Nisan/Iyar/Sivan 5782 / May 2022
Volume V
No. 45
Rabbi's Message: Passover, Easter, Ramadan This year, major holidays of the three monotheistic religions coincided—Passover, Easter, and Ramadan all fell at the same time in April of 2022. This doesn’t happen every year because the three religions use different calendars. The Gregorian calendar is the Christian calendar and the secular calendar, and it’s a solar dating system. The date of Easter is calculated partly based on the moon and partly based on the spring equinox in a somewhat complicated way. Jews use the Hebrew calendar, which is a modified lunar calendar. That means that our months are based on the moon—when you see a full moon, you know it’s the middle of the Hebrew month—but certain holidays must fall in certain seasons (Passover in the spring, Sukkot in the fall). That’s why our calendars include a leap month every two or three years to keep the holidays in the time of year where they belong. The holidays fall earlier and later in different years on the secular calendar, but in the same seasons year after year. The Muslim calendar is a purely lunar calendar, so Muslim holidays shift by 10 or 11 days each year, and move through all the seasons over the years. That means Ramadan can fall at any time of year. This year Ramadan started at the beginning of April. Historically, and still today in some parts of the world, these holidays coincided with increased religious violence. At Easter, some Christians would attack Jews because of the tradition (which has now been rejected by the Catholic Church and most other Christian governing bodies) that it was the Jews who were behind the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday before the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. In Israel this year, there has been violence on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem where the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex is. Violence is not our whole relationship with people of other faiths, though—far from it. Through the centuries, Jews, Christians, and Muslims have frequently lived side by side and have been friends and good neighbors to one another. The B’ShERT community has for a number of years now been involved with the Interfaith Coalition of Brooklyn, building relationships and friendship between the Muslims of the Turkish Cultural Center, Catholics from Our Lady of Refuge Roman Catholic Church, and Jews from our community and the East Midwood Jewish Center. We learn about each other, join in celebrations of each other’s holidays, and stand together when one of our communities is in danger. For example, when B’ShERT held a gathering of comfort after the massacre in Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue, Catholic and Muslim friends from the Interfaith Coalition attended in solidarity. Members of our community attended a social action gathering in support of the Hizmet Muslims being persecuted in Turkey. Looking at history, the times of greatest creativity in Judaism have been times when Jews and non-Jews have lived freely and peacefully side by side. We have a lot to share with each other when we don’t need to fear one another and can appreciate each other’s cultures, beliefs, and practices. In Brooklyn in 2022, even though there has been an increase in antisemitic attacks in the United States, we as Jews are still quite secure. This Ramadan, Easter, and Passover there were no clashes between Muslims, Christians, and Jews in Brooklyn. I live on a block with people of all three of these religions. We smile and wave and greet each other, and offer holiday wishes appropriate to what our neighbors celebrate. I am so grateful to live in this time and place where we don’t need to feel threatened by our differences, and can appreciate them instead. May we take every opportunity to get to know people different than ourselves and open new worlds for ourselves to explore. May we enrich their lives as they enrich ours. I look forward to seeing you soon. Rabbi Hoover
Voice of Truth
President’s Message The New Definition of Community In early April, The Tablet published an article titled The Rise of the Online Synagogue. The article, by Ron Wolfson and Steven Windmueller, begins by looking at the phenomenon of virtual synagogue life that rose, well, virtually overnight when the world shut down in March 2020. While most temples, including ours, have experienced the pandemic silver lining of higher attendance on Zoom than we typically had in person, and we had new members joining from beyond the local community, some synagogues saw a truly startling increase in engagement. At Central Synagogue in Manhattan, for instance, livestream viewership during Yom Kippur 2021 was 600,000+ and more than 1,500 individual donations came in from non-members during the pandemic. Sounds good, right? Yes, there is undoubtedly much to celebrate when synagogues like ours succeed not only in transcending the challenges of the pandemic but end up increasing our overall level of engagement. But—yes, there is a “but” here. With COVID no longer posing the same threat (thankfully) as it did prior to the distribution of the vaccine, the question remains: What will the rise of the online synagogue mean for the future of American Judaism? As the Tablet asks: “Will ‘Zoom fatigue’ lead to an abandonment of online programming? How can people regain the ‘muscle memory’ of coming to shul? I try to attend Friday night services either in person or on Zoom. When I'm in the sanctuary waiting for services to start, usually with a handful of other congregants, it's an odd and slightly discombobulating feeling to watch a group of 30+ people happily chatting on the Zoom screen on the bima. Although our in-person schmoozing isn’t as lively as that of the Zoomers (no offense intended to the Friday regulars), it's lovely to be in the sanctuary to hear the soaring vocals of cantorial soloist Nonie Schuster Donato and pianist Michael Tornick. Right now, the limits of technology mean that you can't fully appreciate the music on Zoom. But if not for Zoom, I know that many congregants wouldn’t be able, or be inclined, to attend services at all. The Washington Post had a sobering article recently about the increasing toll of the pandemic on older and immunocompromised people who've been vaccinated. In January and February, when omicron was at its peak, vaccinated people made up 42 percent of all COVID deaths. Zoom helps us protect those who need protecting, and that is what a compassionate community does. It has changed — perhaps permanently — our definition of community to include virtual as well as physical presence. We may not all love this new reality, but we’d best accept it and move on. Slowly, steadily, depending on the whims of any future COVID variants, I suspect that more people will venture back to our building. We’ve seen some promising glimpses of this already—at our security training sessions and Purimspiel in March, at the bar and bat mitzvahs of Emmett and Dahlia Lieb and Luca D'Entrone, and at the second night community Passover seder. There are several more bar and bat mitzvahs being celebrated through mid-June: Lillian Goldstein on May 7, Lia Froelich on May 14, Stella Kubersky on May 21, Ruth Cooper on June 11, Avi Cozine on June 18, and Leah Tarica on June 25. Come and cheer them on! Or tune in on Zoom. Either way, we welcome you. We lost three beloved, longtime members of the B’ShERT community recently—Lotte Bloom, Lester Schenker and John Bile. These congregants were all exceptionally kind and remarkable people who leave a legacy that will not be forgotten. Our deepest condolences to their families and all who loved them. Elsewhere in this Voice of Truth you will find some photos honoring their memory. I look forward to seeing you at the temple or on Zoom. Best, Adrienne Knoll
We hope everyone had an enjoyable Passover with good food, good company, and something resembling pre-pandemic normalcy. This year in addition to our seders and services, the Membership Committee celebrated (a little early) at our pre-Passover Singalong on April 10th. With Rabbi Heidi at the helm, our big crowd of B’ShERT choralers shared the story of Passover at the Cortelyou Greenmarket. It was a lot of fun - thanks to everyone who joined us! Our next big project will be the Church Avenue Street Fair on Sunday, May 22, and we need your help to make this event a success. We are especially in need of volunteers with a car to help drive our tent and equipment from B’ShERT to the fair in the morning, and we’ll need help breaking down our tent and equipment and taking it back to B’ShERT in the evening. In between, we are looking for B’ShERT Ambassadors who can sit at our table throughout the day and chat with visitors about our community. Can you help? Sign up for a volunteer shift here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D49A4AE2C7-church And last but not least, we are excited to announce that on Sunday, June 26 at 4 p.m, we will be hosting a Zoom program titled “The Tuskegee Airmen and the Jewish People: How Our Past Inspires the Future.” We will be joined by moderator Cynthia Groomes-Katz from HIAS, Reynard Burns from the Claude B. Govan Tuskegee Airmen Chapter of NY, and panelists including descendents of Tuskegee airmen. One of the themes of the program will be the legacy and lasting impact of the Airmen’s heroic service to our country. https://bshertairmen.eventbrite.com. Our next committee meeting will be on Tuesday, May 3 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Please email Ellyn (pr@bshert.org) or Joanie (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
Rabbi Hoover and choralers sing Passover songs at the Cortelyou Greenmarket.
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 Women of B’ShERT held their annual Women’s 7th Night Passover Seder on Thursday, April 21. It was held virtually and was open to everyone. It was wonderful to be together with each other. Save the date for our annual Women’s Shabbat Services on Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m.This too will be held virtually, with details to follow. All members of our group are invited. We hope you can all join for this popular event. 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
This column is dedicated to the memory of Les Schenker, a wonderful Temple and Brotherhood member and a fantastic friend to everyone who knew him. Les played a great part in his contributions to all Brotherhood events and for years would never miss a meeting. No one who participated in Les's tour of the airport hangar during the Brotherhood picnic at Floyd Bennet Field failed to enjoy it, while also learning some amazing facts. On a personal note, Les was a great friend to me, always asking if I needed a ride and contacting me to see how I was doing. He will be sorely missed by everyone. Just think of all the good times Les provided for all of us. Rest In Peace Dear Friend. Upcoming Brotherhood Events Sunday May 15, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Brotherhood elections and future planning on Zoom. Your input is greatly needed to decide the direction Brotherhood will take in future. Bring your ideas and some new prospective members if you can. Sunday May 15 at 4 p.m. Our own Mike Rose has gracefully agreed to emcee one of his fantastic trivia contests. This is always great fun for everyone who participates. Glad you are feeling better Mike! Sunday June 26 at 10 a.m. Brotherhood will hold its Membership Breakfast at the Mirage Diner on Kings Highway. This is where Brotherhood thanks all our loyal members for their efforts helping Brotherhood have another successful year. Our annual trip to the Cyclones is coming up on Sunday July 17, 2022. See the flyer in this edition of the Voice of Truth for more information. Congratulations to all the b'nai mitzvahs we are having this year and to the confirmation students soon to graduate! Have a wonderful Mother's Day and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. Stay safe and be well everyone! Joel Moss and the Members of your Brotherhood Affiliate at B'ShERT
Jewish Cultural Committee
It should not surprise anyone that there has been plenty of Jewish influence on American popular culture, and not just in Broadway music. The Museum at Eldridge Street Synagogue in Manhattan is presenting the exhibit Steve Marcus: Top Dog of Kosher Pop Art, May 12 - November 6, 2022 about Jewish immigrant life and featuring works on paper, wooden sculpture, a site-specific installation, and a selection from a personal memorabilia collection, dedicated to, yes, the HOT DOG. Where would America be without this iconic food? What would we eat at the ballpark? If your interests lean more to the Old World, the Marlene Meyerson JCC in Manhattan is offering “[Virtual] Culture Passport: Prague” on Wednesday, May 18, a virtual tour of the beautiful city of Prague. This will include the Spanish Synagogue and the contemporary Jewish community. The cost is $10. Tickets via the JCC. The Center for Jewish History, in Manhattan, is offering many interesting programs. These include “Zabar’s: A Family Story” book launch on Wednesday, May 4 at 7 p.m. If you watch on Zoom, you can pay what you wish. If you go in person, the charge is $15 ($10 for seniors), but Zabar’s snacks will be available. Starting on Thursday, May 5, and on subsequent days in May, there will be performances of “The Ten Commandments–The Musical,” which originated in France. Tickets are $26. Also on May 5, there will be “Jews in Colonial New York” on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. for free and, at 7 p.m., “Am Yisrael High”—the story of Jews and Cannabis. (Did you know that there was a story of Jews and Cannabis?) It’s not too early to start thinking about Yidstock, taking place in Massachusetts from July 7 - July 10. Details are available at the Yiddish Book Center website. A very rich program including music, film, and Yiddish dance is in store! Yvette Pomeranz and Helene Smith Co-Chairs, Jewish Cultural Committee
Charity Committee will meet in May Dear Congregants, Thank you all so much for your generous donations to the temple Charity Fund, which as of March 22, 2022 totaled $1,972. The annual Charity Meeting will be held on Zoom on Monday, May 23. At this meeting, the committee votes on which deserving charities and projects will receive funds. All are invited to attend, and we welcome your thoughts and suggestions of which charities should be considered for support. For further information, please contact me at: fayelg47@gmail.com. Faye Levine Guskin Chair, Charity Committee
Fundraising Committee
Charity Committee
We are actively collecting donations for the upcoming auction. Thus far we have approximately 60 items, some of which are still being confirmed. Our goal is have 100 items available for the Luncheon Auction. By now you will have all received a letter that you can send to businesses and organizations to solicit donations (please do not solicit from companies that advertise in the journal). If you are planning to approach a company for a donation and are not sure if they have advertised in the journal, please ask me. I have a list of last year’s advertisers! As you can see from some of the preview flyers, we are enthralled with our donations to date, and expect to preview other donations shortly. Could one of them be yours? Stay turned and find out. We have extended the deadline for donations through May 4. This way you can get your journal ad done, and proceed onto your auction donation! Looking forward to hearing from you, Pam Glantzman and Yvette Pomeranz Co-Chairs, Fundraising Committee
Wine Tasting Small Group - Forming Now The Wine Tasting “Small Group” at B’ShERT is for those budding sommeliers who have even the smallest level of knowledge and interest in wine tasting. Spring, summer, and early fall will bring to Brooklyn plenty of wine tasting field trip opportunities, often held outdoors. We’d love to travel to these as a B’ShERT cohort, uniting wine enthusiasts of all backgrounds and experience. If you know a lot, teach us! If you know a little, come learn! You may have heard: Wine-ing is a great way to make friends. We’re hoping to get a group together in May or June for our first wine tasting experience. Contact me at tattenbaumfine@bshert.org if you would like to join us.
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.
Monthly Mitzvah
Social Action Committee
Shalom, This year Yom Haatzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) begins the evening of Wednesday, May 4, 2022 and continues through Thursday, May 5, 2022. It is preceded by Yom Hazikaron on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 (Israeli Memorial Day). To commemorate and celebrate, the following events are planned with our synagogue partners: Yom Hazikaron ceremony at Park Slope Jewish Center on Tuesday, May 3 at 7 p.m.; in person, open for the entire community - proof of vaccination is required for the sanctuary, there will also be an outdoor option at the yard of PSJC. (Please see separate event flyer) Yom Haatzmaut event at Congregation Beth Elohim on Thursday, May 5 at 7 p.m., with Israeli Superstar Singer Ninet Tayeb, Stand Up comedy and wine! Open for all community Adults (21+). (Please see separate event flyer) Registration required: https://eladbarilan.wixsite.com/jafibrooklyn/independenceday Israeli Brunch at Prospect Park on Sunday, May 8 at noon, with Israeli music, activities for kids, and Israeli food. More information will follow. Jerusalem Day (Hebrew: יום ירושלים, Yom Yerushalayim) is the Israeli national holiday commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City in the aftermath of the June 1967 Six-Day War. This year it is observed beginning the evening of Saturday, May 28 through Sunday, May 29, 2022. In honor of Yom Yerushalayim, members of the ARZA Committee will participate in the Erev Shabbat service on Friday, May 27, 2022. To stay informed and up to date with all that's Israel, the Progressive Jewish Movement and ARZA, please go to ARZA,Union for Reform Judaism, or the Israeli Religious Action Center. Let’s continue to support progressive Judaism in the land of Israel. In honor of Israel's 74th Birthday, the ARZA Committee wishes all a month full of health, friendship, sunshine, and Shalom (peace). Tamara Kerner Chair, ARZA Committee
We are grateful for the congregation’s response to our two Passover drives this year. Monies that were donated to the Dr. Janet Haynes Social Action Fund have been provided to the JCH of Bensonhurst for the purchase of Passover food for needy seniors, and the food contributions went to our Little Pantry to feed the hungry in our own area. Keep up the good work! The next Interfaith Coalition of Brooklyn book discussion is scheduled for Monday, May 9 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. We will be talking about Revive Your Heart by Nouman Ali Khan. Join us as we learn about living daily life from a Muslim point of view. The Zoom link will follow. Yvette Pomeranz and Lori Silverman Co-Chairs, Social Action Committee
ARZA Committee
Editorial Note: This is a great idea!
B'ShERT Bio: New Member Edition
Matt Holland Q: Tell us about yourself! A: My name is Matthew Holland, I prefer Matt. I grew up and spent almost all of my life in the Sheepshead Bay and Midwood sections of Brooklyn, NY. I retired from MTA NYC Transit in 2015, after 34 years of service. Q: Do you have any hidden talents? A: I am very good at taking things apart and putting them back together again, in working condition. Q: Tell us something you’re proud of. A: I am most proud of the fact that I was truly “able to make a difference” through my work. During the final 15 years of my MTA NYC Transit career, I created and was in-charge of the MetroCard Fraud Investigations Unit. Our techniques were instrumental in assisting many City, State and Federal Law Enforcement agencies in criminal investigations. Using our data and equipment we aided in the apprehension of criminals who had committed such serious crimes as armed robbery, rape and homicide. My team and I have also provided testimony at hundreds of courtroom trials. Q: What’s your favorite thing about your work? A: I have been retired for the past 7 years and for the last 6 1/2 of them I have been very involved in the daily upbringing of my grandson Naz. It’s like I’ve been given a do-over. I was always working when my daughters were little and I wasn’t able to be as involved in their lives. Q: What’s your favorite movie and why? A: My favorite movie is “Die Hard With a Vengeance” because I was in it. You can spot me around the 20 minute mark, I’m wearing an orange safety vest (see photo above). They were filming at the 72nd Street and Broadway subway station, where I was the Station Manager and they asked me to be an extra for the scene. Q: What causes are you passionate about? A: I am passionate about causes that help children who are ill or in need, like St. Jude’s. I am also passionate about blood and platelet donations. (Side note: We should have a Temple Blood Drive.) Q: Share some words of wisdom. A: As you travel through life, don’t squander opportunities to learn from everyone you meet along the way. You may learn something positive and admirable or something negative and distasteful. How you use what you’ve learned is up to you. It’s kind of like trying on new shoes - only you know if they’re a comfortable fit for you, and whether you want to walk through life wearing them.
Mazel Tov!
Marcia Kaplan-Mann will be inducted into the Hunter College Hall of Fame this May!
Q: What would you sing at karaoke night, or, if you’re not a singer, what song always gets you up on the dance floor? A: You really wouldn’t want me to sing or dance. Q: If you could eat only one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? A: Chicken Cutlets. I don’t care if they’re breaded, grilled or parmigiana style. Q: Do you have a secret you’d like to share? A: No, because then it wouldn’t be a secret. Q: Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck? A: I would have to say I would rather fight one horse-sized duck. Do you recall the Lilliputians from Gulliver’s Travels? If there are enough of them, the duck-sized horses could win. Q: Do you have a favorite sport? Which teams do you root for? A: My favorite sport to watch is Baseball. I am a Mets fan, but I will root for the Yankees as long as they are not playing against the Mets. Historically, I cheer for the underdogs. I guess this explains my love for the Mets, Jets and Rangers.
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.
Out on the Town
Big B’ShERT Baseball Turn-Out For Cyclones Opener On Tuesday, April 12 our own Brooklyn Cyclones began their 2022 home season with a win over the Jersey Shore Blue Claws in Coney Island, and our Temple was well represented in the opening day crowd. Pictured here during the pre-game player introductions are (from left to right): Michael Tornick, Sheldon Greenberg, Sara West, Alan Zarrow, Ron and Phyllis Schweiger, and Joel Edelstein. They were joined by Dorothy Edelstein, Janice Essa, Matt Holland, and Joanie, Bill and Naz Schaffer. The Brotherhood of B’ShERT’s annual outing to the Cyclones will be on Sunday, July 17, which is Gil Hodges Day when they will honor the former Brooklyn Dodger great and New York Mets manager’s induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. See the flyer on Page 22 in this edition of the Voice of Truth for more information. Hope to see you at the ballpark. Let’s have as big a turn-out as we had last year (and hope for better weather!).
(Pictured from left to right): Joanie Schaffer, Bill Schaffer, Naz Schaffer, Tamara Kerner, Pam Glantzman, Lia Froelich, Ellyn Rothstein, Eric Platt, Amy Rhodes, Sydney McGee, Sophia McGee, Yvette Pomeranz, and Emily Whitehead
Big Turnout for Small Groups On Sunday April 24, during a beautiful and clear day, several members of B'ShERT's Monthly Mitzvah Small Group partnered with the Marine Park Alliance to give Maine Park a spring cleaning to help usher in the warm weather season. Armed with rakes, gloves, and plastic and paper bags, several team members cleared away more than 15 bags worth of leaves and sticks from budding flower beds; while others teamed up and helped move large, broken tree limbs and sticks that had fallen during the fall and winter. If you are interested in helping out on the next monthly mitzvah group, please contact Joanie Schaffer (jmhschaffer@gmail.com). Be sure to include the words "Small Group" in the subject line.
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! See ad on page 21 for details. 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., led 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
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
In Memoriam
John Bile ל״ז
Lotte Bloom ל״ז
Lester Schenker ל״ז
Offerings of the Heart Contributions Gratefully Acknowledged
Rabbi Hoover's Discretionary Fund In memory of Shirley Hyatt ~Alice & Corey Hyatt Dr. Janet L. Haynes Social Action Fund Passover Food Drive ~Faye & Gene Guskin ~Linda Horowitz ~Irene Nachinoff ~Eric Platt ~Ellyn Rothstein ~Les & Diane Schenker ~Hana Roth Seavey ~Susan Sysler ~Barbara Wasserman ~Judith Weiss In memory of Estelle Pomeranz ~Yvette Pomeranz In memory of Bill Kossman ~Yvette Pomeranz In memory of Lester Schenker ~Yvette Pomeranz William Hyman Music Fund In memory of William Hyman ~Janet Schlesinger & Jerry Jaffee For the Caring Committee ~Judith Weiss In memory of Fran Arnowitz ~Sondra Berkman In memory of John Bile ~Mona Goldberg ~Sondra Berkman In memory of Lotte Bloom ~Yvette Pomeranz In memory of Lester Schenker ~Mona Goldberg ~Sondra Berkman In memory of Gertrude Silverberg ~Yvette Pomeranz For the Charity Fund Myron Klein ~Mona Goldberg Tzedakah ~Judith Weiss The Accessibility Fund Lotte Bloom ~Mona Goldberg John Bile ~Lori Pandolfo Lester Schenker ~Lori Pandolfo ~Sandra & Paul Dann For the General Fund In honor of Charlotte Russell's grandson's wedding ~Doreen & Jerry Aronow Happy 80th Birthday Sheila Stanger ~Rita & George Landberg In honor of Nathan Shraeder being accepted to his PhD program ~Alan Zarrow In memory of Fran Arnowitz ~Doreen & Jerry Aronow In memory of Rae Bachner ~Lisa Bachner In memory of Robert Baraz ~Natalie Friedlander In memory of Frances Bergman ~Mona Goldberg In memory of John Bile ~Jeff & Loren Levinson ~Marcia Kaplan Mann & Gabriel Wiesenthal ~Rita & George Landberg ~Linda Kushner Silverman & Daniel Silverman ~Hazel Tishcoff ~Emily Whitehead ~Helene Smith ~Charlotte Russell ~Barbara Wasserman ~Ron & Phyllis Schweiger ~Judy & Gerard Soffian ~Alan Zarrow ~Judith Weiss In memory of Lotte Bloom ~Shirley Spivack ~Sondra Berkman In memory of Harold Carl ~Leanora Katzman In memory of Milton Hecht ~Alan Hecht In memory of Alex Hollander ~Stan & Terry Hollander In memory of Roberta Kessman ~Judith Weiss In memory of Seth Kushner ~Linda Kushner Silverman & Daniel Silverman In memory of Louis Menken ~Judith Weiss In memory of Frank Platt ~Eric Platt In memory of Jerry Platt ~Eric Platt In memory of Gertrude Rothman ~Sara Meyer West In memory of Toby Scharfman ~Linda Horowitz In memory of Lester Schenker ~Marcia Kaplan Mann & Gabriel Wiesenthal ~Joel Moss ~Hana Roth Seavey ~Emily Whitehead ~Helene Smith ~Charlotte Russell ~Shirley Spivack ~Ron & Phyllis Schweiger ~Alan Zarrow ~Alan Hecht ~Judith Weiss ~Terry & Stan Hollander In memory of Kenneth Sharkey ~Deborah Kossman In memory of Milly Sharkey ~Deborah Kossman In memory of Howard Weiss ~Judith Weiss In memory of Patricia Weiss ~Judith Weiss In memory of Adele Wellman ~Judith Weiss
Purchase tickets: https://bshert.shulcloud.com/event/cyclones-2022
child aged 13 or under.)
Richard Boschen Rachel Boschen Abe Brown Shari Chappell Michael Cozine Pattiann Cubero Emily Donato Joel Edelstein Patricia Faurelus Linda Feller Lia Froehlich Lillian Goldstein Bonnie Greenbaum Tobias Jackson Joan Jacobs Diane Kesten Michael Kubersky Sarah Lenaghan Henry Levinson Jeffrey Levinson Paul Lipton Jeffrey Platt Samuel Schachter Henry Schaeffer Diane Schenker Nonie Schuster Jordana Schwartz Brianna Siem Fran Silverman Lori Silverman Judy Soffian Jennifer Tattenbaum Zeke Tishcoff Edie Wadman Kelly Whitehead Ariana Winawer Stein Ruby Zuckerm
...and Happy Anniversary to... Pam Glantzman & Frank Gonzalez, Faye & Gene Guskin, and Meilan Chiu & Amyt Eckstein
Torah Portions - May 2022
Date
Torah Reading
Reference
May 6
K'doshim
Leviticus 19:1-20:27
May 13
Emor
Leviticus 21:1-24:23
May 20
B'har
Leviticus 25:1-26:2
May 27
B'chukotai
Leviticus 26:3-27:34
Simcha Corner Happy Birthday, May 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!
MAY CALENDAR