SULAM Beth El - Seek. Understand. Learn. Act. Marvel. Celebrating the End of the Year Planning for Fall Though it is hard to predict and accurately plan for the coming academic year, it is with the hope that the pandemic will be behind us and the danger contained, that we plan to be onsite, learning together in person. Our primary grades and middle school educators eagerly anticipate reconnecting with our SULAM learners. We plan on Sundays to offer experiential learning, family programs, and social and communal opportunities for gathering. For our SULAM learners, we anticipate continuing online mid-week Hebrew lessons – but adding an on-site group learning opportunity for those who do better in person. Measurable data shows that Learners left notes in our the majority of learners exceeded benchmark specially created Kotel, which expectations during this past academic year, and educators Limor and Corin will a recent parent survey reinforced this take to Jerusalem to be left at observation with anecdotal data. the actual Kotel. 7th Graders are our bogrim learners. The word bogair) an) ֵבּוֹגר bogrim is the plural of the word adolescent, one who is in the process of developing from a child into an adult. Pre-b’nai mitzvah learners are in transition, and the tenor of the SULAM curriculum reflects this emerging maturity. Bogrim learners begin a deep dive into Torah study, explore contemporary concerns with a Jewish lens of obligation and responsibility, and engage in social action projects as they prepare for their bar and bat Amazing Andy mitzvah service and ceremony that acknowledges entertained the and marks their transformation. children with his magic and Under consideration is a reimagined program for balloon animals – our 7th graders that will incorporate a once-a- the children brought chairs month Saturday morning where learners will into a semi-circle attend Shabbat services for part of the morning, to interact with him. There were “grab and go” then engage in learning and dialogue with breakfast bags for all attendees and tables set members of Beth El’s clergy. A questionnaire will up in the courtyard allowing for social distancing as necessary. go out during the summer to ascertain parent preferences regarding revising class scheduling. We learned a great deal over this past year. We learned to be adaptable, patient, kind, and hopeful. We built a tight on-line community; our educators developed close relationships with learners and their families. We look forward to embracing one another, figuratively and literally, when SULAM resumes in the fall. On display were “selfie boards” of biblical themes B’vracha, that the children had learned about in SULAM, including one of Mt. Sinai to represent Shavuot Michelle which would begin that very evening.
2 Beth El Temple West Hartford, CT www.bethelwesthartford.org 860.233.9696
Reflections from the President Transitions I am both honored assistant Rabbi and then with Finally, Beth El is blessed. We have and humbled by keeping us engaged through more terrific clergy, a forward-thinking the opportunity to than a year of COVID distancing. Board of Trustees and, most lead Beth El as It was a herculean task and she importantly, a wonderful your president. I performed with dedication, congregation. As we evolve into am excited to effectiveness and grace. Thank you, what will be the “new normal,” assume this role as we transition Judy, for a job well done. Yasher please remember that Beth El can out of COVID isolation and back Koach. be as much or as little as you want to in-person services, events, Next, I want to formally welcome it to be. When we say we are a classes, social action, and other Community You Can Believe In, Rabbi Rachel Zerin, our new activities. Beth El is a community we mean it. And remember, Assistant Rabbi. I hope you are as which is enhanced when we can community is a two-way street. excited as I am that she has joined gather together. I am looking We hope you will be there with us. us. During the interview process, I forward to seeing you at live Engaging. Worshipping. Learning. was struck by her intellect, events, as they occur, as well as via Socializing. And Supporting each enthusiasm, and warmth. I know Zoom. other. she will fit right into Beth El and I want to start my term by will be a tremendous asset to our I am looking forward to getting to acknowledging and thanking my outstanding clergy team. Please know as many of you as possible predecessor, Judy Rosenthal. She come to Shabbat services on a over the next two years. Let’s chart performed remarkably through an Friday night or Saturday morning together this, our new post- unusually tumultuous two years, and say hello. COVID course. first with the search for an ~ Steve Rabb
Cantor’s Corner The Max Wohlberg Award for BEMA Preseason Event: Music Composition SUNDAY, AUGUST 15 5:00 PM LOCATION: In-person only At the 2021 (Virtual) Annual COST: $10/person, family max of $25 Cantors Assembly, our very REGISTER: tinyurl.com/ConcertBBQ own Cantor Ness was CO-SPONSORS: Beth El Music & Arts, Men’s Club presented with the Max Join us for an outdoor family concert & BBQ with Israeli Wohlberg Award for Music music! Enjoy the sounds of a seven-piece band featuring Composition by his colleague Alex Nakhomovsky on piano, and three special singers, Cantor Emeritus Sanford Cohn including West Hartford native Cantor Talya Smilowitz. of The Emanuel Synagogue. Men's Club and Howard Meyerowitz are manning the grill, Cantor Ness gave an acceptance speech and with hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the fixins. There will be presented an audio/video of his original work, some tables set up, but feel free to bring blankets and beach Esah Einei. chairs for this casual event!
Kosher Gluten-Free Recipe Blog We’re gathering recipes for an online, kosher, gluten-free recipe blog! Have a favorite kosher recipe (either gluten-free or easily converted) you’d like to share? Visit the blog for details; send your recipes to Lydia ([email protected]) and she'll post them on the blog!
Connect to the blog at www.bethelwesthartford.org/recipes
Temple Topics Vol. LVI, No. 6 July-August 2021 Tammuz-Av-Elul 5781 3
Worshipping Together - Shabbat
All services and classes can be accessed directly Shabbat Services – Friday from the weekly e-blast to members (no login necessary); or by following the links on the Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 PM home page of our website, login required. LOCATION: Chapel Zoom or in-person Every week, we welcome Shabbat with joyous song and prayer led by Cantor Ness, d’var Torah from Rabbi Egalitarian Services Rosen, and special guest soloists. Our congregation invites broad participation, within the limits of social Shabbat in the Park distancing. Congregants (adults and teens, JULY 16, AUGUST 6 5:30 PM men and women) read Torah, chant the LOCATION: Elizabeth Park no Virtual Option Haftarah, and lead our services along with COST: no charge REGISTER: tinyurl.com/BETintheParkJuly our clergy. Many women choose to wear a tinyurl.com/BETintheParkAug tallit, and head coverings for women vary We'll bring the grape juice & challah and each family is between kippot, hats, headbands, doilies, invited to bring their own picnic dinner (due to COVID and no covering (unless they go on the precautions, no sharing) to enjoy after some outdoor bima). singing in a beautiful setting. Please RSVP to let us know how much to bring and whom to contact in case the weather is iffy. Meet at the Playground. Coronavirus As you know, we are beginning to reopen, but this is still a time for caution and Shabbat Services – Saturday prevention, as COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”) Shabbat Morning & Torah Service continues on a very fluid basis. Please check 10:00 – 11:45 AM our website for guidelines about coming to LOCATION: Sanctuary Livestream or in-person Services, the procedures we are asking you A traditional service, although slightly abbreviated to follow, and what we are doing to keep the during this time. building safe and secure.
www.bethelwesthartford.org/ Youth Shabbat Series 11:00 AM – NOON coronavirus LOCATION: Kessler Hall REGISTRATION: required, space is limited Questions: Jason Kay, [email protected] Mazel Tots JULY 24 Candle Lighting & Havdalah Times; Featuring songs and stories geared for children 6 and plus Havdalah Service Time under with their families.
Friday Saturday Shabbat Club JULY 31 Shabbat Prayers, games, and activities for students in gr. 1-5. Candle Havdalah Service
July 2-3 8:12 PM 9:09 PM 9:30 PM Shabbat Mincha & Ma’ariv July 9-10 8:10 PM 9:07 PM 9:30 PM The afternoon and evening services for Shabbat are July 16-17 8:06 PM 9:03 PM 9:20 PM July 23-24 8:00 PM 8:58 PM 9:15 PM on pause. July 30-31 7:54 PM 8:51 PM 9:10 PM Aug 6-7 7:45 PM 8:42 PM 9:00 PM Havdalah
Aug 13-14 7:36 PM 8:33 PM 8:50 PM EVERY WEEK Aug 20-21 7:26 PM 8:22 PM 8:40 PM LOCATION: Home Zoom Aug 27-28 7:15 PM 8:11 PM 8:30 PM NOTE: see chart for timing; it follows sunset We transition from Shabbat to the new week with this brief service using the traditional symbols of a burning candle, a spice box, and wine. Mourner’s Kaddish is recited at the beginning.
4 Beth El Temple West Hartford, CT www.bethelwesthartford.org 860.233.9696
Worshipping Together - Daily Mincha & Ma’ariv Shacharit SUNDAYS-THURSDAYS 7:30 PM SUNDAYS 8:45 AM LOCATION: Chapel Zoom or in-person MONDAY-FRIDAY 7:00 AM Our daily minyan (prayer service with at least 10 LOCATION: Chapel Zoom or in-person Jewish adults) includes Kaddish for those in mourning NOTE: Monday, July 5 @ 9:00 AM or observing yahrzeit (the anniversary of a person’s The morning minyan also includes reading Torah on passing). Mondays, Thursdays, andRosh Chodesh.
Observing Together - Summer The Three Weeks An annual mourning period during the summer: It begins with Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz. This is a “minor” fast (sunrise to sunset). June 27. It ends with Tisha B’Av, the Fast of the 9th of Av. It is a “major” fast, beginning at sundown the night before.
"White Fast." On the Day of Atonement (Yom Tisha B’Av Kippur), we are confident of forgiveness and so it has Community observance with The Emanuel an element of “lightness.” However, the 9th of Av has Synagogue and B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom been linked with many different tragedies over time, SATURDAY, JULY 17 including the failed Jewish rebellion against the 8:15 PM Mincha & Ma’ariv Services, with Romans known as the Bar Kochba revolt, the reading of Eicha, Book of Lamentations expulsion of Jews from Spain, and key events in the AT EMANUEL SYNAGOGUE & ZOOM Holocaust. As such, it is a day in which dark loss tinyurl.com/TishaBAvSaturday looms large in our collective hearts. SUNDAY, JULY 18 Still, tradition did not allow us to succumb to despair. 8:45 AM Shacharit Service CHAPEL & ZOOM During this period known as the Three Weeks, on 1:30 PM Mincha Service CHAPEL & ZOOM Shabbat we read three Haftarotof warning. Following tinyurl.com/TishaBAvMincha Tisha B'Av we read seven Haftarotof comfort. Even 7:30 PM Evening Minyan CHAPEL & ZOOM on the 9th of Av itself we turn to passages of hope, or even plant a tree in the afternoon, in asserting our hope for redemption. Summertime. Days of memory, commemoration, and hope. Many wonder what role these days might have in steadfastly mourning our exile when we have a Each summer, the Jewish world pauses to ponder the modern State of Israel. It's a fair question. But these impact of the events that have shaped our history and days of remembrance allow us to consider the losses the past 2000 years. These two fast days, Shiva Asar and pain that have marked the Jewish past. They help B’Tammuz and Tisha B'Av, are dedicated to recalling us to remember and feel the hunger and discomfort of the breach of Jerusalem's walls and the ultimate those who struggled to persevere as Jews. destruction of the Temple and Jewish independence. Moreover, the ultimate redemption of the Jewish The 17th of Tammuz is a daytime-only fast, whereas world, and the world at large, remains incomplete. Tisha B'Av is a full-day fast. On both days, we recite There is still much pain to address. special prayers of sorrow. In addition, on Tisha B'Av we read the mournful book of Eicha, Lamentations. Join us for these days of memory and meaning. They can help us all to know and feel the rhythms of Jewish Tisha B'Av is often called the “Dark Fast” to hurt and hope. differentiate it from Yom Kippur known as the
Temple Topics Vol. LVI, No. 6 July-August 2021 Tammuz-Av-Elul 5781 5
Making Connections Women’s Network We are so grateful to the women of Beth El for this and the ten Benefactors. In addition, year’s Torah Fund campaign! There has always been there were several smaller but generous a strong connection between our congregation, donations. All of these funds are used by Women’s League, and the Conservative movement. the Seminary to support student life, the Women’s Our rabbis, cantors, teachers, and members who League Library, dormitories, scholarships, and other have studied at the Jewish Theological Seminary are programs. Thank you all so much for your at the heart of our yearly campaign. They continue to generosity during this unique year. teach, inspire, and motivate us; and we honor them ~ Bobby Klau and Michelle Kunzman and those who will come after them with our support of Torah Fund. Bette Jane Jill Jones Michelle Kunzman This year sixteen gifts were made Diamond Eva Kaplan Beth Papermaster and the campaign raised a total of Sharon Efron Leah Katz Nancy Rosen Jeanne Elman Barbara Klau Sue Saidel $2,686. The Torah Fund pin was Annette Gavens Myra Kleinman Marilyn Steinmetz given to the one donor at the Associate Patron level Robin Gelles Lois Koteen
Chai Society College Connection
Picnic Lunch Calling all parents of incoming and current college THURSDAY, AUGUST 5 NOON students! Please send us your child’s email and LOCATION: Kessler Hall no Virtual Option their mailing address, as of September 2021 (if you COST: no charge have it), so they may be a recipient of holiday NOTE: socially distanced seating greetings and gifts from Beth El. An in-person, catered picnic lunch with CONTACT: [email protected] entertainment; inside and safe from the heat. SPONSOR: the Gavens Family College Youth Fund
Calling All Softball Players SPRING/SUMMER 9:30 – 11:30 AM LOCATION: CIGNA softball fields, off Simsbury Rd, Bloomfield COST: no charge CAPTAINS: Alan Cetel, 860-232-9515, [email protected], Jake Kovel, 860-651-9366, [email protected]
Another fun season began in June and it isn’t too late for congregants and friends, veterans and new players to join. We plan to continue to play pickup games throughout the summer and into the fall. The Good player turnout from Beth El’ers and others games are slow- st for the 1 Synagogue Softball game of the season! pitch and co-ed.
6 Beth El Temple West Hartford, CT www.bethelwesthartford.org 860.233.9696
Pre-Olympic Tune-up Baseball Hartford Yard Goats with Team Israel SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 1:05 PM THURSDAY, JULY 15 10:30 AM LOCATION: Dunkin' Donuts Park, (GATES OPEN AT 9:30 AM) 1214 Main St, Hartford COST: $18 (no charge for children [13 and under] LOCATION: Dunkin' Donuts Park, with paying adult – paid by Men’s Club); includes 1214 Main St, Hartford $2 for concessions/store COST: $10 (includes $2 for concessions/store) REGISTER: tinyurl.com/BETatYardGoats REGISTER: tinyurl.com/BETIsraelBaseball QUESTIONS: Arthur Freedman, 860-716-8384, CO-SPONSORS: Israel Engagement Committee and Men’s [email protected] Club SPONSOR: Men’s Club Team Israel takes on the Bristol Blues! Baseball will be Note: tickets are limited; order early! featured at this Summer’s Olympics for the first time The Hartford Yard Goats play the since the ‘08 Summer Games, and Team Israel is one of New Hampshire Fisher Cats! Our six national teams that will compete in the tournament. seats, in the Hartford Terrace section along the first-base side, are in a shaded, semi-private section. Your ticket includes access to the Yard Goats Club, an air conditioned indoor section with great views of the game, comfortable seating, and higher-end food
and liquor options not available at the general concession stands. And yes, fries, hot dogs, and beer are also available there. Kosher sandwiches and hummus are available for purchase at this The Team Israel current roster includes former Major game as well. League players such as The game is part of Faith and Family weekend at C Ryan Lavarnway (Red Sox, Orioles, Braves, Dunkin Donuts Park. The Yard Goats team Athletics, Pirates, Reds) members will talk about what faith has meant in their lives. The PA announcer will mention that INF Danny Valencia (Twins & Orioles) the Beth El Temple Men's Club is in attendance INF/OF Ty Kelly (Mets & Phillies) and will also name an individual from our Temple LHP Jeremy Bleich (Athletics) that we are honoring (and will receive a special and Yard Goats infielder Scott Burcham certificate from the Yard Goats!). At the conclusion Team Israel will head to Tokyo, Japan on July 22, and the of the game, children are welcome to run the bases! Opening Ceremonies will take place on July 24.
Returning this fall!! BETH EL TEMPLE Back to Beth El Carnival CRAFT GALLERY MONDAY, AUGUST 30 5:30 – 7:00 PM Come browse our collection of QUESTIONS: Temple office hand-selected items from some of Israel’s top artists as well as artisans throughout the Men’s Club United States. From menorahs to mezuzahs, jewelry to Walk Around the Reservoir, Judaica, tallit to tzedakah followed by coffee boxes, the Craft Gallery is here to support your needs. TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 9:15 AM BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: Shelley Barker, 860-232-6468; LOCATION: Reservoir on Route 44; meet Jill Jones, 860-922-7300 in parking lot NOTE: proceeds benefit the synagogue and we are staffed CONTACT: Stu Bernstein, 860-232-2012, through the generosity of our volunteers [email protected]
Temple Topics Vol. LVI, No. 6 July-August 2021 Tammuz-Av-Elul 5781 7
Doing Mitzvot Chesed (Kindness) Comm. – Supporting Our Members KNITzvah Group COORDINATOR: Leah Katz, [email protected] CONTACT: BJ & Fran, MEAL TRAIN: Barbara Checknoff, barbarachecknoff@aol.com [email protected] Beth El is a community that cares. shopping or for other essentials. Our KNITzvah mission We are prepared to provide Unfortunately, with COVID is making cozy gifts for assistance to our members, restrictions we cannot provide people who might especially during periods of any transportation at this time. need a little extra love. illness or the passing of a loved We continue to work one, with a friendly phone call, Contact us if you are need of from home to make preparing meals (Meal Train), or assistance or if you want to be strings into things that give comfort doing errands, such as grocery part of our volunteer corps. and warmth to others!
3-Season Opportunities Jessie’s Community Garden at BET Garden Club News Fresh organic produce for area food banks Gardening has been shown to lengthen your life! VOLUNTEERING/SCHEDULING: Betty Hoffman, CONTACT: Sheila Fox, 860-828-3939; Alison 860-233-4853, bhoff[email protected] Demarest, [email protected], GARDENING: Herb Hoffman, hhoff[email protected] 860-810-2084; Robin Santiago, 860-490-7661, We are looking for gardeners – we teach beginners – [email protected] to weed, water, pick, and drive veggies to the drop-off So many little jobs Donations invited: to do – raking, sites. You can sign up for a regular day every week We gratefully accept gently- and/or for our substitute list. Whatever fits your trimming, weeding, used garden tools, or the interest and schedule will work for us. watering! Can you funds to purchase them: help? Do you have Jessie’s Garden provides fresh organic produce for an hour a week you Trowels Wheel barrows the Kosher Food Pantry at Jewish Family Services Hoses Garden would like to spend Pots decorations and for other local food banks. Jessie’s Garden was in the gardens? You established by the Kostin family, longtime Beth El can stroll the grounds, or work in one area. Or members, in memory of their daughter, Jessica. relax on a hot day by watering the various flower beds! Gardening is a healthy and COVID-friendly Both of these outdoor activities make great way to get beneficial exercise and vitamin D (don’t bar/t mitzvah projects. Volunteers are invited forget your sunscreen!). to come with friends, as a family, or solo.
Beth El and Inclusiveness Fragrance Free policies. In order to assure Inclusiveness is one of our core values at Beth that affected individuals are able to El. We do everything feasible to allow those participate and enjoy Beth El, we request with disabilities or special needs to participate that you avoid wearing fragrances. in Services, classes and programs. Examples include the synagogue elevator, hearing devices, As more of our members return to and periodic special services for those with synagogue, it's important to keep in mind that we disabilities. A less visible issue concerns those with are a fragrance-free space. Please do not apply fragrance sensitivities. This represents a significant perfume or cologne, or any scented products before group which includes Beth El members, staff, and coming to services. You may think it's just a little undoubtedly, visitors. Fragrance sensitivity is a very spritz of something nice, but it can be overpowering common problem which causes a wide variety of to others. Thank you for staying fragrance-free at health concerns; e.g. difficulty breathing. Beth El! Many institutions and businesses, and a growing Let's keep the air we share number of houses of worship, have enacted healthy and fragrance-free for all.
8 Beth El Temple West Hartford, CT www.bethelwesthartford.org 860.233.9696
Lifelong Learning
All services and classes can be accessed directly Library Corner from the weekly e-blast to members (no login How to Understand Race necessary); or by following the links on the Roberta J. Buland home page of our website, login required. When Rabbi Rosen introduced the BET Women’s Network’s recent Zoom Ongoing Monthly Adult Class program about the book, So You Want to Talk About Race, by Ijeoma Oluo, Musical Chat with Cantor Ness he began with the Biblical quote, MONDAYS, 1:00 – 2:00 PM Zoom “Justice, justice you shall pursue and apply to all JULY 5 The History of Shliach Tzibur Ba’al T’filah manner of society.” This was the impetus to diverge Hazzan Benjamin Maissner (Toronto) from this column’s framework about only reviewing How the Jewish musical traditions from Eastern and Jewish books. Since race is a major conflict in society Western Europe influenced contemporary cantorial today, it was fitting that Michelle Kunzman, chair of styles and the education of the modern cantorate. the Women’s Network, chose this timely and important book to help all of us, Jewish and non- AUGUST 16 Escape Artists Cantor Ness A varied and interesting history of the musical Jewish alike, better understand systemic racism. personalities, most were composers who had escaped The presenter and moderator, Joy Wright, Principal from Europe and settled in this country, who have of King Philip Middle School in West Hartford, been at the forefront of the history of film. actively took the audience on a trip through the book. We talked about the book as a guide to how to begin the change away from systemic racism, how to take the first steps even though it might mean an Ongoing Weekly Adult Classes uncomfortable conversation and uncomfortable feelings. To change our country, we must choose New participants welcome! alternative behaviors. It is important to think outside No registration, no charge. of our standard boxes, perhaps supporting a person Talmud Study running for election who is not a member of your own community, attending webinars about race, and WEDNESDAYS giving to charities that support anti-racism efforts. 10:15 – 11:15 AM Zoom After the overview, Ms. Wright divided us into We are a self-guided group of learners, smaller groups to discuss our thoughts about race currently studying the tractate Sanhedrin. The only and the themes of intersectionality and privilege. prerequisite is a desire to learn Torah as explained by Oluo’s handbook on how to understand the “other” our sages. may put us into the heads of people of color. Chapter titles are jumping off places such as, “What Bible & Breakfast Is Racism?” “What if I talk about Race Wrong?” “Is THURSDAYS Police Brutality Really about Race?” She ends her 8:00 – 9:00 AM Zoom book with the question, “Talking is great, but what QUESTIONS: Michael Schenker, else can I do?” Take action! [email protected] In the present atmosphere of our country, this Guided by our rabbis, participants share valuable handbook can help everyone to not only their viewpoints and insights. We all learn by understand race, but also to feel compassion within listening, thinking, and sharing. An ability to read ourselves. We thank Michelle for donating the book Hebrew or knowledge of Hebrew text is not needed. to the BET library.
Library Corner provides information about books in our library. Books are reviewed rather than critiqued. To request that a book be reviewed, please contact [email protected].
Temple Topics Vol. LVI, No. 6 July-August 2021 Tammuz-Av-Elul 5781 9
Supporting Beth El Education Fund for the Yahrzeit of We deeply appreciate the following Lillian Lustgarten, mother – Marlena Thoughtful Contributions. Derosa This list reflects contributions received and processed through Library Fund May 18, 2021. in Memory of Dr. Eleanor Klau, sister of David – Meryl For the next edition of Temple Topics, contributions need to be & Elliot Rosenberg received in the office by July 20, 2021. Tsedakah/Chesed Fund Beautification Fund Cemetery Fund in Honor of in Memory of for the Yahrzeit of Judy & David Rosenthal – Sherri Pliskin David Weintraub – Robert E. Farrelly Ruth Steinberg, mother – Cheryl Altman Youth Activities Fund Dr. Stanley Stier, husband of Suzanne – Chai Society in Appreciation of Lois & Chuck Koteen in Honor of Rabbi Garber – Peter Molin Alisa Bursack Komsky, daughter of Elaine th Bursack – Susan & Michael Schenker, The 100 birthday of Dr. Norman Mann – in Honor of Caryn Schenker Solomon Sharon Berg Bat mitzvah of Ellie Kay, daughter of Arielle & Jason – Lois & Chuck Koteen for the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Rosen’s Discretionary Fund Leon Sundel, uncle – Carol Johnson in Appreciation of Temple Fund Rabbi Rosen – Shelley & Michael Barker, in Appreciation of Camp Ramah Fund Larry David & family Rabbi Howard Sowalsky – Nancy & in Memory of Rabbi Rosen for our 40th wedding Dennis Gottfried Dr. Eleanor Klau, sister of David – anniversary – Judy & David Rosenthal in Honor of Annette Gavens in Honor of Birth of our twin great-grandchildren, for the Yahrzeit of Dr. Mark Shekhman; Howard Weiner – Avery & Mannon Melius – Jeanne & Marvin Lewis, father – Bonnie & Paul Shelley & Michael Barker Marshall Elman Lewis Dr. Elizabeth Rafalowsky for her friendship The 100th birthday of Dr. Norman Mann – Cantor’s Music Fund – Debbie & Rich Gutcheon Michele & Dane Kostin in Appreciation of Nancy & Rabbi Jim Rosen – Helen & Silous Alvin Oliphant – Tanya Macher Cantor Ness for our 40th wedding Brian Schwartz Howard Weiner – Joanne & Arthur anniversary – Judy & David Rosenthal in Memory of Rome in Honor of Dr. Eleanor Klau, sister of David – in Memory of Bat mitzvah of Ella Nemirow, daughter of Carolyn & Stuart Bernstein, Gail & Dr. Eleanor Klau, sister of David – Vida & Mina & Barry, granddaughter of Maura – Barry Deutsch, Jeanne & Marshall Eliot Barron, Hilary Freedman & Leah Katz Elman, Linda & Bruce Stanger Howard Zern, Miriam & Richard Elsie Farber, mother of Nancy Rosen – Goldberg, Michele & Dane Kostin, in Memory of Fredda & Jon Goldstein, Jill & Brad Sheila & Howard Mark, Marilyn Dr. Eleanor Klau, sister of David – Jeanne Hutensky Steinmetz & Dan Kleinman, Sandra & Marshall Alisa Bursack Komsky, daughter of Elaine Rosalie Zetoff –Ellen Blumberg Rulnick Bursack – Arlene & Lenny Lippman Irene Salm, mother of Ronald – Shelley & for the Yahrzeit of for the Yahrzeit of Alan Cetel Rosalyn Palmbaum, mother – Nancy Ann K. Cohen, mother – Sherri & Lewis David Weintraub – Debra & Bruce Bernstein Cohen Fischman, Elizabeth & James Harry Druckman, father – Rosanne Toby Hoffman, mother – Herb Hoffman Haggerty, Ross Hollander, Howard Druckman & Larry Scherzer Sara D. Jason, mother – Charlotte & Bud Katz, Karen & Rob Ludgin, Gerald Toby Hoffman, mother – Herb Hoffman Jason Roisman, Eugene Rosenberg, Linda & Friends of Ari Santiago Building Solomon Shore, father – Stacey & Eric Rick Skehan, YHB Investment Shore Advisors Accessibility Fund Selma Stein – Gerri & Fred Schiffman in Memory of Alisa Bursack Komsky, daughter of Elaine Bursack – Sheila & Howard Mark You can make a donation in a variety of ways: Go to the Beth El website: Taste of Shabbat Fund Every dollar contributed can in Honor of www.bethelwesthartford.org/giving and does make a difference Wonderful new job for Ariel Gelber, Mail it in and will be acknowledged. daughter of Loren & Joel – Meryl & Mitchell Danitz The minimum donation Please be sure to include: for each listing is $10. Joseph Springut Security Fund the name of the fund Unrestricted funds support in Memory of the timely needs of Beth El Wendy Schulman, wife of Jed – Honey whom you wish to honor/remember Temple. Restricted funds Sue Springut and your relationship to the person benefit specific purposes and for the Yahrzeit of their address for an objectives. For a complete Harold Moglove, father; Helen Springut, acknowledgment card list of funds, and any specific mother-in-law – Honey Sue Springut designations, please visit our your address/phone/email website. Wishing a Speedy Recovery to Bruce Shein – Honey Sue Springut Print clearly – or even better, submit the information typed.
10 Beth El Temple West Hartford, CT www.bethelwesthartford.org 860.233.9696
Temple Fund (cont.) Support Beth El by doing what you for the Yahrzeit of Ida J. Salit, mother – Patricia Berke already do! (just a little bit differently) Morris Stollman, father; Bertha G. Berland, mother – Harriet & Robert H. Berland Esther Asheroff, mother; Sandra Bernstein, sister-in-law –Carolyn & GIFT CARDS Stuart Bernstein Miriam Abrahamson, mother – Leslie Blumberg Buy good-as-cash gift cards from Beth El for Samuel Kling, father & grandfather – Shirley K. Brody & family your own shopping and dining and for gifts. Joseph Byer, husband – Elizabeth Byer Benny Cremer, father; Helene Cremer, sister-in-law – Reeva Cremer Pay face value, spend face value, and Beth El Adeline Lipkin, mother – Gail Deutsch gets a donation, up to 12% for some retailers. Joan Diamond, mother; Carol & Mel Tubis, parents – Sheila & David Diamond Commonly requested cards Harold Falik, father – Tom Falik are stocked in the synagogue Samuel B. Feldman, husband & father – the Feldman family office, including Big Y, Stop Diana Davidovici-Florescu, mother – Alexandra Flowers & Shop, Amazon, and Ethel Gold, mother; Carol & Arnold Rubman, parents; Anna Gorlbovy – Susan & Bob Gold Dunkin Donuts! Barry Kursman, father – Pam & Barry Gordon Other cards can be ordered Leonard Greenberg, brother –Arnold Greenberg Mildred Gutcheon, mother – Debbie & Richard Gutcheon (allow at least 1 week). Irving Karasik, father – Robert Karasik visit www.shopwithscrip.com for details Joseph Robbins, father – Karen Katz and updates about the Scrip program, Eugen Herz, grandfather – Leah Katz including a 6-page list of all the Greta Meier, mother; Al Kleinman, uncle –Debbie & Steven Kleinman participating stores, restaurants, Abraham Simon, father – Gina Koppel entertainment, and more. Benjamin Kostin, father; Mollie Osias, grandmother; Bessie Goldstein, grandmother – Michele & Dane Kostin William Levine, father – Peter Levine AMAZON SMILE Louis Cooper, father – Judy Levy Kurt Simon, father; Helen Lindenberg, mother – Andrea & Robert Go to smile.amazon.com, type Lindenberg in Beth El Temple, and shop as Selma Pariser, mother – Carla & Ron Pariser you normally would! Jean & Nathan Aronson, parents – Faith Parker Art Peikes, father – Ronald Peikes Amazon will donate a portion Abraham Piaker, father – Steven Piaker of the purchase price to Beth El. Albert Rosenberg, father-in-law – Lillian Rosenberg Molly Stack Schatz, grandmother – Deborah R. Rosenfeld Sheldon Philip Saffer, husband – Lois Saffer Anne Samberg, mother – Ira Samberg SEARCHING Howard Merker, father – Sharon & Michael Schloss Set your default search engine to Rose Elkind, grandmother – Dr. Shari Roth & Russell Selzer Bertha Racher, grandmother – Cyral Sheldon www.goodsearch.com and choose Beth El Edward Maron, brother – Reba Stock Temple as the Abe Leichman, father; Dorothy Berkowitz, sister – Edythe Sussman beneficiary. Julius Wachtel, father; Pinkus Stein, Holocaust remembrance – Sue & Stuart Wachtel For every search you do, Beth El gets a Rachel Weisinger, mother; Mary Lange, aunt – Lenore & Philip donation. Weisinger David Miller, father – Judith Zachs Elaine Zachs, wife – Ted Zachs Esther Groman, mother – Shirley Zelman SHOPPING Go to www.goodshop.com for an online
shopping mall. Shop and buy instantly, and choose Beth El as the General Unrestricted Endowment Fund beneficiary to get a donation. in Honor of Judy Rosenthal, a great Beth El President under difficult times –
Annette Gavens For more options and details about in Memory of supporting Beth El Temple, visit Dr. Eleanor Klau, sister of David – Abbey Kreinik www.bethelwesthartford.org/giving/ Andrew Moss – Roberta Moss & Michael Isko Joyce Ross, mother of Susan Factor – Karen & Jeffrey Polinsky waystogive.html. Dr. Stanley Stier, husband of Suzanne – Carolyn & Jeff Weiser (continues) Temple Topics Vol. LVI, No. 6 July-August 2021 Tammuz-Av-Elul 5781 11
Supporting Beth El, cont. Alter Family Fund in Appreciation of Judy Rosenthal’s outstanding service as Beth El President – Marci & Jonathan Alter in Memory of Joyce Ross, mother of Susan Factor – Marci & Jonathan Alter Bezalel Building Fund in Honor of CT Mohel Engagement of Koreen Shoham, daughter of Ronit & Scott, to Colby McDonald – Susan & Phillip Neuberg Ron Buckman, MD Judith & David Borus Family Endowment Fund for the Yahrzeit of Joseph Borus, father-in-law – Judy Borus Sharon & Bob Efron Family Fund for the Yahrzeit of Harold Moses, father; Charlotte Efron, mother – Sharon & Bob Efron Friends Fund for Members in Need in Honor of Special wedding anniversary of Judy & David Rosenthal – Joan & Paul Shapiro 70th birthday of Richard Leibert; Judy Rosenthal’s extraordinary leadership to Beth El – Patti & Howard Weiner in Memory of Michael Rothberg, father of Amy Goldman; Philip Friedman, father of Linda Levin – Patti & Howard Weiner for the Yahrzeit of Rosalind Mishkin, mother – Joan & Paul Shapiro www.CTMohel.com Gavens Family College Youth Fund in Honor of Brit Milah Simchat Bat Marriage of Abigail Gavens, granddaughter of Annette, and Simon Iacob – Barbara & Robert Green For the Yahrzeit of Pauline Kushnet, sister; Marion Gavensky, mother-in-law – Anette Gavens Ruth & Harry Kleinman Endowment Fund in Appreciation of Myra & Bill Kleinman – Lois & Chuck Koteen 77 Diane & Richard Lieberfarb Endowment Fund in Memory of Rhoda Ferber, mother of Emily Sondheimer – Diane & Richard Lieberfarb Mann Family Temple Organ Fund in Honor of 100th birthday of Dr. Norman Mann – Cindy & Adam Cohen, Sharon & David Hessney Arthur & Stella Mostel Fund for Adult Education for the Yahrzeit of Mollie Mollov, great aunt – Carolyn & Jeff Weiser Papermaster Family Fund in Memory of Dr. Scott Bortman, son of Joan, brother of Charna Kaufman; Michael Rothberg, father of Amy Goldman; Miriam Klau, granddaughter of Bobby & David – Beth & Dan Papermaster Marshall & Sandra Rulnick Endowment Fund in Appreciation of Sandy & Marshall Rulnick – Susan & Michael Schenker Santiago Family Fund for the Yahrzeit of Vincente Santiago, father; Samuel Berger, grandfather – Robin & Rafi Santiago 12 Beth El Temple West Hartford, CT www.bethelwesthartford.org 860.233.9696
Clara & Mickey Sowalsky Gabbai Rishon Endowment Fund in Appreciation of Rabbi Sowalsky – Marcia Mizrahi, Nancy Schwartz, Dorine & Marty Toyen Rabbi Sowalsky for our 40th wedding anniversary – Judy & David Rosenthal For the Yahrzeit of Toby Hoffman, mother – Herb Hoffman Leigh A. Newman & Gary S. Starr Family Fund for the Yahrzeit of Joseph L. Starr, father; Ida Brown, grandmother – Leigh Newman & Gary Starr Joseph L. Starr, husband – Selma Starr Lewis A. Steinberg Family Fund in Appreciation of Cantor Joseph Ness – Joshua Kaufman For the Yahrzeit of Harvey Drucker, brother – Paula D. Steinberg Sussman Families Endowment Fund for the Yahrzeit of Harriett Andorsky, mother – Lisa Sussman Molly Leichman, mother – Edythe Sussman Nathan & Ruth Sweedler Family Endowment Fund for the Yahrzeit of Eva & Louis Rosen, parents; Heidi Eve Sweedler, daughter – Ruth Sweedler Amy E Toyen Endowment Fund for the Yahrzeit of Celia & Alvin Kavaler, parents – Beth & Bernard Kavaler
If you are interested in advertising in Temple Topics, please contact Debbie for rates and deadlines. [email protected]
Temple Topics Vol. LVI, No. 6 July-August 2021 Tammuz-Av-Elul 5781 13
Israel Engagement Committee Arab-Israeli Coexistence – Signs of Hope
In May, violence erupted Jewish and Arab medical In one viral video, between Israeli Jews and staff at Haifa’s Rambam Israeli Jewish, Muslim, Arabs within Israel. Health Care Campus offer Christian and Druze Perpetrated by small a message of solidarity. At religious leaders spoke top: “We have beaten groups, the majority Corona and we will come up to condemn the inter watched in shock. Like together even now.” -communal violence. the pines of the western Below, staffers hold signs The Israeli business reading “peace” in Arabic U.S. that sprout after a community has also fire, there are signs that and Hebrew. Photo courtesy of Rambam added its voice to the this violence has Health Care Campus call for peace. “We, renewed the sense of managers and senior executives from the leading urgency in building a stronger more integrated and companies in the economy, who rely on the just society in Israel. cooperation of citizens, Jews and Arabs, side by side – Uri Pilichowski (Forward) writes, “Arab Israelis are call for an end to violence and a way to live together,” just as much a part of Israeli society as Israeli Jews are. said a statement signed by dozens of Israeli business As in any country, there are built-in leaders. inequalities, but Israel is an improving Mohammed Darawshe of Iksal is democracy and tries to correct for the leader of the coexistence group, them as we build a shared society. It is Givat Haviva. One project has put important for neighbors to find a way hundreds of Arab teachers into to get along.” He finds hope in the Jewish schools, giving students fact that the organs of two Israelis IIE Goldberg Prize Winners Yehuda positive images of Palestinians. He killed in the conflict (one Jew and one Stolov and Salah Alladin of the is comforted by the publication Arab) were donated by their families, Interfaith Encounter Association. Photo by Noam Moskowitz recently of several statements in benefiting both Jews and Arabs. support of calm and cooperation Activists like Shir Nosatzki firmly believe that Arabs signed by Jewish and Arab business and civil-society and Jews can be good neighbors. They are determined leaders. to prove it to a world saturated with images and news One of the new government’s biggest challenges will accounts that seem to make the case for a hate-filled be healing the Jewish-Arab divide. With the first Arab future. party in a governing coalition, Arab Israelis will have a voice in government decisions. This will ensure that the government will dedicate more resources to the Arab sector than ever before. Greater Arab participation can be the first step towards healing divisions – B’ezrat Hashem and Insha’allah. It is up to everyday Israelis and Palestinians to make space for the other in their lives and together build a shared future. Members of Debate for Peace, a mixed Jewish- Arabs and Jews Arab Model UN program in Israeli schools. protest the Photo courtesy of Debate For Peace escalating violence and riots between Eman Darawshi is a high school English teacher in the the Arab and Jewish Israeli Arab town of Iksal, and a coordinator for population, in Jaffa, Debate for Peace, a project of the Interfaith Encounter on May 14, 2021. Photo by Tomer Association bringing Arab and Jewish students from Neuberg/Flash90 some 70 municipalities together for Model United Nations. All these programs have the same objective: COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS: bridging the gap between Arabs and Jews. Sharon Efron, [email protected] Robin Santiago, [email protected]
14 Beth El Temple West Hartford, CT www.bethelwesthartford.org 860.233.9696
Engaging Generations Congratulations Welcome to New Members Of Blessed Memory Arlene & Jerry Blum, on birth of Rena Citron Laura Kinyon, granddaughter, Emma Yael Blum Zweig Kate & Howard Dietch, with Noah wife of Rick Kinyon Kate & Howard Dietch, on birth of son Noah Eugene Kagan Evelyn Moglove, Edith Meade Shiffman, on birth of great- Lorri & George Ominsky mother of Honey Sue Springut grandson, Chase Lawrence Emmons Ann Rosow-Lucchesi Alan Harvey Oremland, father of Len Oremland Appreciation for Sponsoring a Grab and Jane & Joshua Zigman, with Charlotte and Sophia Linda Putterman, Go Kiddush wife of Steve Putterman Rabbi Ilana Garber & Adam Berkowitz and Zachary Zimmerman Irene Salm, family Phyllis & Joseph Zwarick mother of Ron Salm Joni Harris & Jonathan Harris, in honor of Sammie's Bat Mitzvah The Kay family, in honor of Ellie's Bat Mitzvah Beth El Torah Goes to Camp Michele & Dane Kostin Some Torahs cannot wait for the fall Diane & Rich Lieberfarb when they get dressed up for the High Sheila & Dr. Howard Mark Holidays. Other Torahs look forward to Dr. & Mrs. Harold Moskowitz a particular Shabbat when their favorite The Nemirow family, in honor of Ella's Bat Parsha is read. As for me, I cannot wait Mitzvah for summer. Especially this summer, I Bar Mitzvah Celebration can return to Camp Ramah in New Benjamin Goldstein England for the first time in two years! August 21, 2021 The pandemic interrupted my annual Ben, son Forof Laurie information & Seth Goldstein our out of West trek to Palmer, MA. Oh, how I look Bar and Bat Mitzvah Hartford, brother of Ellie, grandson of Donna forward to spending Shabbat with over Here I am with one & Howard celebrations,Weiss from Baltimore please and Fredda 800 campers and 230 staff. It is the of my buddies on & Jon Goldsteincontact from Bloomfield,the office. is a th7 highlight of my year! loan from another grader at King Philip Middle School. Ben will shul in New England. be participating in the Tour de Cure, a 100 Joining me at Ramah this year from About a dozen of us mile bike ride, to raise money for the American Beth El are 28 campers (from 17 families are so privileged Diabetes Association researching a cure for – love that siblings come together!), every summer! Type 1 Diabetes. 3 bunk counselors, and 2 adult staff.
Beth El Temple @BethElWH Main Office: of West Hartford Inc. 860.233.9696 2626 Albany Avenue @BethElWH SULAM: West Hartford, CT 06117 860.233.9891 bethelwesthartford.org beth.el.temple.wh Fax: Jim Rosen, Rabbi [email protected] 860.233.9892 Rachel Zerin, Rabbi [email protected] Joseph Ness, Cantor [email protected] Published every two months. Stanley M. Kessler z’’l, Rabbi Emeritus Following the deadline schedule Rabbi Howard Sowalsky, [email protected] below, please submit articles to: Ritual & Executive Director [email protected] Steve Rabb, President [email protected] 1/25 for March-April Michelle Konigsburg, [email protected] 3/25 for May-June SULAM Director 5/25 for July-August 7/25 for September-October Lydia Lutt, [email protected] 9/25 for November-December Social Media and Marketing Coordinator 11/25 for January-February Jason Kay, [email protected] Engagement Coordinator Send Life Cycle announcements to: Deborah R. Rosenfeld, Editor [email protected] [email protected]
Temple Topics Vol. LVI, No. 6 July-August 2021 Tammuz-Av-Elul 5781 15 2626 Albany Avenue Presorted West Hartford, CT 06117 First Class U.S. Postage Paid Hartford, CT Permit No. 4331
Preparing for the High Holy Days
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