Hoping everyone had a holiday season

filled with friends, family and inspiration.

This article is excerpted from my address to

the congregation on Yom Kippur during Kol

Nidre services.

The year is 1936.

A gallon of gas costs 10 cents, for your

Studebaker which cost $665 new.

The country is clawing their way back from the great depression.

This congregation forms as the American Hebrew Institute …

and buys real estate – on La Cienega. I can imagine the Steering

Committee meeting of the American Hebrew Institute. Discussing

how the future looks brighter – as long as we bring it on. A powerful

show of faith.

Its 1941.

Gas is 12 cents a gallon.

The new car is $850.

The darkness of World War II is raging – the Nazis have begun

implementing the Final Solution, to rid the world of us all.

And Pearl Harbor is attacked on December 7.

And, this congregation … buys more real estate on La Cienega.

I can imagine the committees, meeting together, to take it upon

themselves to offer light in the horrific darkness of the war. To act

on faith that there is a future that is brighter than the present. And

that it is their job to make certain of it.

Its 1950.

Gas … 18 cents a gallon, and the new car is $1,500.

The Korean War starts.

Credit Cards are invented.

Harry Truman is President.

And this congregation … buys real estate adjacent to the lots on

La Cienega. Can you picture those meetings? We have survived

and will continue to survive, we are building schools and we have

generations relying on us. We will stake our claim our future and

the future of Los Angeles as we expand our presence here on La

Cienega. To assure ourselves and the world that the horrors of the

past war did not and will not end our faith and our commitment to

building a better tomorrow.

And so it goes. In 1964 we bought land for a new school

building. In 1979 we acquired the property for Beth Am Manor.

And so on and so on – until today – where we own or at least

control eight contiguous buildings and lots, adjacent to us, on

Corning Street, starting with the little ECC transition house,

stretching to just short of the corner building at Olympic and

Corning.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

TEMPLE BETH AM AFFILIATED WITH THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM • VOL 17, NO. 11 & 12 • Cheshvan/Kislev/Tevet 5778 • November/December 2017

Voice of the People

OGV KUE

The Closing of theGates of Heaven at Neilah . . .

Opening of the New Yearfor Rebuilding of Community

With the sound of the shofar, the gates closed on Yom Kippur after

the final N’eilah Service on Temple Beth Am’s current bimah. As we

prepare to renovate our space, we’re pleased to share that immediately

following Yom Kippur, our decades-old High Holiday pews were transported

to a new home at Congregation Beth Yeshurun in Houston. The largest

USCJ congregation in the country, Beth Yeshurun sustained extensive

damage as a result of Hurricane Harvey. TBA’s pews will be installed in

one of their most-utilized prayer spaces, allowing the community to soon

resume worship services in their own building. Todah rabbah to the USCJ

Disaster Relief Fund, the RPO Group from the Jewish Federation of Greater

Los Angeles, the Freeman Group (which is overseeing our upcoming

construction projects), our own Helping Hand and Rabbi’s Discretionary

Funds, as well as a host of individual donors for making this possible. And

thank you to David Mor, sales manager at LD Moving & Storage, for handling

such a significant move on short notice. We are so proud of the partnerships

formed to help facilitate this mitzvah for our communities!

Executive Director Sheryl Goldman and Director of Facilities Shawn

Gatewood supervising the load-in.

Pressman Academy students give a “thumbs up” as the pews are loaded onto the moving truck.

continued on page 9

TEMPLE BETH AM1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

310.652.7354 • 310.652.2384 (fax)

SCHOOL PHONE LINE310.652.2002

School Fax: 310.360.0850betham@tbala.org

www.tbala.org

Temple Beth Am celebrates traditional and innovative Judaism

and inspires lifelong learning in a warm, embrac ing community.

Susan Hetsroni, President

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld, Senior Rabbi

Rabbi Ari Lucas, Associate Rabbi

Rabbi Hillary Chorny, Cantor

Sheryl Goldman, Executive Director

Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman, EdDDirector of Youth Learning & Engagement

Dr. Erica Rothblum, Head of School

Rabbi Joel E. Rembaum, Emeritus

Rabbi Harry Silverstein, Emeritus

KOL HA’AMCopy Editor Ellen L. Jacobs

Graphic Designer Jeff Baughman

Kol Ha’am (USPS 008-599) is published bi-monthly by Temple Beth Am,

1039 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507

Annual Membership Dues include $5.00 subscription

Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, California and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster – Send address changes to:Temple Beth Am,

1039 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507

Phone: 310.652.7353 • www.tbala.org

Kol HaRav

I met a superstar. No, it wasn’t Justin Bieber or Oprah or George

Clooney. They were there too among the dozens of celebrities

who came together to appear in the recent Hand in Hand benefit

for hurricane relief. But I am not interested in celebrity gossip (or

any gossip for that matter).

I will resist telling you how star struck I was being the same

room as some of my celebrity heroes. Of course, the real heroes

are the first responders and ordinary citizens who have done

extraordinary things in recent months to offer support and shelter on the ground in

Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and even here in California in response to the wildfires.

All of us that day, thank God,

were dry and safe on a studio lot

in sunny southern California. I had

been invited there by one of the

organizers of the event who has a

relationship with Rabbi Kligfeld.

Since Rabbi Kligfeld is abroad for

his sabbatical, I did my best to fill

in. I was to join other faith leaders

in offering prayers of hope as part

of the program. By simply standing

alongside a pastor and an imam, I was attempting to make a silent statement of

interfaith solidarity in the wake of tragedy. Natural disasters require human responses

and I was there to play a very small part in trying to help those affected.

While all the superstars who made the effort to participate in the telethon deserve

praise, the superstar who I want to tell you about is someone who you wouldn’t have

seen on the TV screen. Her name is Sheryl. She’s a middle-aged woman who has been

a production coordinator for decades in Hollywood.

She often works behind the scenes helping to make sure massive productions, like

the Oscars or blockbuster movies, run smoothly. She is kind and humble. She met me

at the entrance, got me “credentialed,” and escorted me into the green room where

the other superstars were gathering.

Sheryl told me that she had volunteered her time that day (as everyone involved in the

production had). She said that she saw the devastation in Houston and wondered how she

could utilize her professional talents to help in some way. Sheryl is a superstar because

she reminded me that each of us can do something to respond when disaster strikes.

Not all of us are famous, but each of us has a role to play. Without Sheryl, the

shining faces of the stars wouldn’t have been broadcast to millions of people across

the country offering hope and a way to help.

Thank God for Sheryl and the many others who volunteer, are kind, take pride in

their work, and make a difference – every day.

A post-script since this was first published: I have continued to be inspired and

heartened by the efforts – small and large – of people to help in the wake of these

disasters. Many of you have donated to a number of causes and have been a great

network for how to get help to those who need it. Members of our own community

donated our pews to a congregation in Houston that was damaged by floods. Several

generous donors including the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the

Freeman Group have helped cover the shipping costs. It’s nice to know that these

fixtures of our sacred space will help another congregation rebuild theirs.

Rabbi Ari Lucas

Kol Ha’am 2

Star Struck, But Not in the Way You Might Expect As published in the Jewish Journal online September 13, 2017

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3 Kol Ha’am

YOUTH LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT

Why We Do YLETo engage children, teens and their families in

dynamic Jewish experiences, in order to empower them as they embark on Jewish journeys

Teen Voices: Why am I committed to being a TBA Teen?

There are many ways to be involved as a teen at Temple Beth Am. Although I participate in many Temple

Beth Am activities such as Torah Club, Shevet Achim and USY, the one that goes most unseen by the

greater congregation, but allows me to be a teen leader, is Shabbat Yeladim. Shabbat Yeladim allows families

with young children to come to the synagogue and each have a unique Shabbat experience. As a Madrich (counselor) at Shabbat Yeladim I play with the children and lead them in tefillot therefore enriching their

shabbat experience. I remember when I was young how I had fun celebrating Shabbat with my friends, and

now that I am the age of a counselor it is meaningful for me to create a fun Shabbat for the current Beth

Am children. I also connect with the other madrichim as we work together to build the Shabbat Yeladim

community. We lead as a team and our friendships grow around the common goal of caring for the children

and modeling what it is to be a Jewish young adult at Temple Beth Am. Our synagogue has been and remains

an important part of my life.

- Josh Cohn

Mahar/Kadima Events KADIMA COOKING CHALLENGE (4th-6th grade)

Thursday, November 16, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Bring your chef hat and apron for this delicious culinary competition

as we create thanksgiving inspired treats.

Cost is $15 for Kadima Members/$20 for Non-Members

KADIMA SHABBAT (4th-6th grade)

December 9, 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Celebrate Shabbat with fun and learning as we come together for an

interactive program, Tfillah, delicious Shabbat Kiddush and games.

MAHAR AND KADIMA HANUKKAH HUNT (2nd-6th grade)

Tuesday, December 19, 4:00-5:30pm

Battle Mahar in a Hanukkah inspired scavenger hunt. Oily treats

provided. Cost is $10 for Kadima Members/$15 for Non-Members

TBA Teen EventsUSY ENCAMPMENT AT CAMP RAMAH (9th-12th grade)

November 10 - 12

Join your regional USY and Summer Camp friends for a weekend

of bonding, Ruach and leadership training at Camp Ramah.

This is a regional USY weekend and you must be a Premier Teen

member to attend.

TEEN MINYAN (7th-12th grade)

Friday, November 17, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Celebrate Shabbat with you TBA Teen community as we gather for

ruach filled T’fillah, dinner and games.

CHALLAH FOR HUNGER- SOCIAL CHANGE BAKERY

(7th-12th grade)

Tuesday, November 28, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Bake Challah, Have Fun, Change the World

In partnership with Westside JCC, Maccabi Games, Wilshire

Boulevard Temple and Challah for Hunger. Meet new people and learn

about Hunger issues in LA while baking Challah for a good cause!

HANUKKAH HAVDALAH TEEN MINYAN (7th-12th grade)

Saturday, December 16

Light the Hanukkah candles with friends and play some Hanukkah

games as we say “Shavua Tov” together.

Upcoming Opportunities to Engage in Youth Programs

Kol Ha’am 4

Annual Giving Campaign:

100% Giving in 100 Days!Our goal for 2017-2018 is 100% participation in Annual Giving Campaign in 100 days!

Support our community and donate to our Annual Fund before the end of the calendar year.

The funds raised through our Annual Giving Campaign support our school and shul community for this budget year.

Donate now online at: www.tbala.org/giving/annualgiving to make sure you are counted in our 100% participation in 100 days campaign!

For other giving options and to learn more please visit www.pressmanacademy.org

or speak with our Director of Development, Hilary Hellman hhellman@tbala.org or (310) 652-7354 x 205

Wednesday, December 6thin the evening, at the home of Daniel and Dr. Erica Rothblum

For more information on the Jeremiah Society

contact our Director of Development,

Hilary Hellman hhellman@tbala.org or (310) 652-7354 x 205

SAVE THE DATE2016-2017

Jeremiah SocietyAppreciation Event

o f T E M P L E B E T H A M

TributesTemple Beth Am/Pressman Academy

Tributes are a wonderful way to

acknowledge celebrations, milestones

and life cycle events of the

members in our community –

it is easy to donate online at

www.tbala.org/giving

IN MEMORIAMWe mourn the passing of:

Burton Alberts, father of Ron (Vivian) Alberts

Ruth Danis, grandmother of Talya (Rabbi Ari Lucas) Oberfield

Leonard Green, father of Norm (Rachel Rubin) Green

Richard Gross, husband of Elaine Gross

Monty Hall, husband of Marilyn z”l

Sol Hoberman, father of Sandra (Bob) Braun

Sara Rueff, aunt of Morris (Dale) Brill

Phyllis Shnairson, mother of Renalee (Robert) Pflug

Menachem Wities, husband of Shulie and father of Dan (Penny) Wities

Lilliane (Lily) Bess Farkas-KnabGranddaughter of Dalia and Daniel Farkas

Daughter of Keren Farkas and Phillipe KnabBorn on March 16, 2017

Given the name Aviva

Maya SaghianDaughter of Sepideh Motahedeh

and Yoram Saghian Sister of Noam and Nava

Born on July 31, 2017Given the name Maya

Yaakov (Jack) Nissim MarkSon of Danielle and Ari Mark

Brother of Ayla and LevBorn on July 31, 2017

Given the name Yaakov Nissim

Tamara Shiloh GaronDaughter of Bonnie and Edward Garon

Born on August 3, 2017Given the name Tamara

Jacob Abrams, Abraham Abramson, Ben Baran, Morris Barnes, Peter Banks, Philip Berlin, Samuel Boudaie, Allen Broudy, Liesel Brunswick, Ida Chait, Olga Jawetz Chanania, David Cohen,

Herbert Dveirin, Hannah Edenfeld, Rachel Evalenko, Asher Eshtiaghpour, Claire Feinberg, Joseph Firestone, Louis Firestone, Jeffrey Fisk, Pearl Flick, Rose Fox, Sally Frankl, Sam Friedman,

Richard Gelman, Lev Goldroyz, Barney Gootkin, Heimer Green, Manuel Fredman, Heimer Green, Lev Grinetz, Leona Harris, William Hill-Horowicz, Max Hollander, Sam Horwitz, Allon Iny,

Sadye Jacobs, Harry Kaplan, Jules Kaplan, Seymour Kass, Max Kirschner, Sam Kleban, Abbey Klein, Sidney Klein, Preston Kline, Nathan Korman, Elaine Kristal, Israel Krymer, Phillip Kunstler,

Alon Iny, Rita Labbate, Sylvia Lebenson, Ernest Lebovic, David Lerner, Yehuda Lev, J. Paul Levine, Ernest Lovinger, Perla Madsen, Nathan Marder, Morton Margolis, Malouk Massachi, Joyce Meadow,

Eva Mendelsohn, Carr N. Miller, Anna Moed, Bluma Beatric Moed, Anna Miller, Rudy Moll, Irving Moss, Louise Moss, David Bela Nadir, Edward Nellicks, Rita Nellicks, Meyer Ostrow,

Sam Paikow, Ralph Pearlman, Howard Pilch, Ted Post, Sophie Peters, Mollie Prager, George Rheuban, Ziporah Ritberg, Irven Rockmaker, Gail Roth, Walter Roth, Anna Rothman, Ann Rubin, Neal Rubin,

Moishe Sabovic, Beatrice Sachs, Rose Sesky, Gertrude Shershow, Gerald Shuman, Herbert Silberman, Samuel Silberschein, Martin Silver, Hillel Silvera, Charlotte Simon, Bella Slobodetskya, Edita Spiegel,

Solly Stawisky, Lewis Stock, Sylvia Stock, Stanley Strassberg, Sidney Stuttin, Bertha Teicher, Eliezer Vienfald, Selma Wagner, Evelyn Waldman, H. Jonah Waldman, Janice Wallock,

William Wallock, Morris Waxman, Louis Wolfe, Lynn Zeller

ETHAN ARTALSon of Doreece and Roy ArtalNovember 4, 2017

Yahrzeit DonationsWe thank those who support the synagogue community

in memory of their loved ones named below:

5 Kol Ha’am

Our B’nei Mitzvah

DAVA BRAMANDaughter of

Cindy Levey and Larry Braman November 11, 2017

Bris and Baby Namings

the Bainvoll family on the marriage of their son, Ayal, to Laura Pintar.

the Pearlman Shapiro family on the marriage of their daughter, Marit, to Elie Toubiana .

the Barry family on the marriage of their son, Jeffrey, to Lexi Neibart.

the Alberts family on the marriage of their daughter, Talia, to Russell Yaffe.

Engagements and WeddingsMazal Tov to:

SOPHIA YARON Daughter of Emily and Itzhak YaronNovember 18, 2017

MOLLY MENASHE Daughter of

Deborah Musher and Rabbi Joseph Menashe

November 19, 2017at Camp Ramah

BENJAMIN DIAMONDSon of Audrey Kraus and David Diamond December 2, 2017at B’nai David Judea

CHASE SABO Son of

Shari and Gregory SaboDecember 9, 2017

EMILY GILBERTDaughter of Nancy and Lloyd GilbertDecember 16, 2017

LILY KOHANZADDaughter of

Whitney and Nader Kohanzad

December 23, 2017

EITAN FELDMANSon of Revital and David FeldmanDecember 30, 2017

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 CALENDAR

NOVEMBERThursday - 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.SEASONAL FLU IMMUNIZATIONS, BLOOD PRESSURE, EDUCATION SCREENING Stop by the Temple and get your flu shot and more! Sponsored by Cedars Sinai Medical Center; Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday - 7:00 p.m. at a private residenceHEARING AND BEING HEARD: COMING TOGETHER THROUGH CONFLICT TBA’s Chai School: Adult Learning for Navigating Life Lessons. Facilitated by Caroline Kelly and Rabbi Ari Lucas For RSVP and location, contact www.tbala.org/chaischool

Thursday - 7:30 p.m. YABA HAPPY HOUR AT THE STALKING HORSE BREWERY & FREEHOUSE

Friday - 4:30 p.m.KABBALAT SHABBAT, FOLLOWED BY COMMUNITY SHABBAT DINNER AT 6:00 P.M.RSVP at www.tbala.org/communityshabbat

Sunday - 6:30 p.m. UN BESO A ESTA TIERRA (A KISS TO THE LAND), a documentary film by TBA member, Daniel Goldberg. Exploring Mexican-Jewish culture and history through food and storytelling. Screening at private residence.

Wednesday - 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.PRESSMAN ACADEMY HANUKKAH BOUTIQUESee page 8 for details

Thursday - 7:30 p.m.SCHMALTZ, SCHMENDRICKS, AND SHOWBIZ: A ROUND-UP OF JEWS AND POP CULTUREPanelists include: Rob Kutner, Andrew Wallenstein, Monica Yudovich Kramer, Esther Kustanowitz. Moderated by Dr. Michael BerlinSee Back Cover for Details

Friday - 5:30 p.m.SHIR KABBALAT SHABBATFor families with children up to age five, Bring in Shabbat with Shir and a delicious dinner following. RSVP: www.tbala.org/kabbalatshabbat

Thursday THANKSGIVING LUNCHEONTemple & School Offices closed through November 24

Thursday - 7:30 p.m. WHY HERE, WHY NOW: THE RISE OF ANTI-SEMITISM IN AMERICAFirst in a three-part series with TBA’s Scholar In Residence, Dr. Steven Windmueller,

FUTURE DATES: January 8, 2018: The Trump Presidency and the American Jewish Community: A Study in Jewish Political Behavior

February 2, 2018: The Jewish Community in 2050: What We Need to Know About Ourselves and the Future

CLASSES OF THE REMBAUM INSTITUTE OF ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY PROGRAMMINGFor information and class sign-ups, visit www.tbala.org/classes,

or email RembaumInstitute@tbala.org, or call Lia Mandelbaum

at (310) 652-7354 x 215

HUMASH WITH RASHIWednesdays, 8:30 a.m.

Rabbi Lucas will be teaching the Wednesday Humash class in

Rabbi Kligfeld’s absence.

MINI SIDDUR CLASS WITH RABBI AVI HAVIVITuesday mornings for 20 min after minyan

LIBRARY MINYAN MISHNAH STUDYShabbat Mornings, 9:20 - 9:40 a.m.

Rabbis, teachers, and other members of the Library Minyan will

take turns teaching a weekly session in Mishnah on Tractate Avot.

HOLD THE DATEJanuary 6, 2018, 7:30 p.m. - TBA Film Series: The Women’s

Balcony. With discussion led by producer, writer, and film buff,

Dr. Michael Berlin

January 11, 2018 7:30 p.m. - Interactive presentation by

Doctoral candidate and Pressman Academy alum, Joshua Krug on

My Jewish Generation: A Portrait of Millennial Jewish Identity/s

in the USA in 2018/5778

January 21, 2018, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - The Downtown LA Art

Walk presents, “Building on History” a private TBA walking tour

celebrating Downtown LA’s art & architectural transformation!

Kol Ha’am 6

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Saturday Morning ServicesMeditation Plus

9:15 a.m. Whiteman Conference Room

Shir Hadash9:15 a.m. Sanctuary

Beiteinu9:15 a.m. KIDdush Club

10:00 a.m. Services – Pilch Hall

Library Minyan9:20 a.m. Mishnah Study

9:45 a.m. Services – Dorff Nelson Chapel

Please note early start time of 9:30 a.m. for Hanukkah on Dec. 16

Special ServicesHama’alot - November 4, 10:00 a.m.

Shir Shabbat - December 2, 10:00 a.m.

Epic Shabbat - December 9, 10:00 a.m.

Kadima Shabbat - December 9, 10:30 a.m.

7 Kol Ha’am

MORNING MINYAN:

Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m.

Sunday & Federal Holidays: 8:00 a.m.

*Check our website for special holiday morning and evening minyan times

Daily Minyan Times

FRIDAY NIGHTS

November 3 at 5:30 p.m.

November 10, 17, 24 at 4:30 p.m.

December at 4:35 p.m.

Saturday: 90 minutes before the end of Shabbat

EVENING MINYAN

Sunday-Thursday in November at 4:30 p.m.

Sunday-Thursday in December at 4:20 p.m.

EXCEPT December 28 at 4:25 p.m.

DECEMBERFriday - 7:30 p.m.JEWLYWED SHABBAT DINNER (AT PRIVATE RESIDENCE)RSVP to Lia at lmandelbaum@tbala.org

Friday - 4:35 p.m.KABBALAT SHABBAT FOLLOWED BY COMMUNITY SHABBAT DINNER AT 6:00 p.m.RSVP at www.tbala.org/communityshabbat

5:30 p.m.SHIR KABBALAT SHABBATFor families with children up to age five, Bring in Shabbat with Shir and a delicious dinner following. RSVP: www.tbala.org/kabbalatshabbat

Sunday - 6:30 p.m. THE HANUKKAH MONOLOGUES – 8 DAYS X 8 ACTS: HEROES, MIRACLES, & LIGHTS IN THE DARK. Join us for a night of food, schmoozing, and listening to true-life experiences, crafted and told by TBA members. Event inspired by NPR’s storytelling program, The Moth at The Robertson Art Space. For more information email Lia at lmandelbaum@tbala.org

Tuesday HANUKKAH begins at sundown (through December 20)

10

8

November 3 5:40 p.m.

November 10 4:34 p.m.

November 17 4:30 p.m.

November 24 4:27 p.m.

December 1 4:25 p.m.

December 8 4:25 p.m.

December 15 4:27 p.m.

December 22 4:30 p.m.

December 29 4:34 p.m.

November 4 Vayera

November 11 Chayei Sarah

November 18 Toldot

November 25 Vayetze

December 2 Vayishlach

December 9 Vayeshev

December 16 Miketz

December 23 Vayigash

December 30 Vayechi

Torah Portion

Candle Lighting

Elham Barkhordar

Rebecca Levine & Joey Beckman

Dawn Berlin

Graydon & Tracy Brittan

Michael Carloni & Rinatte Hami

Cory & Erin Charlupski

Liat Chesed

Ted Cofsky

Alexander Cohen & Leah Weiss

Rachel Cohen

Omer & Estzer Dar

Shira & Aaron Feinstein

Molly Fine

Jonathan & Adi Genish

Bernie Goler

Stevie Green

Elizabeth Cohen & Wayne Greene

Sarah Waller & Joseph Hardie

Leilah Bernstein & Erik Harper

Aurelie Hauglostaine-Trentin

Hilary Hellman

Dorit Kashi

Noam Komem

Barbara Marom-Pollack & Jonathan Pollack

Kara McGuire

Marisa Eimer & Steven Naids

Benjamin & Lisa Nissanoff

Etan & Danielle Orgel

Dannon & Amy Shiff

Bobby & Orel Shokri

Susan Walker

Michael & Julie Waterstone

Emily Thomas & Mark Zarnow

Deanne Witkow Zilbershtein & Tomer Zilbershtein

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS TOOUR TEMPLE BETH AM FAMILY

ohtcv ohfurc (as of 10/1/17):

1

12

Kol Ha’am 8

No school or institution exists on

its own; rather, we are proud of

the partnerships we form and the

organizations with which we work.

We are incredibly proud of the ways

in which we are supported by other

Jewish organizations:

The L.A. Jewish Federation is a special

partner for our school. The Federation provides scholarship

funds for our students, allowing us to serve more students. In

addition, we rely on the Community Security Initiative (CSI),

run through the Federation, for security audits, updates and

recommendations. CSI has been an essential partner for us

as we ensure that everyone in our building remains safe, and

is a unique resource available to Los Angeles area schools

(my colleagues in other cities are quite jealous!) In addition,

the Federation organizes, runs and heavily subsidizes the

School Twinning program, through which we are in our 21st

year of partnership with the Magen School. Finally, through

their early childhood work, the Federation subsidized the

fees related to ECC families attending the TBA Family

Shabbaton last spring. In other words, the work of the

Federation touches each family in this community.

Our second key partnership is with the Builders of Jewish

Education (BJE). The BJE is an instrumental part of the

resources we provide our students and teachers; the BJE

coordinates Title II funding, which allows us to partner

with Hebrew at the Center (HATC) for Hebrew proficiency

instruction and provide professional development such as

Avant Hebrew assessment training, Singapore Math and

Conscious Discipline. Our Education Cabinet has received

training provided by BJE, which has allowed us to move

strategically and ensure the sustainability and long-term

well-being of our school. The BJE provided First 36 training,

in which our ECC participated, providing professional

development on brain development in the first 36 months of

life. We are part of two pilot programs this year through BJE

- Project EnAble and BYadeinu, both of which will help us to

better meet the needs of different learners in our school. And

finally, BJE provides additional scholarship dollars to open

the doors to more students and families; this has included

their work in funding Generations LA which allowed us to

raise endowment dollars and receive the Lainer match, all of

which substantially augment our budget each year.

We are incredibly grateful for these organizations and

their work to support Pressman Academy.

Dr. Erica Rothblum

FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL

PRESSMAN ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER (ECC)9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, November 1 and Tuesday, November 28Small Group Tours on select Fridays at 9:40 a.m. by reservation:

November 17, December 1 and 15, January 19, February 2Meet our ECC Director, Angie Bass, and our Head of School, Dr. Erica

Rothblum; visit our school and learn more about our warm Jewish

community, our rich curriculum, our incredible outdoor classroom and

our exceptional Hebrew Immersion Program.

DAY SCHOOL 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, November 7Tuesday, November 21 (Middle School Applicants Only)

Meet our Head of School, Dr. Erica Rothblum, principals, parents, current

students, tour the campus and learn about our innovative academic

curriculum and warm Jewish Community

For more information or to RSVP please contact Lesley Bloom,Admission Director at (310) 652-7354 ext. 227or email her at lbloom@pressmanacademy.org

9 Kol Ha’am

This is Torah Fund...Nestled in the lush green Mbale region of Uganda lives the

extraordinary community of the Abayudaya (“children of Judah”).

The Abayudaya Jews of Uganda have been steadily maintaining

their conviction to Judaism for over three generations. Torah

Fund proudly delivers the funding for rabbinic interns and

educators from Conservative/Masorti seminaries to help the

Abayudaya maintain their spiritual and communal health. Their

rabbi, Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, is the first indigenous Abayudaya

to be a seminary-educated rabbi. Sizomu studied five years at the

AJU/Zeigler School in Los Angeles before being ordained in 2008.

This is Torah Fund...The Torah Fund Campaign

of Women’s League for

Conservative Judaism is the

dedicated philanthropy of

Women’s League, its members,

and its affiliated sisterhoods in

Conservative congregations

across North America. Torah Fund strengthens Jewish education

by supporting scholarships and programming, and building

dormitories, libraries, and meaning spaces to learn and pray at

these Conservative/Masorti institutes of higher Jewish learning:

JTS (New York); Ziegler School (Los Angeles); Schechter Institute

(Jerusalem); Seminario Rabinico (Buenos Aires); and Zacharias

Frankel College (Berlin)

This is Torah Fund...Every year there is a new theme for the Torah

Fund Campaign. This year’s theme is Mah Tovu,

“how goodly” from the Book of Numbers: Mah Tovu Ohaleha “How goodly are your tents,” is a

spontaneous exclamation of joy and appreciation,

sung as we enter the synagogue. Donate to the TBA

Torah Fund Campaign at any level, and if possible, be a supporter

at the benefactor level of $180 and above, and receive the new pin

as a gift to you from Women’s League.

Make and pay for your pledge online at tbala.org/torahfund

And in-between, in the best of times, and in the worst of times, we

had ongoing vibrant capital campaigns and a construction program

sprinkled with groundbreakings, dedications, cornerstones, openings,

expansions and beautifications.

Why? Since the beginning of time as we recall it, from when we got the Torah

at Sinai, built that beautiful Mishkon, and schlepped it through the desert,

lugging it through the heat and the sand, we have had this charge.

We are a people with an imperative to settle ourselves, to establish

our institutions to learn, to serve, to lead and inspire, and to grow.

And we are a community, from the very beginning, whose tone

and tempo are tuned to the harmony of tradition and innovation and

optimism.

The Conservative movement is our lens through which we do this.

And Temple Beth Am is a flagship institution of the Conservative

movement with Pressman Academy a flagship school among

Schechter schools, in Los Angeles, and beyond. And that is because

we have been tuned to the harmony of tradition and innovation and

optimism, cementing our future for generations.

Being a flagship means it is our imperative – to have faith and to show

faith and to lead - to be growing, renewing, optimistic and a beacon.

Our capacity to stand up and answer that imperative - is our hallmark.

Capacity refers at times to specific limitations – as ounces in a glass,

weight in an elevator, people in this room, time. But when paired

with generosity – it is not so finite.

Generosity is somewhere that I see on a circle, a continuum where

time and resources meet inspiration and faith. And we travel this

circle repeatedly – continually throughout our lives.

Since 1936, we have had generation after generation of members of

this community who have looked for their point on this continuous

circle, over and over again, where inspiration, generosity and

capacity are meeting up.

And we go around this circle, and we find meaning when we are

inspired. And find ourselves measuring our own capacity and acting

on our generosity to invest in the present and future of our Jewish

community.

Many of you have told us that you will jump in, be inspired to

participate, and give to capacity when we actually start construction.

So – if that is you, it’s an auspicious season. We will start this project

in May. Come what may. However - we still need 2 million dollars to

complete. It’s time to find your spot on the circle. And if you have

already been around, please go around again.

In 2018 and beyond - The cost of a gallon of gas or the price of

a new car – we already know that progress and technology are

changing the paradigms so quickly, that those bench marks will be

less and less relevant.

And Temple Beth Am will be celebrating with groundbreakings

and cornerstones and dedications and openings. Which will endure

for generations.

Warmly,Susan Hetsroni

FROM THE PRESIDENTcontinued from page 1

Kol Ha’am 10

GENERAL FUND IN HONOR OFThe Book Shuk Hannah & Marshall KramerHigh Holidays Nick Babila, Russell CohenWedding of Talia Alberts to Russell Jaffe Natalie RobertsSpeedy recovery of Martin Jacobs Natalie RobertsBirth of Jack Mark Susan & Ofer HetsroniBirth of Karen Fox & Mickey Rosen’s grandson Susan & Ofer Hetsroni

IN MEMORY OFBurton Alberts, father of Ron Alberts Melissa & Michael Berenbaum, Cindy Levey & Larry Braman, Sandra & Bob Braun, Natalie Roberts, David Cohen & Alisa Shudofsky, Ivonne & Daniel Goldberg, Marilyn ZieringMichael Ezra Shoshanna RheinDonald Goodman Vivian TamayoLeonard L. Green, father of Norm Green Dina and Gordon Bernat-Kunin, Sandra & Bob BraunPhyllis Schnairson, mother of Renalee Pflug Susan Laemmle & John Antignas, Melissa & Michael Berenbaum, Cindy Levey & Larry Braman, Natalie RobertsMenachem Wities Alana & Jonathan RotterRichard Gross Mimi & Howard Landres, Tobie & Larry SchwimmerRenee Petlak Susan & Ofer HetsroniRuth Danis, grandmother of Talya Oberfield Natalie RobertsYahrzeit of Susan Mishler’s brother Saul Natalie RobertsYahrzeit of Anna Ganzberg Natalie Roberts

BILL STRICK MEMORIAL HELPING HAND FUNDIN HONOR OFThe marriage of Talia Alberts to Russell Yaffe Sherri & Mike Cohn, The Metson Urman FamilySteve Grey’s Birthday The Metson Urman FamilyBirth of grandson Joshua to Cathie Lippman & Jules Kamin Debbie Rich

IN MEMORY OFBurton Alberts Lisa Feldman & Brian Greene, Rosanne Keynan, The Metson Urman FamilyRuth Danis, grandmother of Talya Oberfield Vivan & Ron Alberts, Rosanne KeynanPhyllis Schnairson Vivian & Ron Alberts, Debbie Rich, Carol RosenbergMenachem Wities Vivian & Ron Alberts

PILCH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIN HONOR OFRose Pilch’s 100th Birthday Gwen & Doug Kaplan, Jamie Montes De Oca, Bethe & Lloyd Pilch, Jessica & Mark Samuel Rabbi Harry & Kay SilversteinJessica Samuel’s 42nd Birthday Amy & Geoffrey Suddleson

PRESSMAN ACADEMY DAY SCHOOLIN MEMORY OFRenee Petlak Sherri & Mike Cohn

PRESSMAN ACADEMY ECCIN HONOR OFBirth of Shaya Swirsky Monica & Gabriel Kramer

IN MEMORY OFRuth Danis Kathy Lebovic

PRAYERBOOK FUNDIN MEMORY OFBurton Alberts Sandy & Mayer BrennerPhyllis Schnairson Sandy & Mayer BrennerEvan Schneider Susan Grinel & Laurence Rubin

MARCY COLKER KLEIN/BARRY SHAPIRO MEMORIAL FUNDIN HONOR OFMarriage of Talia Alberts and Russell Yaffe Dvorah Colker

IN MEMORY OFBurton Alberts Dvorah ColkerLeonard Green Dvorah ColkerRichard Gross Shirley Ashkenas & Family, Dvorah Colker, Marilyn ZieringPhyllis Schnairson Dvorah ColkerBarbara Schwimmer Dvorah Colker

CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIN HONOR OFMarriage of Jeffrey Barry & Alexa Linda & Steve Ray

CANTOR SAMUEL KELEMER MUSIC FUNDIN HONOR OFWonderful Music Programming at TBA Hannah & Marshall Kramer

REMBAUM INSTITUTE OF ADULT & FAMILY PROGRAMMINGIN HONOR OFAlisa Shudofsky concluding Shiva Norman GarrJoel & Lara Bledin’s marriage Ellen L. & Marty Jacobs

IN MEMORY OFGerald Freeman Norman GarrJoseph Grankel Norman GarrMynne Garr Norman Garr

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TEEN PROGRAMSIN HONOR OFLianna Levine’s Bat Mitzvah Julie Shuer & Steve DavisThe marriage of Talia Alberts & Russell Yaffe Lisa Feldman & Brian Greene

TORAH CLUBIN MEMORY OFLeonard Green Dina & Gordan Bernat-Kunin

RABBI YECHIEL HOFFMAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN HONOR OFThe birth of Jack Mark Monica & Gabriel Kramer

RABBI JOEL REMBAUM’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN MEMORY OFHolocaust victims of Ganzberg, Lehtgoltz and Sentchuk families Steven Ganzberg

RABBI KLIGFELD’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN MEMORY OFLev Goldroyz and Bella Slobodetskya Stella EzrosRachel Evalenko Sasha and Alice Ezros Tatyana BeregovenkoRABBI LUCAS’ DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN HONOR OFThe Mennas Nina Litvak Naming of our granddaughter, Eden Daisy Hiller Denny and Gary TickerJoel Szekel and Lara Bledin’s aufruf Pat and Michele SzekelRabbi Lucas Mike Cohn, Michelle Barton, Joel and Fran Grossman, Deborah Rich, Dafna Taryle Our marriage Tawney BedkoberTamara Shiloh Garon’s babynaming Edward Garon

IN MEMORY OFAnna Ganzberg Steven GanzbergRuth Danis, grandmother of Talya Oberfield Dafna and Scott Taryle Debbie Rich, Lisa Feldman & Brian Greene Michelle and Brandon Barton, Mike, Sherri, Rebecca & Josh Cohn

RABBI CHORNY’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN HONOR OFRachel Arash baby naming Dora ArashRabbi Chorny Scott and Dafna Taryle

WALTER J. COHEN MEMORIAL FUNDIN MEMORY OFBarbara Luftman, aunt of Jonathan Swerdlow Roberta & David RosenbergMy grandfather Jacob Rosenblatt’s 38th yahrzeit Roberta RosenbergMy aunt Fay Weisberg’s 10th yahrzeit Roberta RosenbergMy uncle Leo Weisberg’s 12th yahrzeit Roberta Rosenberg

IN HONOR OFEli Hacker becoming Bar Mitzvah Roberta & David RosenbergGavi Bernat Kunin’s marriage to Noah Kornfeld Roberta & David Rosenberg

Temple Beth Am Gratefully Acknowledges Donations through October 4, 2017

continued on page 11

11 Kol Ha’am

LIBRARY MINYAN FUNDIN HONOR OFManya Beier’s birthday Don & Manya BeierAliyah to Israel of Lida Baker & Paul Nisenbaum Daniel & Robin HoehlerAliyah to the Torah Frank Belz & Judith Kerner6th anniversary of Jerry Krautman & Jackie Weiss Jerry Krautman & Jackie WeissDiane Roosth’s birthday Bob & Diane Roosth45th anniversary of Diane & Larry Herman Diane & Larry Herman50th anniversary of Abe & Annette Berman John Antignas & Susan Laemmle, Don & Manya Beier, Dale & Mark Bodenstein, Mike & Sherri Cohn, Essia Cartoon-Fredman & Howard Fredman, Miriyam Glazer and Anthony Elman, Norm Green & Rachel Rubin-Green, Susan Grinel & Larry Rubin, Anita Happel, Jerry Krautman & Jackie Weiss, Allan & Laraine Kokin, Gail Labovitz & Bill Seligman, Judy & Lou Miller, Henry & Suzanne Morgen, Debbie Rich, Bob & Diane Roosth, Rachel Siegel, Carl & Tove Sunshine, CynthiaTiversJerry Krautman’s 10 years as Gabbai Debbie RichEngagement of Meir Landau John Antignas &Susan Laemmle

IN MEMORY OFRenee Petlak, mother of Alan Petlak Michelle & Terry GinsburgPhyllis Shnairson, mother of Renalee Pflug David Cohen & Alisa Shudofsky, Lisa Feldman & Brian Greene, Judy & Louis MillerYarhzeits of Adam Rich and Theodore Rich Debbie Rich

DAILY MINYANIN HONOR OFDavid Kaplan Kathy Lebovic

SISTERHOOD DONATIONSTo place a Sisterhood Tribute, contact Marlene Glaserat (310) 550-1738 or email: hagesq@aol.com

MAZEL TOV!Vivian and Ron Alberts Gabriela and Elie Litov Wedding of Talia and RussellCathy and Michael Barry Agnes and Semyon Emert Wedding of Jeffrey and LexiRabbi Karen Fox and Mickey Rosen Agnes and Semyon Emert Birth of GrandsonCazzie Marzwell Jessica and Mark Samuel and Family Happy BirthdayMichelle and Doron Menna Agnes and Semyon Emert Daughter’s Upcoming WeddingAmy and Jeffrey Rabin Agnes and Semyon Emert Birth of Granddaughter, Naomi Bayla Elaine GrossJerry Rabin Agnes and Semyon Emert Birth of Great-Granddaughter, Naomi Bayla Elaine Gross

CONDOLENCESRon Alberts and Family Gabriela and Elie Litov Loss of Father, Burton Cathy and Jeff Turkell Stuart and Marla WeissElaine Gross Goldie Altman Loss of Husband, Richard Audrey Cohn Marlene and Harvey Glaser Leona Sperling Cathy and Jeff Turkell Mira Indich and Family Marlene and Harvey Glaser Loss of Husband, Father and Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather, AlexSteve Krieger and Family Marlene and Harvey Glaser Loss of Father, MurrayGolda Mendelsohn and Family Marlene and Harvey Glaser Loss of Husband, Father and Grandfather, MartinTalya Oberfield and Family Agnes and Semyon Emert Loss of Grandmother, Ruth Danis Gabriela and Elie Litov Marla and Stuart Weiss

To learn more about Masorti,please visit www.masorti.org

or call 212.870.2216

Renalee Pflug and Family Audrey Cohn Loss of Mother, Phyllis Shnairson Agnes and Semyon Emert Gabriela and Elie Litov Jessica and Mark Samuel and Family Leona Sperling Cathy and Jeff Turkell Marla and Stuart WeissBernice Roberts and Family Audrey Cohn and Family Loss of Husband and our dearest Cousin BuddyMel Schwimmer and Family Elaine Gross Loss of Wife, Mother and Grandmother, BarbaraLeona Sperling and Family Marlene and Harvey Glaser Loss of Brother, Ruben Vodovoz

Donations (continued from page 10)

Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, California and additional mailing offices.

Kol Ha’am (USPS 008-599)Temple Beth Am1039 S. La Cienega Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507

Rob Kutner is a former writer for The Daily Show, Dennis Miller Live and is a current writer for

Conan. He has a new comic called Shrinkage.

Andrew Wallenstein is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of

Variety Magazine

Monica Yudovich Krameris an actress and writer

Esther D. Kustanowitz is a writer, editor, consultant and pop culture enthusiast who serves as Editorial

Director at GrokNation.com and Contributing Writer at

L.A.’s Jewish Journal.

Schmaltz, Schmendricks, and ShowbizA Round-up of Jews and Pop Culture

Join us at Temple Beth Am on Thursday, November 16th at 7:30 p.m., for a panel discussion, media clips, and a Q & A on the

Jewish experience reflected in pop culture and the media.

Moderated by Dr. Michael Berlin-Psychologist/screenwriter/playwright/professor, who has produced, or consulted on more than one hundred and fifty television episodes.