The Shul Shofar Vol

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 HESHVAN/KISLEV/TEVET 5778 THE SHUL SHOFAR VOL. 22, NO. 2 * Congregation Beth Israel * Bellingham, WA 98225 * www.bethisraelbellingham.org * (360) 733-8890

FROM THE RABBI Todah Mezzuzot come down from 2200 Broadway rabbah! BY RABBI JOSHUA SAMUELS Judaism and Hebrew have multi- What a year it has already ple ways of saying goodbye. Of been for our Beth Israel family. course we all know “shalom” and As I continue to review the High “l’hitraot.” Not surprisingly, for a Holy Days in my mind and with tradition that engages in text study our leadership, I want to take this and has a deep respect for books, opportunity to Judaism also has a way to say acknowledge all goodbye to sacred texts. A profes- those who sor in rabbinical school taught my helped ensure first-year class the hadran alakh that we would blessing one traditionally recites be able to gath- after studying a whole tractate of er together to Talmud or any pedagogic piece of pray, study and rabbinic literature. The blessing, celebrate. It meaning “I will return to you” in Ara- certainly takes maic goes something like this: a village, and I Congregants had a chance to am full of gratitude for all of you. We will return to you (fill in the spend a last moment in front of This year’s High Holy Days text), and you will return to us; our the ark after the Simchat Torah ser- mind is on you (text), and your mind vice. More photos on Page 9 were especially meaningful for is on us; we will not forget you me, and I hope you feel the (text), and you will not forget us — same. The following is certainly treats our sacred texts as living. not in this world and not in the next not a complete list, so if I have The pages of the Mishnah or Tal- world. mistakenly omitted anyone, I mud will remember us as well. apologize. What a lovely way to mark the Oddly enough, Judaism does not completion of studying a Jewish First, I am most grateful to our have a hadran alakh equivalent for text. We acknowledge its spiritual Cantorial Soloist, Andrea when we leave a synagogue build- and intellectual influence on us and Shupack, for blessing us with ing. We simply remove the mez- we pledge to re-visit it again in our her leadership and beautiful zuzot (as we did on Oct. 14) and lifetime. It’s not so much a voice. It was a joy to plan all the “goodbye” as it is a “l’hitraot.” It also services with Andrea and even Continued on Page 7 more of a joy to share the bima and be led by her passion and love for High Holy Day liturgy. I INSIDE: • NFTY: Bellingham was moved by the vocal ensem- group has new bles she put together and thank • FACES IN OUR name, page 6 each of our High Holy Day choir COMMUNITY: • THE YENTA members for taking us higher. Asher Suloway- SPEAKS: page 4 Shlomis (Sage) Waters, Su- Baker, page 8 san Blum, Warren Palken, and

Continued on Page 11

Page 2 The Shul Shofar November/December 2017 From the President ...

Dear Fellow Congregants, including a large playfield that can We’re on the move! host a camp and other activities. In This is a time for both excitement achieving this, we have increased and nostalgia. In October we had the assets of the community more Volume 22, Number 2 November/December 2017 our last joyous services at 2200 than 16-fold without incurring debt. Heshvan/Kislev/Tevet 5778 Broadway, and we Thank you! You made this possi- observed Simchat ble through your generosity, hard Torah in the shul that work and patience. Since planning has been our home began in the late 1990s, more than since 1925. We all 300 donors have combined to con- have memories of tribute more than $7 million! This the momentous includes 169 current members, 58 events celebrated former members, and 74 non- within its walls. member friends. The median dona- The future on San Juan Boulevard tion is more than $5,000. With about is bright. We are close to achieving 250 member families right now, the Call the office for occupancy and the culmination of so campaign has raised more than more information. much work and hope over the last $28,000 per member unit. 20 years. We do not have a precise The board and our congregational date yet, but we are closing in on committees are at work on a new Rabbi: Kesher Director: one. I recognize, as does the entire strategic plan under the leadership Cantorial Soloist: board, that this transition between of Katie Edelestein. The plan will Admin. Assistant: our old home and our new one has position us to take advantage of our required a lot of flexibility on the part new synagogue, and of the many strengths of our community. Ulti- President: of our congregation. The fact that so Vice Pres: many of you have embraced these mately, CBI is much more than a Vice Pres: difficult circumstances is a measure building, but now we can dream Secretary: Treasurer: of the strength and vitality of our even bigger in our new home. community. With all of our continued help, the Let me take a moment to cele- New Synagogue Task Force and brate what we have built. We have a the Capital Campaign Committee new synagogue and campus to will soon complete their work. Both serve generations to come, with a groups still need our support! Again, sanctuary and social hall that can please contact me Past president: seat 625 people. We have the larg- ([email protected]) with Youth Rep.: est entertaining space in the area, any questions, concerns, or offers of Brotherhood: and we will have parking to match it. help. Sisterhood: We have a 10-classroom school for — STEVEN GARFINKLE, Editor: Kesher. We have outdoor space, PRESIDENT phone: (360) 733-8890 [email protected]

Jan. 21:We will discuss THE LET- Visit our website at Sisterhood book TERS OF LEONARD BERNSTEIN group meetings by Leonard Bernstein, at the home of Esther Faber. Sisterhood book group meets at Beth Israel is a member of: Feb. 18: We will discuss THE 2 p.m. on Sundays. There will not be a meeting In November. LOVING KINDNESS by Ann Roiphe, Dec. 3: We will be discussing THE at the home of Joan Wayne. INVISIBLE WALL by Harry Bern- Information: Contact Joan at (360) stein, at the home of Marta Brand. 676-8939.

November/December 2017 The Shul Shofar Page 3 From the Social Action Committee Winter brings opportunities to help others The collection for the Bellingham all the knitters who provided wonder- cessities for distribution through the Food Bank at the High Holy Days ful hats. Project Homeless Connect program was very successful. Thanks to eve- Other Interfaith Coalition opportuni- every year. On-site services for ryone who donated and collected the ties to support our neighbors include: those experiencing homelessness food. We collected 450 pounds of Severe Weather Shelters – some are offered at this once-a-year event, food and almost $200. This collection homeless people avoid shelters until and the Coalition harnesses the en- helps the Food Bank bridge their the harshest weather. Since 2004, ergy and generosity of its member needs between the seasons. Interfaith Coalition has run two se- congregations to help. A forum on the new jail tax was vere weather shelters, one for men Congregation Beth Israel helps held Oct 15, 2017 at the Bellingham and one for women and children. with the needs for housing in our Library. Esther Faber and Kirsten Both are staffed by volunteers who community by quarterly cleaning a Sykes-David were instrumental in provide a safe, warm and welcoming home for families in transition. getting this organized. The forum environment for homeless individuals Please contact Linda Blackwell, was an informative session that to come in out of the cold. (360) 739-1492, or Arlene Feld for helped members of Beth Israel and CAST (Coffee and Sandwiches information on the Interfaith Pro- the wider Whatcom County commu- Together) – Interfaith Coalition began grams and how to volunteer. nity decide how to vote on this critical partnering with CAST, a longtime The Social Action Committee is issue. The Social Action Committee food outreach program, in August looking for new ideas and projects for is considering how we can further 2015. CAST coordinates a simple 2018. Please consider coming to the prison reform in Whatcom County. food serving program four nights a next meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 9, 2017, Boxes of coats, hats and gloves week in downtown Bellingham. They at Linda Blackwell’s house, 4731 were collected and donated to the are always looking for volunteers to Morgan St. in Bellingham. Interfaith Coat Drive. These dona- assemble and/or distribute food. — LINDA BLACKWELL, tions help our neighbors in need stay Project Homeless Connect – Inter- COMMITTEE CHAIR warm through the winter. Thanks to faith Coalition members collect ne-

to the entire community with or with- She has a fundraising campaign Julie Siegfried out insurance. She’ll be working in with a goal to raise $1,500 for joins with Avodah their case management triage, work- Avodah. By donating, you will be This year, Julie Siegfried will be ing with patients in crisis. Throughout contributing directly to this experi- joining the Avodah Jewish Service the year she’ll be living with the other ence and making it possible. The link Corps in New Orleans to spend a fellows, participating in programming, to the fundraiser is: https:// year learning about Jewish social and continuing to learn, in addition to connect.clickandpledge.com/ justice and working at Crescent working full-time. Organization/avodah/Fundraiser/ Care. Crescent Care is a community She said she chose this program JulieSiegfried106/ health center that offers a full spec- because it is a perfect blend of her If you are able, any donation would trum of quality care at low to no cost passions for Judaism and social jus- mean so much. tice.

Page 4 The Shul Shofar November/December 2017

Magnus Oscar Morvai, son of The Yenta speaks … Talia and Matt Morvai, grand- Tim Baker recently completed a 20-year project as son of Danny and Marla Finkel- JewishGen’s volunteer coordinator for the Yiddish-to- stein, was born on Aug. 28, English translation of the Yizkor Book of Rokiskis, 2017.The family is overjoyed. Lithuania (Rakishok in Yiddish). Rakishok is one of three towns in NE Lithuania from which a group of Welcome to our new members: intermarried families traveled to Bellingham via chain * Derek & Jennifer Binus; sons Josef (10) Weinzierl & migration, leading to the establishment of Congrega- Tomie (7) Weinzierl ― Bellingham tion Beth Israel in the early 20th century. The English * Stephanie Druckman ― Bellingham translations are available online at * Robert Goldman & Nancy Thomson ― Bellingham www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/rokiskis/rokiskis.html. * Leah & Jeffrey Grossman; daughter Aviva (6) ― Barbara Boothby is now Coralela HallelYa Booth- Bellingham by. The name Barbara Jane was originally chosen for * David & Nancy Halpern; son Lenny (10) ― Ana- her older sister, stillborn and swept away without cer- cortes emony or naming, 11 months before Cora’s birth. * Virginia McKorkle — Bellingham This year, that infant was given the name she should * Eileen Miller — Bellingham have had, and Cora has taken a name that honors a * Sheila Sondik & Paul Sarvasy — Bellingham beloved aunt, and her unwavering belief in God.

Birthdays NOVEMBER 2017 11/12 Rebecca Garfinkle (19th) 11/25 Sylvan Weinstein (7th) 12/11 Marvin Wayne 11/13 Peter Auerbach 11/26 Tamar Clarke 12/13 Sheldon B. Pravda 11/1 Susan Jay 11/13 Miriam Schwartz 11/26 Shala Erlich 12/13 Rory Verkh-Haskell (12th) 11/1 David Ziegler 11/14 Isaac Schapiro (17th) 11/27 Elkah Katz 12/14 Eli Brennan (19th) 11/2 Max Nahani Braunstein (8th) 11/14 Raphael Schapiro (17th) 11/28 Floyd King 12/15 Anna Booker 11/2 Lev Shuster (16th) 11/14 Shoshana Schapiro (17th) 11/29 Xavier Sommers (6th) 12/16 Corinne Gimbel-Levine 11/4 Elinor Hall (12th) 11/16 Kristan Brennan 11/30 Orion Dixon (9th) 12/17 Maya Taranow (19th) 11/5 Ian James (9th) 11/16 Ellie Greenberg (19th) 11/30 Priscilla Feld 12/18 David Strich 11/5 Aaron Weiss (99th) 11/16 Jane Relin 11/30 Sarah Witte 12/19 Cathie Diller

11/6 Rodney Shainbom 11/16 Toby Sonneman 12/19 Cinda Zemel 11/7 Steve James 11/17 Nancy L. Lloyd DECEMBER 2017 12/20 David Miller

11/8 Rob Grossman 11/17 Bonnie Stone 12/4 Eric Leiske 12/22 Michelle Anderson 11/9 Jaime Lynn Korner (22nd) 11/17 Jay Wolfman 12/4 Rebecca Oliver 12/26 David Halpern 11/10 Urtica Goldman (4th) 11/18 Rita Spitzer 12/5 Millie Johnson 12/27 Philip Buri 11/11 Stephanie Korn 11/19 Anita Meyer 12/7 Alyssa Diller (17th) 12/28 Ella Keefe (4th) 11/11 Wendy Schwartz 11/19 Patricia Strumpf 12/8 Noam Richmond (15th) 12/28 Mark Pomerantz 11/12 Jakob Garfinkle (19th) 11/20 Willow Corey-DuBow (14th) 12/10 Trisha Adelstein 12/30 Shawn Clarke

November/December 2017 The Shul Shofar Page 5 From the Kesher Center for Jewish Learning It takes a village

With the location changes that our community is going through, I was a bit nervous before the first day of Kesher classes this past September. I could not help but think about the significance of this moment: for the first time in 92 years, the children and youth of CBI and their parents/caregivers are meeting in a new location outside of our familiar synagogue. I knew that all the teachers were ready with lesson plans full of activity and enthusiasm, and that the community is informed about when and where we are meeting — but still, I was worried about the unknown. The day began a bit early with Brotherhood volunteers providing bagels, juice, coffee, and cut Kesher’s middle school students (above) participate in fruit to support Kesher with a generous Bagel the Jr. NFTY Northwest event in Seattle. Kindergarteners Breakfast. The weather was beautiful. Family after and their teachers (below) perform pretend-hakafot in family, friends, and teachers came together to form preparation for Simchat Torah. our little Sunday village! It was definitely an opportunity to kvell about our children’s kesher (the connection) that pulls us together regardless of location, backdrop, or weather. Nurturing our kids’ Kesher, their connection to community and to Judaism, is what happens every Sunday at our “village.” Here are a couple of snap- shots of what it looks like. בְּבִרְּ כַּת שָׁ נָׁה טֹובָׁ הּומְּ בֹרֶ כֶת, שגית הול SAGIT HALL— DIRECTOR, KESHER CENTER FOR JEWISH LEARNING

PEP talk at Kesher 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017 Join us in the gym at the former Larrabee Elementary school during Kesher for this year’s first Parent Enrich- ment Program: Remembering the Murder, Fighting for Democracy, a talk and exhibit led by Elad Peleg, the Vancouver Shaliach (emissary) of the Jewish Agency and Dror Israel. He will discuss the days leading up to the murder of Israel's Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin, its implications on Israeli democracy, and the impact on Israeli society.

Page 6 The Shul Shofar November/December 2017 Youth group has new name, energy Our CBI high school youth group has seen some exciting change and growth. At the end of summer the teens voted to change our name from NFTY-PHAT (People Here at Tem- ple) to NFTY BAY (Bellingham Area Youth) and they elected a youth board. Every NFTY Temple Youth Group (TYG) has a President, who oversees the operation of each event, and a Programming Vice President, who Bellingham Area Youth at the NFTY Leadership Training Institute in develops ideas for monthly events September 2017, are (from left): Lilah Blum, Noam Richmond, Isaac and executes them with the help of Schapiro, Samantha Sommers, Raphael and Shoshana Schapiro. the advisers and other youth board members. In addition to these posi- from other TYGs and learn how to Our last bit of exciting news is that tions, the teens decided to include a achieve success in their roles. NFTY Northwest’s regional winter Social Action Vice President to help Also in September the group baked kallah will be held in Bellingham! We us stay focused on Tikkun Olam, and apple pies for Rosh Hashanah, Anikó don’t know many details yet, but the a Religious and Cultural Vice Presi- led us in an interesting discussion of event will be Feb. 2-4, 2018, in our dent, to bring a Jewish aspect to the holiday, and we baked extra pies new synagogue building. Youth from each event. Teens could nominate to donate to a local teen homeless the across the Northwest region — themselves and others, and then we shelter. In October we had a sleep- Alberta, B.C., Idaho, Montana, Wash- held an election. Our NFTY BAY over under the stars for Sukkot. A ington and Oregon — will attend. President is Shoshana Schapiro, Pro- very large thanks to the Witte family Last year’s winter kallah in Portland gramming Vice President is Saman- for allowing us to use their lakeside had 130 youths. As with all winter tha Sommers, Social Action Vice cabin! Also in October the middle- kallahs, housing for attendees will be President is Lilah Blum, and Reli- schoolers took a fieldtrip to Seattle to provided by host homes in our com- gious and Cultural Vice President is join the NFTY 678 group for a Sukkot munity. If you are interested in open- Anikó Folk. We may soon add a Fi- event. ing your home to youth for this week- nance Vice President. We have The next event we have planned end, please be in touch with Amanda board meetings at 6 p.m. on the first for NFTY BAY is an afternoon at and Daniel, Rabbi, or Abbey Bell, the Tuesday of each month. Trampoline Zone at 2 p.m. Nov. 4, NW Regional Adviser. Abbey’s email In September the full board, along 2017. In December NFTY BAY will is [email protected]; you can reach Dan- with a few other CBI teens, attended participate in 4th Night for Others, iel and Amanda at youthgroup@ NFTY’s Leadership Training Institute and we will plan our main December bethisraelbellingham.org. (LTI) at Camp Kalsman. They got to event at our November BAY board — AMANDA ROBINS AND spend time with their counterparts meeting. DANIEL ZAGNOLI, NFTY-BAY ADVISERS

Anniversaries

Nov. 2 Lisa & Chris Balton (#31) Dec. 22 Terri Weiner & Rob Lopresti (#40) Nov. 6 Sarah & Norman DesRosiers (#13) Dec. 23 Sagit & Alex Hall (#14) Nov.15 Matthew Schall & Gayle Kay (#14) Dec. 28 Jesse & Nicky Naiman (#13) Nov. 16 George & Fay Farkas (#21) Dec. 29 Armando & Diana Lindner (#52) Nov. 29 Floyd King & Leigh Squires (#15) Dec. 30 Joan & Marvin Wayne (#46) Dec. 9 Stuart & Judy Berman (#43) Dec. 31 Tracy & Cathie Diller (#20) Dec. 15 Jeffrey & Priscilla Feld (#37) Dec. 15 Jeff & Amy Margolis (#55) Did we miss your anniversary? Call the office at (360) 733-8890 Dec. 20 Sue & Hans-Rudolf Guenter-Schlesinger (#33) or email office@ bethisraelbellingham.org with the month, Dec. 21 Lou & Marcia Lippman (#52) day & year of your special day.

November/December 2017 The Shul Shofar Page 7

SAYING GOOD-BYE

Continued from Page 1 Special ‘good-byes’ from congregants affix them on our new shul’s door- BY GAYLE GORDON-MARTIN posts. While there is a prayer to put a mezzuzah up, there isn’t one to Weeping willows weep no more, their branches left the sky. take one down. The curtain of the Ark is down; the Torahs have said good-bye. For a tradition that marks every They will be read again on a new and different day — occasion, both sacred and profane, with the breath of Sarah and Abraham curled inside our DNA. with blessings, I find it somewhat The memories remain inside us, glowing deep within our hearts. confusing that we don’t have a for- The present and the past are one as we pack up and depart. mal way to say goodbye to a syna- Everyone has a memory that keeps us in the fold; gogue. During our final Shabbat at some are sad departures and some are always told; 2200 Broadway, as we unscrewed We have a goal and purpose: to keep the flame alive. the mezzuzot, I said the first thing This Jewish light that binds us will surely grow and thrive. that came to my mind: “May we go Our ever-changing Exodus keeps us moving ever on; from strength to strength!” The V’ahavta guides us as we reach towards the dawn. As you can imagine, leaving our An empty palace with room for all stands still with an open door: old building was an emotional expe- awaiting our grand entrance with our chant L’dor v’dor. rience for many of our congregants. I know some have a deep sense of pain and loss, as that 92-year-old building was our spiritual home and BY CORA BOOTHBY with joy as they were encircled witnessed baby-namings, b’nei So incredibly sad to leave this with the fully unrolled Torah scroll. mitzvot, conversion ceremonies, place. So many women in the balcony. weddings, memorial services, So many celebrations, remem- So many immersions in the holiday observances, and classes. brances, lifecycle events. mikveh. Many of us have a huge vault of So much challah, rugelach, So many arms around so many memories from inside those walls. shakshouka, hummus, bagels and shoulders as we swayed to Oseh One congregant said to me, “Rabbi, lox, hamantashen, sufganiyot, Shalom. our memories travel with us. We’ll latkes, latkes, latkes, curry, beans So many interfaith families be just fine.” What simple, yet wise and rice, gefilte fish, horseradish, raising so many children in Jewish words. We will be fine. In fact, we’ll and matzah balls eaten. homes. be better than “just fine.” We are on So many games of gaga and So many looks of wonder when the brink of moving into a syna- duck, duck, goose. Virtual, something from our history gogue that our founders never could interactive trips to Israel and Ellis suddenly became clear. have imagined. We are moving be- Island. So many chanters of Torah and cause we are growing. We are mov- So many prayers for peace and Megillah. ing because we have a vision for healing. So many aliyot! how Judaism is going to be cele- So many tricky and difficult Now, we begin our short trip in brated in Bellingham for the next subjects discussed with respect. the wilderness. How appropriate few generations, and 2200 Broad- So many Holocaust survivors, that this falls on the heels of way can’t accommodate our needs and so many survivors of Sukkot. Unlike our ancestors, we anymore. expulsions. know our objective, and we know While we can’t say “I will return to So many who chose this path to we will land in our new home you and you will return to us,” we God. soon. We'll leave this place can say, “Our mind is on you, Beth So many sederim. brimming over with memories and Israel on Broadway, and we will not soon will arrive at our new empty forget you, not in this world and not So many lulavim and etrogim shaken in so many sukkot. vessel. in the next world.” We'll lament the loss of our old So many adults dancing with joy Send recollections to webmaster@ as our precious Torah was carried and familiar home, and we will bethisraelbellingham.org for publi- by. begin filling our new home with cation on our website, bethisraelbel So many little children dancing memories. May it be so. lingham.org/about-us/our-history

Page 8 The Shul Shofar November/December 2017 Faces in our community

Asher Suloway-Baker finds his place on national NFTY board

BY LINDA HIRSH

Asher Suloway-Baker sports a conservative plaid shirt, trousers and leather shoes. No T-shirts, jeans or sneak- ers for him. In addition, his neat blond hair and glasses give him a dignified, adult air. Asher just turned 18. His maturity is unmistakable, and not just because of the outfit. It’s a combination of innate ability and having had more experience on organizational boards than many people twice his age. When he narrated his journey from being the youth representative on Congregation Beth Israel’s Board of Directors, to becoming Communications Vice President on the board of the National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), it’s adult to adult. “Voice is powerful and adults value teens’ voices,” he said. “I am the voice of youth,” and of NFTY, he said, “I am up to the challenge that NFTY embodies — the pow- er that we as teens have to make an impact.” The family (from left): Ann Suloway, Asher Suloway- It’s as if someone had stepped up to him and said, “I Baker and Tim Baker. have one word to say to you: Leadership.” And when Asher, a Bellingham native, says he cares “about Jewish peoplehood, about building community,” it is apparent he “He was a quick study and soon learned sound de- is a mensch as well. The mix makes for a rare man. sign,” said David Post, BAAY director emeritus. “Within a There’s a history here. It begins with Asher around year, Asher was the main technical theater director for age 3 or 4. BAAY, designing, installing, and running both lights and He’d see a toddler who wanted to run and he’d show sound for shows at the BAAY Theatre. him how, said his mother, Ann Suloway. “It was as if he “He first worked on shows involving the young kids, was saying, ‘What can I teach you about being a big kid ages 5 to 8, and then evolved into the role of technical like me?’ ” And his father, Tim Baker, said that in school director for our full-blown 'pro' productions involving stu- he “would befriend new kids and help integrate them.” dents ages 15 to 18. Not only did he work on theatre Both parents agreed he has always thought big and productions but he also was deeply interested and in- asked big questions with a very big vocabulary. Plus, volved in discussions about the growth and well-being of he’s interested in how to improve the status quo. BAAY. He was and still is a beloved member of the Yet his style is unique. Ann said he learns differently from BAAY community.” a child who sits and reads. “He’s a video learner, likes to Tim remembers that most of his son’s co-workers watch tutorials, quickly grasps the information then makes were older, but treated him as an equal. He also remem- connections,” Tim said. “He’s a non-linear thinker.” bers Asher “herding the children in the production to “He doesn’t go with the program,” but finds new ways Mallards after shows.” to work it, Tim added. How do parents raise such a child? In activities both secular and religious he shows quali- “Expose him to a variety of experiences,” said Ann. ties that add up to an eloquent and effective leader. “Allow him to follow his interests and be creative.” Asher, a born techie, joined Bellingham Arts Academy One such experience was the Explorers Club of Wild for Youth (BAAY), a nonprofit children’s theatre group, Whatcom, an outdoor education group based on a joy of in 2011. He taught himself stage lighting. Continued on Page 10

November/December 2017 The Shul Shofar Page 9 WE WILL REMEMBER YOU

The sanctuary at 2200 Broadway was filled for the last time on Friday Oct. 13, 2017, for Shabbat and Simchat Torah services. After the final Shabbat morning service in the building the next day, the mezzuzot were removed.

Page 10 The Shul Shofar November/December 2017

THE SULOWAY-BAKER FAMILY

Continued from Page 8 nature. There he learned about plants and along with other campers built their own structures. Again, he evolved as a leader. David Strich, then a mentor for the Explorers Club, became acquainted with Asher during the two years he was in the program and echoed Ann’s assessment of Asher helping other children. “I saw him very much as a connect- or and organizer,” David said. “During Holding the banner on the March for Justice in Washington, D.C. on group outings he always showed in- Aug. 28, 2017, are: (From left) Daryl Messinger , URJ Board Chair; terest and concern for everyone Liz Dunst, Commission on Social Action Chair; Zach Herrmann, around him and ensuring their safety NFTY President; Asher Suloway-Baker; unidentifed; Liz Zeller, and comfort.” NFTY Director of Learning and Innovation; and Steven Portnoy, As Ann said, from the beginning Men of Reform Judaism president. “he was a consistent and regular role model for younger participants. Those younger boys loved hanging focus on his national board term, inclusive to new members. He’s ada- out with him and they learned a tre- then finish his associate’s degree. He mant about people getting their voic- mendous amount about how to get wants to study business and market- es heard. He believes that each along in the woods by following his ing and cited the collaboration of member should contribute according example. That he chose to spend his USC with Hebrew Union College for to his or her own skills — say, an time as a mentor in his own right, a major in Jewish nonprofit manage- article in the Shofar if a writer, photos speaks volumes to his compassion ment as an example of possible fu- if photography is a talent. and commitment to his community.” ture studies. He said NFTY proved to him that Tim stressed the importance of Asher went through bar mitzvah Judaism included more than congre- introducing diversity into Asher’s life. and confirmation, then got the gational aspects. Tim, who was brought up in a Men- chance to be Congregation Beth Is- Ann noticed this. “He had a sudden nonite family, was prepared. “Give rael’s youth representative on the awakening at NFTY that he could him an understanding and an ac- Board of Directors. He leaped at it. contribute more to Judaism” as a ceptance of other people’s views be- While serving on the board, he teenager. “All of a sudden he thought cause they all have worth,” Tim said. showed clearly that his leadership Judaism was pretty cool.” Asher’s parents also chose Cedar qualities are deeply woven into his He knew how to get heard. NFTY- Tree Montessori School because the Judaism. Northwest is regional, but the national philosophy is geared to the individual His enthusiasm for NFTY was kin- board also reaches the ear of Union of and stresses that the individual is a dled in 2015 after he attended L’tak- Reform Judaism, the largest Jewish citizen of the community and of the en, a seminar run by the Religious movement in North America. The URJ, world. That means when a problem Action Center in Washington, D.C. according to its own philosophy, pro- arises while working together, they The organization educates and mobi- vides vision and voice to build strong discuss it constructively. lizes the Reform Jewish community communities. If someone has an idea, “In a way, it’s close to Judaism,” on legislative and social concerns. URJ can be a liaison, Asher said. Ann said. There he was inspired to connect In 2016, Asher was elected Com- Indeed, Asher revealed those con- with other Jewish teens. In 2016, an- munications Vice President on necting and organizing skills when he other chance for leadership awaited NFTY’s national board. formed a film club, then went on to him — a chance “to translate his ex- He gave an example of what the create Fourth Corner Films, a small perience to the regional NFTY national board has accomplished: production company whose work in- board,” he said, after Hurricane Harvey the board set cludes narrative shorts, commercials He spoke to NFTY Northwest up the Green Family Camp Center and even live events. members about his ideas to forge a for refugees and raised funds to cov- Now halfway through Running Start closer community — for instance, er the cost of the operation. at Whatcom Community College, teens talking to synagogue members Asher said he will take a gap year to more frequently — and being more Continued on Page 11

November/December 2017 The Shul Shofar Page 11

FROM THE RABBI sides a good night’s sleep, I look for- Martha Greenstone, Esther Faber, Continued from Page 1 ward to eating this delicacy when I David Zimmerman, Miriam Davids, step off the bima following havdallah Ahuva Scharff, Andrea Shupack, all of our instrumentalists: Thank on Yom Kippur. Lilah Blum, Josh Shupack, Hank you for sharing your musical talents Ann Suloway, Rita Spitzer and Levine, David Strich, and Sagit Hall. with us. Though I didn’t attend re- the Membership Committee: Thank David Cohn, Dan Ohms, Diane hearsals, I knew you were in good you for welcoming everyone with Garmo and each of our shofar hands with Andrea. Services would smiling faces and for assisting peo- sounders: Thank you for your stellar not have been as spiritually fulfilling ple with questions. A big reason why shofar sounding. Yasher koach! for me were it not for your vital roles. our community continues to grow is Lynn Korner and Linda Black- Karen Sloss: Thank you for being because of your outgoing and caring well: Thank you for organizing the the point person in charge of practi- personalities. And thank you for host- break-the-fast again. What a big job, cally everything High Holy Days- ing the RH oneg. especially with being uncertain of the related. The services would not run Mary Somerville: Thank you for location. Because of the two of you, it as smoothly without your attention to everything! There isn’t enough room worked out perfectly. detail and dedication. We would be to describe all that you do for Con- Joy Garder: Thank you for donat- lost without your HHD leadership! gregation Beth Israel. Sometimes I ing the beautiful floral arrangements. wonder how you can multitask as Floyd King: Thank you for doing What the Chelm: Thank you for well as you do. If it were an Olympic so much behind-the-scenes work rockin’ out during our joyful Simchat sport, you’d get the gold every time! that is necessary for us to have ser- Torah service at 2200 Broadway. It’s Ahuva Scharff: Thank you for vices for hundreds of people. I con- never been so packed and full of leading the Yom Kippur study ses- tinue to marvel at and trust your sys- such positivity. What a way to say sion again, our largest yet! Your topic tem. I look forward to next year when goodbye to our beloved shul. “Choosing Life: Three Distinct Paths there will be less shlepping for your All of the ushers: Thank you for to Repentance on Yom Kippur” was crew! making sure everyone felt at home in engaging and enlightening. Sarah Witte: Thank you once our community, especially the many Hank Levine, Steve Ban and again for organizing child care during new faces who joined us this year. Yom Kippur. I know so many parents Roby Blecker: Thank you for leading 2nd day Rosh Hashanah with me CBI Board: Thank you for all of appreciate everything you do. I hope your support, leadership, shlepping you know how grateful we are for on Broadway. It continues to be an honor to share the bima with you. and feedback. your generosity and leadership. I Nicole, Eytan and Shoshana: My have a feeling that next year’s HHD All of the Torah/haftarah chanters: Thank you for amazing us gratitude and love for you is bound- child care will be even more wonder- less. ful. with your skills. This was the second year in a row that so many people Todah rabbah! Thank you all so Roby and friends (Floyd King, much for supporting Jewish life in our Gabe Witte): Thank you for the deli- chanted with High Holy Day trope. Kudos to the following: Kathi Paluch, beautiful neck of the woods. You are cious smoked whitefish. I know it was all blessings to this community. a labor of love. Keith would be very Vermeda Fred, Gayle Gordon-Martin, proud that this tradition lives on. Be- Ben Fred, Dan Ohms, Steve Ban, — RABBI JOSHUA SAMUELS

camp with a more mature group,” leadership summit, and attend a few THE SULOWAY-BAKER FAMILY Asher said. conferences in Washington, D.C., as Continued from Page 10 There he focused on leadership in co-chair of NFTY’s Israel Engage- This year, he anticipates creating a the Jewish community. The course ment committee. weekly video series with public ac- ran the gamut from simple aspects “I want to empower other NFTYites cessibility from October to June. like etiquette in email to rabbis’ text to take leadership positions and NFTY’s director will oversee the pro- studies on leadership. speak up on the issues they’re pas- ject, and staff will step in when need- “Kutz is valuable for those who are sionate about in the Jewish world,” ed. Many of the videos involve inter- deeply passionate and for its ability he said. “I know my experiences dur- views with adult leaders advising how to empower teenagers who are up to ing this term will stick with me. I to connect with North American youth. the challenge,” Asher said. “It gives couldn’t be happier with where I He attended Kutz Camp in New them the tools to lead.” wound up.” This year Asher will attend the URJ York, run by the URJ, for 3 1/2 Linda Hirsh has lived in Bellingham since months in summer 2017. “It is the Biennial in Boston in December, help August 1998. She spent 10 years reporting summer home of NFTY, a teen-only coordinate Veida, NFTY’s midyear for The Hartford Courant in Connecticut.

Page 12 The Shul Shofar November/December 2017

Special Fund Donations

Camp & Youth Activities From: Phyllis & Shelley Mazur Rabbi Gartner Scholarship and all our generous donors. From: Paul Blum & Alison Zak *Jacob Siegel (Menlo Park, IN HONOR OF: IN HONOR OF: CA) – for his Bar Mitzvah SPECIAL GREETINGS TO: The Bat Mitzvah of David Goldman – Happy * Steve Able (Orinda CA) – David Goldman – in honor of Birthda * Willow Corey-DuBow Happy Birthday his milestone birthday (and * Flora Booker *Elaine Morgan – for her spe- From: Carol & David Robinson retirement) * Olivia Probst cial birthday From: Janis & Steve Ban; From: Karen Sloss From: Rhoda & Peter Samuels New Synagogue Katie & David Edelstein; Warren Rosenthal & Amy DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO: IN APPRECIATION TO: Whiting; Joan & Marv Wayne Care Committee Fred Karren (Piedmont, CA), Rabbi Samuels, Sage Waters, in memory of Beth David Kar- GET WELL WISHES TO: Elkah Katz, Esther Faber, Lynn IN APPRECIATION TO: ren Korner and Rhonda McMartin – Debbie Raas The Committee, in thanks and From: Rhoda & Peter Samuels For their kindness following the From: Nancy Lloyd gratitude. death of my brother Laurie Riskin - in memory of her DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO: From: Adelle John From: Idalina Trank husband, and our dear friend, Bill Leland Hoch, on the loss of Snow The Committee Congregation Beth Israel – Thank his mother, Francine Hoch From: Stuart & Cinda Zemal From: Phyllis & Shelly Mazur you for sharing your High Holy From: Leslie & Rick Adelstein Days services with me Rabbi’s Discretionary General From: Arlene Ehrlich (Seattle) Leland Hoch, in memory of my friend, Francine Hoch IN HONOR OF: IN APPRECIATION TO: DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO: From: Nancy Lloyd The marriage of Vermeda Idalina Trank, on the loss of Barbara Blumenfeld (S.F.) – Fred & Rodney Shainbom – Idalina Trank, on the loss of her brother, Jose Pereira As- Thanks for being so special Mazel Tov! her brother, Jose Pereira As- sunção From: Rhoda & Peter Samuels From: Miriam & Perry Davids sunção From: Martha Greenstone Karen Sloss From: Lynn & Michal Korner Rabbi Samuels, for the Seli-

IN HONOR OF: chot service and the warm Linda Blackwell, for her work Patsy Strumpf, on the loss of welcome * Rabbi Samuels’ Yom Kippur as chair of the Social Action her husband, Michael talk on necessity of resilience. From: Mel Malkoff (Kingston, WA) Committee From: Karen Sloss

* Andrea Shupack, in grati- From: Sarann Donegan Rabbi Samuels and Andrea tude for her heavenly singing Gregg Orlik, on the loss of his Shupack, for our 5778 High during the Yom Kippur service *Jaime Korner father, Gilbert Orlik Holy Days services From: Mark Packer * Vivienne Wolf, for her 86th From: Larry & Melissa Stahlberg

From: Carol & David Robinson birthday The Sommers family, in Rabbi Samuels and Andrea Kesher Tuition From: Anne Brown memory of Chase Jimmy Shupack, for Orilev’s naming IN APPRECIATION TO: The memory of our long- From: Marta & Craig Brand ceremony Deborah Magnuson, for her departed parents: Ted and From: Lindsay Wells & Langley annual Rosh Hashanah well- Celia Zak, Abe and Rochelle IN MEMORY OF:

Blum. With great thanks to the My dear brother, Jose Pereira IN HONOR OF: wishes New Synagogue Task Force, Assunção Our 65th wedding anniversary! From: Idalina & Richard Trank Capital Campaign Committee, From: Idalina Trank

November/December 2017 The Shul Shofar Page 13

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November/December 2017 The Shul Shofar Page 15

Observances follow the Hebrew calendar, unless secular date is requested, and are Yahrzeits read on the Shabbat prior to the observance date.

Friday, November 3 Leah (Lilly) Kleiman 11/23 John Lester 12/13 Otto Korneck 11/23 Norma Resnick 12/13 Anna Mae Baker 11/6 Frances (Fran) Mishler 11/24 Nick Schira 12/13 George Bernard Levine 11/6 Elly Kraus 12/14 Bette Bikman 11/ 7 Lucille Rest 12/14 Robert (Bob) Farkas 11/9 Friday, November 24 Hannah Glass 12/15 Anne Enger 11/10 Bud Robinson 11/25 Richard Kite 12/15 Rose Wick Eigen 11/26 Friday, November 10 John Paschetag 11/26 Friday, December 15 Jack Sheinkopf 11/26 Phillip Fine 11/11 Lanny "Bip" Sokol 11/26 Alice Behrstock 12/17 Lily Swartz 11/11 Zelda Turovitz 11/26 Marvin Richmond 12/18 Bernard Feerer 11/12 Hyman Bettman 11/27 Monica Biggin 12/19 Frances Studen 11/12 Louis Groper 11/28 Burton Jay 12/19 Otto V. Vohl 11/12 Phyllis Heck 11/30 Nathan Loober 12/19 Samuel Hecht 11/13 Bernard Shuster 12/1 Sarah Patinkin 12/19 Lazar Emanuel 11/14 George Shaw 12/20 Herman Tabak 11/14 Joseph Soode 12/20 Irving Grossman 11/15 Friday, December 1 John J. Read 12/21 Hilda Meltzer 11/15 Abraham Andrew Widerkehr 12/2 Max Spigelman 12/21 Sadie Neiburger Stolzoff 11/15 Deborah Louise Feinwachs 12/3 Jerry Roberts 12/22 Pam Champagne 11/16 Ida Zderic 12/3 Henry (Hank) Gordon 11/16 Edith Jensen 12/4 May B. Schwartz 11/16 Friday, December 22 Samuel M. Pravda 12/4 Helen Skinner 11/16 Abram Stolzoff 12/5 Richard Bloomfield 12/23 Henry David Weill 11/16 Elaine Cohn 12/6 Ben Gordon 12/23 Rose Weitzman Price 11/17 Victor Geretz 12/7 Morris M. Stone 12/23 Joseph Kahan 12/24 Friday, November 17 Friday, December 8 Barry Zell 12/25

Mary Vermeda Paschetag 12/26 Myer Avraham Goldberg 11/18 Fred Damski 12/9 Beatrice Weiss 12/26 Melvin Goldberger 11/18 Marion Relin 12/9 Lois Looney 12/27 Margaret (Peggy) Korner 11/18 Robin Hoffman 12/10 Ruth Robinson 12/28 Esther Mazur 11/18 Paula Brown 12/11 Nicole Russell 12/28 Sam Moskowitz 11/18 John Douglas (Doug) Freeman 12/11 Cecile R. Gordon 12/29 Julian Lewis 11/19 Diane Lewis 12/11 Jack Miller 12/29 Irmgard (Korneck) McNulty 11/20 Frances Feiger 12/12 Regina Tein 12/29 Sylvia Sulkin 11/20 Henry Frank 12/12 Marvin Siegel 11/22 Rachel Jaffe 12/12 Friday, December 29 (No Shabbat service — will be read on Dec. 22)

In Memoriam George Garmo 12/30 Ivan Senzon 12/30 Zichronam l’vrachah ~ May their memories be for a blessing Haskell David 12/31 George Bikman 1/1 Rudolf Reitz 1/1 Our congregation offers heartfelt condolences to the following Pearl Turovitz 1/1 individuals and their families: Rachel Siegfried 1/2 Ruth Jacobson 1/3 Idalina Trank on the loss of her brother, Jose P. Assunção, who Solomon Thal 1/3 passed away on August 25, 2017, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Lynn Shuster 1/4 William Aron Dorfman 1/5 Ruth Shuster, on the loss of her sister, Nancy Zisook, who passed Nathaniel Jacob Hirsh 1/5 away on August 31, 2017. Sherwood Jacobson 1/5 We mourn the passing of long-time Beth Israel congregant, Francine Dorothy Mazel Spiro 1/5 Dorothea Zimmerman 1/5 Hoch, on August 27, 2017. She was 101 years old, and was the oldest member of our congregation. Our deepest condolences go out to her sons, Leland and Jonathan Hoch, and to their families.

NON-PROFIT ORG. THE SHUL SHOFAR U.S. POSTAGE PAID Congregation Beth Israel BELLINGHAM, WA 2200 Broadway PERMIT NO. 180 Bellingham, WA 98225

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CELEBRATE HANUKKAH WITH BETH ISRAEL

4th Night for Others Consider a break from presents in your house and in- stead shop for a new toy or book for a child of any age to be given to the nonprofit PLLAY (Programs to Lighten the Lives of Adults and Youths — pllay.org). They provide women in need the opportunity to “shop” for their children this holiday season. Drop off your contribution to the Attars’ house (2005 Eldridge Avenue) during the week of Dec 11, or bring it to our Shabbat/Hanukkah service Dec 15. We hope you’ll join us in this mitzvah.

Questions? [email protected]

Community Hanukkah Party Beginning in mid-November purchase Hanukkah 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 candles on our website (under the “donate” tab), and Bloedel Donovan Pavillion before and after Kesher classes following Thanksgiving. $5 for 44 candles; all proceeds help fund the party. Celebrate with yummy food, Hanukkah-themed crafts, a Dreidel Spin-off and Dreidel “drop,” Kesher class Sponsors and helpers needed: Contact Marcia Lippman, performances, music and singing, and lighting [email protected], Lynn Korner, lkmk1@ the Hanukkah candles. yahoo.com, or Nora Mazonson, [email protected]