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Hineni A Congregation Brith Shalom Publication JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH 2013 Photos above taken at Congregation Brith Shalom’s Dreidel Olympics: Chanukah Extravaganza, Wednesday, December 12, 2012.

January-March 2013 eHineni

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Page 1: January-March 2013 eHineni

HineniA Congregation Brith Shalom Publication

JANUARYFEBRUARYMARCH

2013

Photos above taken at Congregation Brith Shalom’s Dreidel Olympics: Chanukah Extravaganza, Wednesday, December 12, 2012.

Page 2: January-March 2013 eHineni

A Message fromMilton Mosk, III

CBS Board President

2

During my Yom Kippur appeal, I described what our future fi nancial constraints will be once the Year of the Torah funding is completed at the end of the 2014 fi scal year. After June 2014, we will begin to experience signifi cant defi cits if we don’t take action now. For the past three years, the board has been developing a long-term plan to strategically address our fi nancial future. The Fund Development Committee established a “Building Bridges to Secure our Future” campaign, which consists of a three-pronged approach: adjustments to strategic annual giving revenue, an endowment, and a legacy program.

Our current goal is for the endowment to reach $6 million. From that amount, we would expect to add to our general revenues an average annual amount of $200,000 to $240,000 (estimating an annual return of between 3% and 4%). This would represent about 15% of our overall budget. To provide some perspective, we should be generating about 25% of our total budget in endowment income, which would translate into an endowment approaching $10 million! In addition, we are targeting annual giving increases of $50,000 to $100,000 yearly, which would equalize our income with our expenses.

The Board of Trustees adopted this plan and established an Endowment Campaign Cabinet to oversee the project. For the past two years, the Campaign Cabinet has visited with members of the Cabinet and the board of trustees as well as with other synagogue members who were willing to step forward to participate. At this time, we have endowment pledges of approximately $300,000 and approximately $500,000 in known Legacy commitments. Many of the members of the cabinet, board and other benefactors have also indicated that Brith Shalom is in their estate plan but have not specifi ed dollar amounts.

Over the next few months, we will be hosting a number of parlor meetings in members’ homes and will host a legacy planning seminar at the synagogue. Going forward, we will continue to keep you apprised of our progress and will highlight members who have made their commitment to one or more of the three anchors of this campaign: annual giving, endowment, and legacy.

Please don’t wait for our call. Contact Larry Estes in the synagogue offi ce or me ([email protected]) to discuss ways in which you can participate in this very important plan to secure our future.

B’Shalom,

Milton Mosk, IIIPresident

Page 3: January-March 2013 eHineni

A Message fromCantor Lance Rhodes

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Ma Navu – How Beautiful …

Please click here to see and hear the Brith Shalom Choir perform Ma Navu.

Ma navu al heharim raglei ham’vaser mashmi’a y’shua, mashmi’a shalom.

How beautiful on the mountains are the footsteps of the herald announcing victory, announcing happiness and peace. Adapted from Isaiah 52:7

This verse reminds me that everything starts small: little things really do count and can eventually lead to something beautiful. In order for our congregation to reach the heights of greatness, we need to work together to increase our mitzvot and to spread the joyful spirit of our faith. Chanukah is the perfect time to pursue this goal.

And Mitzvah Day at Brith Shalom, which usually falls right around Chanukah, is the perfect day to practice what it means to be Jewish, since it is an occasion for giving gifts to others and spending time with them. I am so glad that we have this day of opportunity on an annual basis. But I think Mitzvah Day is really meant to be a reminder of our daily Jewish routine! When you go to the dentist for a check-up and cleaning, your teeth are sparkling when you are fi nished. At the same time, you are reminded to clean them and take care of them every day. In the same way, we perform mitzvot on Mitzvah Day to remind us of how we want to behave on a regular basis. Judaism is holy if we choose to live it and make it so.

When it comes to the mitzvah of helping others, I am really proud of our Brith Shalom choir. Not only has the choir been spreading happiness and spirituality to our congregation through our own services and social gatherings, but it has also been reaching out to people in need. For the past few years, the choir has held some of its High Holy Day rehearsals at assisted living centers like Brighton Gardens and Belmont Village. The residents have been very grateful to hear and feel the spirit of the High Holy Days expressed by the choir, especially since many of them are unable to attend synagogue on the holidays. Most recently, the choir visited Seven Acres and MD Anderson Hospital to celebrate Chanukah and sing songs with the residents and patients.

The choir and I look forward to continuing to perform mitzvot by spreading the ruach of the Jewish holidays to the Houston-area community. May we all be mindful of the importance of little things. May we have the vision and strength to see and reach great heights in our pursuit of spirituality and happiness.

B’shalom,

Cantor Lance Rhodes

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Thank you!to all of our fabulous CBS volunteers - past and present! We are

constantly impressed by the spirit, dedication, and kindness of our volunteers, who are always just a phone call or email away. We could not do the work we do, or even begin to strive towards new ideas, programs,

and growth in our community, without each and every one of you. Whether you lend a hand during High Holy Days, participate in Mitzvah Day, serve on the Chesed Committee, proofread our publications, pass

out snacks to religious school students, donate a few hours of your time in the offi ce during busy periods, or even bring the offi ce staff treats, you are more help than you know. It is only through your support that our

synagogue can move forward, one mitzvah at a time.

Sincerely,

CBS Offi ce Staff

Page 5: January-March 2013 eHineni

Following the publication of the current issue of the eHineni (the January-March edition), the eHineni will be published in April, June, September, and November. The next issue will appear in early April. In order to make this publication as successful as possible, we need content from individuals and affi liates. We are hopeful that you will be a part of that process by submitting your stories, articles, bulletins, announcements, events, programs, photos, advertisements, etc., to be used in upcoming issues of the Hineni. If you have an idea for an article or would like a particular CBS program highlighted, please review the “Submission Guidelines” below:

Thank you in advance for taking part in the new eHineni. If you have any questions regarding the submission guidelines or what type of content to submit, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you!

Jess FaermanProgram & Communications CoordinatorCongregation Brith [email protected]

• Articles should be no more than 1000 words.• Images should be submitted in a jpeg or png format.• The due date for submissions for the April edition will be day 10 of the previous month (March 10).• The due date for submissions for the June, September, November, and January editions will be day 10 of the month prior to publication (unless this falls on Shabbat, in which case the deadline will be on day 9 of the month prior to publication).• All submissions should be sent to Jess Faerman, at [email protected].

eHineni Content Submission

Advertising in the eHineniWe are pleased to announce that we are now accepting paid advertisements for the eHineni. To advertise a company, organization, or event, please refer to the content submission guidelines on the previous page. Advertisement costs are as follows:

¼ page ad: $30½ page ad: $50full page ad: $95

A subscription for one year of advertisements (i.e., four eHineni publications) will earn you a10% discount on the total cost of the advertisement.

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NinthAnnual Women

of Courage Award

Luncheon

It’s all in the family this year at the 2013 Houston Chapter of Hadassah’s Ninth Annual Women of Courage Award Luncheon, which will be chaired by Golda Baker and her daughters Ann Baker Ronn and Marcie Baker Turrin. Scheduled for Sunday, Febru-ary 10, 2013, at the Bayou City Event Center, with the auction beginning at 10:30 am and the luncheon at noon, the 2013 Women of Courage event will honor Debbie Levine, the Founder of Women of Courage, Marcie Natan, Hadassah National President, and Eliza-beth Smart, child advocate and abduction survivor. The Women of Courage Award recognizes women who have addressed important community issues and gone the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of others. The event will also offer the unique opportunity to hear Elizabeth Smart recount her triumphant story fi rst hand.

In addition to providing volunteers to help the local community, Hadassah is committed to making signifi cant transformations in peo-ple’s lives in Israel. The Women of Courage Luncheon is the Houston Chapter of Hadassah’s biggest fundraiser, and proceeds raised at the luncheon will go directly to The Hadassah Medical Organization, one of the world’s leading healthcare institutions. Hadassah, a 2005 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, is the largest volunteer women’s organization in the United States, with more than 400,000 mem-bers nationwide, including nearly 5,000 in the Houston area.

In addition to being family, all three luncheon co-chairs are members of Brith Shalom, and each brings to the table different experi-ences with Hadassah and the community.

Golda Baker has been a member of Hadassah for more than 50 years and has been involved on the group, chapter, and regional lev-els. Golda held various positions in the Emma Lazarus Group and was President of the Anne Frank Group. She chaired the fi rst “Big Gifts” Chapter dinner, served as Vice President several times, and chaired the Chapter’s fundraising and membership committees. As Vice President for the Greater Southwest Region, Golda’s job was to oversee chapters across the region. She also served as Educa-tion Chair and is currently an Advisory Board Member. Golda and her husband, Gil Baker, chaired “Houston Celebrates Israel at 60,” a year-long celebration that culminated in a community-wide party and Yom Ha’atzmaut parade. The couple was also instrumental in preventing Kids’ Meals, which delivers meals to underserved preschool children in their homes, from being disbanded. In addition, Golda remains active professionally at the AFP Group, a boutique fi nancial fi rm founded by her husband, Gil.

Ann Baker Ronn is a graduate of Hadassah’s Leadership Academy, a three-year training program in which women from all walks of life learn to become effective community leaders. She also served as Pearl Group’s Co-President for a three-year term and was formerly the Vice President of Programming. In 1986, Ann led over 70 teens on the Houston Pilgrimage to Israel. Ann has always been a strong supporter and advocate for Camp Young Judaea and is currently involved with their Legacy Planning Team. Ann also serves on the Board of the Houston Jewish Community Foundation. Professionally, Ann has been a fi nancial advisor with The AFP Group since 1991, and is an active leader in the business community. She is a Life and Qualifying Member of the Million Dollar Round Table and is currently the chair of the Mentoring Committee. Ann also served on the board of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) for several years and was in charge of the Lone Star Symposium.

Marcie Baker Turrin has been an active member of the Jewish community throughout her life, beginning with her education at the Hebrew Academy (now Beren Academy) and regular attendance at Camp Young Judaea and Tel Yehuda. Later, with both Golda and Ann, she co-chaired Hadassah’s annual associates event three times. She also served the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as associate director in charge of Dallas for sev eral years. Participating in the Women of Courage event is a tradition for Marcie, as she has regularly served as Silent Auction Vice-Chair. Marcie has visited Israel seven times and is an alum of the Wexner Heritage Program, a two-year course of study designed to strengthen Jewish community leadership. Marcie is also a member of the Jewish Federation’s Business and Professional II group, has served on its board, and co-chaired the Federation’s Shalom Baby program. Ten years ago, Marcie founded Ship Shape Houston Professional Organizing, Home Staging and Interior Redecorating. She is Hous-ton’s only Certifi ed Professional Organizer® who is also an Interior Redecorator® and expert Home Stager. She is a member of the Interior Redecorators Network and a Golden Circle member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.

Individual tickets to the 2013 Hadassah Women of Courage Luncheon are $118 each. Online registration is available at www.hous-ton.hadassah.org/womenofcourage2013. For additional information about sponsoring tables, which begin at $1,800, or donating auction items, please contact [email protected] or call 713-661-1022.

Page 7: January-March 2013 eHineni

SynagoguePrograms

&

Special ShabbatServices

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Brith Shalom’s third annual Mitzvah Day took place Sunday, December 9. Mitzvah Day participants worked on various projects, from helping clean up shared gardens in low-income areas to cleaning up our own synagogue. In the evening, we celebrated Chanukah with music, a slideshow summary of

the day’s events, a light dinner, and candle lighting.

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9

Join us for

Learning& hands-on Workshops

at the intersection of

Sustainability& Jewish values,

a Tu B’Shvat

Tree Planting,& CommunitySeder Lunch

Meat is what’s for dinner, ibut:Kosher, Organic, or iboth?

Attend the

JewishFoodSummitYou are what you eat.

Sunday, January 27, 2013( during religious school )

Details & Registration: ibrithshalom.org/foodsummit

Want to compost ibutafraid of getting dirty?

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Page 10: January-March 2013 eHineni

www.brithshalom.org/purim

Family Service7:00 pm

Traditional Service(full megillah reading)7:15 pm

Kibbitz Comedy Club8:30 pm

by local comedians

NO COVER + FREE DRINK TICKETS (21+)nibble & nosh hors d'oeuvres

Youth Programming& Babysitting Available

teen Wii tournament & childcare:eacdceaoee & :u rlihhtnmnrtiiWnt ::iii

ii ii

eeodble & nosh hob & uu ssh hors vrhorhibble & nnibbl e'i)( 12 ++

y al comediacob smedianll e i

ggillah reading)(full megillah readaeaull megillah readinrhfull megill ii

eaaccddcceaaoee &u rlihhhhhhhhhtnnmmmnrtiiWWWnt ao ad eeee

aabouth Prouth Progra

eee nosh hors 'odoobb & uuuuuuu sss rvrhhnin l odble & nosh hob seee & nosh hors d'oe')(O O 21+)+ 2

y cal comeo aal comedb sme ianll al comediaob e

gg )(full megillah reegillah readaaull megillah readinrhfull megillah readinggillah readaa ee

KIBBITZ COMEDY CLUBan evening of erev purim comic relief

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23

evening of erev purim comic reliean v nin f r v u i fn v nin f r v rim mi r li

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Page 11: January-March 2013 eHineni

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Page 12: January-March 2013 eHineni

Havdalah in the Park

March 9, 20136:45 pmEvergreen Park

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Page 13: January-March 2013 eHineni

BarkMitzvah

When: Friday, March 29, 5:45 pmWhere: CBS sukkahMay I Bring my dog? you betcha!Because why should human prepubescents have all the fun?

Friday evening serviceswill begin at 6:15 pmoutside in the Sukkah.Dogs are welcome to stayfor the later service.

All dogs attending “Bark Mitzvah” will be blessed and receive a Hebrewname, as well as a Star of David.

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Seco

nd N

ight Seder is BACK!

This Passover...

Tuesday, March 26, 6:00 pm

Kids (11 & younger): $

28

Kid (( 11 ooo nrr)))r)))))))

$8

Adults: $40

www.brithshalom.org/p

esach

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Page 15: January-March 2013 eHineni

Life School

Enrich the Blessings of Your MarriageSunday, April 21, 9:30-11:30 am

Join other married couples at Brith Shalom’sexclusive marriage enrichment workshop.

Psychologists Dr. Bob Weinberger & Dr. Yael Avivi,Licensed Counselor & Marriage Specialist Angela Koreth,and Rabbi Ranon Teller will discuss common pitfalls and

tips on strengthening marriage employing playfulmind-reading exercises that will shed light on couples’

strengths and areas for enhancing their relationship.

Attendance is limited to the first 12 couples.Register for this powerful enrichment experience at

www.brithshalom.org/LifeSchool

Financial PeaceSunday, May 5, 9:30-11:30 am

Details coming soon!

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Page 16: January-March 2013 eHineni

Prepare yourselves for a powerful experience in Jewish prayer. Our Sages teach that when a group of people prays together, God’s presence (the Shekhinah) dwells among them. The essence of the Friday Night Ruach service is intense congregational participation. This service is part of a new wave in Jewish prayer that began in New York, Los Angeles, and Jerusalem, where congregations like B’nai Jeshurun, Kehillat Shira Hadasha, the Library Minyan, and Yakar are tapping into the contemporary need to participate in song. We at Brith Shalom are seeking the spiritual power of a sanctuary fi lled with voices singing and swaying in unison! We need your voice. Come sing and feel God’s intimate presence, the Shekhinah. In order to help the congregation raise their voices in song, we set traditional liturgy to Chasidic and contemporary melodies accompanied by Shabbat-appropriate instrumentation. We also provide transliterations and sheet music and, on request, can distribute the melodies on CD. After a joyous, uplifting service, people look forward to meeting in the social hall for a delicious light supper. We shake hands, schmooze, and enjoy each other’s company. When we leave, it's with a smile and a feeling of being invigorated as we look forward to coming together once again for the next Friday Night Ruach.

Join us for an engaging musical service with instrumental accompaniment followed by a delicious dinner with your CBS family. All ages welcome!

To sponsor a dinner or to subscribe to the FNR series, contactCherye-Ann DeLong at [email protected] or 713-667-9201 ext. 318

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Friday Night Ruach2012-2013

Celebrating the Spirit of Shabbatitt ngii thtt eh SpiSS rii ir ti ot f

October 19

October 19

November 30

mber 3 3000

January 18

uaarry 18

February 158

uary 15

March 15h 1 15

April 19i

May 17

Page 17: January-March 2013 eHineni

Gourmet Shabbat Dinner Series

$20 per personRegister online:

www.brithshalom.org/gourmetdinnerseries

March 8RSVP by Monday, March 4

May 31RSVP by Monday, May 27

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Page 18: January-March 2013 eHineni

Young Professionals Programming

Torah at Agora!Agora Bar & Coffeehouse

1712 WestheimerHouston, TX 77098

Come network and chill with CBS clergy and young professionals at our last Thursday of the month happy hour & coffee house social series!

Swing by Agora in Montrose to enjoy drinks on us, relax, mingle, and meet people you might not know! Contact Jess Faerman at

[email protected] or 713-667-9201 for more info.

SAVE THE DATE:Spring 2013

Thursday, January 31Thursday, February 28

Thursday, April 25Thursday, May 30

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SAVE THE DATE:

Sunday, April 287:00-9:00 pm

Houston Jewish Young Professionals

Second AnnualLag B’Omer Bash!

Location: TBACo-sponsored by:

Congregations Brith Shalom, Beth Israel, Or Ami, Emanu El,Beth Yeshurun, Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism,

Temple Sinai, & United Orthodox Synagogues

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presents

A special Shabbatservice for kids

in grades K-2

p

A i l Sh bb

Kid Shul

Saturdays, 10:30-11:30 amSeptember 08September 22October 13October 27

November 24

December 08December 22

January 12January 26February 09

February 23March 23April 27May 11May 25

Youth Services

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Welcome to 2012-2013 Friday Night Mini Minyan: Join us this year for an AMAZING family experience!

Shabbat experience for children six years of age and younger One Friday evening a month Singing, dancing, and eating Engage your Shabbat spirit Meet young families Connect with your community Have fun!

If you’d like to help sponsor a Mini Minyan dinner in honor of your

child’s birthday or special family event, please send a check to the synagogue

made out to Mini Minyan or visit www.brithshalom.org and donate

through CBS Online.

November 9

December 7

January 11

February 8

March 8

April 12

May 10

Service

5:45 pm (dinner to follow)

www.brithshalom.org 21

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Teen Shabbat Club

Havdalah PoolParty!

Saturday, May 116:30 pm

RSVP: [email protected] 22

Religious School&

Youth Programming

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23

Machar Tu B’Shvat Art Project and Pizza

Sunday, January 20, 12:45-2:45 pm$3.00

Kadima Zoo Scavenger Hunt (Houston Zoo)Sunday, February 3, 2:00-4:00 pm$6.00 for admission

Machar Purim Art Program and Pizza

Wednesday, February 13, 6:30-7:45 pm$3.00

Kadima

Rockets vs. Mavericks Sunday, March 3, 6:00 pm

Machar Machar Goes To The Movies: Oz: The Great and Powerful

Edwards Greenway Grand PalaceSunday, March 10

Time to be determined

April programs: information to follow Kadima

Goes To The Movies: Iron Man 3Edwards Greenway Grand Palace

Time to be determined

Contact Traylyn Evans for more information on youth programming, at:[email protected]

Youth Programming

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HavdalahFamily introductions

Story timeLight snacks (dairy)

Bring your young children in their PJsand an item that yourfamily finds important.

Saturday, January 126:00-6:45 pm

PAJAMA HAVDALAH

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HavdalahFamily introductions

Story timeLight snacks (dairy)

Bring your young children in their PJsand an item that yourfamily finds important.

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for a family experience preparing for your

upcoming simcha!

B’nei MitzvahWorkshops

2012-2013

Sundays9:45 am-12:00 pm

October 28January 13February 3

Join Rabbi Teller & Cantor Rhodes

Coffee& breakfast

will be provided.

Upcoming B’nei MitzvahPriya Fink

Miriam AlbertsLily Siegel

Alex RosenRaphael Levine

Mazel Tov!

Max MendelDaniel NadelSara Plager

Hudson Stronck

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presents

Junior Congregationfor students in grades 3-6

Saturdays, 10:30 am-12:00 pm

February 2March 2April 6April 27

October 6November 3December 1

January 5

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USY offers a wide range of programs for teens from Conservative synagogues across the city, across the region, and internationally. USYers learn a love of Judaism and Israel and develop

life-long friendships. This year, members of HouJew, the local USY chapter, have participated in regional and international conventions, Kadima Conventions (for grades 6-8), and many chapter events. USY is peer-led, with the USYers planning and implementing the activities. In addition, USY offers life-changing summer programs in the United

States, Israel and Europe. Whether you are interested in USY on Wheels, which travels across the country, or USY Pilgrimage, USY has a summer program for you! For a full list of programs, visit http://www.usy.org/ For more information about USY locally, call 713-409-9814 or [email protected].

Grades 4-6

Retreat

March 1, 5:00 pm-March 2, 11:00 pm

Theme:

celebr

ate

Shabba

t!

Trampolini

ng

RSVP:cantor.levine

@brithshalom.org

Location:

TBASwimming

Schmoozing

$125 per person

prior to february 21

$140 per person

after February 21fter February 2after February 21

r$140 per person

rrrprior to february 2prior to br ar 1

rr$125 per person

Being a

Mensch!

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Congregation Brith Shalom Department of Education Calendar – 2012-2013

AUGUST 22 Faculty Opening Retreat 26 Parents’ Open House & Parents’ B/M Orientation 29 Teen BBQ & Elective Sign-Up SEPTEMBER 5 Opening Night Religious School (Grades 3-12) 7 Teen Shabbat Club 9 Opening Day Primary Grades (PreK-2) 9 Grade 5 Parents’ Meeting 12 Grade 9-10 Parents’ Confirmation Meeting 17-18 Rosh Hashanah Youth Services 23 Family Tashlich Ceremony 26 Yom Kippur Youth Services OCTOBER 3 Teen Israeli Dancing 5 Teen Shabbat Club in the Sukkah 6 Junior Congregation 7 Sukkah Visits & Young Family Program 7 Pizza in the Hut 21 Primary Grades Visit the Library 21 Grade 7 Trip to Barry Farm 28 B’nei Mitzvah Family Workshop I NOVEMBER 2-3 Fall Teen Retreat 3 Junior Congregation 7 Book Fair Program at JCC 10 Community Shabbat ** (Saturday Classes) 17 Kindergarten Kabbalat HaTorah DECEMBER 1 Junior Congregation 2 RS Hanukkah Celebration 2 Grade 7 Trip to Medallion 5 Teen Community of Respect Program 7 Teen Shabbat Club 9 Mitzvah Day – NO Regular Classes 12 Oil Making Presentation (Last day of RS for 2012) JANUARY 5 Junior Congregation 12 Young Family Havdalah 13 B’nei Mitzvah Family Workshop II 13 Primary Grades Visit the Library 16 Jewish Summer Camp Presentation 25-26 Winter Teen Retreat 27 Tu B’shvat Celebration FEBRUARY 1 Teen Shabbat Club 2 Junior Congregation 3 B’nei Mitzvah Family Workshop III 9 Grade 3 Kabbalat HaSiddur 9 Young Family Havdalah 17 Yom Limmud – No regular classes 22 Grade 7 Dinner at Cantor Levine’s 24 Purim Celebration

FEBRUARY (Continued) 27 Community-Wide High School Program MARCH 1-2 Grades 4-6 Retreat 3 Primary Grades Visit the Library 3 Grade 7 Trip to SEARCH 16 Grades 5-6 Torah Service 22 Teen Shabbat Club 24 Chocolate Seder APRIL 5 Grades 3-4 Service & Dinner 6 Junior Congregation 14 Grade 7 Trip to Supermarket 19-20 Spring Teen & Grade 7 Retreat 27 Junior Congregation & Grade 4 Torah Event MAY 10 Grade 7 Promotion 11 Teen Shabbat Club Havdalah 15 Grade 12 Graduation 19 Maccabbiah SCHOOL CLOSINGS Sept. 16, 19, 23, 26 High Holidays November 11 Day After Community Shabbat November 21-25 Thanksgiving December 9 Mitzvah Day Dec. 16 – Jan. 2 Winter Break February 17 Yom Limmud March 10, 13, 17 Spring Break March 27 & 31 Passover May 15 Shavuot B’NEI MITZVAH August 11 Everett Lowenstein August 25 Zoe Katzenellebogen Oct. 20 Leo Fiesinger Oct. 27 Nathan Lederman Nov. 17 Rebekah Lemeshev Nov. 30 Zachary Rouah Dec. 22 Maya Teller Jan. 5 Larissa Bernstein Jan. 12 Macee Obermeyer Jan. 19 Priya Fink Feb. 2 Miriam Alberts Feb. 9 Lily Siegel Feb. 16 Alex Rosen Mar. 23 Raphael Levine Apr. 13 Max Mendel School Cancellation – In the event that HISD closes school OR afterschool events due to weather conditions, Religious School and Mosad Shalom will be cancelled for the evening.

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Adult Education

Department

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Mechon Hadar Houston Fall 2012—Winter 2013

Join us as Rabbi Ethan Tucker, Co-Founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Mechon Hadar, the only egalitarian yeshiva in the United States, visits our community from September 2012 through February 2013. Rabbi Tucker will offer an in-person residency in Sep-tember and February and lead four interactive webinars in October through January. Rabbi Tucker was ordained by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel and earned a PhD in Talmud and Rabbinics from the Jewish Theological Seminary. He was named one of Newsweek’s Top Fifty Rabbis in America in 2011 and 2012.

Scholar-in-Residence at the ERJCC February 24—27, 2013

Interactive Webinars at the ERJCC October 2012 — January 2013

Selichot Shabbaton at Congregation Brith Shalom September 7-9, 2012

Halacha and Modernity: Toward a Meaningful, Contemporary, Jewish Practice

Friday Night Davar Torah and Dinner, Shabbat Sermon, Shabbat Text Study, Saturday Evening Lecture

Shabbat: Creating A Meaningful Atmosphere with Ancient Ritual Laws

Monday, October 15 at 7:00 PM—8:30 PM

Kashrut: Toward Sensible, Meaningful, Contemporary Jewish Food Choices

Monday, November 26 at 7:00 PM—8:30 PM

Inclusion: The Halakhic Case for Egalitarianism Monday, December 10 at 7:00 PM—8:30 PM

What is a Jew? Monday, January 14 at 7:00 PM—8:30 PM

Between Wisdom and Honor: When Divine Commands Threaten Human Dignity

Sunday, February 24 at 7:30 PM .

Ethical Norms as the Foundation of the Torah Monday, February 25 at 7:30 PM

Was Abraham Asked to Sacrifice His Ethics? Tuesday, February 26 at 7:30 PM

Can Jewish Texts Be Unethical? Grappling with Difficult Sources

Wednesday, February 27 at 7:30 PM

Individual Programs $15, Series Pass $100 To participate in an individual program or the entire series contact Nomi Barancik at

713.729.3200, ext. 3288 or go online to www.erjcchouston.org/hadar

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The Path of the Refugee

The Reh family began its long journey to safety more than 20 years ago, leaving their native Burma (Myanmar) out of fear of torture and forced labor perpetrated by the government. They are among hundreds of thousands of ethnic Karenni people who have fl ed fi ghting and persecution in their country, fi nding relative safety in refugee camps in Thailand. Now their journey has brought them to a safe haven—to Houston, where they strive to learn a new language, adjust to an entirely foreign culture, and become self-suffi cient and contributing members of the community that is now their home.

Learn about the plight of refugees around the world and the process of starting over in the United State at the display in the Brith Shalom foyer.

Assist local organizations that help new arrivals through the Brith Shalom refugee collection drive (see the list on the next page). Learn about helping in other ways—set up an apartment, mentor or tutor a youth, serve as a translator, take new arrivals to a doctor’s appointment, serve as a “cultural guide.” Add your name and email to the sign-up sheet in the foyer or email Renee Stern at [email protected].

This program is sponsored jointly by the Diversity Outreach, Adult Education, and Social Action Committees and Mosad Shalom. It is part of Brith Shalom’s commitment to the ADL’s Community of Respect initiative.

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Congregation Brith Shalom Refugee Wish List

We need YOU to help make a new home for refugees who are resettled in Houston. Your donation will be used to furnish an apartment for a refugee family being resettled by Interfaith Ministries or to provide supplies for an afterschool program for refugee youth run by PAIR Houston. With your contributions these newcomers will start a new life in America.

Room & Board: Rental assistance Grocery gift cards (Fiesta, Kroger - $35 increments)

After-school supplies:* Books Games

Furniture: Couches and loveseats Small dinette sets and chairs Mattresses (full and twin only, must be new) Basic bed frames

Miscellaneous: Clothing Televisions Microwaves Computers (less than 4 years old)

Housewares: Bed sheets (full or twin only) Blankets (full or twin only) Pillows Shower curtains Lamps (table or floor) Small, free-standing shelves Bath towels and washcloths Alarm clocks Brooms and dustpans

Kitchenware: Cookware (pots and pans) Dinnerware (plates) Bakeware and mixing bowls Cutlery (knives, forks, spoons) Cutting knives Stirring spoons (wooden or plastic) Serving utensils Drinking glasses Can openers

PLEASE NOTE: *For a list of books and toys especially useful in PAIR's after-school programs, follow this link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html?ie=UTF8&id=JZOKJH4OUWXI&type=wishlist Used items are acceptable but must be clean and in good condition. Items may be dropped off in the box marked "IMGH and PAIR Refugee Drive" in the coat closet until January 18, 2013. To arrange pick-up and delivery of large items, please contact Renee Stern at 713-666-2469 or [email protected]. All gifts to Interfaith Ministries and to PAIR (501(c)(3) organizations) are tax deductible. If you would rather make a monetary donation, please make your check out to Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston or to PAIR Houston. If you would like to help set up an apartment or help newly arrived refugees in other ways, please sign up at the table in the CBS foyer or contact Renee. Information about Interfaith Ministries can be found at www.imgh.org. Information about PAIR is available at www pairhouston org

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Wednesdays7:30 pm

January 9January 16January 23

Adult Ed Winter 2013Mini Course

RSVP requested but not required:[email protected]

The Texas Jewish Experience

I. Jewish Life During Pre-Statehood

In the early 1500s when the first conquistadors arrived in Nueva España, a Jew was usually found among their staff. These non-Catholics were allowed in the New World to serve the recording needsmandated by the Crown and the Church. Today their descendants are labeled crypto Jews, and their family stories are fascinating to modern scholars. This session will deal with the reality that the first Jews came to what is now Texas some two centuries before Jews arrived in New Amsterdam.

II. Jewish Life in Texas

It’s fair to suggest that from the 1500s until the 1970s, many considered Texas a wilderness. And yet the Jews who arrived throughout the centuries sought to maintain Judaism in some form, even in Cisco. Jews were involved in the warp and woof of the building of Texas, even as they faced the KKK anduniversity restrictions. Despite national anti-Semitic feelings in the 1930s, Hebrew was taught at UT. This session will discuss who we were and who we are; and, if we’re brave, who we’ll be as Jews in the “empire state of Texas.”

lII. Interesting Texas Jews

Texas has been the home of some very interesting individuals who have had more than national impact. Michael Seeligson was mayor of Galveston for 120 years before Abe Beame in New York. The first Hilton Hotel was in Cisco. Henry Cohen served his congregation 62 years and helped to create the state parole board. Leo N. Levi, later the national president of B’nai B’rith, persuaded Theodore Roosevelt to protest the Kishinev pogroms in 1903 in Russia. Other outstanding Texas Jews include Sam Dreben, Dr. Grace Jameson, Albert Lasker, Adrian Levy Sr., Stanley Marcus, and even Kinky Friedman. We’ll consider some of the great and the near-great Jews of Texas.

Taught by Rabbi Jimmy KesslerlKKJbbRbhTaught b Rabbi Jimm Kessle

RSVP t d b t t i d

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Taught by Rabbi Jimmy KesslerTaught by Rabbi Jimmy KesslerThe Texas Jewish Experience

I. Jewish Life During Pre-Statehood

In the early 1500s when the first conquistadors arrived in Nueva España, a Jew was usually found among their staff. These non-Catholics were allowed in the New World to serve the recording needsmandated by the Crown and the Church. Today their descendants are labeled crypto Jews, and their family stories are fascinating to modern scholars. This session will deal with the reality that the first Jews came to what is now Texas some two centuries before Jews arrived in New Amsterdam.

II. Jewish Life in Texas

It’s fair to suggest that from the 1500s until the 1970s, many considered Texas a wilderness. And yet the Jews who arrived throughout the centuries sought to maintain Judaism in some form, even in Cisco. Jews were involved in the warp and woof of the building of Texas, even as they faced the KKK anduniversity restrictions. Despite national anti-Semitic feelings in the 1930s, Hebrew was taught at UT. This session will discuss who we were and who we are; and, if we’re brave, who we’ll be as Jews in the “empire state of Texas.”

lII. Interesting Texas Jews

Texas has been the home of some very interesting individuals who have had more than national impact. Michael Seeligson was mayor of Galveston for 120 years before Abe Beame in New York. The first Hilton Hotel was in Cisco. Henry Cohen served his congregation 62 years and helped to create the state parole board. Leo N. Levi, later the national president of B’nai B’rith, persuaded Theodore Roosevelt to protest the Kishinev pogroms in 1903 in Russia. Other outstanding Texas Jews include Sam Dreben, Dr. Grace Jameson, Albert Lasker, Adrian Levy Sr., Stanley Marcus, and even Kinky Friedman. We’ll consider some of the great and the near-great Jews of Texas.

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Adult EdSpring 2013Mini Course

I. Where Did Hasidism Come From? What Was its Context for the Early Movement?

II. How Hasidic Thought Has Changed (And You Thought it Didn’t!)

III. Chabad Hasidim and the Role of the Movement in the Modern Age

RSVP requested but not required:[email protected]

HasidismTaught by Rabbi Danny Horowitz

Wednesdays7:30 pm

April 10April 17April 24

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Real Life Torah

For Women

For Women

November 2December 7

January 11February 1

March 1April 5May 3

9:15-10:30 amCBS Board Room

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Shabbat Morning Learning

October 6November 3February 23

November 10February 23

April 6

October 13November 17December 15January 12February 16

March 16March 30

April 6May 11

Pure Neshama Servicewith Rabbi Teller9:30-10:15 am

Join Rabbi Teller for three soulful, contemporary experiences includingJewish spiritual wisdom, chi energy stretching, and meditative song.

Davening Like a Prowith Cantor Rhodes

10:30-11:15 am

Cantor Rhodes leads three sessions aimed at providingparticipants with greater comfort in synagogue services.

Jewish Prayer: The Challengewith Cantor Levine10:30-11:30 am

Join Cantor Levine in an explorationof the liturgy-its historical developmentand theological underpinning.

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October 13November 17December 15

Saturdays10:30-11:30 am

CBS Board Room

January 12February 16

March 16

March 30April 6May 11

S t d

Jewish Prayer: A Challenge to Each of Uswith Cantor Mark Levine

Spirituality is the buzzword of the day, but what if prayer’s purpose hashigher significance than spiritual fulfillment? Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote:

We will explore the concept that prayer’s intent is to confront uscognitively. By struggling with our beliefs, we hope to emerge as betterhuman beings. With the Shabbat evening service as our guide, we will tackleissues addressed by the liturgy such as:

This is an on-going course, and it will benefit you most to attend all sessions;however, everyone is invited to attend individual sessions.

New Metaphors for GodThe Messiah

Evil in the WorldResurrection & Life After Death

Being a Chosen People

The true motivation for prayer is not, as it has been said,the sense of being at home in the universe, but rather,

the sense of NOT being at home in the universe.

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Auxiliaries& Groups

Hazak

Sisterhood

Men’s Club

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HAZAK is USY for Seniors!Hazak meets each month and offers a variety of programs.

In December, we celebrated the last day of Chanukah together! We sang with Cantor Rhodes, lit our menorahs, shared stories about some of the menorahs, ate sufganyot and latkes with all the trimmings, and, in general, had a wonderful time.

In the coming months, we are planning a variety of fun and informative activities, including:

A bus trip

A lecture

A dinner out

A beginning computer class

And lots of fun!

Watch your email for details about these events!

If you are already a member of HAZAK, now is the time to renew your membership. If you are not yet a member, we invite you to join our group. Your Hazak membership entitles you to attend most of our events free. Our annual dues have not changed: they are still a bargain!

$12 /person for members of Congregation Brith Shalom

$18 /person for those who are not CBS members

Your check should be made payable to CBS Hazak and mailed to:

Hazak5910 Wigton DriveHouston, TX 77096

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42

SisterhoodPresidents’ Column

We are thrilled to share our many accomplishments and are looking forward to several exciting Sisterhood happenings!

Upcoming Program

On Monday, March 18, our program will be “Octogenarians Plus,” a tribute to our members who are 80 years old or older. Members who would like to share their impressions of how their lives have changed over the years are asked to contact VP of Programming Lena Malacoff (713-981-6252 or [email protected]), or Sisterhood Programming Co-chairs Etna Goldsmith ([email protected]) or Shelia Levine ([email protected]). I you know an octogenarian you would like to suggest, please contact any of these women.

Sisterhood Wins Again

For the second time, Sisterhood has won the Jewels in the Crown Award, Emerald Level (the highest!), from Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, our international umbrella organization. Sisterhood excelled in all three required areas for a period of two years per award, namely: Education/Programming, Community Service/World Affairs, and Women’s League Activities. Only six sisterhoods in the entire intracontinental region earned the Emerald Level of this esteemed award including three from Texas! Go Lone Star State!Join us at our next event and see why we’re a winner. It’s because we offer diverse, dynamic, and exciting opportunities for participants. And remember, winning these awards

reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of the remarkable leaders who came before us!

Viva Las Vegas!

The award mentioned above was announced at the international convention of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism which took place Dec. 2-5 in Las Vegas. Four Brith Shalom Sisterhood members—Karen Lukin, Denise Mosk, Laurie Silverbatt, and Sherri Taxman—attended this event. Some of the speakers included Rabbis Bradley Shavit Artson (“Keeping the Flame Alive, New Trends in Jewish Spirituality”), Elliot Dorff (“Conservative Halakhah”) , Deborah Silver (“There is a Change Comin’…”), Gail Labovitz (“New Jewish Models of Marriage”); JTS Chancellor Arnold Eisen, Ph.D (“Torah Fund at 70”); and others, all of whom gave truly inspiring presentations.

Ways and Means/Cookbook Project

We’re offering multiple opportunities to support our major fundraiser for theyear, the Sisterhood Cookbook, which will be published in 2013. You can be acookbook sponsor, include a personal greeting or an ad for your business, or make a dedicationin honor or in memory of a loved one. Please see our Ways and Means column for more detailed information. It’s not too late to participate in the CookbookTitle Contest; the winner will receive special mention in the cookbook and a free copy. Contact Ways and Means VP Doreen Lerner [email protected] by January 15.

Gift Shop, Bazaar, and Mah Jong Tournament

On November 18, after a two-year hiatus, Sisterhood Gift Shop brought back its much missed Chanukah Bazaar. More than 28 vendors brought their unique wares to tempt congregants and visitors to begin (or complete) their holiday shopping. In addition to the Bazaar, Gift Shop Manager Barbie Talisman organized a Mah Jongg tournament. Thirty-six women from the community got together for an afternoon of playing, noshing, and schmoozing. Bazaar vendors donated door prizes that were given out to the Mah Jongg participants over the course of the afternoon. It was a fun and profi table day for the Gift Shop, Sisterhood, and Brith Shalom, not to mention the service we provided for the community at large. Go Sisterhood!

Sisterhood Cookbook

Several volunteers are in the process of editing our fabulous cookbook. Proceeds from the Sisterhood Cookbook will help Sisterhood pay for Shabbatlunches for the congregation on those Shabbatot when there is no simcha.You can help with this worthy cause by: -Becoming a sponsor: gold - $360; silver - $180; bronze - $90-Including a personal greeting or a business ad: full page - $75; half page - $50; quarter page - $25-Making a dedication to honor or memorialize a loved one: up to four linesof text - $36; up to two lines of text - $18 (sponsorships include a dedication)-Participating in the cookbook title contest: if your entry wins, you will receivea mention in the

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43

Sisterhood Study Group

Mondays9:30-11:00 am

New members are ALWAYS welcome! For

more information, please contact Marge Mayer at

[email protected].

A special thank you to our Founding Mothers. Without your efforts, we would not be in the CBS Sukkah together.

From left to right: Lorraine Brown (Past President), Flo Slatko, and

Elaine Merwin

Blanche Roubein, Aileen Zarin, Sherry Hager, Elaine Kellner, Natalie Kravitz, Marge Mayer, Elaine Merwin, Lila Lerner, Velva G. Levine, Carole Sheldon, Cookie Portnoy, Shirley Katzin, Bonnie Edelstein, Flo Slatko, Debi Mishael, Lorraine Brown

cookbook as well as a free copy-Selling advance copies:‒ a prize will be awarded to the woman who sells the greatest number of copiesFor these and other ways to get involved, please contact Ways and MeansVP Doreen Lerner ([email protected]). Deadline date is Jan. 15.

Sisterhood Shabbat

Sisterhood Shabbat is scheduled for January 25-26, 2013. We want to involve as many women in the service as possible. If you are not available for the service, there are numerous positions on the committee that need to be fi lled as well. Committee chairs for this year are Denise Mosk and Tracy Jakob. When you get a call or email from them, please respond as quickly as possible. If you already have a specifi c part in mind, please contact either one to let them know. Here’s to another incredibly empowering event! For more information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected] Homeless ServicesSisterhood member Iris Fisherman leads this important interfaith, shul-wide project to help feed the homeless. CBS volunteers join

others from Christ the King Lutheran Church in this endeavor on the third Wednesday morning of each month. Interested? Contact Iris at 713-667-1250 or iris.fi [email protected] FundOn the evening of Sunday, April 21, 2013, CBS Sisterhood will host Torah Fund, chaired by Dori Wind, Susan Marblestone, and Karen Lukin. Come hear our new Woman of Valor (the recipient of the Marcia Sheena Memorial Award) speak in the sanctuary, then enjoy dinner, all in the name of a worthy cause: Jewish Theological Seminary and other institutions responsible for training our Conservative rabbis, cantors, and educators. Please see the Torah Fund pin article elsewhere in this Hineni for details.Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook! Search “Congregation Brith Shalom Sisterhood” and join the group!

B’shalom, Laurie Silverblattand Sherri Taxman,Sisterhood Co-Presidents

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44

Visit www.brithshalom.org/sisterhoodshabbatfor more information and to RSVP.

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Let Congregation Brith Shalom Sisterhood help you fulfill the mitzvah of mishloach manot!

Be on the lookout for ordering information COMING SOON

to your mail and e-mail boxes.

Sponsorship opportunities available

E-mail [email protected] with your contact information

and a member of the committee will be in touch.

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Friendships are made here! Your Men’s Club has an active calendar aimed at developing programs for you! These programs will enrich the quality of Jewish life in your home and our community. Your participation will enhance your knowledge and appreciation of our Jewish heritage and traditions. More important, you will make lasting friendships and make a difference in our synagogue. Dues are only $36 per year! For more info or to join, contact: David Marbin, President 770-316-4520

Right: CBS Men’s Club at our annual community-wide

Kosher Chili Cookoff

(October 2011)

We encourage all men (and women, too) to attend our monthly Sunday breakfast speaker series, which provides an opportunity for interactive participation on important topics presented by outstanding speakers. Our breakfast speaker events (10:00 am-12:30 pm) take place following the 9:00 am Sunday morning minyan. The programs cover a wide variety of topics of current, national, local, personal, and family interest. New members are always welcome and eat free! Upcoming Sunday Breakfast Speaker Series dates are:

CBS Men’s Club

Above: CBS Senior Men’s Group having itsmonthly breakfast. Contact Ed Chaika at [email protected] to get involved.

46

January 20February 10

March 3April 13May 12

The fi fth in the series of Men’s Club breakfasts will take place on Sunday, January 20, at 10:00 am. The discussion will focus on a heart healthy lifestyle. All members of CBS are welcome.

The Third Annual Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff will be on Sunday, March 3, 2013, 11:30 am-3:00 pm, at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center. Contact Dave Marbin to get involved.

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Learn how to prevent heart disease.

Join Stefano Sdringola, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Cardiologist and Shelby Martin, Registered Dietitian, from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, to learn about a state-of-the-art comprehensive cardiac health study now underway. The Century Health Study seeks to prove that an aggressive preventative treatment plan of appropriate medication, diagnostic testing, and lifestyle improvements can prevent heart disease.

Dr. Sdringola is principal investigator and Weatherhead Distinguished University Chair at the UT Medical School at Houston. He is the recipient of the 2012 Gold’s Award for Humanism in Medicine.

Congregation Brith Shalom Sunday, January 20, 2013 4610 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, TX 77401 10:00 am– 12:00 pm

A 40 minute presentation on heart disease prevention and risk factors

Century Health Study 6411 Fannin St., HG009 Houston, TX 77030 Questions? 713-500-5200 or [email protected] www.CenturyHealthStudy.org

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CBS Weekly eBulletin

Content for the eBulletin is due the Tuesday - eight days prior to an eBulletin publication.

Aliyot

If you would like the honor of an aliyah, please contact Cantor Rhodes [email protected]

ShabbatKiddush & Children

During the Shabbat kiddush, the sanctuary will be off-limits for unsupervised children. Please supervise your children and have fun in the social hall, library or playground! There are board games available in the multi-purpose room closet.

Help us Keep in Touch

Due to privacy rules, hospitals are no longer able to provide Brith Shalom with a list of Jewish patients. Please contact Cherye-Ann DeLong at 713-667-9201 • [email protected] when you know of one of our members in the hospital. Please be sure to include the following: • Your name• The name of the patient/their signifi cant other• The name of the hospital & room number• Date admitted, if known

Services Information

Daily MinyanMonday - Friday 7:00 am

Sunday 9:00 am(Chapel)

Shabbat ServicesFriday Services

6:15 pm(Sanctuary)

Saturday Services9:30 am

(Sanctuary)Saturday Minyan

7:00 am

4 Jan 5:1711 Jan 5:2318 Jan 5:2925 Jan 5:35 1 Feb 5:41 8 Feb 5:4715 Feb 5:5222 Feb 5:58 1 Mar 6:03 8 Mar 6:0715 Mar 7:1222 Mar 7:1625 Mar 7:1829 Mar 7:2031 Mar 7:21 5 Apr 7:2412 Apr 7:2919 Apr 7:3326 Apr 7:37 3 May 7:42

Candle Lighting Bellaire, TXHebrew Year

5772-5773

*Havdalah times occur on Saturday, one hour later than

Shabbat candle lighting time

48

Welcome,New Members!

Lori & Todd RoggenErica RoggenJillian Roggen

Bruce SchoendorfAntonia CalibosoLeland RemsonBrandon PlostCarmel MushinOren Mushin

Lily & Norman LazarusTomer Cohen

Melissa & Barry NoskeauDiana & Michael Shaman

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January

Anniversaries

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February2 Phil Swanson & Mindy Cohen2 Jary & Rona Lesser3 Al Feiveson & Marsha Hurwitz3 Henry & Susan Wise4 Kenneth & Helen Lesartre5 Matthew & Jaquline Cohen5 Jarred & Lori Slater6 Jon & Amara Biro6 Mike & Eva Engelhart6 Terri & Adam Singer8 Juan & Carolina Kopinsky9 Ira & Mary Wolinsky10 Tom & Elli Samuels11 Juan Verdugo & Elizabeth Ochoa14 Steven & Mara Brachman15 Allen & Phyllis Shapiro16 Troy & Ellen Fiesinger18 Eyal & Jodi Muscal18 Robert Rolnick & Dori Wind21 David & Laura Duchen21 Kenneth Ullman & Judy Offman22 Joseph & Claire Altman23 Edward & Glori Chaika23 Sheldon & Eve Weisfeld24 Eli & Hazel Bensky27 Robert & Anita Eigler27 Bob & Joyce Gilbert27 Leonard & Aggie Rolnick31 Moshe & Arlene Even31 Mort & Jean Levy

3 Larry & Karen Aptekar8 Jose & Rosita Goldberger9 Ben & Arline Guefen12 Efrain Bleiberg & Ellen Safi er13 David & Karen Gorfi l14 Marshall & Doreen Lerner15 Steven & Rhonda Kaplan16 Brad & Robin Irwin16 David & Shelley Nadel16 Jason & Ruth Wintz18 Steve Johnson & Lyn Rosenberg-Johnson19 Ady & Lisa Geda19 Jacobo & Haya Varon24 Marvin & Stephanie Beasley29 Alan Buck & Roslyn Hager

March1 Michael & Mimi Berkowitz2 Bill & Shelley Horwitz4 Michael & Elyse Kunick4 David & Susan Morris6 Mark & Elise Newman7 Bob & Michele Goodmark7 Fred & Velva Levine11 Ruth & Ray Reid13 Adam Lourie & Kate Bolen-Lourie15 Justin & Reika DuPlessis16 Scott Chanin & Belinda Denn16 David Bach & Pamela Morris17 Sheldon & Phyllis Kaufman19 Ranon & Vicki Teller20 Daniel & Sarah Greenberg20 Scotty & Suly Weissman21 Alan & Arlene Gerger21 Stuart & Caren Harris21 Maury & Sheryl Sklar22 Christopher & Rebecca Gonzales22 Wayne & Cheryl Lidsky23 J. Caplan & Steven Tesney24 Armyn & Jessica Freedson25 David & Alyson Ebro25 Arthur & Annie Sigel26 Howard & Barbara Derman26 Leonard & Susan Kammerman27 Sigmund & Joan Friedland27 Lance & Dena Rhodes27 Stephen & Barbara Robbins27 Anthony & Susan Tomlinson28 Morris & Diana Narunsky28 Joey & Abigail Rappaport28 Hans & Karin Stronck29 Amir & Amy Halevy

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January-March

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January Birthdays 1 David Arlen1 Anna Steinberger2 Cheryl Lidsky2 Phyllis Linkin3 Fred Dorin3 Etna Goldsmith3 Kate Sexton3 Flo Slatko4 Laura Weidenfeld4 Isidoro Wiener5 Pam Geyer5 Leah Wolfthal6 Jeff Nachenberg7 Sean Brody7 Oren Marouni7 Bernard Reingold8 Shari Kirsh8 Michael Lemeshev8 Saleh Mezrahi9 Jacob Grossman10 Cynthia Aisenberg10 J. Grant Caplan10 Patsy Sklar11 Joan Katz11 Bruce Schoendorf11 Keith Wolf12 Jacob Goodman12 Hollis Hendrickson12 Lila Lerner

12 Aileen Zarin14 Phyllis Gingiss15 Nathan Wasserstrum16 Arlene Even16 David Flusberg16 Bob Hurtte16 Barry Noskeau17 Sheldon Cohn17 Galit Pazgal18 Rabbi Ranon Teller19 Michael Goldberg19 Raul Husid19 Helen Lesartre19 Ellen Singer20 Shirley Katzin20 Michelle McGill20 Elli Samuels20 Annie Sigel20 Vicki Teller21 Richard Klein21 Phyllis Shapiro22 Lilly Lazarus22 Charles Wiese23 Alice Engel23 Micki Halevy24 Lisa Estes24 Michele Foley25 Rhonda Kaplan25 Carmen Vaknin26 Wendy Lerman27 Joan Friedland27 Elyse Kunick29 Al Garson29 Sarah Greenberg29 Valerie Katz29 Amit Pazgal29 David Pomerantz29 Barbara Smolowitz29 Michael Wolf30 Paula Eisenstein Baker30 Marcia Resnick

February Birthdays 1 Amelia Ribnick Kleiman2 Catherine Bortz3 Martin Kagan3 David Lewis3 Morris Narunsky4 Jhanine Binderman4 Stan Druck5 Vivian Lederman5 Mark Newman6 Lucy Graubard6 David Mendel6 Richard Rhodes6 Marlene Rocher7 Alice Cahana10 Carol Alberts10 Joe Epstein10 Andrew Hoffman11 Earl Spielman12 David Danielson12 Alan Goldsmith12 Michael Kleinman12 Cecily Sherbel12 Adam Singer14 Michael Altman14 Eliezer Mendelssohn14 Oren Mushin15 David Duchen15 Lawrence Katz15 Marla Matz15 Elaine Richman15 Melanie Rosen15 Christopher Wade15 Ellen Wallace16 Jodi Fradkin17 Moshe Even17 Sue Magzen17 Adam Plager17 Julie Pomerantz17 Julian Schneider17 Kenneth Ullman18 Deborah (Ostroff) Segal19 Jeff Kaufman19 Herzl Marouni20 Martin Kay20 Corinne Melloul20 Michel Siegel20 Sheldon Weisfeld

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Birthdays21 Jerald Zarin22 Alyson Ebro22 David Nadel22 Hal Rolnick23 Paula Grossman24 Uzi Halevy24 Juan Kopinsky24 Joseph Markman24 Alan Silverblatt25 Nola Brody26 Matthew Cohen26 Sydelle Farber26 Ione Moran26 Sid Wallace28 Norman Lazarus28 Dena Rhodes29 Lauren Topek

March Birthdays 1 Marc Garvin1 Rabbi Sue Levy2 Betty Clark2 Marian Prager3 Glori Chaika3 Debbie Darlow3 Cynthia Lavenda3 Randy Plost4 Sam Edelheit4 Marcia Katz5 Nachum Dafny5 Allen Milewicz6 Andrew Koller6 Sandra Remson6 Matthew Stein8 Miles Cohn8 Raquel Goldberg8 Sheryl Sklar8 William Starr9 Lori Actor10 Karen Coveler10 Larry Estes10 Arlene Gerger10 Jack Joseph10 Gabi Karny10 Susan Tomlinson11 Steve Friedman11 Brad Irwin12 Paula Druckman12 Daniel Greenberg12 Allen Karger12 Nancy Levit13 Claire Altman13 Marcie Baker13 Elaine Merwin14 Rita Holland15 Judith Greenberg15 Ellen Kleinman15 Amalia Picus16 Asher Aremband16 Douglas Kleiner16 Nikki Schwartz16 Alan Winters17 Shelia Levine17 Mitchell Lukin17 Carmel Mushin18 Bryna Levi

19 Shelley Horwitz21 Michael Rotenberg22 Neil Aussenberg22 Ben Guefen25 Stephanie Kleiner25 Elaine Patel26 Bonnie Edelstein26 Nathan Gordon27 Allen Shapiro27 Schlomo Vaknin28 Lisa Geda28 Charles Pehr28 Lori Roggen28 Miriam Wiener29 Lauren Wiener30 Juan Verdugo30 Ira Wolinsky31 Mark Levine

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Donations to Congregation Brith Shalom: October 2012-present

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Axelrad Adult Education Fund Edward & Patricia Hurwitz Harold Harris Martin & Deborah Segal Melvin & Marty Buck Paul & Judi Scott Sydelle Farber

Brown/Steinberger Adult Education Fund Sam & Elaine Merwin

Cantor’s Discretionary Fund Charles Rouah &Jennifer Rothfl eisch Daniel & Vivian Lederman Fred & Anna Dorin Joel & Sara Saber Melvin & Marty Buck Ruth Karger Samuel & Deborah Mishael Sanford & Leslie Weiner Stephen & Barbara Robbins

Chesed Fund Judith Greenberg Marshall & Doreen Lerner

Choir Fund Jerry & Rabbi Debbie Israel Dubin

B’nei Mitzvah Fund Eric & Amelia Ribnick Kleiman

Deena Grossman ReligiousSchool Fund Kenneth & Helen Lesartre

Friday Night Ruach FundAllan Goldstein & Ronda Feinberg Charles Rouah &Jennifer Rothfl eisch Elaine Kellner Fred & Anna Dorin Joseph & Claire Altman Lila LernerMark & Veronica Jason

Sandra Seigle Daily Sewell & Hannah Martin

General Fund Aaron & Eileen Keiter Anita Schlossberg Ben & Arline Guefen Blanche Roubein Charles & Sally Pehr Charles Wiese & Janice Rubin David & Laura Duchen Eden & Phyllis Wenig Fred & Patsy Sklar Gary Bloch & Marni HettenaHannah Rosenthal Hans & Marge Mayer Harvey & Marcia Resnick Hertzel & Dorita Aron Hy & Shirley Warshaw Kamal Sheena Kenneth & Cathy Podell Leon & Sonia Horowitz Leonard & Susan Kammerman Lila Flanz Lorna Grenadier Mac & Shirley Katzin Mallory Robinson Marian Prager Merv & Jean Rosenbaum Michael & Carol Goldberg Michael & Marcia Zlotnick Michael Ozer Moshe & Arlene Even Peter & Phyllis Gingiss Phyllis Turkel Ray & Ruth Eagle Richard & Bayle Drubel Richard & Celine Stetzer Robert & Anita Eigler Robert & Renee Stone Samuel & Jerri Wilson Saundra Turk Sheldon & Phyllis Kaufman Stephen Baker &Paula Eisenstein Baker Susan Mize Timothy & Sara Zwickl Tom Schlossberg

Tomer Cohen Yetta Green

Gerger Scholarship Fund David & Heidi Gerger Ricki Gerger

Going Green Fund Kenneth & Helen Lesartre Rhoda Goldberg

Kiddush Fund Fred & Anna Dorin Ron & Shira Moses

Library Fund Ellis & Goldie RushefskyGerald & Carole Sheldon Harvey & Marcia Resnick Henry & Elizabeth Peterman Joyce Golub Lawrence & Joan Katz Melvin & Marty Buck Sally Jacobs

Mahzor Fund Marian Prager Rhoda Goldberg

Mini Minyan Fund Leonard Goldstein & Helen Wils

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Allan Goldstein & Ronda Feinberg Charles Rouah &Jennifer Rothfl eisch Cynthia Stetzer Cyril & Mignon Wolf Daniel & Vivian Lederman David & Heidi Gerger Peggy Cloninger Elaine Kellner Esther Kolokoff Flo Slatko Fred & Anna Dorin Gary Bloch & Marni Hettena Howard & Joan Lang Kurt & Ilana Lothman

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Leonard & Susan Kammerman Marian Prager Martin & Deborah Segal Melvin & Marty Buck Paul & Judi Scott Richard & Nancy Freed Ron & Eta Paransky Ruby Getz Sam & Charlotte Axelrad Sanford & Leslie Weiner Seth & Karen Lerner Shelia Levine Sherry Hager Sidney & Lorraine Brown Steve & Dr. Wendy Conaway Tracy Robinson Vicki Bates Yoram Borodaty &Monica McGrann

Religious SchoolDonation Fund Dr. Edward & Patricia Hurwitz Saundra Turk

Rushefsky Scholarship Fund Ellis & Goldie Rushefsky

Scholarship Fund Donations Ben & Arline Guefen Ben & Cookie Portnoy

Sisterhood Fund Charles Koller & Paula Bottecelli Gerald Falchook &Carolyn Shulman Leon & Sonia Horowitz Marcelo & Vanesa Levi Kreindel Martin & Deborah Segal Milton & Gail Klein Rabbi Howard & Norma Trusch Sewell & Hannah Martin

Synagogue Enhancement Fund Morton & Jean Levy

Weekday Minyan Tzedakah Fund Alan Buck & Roslyn Hager Ruth Wolfert

Year of the Torah Project Sanford & Leslie Weiner

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NOSHER SHABBAT MEAL SPECIAL FOR 4 PEOPLE

Chicken matzah ball soup Whole baked chicken (available with paprika or apricot flavor) Potato kugel California vegetable blend Marble cake (parve) Price: $24.99 Submit and guarantee your order no later than Wednesday night by phone or e-mail. Please understand that we are not a supermarket and therefore cannot prepare too many meals without an order ahead of time. We also bake fresh Challah bread every Thursday and Friday. Price is $4.50 per loaf.

Wednesday Night Dinner Special Homemade meat loaf Yellow rice Vegetable Price: $8.99 each You are welcome to dine in with us. We have plenty of room to seat over 80 people. If are interested in a to-go order, please call ahead of time and we will have your meal ready for you. All of our other menu items are available all day until 8:00 pm. Thank you! NOSHER CATERING EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF HOUSTON 5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096 p 713.551.7209 ext. 3232 | f 713.551.7223 [email protected] | erjcchouston.org

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March 28-31, 2013

New! This Passover, for 4 days and 3 nights, leave the holiday vacation planning to us while you relax in

the Hill Country in Wimberley, Texas. We’ll provide delicious kosher for Passover food, comfortable

housing, fun activities and a unique holiday experience for you and your family! It’ll be your best Passover

vacation yet!

Early Bird Special:Register before February 1, 2013

and receive 10% off the total amount.

www.cyjtexas.org/passovercamp

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Want to be the fi rst to see and hear about what’s happening at

Brith Shalom?Follow us!

www.facebook.com/BrithShalom

@BrithShalom

We LOVE you; please LIKE us!

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