Shevat/Adar 5782 / February 2022
Volume V
No. 42
Voice of Truth
Rabbi's Message: Extending Our Love As you know, I am away on sabbatical. As I write this, I am sitting at the dining room table in the home of my cousins Klaus and Anne, who live in Hamburg, Germany. I am so glad that I have been able to visit my extended family in Germany. I have seen my aging aunts and uncles and met little cousins who have been born since I was last here. One thing that I find strange about being a rabbi is that while I need time away from my work to rest and rejuvenate, it is hard to be away from all of you, whom I care deeply about. I am sorry not to be there with you to mourn Fran Arnowitz and other losses. In the wake of the hostage crisis in Colleyville, Texas, I am thinking of you. I am glad that Rabbi Pinsky is there with you to give you support, and that you have each other. I pray for continued safety for you, and offer you the words of Psalm 91: O you who dwell in the shelter of the Most High and abide in the protection of Shaddai— I say of the Lord, my refuge and stronghold, my God in whom I trust, that God will save you from the fowler’s trap, from the destructive plague. She will cover you with Her pinions; you will find refuge under Her wings; Her fidelity is an encircling shield. You need not fear the terror by night, or the arrow that flies by day, the plague that stalks in the darkness, or the scourge that ravages at noon. A thousand may fall at your left side, ten thousand at your right, but it shall not reach you. You will see it with your eyes, you will witness the punishment of the wicked. Because you took the LORD—my refuge, the Most High—as your haven, no harm will befall you, no disease touch your tent. For God will order His angels to guard you wherever you go. They will carry you in their hands lest you hurt your foot on a stone. You will tread on cubs and vipers; you will trample lions and asps. “Because you are devoted to Me I will deliver you; I will keep you safe, for you knows My name. When you calls on Me, I will answer you; I will be with you in distress; I will rescue you and make you honored; I will let you live to a ripe old age, and show you My salvation.” May God’s love be with you and God’s protection be upon you. I look forward to seeing you when I return. Rabbi Hoover
President’s Message Lessons from Coleyville Dear B’ShERT Community, As I write this, it’s the first Shabbat since Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, found itself in the middle of a terrifying hostage drama that, thankfully, ended with the safe release of the hostages after an almost 11-hour standoff. For me, this particular incident hit a little too close to home. Like B’ShERT, Congregation Beth Israel is a URJ (Union for Reform Judaism)-affiliated synagogue. It has about 200 members (fewer than ours), a religious school with about 75 students (more than ours), and it has worked to build alliances with other faith-based organizations, just as we do with our Social Action Committee and Interfaith Coalition. Like B’ShERT, Congregation Beth Israel has been holding multi-access Shabbat services throughout the pandemic—it was on Facebook Live that the horrified Texas congregants watched, and listened, as their rabbi and the small number of in-person attendees were taken hostage. We also know that Congregation Beth Israel is a friendly and welcoming place, just as we are. The hostage-taker, Malik Faisal Akram, was allowed into the synagogue by the rabbi, who believed the stranger was a troubled soul in need of prayer. News reports indicate that Akram was turned away from a mosque just days earlier when he appeared unstable and became verbally abusive. We are, of course, grateful that tragedy was averted in this case, and as a fellow Jewish community we hold the people of Congregation Beth Israel in our hearts as they continue to process, and heal from, this traumatic event. From our perspective, it is also valuable to try to learn something from their experience. In the days after Colleyville, a number of us at B’ShERT—including Security Protocols Committee Chair Faye Guskin, congregant Pam Glantzman, and myself—attended webinars hosted by UJA-Federation, JCRC-NY, URJ, ADL, and other organizations. These webinars both deconstructed the hostage incident and addressed the importance, and different types of, security training available to synagogue communities. Rabbi Cytron-Walker, who addressed attendees at one of the webinars, credits the security training he received with giving him the presence of mind to endure this highly stressful situation and eventually throw a chair at the hostage-taker, distracting the suspect long enough so that the hostages could successfully escape. Here at B’ShERT, the topic of security has been a focus for several years. The realities of escalating anti-Semitism, the deadly synagogue shootings in Pittsburgh and Poway and other locations, and attacks at other religious institutions have made this a sad necessity. Thanks to grants that we were fortunate to receive, we have funding available to enhance security at our Temple. In addition to purchasing equipment such as security cameras and new doors, we will be able to develop customized emergency protocols, conduct situational awareness and active shooter/threat trainings, and conduct practice exercises and drills. A consultant will be working with our staff and leadership to set these trainings in motion as soon as next month. We are also looking into other security training opportunities. We will keep you apprised as plans move along. We have taken other measures to improve our general sense of well-being at our Temple. We have a positive and productive working relationship with the 70th Precinct’s NCOs (Neighborhood Coordination Officers) and Community Affairs personnel. The precinct has sent a patrol car to sit outside the synagogue during the High Holy Days and for other occasions when we have requested a police presence, such as outdoor services and activities. During the High Holy Days, thanks to the funding in our grant, we were able to hire a private security guard to watch over our outdoor family services and Yom Kippur yizkor service. Several congregants said afterward that seeing a patrol car or security guard gave them a certain peace of mind—and that was our goal. We invite congregants to join the Security Protocols Committee—please contact Faye Guskin (fayelg47@gmail.com) or me (president@bshert.org) if you’re interested. Whether you join the committee or not, we always welcome your thoughts and suggestions. We realize that security is a sensitive subject, and that members of our community have different ideas about what measures are necessary or advisable. We want to hear from you and please know that we respect your concerns. One thing we can all agree on, however, is that nobody wants B’ShERT to become a fortress. We will remain a welcoming community because that is essential to who we are. Our objective is to find the correct balance here at our Temple—one that our community can be comfortable with, and which will provide us with a warm, inviting, AND safe environment. Shabbat Shalom. Adrienne Knoll
Rabbi Alexis Pinsky
Special Message from Rabbi Pinsky Dear B’ShERT Family, When I came to B’ShERT almost three years ago, I was thrilled to be joining such a loving, warm, and dedicated community. After moving back to New York and seeking a community to grow with and call home, the open part-time Rabbi/Educator position spoke to me and revealed itself to be everything that I was looking for. After initial meetings with the search committee and leadership, there was an instant synchronicity, and it became clear that a beautiful match was being made. Please allow me to use the only verbiage that feels appropriate; it was B’ShERT—meant to be. These years have been filled with blessings, challenges, learning, spirituality, and celebration. I am truly grateful for every moment of being your rabbi. It is therefore a bittersweet moment as I anticipate the next chapter of my rabbinic journey and share with you that this will be my final year at B’ShERT. As I reflect on my time in this community, I am deeply grateful for the partnership and blessings in working with Rabbi Hoover, the incredibly dedicated lay leadership, our professional staff, and with each of you. When I began my tenure in the summer of 2019, none of us could have anticipated the shifts that our world would face. Together, we have faced a pandemic with grace and creativity. We have re-imagined the possibilities of learning, shifting our religious school online with little notice, and even growing the number of families and students in our community. Not only did we move our regular programs online but together we used technology to our advantage, and dreamed of entirely new programs and ways to come together as a community. In one of the most difficult periods in our collective global society, our community has grown ever more connected and stronger. It has been a joy and blessing to be your rabbi, and I’m not nearly done! I will be with B’ShERT through the end of June. I look forward to the time that we have together in the months ahead. There are still so many opportunities to come together, celebrate, learn, and pray. While I cannot yet fully announce my next step, I can tell you that I will be staying in the New York area and taking on a full-time congregational position. Please know that as I continue in my rabbinate, I will always take so much of B’ShERT with me. With gratitude and love, Rabbi Alexis Pinsky
Photo by Lore Croghan, courtesy of The Brooklyn Daily Eagle.
As I write this update on our security grant progress, I am grateful that those held in the Texas temple crisis are all safe. We are eager to move forward with projects to enhance security at B’ShERT. We are waiting to hear from FEMA and the State for final approval on our security equipment improvements. You may have heard that security plans and training had made a big difference in how the Texas Rabbi was able to handle the crisis. For B’ShERT, we will soon review bid proposals from security consultants: to assess the building and develop customized emergency protocols for the Temple, to conduct Situational Awareness and Active Shooter/Threat training, and to conduct practice exercises/drills. The selected consultant (paid through the grant) will work with our staff, leadership, Committee, etc., to begin preferably in February. Congregants are invited to join the Security Protocol Committee to help with this project. Please contact Adrienne Knoll or myself, co-chairs of the Committee. You are also welcomed to share your suggestions and concerns. The goal is to strike a balance, to provide a warm and welcoming, and safe and secure environment. Everyone can be a part of this effort. Faye Guskin Co-Chair, Building Security Committee
Building Security Committee
Since our last message, the Membership Committee has been preparing behind-the-scenes for our upcoming program,“The Crow Nation and the Jewish People: Our Shared Connection to the Earth and to Each Other.” The event is scheduled to take place Sunday, January 23, 2022. At the time of this writing, we have strong registration including B’ShERT members and some of our friends from the Interfaith Coalition, and we expect this to be a wonderful event. We will report back in next month’s issue and let you know how it went. For those who weren’t able to attend live, we’ll have shared the video on Facebook, here. We’re looking forward to our next event on Sunday, February 13, at 7 p.m.—a virtual “Valentine’s Day Zoom Wine Tasting” led by Emma Tattenbaum-Fine. Whether you’re flying solo, bringing a date, or a friend, we hope you’ll join us (21+ please). Our Eventbrite is up and running at https://wineatbshert.eventbrite.com, and we’ll be sending out a shopping list with enough time for you to visit your local wine store and stock up in advance. If you’re not a wine drinker, feel free to bring your sparkling cider, mocktail, or drink of your choice and enjoy a good time with good company. Other than that, there’s no real news to report this month. We’re looking forward to the current wave of the pandemic receding so that we can once again consider socially distanced and masked indoor events, and we’re really looking forward to warmer weather so we can meet outside! Please note: the next Committee Meeting will be on Tuesday, February 1, at 7 p.m., and we really would love for you to join us! Please email Ellyn (pr@bshert.org) or Joanie (jmhschaffer@gmail.com) for the Zoom link. If you can’t make it, you can still be heard and share your ideas—just send us an email. Best, Ellyn Rothstein and Joanie Holland Schaffer Co-Chairs, Membership Committee
Do you enjoy doing hobbies in a group setting? Do you prefer a place with no teachers and no classes, just people coming together and enjoying their common interest? Small Groups will soon be forming around the following topics: Wine Tasting Rhythm and Music Dungeons & Dragons Beading and Portable Crafts (Embroidery, Jewelry Crafting, Knitting) Email pr@bshert.org for details.
Membership Committee
Special Message From Rabbi Pinsky Dear B’ShERT Family, When I came to B’ShERT almost three years ago, I was thrilled to be joining such a loving, warm, and dedicated community. After moving back to New York and seeking a community to grow with and call home, the open part-time Rabbi/Educator position spoke to me and revealed itself to be everything that I was looking for. After initial meetings with the search committee and leadership, there was an instant synchronicity, and it became clear that a beautiful match was being made. Please allow me to use the only verbiage that feels appropriate; it was b’shert—meant to be. These years have been filled with blessings, challenges, learning, spirituality, and celebration. I am truly grateful for every moment of being your rabbi. It is therefore a bittersweet moment as I anticipate the next chapter of my rabbinic journey and share with you that this will be my final year at B’ShERT. As I reflect on my time in this community, I am deeply grateful for the partnership and blessings in working with Rabbi Hoover, the incredibly dedicated lay leadership, our professional staff, and with each of you. When I began my tenure in the summer of 2019, none of us could have anticipated the shifts that our world would face. Together, we have faced a pandemic with grace and creativity. We have reimagined the possibilities of learning, shifting our religious school online with little notice, and even growing the number of families and students in our community. Not only did we move our regular programs online but together we used technology to our advantage, and dreamed of entirely new programs and ways to come together as a community. In one of the most difficult periods in our collective global society, our community has grown ever more connected and stronger. It has been a joy and blessing to be your rabbi, and I’m not nearly done! I will be with B’ShERT through the end of June. I look forward to the time that we have together in the months ahead. There are still so many opportunities to come together, celebrate, learn, and pray. While I cannot yet fully announce my next step, I can tell you that I will be staying in the New York area and taking on a full-time congregational position. Please know that as I continue in my rabbinate, I will always take so much of B’ShERT with me. With gratitude and love, Rabbi Alexis Pinsky
The United State Military Academy at West Point is the oldest of America’s five service academies. Its story goes back to the late 1700s when it played a vital part in the American Revolution and was the focal point of our young country’s first great case of treason. Since then, it has evolved into one of the nation’s foremost engineering schools as well as the Alma Mater of some of the greatest military leaders in history. But West Point is more than a school. It is the sight of amazing architecture and awesome views. And, of course, there is Army football. “On, Brave Old Army Team !” Using many of his own photographs as well as archival material, Alan, who is a longtime Temple and Brotherhood member here at B’ShERT, will take us on a walk through the open parts of the campus located on the banks of that winding upstate river that is the home of the Black Knights of the Hudson. And it’s right here in our own geographical backyard. There will be a quiz and prizes. Everyone is encouraged to come with their thinking caps—along with their Sunday morning bagels. Zoom link will be sent out closer to the time of the presentation. DON’T FORGET TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS ONE HOUR AHEAD THE NIGHT BEFORE ! Joel Moss and the members of your Brotherhood Affiliate of B'ShERT
Brotherhood Affiliate at B'ShERT
Dear Rabbi Hoover, We want to thank you for your very kind words regarding the Caring Chesed Committee in the current Voice of Truth. It is difficult for us to "advertise" what we do for individual congregants because many want their privacy. We are like a team that works behind the scenes, somewhat quietly, getting the tasks at hand done without fanfare. Therefore, the words in your article are so greatly appreciated by our entire committee plus those who volunteer their time and effort as well. We are all one BIG B'ShERT family, and your leadership and guidance is honored. With much Gratitude, Gene Guskin and Ruth Bile Co-Chairs, Caring Chesed Committe
On Tuesday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m.,The Women of B'ShERT, A Sisterhood Organization, welcomes long-time temple member and Brooklyn Borough Historian, Ron Schweiger, to be our presenter for the evening. Ron will discuss the “Development of Hadassah in Brooklyn” and who the founders were. He will also include the Jewish millionaire philanthropists in Brooklyn that assisted in supplying large donations for the development of Brooklyn Jewish hospitals, a Jewish Orphanage and, also, the Fulton Street department stores. We will conclude the evening with our next edition of showing childhood pictures where everyone has the opportunity to guess who we're looking at. This has been lots of fun so far, so please send through your picture if you would like to add to the fun. ALL pictures are welcome. They can be sent to me/Doreen via email or text; womenofbshert@aol.com or 917-584-9519. Our event will take place virtually and zoom details will be sent out the day prior. We hope you will join us. Between Ron's presentation and our childhood pictures, this will prove to be a delightful evening. Have a great day! Doreen Aronow
Women of B'ShERT: A Sisterhood Organization
Caring Chesed Committee
The following is posted January 3, 2022 by Anat Hoffman, Executive Director of the Israel Reform Action Center (IRAC): Dear Friend, Happy 2022! As we usher in the new year, I want to take a moment to celebrate our impact throughout 2021. This is a quick look, by the numbers, at what we were able to accomplish. Here’s to creating more social justice together in 2022! Have the courage to care and commit to being our partners in advancing a just, democratic, and pluralistic Israel throughout 2022! Yours,
A special thanks to all Brotherhood members who woke upon an early Sunday morning in November to share ideas and plans for the next few months. I am happy to report that all men who were members of Brotherhood the last few years have all joined again. We welcome new member Paul Dann and hope he enjoys his time with our affiliate. Of course, you do not have to be a member to join our meetings or participate in our events, although some new blood is always welcome. On Sunday December 5, at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom, all members and any male who would like to see what we are all about are invited to our Brotherhood meeting. At this meeting we will finalize plans for our Brotherhood Shabbat on Friday night December 10, at 8 p.m. Friday December 10 at 8 p.m. everyone is invited to our annual Brotherhood Retro Shabbat. You are welcome to attend this service in person, masks and proof of vaccine required, or you can watch and participate on Zoom, no mask required on Zoom. Hopefully next year things will be back to a more normal state and we will be able to have the Brotherhood Shabbos dinner before the service as we had in pre-pandemic years. We hope to see many of our fellow Temple members at this service. Brotherhood has many events planned for 2022 including a lecture on Brooklyn-born and Brooklyn-educated Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, an interactive workshop on stress management, another fantastic trivia contest hosted by Mike Rose, a virtual tour of West Point on Zoom by the always-interesting Alan Zarrow, the annual Brotherhood membership breakfast at the Mirage Diner, and a trip to a Cyclones game sometime this Summer. At this time we are not sure about an outdoor picnic in June. Stay tuned for updates! Please check the Voice of Truth, emails, and phone tree messages for more information about upcoming events. We hope everyone is having a wonderful Hanukkah and we wish those celebrating a wonderful Christmas and or/ Kwanzaa. Stay safe and stay well everyone! Joel and the members of your Brotherhood Affiliate at B'ShERT
ARZA Committee
To stay informed and up to date with all that's Israel, the Progressive Jewish Movement and ARZA please go to arza.org, urj.org or IRAC.org. Tamara Kerner, ARZA Committee Chair
Dear Tamara, Thank you for Beth Shalom V’Emeth Reform Temple’s generous donation to ARZA. Especially during this most challenging of moments, we are deeply grateful for your support. Attached is an acknowledgment letter for your recent gift. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the URJ is taking adaptive measures in order to maintain the well-being of our staff, constituents, and communities. At this time, we are only sending out digital acknowledgment letters.If you would like a hard copy of the attached letter, we will send you one as soon as we are able. Together, we pray for a full recovery of those who are sick and for a swift end to the spread of the virus. Now, more than ever, thank you for being our partner in building a more whole, just, and compassionate world. With deepest gratitude, Rabbi Josh Weinberg Rabbi Josh Weinberg -הרב ג'וש ויינברג Vice President, Israel and Reform Zionism –סגן נשיא לענייני ישראל וציונות רפורמית Union for Reform Judaism Executive Director, ARZA
Mary Lou at her grandfather's ranch.
B'ShERT Bio: New Member Edition
Mary Lou Criqui I was born and raised in Ventura County, moving to San Diego County in 1970. Southern California living is the only life I’ve known. I am a retired paralegal of thirty years, most of that time an independent contractor providing legal secretarial and paralegal services to law firms on a temporary basis. After some rest, I became a hospice patient care volunteer. This I did for twenty years, and recently “retired” in 2018. My most favorite things to do for pleasure are gardening and studying all things Torah. I enjoy going for drives in our beautiful rural back country roads. I take advantage of the fact that San Diego County is the most diverse in the United States for native plant and bird populations, so going on walks and hikes here is a true gift. I converted to Judaism in 1996 and this has been and continues to be a most beautiful and gratifying journey. I had been taking Introduction to Judaism classes and had no intention of converting, or so I thought. My first Saturday morning in the synagogue for services was a true awakening of my deepest feelings, beliefs, and faith. Adonai spoke to me at that time and told me that the synagogue is my home, I am a Jew and will always be Jew, and that I will always belong to my Creator. “You are mine and you belong to Me.” I read, write, and speak prayer book Hebrew. One thing I can’t live without is coffee. My interest in books, besides anything Torah, includes historical fiction and select novels. I also do jigsaw puzzles as a pastime and for diversion. I have no words of wisdom of my own, but I’m always looking through the Pirkei Avot for guidance and inspiration. The thing I am most proud of is my ancestry. I had the incredible gift of knowing my matrilineal great grandfather, Fenton Mercer Gass, for twenty-two years. He was a pioneer. But his father, my great-great grandfather, O.D. Gass, was a true pioneer in every sense of the word. He was born in 1827 and is an integral part of the formation and history of Las Vegas, Nevada. Born in Ohio, he boarded a ship and sailed around Cape Horn. When he arrived in San Francisco he had a job waiting for him unloading prefab housing to sell to the gold miners. He married a niece of Ulysses S. Grant and was a senator for the Territory of Arizona, before Nevada statehood. The Senate convened in Yuma, Arizona, and he got there by boat on the Colorado River. This is only the beginning; there are many more interesting things about his life and accomplishments that can be easily researched.
Editorial Note: In January, the B'ShERT community was saddened to lose Fran Arnowitz, a valued and hardworking long-time member. Fran served in various leadership capacities over the years including trustee, treasurer and financial secretary, and she was active on many committees. Fran is lovingly remembered by her husband, Manny, their children Seth, Cindy and Bonnie, and by many family members and friends. Below are some of the memories of Fran shared by her B'ShERT family.
Fran Arnowitz ל״ז There was no better listener than Fran when it came to my sharing, venting, kvelling, kvetching about my daughter Suzanne. Fran knew that I raised Suzy as a single mom and she was always available with an open heart. She always referred to Suzy as "The Child" and, on those rare occasions when both were in the same space, they gravitated to each other. Birds of a feather. I will remember Fran as kind, loving, helpful and wise. I am grateful that she was in our lives. May she rest in peace. ~Beverly and Suzy Berkowitz She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and most of all wife to Manny. Rarely were they not together—they had love for each other that exceeded all bounds. Fran was also a devoted and steadfast Temple member, she was always looking out for what she thought was the best for our congregation. She will be greatly missed. ~Tamara Kerner I had the pleasure of working with Fran on the membership list of the Women of B'ShERT for many years. She was very easy to work with and I enjoyed our time together. Fran was a very bright person, with a sharp mind. I also remember that she was very good in trivia games that we used to have at PTBAS. She will be sorely missed. Harold and I send our deepest sympathies to Manny, their children, and grandchildren. Rest in peace, dear Fran, may your memory be for a blessing. ~Jane and Harold Gleiberman I will miss my friend, she was like a sister to me. ~Love, Helene Fran and I met over 50 years ago. Our friendship included many projects for our Temples. Fran and I served at Beth Ahavath Sholom as Financial Secretary and Treasurer for several years. We also served the Women's Network, which became Women of B'ShERT, Fran as Treasurer and Mona Goldberg, Sara West and I as Co-Presidents. Fran held this position until her death. You always knew where you stood with Fran. She was open and honest in her feelings. She will be very missed. ~Charlotte Russell Fran Arnowitz was the Treasurer or Financial Secretary for Temple for many years. She understood that in order for the Temple to exist, people needed to pay their share. She also understood that members needed to get something back for their membership dues. Fran was the first to volunteer to sit outside of High Holiday services to check tickets. At other events, she was the first to volunteer to sit at a little folding table to check people in, making sure they paid. She willingly missed services, concerts, other fun activities, for the good of the Temple. On a lighter note, we two Frans sometimes got each other’s Temple emails about committees. We had a joke about being the “Other Fran.” I’ll miss that. ~Fran Silverman Fran was the treasurer for our Women's group throughout the years, but most importantly, she was our good friend. We always enjoyed our conversations and time spent together. Fran many times gave me rides home, even when it was out of her way. Sometimes I would run into her on the express bus going to work which was such a nice surprise and enjoyed our conversations on the way in. She was always concerned to check in to see how we were doing and stood up for me when needed. We feel a void in our hearts and will miss Fran very much! We will continue to treasure the memories we made along the way and the friendship that we had which will remain alive in us always. Our condolences to Manny and the entire family! ~Doreen & Jerry Aronow Fran Arnowitz had been a long-time active devoted member of one of our initial legacy congregations—Beth Shalom People’s Temple, in Bensonhurst. She expressed her love for that congregation and through the three consolidations that followed in her concern for our future and in particular as a careful steward of our finances. Fran was practical, business-minded, and outspoken. As I said at this past trustees’ meeting, it was surreal to engage in our monthly budget review without actually hearing Fran’s voice asking questions or providing answers and in fact I could hear her voice clearly in my head. There were other sides to Fran. She could be funny and kind. In my case, she was always offering to drive me home, made a point of conversing with my mother, and even found unclaimed funds for me and took the time to drive over to give me the information. She was a proud officer of our Women’s Group and a force in the Caring/Chesed Committee. I also have many sweet memories of Fran and Manny walking together and holding each other, and I remember Fran showing me their wedding photograph, her face full of tenderness. It is very hard for all of us to lose old friends and for the Temple to lose people who have contributed so much of their time and their hearts. ~Yvette Pomeranz
In Memoriam
Thank You
To my Temple Family, Many thanks for your kind words and attendance at the shiva for my sister Selma Carl. I love my Temple family and you have helped me through a difficult time. Charlotte Russell
We welcome your Voice of Truth news. Let the B'ShERT community know of events in your community, family or your own life. Send your news to news@bshert.org.
Offerings of the Heart Contributions Gratefully Acknowledged
Rabbi Hoover's Discretionary Fund Thank you for the Hebrew class ~Susan Sysler In memory of Harry Berkowitz ~Beverly Berkowitz Thank you for making the Marine Park Alliance's Festival of Lights a very special event ~Karen Eichel Rabbi Pinsky's Discretionary Fund Thank you ~Charlotte Russell For the Caring Committee In memory of Emily Seff ~Joel Moss Thank you Rabbi Hoover for your insightful help ~Beverly Berkowitz The Accessibility Fund In memory of Sandy Tishcoff ~Hazel Tishcoff For the General Fund Refuah for Selma Carl ~Charlotte Russell In memory of Fran Arnowitz ~Lori Pandolfo ~Marcia Kaplan Mann & Gabriel Wiesenthal ~Diane & Les Schenker ~Phyllis & Ron Schweiger Richard Bergman ~Mary Lou Criqui Jay Berman ~Jane Berman Norman Blattberg ~Karen Eichel Bari Bodner ~Brian & Karen Wilkow Roz Borenstein ~Gale Resnicoff Harold Carl ~Charlotte Russell Selma Carl ~Charlotte Russell ~Marcia Kaplan Mann & Gabriel Weisenthal ~Lori Pandolfo ~Diane & Les Schenker Sidney Davis ~Eric Platt Abraham Feinberg ~Barbara Wasserman Sara White Goldberg ~David & Dorothy Goldberg Corinne B. Grauer ~Les & Diane Schenker David Hart ~Deborah Kossman Muriel Jaffee ~Jerry Jaffee
In memory of (cont.) Steven Jaffee ~Jerry Jaffee Donald Katz ~Emily Whitehead Minnie Katzman ~Leanora Katzman Ilona Kirshenblat ~Abe & Michele Kirshenblat Hyman Kissner ~Doreen & Jerry Aronow Evelyn Kissner ~Doreen & Jerry Aronow Lenny Kissner ~Doreen & Jerry Aronow Morris Kriteman ~Gene & Faye Guskin Rachel Krobitz ~Elliott Drooker Bonnie Sue Levine ~Gail Levine Fried Herman Levine ~Ruth Levine Maurice Lebitan ~Maryellen Hurwitz Abraham Levitt ~Roseanne Levitt Loved Ones ~Lori Pandolfo Marcia Miller ~Frema Schneier Morton Halpern ~Lori Pandolfo Fenton Mercer Gass ~Mary Lou Criqui Emma Peyser ~Leanora Katzman Zorach Plotnisky ~Milton Platt Irma Rappapart ~Linda Ferber Tillie Schenker ~Les & Diane Schenker Louis Sharkey ~Deborah Kossman Charlotte Smith ~Helene Smith Betty Solomon ~Gerald & Linda Solomon Dr. Morris Stockhammer ~Elliott Drooker Sidney Soffian ~Gerard Soffian Anne Sysler ~Susan Sysler Elliot Wilkow ~Brian & Karen Wilkow Hyman Winiker Alan Hecht Sylvia Wolfson Fried ~Bob Fried
Laurie Bassi, Social Action Co-Chair and liaison to the Interfaith Coalition, has resigned from this position. She and Herb will be moving out of New York in the near future. Thank you, Laurie, for your commitment, hard work and inspiration. Yvette Pomeranz from the Social Action Committee has been appointed liaison to the Interfaith Coalition. On Saturday, April 18, at 1 pm (after services), please attend a Social Action Lunch and Learn in the Community Room. The topic is Climate Change: Response to Urgency. The discussion will be moderated by Yvette Pomeranz and the two resource books will be We Are The Weather by Jonathan Safran Foer and Let There Be Water by Seth Segal. The discussion will center around concrete actions we can take as individuals, as a temple entity and as society and what is needed to galvanize us to take action. Our annual Passover Food Drive will take place in March. Please bring your UNOPENED, UNEXPIRED food to Temple by Friday, March 27. We will be donating this food to Our Lady of Refuge Church Food Pantry (OLRC), which is part of our Interfaith Coalition, and our Little Pantry. We are also happy to once again be able to support seniors in need at this time of year at the Marks JCH. Your donation to our Dr. Janet L. Haynes Social Action Fund will allow us to provide individuals and couples with funds to purchase food for their seder tables. See the flyer in this Voice of Truth with date and other details. We’re pleased that the children of the Religious School will also participate by helping to sort items. Please save the dates for the following Interfaith Coalition program and watch for flyers with complete details: • Abraham’s Table: Sunday, March 29, 3:30 - 5:30 pm at the Amity School on Knapp Street. Topic: The Environment in the Light of Our Three Traditions. • Interfaith Iftar dinner combined with Abraham’s Table: Sunday, April 26 at OLRC. Theme: What Is Your Most Important Religious Holiday? • Movie Night: Thursday, August 6 in the parking lot of the Amity School. Time, movie and other details will be announced at a later date. The next meeting of the Social Action Committee will take place on Thursday, April 30 at 7 pm in the Community Room. Susan Sysler Co-Chair, Social Action Committee
Jessica Antopol Nadine Antopol Samantha Antopol Deborah Belsky Gordon Berlin Ruth Bile Ellen Block Rachel Eng Rebecca Engel Steven Glasser Thea Platt-Glasser Madeline Greenbaum Gene Guskin Kathryn Haslanger Alan Hecht Leanora Katzman Danielle Kirshenblat Rita Landberg Roseanne Levitt Marc Messing Sally Moses Lori Pandolfo Ron Schweiger Hazel Tishcoff Audrey Walen Hilda Wexler Jacqueline Yudelowitz Eleni Zimiles
...and Happy Anniversary to... Rob & Candi Friedman
Torah Portions - February 2022
Date
Torah Reading
Reference
February 4
T'rumah
Exodus 25:1-27:19
February 11
T'tzaveh
Exodus 27:20-30:10
February 18
Ki Tisa
Exodus 30:11-34:35
February 25
Vayak'heil
Exodus 35:1-38:20
Simcha Corner Happy Birthday, February Babies!
Mazel Tov!!
Ken Brown Photography The best for Your Mitzvah! (or any other event, personal or professional) Longtime established pro; temple member; references available. editman1000@gmail.com • 718-670-3256.
JESSICA SCHULMAN • TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE SPECIALIST COMPUTER SERVICES & GRAPHICS ARTS SERVICES 718 338-2043 • fax 718 377-7919 jstech@optonline.net
Maxine Feldman Teaches… Piano, Voice, Guitar, Sight-Singing Ms. Feldman has 35 years of experience teaching all ages. She has served on the music faculties of NYU, Brooklyn College, The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and Hebrew Union College. She has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Recital Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, the United Nations, at PTBAS and now at the new consolidated congregation! For further information, please call Maxine at 718-490-7556
You Are Invited to Join THE HANNAH SENESH SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. The Hannah Senesh Society honors the memory of one of the greatest heroines in modern Jewish history during World War II. Membership: Family —$20 Individual —$10 Lifetime—$100 Contact: Jacqueline Mizrahi, Co-President (718) 666-7418
B'ShERT's Caring Chesed Committee: We're Here to Help Volunteers are needed to make phone calls and/or visits to those who are ill or have suffered a loss. It is especially important to keep in touch with those who are grieving after the initial mourning period. If you know that someone is in need of a visit or a call, please contact one of our co-chairs. We are always looking for new members and would appreciate any ideas to make the committee more effective. "It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you at liberty to desist from it…" Pirke Avot Gene Guskin (917) 533-6231 Ruth Bile (646) 732-2650 Frema Schneier (917) 459-0904 Debbie Belsky (718) 252-8030 B'ShERT Caring Chesed Committee
Wolf's Appliance Repair Prompt, Friendly Service in Brooklyn Fridges, Stoves, Ovens, Gas Ranges, Washers, Dryers and So Much More Call us! 718 998 3238
Are you looking to advertise?? The Voice of Truth would love to hear from you! Please call the Office at 718-282-1596 or email Office@bshert.org for details!
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