A bi-monthly publication of Temple Beth Ami Shalom Bayit ... · A bi-monthly publication of Temple...

Newsletter - January/February 2018 Temple Beth Ami of 17

January/February 2018 A bi-monthly publication of Temple Beth Ami

www.templebethami.org

From The Rabbi

Vol. 31 No. 1

Established 1987 Shalom Bayit שלום בית

In all of Jewish history few communities have rivaled that of The Golden Age of Spain. Jews first arrived in Spain, called Sepharad in Hebrew, during the Roman period, and by the early Middle Ages Andalusia was the center of the entire Jewish world, producing important schol-ars and one of the most stable and wealthy Jewish communities ever in exis-

tence. In Toledo, Jews translated Arabic texts to the romance lan-guages, as well as translating Greek and Hebrew texts into Arabic. Jews also contributed to botany, geography, medi-cine, mathematics, poetry and philosophy. The sciences flourished especially astronomy. Abraham Zacuto and Levi ben Gershon, great lights that emerged from the Golden Age of Spain, created instruments and maps that guided mari-time exploration. 'Abd al-Rahman's court physician and min-ister Hasdai ben Isaac ibn Shaprut, was the patron of other Jewish scholars and poets. Jewish thought during this period flourished under famous figures such as Samuel Ha-Nagid, Moses ibn Ezra, Solomon ibn Gabirol Judah Halevi and most famously, Moses Maimonides. Maimonides, born in Cordoba in 1135, was the preeminent medieval Jewish philosopher and one of the greatest Torah scholars of all time. He worked as a rabbi, physician, and phi-losopher in Spain, Morocco and Egypt. With the contempo-rary Cordoban sage Averroes, he promoted and developed the philosophical tradition of Aristotle. Caught between both Moslem and Christian rulers, Jews joined the armies of Alfonso VI of Castile, with as many as 40,000 joined in the fight against the Almoravids, who also had large numbers of Jewish troops in their armies. In 1497, as part of the Reconquista and Christianization, Por-tugal followed Castille and Aragon and expelled the Jews, bringing the Jewish contribution to Iberian culture and the

sciences to an abrupt end. It is estimated that the Jewish population numbered 500,000 in the 15th century, making it a greater percentage of the peninsula than Jews are to-day in the United States. The Sephardic Jewish Diaspora would spread over the Mediterranean, and make up the first Jews of the New World. And wherever they went, the Jews continued to speak Ladino, Judeo-Spanish. Not even 100 years later, with the defeat of the Armada, Spain began it retreat into history. In a monumental 1987 visit to Los Angeles’ Sephardic community, King Juan Car-los I apologized for and affirmed the tragic mistake of his ancestors that also helped bring an end to his country’s power. This summer Temple Beth Ami will make an exciting visit to Spain and Portugal, and retrace the footsteps of our ancestors. Included on our itinerary are visits to both an-cient synagogues and modern Jewish centers. We will have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Spanish and Portuguese coasts that still inspires poetry and song. Join us as we explore the rich cultural history of Sepharad. More information can be found on our website: http://www.templebethami.org/spain--portugal-trip-summer-2018.html We will be having an informational tour meeting on Thurs-day, January 11th at 7 pm with videos and literature on our journey (Spanish wine and cheese too!). Please call 661-255-6410 to RSVP. Buen dya, (good day in Ladino) Rabbi Mark Blazer


Mission Statement of Temple Beth Ami The Purpose of this Reform Congregation shall be to worship G-d, to promote Jewish education and the fundamental principles of Judaism, to ensure the continuity of the Jewish people to cultivate love, understanding, and enjoyment of our Jewish heritage

and to encourage community involvement.

Rabbi - Mark Blazer [email protected] Cantor - Kenny Ellis [email protected] Board of Trustees:

President - Rosemary Watson [email protected] Executive Vice President - Don Cogan [email protected] Past President - Joyce Stein [email protected] Acting Treasurer - Don Cogan [email protected] Secretary - Kim Boothby Fogel [email protected] Educational Director - Jennifer Twitchell [email protected] Facilities Trustee - Bill Schwartz [email protected] Membership Trustees - Lori Litel and Cheryl Cogan [email protected] Men's Club - Brian Block (Past President) [email protected] Sisterhood President - Judith Stolnitz [email protected] Trustees at Large: Debra Block Doreen Hawbecker Charles Peretz Michael Schoenwetter Andy Steier Susie Unkeless—Newsletter and EBlast Editor [email protected] Ofra Naylor - Bookkeeper [email protected]


From The Cantor

2017 was quite a year for me and my family. My wife, Laura and I celebrated our 25th anniversary, our son Aaron got his driver’s license and our son Adam turned 21. I got to appear on “Curb Your Enthusi-asm” with Larry David and “Law and Order” with Edie Falco. And to top off the year, my Hanukkah Swings! CD became #1 best seller at Amazon! 2018 - a new year with lots of hope and promise. This year should be especially great for all of us since it is an 18 – “chai” year! It’s the year that both of our sons will be graduating – Adam from UCLA and Aaron from Agoura High. In terms of Jewish holidays, on January 31 st , the last day of January, we have Tu B’Shevat . Tu

B’Shevat or the “birthday” of all fruit trees is a minor festival. The name is Hebrew for the 15th of the Hebrew month of Shevat. In ancient times, Tu B’Shevat was merely a date on the calendar that helped Jewish farmers establish exactly when they should bring their fourth-year produce of fruit from recently planted trees to the Temple as first-fruit offerings. In modern times, Tu B’Shevat continues to be an opportunity for planting trees — in Israel and elsewhere, wherever Jews live. Many American and European Jews observe Tu B’Shevat by contributing money to the Jewish National Fund, an organization devoted to reforesting Israel (the purchase of trees in JNF forests is also customary to commemorate a cele-bration such as a Bar or Bat-Mitzvah).It is also a custom to have Tu B’Shevat seders. On February 28 th , the last day of February, we have the next Jewish holiday of Purim. On that evening, we read the Me-gillah and have our annual Purim Shpiel. It should be a wonderful evening of fun and laughter with Rabbi Mark and Wendee. Our annual Purim Carnival will be on Sunday, February 25 th . It’s always a fun time for all as we remember the heroism of Queen Esther and Mordechai who thwarted the schemes of Haman(Boo). I hope everyone had a great New Year’s celebration and we all look forward to a Happy, Healthy 2018 for all! B’shalom, Cantor Kenny Ellis

When you give to Temple Beth Ami you support our entire community.

http://www.templebethami.org/support-tba.html


PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

They say you shouldn't start a president's message with a thank you, but I just have to express my appreciation to our amazing California firefighters and to all the members of our community who reached out with offers of help and shelter to those displaced by fire. I'm happy to report my Santa Paula home is safe and undamaged. I'm reminded that in our commu-nity there are many with no home to lose. I am proud that our Temple participates in Family Promise, helping families find temporary shelter while they transition out of homelessness. I'm looking forward to some fun after a more hectic than usual holiday season. This month, join us for Havdalah and star-gazing on January 20th and Mah Jongg on the 21st. Plant some parsley in

honor of Tu B'shevat on the 30th and plan to harvest it for Passover. Meanwhile, Purim is just around the corner and prepa-rations for our second joint Purim carnival with Congregation Beth Shalom and Chabad of Santa Clarita are already under-way. Check the calendar and website for more exciting TBA events, and may 2018 bring us all a safe and healthy year. Rosemary Watson TBA President


RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

Shalom 2018! So many wonderful and exciting things are planned for this year and I am looking forward to the many journeys that our youth will take during the year. We will be having our first awards ceremony for our students who have passed 1 or more of their Ramot in

their Hebrew program. This will take place during the Thursday service on January 25th. Those students receiving awards will be bringing home notices to parents. January 26th the Vav class will be leading our congregation dur-ing our Shabbat service. Please see me to sign up to bring good-ies that night. Our Annual Tu B’Shevat Seder will be on January 28th . We will have a Seder here from 9:30-11am for all students K-7. Please use the sign-up genius link to help provide the resources neces-sary for this amazing experience. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0c4fa5af23a7f85-tubshevat

In February, we are excited about preparing for Purim. We will be cancelling our classes on February 25th to make the day more available for families to attend the community Purim Carni-val. More information to follow. Ignite, our teen program, has a big social event taking place on Saturday, February 3rd. This event is open for 8-10th graders. It will be at a local Escape Room. Meet-up time at TBA at 6:30pm with a return time of 10pm. If you have an interested teen, please contact me for further information. Flyers will be out soon. At the Purim Carnival the teens will also be supporting the event with a booth for community service. Their new t-shirts will hope-fully be ready by then as well! L’hitraot, Jennifer

TBA teacher Sarah Horn had kids try the Dead Sea Mud

she brought back from Israel.


SISTERHOOD

Happy 2018! I am happy to report that our December Potluck dinner was another success. Thanks again to Doreen Hawbecker for sponsoring. If you would like to sponsor the next one please contact me. The annual Hanukah party did not disappoint! Hanukatinis courtesy of Joyce Stein added a blue glow to the festivities. A raucous white elephant delivered the usual laughs and thefts. This year we also added a little shopping at the party. Our joy was increased by the opportunity to perform a mitzvah with our toy collection.

The primary event this month is the 2nd Annual Mahj Jong Day of Fun. Find the details on the flyer. Mavens and Rookies are welcome. The date of the Women's Petit Retreat has been changed so that all members can attend the Purim Carnival. The tentative date is April 15. We can celebrate Tax Day with a day just for us women. I hope your year is filled with Peace and Health. Judith Stolnitz Sisterhood President

Sisterhood’s website:

www.templebethami.org/sisterhood.html (*PayPal here too)

Sisterhood Updates:

www.templebethami.org/sisterhood-updates.html

Sisterhood email: [email protected].

Judaica Shop:

[email protected].

Please go to Sisterhood Updates page on the website for forms and event flyers!

SISTERHOOD MEMBERSHIP INFO: Thank you to all of you that have either joined or renewed your Sisterhood membership for 2017-2018. As of August 15, 2017. All new TBA members are automatic members of Sisterhood for their first year – free of charge and are encouraged to attend all Sisterhood functions.


SISTERHOOD

SISTERHOOD PURPOSE & BOARD:

The purpose of Sisterhood at TBA is to have a group of women that come together and support one another while also participating in a variety of programs of choice. In doing so, Sisterhood supports the community of Temple Beth Ami along with a generous financial donation at the end of each fiscal year. SISTERHOOD BOARD:

President—Judth Stolnitz Past President— Francine G. Van Scoyoc Vice President—Donna Casey Secretary—Erika Schwartz Treasurer; Membership – BJ Kaufman; Mitzvah Trustee – Gaylin Cohen Trustees- at-Large—Donna Casey, Elena Hedvig, Gaylin Cohen, Susan Sheftz and Nancy Lefko. Communications: Newsletter Writer—Shawn Monheim Flyers—Elena Hedvig Facebook Postings—Joyce Stein Website—Susie Unkeless and Judith Stolnitz

TREES & WATER PROJECTS: Please contact Cheryl Maliniak through Sisterood([email protected].) for your donations to Israel’s Tree and Water Projects. The Tree & Water Projects of Israel are a wonderful way to accomplish two wonderful mitzvahs: make a donation to Israel by you in honor of someone else - it could just be in honor of that person or for something special like a bar/bat mitzvah. These projects have been very popular in helping support Israel. Cost is only $18 per donation and you will receive a lovely certificate that can be framed as a gift. Please allow approximately ten days for this transaction to be complete.

JUDAICA SHOP:

SHOP HOURS: Monday through Thursday 9 AM -3 PM and Ofra will be happy to help you. Now you may also VIEW AND ORDER ONLINE items for sale for your con-venience! Please contact [email protected]. for any of your Judaica Shop needs.


January Birthdays

January Anniversaries

January Yahrzeit

1-Jan Scott Levine

1-Jan Logan Whitecrow

2-Jan Phyllis Nathan

4-Jan Alexander Vila

6-Jan Max Morse Tubeck

8-Jan Hal Goldflam

8-Jan Dori Jacobs

14-Jan Robert Swartz

15-Jan Jason Block

16-Jan Marjan Talmoud

17-Jan Debra Block

17-Jan Hugo Morales

17-Jan Rita Refat

19-Jan William Saylor

20-Jan Donna Casey

20-Jan Everett Barton

22-Jan Alyssa Azani

24-Jan Kelly Wassserman

31-Jan Sarah Sarkin

3-Jan Bob and Michelle Levine

8-Jan Lisa and Kort

12-Jan Bill and Erika Schwartz

17-Jan Andrew and Patrice Steier

17-Jan David and Rosemary Watson

1-Jan Arch Ashley

1-Jan Jenny Ashley

1-Jan Michael Craely

1-Jan Levy Hauptman

1-Jan Danielle Heinz

1-Jan Cesar Romero

1-Jan Dixie Rosenberg

1-Jan Jerry Simmons

1-Jan Jeanette Tilocco

1-Jan Jacob Younger

2-Jan Gloria Rosenkranz

2-Jan Julia Sokolow

3-Jan Deborah Conroy

3-Jan Shirley Fredrickson

3-Jan Sam Gramowitz

4-Jan Ilse Lewin

4-Jan Bernard Miller

6-Jan Mitchell Chest

7-Jan Jean Brewer

8-Jan Jack Fuchs

8-Jan Marion Naftulin

9-Jan Stan Abrams

9-Jan Bentley Pritsker

12-Jan Micheal Brill

12-Jan Micheal Brill

13-Jan Milred Bramson

13-Jan Isaac Merdjian

13-Jan Semour Shapiro

14-Jan Jen Elzer

14-Jan Trudy Sulami

15-Jan Sam Kaplan

15-Jan Jeno Petrover

15-Jan Shirley Winograd

16-Jan Jacob Schuyler

17-Jan Leonard Blumenthal

17-Jan Sam Melnick

17-Jan Belle Reese

18-Jan Frances Katzman

18-Jan Albert Monheim

19-Jan Rita Orr

20-Jan Meyer Butler

21-Jan Anna Fliegelman

21-Jan Morris Necheles

21-Jan Sam Rosenthal

21-Jan Herman Zlotziver

23-Jan Edith Cohen

23-Jan Louis Sheffey

24-Jan Cara Alson

24-Jan Harry Baron

24-Jan Ben Gershon

24-Jan Yatta Stern

24-Jan Anne Tillis

25-Jan Claude Roberts

25-Jan William Weise

26-Jan Carol Mason

27-Jan Rose Kaplan

27-Jan Margit Petrover

27-Jan Abraham Weinper

27-Jan Richard Wells

28-Jan Bernie Abrams

28-Jan Richard King

28-Jan Harold Lowe

29-Jan Elaine Goodman

30-Jan Karen Back

30-Jan Serena Goldflam

31-Jan- Paul Flahive

31-Jan- Sy Schoenwetter 16-Jan Rochelle Brottman


February Birthdays February Birthdays

February Anniversaries

February Yahrzeit

3-Feb Courtney Jacobs

3-Feb Randy Miller

4-Feb Alan Sternin

6-Feb Marsha Saylor

8-Feb Landon Whitecrow

9-Feb Tina Savitch

9-Feb Samuel Petri

13-Feb Ariel Jameson

13-Feb Stacy Levine

16-Feb Norma Fields

16-Feb Gene Horwitz

16-Feb Terri Poe

17-Feb Hedy Greenfield

20-Feb Diane Solomon

21-Feb Carrie Schneider

26-Feb Samuel Fields

28-Feb Calvin Zipper

17-Feb Neal and Haydie Scott

1-Feb Eddie Abrams

1-Feb Norman Berger

1-Feb Larry George

1-Feb Albert Goldman

1-Feb Pauline Goldstein

1-Feb Al Kramer

1-Feb Stan Pro

2-Feb Molly Tobias

4-Feb Frank Durkee

4-Feb Burt Zuckerman

5-Feb Victoria Azani

5-Feb Dan Retin

5-Feb Isabelle Sheffey

6-Feb Bernice Blazer

6-Feb Warren Crane

6-Feb Surette Kessler

6-Feb Barbara Rosenfeld

6-Feb Martin Shulman

6-Feb Samuel Sils

7-Feb Sol Alson

8-Feb Lena Merjian

8-Feb Oscar Slute

8-Feb Sally Sternin

9-Feb Sarah Abramson

9-Feb Hugh Gottfried

9-Feb Ida Polinsky

10-Feb Joseph Birnbaum

11-Feb Adolph Goldberg

11-Feb Mickey Hart

11-Feb Ben Kahan

11-Feb Harold Saks

12-Feb Harold Dine

12-Feb Adolph Goldberg

12-Feb Dorothy Heim

12-Feb Alvin Popowitz

12-Feb Harriet Popowitz

13-Feb Ely Kleinfeld

13-Feb Fanny Powazek

13-Feb Karen Trustman

15-Feb Sarah Singerman

16-Feb Harry Sternin

17-Feb Chaim Popowitz

17-Feb Fannie Zimmerman

18-Feb Jean Sotela

19-Feb Anabelle Gershon

19-Feb Harry Schwartz

20-Feb Mark Begley

20-Feb Harry Epstein

20-Feb John Hall

21-Feb Brian Kaufman

21-Feb Albert Stein

22-Feb Egmont Lewin-Webb

22-Feb Bob Moscowitz

22-Feb Eliezar Nahmias

22-Feb Frances Tobe

22-Feb Fannie Zlotziver

23-Feb Elaine Lewis

23-Feb Barrett Shuman

23-Feb Bessie Talman

24-Feb Robert Brill

26-Feb Florence Coutin

26-Feb Morris Friedell

26-Feb Seigfried Kaswan

26-Feb Gertrude Rosenthal

26-Feb Jacob Wolpert

26-Feb Marilyn Zimmerman

27-Feb Robert Ellen

27-Feb Barry Lampert

27-Feb Ethel Monheim

27-Feb Lee Schoen

28-Feb Rebecca Alson

28-Feb Jack Aronowitz

28-Feb Rita Mann

28-Feb Hyman Singerman

28-Feb Gregoria Wisner

A bi-monthly publication of Temple Beth Ami Shalom Bayit ... · A bi-monthly publication of Temple...

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