Publication of the WHISPER is made possible through the generosity of the Donald & Barbara Bernstein Endowment Fund

Rabbinic Reflections “Moira Quinn Klein – A Master of Words”

By Rabbi Judy Schindler

When Moses was first called by God to lead the Jew-ish people, he was rightly fearful, “Please, O God, I have never been a man of words, either in times past or now… I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”

Moira Quinn Klein, our Temple Beth El President, has never been fearful of speaking nor ever shied away from lifting her voice to support Temple Beth El and our Jewish community. She has steadfastly and skillfully served us for the past two years as our Temple President and for the past decade on our Board.

As a leader, Moira has been a master of words, al-ways crafting works that speak to the heart through her thoughtful speeches, letters and responses to our congregational concerns. She has worked round the clock to meet our congregational needs and has tirelessly been our advocate on Shalom Park and beyond.

Moira has served us as a gifted master of ceremony – representing Beth El with wisdom and poise. She has lifted us as a master of media. Our voice of Beth El is heard so loudly and clearly in Charlotte because of her. Moira’s involvement in not-for-profits and initiatives across our city, make her the eyes and ears of Beth El on community issues. She is always on the lookout for how Temple Beth El can fit in.

Moira has not only led our Board and congregation in the business of Beth El, but she has also led us in worship. Her exquisite singing voice has left a hard legacy for future presidents to follow. No one has ever before, nor is likely to again, sing a Rosh Hasha-nah solo out of silent meditation and then proceed directly into delivering a Presidential address.

Moira Quinn Klein’s love for Judaism and Beth El is deep. Her roots in our congregation are strong. Her father-in-law is a past-President. Her mother-in-law’s parents founded our congregation sixty-nine years ago. Her husband, Robert, grew up here and is deeply supportive of her work and our work.

Our sages teach, “Know from where you came and know where you are going” (Pirket Avot 3:1). Moira knows well from where we have come. She has been a member of Beth El for more than two decades. Continued on page 2.

Whisper TEMPLE BETH ELMAY 2012

honoRing outgoing pResident moiRa quinn klein Friday, June 1st, at our 6:00 pm Shabbat Service Please join our congregation in thanking Moira for her im-mense dedication and outstanding work as President. For more on Moira, see Rabbi Judy’s column to the left.

tbe’s annual meeting, congRegational dinneR and volunteeR Recognition Monday, May 21st, 7:00 pm at Temple Beth ElJoin us for the election of new officers and board members, a review of the 2012-13 budget and reflections on the 2011-12 Year. Dessert reception to follow. Congregational dinner to preceed. To register for dinner, see www.beth-el.com/RSVP.

seRvice of confiRmation / shavuot Saturday, May 26th, 7:00 pm at Temple Beth El With great pride the parents and confirmands of Temple Beth El invite you to worship with us at the Confirmation Service on Shavuot. For a student list and details, see:www.beth-el.com/shavuot_confirmation.

mitZvah day 2012 Sunday, May 20th, 9:00 am at Temple Beth El

See page 3 for project lists, collections opportunities, a post-Mitzvah Day ice cream party, and more.

VOICE 02WHISPER RELIGIOUS LIFE / ADULT LEARNING

may 2012 volume 3 issue 5

Temple Beth El Whisper5101 Providence RoadCharlotte, NC 28226704-366-1948Fax: 704-366-1365Email: bulletin@beth-el.com

The Temple Beth El Whisper is published on the first of alternating months by Temple Beth El, a Reform Congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism.

Due to its size, the Whisper will only include upcoming Temple programs and events, the monthly calendar, b’nei mitzvah for the month and limited other features. Community information will be included in the Voice on alternating months.

The Whisper is published 5 times a year.

may congRegational shabbat satuRday, may 19, 2012 Come to one component or stay for it all.

9:00 am - Shabbat morning experience choices: • Workshop with Rabbi Kaplan • Teen Band and Teen Vocal Ensemble with Cantors Bernard and Thomas • FIJI Conversion Class with Rabbi Judy • Sheva Seventh Grade Program with Rabbi Jonathan • The Farber Leadership Program will also meet at this time.10:15 am - Shabbat morning brunch - $8/adults, $6/children 12 and under. RSVP at www.beth-el.com/RSVP or by call- ing 704-749-3070.11:00 am - Congregational service This service is for and by you, our TBE family. This month, the D’var Torah will be presented by Jodi Greenwald. Torah will be read by Barbara Feld, Debbie Rabinovich and Toby Spitzer. The haftarah will be chanted by Hannah Lieberman. We will invite for sepa- rate aliyot Graduating Seniors from Teen Vocal En- semble and Teen Band, the Mitzvah Day Captains and the Farber Leadership Class. Birthright Alumni will be invited to offer a prayer for peace. Many opportunities for participation and honors exist; please ask the clergy.

anotheR Jolt of Judaism in the middle of uptown Wednesday, May 11th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm Two Wells Fargo Center Atrium Look for Rabbi Jonathan

Beth El brings lively Talmud discussion to the center of Charlotte – totally accessible to newcomers. BYO lunch, or pick up in the Atrium and nosh over texts. Please RSVP by sending an email to rabbijonathan@beth-el.com.

Next date (same time, same location for now)• Friday, May 25th

special events with Rabbi miRi gold • Lunch & Learn - Special LaG baOmer Israel Version Thursday, May 10th, 12:00-1:00 pm, at Rooster’s Wood Fired Kitchen, 6601 Morrison Rd., (in the wine bar)

Torah, wisdom and great conversation with two rabbis, Rabbi Miri Gold from Israel, and Rabbi Jonathan. Please RSVP to Rabbi Jonathan: rabbijonathan@beth-el.com.

• Israel Shabbat Pre-Neg Friday, May 11th, 5:30 pm at Temple Beth El

Join Rabbi Miri Gold for a special pre-neg honoring Reform Judaism in Israel and Birkat Shalom, our sister congregation.

• Special Learning with Rabbi Miri Gold Saturday, May 12th, 9:30am at Temple Beth El

Join Rabbi Miri Gold for a special Israeli themed edition of our Saturday morning Tanach Learning.

alteRnate shavuot Monday, May 28th, 10:00 am-12:30 pm, location TBD

Special holiday yoga, meditation and learning, outdoors!NextDOR and more - everyone is welcome to attend this family-friendly event. Contact rabbijonathan@beth-el.com.

moiRa (continued from cover page)

And, she has a vision for where we are going. She initiated and steadfastly guided our current strategic planning process every step of the way. Moira has honored our past as she guides us toward an even stronger future.

Moira has lifted our prayers up to God with her voice and brought the prayers of our congrega-tion to life with her leadership. Please join me in thanking Moira for her immense dedication and outstanding work on Friday, June 1st, at our 6:00 pm Shabbat service.

“Know from where you come, and know where you are going,” our sages teach. We are going far because of Moira’s leadership.

By Rabbi Judy Schindler

VOICEWHISPER MITZVAH DAY 2012 03

please Join us foR mitZvah day 2012: sunday, may 20th

Mitzvah Day will begin with breakfast at 9:00 am at Temple Beth El. Registration is available online only at the Temple website until 11:59 pm on Monday, May 14th: www.beth-el.com/RSVP. Projects are filling up fast: Register today!

For general Mitzvah Day questions, please contact Lisa Moreland at lmoreland@charlottelatin.org. For registration questions, please contact Marissa Brooks at marissa.brooks@gmail.com.

For full project lists and descriptions, as well as team captain contact information, please see www.beth-el.com/mitzvahday2012.

mitZvah day pRoJects:

Open to ALL AGES• Camp Mindy Clean Up• Casseroles and Beyond/Family Promise• Levine Children’s Hospital• Salvation Army Center for Hope• Sterling Elementary Project #3: Summer Fun Packs• Sunrise Assisted Living• Hebrew Cemetery

School-Age and Parents: Ages 5+• Battered Women’s Shelter Project #1: Making gift cards• Charlotte Green (ages 9+)• Bright Blessings (FILLED!)• Ronald McDonald House (ages 8+)• Sterling Elementary Project #1: Spruce Up (ages 8+)• Sterling Elementary Project #2: Teacher Workshop (ages 8+)• Sweet Dreams: Decorate pillowcases for Israeli children (ages 8+)• Gardens for Grandparents (ages 8+)• Temple Beth El Grounds Clean Up (ages 8+)

Teens and Adults: 12+• CMS Classroom Central• Alexander Youth Center: Host carnival (ages 14+)• Battered Women’s Shelter #2: Gardening (ages 13+)• Blood Drive (16+ with parental consent)• Charlotte Community Health Clinic: Painting with TBE Brotherhood (ages 14+)• Preparing for Freedom School: First-aid kits, libraries

Adults only: 18+• Thompson Child and Family Focus: Host carnival • Florence Crittenton Service: Bake and set up meal

item dRives and Recycling pRogRam:No registration necessary! For complete list and details, see www.beth-el.com/mitzvahday2012. • Electronics Recycling Bring your items to the truck parked at TBE.

• Paper Shredding Bring any confidential papers that need to be shredded to the truck parked at TBE. • Habitat for Humanity Restore Books Collection Bring your gently used hardback, paperback, children’s and other books to TBE.

• Mecklenburg County Animal Care & Control Items Collection Bring Milk Bones or Costco dog biscuits, cat treats (any brand), newspapers, and new or gently used towels, wash cloths and blankets.

• Salvation Army Center of Hope Residential Camp Collection Bring beach towels (new or used), bathing suits and flip- flops to TBE.

• Casseroles & Beyond and Family Promise Collection Assemble care packages of cleaning supplies for low- income families. Donate and/or stay to assemble packages. (Detailed donation list is available at: www.beth-el.com/mitzvahday2012.)

post mitZvah day ice cReam paRty Sunday, May 20th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm Ben & Jerry’s, 7800 Fairview Road Open to TBE members and friends!

Ben & Jerry’s on Fairview Rd. will donate a portion of the proceeds to TBE Youth. Come cool off after a long, hard day’s work. This will be a great time to treat yourself and your family to a delicious ice cream dessert, make new friends and reconnect with other TBE families! Cost: whatever you buy. No RSVPs required - just show up and support TBE Youth!

VOICEWHISPER SJ&A / TEMPLE TOTS / YOUTH 04

social Justice and action

Sterling Elementary Partnership – Support a Classroom in NeedSterling Elementary teachers have posted projects and their supply needs online, and we can donate directly! To view and contribute, search for Sterling projects at www.donorschoose.org. (FYI, the school’s street address is in Pineville, NC.)

Donating an old cell phone can save a lifeUnwanted cell phones will be reprogrammed to call 911 and used in the event of an emergency. Bring cell phones and battery chargers (in a bag or box, if possible) to the TBE office. See www.shalombayit-nc.org. How Healthy is Your Relationship?Up to 25% of all Jewish women, teens and even some men are currently in abusive situations. Learn how to help and get help at www.shalombayit-nc.org or by calling 704-756-9209.

The Power of Community: Working Together to End HomelessnessOn April 21st, TBE members joined the Social Justice and Action Committee to learn more about our Temple’s efforts to be a community leader in the fight to end homelessness in Charlotte. Click www. solvethepuzzlecharlotte.org to learn more about homelessness in our community and how you can get involved. Or, contact Judy Seldin-Cohen at judyseldin@yahoo.com. Casseroles and Beyond – Moving Families out of HomelessnessHelp a homeless family move into permanent housing. Volunteers are needed to organize a furniture drive, assemble welcome baskets, coordinate fundraising efforts and assist a caseworker moving our neighbors out of homelessness. For details, contact Jared Lawrence, Jared.Lawrence@duke-energy.com, or see www.casserolesandbeyond.org.

Shalom Park Freedom SchoolShalom Park will host its second Freedom School this summer for 50 scholars from Sterling Elementary and Huntingtowne Farms Elementary. Freedom School Partners will staff our site with six interns, and our own Josh Battle (who currently works for Charlotte

Jewish Day School) will return as Site Coordinator. Last year’s Site Coordinator, Kevin Vandiver, will return as Regional Coordinator. Check us out at www.spfreedomschool.org for information on programs, volunteering and donating.

temple beth el tots

The Temple Beth El Tots offer accessible, engaging services and activities for kids up to five years old, their parents and siblings. Music, art and more are all ways our Tot programs create vibrant Jewish life for the whole family. For details about the Temple Tots and getting involved (including sponsorship of an event), please contact tots@beth-el.com or 704-366-1948. Upcoming events: • Saturday, May 12th, 9:15 am - Tot Shabbat

youth

• LIBERTY 67 End of Year Bash - POOL PARTY!Saturday, May 12th, 5:30-7:30 pm at the Daniel Household (8909 Dove Stand Lane, Charlotte, NC) Don’t miss the final event of the school year! Games, dinner and fun will help you remember your amazing year with LIBERTY 67. Bring your swimsuit or just come to hang out. You MUST RSVP by May 9th at www.beth-el.com/RSVP. Contact Holly Gainsboro with questions: liberty67youth@gmail.com. Cost: $5 (includes dinner).

• LIBERTY Lock-In & New Board InstallationsFriday, May 11th - Saturday, May 12th, 5:15pm-8:30 am At Temple Beth ElJoin us for LIBERTY’s annual, end-of-year, lock-in overnight extravaganza! We will have many special programs with LIBERTY Board installations for the 2012-2013 school year. Come say goodbye to your seniors and hello to the future leaders of LIBERTY. You MUST RSVP by May 8th at www.beth-el.com/RSVP. Email libertycvp@gmail.com with questions. Cost: $20 (includes dinner and breakfast). • Summer Shabbat Service with a Special Celebration of Our High School GraduatesFriday, May 18th, at the 6:00 pm Shabbat ServicesPlease join us as we welcome our graduating seniors into our service as they enter robed in an array of colorful caps and gowns from area high schools. We will launch our graduates into the next step on their journey with blessings from the clergy and congregation. A group photo will be taken at 5:30 pm. RSVP to Beth by May 14th to attend a special Oneg Schmooze for graduating seniors and families: bethd1@bellsouth.net.

Thank you to our February Tot Shabbat Sponsors:

lisa and michael fiRestone In honor of David’s 5th and Daniel’s 3rd birthdays

VOICEWHISPER 05

membeRship Get a Taste of JudaismSummer Session: Saturdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23.9:00 - 10:30 am. No charge!

All are welcome: Jewish or not, member or not! Are youcurious? Join us to explore and learn the Jewish perspec-tive on living in today’s world. Discussions to include: spirituality, values, community and traditions. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Contact Shari Hack-man or Janie Meyers at 704-749-3051, shackman@beth-el.com or jmeyers@beth-el.com.

Bark Mitzvah!Sunday, June 3rd at 11:00 am, William R. Davie Dog Park, 4635 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Charlotte

Calling all Temple Beth El dogs and their owners! Bringyour pets for blessings by our clergy at this “Bark Mitzvah”in the park! Bring a picnic lunch.

may news fRom sisteRhood / women of RefoRm Judaism

Notes from Shelley and JudyWhat a year WRJ sisterhood has had! We have evaluated our first year as co-presidents: We started as BFF and to our surprise, continue as BFF! We would like to thank all those who volunteered, all those who have attended various programs and especially Rabbi Judy for her support and guidance. Anyone interested in serving as board member, please call Judy at 704-542-4849.

Events for May:• Friday, May 4th – Sisterhood Shabbat services at 6:15 pm at Beth El. Pre-neg sponsored by WRJ/Sisterhood. Shabbat dinner to follow services. Adults: $10 and Chil-dren 12 and under: $5. RSVP by April 27th to 704-749-3070 or www.beth-el.com/RSVP.• Thursday, May 24th - Eat & Smooze at 7:00 pm at Ric-cio’s Italian Resturant, 9213 BaybrookCenter (off High-way 51 where Tuesday Morning is located). RSVP to Caren Carr at 704-246-7921. Sisterhood members: Please support Brotherhood and the Sock Hop on May 19th! dialogue meeting

The St. Peter’s Catholic Church/Temple Beth El Dialogue will meet on Sunday, May 6th at Temple Beth El from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. This will be an informal meeting, and all are invited to attend. Please bring with you any “Unan-swered Questions” you want to ask about each other’s faiths. Please also bring a snack or dessert to share and your favorite beverage. For additional information and to RSVP, please call Doris Goldsmith at 704-362-2724 or Amalia Warshenbrot at 704-365-3313.

bRotheRhood

upcoming spice pRogRams

• Monday, May 7th - SPICE OUT at the Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th Street, Uptown, at 1:30 pm.Program: Viewing the exhibits: “Down Home: Jewish Life in North Carolina,” “All That Remains: Interviews with Holocaust Survivors,” and “Courage & Compassion: The Story of the Bielski Brothers.” Cost: $5.00 for non-museum members; no cost for museum members. Lunch will be on your own prior to the museum visit. RSVPs are required by Wednesday, May 2nd.• Monday, May 21st, 11:00 am at Temple Beth ElProgram: Rabbi Judy will facilitate a viewing of “Souls of Our Teachers.” Lunch will be at 12:00 pm (pizza and salad) and costs $7 per person, followed at 12:45 pm by Rabbi Schindler and Beth Wardy, Principal of Sterling Elementary School, discussing student and teacher needs. RSVPs are required by Wednesday, May 16th.• Monday, June 4th, 11:00 am at Temple Beth El Program: Rabbi Jonathan on “The Healing Power of Prayer.” Lunch will be at 12:00 pm and costs $7 per person, followed at 12:45 pm by Adeola Fearon from Mecklenburg Ministries’ Food for Thought Committee, on: “The Healing Power in Our Lives and in Our Community.” RSVPs are required by Wednesday, May 30th.You must RSVP for SPICE events (even if you don’t ordera lunch) at www.beth-el.com/RSVP, by calling 704-749-3070or by personal check. You will be billed if you do not cancel within 48 hours of the program date. SPICE programming is made possible through a generous grant from the BJH Founda-tion for Senior Services.

MEMBERSHIP / COMMITTEES AND EVENTS

VOICEWHISPER b’nei mitZvah

JoRdyn ava peRkins Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim May 5, 2012

Jordyn is the daughter of Ian and Beverly Perkins. Her grandparents are Gerson and Pearl Gusewich of Sunrise, FL; Bernard and Suzanne Perkins of Tamarac, FL; and Roberta Bergman of Miami, FL. Jordyn is the sister of Sydney. louisa catheRine stein Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim May 5, 2012

Louisa is the daughter of Michael and Janna Stein. Her grandparents are Madlyn Stein of Charlotte, NC; the late Robert K. Stein; Charles and Janet Bittinger of Newton, NC; and David and Jewel Drinkard of Charlotte, NC. Louisa is the sister of Jacob and Nathan.

benJamin meyeRson Parashat Emor May 12, 2012

Benjamin is the son of Stuart and Lisa Meyerson. His grandparents are Richard and Rochelle Roberts of Bethlehem, PA; Leila Meyerson of Boca Raton, FL; and the late Monroe Meyerson. Benjamin is the brother of Samuel.

samuel meyeRson Parashat Emor May 12, 2012

Samuel is the son of Stuart and Lisa Meyerson. His grandparents are Richard and Rochelle Roberts of Beth-lehem, PA; Leila Meyerson of Boca Raton, FL; and the late Monroe Meyerson. Samuel is the brother of Benja-min.

sabRina anne caRmichael Parashat Bemidbar May 26, 2012

Sabrina is the daughter of Chad Carmichael and Melissa Coates. Her grandparents are Richard and Judy Coates of Waxhaw, NC, the late Shirley Richardson and the late James Carmichael. Sabrina is the sister of Alexander.

Jason gaRfinkle \ Parashat Bemidbar May 26, 2012

Jason is the son of Steve and Lisa Garfinkle. His grand-parents are Roberta Sonneborn of Delray Beach, FL; Jack B. Garfinkle of Rockville, MD; and Bill and Betsy Knott of Titusville, FL. Jason is the brother of Sarah, Ellen and David.

samuel katZ Parashat Yitro May 27, 2012

Sam is the son of Pete and Erica Katz. His grandparents are Robert and Sara Friedman of Lincoln, NE, and the late Roz Katz of New York, NY. Sam is the brother of Theodore.

shaRing ouR lives

The Board of Directors of Temple Beth El and the entire congregation extend deepest sympathies to the families of… Henry Deutsch, father of Robin Zimmerman … Gertrude Ginsberg, mother of Sheila Kass… Sheldon Howard, father of Jonathan Howard… Sarah Shuart, mother-in-law of Susan Shuart

maZel tov to...Births…Susan and Donald Jacobs on the birth of their granddaughter, Blake Emma, on April 1, 2012. Proud parents are Lauren and David Weiner.…Sheila and Howard Kass on the birth of their grandson, Aiden Gregory, on April 11, 2012. Proud parents are Lawrence and Sarah Kass.…Mandie and Seth Nore on the birth of their son, Levi Palmer Nore, on April 6, 2012.…Susan Proctor on the birth of her granddaughter, Matilda Rose, on April 3, 2012. Proud parents are Buffy and Jeffrey Skolnick.

B’NEI MITZVAH / SHARING OUR LIVES

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Learn more about our b’nei mitzvah students.Go to www.beth-el.com/b_neimitzvahstudents

to read about their mitzvah projects and more.

VOICEWHISPER CALENDAR

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may 2012

5101 providence Roadcharlotte, nc 28226 (704) 366-1948www.beth-el.com

woRship seRvices - may 2012

fRiday, may 4Evening Worship Service: Eight O’Clock Style 6:15 pmBereavement Service: Finding Consolation 7:30 pm after Loss

satuRday, may 5Adult Tanach (Bible) Study 9:30 amShabbat Morning Worship/B’not Mitzvah: 11:00 am Jordyn Perkins Daughter of Ian and Beverly Perkins Louisa Stein Daughter of Michael and Janna Stein

fRiday, may 11Welcoming Shabbat: “Off-the-Wall” Style 6:15 pm

satuRday, may 12Tot Shabbat 9:15 amAdult Tanach (Bible) Study 9:30 amShabbat Morning Worship/B’nei Mitzvah: 11:00 am Benjamin Meyerson Son of Stuart and Lisa Meyerson Samuel Meyerson Son of Stuart and Lisa Meyerson

fRiday, may 18Summer Worship Service 6:00 pm

satuRday, may 19Adult Tanach (Bible) Study 9:00 amCongregational Shabbat Experiences 9:00 amCongregational Shabbat Brunch 10:15 amCongregational Shabbat Service 11:00 am

fRiday, may 25Summer Worship Service 6:00 pmService of Healing & Comfort 7:15 pm

satuRday, may 26Adult Tanach (Bible) Study 9:30 amShabbat Morning Worship/B’nei Mitzvah: 11:00 am Sabrina Carmichael Daughter of Chad Carmichael and Melissa Coates Jason Garfinkle Son of Stephen and Lisa GarfinkleShavuot Festival Service and Confirmation 7:00 pm

sunday, may 27Shavuot Yizkor Service/Bar Mitzvah 11:00 am Samuel Katz Son of Peter and Erica Katz

milestones - may 2012

MAY MILESTONE BIRTHDAYS

4 - Marsi Schwartz 21 - Adrian Gomez 8 - Alisa Mor Rebecca Ferry 10 - Louise Bernstein 25 - Robert Lidz Susan Blackman Jerry Goldberg Hilbert Fuerstman Randi Jones Simon11 - Daisy Shapiro-Rieke 26 - Marshall Lindner Kenneth Kahn 28 - Herman Ziegler14 - Susan Weiss Karen Millman17 - Golda Schwartz Lori Trapani20 - Iris Cheng 29 - Brian Clasky 31 - Joy Ann Miller MAY MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

25th - Barry and Lisa Wohl20th - Richard and Merril Schenkel10th - Barry and Lisa Blau Stephen Small and Farangis Goshtasbpour

Temple Office HoursMonday through Thursday 9:00 am to 5:30 pmFriday 9:00 am to 4:00 pmThe office is closed on Saturday and Sunday.