried for her mother, Olga Altmann Sheldon Wald for his aunt, Billie Ditkoff Katarina Fried for her father-in-law, Maurice Fried Sheldon Wald for his aunt, Freda Goldstein Julie Friedman for her mother, Nettie Berlin Richard Yonker for his father, Jack Yonker Ann Ginsberg for her mother, Lucy Berger
PLEASE NOTE: The Tribute/Acknowledgement Card minimum is $10. This donation covers the cost of one tribute card per address, postage, and staff time. Thank you for your cooperation.
You can also make donations and tributes easily at www.templebethsholomfl.org by clicking the red button in the upper right corner that says “Donate.”
Page 21 FEBRUARY CALENDAR
PREP PREP virtual 1:00p in PREP SIR Morning Minyan
PREP PREP virtual 1:00p in PREP Morning Minyan 28 in PREP Morning Minyan 21 USY Torah Class Morning Minyan 14 7
Wide Wrap Wide
.
( 25 Shevat ( ( (
16 Adar 16 9 Adar 2 Adar Sunday - person 10:00a - person 10:00a - person 10:00a
) )
) )
& World
.
. .
10:00a
. . 8:00a 8:00a 7:00p 8:00a 8:00a
onn iyn Morning Minyan Morning Minyan 22 15 Morning Minyan 8:00a 8 Morning Minyan 1
( ( 26 Shevat 19 Shevat Presidents' Day ( ( Monday 10 Adar 10 3 Adar )
) ) )
8:00a 8:00a 8:00a
Katrina Hurricane of Sea the in Swimming Morning Minyan 23 AlIs This Life of Sea the in Swimming Morning Minyan 8:00a 16 Swimming the in Morning Minyan 8:00a 9 of Sea the in Swimming Morning Minyan 8:00a 2 Siegel
( ( Talmud with Rabbi Is? Siegel Talmud with Rabbi Siegel Talmud with Rabbi Siegel Talmud with Rabbi 27 Shevat 20 Shevat ( ( Tuesday 11 Adar 11 4 Adar
.
)
l There There l ) ) )
...
Sea of of Sea
. 11:00a
11:00a 11:00a 11:00a 7:00p 7:00p 8:00a February 2021 February
Siegel Rabbi Gutsy Torah with Morning Minyan 24 Fund Torah Sisterhood’s Siegel Rabbi To Gutsy Morning Minyan 17 A Siegel Rabbi Gutsy Torah with Morning Minyan 10 SIR Siegel Rabbi GutsyTorah with Morning Minyan 8:00a 3
intel BriefB intel
Wednesday ( 21 Shevat ( ( ( 12 Adar 12 5 Adar 28 Shevat
rah rah with
)
)
)
)
..
.
11:00a 11:00a 11:00a 1
1:30p 6:30p 7:00p 1:00a 8:00a 8:00a 8:00a
Purim Celebration 25 Morning Minyan 18 Program2 Siblings Morning Minyan 1 SIR Program2 Siblings Morning Minyan 8:00a 4 Morning Minyan 8
1
( Thursday 22 Shevat ( ( ( Taanit Esther 13 Adar 13 6 Adar 29 Shevat Erev Purim Erev )
) )
)
10:00a 10:00a
.
7:00p 6 8:00a 8:00a :00p :00a :00a
Morning Minyan Service Shabbat Lighting Candle Purim Service 26 Service Shabbat Lighting Candle Morning Minyan 19 Service Shabbat Lighting Candle 12 Shabbat Service Lighting Candle Morning Minyan 8:00a 5 Morning Minyan
Rosh Chodesh Adar
( 23 Shevat ( ( ( 14 Adar 14 7 Adar 30 Shevat Friday Purim )
) )
.. .. 6:30p ) . 8:00
.
......
6:30p .. ..
6:11p 6:06p 6:02p 5:57p 6:30p 6:30p 8:00a 8:00a 9:00a
a
Shabbat ServicesShabbat Shabb Men's Club Havdalah 27 Havdalah 20 Havdalah 13 Havdalah SIR 6 Shabbat ServicesShabbat Shabbat Services Shabbat
Shabbat Mevarchim Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Adar
Parshat Shekalim Parshat ( Parshat Zachor Parshat Shushan Purim Shushan 24 Shevat Saturday ( ( ( 15 Adar 15 8 Adar 1 Adar at at
.
) )
) . Mishpatim Terumah )
Tetzaveh Yitro .
..
6:56p 6:51p
. 11:00a . 10:00a 10:00a 10:00a 10:00a
7:01p 7:06p
Page 22 TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM THE MESSENGER 1050 South Tuttle Avenue Published monthly by Temple Beth Sholom Sarasota, Florida 34237
Telephone Number 941.955.8121 Rabbi Howard Siegel ....…………...... …………………..……………... Rabbi Fax Number 941.365.4099 Hazzan Diane Nathanson …………………...... ….... Hazzan Emerita After Hours Emergency Number Nancy Hendricks ..……………………...... ………...……. Business Director 941.548.7925 Eric Faerber ....…………………………...... ……...………….……….. President
Sheryl Glickman .....…………………...... …..…..... Sisterhood President OFFICE HOURS Monday, TBS Office is closed Al Treidel ...... ………………………...... ………...… Men’s Club President Tuesday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Lex Calaguas ...... Marketing & Communications Coordinator Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Phyllis Weitzner ....………...... ………..………… Messenger Coordinator
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