Publication of the WHISPER is made possible through the generosity of the Donald & Barbara Bernstein Endowment

MLK Shabbat at teMpLe beth eL A Night of Passionate Preaching and Song

Temple Beth El will celebrate MLK Shabbat and the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Friday, January 18th at 7:00pm. This year MLK Shabbat will kick off Temple Beth El’s series of events celebrating our 70th birthday and will feature community activist, preacher and leader Bishop Tonyia Rawls of Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte. Bishop Rawls will speak not only to issues of African American inclusion but also to areas of inclusion for all minorities. To further inspire you, Unity Fellowship’s dynamic choir will be singing with Temple Beth El’s adult choir, directed by UFCC’s Minister of Music Reverend Leslie Oliver. In February, to further our efforts of deepening our relationship with a neighboring church and enriching our MLK experience, Rabbi Schindler will be speaking, and our choir will be singing, at Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte on February 3rd at 10:45am.

Both events are open to the entire community. For more information, call 704-366-1948 or see www.beth-el.com.

“Our JudaiSM tOday” with teMpLe beth eL’S CLergy Temple Beth El University’s Winter Session Wednesdays, February 13, 20 and 27; 7:00-9:00pm at Temple Beth El Rabbi Judy, Rabbi Jonathan and Cantor Mary will discuss the sources of the Judaism we learn and practice today, and then share how we make our lives vibrant with Jewish ideas, rituals, practices and actions. (Continued on Page 7.)

Whisper TEMPLE BETH ELJANUARY 2013

rabbiNiC reFLeCtiONS

Deepening Our ConnectionsBy Rabbi Jonathan Freirich Celebrating the fruit of trees in the middle of winter seems odd, and Tu b’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees, always comes in January or February.

We celebrate now, according to some rabbis, because this is when the sap begins to run again in the trees. Others note that this date made sense as the “fiscal year of trees.” Calculating taxes and tithes on produce was easiest when no harvest happens — mid-winter — when our yield from last year could be easily separated from our yield in the year to come.

Jewish mystics identify Tu b’Shvat as a time to connect to God. Fruit, wine and fruit juice symbolize the four worlds of meaning – inspiration, creation, formation, and action – that encourage us to live better and more fully.

So January, the month of Tu b’Shvat, offers us many opportunities to deepen our connections to each other and our Judaism. On Sunday, January 27th, we offer Temple Beth El’s first ever Chevra Kadisha training. The Chevra Kadisha is the holy society that prepares Jewish dead for burial, and after a year of study and research, we will present a Temple Beth El approach, including our own liturgy, to this ancient tradition. (Continued on Page 2.)

VOICE 02WHISPER MEMBERSHIP / RABBINIC REFLECTIONS CONTINUED

January 2013 Volume 4 issue 2

Temple Beth El Whisper5101 Providence RoadCharlotte, NC 28226704-366-1948Fax: 704-366-1365Email: bulletin@beth-el.com

The Temple Beth El Whisper is published on the first of alternating months by Temple Beth El, a Reform Congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism.

Due to its size, the Whisper will only include upcoming Temple programs and events, the monthly calendar, b’nei mitzvah for the month and limited other features. Community information will be included in the Voice on alternating months.

The Whisper is published 6 times a year.

rabbiNiC reFLeCtiONS (continued from cover) The preparation of a body for Jewish burial requires a symbolic cleansing and dress-ing in humble attire. The process is deeply moving, and allows us to offer a mitzvah to someone who can never thank us for it, making it a most righteous act. Join Rabbi Judy, Susan Jacobs and me for this profound teaching about a way in which we at Temple Beth El can serve each other and our families in hours when assistance and our compassion are duly needed and appreciated. (See Page 4 for details.)

We can also expand our Jewish roots and branches by creating informed and in-spired Jewish young people. January marks the beginning of our Afternoon Enrich-ment programs for students from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Multi-media ways of telling Torah stories, cooking and creativity around Jewish holidays, and Conversational Hebrew are all non-Religious School ways of providing rich and varied Jewish experiences for our students. Sign your kids up for them now! (See Page 10 for details.)

Tu b’Shvat – the 15th of the month of Shevet – the New Year of the Trees – occurs on Saturday, January 26th. Don’t miss the return of the Tu b’Shvat Seder to Temple Beth El at 5:30pm that evening. See www.beth-el.com for details.

TBE in January – we hope you will celebrate with us the many dimensions of Jewish life by doing, feeling, thinking and gaining spiritual insights.

baKerS Needed

On Friday, January 18, 2013, Temple Beth El will hold its annual MLK Shabbat to which the community is invited. On Saturday, January 19th, Max Wallach, son of Rabbi Judy and Chip, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah and our congregation is invited to share in this milestone event.

We are asking you, our congregants, to bake for the Oneg on Friday evening and for the kiddush on Saturday. We hope you’ll make your favorites to contribute to this special weekend.

Please Click Here to let us know you’ll bake. (Requested quantity is 2 - 3 dozen pieces.) All baked goods should be brought to the Temple by noon on Friday, January 18th. A team on congregants will prepare the trays for the weekend.

Thank you for helping make this special weekend “Home Made.”

taSte OF JudaiSM – are yOu CuriOuS? Winter Session: Wednesdays, January 2, 9, 16 and 23; 7:00-8:30pm at Temple Beth El

All are welcome: Jewish or not, member or not. Join us to explore the Jewish perspectives on living in today’s world. Discussions include: spirituality, values, community and traditions. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Con-tact Janie Meyers at 704-749-3051 or jmeyers@beth-el.com. Participants attend this course free of charge. bOOMerS wiNe taStiNg Saturday evening, February 16th

SAVE THE DATE - More information to follow! Questions? Please contact Janie Meyers at jmeyers@beth-el.com.

don’t miss the return of the tu b’Shvat Seder to temple beth el on Saturday, January 26th at 5:00pm.

VOICE

** rabbi Judy reQueStS NO giFtS, pLeaSe! **

donations can be made in Max’s honor to the temple beth el general Fund. Click here to make a donation.

please rSVp for the Kiddush Luncheon by Sunday, January13th to www.beth-el.com/RSVP or 704-749-3070.

MAXWELL’S BAR MITZVAH 03

VOICEWHISPER CONGREGATIONAL SHABBAT / RELIGIOUS LIFE 04

eNgage iN ONe OF the MOSt eSteeMed MitzVOt - JOiN teMpLe beth eL’S CheVra KadiSha

A Chevra Kadisha, translated as “holy society,” prepares our congregation’s deceased for burial. It is considered one of the highest commandments - a chesed shel emet, a true act of kindness. Rabbi Freirich and Susan Jacobs took an intensive course on Chevra Kadish this past year. They have developed a manual and liturgy to go along with our process of preparing our Temple Beth El members for burial. Cantor Thomas is gathering spiritual music to go along with our ritual.

If you would like to learn more about this ritual and consider joining our Chevra Kadisha, we will be having a train-ing meeting on Sunday, January 27th from 11:45am to 12:45pm in the chapel. Participating in Chevra Kadisha is a small commitment of time because we reach out to a large pool of people and only need four or five people for each taharah, ritual preparation. Those who have time on a given day of need are welcome to join us. The maximum time commitment is typically once a month though we cannot predict the number of mitzvot we will have to perform.

Additionally, if you are interested in being the administrative coordinator of the chevra kadisha or have been in the group for a while and would like to be trained as a leader of a taharah, please let me know. For more information, contact RabbiJudy@beth-el.com.

tu b’ShVat Seder – CeLebrate the New year OF the treeS Saturday, January 26th, 5:30pm at Temple Beth El

A family-friendly, fruit-filled, festive, mini-feast – and meaningful mystical seder, too. We promise not to ruin dinner. For more information about this free event and to RSVP by Wednesday, January 23rd, contact Rabbi Jonathan at rabbijonathan@beth-el.com or 704-366-1948.

the FaiLed iSraeLi-paLeStiNiaN peaCe prOCeSS: VaLuabLe LeSSONS LearNed With Dr. Gershon Baskin, Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 7:30 pm at Temple Beth El

Dr. Gershon Baskin is the founder of the Israel-Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI) and served as director from 1988 to 2011. A scholar and activist, Dr. Baskin has devoted his career to exploring ways to bring about a peaceful settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has advised two Israeli Prime Ministers and has consid-erable first-hand experience in grappling with the many difficult and seemingly insurmountable issues that have hampered efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict. Among his various activities, Dr. Baskin played a pivotal role in the secret talks between Israel and Hamas that resulted in the release of Gilad Schalit.

JaNuary CONgregatiONaL Shabbat Saturday, January 12, 2013

9:00am – Shabbat Morning Experiences• Torah Workshop with Rabbi Kaplan• FIJI with Cantor Thomas• Sheva with Rabbi Freirich• Teen Band and Teen Vocal Ensemble with Cantor Bernard • Farber Leadership with Rabbi Judy

10:15am - Shabbat Morning BrunchCost: $8/adults, $6/children 12 and under (for members); $12/adults, $9/children 12 and under (for non-members). Register at www.beth-el.com/RSVP.

11:00am - Congregational ServiceThis service is for and by you, the members of our Temple family. This month, the D’var Torah will be presented by Roni Amitai, our Community Shlichah. The Torah will be read by Amalia Warshenbrot, Hannah Lieberman and Matthew Wicker. The haftarah will be chanted by Andy Harkavy. We will invite for separate aliyot the Giving Tree Volunteers, the Room in the Inn and Project Snowflake Volunteers, and Temple Beth El Religious School Teachers who went to Israel on the Hadera Exchange over the winter break. There are lots of opportunities for participation in Congregational Shabbat. If you would like an honor in the service, please just let the clergy know.

Come to one component or stay for it all. there’s something

for everyone!

VOICE rabbi JereMy aNd rabbi MiCah returN tO beth eL FOr weeKeNd OF LiFeLONg LearNiNg Friday and Saturday, February 8-9, 2013

As Temple Beth celebrates its seven decades of learning, we invite back as Sadie Levin Scholars-in-Residence Rabbi Jeremy Barras and Rabbi Micah Streiffer to further open the wellspring of wisdom within our Torah.

On Friday night, at a special 7:00pm Shabbat service, our guest rabbis will lead a sermon in dialogue entitled “Mishpatim – The Laws of Lifelong Learning.”

On Saturday morning, at our Congregational Shabbat Work-shops from 9:00 to 10:15am, Rabbis Barras and Streiffer will lead a study of sacred texts entitled “Ancient Midrash and Modern Midrash: Finding Ourselves in Jewish Texts.” A Congregational Brunch will follow ($8/members and $10/non-members). We will then move into our annual Arthur Tirsun Educational Shabbat honoring our community educators, which this year will be integrated into our Congregational Shabbat morn-ing service.

On Saturday evening, our cherished rabbis of the past will lead us in discussion and in a moving Havdalah ceremony from 5:00 to 6:00pm. Building upon their strengths, the program will be entitled “Rabbi Barras and Rabbi Streiffer Classic: Wine and Song, Humor and Warmth.”

This Weekend of Lifelong Learning is being co-chaired by Barbara and Dr. Lenny Feld and Andrea and Howard Seidler. For more information, please call 704-366-1948 or see www.beth-el.com/70thbirthday. To make reservations for the Satur-day morning congregational brunch, go to www.beth-el.com/RSVP.

TEMPLE BETH EL’S 70TH BIRTHDAY 05

CeLebrate tbe’S 70th birthday year with theSe SpeCiaL eVeNtS iN JaNuary aNd February

• January 18 at 7:00pm: Attend our annual Martin Lu-ther King Shabbat Services, and enjoy birthday cake to kickoff our 70th year celebration.

• February 8 at 7:00pm: Worship with Rabbi Micah Streiffer and Rabbi Jeremy Barras who will be our Sadie Levin Scholars and discuss “Mishpatim – The Laws of Lifelong Learning.”

• February 9 at 9:00am: Participate in numerous congregational workshops (including children’s programs) with Rabbi Streiffer and Rabbi Barras.

• February 9 at 11:00am: Honor our religious school and secular teachers at the annual Arthur Tirsun Education and Teacher Appreciation Shabbat (with D’var Torah by Susan Jacobs), which this year will be integrated into our Congregational Shabbat Service.

• February 9 at 5:00pm: Enjoy a moving Havdalah ceremony entitled “Rabbi Barras and Rabbi Streiffer Classic: Wine and Song, Humor and Warmth.”

VOICEWHISPER ADULT LEARNING 06

teMpLe beth eL’S 16th aNNuaL COMparatiVe reLigiON SerieS “AFTER LIFE: A Beginning or An End?”- Tuesday Evenings, January 22 - February 26, 2013

Can one’s status change during the After Life? Are there rewards and punishments during the After Life for your actions in this life? People of all faiths ask these universal questions, which are just two of the compelling questions we will ad-dress as part of Temple Beth El’s 16th Annual Comparative Religion Series. This winter, several educators and religious leaders will discuss the sources of their respective faith’s teachings on the After Life. The sessions will run from 7:00 to 9:00pm on Tuesday evenings. The speaker schedule is as follows. For more information, see www.beth-el.com or call 704-366-1948. This is a free series - no RSVP’s required.

• January 22: Rabbi Judy Schindler, Temple Beth El, and Rabbi Chanoch Oppenheim, Charlotte Torah Center – Welcome and Overview, Jewish perspective• January 29: J. Daniel White, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies at UNC Charlotte – Hindu perspective• February 5: Imam John Ederer, Muslim American Society of Charlotte – Islamic perspective• February 12: Ryusho Jeffus, Shonin, Myosho-ji Wonderful Voice Buddhist Temple – Buddhist perspective• February 19: Pastors Russ and Amy Jacks Dean, Park Road Baptist Church – Christian perspective• February 26: Brand Hosford and Jay Heilpern, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Gastonia Stakes Center – Mormon perspective• March 5: Snow date

Jewish Learning in Winter @ TBE and all over Charlotte

Jewish texts, Jewish books, lots of lively discussion Ð jump in anywhere Ð every place has shallow entries with easy access to the deep end.

Talmud for Everyone

Uptown and South Park

Jolt of Judaism TBE Book Club

Lunch and learn Talmud with Rabbi

Jonathan - no pre-requisites, just affordable lunch and something

interesting to chew on.

Torah and caffeine!

New and old thinking about the weekly Torah reading with lively discussion for

no extra charge.

Jewish books in the news

and new Jewish books Ð something interesting for everyone and rabbis

and cantors lead discussions.

Uptown location:

Threes 333 W. Trade St.

Location:

Caribou Coffee 4327 Park Rd. Park Rd. Shopping Ctr.

Location:

Temple Beth El ÒCafŽÓ The Archer Chapel

Date: Sundays, at 4pm

February 3 April 14

Fridays at noon: December 21 January 4 January 18 February 1

Dates: Saturdays, at 1:45pm

January 5 February 2

South Park location:

Brio Tuscan Grill 4720 Piedmont Row Dr.

For February 3 read: ForeskinÕs Lament Ð A Memoir, by Shalom Auslander Ð the hilarious and personal account of leaving ultra-orthodoxy and Monsey, New York and arriving somewhere else.

Wednesdays at noon:

December 19 January 16 January 30

VOICEWHISPER SISTERHOOD / ADULT LEARNING CONTINUED 07

SiSterhOOd / wrJ News• Discovered Traditions: The Book Store at Temple Beth El now carries the book Miracles and Meals Cookbook by Joanne Caras, who spoke at Temple Beth El in December as part of a Hadassah program. The cost is $36 and all monies go to the children of Temple Beth El, Hadassah and a Soup kitchen in Jeru-salem. This book makes a great gift for bat mitzvah girls, brides or any mother-daughter pairs who enjoy learning and cooking together.

Events• Sisterhood Board Meeting - Friday, January 4, 10:30am at Temple Beth ElAll Sisterhood members are invited. A light lunch will be provided. RSVP to Shelley Leibman,

704-321-2021 or larryshelleycharlotte@gmail.com.

• Luncheon and Card Party - Wednesday, January 16, 12:00-2:30pm at TBEMah Jong? Bridge? Bunco? Scrabble? Whatever you enjoy! $10 per person. Bring your own group and card table. Snacks and dairy lunch included. RSVP by Friday, January 8th: www.beth-el.com/RSVP or 704-749-3070

• Brunch & Guest Speaker - Sunday, January 27, 10:00am-12:00pm at TBEJosephine Hicks, a Charlotte native, attorney and author of If There’s Anything I Can Do will discuss what to do when serious illness strikes. Sisterhood and Brotherhood Members: $10, Non-members: $12. RSVP by Wednesday, January 23rd to www.beth-el.com/RSVP or 704-749-3070.

• Sisterhood Book Club - Wednesday, January 30, 12:00pm at Temple Beth ElWe will discuss Peony by Pearl S. Buck followed by a Dutch treat lunch at Wan Fu, 10719 Kittering Drive (behind Out-back on Route 51).

what dOeS iSraeL MeaN tO Me? A Jewish-Catholic Dialogue Between Temple Beth El and St. Peter’s Catholic Church Sunday, January 13, 2013, 5:00pm at Temple Beth El

Join us for a round table discussion including input from Rabbi Jonathan Freirich. Please bring your favorite beverage and a snack or dessert to share. For more information and to RSVP, please call 704-365-3313 or 704-362-2724.

tbe uNiVerSity (Continued from cover page)

Session 1 – February 13th – Sacred Learning with Rabbi JonathanWhat makes our learning Jewish? How we study matters more than what we study. Read, learn and discuss as we examine Jewish thinking as a pathway to greater meaning. Even Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech can be read Jewishly.

Session 2 – February 20th – Sacred Living with Cantor MaryWe will explore some of the elements of rich, daily Jewish living, including food, prayer and relationships. This session will examine the intersection of culture, belief and society.

Session 3 – February 27th – Sacred Action with Rabbi JudyWe will explore the roots of Judaism’s Tikkun Olam from the passion of the prophets to mysticism to modern day Reform Judaism. Do some mitzvot take precedence over others? How does our tradition guide us in balancing our own needs with the compelling needs of our community?

For more information, please call Sue Hummel at 704-749-3054. To register, please visit www.beth-el.com/RSVP. Cost for TBE members: $36; cost for non-Temple members: $52. Financial assistance and scholarships are always available.

VOICEWHISPER SOCIAL JUSTICE & ACTION 08

dOMeStiC abuSeDating Abuse is now estimated to affect one out of three teens. Hebrew High 9th graders, led by instructor Sandra Hammond of Mecklenburg County’s Teen Dating Violence Program (see photo to the right), recently learned how to identify healthy versus unhealthy relationships, recognize red flags and types of abuse, and how to get help. The program was arranged and coordinated by Jewish Family Services and Shalom Bayit-NC. For more information and resources on teen dating issues, see www.shalombayit-nc.org.

CaSSerOLeS aNd beyONd On September 15, 2012, Temple Beth El’s Casseroles and Beyond project team moved a formerly homeless neighbor, George, into his new home. Not only did the team bring over several vans of furniture from the Crisis Assistance Ministry Furniture Bank, but they also delivered a minivan full of household goods generously donated by a number of Temple Beth El members during this year’s Mitzvah Day. After two hours of work, George F. had a fully stocked kitchen, beds and bed linens for himself and his two children, towels, a closet full of cleaning supplies, and even a homemade lasagna in the refrigerator. Below is his note of gratitude to our congregation:

Thank you to the members of Temple Beth El for being patient and being such a blessing to me and my children. You brought so much joy to us to be of service in time of need. I only wish you could’ve seen the expression on my kids’ faces when they saw the place, their beds and all that was given. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and only wish peace and prosperity in your lives. Truly a Godsend. Sincerely, George F

rOOM iN the iNN VOLuNteerS are Needed! Sponsored by Urban Ministries Center, this city-wide program provides housing and meals for homeless men, women and children from December to March. For 15 years, RITI volunteers from Temple Beth El, Temple Israel and the Levine JCC have been nothing short of superb. They have helped out as overnight monitors, food preparers, drivers and more. The January dates are January 5th and 6th. To volunteer, print the volunteer form or contact Herm Ziegler at 704-364-1632, 704-591-3283 or hermz@bellsouth.net, or Larry Leibman at 704-321-2021, 704-562-1227, or larryshelleycharlotte@gmail.com. Bring your teenagers along with you so they can catch a glimpse of the difficulties our less fortunate neighbors face.

SaVe the date! MitzVah day 2013 wiLL be heLd ON May 19th. If you are interested in proposing a new project or serving as captain for an existing project, please contact Lisa Moreland at LMoreland@CharlotteLatin.org.

SterLiNg eLeMeNtary partNerShipIn January, we will be collecting the following items for the clothing closet at Sterling (please place donations in the blue bin in the Temple lobby): Boys underwear (sizes S, M & L), boys pants (Size 8-16), boys long sleeve shirts (Sizes 8-14), girls long sleeve shirts (sizes 6-14), socks, girls bras, belts.

giViNg treeThank you to all who helped our neighbors in need by donating gifts through our Giving Tree. Together we helped make Chanukah and Christmas a little brighter for 60 families and individuals. Children, parents, grandparents and seniors received clothes, food, toys and household goods thanks to your generosity. This annual event is just one of the ways we at Temple Beth El continue to fulfill Tikkun Olam!

Correction: In the December issue of the VOICE we incorrectly spelled Herm Ziegler’s name. Also, the December RITI dates should have read December 24th and 25th. We apologize for these er-rors.

instructor Sandra hammond (Left), with students Madeline Cohen, Joey Kelso and zach travis, at a hebrew high program on preventing dating abuse. the workshop was presented by JFS and Shalom bayit-NC.

VOICEWHISPER COMMITTEES / ISRAEL TRIP

09

upCOMiNg SpiCe prOgraMS

• Monday, January 7th, 11:00am at Temple Beth El - Rabbi Judy on “The Evolution from Slavery to Freedom in Juda-ism.” Lunch is at 12:00 pm, followed at 12:45pm by Chip Decker, Director of Actors Theater, speaking on “Discussion of The Whipping Man.” Cost: Temple Beth El member, $8 per person. Non-Temple member, $10 per person. RSVPs are required by Thursday, January 3rd.

• Wednesday, January, 23rd, 11:00am at Temple Beth El - Rabbi Judy on “Ethical Wills.” Lunch is at 12:00pm, fol-lowed at 12:45pm by Sherri McGirt on “Wills & Trusts” and at 1:20 pm by Marshall Lindner on “Temple Legacy Program.” Cost: Temple Beth El member, $8 per person. Non-Temple member, $10 per person. RSVPs are required by Thursday, January 17th.

• Monday, February 4th, 11:00am at Temple Beth El - Rabbi Judy on “Jewish Movie Shorts.” Lunch is at 12:00pm fol-lowed by Larry Toppman, movie critic for the Charlotte Observer, speaking on “What he looks for in a film.” Cost: Temple Beth El member, $8 per person. Non-Temple member, $10 per person. RSVPs are required by Thursday, January 31st.

• Monday, February 18th, 11:00am at Temple Beth El - Rabbi’s discussion TBD. Lunch is at 12:00pm followed at 12:45pm by the Johnson C. Smith College Jazz Quartet. RSVPs are required by Thursday, February 14th.

• Thursday, February 28th, SPICE Night Out: Dinner and Theatre - 5:00pm dinner at Savor Restaurant (1404 West Morehead Street, Charlotte), 7:30pm “The Whipping Man” performance at Actor’s Theatre (650 E. Stonewall Street, Charlotte). COST: $45/person for dinner and show. (If Actor’s Theatre subscriber, dinner is $25/person.) RSVPs are required by January 13th. Space is limited to the first 40 paid participants.

Please note: SPICE is no longer able to accept CASH on the day of our programs. If you have RSVP’d by the date required and have not paid, we will accept a check at the door. Also, please remember to sign the mileage reimburse-ment sheet, which is available at all programs for Temple Beth El members. See the SPICE website for details.

RSVPs are required for ALL PROGRAMS. We obtain group/senior rates and payment must be made prior to cutoff date. Participants who have not paid by the cutoff date are responsible for their own payment at event site, which may be somewhat higher than the group rate. RSVP at www.beth-el.com/RSVP (requires one time set up of username and password) with credit card or mail in check, or call 704-749-3070. RSVPs not cancelled within 48 hours of the program will be billed. Lunch costs (unless otherwise noted): Temple Beth El members: $8; Non Temple Beth El mem-bers: $10. All programs are funded by grants from the BJH Foundation.

traVeL tO iSraeL with teMpLe beth eL thiS SuMMer

Fulfill the Passover promise “Next Year in Jerusalem” with Temple Beth El! Our Annual Congregational Family Trip will set off from June 20th to July 1st with Rabbi Jonathan Freirich. This trip will create memories of a lifetime for those who participate.

Trip Highlights:• Explore the mystical city of Safed – the center of Kabbalah• Enjoy an exhilarating jeep tour, raft the Hatzbani River and learn drum- ming from Prince Bishara• Float in the Dead Sea, Hike Masada and then gaze at the stars at night• Dig for treasures at Beit Guvrin, followed by a tunnel crawl• Visit with our partnership in Hadera, Charlotte’s Sister City• Experience the wonder and magic of Jerusalem’s ancient sites• Share Shabbat with TBE’s Sister Congregation, Birkat Shalom, in Kibbutz GezerThe B’nei Mitzvah ceremony will be held on the Feinstein Lawn at HUC.

For more information, view the flyer, contact Rabbinic Assistant Debora Gluick, or connect with Rabbi Jonathan.

VOICEWHISPER New aFterNOON eNriChMeNt CLaSSeS FOr JewiSh ChiLdreN

Terrific Tales from the Torah! (Grades K-2) 4:45-6:15pm - 1½ hoursMondays, January 7, 14, 28; February 4, 11 OR Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 30; February 6, 13.Dumas Activity Center, Bernstein Education BuildingCost: $100 TBE members, $130 non-members.

The Torah is filled with wonderful stories of adventure, mystery, discovery and more. Each week, students will explore a different Torah tale though crafts, music, cooking, drama and conversation. The possibilities are endless. We will create “Creation,” march two-by-two with Noah and the animals, be guests of Sara and Abraham and learn to love and live Torah together.

Hands-On Jewish Holidays (Grades 3-5)4:45-5:45pm – 1 hourThursdays, January 10, 17, 31; February 7, 14Dumas Activity Center, Bernstein Education Building. Cost: $70 TBE members, $90 non-members.

Our Jewish holidays are filled with traditions, rituals and celebrations but depending on where you live, they can look very different from how we observe them at Temple Beth El. Each week, students will explore a different holiday or festival and discover the many ways they are celebrated around the Jewish world. They will create ritual objects and cook exotic recipes that are well known in other Jewish communities. Wherever you go, there’s always someone Jew-ish, and we will find out how our Jewish friends around the world live.

Shalom Chaverim! Hello Friends! Modern Conversational Hebrew (Grades 6-8)4:45-5:45pm – 1 hourThursdays, January 10, 17, 31; February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21Room D118, Bernstein Education Building Cost: $130 TBE members, $165 non-members.

This course offers students an opportunity to learn conversational Hebrew in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Unlike Hebrew school, where the focus is on prayer book Hebrew, students in this class will learn modern vocabulary and converse in Israeli Hebrew. They will enrich their vocabulary by listening to modern Israeli singers and rappers, watching Israeli movies and youtube videos and maybe even Skyping Israeli friends their own age.

teMpLe beth eL tOtS The Temple Beth El Tots program offers accessible, engaging services and activities for kids up to five years old, their parents and siblings. Music, art and more are all ways our Tot programs create vibrant Jewish life for the wholefamily. Please feel free to contact Cantor Mary at tots@beth-el.com or 704-366-1948 for more information about the Temple Beth El Tots program and how you can get involved. Upcoming Temple Beth El Tots Events:• Saturday, January 19th, 9:15am - Tot Shabbat

CharLOtte JewiSh preSChOOL

Temple Beth El’s preschool, the Charlotte Jewish Preschool, is joining forces with the Jewish Preschool on Sardis and the Charlotte Jewish Day School to present “Stand Up to Bullying” - this year’s Joined in Education (JIE) program. JIE eliminates the need for each institu-tion to have independent fundraisers, and actively “builds bridges for the future” to benefit all three schools. For more information, see the ad above or go to www.joinedineducation.org. Tickets are on sale now.

AFTERNOON ENRICHMENT / TOTS / PRESCHOOL 10

VOICEWHISPER b’Nei MitzVah

JaCOb FarhiParashat Sh’motJanuary 5, 2013

Jacob is the son of Deborah and Jack Farhi. His grandparents are Marie and Ralph Farhi of Matthews, NC; Jackie Koman of Matthews, NC; and Robert Breining of Asheville, NC. Jacob is the brother of Joshua.

StepheN JaMeS perLeParashat Sh’mot January 5, 2013

Stephen is the son of Pamela Perle and Scott Perle. His grandparents are Nancy and Sander Perle of Mission Viejo, CA; Susan Simpson of Charlotte, NC; and Christine and James Raeford of Danville, VA. His great-grandmother is

Verna M. Orr of Topsail Beach, NC.

MaxweLL waLLaChParashat BoJanuary 19, 2013

Maxwell is the son of Rabbi Judy and Chip Wallach. His grandparents are Ed Wallach of Aventura, FL, and the late Cynthia Wallach; Rhea Schindler of Westport, CT, and the late Rabbi Alexander Schindler. Maxwell is

the brother of Alec.

peri LiaNa SiSSKiNdParashat B’shallachJanuary 26, 2013

Peri is the daughter of Jill and Michael Sisskind. Her grandparents are the late Janice and Melvin Sisskind of Roslyn Harbor, NY, and Kathleen Robinson and the late Paul Robinson of Charlotte, NC. Peri

is the sister of Maren.

eriCa VaLeNSteiNParashat B’shallachJanuary 26, 2013

Erica is the daughter of Jodi and Greg Valenstein . Her grandparents are Marilyn and Stan Tinter of Plainview, NY, and Toni and Fred Valenstein of Bluffton, SC. Erica is the sister of Michael.

B’NEI MITZVAH

11

LearN MOre abOut Our b’Nei MitzVah StudeNtS. Read about their mitzvah projects and more at www.beth-el.com/b_neimitzvahstudents .

2015 b’Nei MitzVah dateS

If you have a child who will turn 13 in 2015 and have not yet received a date selection packet, please contact the Temple office at 704-366-1948.

VOICE teMpLe beth eL reLigiOuS SChOOL iNViteS JewiSh ChiLdreN tO experieNCe VaCatiON tOrah SChOOL - SuMMer 2013

Week 1 - June 24 – 28, 2013 Week 2 - July 8 – 12, 2013

Come to Temple Beth El Religious School for fun in the sun this summer at Vacation Torah School! Join us for two weeks of Torah stories, T’fillah, crafts, cooking, dancing, songs and more.

Week 1 we will tap into our inner kings and queens as we discover the secrets of “The Jewish Royals.” We will be as brave and courageous as King David and Queen Esther, as wise as King Solomon, as good as King Hezekiah and even be surprised by a mystery royal!

Week 2 we will travel through the Torah on a fabulous “Jewish Torah Jour-ney.” From Ur to Egypt to The Promised Land, we will trek to the exciting locations found in our favorite Torah stories. No passports required! Just a great imagination!

Vacation Torah School (VTS) will be staffed by our talented and creative school faculty and madrichim (teen as-sistants). Register for one or two weeks. More information available at www.beth-el.com or the TBE Religious School office at 704-749-3046.

• Ages: Rising Kindergarten to Rising 3rd Grade• Fee: $165 per week for TBE Members and $210 per week for Non-members (includes snacks and materials)• Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:15am-12:15pm• Location: Bobbie and Don Bernstein Education Building• Registration opens: January 8, 2013

SaVe the date: tbe yOuth FaMiLy FuN day: biNgO aNd iCe CreaM SuNdaeS Saturday, February 2nd, 2:00-4:00pm at Temple Beth El All TBE Youth and Families Invited

Are you ready for a day of fun for the family, while supporting TBE Youth? The Youth Engagement Committee is hosting a fabulous “Family Fun Day,” featuring a delicious ice cream sundae bar, entertainment and Bingo with lots of great prizes! All TBE youth and families are welcome and encouraged to attend. You MUST REGISTER ONLINE by Tuesday, January 29th at www.beth-el.com/RSVP. Cost: $5 per person, includes ice cream sundae bar and one bingo card. Additional bingo cards will be available for $2 per card. All proceeds will benefit Temple Beth El Youth Scholarships.

YOUTH 12

pJ Library iS COMiNg tO

CharLOtte!

Details will beavailable soon.

VOICEWHISPER

KataNty K1 aNd 23 Jew waNNa JuMp arOuNd? (K-3rd grade JOiNt tyg eVeNt!) Saturday, January 26th, 4:00-6:00pm at Plaza Fiesta, 3700 Avenue of the Carolinas, Fort Mill, SC 29708

Kids climbing the walls? No problem! Plaza Fiesta, heralded as “the largest indoor playground in the Southeast,” has climbing walls, huge slides, a suspension bridge and tons of extras. Come monkey around with all your friends at Plaza Fiesta, near Carowinds. You MUST RSVP online by January 23rd at www.beth-el.com/RSVP. There is a food court at Plaza Fiesta, and we encourage families to socialize and take advantage of the many restaurants offered. Contact Jennifer Sawyer at jsawyermom@hotmail.com with questions. Cost: $5

teeN COaLitiON iSraeL Shabbat COMedy Night with COMediaN JOeL ChaSNOFF Friday, January 11th, 5:00-8:30pm in Lerner Center at the Levine JCC

Join your Charlotte Jewish friends for a fun-filled Friday night! This event will include a teen-led Shabbat service, Israeli style dinner and comedy show with Joel Chasnoff. We will also have a booth featuring trips and experiences in Israel.

Joel served in the Israeli Defense Forces and wrote a hilarious book, The 188th Crybaby Brigade, about his experience in Israel and in the IDF. You do NOT want to miss out on this AMAZING night!

To Register:• Call the Levine JCC Front Desk at 704-366-5007. • $5 for Early Registration - by Monday, January 7th.• $8 at the door - on Friday, January 11th (before Shabbat).

*This event is sponsored by the Teen Coalition, which consists of LIBERTY (Temple Beth El), Hebrew High, BBYO, USY (Temple Israel) and the Levine JCC.

NFty-Sar hatiKVah KaLLah iS COMiNg tO CharLOtte iN MarCh!

TBE Youth has had an amazing year so far, and it is about to get even better! We will be hosting NFTY-SAR Hatikvah Kallah, a regional convention for 6th-8th graders, throughout the weekend of March 8th-10th, 2013.

More than two hundred youth group members from around the Southeast are going to arrive at TBE for the weekend, and WE NEED YOUR HELP! We need housing for all participants, as well as many volunteers to make this a success. We look forward to sharing with you this incredible event at TBE. Hosting NFTY teens can be an awesome experience for families with children of all ages and even for those of you who are young at heart! (Remember your youth group days?!) If you are not able to be a host family, there are many other ways to get involved and volunteer your time. For more information, go to www.beth-el.com/kallah. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Andy Harkavy, aharkavy@beth-el.com.

Host Families and Volunteers

are Needed!

YOUTH (CONTINUED) 13

VOICEWHISPER 14SHARING OUR LIVES / MILESTONES

ShariNg Our LiVeS

The Board of Directors of Temple Beth El and the entire congregation extend deepest sympathies to the families of

… Allen Gordon, beloved husband of Ethel and father of Barbara Green

MazeL tOV tO...

Births

… Jennifer and Josh Allen on the birth of their son, Gabriel Alexander, on December 4, 2012. Proud grandparents are Ed and Jo Minchew. … Melissa and Jim Duller on the birth of their son, Isaac Friedan Duller, on December 18, 2012 … Lisa Ferrin on the birth of Grand Baby “Twins,” Ari Joel and Cayla Jessica on December 15, 2012. Proud parents are Robert and Sarah Ferrin.

MiLeStONeS - JaNuary 2013

JANUARY MILESTONE BIRTHDAYS

1Sue Perlmutter7Fran Samarel10Robert KolschJeffrey Montoni11Steven Jacobson12Elizabeth Wahls14David Collins16Sue Worrel21Arthur Goodman III27Sera Callif29Helene Rivlin31George DiPaolo

JANUARY MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

30th - Larry and Trish Fleishman

20th - Bruce and Leslie Schlernitzauer

10th - Tom and Jennifer DiVittorio Glen and Ellyn Swerdlow

thaNK yOu tO Our deCeMber & JaNuary

tOt Shabbat SpONSOrS!

Brian and Martha Yesowitch in honor of the Tot Shabbat Committee

volunteers.

Renee and Philip Schreibman in honor of Frida Secrist’s birthday andHappy Chanukah to our amazing sons

Adam Fosnaugh and Rina Roginsky and Family

Marcia Reger

VOICEWHISPER CALENDAR

15

JaNuary 2013

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 OFFICE CLOSED

2 7:00 pm Taste of Judaism; Hebrew High

3 7:00 pm Brotherhood “First Thursday”

4 10:30 am Sisterhood Board Meeting 12:00 pm Uptown Talmud 6:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 7:15 pm Bereavement Service 8:00 pm Shabbat Worship Service

5 9:30 am FIJI; Tanach Study 11:00 am B’nei Mitzvah of Jacob Farhi and Stephen Perle 1:45 pm Jolt of Judaism

6 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 10:00 am Brotherhood Sports Collectors Club; Brotherhood Photography Club 6:00 pm B’nei Mitzvah Tutoring

7 HEBREW SCHOOL 11:00 am S.P.I.C.E. Program 4:45 pm Terrific Tales from the Torah! Afterschool Enrichment

8 4:30 pm B’nei Mitzvah Tutoring

9 HEBREW SCHOOL 4:45 pm Terrific Tales from the Torah! Afterschool Enrichment 6:00 pm Ways and Means Committee Meeting 7:00 pm A Taste of Judaism Hebrew High 7:30 pm Communications Committee Meeting

10 4:45 pm Hands-On Jewish Holidays Afterschool Enrichment; Shalom Chaverim Afterschool Enrichment

11 6:00 pm Welcoming Shabbat “Off the Wall”

12 9:00 am Teen Band Rehearsal; FIJI; Tanach Study; Robyn Farber Leadership Class; 7th Grade Sheva 10:00 am Teen Vocal Ensemble 10:15 am Congregational Shabbat Breakfast 11:00 am Congregational Shabbat Service 4:00 pm LIBERTY Llamas on the Loose

13 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 9:30 & 11:00 am Just Say Know Parent Program 10:00 am Brotherhood Breakfast 6:00 pm B’nei Mitzvah Tutoring

14 HEBREW SCHOOL 4:45 pm Terrific Tales from the Torah Afterschool Enrichment 5:30 pm Comparative Religion Committee Meeting

15 4:30 pm B’nei Mitzvah Tutoring

16 HEBREW SCHOOL 12:00 pm Sisterhood Lunch and Card Party; South Park Talmud 4:45 pm Terrific Tales Afterschool Enrichment 7:00 pm A Taste of Judaism; Hebrew High; Member Services Meeting

17 4:45 pm Hands-On Jewish Holidays Afterschool Enrichment; Shalom Chaverim Afterschool Enrichment

18 12:00 pm Uptown Talmud 7:00 pm 70th Birthday Celebration Kick-Off with MLK Shabbat 9:00 pm 70th Birthday Celebration Oneg

19 9:15 am Tot Shabbat 9:30 am FIJI; Tanach Study 11:00 am Bar Mitzvah of Maxwell Wallach 12:30 pm Wallach Kiddush Luncheon

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21 OFFICE CLOSED

22 4:30 pm B’nei Mitzvah Tutoring 7:00 pm Comparative Religion Series

23 11:00 am SPICE Program 7:00 pm A Taste of Judaism

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25 6:00 pm Welcoming Shabbat 7:15 pm Service of Healing and Comfort

26 9:00 am FIJI; Tanach Study 11:00 am B’not Mitzvah of Peri Sisskind and Erica Valenstein 3:00 pm KatanTY K1 & 23 5:00 pm Tu b’Shvat Seder

27 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 10:00 am Sisterhood Brunch 11:45 am Chevra Kaddishah 6:00 pm B’nei Mitzvah Tutoring

28 HEBREW SCHOOL 12:00 pm Senior Sage Class 4:45 pm Terrific Tales from the Torah Afterschool Enrichment

29 4:30 pm B’nei Mitzvah Tutoring 7:00 pm Comparative Religion Series

30 HEBREW SCHOOL 12:00 pm Sisterhood; South Park Talmud 4:45 pm Afterschool Enrichment 7:00 pm Contemplating Conversion; Hebrew High

31 4:45 pm Hands-On Jewish Holidays Afterschool Enrichment; Shalom Chaverim Afterschool Enrichment

5101 providence roadCharlotte, NC 28226 (704) 366-1948www.beth-el.com

wOrShip SerViCeS - JaNuary 2013

Friday, JaNuary 4Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00pmBereavement Service: Finding Consolation after Loss 7:15pmShabbat Worship Service 8:00pm

Saturday, JaNuary 5Adult Tanach (Bible) Study 9:30amShabbat Morning Service/B’nei Mitzvah 11:00am Jacob Farhi Son of Deborah and Jack Farhi Stephen Perle Son of Pamela Perle and Scott Perle

Friday, JaNuary 11Welcoming Shabbat Service 6:00pm

Saturday, JaNuary 12Adult Tanach (Bible) Study 9:00amCongregational Shabbat Experiences 9:00amCongregational Shabbat Brunch 10:15amCongregational Shabbat Service 11:00am

Friday, JaNuary 18Martin Luther King Shabbat Service 7:00pm

Saturday, JaNuary 19Adult Tanach (Bible) Study 9:00am

Tot Shabbat 9:15amShabbat Morning Service/Bar Mitzvah 11:00am Maxwell Wallach Son of Rabbi Judy and Chip Wallach

Friday, JaNuary 25Welcoming Shabbat Service 6:00pmService of Healing & Comfort 7:15pm

Saturday, JaNuary 26Adult Tanach (Bible) Study 9:30amShabbat Morning Service/B’not Mitzvah 11:00am Peri Sisskind Daughter of Jill and Michael Sisskind Erica Valenstein Daughter of Jodi and Gregory Valenstein

Friday, February 1Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00pmBereavement Service: Finding Consolation after Loss 7:15pmShabbat Worship Service 8:00pm

Saturday, February 2Adult Tanach (Bible) Study 9:30amShabbat Morning Service/B’not Mitzvah 11:00am Cassie Eisenberg Daughter of Endratni and Gordon Eisenberg Corinne Feinstein Daughter of Suzanne and Michael Feinstein

Temple Office HoursMonday through Thursday 9:00am to 5:30pmFriday 9:00am to 4:00pmThe office is closed on Saturday and Sunday.