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January 2019 January Tevet/Shevat 5779 5779 Tevet/Shevat 2 | January 2019 FEDERATION Plant Seeds. Take Action. Plant People. bear fruit?” The man replied: “Seventy Let us reflect on the aforementioned and learning – B’nai Zion, Chabad, Temple years.” ask ourselves how we are able to help the Beth El and Temple Mount Sinai, and Honi then further asked him: “Are Jewish future here in Greater El Paso. support our Jewish Academy, our Jewish you certain that you will live another This Jewish community is filled with Center for Early Learning, Hadassah, seventy years?” The man replied: “I so many good opportunities to celebrate our Holocaust Museum, and the like. found [already grown] carob trees in the world; as my forefathers planted those for me so I too plant these for my children.” The man appreciated and realized the importance of what those who came before him had done and how it benefitted him. As such, he took action and planted for future generations so that Robert French they would benefit from his actions. Juxtapose this story alongside a By the time you read this I will have recent experience of mine. On the way lived here in Sun City for six months. I’ve to one of the many glorious Chanukah endured the summer heat, the “cooler” celebrations I attended last month (boy, winter temperatures and gale-force does this community know how to winds, good Mexican food, cowboy boots celebrate Chanukah!), I noticed a car and more. It’s been quite an eye opener stuck on a wall in a parking lot. I stopped and meeting “Y’all” has been the best to help. But others who were at the part of it. 7-Eleven watched, looked, laughed and Tu B’Shvat – the New Year for Trees even took selfies with the poor stranded and engage in Jewish life. The richness Help us with our Campaign 2019 so that - is around the corner and it reminds me driver without a thought of offering to and variety of the recent Chanukah the Federation may continue to engage of one of my favorite tales. help, even when asked. This incident is programs attest to that. our community, work with our partner A story is told of Honi, a Jewish the antithesis of the story of Honi. This is Let us use this secular New Year to agencies, enhance Jewish life here and scholar of the 1st century BCE, who was inaction and selfishness at its core – never plant seeds for the future AND to take overseas, and plan to have a vibrant journeying on the road when he saw a mind the selfie! action. Give of your time and volunteer. Jewish community for our children man planting a carob tree. He asked, Many of us use January 1 as an Give of your resources – give and future generations. Help El Paso “How long does it take [for this tree] to opportunity for New Year’s resolutions. generously to our places of worship and today and in the future by considering starting a fund in our Jewish Community Foundation. It’s simpler than you think, and the benefits are tremendous. (I’m happy to discuss further.) There is a Chinese proverb that states, “If your vision is for a year, plant wheat. If your vision is for ten years, plant trees. If your vision is for a lifetime, plant people.” In 2019 may our resolution be to plant seeds, take action and to plant people. We will be a better place for it and future generations will thank us. Robert French Executive Director The Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso The Jewish Community Foundation

P.S. We are blessed to have four Jewish New Years. The first person to email me at [email protected] and tell me correctly which they are – I will take to lunch.

A publication of the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso

The Jewish Voice of El Paso, published ten times a year, is dedicated to informing, educating, and uniting the Jewish community by providing news items of local, national, Israeli and international concern. The Jewish Voice will consider for publication any materials submitted that support the mission of the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso and have relevance and appeal to the El Paso Jewish community. Articles are subject to editing at the editor’s discretion and are subject to space limitations. Letters cannot be longer than 150 words and articles must be kept to a maximum of 300 words. Please email to [email protected] Opinions are those of individual writers and not necessarily those of the Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso. The Jewish Voice is not responsible for the of any product or eating establishment advertised herein.

Executive Director: Robert French Editor: Cindy Graff Cohen Campaign Director: Sue Bendalin Layout and Design: Beatriz Garcia President: Janet Kent Wechter Advertising Representative: Said Buhaya Deadline for the February issue of the Voice: January 10 Office: 915-842-9554 Printing: PDX Printing 7110 North Mesa, El Paso, TX 79912 Deadline for the March issue of the Voice: February 11

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible January 2019 | 3 FEDERATION Tu B’Shevat: Celebrating life In our part of the world, we don’t and more varieties of palm trees than I as beautiful as a tree.” I’ve seen many take trees for granted. Our trees don’t can name. None will as tall as my live beautiful ones, but I will never forget grow as tall or live as long here. We oaks and I doubt any will outlive them. the first time I saw the giant Sequoias treasure each one in our yards, parks, What you can’t see is the deep and in northern California in the early and landscapes. complicated root system anchoring and 1960s. Dad drove our Chevrolet station When I lived in Virginia, Alabama, feeding those trees. Below the ground wagon through that famous redwood and Maine, I was always surrounded is a miraculous natural construction tree with the car tunnel carved out of by too many trees. Sure, the fall leaves made up of a million little things that the trunk. were dazzling, but to me they also make the tree’s system work. California is also home to the two meant weekends lost to raking, raking, A good tree, like our Jewish oldest trees in the world, both bristle- and more raking. However, the main community, needs a strong foundation. cone pines in the White Mountains problem for me was that all those trees To keep our community vital and area. The second oldest one is named Cindy Graff Cohen back east shrink the sky and block the growing, we build on our past growth after Methuselah, the ancient patriarch view. I was thrilled to move to a big-sky and heritage and we continue to feed in Genesis and grandfather of Noah has been threatened, but like area where you can see for miles in all our Jewish life force with our attention said to have lived almost a thousand this strong deep-rooted pine tree, the directions. and our talents. years. Methuselah has been growing Jewish religion and way of life remain In El Paso trees hold a very special for nearly 50 centuries. through the millennia! place in our landscape. On Monday, Older than Methuselah At an estimated 4,800 years of Happy New Year of the Trees, January 21, trees enjoy a special place What’s not to love about a good age, it is older than the Egyptian happy Tu B’Shevat! on the Hebrew calendar. Tu B’Shevat – strong tree that lives on and on? And pyramids, but not older than Judaism. the 15th day of Shevat – celebrates the adds so much beauty to our world? When Methuselah was just a little Cindy Graff Cohen New Year of the Trees. It will be a good We know Joyce Kilmer ‘s little rhyme: seedling, the Jewish faith was already a Editor day to eat figs, dates and pomegranates, “I think that I shall never see/A poem thousand years old. The continuity of The Jewish Voice with their significance in the Torah, and other fruits of the tree. Not surprisingly this minor holiday grew out of a desert somewhat like ours where trees were appreciated and nurtured. It was an agrarian society Pacesetters that marked the time when a tree’s fruit could be harvested after the tree’s third Tuesday, “birthday.” Continuity and strength January 22, 2019 When we moved into our home in 1997, one of the first things we did was 6:30 pm buy three small live oak trees for the backyard. “Shade is good in a desert,” Burton Cohen said and he was right. Event Chairs: Wendy and Steve Lanski Today those little 40-gallon rootbound and Robin and Tony Furman trees tower over the house, protecting me from the western sun and making the backyard a shady oasis even on the Learn more about the Federation’s work around the world from hottest days. I’m pretty sure those live oaks will guests from the Jewish Agency for Israel outlive me. I like to think that the next Arielle Di-Porto, Director of Immigration and Absorption, JAFI generation and the next generation will Mort Naiman, Senior VP, Global Philanthropy, JAFI enjoy their shade and protection as well. It’s a small way I can help some other El Pasoans in the future. $1800: Minimum 2019 pledge per person From my front window, I see RSVP by January 15: 915-842-9554 or [email protected] all kinds of trees: Mexican elders, Address sent upon RSVP corkscrew willows, Lombardy poplars,

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915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 4 | January 2019 FEDERATION The Jewish Voice: Informing and Connecting the Jewish Community Communications is key to of the larger Jewish community of what we do for a living, how we spend When you support The Jewish building community and we hope El Paso and Las Cruces. We have a our time, or where we worship. Voice, you show your appreciation that you find The Jewish Voice brings unique identity as a tiny minority in The Jewish Voice plays a one-of- for this paper and its place as you the news you need to be a part this area that we share regardless of a-kind role in our communications a communications tool in our channels here. Nowhere else will you community. Rest assured, whether or find announcements, photographs, not you contribute, you will continue and stories that cut across to receive the paper for free. We congregations and keep you up-to- want to keep the whole community Become an Advertiser in date on events of interest to the whole connected and informed. community. We want to be the Jewish To become a “Friend of the The Jewish Voice newspaper you can’t wait to pick up Jewish Voice,” mail your check to the and read. Jewish Federation of Greater El Paso, Advertising in The Jewish Voice, the Borderland’s only newspaper A small part of The Jewish 7110 N. Mesa Street, El Paso, Texas writing for the Jewish community, makes sense for businesses needing Voice operating budget comes from 79912. You can also donate online to reach an interested and engaged consumer base. With a circulation advertisers and the rest comes from through PayPal at www. jewishelpaso. of 1200 copies for ten months a year, advertising in The Voice is an the generosity of Jewish Federation org/Ways-To-Give (specify “Friends affordable and reliable way to get your business’s name in front of a donors. You can be a “Friend of of The Voice” in “special instructions targeted audience that you can’t reach other ways. the Voice” by becoming a voluntary to seller”). Donate by phone at 915- Energized with a new design and editorial features, The Jewish subscriber for $18 – the at-cost 842-9554 or email at frontdesk@ Voice is both familiar and fresh, and more relevant to the Jewish printing and postage price for a ten- jfedelpaso.org. Thank you for your community than ever before. month subscription – or you can support. For more than 50 years, The Jewish Voice subscribers have been contribute more to support others’ loyal readers known for reading the paper cover to cover and keeping subscriptions. back issues for reference and coverage of people they know. With back issues and current issues now posted online at jewishelpaso.org, advertisers’ outreach outlasts the printed papers and continues to stay visible to viewers 24/7. Advertising is simple and cost-effective, with annual discounts for running in all ten issues and design assistance for businesses without camera-ready advertisement capabilities. Contact us at 915-842-9554 or email frontdesk@jfedelpaso. org to learn more about how The Jewish Voice can promote your business with a well-placed color or black-and-white ad.

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IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible January 2019 | 5 FEDERATION El Paso celebrates Hanukkah More than 150 members of the El a happy crowd representing all faiths Paso-Las Cruces Jewish community and and all ages. Many thanks to Peter friends gathered on December 9 to light Svarzbein for his role in establishing this the menorah, hear inspiring holiday Hanukkah tradition three years ago and messages, listen to Hanukkah music to David Kern, chair of the Federation’s and enjoy doughnuts and hot chocolate. Community Relations Council, and Neal Presented by the Jewish Federation of Rosendorf for making this event happen. Greater El Paso, the annual event in Thanks also to Brian Kanof and Edward San Jacinto Plaza brought together Dubowitz for their photographs.

City Council Rep and Jewish Federation board member Peter Svarzbein lit the menorah this year

Rabbi Larry Karol of Temple Beth-El led the group in singing favorite holiday songs

People of all ages wore winter coats to stay warm

Rabbi Scott Rosenberg of Congregation B’nai Zion spoke to the crowd

Said Buhaya, our Federation’s busy office Newly elected U.S. Representative Veronica assistant helped set up the stage and Rabbi Ben Zeidman of Temple Mount Sinai The large menorah was lit for the eighth Escobar joined in the Hanukkah festivities shared Hanukkah prayers with the group night of Hanukkah

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 6 | January 2019 ISRAEL El Pasoans return from AIPAC mission As we sat at Ben Gurion Airport constant threat of danger from Hamas’ Kotel, observed the communities that waiting to board our flight back to El rocket fire. The Jerusalem Post headline have developed in both east and west Paso, we reflected on the six days we on the day we visited was “IDF Catches Jerusalem from the vantage point of spent in Israel on an AIPAC (American Palestinian Who Breached Gaza Border, Samuel’s Tomb, toured the hidden gems Israel Public Affairs Committee) Senate sets Greenhouse on Fire.” We were shown in Jerusalem’s Old City, visited a planned Club mission with a diverse group of 150 what was left of that very greenhouse community of Rawabi in Ramallah and people from all over the United States. (photo attached) as well as the arsonist’s toured the Tower of David Innovation It is so difficult, if not impossible, to footprints as he unsuccessfully tried to Lab (hosted by former El Pasoan Rose explain what a wonderful, transformative flee. It was reported that he explained Bernstein, Director of External Affairs at experience it was. to the IDF that he acted in desperation, the Tower of David Museum). We received briefings from the as spending time in an Israeli jail was Together with the other AIPAC U.S. Ambassador to Israel, the Foreign an improvement over the conditions in supporters, we experienced the miracle Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister, Gaza. of Israel, its people and all its beauty the Ministry of Intelligence’s Director We then had lunch in Sderot. We and diversity from its technological and General, Israel’s principal deputy legal experienced firsthand how incredibly environmental advances, to soldiers adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, volatile the region is when the headlines protecting a moshav on the border Conference registration is now open the immediate past Chief Intelligence the next day were about a Palestinian of Gaza, a tisch Friday night in Mea and is fully refundable for cancellations Officer at the IDF Central Command, worker with a work permit unfortunately She’arim, and programs that allow made in writing and emailed to leaders of several of the political parties being killed by a rocket there. young adults with special needs to serve [email protected] if received in the Knesset, military leaders, social We had our picture taken in front of in the Israeli Army. by January 18, 2019. and high tech entrepreneurs, Palestinian the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and visited This will be our first opportunity to leaders, well respected journalists, Shalva, Israel’s leading organization for March Conference in DC sit down with incoming Congresswoman accomplished authors, and from people people with special needs. It was difficult Please consider joining us at AIPAC’s Veronica Escobar to express our with different Jewish and Muslim to choose from the many excellent options Policy Conference in Washington, appreciation for her support of this perspectives. to tour the country and learn more about D.C., from March 24 to 26, 2019, to unique partnership. These are exciting We heard from families living at its past glory and future dreams. We took experience first hand the excitement times; your participation can make a Moshav Netiv Ha’asara on the northern a bike ride from the old port of Tel Aviv and challenges that Israel faces and how difference. border of the Gaza Strip what it is like for to Jaffa, heard from young Israeli Arab political decisions in the U.S. directly B’Shalom, them and their children to live with the entrepreneurs, greeted at the impact the US-Israel relationship. Policy Shari and Stuart Schwartz Israel to send time capsule in historic mission to the moon Israel will send a time capsule along on the moon indefinitely. SpaceIL and indicates the spacecraft’s readiness to subject of space in Israel.” with an Israeli spacecraft on the Jewish the Israeli Space Agency announced in blast off from the launch site in a few “We are proud to be the first non- state’s first mission to the moon in 2019. October a collaboration with the National weeks.” governmental entity in the world to go The capsule will consist of the Bible, Aeronautics and Space Administration “SpaceIL’s crews and IAI have to the moon,” said IAI Space Division pictures of Israeli symbols like the flag, that will allow SpaceIL to better its completed testing of the spacecraft and general manager Opher Doron. Israeli songs, drawings by children and a capability to monitor and “communicate its systems, and are preparing for the “Landing on the moon was for many booklet by a Jewish man about surviving with the spacecraft before, during and beginning of the amazing and complex years a little-discussed topic among the Holocaust, in addition to other after landing on the moon,” according to journey that exemplifies innovation, the public, but recently we see growing materials. SpaceIL in a statement. creativity and courage,” continued interest as world superpowers seek The spacecraft, Beresheet (the “This is another step on our way Anteby. “The spacecraft’s historic to return to the moon in a variety of Hebrew word for “Genesis”), will launch to the moon,” said SpaceIL CEO Ido journey, which also includes a scientific commercial missions.” from Cape Canaveral, FL, in February. Anteby. “Inserting the disks into the mission, makes a significant contribution Reprinted from the Jewish News Service, The time capsule is expected to remain spacecraft, which is a real ‘time capsule,’ to advancing the space industry and the December 17, 2018

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IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible January 2019 | 7 FEDERATION

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915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 8 | January 2019 COMMUNITY Continuing Early Childhood Excellence The teachers became the students as “It really was a transformative three educators from The J attended the experience,” said Ms. Ceci. “While we National Association for the Education of wish everyone was able to attend, we’re Young Children Conference (NAEYC), working on power point presentations the largest early childhood education so that we can share the wealth of conference in the world. information with the entire J at our next Kindergarten teacher and professional development. We want to pedagogista Ceci Valencia was ensure that the entire school can benefit accompanied by two other teachers, from this amazing program.” Edith Galindo and Cynthia Lopez, at the November conference in Washington, Wendy Siegel D.C, where they were joined by 9,000 Board Member other early-learning professionals. The J Center for Early Learning teachers had the opportunity to network with other educators and advocates as they were exposed to hundreds of sessions on topics that impact early childhood Ceci Valencia, Cynthia Lopez and Edith programs. The teachers attended the Galindo meet Don Monopoli, one of NAEYC Conference with the goal of the stars of The Learning Station, an ensuring our preschool is on the cutting educational musical TV show beloved by J edge in early childhood education. Center kindergartners “There were sessions on what’s new in education, best practices and the research behind it, policy-making, leadership, and the difference a good educator and education can make in the life of a child,” said Ms. Ceci. “We split up and went to different sessions so we could make the most of our time there.” The three teachers were impressed by an 83-year-old Colorado JCC educator who taught a session on music and education. “She was so passionate about education, and that really came through and resonated with us all,” explained Ms. Ceci. The educators were unashamed about being brought to tears as they were so taken by the conference. They were informed and inspired, and excited to bring their lessons home to El Paso. Teachers learned how to address their charges in the most respectful (and impactful) ways and watched a video that modeled this method for them. In a room that was so packed teachers were sitting on the floor, leaning against walls, and sharing chairs, the session emphasized the power of teachers’ words and the importance of the way in which those words are used. The El Paso educators returned with innovative methods to enhance circle time, incorporating vital concepts as children are given opportunities to discuss their families and share stories about their home lives. And they learned that the brain is the only organ not fully developed at birth in a session that taught about the power childhood experiences can have on brain development.

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible January 2019 | 9 COMMUNITY The Tree of Life and Tu B’Shevat The Tree of Life in the Garden The Eternal One was reassuring, and creatures with great care. They will of Eden was wondering what had “Yes, they will be secure. They will tend to you, help you grow, and make happened. have to work hard to survive. I will be more trees grow like you. You will be Everything was quiet. There had watching them and inspire them to grow called an almond tree - SHAKED, or, in been people there. Two of them. when necessary. Don’t worry about your case, SH’KEYDIAH - and they will They were gone. She asked the Tree of them.” make many of you in all of the places Knowledge if he knew why there had Eitz Chayim was not convinced. where you can grow.” been a change. He told her to speak to “Source of all life, I AM worried. Will “And I will give you a special gift. the Eternal One. they always realize You won’t be far Some of the people will follow a man “Eternal One!” away from them while they are living named Moses, who will lead them to There was silence. Then there was in their new home? Will they be able freedom after hundreds of years of a voice. to overcome their fears and to live and enduring cruel slavery. I will instruct Rabbi Larry Karol “Yes, my Eitz Chayim, did you call?” thrive? Will they make the right decisions Moses, their leader, to have them make “Why is it so quiet? Where did the for their future? They might need a lot a seven-branched symbol of light that it gets cold in the places where you people go? Did I do something to make of assistance. I want to help!” will look like you. It will feature shapes grow, you will be the first tree to show them leave?” The Tree of Life was The Eternal One thought for a of almond blossoms on top. And you, your blossoms. That will so amaze the extremely concerned. moment. “Eitz Chayim, would you like my Eitz Chayim, will be able to watch descendants of Moses and his people The Eternal One reassured her, “No, to be closer to them?” them (SHAKAD) day and night not that they will celebrate a New Year of Tree of Life. You did nothing wrong. “Yes, my Creator, Yes!” only through all your tree children, but Trees. It will be called Tu Bish’vat. It They did, though. I had told them not The Omnipresent One looked in any place where their light symbol - will be a day to remind them to care for to eat of your fruit or the fruit of your intently at the Tree of Life, causing a soft the Menorah - will stand in the special the world, including you and your fellow companion, the Tree of Knowledge. wind to move her leaves on her branches. houses where they will worship Me and trees, because this is the only world they They did eat his fruit, and it opened their “I have a proposal for you. I will send pray about taking care of the world - will have.” eyes in a way that made it impossible for you out into the world. There will be including you - and each other.” The Eitz Chayim was ready. “My them to stay here.” many other trees out there. You will “Really, Eternal One? That is so Creator, I will watch them and guide Eitz Chayim replied, “My Creator, make friends with them. You will guide kind of you. I will do what you ask!” them. I promise! Lead me to my new I am sad. I was actually getting to like them. You will be My eyes and ears to The Tree of Life was excited about her home!” having them around. Where did they make sure that the people - and there will new existence among the people. Rabbi Larry Karol go? Will they be safe?” be many of them - will treat my plants “And...one more thing. When Temple Beth-El, Las Cruces A win-win idea for donations For the last three years, Ira Batt, of nonprofit organizations more than grown as others hear of it by word real estate agents do the same thing. a well-known real estate specialist for $30,000 in three years. of mouth. Recipients have included He continues to enjoy his real more than 40 years, has given back to Being blessed with good health Center for Children, Child Crisis estate practice and spending time with his community in an innovative way. and security was not always the case Center, Animal Rescue League, St. Irene off the job. As Ira Batt often says, He has created a win-win situation for Ira, who moved from New York Matthews Catholic Church, the Jewish life is “fantastic!” for every seller: they receive his time- City with his mother in 1948 for health Federation and more. Ira believes that tested expertise in selling their property reasons. “We were flat broke,” he says. he may be the only Realtor in the area Cindy Graff Cohen or business, he receives a commission “The Jewish community footed the bill providing this benefit to clients, but he Editor on the sale, and then he donates ten for us to stay in a hotel and helped me hopes his legacy could be that all local The Jewish Voice percent of that commission to the apply for food stamps.” The memory nonprofit cause of their choice in their of how much he was helped by others name, giving the seller the opportunity early on and throughout his career has TEXAS NEURODIAGNOSTIC, HEADACHE to use his gift as a tax deduction. stuck with Ira. He is grateful for the Ira is quick to credit his wife of friendships he made and the business & SLEEP DISORDERS CENTER, P.A. 55 years, Irene, for the charitable support he received from mentors and contribution idea. “We were talking business leaders like Emil Reisel, Sam BORIS KAIM, M.D. F.A.A.N., FAASM one day about how lucky we were to be Kobren, Jack Cardwell, Albert Cox, Board Certified in Neurology, Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine healthy, comfortable, and free of debt,” and J.O. Stewart. he recalls. “We were in our 80s and Giving back to organizations that PRACTICE LIMITED TO CONSULTIVE NEUROLOGY, thinking about how to give back to the help other people in need is gratifying. PSYCHIATRY, ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY, community that has given us so much.” “It feels so good when I have a check NERVE CONDUCTION, EMG, SLEEP DISORDERS, Irene, now retired, worked side by made out to a nonprofit organization AND TESTING FOR DIABETIC NEUROPATHIES. side with Ira for decades and knew the for a client,” Ira says. And the client real estate business well. Her concept feels good donating to their favorite has caught the attention of clients – 501c3 charity. 2311 N. Mesa, Bldg. F • El Paso, Texas 79902 and has collectively given a variety The charitable gift program has Phone: (915) 544-6400

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915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 10 | January 2019 COMMUNITY Wednesday, January 2, 16, 30 Havdalah” at Franklin Mountain with two leaders from the Jewish Agency Time to pull on your cowboy boots Borderland’s Cafe Europa, the State Park. Join other PJ Library kids for Israel. Arielle Di-Porto, director of and dust off your hat for this year’s “Wild Jewish Federation’s social group for older and their families from 6:30 to 8:30 immigration and absorption, and Mort West Casino Night” – and practice your members of our Jewish community, p.m. for Havdalah and a wonderful Naiman, senior vice president for global two-step. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Buy continues with biweekly gatherings in night of stargazing with the Sun City philanthropy, have exciting stories to tell your tickets now at 833-2222. the new year. Everyone’s invited to meet Astronomers. To ensure refreshments about their work overseas. at 11:30 a.m. every other Wednesday for all, RSVP at jewishelpaso.org/ Thursday-Saturday, February 21-23 in the Jewish Federation’s spacious pjlibrary by Wednesday, January 9. Thursday, January 24 The Jewish Federation’s “Sun conference room for lunch and a brief The Jewish community is invited City Shabbat” brings together the program. Call the Federation for more Monday, January 21 to a town hall question and answer entire Jewish community for Shabbat information at 915-842-9554. It’s Tu B’Shevat, but it’s also Dr. session on security and related matters dinners on Friday night and Havdalah Martin Luther King Day, so school’s with Michael Masters, CEO of Secure on Saturday. Watch for details, Sunday, January 6, 20, 27 out! Join the Jewish Federation’s PJ Network Network. Titled “After including neighborhood dinners and The Jewish Federation’s Film Series Library for a morning of service Pittsburgh… What Do We Need to an ElPasoConnect Shabbat dinner for leads with “Act of Defiance” on the first projects called “Plant the Future.” Know?” the session runs from 7:30 to those of us in our 20s, 30s, and 40s. Sunday in January. Two weeks later we Details will be emailed to everyone who 9:00 p.m. RSVP at JewishElPaso.org/ have “Three Identical Strangers,” the RSVPs at jewishelpaso.org/pjlibrary by TownHall or 915-842-9554 by January Sunday, March 31 surprising true story of Jewish triplets Wednesday, January 16. 23. The Jewish Federation of Greater separated at birth. The Hungarian movie El Paso presents “Hatikvah: Hope “1945” on January 27 is co-sponsored Tuesday, January 22 Saturday, February 9 Reborn” at 5:00 p.m. on March 31. by the El Paso Holocaust Museum and The Jewish Federation’s annual All are invited to Congregation The concert is made possible through Study Center. The movies start at 2:00 Pacesetters gathering launches the B’nai Zion’s annual Casino Night, a the generosity of the families of Stanlee p.m. at the Alamo Drafthouse. Tickets 2019 campaign for leadership donors highlight of the Jewish community’s and Jerry Rubin and Dana and Adam are available at JewishElPaso.org/films contributing $1800 or more to the spring that combines fun, food, music, Frank. and are selling quickly. Federation’s work locally, nationally, auction items, and lots of poker and and internationally. The event at the blackjack. Saturday, January 12 beautiful home of Wendy The Jewish Federation’s PJ Library and Dr. Steve Lanski has an presents an innovative “Intergalactic international focus this year

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IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible January 2019 | 11 COMMUNITY Congregation B’nai Zion activities On Sunday, December 9, Congregation B’nai Zion held its annual Chanukah dinner with over 260 members of the Jewish community in attendance. The evening commenced with the lighting of the menorah and continued with a delightful dinner. During the program, B’nai Zion welcomed its new members for 2018! The evening ended with a hysterical performance by Joel Chasnoff who had everyone in tears of laughter. The ambiance was one of contentment and joyfulness. A special thanks to Stanlee and Jerry Rubin for generously sponsoring our Chanukah celebration.

Joyce Lieb, Greg Rubin and Jerry Rubin Holly Hernandez and David Paul are all Congregation B’nai Zion’s check out the buffet of latkes and more smiles at the CBZ dinner Chavurah Oneg Shabbat

Congregation B’nai Zion was Delicious appetizers contributed excited to welcome more than 65 to an atmosphere of Shabbat and people to its first Chavurah gathering fellowship. on November 30. This getting-to- This Chavurah Oneg was just the know-you event was a follow up to this first of many upcoming community summer’s event when members filled Chavurah events. Between events, out information forms that helped the groups will create their own fun with Chavurah Committee pair families planned activities and social events. and individuals with community If you haven’t yet joined a Chavurah, members who have common interests. don’t miss out. Contact B’nai Zion On behalf of Congregation B’nai Zion, Rabbi Scott Rosenberg welcomed recent new The early oneg preceded Kabbalat at (915) 833-2222 or email us at members at the Chanukah dinner services and provided an opportunity [email protected] and we will help for each group to gather as a chavurah you find a Chavurah. for the first time. We were also able to The Chavurah Oneg Shabbat was help people form new Chavurot or join sponsored by the Jewish Community some of the newly founded groups. Foundation of El Paso. While waiting in the buffet line with Lauren Eisenberg and Adam Rosenfeld, Larry Lesser reflects the crowd’s feeling about the dinner Temple Beth-El activities with a thumbs up

The Temple Beth-El Social Action and Adult Education committees sponsored their annual interfaith dialogue program on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This year’s theme was “With Liberty and Justice for All - Leadership, Justice and Unity - What can we achieve together?” Rabbi Larry Karol coordinated and led the program, which featured speakers from the Christian, Baha’i, Muslim and Buddhist faith communities and small-group discussions among the 65 people who attended.

Over 80 congregants and guests gathered at Temple Beth-El Las Cruces for the annual Shabbat Chanukah dinner, service (with a Chanukiah lighting) and Oneg Shabbat.

915-842-9554 | www.jewishelpaso.org 12 | January 2019

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU You make everything we do possible