Leadership, Legacy & Light

Voice of the People OGV KUE

TEMPLE BETH AM AFFILIATED WITH THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM • VOL 15, NO. 5 • Iyyar - Sivan 5775 • May 2015 From our President Dear Fellow Congregants, LEADERSHIP, LEGACY & LIGHT ecently I have been putting Ra great deal of thought into the way in which our synagogue embraces our youth and their families. It is extremely important that we engage our children when they are young so they feel a commitment to Jewish and synagogue life when they are teens and young adults. The synagogue should be a partner with its families working together to encourage connections and create meaningful Jewish experiences. The outstanding work of our relatively new Youth Learning and Engagement (YLE) Department under the professional leadership of Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman and the lay leadership of YLE Vice President Eric Maman has set the foundation for Temple Beth Am to be successful in this area. The many new and reinvigorated programs within YLE are the talk of our shul! An increasing number of our youth are engaged in our Shabbat programming, USY and other new groups that address their needs and connect them with the shul, Jewish life and their friends. Our new Jewish Learning Community (JLC) is finishing its first year in a position of strength having hired innovative staff and created a new education model. Later this month I look forward to sharing a fun and spiritual weekend at the Temple Beth Am Shabbaton at Camp Ramah with my family and many of yours. As summer planning now begins in earnest, hopefully many of you are sending your children to the redesigned wonderful Camp Keshet. For the first time, children can cater their camp activities to their interests by signing up for a Keshet specialty track in Sherri Cohn & Marshall Temkin Mark Samuel sports, visual arts, performing arts and more! Now is Stuart Tochner Presidents’ Circle Resource Development VP the time to sign-up for a great summer! Co-Chairs YLE is one of the many areas that make me, and should make you, very proud of Temple Beth Am! I look forward to highlighting other exciting things happening in our shul in the future. Have a good May! Mike Cohn, President RSVP and place your Tribute at www.tbala.org/legacy2015 Kol HaRav e’re not going home, we’re going back.” TEMPLE BETH AM “WI remember my abba saying those words 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035 to me as we prepared to return to the States at the 310.652.7354 • 310.652.2384 (fax) end of my first trip to Israel. I wondered how the To reach an operator, contradiction could be true - our house, my school, dial 310.652.7353 my parents’ work were all in the US. And yet, my SCHOOL PHONE LINE father was expressing a deep-seated belief that we 310.652.2002 were connected to our people’s homeland in Israel. School Fax: 310.360.0850 That paradox has held up for me through the years. Somehow, even [email protected] • www.tbala.org though I have chosen to live most of my life in the US, Israel still feels like home. TEMPLE BETH AM is an egalitarian Conservative Our community expresses its commitment to Israel in many different synagogue that is devoted to spiritual and ways. We pray for Israel in our t’fillot; we engage with Israel through religious enrichment and that values Jewish learning and discussion; we celebrate Israel on Yom Ha’atzmaut; we tradition while embracing innovation. Its advocate for Israel’s well-being through political activism. But there’s many programs serve a multi-generational nothing quite like being there - tasting foods, walking paths, connecting congregation. These include multiple to God in holy spaces, meeting people. Which is why I am so excited to opportunities for: worship of god, adult learning, education of children and families, announce that I will be leading a Temple Beth Am trip to Israel next acts of loving kindness, and outreach to those Spring. I hope you’ll join me and experience the transformative power seeking community and meaning in their lives. of experiencing Israel with your rabbi and your fellow community The synagogue is committed to the institutions members. of Conservative Judaism, the broader Jewish I believe we need to go to Israel - now more than ever. Voices in the community, the State of Israel and the advocacy media tell us that there is a historic rift forming between the Jewish of democracy and religious pluralism. community in North America and the Jewish community in Israel. Mike Cohn, President Whether you loved the outcome of the March elections or not, we are Rabbi Adam Kligfeld, Senior Rabbi bound to our brothers and sisters in Israel and now is the time to visit Rabbi Ari Lucas, Associate Rabbi them and continue our engagement in the relationship. Part of what it Rabbi Hillary Chorny, Cantor means to be a member of this big Jewish family is that we hang in there Sheryl Goldman, Executive Director when things get tough; we hold each other accountable; we challenge Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman, one another; and we grow together. Director of Youth Learning & Engagement You’ll be hearing more about the trip in the weeks and months Dr. Erica Rothblum, Head of School to come. I will be speaking about it every chance I get. You’ll see Rabbi Joel E. Rembaum, Emeritus promotional materials in the lobby and throughout the building. You’ll Rabbi Jacob Pressman, Emeritus read about it in our print and electronic publications. There will be Rabbi Harry Silverstein, Emeritus a link on our website for more information and the opportunity to KOL HA’AM register. Copy Editor Ellen L. Jacobs For now, you can save the dates: March 27 - April 6, 2016. It’s after Graphic Designer Jeff Baughman Purim, but we’ll be back in Los Angeles with enough time to prepare Kol Ha’am (USPS 008-599) is published monthly except for Pesah. June/July & November/December The famous poet Judah Halevi wrote “My heart is in the East and I by Temple Beth Am, 1039 South La Cienega Blvd., am at the edge of the West.” Writing in Spain in the 12th century, he Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507 couldn’t have known how resonant those words would be for this Jew in California some 900 years later. I feel at times that I have two hearts Annual Membership Dues include $5.00 subscription - one here and one in Israel. Or maybe it’s one heart split in two. Join Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, California me in bringing those pieces of our hearts together as we journey with and additional mailing offices. our home community to our homeland.

Postmaster – Send address changes to: Rabbi Ari Lucas Temple Beth Am, 1039 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507 To register or learn more about the trip, Phone: 310.652.7353 • www.tbala.org visit www.tbala.org/israel2016

Kol Ha’am 2 Temple Beth Am May 2015 YOUTH LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman, Ed.D., Director of Youth Learning and Engagement Eric Maman, Vice President of Youth Learning and Engagement

Shabbat Yeladim Teen Engagement Teen Leadership Joey Abeles, Chloe Barroukh, n the coming year, Youth Learning and Engagement (YLE) will launch a new Teen Initiative Rebecca Cohn, Yoni Feldman to expand the depth and breadth of Temple Beth Am’s engagement for our teens. I Greene, Nina Havivi, Our new initiative aims to address three goals: Danit Hetsroni, Sam Hirschhorn, • Empower Teens: Enhance Capacity for Influence | Mastery | Passion-based engagement. Zack Hirschhorn, Jenna Katchen, • Develop Wellness: Cultivate Life Balance | Provide Adult Guides | Secure Safe Spaces Lauren Kurtz, Noah Porjes, • Open a Portal for Engagement: Network Jewish Teens | Open Access | Provide Multiple Moriah Pretsky, Avishai Rabin, Points of Entry | Deliver Multiple Methods of Engagement Noah Rothman We want to celebrate our community’s teens who enrich their Jewish journeys through their engagement in the following Temple Beth Am programs. These teens committed Jewish Learning to and sacrificed for the opportunity to cultivate their leadership skills, foster a deeper Community Madrichim connection to Judaism and develop new relationships with peers and adults. On June 2nd, Rebecca Cohn – Kitah Gimel we will be celebrating these teens at our annual Teen Banquet. Contact Reut Sklar Elianna Kollin – Kitah Daled at [email protected] to RSVP. Leora Swerdlow – Kitah Hay Best, Michelle Hirschhorn – Kitah Vav Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman, EdD Los Angeles Hebrew High Director of Youth Learning and Engagement School’s Temple Beth Am Chapter Joey Abeles, Ariella Amit, Jonathan Amit, David Baum, Barry Moving Traditions: Gibbons, Jeremy Greenstein, Rosh Hodesh: Rosh Hodesh: Danit Hetsroni, Noah Lee, Maia Leventhal, Avishai Melamed, It’s a Girl Thing-7th Grade It’s a Girl Thing-9th Grade Shavit Melamed, Milton Posner, Shayna Becker Mira Berenbaum Samuel Posner, Jonathan Reich, Gabby Cohen Michal Brill Aidan Schechter, Steven Steiner Maia Lefferman Natasha Dveirin Sam Linderman Sara Stolzenberg-Myers Rachel Metzger Mila Tigay Sarah Pretsky Hannah Yaron Maya Tochner Mikayla Weissberg

Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing-8th Grade Kaliray Arison Jamie Berman USY Leadership Ellie Ferd Eva Goldstein-Moore (Senior) Lucy Fried Shevet Achim: The Brotherhood Sam Rosenberg (Senior) Hannah Friedman Sara Sobolev (Senior) Yaacov Broidy Yoni Kollin Emilie Gibbons Ariella Vaakil (Senior) Oryah Cohen Jared Kurtz Talya Havivi Laureen Akram, Ariella Amit, Josh Cohn Ari Reder Isabelle Hoffman Sarit Ashkenazi, Mira Berenbaum, Sam Hirschorn Daniel Lepson Rebecca Jacob Oryah Cohen, Danit Hetsroni, Zack Hirschorn Schrager Maddy Tessel Noah Lee, Danielle Lewis, Lior Kaminsky Jacob Serber Nomi Willis Adinah Singer-Frankes Gavi Kollin Sammy Victor

3 Kol Ha’am Full STEAM Ahead: Building and Investing!!!

n their book Sparks of Genius, Robert and Michele Root-Bernstein identify that Ithe top 150 scientists of the last 300 years were each as equally accomplished in the fine arts as they were in science. The authors point out that Galileo was a poet and literary critic. Einstein was a passionate student of the violin. And Samuel Morse, the father of telecommunications and inventor of the telegraph, was a portrait painter. The Root-Bernsteins found that the seemingly unrelated disciplines of art and science, music and math complement and enhance one another.1 To be successful in the future, our children will not only need Science (“S”), Technology (“T”), Engineering (“E”), and Math (“M”), but the Arts as well hence: “STEAM.” All of us at Temple Beth Am/Pressman Academy - parents, staff and community members alike - are dedicated to giving our children the best education possible and the best chance to be successful professionals in the future. The future, even though we may not know what it holds, belongs to all of us. We do know that the jobs in the greatest demand in the future don’t yet exist and will require workers to use technologies that have not yet been invented to solve problems that we don’t yet even know are problems. The “Embracing the Sacred, Enriching the Future” Campus Expansion Project will provide flexible classroom and gathering spaces that provide the best opportunities for exploration by our children to answer the questions of tomorrow that we cannot comprehend today. It is upon us to build a new STEAM supported facility today with support from the entire community.

Much as we must build for tomorrow, we must also invest for tomorrow. Beyond the hard construction costs for the new STEAM facility, we need to be able to purchase the proper equipment, enhance our already fabulous Temple Beth Am and Pressman Academy staff and budget for the increase of overhead expenses related to the new facility all while maintaining affordable dues and tuition. In addition to securing the money needed for our new facility, enhancing our endowment will provide the funds to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of our community and its programs. A robust endowment of $20M could provide up to $1M of additional funds for the community each year in perpetuity!

We need to build and we need to invest. Each piece is equally important today for the future. Without one, the other will not be able to sustain. Together, the funds to build and the funds to invest, will allow us to shape the future through the growing minds of our children. Much like the arts and sciences complement each other, a building campaign and an endowment campaign, complement each other. To be as well rounded and successful as possible, one cannot exist without the other. To find out more about how you can invest in the future today, contact Seth Rosenzweig, Director of Development at 310-652-7354 x 205 or [email protected].

1Eger, J. (2013, December 13). And The Word is STEAM. Retrieved April 6, 2015, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-m-eger/and-the-word-is-steam_b_4404462.html

Kol Ha’am 4 Our B’nei Mitzvah Temple Beth Am May 2015 Rachel Brown Yahrzeit Donations We thank those who support the synagogue community Daughter of in memory of their loved ones named below: David & Leila Brown Ruth Moed Abelow, Sousan Akhavan, Gertrude Altman, Harry P. Altman, MAY 30, 2015 John Altman, Mollie Ball, Sarah Baran, Rose Bard, James Beliak, Max Berger, Bernard Bernstein, Helen Bernstein, Herman Boren, Rena Boren, Harry Brisman, Charles Brucker, Isadore Cantor, Nettie Chelst, Benjamin Cohen, Edith Cohen, Judith Cohen, Jack Colker, Esther Cooper, Harry Cooper, Samuel Crane, David Dvorak, Isadore Eisen, Howard Feinberg, WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Lena Firestone, Esther Fisk, Frieda Gerstel, Ralph Ginsburg, Riva Giterman, Sam Glaser, Efraim Goldstein, Jean Goldstein, Leah Gottesman, ohtcv ohfurc Patty Grant, Dale Greenberg, William Greenstein, Albert Hurst, We welcome the following New Members Marsha Hurst, Zvi Izakson, Jonathan Jacoves, Leon Jannol, Israel Kanofsky, Samuel Katz, Hyman Kirshnerman, Sarah Kleban, Marcy Colker Klein, to our Temple Beth Am family (as of 4/1/15): Becky Coretsky Koffman, Shirley Koffman-Katz, Robert Koshner, Yaniv & Natalie Arbiv Danny & Ellen Mordujovich Frank Krasn, Ruth Kraushaar, Deanna Krieger, Akiva Kriger, Jenni Thompson & Aaron Asher Jonathan & Kerin Nash Rose Lebovits, David Leon, Ben Levins, Barnett Lubetkin, Erez & Adi Beck Vanessa Navarro & Jacques Mamann, Willaim Miller, Rose Ann Moldave, Sol Most, Daniel & Ilanit Brook Orlando Ortega Doris Nisell, David Nord, Rose Nord, Jack Ostrow, George Peters, Eric & Melissa Buchman Lowell & Cathy Reinstein Joseph Pflug, Norma Shapiro Puziss, David Rebarber, Irene Rebarber, Ilan & April Elisha Laural Martin & Alex Reznik Ernest Reizmann, Tillie Richter, Dorris Rossi, Betty Roth, Samuel Rothman, Nuri Miller & Liron Elkan Daniel & Melissa Schilleci Suzanne Rucker, Charles Sachs, Frank Schchet,William Schecter, Jeremy & Sarah Gimbel Sarah Chankin-Gould & Tauba Schuster, Harold Segel, Manny Serber, Marshall Sherman, Robert & Samantha Goldenberg Yonah Schmeidler Sara Sherman, Henry Shershow, Aaron Silvera, Emma Silvera, Dennis & Melissa Ironi David & Michelle Soffer Julius Smuckler, Betty Soskin, Max Stone, Margalit Surkin, Hilda Tasky, Noam & Shuli Kupchan Suzanne Romano & Dotty Tauber, Hyman Tauber, Akhtar Victory, Louis Vodovoz, Ronen & Yael Landa Randy Steinberg Kaye Warren, Max Weintraub, Paul Weissfeld, Mordehai Zerbib, Leah Jacobson & William Mann Fred & Ronit Unikel Cilly Ziering, Isaac Ziering, Kalman Ziman, Hyman Zimmerman Tehiya Ripps & Zev Meyers Yair & Ital Yona

Introducing Shalev Danis Lucas Son of Talya Oberfield and Rabbi Ari Lucas TBA’s Born March 13, 2015, given the name Shalev Liat Elsa Meppen “Gift Membership” Program Daughter of Karen and Ezra Meppen Do you have a neighbor, friend, or coworker who is unaffiliated Granddaughter of Frankie and Russ Meppen with a shul but you think would be a great match for Temple Beth Am? Born March 13, 2015, given the name Liat Elsa They may be eligible for a Gift Membership from TBA. Eliana Mihal Rainisch Giving a Gift Membership doesn’t cost you a thing! For details on Daughter of Bethany and Uri Rainisch born on March 26, 2015, given the name Eliana Mihal how to submit your nomination, contact Ariana at [email protected]. Some restrictions apply. Nominations are due by June 1st so that we may offer memberships for the July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016 year. Engagements & Weddings Mazal Tov to: Jenni Thompson and Aaron Issac Asher Breceda married on May 3, 2015 Lea Gemmel and Adam Grossman married on May 17, 2015 CALLING ALL GRADS! If you or your child will be graduating from High School, College or a Graduate program, we want to share the news! Please send name, school, and a word about future plans to In Memoriam [email protected] by May 7 for inclusion in the June/July KHA. We mourn the passing of Mina Lerman, wife of Max Lerman, mother of Larry and Denise. 5 Kol Ha’am MAY 2015 CALENDAR

Friday – 6:30 p.m. CLASSES OF THE REMBAUM INSTITUTE OF ADULT JEWLYWEDS SHABBAT DINNER EDUCATION AND FAMILY PROGRAMMING Meet other newly engaged and married couples at the home of For information and class sign-ups, visit www.tbala.org/classes, 1 Rabbi Adam and Havi Kligfeld for an intimate and wonderful or contact Program Director Daniel Sulzberg at Shabbat dinner. RSVP to [email protected] or call [email protected] or 310-652-7354 x215. (310) 652-7354 x215.

HUMASH WITH RASHI WITH RABBI ADAM KLIGFELD Sunday – 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays, May 6, 20, 27 at 8:30 a.m. BILL ARON BOOK SIGNING Study Rashi’s original Hebrew commentary on See page 10 for details. the text of the Torah. 3 TORAH FOR TODAY WITH RABBI ARI LUCAS Friday – 6:15 p.m. Thursday, May 28 - 8:30-9:30 a.m. COMMUNITY SHABBAT HONORING ANDY POLSKY Join Rabbi Lucas as we look at contemporary issues Daven Kabbalat Shabbat with Neshama Minyan ( 6:15 p.m.) (GMOs, biomedical ethics, ethical questions around 8 Dinner follows at 7:30 p.m. Join us for an evening of technology, and more) through the lens of Torah and “Small Moments with Andy Polsky” as we honor Mr. Polsky the vast Jewish textual tradition. No advance on the occasion of his retirement from Pressman Academy. registration required. Drop-ins welcome! RSVP for dinner at: www.tbala.org/honoringandy 6:45 p.m. SHABBAT AT JOSH’S PLACE It’s a Beautiful Shabbat in the Neighbor-chood. Join other The Rabbi Joel Rembaum Institute presents Young Adults for a mega Shabbat at our Artist in Residence Advanced Davening Academy: Josh Warshawsky’s house on Corning. Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:45 p.m. Part I with dinner to follow. RSVP to Josh at [email protected] Sunday A Black-belt Mini-Course MOTHERS’ DAY in Leading Daily Services 5:00 p.m. Join our cantor, Rabbi Hillary 10 SUMMER IS COMING and House of Jews and Israeli Brews is back! Chorny, for this four-part Come hang out on our picturesque rooftop and watch the sunset weekly class focused on the with other young Jewish adults (20s&30s) for an incredible musical leadership of weekday services. afternoon featuring the amazing music of Josh Warshawsky, We’ll pinpoint frequently Moshav, and headliner DISTANT COUSINS! Enjoy an Israeli beer and kick back and listen to some incredible live music. $10 entry fee mispronounced phrases; learn when you register in advance at www.tbala.org/houseofjews. the choreography for special occasions; and explore the answers and history Friday - Sunday behind questions like: FAMILY SHABBATON AT CAMP RAMAH, OJAI • Where’s the third bow in the weekday Amidah? For availability of last-minute reservations, 15 visit www.tbala.org/shabbaton • Does the weekday Torah service have its own nusach (melody)? 5:30 p.m. • When do I remove my tefillin on days when we SHIR KABBALAT SHABBAT chant weekday Musaf? Service and dinner led by Morah Francine, her husband Intended for both experienced and novice davening Michael Farkas. Services are approx. 45 minutes long, followed leaders. by a child friendly dinner. RSVP for dinner at www.tbala.org/kabbalatshabbat Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. includes brunch! Tuesday – 7:00 p.m. May 31 & June 7, 14, 28 ART OF THE ACADEMY – OPENING RECEPTION Cost for Mini-Course (incl. brunch): $18 19 Thursday – 11:00 a.m. RSVP online www.tbala.org/learntolead Happy Seniors “Mother’s Day” luncheon “Importance of Hydration” Conducted by Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Come 21 join the Happy Seniors for a wonderful luncheon with some lovely entertainment. $10 members. $12 non-members. Kol Ha’am 6 Please call Daniel at 310-652-7354 x215 to reserve your place. Daily MORNING MINYAN: DAILY MINYAN - EVENING MINYAN FRIDAY NIGHT Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. May 3-31 7:00 p.m., except NESHAMA MINYAN Minyan May 24 7:45 p.m. May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 6:15 p.m. Sunday & Federal Holidays: 8:00 a.m. Times May 25 8:00 p.m. SATURDAY: Rosh Hodesh & Hol Ha-Moed: 7:15 a.m. 90 minutes before the end of Shabbat

Saturday EREV SHAVUOT TIKKUN 23 See Back Cover for Details Sunday SHAVUOT – FIRST DAY Sunrise Service on the Roof at 4:45 a.m. Saturday Morning Services 24 Combined Service at 9:30 a.m. Meditation Plus 9:15 a.m. Whiteman Conference Room Monday SHAVUOT – SECOND DAY Shir Hadash 9:15 a.m. Shir Hadash 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary 25 9:30 a.m. Library Minyan BAIT Tefillah 11:00 a.m. Yizkor in both locations 9:45 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Shul-wide picnic at La Cienega Park, sponsored by the Library Minyan Pilch Hall Library Minyan Wednesday – 6:00 p.m. 9:45 a.m. Dorff Nelson Chapel TBA ANNUAL MEETING Join us for a Italian dinner and discussion as Shir Shabbat 27 review the past year and share plans for the next. May 9, 10:20 a.m. Officers and Board Members will be elected Havah Narishah - Family Service for 2015-2016. FREE (for all TBA members) but you must RSVP at www.tbala.org/annualmeeting May 9 & 23 or call 310-652-7353. 10:30 a.m. in the Lainer Library Hama’alot May 23, 10:00 a.m.

Koleinu May 30, 10:30 a.m.

Torah Portion May 2 Ahare-Mot-Kedoshim May 9 Emor Upcoming Shabbat May 16 Behar-Behukotai Morning Celebrations May 23 Bamidbar – Erev Shavuot May 30 Naso In The Library Minyan May 23rd: Torah Club End-of-Year Celebration

May 30th: Middle School Graduates Shabbat Candle Lighting June 6th: High School Graduates Shabbat May 1 7:19 p.m. May 8 7:24 p.m. Everyone is welcome! May 15 7:29 p.m. May 22 7:35 p.m. May 23 8:35 p.m. – Erev Shavuot May 24 8:36 p.m. – Erev 2nd Day Shavuot May 29 7:39 p.m.

7 Kol Ha’am ECC PARENT AND ME CLASSES ur Spring session of Parent and Me classes has just started and there is still Oroom in some of our classes! We are offering a fun Messy Art class; a wonderful Grandparent and Me class; and two joyful Music classes –Toddler and Baby! For more information on any of our Parent and Me classes or to register, please contact Betsy Krut in the Pressman ECC office: email [email protected] or call (310) 652-7354 x237. Or, for more details, check out our website at www.pressmanacademy.org/parentandme

Kol Ha’am 8

Temple Beth Am May 2015 ONE LA Dear Sisters, emple Beth Am actively participates with the community organizing n April 29, Sisterhood’s Torah Fund Teffort through ONE LA. The ONE LA Metro Cluster has been focusing on transportation and fair housing issues to address the LA traffic issues and dinner, honoring Fran Grossman, O to ensure that any transportation solutions will include affordable housing gave tribute to all that Fran has done near any stops. A series of meetings are being held at TBA to organize an for Beth Am and the Jewish community. Action (community show of interest and engagement) at the MTA Board. On Temple Beth Am members have always March 25 there were approximately 35 people in attendance from numerous been avid donors to Torah Fund, which institutions throughout LA County. We will meet in the coming months to supplies student scholarships and other develop an action plan for participants attending the MTA Board meetings in necessities to Conservative Jewish May, June and July. rabbinical seminaries in LA (Ziegler at Rabbi Rachael Timoner (Leo Baeck Temple) provided a summary of the AJU) and throughout the world. Many current ONE LA campaign at the March 25 meeting. The priorities are to get thanks to Torah Fund Chair Stella Ezros, a Mass Transit “Opportunity Line” measure on the ballot for the November and kudos to the rest of the wonderful 2016 election. The measure includes mass transit development, the creation Torah Fund committee, for the countless of affordable housing close to transit stops and the creation of approximately 140,000 permanent jobs. In addition to the local job benefit, the proposed hours they put in to raise funds for light rail line would remove approximately 80,000 cars off the street daily. This Torah Fund and organize the Torah effort is a culmination of years of effort laying the groundwork and achievable Fund dinner. The dinner, catered by goals based on multiple meetings with elected officials and their staff. Baleboste, was delightful. A big “Todah As part of the transit development, the MTA will be voting on a measure Rabah” to all those who contributed to that will establish 35% of affordable housing units on MTA owned property. Torah Fund and thereby helped ensure In part this will be accomplished by proportional discounts to the fair market the future of Conservative Judaism. value of MTA owned property. This discount will contribute towards the ability On the last Shabbat of Pesah in April, to create affordable housing. we all enjoyed a Women Shabbat; thank The MTA conducts its public meetings on the fourth Thursday of every you for the endless work of Sandra month from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at its headquarters at 1 Gateway Plaza Braun and Sherri Cohn for planning the (behind Union Station). The next three meetings will be held on May 28, June event and Ann Istrin and Ronna Sundy 25 and July 23. ONE LA would like to have as many members attend these meetings, for coordinating the delicious menu. particularly the next meeting (May 28) to wear distinctively identifying ONE We’re are working on the new slate LA blue shirts. We want the MTA Board Members to easily see how large and for Sisterhood 2015/2017, under a new diverse a group ONE LA is and that transportation and affordable housing is a Presidency and Board. I invite all women concern shared by the member organizations. who want to make part of the new The MTA Board consists of 13 members including many elected officials. Board to step up and join us and get Currently Mayor Garcetti is the Chair. ONE LA believes five members are willing involve with Sisterhood. to vote for this proposal. ONE LA needs two additional MTA Board Members Save the Date! On June 9, Sisterhood to get on Board. will host Installation and Volunteer Please join us at the next ONE LA planning meeting to develop an action Appreciation, where a new Sisterhood plan for participants who attend the MTA May 28 meeting, and future President and Board will be presented. meetings. Your involvement is required to make Los Angeles a world class city Watch for more details in your Shabbat which must have an effective mass transit system (think of Paris, London, New York, Washington, DC). Bulletin and email. Stay tuned to The links below are from www.transitcoalition.org. The first link covers the Sisterhood! route from Sylmar to Cal State, Long Beach. The second link covers the route B’Shalom, from Sylmar to Sepulveda and Pico Blvds in West Los Angeles. Rosana Chermisqui, President http://www.thetransitcoalition.us/LargePDFFiles/TC-Maps-39a-2011-02-22.pdf http://www.thetransitcoalition.us/LargePDFFiles/TC-Maps-39b-2011-02-22.pdf MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The I-405 corridor would the County’s major North-South mass transit May 13th Mahjong link, connecting to many East-West routes along the way. The potential to May 18th Rosh Chodesh with Ruth Sohn eliminate 80,000 cars from our streets daily will provide improved commuting May 21st Novel Book Group- and cleaner air. Everything I Never Told You Please contact Jairo Angulo at [email protected] to be added to our One by Celeste Ng LA email group for more information and updates. May 26th Mystery Book Club

9 Kol Ha’am You’re Invited to a Book Signing Party celebrating Bill Aron’s new book “NEW BEGINNINGS” The Triumphs of 100 Cancer Survivors Sunday, May 3rd • 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. – Wine & Cheese Reception Temple Beth Am, 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd. Hear Bill’s presentation about some of the cancer survivors featured in the book, including TBA member Janet Halbert & get your book autographed

“Conquering cancer is really not about cure. It’s about living— living well for as long and as fully as one can.” – The New York Times personal health columnist Jane E. Brody in her introduction About the Author Bill Aron, himself a 20-year cancer survivor is an internationally Images of Jewish Life in the American South. Aron lives in renowned photographer. Long known as an environmental Los Angeles with his wife and two sons, where he is quite portrait photographer and a chronicler of Jewish communities possibly the only photographer with a PhD in sociology throughout the world, Aron’s photographs have been (from the University of Chicago). exhibited in major museums and galleries throughout the Most importantly Aron knows cancer first hand and has United States and Israel, including the Museum of Modern Art, discovered what the 120 survivors he has profiled have in the International Center for Photography, the Jewish Museum, common. His powerful book documents the triumphs of the Chicago Art Institute, the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the inspiring people in ways that offer cancer patients the hope Mississippi Museum of Art, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, for new beginnings. and the Museum of the Diaspora in Tel-Aviv. His previous Hosted by Janet Halbert and TBA – books include From the Corners of the Earth and Shalom Y’all: RSVP: www.tbala.org/billaron

Kol Ha’am 10 Temple Beth Am Gratefully Acknowledges Donations through April 5, 2015.

GENERAL FUND IN MEMORY OF IN HONOR OF Alan Levey Carol Rosenberg The birth of Shalev Danis Lucas Karen & Zev Fried, Frida & Mark Greenberg & Family, SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TEEN PROGRAMS IN ISRAEL Jack Lebovic, Kathe Lebovic IN HONOR OF Thank you to TBA and volunteers Ellen Horner, Ruth Moll, Galya Nisenbaum’s engagement to Rafi Karen & Steve Grey for the wonderful Purim Baskets Marlene & Harvey Glaser YOUTH DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIPS IN MEMORY OF IN HONOR OF Ida Ginsburg Elaine & Richard Gross, The birth of Shalev Danis Lucas Debbie Rich Ricki Breskin-Kulkin & Marshall Kulkin, Harold Lebenson DAILY MINYAN Gerald Greenberg Marlisse & Gary Bachrach IN HONOR OF Roz Grossman Marlisse & Gary Bachrach Hagbah Robert Bird Alan Levey Marlisse & Gary Bachrach Mollie S. Levin Marlisse & Gary Bachrach IN MEMORY OF Sandra Patack Marlisse & Gary Bachrach John Bird’s yahrzeit Robert Bird Shirley Ungerleider Ellen Horner, Mimi & Howard Landres DONATION Elana bat Zivia Markovic Family Jack Lebovic Cate Tureff Karen & Zev Fried RABBI KLIGFELD DISCRETIONARY FUND BILL STRICK MEMORIAL HELPING HAND FUND IN HONOR OF IN HONOR OF Rabbi Michael Berenbaum Barbara & Ed Elhaderi The birth of Shalev Danis Lucas Rosanne Keynan, Dianne Shershow RABBI LUCAS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND ROBERT FRIEDMAN MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR OF IN MEMORY OF Baby boy Lucas and family Alex, Jacqui, Mia & Ethan Jacobs; Shlomit, Ida Ginsburg Elaine & Larry Friedman Dave, Jonah, Ziv and Ori Bard; Susana and MARCY COLKER KLEIN/BARRY SHAPIRO MEMORIAL FUND Michael Hoffman; Dina and Gordon Bernat-Kunin; IN HONOR OF Susan Laemmle & John Antignas; Michael Berenbaum honoree of the U.S. Holocaust Museum Dvorah Colker Denise & Avi Stavsky; Audrey Cohn; Dorothy Salkin’s recent recovery Dvorah Colker & Family Harvey & Thelma Shaps; Michal & Jacob Vaakil; Bonnie & Roger Leib; Marilyn Ziering honoree of the Opera League Dvorah Colker SISTERHOOD DONATIONS IN MEMORY OF Jack Colker’s yahrzeit Dvorah Colker To place a Sisterhood Tribute, contact Marlene Glaser Ida Ginsburg Mikie Bernstein, Barbara & Jerry Rabin, Marilyn Ziering at 310-550-1738 or email: [email protected] Shirley Ungerleider Dvorah Colker & Family, Barbara & Jerry Rabin, Marilyn Ziering MAZEL TOV! LAINER LIBRARY FUND Mr. and Mrs. John Fales Elaine and Richard Gross IN MEMORY OF Daughter’s Engagement Cate Tureff Essia & Howard Fredman Rabbi Ari Lucas and Talya Oberfield Marlene and Harvey Glaser Elana bat Zivia Essia & Howard Fredman Birth of Son Shoshi and Izydor Wilchfort RABBI MALKUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND SPEEDY RECOVERY IN MEMORY OF Erwin Gaines Marlene and Harvey Glaser Elana bat Zivia Sherri, Mike, Rebecca & Josh Cohn Jack Wexler Leona and Stan Sperling PRAYER BOOK FUND CONDOLENCES IN HONOR OF Audrey Cohn Elaine and Richard Gross Marlynn Dorff’s Book of Jonah Class Renne Bainvoll, Sandey Fields, Loss of Companion, Mort Silas Sheryl Goldman, Sue Hetsroni, Joanne Klein, Joan Daves Ricki Breskin-Kulkin and Marshall Kulkin Gabriela Litov, Frankie Meppen, Renalee Pflug, Regina Silver, Loss of Daughter, Paula Fredi Spiegel, Judy Weintraub, Shoshi Wilchfort Carolyn Lasky and Family Marlene and Harvey Glaser Sally Drucker’s 100th birthday Vivian & Ron Alberts Loss of Husband, Father, Grandfather PRESSMAN ACADEMY DAY SCHOOL Janet and Bruce Miller Dorothy Meisel and Marla Diamond IN HONOR OF Loss of Mother, Joan The birth of Shalev Danis Lucas Sarah Strassberg Ruth and Martin Mizel Dorothy Meisel and Marla Diamond Loss of Beloved Mother IN MEMORY OF Adam Silver and Family Marlene and Harvey Glaser Elana bat Zivia Sanders Family Loss of Father, Grandfather, Bernie PRESSMAN ACADEMY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER The Family of Shirley Ungerleider Mikie Bernstein IN HONOR OF Loss of Mother, Shirley Marlene and Harvey Glaser, Shirley Saber The birth of Shalev Danis Lucas Judy Weintraub & Joel Warren LIBRARY MINYAN FUND PRESSMAN ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN MEMORY OF IN HONOR OF Jenny Bazyler, Manya Beier’s mother Don and Manya Beier The birth of Shalev Danis Lucas Sanders Family Father’s yahrtzeit Minoo Dayani Yahrzeit of Leah Gottesman, mother of Jeff Gottesman Jeff Gottesman IN MEMORY OF Mother’s yahrtzeit Debbie Rich Bernard Drizin Rita Shachar & Harvey Rosen Bill Seligman’s father Rabbi Gail Labovitz and Bill Seligman Alan Levey Rita Shachar & Harvey Rosen Cate Tureff Rebecca & Jason Feld, Rita Shachar & Harvey Rosen IN HONOR OF The health of Rivka Chaya Janet Parvizyar CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUND Library Minyan Abe and Annette Berman IN HONOR OF Daughter, Galya and fiance, Rafi Covel Lida Baker & Paul Nisenbaum The birth of Shalev Danis Lucas Hannah & Marshall Kramer Library Minyan Seth Schulweis

11 Kol Ha’am Kol Ha’am (USPS 008-599) Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, Temple Beth Am California and additional mailing offices. 1039 S. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507

SHAVUOT @ TBA Community Tikkun Leyl Shavuot Saturday, May 23rd “Repairing a Broken World Through Torah” Co-sponsors include The Ziegler School of Rabbinical Studies Pico Egal, and more. Join us for a vegetarian-friendly Shavuot dinner at 8:45 p.m. $18 per person RSVP by May 19 at www.tbala.org/tikkun ••• Opening Presentation and SermonSlam 2.0 at 9:30 p.m. See Page 7 for other Shavuot service and program times Sessions will continue through the night, concluding with a sunrise Shacharit on the roof!