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BulletinTevet / Sh’vat 5781 www.BethEmethAlbany.org January 2021
Interested in advertising or sponsoring an issue of the Bulletin this year honoring an occasion or in memory of a loved one? Please Contact Kathy Golderman
The
The January Bulletin is underwritten by the Kivort family in loving memory of Stanley Kivort
Lunch & Learn
Series - Changing the Face of Education Wednesdays at noon in January
page 4
We have so much in store for January! Please understand, that due to COVID-19, last minute tweaks are sometimes necessary Up to date information can be found on our website
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pots and Pans
Saturday, January 9 at 7:00 pm page 6
The Soup Kitchen
Every Sunday at 11 am Grab a friend and sign up It feels great to help others
page 7
Chanukah Fun in Pictures
page 14-15Right at CBE!
Super Bowl Sunday Pick up Carnegie Deli Corned Beef,
Pastrami, and more! See page 16
“Where can we get those delicious cookies?”
The Renaissance Group
Virtual Wine Tasting Saturday, January 23 at 7:30 pm
A Message From Rabbi Shpeen
The Power and Comfort of Memory
With the arrival of this issue of our Temple Bulletin, we have turned a new page and are now welcoming the secular year 2021. Certainly, during these past months, many of us have expressed how glad we will be when 2020 is behind us given all that we have faced and all that we have experienced since the pandemic hit us hard in March. While still far from resuming life pre-pandemic, if, indeed, we ever will, there are still many questions and still the uncertainty as the vaccine be-gins distribution.
One of the greatest blessings we can share during our lifetime is that of mem-ory, to bridge the generations that have come before to those after us. L’dor va Dor, from generation to generation, is a key theme and a core value integral in our Jewish tradition. Not merely to “honor our mother and father” and to “teach our children diligently,” but certainly also to provide a sense of familial history that binds us from one generation to the other. That is why the ritual and practice of yahrzeit and reciting Kaddish is so impor-tant.
I was fortunate to have grown up knowing three of my grandparents as well as my great-grandmother. Their presence in my life was a source of nourishment and stability. As my own grandmother, with whom I shared a very close bond, often quipped, “the reason grand-parents and grandchildren get along so well is that they share a common enemy!” While this might not always be the truth, suffice it to say that the family
relationships we share across the generations add rich-ness to our lives for sure.
This year, in particular, it was very important to me to spend Thanksgiving with my daughter and her family. As many of you know, my wife Susan and my mother Judith died seven years apart but on the exact same date, November 24, which always falls around the Thanksgiving holiday. Taking all of the necessary precautions, socially distanced and masked at all times, we hardly had the Thanksgiving celebration that we typically do.
One tradition that I did introduce to my two grandchil-dren for the first time was the concept of gratitude and thankfulness for the memories we cherish, L’dor va Dor, from generation to generation. This year, Seth and Sloane (both named in memory of Susan) joined me in lighting the Yiskor Memorial Candles for both Susan and my mother. I shared with them pictures and stories so they could begin to appreciate that link in our family chain. It was a touching and most heartwarm-ing experience.
During the coming months as the days are shorter, darker and the winter is upon us, the memories we treasure can be a great source of comfort, strength and resilience.
Just like those who came before us endured challenges and hardships, we, too, can find the courage and fortitude we now need to face the future grounded on the memories that form the foundation of who we are. L’dor va Dor…May your own personal memories be a blessing in your life now more than ever before!
Rabbi Scott Shpeen
Congregation Beth Emeth Bulletin Deadline for the February issue is January 5. Published monthly except in August. Please submit to [email protected]@BethEmethAlbany.org
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All services will be conducted remotely. Please join us virtually at: www.BethEmethAlbany.org. The link to our “Live Stream” is at the upper left hand side of your screen. Live Streaming underwritten by Marge and Barry Hollander.
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Friday Evening, January 1 5:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service Shabbat Va-y’chi Genesis 47:28 - 50:26 Saturday Morning, January 2 9:30 am Torah Study with Susan KushnerFriday Evening, January 8 5:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service Shabbat Sh’mot Exodus 1:1 - 6:2 Saturday Morning, January 9 9:30 am Torah Study with Alexandra Stein Friday Evening, January 15 5:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service Shabbat Va-eira Exodus 6:2 - 9:35 Saturday Morning, January 16 9:30 am Torah Study with Susan Kushner Friday Evening, January 22 5:30 pm Erev Shabbat Services Shabbat Bo Exodus 10:1 - 13:16 Saturday Morning, January 23 9:30 am Torah Study with Alexandra Stein Friday Evening, January 29 5:30 pm Erev Shabbat Services Shabbat B’shalach Exodus 13:17 - 17:16 Saturday Morning, January 30 9:30 am Torah Study with Cantor Kohn
Virtual Worship Service Schedule
Kathy’s Corner
There is an acronym, my children have explained to me over the years, “FOMO,” standing for Fear Of Missing Out. I am not one who relates to this saying, in my personal life. I do however, experience FOMMO. FOMMO, you ask? What does that mean? Well, I amended it to how I feel, Fear of Members Missing Out.
Utilizing our database, coordinating and developing driving routes for 41 volunteers to ensure that 615 deliveries were made, was an undertaking that was well worth it, as the bags connected us all at a time when we cannot be physically be together.
However, we did find that some people had moved, others headed south perhaps earlier than in previous years, or have stayed put in the area rather than heading south. Regardless of the situation, we want to make sure we can celebrate with you, connect, and continue to engage with you beyond 100 Academy Road.
Some people connect with us on Facebook, others will be happy to have The Bulletin in print again, and some discover events that are happening within our CBE community from our weekly emails. However, we cannot connect with you if we do not have your current contact information.
I don’t like to ask for favors, but can you help me ad-dress my FOMMO problem? Make sure you let us know when your address changes. Maybe you no longer use your landline, and we shouldn’t use that number to call you. Maybe your email has changed. Regardless of your situation, we care and don’t want to leave you out. We want you to continue to be a part of our community as you are all the individuals who make CBE the warm, hospitable, and special place that it is, whether or not we can physically be together at this time.
Please contact Debbie Schaffer 518.436.9761 x221 or [email protected] with updates.
Kathy Golderman, Executive Director
Fear of Members Missing Out
We’re back in print... Which brings up these 2 points:
We are looking for Bulletin Sponsors •Sponsor an issue for a special birthday, anniversary or to honor a loved one We love to hold the paper Bulletin •Let us know if you’d like to go green and you will receive an email when it’s online
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Mazel Tov To... Amy Hawrylchak, daughter of Toby and Fred Wander on her new position as Chief Academic Officer and Principal at Tech Valley High School
In Memoriam Beth Emeth recognizes with profound sorrow the deaths of our members: Donald Cohen Husband of Beatrice Cohen Father of Sorelle Brauth (Robert Pomeranz) and Devra Cohen-Tigor (Uwe Tigor) Brother of Alexander (Sally) Cohen
Dr. Myron Gordon Husband of Karol Gordon Father of Seth (Leanne) Gordon
Zoe Knapik Wife of James Knapik Mother of Rory Zapor and Joshua (Meredith) Greenberg Sister of Gerald (Andrea) Paley
Harold Rubin Husband of Ruth Rubin Father of Lisa Rubin-Johnson (Glenn Johnson) and Nancy Dana (Dan) Smith
Beth Emeth extends sympathy to those in our congregation who have lost a loved one: Elaine Cohn Sister of Beverly Vener
Shirley Pomerantz Mother of Bonnie (Dr. Stuart) Rosenberg
Our Temple Family
Claire Brandt Susan Debronsky Mark Friedman Peter Gerstenzang Scott Ginsburg Eunice Golderman Jay Hurewitz Michael Keyser Julie Koenig Agi Laufer Suzi Milstein
Scott Morris Nancy E. Roth Betsy Ruslander Marc Salisch Murray Saperstein Peter Siegel Keith Simon Marni Tesser Muriel Wilson Sue Wollner
January Special Anniversary Susan and Andy Sommers ~ 35 years
It is our practice to acknowledge congregants on special birthdays (starting at age 35) and anniversaries (beginning with the 10th) in multiples of five years. Please send events you want to share, or ones we have missed to [email protected].
January Special Birthdays
Lunch & Learn
Wednesdays, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
The Changing Face of Education Superstars with connection to Albany
Programs will be accessed via Zoom at BethEmethAlbany.org. These wonderful programs are always available to watch afterward, via Livestream on the homepage of our website. Contact Deb Sokoler at [email protected] or 518.436.9761 x230
January 6 Jonathan Kessler No stranger to CBE having been a visiting speaker, Kessler has devoted his professional life to preparing Jewish leaders for the future. For the past 18 years, Kessler has been a member of AIPAC's senior staff.
January 13 Barry Chazan, PhD, is the author of numerous books and articles on philosophy of education, moral educa-tion, Jewish education, and Israeli education. Barry is an Albany native.
January 20 Liz Paige is an educational consultant and serves at the Director of Ethics and Community Initiatives at The McGillis School in Salt Lake City. Liz had the pleasure of visiting CBE for the Bar Mitzvah of her best friend’s son in 2019. January 27 Rabbi Sandy Zisser is the Founder and Director of Pluralistic Rabbinical Seminary. He holds B.A. degrees in American History and Judaic Studies from University at Albany.
I am an accountant specializing in taxes so my winter vacations and travel are quite minimal. I become a hermit of sorts, splitting my time between work and home. This is what most of us have done the last 9 months. For me this is a normal rite of every winter.
The past several winters my family has visited my par-ents in Florida. However, as my mother would often tell me, “When you are President, you will visit us when you come for the Beth Emeth Boca Shabbat!” It was truly something I had been looking forward to for a few years. Obviously and unfortunately, we will not be able to have the Boca Shabbat in Florida this year and I will not be visiting my parents.
The Boca Shabbat, about which I have heard for so many years, was going to be a highlight of my year. I understand all the circumstances and all the reasons, yet I am still disappointed it is not happening. I am encouraged by the thought of attending next winter knowing how much Florida members enjoy connect-ing with our Temple family.
Our disappointments through COVID-19 related changes are very personal to each of us. We have all felt the changes this year at temple, be it our religious school students attending via Zoom or our virtual High Holy Days or the Chanukah dinner pick up instead of dining together. These are hard changes and elicit feel-ings as all change does which is out of our control. Our personal feelings become magnified when they effect life cycle events. My primary focus of reflection this month has been on our b’nai mitzvah families as well as those who have suffered the loss of a loved one during COVID-19.
I want to publicly thank each B’nai mitzvah family who has had any sort of change to their ceremony. As we have put safety at the forefront, these changes have come in the form of limited capacity at temple or the
need to have their b’nai mitzvah live streamed via Zoom. The families have accepted these changes and worked with them, showing understanding and grace as we all navigate these difficult times together. My hope is that we have all come to learn that in hard times, love can also be magnified and character can be built. I have seen this in the faces of the students and pride of the families.
I truly believe these families will have a reflection point and see the strength, for-titude and love that these hard times have given to them. As I have said before, it is important to see the silver linings.
I also want to express my condolences to those who have lost loved ones during this time. We have often heard that shiva is a way to receive a community hug during the hardest of times. I know this to be true as I have been a part of shivas where we cry, laugh, love, celebrate and honor someone’s life while supporting their family. Without the ability to have shiva and with-out the ability to have many people at the funeral, this community hug is much harder to receive even though there is care from the community nonetheless. If you know someone who has lost a loved one this past year, I encourage you to reach out to them and to give them a virtual hug. You have no idea how much it could mean to that person and perhaps to you as well.
It is so important to reflect on the goodness and bless-ings in life. There are many Temple families dealing with many different situations and I feel it is important to acknowledge that, to let them know we are with them and to let them know that we care.
2020 is now behind us and we have new indications of hope. My personal prayer is that we are beginning to see the light at the end of this tunnel. I am optimistic that we can soon discuss how to navigate out of COVID-19 restrictions and not merely continue to discuss how to cope within this situation. I believe this will happen sooner than later. When this does happen, we will emerge with new found strength and fortitude, like so many of our families have demonstrated during these times.
Thank you to all of our members who do so much and care so much and love so much.
To my mother, next year in Boca!! Michael Lurie, President [email protected]
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President’s Perspective
Winter of Reflection My parents at last year’s
Boca Shabbat
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Walk with Sisterhood on the Bethlehem Rail Trail Saturday, January 9 at 2:30 pm Meet at the Train Pavilion at the head of the Rail Trail in Voorheesville - 8 Grove Street. We will walk a loop at various paces to socially distance for around 45 minutes.
RSVP to Jacki Stein (in case of weather) at [email protected]
Shabbat Is Calling Thursday, January 21, 8:00 pm You may be asking yourself what is Shabbat is Calling? It is a Sisterhood sponsored program de-signed by women, for women. Our past president of blessed memory, Gayle Farman brought her vision of women taking time on Thursday nights to prepare for Shabbat, and watched this program come to life.
Topics that have been offered include: Understand-ing the Meaning of Shabbat Rituals; Learning to Sing the Shabbat Prayers; Comparing Shabbat in Israel to Shabbat in America; Dealing With the Stress in Our Lives; and Jewish Gratitude.
You are invited to spend some time with Sisterhood to experience the following:
Leave the stress of your daily life outside the room •Take a deep breath •Relax your body and your mind •Prepare for Shabbat with others, often including •a guest speaker Explore Jewish content and meaning •
I hope you embrace this opportunity to participate via zoom later this month. If you have ideas of topics you’d like explored, please contact me.
In Sisterhood, Robin Sobol, [email protected]
Join through the calendar link on the CBE website. Password: SISTERHOOD.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pots and Pans Saturday, January 9 at 7:00 pm
Join us for Havdalah followed by our own Chef, Mark Burgasser, as he prepares Ground Chicken Burgers with Mushrooms, Spinach and Feta Cheese Recipe and Zoom link provided upon registration. Free for Brotherhood/Sisterhood members; $18 for non-members. Pour your favorite beverage and enjoy a great cooking class and then make this dish for yourself! Contact - [email protected]
Look who’s getting a face lift! While the building is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, CBE is using the time wisely, updating our look! Sisterhood is graciously underwriting carpeting in Wolk Hall. Paul Hall is also getting new carpeting, and both will be looking great by the time we are all together again.
Nominations for Board of Trustees In accordance with the Congregation’s By-Laws, a committee of the Board of Trustees will nominate members for Trustee positions to be filled at the next Annual Meeting. Melissa Greenberg will serve as committee chair and the names of other members of the committee will be published in a later Bulletin. If there are members of the Congregation whom you would like to recommend for the Board, please contact Melissa at [email protected] or 518. 669.5130. (whats involved? See page 13)
Brotherhood
As I approach my 69th birthday, this time of year has me reviewing my life.
The Civil Rights Movement was in its infancy when I was born and from elementary school age, I developed an intense belief in the value of equalness of all. I experienced news of the assassinations of John Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Robert Kennedy and Malcolm X, which helped teach me the high cost of hate, violence and exclusion.
Inclusion, not only accepting but valuing differences, has been ingrained in me as a base value. Being welcoming, no matter what someone looks like, where they come from or how differently they think then I do, is bottom line for me. This plays out in my wanting Brotherhood to be a welcoming place, where every-one belongs and is valued just for being the unique person, they are.
Brotherhood has become much more than a word for me and for the wonderful Board that works with me. It is all of you who contribute to Brotherhood by your membership, your choice to help build community, feed the hungry and play together. We need your uniqueness to make us a stronger Brotherhood.
Barry Z. Davis, Brotherhood President, [email protected]
Abby Nash, Social Action Chair, delivered the food and items collected at CBE to The Sister Maureen Joyce Food Pantry.
Tikkun Olam The Soup Kitchen A Bright Light for So Many
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All Are Welcome
Brotherhood Walk at The Crossings
As we near the end of an unprecedented, challenging and difficult year for our country and our world, I would like to shine a bright light on our community here at Beth Emeth, specifically those involved with the Soup Kitchen. Many may not know that the Soup Kitchen continued serving to-go meals every Sunday during COVID-19 and we would not have been able to accomplish the task without the support of our Beth Emeth volunteers and community partners. Susan Wollner wrote a beautiful article in the December 10 issue of the Jewish World highlighting Diane’s Farm and the Soup Kitchen for continuing to feed our community during a worldwide pandemic. We should all be proud of this accomplishment and I am incredibly grateful for our volunteers! As we look ahead to 2021, the Soup Kitchen will continue to serve to-go meals even during the winter months but we need YOUR help! The 2021 dates are now available on the sign-up site and information about the proce-dures we have implemented to keep volunteers and patrons safe can be found here. We hope you will con-sider joining us one weekend in 2021 and bring a friend!
Taylor Alfred (Vogt) Board Member
Soup Kitchen Volunteer Coordinator The Renaissance Group
Virtual Wine Tasting with Rob Brass Saturday, January 23 at 7:30 pm details at BethEmethAlbany.org
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Congregation Beth Emeth COVID-19 Response Plan Update
as of December 2020
ONGOING COMMUNICATIONS
Get up-to-date information at www.BethEmethAlbany/COVID-19 •Email: The congregation will send out periodically emails to all members •announcing any major changes in policies and procedures Any questions, comments or concerns related to our COVID-19 Response Plan can be emailed •directly to [email protected] Announcements: Congregation Leadership will announce any significant changes to policies •and procedures at Services (currently being held virtually) The Bulletin: Watch for important articles and information in The Bulletin•
In an effort to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our congregation and prepare for the eventual resumption of all in-person services, classes and gatherings, Beth Emeth formed a Task Force including clergy, synagogue staff, lay leadership and experts in medicine, public education, health and emergency preparedness to help guide our efforts. The Task Force, in consultation with the Board of Trustees, developed a six phased approach to the resumption of traditional activities at Beth Emeth. These are:
Phase 1: Administrative use of the building, primarily by staff Phase 2: B’nai Mitzvah, Wedding Ceremonies and other Life Events Phase 3: Small group activities, including programs and committee meetings Phase 4: In person religious services, including Erev Shabbat, Torah Study, and High Holy Day Services Phase 5: Religious School activities Phase 6: “Normal” operations
B’NAI MITZVAH
To date, the Temple building has been open for the safe return of clergy and staff on a limited basis and limited use of the building. We were able to safely conduct, between September through November, eight in-person b’nai mitzvah with no more than 25 guests in attendance for each and two, via Zoom, at the wishes of the b’nai mitzvah families. The December b’nai mitzvah were moved to virtual or rescheduled due to the increased COVID-19 concerns in the Capital Region. We will be monitoring the situation for the anticipated resumption in March 2021 of the remaining b’nai mitzvahs through the end of June 2021.
Decisions are made with true compassion and in accordance with recommendations offered by the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) based on the Jewish value, pikuach nefesh, the value of saving a life. All decisions are based on a thorough review of the current COVID-19 data in the Capital Region, including area school closings due to COVID-19 positive cases and in strict adherence to all federal, state and local health guide-lines. The phased reopening plans are based on implementation of protocols and guidelines that also take in to account:
1. Hygiene, social distancing, mask wearing and plexiglass lectern mitigation measures 2. Health screening for symptoms 3. State travel and testing restrictions 4. Increased cleaning protocols that include, among other things, the use of hand sanitizing
stations, heavy-duty sanitizing fogger and HVAC system modifications including Murph 13 filters
5. Prudent flexibility that seeks to take into account the wishes of congregation members without compromising the safety and health of the clergy, staff, volunteers and congregants
SHABBAT SERVICES/ RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Due to the continuing COVID-19 risks and restrictions, we will continue to offer virtual Erev Shabbat services and religious school for the foreseeable future. However, we would love to begin to get together and pray in person, as well. When this does happen, you will see changes in the building. Our COVID-19 Task Force and Temple Leadership have been working diligently to create new processes and protocols to help keep us safe and follow social distancing protocols and proper mitigation measures. Over the next several weeks, Task Force members, in consultation with the board, staff and relevant committees, will continue working to identify the necessary tasks and activities to be implemented in each of the phases for each to be resumed safely, and the protocols required for them. As the resumption protocols are further refined, they will be shared with the congregation, and will be continually reassessed in light of the changes regarding the virus in our community.
CBE COVID-19 TASK FORCE MEMBERS: Rabbi Scott Shpeen; Michael Lurie, CBE President and Business owner; Robyn Marinstein, CBE 1st Vice President and former educator; Jessica Richer, CBE House Chair; Kathy Golderman, CBE Executive Director; Dr. Steven Frisch, Hospital Administrator; Melissa Lurie, Epidemiologist; Aaron Thiell, Elementary School Principal; Mel Wilcove, Cleaning Services Executive; and Diane X. Burman, State Energy Regulator
MESSAGE OF HOPE
No matter what we face in the world right now, we still can thank God for what we have – including the blessing of each new day and the hope for a brighter tomorrow.
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January Calendar Friday, January 1
Saturday, January 2
Wednesday, January 27
Saturday, January 23
9:30 am 7:30 pm
Torah Study with Alexandra Stein TRG Wine Tasting
Sunday, January 10
Monday, January 11
Religious School schedule unless otherwise noted: Kindergarten - Grade 6: Sundays, 10:00 - 11:10 am Grades 3 - 6: Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Grade 7: Wednesdays, 4:00 - 6:00 pm Grades 9-10: Wednesdays, 7:00 - 8:00 pm CBEYG Grades 9-12: Wednesdays, 6:00 - 6:40 pm
Friday, January 8
Friday, January 15
5:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
Wednesday, January 13noon Lunch & Learn
Sunday, January 24
11:00 am CBE at The Soup Kitchen
Friday, January 28
9:30 am 11:00 am
Brotherhood Board Meeting CBE at The Soup Kitchen
7:00 pm Knit and Nosh
Sunday, January 17
Saturday, January 169:30 am Torah Study with Susan Kushner
Saturday, January 29
Thursday, January 148:30 pm Brotherhood Virtual Card Night
Help at the Soup Kitchen11:00 am
Friday, January 22
5:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
Monday, January 18
Monday, January 25
7:00 pm Knit and Nosh
5:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
9:30 am Torah Study with Cantor Kohn
Sunday, January 311:00 am CBE at The Soup Kitchen
Temple Offices Closed - New Year’s Day5:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service
9:30 am Torah Study with Susan Kushner
Monday, January 4
Wednesday, January 6noon
5:30 pmLunch & Learn CBEYG Alumni Night
7:00 pm 7:15 pm
Knit and Nosh CBE Board of Trustees Meeting
5:30 pm Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, January 9
9:30 am 2:30 pm 7:00 pm
Torah Study with Alexandra Stein Sisterhood’s Walk on the Rail Trail Sisterhood of the Traveling Pots and Pans
Temple Offices Closed - Martin Luther King Day Wednesday, January 20
noon Lunch & Learn
noon Lunch & Learn
Sunday, January 30
11:00 am CBE at The Soup Kitchen
What Is the Difference Between Zoom and Live Stream? When something is aired via Zoom -- you need a link and sometimes a password to join. Most of the time those types of programs are interactive where you can see other attendees and can even partici-pate in a conversation. Sometimes (and only when indicated,) Zoom programs are archived on the Beth Emeth web site on the Live Stream page. Live Stream -- is similar to watching TV! ALL Beth Emeth Live Stream programs can be accessed via the Live Stream button on our the Beth Emeth web site. Everything that is Live Streamed is also archived on the same page. Still have questions? Contact Deb Sokoler [email protected] or 518.436.9761 x230
Tuesday, January 57:00 pm Rabbinic Search Committee
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CBE mails receipts to individuals who have made contributions in excess of $100. Notification cards are mailed to all recipients, and appear in the Bulletin shortly thereafter. This list includes new gifts received by December 4. Clergy Funds
Rabbi Scott Shpeen Discretionary Fund Elaine M. and Myron J. Cohn Family Foundation Carolyn and Bruce Ginsburg in honor of a speedy recovery for Bonnie Rosenberg Carol and David Grand in honor of the bat mitzvah of Nadia Hawrylchak, granddaughter of Toby and Fred Wander Marion Greenberg in appreciation of Rabbi Shpeen Sharon Johnson and Jeff Freedman in memory of Leonora Baar, mother of Sharon Johnson Melissa and Michael Lurie in memory of Dr. Myron Gordon Phyllis Kessler Slesinger and family in appreciation of Rabbi Shpeen Rabbi Scott Shpeen Distinguished Artist Fund Lois and Judd Suresky in memory of Beverly Warheit
Helping our Synagogue
Cantor Jodi Schechtman Music Fund Nancy Schechtman in honor of Gene Laks Ilene and Chip Stein in memory of Beverly Warheit Ellen Herkowitz Judaic Art Fund Caryl Newhof, Jan Reiss-Weitzman and Richard Bass in honor of the special birthday of Selma Heflich General Fund The Dembling family in memory of Harriet Rand Margaret and Sam Feldman in memory of Stephen Rosenblatt Jane and Mark Levine in memory of Connie Stein Melissa and Mike Lurie in memory of Elaine Cohn Barbara and Edward Potyrala in memory of Samuel Fisher Ilene and Jerry Sykes in memory of Shirley Pomerantz Ilene and Jerry Sykes in memory of Stephen Rosenblatt Ilene and Jerry Sykes in memory of Connie Simon
Ilene and Jerry Sykes in memory of Beverly Warheit Philip Thibodeau in memory of Dr. Myron Gordon Yom Kippur Appeal Diane and Beryl Frank Jacalyn Itzkow and Carl Ruppert in honor of the 99th birthday of Miriam Kolker Sharon Johnson and Jeffrey Freedman in memory of Leonora Marvin Baar
Helping our World
Social Action Tzedakah Fund (Mitzvah Menorah - see page 15)
Helping Our Children Fund for Jewish Education Heather L. Chakiris in memory of Samuel S. Fisher Gail Kaplan Religious Scholarship Lorraine Schweid in memory of Jeffrey Povell Sisterhood YES Fund Sisterhood in honor of the birthdays of: Beatrice Glucksman Mildred Larner Marcia Scharfman Muriel Wilson Larner Family Tree of Life Karen Kaufman-White and Steve White
Donations
What will THEIR Jewish tomorrow look like?
LEAVE A JEWISH LEGACY Please remember your Jewish community with a gift in your will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy Contact Rob Kivort at [email protected] or Kathy Golderman at [email protected]
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Harry M. Ackerman Ferdinand Moses Aufsesser Martin J. Barr Samuel Berney Edward Blum Samuel Richard Blumenthal Jason M. Burrick Joseph Cohen J. Harold Doling Stella Etkin Mary Kotzin Feltman Alvin S. Fleishman Reba Levison Freedman David Fuld Blanche Shapiro Gabrilove Myer Goldsmith Robert S. Green Gertrude J. Hamburger Rose B. Hessberg Bernard Horowitz Simon Illch Betty Kaplan Eugene M. Karp Jerome Klugman Alfred Laven
Hattie Prager Levison David Long Caroline Long Anna Feltman Mann Evelyn Novark Markowitz Heinz Marx Addie Flack Mendel Leo Muhlfelder Dr. Gerson Packer Anna Leah Lerner Perlman Ethel Lazarowitz Richer Leon Rivchin Janice Beth Rosenthal Abraham Schreiber Jay W. Shulan Shirley Kaminsky Siegel Robert Emanuel Simon Louis Snyder Helen Anker Sommers Dr. Jack M. Spitalny Irma Steefel Sporborg Morton F. Stern Stephen Stracher Charles L. Swartz Jerome H. Teitelbaum
Shabbat of January 29-30
Shabbat of January 8-9Arthur Ardman Evelyn Baere Sylvia Berne Roberta Gerstin Blum Hersh Dembo Meyer P. Freedman Estelle Freedman Richard Henry Friedman David Solomon Gellert Claire Turk Goodman Minnie Gordon William Edward Grogin Dr. Melvin D. Heflich Berthold Heyman Pauline Illch
Maurice Illch James Kahalas William Lomax III Bertha Miller Mendel Carl Oscar Myers Joseph A. Rosenthal Samuel Max Silverman George Silverstein Marion Eliassof Snyder Lena Wolfsheimer Starkman Lewis Stern Pearl Weinstock Rosalind Cohn Wilder Rachel Zisselman
Kaddish will be recited for those beloved departed whose names are perpetuated in Permanent Memorials established by their families. We invite your inquiries about this thoughtful way of remembrance.
Please note: If you wish to have a name included on our Shabbat Kaddish list or have a question about a Perpetual Kaddish name being recited, please call Susan in the Temple office at 518.436.9761 x224 (please do not leave a name for the Yahrzeit list on e-mail or voice mail). When phoning in a name, please do so by the Thursday of the week it is to be read.
YahrzeitsShabbat of January 1-2Madeline Fritz Baker Simon Ballin Emma Singer Bauer Joseph M. Bookheim Edward L. Bookstein Sophie Braunold Emanuel Brown Ezra A. Clonick Judith S. Dobris Jacob Eichenbroner Jacob E. Finklestein David Auer Friedman Philip Handler Rose R. Hatch Max E. Hegleman Nettie Hellman Beatrice Herman Lenore Smith Kamen Anna Katchman Jeanne Katz Harriet R. Koblintz Dr. Sidney S. Kurland
Tessie Lauterback Dorothy Feltman Lewis Kate W. Mandelbaum Benjamin A. Mann Samuel March Ethel M. Metzendorf Sophie Myers Harry Pearl Sarah Mandelbaum Pelzer Abraham Philip Piel Jerome Rosen Fannie Rosendale Nettie Rosner Rabbi Max Schlesinger Bessie Sherman Sanford Soffer Hannah Sonnenfeld Miriam Spector Benjamin Taichnar Jennie Gingold Tinkle Norman S. Weiss Isser Zolzensky
Milton J. Anker Benjamin Eric Berger Fay Scheer Chazen Sarah Cohen Elaine M. Cohn Gilbert Cohn Gertrude Cohen Dorman Ellis Edelstein Anne Alpart Feldman Abraham Ganeles Dr. William S. Godfried Anne Weiner Goldblatt Diane Allan Goodman Sidney Izenberg Morris Jasper Judith A. Kaskel Bessie Brown Kellert Stuart David Kestenbaum Gertrude Cohen Klein Gardner Lerner Mitchell Levy Henry W. Lipman Gloria Cecile Livingston
Teddy Lozman Myer J. Mandelbaum Joseph Mann Kate Linn Mayersohn Jeanette Morrison Mitchell J. Newman Lillian Novark Rafalko Erwin J. Riven Casper L. Rogowski Anita J. Ross Hon. Morris D. Saxe Celia M. Schutzman Pearl E. Sloman William B. Stern Edward Teper Felexa K. Tinkle Jack W. Tinkle Aniela Rojek Truskier Henry Tucker Max Uzewitz Martha Sanders Vellano Walter S. Warheit Lou Zinnershine
Shabbat of January 22-23
Shabbat of January 15-16Dr. Harold Bellin Caroline Bettman Morris Jacob Bloomberg Stanley R. Bookstein Pearl Starr Bray Lena L. Drooz Rose Schiffman Feltman Benjamin Friedenthal Joan Goldstein Bessie Landau Green Hannah Hyman Stanley Kivort Martin Loeb Bernard Motz Minnie Shoor Nathan Sam Rosenfeld
Hon. Sol. Rubenstein Irwin P. Sander Isaac L. Schwarzman Sarah Serling David L. Silberg Bernard “Bernie” Singer Hannah Sommers Elizabeth Sperber Miriam “Mim” Spitalny Betty N. Steiner Helen Klugman Swartz Tillie Myers Swartz Shirley Solomon Teper Emanuel Wenger Eric C. Yaffee Merton L. Zubres
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It was a fateful meeting in the Dunkin’ Donuts in Delmar during early Spring 2014, with then 1st Vice President, Lauren Iselin, and Secretary, Andrew Safranko, that started my journey as a CBE board member. I was both incredibly flattered to be asked to join the board and overwhelmed with the responsibility. I wanted very much to live up to whatever it was that someone saw in me that led to my nomination for a board seat. While I had been involved in many areas of CBE life to that point, I never looked at myself as someone who would be on the board – largely because prior to meet-ing with Lauren and Andrew, I wasn’t entirely sure what that meant or if I had anything to offer. I am incredibly grateful to those who raised my name, and to Lauren and Andy for answering my questions, painting a vision for me, and offering me the opportu-nity to serve in this capacity. What began with co-chairing the Membership Committee with David Wollner led eventually to becoming an officer, to my role today as 2nd Vice President. I have the incredible privilege of working with other board members, clergy, and professional staff to represent and serve the needs of the congregation, and meeting and learning the CBE stories of so many members.
This year I am chairing our nominating committee, and it’s time to begin the board seat nomination process for 2021-22. Just as I never would have thought of myself as a board member until this idea was brought to me, I know there are many members (hopefully reading this now!) who also may not see themselves in this role, but who have so much to offer and would bring valuable experience, insight, and representation to the board. Our board must have a diverse range of voices to thrive. As we are charged with carrying out and overseeing the business, rituals, and general work-ings of the temple, it is vital that our board has representation that brings the experience necessary to be stewards for our membership. And at the heart of it, what we always need are members who want to actively engage in temple life and work to enrich our community.
So what does a board member do? We chair or co-chair committees as outlined in the CBE by-laws, for such varied areas as Education, Social Action, Endowment, Cemetery, Ritual, and Membership (to
name a few). We meet once a month as a group, and vote on and enact policy and take actions in support of temple life. We act as fiduciaries and review the financial position of the temple. We usher for services and holidays. We represent CBE at major events. We support and collaborate with our talented clergy and staff.
It is a volunteer position that comes with a slate of work, but that also comes with the great joy of being part of a community of service. A great board member is one who wants to be involved, and wants to represent the Temple. A great board member brings perspective and experi-ence that enriches our community. That means some-thing different to different people. You may have the nuts-and-bolts experience of running a business. You may be a person with passion for social justice. You may have the desire to connect with every member of the congregation and ensure every member of the con-gregation is connected back to CBE. It doesn’t look the same for everyone but what everyone brings to the table is passion and dedication to CBE.
My ask of you is to consider the nomination process of the board this year. Consider it for a person who you think would well represent CBE and its membership. Nominate these people. If you believe I am describing you, nominate yourself. If you don’t feel you are ready for a board position but you want to be involved in a different way at CBE, reach out to me – there are plenty of ways to become involved (for a day or ten years!). I strongly encourage anyone with questions about the board or the nomination process to reach out to me. I will happily engage with you about these topics.
I look forward to hearing from you! Melissa Greenberg
(518) 669-5130 [email protected]
The CBE Board of Trustees Who They Are, What They Do
Zoom Board Meeting
Our Chanukah was LIT
thanks to you!!
In this crazy time of COVID-19, I am trying to take time to count my blessings - my way of keeping my cup half full! Beth Emeth has a lot of blessings to count as well! What would we do without our wonderful volunteers who helped bring Chanukah into over 600 homes in the Capital District? From packing up boxes with supplies to driving all over to deliver the bags -- THANK YOU!! A shout out to Steve Squires and Mike Walpole for all of their help. My Beth Emeth family is certainly one of my blessings. Special thanks to Brotherhood, Sisterhood and the Shuket family for underwriting.
Deb Sokoler
490.87 miles of smiles 41 volunteer drivers 616 bags packed for local families
While we couldn’t deliver to our out of town family (you know... COVID-19 restrictions) those members were mailed the cookbook and glow stick. Now you all know the secret of why we need to know when you are leaving town and when you come back!
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397 Chicken Dinners Served
Thanks to these folks for donating to our Mitzvah Menorah!
(all donations made to the Social Action Fund from 11/24/20 - 12/18/20 go toward supporting the following charitable organizations: As of December 11, we collected $2,286.
EQUINOX serving those who have been impacted by domestic violence, drug and alcohol addictions, •mental illness, homelessness, and those living amid poverty and violence. MARY’S CORNER serving families with children ages birth through three years with necessities. •NORTHERN RIVERS formerly known as Parsons, helping change lives for the better •RISSE is a family-based center that supports newcomers in building sustainable lives in the United States•
Nancy and Frank Allen
Anonymous in memory of Kyra Swartz
Susan and Ronald Backer
Sheila and Tom Baker
Linda and Mike Barnas in appreciation of the Social Action Committee
Joni Lieberman Basen and Don Basen
Jan Reiss-Weitzman and Richard Bass
Phyllis Berk
Myrna Bernstein
Howard Berkun
Susan and Joseph Bierman in appreciation of The Social Action Committee
Laurie Stein and Michael Bigley
Jessica and Alex Brand in memory of Shirley Pomerantz
Elaine Burrick in memory of Jason Burrick
Frances and John Curley
Beth and Barry Davis
The Dembling family in memory of Phoebe Kerness
Margie and Rob Dorkin
Ruthie and Norm Ellenbogen in memory of Shirley Pomerantz
Margaret and Sam Feldman
Dr. and Mrs. James Finnerty in memory of Dr. Myron Gordon Lisa and Bruce Finkle
Cynthia Freedman in memory of Janice Rosenthal
Lisa A. Freedman
Donna and Anthny Futia in appreciation of everyone who helps keep Beth Emeth connected with virtual programs
Gail Kendall and David Galletly
Carolyn and Bruce Ginsburg
Eunice Golderman
Shirley and Herb Gordon in memory of Shirley Brand
Jill Goodman and Artie Malkin
Melissa and Ronald Greenberg
Emily Handelman
Marcia and Michael Horelick
Kerryn and Michael Kent
Cheryl Gelder-Kogan and Barry Kogan in memory of Shirley Pomerantz
Jodi Boyle and Matt Kohn in appreciation of Steve Squires
Susan and Philip Kushner
Judy Lee in memory of Don Cohen
Dr. Andrea M. Lefton
Julie and Dan Levin
Marsha and Myron Levin
Deborah and Bennett Liebman
Sue and Paul Lipman
Jane Loeb in memory of Pearl Adels Loeb and Martin Loeb
Melissa and Michael Lurie
Robyn and Edward Marinstein
Anne and Michael Marmulstein
Ruth Mendel
Nan Miller in honor of Steve Squires’ 30 years at CBE and in memory of Pat Snyder
Wendy and David Palat
Ellen Reohr
Donna and Lee Rosen
Jacalyn Itzkow and Carl Ruppert in memory of Rosalind and Philip Itzkow and Carl and Antoinette Ruppert
The Schaffer family
The Schwalb family
Nancy Siegel
Cookie and Peter Siegel
Steffi Silon in appreciation of Nari Gottlieb
Jayne and Jeffrey Silver
Marilyn and Ronald Silverman
Ellen and Keith Simon
Robin and Ted Sobol
Debbie and Rick Sokoler
Debbie and Mark Swyer
Caleb and Hayden Szubski in memory of Shirley Pomerantz
Karen F. Rosenberg and Roy Szubski in memory of Shirley Pomerantz
Sara Salitan-Thiell and Aaron Thiell
Beverly Vener in memory of Dr. Myron Gordon
Gail Volk in honor of Get Out the Vote
Lynn and Andrew Warheit
Harriet Wicks15
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A taste of Carnegie Deli is a taste of New York! CBE has all you need to create an authentic
Carnegie Deli hot pastrami and corned beef sandwich at home.
4 oz. Black and White Cookie $ 2.50 4 inch Cheese Cake $12.50 6 Knishes $24.00 32 oz. Sour Pickles $ 6.00 Sliced Loaf of Seeded Rye $ 4.50 1.5 lb Sliced Corned Beef $24.00 1.5 lb Sliced Pastrami $24.00
Preorder by clicking here, or on our website by January 29
Pick up at CBE Super Bowl Sunday,
February 7, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
It’s just CBE helping you (to stay home) and you helping us (this is a fundraiser)
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Shabbat of December 4-5 in memory of The Englander family Bertha Markstein Peckerman Michele and Larry Sloman Albert Sloman Shabbat of December 11-12 in memory of Harriet Wicks and family Michael J. Wicks Shabbat of December 18-19 in memory of William Englander Helen M. Englander Shabbat of December 25-26 in memory of David Gallety Micki Nevett Ilene and Jerry Sykes Ada Jean Sykes January 1-2 in memory of Arthur P. Herman Beatrice Herman Gail Kendall Richard Friedman Lori and Michael Leichman Emma Singer Bauer Jeanette P. Rosen and family Harry Pearl Ellie Safranko Jennie Gingold Tinkle Miriam Soffer Sanford Soffer Harriet and Doug Spector Miriam Spector Sandra and Charles Stern Benjamin Taichnar Carol Rosenstock Tulgan Jacob E. Finklestein Shabbat of January 8-9 in memory of David Ardman Arthur Ardman Fran and John Curley Rosalind Cohn Wilder Selma Heflich and family Dr. Melvin D. Heflich Jill Goodman and Artie Malkin Aaron and Joshua Malkin Claire Turk Goodman Ilene and Chip Stein Hersh Dembo Harriet Wicks and family Rosalind Cohn Wilder Shabbat of January 15-16 in memory of The Bray family Pearl Starr Bray The Friedlander family Dorothy Friedlander Sherry Gold and family Bernard “Bernie” Singer Marcia and Michael Horelick, Susan and Stuart Teper and Toby and Fred Wander Shirley Solomon Teper Josie Kivort Stanley Kivort Millie and Mike Serling Sarah Serling The Shrager, Bain and Carillo families Joan Goldstein Peter Spitalny Miriam "Mim" Spitalny Nancy Yaffee and family Eric C. Yaffee Shabbat of January 22-23 in memory of Andrew Alpart and Cindy Chan Anne Alpart Feldman Elizabeth and Edward Berger Benjamin Eric Berger Betsy and Don Feldstein Dr. William S. Godfried The Friedlander family Morris Monk Pat and Bob Friedman Jeanette Morrison The Goldslager and Zinnershine families Lou Zinnershine Donna, Jeffrey and Emily Gordon Erwin J. Riven
Beautification This fund enhances our synagogue campus and bima with flowers. Listed are the donations received by December 15. Donations received after, will be listed in the February Bulletin. You are able to place donations on our website under “Beautifica-tion Fund.” Be sure to list your name(s) and your loved one(s) exactly as you wish them to appear in the Bulletin.
Shabbat of January 22-23 (Cont.) in memory of Karol Gordon Henry Tucker Rheba Izenberg-Greene Sidney Izenberg Helene and Dr. Ed Haven Anne Weiner Goldblatt Marcia and Michael Horelick, Susan and Stuart Teper and Toby and Fred Wander Edward Teper Lucy and John Myers Linda and Bill Myers Elaine M. Cohn Matt Riven and Courney, Chloe and Isabella Erwin J. Riven The Newman and Rosen families Mitchell J. Newman Sue and Gerry Segelman Dr. William S. Godfried Michele and Larry Sloman Pearl E. Sloman Sandra and Charles Stern William B. Stern Lynn and Dr. Andrew Warheit Walter S. Warheit Merna Zinnershine and family Lou Zinnershine Shabbat of January 29-30 in memory of Marla and Robert Blumenthal Samuel Richard Blumenthal Pat and Bob Friedman Celia M. Schutzman Carol G. Rosenthal and family Janice Beth Rosenthal Mollie and David Shulan Jay W. Shulan Debbie and Rick Sokoler Heinz Marx Peter Spitalny Dr. Jack M. Spitalny Hilary and Jeffrey Teitel Stephen Stracher Allison and Martin Warzala Jason Burrick
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A L I S O N J O H N S O N , M B A
www.hudsonrivercareers.com | 518.482.5909
professional recruitment outplacement
career search strategies resume preparation
Lerner’s Catering, LLC A FAMILY TRADITION FOR OVER 50 YEARS
STEVEN LERNER 518-577-8005 [email protected]
QUALITY FOODS AND SERVICE FOR:SMALL GATHERINGS
SHIVAS BRUNCH
LUNCHEON BREAKFAST MEETINGS BRIS/BABY NAMING
WE WILL BRING TO YOU!
CLERGY Scott L. Shpeen Senior Rabbi Sharon Kohn Interim Cantor Alexandra Stein Rabbinic Intern
STAFF Kathy Golderman Shara L. Siegfeld Deborah Sokoler
OFFICERS Michael Lurie Robyn Marinstein Melissa Greenberg Robin Sobol Robert Kivort
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
100 Academy Road Albany, NY 12208
Phone: 518.436.9761
The Einhorn Center for Jewish Education Phone: 518.432.1392
BethEmethAlbany.org
General Inquiries: [email protected]
_____________________________
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID
ALBANY, NY PERMIT #32
Connect Belong Engage
President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Treasurer Secretary
Executive Director Director of Education Program Director
Taylor Alfred Moshe Bonder Jack Burman CBEYG President Erik Cooley Barry Z. Davis Brotherhood President Barry Feinman Carolyn Ginsburg Rose Golden Alison Johnson
Karen Kaufman-White Kerryn Kent Meredith Ray-LaBatt Sisterhood President Steve Lobel James Milstein Abby Nash Debbie Ratner Jessica Richer Joe Schwartz Steven Shrager
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pots and Pans with Chef Mark Burgasser Volume III
Saturday, February 6, 7:00 pm
Apple Craisin Tostada
Social Action Shabbat Guest Speaker Lee Winkelman, RAC-NY Friday, February 19
