Adar II/Nisan 5782 / April 2022
Volume V
No. 44
Rabbi's Message: On Safety This month, I would like to address the issue of security for our synagogue. I was already on sabbatical this year when the Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and a few of his congregants were taken hostage at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas on January 15. Nevertheless, I knew about it and read many articles and blog posts responding to it. Many of them indicated that this incident meant synagogues need to spend more money on security. I don’t agree. This incident, while frightening, did not increase danger to our synagogue. Hostage-takings in synagogues by conspiracy theorists are not going to become common. That said, we know that antisemitic crimes have risen in the United States over the last few years. While our synagogue has, to my knowledge, never experienced any kind of antisemitic attack, it could happen. Reasonable security makes sense. We have significant security measures already in place. We had a security evaluation well before Colleyville, I believe in the wake of the awful massacre at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA. We typically use only one door to enter the building, and it is a locked door with a camera and a buzzer. We were told that this is actually very good security-wise. We have since also installed other cameras, so we have footage both around and inside the building. Due to grants from the Department of Homeland Security — many thanks to Faye Guskin for all her work securing and implementing those grants—we are continuing to evaluate and implement security. At the end of last month, we had nationally-known trainers come to teach us about what to do in an emergency at the synagogue—whether an attack or a fire. After the horrible murders in Pittsburgh, I attended an active shooter training that was offered in Brooklyn. I have also taken many full-contact self-defense classes that included situational awareness and evaluation as well as fighting. I don’t think any of us can be sure of how we would respond if we found ourselves in one of these emergency situations, but I have training that I hope would help me react in a way that would be helpful. Some say that there is no harm in hiring security guards or asking for a police presence outside our building, that these measures will only help people feel safer. This is not completely true. There are some populations—specifically people of color—who do not feel safer in the presence of security or police, because they have too often been treated with suspicion or assumed not to belong. These are people who might already be unsure of their reception in a synagogue, and they might be deterred from entering and thus denied the ability to be part of our community. We pride ourselves on being warm and welcoming, and we truly are. I don’t want us to lose that out of fear of something that most likely will never happen. Despite the increase in antisemitic incidents, I don’t believe we need to be afraid. The danger to us and our synagogue is very, very small. For those of us who attended the training, let us use our heightened awareness to make sure we keep perspective and resist suspicion of anyone who looks different or behaves in a way that seems atypical to us. Let us welcome everyone warmly, as we always have. That can give us the opportunity to get to know them and assess their intentions from a place of compassion and kindness. Living in fear neither reduces nor increases danger, but it does hurt us and make our lives smaller. Let us have courage and faith, take reasonable precautions, and live as fully as we can. I look forward to seeing you soon. Rabbi Hoover
Voice of Truth
President’s Message Gathering Again We all appreciate the existence of Zoom. As a congregation, it saved us from solitude during the height of the pandemic and allowed our activities to continue. It broadened our community to include those living beyond drivable distances. During Shabbat services, Zoom is regularly singled out for gratitude during the Modim prayer (not by congregants sitting in the sanctuary, in case that wasn’t obvious). With Temple life gradually returning to something resembling normalcy, Zoom continues to be an appealing option for many people who either cannot or prefer not to attend services in-person. We value your participation in whatever form it takes, and we will continue to offer a remote option during services and other activities whenever feasible. If it’s at all possible for you, though, please consider returning to Temple in person! Nothing can replace gathering as a community and hearing voices raised together in song, or laughing together during a Purimspiel, or sitting and schmoozing over coffee and an Entenmann’s chocolate frosted donut at an oneg. Your safety remains our top priority, and Temple leadership will be discussing whether to amend our COVID policies in keeping with the recently relaxed guidelines implemented at institutions and businesses across the city. We’ll let you know about any changes we make. As I write this, B’ShERT is planning a Second Night Community Seder—our first in-person Passover seder since 2019. We need to get an accurate head count ASAP, so please let Alice Hyatt in the temple office know if you’re interested. You can email Alice at office@bshert.org or call her (718) 282-1596. At the end of March—right around the time this issue of the Voice of Truth goes live—our Temple is hosting active shooter training sessions for the Temple community. The purpose is to train members of our community on security awareness and what to do in the extremely unlikely event of an active threat. The sessions are funded by the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and are being led by trainers Chris Grollnek of the Active Shooter Prevention Project and Greg Shaffer of Shaffer Security Group. Many thanks to Temple vice president and Security Protocols co-chair Faye Guskin for taking the lead on making this important initiative a reality. Although it’s certainly not a pleasant subject to think about, getting educated on proper emergency protocols is valuable not only for our safety as a temple community but for congregants to use throughout their own lives and in different venues. I like to use the example of having a working carbon monoxide detector or fire extinguisher in your home or taking a CPR class before you become a parent. You don’t expect to ever need any of these things, and it is in fact very unlikely that you ever will. A crisis situation is another highly improbable event, but there is no downside to knowing what to do just in case. I look forward to seeing many of you either at Temple or on Zoom. A zissen Pesach to you and yours! Best, Adrienne Knoll
Just a few weeks ago, we pre-gamed for Purim at our inaugural B’ShERT Hamantaschen Exchange. Thanks to our amazing crew of bakers, we were treated to a delicious variety of flavors, including poppy seed, apricot, raspberry, strawberry, cherry, blueberry, brownie, and dulce de leche. We noshed with congregants who came for religious school tefilah and Shabbat morning services, and we saved a portion to share at the shpiel and Megillah reading on Purim. Thanks to everyone who participated by baking or eating. Now that Purim is past, we’re just a few weeks away from Passover. We’re excited to announce that we’re reuniting the band...rather, the B’ShERT Choralers. Led by Rabbi Hoover, we’ll be hosting a Passover singalong at the Cortelyou Greenmarket on April 10 at 11 a.m. (weather permitting). If you like to sing, we’d love to have you join us. There are no rehearsals, and we’ll make a playlist available so you can learn the songs. In Small Group news, outreach has begun for four of our groups: Mah Jongg, Portable Crafts, Monthly Mitzvah, and Dungeons & Dragons. Plans are beginning to take shape, and now’s the time to get in on the ground floor! More small groups will be kicking off soon. If you have an idea for a small group you’d like to lead, we can help you get started. Join our next committee meeting or contact Ellyn and Joanie. And as the weather gets nicer, we hope to resume our outdoor welcome tables, and we’re also keeping our ears to the ground for any street fairs or external community events coming up. If you hear of an event that B’ShERT should be represented at, please let us know so we can look into it. Our next committee meeting will be on Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Please email Ellyn at pr@bshert.org or Joanie at jmhschaffer@gmail.com for the Zoom link, or to share your suggestions and ideas for helping to build connections between our members. Best, Ellyn Rothstein and Joanie Holland Schaffer Co-Chairs, Membership Committee
B’ShERT Choralers Dear B’ShERT singers, Following the success of Chanukah Choraling, we are planning a Passover Singalong at the Greenmarket in front of the Cortelyou Library on Sunday, April 10 at 11 a.m. (weather dependent—unfortunately, there’ll be no rain date). We’ll be led by Rabbi Heidi, who will teach a little about Passover as she introduces each song. No rehearsals are required, and we'll send out song sheets and a playlist beforehand, so everyone has time to become familiar with the music. If you’re interested and available to participate, email Joanie at jmhschaffer@gmail.com and Ellyn at redstone48@optonline.net so we can keep you in the loop. We hope you’ll join us! Ellyn and Joanie
Photo by Joanie Schaffer
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
Portable Crafts Small Group - Forming Now As part of the Membership Committee’s Small Groups initiative, we are forming a group called Portable Crafts. This group will be open to those who do crafts that can be packed up and brought to someone’s home or a Temple meeting room, and then packed back up after the meeting, without leaving a mess. Examples include knitting, crocheting, embroidery, quilting, beading, jewelry making, and other things we haven’t thought of, but please leave your pottery wheel and paints at home. This group will be open to all Temple members (all ages, male or female) interested in or practicing a craft hobby. It will be informal, with no teacher or instructor. We plan to make our own decisions regarding how often and where we will meet, and we might go on outings, such as to visit a quilt exhibition followed by lunch or dinner, or to visit the American Museum of Natural History to see the fabulous gem and mineral collection. We look forward to getting together to foster existing friendships, meet new people, and have a great time while working on our favorite projects and activities. If you are interested in joining or would like to be involved in organizing the Portable Crafts group, please contact Diane Figueroa at figbeads@aol.com.
Mah Jongg Small Group - Forming Now A new group is being formed for those who know Mah Jongg and would like a familiar place to play or meet new players. An instructor will be available to teach new players and answer questions about rules and strategy. We can all share—men, women, young adults, and children—the fun, challenge, and journey of this popular game loved by our mothers and grandmothers. How many of you have your mother's Mah Jongg set tucked away in a closet or garage? We have kept these cherished vintage sets with the beautifully painted tiles as a remembrance of sweet times in our homes. Come join us. Dates and times to be finalized at a later time. Contact Irene Nachinoff at bklynirene@aol.com for more information.
“A Woman of valor, seek her out; she is to be valued above rubies. She opens her hand to those in need and extends her help to the poor. Adorned with strength and dignity, she faces the future cheerfully.” These are the words that Co-President Charlotte Russell read to us on Tuesday, March 8 at the Women of B’ShERT’s event. Our guest speaker was Temple member and Executive Vice-President Susan Sysler, whose topic was “Jewish Women Activists: Then and Now.” Coincidentally, Tuesday was International Women’s Day. Emcee Doreen Aronow said that “it was just 'bashert' that our event happened today.” We couldn’t have had a better topic for this particular day. Susan began her talk by defining what an activist is: One who brings about political or social changes, and supports or promotes the interest of a group. One such activist was Deborah The Warrior, who was one of the most influential women of the Bible. She acted on behalf of God and led worship services and was known for her faith. She sat under a palm tree to write her rulings. She was a very caring soul, even though she was a warrior. We learned from Deborah to be courageous, and we learned never to waver from our faith. Gertrude Weil was born in 1879 in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and was influenced by Jewish teachings. She hosted a biracial council in her home, which was not done in those days. She helped create parks and schools for the underprivileged and was active in the North Carolina Federation of Women’s Clubs. She wanted to do good for people and her community. On June 4, 1919, Gertrude was involved in the final push for the 19th Amendment. She also wanted to educate women about the political system. Gertrude believed in women’s suffrage, labor reform, and civil rights. In fact, in 1920 she went to an anti-lynching conference. Gertrude was dedicated to social justice. Clara Lemlich Shavelson was born in the Ukraine. There were no schools for Jewish girls there, so she taught herself to read. When she and her family emigrated to New York City, she worked as a garment factory worker. She formed the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU). Clara led several factory strikes in New York City protesting low pay, long hours, and other bad conditions. She was subsequently arrested and beaten by police for her activities. Clara also rallied support for the striking shirtwaist workers at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company, in response to the lack of safety there. Tragically, 146 workers died in a massive fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company on March 25, 1911. In time, Clara became a paid organizer, and spoke out about women’s suffrage and working conditions. In the 1980s, Clara was confined to a nursing home, where she again became an organizer. Rabbi Regina Jonas was the activist that “spoke” to Susan the most. Born into a strictly religious household in Berlin, Regina wanted to be a teacher as well as be more involved in Judaism. During her studies, her thesis question was, “Can a woman become a rabbi according to Halachic sources?” The answer was yes, and in 1935 Regina became the first woman ordained as a rabbi. As such, she consoled and comforted people. During the Nazi occupation she was arrested and sent to Theresienstadt, a “camp-ghetto.” Even in this place, Regina was able to comfort people. Tragically, she was deported to Auschwitz where she was murdered at the age of 42. Golda Meir was born in Kiev, Ukraine. In 1906, she and her family moved to Wisconsin, where she organized a fundraiser to pay for textbooks at her school. Thus, at an early age, Golda was an activist. She was also a committed labor organizer and socialist, and “proud of it.” She and her husband, Morris, moved to Palestine with their two children, first living on a kibbutz, then in Tel Aviv. In 1948, Golda came back to the United States for fundraising (she was the best fundraiser of her time). Her trip to the United States produced $50,000,000! Back in Israel. Golda became Israel’s minister to the Soviet Union, seeking to foster a good relationship with them as allies. In 1956, she became foreign minister under David Ben-Gurion, and promoted ties with the states in Africa to have allies there as well. In 1969, Golda Meir became the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Israel! Bella Abzug was known as “Battling Bella.” She was concerned with women’s rights, and was the first member of Congress to support gay rights. She was born of Russian Jewish parents and had the “chutzpah” to say Kaddish for her father, when women weren’t allowed to do so. She got her law degree focusing on tenants’ rights and civil liberties. Bella was known for her large and colorful hats. She would say that “What is under the hat is important.” At the United Nations, she developed the National Women’s Political Caucus. She also wrote two books, Bella: Ms. Abzug Goes to Washington and The Gender Gap. In 2017, TIME voted her “One of its 50 Women Who Made American Political History.” Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the first Jewish woman to serve on the Supreme Court, and she advocated for gender equality and women’s rights. She co-authored an essay, “The Heroic and Visionary Women of Passover,” which highlights five women in the Bible. Ruth always wore something of lace around her neck when issuing dissents and opinions. She was referred to as a Pop Culture Icon. Rabbi Ellen Bernstein founded the first Jewish environmental association, Shomrei Adamah (Keepers of the Earth). She believes in ecology and that there are things out there that can draw in unaffiliated Jews. Rabbi Bernstein wrote a book, The Promise of the Land: A Jewish Haggadah. Stoch Cotler is CEO of Bend the Arc, a progressive Jewish political organization, which stands up against racism and workers’ rights. TIME named Stoch “One of the 15 Progressive Faith Leaders to Watch.” Aly Raisman is a retired gymnast and two-time Olympian. She was captain of both the 2012 and 2016 U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastics Teams and takes great pride in being Jewish. She is a spokesperson for mental health awareness, as well as an advocate for women to have a positive body image. Aly is also a volunteer for the Special Olympics. Doreen ended the evening with the showing of childhood photos of our members. Again, each photo was cuter than the previous one. In the background, Whitney Houston sang, “I’m Every Woman,” in tribute to International Women’s Day. Thank you, Susan, for your wonderful presentation! As you had stated, “Today’s activists are you, me, and working women. When you are put down, the activist rises up.” Let us all rise up! Thank you, Doreen and Charlotte, for your wonderful contributions to this event. Our next event will be the Women’s Seder on Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. Zoom details to follow. We hope to see you there. Submitted by Jane Gleiberman Mona Goldberg, Charlotte Russell, Sara Meyer West Co-Presidents, Women of B’ShERT, A Sisterhood Organization
Women of B'ShERT: A Sisterhood Organization
Brotherhood Affiliate at B'ShERT
Alan Zarrow is amazing. The more than 60 people who Zoomed in to his wonderful presentation on Sunday morning, March 13 felt like they were really present taking a tour of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Through video, lectures, and personnel anecdotes, Alan really made the history, architecture, and sports experiences at West Point come alive for everyone. He even provided a trivia contest with prizes, which once again showed me how slow I am typing messages into chat. The hard work and preparation Alan puts into all his presentations for the Temple shows real dedication and caring about everything he does. A special thanks to Toby Greenberg who Zoomed in from Texas and even brought with her a former West Point graduate who added some interesting tidbits about his experiences at the Point to the presentation. We can't wait to see what Alan has planned for us for next year. We will have a brief meeting on Sunday, April 10 from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. via Zoom. Unfortunately, due to a last-minute scheduling conflict, we will be postponing our planned Brotherhood stress management workshop by Temple members Gail and Bob Fried. Stay tuned for a new date! In the meantime, try meditation practice, deep breathing, or sign up for Gail’s Chair Yoga class which meets on Zoom every Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m. It has really helped me a lot. We are presently in contact with the Brooklyn Cyclones to arrange a date for our annual summer trip to the park. Stay tuned for an official announcement in the very near future! A reminder to all Brotherhood members, Brotherhood has reserved Sunday, June 26 for our membership Thank You breakfast at the Mirage Diner on Kings Highway. Hope you can make it! On Behalf of Brotherhood, I wish everyone a wonderful Passover, and be careful on April Fool’s Day. Stay Safe and stay well everyone. Read the Voice of Truth and listen to telephone voicemail messages for future Brotherhood news. Joel Moss and the Members of your Brotherhood Affiliate at B'ShERT
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
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 are forming around the following topics: Wine Tasting Rhythm and Music Dungeons & Dragons Beading and Portable Crafts (Embroidery, Jewelry Crafting, Knitting) Mah Jongg Email pr@bshert.org for details.
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.
Fundraising Committee
ARZA is dedicated to advancing progressive values in Israel and making Israel a central pillar of Jewish identity for Reform Jews. ARZA also wants you to feel a connection with Israel and its people. One way to deepen your connection and understanding of Israel is by getting to know the variety of people and cultures that are a part of Israeli society. Here’s an opportunity to get to know the story of an Ethiopian teen living in Israel: On Tuesday April 19 at 7:30 p.m. (EST). Temple Beth El of Madison, WI is presenting "Israel Stories" featuring a 20-minute documentary of Brhan, an Ethiopian girl, who, along with her family, made aliyah to Israel. Brhan speaks of the challenges she encountered during this difficult time. Brhan and Rav Weisberg, the film’s producer, will be present to answer questions following the film. For details, to register & to receive the zoom link please go to: tinyurl.com/3xzjescd To stay informed and up to date with all that's Israel, the Progressive Jewish Movement and ARZA please go to: https://arza.org/ https://urj.org/ https://www.irac.org/ The B’ShERT ARZA Committee wishes all a Chag Pesach Sameach, Tamara Kerner Chair, ARZA Committee
ARZA Committee
Greetings from the Fundraising Committee. Did you miss us? Since December we haven’t notified you of any fundraising activities. This is because we’ve decided to run one major fundraiser in conjunction with our Journal and Journal Luncheon. We will combine fundraising, a tribute to Temple President Adrienne Knoll, and our annual expression of love for B’ShERT, into one trifecta. So what is this special fundraising event? It’s a new twist on one of our most beloved traditions—the Goods and Services Auction. Only this year—it will be virtual! You will be able to bid from the comfort of your own home starting Tuesday, June 7 through Sunday, June 12. We anticipate some bidding in-person at the Journal Luncheon as well. Where do you come in? Well, as bidders, of course. Also—as donors! What can you donate? We can provide plenty of suggestions and you are free to use your imagination. If you are donating services, you can provide these in-person or on-line, as you wish. You can donate new items, such as appliances, clothing, jewelry, handmade quilts, etc. We know that many in the congregation are artists or artisans—donate one of your creations! There are excellent cooks and bakers in our group—donate a dish or some baked goods, or perhaps teach a cooking or baking class. Provide singing lessons or run a conversation group in a foreign language. Offer babysitting or pet sitting. If you need help thinking up what you can donate, please contact any of the following members of the Fundraising Committee: Karen Eichel, Pam Glantzman, Madeline Kaye, Tamara Kerner, Joel Moss, Yvette Pomeranz, Jonathan Schachter, or Hazel Tishcoff. You can find their contact information in the Temple directory. You will be receiving more information about the auction process as we get closer to the event. Please let us know what you plan to donate by April 8, and thank you, as always, for your generosity to Temple. Pam Glantzman and Yvette Pomeranz Co-Chairs, Fundraising Committee
Journal Luncheon Committee
Dear Temple Family, This year, 2022/5782, marks the first opportunity we've had as a congregation to celebrate together since the beginning of the pandemic. Planning for the 2022 B’ShERT Journal Luncheon is under way! Please mark your calendar for Sunday, June 12, 2022 (details are below). This year’s honoree is B'ShERT’s President Adrienne Knoll Adrienne is completing her first year as Temple President. She has guided us through these difficult times and thus we will come together to celebrate Adrienne’s ongoing service and dedication to our congregation. Adrienne is a longtime member of our congregation. She worked as editor of the Voice of Truth and was co-chair of the Communications Committee. She is a lay leader, former religious school parent and was one of Rabbi Heidi’s six adult B’nei Mitzvah students in 2010. We have zoomed. We have met in person. We have had multi-access services and religious school. And mostly, we have weathered each change with a plan and with grace. We've been blessed to be able to keep our community together in meaningful and productive ways. We hope you place a personal ad expressing your thanks to our outstanding honoree and in support of our Temple. You may also want to place an ad to celebrate an important life-cycle event or honor a beloved relative or friend. In addition, please make every effort to obtain ads from friends, family, and businesses you frequent. THE FIRM DEADLINE FOR ADS IS MAY 3, 2022 Feel free to produce your own ad from copies downloaded from the Temple website (bshert.org). Please email your submissions (no hard copies). Images should be in .jpg, .png or .tff format only. PDF files are not accepted. We look forward to seeing you at this wonderful celebration. Sincerely, Phyllis Schweiger, Charlotte Russell, Mona Goldberg, Doreen Aronow, Karen Eichel, and Helene Smith The Journal Luncheon Committee
Date: Sunday June 12, 2022 Time: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Location: Gargiulo’s Restaurant 2911 West 15th Street Brooklyn, NY Cost: $80 per person Details: Appetizers, a multi-course meal and unlimited wine and soda are included. Back by popular demand, music and entertainment will be provided by Bobby Harden Entertainment.
Social Action Committee
Jewish Cultural Committee
Hebrew has been the language of Jewish prayer and holy books, and of course modern Hebrew is the language of Israel. We know that Jews have lived all over the world, and most of us know that there have been significant Jewish communities speaking Yiddish and Ladino. Hebrew Union College has embarked upon a Jewish Languages Project, studying many other Jewish languages, most of which are considered endangered today as the number of speakers dwindle. Such languages include Judeo-Arabic and Sephardic Jewish Papiamento (spoken on the island of Curaçao). The Jewish Languages Project even questions if we now have a Jewish English! Check HUC’s website for information about specific presentations from this project. If you wish to learn more about people from the Sephardic world who hid their Jewish faith and ancestry, visit the Bernard Museum of Judaica (part of the Streicker Center of Temple Emanuel in Manhattan). The exhibit “In the Footsteps of the Crypto-Jews” opens on March 21 and follows this story from the Golden Age of Spain to communities in the Balkans, North Africa, and the New World. If you wish to learn more about the Jewish people in Eastern Europe, there are many opportunities to study Yiddish, both in-person and on-line. See the Yiddish Book Center, the Worker’s Circle, YIVO, and the Folksbiene Theater, just to get started. Moreover, don’t forget that Jewish culture includes Jewish literature. Yiddish literature, in addition to its artistic merit, really shows us the flavor of Jewish life in Eastern Europe. Read I. L. Peretz and Sholom Aleichem! Yvette Pomeranz and Helene Smith Co-Chairs, Jewish Cultural Committee
Dear Temple Family: As you know, the Religious Action Center (RAC) is the social action arm of the Union for Reform Judaism. In an exciting and hopefully highly effective development, RAC NY, which is the statewide affiliate, is creating a Climate Covenant Campaign with the aim of involving all of the Reform synagogues in New York. It would be wonderful to use our collective voice and power to make a difference. You can learn more at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. We thank you in advance for accepting this challenge. Yvette Pomeranz and Lori Silverman Co-Chairs, Social Action Committee
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B'ShERT Bio: New Member Edition
Steven Lenard, Rebecca Engel, and Clara Lenard Steven is a planner for the Department of City Planning in NYC, Rebecca is a civil rights attorney that focuses on issues of criminal justice, and Clara is in 2nd grade! Here are some facts about the Lenard/Engel Family: Q: Where are you from? A: Rebecca was born in Washington, DC, Steven was born in Highland Park, NJ and Clara was born in Brooklyn! Q: What causes are you passionate about? A: Rebecca is passionate about issues of criminal justice; Steven is passionate about urban design; and Clara is passionate about mochies. Q: What makes you laugh the most? A: We make each other laugh the most! Q: If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? A: Rebecca would eat peanut butter for the rest of her life; Steven would eat steaks; and Clara would eat candy. Q: What’s your favorite thing about NYC? A: Steven’s favorite thing about NYC is its variety; Rebecca’s favorite thing is its racial and cultural diversity, and Clara’s favorite thing is that all her friends live here.
Do you consider yourself an adult? Do you still love the wonder of learning? Then do we have something for you! To register for these courses call the Temple Office at (718) 282-1596 or email office@bshert.org. B’Yachad: Together Discussion for Adults. Led by Rabbi Hoover. Some Saturdays at 9:45 a.m., adults of our community gather to discuss topics of interest. We learn more about each other and explore our various responses to the events in our lives and the world. The B’Yachad sessions will be held on Zoom until further notice. Intro to Judaism Class: Rabbi Sue Oren leads our Intro to Judaism class co-sponsored among many Brooklyn congregations including B’ShERT. The curriculum is designed to give you access to concepts, vocabulary and observances that are central to Judaism. Explore the holy and the historical, inherited texts and contemporary issues, rhythms of the calendar and of our lives in this seminar-style course. All knowledge levels welcome! B’ShERT Book Club: hosted by members to discuss books with Jewish themes or Jewish authors. Contact the Temple for dates, titles and Zoom links! Free to attend. Torah Study of the Torah portion of the week: lively discussion and debate (and often laughter). Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m., taught by Rabbi Pinsky. Contact the office for the weekly Zoom information! Shiurim (Study Sessions): occasional lessons/discussions on Jewish topics. Past Shiurim have included sessions on holidays, current events, and ethical issues.Check the Temple calendar for dates.
Adult Education
Photos by Ron Schweiger
Purim Players and audience members enjoy B'ShERT's last in-person themed spiel (Elton John) before closing down for the pandemic.
Purim 5480
Purim Players are back with a Little Orphan Esther radio play for Purim 5482. Audience members enjoyed dressing up and reading from the Megillah afterwards.
Purim 5482
Purim: Then and Now
Offerings of the Heart Contributions Gratefully Acknowledged
Rabbi Hoover's Discretionary Fund In honor of family & friends in celebration of Purim ~Susan Sysler Happy Birthday Yvette Pomeranz ~Deanna Roth Happy Birthday Mady Kaye ~Deanna Roth In memory of Andy Glantzman ~Deanna Roth Dr. Janet L. Haynes Social Action Fund Passover Food Drive ~Leanora Katzman ~Marcia Kaplan Mann & Gabriel Wiesenthal ~Charlotte Russell For the Caring Committee Happy Birthday Debbie Belsky ~Mady Kaye The Accessibility Fund Thank you Alan Zarrow for your hard work and amazing Brotherhood presentation ~Karen Eichel For the General Fund Thank you ~Sheau Liu Speedy Recovery of John Bile ~Lori Pandolfo Speedy Recovery of Elizabeth Lee ~Lori Pandolfo In memory of Abraham Bekerowicz ~Roz Bialor In memory of Lotte Bloom ~Les & Diane Schenker ~Charlotte Russell In memory of Freda Debrofsky ~Jane & Harold Gleiberman In memory of Lolly Gail Susan Hochhauser ~Lori Pandolfo In memory of Mark Koser ~Roz Bialor In memory of Fannie Migdal ~Les & Diane Schenker In memory of Meyer Reich ~Dorothy & David Goldberg In memory of Jacques Rosenpick ~Roz Bialor In memory of Rev. Eleanor McGee Street ~Charlotte Russell ~Lori Pandolfo
Laura Auk Lisa Bachner Asher Berk Ruth Bile Jacob Bloom Rose Brown Meilan Chiu Craig D'Entrone Luca D'Entrone Amyt Eckstein Dorothy Evans Nancy Frost Michele Kirshenblat Justin Landberg Teddy Moskowitz Deanna Roth Melissa Scott Hana Roth Seavey Lyle Silversmith Julia Stemmer Harvey Wang Daniel Weidmann Emily Whitehead Ethan Whitehead Melodie Winawer
...and Happy Anniversary to...
Torah Portions - April 2022
Date
Torah Reading
Reference
April 1
Tazria
Leviticus 12:1-13:59
April 8
M'tzora
Leviticus 14:1-15:33
April 15
Passover
Holidays Exodus 12:21-12:51
April 22
Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17
April 29
Acharei Mot I
Leviticus 16:1-17:16
Simcha Corner Happy Birthday, April 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!
APRIL CALENDAR