NEWSLETTER Number 1 August 2005, Volume 26 This newsletter is printed on recycled paper NEWSLETTER

AUGUST 2005 by Rabbi Robert Barr created the place I now tour. Did they have a vision that reached out decades, scores, Founded in 1980, Congregation Beth or even 100’s of years? Would they even Adam this year reaches a significant recognize the place that I now stand in line anniversary - our 25th. If you had to see? asked me 25 years ago, when Beth Adam was still in its infancy and I was begin- Obviously, I realize that Beth Adam hasn’t ning my rabbinic career to predict the reached that level. You won’t find us in a future, I don’t know what I would have Foder’s or Frommer’s Guide to Cincinnati (if said. While in those early days, I was one even exist). Our building hasn’t been simply hopeful that Beth Adam would declared an historic site and our anniversary grow and could afford me as its rabbi, remains within the lifetime of a generation. I don’t know if I could have imagined But, 25 years is quite an accomplishment what we have become over the years. and I sense that in time these first 25 years During my travels this summer, I fre- will be remembered as the early years. quently thought about our history, our accomplishments, and our future. But the goal of an institution is not merely to survive not simply to mark the pass- When I enter an historic building, be ing of another year. What has made these it religious, governmental, cultural, or past 25 years so significant is what Beth such, I wonder if those who first tread Adam has become in our lives, in the life inside imagined that their “institution” of the Cincinnati Jewish community, and in would continue to exist centuries after the ever evolving experience of the Jewish its “founding.” As I wander about his- people. toric sites and learn their histories, I cannot help but to consider what were Speaking not as the rabbi, but as one who the hopes and aspirations of those who calls Beth Adam my religious home, I can’t imagine my Jewish life without this will indeed be memorable. During community. Beth Adam provides me the course of this year there will be and my family a place to give voice opportunities to celebrate, reflect, and to my Jewish identity and allows me a remember I’m delighted that we can home in which to educate my children. share it together. Mazel Tov. Happy At Beth Adam, I have celebrated life’s 25th and may we celebrate many more. joys and drawn strength and comfort at times of challenge.

I know that I am not alone in my feel- Rabbi Heyn recently wrote, recorded, ings. Over the years, many have told and circulated some original songs, me of the how important Beth Adam which have received some attention in is in their lives. Of all of our congre- acclaim in various circles. He is grate- gational accomplishments, I am most ful for the graphic design expertise of proud of the role we have played in Alan Brown and his staff at Phototonics peoples’ lives. Graphics, Inc. He is also grateful for the vocal talents of Michelle Rothzeid. Beth Adam has become a significant voice in the Jewish community both In the month of June, Rabbi Heyn offi- locally and nationally. As a congrega- ciated at seven funerals and memorial tion we have taken on a responsibil- services for Cedar Village residents and ity other congregations do not. We other members of Cincinnati’s Jewish actively engage in adding a liberal community. On June 15, he attend- Jewish voice to the chorus of Jewish life. ed a meeting of the Association of Whether it is creating new curricula for Humanistic Rabbis in Detroit. On July 9, our religious school, developing new he participated in the EarthSpirit Rising adult education programs, or publish- conference on ecology, spirituality and ing original liturgy, Beth Adam reaches community at Xavier University. beyond the walls of our building. Our congregation touches not only the On September 25, in honor of Jewish lives of our members but is making a Heritage Day at the Great American contribution to the Jewish people as a Ball Park, Rabbi Heyn will be leading whole. I am proud that we are adding the singing the national anthem at a our unique chapter to the Jewish expe- Cincinnati Reds game, along with the rience. two other members of “The Cincinnati Tenors.” He hopes you’ll be there to Marking our 25th Anniversary, is about sing along and to enjoy the game. celebrating what we have achieved even as we look toward the future. I Dr. Mark Rothschild gave the invoca- know that this year, highlighted by tion at the 107th Annual Meeting of The special events to mark our anniversary, Ohio Osteopathic Association. September 25th with a lunch at Lake Isabella Park, following the morning’s by Vicky Mary religious school classes. Our November 4th Friday night service Much like we approach any life cycle honoring 18-year and new members will event, whether it’s a child’s high school feature a retrospective of our history. gradation, a thirtieth college reunion We’ll start with a potluck dinner before or a golden wedding anniversary, we the service and sweeten the evening with invariably ask ourselves, “How did we a special Oneg. get here so fast?” Actually, every Beth Adam celebration So it is with the anniversary of our includes food! We’ve got two events own founding: on September 4, 2005, focused exclusively on eating and fun th Congregation Beth Adam will be 25 – a cooking class on November 6 and years old! And we plan to celebrate! a Shabbat potluck dinner on January 13th at the temple, before our service. As with any Beth Adam event, we began planning our year-long celebration Beth Adam social events also provide by determining what we want it to say opportunities to share opinions. We can about who we are and what we believe. expect a lively conversation following our February 11th Movie Night. We’ll Although we want the wider Jewish com- have separate films for the adults and munity to share in our celebration, we kids, and babysitting will be available. decided that the focus of our quarter century anniversary will be on our mem- In the spring, we’ll invite the wider com- bers. Since our founding, Beth Adam munity to share in our celebration. Art members have provided Rabbi Barr, and 25 will take place on Saturday March th th later, our rabbinic interns and staff with 4 and Sunday March 5 . Art 25 will a steady infusion of new ideas and new feature the work of local, regional and energy. Without our members – old international artists – as well as the work and new – Beth Adam wouldn’t have of many of our members. Every artist made it to this important anniversary. will donate a portion of the proceeds We plan to spend the year celebrating of the sale of his or her work. Our 2005 the caring and dynamic community we Art event was a successful fundraising have built. event, and we expect Art 25 to be sig- nificant as well. The 25th Anniversary committee, led by Marce Epstein has a number of member- Our celebration will culminate in a gala th focused events in the works: dinner to be held on Sunday, May 7 . We’ll kick things off on Sunday, Our own Jay Gilbert will MC this elegant event. We’ll have a chance to look back worked on was the design and production on 25 years of memories, and hear from of "A Benediction for Life." As a designer, a number of people who have made an I cannot remember another project that impact on our congregation. We hope to has touched me more deeply, and as a see many of our friends from throughout Jewish professional, I admired the efforts the Cincinnati area. of the Congregation to produce liturgy that reflects what you believe. I designed Most of you know that our congregation the mezuzah in the entryway to Beth Adam has left its mark throughout the Jewish in honor of Jim Salinger's 80th birthday - world. Everyone should know that we - not sacred words unseen rolled in a con- are able to do what we do because we tainer, but rather ancient words bordering have so many members who are willing your words open and welcoming for all to to get involved. That’s why our 25th see as they enter this building. anniversary events are designed around Beth Adam members – from those who Another attribute I will remember is team- are among our founders to those who work. Between moving into this building will join our congregation in the coming and dedicating it we experienced a flood months. of biblical proportions. But the teamwork was extraordinary and we did not miss As we begin the next 25 years, we cel- a beat. Two days later we experienced ebrate Beth Adam as a House of the something no one could have imagined People, and as a progressive Jewish voice -- the events of September 11. I vividly in the wider religious and secular com- remember two members coming into the munity. Plan to be part of the fun. building in a state of shock -- looking for and finding a place to regain their foot- ing -- and slowly a plan emerged for an A FAREWELL FROM evening service to which all members could ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR come to offer and gain comfort from one PHYLLIS BINIK-THOMAS another. Again -- good teamwork and an extraordinary community in action. Beth Adam...a house of people. What an appropriate name for a very special It has been my privilege to work with community I have come to know and Rabbi Barr, Roberta Veleta and each of you love. It was the energy and commitment over the years in executing the business of your leadership that attracted me, it and programming of this Congregation. was your liturgy that touched me, and In August, I leave to become the Director your membership that welcomed me into of Education for Beth Israel Synagogue in the community. Hamilton, Ohio. I look forward to celebrat- ing your 25th anniversary with you at dif- Here are some of the memories that ferent events during the upcoming year will remain with me of Congregation -- the events planned are just too good to Beth Adam. One of the first projects I miss....and so are the people. Thursday, October 13 Yom Kippur 10:30 AM - Adult Service Friday, August 12 1:00 PM - Youth Service 8:00 PM Kiddush / 8:15 PM Service 2:30 PM - Children's Service What I Did on My Summer Vacation 4:30 PM - Memorial Service Conducted by Rabbi Robert Barr

Friday, August 26 8:00 Kiddush/8:15 Service An Introduction to Beth Adam conducted by Rabbi Robert Barr. Dr. Congregation Beth Adam will host Mark Rothschild will conduct an four upcoming events to introduce alternate Adult Shabbat Service. the public and prospective synagogue members to Judaism with a Humanistic Friday, September 9 Perspective. All events will be held 8:00 PM Kiddush / 8:15 PM Service at Congregation Beth Adam, 10001 Shabbat Service Loveland-Madeira Road, Loveland, OH. Please RSVP to the Beth Adam office at Saturday, September 17 513-985-0400. 10:30 AM Bar Mitzvah Service of Elliott Dirr Shabbat Service and Discussion Judy Ribak and Bill Dirr invite the Friday, August 26, 2005 at 8:15 PM Congregation to the service and a kid- Experience a Beth Adam Shabbat ser- dush following. RSVP to Judy Ribak vice including an interactive discussion 489-1823. led by Rabbi Robert B. Barr exploring Judaism with a Humanistic Perspective. Friday, September 23 8:00 PM Kiddush / 8:15 PM Service Meet the Rabbi Shabbat Service Sunday, September 11, 2005 at 12:00 PM Monday, October 3 8:15 PM Rosh Hashanah Evening Service Wednesday, September 14, 2005 Wednesday, October 19, 2005 Tuesday, October 4 at 7:30 PM Rosh Hashanah 10:30 AM - Adult Service Don’t miss this chance to meet with 1:00 PM - Youth Service (ages 11-15) Rabbi Robert B. Barr in a relaxed and 2:30 PM - Children's Service informal setting. Learn about Judaism Wednesday, October 12 8:15 PM with a Humanistic Perspective and the Yom Kippur Adult Evening Service role Congregation Beth Adam fills in the Jewish community. the Annual Meeting we also elect offi- cers and listen to reports on the state of the Congregation. This session will be Saturday, August 6 7-9 PM devoted strictly to the budget and will An Evening at Putt n Fun with the allow for an in depth look at our budget Israeli Scouts and commitment to fiscal responsibility. Rabbi Barr is sponsoring a social evening for the Netanya Tzofim (boyscouts), their Sunday, September 25 Noon host families at the amazing Putt'n Fun. 25th Anniversary Kick-Off Lunch Member families are invited to partici- Connect with old friends and meet new pate. Please call the office, 985-0400 to as Beth Adam starts off our 25th year make your reservation and get directions. with a catered lunch. We'll get together Drinks and snacks provided. Reservations right after Religious School -- across the required. street at Lake Isabella's RIVERSIDE LODGE. Outdoor seating as well as indoor air Monday, August 8 7:30 PM conditioned seating will be provided. A Farewell Program for the Israeli The adult menu features Middle Eastern Scouts Fare and there is a kid friendly menu as The Dan Beard Council, The Jewish well. Federation and Congregation Beth Adam say goodbye to our visiting scouts from There will be face painting and a magic Netanya. Alan Brown will open the pro- show for the young and young at gram with a multi-media presentation heart. All children attending the lunch of the scouts visit to Cincinnati. He will will receive a free gift and each house- recognize The Tepper Family, The Ogborn/ hold will receive the Beth Adam Home Susskind family, Justin Binik-Thomas, the Services Gift Pack. The park also has Tobias family, and the Luzadis Schwarz boat rental, fishing, and a play area family for opening their homes to provide nearby for those interested. home hospitality for these visiting scouts. Reservations must be received by Sunday, August 28 10:00 AM September 17. Please complete the Understanding Your form enclosed in this newsletter and Congregation's Budget return it with your payment to Geri This Sunday morning get together is Rothwell, 9510 Bainbrook Court, designed to allow congregants to learn Cincinnati, OH 45249. We look forward more about the operating budget of to celebrating with you. Beth Adam. Historically, the congrega- tion as a whole is presented a budget at our Annual Meeting. There is time to ask questions and the congregation votes to accept or reject the budget presented. At children from age from three year pre- school through seniors in High School! We also offer Sunday morning fee-based August 10, 2005 7:30-9:00 PM childcare for children under the age of August 24, 2005 7:30-9:00 PM three. Religious School meets from 9:30 Rewriting The Bible Through – 11:30 most Sundays from September Midrash Dr. Mark Rothschild through May (the schedule for Religious Question: What do you do when your School and Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes is sacred texts tell you to stone your included in the packet). Our lively and rebellious children, kill those who trans- informative Adult Education program gress Shabbat, and poke out the eyes of also meets during Religious School anyone who pokes out yours? Answer: hours. Read between the lines, reinterpret and rewrite!! Let’s see how the ancient rab- Unique to Congregation Beth Adam is bis did it in their day through writing our all-volunteer Religious School staff. midrash (not only were they brilliant, We believe this provides an important but they had a great sense of humor) example for our children about our and then we’ll write some ourselves. commitment to their religious educa- tion and our own. Dr. Mark Rothschild, Sunday Morning Adult continues in his second year at Beth Education begins September 11 Adam as our rabbinic intern. This year Classes meet from 9:35 - 11:25 he will work with the Religious School to Taught by Rabbi Robert Barr enhance our curriculum and support our teachers. Rabbi Tom Heyn now leads our music program. We welcome them both, and hope you will all get to know them this year. by Merle Coyle We are in the beginning to put in place As always, the summer seems to be fly- our new assistant principal positions, ing by, and we are hard at work get- and are excited about the valuable ting ready for the upcoming school resources they add to our Religious year! Everyone should have received the School. Most of our wonderful teach- 2005-2006 Religious School Newsletter ers will be returning this year. However, Packet in the mail by the end of June, there are administrative, teaching, and and we are VERY hopeful that you have classroom assistant opportunities avail- already completed and returned your able and I strongly encourage you to registration form. contact me to learn more about them. Most of these positions involve very Religious School begins on Sunday, flexible time commitments and require September 11, 2005. It is open to NO previous experience. From: Laurie Ogborne & Brian Susskind I especially hope that some of our newer in honor of Beth Adam's members will take advantage of these 25th Anniversary opportunities to contribute their skills and enthusiasm to our Religious School. From: Ohio Osteopathic Association You do not need to have a child in the in appreciation of Dr. Mark school to volunteer on Sunday mornings. Rothschild giving the invocation Current and past teachers and assistants at our 107th annual meeting. have shared that they have benefitted from learning so many new things as From: Aline Simon they prepared to teach each lesson. And in memory of Cecelia Lebow any teacher will tell you that experi- and Leslie Lebow encing a "Rain in Spain Moment" with a student who finally "gets it." is an Library Fund incredible feeling of success for both Donations go to purchase books, periodicals, parties. and other materials for our library. To: Simi Barr in honor of We will see you on September 11 -- the becoming a Bar Mitzvah first day of Religious School and the From: Idelle Datlof beginning of Beth Adam's Twenty Fifth Lori Doctrow Anniversary Year. Please contact me if Carl Shapiro you have any questions about Religious David & Wendy Zangrando School in general or about the volunteer positions (236-9288 or TLCOYLE@CINCI. From: Sue & Herb Meis RR.COM). To: Mr. & Mrs. William Friedlander in honor of 50th Anniversary Mrs. Robert Fries in honor of special birthday Dr. & Mrs. James Kanter Congregation Beth Adam gratefully in honor of the birth of acknowledges contributions to the: two! grandsons Mr. & Mrs. James Salinger General Fund Donations help to offset the in honor of 60th Anniversary costs of operating the Congregation in order Mr. Charles Tobias to fulfill the mission of Beth Adam. in memory of wife

From: Phil & Wanda Green Publication Fund Donations go to support in memory of Henry Aron the cost of publishing our own liturgy.

From: Charlotte Greenblatt To: Harriet Edwards in honor of Dr. & Mrs. Frank on the occasion of her Handel on their 25th anniversary. Bat Mitzvah From: Amy L. Gerowitz Barbara and Michael Reed Jim & Joyce Salinger Sam & Elena Sheyn If one of your life cycle dates has been omitted, please contact the Congregational office at 985-0400. We apologize for any mistakes. To: Jim Selonick In honor of his 80th Birthday ANNIVERSARIES From: Jane Ellis 3 Mark & Richie Heiman Joyce & Jim Salinger 3 Mark & Mary Rinsky Francis & Milt Schloss 5 Victoria Appalova Midge Selonick & Sergy Grinshpun Dottie Senior 5 Martha & Bradford Rodgers Judy, John, and David Starrels 8 Leon & Betty Ann Wolf 13 Kurt Albrecht & Lisa Bressler Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund This fund is 13 Joshua Schwarz & Rebecca Luzadis used by the Rabbi to further the goals and 14 Jay & Judy Avner mission of Congregation Beth Adam. 14 Robert Siegel & Claudia Reilly 17 John & Amy Applegate From: Phil & Wanda Green 19 Ruthie Deutscher & Ben Sweeney in honor of the B'nai Mitzvah 20 Fran & Peter Gafvert of Phyllis Berenson's 20 Barb & Tom Tobias grandson and grandaughter 21 Dick & Geri Rothwell 25 Joyce & Joseph Sirkin From: Nancy Greene in honor of 26 Molly Katz & Lee Parrott 31 Phyllis Berenson Rachel's Bat Mitzvah 31 Steve & Carolyn Bloomfield

To: Jim Selonick BIRTHDAYS In honor of his 80th Birthday 1 Jay Schreiber From: Mrs. Henry M. Hoffheimer 2 Jenna Foy Alan Marerro Building Fund This fund provides resources 4 Priscilla Cummins Messer for capital improvements and financing of Rennie Greenfield our building on Loveland-Madeira Road. Jacob Lazar 5 Mike Goldman From: Tom, Lisa, Joshua, Andrew, and 6 Harriet Edwards Brooke Oeters Max Gollobin To: Jack & BJ Carter Leah Malof in memory of Henry Carter Laurie Ogborn 7 Gary Kessler Ben Sands 9 Evan Lind Michael Sams 2 Debbie Kiner Sister of Mike Epstein 2 Carl Rubin 11 Nicole Feld Uncle of James Cummins 13 Vicky Fleischer 3 Dr. Samuel L. Pollack 14 Ann Tobias Grandfather of Gary Goldman 15 James Applegate 4 Rose Dulfon Sheryl Brown Grandmother of Marci Strasser Vicky Mary 4 Sarah Thursby 16 Jerry Rauh Neice of Fred & Karina Rothzeid Samuel Sheyn 6 Ester Weinberger Joyce Sirkin Mother of Mia Biran 18 Cynthia Aninao 7 David M. Kagan Gary Epstein Lubow Father of Richard Kagan Jennifer Margolis 7 Emil Veser Karina Rothzeid Father of Mary Rinsky 19 Slava Serota 8 John Strait Bruce Serota Grandfather of John Applegate 20 Phyllis Berenson 9 Ann Marmer Joni Burton Grandmother of Micki Gildenblatt 22 David Goldstein 9 Mel Schulman 23 Sam Cowan Husband of Zell Schulman Josh Williams Father of Stuart Schulman 24 Noah Pittinger 10 Adele L. Ellis 25 Panny Cowan Grandmother of David Ellis 28 John Cooker 11 Gerd M. Bloomfield Asher Serota Father of Steven Bloomfield Steven Voluse 11 Elizabeth S. Korpanek 30 Judith Hobbs Mother of Sharon Schwartz 31 Lisa Oeters 12 Phoebe Hymson Abram Sands Mother of Carolyn Gilbert Joshua Sands Grandmother of Russ & Lisa Gilbert MEMORIALS 12 Janet Frances Deschodt 1 Adele L. Ellis Cousin of Myfanwy Smith Grandmother of Jim Ellis 12 Jules Weiss 1 Perry Ross Father of Ken Weiss Father of Marce Epstein 14 Erwin Deutscher 1 Bertha Kaufman Father of Ruthie Deutscher Mother of Roy Kaufman Grandfather of Ben Sweeney 1 Sophie Liberson 14 Phyllis Marmer Mother of Marv Liberson Mother of Micki Gildenblatt 14 Tillie Nebolsky Grandmother of Lisa Kaplan Gray 18 Ben Carlson Berne Son of Phil Berne & Susan Carlson 10001 LOVELAND-MADEIRA ROAD, Sister of Emma LOVELAND, OH 45140 18 Edna Klar FAX [513] 686-2672 Mother of Cindy Zelazny WEB www.bethadam.org 19 Mary Belle Barnett Grandmother of Rabbi Robert B. Barr [513] 985-0400 Cathy Crisenbery [email protected] 21 Ivan Paris Dr. Mark Rothschild, Intern Husband of Barbara Paris [email protected] [513] 985-0400 22 Blanch Dungan Chandler Grandmother of Debbie Miller Phyllis Binik-Thomas [513] 985-0400 Administrative Director 25 Nettie Toby [email protected] Mother-in-Law of Roy Kaufman 25 Murray Wiener Roberta Veleta [513] 985-0400 Husband of Barbara Wiener Business Manager 27 Meyer Datlof Dr. Sheryl Cohen [513] 791-7022 Father of Idelle Datlof President 27 George Grossman Father of Amy Applegate Mark Heiman [513] 774-7466 Vice President 30 Marion Chase Mother of Nancy Chase Dr. Paul Korn [513] 533-3629 30 S. Marcus Wigser, MD Treasurer Husband of Mary Wigser Allison Tepper [513] 891-3776 Membership

Merle Coyle [513] 236-9288 Religious School Principal

Beth Adam welcomes new member: Phyllis Berenson [513] 891-8376 Lisa Forschner, the daughter of Fred & Debbie Miller [513] 791-0898 Karina Rothzeid. Member Support Committee

Betty Ann Wolf [513] 242-2155 Beth Adam extends our sympathy to: Oneg Committee Lisa Shusterman and family on the loss of her father. Marce Epstein [513] 336-9667 Social Committee Chair

When calling the office, please leave a time you can be reached if you do not have voice mail or an answering machine.