Cheshvan – Kislev 5781 November 2020

Come Grow with YERS! SEE PAGES 10 AND 11 FOR MORE DETAILS november 2020 Shabbat Services

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020 Parashat Toldot In This Issue 20 Cheshvan Genesis 25:19 – 28:9 6:00 p.m. Pre-neg Malachi 1:1-2:7 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Services Shabbat Services 2 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2020 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2020 12 Kislev Beyond the Curve 3 9:00 a.m. Torah Study 6:00 p.m. Pre-neg 10:30 a.m. Morning Minyan 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Services From Strength to Strength 4 10:30 a.m. B’nai Mitzvah of Aidan and Ethan Epelbaum SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2020 Clergy Corner 5 9:00 a.m. Torah Study Parashat Vayeira 10:30 a.m. Morning Minyan President’s Message 6 Genesis 18:1 – 22:24 10:30 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Mason Josefsberg Auction 7 Haftarah II Kings 4:1-37 Parashat Vayetzei Membership 8/9 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 Genesis 28:10 – 32:3 27 Cheshvan Rosh Chodesh Hosea 12:13-14:10 Youth Engagement Religious 6:00 p.m. Pre-neg 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Services School 10/11 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020 B’nai Mitzvah 12 9:00 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Morning Minyan Day School 13 10:30 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Noah Gomberg Programming 14-16 5:30 p.m. Bat Mitzvah of Aubrey Sanko

Youth Choir 17 Parashat Chayei Sarah Genesis 23:1 – 25:18 Tikkun Olam 18 I Kings 1:1-31

Voting 19 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020 5 Kislev Recovery 20 5:30 p.m. How ‘bout Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Pre-neg PB & J 20 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Services Give Miami Day 21 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2020 Sisterhood 22/23 9:00 a.m. Torah Study 9:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Daniel Mazer – Our Jewish Heritage 24 Chapel 10:30 a.m. Morning Minyan Sister Congregation 25

Committee of 100/Tzedakah 26/27 our advertisers In Loving Memory 28/29 Roberta Mandel...... 29 Paradise Properties, Realtor...... 39 Mazel Tov 29 Rita Diaz, Estate­­­­ Sales...... 33 Williamson Cadillac...... 40 Chef Aaron Dreilinger, Catering...... 31 ­Accessible Home Health Care...... 40 We Give 30/31 Israel Bonds...... 32 Kitanim, Florist/Events...... 41 Professional Directory Listings...... 33 Rebecca Lenard, Pediatric Dentist...... 41 Current of Life 32 Jewish Community Services...... 34 Bea Citron, Realtor...... 41 Dr. Greg Ross, Orthodontist...... 35 Camp Coleman...... 42 Professional Directory 33 Ilene Efthimiou, Realtor...... 35 Buchwald Jewelers...... 42 Goldman Residential, Realtor...... 36 Smile Miami...... 42 New Members 34 Tracey Spiegelman, Realtor...... 37 Bregman, Event Planners...... 43 Medicare Matt...... 37 The Palace...... 44 Friendship Circle...... 38 TLC Family Care...... 38 We enter the second phase of our capital campaign with pride of what has been accomplished and with excitement about what’s to come. We are grateful for our many blessings…for our clergy, our members, our leaders, our school families and of course our children. We look forward to continuing to provide the best Jewish experiences for generations to come. We are building for even a brighter future.

— CONSTRUCTION PROJECT TIMELINE —

FALL 2020 SUMMER 2021 SUMMER 2021 FALL 2021 Construction New school building Demolition begins on Fien, New school PHASE 1 PHASE continues is complete Light and RAMBAM buildings building OPENS

FALL 2021 SPRING 2023 LATE SPRING/ EARLY SUMMER 2023

PHASE 2 PHASE Construction Construction begins complete Building OPENS

— NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE YOUR GIFT —

Progress photo Phase 1

Contact us today! Ilana Gilat, Development Director, [email protected], 786.364.9429 www.tbam.org/beyondthecurve Page 3 Commentator November 2020 • Page 4

From Strength to Strength Rabbi Jeremy Barras [email protected]

What Does It Mean to be a Jew?

Recently I heard a thoughtful Jew respond wisely to the of the fourth son of our matriarch Leah. It was Leah’s prophetic question, “What type of Jew are you?” Instead of answering understanding that of Jacob’s four wives, each one would have Reform, Conservative, Orthodox or Reconstructionist, he said, “I three sons who would become the namesakes of the twelve am a Yisrael, I struggle with G-d.” His answer was a reference tribes. Leah’s first three sons were Reuben, Simon and Levi, and to the scene in Genesis Chapter 32 when Jacob finds himself after Levi was born, she assumed that she was finished birthing in a wrestling match with an angel. Jacob gains control of the sons. However, when she became pregnant with her fourth angel, and when the angel demands that Jacob release him, son, she realized that she had received an additional blessing he demands the angel bestow a blessing on him before Jacob for which she was abundantly thankful. She was so thankful releases him. The angel complies and offers the following, that she named her fourth son Judah, meaning “thanks to G-d.” “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel, for you have Several centuries later, when the Northern Kingdom of Israel striven with beings divine and human, and have prevailed.” was destroyed and ten of the tribes of Israel assimilated and The medieval French sage Chizkuni believed that the angel was were lost in the Assyrian world, the largest and most prominent conveying to Jacob that he had achieved the same powers as tribe of Israel remaining was Judah. Those who came from the ministering angels, but not the same rank as them. This Judah were known as Jews, hence the primary term that refers may mean that though Jacob had achieved a level of spiritually to the Children of Israel today. unrivaled in this world, he still had to contend with worldly issues that the angels did not. Most notably he was still being As we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving this month, we should sought by his brother Esau and his soldiers, and his life was remember that we descend from a people who were born out still in mortal danger. Nevertheless, with the difficulties and of thanksgiving. We are Jews, the ones who give thanks to G-d struggles he had faced in his life, he remained loyal to G-d and for the blessings in our lives, even as we continue to strive with observant of His demands. The wrestling match with the angel G-d in our understanding of how exactly such divine blessings indicates to us that such an achievement was not easy and was manifest in our lives. the cause of great internal struggle within the father of the Jewish people. When the thoughtful Jew gave his response that L’shalom, he was a Yisrael, I think he was really saying that like most Jews, I struggle with my Judaism while at the same time I seek ways to make it relevant and meaningful in my life. Rabbi Jeremy Barras

Despite the Jewish people being known as the descendants of Jacob (B’nei Yisrael), Yisrael does not means Jew – it means Israelite. The term “Jew” comes from a different name, the name

LIVE from Beth Am! Hosted by Senior Rabbi Jeremy Barras Weekdays 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Join our Senior Rabbi at noon every day on Facebook and live streaming for the latest in current events, Jewish learning, and a host of special guest interviews. Stay connected with your Temple Beth Am community while being entertained at the same time. You’re not going to want to miss this! “The surprise hit of the year!” – TV GUIDE clergy corner Cantor Rachelle Nelson [email protected]

What I Have Learned During Covid-19 abduction of Sarah, war, circumcision in his later years, the Akeida (binding of Isaac) and so much more. I want to share with you my personal journey during this very frightening time in all of our lives. I hope that my story and I understand that not everyone is meant to be an Abraham what I have learned from it will bring you some comfort and and that many of us are wired differently, but within each of insight. Never did I think that I would have to spend so many us is a little bit of him. Within each of us lies the tools and the hours with myself, rediscovering and discovering who I am, strength to walk the journey of life, even when we feel broken what brings me the most fulfillment and what brings me the and bruised by life’s circumstances. We can overcome obstacles most fear. Here is my journey. that often look like giant monsters, such as the description given by the spies who returned from Canaan to report to Moses that When we were first told that a pandemic had taken over the they had seen giants in a land overflowing with milk and honey. world, I, like many others, was in disbelief. Living 64 years in the United States of America, always feeling privileged to feel We need to constantly remind ourselves that our thoughts are free and protected by the greatest country in the world, made just thoughts, and they are not real. We have lived in fear of this me question how something so horrific could possibly have pandemic for good reasons, and yes, many of us have gotten ill happened. How did things get so completely out of control? and some have even died, but is there anything positive that we Who was going to protect us now? can glean from this horrible time in our history? I think there are things for which we can feel gratitude and I want to share I remember calling my sister in California in early March and them with you. begging her to come stay with me before things got worse. I remember all the sleepless nights worrying about my children I think we can be grateful that so many lives were spared who were first responders. I thought about all of the challenges because of wearing masks, staying home and following proper facing our synagogue, how our congregation would survive hygiene. We can be thankful that with modern technology we if they didn’t feel their Clergy’s presence, and how our Day were able to stay connected through the internet -- with Zoom, School would thrive if we had to close it. Along with so many virtual courses, livestream concerts and events, and most of other thoughts, I truly felt overwhelmed on so many different all, the ability to pray together. We can be thankful that most levels. young children were less affected by the virus than any other age group. We can be thankful that family connections became Over the course of many years, I have learned to use tools to so much more important and parents spent more quality time calm me; from meditation to self-help books, from therapy to with their children and partners. We can be thankful that the classes on relaxation. Everything has helped tremendously, but earth got a vacation from pollution and abuse, and we can just nothing has had a greater influence on me than knowing that be thankful for having the ability to be thankful. I am not alone. I have not only found comfort in those around me, but in understanding my Jewish heritage and the ones that As we will soon complete 2020, I pray that we will all enjoy a came before me. much kinder and more caring 2021. I pray that we will put an end to hatred, anti-Semitism and racism, which have all been I don’t think it’s necessary for us to search any further than on the rise, and remember that no matter the color of your skin Abraham, Avraham Avinu, the biological progenitor of or the GOD you believe in or not, we are all human beings and the Jewish people and the father of Judaism. Abraham not we all deserve respect. If this virus taught us anything at all, it only traveled thousands of miles physically, but he traveled provided us with the knowledge that our lives are intertwined thousands of miles emotionally to grow into a strong leader like a Havdalah candle, and that we are all responsible for one of character and wisdom. Along his path, he was constantly another, not just for ourselves. tested with what the Mishneh calls the “ten challenges.” These challenges were given to Abraham, because he not only had the Together we make One Light! Amen ability to be challenged, but because God knew that Abraham would grow stronger and more mature with whatever was Love, your Cantor, placed before him. He was told to leave the home of his birth and build a new life starting out alone. He dealt with famine Rachelle despite God’s blessing of prosperity. He dealt with Pharaoh’s

Page 5 Commentator NovemberNovember 20202020 • Page 6

Message from the president Stuart Ratzan [email protected]

Dear Beth Am Community, on the website that includes the new case count, percent positivity, hospitalizations, deaths, 911 calls, all related to COVID19. We study After much anticipation, Temple Beth Am has made the leap the data every day because we know how quickly things can change. into what many refer to as the “New Normal.” We have reopened our campus to our Day School, including the Early The most relevant figure is the percent positivity, that is, what Childhood Program, and by the time you read this, we will have percentage of tests run in Miami-Dade County are COVID positive? reopened our synagogue to small, socially distanced life cycle This is the best indicator of spread of the disease in our community. events including B’nai Mitzvah. Our administrative staff now Back in July, the figure was as high as 30%, indicating a rampant has the option to work on campus, adhering to the protocols, or spread of the virus. As of this writing, the percent positivity is less to work from home if they feel safer there. And we are hoping than 4.5% and has been mostly at or below 5% for the past two weeks. that cooler weather over the coming months will allow us to Hopefully, this trend will continue, and the percent positivity will fall plan some outdoor events, still socially distanced with masks, further. but outside and fun and together. There is life once again on our campus, albeit different than it was before. Also, we pay close attention to hospitalizations and deaths, as these are potent indicators of the degree of harm the virus is doing in I don’t love the term “New Normal” because I refuse to accept Miami-Dade County. For now, the numbers of these categories are that anything about this time is or could be normal. Still, we are both lower than they’ve been and dropping, well below where they adapting to the current situation, while still longing for the day were in late July. when we can return to congregational life without fear, without masks, and without standing 6 feet apart from one another. If the Miami-Dade County data continues to show a decline in spread and damage from the virus, we can begin to consider opening the In the meantime, life on campus will adhere to a strict set sanctuary for socially distanced services! of guidelines, all designed to keep our community safe and to thwart the spread of the virus. Masks are mandatory. At If, however, the spread and harm of the virus gets worse, and we the Day School there are strict rules for carpool drop-off and repeat the surge we experienced last summer, we will hold tight on pickup. Movement around campus is limited. Social distancing such a plan. is mandatory. Groups are limited in size. Hand hygiene is routine. And we must remind ourselves, and each other, to keep Either way, we will continue to act for the safety of our Beth Am our hands away from our faces. These are all basic, low-tech community and for the greater good of Miami-Dade County. We remedies for our current predicament. But they are all proven to will continue to base our decisions on medical and scientific data, work when implemented routinely and together. The virus can not politics. We will continue to do our part to curtail the spread be stopped; all we have to do is follow the most basic steps. of COVID, to protect our loved ones and fellow citizens from harm, and to continue the fight against this deadly disease until the day we The beauty of it is that we can educate our kids, gather for some have a vaccine, widely available and effective treatment, and/or the life cycle events, and do much of the work of the synagogue public health officials assure us that we can move forward safely. if we follow these simple safety protocols. We don’t have to shelter in place - we just have to act with common sense and For now, we appreciate that this fight is one that our entire decency. community can, and must, wage together. We can, and must, continue to lead our lives as careful and conscientious citizens. So, I want to thank Brian Chartock, Sharon Levi, Nora wear your mask, keep your distance, and wash your hands. Not Anderson, Michelle Weber, Nurse Nancy, Larry just for your own sake, but for the sake of those we love and the Spiegelman, M.D., Stacey Baker, M.D., Gary Kramer, M.D., community in which we live. and my father, Kenneth Ratzan, M.D. for guiding us in this effort. We have developed a comprehensive set of protocols to keep us all safe and to do our part in the proper balance between L’Shalom, “opening up” and staying safe.

We are well aware that the conditions that allow this limited Stuart activity on campus can change in an instant. Professional and lay leadership at Temple Beth Am follow the data daily, tracking the rate of spread on a County website called “Moving to a New Normal.” Every day, the County publishes a report Page 7 Commentator November 2020 • Page 8 Membership Rita Diaz Membership Director [email protected]

Committee of 100 Evening of Entertainment Saturday, November 7 6:45 p.m. Havdallah with program to follow

We cordially invite our Committee of 100, Presidents Honor Circle, Rabbis Honor Circle, Circle of Blessing and Circle of Life members to an intimate evening of music and comedy featuring Sandy Hackett and his lovely and talented wife, Lisa Dawn Miller, for a special performance to honor your commitment to our Temple Beth Am family.

Sandy Hackett is the son of legendary comedian Buddy Hackett. Sandy’s original production, “Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show,” is currently in its 11th year and is a huge success in theaters across America.

Sandy and his wife Lisa, daughter of the legendary songwriter, Ron Miller, recently launched “My Buddy,” a live theatrical production about the life of Buddy Hackett starring Sandy and directed by Lisa.

We hope you will join us for this captivating Zoom gathering! A Q&A session follows the program.

RSVP is a must, please call Donna at 305.667.6667 or [email protected] You will receive the Zoom information by November 1.

Questions? Contact Rita Diaz at 305.323.9322. Minnie & Mickey How ‘Bout Shabbat

Join us Friday, November 20 at 5:30 p.m. as we welcome Mickey and Minnie to our fun-filled Zoom Shabbat with our own Mouseketeers, Rabbi Rachel Greengrass and Cantorial Soloist Jackie Berney.

Do you have Mickey or Minnie pjs or special Mouse ears? Dress up in your favorite Minnie and Mickey costumes, sing along with us, and share Shabbat with your Temple Beth Am friends.

RSVP: www.tbam.org/minniemickey

Temple Beth Am….the happiest place on earth!

Questions? Call Rita Diaz 305.323.9322

Page 9 Commentator November 2020 • Page 10

Tamara Donnenfeld Director of Lifelong Learning [email protected]

November has always been a synonym of gratitude. being able to vote, for standing up for the needy and for so many other blessings that remain hidden in the public eye but Ever since I moved to this country, I have been amazed by the are revealed in our hearts. American tradition of Thanksgiving. It is one of those holidays where a meal is not just another meal, nor is it just another May you feel the closeness of your dear ones in this and all family gathering. Somehow, this holiday has a unique way of moments in your life. elevating the mundane into the sublime, and reminds ​us that extraordinary moments can be brought by ordinary things in Tamara life.

Family is everything to me, and Thanksgiving gives us time to gather together and express thanks for all that the year has Teens Change the World brought. What a year indeed! 2020 was definitely an odd year- for some a year of mourning, for others a year of introspection, Hello fellow Temple Beth Am members, and for many others, a year of pauses. Each of us experience life in a different way. During​ the long quarantine, I have learned BAFTY, the youth organization at Temple Beth Am, would many things about the world, but more importantly, I learned like your help. As a group, we understand the hardships the many things about myself. This year solitude became my ally, Coronavirus has brought to many families. As passionate gave space to reflection and reflection bore an incredible feeling members of the community looking to make a difference, we of gratitude. feel like we are unable to just sit back and do nothing. Starting this month, November, BAFTY would like to start donating to While I miss the daily routine that brings me closer to families the Kosher Food Bank in order to help families in our Miami and makes me kvell at what my children, my students, did or Jewish community that have been struggling to meet their felt, this year and this solitude has also left me with an infinite basic needs. Whether it be through food donations or monetary feeling of gratitude. Gratitude for the community in​ which I donations we want to spearhead a Temple Beth Am community belong. Gratitude for family and friends. Gratitude for the small effort to help the people around us who have been affected things in life- for having food on the table, a roof over my head, by the pandemic or were already in a tough situation needing no serious illnesses and especially for a new pace that allowed assistance. me to think without interruptions, focusing on the values I so much believe in. To make a donation please go to www.tbam.org/giving/thank- you-for-your-donation click the Keren Yaldi Children’s Fund As Jews, we give thanks daily. When we wake up, we say the under the Religious School/YERS section, complete the form and Modeh/Modah Ani, thanking God for bringing our soul back add the note “BAFTY-Kosher Food Bank.” Any and all support to life. We say thank you when saying the tefilah three times makes a difference! a day. Saying “thank you” is a primary Jewish value. When sitting down to eat, we say HaMotzi and we conclude our meals Please contact Ethan Gomez, BAFTY President at eaghead1102@ with Birchat HaMazon. Being grateful and acknowledging the gmail.com or Tamara Donnenfeld at [email protected] blessings we have in our lives is a constant affirmation of God’s for more information, with logistical questions about when creation and our responsibility in this world. and how food will be picked up from your house, or any other concerns you may have. The rabbis teach that we are to say 100 blessings a day. No matter how difficult life can be- and this year was hard for Together, we can make a difference and support those who have many- we still have many things we are grateful for. Perhaps, been most impacted by this Coronavirus pandemic. this year has offered us an opportunity to realize the little things that we used to take for granted. So let’s practice gratitude, let’s Thank you for your time and consideration, recognize the small miracles in our lives and this Thanksgiving, let’s say thank you 100 times: for our families, our friends, our Ethan Gomez, BAFTY President and BAFTY (The Beth Am school that opened its doors, for a hidden smile under a mask, Federation of Temple Youth) for a virtual hug, for a meal delivered to our grandparents, for Erica Golden Youth Engagement Director [email protected]

It is with mixed emotions that I share this update with the Temple Beth Am community. For the last two years I have learned, grown, laughed, cried, played, and discovered the most unique ways to connect to Judaism with the youth community at Beth Am. I formed relationships with countless families, youth, friends, and colleagues and I tried my best to infuse Judaism with fun and meaning and infuse exciting activities with Judaism so we can all love living Jewishly just a little bit more. From Oreos and Bubble Ball competitions in the old Hessel Family Youth Complex to sleepovers in Kennedy Space Center, lobbying in Washington D.C., laughter filled BAFTY board meetings, and even visiting Israel, my experiences with the Beth Am community have been invaluable. I have grown personally and professionally and words cannot express how grateful I am to every single person whose path may have crossed with mine for these opportunities of learning, meaning, and connection.

With these unforgettable experiences imprinted on my heart and mind, I am moving to New Orleans to pursue an amazing new opportunity as the new and first Executive Director of the Leventhal Family Center for Interfaith Families. As I move back to a city that has always been in my heart, I will always consider my time in the Beth Am community as the foundation for this new opportunity to impact a growing segment of the Jewish community.

So thank you for allowing me in to your lives and into your families’ lives. Thank you for being serious, silly, intentional, creative, inquisitive and so much more with me. Although I will no longer be physically in Miami, our relationships and connections do not have to end with a change of address—let’s keep in touch! You are all in amazing hands with the YERS Department led fearlessly by Tamara Donnenfeld and with our new BAFTY and BAFTY 78 advisors.

Todah rabah for two amazing years! It’s not goodbye, it’s lehitraot.

Best always, Erica

BAFTY Advisor- Remy Farkas BAFTY 78- Phil Nathanson

I am so excited to be the new BAFTY advisor. I am beyond thrilled to be returning to YERS to advise BAFTY 78. For As a life-long member of Temple Beth Am and those of you who do not know me, this is my fifth year at Temple Beth former two term BAFTY president and Eisen- Am where it is my honor to bring education and a joy for Judaism to berg Shem Tov Award winner, I am thrilled to third grade Day School students. I have also worked alongside Tamara be able to give back to the place that formed and Erica in the Religious School in many capacities, including meeting me by helping guide teens in their Jewish lead- several of the 7th graders on our trip to Kennedy Space Center last year. ership journey. In addition to BAFTY advisor, I am the product of Jewish youth group. I would not be a Jewish edu- I am also a 7th grade civics teacher through cator today if it were not for the learnings, but more importantly, the Teach for America at Madison Middle School lasting bonds I made with my community. My main goal for BAFTY 78 in Hialeah. I look forward to combining my is to make it a safe space for young people to engage with their Judaism education and Jewish backgrounds to act as a in a context that is truly meaningful, exciting, and relevant to them. To- resource for our community of Jewish teens. gether we will discuss, learn, and most importantly, laugh, as we build the next generation of Beth Am leaders.

Page 11 Commentator November 2020 • Page 12 MAZEL TOV B'NAI MITZVAH

Aidan Epelbaum November 7, 2020 Aidan and Ethan are proud graduates of Temple Beth Am Day School. They then attended Riviera Preparatory, where they were members of the National Junior Honor Society and played on the basketball team. This year they are excited to have transferred to Palmetto Middle School for 8th grade.Aidan has a passion for skateboarding, (especially with his twin brother Ethan), and enjoys surfing with his younger brother Jonah. (continued…)

Ethan Epelbaum November 7, 2020 …Ethan has an affinity for rare sneakers, and enjoys playing basketball and gaming with his brothers Jonah and Aidan. For the past 5 years they both have loved playing in the Beth Am Basketball League under the direction of Dad/Coach Nelson. Spending time with their dachshund, Percy has made the quarantine almost bearable. Their proud mom,Nanette and the whole family are hoping this pandemic won’t postpone the twins’ Bar Mitzvah again!

Noah Gomberg November 14, 2020 Noah is a graduate of Temple Beth Am Day School and is currently an 8th grader at Riviera Prep School. He is a good student, caring friend, great big brother and loving son. Noah loves spending time with his family and friends. His passion is basketball, enjoys traveling, listening to music and gaming. His parents Claudia and Todd and brother Jack are extremely proud of him and excited to celebrate this special occasion.

Aubrey Sanko November 14, 2020 Aubrey is a Honors student at Palmer Trinity. She loves dancing at the Miami Youth Ballet (MYB) and being a part of the company dance team. She is a funny, smart, and compassionate young lady who has demonstrated maturity beyond her years navigating 2020 and all of its changes. We are so proud of her work in reaching this milestone and her grace in accepting the necessary adjustments to make this day happen while keeping everyone safe. We look forward to celebrating with her.

Daniel Mazer November 21, 2020 A third-generation member of Beth Am, Danny began his studies as the youngest ever student in reli- gious school. A 7th grader at Palmetto Middle School, Danny spreads joy and wisdom wherever he goes. A mountain man, he loves skiing, fishing, hiking, tennis and spending time with family and friends. His parents, Jodi and Jason, and big brother Robbie are proud of him every day, especially now of his com- mitment to his studies despite a global pandemic. The family is excited to celebrate Danny’s milestone.

Mason Josefsberg November 28 Mason is an 8th grade student at Palmetto Middle School. He is a kind and caring person who likes to help others. He enjoys playing sports, cooking, and has a passion for fishing. He loves spending time with his family and friends. His parents Joelle and David look forward to watching him follow his brothers, Ethan and Cooper, in becoming a Bar Mitzvah. We are so proud and can’t wait to celebrate. day school Nora Anderson Head of School [email protected]

Gratitude is a Jewish concept- one that dates back to the a day of learning and connecting. So much to be grateful times of the Temple. Much can be learned, in terms of social for! The research reported in the Health Updates of the graces and religious etiquette from the korban todah , the Harvard Medical School describes gratitude as strongly and Thanksgiving offering detailed inParshat Tzav. While consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude we are grateful and relieved that we have not engaged helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good in animal sacrifices since the destruction of the Second experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and Temple, what does it mean that we are commanded to give build strong relationships. a gratitude sacrifice? We learn from ancient commentaries that there are four reasons people gave a thanksgiving People feel and express gratitude in multiple ways. offering: a person who returned from travel at sea; one While Thanksgiving is the national day to offer gratitude, who returned from a journey in the wilderness; one who offering thanks is a daily and necessary part of our lives. was released from prison; and one who recovered from an Learning from our Jewish heritage, and with research to illness. We also learn that no one was obligated to offer a prove it, let’s offer thanks for all we have and for all the thanksgiving offering, it was voluntary. blessings with which we have been showered.

November is the month where Thanksgiving is both the With warm wishes for a happy and meaningful holiday and the concept at its center. Ralph Waldo Emerson Thanksgiving! speaks of gratitude and states, “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have Nora Anderson contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” These past few weeks at Temple Beth Am Day School are filled with gratitude.

For many months, the Educational and Administrative Leadership teams worked closely with the Day School COVID-19 Task Force to safely open our campus. Children are not meant to wear masks; teachers are not meant to stay socially distant from their students; school recess is meant to be a social time where children play with one another freely. We learned a great deal about our children in the last few weeks. Our children are resilient and flexible- our students as young as two years old wear masks every day. Our faculty is creative and resourceful—they transformed their classrooms to a virtual equivalent of in person learning; and now, they have learned to teach hybrid classrooms—where some students are home and some are on campus.

We learned that our parents are fully committed to our entire community’s safety and well-being, not just their own children. For that and so much more, we are grateful. Like the thanksgiving sacrifice, we are not obligated to offer Thanksgiving. But as Emerson said, we are to give thanks continuously.

It is such a joy to have our students on campus. To welcome every child with a morning dance party, to see their masked faces and their eyes that express joy and anticipation for Page 13 Commentator November 2020 • Page 14 programming Andrea LeVine Program Director [email protected]

RSVP FOR ZOOM INFORMATION: WWW.TBAM.ORG/GRATEFULDEAD

THANKSGIVING INTERFAITH SERVICE Wednesday, November 18 • 7:00 pm

This year, gratitude is more essential than ever! We invite you to join Temple Beth Am in partner- ship with synagogues and churches from across Miami for our annual community interfaith service, as we give thanks for the blessings in our lives, and pray for strength and resilience.

www.tbam.org/thanksgiving. HAVING DIFFICULT DISCUSSIONS ABOUT BLM An Evening with ADL Florida THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH 7:00 pm We welcome Eric Ross, Senior Associate Regional Director and Tracey Labgold, Regional Board Chair and Facilitator of ADL Florida in a candid discussion about the role of the Jewish community in racial justice, our relationship to the Black Lives Matter movement, and the challenges we all too often wrestle with when engaging in this work. As part of Temple Beth Am’s ongoing commitment to being actively anti-racist, we invite you to join in this conversation with us with an open mind as we confront our questions, concerns, and emotions as a community. RSVP for Zoom login info. Register at tbam.org/BLM

RACIAL JUSTICE READING GROUP with Rabbi Jaime Aklepi TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1ST and TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8TH 9:00-10:30 am Join us for a discussion of How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

“Being an antiracist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination.” IBRAM X. KENDI

We invite you to engage in these conversations in relationship, to ask questions in a safe and understanding environment, and to tackle tough issues with the support of your Temple Beth Am family. Together, we can work from within to help create a more just society. RSVP at tbam.org/antiracist

Page 15

TBAM447_Comm_NOV20_RacialJustice-FINAL.indd 1 10/16/20 3:16 PM Commentator

The following events are a collaboration between the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami and our Library’s Sunday Salon

November 8 at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom

Ruth Badley presents A Slice of Jewish Heritage – Three Generations of a Dutch/ Jewish Family Living at the East End of London

Ruth is a public relations and freelance writing consultant, providing public relations and marketing services for businesses and corporations in the geospatial industry.

Her novel is a deeply poignant read - part history, part memoir, uncovering secrets, complex attitudes, painful memories, funny memories too - all brought together in this wonderful book.

A whispered family tragedy ripples across three generations in this coming of age mother and daughter story. Sylvia is dying and her daughter, a British expat living in Dubai, recalls her childhood and the confusing relationship she had with her mother. After Sylvia’s death, she searches for explanations amongst her mother’s possessions, prompting uncomfortable childhood memories and clues to her mother’s sadness. The story moves back to London’s Jewish East End in 1930, where Rose is expecting a baby. “When the natural order is disrupted, and part of our personal history is erased, who do we become? As children we assume our parents are perfect and complete creations, but mums and dads will inevitably misbehave, test the boundaries, make mistakes, stamp their feet and shed tears before they become the men and women they need to be.” Ruth’s presentation will focus on her own genealogical research discovering long-withheld family secrets about her grandmother that sent her searching for the truth in London’s old Jewish East End.

November 15 at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom

Robbin Smith presents Where Exactly is That Picture??

This presentation is about organizing photographic material, mainly digital. For physical photographs, the talk will include where to store them, how to add identifying information, and ways to convert to digital.

Robbin is a genealogist by profession and a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists. She has over 20 years of expe- rience researching genealogy and is affiliated with several other organizations including the National Genealogy Society, the Utah Genealogy Association, and she is a board member of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami.

For digital pictures, the discussion will go over where to keep them, methods of organizing for genealogical use, and ways to add identifying information, and backups.

Visit her website at: https://rmsfamilyresearch.com

RSVP online for all events at www.tbam.org/calendar Adult Reading Room Library events are coordinated by Etta Gold, Congregational Librarian. Contact Etta at [email protected] or 786.264.6543 Kol HaKavod to our 2020/5781 High Holy Day Youth Choir, under the direction of Cantorial Soloist Jackie Berney!

Even though we could not be together in person, your beautiful voices in harmony still elevated our virtual services, and uplifted the spirits of our congregation.

Mazel Tov to our High Holy Day Youth Choir graduating seniors, Mia Crabill and Jacob Wolfe!

Page 17 Commentator November 2020 • Page 18

VOTEVOTE NOVEMBERNOVEMBER 33

JAFCO Chanukah Gift Drive, Through November JAFCO (Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options) serves 500 children who don’t have loved ones to buy them Chanukah gifts. Now more than ever we seize the opportunity to bring joy into the life of young children at this holiday season.

We will have the names of the kids and their wish list so you can secure the gift and send directly to the JAFCO community, rather than drop off at Beth Am. Details to come.

JAFCO’s mission is to care for abused, neglected and at-risk children as well as those with developmental disabilities in the Jewish community and to work in partnership with families and the entire community. They believe that the care of our children is a community responsibility, one they accept with joy, pride and love…giving every child a place to belong.

12TH ANNUAL EVERYTHING BUT THE TURKEY REIMAGINED! Sunday, November 22 Pick-Up Ingredients at TBAM: 9:30–11:00 a.m. Drop-Off Completed/Cooked Recipe at TBAM: 3:00-4:00 p.m.

We are thrilled to be hosting Everything But the Turkey at Temple Beth Am again! This year’sEverything But The Turkeywill be just as meaningful as in previous years but will look very different. Instead of hundreds of volunteers cooking together in one space, volunteers will drive through and pick up the ingredients and recipes between 9:30-11:00 a.m., and each person/family will cook their assigned portion at home and bring it back to drop off between 3:00-4:00 p.m.. All volunteers have the option to pick up or purchase ingredients to make this annual event fantastic.

This year we are providing the Miami Rescue Mission with individual pies and more than 400 bagged lunches! It is going to be a wonderful Thanksgiving for the men, women, and children served by the Rescue Mission. Give Thanks. Give Back. Family-friendly projects available—all ages are welcome.

RSVP at this link: tbam.org/turkey For more information, please contact Lori Tabachnikoff, [email protected] All drive through locations are no contact. Space is limited.

The mission of the Jewish Volunteer Center (JVC) is to provide a central clearinghouse for volunteers in the Miami Jewish community and to strengthen the entire community through high-quality, hands-on volunteer projects and service learning initiatives.

Social Justice Speaker Series featuring ADL: Having Difficult Conversations About BLM, Thursday November 19th at 7:00 p.m. – see page 15 for details. EVERY VOICE, EVERY VOTE

November 3 is Election Day Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

If you do vote on Election Day, you must vote at your assigned precinct, which you can find by going to Vote.org and select Florida. If you requested a Vote by Mail ballot but did not use it, you should turn it in to be destroyed at your voting precinct when you vote in person on Nov. 3. You will need to bring identification that has a picture and signature, which may include a combination of IDs. If you do not have an ID you will be permitted to vote “provisionally” until your signature can be veri- fied by the Superintendent. If you are still in line at 7:00 p.m., you will be permitted to vote regardless of how long it takes.

Early Voting Early Voting is still open until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1 so you can go to any Early Voting Site until then. www.miamidade.gov/elections/library/2020-general-early-voting-schedule.pdf

Vote by Mail If you are voting by mail and have not already mailed in your ballot, do not mail it now as it will not arrive in time to count.

Instead, take it to one of the Early Voting sites up until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1.

After November 1, you must return the Vote by Mail ballot to the Supervisor of Elections office in Doral, the branch office downtown at the Stephen P. Clark Center, the North Dade Regional Library in Miami Gardens, or the South Dade Regional Library in Cutler Bay.

All ballots must be received (in the hands of the Elections Department) by 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3.

When you drop off your ballot, bring a form of identification with a picture and signature (this is not required, but will speed up the processing). Make sure to sign the back of the envelope and include your telephone number and email so that the Elections Department can contact you quickly if there is a problem with your ballot.

You can and should track your Vote by Mail ballot at the Elections Department website so if there are any issues you have time to still vote in person on November 3. www.miamidade.gov/global/elections/home.page

Commit to Vote Beth Am has committed to be a 100% voting congregation through our partnership with the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. Please take the pledge to vote by filling out the form hereurj.tfaforms.net/408

Page 19 Commentator November 2020 • Page 20

GOD in NOV Monday, November 23 • 8:00 p.m. Let’s come together as a community in November, a month of giving thanks, for some (GOD) Good Orderly Direction in our lives and our recovery. Join fellow travelers exploring recovery through a Jewish lens to share, learn, and support each other. All are welcome, whether you are in recovery, a loved one or friend of someone in recovery, or if you just have unanswered questions about addiction and recovery.

Confidentiality observed. RSVP for Zoom login info to [email protected]. For more information about this and other Recovery programs please call or email Rabbi Jaime Aklepi, [email protected].

PLANT BASED AND PB&J JEWISH Getting Healthy Together Interested in learning more about clean eating, but not sure where to start?

Temple Beth Am invites you to check out our newest initiative, which seeks to provide resources and support for making better choices to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Join your fellow congregants as we embark on this health journey together!

Follow us on FaceBook at @TBAMPB&J for updates, and to learn how to get involved! SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL

DANCE WITH US | PICK-UP PARADE NOVEMBER 19, 2020 One Day Only. 24 Hours of Online Giving. Dance Marathon Party during PE. Sponsor your child, 25 minutes of dancing! Pick-Up Parade! During afternoon pick-up, enjoy a celebratory car parade and visit from our Blue Jay mascot.

GiveMiamiDay.org (select Temple Beth Am)

Donate $25 or more and help support and enhance our schools and all aspects of the Temple Beth Am campus life. Commentator November 2020 • Page 22

DEAR SISTERS, Thank you for joining us and participating in our wonderful opening event chaired by Judy Cowan and Susan Lampen. It was a delightful evening - thank you both for all of your hard work! Hopefully next year we will be able to celebrate Sisterhood together in our grand ballroom. We are about to embark on one of the most important elections of our lifetime. Our temple’s Tikkun Olam committee has worked diligently to educate us in regards to voting and the options we have to do it safely amidst the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you haven’t already done so, either by mail or early voting, I hope you take the time to cast your vote at the polls. I urge you to make an informed and ethical choice. Please have your voice heard! In line with our constitutional right to vote, this year is the 100th year of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. In recognition, this month’s education program will focus on “rebellious Jewish women.” Or, we might call them women who broke the rules but made a difference in the name of what was right. Our calendar also includes our bi-monthly book club. These upcoming events feel relevant and exciting, so I hope you can join me and the other sisters in these programs. Fall is in the air and the holiday season is upon us. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather. All my children will be coming home to spend Thanksgiving with us and I can’t express how much I’m looking forward to being together under one roof. My wish for everyone is that you all get the chance to share the Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones. Now more than ever, we must value togetherness, community, and the small ways we can help our fellow man. Thank you for your continued support. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] with any thoughts or comments.

DILIA GROSSMAN, Sisterhood President

Save-the-Date Thursday, December 3 Wednesday, December 9 Wednesday, December 16 HOLIDAY FLORAL ARRANGING SISTERHOOD VIRTUAL COOKING CLASS AND TABLESCAPE CLASS ART EXPO 7:00 PM PRESENTED BY KITANIM 7:00 PM FLOWERS AND THE Don't miss our first Zoom FASHIONABLE HOSTESS This year, we’ve got our own cooking class! 10:00 AM version of Art Basel featuring some of Sisterhood’s most talented Learn from the pros at Kitanim artists. Stay tuned for details! Flowers, right in time for Chanukah!

For more information on all programs, please e-mail us at [email protected]. Please include your phone number so we can call you back. www.tbam.org/sisterhood

TBAM446_Comm_NOV20_Sisterhood.indd 1 10/16/20 3:32 PM 142 Ostriches follows 22-year-old Tallulah Jones, who wants nothing more than to escape her life working on the family's ostrich ranch in the Mojave Desert. But when her grandmother dies under questionable circumstances, Tallulah finds herself sole heir of the business just days before the birds inexplicably stop laying eggs. Guarding the secret of the suddenly barren birds, Tallulah endeavors to force through a sale of the ranch, a task that is complicated by the arrival of her Thursday, extended family. Their designs on the property and deeply rooted November 12 dysfunction threaten Tallulah's ambitions and eventually her life. 7:00 PM With no options left, Tallulah must pull her head out of the sand and 142 Ostriches face the 50-year legacy of a family in turmoil: her grandmother's by April Davila death, her mother's alcoholism, her uncle's covetous anger and the 142 ostriches whose lives are in her hands. RSVP at tbam.org/bookclub

RESILIENCE, VALUES, AND COMMITTED ACTIONS: Women and Jewish Destiny Tuesday, November 17 at 7:00 PM As we celebrate 100 years of women gaining the right to vote, we welcome guest speaker Shoshana Schechter, Associate Dean of Torah Studies at Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University, in conversation with Rabbi Jaime Aklepi. Together, they will help us glean insights on what we can learn from Jewish women who have broken the mold to make positive change in the world. RSVP at tbam.org/womenstorahstudy

Sisterhood Movie Club Monday, December 7 at 7:00 PM Welcome to Sisterhood Movie Club! Watch from the comfort of your home. Our December movie will be The Game Changers, a documentary on plant-based foods. We welcome special guest speaker, TBAM member Dan Levine, who was inspired by the movie to change the way he ate, and improve his health! Let’s learn to eat healthy together. Men are welcome to this discussion. Just go to justwatch.com and choose what site you want to watch the movie on (approx. $3.99) or use your Netflix subscription to watch the film in advance of our December th7 Zoom discussion led by Ellen Genet. All movie snacks are welcome! RSVP to tbam.org/movieclub for Zoom login info. Questions? Contact Fredi Cogan at 305.343.4217.

www.tbam.org/sisterhood Page 23

TBAM446_Comm_NOV20_Sisterhood.indd 2 10/16/20 3:33 PM Commentator November 2020 • Page 24

By Dr. Lenore C. Kipper, RJE, Judaic Studies Director, Emerita Enduring Wisdom from the Pirkei Avot Yochanan Ben Zakkai was one of the leaders during the time of Avot 2:11 the rebellion against the Romans before the fall of the second “Rabbi Yehoshua said, the evil eye, the evil urge and hatred of Temple in 70 C.E. One of the stories about him was how he had others, takes one out of the world.” his students help him escape from within the walls of Jerusalem. The Hebrew word, yetzer, is used to describe choosing goodness Why did he do this? He saw the futility of the fight against or choosing wrongfulness or evil. This quote implies wrongful the Romans, and he wanted to establish a place of learning attitudes toward others can result in excessive hatred, anger, somewhere in the land. His students pretended he died, put envy and jealousy. The Torah teaches, “You shall not wrong him in a coffin, and the Zealots allowed them to be taken to one another.” (lev. 24:17) The text implies wrongful words outside the walls of the city to be buried. The story tells us spoken about another person unjustly. Maimonides believed Zakkai went to the Roman general, Vespasian, and requested that a person whose heart is so full of rage and hatred, soon a place to establish a school. That place was called Yavneh. isolates himself/herself from the community. They will not be He also predicted that Vespasian would become emperor of able to live a normal life if their perception of interactions is Rome. We cannot be sure about the story, but it is true, Zakkai colored by intense hatred. How relevant these ideas are today! established a house of study, a Beit haMidrash at Yavneh, and many of the quotes from Pirke Avot were written by him and Avot 2:15 his followers. There is still a community in Israel called Yavneh, “Rabbi Tarfon said, the day is short, there is much work to be south of Tel Aviv. done, the workers are lazy, the wages are great, and the employer is insistent.” Avot 2:9a The interpretation of this quote seems clear at first. What “Zakkai said to his students; What is a right path for one to take? is meant by the day is short? Rashi said it refers to the Rabbi Eliezer said, a good eye. Rabbi Joshua said, a good friend. length of our lives. There is so much we need to do to create Rabbi Yossi said, a good neighbor. Rabbi Simeon said foresight. communities and learn from our tradition. Sometimes we Rabbi Elazar said, a good heart. Zakkai answered them; I prefer postpone doing what we have to do, yet, the rewards of the words of Rabbi Elazar, for his words include all of yours.” starting and staying on task, will bring us satisfaction. And, The commentators interpret the idea of a good heart as a person the employer, God, is insistent that we attend to our goals, keep who is generous, cultivates good companions, and one who focused and accomplish what we set forth to do. seeks out and dwells with good neighbors, and one who is not impulsive. Such a person is at peace with God and others. Avot 2:16 Maimonides believed that a good heart is related to the soul of “You are not required to complete the work, yet you are not free to a person. All good actions, all ethical qualities emerge from the avoid it.” soul. This quote was written on the bottom of Rabbi Baumgard’s stationery at one time. He believed that we have goals to Avot 2:10 achieve within Jewish life, our community, our nation and “Rabbi Eliezer said, let your friend’s honor be as precious to you as the world. We are called upon to begin, even if we cannot your own. Be difficult to provoke and repent one day before you fully complete our tasks, we must pursue them to the best of die.” our ability. This was his mission, especially when it came to The rabbis frequently wrote their wisdom in sets of three. working for the synagogue, social justice, and for supporting This pattern is repeated throughout Pirke Avot. It seems they Israel. I believe today we are called upon to fulfill similar goals. were trying to summarize key ideas. The first idea about This quote reminds us to constantly strive to improve our hope your friend’s honor, alerts us to stand by a friend and do for better communities and peaceful relations between people nothing to injure a person’s reputation. It is connected to and countries. the commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself”. (Lev. 19:18) Related to this is the saying, “Let your friend’s property Ethical and Social Commandments by Rabbi Bernard be as dear to you as your own.” Maimonides comments on Bamberger the second part. Do not be quick to lose your temper. The The commandments of Scripture and tradition, ethical and social . consequence of impulsive anger leads to words and actions as well as ceremonial, are not to be adapted blindly…Only on the that are hurtful and harmful between people. Both Rashi and basis of genuine understanding can the individual make decisions Maimonides agree that a person should repent every day, on which commandments he can obey, which should be modified, because you never know when it is your last day. This reminds and which may be discarded. One may be guided by informed us not to wait for Yom Kippur, but to feel regretful and repair leaders of the community, but as a free person, one must assume wrongful words and actions every day. the responsibility of the ultimate choice.

L’shalom, Lenore A Message from Our SISTER CONGREGATION in Israel First and foremost, Rabbi Ada Zavidov and I, together with the accounts, or enjoying a cup of coffee. Then all of a sudden that members of Kehilat Har-El, hope this column finds you and morning, out of nowhere, they heard me blowing the shofar your loved ones healthy and well. through my parents’ TV speakers. As soon as they heard it, they instinctively stood at attention, listening intently to the I write these words during the week between Rosh HaSha- shofar blasts, and then sat down (wondering where the shofar nah and Yom Kippur during Israel’s second lockdown due was coming from, since there’s no synagogue nearby). Follow- to COVID-19, and wanted to share my experience with you ing the sermon, again there were the traditional three rounds not just as a cantor, but as a ba’al t’kia, a shofar blower, and of shofar blowing for Malchuyot, Zichronot, Shofarot near the unique to the Israeli experience. conclusion of the service. For each of the three sets of shofar blasts, for my parents’ neighbors was the same routine: chill In a “normal” year, Har-El’s custom is to hold services for the out on the balcony, instinctively jump up and stand at atten- first day of Rosh HaShanah, while on the second day Rab- tion for the shofar blasts, and then sit back down again as if bi Ada and I would visit members who are unable to attend nothing happened. My parents were quite amused to say the synagogue and blow shofar at their homes. If the first day fell least… on Shabbat, even though it’s customary not to blow the shofar then, like many Reform congregations we would still have a However, my shofar blowing wasn’t finished yet. In addition shofar service. This year, however, with COVID-19, things to the one kilometer travel limit, there were strict limitations were radically different. on how many people could gather for services, in particular indoors. As a result, not only did most non-Orthodox Israelis One of the restrictions during the current lockdown during stay home, but in many Orthodox families, only the adult men the High Holy Days is that people are only allowed to trav- attended services due to space limitations. You then add to el no more than one kilometer from their home (about 0.6 that the 50,000+ active cases of COVID-19 (as of September 23) miles), except in specific circumstances, including going to plus tens of thousands more in quarantine, that’s a lot of Israe- one’s place of employment (but not to attend services!). So lis who missed hearing the shofar this year. I had read about although the rabbi and I could go to the synagogue the first in the news about organized neighborhood shofar blowing, but day of Rosh Hashanah, it meant that visiting members would with the nearest one more than a kilometer away, I offered to be out of the question on the second day. Then there was the blow shofar behind the building I live in later that afternoon. I issue of the shofar. With the windows and the door of the contacted the head of the building committee Friday morning synagogue closed, it muffles the sound of the shofar to those before Rosh HaShanah and she sent out a group Whatsapp outside the building. But during COVID-19, by Israeli law the message to all the residents of the building. At 4:15 p.m. (in windows and the doors need to be open to bring in fresh air. Israel, it’s customary to keep noise down between 2-4 p.m. for With everything open the shofar blasts travel quite far, and elderly residents) on the second afternoon of Rosh HaShanah, being located in a residential neighborhood, in respect of our in the presence of a number of young families as well as quite neighbors next door and across the street, we decided to only a few people listening from their windows, we recited the blow the shofar on the second morning, and to broadcast that blessings together and went through the full cycle of shofar service from our homes. This also allowed us to give honors blasts. Everyone was very appreciative and truly thankful for to other members of the synagogue during the service who the experience. Only one cranky person complained about the either preferred not to come the synagogue (due to being high- noise from her window, who then was speedily rebuked by one risk) or were past the 1 KM limit (which is the majority of our of the obviously secular mothers who brought her kids out to members). hear the shofar as their singular Rosh HaShanah experience. All in a day’s work I guess! As not only the cantor but also the shofar blower, my shofar blasts were now simulcast all around Jerusalem. My parents, With belated wishes for a shanah tovah from Jerusalem from who live in Jerusalem, were of course tuned in (I’m their son your sister congregation, after all!), and also had their windows open. Behind their building across a courtyard is another residential building, Cantor Evan Cohen, and in nice weather, the secular residents of that building on a Kehilat Har-El, Jerusalem Shabbat or holiday morning will be sitting on their balconies reading the newspaper, checking their Facebook or Instagram

Page 25 Commentator November 2020 • Page 26

One of our most important traditions– an obligation to give, each in our own way, to help others.It is what makes us a strong, a united and a just people. Thank you for supporting Temple Beth Am on the Committee of 100 levels and making membership affordable to all.

CIRCLE OF LIFE Anthony & Lisa Askowitz Paul Fishbein Hugh & Eliza Culverhouse Evelyn K. Axler Leonard & Patricia Fluxman Richard & Colleen Fain Ryan & Rachel Bailine Steven & Nadine Foldes Jon & Tina Kislak Roney & Sofi Balson Karel Foti Leslie Miller Saiontz Scott & Debbie Barkow Barry & Debra Frank Richard Yulman David & Karen Baron David & Linda Frankel George & Monique Befeler Gregory & Alexandra Frankel CIRCLE OF BLESSING Robert & Ana Behar Martin & Julie Franklin David & Beth Ertel Edward Beiner & Daniela Zanzuri-Beiner Julio Frenk & Felicia Knaul Elisabeth Frank Rodney & Linda Benjamin Mitchell & Adria Friedman Barbara Havenick Alexander & Sara Berkowitz Mark & Belinda Gilbert Dick & Susan Lampen Andrew Berkowitz & Felicia Gould Arthur & Stephanie Gilbert Mark & Nedra Oren Michael & Jolie Berkowitz Bobby & Nancy Gilbert Aaron & Dorothy Podhurst Jill Nexon Berman & Michael Elmaleh *Keith & Melissa Ginsburg David & Lily Serviansky David & Alison Bernstein Jennifer Glasser Fran Berrin Amir & Jane Gold RABBIS HONOR CIRCLE Bob Berrin Harris Goldberg & Lisa Esserman Jeff & Yolanda Berkowitz Roslyn Berrin Evan & Stephanie Goldman Alan & Jayusia Bernstein Tim & Jennifer Bielawski Hazel Goldman Lawrence & Suzanne Fishman Alex & Lynn Binstock Philip & Loren Gold Joez”l & Anita Hoffman Clinton & Elizabeth Biondo *Lee & Lisa Goldstein Michael & Valerie Katz James Block & Janet Nesbitt Larry & Susan Golinsky David & Stacey Leibowitz Edward & Iliana Blumberg Jorge Gomez & Ann Kaufman Daniel Lewis & Valerie Dillon Mauricio & Maggie Brener Barry & Jennifer Gould Charles Lipcon & Irmgard Lipconz”l Bobby & Cristina Brochin Bob & Nancy Green Steve & Paola Saiontz Michael & Janet Brown Bruce Greer & Evelyn Langlieb Greer Laura Serruya David & Donna Buchwald Renee Gross Jeffrey & Lisa Buchwald Divina Grossman PRESIDENTS HONOR CIRCLE Marc & Becky Buchwald Phyllis Grossman Gary & Barbara Davis David & Melissa Buckner Bob & Shelly Grossman Charlene Esserman *Stephen & Marni Cain Bill & Dilia Grossman Daniel & Amanda Gluck Tony Ciminero Harvey Gurland, Jr. & Carolina Gurland Terry & Diane Goldberg & Joanne Bauling-Ciminero Grant & Meredith Gussin Stuart & Dianne Gottlieb Gary & Carol Cohen Jason & Laura Haim *Harry & Amy Hollub William & Bobbie Cohen Barry Halpern & Sheila Auerbach Halpern Joe & Shelley Jacoby Jack & Cookie Cohn Jay & Sandy Halpern Barbara Levin *Tom Cromer Bernie & Deborah Harris *Stephen Lipof & Allison Szmulewicz Paul & Jolie Cummings Dolly Harris Victor & Lisa Mendelson *Jason & Jordana Davis Stuart Harris Stuart & Mycki Ratzan David & Debra Deutch Mark & Helen Hauser Scott & Michelle Sarason Harold & Nanci Deutsch Alex & Barbara Havenick Joel & Randy Schenkman *Sander Dubovy *Michael & Rebecca Havenick Richard & Jackie Siegel & Sarah Steinbaum Dubovy Greg & Jennifer Herskowitz Howard & Sharon Socol Ken & Adrian Dubow Rick Schurr & Christy Hertz Schurr Larry & Tracey Spiegelman Norman & Edith Einspruch Frank & Jodi Hessel Robert & Michele Stone Victor & Eileen Faradji *Marcell & Ainsley Hetenyi Dan & Julianne Farkas Bob Hill & Jennifer Ferriss-Hill COMMITTEE OF 100 Robert & Donna Feldman Richard & Ilisa Hoffman Irwin Adler Ted & Elaine Feldman *Aaron & Maura Hollub Fernando Akerman & Viviana Acheen Jonathan & Nadine Fialkow Michael & Iris Hyman Gary & Eileen Alvo *Daniel & Cindy Fields *Joe & Elizabeth Jackson Brett & Lauren Amron Cynthia Fien Chuck & Roberta Jacoby Andrea Askowitz & Victoria Azpurua Justin & Natalie Firestone Joe & Shelley Jacoby Jason & Lisa James Miguel & Lezlie Poyastro John & Jo Sumberg Susan Kahn David & Sheila Quint *Logan & Sayvon Szwed Leonard & Debby Kalman David & Susan Racher Myron & Monica Tanenbaum Ron & Karen Kammer Judith Ratzan Harold & Flippy Tanenbaum Steve Kandell Jeff & Sue Reamer *Douglas & Agatha Teitelbaum James & Margarite Kaplan Danny & Elise van der Reis Henry & Marcia Trattler *Lee & Lisa Kaplan Terry & Marcia Reisman *Harley & Sherry Tropin *Ryan & Nicole Kaplan Jack & Jill Reiter *Tomer & Johanna Tzur Sara Kapustin Guillermo & Maggie Retchkiman Elion Vinocur & Rebecca Shull Vinocur Ira & Randye Karmin Randy & Julie Rieger Howard & Suzanne Wallach Arnaud & Rebecca Karsenti Lenny Roberts & Elaine Klein Walter & Michelle Weber Ezra & Tati Katz Ken & Judy Rosenthal Michael & Julie Weiser Josh & Angelina Kaye Alan Rosenthal Mitch & Alicia Widom *Casey & Loren Klein David & Becky Rosenbaum Michael & Betty Wohl Gary & Leo Kluger Jeff & Lillian Rosenberg Carlos & Meredith Wolf Dan & Laura Koffsky *Joshua Rosen & Elizabeth Wolfsthal Louis Wolfson III & Ellen Wolfson Bruce Kohrman & Diane Krieger Miguel Jose & Clarissa Rosenfeld Howard & Pam Wolofsky *Jay & Joanne Koren Bob & Susan Rosenthal Adam & Mimi Yunis Murray & Ilene Kossman Jon & Jamie Rubenstein Adam & Suzanne Zimbler Gary & Michelle Kramer *Adam & Erin Rubin Michael Zinner Roman & Cristina Krislav Richard & Cessy Rubinson Warren & Nicole Zinn Frank & Helene Kronberg Steven & Cindy Rudin Alex & Juliana Krys Daniel Sachar & Kate Lampen-Sachar * New to this level *Howard & Linda Landy Steven Safren & William Pirl This list reflects renewals after Elliot & Barbara Lang Peter & Wendy Salomon October 1, 2020. Marc & Judith Lederhandler Steven & Jill Sanko Todd & Suzanne Legon Gary & Lisa Saul John & Amy Beth Leighton Joan Schaeffer & Roberta Mandel Nathan & Elizabeth Leight Darin & Jackie Schatzman Paul & Zoe Leinoff David & Joan Scheiner Donna Levine Kevin & Robyn Schumacher Eric Levin Howard & Jill Schwartz Ray & Susan Malca Zachary & Katarina Segal Jeffrey & Rebecca Mandler Hermina Seiden Jeff & Niki Marcus Alan & Karen Serure Jay & Lisa Massirman Allan & Sarah Serviansky Jim & Carol Mattei Ethan & Amy Shapiro *Manuel Chica & Michelle Mattei Chica John Shepard Michael & Starr Mautner & Donna Bitterman-Shepard Scott & Adi Mendlestein *Ruth Shere & Jessica Shere Coggins Clifford & Diana Mermell Howard & Stacey Shoer Elliot Messing & Faye Koniver Luis Silberwasser & Abbe Rosenbaum Steve & Adrienne Messing Gerald Backman & Marlene Silverman Marc & Marian Milgram *Sean Simon & Perri Young Rick & Amy Mittelberg Ed & Barbara Sirkin Spencer & Maria Morgan Bradford & Rachel Sohn Peter Moser Brad & Lauren Sokol Adam & Jessica Moskowitz Steven & Staci Solomon Alexander & Lily Moskovitz Steven & Melissa Spann Craig & Deirdre Nash Brian & Meryl Spector Jeffrey & Susan Nullman *David & Meryl Spigelman Michael & Marlene Olin Scott Squires & Danielle Katz Squires Robbie & Alisa Oppenheim Cliff & Shelly Stamler *Paul Pataky & Edith Osman Rudy & Tania Stern Kevin & Stacey Packman Joshua & Kerri Stone Isaac & Mariana Pesin Richard & Pamela Strassberg David & Lori Podrog Louise Stubins Gabriel & Evelyn Politzer Daniel & April Stuzin Richard & Jan Pollack *Betty Suchman

Page 27 Commentator November 2020 • Page 28

Week ending Irwin Payne David Lampen Ralph Cohen* November 6, 2020 Dorothy Frank Pearlman Nathan Lederer* Sam Colsky Julius Roistacher Ross Levin* Daniel Cravitt* Leon Agranov Ralph “Rudy” Rose Louis Levinson Lottie Diak Fanny Alperowitz* Herschel Rosenthal Lilyan Levy Elsie C. Dreyfus* Oscar Baisman* Stanley H. Roth* Helen Lieb Albert S. Dubbin* Donald Barnett JoAnn Rozansky* Helen Lieberman* Louis Fehder Arthur Bassman Walter Rubinstein Edward V. Lustig* Joseph Ferber* Rose Ben-Bassat Abe J Singer Juliette Malca Rose Finkelstein* Goldie Berkowitz Mauricio Weinstein Elinor Maultasch Sylvia First Jerry Berman* Milton Weiss David Milgram* George Goldberg Neil J. Berman* Sue Miller Maclyn Goldman Hyman Biederman Week ending Dorothy Mirnoff Arthur Granite* Sandy Block* November 13, 2020 Solomon Mollov* Claire Grufferman* Herman Brenner* Frank Nankin James Franklin Haas Miriam Brightman Max Abramowitz Harry Orlin Diane Star Heller Zelda Channing* Harold Aibel* Dr. David Perelman* Leo Hessel* Harold Cohen Anna Ballin Charles Pollack Nathan Hochman* Shannon Davis Solomon Bernat Louis Rauchman* Augusta Kalkin Phyllis Deutsch Joyce Beskind Grodnick Sylvia Reiser* Gizela Katz* Gisela Dinert* Irving Biederman Phil Revitz* Charlotte Gloria Koblenz* Carol Glassman Donaldson Claire Blazer Hedy Ringel A. Milton Koenig* Jacob Douek Simon H. Bloom* William Rosen* Bertha Konigsberg Sherri Dunn Jacques Cachot Florence Rosenbach Rosalie Kotkin Sidle Alan Epstein* Robin Caradonna Irene Rosin Felder Ethel Kressel* Wendy Holmes Fine Colby Cardenas Leon Rothkopf Solomon Krug Elva Fried Dr. Sol Colsky Marion Cohen Rubin* Dr. J. Oliver Lampen

Memory Leo Furst Peggy Connolly Sylvia Rubin Maisel Sidney Lebowitz* Eleanor Glazer Harold Cowan Milton R. Russinof* Morris Levin Harold Goldberg Lillian Davis Harry Ruttenberg* Bernard Levinson Sidney Greenberg* Amalia Distenfeld Alvis Sherouse* Steven Levinson Glenn N. Greenfield* Henry Dreyer Irene Siegel Mary Levy Marcy Gulden* Marguerite Durlacher Carl S. Stewart* Rose W. Light* Mitchell Alan Halbrich* Adolph Einspruch Morris Tischler* Harry Linett Bertha Rose Harris* Arnold Elfer Zara Vitto Marcia D. Litman* Mary Jaffe* Hedy Engel Carlin* Eugene Warren Hilda Margolin Esther Jinesta Bertha Ertel* Samuel Weinstein* Lois Schwartz Marks Barbara Kalish Robert Feldman Morris Welt* Edda Meller Fannie Kallechstein* David Fleeman Diane Whitman Wolfe* Gino Molinari Murray Kammer Max Frank* Sheila Young Bernice Goldberg Pollack* Steve Kay Molly Furst Minette Zlokower Maria-Julia Quiros Rose Koross Rose Glaser* Mildred Robbins* Lillian Krug Dan Golinsky* Week ending Louise Rothberg Charles Kruglick* Morris Harris November20, 2020 Mark R. Rubin* Mildred Lang* Sara Hazan Martine Sabban Ida S. Lax* Milton Herman Bess Aibel* Albert Sacks Audrey Leavitt Bernard Earl Hirsch* Henry Arman* Anita Schaeffer Alda Leda Alvin M. “Al” Hoffman* Arthur S. Baker* Douglas B. Segal* Harry Leitman* Sylvia Jacobs* Alexander Bedine* Rhoda Sheldon Benjamin Levin* Norman Kantor* Irma Benvenisty Gertrude N. Solomon* Gloria E. Levine* Benjamin Kaplan Lillian Berger* Sophie Sprecher* Henry Liebman* Lilly Salgo Katz* Frances Bernstein* Ross Steinberg In Loving Ida Maizel* Joyce Weinstein Kazlow* Peggy Bieley* Charlotte Storper George Meredith Samantha Kelfer* Lester Blackstein* Harry M. Suskin* Deborah Miller Jean Kleiman Constance Bram* Samuel Wolcovinsky Marcella Milman* Herman Kravetz Sula Brener* Aaron L. Mintz* Carol Kresberg Reese Carole Brown* Laura Modlin Hyman Krulewitch* Todd Burstein Stanley Nelson Rose Kurzweil Pauline Cohen* Midge Pasternack Week ending Ida Dochen* Lorraine Kaye* Minnie Sandler November 27, 2020 Jeannette Ehrenkranz* Andrew Kroungold Sidney Sapurstein Mala Einspruch Gertrude Lebowitz* Miriam Schenkman* Rose Hurwitz Baker* Jay Matthew Epstein* Isaak Levine Viola Schreckinger Mila Baron Joseph Fishbein Lorraine Levy Samuel Schreer Jay.Marcos Beatty Margaret Foster Peter Lewis Sadie Shane* Eva Beckerman* Gloria Fried David Loveman Berenice Sievers Dr. Fred Robert Berger* Pearl Garvett* Lawrence Margolis* Edwin Squires Sylvia Berger* Louis Goldstein* Michael Sylvan Matson Anna Stoller* June Bernstein* Sarah Goodman* Fortuna Mitrani Ann Strassberg Sally Biederman Kenneth Gore Sylvia Modlin Dr. Jack L. Thaller* Irene Billings Steve Gorman Mildred Murray* Kathy Wilk Susana Brambier Viola F. Greenberg* Esther Ort Chopp* Dr. Lloyd Zand* Julian Brill Eleanor Haskins Esther K. Passon* Eva Zimmerman* Lillian Brodatz* David Hecht Stanley Perlman Anna Lea Carlin* Leonard Hellman* Helen Rosin * Denotes individuals with a Morris (Doc) Deutsch Joseph Hoffman* Beryl Rothschild plaque in our sanctuary. Jack Diamond* Stanley Howard Jaffee Bernard Rubenstein* MAzel Tov TO... Edith G. Osman who was recently appointed chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Meetings & Travel Roberta G. Mandel, Esq. Matthew and Alexa Paul on the birth of daughter Sloane Noa Managing Partner and mazel tov to grandparents Lee and Lisa Goldstein and uncles, 8925 S.W. 148th Street, Suite 200 Sam and Dylan Miami, Florida 33176 Joe and Shelley Jacoby on the birth of grandson Jude Morgan Tel: 305-233-5041 Carolina and Harvey Gurland on the birth of Fax: 305-233-5042 grandson Jacob Chase Brown [email protected]

POSTPONED See you in 2021! tbam.org/golf

Page 29 Commentator November 2020 • Page 30

DR. IRWIN PERLMUTTER GENERAL FUND ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND Morgan Cardet in honor of the birth of Lucy Jo Cardet Keeping the Legacy of Temple Beth Am Founding Dilia and Bill Grossman in memory of Member, Dr. Irwin Perlmutter, alive through Jewish Shira Baumgard Garvett Education Dilia and Bill Grossman in honor of Jacob Chase Brown, Mazel Tov to grandparents Carolina and Harvey THE STEPHEN ARKY FAMILY CARING FUND Gurland In loving memory of Steve Arky who is, and always Michael Katz in memory of Ann Joy Jaffee will be, deeply in our hearts, with love and respect, Jan and Louis Schmidt in memory of Joy Jaffee Marlin, Lisa and Todd William Silver in memory of Jean K. Silver, beloved In loving memory of Rose Warner with love from the mother Arky/Buchwald/Rabin/Feldman Family Sharon and Howard Socol in memory of In celebration of Uncle Joe Hawkin’s life with love from Shira Baumgard Garvett Maude and David Dr. Larry Cohn and Donna Syrop in memory of To Hawkins Warner, wishing you a terrific birthday with Merrill Lamb love from Aunt Marlin and Uncle David Dr. Larry Cohn and Donna Syrop in memory of To Mark Warner the happiest of birthdays with love Allen Payne from Marlin and David Marvin and Jaime Williams in memory of Joy Jaffee

ARNELLE SOLOMON SCHOLARSHIP FUND LENORE KIPPER ENDOWMENT FUND Karen Franco in memory of Shira Baumgard Garvett Jeffrey Agron in honor of Cindi Avila, thank you so much for all of your help with our webinar CANTOR NELSON DISCRETIONARY FUND Barbara Berman in loving memory of Shirley Berman, LESLEE ARONOVITZ mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND Lee Binder and David Swimmer in honor of the High Adrian and Ken Dubow in honor of Jacob Chase Brown, Holy Days and all the work the clergy has done to Mazel Tov to grandparents Carolina and Harvey make the New Year special Gurland Jeffrey and Brenda Epstein in honor of John’s Adrian and Ken Dubow in memory of Bar Mitzvah Shira Baumgard Garvett Arlene Feldman in loving memory of Lily Kaplen Adrian and Ken Dubow in memory of Ettica Rosenbaum, Seth Werner in loving memory of Merrill Lamb, mother of Abbe Rosenbaum a good friend of 45 years Adrian and Ken Dubow in memory of Allen Payne, father of Shelley Payne THE JOAN KRAMER GALLANT AND MARTIN GALLANT CHILDREN’S FUND LIBRARY FUND In memory of our papa, Martin Gallant with love from Iris Cutler and family in loving memory of Jane, Mack and Sunny H. Jeffrey Cutler Brian Gallant in loving memory of his parents Edith and Norman Einspruch in memory of our Tracy Gallant Brody in loving memory of her parents sister-in-law, Alice Jean Melnick

CARING COMMUNITY FUND RABBI AKLEPI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Sheila Shapiro in memory of Shira Baumgard Garvett Anne Feil Becker in loving memory of her mother Goldie Cohen Feil Goldner DAY SCHOOL ANNUAL FUND Lee Binder and David Swimmer in honor the Barbara Fishman in loving memory of my mom, High Holy Days and all the work the clergy has done Arleen Halbrich to make the New Year special We Give Thanks Barbara Fishman in loving memory of my dad, Frances Salbarrey Louis Halbrich Jerry Wiskin in memory of his mother, Helen Wiskin Dr. Lee and David Binder in memory of Fran Berrin and Jackie Wald’s wonderful, loving brother! RABBI BARRAS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND My wishes of love and care. Lee Binder and David Swimmer in honor the The Zusman Family in memory of Shira Baumgard High Holy Days and all the work the clergy has done Garvett to make the New Year special Jan and Albert Cohen in memory of Dr. Albert Tawil, brother of Jackie Wald and Fran Berrin Adam Hall in memory of his father, Andrew Sandy and Jeff Yarchin with thankfulness for your help Suzanne and Mark Zientz in memory of Michael Hector RABBI GREENGRASS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND TIKKUN OLAM FUND Abraham and Helene Benyunes in memory of Rodney and Linda Benjamin in memory of Dr. Albert Shira Baumgard Garvett. Our heartfelt condolences, may her Tawil, brother of Fran Berrin memory be for a blessing Judy and Daniel Cowan in honor of Gabi Aklepi Barbara Berman in memory of Shira Baumgard Garvett receiving her white coat Dyan Carness in honor of Brittany Addams Judy and Daniel Cowan in honor of Karen and Toni Haber in memory of Shira Baumgard Garvett Irv Frost’s new grandchild Eddyse Kessler in honor of Rabbi Greengrass for a beautiful Elisabeth Frank in memory of my friend and co-chair memorial service for Barry Karch for Russian Refugees, Allen Payne Gregory Koolman in memory of Gregorio “Ronny” and Myriam Lynn and Howard Gross in memory of Merrill Lamb A. Koolman-Morales Karen Kammer and Family in memory of Adam Lamb in memory of Merrill Lamb. Thank you, Shira Baumgard Garvett, with love in memory of Rabbi Greengrass, for hosting the Shiva and for your kind words our friend Judi and Randy McKean in memory of Merrill Lamb Nadine and Sidney Pertnoy in memory of Edward Schwartz in memory of Shira Baumgard Garvett Dr. Albert Tawil, brother of Fran Berrin Lee Binder and David Swimmer in honor of the High Holy Days Bonnie Webman in memory of Shira Baumgard Garvett and all the work the clergy have done to make the New Year special. Ellen and Glenn Widom in memory of Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year. Shira Baumgard Garvett, with love

RITUAL/PRAYER BOOK FUND YAHRZEIT FUND Anne Becker in loving memory of Harry Feil, beloved father Anne Becker in loving memory of Harry M. Becker Elaine and Norman Stokes and family in memory of Leo Mandel, Susan and Steven Herman in memory of Edith Kohl beloved Father and Grandfather Esther Kramer in memory of Max Zelmanovic, beloved father and grandfather THE SHEPARD KING SCHOLARSHIP FUND Lisa Schaecter-Sharf in honor of my mother, Bernita King, Russell King and Tamara King Stark in memory of our Marvis B. Schaecter, on her yahrzeit September 25 beloved Shep, who continues to inspire us in everything we do Ellen Widom in memory of Jeff Rubin

Page 31 Commentator November 2020 • Page 32

the current of life

We mourn the passing of Shira Baumgard Garvett, wife of Fred Garvett, mother of Ari Garvett, sister of Jonathan (Wendy) Baumgard and Daniel (Lori) Baumgard. Shira was predeceased by her son Jeremy Garvett, and by her parents, Temple Beth Am’s founding Rabbi Herbert Baumgard and his wife, Selma.

Ettica Rosenbaum, mother ofAbbe Rosenbaum (Luis Silberwasser), grandmother of Daniel, Noah, Joshua and Eliana Silberwasser

David Berg, husband of Marlene Berg, mother of Cheryl (Howard) Ettelman, Bonnie (Allan) Sepe, David (Barbara) Berg Jr., Charlie (Gary Bailey) Berg, Erin (John) Hager; grandmother of Brandon (Ashley) Ettelman, Craig (Ilyssa) Ettelman, Jill Ettelman (Jason Friedman), Jaclyn (Michael) Lohmann, AJ Sepe, Lauren Sepe, David (Acelia) Berg III, Garrett Berg, Ryan Berg, Drew Hager, Elle Hager, Sierra Hager and great grandmother of Logan Ettelman, Liam Ettelman and Landon Lohmann

Phyllis Krug mother of Jennifer Roth, grandmother of Zachary (Sarah Corapi) Roth and Brittany Roth

Merrill Lamb husband of Carolyn Lamb, father of Adam (Lisa) Lamb, Karen (Marc) Spector and Jackie (Stephen) Shapiro; grandfather of Jackson and Macy Lamb, Kellie and Sammie Spector, Jake, Lexi and Carly Shapiro

Allen (Al) Payne father of Shelley (Howard Goldman) Payne and Robert (Melissa) Payne, grandfather of Sara and Daniel Goldman and Victoria and Harrison Payne

Ann Joy Jaffee,mother of Robert (Alison) Jaffee and Scott (Robyn) Jaffee; grandmother ofLuke, Charlie, Zachary and Lily Jaffee A DOUBLE MITZVAH: SUPPORT ISRAEL AND YOUR SPECIAL CAUSES THROUGH ISRAEL BONDS

DONATING ISRAEL BONDS PROVIDES: • Interest plus principal at maturity for your designated charity or foundation • Funds for Israel’s economy • A tax deduction to the extent permitted by law*

BOND WITH A NATION OF LIMITLESS POTENTIAL israelbonds.com *Consult your tax advisor for more information. VISIT ISRAELBONDS.COM OR EMAIL [email protected]; 888.764.2631

This is not an offering, which can be made only by Development Corporation for Israel prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before Vladi Yurovsky, Executive Director • [email protected] • 305.755.4806 investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with Liron Ozery, Registered Representative • [email protected] • 305.755.4808 investing in Israel bonds. Member FINRA. Photo credit: iStock Temple Beth Am professional Directory 2020/2021

BRIT OLOM TOURS, INC.–TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS REAL ESTATE Concierge travel agency designing worry-free vacations If you are looking to rent or buy in Brickell or Downtown, I can help you worldwide for over 30 years—land, cruise and/or river cruise. find the perfect place! I have helped many people find a home where they Israel experts—creating personalized, private itineraries for Bar/ can walk to work, stores and restaurants. Bat Mitzvah’s, family and friends. Karen and Zvi Krugliak Marissa Levine, SRES - Realtor with Levine Realty Inc. Temple Beth Am Day School graduate! 305.403.7548/www.britolomtours.com | [email protected] 305.562.9053/[email protected]

­­DOMESTIC PLACEMENT SERVICES Jonathan Baumgard, M.D., ­F.A.A.P. Class Act Nannies, LLC - Jennifer Warren Medwin SOUTH FLORIDA PEDIATRIC PARTNERS Bilingual Candidates, Live-out or -in, nanny, housekeeper, chef, driver, 7800 SW 87th Ave #C350 petsitter, elderly companion, babysitter, baby specialist, 24 hour care. Miami, FL 33173 11767 South Dixie Highway, # 404, Miami, FL 33156 305.271.4711 305.302.9777 | www.ClassActNannies.com

ESTATE SELLING & E-SALES BY RITA SPOT ON TUTORING Nicole Foodman, M.S., CDP, CALP, If you have a home to liquidate, Estate Sales by Rita is the one for you. learning specialist, certified reading specialist, International Dyslexia Appraisal of total contents of home. Association – Certified Dyslexia Practitioner, trained in the Orton- My team and I do all the work. Gillingham approach. Specialist in remediating reading/math difficulties due to learning differences, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, Excellent references. and ADD/ADHD. Rita Diaz 305.323.9322 | [email protected] 786.510.5043/www.SpotOnTutoring.com/[email protected]

FUNERAL SERVICES SURGICAL ASSOCIATES OF SOUTH FLORIDA EDEN FUNERAL SERVICES - Professional, Compassionate, Compassionate Concierge Surgical Care Affordable, Local, out of state burials, pre-planning, markers, monuments, Minimally Invasive Surgery (Robotic/Laparoscopic) Veterans service, available at all cemeteries. Surgical & Non-surgical weight loss Family Owned and Operated Hernia, Gallbladder, & Anti-Reflux Surgery 305.257.8110 or [email protected] | Ari Oberstein, LFD - Owner 305.928.2070 | www.MiamiVIPSurgery.com

GYNECOLOGY & WOMEN’S HEALTH SWIMMING LESSONS/SWIM INSTRUCTOR Randye Karmin, M.D. American Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructor Town Center One At Dadeland Past instructor at Beth Am Day Camp 8950 SW 74th Ct., Ste. 1705, Miami, FL 33156 Natalia Garcia 305.670.0010 | www.miamiwomencare.com [email protected] • 305.898.0744

Jennifer Warren Medwin, MS, CDC THERAPIST - LICENSED MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY Certified Divorce Coach, Supreme Court of Florida Family Michal Keshen-Philips, MA, MS.Ed, LMFT Mediator,and Certified Marital Mediator 5825 Sunset Drive, Suite 301, South Miami, Florida 33143 Seeking Empowerment: Clarity through Partnership, LLC Cellular: 305.724.4592 Empowering individuals & couples to take practical, efficient, & Office: 305.275.2056 solution-based steps to negotiate or dissolve their marital relationship. Pinecrest, FL 305-302-9777/www.seekingempowerment.com MEDICARE ASSISTANCE - MATTHEW GOLD- As your personal advisor, I will simplify the Medicare enrollment process. I can help you with Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans and Part D Prescription Drug plans. My email is [email protected] and my phone number is 305.215.7881. For additional information, please also look at my website - www.medicarematt.com.

MOHEL - Abraham Benyunes, M.D., FAAP Abraham J. Benyunes is a Mohel certified by the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Rabbinical Assembly of America. Tel.: 305.271.4711 Email: [email protected] www.moheldoctor.com

MOHEL - Certified Reform Mohel - Bris Doctor, Jason James, M.D. Dr. Jason James is a board-certified Ob/Gyn and a certified reform mohel through the National Organization of American Mohalim (NOAM). Providing a family-centered focus for a beautiful, inclusive ceremony for your son’s bris (brit milah). 305.778.5157 | facebook.com/brisdoctor

Page 33 Commentator November 2020 • Page 34

For 100 years Jewish Community Services (JCS) has been pro- viding food, counseling, vocational, crisis response and referral services to the entire Miami-Dade County community.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER!

Please know that we are here to support members of our community who are in need of services. JCS needs your support to continue to provide the following services to members of our community:

· Food: Clients requiring kosher food can now pick up boxed groceries at our JCS Kosher Food Bank in North Miami at scheduled appointment times. In South Dade, gift cards for food purchases are available for South Dade fami- lies that cannot travel to our North Dade location.

· Home Health Care Services through MASADA: In- home home health care aides are available to care for elderly and/or frail homebound clients.

· Shalom Bayit: Case management and counseling services for Jewish survivors of domestic violence.

· Access Services: A dedicated information and referral phone line serves the Jewish and broader communi- ties for intake and referral services for a NEW MEMBERS variety of culturally focused health, nutrition and social programs. Contact us at 305.576.6550. Yaniv & Stephanie Adar, Sydney and Chloe Eric Backer & Olivia Schonert · 211 Miami: A helpline for suicide prevention, crisis Jessica Bass counseling, referral and information is available to all Mi- Michael & Janet Bass ami-Dade and Monroe County residents in all Caroline Blumberg languages, free of charge and available 24/7. Beau Blumberg Jared Dall’au & Melissa Applebaum-Dall’au, · Tele-Mental Health: A new program provides accessible Phoebe, Brendan and Charlotte mental health counseling services through a safe and secure *Brian Dubow video conferencing platform. In-person counseling services Michael Elbilia by licensed clinicians are available at our Kendall & Aventu- Joshua & Cheryl Fineman and Ben ra locations. Eric Flax & Candace Cohen Flax *John & Diana Fleeman · Online Webinars: Providing free educational Ross & Judith Gampel and self-care content to the entire Community on coping Leonard & Joan Hayet with stress, parenting, and other wellness classes provided Ellie Hersch by licensed mental health clinicians: https://jcsfl.org/events/ Jack & Shirley Kaplan Debbie Lusky · Kosher Meals: Home delivered kosher meals for home- *Shernol & Wendy Mathias, Maya and Jordan bound seniors. Ben & Carrie Moscowicz, Aden and Ethan Gail Richman · Online Recreation and Socialization: Programs and Joshua Rosen & Elizabeth Wolfsthal Activities for LGBT plus seniors Jennifer Roth *Michael Serviansky Your support will directly impact and improve the Ronnie and Margie Tobin lives of families that rely on JCS for essential life-sus- David & Leyla Tobin, Ben and Alexander taining services. To support JCS, visit: Jeff Tobin https://jcsfl.org/donate/ * New or returning members Getting Homes Sold for Over 30 Years!

Ilene serves Miami’s most dynamic and vibrant real estate markets including Brickell, Downtown Miami, Design District, Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, The Falls, South Miami, and Pinecrest. She is constantly at the top of her game in production and is a member of Master Brokers Forum which is the top 200 agents in Miami Dade County.

ILENE EFTHIMIOU 305.205.5292 www.luxurycondosbrickell.us

Page 35 Commentator November 2020 • Page 36

WEDNESDAYS 7:30 p.m.

Join Rabbi Jaime Aklepi and members of the Temple Beth Am community in an interactive discussion as we read through the Torah portion of the week. No prior knowledge required!

Register online at www.tbam.org/calendar for Zoom login information, or contact Rabbi Aklepi for more information at [email protected]. Commentator Commentator (USPS: 0052-060) Is Published Monthly Except July by Temple Beth Am, 5950 North Kendall Dr., Pinecrest, FL 33156-2068. Periodicals Postage Paid at Miami, Florida. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to COMMENTATOR, TEMPLE BETH AM, THE JANET (z”l) AND RICHARD YULMAN CAMPUS, 5950 N. KENDALL DRIVE, PINECREST, FL 33156-2068. NORTH PINECREST Volume 30 Number 4

Senior Rabbi: Jeremy Barras Rabbi: Rachel G. Greengrass, MARE, RJE Rabbi: Jaime Aklepi, D.D. Chazan: Cantor Rachelle F. Nelson, D.M. Cantorial Soloist: Jessica Bass Founding Rabbi Emeritus: Herbert Baumgardz”l, D.H.L., D.D. President: Stuart Ratzan Executive Director: Brian Chartock Head of Day School: Nora Anderson, M.Ed., M.S. Admissions Director, Day School: Cari Altman, M.S. Ed. Campus Activities Director: Michelle Cohen Development Director: Ilana Gilat 6400 SW 100 ST. North Pinecrest Tennis Estate, modern Director of Lifelong Learning: Tamara Donnenfeld, MARE, RJE updates, impact. Perfect for your family and entertaining. Elementary School Director: Susana Novak, M.S. Ed. 5/4/2 | 4,776 sf. | 37,461 sf. lot | $1,950,000 Early Childhood Director: Mara Berger. M.A. Finance Director: John Wenzel Judaic Studies Director, Emerita Dr. Lenore C. Kipper, RJE KILLIAN/BAPTIST AREA Membership Director: Rita Diaz Program Director: Andrea LeVine Security and Operations Director: Sharón Levi Youth Engagement Director: Erica Golden

Administrative Office: 305.667.6667 Early Childhood Program/Day School Office: 305.665.6228 Early Childhood Program/Day School Fax: 305.668.6340 Religious School Office:305.667.6667 ext. 119 Religious School Fax: 305.666.2536 Administration Fax: 305.662.8619 Clergy Office Fax:305.667.1390 email: [email protected] web: www.tbam.org

affiliated with the: Union for Reform Judaism

Mission Statement Temple Beth Am embraces Jewish life through lifelong learning, spiritual growth 11501 SW 88 AVE. Updated expansive large gated home and community engagement. close to finest schools and hospitals on quiet street. 6/3/1 | 5,195 adj. sf. | 40,424 sf. lot | $1,499,234

TRACEY SPIEGELMAN Realtor - Associate 786-356-9228 [email protected]

Shelton and Stewart Realtors, LLC 6301 Sunset Drive, Suite 202, South Miami, FL 33143 Office: 305.666.0669 www.sheltonandstewart.com

Page 37 Commentator November 2020 • Page 38 ExpEct thE bEst. ExpEriEncE thE bEst. Florida paradisE propErtiEs.

Karel Foti richard Wieder o: 305.960.2444 o: 305.960.2445 M: 305.606.3007 M: 305.979.0370 [email protected] [email protected]

Specializing in South Florida real eState www.flparadiseproperties.com

Page 39 Commentator November 2020 • Page 40

WILLIAMSON IS MIAMI Williamson Cadillac is a J.D. Power 2020 Dealer of Excellence for the Customer Sales Experience and a Winner of Cadillac's highest award, Dealer of the Year for 2019.

J.D. Power 2019 Dealer of Excellence Program recognition is based on achievement of high scores from automotive manufacturer customer research and completion of an in-dealership best practices verification visit. For more information, visit jdpower.com/DOE

LOCATION SALES SERVICE 7815 SW 104TH St. 1-877-579-0775 1- 866-372-8217 Miami, FL Mon.-Fri. 9am - 8pm Mon.-Fri. 7:30am - 7pm Sat. 8am - 5pm Sat. 9am - 6pm Sun. Closed Sun. 11am - 5pm WilliamsonCadillac.com ©2020 General Motors. All Rights Reserved. Cadillac® “There has probably never been a time in human history when people around the world have depended on their homes more completely than they do right now.” - Robert Reffkin, Compass Founder & CEO

In these uncertain times, we’re here for you. Team Citron is proud to offer Compass Virtual Agent Services - an exclusive suite of marketing & transactional services, including:

• Virtual Open Houses • Private interactive home tours • Virtual neighborhood tours • Dynamic digital listing brochures • Digital marketing & insights

Contact us today to learn more

Bea Citron [email protected] 305.606.7993

Jenna Citron Pinchuk [email protected] 305.606.9267

Not intended to solicit currently listed property. © Compass Florida, LLC. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information furnished regarding property for sale or rent or regarding fi nancing is from sources deemed reliable, but Compass makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy thereof. All property information is presented subject to errors, omissions, price changes, changed property conditions, and withdrawal of the property from the market, without notice.

Page 41 Commentator November 2020 • Page 42

A Focus on the Highest Level of Quality and Trust

Let Our Family Care For Your Family

Dr. Jack Cohn Dr. Adam Cohn Dr. Aaron Cohn

We provide Preventive, Restorative, and Cosmetic Dentistry for all ages!

305-598-1428 9840 SW 77 Ave, Suite 201 Miami, FL 33156 [email protected] www.smilemiami.com YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE HOW MUCH MY PROFESSIONAL FAMILY HAS GROWN EVENT SERVICES PHILIP BREGMAN GROUGROUPP

SPECIALIZING IN We are CREATORS, INNOVATORS and DECOR | LIGHTING | STAGING EXECUTERS of EVENTS, EXPERIENCES ENTERTAINMENT | VIDEO | PHOTOGRAPHY and MEMORIES that you will never forget.

I would like to personally thank the Beth Am Community for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your family for so many years. From mitzvahs, to weddings, to galas, and the day school auction you have trusted me with your most special occasions. I feel honored to have made all of those great memories with you and I look forward to continuing to create beautiful simchas for years to come!

Sincerely,

Philip

For More Information Email [email protected] Philip Bregman or call Direct 954.410.9675 | Office 954.722.2223

Page 43

Magazine Ad.indd 1 9/3/19 4:23 PM Commentator PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID MIAMI, FLORIDA

The Janetz”l and Richard Yulman Campus 5950 N. Kendall Drive, Pinecrest, FL 33156

“I wonder what Grandma is doing at The Palace tonight?”

Grandkids can’t wait to see what will happen when they visit The Palace. One thing they know for sure is that Grandma won’t be sitting alone in her room in front of the TV with nothing to do. The Palace has been honored as America’s #1 senior community for its social calendar and activities. Best of all, with so much to do, the whole family is invited to join us. And they do! One Andalusia Avenue, Coral Gables 305.445.7444 • www.PalaceCoralGables.com Luxury Living for Seniors