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Beth – The West Temple BULLETIN December 2020, Kislev – Tevet 5781

Our Mission from the Rabbi's Desk... To be a center of worship and You mean, there’s more to Chanukah vital community life where Jews and their families from food than ??? Cleveland’s western In a recent article on the Union for Reform Judaism’s communities learn Jewish website, local writer Kate Bigam Kaput wrote about traditions and values, develop their Jewish identity, and the foods of Chanukah—and why we eat them. But assure the continuity of not just the Ashkenazic/Eastern European foods that many of us Jewish life. take for granted that all Jews eat. It is truly a global list; recipes from around the world, reminding us that, as Rabbi Larry Milder wrote: “Wherever You Go, There’s Always Someone Jewish.” Features The list includes: Berenjenas con miel: deep-fried Rabbi's Desk...... 1-2 rounds drizzled with , eaten by Spanish Jews; Buñuelos: a Programming...... 2 light-as-air dessert popular in Mexico, Cuba, and December Programming...... 3 Colombia; Cassola: baked ricotta that originated in What Was It Like?...... 4 Italy, now frequently found in the form of cheese ; What Is It Like?...... 5 Frituras de malanga: Cuban taro ; Gulam jamun: deep- By the Book ...... 6-8 fried milk balls from India, typically soaked in rose-flavored ; Keftes de prasa/espinaca: leek/or fritters popular Educator's Desk & Pictures ...... 9-10 amongst Sephardic Jews, especially those in Turkey, Greece, and Romania; Kibbet yatkeen: Syrian pumpkin patties Circle of Friends & Pictures ...... 11-12 traditionally made with /; : top this flaky, fried with eggs, (a spicy herbed sauce), and other toppings; : sweet, fried dumplings YYYYY stuffed with walnuts, eaten in Bukhara, or modern-day Uzbekistan; : deep-fried yeast donuts are popular in Calendar...... 13 , with or without dusting ; : crispy fritters in Celebrations ...... 14 squiggly patterns are popular in India, reminiscent of North Perpetual Yahrzeits ...... 15 American funnel cakes; Rosquitas: this circular fried dough Service Schedule ...... 16 pastry originated in Andalusia () and is said to represent unity and eternity; Panelle: fried fritters that originated Contributions ...... 17 in Sicily and are sometimes even eaten on (sounds like to me!); Platanos fritos: fried sweet plantains are popular for in Central America, especially Colombia; Zalabia: Yemenite fried dough, topped with powdered sugar or honey, is a popular dessert at Hanukkah and other holidays… continued on p. 2. December 2020 Beth Israel – The West Temple 2 continued from p. 1 Celebrate Shabbat and This list reminds us that we Jews are a December Birthdays & multicultural people who have lived around Anniversaries th the world for millennia, and speaks to our 7:30 p.m. – Friday, December 4 racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. During these Covid times, as we are rather confined Shared Shabbat to our homes, these recipes offer us the opportunity to connect with fellow Jews Join Rabbi Lader and friends for a family-friendly Erev Shabbat around the world through food. I invite you to service and receive your birthday and/or anniversary blessing… follow the link and try out some recipes. As you bring light and laughter to your Chanukah Zoom link will be sent in the News You Can Use celebrations, imagine the lights of Chanukah menorahs and smiling Jewish faces around the world. Wishes for a joyful and light-filled Chanukah, Rabbi Enid [email protected]

Let’s light up the Second Night of Chanukah! Friday, December 11th, 7:00 p.m. Congregational Shabbat & Chanukah Service

Zoom in, as we light our Chanukah menorahs together… Sing Chanukah songs and welcome Shabbat… And play !

Zoom link will be sent in the News You Can Use

Chanukah Blessings Sunday, January 10, 2021, 11:00 a.m. Follow this link to the URJ website to learn Semi-Annual more about Chanukah and to hear the singing of each blessing. And consider including Congregational Meeting this Prayer for Lights.

Bulletin published 11 times a year by: Congregational Educator: Debbie Chessin Beth Israel—The West Temple Ritual Committee: Luis Fernandez 14308 Triskett Road, Cleveland OH 44111 Buildings & Grounds Committee: Rick Keller Phone (216) 941-8882; [email protected] Social Action Committee: Barbara Feldmar & Ken Dunn On the web: www.thewesttemple.com Membership Committee: Sandy Pankiw Rabbi: Enid C. Lader (216) 228-9735 Finance Committee: Robin Kaufman President: Peter Sackett Cemetery Committee: Rick Keller Vice President: TBA Public Relations Coordinator: Becky Watts Treasurer: Robin Kaufman Bulletin Editors: Jan Miyake, Pat Outlaw Secretary: Judy Wright January Deadline: Tuesday, December 15th

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Join Rabbi Jeffrey Schein, author of Text Me: Ancient Town Hall Discussion: Jewish Wisdom Meets Contemporary Technology, in conversation about our Jewish values, our appreciation Feeding the Hungry in of digital opportunities and perils, and the dance Northeast Ohio between them. Wednesday, December 9th, 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 2020, 2:00 p.m. Beth Israel – The West Temple will host a Town Hall Discussion, with Kristin Warzocha, "The Ten Commandments President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Food of Monitoring Our Bank, and Lona Gruber, founding director of the Evolving Digital Selves" SCAN Hunger Center Pantry. Our guests will discuss their led by Rabbi Jeffrey Schein paths to leadership, challenges We live in a highly digital Age. At no time has the in their positions, goals and relationship between Judaism and Technology been all needs for the upcoming holiday at once so rich, complex, enriching, and season and other issues. Questions may be problematic. Based on a wide array of Jewish sources, submitted via Chat Room during the live stream. participants will first explore their own relationship to YouTube link to the livestream. digital technologies, such as smart phones and computers. Paying attention to Rabbi Schein's argument nd that, as well as traditional categories of Jewish ethics December 2 at 5:30 p.m. such as between a person and God and a person and his “Antisemitic Tropes fellow human being, we need a new Jewish ethical Across the Globe” vessel named “between a person and his/her technologies,” we will explore Hear from Shaya Lerner, ADL’s Associate practical aytzahs (ideas/suggestions) for infusing our Director for Middle Eastern Affairs, and David relationships to technology with Jewish values. The Weinberg, Washington Director for International exploration culminates with dialogue and argument Affairs. Learn about antisemitic tropes across the about Rabbi Schein's Ten Commandments for Managing globe and the ways they manifest from various Our Evolving Digital Selves. governments. After the presentation there will be time for Q&A from the participants. Registration is required; click here. Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 922 6484 7632 Passcode: 157763 Dial in: 646 876 9923 This event is free, and hosted by Beth Israel—The West Temple, Kol HaLev, and Temple Emanuel.

Here is a teaser: 2-minute graphic novel called Scully and the Smart Phone.

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What Was It Like? among the papers of a deceased relative. I took on Jean Lettofsky the challenge and after three visits, we had a pretty complete picture of the content of most of the After graduating from Yeshiva letters. University High School for Girls in Brooklyn, NY in 1960, I continued my Sleuthing for answers was my absolute favorite education in the joint program of the library function, no matter the topic. It may sound Jewish Theological Seminary and strange to the reader, but sometimes I felt a real Columbia University. It was at the high upon solving a complex information issue. A seminary cafeteria that I met Alan, the secret: since I was the boss, as Peter suggests, no love of my life; we were married in administrator criticized my handling some 1964. challenging questions. I had not completed my undergraduate degree, so My work hours were flexible. I was the only full- continued first at Southern Connecticut State College, time employee and neglected my own work to tend while Alan was studying at Yale, and then finally to many 'tough' queries. When faculty members completing it at the University of Wisconsin, where Alan were working on accreditation reports, sleep did not was the Hillel director. matter. I was deeply involved in the process and will never forget the night one faculty member and My major was Spanish, and one of the professors there I sat at her kitchen table until 2:30 a.m.! urged me to go on for a Ph.D., but, after much thought I decided rather to study library science. I chose to follow I worked at the library for 30 years, building up the the track toward a position in academic librarianship. I collection appropriate for the students at the college received my Masters in Library Science. and for the general community. Over the years, I built a cooperative partnership with CWRU and I was hired by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin OhioLink, supervised the computerizing of the (SHSW) to conduct an oral history project of Holocaust catalog and the conversion from the Dewey Survivors who settled in Wisconsin, funded by the Decimal system to the Library of Congress system, Wisconsin Society of Jewish Learning. In those days, we supervised the renovation and construction of a used a tape recorder, and then did written transcripts; the balcony, and set the tone for a very small, but results of that project are available on the SHSW web site. wonderful, staff including many volunteers. I also I very much enjoyed that work, and learned a good deal. was successful in guiding the Friends of the Aaron However, the support money was short-term, and there Garber Library, whose funds were essential to the didn't seem to be another position that would attract me in smooth functioning of the library. Madison. I very much regret the fact that both the college and In 1982, Alan was recruited to become the regional the library are no longer in existence, but I remain director of Hillel in Cleveland, and I interviewed for the proud of the work I did. position of archivist for the Jewish collection, known as the Cleveland Jewish Archives of the SHSW, but not Peter asks whether being married to a rabbi changes having a Ph.D. in history eliminated me from the way people perceive me. It 's hard to know the consideration. answer to that. I make every effort to make people comfortable with me, and ask them to call me by In 1983, David Ariel, z”l, then the new president of the my first name. Some people can absolutely not Cleveland College of Jewish Studies [later Siegal College manage that and I never push the issue. One thing I of Judaic Studies] invited me to become the librarian there. do not like is being called 'rebbbetsin.' I have been It turned out to be the ideal position for me, utilizing not known to look around me and ask, 'Who is that? only the skills of a librarian, but my profound Jewish Where is she?' knowledge. Over the years, my fluency in several languages came in very handy in answering a variety of Thanks to Peter Sackett for giving me the reference queries. One of my favorite questions was opportunity to reminisce and savor the memories of brought in by a man who found some old Italian letters 30 years that were never dull.

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What Is It Like? Brian Greenfield New offering in Lifelong Learning… My current employment? Veterinarian “Conversations we wish we and business owner could have during the service How did you decide upon this career? (but the train has already left Was this what you started out thinking you would be doing after college and the station.)” after medical school? Was this always Co-Facilitated by Rabbi Lader and Julian your ambition? I was always interested in medicine and Ross working with my hands, but I also had a desire to own my RESCHEDULED TO: Wednesday, own business—this was a perfect blend for an animal December 2nd, 7:30 p.m. lover. I was sold on the profession after being asked by We’ll slowly go through the Shabbat services my future Father-In-Law to assist with a c-section on a and invite everyone to make comments and Boston Terrier. Yes, I followed in his footsteps! ask questions as we go along. We might find How many years as a DVM? 22 years that discussions get stuck in a certain area How do you prepare for each day? Starbucks—Grande because people really want to think about and Americano! discuss the details we can’t contemplate in the short time frame of a service. It’s fine, for Most commonly asked question of a DVM? I know you example, to dwell on the multiple translations are totally booked, but can you please squeeze me in? of the same Hebrew text and consider their Most surprising question asked of a DVM? Are you a real different implications. Or, to take the time doctor? needed to really look at those footnotes and understand why they are there. Frequency of actually being in an operating room? Nearly every day. A typical week means 40 to It will be helpful if you 400 hours! have picked up a copy of Mishkan T’filah for this Describe the most difficult scenarios; the most difficult session. scenario you have ever faced in the your work. Having to euthanize long lived family pets with the parents and kids Definitely come with your present - necessary to do, but always a tearjerker for me. questions! Youngest animal you have ever worked on? Newborn - Zoom link will be sent in just minutes old; oldest animal you have ever worked the News You Can Use. on: nearly 30-year-old cat. Describe the animals you normally care for and a few special/odd ones. I see 95% dogs and a few cats. What always amazes me is I treat dogs that weigh as little as 6 ounces up to 250 lbs! Tell us why you love your job and why others should consider it! There is never a dull moment in my career, and I get to wear a LOT of hats every day. It's always interesting and rewarding. If you weren’t a DVM, any thoughts on what you would be in your professional life? A ski bum in Colorado! LOL What animals do you have at home? I have a 10-year-old Portuguese Water Dog named Bagby, a 1-year-old Biewer Terrier named Gia, and a 15-year-old cat named Keli. The hobby that best serves to help you relieve the stress of your job? I love to travel with my family, especially to places I can scuba dive.

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By The Book This month, answers are from temple members Laurie Chait and Circle of Friends Chair Barbara Schwartz. Participants choose questions to answer from a fun list. What books are on your nightstand? LC: Usually three as I often read three at a time... though one will always “win” and will be the first finished. Right now I'm reading Monogamy by Sue Miller, One Station Away by Olaf Olafsson and Friends and Strangers by J. Courtney Sullivan. (The winner will probably be Monogamy). BS: This cartoon says it all. It’s a too large and eclectic mix: Hungarian author Zsigmond Moricz (in English), Arthur Kurzweil’s Generation to Generation – Jewish Genealogy, The Organized Mind by Daniel J. Levitin (interesting but perhaps wishful thinking), several books about cowboys, several books by James Hollis, a Jungian analyst, and The Pioneers by David McCullough. Some have been read, some are partly read, and others are waiting to be read. Are there any classic novels that you only recently read for the first time? LC: Nothing recently but I read The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men about four years ago and loved them both.... AND I read Charlotte's Web for the first time about nine years ago when I first began reading aloud to people and I loved every word. It actually makes me feel (slightly) less scared of spiders. I am going to read Emma before Covid ends. Describe your ideal reading experience (when, where, what, format). LC: My most ideal reading is at the pool or the beach. But I read anywhere I happen to be... waiting for something to cook, waiting for someone to pick me up, waiting for a friend to meet me for lunch (back in the day when we could meet for lunch!!), waiting for Arnon in the hardware store. I don't leave the house without a book. BS: I like reading a physical book, but I have found, especially during the pandemic, that I can borrow or buy books to download to my Kindle app on my iPhone. I can easily take out my phone to read when I am stuck waiting in a line or for an appointment. It saves my sanity. What’s your favorite book no one else has heard of? LC: My guess is that readers have heard of it... my favorite is ...and Ladies of the Club. Just skip the first 100 pages or so—the next 900 pages are pure bliss! BS: The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey. This was given to me by a friend when I was going through chemotherapy. This book was such a comfort. The author was also unable to function when a friend gave her a wild violet, which turned out to contain a snail. In her narrowed existence, she became an acute observer of this tiny creature, developing an appreciation and a connection with this small but complex creature. Which writers (novelists, playwrights, critics, journalists, poets) working today do you admire most? LC: I love Anne Tyler who just writes about people and is very funny as well. I love Larry McMurtry BUT only the books he wrote up to and including Lonesome Dove. Celeste Ng, Anna Quindlen and Connie Schultz (though I much prefer her nonfiction... not crazy about her recent attempt at fiction). BS: I have appreciated the works of Elizabeth Strout, Ann Patchett, and Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s

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Tale, which I read when the Taliban were destroying the lives of women in Afghanistan and thought at the time that it could never happen here. Now I worry that I was wrong.) Has a book ever brought you closer to another person, or come between you? LC: My mother read Winnie the Pooh aloud and I've been reading it aloud to Arnon, and Sarah and Daniel since they were young. I Interested in STILL read it aloud whenever we are together in the car... which Membership? isn't often anymore... but it's a family memory full of Contact the laughter...Winnie the Pooh is hilarious for adults! temple office BS: I am a big fan of Jane Austen, having read all of her books more 216-941-8882 than once, often during periods of stress. I realize there are many who fail to appreciate her wit, her language, her satire, her feminism, or email us at etc., and I feel there is a “divide” much like dog vs. cat people, [email protected] maybe even Republicans vs. Democrats, that is hard to bridge. Other for more information. Austen fans “get it". There is a fascinating short story by Rudyard Kipling called “The Janeites”, about a group of World War I soldiers We apologize for the technical and who are secretly fans of Austen’s novels. sound problems during our Town What’s the most interesting thing you learned from a book Hall program with Peter Sackett, Shosh Ault, and Arnon Chait... recently? LC: Last year I read A Gentleman in Moscow and I learned a lot It has been rescheduled for about the Russian revolution and its aftermath and how kindness can Thursday, December 3rd at 7:00 abound anywhere. Shellie Sedlak pressed me into reading it and I'm p.m. Here is the link for this glad I finally did. livestream presentation BS: Recently, my book club read Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things, a novel about race in America. She did such a powerful job of writing about the experience of a black woman in white America, as well as that of a white supremacist. It opened my eyes and feelings in such a powerful and timely way. What moves you most in a work of literature? 2020 Pillar Members BS: Good writing that grabs you and keeps you reading. Interesting Luis Fernandez & characters and their relationships. Setting – evocative descriptions of Barbara Feldmar time and place. Perspective – allowing me to learn or see something I David & Holly Neumann did not know before. Alfred & Sylvia Rimm Which genres do you especially enjoy reading? And which do you avoid? Peter and Jessica Sackett LC: I love books about families, young adult fiction, memoirs, and suspense. I avoid all science fiction and most detective novels except those by Tana French. BS: I enjoy historical fiction, early American history, science fiction, books about the old west and cowboys, Jewish writing and writers, modern fiction. I avoid horror stories, including works of people behaving badly and inhumanely. How do you organize your books? LC: By category... our favorites are in the living room (a special section for novels in Hebrew) and the

Table of Contents December 2020 Beth Israel – The West Temple 8 science books are in Arnon's "office". Daniel's bookcase has our Jewish reading material and in the other bedrooms are all the books I've saved from childhood and adolescence. The kitchen, of course, has lots of cookbooks. BS: I gave up on that awhile back. As a result, half my books are organized mostly by type or topic. Sadly, the rest are not and shelf space is at a premium. It is hard for me to part with “old friends.” If I continue using my Kindle app, that may help with the clutter. What book might people be surprised to find on your shelves? LC: No one who knows me would be surprised at all. BS: Perhaps the various books about the old west and cowboys. I recently read an interesting non-fiction book by John Branch called The Last Cowboys, about a family of ranchers and rodeo champions in Utah. Another one was News of the World by Paulette Jiles, which creates the world of Texas shortly after the Civil War. I also have most of Tony Hillerman’s mysteries that take place in the four corners area, set on the Navajo and Hopi reservations, evoking the culture and the breathtaking geography. What do you do when a book is disappointing? Finish it or stop reading? LC: I read totally for pleasure. Even if I've dutifully read three fourths of a book I will skim the rest if I realize that I'm just not that into it.... This isn't school. :) BS: I used to make every effort to finish, thinking it was a moral failing if I did not. I learned from Eileen Kollins that time is short, so if you subtract your age from 100, the remainder is the number of pages you should read. If you reach that point and the book has not engaged you, you have The Librarian’s permission to stop and move on to something else. As you get older, that’s fewer and fewer pages. Recommend one book!!!! LC: I must suggest two: City of Thieves by David Benioff and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. The latter I read aloud to my blind friend and it was a great experience. BS: Any of those I have mentioned, and I would also add Nomadland by Jessica Bruder. It is another eye-opening experience to a group of older Americans traveling the country in vans and campers, having walked away from homes they could no longer afford following the last great recession. Having few resources and moving according to where seasonal jobs exist, they rely on each other and themselves

Lunch anyone? Our series continues… Zoom ‘n Lunch ‘n Learn with the Rabbi and Friends Tuesday, Dec. 15th, at Noon; “Jews and the Americas” We continue our series of sessions that examines Jews and the Americas – 1450-1776, an exhibit of the John Carter Brown Library of Brown University in Rhode Island. This session will focus on “From Intolerance to Emancipation” Juxtaposed with Inquisition material in this section are documents from other parts of Europe illustrating more tolerant attitudes that would in time be realized as elements of the Rights of Man… with a few pirate stories in the mix! Jewish pirates???? Zoom link will be sent with the News You Can Use.

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SAVE THE DATES!! Get Ready for Mini Winter th University and Virtual Congregational Retreat in Sunday, 6 – Religious School January 2021! Monday, 7th – Hebrew School, 6:30 p.m. Winter University will bring together the entire Saturday, 12th – Grades PK-3 Class congregation for special virtual inter-generational learning Shabbaton, 10 a.m., “A Taste of Mussar— opportunities that will explore Jewish texts, holidays, Showing Chesed (Kindness) To Our Family crafts and cooking. This year the classes will be held and Friends” virtually. Winter University starts Sunday morning, th January 24th from 9:30-11:30 a.m. More information to Sunday, 13 – Religious School come about the classes held that morning. Sunday, 13th – Yad b’Yad b’Bayit – 10:30-11 The next weekend—Friday, January 29th and Saturday, a.m. (virtual program for families with children January 30th—we welcome back our Scholar in infants to age 5) Residence, Dr. Greg Marcus. He will be leading our entire Monday, 14th – Hebrew School, 6:30 p.m. congregation in a two-day virtual retreat. There will be th many opportunities to socialize, learn, and have fun Sunday, December 20 – Sunday, January 3 – throughout the weekend! No Religious School- Winter Break First, there will be a special Kabbalat Shabbat Service, as we welcome Shabbat Friday evening. Saturday morning there will be an interactive Family Shabbat morning service followed by a session on Mussar and Social Pictures from November Enjoy the pictures Justice for teens and adults. Students in Grades Pk-7 will from our first Virtual Grade 4-7 Shabbaton, take part in a parallel learning experience with a surprise Recognizing the Good–HaKarat HaTov! special guest artist! In the afternoon, families will create their own Havdalah candles and spice boxes. Each participant will have a delivered, and the retreat will conclude with Congregational Havdalah Pizza Party program. Each family will receive a box of materials and special treats for the weekend. Sign-up for the retreat will be required. A donation of $18 is suggested per family to help cover the costs of materials and food for the retreat. This program is made possible through generous funding from the JEC and Retreat Institute, along with grants from BI-TWT. Debbie Chessin* BI-TWT Congregational Educator *This position is partially funded through the Fund for the Jewish Future of the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland.

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Pictures from November Religious School (photos courtesy of Debbie Chessin and Josh Levy)

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Circle of Friends At our last Zoom meeting on Thursday evening, October 21st, we were so pleased to have a talk by Sylvia Rimm, Ph.D, a long-time member of Beth Israel and a noted child psychologist, professor at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, author and speaker. In the past, Sylvia has spoken at Beth Israel about her work with children, particularly gifted children, with a great deal of down-to- earth, practical information As a follow-up to our CoF’s 100th anniversary celebration of Women’s Suffrage, Sylvia offered to talk about the research she and her daughters and daughter-in-law did regarding the traits and experiences that have led some women to high levels of achievement and success. She has authored several books on this research, including See Jane Win, a New York Times best seller. The research consisted of interviewing 1,000 successful women from all walks of life, regarding what made a difference in their lives. Although women and girls have come far, we know that we still face negative messages and obstacles to fulfilling our potential. We were very pleased to have Sylvia’s daughters Ilonna Rimm, MD/Ph.D; Sara Rimm-Kaufman, Ph.D; Allison Rimm, MA and Executive Coach; and niece Lynn Sherman, Director of Girls on the Run. Daughter-in-law Janet Rimm, a nurse practioner, was unable to be with us, but Sylvia wanted to be sure to note that she was part of the project and came up with the title for the book. It was a pleasure to meet Sylvia’s family who are professionals with successful careers in their own right. While not a comprehensive summary, the following are some of the highlights taken from Sylvia’s talk: Women still struggle with the idea of whether it’s possible to have it all—balancing family and career. Women were counseled to wait until their children were grown before working outside the home, making home and family their first priority. Even today, with the effects of the pandemic, 35% of women have dropped out of the work force, because childcare and homemaking fall primarily on them. Women’s careers have also been affected by the “leaky pipeline,” with women dropping out or being steered away from STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers as not being suitable for women’s abilities, just as they had not been accepted as doctors or lawyers. Women have faced unconscious bias, such as women or girls being labeled as “bossy” when in leadership roles, while men and boys would be seen as leaders. Early experiences often have to be overcome, such as the pressure to be perfect. Girls often get stuck, unable to get started or come up with a creative idea, thinking it needs to be the perfect idea with a guaranteed outcome. Girls often face math anxiety, avoiding courses and careers where it would be necessary, instead of viewing it as a “threshold” subject—one that gets you in the door.

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Resilience is another quality shared by successful women, learning that competition can be exhilarating and motivating. One can’t expect success all the time, and learning to deal with failures, such as losing a job, are things that can be overcome. Struggles, hard work, and persistence are necessary to future success. Some of the experiences and traits that successful women shared were having role models, being active and interested, many had hobbies, enjoyed the arts, had traveled, 60 percent had been Girl Scouts, were hard- working and independent. We are very appreciative that Sylvia and her family took the time to share with us what they learned from their research. Sylvia has two web sites for those wanting additional information: www.sylviarimm.com and www.seejanewin.com and for those wishing to contact her, her email is: [email protected].

Next Circle of Friends to Celebrate Chanukah and Rosh Chodesh Tevet On Thursday, December 17th at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom! We are planning our annual CoF’s Chanukah celebration, adapting to our changed circumstances during the pandemic, but keeping warmth and friendships alive. Here is what we have planned: Rabbi will lead us in lighting our chanukiot (we encourage everyone to have their chanukiot and candles ready to light and positioned so that your camera captures the lights. It should be a very pretty sight (this will be the seventh night of Chanukah). Rabbi will lead us in a Chanukah—Rosh Chodesh service, with perhaps some singing. We usually spend time chatting while creating no-sew blankets to donate to a homeless shelter. This year we have a "menu” of tzedakah projects that you could select from, most of which could be done by donating online or mailing a check to the organization (any amount would be welcome). This is perhaps the safest no-contact option. There are also directions to make a no-sew fleece blanket, buying your own materials and dropping it off at Bellefaire or another shelter. There are also possibilities to purchase and drop off personal items, if you would prefer to do that. Please be assured that if there is another organization you would prefer, that is more than fine. The goal of our tzedakah project has always been to reach out to those in our community in need and right now there are so many in need. We can also enjoy spending time sharing favorite memories. We won’t be making blankets, but did you (or do you still) have a DECEMBER MITZVAH favorite blanket you would like to tell us about? Do you have a OPPORTUNITY favorite Chanukah memory or food? We hope you can join us for this special time to celebrate and Bring in your non- enjoy each other’s company. If you have any questions please perishable within-use- contact either Renee Kolesar at [email protected] or Barbara date foods for Project Schwartz at [email protected]. SCAN – Because people are in Watch for Rabbi’s News You Can Use for the Zoom link. need Barbara Schwartz, Chair all year long... [email protected]

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Calendar of Events (Please call the Temple Office for more information or to RSVP; 216.941.8882); information on Shabbat services can be found on p. 16)

Wednesday, December 2 “Antisemitic Tropes Across the Globe,” 5:30 p.m., Registration is required; click here (p. 3). Wednesday, December 2 “Conversations we wish we could have during the service (but the train has already left the station),” 7:30 p.m., Zoom link TBA (p. 5). Thursday, December 3 Town Hall program with Peter Sackett, Shosh Ault, and Arnon Chait, 7:00 p.m., Zoom link (p. 7). Friday, December 4 Shared Shabbat, 7:30 p.m., Zoom link TBA (p. 2, p. 16). Sunday, December 6 "The Ten Commandments of Monitoring Our Evolving Digital Selves," 2:00 p.m., Zoom link (p. 3). Wednesday, December 9 Town Hall Discussion—Feeding the Hungry in Northeast Ohio, 7:00 p.m., YouTube link to the livestream (p. 3). Friday, December 11 Congregational Shabbat & Chanukah Service, 7:00 p.m., Zoom link TBA (p. 2, p. 16). Saturday, December 12 Grades PK-3 Shabbaton, 10:00 a.m., Zoom link TBA (p. 9, p. 16). Sunday, December 13 Yad b’Yad b’Bayit, 10:30–11 a.m., Zoom link TBA (p. 9). Tuesday, December 15 Lunch 'n Learn with the Rabbi, noon, Zoom link TBA (p. 8). Thursday, December 17 Circle of Friends Chanukah celebration (p. 12). Sunday, December 20- No Religious School, Winter Break (p. 9). Sunday, January 3 Sunday, January 10 Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting, 11:00 a.m., Zoom link TBA (p. 2).

Going into the hospital? Extended time in rehab? Need help with meals? Need a ride to appointments? Need a friendly visitor?

Our Caring Committee is ready to help.

Please contact the temple office or Rabbi Lader. 216-941-8882.

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December Birthdays (young people up to age 25) Daniel Josselson December 6 19th Lydia Harder December 12 6th Megan Fleisher December 7 19th Davia Kane December 16 12th Hannah Goldshmidt December 11 9th

December – Wedding Anniversaries John & Ellen Goodworth December 3 43rd Dr. Arnon & Laurie Chait December 10 37th Sandu & Dr. Adriana Leibovici December 15 35th Dr. Robert & Lisa Goldberg December 19 21st

December – Adult Birthdays Tina Keller December 1 Aimee Greenfield December 18 Dr. Mary Kay Greenberg December 2 Sandra Cohen December 19 Dr. Neil Greenberg December 2 Holly Neumann December 20 Tammy White December 2 Dr. Herb Caron December 21 Marilyn Bogart December 3 Dee Lazarus December 21 Dan Chessin December 6 Tracy Grauel December 23 Rhoda Rak December 6 Lesley Watilo December 24 Diana Gold December 7 Leonard Weiss December 25 Donald Mansfeld December 7 Dr. Theodore Provder December 26 Sandra Pankiw December 7 Laurie Chait December 27 Brian Friedman December 8 Todd McAleer December 27 Melanie Shmois December 9 Garik Shmois December 28 Walter Wright December 12 Evan Fleisher December 29 David Neumann December 13 Shimson Balanson December 30 Sid Ordog December 14 Gloria Cutrona December 30 Anna Batyreva December 15 Linda Keller December 31 Sarah Bedrossian December 17

The congregation is invited to join the virtual ceremony as

Zev Balanson son of Shimson Balanson and Rachel Balanson

becomes a Bar Mitzvah on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

The link will be provided in the News You Can Use on Thursday, December 17.

Table of Contents December 2020 Beth Israel – The West Temple 15 Perpetual Yahrzeits

WEEK ENDING WEEK ENDING WEEK ENDING DECEMBER 5 DECEMBER 19 JANUARY 2 Fannie Melnick Bertl Loeb Irving Priesand Leslie Dus Harvey Sherman Philip Mason Mort Epstein Willy Neufeld Reva Clymer Oscar Sattinger Ruth Friedman Janet Goodworth Harry Barkan Trudy Isaac Barbara Margelefsky Max Finkelstein Jack Palnik Irving Gilbert Isidore Freundlich WEEK ENDING Sam Lewis DECEMBER 12 Al Gluck Miriam Jaslove Estelle Loeb Fred Pyritz Selma C. Keller WEEK ENDING Herbert L. Levy DECEMBER 26 Marvin Sheflin Bracha Alterovitz Rosellen Weiss Janet Slatkin Jody R. Wolfe Samuel Romain Joseph Lisbon Selma Bogatsky Judd Seldin Abraham Bruckman Sidney Martin Anna Goldberg Sidney Schwartz Leah Krisch Henry Caro Eleanor Neumann Arline Alpert

Table of Contents December 2020 Beth Israel – The West Temple 16 Shabbat Service Schedule

Friday Evenings Saturday Mornings Virtual Services at 7:30 p.m. by Zoom Torah Study by Zoom at 9:30 a.m. Virtual Service by Zoom at 11:00 a.m. Call the Temple Office for more information.

December 4—Shared Shabbat December 5 Service Leader: Rabbi Lader Service Leader: Luis Fernandez

December 11—Shabbat & Chanukah December 12—PK-3 Shabbaton Service Service Leader: Rabbi Lader Service Leader: Rabbi Lader

December 18 December 19 Service Leader: Rabbi Lader Service Leaders: Luis Fernandez

December 25 December 26 Service Leader: Rabbi Lader Service Leader: Rabbi Lader

January 1 January 2 Service Leader: Rabbi Lader Service Leaders: Luis Fernandez

Table of Contents December 2020 Beth Israel – The West Temple 17 Contributions – October and November 2020

General Fund Rabbi Lader's We gratefully acknowledge donations from Discretionary Fund Kathryn C. Soucek We acknowledge donations from Pat Outlaw Oliver Sykes Scott Jasilionis In Honor of Bat Mitzvah of Ava Watts Donna Sweet In Memory of Milton Hyman In Honor of Peter Sackett Carole Mason David Sackett Harry Mason Carole Mason In Memory of Herbert Levy Alexander Pankiw Joshua Levy Sandra Pankiw Harry Barkan Rosellen Weiss Alfred & Sylvia Rimm Valerie Tate Ann R. Rubin Rhea Seldin Sheila Eckstein Hilda A. Volkin Deborah Rubin Frieda Provder Sheila Eckstein Theodore Provder Gabriel Rubin Sheila Eckstein Bernard Eckstein Religious School Fund Sheila Eckstein In Honor of Ava Elizabeth Watts for her Bat Mitzvah Susan & Tom Wagner The Alan B. Lettofsky Fund for the Center for Jewish Life In Memory of In Memory of Saul P. Weissman Max Eisenstot Marilyn Morgenstern Valerie Tate Leslie Dus, Sr. Arthur Loeb Kathleen Weiss Rabbi Alan & Jean Loeb Lettofsky Vivian Lopatin Sylvia & Alfred Rimm

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