Join Us for a Joyous Celebration of Purim

VOLUME 82 NO. 3 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 SHEVAT/ADAR/NISAN 5777 BETHAHABAH.ORG

Join us for a Joyous Celebration of Purim

PURIM IN THIS ISSUE: any such episode occurred exactly as it is Tikkun Olam p 2 reported in the Book of Esther. However, it Executive Director p 3 is quite possible that the festival of Purim New Members p 4 does go back to some actual incident in the President’s Message p 5 history of the Persian Jews, since we have observed Purim as a major holiday since CBA Voices p6 ancient times. CBA Music Makers p 7 Rabbi Scott Nagel CBA Community p 8 Sophia and Nathan Gumenick Senior Rabbi Purim, in the early spring, and Simchat To- B'nei Mitzvah p 9 rah in the fall, about six months apart, have Purim p 10 The basic story of Purim is well-known: historically functioned as social release how King Ahasuerus of Persia let himself valves within the Jewish community. One Religious School p 11 be influenced by the wicked counselor can, with official sanction, drink so much Brotherhood p 13 Haman to order the annihilation of all the he cannot think clearly. Nothing is black Sisterhood p 14 Jews in his vast empire, and how the Jews and white. All is grey. On Purim the world Purim Shpiel p 16 were saved by the resourcefulness of is turned upside down. Students can openly Mordechai and his niece, Queen Esther. poke fun at their teachers, the poor CBA Life p 17 Donations p 22 Historically, it is questionable whether Community Calendar p 24 Purim...Continues on Page 4 Museum & Archives p 25 2

Tikkun Olam To the Members of Congregation Beth Ahabah, Tikkun Olam Committee When community forms around an idea, task or The Doorways "Between healing and home," are four words that mission, people discover one another in new and succinctly describe the mission of The Doorways. The meaningful ways. Strangers become acquaintances Doorways provides low-cost housing to patients undergo- and acquaintances become friends. Bridging RVA is ing a variety of medical experiences at nearby hospitals, all about connecting individuals, groups and causes their families and their caregivers. to advance common good in our community.

On Thursday, November 17th, members of the Tikkun Due to the closing of the Freedom House in 2012, Olam Committee served a dinner of chicken cacciatore, the annual Christmas Day Dinner in Richmond brown rice and garden salads to residents there. Prior to also came to an end. After learning of this void in the event, on Wednesday, November 15th, another group our community, Bridging RVA decided to bring of volunteers prepared the dinner entrees in the Beth the dinner back to our city in 2015. We all agreed Ahabah kitchen. The main courses were then transported that Christmas is a culturally significant time of the to The Doorways to be served later in the week. year. Regardless of one's theology or religion, we believe a Christmas Day Dinner advances the To serve the meal on November 17th, several members of the Tikkun Olam Committee and CBA volunteers met at common good by feeding the hungar; and 5:30 pm to ready the dining area, re-heat the entree and promoting goodwill and peace among ALL people. toss the salad. Bread and desserts were provided by area food stores. We are extremely grateful for Congregation Beth Ahabah, who made their beautiful place of worship available as the venue for the 2016 Christmas Day Dinner. We are also grateful for the 150 volunteers, 38 individual donors and 9 corporate donors who contributed to the effort. At the end of the day, the 2016 Christmas Day Dinner was a huge success! More than 500 people were fed and hundreds of toys were given out to children.

It was a beautiful example of people coming together to advance common good. Here is a link to a video that captured the moments and smiles of The Doorways residents, guests and staff were very appre- the day: https://youtu.be/SG_nY1uAjkY ciative of our efforts. In a time of societal discord, what the people of CBA did demonstrates what people of our On behalf of Bridging RVA's Board of Directors, faith, good intent, determined purpose and love for our thank you for your openness and hospitality. fellow mankind can accomplish. Kind Regards, In December, we celebrated the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad, Christmas and Hanukkah. Perhaps the one John Sawyer refrain should be, "God bless us, each and every one." Bridging RVA Board Chairman 3 A MESSAGE FROM THE When you are ready to discuss your Jewish Music from Around EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: needs or would like to visit Hebrew the World Cemetery, we invite you to make an By Sarah Beck-Berman, Cantorial Soloist appointment by calling me or chairman, Bill Thalhimer, III at the Temple office. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to hear examples of Jewish music from around the globe!

BUDGET SEASON IS As part of my ongoing Cantorial UPON US Russell M. Finer, FSA studies, I have continued to learn as A Message from the Treasurer Executive Director much as I can about the many differ- Lee D. Katz ent cultures and traditions of Jewish music across the centuries, and across The Hebrew Cemetery Budget season is upon us and the Committee of Richmond the globe. There is so much diversity Finance Committee is hard at work in Jewish music, much of which we guiding the staff, lay leaders, and Many members ask where our historic are not exposed to in our day-to-day program committees through the congregational cemetery is located and lives. annual budget process. Budgets serve what is involved in purchasing a plot? two primary purposes as they help pro- Well, Hebrew Cemetery is on Friday, March 31 will be a special op- vide a blue print for the congregation Hospital Street between Fourth and portunity to hear examples of differ- to follow based on expected income Fifth Streets. Hebrew Cemetery ent global Jewish musical traditions, and expenses and also serve as a key provides traditional grave sites with and learn about them! control to ensure financial discipline either flat or raised headstones in a within our organization. In addition setting that is conducive to peace, During the Torah service that eve- to preparing an annual budget, the solace and meditation. There are also ning, I will chant that week’s Torah Finance Committee will also take a sites available for cremation urns. verses in several styles: first, our longer term financial view and estimate “normal” one (which comes from an our financial picture over a three to five Our congregational cemetery is Eastern European/Ashkenazi style), year period. This longer term view will another aspect of our common support and then in a few other styles, includ- help our leadership with evaluating and shared concern for every member. ing Western European/Ashkenazi alternatives and assessing the impact Remember, too, by making arrange- (featured during the Brotherhood in such important areas as staffing ments now, you will spare members of service this past January), an Iraqi models, alternative dues structures your family the anxiety and stress of style, and a Moroccan style. and new and innovative programming making such a decision on their own ideas. We look forward to presenting a during trying times. Then, following the Torah service, sound financial plan to the congrega- we will explore Global Jewish music tion at the Annual Meeting in May and traditions as they have developed providing tools to assist our leadership in different areas of the world, with in evaluating important decisions for musical examples of course! the Congregation. I am very excited to once again present this taste of Jewish music from around the world in March, and I hope you are able to join us during services that evening.

Left to Right: An oud (pronounced ood, as in food) is a stringed instrument similar to a lute used in many Middle Eastern Jewish traditions; and a darbuka, or Victorian-era headstones at Hebrew Cemetery doumbek, a type of goblet drum used in Middle Eastern and North African Jewish music. 4

Purim...Continued from Page 1 can mock the rich, the weak can deride the powerful and we can all pretend to be someone else.

The Megillat Esther, or Scroll of Esther, from which Purim derives, is one of the latest books in the TANACH, the Jewish Bible, and was only placed within our canon after much debate by the rabbis in the late first century of the Common Era. It is universally regarded as a comic novella as Mordechai and Esther. This reminds us that even if God is it is historically implausible, frivolous, and bawdy. It does, not imminent in our lives, God works in and through us to however, give us the foundation and authorization for the bring goodness and light into the world. We see God through observance of Purim. our actions, in the small and large acts of goodness we perform each and every day. This is one of Purim’s greatest There are three main themes in the Book of Esther. lessons, one that permeates our existence as Jewish human beings. The first is based on Haman’s complaint to King Ahasuerus about the Jews. He tells the king (Esther 3:8), “There is a cer- Randi joins me in wishing everyone a Happy and Joyous tain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples Purim. May we all share in God’s work by sharing joy and in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws are different laughter with all this month of Adar. from those of any other people and who do not obey the king’s laws—and it is not in your Majesty’s interest to tolerate Joyfully, them.” While the charge that we do not obey the king’s laws Rabbi Scott Nagel was a blatant lie, the Jews were different from every other people within the realm. Haman was choosing to practice the age old custom of tyrants everywhere, to direct the hostility of the government and populace against a small minority of A Warm Welcome to people who are different from the majority. Haman was obviously foiled in his effort to destroy the Jews, but other tyrants Our New Members! have not been so easily defeated. We learn from this that we must always strive to protect those who are different, those Congregation Beth Ahabah would like to welcome small minorities whom it is easy to oppress. Our best protec- the following new members and their families: tion as Jews is to protect others who are targets of prejudice and discrimination. David Cohn Donna Poland The second theme is a dominant one in Jewish life—when ever and where ever we have lived, we have emulated the Richard & Lawrence Gordon habits and customs of the majority culture. In this country, we are thoroughly and completely American. Our music, Please excuse us if we missed listing your name, we will include it in the next issue. dress, and language, and our attitudes all reflect our complete immersion within 21st century American life. Jews through- We extend a warm welcome to the out the ages lived with the tension of being different and newest members of our Beth Ahabah community being part of the societies in which we sojourned. Jewish life and look forward to engaging you in all and culture has always reflected the time and place in which we live. The secret to Jewish survival is maintaining our dif- of the exciting things that are happening ferences while simultaneously living like everyone else. in our congregation.

The third point is unique to the Book of Esther and the holi- Carol Ann Callahan day of Purim. Esther is the only book in the Bible in which Membership Committee Chairperson God is not mentioned. Nowhere in our text does God appear, yet God’s hand invisibly guides all the actions of 5

Inspiring Jewish Lives— construction. In looking around town, We will strengthen communication Building Sacred Community: however, it seems that city churches and support Religious School families have come up with some innovative by training all teachers on Beth Aha- What Lies Ahead ways to secure parking on Sunday bah Connect. This important tool will By Katie Roeper, Congregational President mornings. We should be able to do the be used for all future communications same. A small group of families have between teachers and families and to It’s always a little challenging to write agreed to take the lead in exploring connect all adult members according an article that won’t be published for creative alternatives and working with to areas of interest. If you have not yet several weeks. It forces us to look Richmond City to seek a solution for signed up, please contact Lori Allen at beyond the immediate future and our members. the Temple office to learn how easy it consider what will be most relevant is! two months down the road. Today is Budgeting has been somewhat of a actually January 1st, the secular new “chicken and egg” dilemma for Beth Plans to break ground for renovations year—a day that encourages us to Ahabah. We have at times, set the and new construction are projected look forward. In keeping with this budget and asked committees to design for late spring, providing final approv- tradition, I am looking forward to programs accordingly. We have also als are granted by Richmond City. We the coming months and what I hope asked committees to set the budget and look forward to planning an event that to accomplish before the end of my submit to the finance committee, who mirrors the inclusive approach estab- term in May. Here are a few of the then is charged with figuring out how lished in the fundraising phase of the highlights: to balance income and expenses. This campaign. year, we are taking a hybrid approach Innovation Teams have met several by asking committees to prioritize their Getting Involved—If any of these areas times since last summer—identify- budget requests, based on alignment spark interest with you, please contact ing goals, objectives, and action steps. with the vision. This will give better Katie Roeper to learn how to make an Priorities have been assigned, based on guidance to the Finance Committee impact in the future of our congrega- feasibility and potential level of impact, when tough decisions need to be made. tion. with an intention to be inclusive of all demographics in our congregational Development will take a more coordi- Beth Ahabah: Inspiring Jewish community. There are common themes nated approach. We will be restructur- Lives—Building Sacred Community. and cross-cutting goals, which will ing development efforts to strengthen now be compiled into a comprehen- all fundraising to include Giving Cir- sive Strategic Plan to guide us over the cles (annual giving), special projects, coming years. Life and Legacy planned giving; and Committee structure will be examined Beth Ahabah Cares future phases of the to determine where we have gaps, campaign. We will Beth Ahabah Cares reaches out to our congrega- based on the new strategic plan. Small tional members who are ill, hospitalized, or perhaps be working with groups will be designed to provide sitting Shiva by sending cards, making calls, and small groups to delivering healing meals. We reach out in times opportunities for members to work coordinate com- of gladness as well by sending Mazel Tov on specific programs or ideas, offering greetings to our families with new babies. munication, donor them flexibility, focus on greatest inter- We love sending newly knit caps and/or cultivation and booties to our newest tiny members. est, and less time commitment than donor recognition committee work. and create a col- This active committee is always open to welcoming new members who are available laborative plan to to bake, cook meals, knit, or make telephone Parking in the city is no easy feat on serve as a roadmap calls. Everyone is welcome! If you can give us a Sunday mornings yet more and more for future develop- little of your time you can help our community in families want to engage in Sunday a big way. ment. morning activities. While this topic Please contact Lori Skiles at 804.346.2684 or was raised during the charettes, it was [email protected]; or Miri Eynan at 804.269.5424 not feasible to build additional parking or [email protected] to begin touching lives into the plans for renovation and new one family at a time. 6

DEBRA GARDNER

When I was about to turn 60 and I studied this much in college I would elegant game bridge is. It can be played planning to retire from almost 30 years have come out with a PhD! After socially with two couples enjoying practicing law, I had a major problem. several months, I asked my teacher a bottle of wine or it can be fiercely What was I going to do? My brain was about a mentor and she had the perfect competitive. You can play it with a going to turn to mush! I was having one in mind for me. basic understanding of the game and lunch with a friend and expressed my never advance further than that, or concerns. She suggested I join her at In addition to my weekly lesson, I spend a lifetime learning its intricacies. her bridge lesson. I had learned to play played once a week with my mentor in college where the game and I had and we spent almost two hours after My brain turn to mush? Ha! Not as an intense relationship. After marrying the game going over the hands we long as I can play bridge! David, we played a lot as a young had just played. Soon other people couple, but as we began to have serious began asking me to play. I was serious family and career responsibilities, we about learning and willing to study, would play just once or twice a year. so my partners were patient. I am not This is a new series written by and But I was curious and accepted her a natural card player but I figured if about the members of Beth Ahabah. offer. I worked hard and studied it would If you would like to submit an article make up for whatever deficits I had. about a friend or family member at It turned out bridge had really Beth Ahabah, or your own adventures, changed! It was still a partnership card I have progressed to the point where avocations or interesting career, please game divided into two parts: bidding I want to return the generosity others contact Lori Allen in the Temple office at and playing, but that was about all have shown me, so I became a certified [email protected]. that was familiar. I enjoyed the lessons bridge teacher this summer and now and the challenges they presented. I have 8 beginning students. In addition even began to review the homework - to teaching the mechanics of the leading David to comment that if had game, I hope to impart what a truly 7

CBA Music Makers by Laura Savage, CBA Music Committee Chair

Featuring… the Sopranos

NO, not those Sopranos...the ladies of the Adult Choir. Each issue, we will feature a different section of the choir. St. Augustine said, “he who sings, prays twice.” My feelings exactly. It is why I choose to sing. We asked the choir members how long they have sung in the choir, why they sing, how singing impacts their families and what they do when not in the choir. Here are the results:

Sarah Blankenship is a veteran singer Front Row: (left to right) Kat Sinclair, Sarah Blankenship, Rebecca Eichelman, Fern Cohen; 2nd row: (left to right Rachel Schmidt, Laura Savage; (left to right) 3rd row: Holly Jordan, Laura Petrella. having started her career in the Junior Choir in 1986. She has been a member of the Adult Choir since 1999. Sarah describes her love of singing as Virginia Voice. Fern’s hobbies include coordinator in her day job. She loves a “meaningful spiritual experience” theater, opera and the arts. “I love life!” dogs. and “a way to give back.” Singing is a commitment which impacts her family. Rebecca Eichelbaum joined the choir 4 Laura Savage started singing every They are super fans, but it means “sit- years ago. She “loves music.” Rebecca Shabbat morning in the youth choir at ting with the choir instead of my fam- is a self described “homemaker” whose Temple Beth Emeth (PS it still exists). ily." Sarah’s day job embraces her pas- hobbies include her children, dance She has been a member of the adult sion for creativity. She is a marketing/ art and walking. “Choir has become an choir for over 30 years. “Music is the coordinator/graphic designer/photog- important part of my life. I enjoy the spiritual way in which to connect and rapher for Caldwell Baker. She is also a choir members and Natan.” embrace Shabbat.” Her mother had jewelry designer and artist in her spare a great impact on her love for music. time when she is not volunteering with Holly Jordan has given her beauti- There was always music in the home the Boy Scouts as an Assistant Scout ful voice to the soprano section since as her mother played piano and was Master. In addition, Sarah is a beloved 1994. As a professional, she is a choral the music teacher at Religious School. Religious School teacher of K-2. instructor in the Chesterfield Public Laura’s husband and daughter are schools. She is a frequent soloist and “faithful fans” ever present in the third Fern Cohen is one of the “original” section leader at St Paul’s Episcopal row cheering her on with “smiles and choir members having sung for 23 church. When not singing, Holly en- pride.” Laura retired from VCU after years. She says that “singing makes joys her sons, Ian and Collin. 30 years as an advanced practice nurse my spirits soar.” Fern’s musical career only to be coaxed back a year ago. Her started at Brith Achim in Petersburg as Rachel Schmidt has dreams of becom- passions include volunteering and a member of the Junior Choir. “Music ing a cantor. It’s never too late. She travel. has always been a part of my life. My has somewhat fulfilled this longing mother played the piano and we would by singing for the last 20 years with Kathryn “Kat” Sinclair joined the choir sing along.” Fern is a semi-retired the Adult Choir. Rachel has been our 4 years ago. Singing “brings her joy and speech pathologist. She volunteers with “Cantorial soloist” during summer is the most meaningful way to pray.” RVA aphasia group, Hadassah’s Check- services. “Singing is the best way to Kat says her family “has no idea connect with God.” Rachel is a senior It-Out Program and is a reader for the The Sopranos...continues on Page 15 8 CBA COMMUNITY

BETH AHABAH SENIOR BRIDGE

Transportation = independence. Many seniors who do not like to drive consider themselves a burden to others, especially when they cannot access public IN SYMPATHY TO THE transportation (and only 4% of the elderly use public transportation). Most FAMILIES OF…. people hate to ask for help, so they will just do without going out. The avail- Ellis Abrams ability of transportation enables older persons to live independently in their Selma Levy communities, helps to prevent isolation and the possible need for long-term grandmother of Lara (Jeff) Lavelle care placement. Dorothy Holzbach mother-in-law of Beryl Holzbach We can meet this need by volunteering once a year to drive a congregational Rick Morgan senior to and from services. Please consider being a part of this mitzvah! husband of Susan Morgan father of Aaron & Evan Morgan Reminder: Thursday March 2, 2017 6:30 p.m. @ Joel House information Mabel May Hull concerning Medicare from the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance mother of Rita (Carter) Buxbaum Program. Trained volunteer counselors assist with Medicare and help seniors Ida Wagner and caregivers understand Medicare and other health insurance benefits. mother of Patricia Dodson Nancy Segal Planning Ahead: Tuesday April 18, 2017 6:00 p.m. @ Joel House wife of Jeff Segal Care Givers Appreciation Dinner, details to follow! mother of Jessica, Jacob &Anne Segal Murray Lowenstein Rachel Schmidt, Senior Bridge coordinator Gladys Lehman [email protected] sister of Minnie Held & 804.690.8439 Gloria Weiner Adams Frances Smith mother of Debbie (John) Cook

MAZAL TOV! Coffee & Adam Bourne on the birth Marcia & Harry Thalhimer on the GOOD NEWS & of their son, Judah Elon Bourne, born birth of their granddaughter, Rose SIMCHAS TO: December 15, 2016 Antoinette Thalhimer born November 15, 2016. Also to parents, Michael & Deborah Greenberg on the birth of Bonnie & Ron Kasoff on the birth Alyson Thalhimer of St. Paul, Min- her grandson, William Kevin Reed of their grandson, Hunter Colin nesota, uncle, Andrew Thalhimer and born November 22, 2016. Also to great- Benjamin born December 4, 2016. grandparents, David & Doris Hoel. grandmother, Mikki Evens and parents, Also to parents, Sarah & Zack Brendan Reed & Dr. Emily Caplan Benjamin of Northern, Virginia. Barbara D. Boyan, who will be Reed of McLean, Virginia. inducted as a 2016 National Academy of Inventors Fellow. 9

B’NEI MITZVAH IN FEBRUARY & MARCH

Nathan Aschheim Jake Weiss Mannix Green Saturday, February 25 Saturday, March 11 Saturday, March 18

Nathan Litow Aschheim will be called Jake Kenneth Lightfoot Weiss will be Mannix Green will be called to the to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on March February 25th, 2017. He is the son He is the son of David and 18, 2017. Mannix is the son of of Shari Litow and David Aschheim, Mackenzie Weiss and brother of Carolyn Dean and Lonny Green, the brother of Seth Litow Aschheim Alexis Weiss. He is the grandson of and brother to Galen, Stenzler, and the grandson of Joseph and Ken and the late Mary Bo Gassman Thomas, Knaide and Quinn. He is Madeleine Litow and Barbara and of Richmond, and Harriet Weiss the grandson of Janet O’Connor and Peter Aschheim. and the late Gary Weiss of Orlando, the late Dr. Philip Dean, and the late Florida. Shirley Green and the late David Nathan is in 7th grade at St. Green. Christopher’s School and has been a Jake is a 7th grader at Pocahontas member of Beth Ahabah since the Middle School. He is first string for Mannix is a 7th grade student in the age of eight. At school, Nathan enjoys his weight class on the school wres- International Baccalaureate program math, woodworking and science. tling team. In his free time he enjoys at Moody Middle School. He is on Outside of school, Nathan enjoys skateboarding, gaming and creating the Moody Middle School soccer, playing soccer on the FC Richmond cool inventions. Jake is a neighbor- basketball and track teams and soccer team, playing tennis, hiking and hood favorite as he has a special way swims for the Dominion Club in the biking. His family and friends would with younger children and always summer. Mannix loves music and say that he is funny, friendly, happy finds a way to include them in "big plays tenor saxophone in the middle and enjoys solving problems. kid" activities. He has a kind heart school band. Mannix enjoys school, and is always helping those in need sports, family time and playing his For his Mitzvah Project, Nathan plans in various ways. His favorite subject sax and his ukulele. to do work that will better the lives of in school is science. Following in US Military Veterans. the family footsteps, he is a huge fan For his Mitzvah Project, he has of the Florida Gators and aspires to implemented a program in his attend University of Florida for col- school collecting gently used jeans to lege. He is thinking of becoming an donate to homeless shelters. architect as an adult. Sign up to Receive We are very proud of Mannix, and "Ten Minutes of Torah" His family is very proud of the hard look forward to celebrating this Sign up to receive a one page email each day work he has done to prepare for his simcha with his family, friends and on a topic of Jewish interest from URJ. It only takes 10 minutes a day to get started on a Bar Mitzvah. His family and friends the congregation. lifeling journey. are all looking forward to celebrating with Jake on this very special http://www.reformjudaism.org/sign-receive-ten- occasion. minutes-torah B'nei Mitzvah...continues on Page 10 10 B'nei Mitzvah...continued from Page 9 PURIM SOCIAL homeless. JUSTICE GUIDE • Bake and sell hamantaschen and http://www.reformjudaism.org/purim-social-justice- donate the proceeds to an anti-hunger guide or social service agency. • Conduct a canned-food drive for a local food bank. In spite of, or perhaps because of, its fun-filled celebrations and tradi- You can also incorporate social action tions, Purim remains a holiday about themes into your Purim celebration in social justice. The commandments the following ways. to eat, drink and be merry are ac- companied by the mitzvah of giving Use macaroni graggers matanot l'evyonim (gifts to the poor) Nicole Brager This Purim, when the wicked Haman's and tzedakah (literally "justice," but Saturday, March 25 name is called out during the megillah understood as "charity"). In the Book reading, use a box of macaroni and of Esther, we read, "The same days on Nicole Brager will be called to the cheese or any other uncooked pasta— which Jews enjoyed relief from their Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, as a gragger (noisemaker). After the foes and the same month which had March 25. She is the daughter of service, donate the boxes of pasta to been transformed for them from one Sharon and Rob Brager, and the food banks. of grief to joy and from mourning to sister of Erica and Corinne. She is festival, they were to observe them as the granddaughter of Madelene and Help Poor Jews Celebrate Purim days of feasting and merry-making, Stan Brager of Potomac, Maryland, Create gifts of Purim goodies such and as an occasion for sending gifts and Phyllis and Bill Scott of Berwyn, as hamantaschen and bring them to (misloach manot) and presents to the Pennsylvania. people who would have difficulty poor (matanot l'evyonim)" (Esther buying the items themselves. Children 9:22). Nicole is a 7th grader at Orchard of any age can decorate the boxes or House School. She likes to play sports, make greeting cards to incude. Gift and is on a year round travel soccer In giving matanot l'evyonim on might be brought as part of a visit to team, her school basketball team, and Purim—and in the larger sense of a senior center or left anonymously plays tennis in the summer. In her free pursuing social justice—we recognize for families in need. Your local Jewish time, Nicole enjoys writing stories, the need to address the inequalities we Family Service or rabbi can provide hanging with friends, listening to see in our society. By engaging in so- you with a person or place that would music, and watching Netflix. She and cial action on Purim, we hope to help love to receive your gift. her dad volunteer together in monthly erase the hierarchy of the haves and the have-nots in our world. During community service projects with her Donate Grocery Store Gift this time of revelry and fun, of forget- friends from Orchard House. For her Certificates ting our usual inhibitions and turning Mitzvah Project, Nicole is volunteering Gift certificates to local grocery stores our usual routines on their heads, let in various activities with the residents can help food pantries assist clients us also remember that we have the at The Virginia Home. Her favorite with meeting the dietary needs that power to transform the lives of those subject is science. She’s always been canned food drives cannot address, who are suffering, to turn their days of good at building things, and hopes to allowing clients in need to purchase mourning into days of joy. one day be an engineer or an architect, fresh foods that food pantries cannot or maybe a writer. stock. Here are a few simple ways that you can give matanot l'evyonim (gifts to As the last of nine grandchildren on Have a Party to Feed the Hungry the poor) on Purim: both sides of the family, we are very Are you hosting or attending a Purim • Donate food or money to a local proud of Nicole and all of her hard party or se’udah (festive meal)? Make food pantry. work on becoming a Bat Mitzvah. a donation to a food pantry or to an- • Volunteer at a soup kitchen, cooking other organization that fights hunger or serving a meal. • Make sandwiches to distribute to the mazal tov! Purim...continues on Page 20 11 BARBARA & WILLIAM B. THALHIMER, JR. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

Bible from Adam and Eve to Nehe- miah and King Ezra, they watched a short video on the same subject and while the parents had a discussion with Rabbi Nagel, the students made a 15 foot long timeline scroll match- ing the heroes to important events on the timeline, which they very proudly Heather Dinkin Religious School Administrator presented to their parents. (It will soon be displayed in the upstairs religious The third grade Gesher used this Tanakh genealogy and school corridor for everyone to learn Judaism = A lifetime of Learning personal family tree. from.) The students and parents then together studied a genealogy of the Learning is what Jews do. It never teach, it is the only way to teach." Our Tanakh and had the opportunity to fill stops.We are the people of the book. children model the behaviors we show out a genealogy of their own fam- Perhaps you remember your Bubbe or them, what we find important enough ily with Hebrew and English names. Zayde calling their synagogue a shul, to do, they will do. The Gesher Pro- Some who did not have Hebrew names the Yiddish word for school. And it is; gram at the religious school is one way worked with Rabbi Nagel to choose a place to worship and a place to learn. our parents model continuing Jewish one. The fun wasn’t over yet, they then Jews are commanded when starting a learning for their children. Parents are made Hebrew name keychains or jew- new community to first build a school, taught a lesson by Rabbi Nagel, the elry using alef bet beads. and that one does not keep children students are taught a parallel lesson by from school even to build the Temple. their teachers, and then the children Upcoming Geshers include a lesson on Religious education here begins at join their parents for a joint activity Tallit for the Sixth graders and their birth with Tot Shabbat and continues that reinforces the lesson. parents, and Israel for the Fifth grade until when? B’nei Mitzvah? Confir- and Jewish Wedding customs for the mation? Trick question!! The correct So far this year the Kindergarten, First Fourth grade. answer is forever. and Second grade parents and student enjoyed “Tanakh 101”. Both groups One may notice in whatever synagogue received a lesson on the different parts they attend that the congregation al- of the Tanakh: The Torah, Nevi’im (the ways participates loudly and earnestly Prophets), and Ketuvim (the Writ- in the V’ahav ta. It is perhaps the prayer ings). They then came together for an most commonly “known by heart” in exciting Scavenger Hunt in which they Hebrew. In it, we are told to love God had to answer clues using the knowl- with all our heart, soul, and might, and edge they had just learned about the then we are told how to do that, by Tanakh to find 11 puzzle pieces hidden taking the instructions we are learning all around the CBA campus. When the The Youngs, Heffrons and other kindergarten, first and and….teaching them to our children puzzle was assembled they all received second grade families received “crowns” as rewards for diligently, by reciting and living them crowns as a reward. In addition to using their knowledge of Tanakh to find all the puzzle at home, in public and when we are on learning about the Tanakh, many pieces on the campus wide scavenger hunt. our way. reported finding parts of the campus they hadn’t known about before. Parents are the first and most important teachers that children have. This The Third grade and their parents is true even for religious education. As participated in a gesher lesson on the the noted Jewish sage, Albert Einstein Heroes of the Tanakh. Each heard a 10 said, “Example isn’t another way to minute lesson on all the Heroes of the Religious School..continues on Page 12 12 Religious School...continued from Page 11 CBA Youth Groups TOT SHABBAT! Saturdays, February 25 & March 25 Beth Ahabah Senior Youth from 9:30 to 11:00 am in the Gumenick Chapel then Group From Friday, March 24th to Sunday, Joel House Grade 8 through 12 March 26th will be NFTY-MAR's For our young congregants who are TheVent! Get to know Jewish teens Beth Ahabah Teens are going to start newborn to 5 years, we have special from Maryland, Virginia, D.C. and off February with a ski trip from services designed to give them a fun North Carolina while competing in Friday, February 10th to Saturday, and warm introduction to the syna- a color war-style event! This event is February 11th. We will be joining other gogue, to Shabbat, to the holidays, and open to all 8th through 12th graders. youth groups from across Virginia for to Judaism. A family friendly Service Look for an email with more details a ski trip hosted by Temple Beth El in with music and movement begins at soon! Harrisonburg to Massanutten Moun- 9:30 am on Saturday mornings. The tain and Massanutten Water Park. service is followed with an activity This event is open to everyone in 8th Beth Ahabah Middle Schoolers hour fun, snacks and social time Grade 6 through 8 to 12th grade, so contact Lori Allen to sign up! Later this winter we will be having a Upcoming Geshers board game day! Join your friends after On Sunday, February 26th, there will religious school in playing some games 5th Grade Gesher be a Madrichim Social before Religious and hanging out! Sunday, February 26th School! We'll meet in the youth lounge Topic: Israel fo some breakfast. Beth Ahabah Kids Grade 2 through 5 4th Grade Gesher On Saturday, March 18th, JeRafty (our Sunday, March 5th teen youth group) will be having a Stay tuned for details on an After Topic: Jewish Wedding Customs night on the town! We will be going to School Activity on March 19th! dinner and doing something fun after- wards! This event will be open to everyone in 8th to 12th grade and Brian will be emailing more details soon! HAVING A MOVING EXPERIENCE?

Thinking of Buying or Selling? Call me 1st! STEVIE WATSON If you’re hanging your mezuzah Ranked in the Top 1% on a new doorpost, please be of ALL Agents in the USA! sure to let us know right away. That will keep the bulletin 754-4551 coming to you promptly—and save us postal fees.

We want to keep you posted! Insist on Stevie! 13 area surrounded with stacked barrels of product. The dinner provided was heartily consumed and there was a lot of interaction between all those in attendance.

I want to thank the Brotherhood Board for giving me the freedom and budget Beth Ahabah Men of Reform Judaism to put together last year’s men’s-only for a Tikkun Olam Committee event; by David Feibish events at Hardywood, and this year at sponsoring an affordable family night President Beth Ahabah Brotherhood/MRJ Strangeways. in January at a University of Richmond basketball game, a [board & other] Some years ago when I first started Game Night in February for all ages, Looking back, looking ahead…. participating with Brotherhood, I did setting up and participating in the it in spite of my thinking it was made March Purim Carnival at the JCC and up of older men with whom I probably more, make it all worthwhile! did not have much in common. I could not have been more wrong. This is an open invitation for men of all ages to attend a meeting to simply There is a natural churn with the check out Brotherhood and perhaps active Brotherhood membership, but offer to volunteer in some small way. it consists of men who run the full You don’t have to make an all-consum- range of ages. We have active members ing commitment; offer what you are with children in Religious School, to comfortable doing and check out what December 2016 was an exciting and members like me with a child who Brotherhood has to offer. fun month for Beth Ahabah’s Brother- celebrated her Confirmation 17 years hood. ago and others who date well beyond The volunteer efforts we provide to the me. The thing we have in common is Congregation as a whole are invalu- In addition to volunteer ushering and that we want in some way to volunteer able, but as men and fathers we also presenting B’nei Mitzvah gifts, and on as a contribution to Beth Ahabah. provide leadership and show the way December 11th preparing and cook- for our sons and daughters how to ing hundreds of latkes for the Religious shape their commitment to Jewish life. School Hanukkah Party, we had our 2nd BREWS & BROTHERHOOD Brotherhood has the following oppor- social at Strangeways Brewing. tunities to participate in February and March 2017: Besides the big attendance of children and parents at the Hanukkah Party, Game Night we had new volunteer faces helping Saturday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. Brotherhood. It was an outstanding event, thanks to the leadership of Dan I am hopeful our social event opened JCC Purim Festival Rosenthal. the eyes of younger men in our Sunday, March 12 at 10:00 a.m. congregation that Brotherhood offers Weinstein JCC We also had familiar and many new more than just volunteer work and faces at our men’s social event, which meetings to budget and plan events. Men of Beth Ahabah, look for our was very rewarding and exciting as Brotherhood is really a key component meeting notices and other upcoming well. The Strangeways venue exuded of many activities that happen at Beth events posted in the weekly Beth Aha- the growing “hipster” reputation of Ahabah. bah enews! As always, you are welcome RVA (and Brotherhood?). The craft to call or email me anytime to discuss beer selections unique to Strange- Doing for others is very rewarding for Brotherhood or about participating/ ways Brewing were well received and all of us in Brotherhood, but I have to volunteering in any way with one of enjoyed by those in attendance. Rabbi admit that I do it for myself as well. our events or programs. Nagel, a craft brew aficionado, joined The sense of self-satisfaction observing us. The private room for our event others who enjoy our cookouts; eating Contact David Feibish at 804.399.4514 was eclectic and fun, with its loca- our delicious latkes; fulfilling a request or [email protected] tion safely near the actual micro-brew of providing lunch for 75 volunteers 14 learn and pray with women from When does around the country and world. Tu BiShevat

Now on to the business of BAWRJ— occur? We have something in the works that Tu BiShevat or we hope will allow you to contribute the "New Year of Beth Ahabah Women your creative side. As you know, there the Trees" is Jewish of Reform Judaism are 1st Friday Family Dinners that are Arbor Day. The holiday by Meg Marshak becoming ever more popular. As we is observed on the fifteenth (tu) of President Beth Ahabah Sisterhood/WRJ set more tables, we find that we do Shevat which this year coincides with not have enough Challah Covers. Our February 11. Scholars believe that Tu As I write this article, I must let you Challah covers are in a state of too few BiShevat was originally an agricultural know that being a part of Beth Aha- and in not so great shape. To solve the festival, marking the emergence of bah Women of Reform Judaism and problem, Sisterhood is planning events spring. After the destruction of the the congregation as a whole has new for any women interested in help- Temple in 70 A.C.E. this holiday was meaning for me. As my husband’s ing, to create a new set of covers. We a way for Jews to symbolically bind recent hospital stay turned into a pro- will have you come to the Goldburg themselves to their former homeland longed recovery period, I find myself and engage in this fantastic endeavor. by eating foods that could be found in being supported in ways I could not These events will be open to any and Israel. In the sixteenth and seventeenth have imagined. Caring for each other all women and their post B’nai Mitzvah century Kabbalists created a ritual for is alive and well at Beth Ahabah. We children. All materials will be provid- Tu BiShevat similar to the Passover (John and I) have been well fed and ed. All we need are your creative juices seder. Today, Tu BiShevat has also there is a feeling of great support from and time. WATCH THE WEEKLY become a tree planting festival in many people. Even as I sat in the hos- BULLETIN FOR TIMES. Israel, in which both Israelis and Jews pital taking in the change in outcome around the world plant trees in honor for John’s surgery, I felt the support of If you have any suggestions for activi- or in memory of a loved one or friend. everyone. And, in fact, the support was ties, Please let me know. We are open there. As soon as the word got out, the to all comers. I can be reached at Tu BiShevat, also known as Chamishah offers of food and support, started to [email protected]. Watch the Asar BiShevat (the fifteenth day of come. I felt that anything I may have Temple e-news for the latest updates the month of Shevat) has a long and needed would be there. Beth Ahabah is and coming events. varied background in Judaism. Today, a great community that cares for each the most commonly associated theme other. ascribed to Tu BiShevat is the envi- ronment. It is considered a festival of National news includes the Fried nature, full of wonder, joy, acknowl- Leadership Conference, to be held edgment and thankfulness for God’s in Charleston, SC. March 2-5. This Volunteer for the CBA creation as we anticipate the renewal conference is for women only and is Communications Committee! of the natural world. Linking these WRJ’s answer to the URJ’s Biennial. ideas and tikkun olam, during this The Biennial has become very large Do you have an interest in festival we consider our obligation to and it is a problem to find enough marketing, social media, care for God’s world, of which we are meeting rooms for both groups to meet photography or journalism? the custodians, and our responsibility at one time. Therefore, the women have for sharing the fruits of God’s earth decided to take care of business and We’d love your help! with all. train new leaders all at one time. It is a time to learn about the importance of Contact Ron Kasoff at For more information on Tu BiShevat, visit URJ.org. women in the Reform movement, help [email protected] or Reform Judaism grow in strength and Russ Finer at find your voice in the future of women [email protected] in the Reform movement as well as for more details. 15

HELP BUILD OUR FUTURE – JOIN THE LEGACY CIRCLE

Beth Ahabah is pleased to announce the launch of our Legacy Circle for those members who have helped secure our future by making a legacy gift to the temple as part of their estate plan. The Legacy Circle is part of the Life and Legacy program which Beth Ahabah has joined in partnership with the Richmond Jewish Foundation following Richmond’s selection to be part of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s national legacy gift initiative. We have nine new participants who joined the Legacy Circle in the fall. Beth Ahabah will qualify for a substantial incentive grant from the Grinspoon Foundation if we receive at least nine more new legacy gifts by the end of April. Please contact one of the following members of the Beth Ahabah Legacy Circle team to find out how easy it is to make your legacy gift. We also would like to hear from you if you have already included Beth Ahabah in your estate plan so we can include you in the Legacy Circle. Look for upcoming events in the spring to thank those who have joined our Legacy Circle.

Jim Weinberg ([email protected]) Rosann Bocciarelli ([email protected]) Rob Davidson ([email protected] Katie Roeper ([email protected]) Jim Schuyler ( [email protected])

New Technology is Coming The Sopranos...continued from Page 7 to Beth Ahabah where she and her brother get their musical skills.” Her musical skills extend to an improv group “Jester’s Link” and a “nerd” rock band “Dimensional Riffs.” By day, Kat We are currently testing a new membership is working on her PhD in Microbiology at VCU study- management system and during February/March, will ing periodontal bacteria. She volunteers with the Virginia be running parallel systems. The new system will be Biotech Association, her home synagogue Beth Chaverim cloud-based, providing greatest security for our mem- and the Southeastern FoodBank. Her parent’s live in VA ber data, more flexibility for accessing data, and sig- Beach. Her musical brother is studying Music Technology nificantly improved efficiencies. While we move from at VA Tech. Her fiancé, Jake, lives in Richmond and works one system to another, there may be the possibility of as a CAD technician. a mistake in billing. If that happens, please accept our sincere apologies and please contact the office immedi- ately so that we can correct the error. In addition, we Beth Ahabah Book Club will be replacing the antiquated computers in the office, May 4, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in part, thanks to a generous donation by Brian and El- at the home of Katy Yoffy len Glass. We are grateful for their support, which will The Midwife of Venice by Roberta Rich help provide our staff with the critical upgrade needed For more information, contact Katy at to work more effectively. [email protected] 16 17 CBA LIFE:

On Sunday, December 11, Religious School students celebrated Hanukkah with activities and the Brotherhood's latkes.

CBA Life..continues on Page 18 18 CBA Life..continued from Page 17

Once a month, our littlest members and their parents join the rabbi for a special Tot Shabbat service.

Upcoming Tot Shabbats:

Saturday, February 27 Saturday, March 25 at 9:30 am in the Gumenick Chapel

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CBA Life..continued from Page 18

Once a week, Midrasha students gather to learn about Jewish customs and practices, and how to cook traditional dishes like halva. 20 Purim...continued from Page 10 as reproductive choice, global poverty, read twice on Purim, once at night and for a percentage of the cost of the human trafficking, and international once the following morning. food. Ask guests to bring donations of violence against women. Did you know that Purim is one of the money or canned goods to help fulfill most joyous holidays in the Jewish reli- their obligation to give gifts to the DID YOU KNOW? gion? So joyous, in fact, that the rabbis poor —and to add meaning to your Facts, Figures and have actually commanded adults to get celebration. Folklore of Purim drunk on the holiday of Purim.

Distribute Information about Help for Did you know that there is even a Victims of Domestic Violence Purim custom that calls for getting ine- In the Book of Esther, two women find briated? Indeed, Jewish law commands themselves in vulnerable positions that Purim revelers get so intoxicated because of their gender. Vashti pays a that they can't tell the difference be- high price for her dignity when she is tween the names of the hero of the banished from the palace for refusing Purim story, Mordechai, and its villain, to dance at the king’s drinking party. Haman. Esther, who is chosen as Vashti’s suc- cessor in a beauty pageant, fears for Did you know that in addition to being her very life in approaching the king Did you know that the word Purim is one of the most festive holidays, Purim without his express request to see her. Hebrew for "lots"? The name of the is also one of the noisiest? That's As we celebrate our victory over op- holiday refers to the plot of the king's because every time Haman's name is pression, may we also remember those, advisor, Haman, to draw lots for which mentioned during the reading of the including millions of women, who are Jews to kill first. He planned to mas- megillah, worshippers are instructed not yet free. Place informational mate- sacre all the Jews. Esther, one of the to make as much noise as possible to rial about a local shelter for victims king's wives and a Jewess herself, saved drown out his name. A special instru- of spousal abuse at your synagogue, the Jewish people from Haman's "lots" ment was even created for this noise- workplace, hair salon, and clothing plot by revealing it to the king. making, called a gragger (grogger).! stores – anywhere you can think of. Did you know that the only holy Did you know the Jewish people have Give Your Old Cell Phone to Victims Jewish book in which the word for a custom of giving alms to the poor on of Domestic Violence "lots" appears is the Book of Esther, Purim? The specific proscription is to As you remember the stories of Vashti traditionally read on Purim? give three half-dollar coins, symboliz- and Esther, commit to helping women ing that the giver is part of the larger in similar situations. by The National Did you know that the Book of Esther whole. Everyone, rich and poor alike, Coalition Against Domestic Violence retells the story of Purim, when the is required to give the same amount collects deactivated cell phones, which Jewish people were spared from a death on Purim, since everyone has an equal still allow for 911 calls, to distribute to decree by the King of Persia's evil advi- role in the destiny of the Jewish people. victims of domestic violence so that sor, Haman? The Book of Esther is tra- they can call for emergency help. Visit ditionally written upon a scroll, known Did you know that Jewish people also their website for more information. as the "Megillat Esther." The megillah have a custom to give friends and is read twice during the holiday—once family members food baskets specially Donate to Women's Empowerment at night, and once the next morning. prepared with at least two different Campaigns Purim, like all Jewish holidays, runs for types of ready-to-eat foods? The Like Vashti and Esther, women in approximately 25 hours, beginning at rationale behind this custom is likely developing countries and, sometimes sunset. linked to another tradition—having a even in our own, have limited control feast in the late afternoon. The baskets over their bodies or their livelihoods. Did you know that the expression "the ensure that everyone has enough food In honor of Purim, choose a campaign whole megillah" comes from the holi- to eat at the Purim feast. or organization that is meaningful to day of Purim? On Purim, the story of you, and invest your time or money to Esther is read from a scroll known as a further the cause. Consider issues such megillah. The whole megillah must be Purim...continues on Page 21 21

Purim...continued from Page 20 Hebrew, this fast is known as Ta'anit Esther. The day-long fast commemo- rates Esther's three-day fast before she Did you know that hamantashen are a revealed her true identity to the king three cornered pastry filled with poppy and pleaded for her people's safety. seeds or fruit that are served on Purim? The cookies are named for the three- Did you know that the Book of Esther cornered hat that Haman wore. In is the only holy Jewish book that does Hebrew, hamantashen are called oznei not ever mention God's name? haman or Haman's ears.

Did you know that Purim is one of the only Jewish holidays not commanded in the Torah? The holiday can trace its Make a Donation in roots to the Talmudic period. The earli- Memory of a Loved One est known celebration of Purim was in the 2nd century CE. Send in a check, call the office (804.358.6757) or make your contribution online at bethahabah.org. http://www.holidays.net/purim/didyouknow.htm One can give upon a death or upon the anniversary of the death. Yahrzeit is a Yiddish word that means "anniversary," and is used specifically to refer to the Did you know that on Purim, children day on which a person passed away. dress up in costume for Purim parades and carnivals? Traditionally children dress up as Queen Esther or Morde- chai. Of course modern day revelers Share Your Favorite Recipes With Us! also dress up as Disney princesses and Have You Connected super heroes. Yet? Did you know that Purim is celebrated BethAhabahConnect is a great during a Jewish leap month? The holi- way to network with other day falls on the 14th of the month of members of the Beth Ahabah Adar. When there is a leap year, there community! are two Adars (Adar I and Adar II). Do you have your Bubbie's or Mother's Purim is celebrated in Adar II during a Create and share discussions, special holiday or Shabbat recipes? leap year. events, photo albums and groups (Charoset, Matzoh Ball Soup, Brisket, that matter to you. Kugel, etc.) Did you know that in walled cities, like the Persian city in which the story of Meet people with similar We'd love to share them on the Purim first took place, Purim is cele- interests or backgrounds within Temple blog and in B'Yachad. Please brated a day later, on the 15th of Adar? Beth Ahabah. submit them to Lori Allen at l.allen@ Today, the only recognized walled bethahabah.org cities celebrating the later Purim date Your privacy is secure. Available are Jerusalem, Hebron and the old city only for members of Beth Ahabah of Tzfat in northern Israel. ARTICLES FOR THE MAY/JUNE Sign up today! visit Did you know that the holiday of ISSUE OF B'YACHAD ARE DUE Purim begins on the 13th of Adar BY FRIDAY, MARCH 24! bethahabahconnect.twolikeyou. (regardless of whether you live in a Contact Susan Morgan at com walled city) with the Fast of Esther? In [email protected] 22 DONATIONS Marc Arenstein Ralph G. Phipps Carole Weintraub Pamela & Michael Zell TEMPLE FUND Celia W. Zell Dr. Robert P. Goodman IN HONOR OF: Morton & Myrna Norman Denise Goodman Keil Susan Meyers receiving the 2017 Michael & Pam Zell Herman Morgan Woman of Valor Award Minnie Hirsch & Anne Zeichner Norman Morgan Katy & Jimmy Yoffy Terry & Jerry Hirsch Jack J. Frank Rabbi Nagel Saul Danburg Anthony J. Frank Frona & Alan Colker Elizabeth & Elliot Danburg Shirley Arenstein, my mother Rabbis Scott & Randi Nagel Allen Norman Dianne A. Master Katy & Jimmy Yoffy Pam & Sandy Norman Irving Greenberg Judith Koziol’s special birthday Harry Yaffe Ellen & Brian Glass Katy & Jimmy Yoffy Russell Finer Jacob Grossman Nettie Opper’s special birthday Tessie Katz Judith & Isaac Koziol Katy & Jimmy Yoffy Gloria Starkman Morris Zeichner IN CELEBRATION OF: Kate Levine Terry & Jerry Hirsch The birth of William Kevin Reed, Linda Pinsky Louis Weiner, father-in-law grandson of Deborah Greenberg Marshall Lowenstein Russell Finer Katie & Ken Roeper Marilyn Lowenstein & Family Shirley Finn Ableman CONGRATULATIONS TO: Jack J. Frank Jessica Carty Jeanne & Mike Decker in Anthony J. Frank Miriam Paster celebration of their daughter, Shirley Arenstein, my mother Lonnie & Diane Paster Katie Decker’s marriage Dianne A. Master Paul Corbett Katie & Ken Roeper Jayne G. Gross Ira & Maureen Goldstein IN MEMORY OF: Pam & Sandy Norman Samuel Goldstein Fannie Rosenthal Leon Goldstein Ira & Maureen Goldstein Nancy Belleman Esther Goldstein Kelly Edward Meyer Norman Schein THE RABBIS Nancy Meyer Mark Schein PHILANTHROPIC FUND Mae S. Goldman Gladys Rozovsky Morton Thalhimer, Jr. Stanley A. Goldman, MD Fay Rozovsky IN HONOR OF: Pamela S. Finer Eric Blumenthal Rabbi Nagel being installed as the Russell M. Finer Lynn B. Stevenson Senior Rabbi of Beth Ahabah Mark Katz Rose Sukonick Cantor Renata Braun & David Braun Lee Katz Ellyn & Steve Sukonick Adrienne & Tom Shutt Jane Miller, our mother Frances Komins, mother-in-law Rebecca & Rabbi Aaron Starr Katie & Ken Roeper Allen Finer Katie & Ken Roeper Elbert Richard Sampsell, father of Herman “Hy” Finer, brother Rose & Sheldon Herold Pam & David Feibish Allen Finer Jane Heffron’s Bat Mitzvah Katie & Ken Roeper Dorothy Holzbach, mother-in-law of Allison & Peter Heyman Ruby Cansino, my dear mother Beryl Holzbach Sam Feder’s Bar Mitzvah Minnie C. Held Katie & Ken Roeper Stefanie & Ofer Feder Rick Morgan, husband of Susan John Marshak’s speedy recovery Morgan An armed security guard is on duty at Ken & Katie Roeper Hebrew Cemetery on the first and third Katie & Ken Roeper Elise Scherr’s speedy recovery Sundays of the month from Clara Litvin Ken & Katie Roeper Noon to 3:00 p.m. Stuart Litvin Donations...continues on Page 23 23 Donations...continued from Page 22 Mary Elizabeth LePage MUSEUM & ARCHIVES Betty Sue & Todd LePage IN HONOR OF: Nettie Opper’s special birthday Henry Gunst, Jr. Our son, Mark Opper, Becoming a Partner at Deloitte Rachel & Jim Schmidt Katy & Jimmy Yoffy Roberta & Peter Opper IN APPRECIATION OF: Elise Scherr’s Speedy Recovery Earl Ferguson & Richard Birnbaum, GENERATONS FUND Cynthia Becker for your generosity & kindness shown IN HONOR OF: Denise Keil’s Speedy Recovery Rachel Ann Bassell Rabbi Scott Nagel Cynthia Becker Sharon & Don Bassell IN CELEBRATION OF: IN MEMORY OF: The birth of Judah Elon Bourne, son Rick Morgan of Coffee & Adam Bourne BETH AHABAH CARES FUND Shelly Berger & Matt Richmond Ken & Katie Roeper IN MEMORY OF: Marc Arenstein The birth of Rose Antoinette Shirley Lopater, my mother Ted & Marianne P. Metzger Thalhimer, granddaughter of Lori Skiles Janet Silverstein Marcia & Harry Thalhimer Bonnie & Mike Eisenman Ken & Katie Roeper RELIGIOUS SCHOOL TUITION Henry Gunst, Jr. The birth of William Kevin Reed, ASSISTANCE FUND Mrs. Blanche B. Nusbaum Shirley Perel Plotkin, Our Beloved grandson of Deborah Greenberg IN HONOR OF: Mother Ken & Katie Roeper The Bat Mitzvah of Rena & Bert Ted & Marianne P. Metzger The birth of Hunter Colin Benjamin, Berlin’s granddaughter, Rose Field Ronald M. Plotkin, My Beloved grandson of Ron & Bonnie Kasoff Barbara J. Goldberg Brother Ken & Katie Roeper Ted & Marianne P. Metzger ELAINE L. SCHEIN IN MEMORY OF: IN APPRECIATION: Ruth B. Lee & Michael E. Boustany RELIGIOUS SCHOOL EDUCATION Temple Beth El of Williamsburg, VA Helene & Richard Lee SCHOLARSHIP FUND Ida Wagner, mother of Patricia IN HONOR OF: Dodson Monica Rosenthal receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award Janice & Robert Freed Ken & Katie Roeper Katie & Ken Roeper Hebrew Cemetery Mabel May Hull, mother of Rita of Congregations Beth Shalome Buxbaum TIKKUN OLAM FUND & Beth Ahabah

Ken & Katie Roeper IN HONOR OF: Susan Meyers, 2017 Woman of Valor CANTOR GOLDMAN Karen & Dan Hough

MUSIC FUND Beth Rosenthal

IN MEMORY OF: Melissa & Andy Brownstein Valerii Kondrashin Natan & Valeria Berenshteyn LEWIS I. HELD Hannah Berenshteyn SCHOLARSHIP FUND Natan & Valeria Berenshteyn IN MEMORY OF: Lucille Meyer, Rose Binder, Milton HEBREW CEMETERY FUND Meyer, Jr., Milton Meyer, Sr. & It’s never too early to be prepared. IN MEMORY OF: Mildred Meyer Leonard Ecker Bruce Meyer For more information please call Russell Steven Ecker Finer or Bill Thalhimer, III at 358.6757. Harry Grandis Betty Sue & Todd LePage 24 CBA Shabbat & Holiday Service Schedule February/March 2017

Friday, February 3 Friday, March 10 First Friday Shabbat Service – Come As You Are Purim Themed Shabbat Service 7:30 PM Snack 6:00 PM Service 6:15 PM Saturday, March 11 Dinner (Reservations Required) 7:00 PM Bar Mitzvah of Jake Weiss 10:30 AM Activities for kids in the Joel House 7:30 PM Purim Shpiel 7:00 PM

Sunday, February 5 Sunday, March 12 Religious School 9:15 AM Religious School 9:15 AM

Monday, February 6 Monday, March 13 Midrasha Monday 6:00 PM Midrasha Monday 6:00 PM

Friday, February 10 Friday, March 17 Jewish Music Shabbat Service 7:30 PM Shabbat Service 7:30 PM

Sunday, February 12 Saturday, March 18 Religious School 9:15 AM Bar Mitzvah of Mannix Green 10:30 AM

Monday, February 13 Sunday, March 19 Midrasha Monday 6:00 PM Religious School 9:15 AM

Friday, February 17 Monday, March 20 Shabbat Service 7:30 PM Midrasha Monday 6:00 PM

Friday, February 24 Friday, March 24 Shabbat Service w/Choir 7:30 PM Shabbat Service w/Adult Choir 7:30 PM

Saturday, February 25 Saturday, March 25 Tot Shabbat 9:30 AM Tot Shabbat 9:30 AM Bar Mitzvah of Nathan Aschheim 10:30 AM Bat Mitzvah of Nicole Brager 10:30 AM

Sunday, February 26 Sunday, March 26 Religious School 9:15 AM Religious School 9:15 AM

Monday, February 27 Monday, March 27 Midrasha Monday 6:00 PM Midrasha Monday 6:00 PM

Friday, March 3 Friday, March 31 First Friday Shabbat Service – Come As You Are Shabbat Service 7:30 PM Snack 6:00 PM Service 6:15 PM Dinner (Reservations Required) 7:00 PM Activities for kids in the Joel House 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 5 Religious School 9:15 AM

Monday, March 6 CALENDAR INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE, please check the calendar Midrasha Monday 6:00 PM online at bethahabah.org 25 BETH AHABAH MUSEUM & ARCHIVES

A Brief History of Reform Jewish Music served as the basis for American presented in combination with the (and why Beth Ahabah is so fortunate) Reform music. older music, thrives today. by David Farris, Director Most frontier Jewish communities (like At Beth Ahabah, in the present day, Beth Sholome, our ancestor congrega- we are blessed with creative musicians tion) started synagogues without any who perform and lead our music. cantor or trained Jewish musician, They are products of old and new so there were many non-Jews who influences, both American and Eastern directed the music of our leading Re- European, and continually delight our form congregations. Such a man was ears and souls with their artistry. Christian Frederick Kitziger, organist and choir director of Touro Syna- I once heard a prominent composer David Farris, Director gogue in New Orleans during the last say in an interview that he never com- two decades of the 19th century. He poses at the piano, as his fingers tend At our Museum & Archives, our main composed more synagogue music in to wander into familiar keys and chord focus is Beth Ahabah and its rich his- America during the 19th century than progressions, which would give his tory. We are especially blessed in the anyone else, and his music was sung music a “sameness” that he wanted to area of music, and this month I would in congregations in many states and avoid. I suspect that Natan, our Music like to talk about how we came to be foreign countries. Director, does much the same as his where we are. wonderful arrangements continually In the second half of the 20th century, surprise us with their rich, modern The only remnant of ancient Jewish Hasidic nigunim were introduced. harmonies, and creative rhythms. music that can be heard today is the These wordless tunes probably owe a shofar. The next oldest element of Jew- great deal to non-Jewish Russian folk Sarah, our wonderful Cantorial Soloist ish music is the of singing the Torah music, but they became so popular that (soon to be an ordained Cantor), has and Haftarah—so-called cantillation. today they are considered by many to been trained in the liturgy from child- While the method of cantillation be an essential element of Jewish mu- hood by her rabbi father. Her Hebrew is several millennia old, the oldest sic. In my time at Beth Ahabah, they pronunciation, according to an Israeli surviving examples of how cantilla- have always been heard. friend, is flawless. Her intonation is tion actually sounded dates from the perfect, and her voice is strong and 16th century when some non-Jewish In the 1930’s, inspired by Ernst Bloch’s inspiring. Great things await her, and Germans wrote it down. Until that “Sacred Service”, serious composers personally I hope that Beth Ahabah time and for most Jewish music until began writing music for Reform ser- will be her home for years to come. the 19th or even 20th century, Jewish vices - people like Arnold Schoenberg, music was handed down from genera- Kurt Weill, and Darius Milhaud. In Our wonderful choir, a mix of profes- tion to generation by oral tradition. this period many Reform rabbis wrote sional and amateur singers, continues Obviously, after three thousand years music for their synagogues, combin- to amaze us with their artistry. Na- and dispersion all over the globe, the ing traditional Jewish elements with tan plays the choir like the beautiful music of the Jews is no longer a uni- contemporary harmonies. instrument it is, and Sarah joins in to fied, common tradition. provide her inimitable touch. In the 1960’s, under the growing influ- In the 19th century a great deal of tra- ence of Israeli folk music and Ameri- The old pipe organ no longer plays ditional Ashkenazi music was written can protest songs (such as the songs of a part in our worship, having been down, and one of the leaders in this Bob Dylan), a new style of music was replaced by the piano. If we were to effort was a man named Solomon Sul- introduced into Reform synagogues spend the $700,000-plus it would cost zer in Vienna, who published cantors’ to attract young people looking for to restore it, we would still have a 1904 music and also choral and organ ar- relevance in their religion. This new organ and, as with most things, organ rangements. This music, it is believed, music has retained its popularity and, A Brief History of Reform Jewish Music...continues on Page 26 26 A Brief History of Reform Jewish Music...continued from Page 25 TREASURES FROM THE MUSEUM & ARCHIVES builders have learned a lot in the past COLLECTION 113 years. Restoring it, then, is not a sensible option. We will, however, continue to appreciate the imposing belonged to Beth Ahabah’s first Rabbi, appearance of those gold pipes over the Maximilian J. Michelbacher. Reverend Ark. One of these days, ask us to show Michelbacher served the congregation you what is behind them. from 1846 to 1879. The snuff box was engraved and given to him by his So, we move into the new year with a student, Gustavus Millhiser, in 1863. new spirit and beautiful music. Those The box is made of coin silver and are the ingredients that make for probably dates to around 1835. success and contentment. From that Sterling Silver Snuff Box, c. 1835 strong foundation, we move forward The snuff box is about 3 ¼ by 2 ¼ and grow. inches in size. It was given to the Ar- chives by Rosalie M. Cohen in 1974 in Many items within our holdings are Visit us at the Beth Ahabah Museum memory of Sam Cohen. treasures simply because they are & Archives any day (except Friday and not common items in today’s current Saturday) between 10 and 3. Bonnie, households. They have been given to us Amy and I look forward to greeting A Gem from the Archives to preserve and protect for future gen- you. erations. Some are very fragile and not frequently handled or displayed while others will maintain a fairly consistent state as long as we keep them safely Time to Advertise? stored. The pictured snuff box is one of the latter type.

Snuff boxes were designed to hold If you feel your business needs a a day’s supply of snuff (pulverized little more attention, please give tobacco) and keep it from drying out. Russ Finer a call at 804.358.6757, ext. 302 They were often ornate in design and

made to be carried in one’s pocket Rev. Maxmillian J. Michelbacher, throughout the day. This snuff box Beth Ahabah's first rabbi.

This portrait of Rev. Michelbacher by BETH AHABAH Museum Hours: Ferdinand Spangenberg was painted MUSEUM & ARCHIVES 10 am to 3 pm Sunday - Thursday in 1859. It was donated to the Archives 1109 W. Franklin Street by Mr. and Mrs. Edward Klein and is 804.353.2668 | [email protected] The Museum & Archives is located next currently on display in the Museum. door to the Temple office on Franklin Street. Visitors often ask what Rev. Currently on Exhibit in the Galleries: Michelbacher is holding in his closed • The Other Side of the Curtain: Please call in advance to make an hand. While the portrait predates his Soviet Jews Create New Lives in appointment to work in the Archives, receipt of the snuff box from Richmond, Virginia for group tours; if you have visitors who Gustavus Millhiser, it still could be that • That You’ll Remember Me: require special treatment; or if you need to the Rabbi was painted holding another Jewish Voices of the Civil War visit outside of our usual working hours. treasured snuff box in his hand. • Commonwealth & Community: We will do our best to accommodate you. Jewish Virginia 1585 to the Present 27 Beth Ahabah Loves Movies presents our final movie of the season February 18th • 4:00pm • Joel House Come Enjoy a Great Movie and Fun Refreshments with Friends!

Gifts That Make A Difference... Charitable Giving in honor of or in memory of a loved one is an important tradition for the Beth Ahabah congregation. For more information about giving opportunities, please visit the Temple website or call the Temple office at 804.358.6757. Thank you for your consideration. First Fridays Something for Everyone! February 3rd! We have all the ingredients to make your event special!

Did you know..... • Locally owned and operated for over 30 years Come as • Complimentary menu planning, event planning, you are! Light Snack at 6:00pm decorating and more, we do it all Shabbat Service with Kol Simchah at 6:15pm • Fully licensed, health inspected and insured Congregational Dinner at 7:00pm • Same trusted staff BYOB. By Reservation. $10/Adult (children 18 and under are FREE) Email [email protected] or [email protected] • Specializing in kosher and kosher-style events to make your reservation. You may call the temple office with credit card information or pay online at www.bethahabah.org. www.pickupspluscatering.com Supervised Activities for Children at 7:30pm Inflatable gaga, games and movies will 804.740.5200 be supervised so that parents may enjoy some adult conversation over dinner. — Upcoming First Fridays Schedule — March 3rd • April 7th • May 5th

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Chuck Rothenberg Immediate Past President Past Immediate Rothenberg Chuck

Lee Katz Treasurer Katz Lee

Charley Scher 2nd Vice President Vice 2nd Scher Charley

Lawrence Salzman 1st Vice President Vice 1st Salzman Lawrence

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