Shalom December 2009

Dear Friends:

It is, of course, the children who look forward to Chanukah the most. And why not? At home, parties, candles, games and presents are on the agenda. At the Temple, our Services and annual holiday dinner are geared to the little ones. It is great fun and we love watching the excitement and the joy with which they celebrate the Jewish holiday. But perhaps we adults are overlooking something very important. We, too, have learned to regard Chanukah as a children’s festival and let it go at that. In doing so, we are missing the deeper meaning of a holiday with great contemporary significance. I am not re-

ferring to the military victory of the few over the many – though surely those ancient battles between the large well-equipped Syrian forces and the ill-prepared but zealous Jews defending their own land have been relived again and again on the same soil in our own time. Chanukah, however, has a special, critical message for Jews in America as well.

It is often forgotten that Jews nearly brought about their own ruin in the 2nd century B. C. E. Antiochus, the Syrian

monarch, sought to transform Palestine into another Greek state – a country indistinguishable from the Hellenistic lands. He received overwhelming encouragement from a large number of Jews living in Jerusalem, especially those who saw economic advantage to greater involvement in the Greek world. For many of them, being Jewish was peripheral and incidental.

There was, of course, much that was brilliant in Hellenistic civilization. The period saw the development of great

museums, libraries and gardens. It was an affluent period, colorful in art, glorious in literature and searching in philosophy. But Hellenistic life also contained serious flaws. It was a time of general moral decline, of slavery, of callous indifference to the poor and unrestrained indulgence by the rich. Many Jews were willing to accept it indiscriminately and at the same time give up their own rich heritage.

Those Jews who resisted Antiochus and the Hellenizers among their own people were fighting religious and cultural

assimilation that would not allow distinctiveness. In fact, Antiochus banned those very practices which reminded Jews that they were different. We often remember the Maccabees as having struggled for the freedom of the Jews to be like others. In actual fact, they were fighting for the right to maintain their differences. Chanukah was first celebrated not by a military pa-rade or a political victory, but rather by the rededication of the Temple.

Our struggle for Jewish survival lies in the realization that the true enemy of the Chanukah story was not Antiochus,

not Syria, and not even Hellenistic culture. The enemy, then and now, is indifference to our own distinctiveness. Our strength exists in rededicating ourselves to the values, institutions and practices which give Jewish life its special meaning and beauty. This is what Chanukah is all about and it is surely not for children only.

Yours sincerely,

Stephen H. Pinsky

Kislev / Tevet 5770| December 2009

Rabbi’s Voice Rabbi Stephen H. Pinsky

Shalom December 2009 -

A publication of

Temple Beth Torah 900 Big Blue Trace

Wellington, Florida 33414

TEL.: 561-793-2700 FAX: 561-793-1072

E-MAIL: [email protected]

WEB SITE: templebethtorah.net

TEMPLE OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Thursday: 9AM - 5PM

Friday: 9AM - 4PM

RABBI Stephen H. Pinsky

[email protected] CANTOR

Carrie F. Barry [email protected]

PRESIDENT Louise Marks

[email protected] VICE PRESIDENTS

Richard Lebowitz Philip Levine

TREASURER Richard Samuels SECRETARY Marcia Weber

EDUCATION DIRECTOR Jodi Kaufman

[email protected] PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

Sandy Wilensky [email protected]

YOUTH ADVISOR Jessica Starkschall

[email protected]

BROTHERHOOD PRESI-DENT

Doug Barr SISTERHOOD CO-

PRESIDENTS Jennifer Goldstein Darlene Lebowitz

[email protected] SHALOM CREATIVE DESIGN

Philip Levine EDITOR

Phyllis Weinstein

According to Ralph Levy, we have focused on the miracle-thing…to him the core of the holiday is the cleaning of the Temple…’the accomplishment was in restoring the Temple to the purpose for which it was built’. Further, Charles Reznikoff wrote: ‘the miracle of course is…that the courage of the Maccabees lasted to this day; let that nourish one’s flickering spirit.” The concept of ‘restoring the Temple to the purpose for which it was built’ has truly made me think of how I see the purpose of our Temple. To me, it is a seat of learning, studying, sharing, worship, music, culture, piety, spirit and hope. It is also the repository of genera-tion’s hopes and aspirations of a people refusing to relinquish beliefs. It is the unwavering ethos of a people that endures despite unspeakable horror endured by them. Temple is concrete, stone, glass, wood, metal, art, and history, joy, sorrow, ruach. What makes our Temple? We do! The ‘we’ that constitutes two schools, the ‘we’ that constitutes the members, the workers, and the leaders. Our recent history of activities encompasses a splendid family picnic, a new member reception, housing activities in cooperation with an-other Jewish body, classes, meetings, and services. Our future history will begin with the plans we make and the foundation from which we build. I am grateful to all of the wonder-ful individuals who lead and work on our committees. In the present state of an uncertain economy, the membership of Temple Beth Torah is filled with the bounty and richness of communal spirit, caring, giving, learning, planning, and sharing. This is all accomplished by the ‘can do’ attitude of our lay leadership, clergy, admin-istrative staff, professional staff and committee chairs. We all choose to be Maccabees who will not let the light go out. We all choose to restore the Temple to serve its original purpose. The weekend of December 11-13 will be an ex-tremely special one. Aside from a Bat Mitzvah and the kindling of the first Chanukah lights, we will feature our Artist-in-Residence, Dan Nichols. He will sing to children and adults of all ages, he will lead and instruct. We will host guests from other congregations. Temple will be a brilliant candle of hope. There are some absolutely wonderful plans in the works to engage many men women and youngsters. We look forward to the second annual Monte Carlo Night in January. We will be launching an exciting Torah project involving joyful participation. Don’t forget Mitzvah Day, Social Justice events, Life Long Learning activities, a Progressive dinner and much more. Hannah Senesh wrote: “blessed is the match consumed in kindling flame, blessed is the flame that burns in the secret fastness of the heart.” I wish all of us universal peace and hope. May the new secular year allow us all to flourish in continued freedom. Louise S. Marks, President

President’s Message Louise Marks


When my husband Ian was preparing for conversion, we attended a sixteen-week Introduction to Judaism course. During the class we discussed numerous issues which Jews-by-choice may face as part of the transition into a Jewish life. We talked about how nostalgia and sadness associated with the “loss” of Christmas can be difficult to overcome. For Ian, this was not the case. The Christmas experience was one he would not miss, and I was grateful for that, assuming this would make our lives easier when we had children. Of course, I forgot to take into account the feelings and traditions of his extended family. When we announced our engagement to Ian’s parents, the first question was “Will there be a priest at the wedding?” After Ian explained that there would be a rabbi officiating because by then he would, indeed, be Jewish, the second question from my mother-in-law was “Can I still have Santa Claus?” At the time, thrilled that things were going so smoothly, I im-mediately answered, “Yes!” I mean, how harmless could Santa be?

Well, fast-forward five years. Our child is quickly approaching two. There is nothing remotely Christmas-y in our home, but I know that come mid-December, the presents will arrive from “Santa,” better known as Nana and Grandpa. Last year, Santa even sent a personal letter to Blake for his first Christmas. (Ian hid it from me for a few weeks, nervous about my reaction!)

How many of us experience this? How many of your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sisters or brothers face this dilemma: how do you peacefully meld to different families, different traditions, and different values? What is more important, our beliefs or their feelings? Because, ultimately, while it may come out as “Christmas versus Chanukah,” the un-derlying issue is “Inclusion versus Alienation.” I know that it is not easy for my in-laws to face the reality that the son they raised in the Catholic tradition now lives an active Jewish life. So how do I, as clergy in the Jewish tradition, face the winter holiday season with regard to Ian’s family? How will I explain the differences to my own child? (I figure I have one more year without his questions…considering he doesn’t talk yet.) Well, my focus is the important part: shalom bayit, peace in the home. This is not just the physical home, but our ex-tended family as well. My goal is to maintain happy, healthy relationships with Ian’s family, even if it means compromising some of my own beliefs in order to make room for their traditions. Does that mean I would have a Christmas tree? Absolutely not. Christmas is at Nana and Grandpa’s. Does Santa come to our house? Absolutely not. However, if Santa happens to drop something off for Blake at Nana and Grandpa’s and they ship it to Blake, well, hey, who am I to stop Santa? Ian once saw an episode of All in the Family where Archie Bunker secretly had his grandchild baptized. Ian couldn’t shake the concern that it could happen to us. My answer to him was, “You know, it’s just water.” Now I know that’s an over-simplification, but what I meant was, we have the ability to scar our children: with words, with fights, with anger. It’s our job as parents to model good and healthy relationships. We must choose our battles wisely, because ultimately, Santa Claus cannot hurt our children, but a fight over “his” gifts could mean war. So, regarding a secret baptism of my child? All I have to say is, “What I don’t know can’t hurt me!”

Cantor’s Song Cantor Carrie F. Barry


The Preschool Press

Sandy Wilensky

TempleBeth Torah Leonie Arguetty Preschool

During the month of November the preschoolers were busy preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday. The preschool staff creatively integrated our curriculum with activities about the Pilgrims, Plymouth Rock, Native Americans and what it means to be thankful. An extension of this learning was the hands-on participation in our school-wide food drive for families in the temple and greater community. The children were also busy preparing for their big Thanksgiving sing-a-long followed by their delicious Thanksgiving Feast. All the children actively participated by making their own holiday attire and festive centerpieces and cooking for the big meal. A big thank you to the VPO (Voluntary Parent Organization) for the food prepa-ration and beautiful setup, and to the numerous “moms” in all the classes who assisted in the classrooms transforming white t-shirts into child-made works of art. The parade of children into the sanctuary for the sing-a-long was an example of our on-going parent-teacher-child collaboration and the smiles on the children’s faces were a reflection of those efforts on their be-half. Our second Tot Shabbat was well received on November 6th. The children certainly enjoyed the child friendly ser-vice and the Israeli dancing led by Rabbi Pinsky and Cantor Barry. Our Tot Shabbat programs are open to the entire com-munity. Bring a friend to the next Tot Shabbat scheduled for February 5th.

We begin the activities for December with the second of our four part Parenting Program Series sponsored by our Temple Beth Torah Leonie Arguetty Preschool, the JCC of the Palm Beaches and The Alpert Jewish Family & Childrens’s Sevices. On Wednesday, December 2, Dr. Elaine Rotenberg, Clinical Director for the Alpert Jewish Family and Children’s Services will moderate, “The December Dilemma: How can you create a meaningful holiday for your child and your fam-ily?” All preschool families in the community are welcome and encouraged to join us for this informative session. Children are welcome. For more information and to RSVP please call Annette 793-2649 or email [email protected].

Afternoon enrichment classes are well underway with the introduction of a new art program, Abrakadoodle and the

return of Super Sports, Kid’s Kitchen and Playball. Formerly only available to in-house preschoolers, these programs are now open to all preschool age children in the community. Programs run 1-3pm and/or 3-4pm. New in January will be a pre-school enrichment program to coincide with religious school hours on Tuesday afternoons. Call 793-2649 or email [email protected] for more information.

With Hanukkah right around the corner, the festival of lights will soon delight the preschool children as they cele-brate in their classrooms on December 9th & 10th with delicious potato latkes and sufganiyot donated by the Sisterhood and Brotherhood. Our sincere thank you to these two groups and their leadership for their continued support of all our preschool actvities! Preceding the yummy snacks will be a school-wide Hanukkah sing-a-long complete with blessings and the lighting of the Hanukkiah. The VPO will put their finishing touches on the celebration with small gifts for each child. Some of the hands-on activities for this holiday will include constructing variations of the Hannukiah and playing dreidle. Besides reinforc-ing the teachings of the holidays, the practice and memorization of the many songs taught in the school reinforces memory and language development in the young child. The dreidle game which the children love to play reinforces the miracle of Hanukkah while introducing basic math concepts in school!


From the Desk of the Temple Educator Jodi Kaufman

During the upcoming holiday season, we will all open many boxes. What we find in those boxes is up to us. In some boxes, we will find new clothes, in others new games or toys. Some will treasure what they find in those boxes and some will use their imaginations and find joy in just the simple box. At this time of year we spend so much time focusing on what’s inside the box, I would like to challenge us to think outside of the box. How can we make the world a better place? How can we creatively engage our children and adults in Jewish learning? How can we encourage people to attend Shabbat services? Where will those services happen? Just to get your creative juices flowing, I would like to suggest some out of the box ideas to stimulate your thinking: 1. Instead of game night, or make your own taco night, how about family mitzvah night? As a family spend one evening a week doing a mitzvah together. Make chemo caps, go to the grocery store and buy food for the food bank, make thinking of you cards to bring to a nursing facility or hospital. The opportunities to make the world a better place are endless. 2. Is attending Religious School twice a week interfering with your child’s soccer schedule? Would small group tutoring work better for your student? Interested in learning more about the holidays together as a family? Would you consider an alternative model of Religious education? How about sending your child to a two week summer camp and a one week win-ter break camp filled with Jewish learning, prayer and fun, small group Hebrew tutoring throughout the year and several fam-ily learning opportunities spread over the year? 3. Is getting to Friday night services after a full week of work a challenge for you and your family? How about hosting a Kabbalat Shabbat dinner party in your home, complete with a short service, singing and friends? You could even come in your jeans! What about a Shabbat sing-a-long at a pavilion at Village Park after a soccer game? Come in your cleats! Bring your own water bottle! At this season of opening boxes, I hope you take some time to think about not just what is inside the box but the many possi-bilities that exist outside the box! Happy Chanukah! Jodi Kaufman, RJE Director of Education

The Preschool Press Sandy Wilensky

Do you know a family with a two year old looking for a quality NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) preschool program? Next month we will begin registration for the 2010-2011 school year. In response to the success of our extended day option for three and four year olds, we are excited to introduce an extended day option for two-year-olds beginning with the new school year in August 2011. Registration information will be available after the holi-day break in January. If you know of anyone interested in finding out more about our programs, have them call or stop by the preschool office. We would be happy to give them a tour of our wonderful school!

Our best wishes to you for a Happy Hanukkah! Shalom, Sandy Wilensky Director Thank you to all of you for supporting our many Preschool fundraiser events. Special thanks to Caroline Epstein for

chairing the Hanukkah Boutique last month. Congratulations to those of you who won the raffles! We are also very grateful for the many donations we receive regularly from congregants and preschool families. New on our wish list for the preschool classrooms are new or gently used digital cameras. Coming this month . . . the Dale & Thomas Popcorn fundraiser on Decmber 2, from 10am-9pm.


Sisterhood News

Darlene Lebowitz & Jennifer Goldstein Sisterhood news As we head into the frenzy of the upcoming holiday season (which seems to start earlier every year!) take an evening and join us in our up coming workshop “Turning Friday Night into Shabbat” on December 9th at 7pm in the Temple. Check you email for details coming soon. Mah Jongg cards are now for sale in the gift shop, stop in and place your order. The gift shop is fully stocked for all your holiday needs, come in and look at out collection of menorahs and other Hanukkah items, we are open on Tuesday afternoons and Sunday mornings or by appointment. Thank you all for your continued support, Jennifer & Darlene Co-Presidents

Life Long Learning Fran Lerner

In his column in the Palm Beach Post dated March 4, 2008, Mark Miller said,"If we want to do everything possible to keep our whole being alert, vibrant and connected as we age, we have to continue challenging ourselves." Learning regenerates brain cells which in turn, enhances our mental alertness and thought processes. Who would have thought that our Life Long Learning Committee programming was on the cutting edge of scientific theory? We just wanted to have fun. Speaking of fun, here are our programs for December and January. • December 10th and January 14th , Cantor Barry will be introducing us to "Women In The Bible.

Both programs will begin at 7 PM in our Library. • January 18th is our Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Pinsky. We meet at noon in the Library.

Bring your lunch, dessert is our treat. • Tuesday February 16, 2010 we will be having a guest speaker at our Lunch And Learn. Dave Marion of Shalloway and

Shalloway will discuss changes to "Elder Law." Please note that we are meeting on a Tuesday. You bring the lunch, and we do the rest.

The Life Long Learning Committee meets at noon on the first Monday of the month. Feel free to join us. Don't forget your sandwich! Remember, the mind is like a parachute. It works best when open. Fran Lerner Proud Committee Chairwoman


Youth News Jessica Starkschall

For those of you who do now know, on the days that I am not at Temple Beth Torah I am working out of the Friedman Commission for Jewish Education as the coordinator of the Teen Tzedakah Project, the Winer Panim el Panim High School in Washington DC, and finally the Bonim Fellows Volunteer Leadership Program. This month, I wanted to give you a brief description of my job at the CJE and the programs I run there and how our Temple specifically has benefited from the partnership with the Jewish Teen Initiative and the CJE. The Teen Tzedakah Project is our community’s youth phil-anthropic and service-learning initiative, which combines the Jewish values of Tzedakah (charity) and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) to enable young people to make a real difference for the issues they care about most. The Teen Tzedakah Project has realized that all of the local area youth groups are built upon foundations of Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam, and has realized that the project can best serve the teens of the community by acting as a resource to youth groups to help strengthen their philanthropic and service-learning programs. Therefore, two years ago TiBToFTY was used as a pilot program. Through the Teen Tzedakah Pro-ject, TiBToFTY has been able to maximize the amount of dollars it raises each year to donate to Camp Jenny. For every $125 dollars we raise to put into the TiBToFTY philan-thropic fund we have opened with the project, the Teen Tzedakah Project’s generous donors, contribute an additional $375! This allows us to capitalize on the donations we are brining in and creating a solid fund to ensure our youth group continues to practice Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam for years to come. Furthermore, the Teen Tzedakah Project has con-nected TiBToFTY and Kochavim with some incredible ser-vice opportunities. This summer, TiBToFTY members par-ticipate in a 4 day volunteer project with Habitat for Human-ity. Also, Kochavim has taken advantage of the Middle School half days of service, volunteer projects that give Mid-dle Schoolers something to do after they are released early from school during the year. Clearly, our youth group has taken full advantage of this strong partnership. Not surpris-ingly, 6 other youth groups have followed in the path that our youth group has started. We have certainly become trailblaz-ers in our Jewish teen community. Panim el Panim is Hebrew for ‘face to face.’ This prestigious program in Washington DC accepts participants from Palm Beach and Martin Counties for a once in a lifetime experi-ence where American politics and Jewish values meet face to face. The 4 day seminar is action packed, and gives partici-pants the opportunity to learn about how Jewish values influ-ence public policy and to visit Washington DC landmarks, memorials and museums. The seminar culminates as partici-

pants visit Capitol Hill to lobby with their Representatives. Groups in the past have had the honor of meeting Senator Bill Nelson, and Representative Ron Klein. This program is made available through a generous endowment from Marilyn and Michael Winer and costs participants half the price of what most other delegations pay. This year for instance, the cost of the entire program is $475. This includes airfare, ho-tel, program fees and materials, and all meals. While a few teens from our community have taken advantage of this pro-gram in the past, the representation from the Wellington community has been limited. However, this year our confir-mation class has partnered with the CJE and will be sending confirmation students on this amazing program. It is through our Temple’s partnership that this has been made possible, and the program has been made available to our teens specifi-cally. The last project I oversee at CJE is the Bonim Fellows Volun-teer Leadership Program, a year long program for an ex-tremely select group of emerging leaders in our community. There are only 10 spots available for this program. The group spends spring semester building leadership skills, and then dur-ing the summer they travel to our partnership region in Israel for a 10 day intense volunteer experience. Upon their return to Palm Beach County, participants are charged with creating their own project for the community. This year’s group has just finished creating their project and are ready to make it available to people. They have decided to help facilitate a communication exchange between American kids and Israeli kids. They have looked to 5th grade Religious School kids, and through Temple Beth Torah’s partnership with JTI and the CJE, our very own 5th grade class has been selected as one of two classrooms for this program. Once a month through-out the year, the Bonim Fellows will come into the 5th grade to do programs that facilitate communication with the class while the same programs are done with an Israeli class. This fits quite nicely into the 5th grade curriculum which focuses on Israel. Each project is then delivered to the other class, and through this our students will have the opportunity to communicate with and learn about Israeli kids their age. We are thrilled to have entered into such a strong partnership, and I hope you are able to see clearly how lucky we are to have this connection with the Federation’s Jewish Teen Ini-tiative and the Friedman Commission for Jewish Education.


Hello Everyone! My name is Maayan Doari, I’m 21 years old and I’m the new Shaliach (Volunteer Emissary) from Israel. I arrived in Palm Beach County on September 6th and have been so impressed with this beautiful place already! I can’t wait to see more of this area and start working with all of the Temples, especially Temple Beth Torah. So a little bit about my self – I grew up in northern Israel, in a city called Rosh Pina. Rosh Pina, along with Tzfat and Hatzor make up the Jewish Federa-tion of Palm Beach County’s partnership region, commonly referred to as “Tzahar.” All of these cities lie in an area of north-ern Israel called the upper Galilee (very close to the Sea of Galilee). I’d love to tell you more about my home, and if you are ever interested in going, I highly suggest you participate in one of the Israeli projects we have in the community and defi-nitely sign up to go to Israel. After I graduated from High School, I joined a volunteer movement to work in a boarding school, which was an amazing experience. After I finished that, I began my army service. I spent one year serving in an IAF unit as a film-editor, and after that I went to work in the music department of “Galey-Tzahal” – the IDF army radio station. It was a very unique experi-ence. From this you can see that I am very interested in music. I’ve played the drums for several years and can also play a lit-tle guitar. I love listening to new music and experiencing new cultures. I also like sports and am very excited to go to the Dolphins and Marlins games with the Jewish Teen Initiative this year. I hope to see all the teens at those two events! I hope to be involved around the community a lot this year doing all kids of programs at the different Temples. I will also be working with the various clubs and youth programs at the local schools and with JTI and the CJE. I am really looking forward to coming to Temple Beth Torah for the programs that we have planned. If you have any ques-tions or suggestions for me please feel free to e-mail at [email protected]. I look forward to meeting all of you. I hope we will have an amazing year together! Yours, Maayan Doari

Youth News Jessica Starkschall


Caring Committee Cindy Albers

The Temple Beth Torah Caring Committee’s mission includes offering support to our members who are ill, have suffered a loss, are going through difficult times, or who may be celebrating a simcha. Please contact the Temple office to let us know about a loved one in the hospital, someone in need, or a special celebration so we can reach out to our Temple members. The weekend of December 11, we are having another food drive. It is the start of Chanukah, the season of giving and count-ing our blessings. We will have boxes at the entrance and near the sanctuary. We are looking for non-expired items such as tuna fish, canned chicken, peanut butter, oatmeal, cereal, jars of nuts, baby food, diapers, pasta and sauce, canned vegetables and fruit as well as toiletries. Your donations are distributed to our own Temple members in need as well as local food banks in Palm Beach County. The needs are greater than in the past so please remember every time you or your child is at the Temple, bring just one item. Thank you for your generous contributions during the High Holidays. Over 2000 pounds of food was collected from our congregation. For those who would like to participate in a local co-op through the Rise & Shine Food Co-Op, please check the email link http://www.bgcpbc.org/riseandshine for more information or contact Ms. Debbie, with the Boys & Girls Club at 561 790-0343. For a nominal cost, they offer generous portions of fresh produce and/or meat.

The Caring Committee


Jason Brent Smith, the son of Dr. Ronald and Tammy Smith, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Jason is an eighth grader in the "gifted" program at Wellington Landings Mid-dle School, where he is a member of

the National Junior Honor Society. He has played the trum-pet in the school's advanced band and the bass guitar in the jazz band for the past two years, Jason was privileged to be a student in the Religious School's Tal Am program at Temple Beth Torah with teacher, Mrs. Sharon Weiss. He also enjoys playing virtual reality games with his friends. Jason will be joined on his special day by his brothers, grandparents, aunts, cousins and friends.

Maya Kitra Schwartz will become a Bat Mitz-vah on December 12, 2009. She will be ac-companied by her parents Michael and Dor-rit Schwartz as well as grandparents Roslyn and Allen Schwartz and grandfather Jakob Vizel who will be coming from Denmark for

the joyful event. Siblings Lea Yael and Benjamin Matthew will also be joining Maya. Maya is in 7th grade at Bak Middle School of the Arts where she majors in dance. Her academic interests include mathematics and computer graphics art de-sign. When not dancing Maya likes to read, shop, play with her dogs Daisy, Sandy and Rianna. Maya's Torah portion will be Vayeshev. For her Bat Mitzvah Project she will donate to The Peace Kindergarten in Jerusalem where Israeli and Pales-tinian kindergarten students learn together and coex-ist, learning tolerance from an early age in hopes it will trans-

late to tolerance and acceptance in the future. This project is funded by The Jerusalem Foundation, Inc.

Rachel Nicole Rabinowitz the daughter of Susan and Paul Rabinowitz, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, De-cember 19, 2009. Rachel is a 7th grade Visual Arts student at Bak Middle School of the Arts. Her special interests include sports, ani-

mals, interior design, and footwear design. Rachel will be joined by her parents, siblings Tyler, Nicolas, and Daniel, and her grandparents Albert and MaryEllen Pierangelino.

Brett Hoberman, son of Mara Hoberman, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, December 26, 2009. Brett is a 7th grade student at Polo Park Mid-dle School. He enjoys playing all sports and is on the middle school baseball team. Brett enjoys hanging out with his friends and

spending time with family. He will be joined by his mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as friends from near and far to share this special occasion.

B’nai Mitzvah Students at Temple Beth Torah December 2009

Brotherhood Happenings Douglas Barr

November was a very busy month. The Brotherhood ventured out for our yearly paid up dinner. 50 Brotherhood members enjoyed drinks and dinner at the Players Club in Wellington. It was a great time to just hang out socialize in a relax setting and getting to know each other a little better. I would like to congratulate the new board of the Brotherhood for the 2010 year. • Jeff Sharky – Vice President • Howard Kleinman – Secretary • Joseph Zexter – Treasurer • Douglas Barr – Returning as President Please keep an eye out for the mailing for next year’s dues. The price is still $30.00 dollars. Remember without your support we cannot provide the quality services and events that we all love and enjoy. Douglas Barr TBT Brotherhood President.


Tue Dec 1, 2009 14th of Kislev, 5770 9:30am Sisterhood Book Club 7:00pm Confirmation Class Wed Dec 2, 2009 15th of Kislev, 5770 9am Parent Program (JFS/JCC/TBT) Thu Dec 3, 2009 16th of Kislev, 5770 Fri Dec 4, 2009 17th of Kislev, 5770 7:30pm Kochavim Shabbat Lounge 7:30pm Shabbat Service Sat Dec 5, 2009 18th of Kislev, 5770 8:45am Torah Study 9:45am Shabbat Service Sun Dec 6, 2009 19th of Kislev, 5770 9am Religious School 9am Youth Committee Mtg Social Hall Mon Dec 7, 2009 20th of Kislev, 5770 9am Hadassah 12pm Lifelong Learning Meeting 6:30pm Preschool Committee Meet-ing Tue Dec 8, 2009 21st of Kislev, 5770 Wed Dec 9, 2009 22nd of Kislev, 5770 Preschool Hanukkah Celebration 7pm Sisterhood event Thu Dec 10, 2009 23rd of Kislev, 5770 Preschool Hanukkah Celebration 7pm Lifelong Learning with Cantor Barry

Fri Dec 11, 2009 24th of Kislev, 5770 Chanukah: 1 Candle 6pm Shabbat Dinner 7:30pm Grade 2 & 3 Family Service w/Artist in Residence - Dan Nichols Sat Dec 12, 2009 25th of Kislev, 5770 Chanukah: 2 Candles 8:45am Torah Study 9:45am Shabbat Service 10:00am Alternative Shabbat Service w/Artist in Residence - Dan Nichols TiBToFty Lock in 7:30pm Dan Nichols Concert Sun Dec 13, 2009 26th of Kislev, 5770 Chanukah: 3 Candles 9am Brotherhood Meeting 9am Religious School 9:30am Caring Committee Mon Dec 14, 2009 27th of Kislev, 5770 Chanukah: 4 Candles Tue Dec 15, 2009 28th of Kislev, 5770 Chanukah: 5 Candles Lifelong Learning, David Aronberg, Latkes & Legislation 7pm Confirmation Class Wed Dec 16, 2009 29th of Kislev, 5770 Chanukah: 6 Candles Thu Dec 17, 2009 30th of Kislev, 5770 Chanukah: 7 Candles Fri Dec 18, 2009 1st of Tevet, 5770 Chanukah: 8 Candles 7:30pm Shabbat Service

Sat Dec 19, 2009 2nd of Tevet, 5770 Chanukah: 8th Day 8:45am Torah Study 9:45am Shabbat Service Sun Dec 20, 2009 3rd of Tevet, 5770 9am No Religious School Mon Dec 21, 2009 4th of Tevet, 5770 Tue Dec 22, 2009 5th of Tevet, 5770 No Religious School Wed Dec 23, 2009 6th of Tevet, 5770 Thu Dec 24, 2009 7th of Tevet, 5770 Fri Dec 25, 2009 8th of Tevet, 5770 TiBToFTY at Soup Kitchen 7:30pm Shabbat Service Sat Dec 26, 2009 9th of Tevet, 5770 Sun Dec 27, 2009 10th of Tevet, 5770 No Religious School Mon Dec 28, 2009 11th of Tevet, 5770 Tue Dec 29, 2009 12th of Tevet, 5770 No Religious School Wed Dec 30, 2009 13th of Tevet, 5770 Thu Dec 31, 2009 14th of Tevet, 5770

Temple Beth Torah Calendar of Events December 2009


Mazel Tov To: Our B’nai Mitzvah:

Jason Smith and his family; Maya Schwartz and her family;

Rachel Rabinowitz and her family; Brett Hoberman and his family.

Get Well To: Tamara Dunn, Jerry Ferman, Dr. Helen Garson, Neil Garson, Carl Goodman,

Martin Kalikow, Yehuda Konnan, Sandra Meister, Brian Schwartz, Estelle Zangen.

Special Simchas: Marcia and Dr. Jacques Farkas on the marriage of their son Jordan to Lauren;

Phyllis and Marvin Weinstein on the engagement of their daughter, Janna, to David Schneider.

Deepest Sympathy To: Martha Light on the loss of her husband, Leonard Light;

Estelle Zangen and Alan Zangen on the loss of her niece and his cousin, Joyce Goldman; Barri Goldfarb on the loss of her aunt, Rita Mantell.

Alexa Blecher 791-4658 (CPR Cert.) Jamie Fisher 667-1421 (CPR/ Heimlich Cert.) Rachel Jockel 716-7527 Mike Lebowitz 204-1366 Jill Levinger 676-9344 Lindsey Moskowitz 333-3754

Samantha Pescatore 635-1044 Lindsay Rosenthal 602-9570 Paige Salerno 333-2846 Amanda Scher 792-0937 Samantha Schissler 373-5560


RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In Honor Of

Dulcie Burns on her 80th birthday Betty Breinin

Joy Pitterman’s speedy recovery Betty Breinin

The Bar Mitzvah of

Matthew Albers Cindy & Mark Albers Adele & Bill Redisch

The speedy recovery

of Marty Kalikow Gloria Zakon

The engagement of Janna Weinstein to David Schneider

Carol & Edward Cohen

In Appreciation For This year’s

High Holiday services Peggy Kroll & Betty Karlin

Rabbi Pinsky’s prayers for my brother

Cheryl & Michael Herrman Florence & Paul Bernfeld

Our Bima honor

Sabina & Mel Dener

The New Members reception

Linda & Bennett Politzer

In Memory Of Joyce Goldman Estelle Zangen

Kathy, Alan, Michele, Lindsey & Ste-ven Zangen

Phyllis & Richard Bullion

Beatrice Silver Helen & Neil Garson

Al Fisher

Helen Gottesmann

Leonard Light Helen Gottesmann

Aaron Franzblau

Gloria Zakon

Rita Mantell Shelley Chase

CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

Dr. Mark Schor Dr. Jack Zimmerman

In Honor Of

The Bar Mitzvah of Matthew Albers Cindy & Mark Albers

The birth of Jackson Edward Wagoner

Zena Plous

RABBI STEPHEN PINSKY EDUCATION FUND

In Memory Of Dr. Abe H. Lucks

Karen Metzger

CANTOR FENAKEL RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

In Memory Of Herbert Miller

Tammi & Steve Shnider

BILL BENDER CARING FUND In Honor Of

Barbara and Harvey Harnick on their 60th wedding anniversary

Roz & Mitch Sisle

In Appreciation For The Caring Committee

Phyllis & Marvin Weinstein

PRAYER BOOK FUND In Honor Of

The 50th wedding anniversary of Adele and Bill Redisch

Cindy & Mark Albers

Michael Palmer on his birthday Ronna & Ira Kistenberg

Madeline & Dale Burrows

In Honor Of The 50th wedding anniversary of Mr.

and Mrs. Eugene Holland Judy & Mel Zupnick

In Memory Of Leonard Light

Sherry & Bruce Rubin

TREE OF LIFE In Honor Of

The Bar Mitzvah of Aaron Albers Cindy & Mark Albers

The Bar Mitzvah of Matthew Albers

Cindy & Mark Albers

Michael Palmer on his 70th birthday Jane & Fred Shuster

Ella, Kira, Caden, Jaxon & Jordan

In Celebration Of The life of

Herbert Miller LexisNexis

GENERAL TEMPLE FUND

In Honor Of Kol Nidre Aliyah

Jane & Fred Shuster

The marriage of Lauren and Jordan Farkas

The Krasner Family

The Bat Mitzvah of Marissa Sunshine Eileen & Marty Rubin

In Appreciation For

My very dear friend, Bella Markowitz Dorothy Turf

In Memory Of Ellie Goldstein

Rosemond Hammond

] Gracious Donations ]

Friday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m. “ Jewish Business Ethics in a Post-Madoff World”

Rabbi Pinsky will share some thoughts on the role of business ethics in Jewish tradition following the decimation of

so many Jews and Jewish organizations during the current economic crisis.

December Birthday Blessings (Beit Menschkin will be available for children two to seven)

Saturday, December 5 at 9:45 a.m.

Bar Mitzvah of Jason Smith Son of Tammy and Dr. Ronald Smith

Torah Portion: Vayishlach, Genesis 32:4-36:43

Friday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m. CHANUKAH FAMILY SERVICE/

DAN NICHOLS ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE Join us for a Candle-Lighting Service filled with music and light and surprises led by Rabbi Pinsky, Cantor Barry and nationally acclaimed musician, Dan Nichols. The Second

and Third Grade will participate in the service.

Saturday, December 12 at 9:45 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Maya Schwartz

Daughter of Dorrit and Michael Schwartz Torah Portion: Vayeshev, Genesis 37:1-40:23

10:00 a.m. - Alternative Service led by Dan Nichols

Friday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. “ The December Dilemma – Again”

Rabbi Pinsky will speak on the ways in which we as Jews might face still another holiday season.

Saturday, December 19 at 9:45 a.m.

Bat Mitzvah of Rachel Rabinowitz Daughter of Susan and Paul Rabinowitz

Torah Portion: Miketz, Genesis 41:1-44:17

Friday, December 25 at 7:30 p.m. TORAH STUDY SHABBAT

As our Christian friends celebrate their holiday, our congregation will share a service of music and Torah study

including a reading from this week’s Torah portion.

Saturday, December 26 at 9:45 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Brett Hoberman

Son of Mara Hoberman and David Hoberman, z” l Torah Portion: Vayigash, Genesis 44:18-47:27

December 2009 Service Calendar

Dan Nichols, a popular Jewish rock musician, will be at TBT as an Artist-In-Residence from Friday, December 11, 2009 to Sunday, December 13, 2009. Dan Nichols is part of a Jewish rock band, E18hteen, and has produced several popular CDs including Life, Be Strong, To the Mountains, and Kol HaShabbat. His music has entertained audiences of all ages. Dan is also active in performing and programming at many Reform movement camps and NFTY events. Our musical weekend begins on Friday, as Dan leads us in prayer with the second and third grade students participating in our Chanukah family service. This promises to be a very different and wonderful service. This spiritual and musical leadership will continue on Saturday morning as Dan leads an alternative Saturday morning service. TBT is then sponsoring with support from the JCC, Rabbi, Cantor, Youth Group, Sisterhood, Brotherhood, and various temple members a Saturday night concert open to the public in which Dan will entertain us with a variety of Jewish music from his Shabbat tunes to his rock songs. His CDs will be available for sale during and after the concert. His sojourn of mu-sic will be capped off with special programs for the younger congregants of TBT during Religious School on Sunday.

Dan Nichols- December 11-13 Artist-In-Residence at TBT

Shalom December 2009

Documents

Transcript of Shalom December 2009