A message from our president - The Temple, Congregation B ... · Amy Zemelman . 5 B’NAI JEHUDAH...
Transcript of A message from our president - The Temple, Congregation B ... · Amy Zemelman . 5 B’NAI JEHUDAH...
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A message from our president... My message this month is an expanded version of my remarks on Rosh Hashanah. Over the last 14 months I have had conversations with many of you. It has been the best part of my responsibilities. Stories you have shared have inspired me. I have heard wonderful ideas and positive feedback. I have also heard concerns and criticism as well. I find that
learning a person’s story and about their journey through life helps one understand another person’s point of view and not make fast judgments about their character. Recently I met with a member of our congregation. Her purpose in meeting with me was to express a concern, not to tell me her life’s story. However it is worth sharing. Before I learned about her concern, this woman was kind and patient enough to tell me her remarkable story. I had seen her at services on most Shabbats. She has a very warm and engaging smile. Her way of greeting me gave me a window into the soul of a caring and open heart. I learned that she was born into a dysfunctional family besieged with the disease of alcoholism. Married at 20 with a new baby, she lost her husband to an accident. She was totally alone in the world, without an education. She could not rely on her parents or other family members. As a young widow, government subsidized housing allowed her to take care of basic needs for herself and her son. At the time although she was grateful for governmental support, she said she felt like a victim and did not like that feeling. She realized that if she was not independent enough to take care of herself, and did not get an education she would feel like a victim all her life. In all likelihood her child would probably follow in her footsteps. Although she was poor, she decided that the only way to avoid becoming a victim was to become even poorer. She had to move out of government housing, get a job, obtain an education and one day become independent enough that she could become a caregiver rather than being the recipient of care. She went to work, earned enough to pay for child care and obtained a graduate degree and licensure as a psychologist. She worked at Catholic Charities and in the St. Luke’s Health System. More recently, she worked with inmates at a correctional center. She was a very successful mom. Her son served in the United States Army and trained to parachute into enemy territory. Mom made sure that both she and her son always had health insurance before and after his army service. After serving in the Army, as a civilian her son had a horrendous parachute accident which nearly took his life. Mom spent day and night, by his side, throughout his hospitalization, his recovery and his rehabilitation.
Fortunately, he recovered, completed a graduate college degree and now has a wife and a successful career. A remarkable recovery. Where would he be if he had not followed in the footsteps of his incredible role model mom? After she told me her story I learned about the real reason she wanted to talk to me. She questioned whether B’nai Jehudah was the congregation in which she could continue to express her Judaism. Brought up as a strict Christian, she converted to Judaism as an adult five years ago. She came to B’nai Jehudah and found a warm and welcoming community. Her conversion to Judaism was based upon three reasons: 1. She was very impressed that the Jewish people placed such a high value on education. 2. She perceived that Jews established a high bar for ethical standards. AND 3. Jews focus on REPAIRING the entire world not just the Jewish community. She remarried late in life and her Christian husband supports her Judaism. She is at services nearly every week. She is an enthusiastic and engaged member of our congregation. She is presently studying to become a Bat Mitzvah. Throughout her life she was a liberal. During her life’s journey, her political views changed and she became a conservative.
Why was she beginning to feel uncomfortable in our congregation? She was comfortable with her perception that Reform congregations generally have more liberals. This was not why she felt uncomfortable. She realized that people had different views on politics, economics and the level of government control. But because of the tone and vitriolic nature of political comments from people, she was concerned that because her views were different, she was not welcome in our community. The comments she heard were not stated in a manner consistent with our values of OPEN HEARTS, HOLINESS AND COMMON DECENCY. My friend now realizes that our B’nai Jehudah community has people with many opinions about politics, economics, and the role of government. You name it we have it. Our conversations just need to be guided by our values of Open Hearts, Holiness and Common Decency. We can state our true feelings. We can be open minded in trying to understand the opinions of others. The tone and emotional manner in which we express our differing opinions, can harm or help us perpetuate a warm and welcoming community. Lesson learned is that we need to be in dialog with one another. How we talk to one another and how we express our opinions is so very important. Ken Sigman, President [email protected] 816-516-1001
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UPCOMING SERVICE TIMES
UPCOMING SERVICE TIMES Friday, October 5 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, October 6 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service Bar Mitzvah: Ross Tretiak Parashat Bereshit Friday, October 12 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service
Saturday, October 13 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service Bar Mitzvah: Noah Reif Parashat Noach Friday, October 19 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, October 20 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service Bat Mitzvah: Alexandra Freidan Parashat Lech L’cha
Friday, October 26 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, October 27 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service Parashat Vayera
B’NAI MITZVAH
Ross Robert Tretiak, son of Carla and Andy Tretiak, will celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah during the 10:30 am Shabbat service on October 6, 2018. Ross is a 7th grade student at Overland Trail Middle School. He participates in Lacrosse, baseball, basketball and is in the Blue Valley gifted and talented program. For his tzedakah project, Ross prepared and delivered meals for the Kansas City homeless through the Uplift Organization outreach program. To donate or volunteer, visit www.uplift.org. Noah David Reif, son of Loren and Jason Reif will celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah during the 10:30 am Shabbat service on October 13, 2018. Noah is a 7th grade student at Leawood Middle School. He participates in Kesher. Noah loves playing basketball and baseball and wrestles through Blue Valley North. He is passionate about sports and vintage cars. His other interest are photography and photo editing and taking care of his tortoise, Bentley. For his tzedakah project, Noah volunteered several times this summer feeding hundreds of people at the Independence Boulevard Christian Church with Micah Ministries and other B’nai Jehudah volunteers. Alexandra Natalie Freidan, daughter of Rebecca Dragon-Freiden and Jonathan Freiden, will celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah during the 10:30 am Shabbat service on October 20, 2018. Rebecca is a 7th grade student at The Barstow School. She plays flute, soccer, basketball and tennis. She also loves swimming and reading. For her tzedakah project, Alexandra volunteered at the Jewish Family Services food pantry. She prepared boxes of food for refugee families in the Kansas City community. She also made regular monthly food deliveries to homebound clients from the JFS pantry. In addition, Alexandra collected small bottles of hygiene products for the JFS pantry and other shelters in need of those supplies.
WE WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS
Linda & David Cooper
Jennifer Forman-Wright & Brian Wright Keely and Livia
Lisa & Eric Ginsburg Avery and Mia
Susan & Bob Greenberg
Janice & Steve Hendler
Debbie & Jay Lubin
Patricia Neyman Benjamin Wolter
Aviva Renoux Grant, Griffin, Justice, Phoenix, Pierce
Sonja Roper Aaron, Asher, Effie
Liz & Will Ruder Leo, Miriam
Elizabeth Schoetz & Matt Muehlbauer Jacob, Samantha
Herb Spiegel
Nicole Sztokman & Sam Taylon
Amy Zemelman
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B’NAI JEHUDAH BROTHERHOOD
Living and strengthening L’Dor V’ Dor with Family, B’nai Jehudah and Judaism Brotherhood completes (another) RARE DOUBLE HEADER The first day of Religious School was again a day of teamwork, family, education and fun as it began with our complimentary ANNUAL PANCAKE DAY BREAKFAST for B’nai Jehudah students and families, faculty and staff. Almost 400 delicious pancakes were served. That was followed immediately after school by our ANNUAL FAMILY FISHING DERBY, which was held at Leawood Park Lake on Tomahawk Pkwy. It began with lunch and that was quickly followed by “I CAUGHT ONE” and it was a “first fish I ever caught”. This was a really fun afternoon with lots of family, food and fishing. Many kids caught their first fish.
Almost 130 attended including several three generational families… Thank you to all of our Brotherhood Members and friends who prepared and served breakfast and helped to plan and produce the Derby. And to Scheels, Dicks Sporting Goods and Walmart, which provided gift cards and prizes to be given for each kid’s first fish and to BURGERFI and Ben Nathan for preparing and donating our ‘hot dog’ lunch. We will now plan to have the Fishing Derby each year on the first day of Religious School, as the spring planning schedule and uncertain weather made this time frame problematic. YOUR SUPPORT of BROTHERHOOD helps us to continue programming like this.
TRIVIA NIGHT SPONSORED BY BROTHERHOOD Saturday, November 10 6:30 pm Have fun with a men vs. women point total for the 2nd annual “Kiddush Cup” Contest This fun and free competition is open to all B’nai Jehudah members and friends. Limit total 64 players with 32 per gender. Light Snacks and coffee and desert will be served. If you have questions or would like to sign up, contact Chuck Siegel ([email protected]) before 9/21/18.
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Daily Minyan Monday—Thursday 5:45pm,
Sunday 11:30am
Holiday Exceptions: Federal holidays, when the office is closed, minyan is
held at 9:30am the morning of the holiday. For Jewish holidays,
holiday services replace daily minyan.
Turn It and Turn It Again Jewish Texts Throughout the Ages
CLASSES ARE ON BREAK UNTIL AFTER THE HIGH HOLIDAYS. CLASSES WILL RESUME WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17.
Weekly Torah Portion With Rabbi Nemitoff and Rabbi Smiley Wednesdays at 10:00 – 11:30 am This seminar focuses on the weekly Torah reading with occasional excursions to other elements of Jewish life.
Talmud Study With Rabbi Padorr Wednesdays at 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Yevamot: a discussion about procreation: is there an obligation to raise children? How many? Gender? How do we take these Talmudic discussions and apply them to our community and lives today?
Join the rabbis of the Talmud for a dynamic discussion of Judaism and Jewish law and behavior: a way of thinking and looking at the world then and now. We are looking at various aspects of the relationship between spouses: inception of marriage, during the marriage, after the marriage whether by divorce or death. We study in English and its relevance for today’s world. Please join us as we continue our stimulating discussions. For information please call Rabbi Beryl Padorr, Shared Vision Coordinator (913-663-1805; [email protected]). Or just show up!
ADULT LEARNING
PB&J – Providing Sandwiches Join us as we create 225 PB&J sandwiches
the Third Monday in October (October 15) from 1:00 – 3:00 latest. These sandwiches benefit Micah Ministries and Center of Grace Church, two agencies serving the most vulnerable in our community. Contact Sharon Mallin ([email protected] ) for more information or call the office (913-663-4050). Micah Ministries – Serving Food Monday, October 15 5:00 – 7:00 pm 606 Gladstone Blvd, KCMO 64124
While we do not provide transportation, there are a group of dedicated volunteers who will give you the low-down on this particular Mitzvah.
Halloween Candy Drop Off On Sunday, November 6, bring your unwanted Halloween candy to B’nai Jehudah and place it in the special drop box. The candy will be distributed to Truman Medical Center and Research Hospital. This is the third year of this Halloween Candy Buy-Back initiative.
SOCIAL ACTION
OCTOBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Celebrating 10 Years
Alexandra & Keith Drill Lauryn & Dave Glass Celebrating 40 Years or More
Linda & Richard Bell Norma & Ken Buchwach
Diane & Mark Davidner Margaret & Larry Goldstein Sandy & Phillip Gonsher Roz & Fred Goodman Judy & Bud Kahn Joyce & Jimmy Kaplan Susie & Keith Morantz Harriet & Sonny Radetsky Anna & David Semidubersky Ileene & Steven Simon Sally & Gordon Slabotsky
Lunch and Learn
Wednesday, October 3 11:45 am
Peter Newman will speak on "From Vienna to Kansas City,
A Holocaust Story"
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B’NAI JEHUDAH SISTERHOOD - The benefits are never ending
RABBI NEMITOFF'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
TZEDAKAH
Judith & Laurence Mayer
WEDDING VOW RENEWAL
Cary & Chuck Morris
YAHRZEIT
Archie Bercu
Barbara & Robert Bloch
Sheilah Kocherov
Simon Partnoy
Susan Dolginoff
Milton Rosenblatt
Debbie & Mike Saferstein
Joseph Cohen
Hildy & Pat Flanigan
David Minkin
Barbara & Jerry Freidberg
Harry Robinson
Carol & Allan Robinson
Jean Vegder
Nancy & Ron Leu
RABBI SMILEY'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
MEMORY
Dr. Jerome Grunt
Suzy Siegler Rieber
Dr. Jerome & Hope Grunt
Becca & William Yord
JACOB AND ELIZABETH BLUM TEMPLE CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FUND
MEMORY
Gertrud Berkowitz
Sidney Berkowitz
Cilli Bock
Peter Dale
Dee Dee Dale
Carol Dale & Barney Mayse
Celia Richey
Lenny Davis
Carol Dale & Barney Mayse
Samantha & Brian Cabrera
BRAEMAN FAMILY EDUCATION FUND
YAHRZEIT
Aaron Braeman
Roslyn Braeman Payne
BUILDING FUND
YAHRZEIT
Mariam Friedmann
Tom Friedmann
DEWITT FAMILY FLOWER FUND
TZEDAKAH
Kathy & Bob DeWitt
MOSSEL-MILLER DWORKIN EDUCATION FUND
YAHRZEIT
Alex Kratchman
Arnold Kratchman
GENERAL FUND
ANNIVERSARY
Robin & Bill Carr
Cynthia & Arthur Liebenthal
CONVERSION
Kate Bender
Gail & Harry Himmelstein
HIGH HOLIDAYS
High Holidays 5779
Sari & Jeff Brockner
Harriet & Ron Jacobson
HONOR
Milton Brod
Steve Jagoda
MEMORY
Larry Blumenthal
Jason King
Fran Carbley
Ann F. Gay
Mary & Mark Greenberg
Morris Merker
Jenny & John Isenberg
Brooks Schwarz
Jocelyn & John Fry
YAHRZEIT
Estelle Abelson
Susan & Glenn Abelson
Dave Belzer
Fayna Belzer
Carolyn Rose Berlau
Charles Berlau
Morrie Bratman
Bruce Bratman
Bernard Davis
Diane Ravis
Patricia Donnelly
Donna & Ward Katz
Frances Wang Gershon
Rebecca Dragon Freiden & Jonathan Freiden
Max Hecht
Scott Hecht
Golybov Moysey Iosifovich
Yefim Sirota
Edith Kaplan
Susan & Glenn Abelson
Alvin Karner
Jean Karner
Meyer H. Kraft
Marcia Schoenfeld & Fred Greenstein
Jake Levin
Lee Levin
Claire Magady
Howard Rosenberg
Getz G. Magady
Irving Millstein
Gertie Millstein
Sara Mittelman
Marie & Phil Koffman & Family
Lottie Pick
Eldy Pick
Gustave Pollet
Gayle, Steve, Jeremy, Witney, Danielle & Justin Jagoda
Michael Rosenberg
Sam Rosenberg
Bruce Bratman
Harry Seligson
Rose Haith Seligson
Ted Seligson
Lyusya Sirota
Yefim Sirota
Raymond H. Starr
Norton Starr
John Weil Uhlmann
The John Uhlmann Family
Betty Ann Weissman
Rose Carr
Rosie Wienshienk
Judy Kahn
Charlotte Wolf
Beverly & Justin Johl
MITZVAH GARDEN
MEMORY
Audree Milgram Klein Baer
Gabrielle Handler
PRESCHOOL FUND
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DONATIONS
MEMORY
Harry Kreiter
Janet & Louis Bordman
YAHRZEIT
Rose Bordman
Janet & Lou Bordman
Simon Partnoy Lynda & Edward Caviar
SOCIAL ACTION/HUNGER FUND
ANNIVERSARY
Marsha & Chuck Levey
Cynthia Lieberman & Larry Racunas
BIRTHDAY
Shirley Morantz
Golda Mayer
MEMORY
Barbara Sherman
Ann Stern & Leonard Glass
YAHRZEIT
Wilber Fulkerson
Leah & Lenny Bassin
Leonard Herman
Karen & Michael Herman
Ernest D. Mayer
Golda Mayer
WENDY TALBOT MEMORIAL YOUTH-IN-CRISIS OUTREACH TEMPLE FUND
YAHRZEIT
Tracy Lynn Mopper
Wendy Renee Talbot
Hope & Marshall Talbot
JACK S. TRANIN SPECIAL PROJECTS FUND
YAHRZEIT
Sam Hipsh
David Kupperman
Maurene Kupperman
Barbara & Ted O'Connor
SISTERHOOD FUNDS HELEN S. GREEN MEMORIAL PULPIT FLOWER/FOOD BASKET FUND
MEMORY
Moris Merker
Rosalie Bovos
We Remember
Audree Baer
Aunt of Sally Milgram
Miriam Krantz Mother of Rachel Krantz
Brooks Schwarz
Husband of Julie Swartz Father of Sam, Charlie, Haydn
and Austin Cherished Member
Barbara Sherman
Sister of Lois Bernstein
Ruth Spielman Cherished Member
David Waldberg
Brother of Bill Waldberg Uncle of Ed Waldberg and
Mitch Waldberg
DONATIONS Donations to the synagogue are
always greatly appreciated. Due to the increased administrative and postage costs necessary to notify recipients of your generous gifts, we ask that each donation be $18
or more per requested notification. Thank You!
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12320 NALL AVENUE OVERLAND PARK, KS 66209
PHONE: 913-663-4050 / FAX: 913-906-9544 WEB: WWW.BNAIJEHUDAH.ORG
Dated material -do not delay. Return service requested.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Kansas City, Mo.
Permit No. 721
The next bulletin will be the November 2018 issue. The deadline for the November bulletin is Oct. 5. If you have any questions about the Temple Bulletin please contact Jeanne Adler, at 913-663-2641.
RABBIS Rabbi Arthur P. Nemitoff, Senior Rabbi Rabbi Sarah Smiley, Rabbi
OFFICERS Ken Sigman, President Amy Bryant, Vice President Adam Cohen, Vice President Amanda Morgan King, Vice President Sharon Iseman, Secretary/Treasurer Jocelyn Fry, President-Elect ADMINISTRATION Jeanne Adler, FTA, Executive Director Michelle Cox, Music Director Dayna Gershon, Director of Formal & Informal Education Rabbi Beryl Padorr, Shared Vision Coordinator Emily Williams, Assistant Director of Education
EMERITUS Michael R. Zedek, Rabbi Emeritus