The Messenger Tishrei/Cheshvan 5775 October 2014 RABBI’S MESSAGE Our syna- internet, when leaders of coun- serious commitment to support all gogue will be tries are allowed to hold symposi- of these efforts and activities I honored this ums denying the Holocaust, when have mentioned. month when our board member, anti-Semitism and attacks against In addition, and in a very Alia Garcia Ureste, will be sworn in rabbis and Jewish institutions positive way, we should not as a commissioner of the Texas throughout Europe are increasing, minimize but rather capitalize on Holocaust and Genocide Commis- we need to take a very serious the enormity of Alia’s appoint- sion. This historic appointment look at organizations and places ment. As Governor Rick Perry’s reflects the recognition of Gover- locally, state-wide, and nationally gubernatorial appointment, Alia nor Rick Perry regarding the work which combat the lies, the hatred, Garcia Ureste will bring dedica- that our synagogue and communi- and the desire of our enemies to tion, integrity, and commitment to ty has done teaching students and hurt and destroy us. Our support, this very important commission. adults in El Paso the message of both financially and through Alia and her husband, Gilbert, did the Holocaust and genocide renewed attendance at and partici- their return to Judaism with me a against nations, including the pation in our synagogue at a time few years ago, visited Israel with Jewish people and the Anusim. In when economic problems are our synagogue, attend services fact, the THGC has also issued a hurting us significantly, must regularly, and were remarried in contract to UTEP, to prepare become a priority for us. the Jewish tradition under a modules for teaching professors Sustaining the efforts of the El Huppah in our sanctuary. Last how to address the topics of how Paso Holocaust Museum and the year Alia observed her adult Bat to guide students to make correct Anusim Center must be a vital Mitzvah. Alia, Gilbert and their ethical decisions and choices. As a part of our personal agenda. The children moved to El Paso from Ft. part-time faculty member of UTEP best way to confront and defeat who teaches a course covering the evil forces out there that con’t on p. 2 Judaism, the Holocaust, anti- dehumanize mankind through Semitism, and crypto-Jews, I am beheadings, terrorist attacks, and Inside this issue... truly honored to be a mentor to anti-Semitic activities is to stand Candle lighting and Services 2 Alia, the rabbi of Congregation proud and tall, come to syna- B’nai Zion, the Director of the gogue services and activities, give High Holiday Services 3 Anusim Center, and being part of generously to our congregation, the UTEP faculty. to the Museum and Center, send President’s Message 4 I am not sure if our congrega- our kids to the Jewish Academy Sisterhood 6,7 tion fully understands the impact and Talmud Torah, and protest of this appointment and how each the lies and hateful propaganda of Simchas 8 of us should be proud to be our enemies. I implore each and Yahrzeits 9 associated with Congregation every one of us to WAKE UP. I am B’nai Zion. At a time in history not inventing the serious condi- Donations 10,11 when survivors of the Holocaust tions which are facing the very Calendar 12 are few, when Holocaust denial is survival of the Jewish community, an increasing problem on the but I urge each of us to make a and much more... Stockton to become active members of the Jewish commu- nity, our synagogue and to provide a solid Jewish educa- CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES tion for her children, who now attend the El Paso Jewish Academy, the Pre-School of the JCC and our own Talmud Torah. In her own words, Alia told me that her appointment Friday serves as “evidence that family and friends, members of Congregation B’nai Zion, and the board and supporters of October 3 ~ 6:30 pm the Anusim Center, have all helped her on her journey, that October 10 ~ 6:22 pm she appreciates all that we have done for her to make her dream become a reality,” and I know that she will treat this October 17 ~ 6:13 pm appointment with humility, with sincere dedication and conviction. October 24 ~ 6:06 pm It is my hope that we will attend Alia’s ceremony and appointment which will take place on Monday, October 13 October 31 ~ 5:59 pm at the Anusim Center, 4100 Wallenberg at 6:30 p.m. to Candle lighting for the Holidays 8:30 p.m. That evening Minyan will be at the center instead of the synagogue. How ironic it is that the ceremony is on can be found on page 3 the holiday of Sukkot, when we thank God that Hashem protected us on our way back to the Promised Land after leaving 400 years as slaves in Egypt through the Sukkah. It is also on Columbus Day, so in addition to celebrating his birthday and his expedition to the New World, we also remember the evil intentions of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella who tried to rid Spain of the Jewish people through SYNAGOGUE SERVICES genocide and expulsion. May we together celebrate on October 13 this year, the Daily ~ Monday thru Friday 7:00 am achievements of our congregation for 115 years, the Monday thru Thursday 6:30 pm contributions of the Jewish people to the world, and the appointment of Alia Garcia Ureste as a commissioner of the Friday evening 6:15 pm (unless listed otherwise) Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission. Saturday morning & Holidays 9:30 am Stephen A. Leon Saturday Mincha ~ please check calendar Rabbi (followed by Seudah Shlesheet & Ma’ariv) Sunday (unless Holiday) 8:30 am & 5:00 pm B’nai Zion Officers and Staff Rabbi Stephen A. Leon Administrative Director Annalie Rollins We are saddened by the passing President Cesar Carrasco of our beloved members 1st Vice President Alan Cohen Irving Heller Samuel Kimmelman 2nd Vice President David Sabal and extend our heartfelt condolences 3rd Vice President Esther Kuchinsky to their families and friends. Treasurer Ernest Eisenberg May their memory forever be a blessing. Secretary John Garcia Sisterhood President Sandy Dula USY President Eddy Madero USY Advisor Rachel Leon Messenger Layout & Editor Joyce Gronich The Messenger is published monthly, except July and August DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE MESSENGER IS October 15 Articles and pictures should be emailed to the synagogue office at [email protected] Congregation B’nai Zion 805 Cherry Hill El Paso, Texas 79912 915-833-2222 www.congregationbnaizion.org 2 HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES 2014/5775 YOM KIPPUR SHEMINI ATZERET / SIMCHAT TORAH Friday, October 3 – Erev Yom Kippur Wednesday, October 15 – Hoshanna Rabbah 6:15 PM – Mincha followed by Kol Nidrei 6:45 AM – Shachrit 6:30 PM – candle lighting 6:00 PM – Mincha & Erev Shemini Atzeret services 6:16 PM – candle lighting Saturday, October 4 – Yom Kippur 9:00 AM – Shachrit Thursday, October 16 – Shemini Atzeret ~11:45 AM – Yizkor 9:30 AM – Shemini Atzeret services 5:00 PM – Mincha ~11:00 AM – Yizkor 7:29 PM – Havdalah/end of holiday 6:00 PM – Mincha followed by Erev Simchat Torah services 7:15 PM – candle lighting SUKKOT Friday, October 17 – Simchat Torah Wednesday, October 8 – Erev Sukkot 9:30 AM – Simchat Torah services 6:15 PM – Mincha/Ma’ariv 6:00 PM – Shabbat services 6:24 PM – candle lighting 6:13 PM – candle lighting Thursday, October 9 – Sukkot Day 1 Saturday, October 18 9:30 AM – Shachrit 9:30 AM – Shachrit - Bat Mitzvah Elise Erlich 6:15 PM – Mincha/Ma’ariv 6:00 PM – Mincha/Seudah/Ma’ariv/Havdalah 7:23 PM – candle lighting Friday, October 10 – Sukkot Day 2 9:30 AM – Shachrit 6:15 PM – Mincha/Ma’ariv High Holiday childcare 6:22 PM – candle lighting for Shabbat Saturday, October 11 – Shabbat Hol Hamoed Sukkot USY is offering childcare 9:30 AM – Shachrit for the High Holidays 6:20 PM – Mincha/Seudah/ Ma’ariv/Havdalah Babysitting will be offered from 9:00 am till 1:00 pm Saturday, October 4 Babysitting will also be offered High Holiday for Kol Nidre which begins at 6:15 pm Friday, October 3 jr. congregation Marvin Nadler Youth Room (ages 8+) Saturday, October 4 Yom Tov Program (ages 2-7) 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Chapel Schoichet Library (will include light lunch) (will include light lunch) 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By now you probably have In my time as president of Congregation B'nai noticed that my messages tend to Zion, I have had the great privilege of seeing many be on the short side of the spec- volunteers take the initiative to match a skill or trum. This is probably due to the strength that they possess with a need in our con- fact that writing is not my forte, gregation and take action. Whether helping at the mostly because of my training as office while we are short on staff, actively serving on an engineer. I find comfort in the the board and committees, or making generous well-documented fact that engineers tend to be less contributions, these individuals have had an enor- than stellar communicators. One person that I ad- mous impact on our congregation, and all of us owe mire for being an excellent communicator is Rabbi a great deal of gratitude to them. Leon. I am always amazed at the eloquence with We have just gone through a period of serious which he can express himself through his sermons introspection and my hope is that each one of us can and how he keeps us engaged.