Congregational Shabbat Dinner€¦ · make a great Queen Esther in 2015?” the audience might respond Princess Kate, Meghan Trainor (All About the Bass) or Alan Hoffman. That’s

CongregationBethTorah

February2015Shavat/Adar5775

Congregational Shabbat Dinner Friday, February 6

and Friday, February 27

(see pages 9 & 10 for more information)

Congregation Beth Torah | Page 2

GETYOURSNARKYONHere is my first memory of Purim: the megillah reading took forever and a bee stung me at the carnival.

As a consequence of that day’s tragic events, Purim is my least favorite holiday. Years of talk, hypno and aroma therapies have yet to alleviate my pain. Though I cannot heal my own wounds, I have vowed that Purim will be a positive experience for Beth Torah’s

members! This year’s Purim events promise to be crazy fun and the odds of a bee sting at night in the synagogue are pretty low.

We’ll start by reintroducing Torah Time Theater. Our older children will entertain our younger children by accompanying the Purim story with puppets. Thank you Mike Wurzman for bringing back this beloved program. Next, we’ll be treated to dinner theater. Under Rachel Leventon’s expert direction, a company of players will bring the Purim story to life in musical form. After a costume parade we’ll forgo reading Megilat Esther and instead begin Megilat “Texter.”

What is Megilat Texter, you ask? It’s exactly like a traditional reading with one exception: it is an interactive megillah reading. You will be a part of the reading without speaking a lick of Hebrew. Even in the season of miracles, how is this miracle possible you ask?

Questions, jokes, and trivia will be projected on the wall behind the megillah readers via a Power Point presentation. The congregation will be able to heckle and jeer by texting their responses from their cell phones. Their snarky comments will be inserted into the Power Point presentation in live time and appear on the wall using software called Poll Everywhere. For example, if the question appears on the wall, “Who would make a great Queen Esther in 2015?” the audience might respond Princess Kate, Meghan Trainor (All About the Bass) or Alan Hoffman. That’s right, bring your cellphone, your wit, and your teenager. Sarcasm and fast fingers are an asset!

Here’s what I love the most about Megilat Texter: other than hilarity ensuing it allows us to build the megillah experience as a community. The brilliance of the evening is powered by a hundred minds and not just a few people. Beth Torah has always been about the contributions of the many combining to create a fantastic spiritual experience. There is always an opportunity at CBT to be a part of things, and our megillah reading will be no exception.

I look forward to sharing this holiday with you. Perhaps, our celebration will even get me over my “Grinch Who Stole Purim” attitude. Now if I only I could figure out what to wear for a costume…I’m sure y’all will start posting your tasteful suggestions on the CBT Facebook page.

Chag Sameach!

RabbiElana Zelony

LCDirectorRuth Schor

PresidentAlan Hoffman

ExecutiveVPCheryl Drazin

DevelopmentVPVikki Silvis

EducationVPJessica Winter

FinancialVPDavid Engelberg

MembershipVPDebbie Wills

RitualVPNeil Burnstein

TreasurerDavid Rosen

BoardSecretaryMarty Fried

PastPresidentChuck Smith

Intheeventofanemergency—For illness, death, or other family life cycle emergency after‐hours, please

contact Rabbi Zelony at 310.409.6532.

Synagogueofficesareopen—Sundays, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Mondays—Thursdays, 9AM to 5:30 PM Fridays, 9AM to 5PM

Welcome back

Torah Time Theater!

Rabbi Elana Zelony | 972.234.1542 x285 | [email protected] FromtheRabbi


I thought I would write my article this month to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. There are so many great programs occurring within our congregation. We are beginning to achieve our goal of offering some type of programming for everyone. I feel us getting better every day.

Here’s a little bit about what’s happening. We have seen programs from Chai Lights (Grapevine Wine Tour), The Middle (Dueling Pianos), Sisterhood (Book Club, Torah Fund), Men’s Club (4‐Seasons Sports, World‐Wide Wrap) and Young Families (Havdalah Programs, Movie Night). All auxiliary group activities

are open to all congregants. We are preparing for our community Purim celebration on Wednesday, March 4. This will be a celebration for all. We will have two Magillah readings, a Purim Schpiel “in the round” and, of course, food! Order your Hamantaschen (from Sisterhood), wear your costume, and get ready for FUN!

The Beth Torah community came together early in January for a Town Hall meeting to discuss the changes in our Learning Center and help chart a course for the future. We have listened to your feedback. The minutes from the meeting were sent to our Learning Center families as well as our Board. If you would like a copy, please contact Jessica Winter, Education Vice President. Our Learning Center task force under the direction of Cheryl Drazin met in a Sunday workshop. They will meet once again in February to draw conclusion to the scoping of our program’s future. In addition, I have asked Stephanie Elad to chair our Education Director Search Committee. She is forming the committee which will begin meeting in the coming week. I will be sure to share more details as they become available.

While our programming continues to grow, our need for financial support grows as well. I will outline a couple of opportunities to get involved below but, before I do, I want to let you know that our CBT 40 and Beyond campaign is as active as ever. Your generous contributions have allowed us pay down a significant portion of our mortgage principle. We still need to secure the last $200,000 in pledges to ensure we pay off the mortgage in the next four years. Allan Rosen and Mark Kreditor lead this committee. Please let them know how you can help.

Several months ago we began a program called CBT Cares. Our goal is to reach out to congregants in need during an illness or loss of a loved one. We provide comfort as well as a meal to the family. We have touched so many families in a very short time. Since this is a new program we did not budget for their needs. I am asking you to think about supporting their efforts financially. Whether its $18 or more, every dollar will go directly to helping our fellow congregants. See page 8 for CBT Cares contact information.

Celebrating Shabbat as a community has grown tremendously. We have celebrated many milestones this past month. We have seen celebrations for birthdays, Bar Mitzvah anniversaries, an Auf Ruf, and our growing Tot Shabbat and new Family Service. We now see attendance of 125‐150 or more on a regular basis. Our Sisterhood continues to provide excellent lunches while we schmooze as a Kehilah. If you have a milestone coming up, or just feel the need to give back, please consider sponsoring or contributing to an upcoming Kiddush lunch. Contact Esther Cohen for more information.

The energy and buzz is all around CBT. If you haven’t been to services or a program lately, come on home. We’re here for you.

Photo of President courtesy of DSPN Photos—Photography by David Duchin

Alan Hoffman | [email protected] FromthePresident

Submissions for the Family Record are encouraged! The deadline for each issue is the FIRST OF THE MONTH prior to publication month and can be done online at http://congregationbethtorah.org/calendar‐communications. The Family Record is published in color and mailed monthly, except bi‐monthly during sum‐mer, to those who subscribe ($50 per year subscription). Contact the office to subscribe.

Congregation Beth Torah 720 W. Lookout Drive, Richardson TX 75080

972.234.1542 | 972.783.1463 (Fax) http://congregationbethtorah.org/

Allauxiliarygroup

activitiesareopentoall

congregants


Shalom Y’all,

“If you should happen to have a sapling in your hand when they tell you the Messiah has arrived, first finish planting, then go out and greet the Messiah.”

—Yochanan Ben Zakkai,

Avot de‐Rabbi Natan 31b

We often quote Yochanan Ben Zakkai’s saying when Tu B’Shevat draws near. His words point to the enormous importance of trees. Although there is no mention about the holiday in the Torah, we learn about the importance of trees to the Jewish people in various biblical stories and commandments.

Tu B’Shevat is celebrated at the time when the almond tree in Israel blooms. Although the trees have not yet born fruit, a blossom is a beautiful thing in itself and it holds the promise of what is to come. Yochanan Ben Zakkai was not trying to minimize the powerful importance of the coming of the Messiah. What he was saying is that while we are waiting for the Messianic age, we do not hold our breath. Instead we continue to tend to the needs of our world and we as Jews have extra obligations to a very special place in this world and it is the land of Israel, our physical and spiritual home. While we are waiting for universal peace, justice and truth the least we can do is keep planting trees in Israel and make a commitment to support all JNF causes. Tu B’Shevat is not just the holiday for the trees. It should be recognized as a day of celebrating the JNF’s incredible work and most important achievement that played a crucial role in the establishment of Israel and its continuous growth and development. We are most familiar with the JNF tree planting projects and indeed it has planted more than 240 million trees since 1901. But when we celebrate Tu B’Shevat this year on February 4, let’s take the time to educate ourselves about the JNF’s amazing work as it will introduce us to the challenges Israel is facing and will motivate us to increase our support of her.

Over the last decade the JNF has dramatically increased Israel’s water resources and developed water management project that are very critical to Israel’s survival. It also took charge of community development by building infrastructure necessary to create and support entire communities throughout Israel.

Tu B’Shevat inspires us to beautify also our own Beth Torah landscaping. Our students will plant small bushes and seasonal flowers in areas that need a green touch and colorful cheer. Any small donation toward this project will be greatly appreciated.

In honor of Tu B’Shevat let’s make a commitment to a new growth within ourselves, in our surrounding nature and in our homeland.

Sunday,February19:00 AM—Classes

Wednesday,February4

4:45 PM—Classes

Sunday,February89:00 AM—Classes, Family

Program, and Monthly Program

Wednesday,February114:45 PM—Classes

Sunday,February15

9:00 AM—Classes and Music

Wednesday,February184:45 PM—Classes and Cooking

Sunday,February22

9:00 AM—Classes & Library

Wednesday,February254:45 PM—Classes

Ruth Schor, Director of Learning Center | 972.234.1542 x232 LC‐[email protected] FromLearningCenter


Friday Night Leaders Rabbi Elana Zelony, Jerry Zeffren, Jacob Whitcomb, Eli Davidsohn, Chloe Roberts, Earl Bills, Garry Kahalnik

Psukei D’Zimra: Earl Bills, Rabbi Elana Zelony, Arny Felner

Shacharit: Garry Kahalnik, Jerry Zeffren, Gary Booth

Hallel: Rabbi Elana Zelony

Torah Service: Elizabeth Stein, Jacob Whitman, Chloe Roberts, Arny Felner

Gabbai: Chuck Smith, Garry Kahalnik

TorahandHaftorahReaders

andServiceLeadersWanted

Are you interested in learning to

chant Torah or Haftorah or lead

part of the Shabbat evening or

morning service? If you are,

please contact Rusty Dworkin at

972.713.0159 or

[email protected].

While we generally do not schedule service leaders and Torah readers in advance for

the daily minyanim, we would also like to thank

everyone who steps forward and helps our daily services

be just as enjoyable and participatory as during

Shabbat and the Chagim (Holidays).

On behalf of the congregation, the Ritual Committee wishes a hearty Yasher Koach and Thank You to the following congregants, friends and family who led a service, read from the Torah, or chanted a Haftarah on Shabbat, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah during the month of DECEMBER 2014:

Torah Readers: Susan Cooper, Myrna Silver, Joe Liken, Elizabeth Stein, Eileen Kessner, John Wills, Eli Davidsohn, Jerry Zeffren, Karen Prager‐Eaves, Jacob Whitcomb, Eleanor Eidels, Chloe Roberts

Haftarah: Jessica Winter, Jacob Whitcomb, Chloe Roberts, David Mandell

Sermons and Sermonettes: Rabbi Elana Zelony, Jacob Whitcomb, Chloe Roberts, Earl Bills, Garry Kahalnik

Musaf: Arny Felner, Joe Liken, Chloe Roberts, Garry Kahalnik

Neil Burnstein, Ritual VP | Ritual‐[email protected] Marty Barenblat & Garry Kahalnik (Co‐Chairs) | [email protected] FromRitual

Candle Lighting Friday Services Shabbat Services Tot Shabbat Junior Congregation Havdalah (60)

5:46 PM 6:30 PM Feb–6 9:30 AM Feb–7 10:30 AM Jan–3 7:05 PM

5:52 PM 6:30 PM Feb–13 9:30 AM Feb–14 11:00 AM Feb–14 10:30 AM Jan–10 7:11 PM

5:58 PM 6:30 PM Feb–20 9:30 AM Feb–21 10:30 AM Jan–17 7:17 PM

6:04 PM 7:00 PM Feb–27 9:30 AM Feb–28 11:00 AM Feb–28 10:30 AM Jan–24 7:23 PM

Friday Night Services will start at 7:00 PM on Friday, February 27

Sunday, February 1 9:00 AM Sunday, February 15 8:30 AM

Monday, February 2 6:45 AM Monday, February 16 6:45 AM

Sunday, February 8 8:30 AM Sunday, February 22 8:30 AM

Monday, February 9 6:45 AM Monday, February 23 6:45 AM

Morning M

inyan


Share your news! Go to www.congregationbethtorah.org and click on the ‘Congregant News’ link (don’t forget to

upload a photo if you have one!) or contact Carren, office administrator, at 972.234.1542 x221.

Condolences... Ira Nevelow on the passing of his father,

Maurice Nevelow (December 20).

Alan Adler on the passing of his mother,

Margie Adler (December 21).

Carol Kaplan on the passing of her father, Abraham Kaplan (January 18).

David Corekin on the passing of his father, Donald Corekin (January 23).

FamilyNews

To update your member information, contact Carren in the office at 972.234.1542 x221 or submit the correction online at http://congregationbethtorah.org/member‐information‐update/

ThankYou! We thank the following congregants for their Kiddush sponsorship and contributions in January...

Carol & Allan Rosen in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.

Myron Stayman in honor of the 40th anniversary of Phil's Bar Mitzvah and the 12th anniversary of Aaron's Bar Mitzvah.

The Israel Action Committee and Magdi Olah in celebration of Magdi's

birthday.

Evelyn & Paul Utay in celebration of Paul’s 70th birthday.

One of our focal points at CBT is the time we spend together after services—noshing and schmoozing. Contact Esther Cohen (972.985.7105) if you'd like to sponsor or contribute to a Shabbat luncheon.

MazelTovto... Herb Weinstein on celebrating birthday #75!

Herb invites the entire congregation to share in his simcha. Join us on Saturday, February 14 when Herb is called to the Torah during Shabbat Services and help celebrate afterward as Sisterhood and the Weinsteins co‐sponsor a Kiddush luncheon in honor of this special occasion.

Jeremy & Cecilia Shorr 4‐Feb 26 yrs

Laslo & Magdi Olah 6‐Feb 20 yrs

David Goldstein & Laura Levy 8‐Feb 11 yrs

Steve & Jane Simmons 9‐Feb 23 yrs

Michael & Elizabeth Brothman 12‐Feb 15 yrs

David & Michele Mandell 19‐Feb 21 yrs

Paul & Ruth Feldman 22‐Feb 51 yrs

Brad & Carol Boa 26‐Feb 26 yrs

Roderick & Linda Bradley 28‐Feb 34 yrs

HappyAnniversary

KiddushSponsorship

One of Beth Torah’s focal points is the time we spend together after services—noshing and schmoozing. Contact Esther Cohen (972.985.7105) if you'd like to sponsor or contribute to a Shabbat luncheon.

OurBlueBin…Desperately Needs You! This bin, located in our parking lot, is a fundraising effort for our Learning Center students but, sadly, is not collecting enough to warrant keeping it on site much longer. Please help us turn that around! As you clean out your closets and drawers, drop your castoff shoes, clothing, belts, hats, caps, purses, toys, backpacks, pots, pans, and stuffed animals in this bin. For questions contact Ruth Schor at 972.234.1542 x232. (No furniture, appliances, knives, or glass items.)


CavanaughFlightMuseum

Open to the entire Beth Torah community, bring the kids and grandkids and join Chai Lights as we tour the Cavanaugh Flight Museum (kids not required).

Sunday, March 22

3PM—5PM

Sunday, March 15 registration deadline

50+ fully‐restored planes dating back to WW I & WW II Military vehicles, including a Sherman Tank Climate‐controlled hangar Take a formal‐guided tour (need group of 20) or wander yonder Airplane and helicopter rides available, starting at $150 Museum store with models, books, snacks, gifts, and apparel Optional dinner after tour

The Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison is a non‐profit 501(c)(3) educational organization devoted to promoting aviation studies and to perpetuating America's aviation heritage; the museum fulfills its mission by restoring, operating, maintaining and displaying historically‐significant, vintage aircraft, and by collecting materials related to the history of aviation.

$7 per Chai Lights member $9 per adult guest $4 per child Please reserve now so we can get a group rate—you can add others later. And, as always, your check is your reservation. Please indicate how many will be going to dinner. Make check payable to Chai Lights Mail to Gene Taper

6427 Redpine Road Dallas TX 75248‐2949

Event questions...

Joe Black 972.407.1437 Nat Cohen 972.985.7105 Museum 972.380.8800

JewishCommunityBuildwithHabitatforHumanityContact Celia Bills / [email protected]

Last year, this program was a huge success so we have decided to do it again—and, of course, we need your help!

For CBT to participate, we must raise $2,000.

$2,000 buys us 10 build spots. If we raise more money, we can have more spots...and the more spots the better so that everyone who wants to be able to build can do so!

Also, we need more people on the steering committee from Beth Torah. Please let us know if you can help. We especially need help with education and youth programming.

Contact Celia Bills today if you can help for the 2015 build year!


Biggest Food Drive of the Year Contact Mindi Sue Rubenstein, 817.371.8992

[email protected]

Save the date for Karen Leynor Mitzvah Day (KLMD). Have an idea of a new project? Want to chair or sponsor a project or help with the food drive?

The food drive is an important part of KLMD and starts now! Our goal is 2015 items! If you are hosting a meeting, please encourage your members to bring a new food item when they come to shul! Food does not need to be Kosher but it must be non‐perishable; check the expiration dates before dropping off in the Beth Torah lobby. Please contact Mindi Sue Rubenstein if you have any questions or would like to help !

Congregation Shabbat Dinner 6 February, Friday, 5:45 PM (Oneg)

Contact Jessica Winter Education‐[email protected]

Join us for a wonderful Shabbat dinner among friends and family as we welcome Shabbat together. Reservation deadline is Monday, February 2. $36 for a family of 4 or $10 per person. Children 5 and under free. Kosher BYOB.

CBT Cares Cooks 15 February, Sunday, 11AM (kitchen)

Contact Carlie Ross [email protected]

Following the joint Sisterhood and Men's Club breakfast, Cares will meet in the kitchen to cook meals for future congregant needs. Space is limited. Please RSVP if you’d like to help.

We are also looking for donations to help fund these meals and other actions that CBT Cares does for our members. With a memo noting it’s for CBT Cares, please send your donations to help those within Congregation Beth Torah.

Hunger Busters 17 February, Tuesday, 10AM (offsite)

Contact Ruben Granado [email protected]

Join Social Action in helping to make sandwiches and boxed meals for hungry students in Dallas schools. All ages and all abilities welcome. Carpool to downtown location at 9:15 AM. Plan to have lunch together afterwards.

Israel Action—Israel & Middle East Updates with Gil Elan

7 February, Saturday, 7PM at the JCC Contact Magdi Olah or Anna Segal

Israel‐[email protected] Join us each month for this FREE monthly update open to the public.

Interested in dinner beforehand? Contact Anna Segal or email Magdi Olah (Israel Action chair).

Gil Elan, President/CEO of SWJC, is a former colonel of IDF and an acclaimed senior Middle East analyst. He has a weekly column in the Texas Jewish Post and combines his knowledge and wit into easy‐to‐read analyses on current events. Read more about Gil online at https://www.swjc.org. Future dates: 11 March, 7 April, 13 May, 10 June.

New Member Shabbat 20 February, Friday, 7PM (Oneg)

Contact Debbie Wills or Gilda Daniel

Please help us welcome all our new members to CBT with a special Shabbat service and Oneg honoring them.

2nd Night Seder is Back! 4 April, Saturday (Oneg)

Come join Rabbi Zelony and her family along with your CBT family and friends. Watch for more details soon!

ShulDoings


Megillah Readers Wanted Calling all teens and adults! Purim is coming. If you’d like to be one of our Megillah readers on March 4 and 5, please contact Lou Kaiser at 972.234.1542.

Singing Voices Needed 22 February, Sunday, 3PM (offsite)

Contact Merilyn Robbins at 214.766.9494 or mrobbins@jones‐blair.com

Social Action will be performing at The Legacy at Willow Bend and needs your singing voice. All ages welcome. Pitch–perfection not required! We would also like someone who can play guitar to lead us in song.

Text Study with Rabbi Z 25 February, Wednesday, 11AM

The Legacy at Willow Bend 6101 Ohio Drive, Plano TX 75024 972.468.6200

Contact Liz Oliver [email protected]

Join Rabbi Zelony on the fourth Wednesday of the month for this FREE study. No need to register.

Publication Reminders 1 February, Sunday, March Family Record 4 February, Wednesday, M3 (monthly mini mailing) 1 March, Sunday, April Family Record 4 February, Wednesday, M3 (monthly mini mailing)

Contact Marty Fried, [email protected]

Do you have information or an event announcement that should be highlighted? Don’t miss out! Submit it (or them) online at http://congregationbethtorah.org/calendar‐communications. Submit it once for all of our deadlines.

Welcome Liz Oliver Liz—already known as Liz‐O in the office—is thrilled to be our new Rabbi’s Administrative Assistant and Membership Associate. The next time you’re in the building—or hear a new voice on the phone—introduce yourself to her!

Liz’s professional experience includes 20 years of administrative support in for–profit, non–profit, sales, and government environments. She also has experience in contract management and event planning. Liz resides in McKinney and has previously lived in northern Virginia and Pennsylvania. She would love to visit Israel someday.

Monday—Friday, 9AM to 5PM 972.234.1542 extension 227

[email protected]

Shabbat Dinner 27 February, Friday, 6PM (services begin at 7PM)

All Are Welcome! $18 per person $10 per child

FREE for 2 and under

Please RSVP by mailing your check

Esther Cohen 3628 S. Echo Trail Plano TX 75023

Contact Esther for questions at [email protected]

ShulDoings


LadiesWhoLunch10 February, Tuesday, 12:30 PM

Contact Carol Taper at 972.931.0202 [email protected]

Nosh with the ladies at a different location around town each month. Want to join us in February? RSVP to Carol for location by February 9. Future dates are March 17, April 21, May 19, and June 16.

Esther Cohen & Robyn Rose, Co‐Presidents [email protected]

Sarah Laughed by Vanessa L. Ochs offers us reflections on the lives of Old Testament matriarchs and you won’t want to miss the lively discussions around them. We will read one chapter a month. The book is available online or in the book store.

The study group for Sarah Laughed will meet for a light dinner followed by a discussion on our current chapter. Reservations must be confirmed one week prior to each dinner so that we can plan sufficient food and space.

ModernLessonsFromBiblicalWomen

SisterhoodShabbat27 & 28 February, Friday & Saturday

Contact Lisa Miller at 214.240.4384 miller‐[email protected]

The community is welcome to come together at the annual Sisterhood Shabbat.

This year, members will focus on Connecting with the Women of Israel with prayers and inspiration to highlight the role Israeli women play in our past, present, and future. We will have a lovely Shabbat dinner (6:00 PM) followed by Friday Night services (7:00 PM). Saturday morning services (9:30 AM) will culminate in a Kiddush luncheon hosted by Sisterhood.

Please join all of your Sisterhood Family for what will be a wonderful opportunity to experience joy in our Shabbat observance!

PurimBagsComingSoon!Watch your email for information on ordering Mishloah Manot. We’ll be using Happy Purim again so your past order history will be available.

12 February, Thursday, 5:45 PM Contact Nancy Siegel

[email protected]

FromSisterhood

This Month’s Chapter Sarah

ArtNight19 February, Thursday, 6:30–8:30 PM

Make Expression 4851 Legacy Drive Suite 606 (NW corner of Legacy and Lebanon)

Frisco TX 75034 www.makeexpression.com

Contact Sarah Bartfield, [email protected]

Join us for a fun and creative evening. Pick your project—pottery painting, glass fusion, mosaic creation, candle making. The costs start around $12 to $20 and goes up depending on your project. You can come early or late... not all projects will take the whole time. RSVP to Sarah Bartfield

CollegeConnectionContact Melanie Joison, [email protected]

College Connection helps students stay connected while away at school. This is not only for parents to order, but also grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends—you name it! Everyone likes to receive a care pack! Don’t worry if you missed the earlier package, you can still participate in the last one.

Mahj8 February, Sunday, 10AM to Noon

Contact Debra Pak, [email protected]

We’ll have tables for newbies as well as long‐time players. Even if you've never even seen a mahj tile, please join us. Bring your friends and make new ones! Breakfast is available—$5 at the door per session. Future dates are April 12 and May 3.


2014/2015 Reading Schedule

The Seamstress by Sara Tuvel Bernstein (May 20)

The Eight by Katherine Neville (July 15)

Coming up in March... The Golem and the Jinni by Helen Wecker

Helene Wecker's debut novel weaves strands of Yiddish and Middle Eastern literature, historical fiction, and magical fable into a wondrously inventive and unforgettable tale.

A chance meeting between mythical beings takes readers on a dazzling journey through cultures in turn‐of‐the‐century New York. Chava is a golem, a creature made of clay, brought to life by a disgraced rabbi who dabbles in dark Kabbalistic magic and dies at sea on the voyage from Poland. Chava is unmoored and adrift as the ship arrives in New York harbor in 1899. Ahmad is a jinni, a being of fire born in the ancient Syrian desert, trapped in an old copper flask, and released in New York City. Though still not entirely free, Ahmad and Chava become unlikely friends and soul mates with a mystical connection.

SisterhoodBookClub

HoldtheDates15 February, Sunday, 9:00 AM

Joint Sisterhood & Men’s Club Breakfast

27‐28 February Sisterhood Shabbat Weekend (see page 9)

March & April Social Action—Biggest Food Drive of the Year

26 April, Sunday Social Action—Karen Leynor Mitzvah Day

18 March, Wednesday, 7:30 PM The Golem and the Jinni by Helen Wecker

RSVP to Carol Rothschild (972.805.3612) if you plan to attend this month’s meeting in her home.

For questions about the book club Contact Carol Rothschild at 972.805.3612

[email protected]

LadiesNightOut12 February, Thursday, 8:30 PM

Russo’s Coal Fire Italian Kitchen 700 E Campbell Rd, Richardson

Contact Rachel Leventon [email protected]

Give yourself a break...and a margarita! RSVP to Rachel and plan on joining the girls for some R&R.

FromSisterhood(continued)

LadiesNightOutwithSushi26 March, Thursday, 7PM

Whole Foods Kitchen 2201 Preston Road, Plano

Contact Sarah Bartfield [email protected]

Sushi fans unite! Let's learn how to make sushi so we can enjoy it at home. Join us for an educational and yummy night. $35 check is your reservation. RSVP to Sarah.

MarchMezuzahMadness

30% OFF ALL MEZZUZOT and $18 kosher parchments (regularly $25). Plus, come check out our large selection of Passover items.


(Men’s Club monthly breakfast programs are open to everyone. $7 for Men’s Club members | $5 students | $10 for non‐members.)

First of all, thank you to everyone who attended our December and January Breakfast Events, and those who have participated in all of the other Men’s Club and shul events. These events included:

Serving lunch at Prince of Wales on Christmas Day

Serving a pancake breakfast to our learning center students in January Participating in the Rashi USY Bowl‐a‐Thon

Men’s Club remains actively engaged in the Jewish Community and our membership continues to grow. We have already surpassed our membership count from last year!!! We hope to see you at some of our upcoming events…

1 February, Sunday, 9AM (sleep in!)—Dallas Jewish Community World‐Wide Wrap! Beth Torah will be hosting Men's Clubs from around Dallas for this annual “World‐Wide” event. We are expecting a large turnout from Anshai Torah, Shearith Israel, and Tiferet Israel synagogues.

15 February, Sunday, 8:30 AM—Our minyan and breakfast meeting will be a joint program with Sisterhood. In our annual tradition, it will be an “Oscar” Theme—we have confirmations from Stephen Becker and Chris Vognar, the subject matter experts!

15 March, Sunday, 5PM—Men’s Club group outing to Dallas Stars Game! Tickets are only $15! Contact Brian Rubenstein at [email protected] for additional information.

20–21 March—Men’s Club members will lead services on Friday Night and lead services and chant Torah on Shabbat morning. joins us for Men’s Club Shabbat Weekend, which occurs the same weekend as Scholar‐in‐Residence.

28 March, Saturday, 8:45 PM—Join us for “Cigars and Spirits.” We will be hosted by Lynda and Jeff Markowitz for an evening of camaraderie and relaxation.

***Dallas Kosher BBQ Championship (October 25, 2015)—Plans are underway and our committee has selected a site for this wonderful fundraiser for MC and our shul. Under the leadership of Larry Strauss, efforts to obtain underwriters and sponsors are in process. Stay tuned!

David Mandell, Men’s Club President [email protected] FromMen’sClub

Interactive and entertaining Purim celebration! Watch the

upcoming eNews and bulletins for more information.

March 4 6PM Family‐style dinner. $36 / family of four; $10 per person; children 5 and under eat free.

Must RSVP by February 27

[email protected]


40thBirthdayIn Honor Of Congregation Beth Torah Martha & Arnold Schecter

MarkA.SiegelAdultEdIn Memory Of John E. Reuler

Howard & Judy Bazarsky

BurntheMortgage—Howard & Judy Bazarsky

In Honor Of

50th Wedding Anniversary of Carol & Allan Rosen Carol Rothschild Mark & Carol Kreditor

In Memory Of Albert Bryan

Bob & Elaine Scharf

Joseph Roth Irwin Roth

Mark Kreditor’s father Larry Marcy Helfand Bev & Larry Broman Bob & Elaine Scharf Larry & Shirley Strauss

CampScholarshipIn Memory Of Mark Kreditor's father Larry Zelda & Shawn Mash

EducationEndowmentIn Memory Of

Mark Kreditor's father Larry Elysia & Ray Zale

LearningCenterIn Memory Of Benjamin Sharfstein Chick Sham

WeGratefullyAcknowledgetheFollowingContributions...

Rabbi'sDiscretionaryA Speedy Recovery For Rabbi Zelony Bob & Elaine Scharf

In Appreciation Of Rabbi Zelony Paul & Ruth Feldman

In Honor Of Barbara Kaufman Marilyn Guzick

Rabbi Zelony's Installation Howard & Ronnie Zandman

In Memory Of Charles Dubsky Deborah Duvsky

Harold Hainebach Anne & Ronnie Davidoff

Pepi Fass Simon & Frances Fass

Rosa Amar Fortuna & Isaac Antebi

RitualIn Memory Of

Moe Kuchinsky Arnie Kuchinsky

Zelda Kuchinsky Arnie Kuchinsky

Edward Newman Marsha Kreitman

Sarah Kreitman Marsha Kreitman

SocialActionIn Memory Of Dale Steven Greenblatt Merilyn Robbins

Operating—Bob & Roberta Lazarus

A Speedy Recovery For Gene Taper Evelyn & Paul Utay

In Celebration Of 50th Anniversary of Carol & Allan Rosen Philip & Donna Schmidt Esther & Nat Cohen

Chloe Roberts' Bat Mitzvah Jo & Jerry Zeffren Evelyn & Paul Utay

Jacob Whitcomb's Bar Mitzvah Jo & Jerry Zeffren

Janet and Marty Fried's new grandson

Esther & Nat Cohen

Jeff and Jody Mann's new grandson Esther & Nat Cohen

Vikki and Scott Silvis' daughter’s wedding Esther & Nat Cohen

In Memory Of Chick Sham's brother Richard Sharfstein Esther & Nat Cohen Jo & Jerry Zeffren

Jo Pasternack's mother Evelyn Weinberg Evelyn & Paul Utay

Mark Kreditor's father Larry Eileen & Howard Kessner Esther & Nat Cohen

Questions Liz Oliver at 972.234.1542 x227 [email protected] ...or concerns

about listed (or not listed) donations?



24thAnnualMarkA.SiegelScholarInResidence

LinkingPasttoPresent:JewishRitualsLinkingPasttoPresent:JewishRitualsLinkingPasttoPresent:JewishRitualsFeaturing Scholar In ResidenceFeaturing Scholar In ResidenceFeaturing Scholar In Residence

VANESSAL.OCHS,PHDFriday, March 20 Friday, March 20 Friday, March 20 ——— Saturday, March 21, 2015Saturday, March 21, 2015Saturday, March 21, 2015

Congregation Beth Torah is excited to announce a dynamic and vibrant speaker: Dr. Vanessa Ochs, a professor in the Department of Religious Studies and Jewish Studies Program at the University of Virginia and a rabbi.

Dr. Ochs is an award‐winning author. Her books include "Inventing Jewish Ritual,” "Sarah Laughed,” “The Jewish Dream Book," and "Safe and Sound: Protecting Your Child In An Unpredictable World."

SubversiveWomenintheBible:RoleModelsforSocialJustice

Dr. Ochs will share her vivid collection of stories which shines new light upon the legends of the biblical matriarchs. Her wisely crafted narratives present biblical women as role models for how to work within and around the social order to address compelling issues, and strategize on how to bring about social change.

FridayNightService7:00PMMarch20

Dr. Ochs will present the dvar Torah, bringing together Torah text with ritual theory to explore why we may long for a time and place when our rituals were performed as commanded, even though many are no longer performed.

JewishFood—EatingAsaSpiritualPractice

The rules of kashrut (keeping Kosher and beyond) provides a code of practices that maintains ethical standards. These rules also perpetuate a pact with past memories while fostering group identity into the future. Dr Ochs suggests that one set of food rules is based on ethnographic research from Jewish American homes. She will then ask the participants to consider their own Jewish food rules as part of the wisdom passed down from family, and the wisdom gleaned from their individual lives.

ShabbatService9:30AMMarch21

For participants, this program begins after the Oneg

For participants, this program begins after the Kiddush lunch


For questions regarding registration fees, contact Evelyn Utay at 972.980.8228 or [email protected] For all other questions including scholarships, contact Robin Popik, Adult Education SIR Chair, at [email protected]

TheCoconutontheSederPlate:ReinventingtheHaggadah

In the last 30 years new Jewish rituals have been invented and taken root. Dr. Ochs will analyze the evolution of the contemporary Haggadah and other reinvented rituals and introduce numerous additional variations on the traditional Haggadah. Dr. Ochs will also discuss how new rituals emerge; why there have been so many in our era, and which new rituals might be called for in the coming years.

SaturdayEveningMarch21

6:30 PM Sponsor Meet and Greet 7:00 PM Light Dinner for Participants

7:45 PM Presentation Begins Followed by book selling and signing

REGISTRATION—SPONSORSHIPBEFOREMarch 9 $75 CBT Members $90 Non‐Members

AFTERMarch 9 $85 CBT Members $100 Non‐Members

Student Price—$20

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Total Amount: $ Check Enclosed Charge credit card on file at CBT

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CBT Scholar‐in‐Residence Mail to

Evelyn Utay 7273 Alto Caro Dallas, TX 75248

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Chai Platinum $540

Sponsorships

Chai Gold $360

Mitzvah $180

2 tickets for event and 2 books

Sponsorship Recognition

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2015Scholar‐in‐Residence


For questions about the calendar—Marty Fried Board‐[email protected] February2015At‐A‐Glance

1‐Feb Sunday 9:00 AM

Learning Center Classes

Learning Center


(Men's Club) World‐Wide Wrap

David Mandell


Family Record Deadline

Marty Fried


Minyan

Ritual Committee

2‐Feb Monday 6:45 AM

Minyan

Ritual Committee

4‐Feb Wednesday 4:45 PM


Learning Center


Israeli Dance Class

Linda Kahalnik

4‐Feb Wednesday 9:00 AM

M3 Deadline

Marty Fried

4‐Feb Wednesday

Tu B'Shevat

Ritual Committee

6‐Feb Friday 6:30 PM

Kabbalat Shabbat

Ritual Committee

6‐Feb Friday 5:45 AM

Congregational Shabbat Dinner

Jessica Winter

7‐Feb Saturday 7:00 PM

(Israeli Action) Israel & Mideast Updates with Gil Elan

Magdi Olah

7‐Feb Saturday 9:30 AM

Shabbat Service

Ritual Committee


Adult Hebrew Class

Ruth Schor


Havdalah (60 min)

8‐Feb Sunday 7:30 PM

(Class) The Book of Daniel

Earl Bills



Learning Center


Learning Center Family Program (3rd Grade)

Learning Center


Learning Center Monthly Program

Learning Center


Mahjong

Debra Pak

8‐Feb Sunday 1:00 PM

(Youth) USY Painting

David Kuchinsky


Minyan

Ritual Committee


Minyan

Ritual Committee

9‐Feb Monday 7:30 PM

Ritual Committee Meeting

Ritual

10‐Feb Tuesday 12:30 PM

Ladies Who Lunch

Carol Tate



Learning Center


Israeli Dance Class

Linda Kahalnik

12‐Feb Thursday 7:00 PM

Sisterhood Committee Meetings

Esther Cohen


Ladies Night Out

Rachel Leventon


Sisterhood Torah Discussion

Esther Cohen


Kabbalat Shabbat

Ritual Committee


Shabbat Service

Ritual Committee


(Young Families) 'Sweet' & 'Spicy' Havdalah

Leah Singleton


Havdalah (60 min)

14‐Feb Saturday

Shabbat Shekalim

Ritual Committee


Tot Shabbat

Rachel Leventon & Jessica Winter


For questions about the calendar—Marty Fried Board‐[email protected] February2015At‐A‐Glance


Learning Center Classes & Music

Learning Center


(S/MC) Oscar Talk Returns

Esther Cohen


Donuts and Davening with Dad

Leah Singleton


Minyan

Ritual Committee


Minyan

Ritual Committee

17‐Feb Tuesday 10:00 AM

Hunger Busters

Marilyn Guzick


Texas Hold'em Poker

Neil Burnstein



Learning Center


Learning Center Cooking Class

Learning Center


Israel Action Comm Mtg

Magdi Olah


Israeli Dance Class

Linda Kahalnik


Art Night

Sarah Bartfield


Kabbalat Shabbat

Ritual Committee


New Member Shabbat

Debbie Wills


(Israeli Action) Talk 'n Taste of Israel

Magdi Olah


Shabbat Service

Ritual Committee


Purim Bag Stuffing

Stacey Clark


Havdalah (60 min)



Learning Center


Learning Center Library Visits

Learning Center


Purim Bag Stuffing

Stacey Clark


Minyan

Ritual Committee


Minyan

Ritual Committee


Board Meeting

Marty Fried



Learning Center


Israeli Dance Class

Linda Kahalnik

25‐Feb Wednesday 11:00 AM

Text Study with Rabbi Z

Rabbi Zelony


Kabbalat Shabbat

Ritual Committee


Sisterhood‐Sponsored Shabbat

Esther Cohen


Shabbat Service

Ritual Committee

28‐Feb Saturday

Sisterhood‐Sponsored Shabbat

Esther Cohen


(The Middle) Schmoozing

Gloria & Phil Stayman


Adult Hebrew Class

Ruth Schor


Havdalah (60 min)

28‐Feb Saturday

Shabbat Zachor

Ritual Committee


Tot Shabbat

Rachel Leventon & Jessica Winter


720 W. Lookout Drive Richardson, TX 75080 972.234.1542 www.congregationbethtorah.org Service Times Friday Evenings 6:30 PM Saturday Mornings 9:30 AM Junior Congregation (K—5, Sept‐May) Saturday Mornings 10:30—Noon Tot Shabbat 11:00 AM 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month Minyans Sundays—8:30 AM Mondays—6:45 AM

Documents

Congregational Shabbat Dinner€¦ · make a great Queen Esther in 2015?” the audience might respond Princess Kate, Meghan Trainor (All About the Bass) or Alan Hoffman. That’s