February 2015 Tekiah

A Note from the RabbiRabbi Rick Shapiro

(Continued on page 2)

February 2015 • Issue 286 • Shevat/Adar 5775

Dear Friends,

Recently I heard it again: “Our son will not be attending Religious School now that he has become a Bar Mitzvah. Since he is now a Jewish adult we think he

ought to be able to make his own decisions, and he has decided that he doesn’t want to come any more.” I must have heard this comment hundreds of times in my 30+ years as a rabbi, but I don’t understand it any better now than I did the very first time it came up.

The concept of becoming a Bat or Bar Mitzvah means to become part of the adult Jewish community and to accept the responsibilities that come with that membership. If teenagers are going to be able to make responsible decisions, then they have to make sure that they know enough about the choices available and their consequences. And there is no way that a 13 year old, no matter how worldly or sophisticated, is sufficiently knowledgeable to move into the world of Jewish adult decision-making without further education.

Indeed, we do teach that at the age of 13, Jewish teens ought to be allowed to begin to make more of their own decisions; that is what becoming a Bat/Bar Mitzvah is all about. But there are decisions that are appropriate for a 13-year-old to make, and there are other decisions - ones that have long-term effects on their lives and their welfare - that are not appropriate for a 13-year-old to make, at least not alone. And whether or not to continue their Jewish education and involvement I belive is of the latter variety.

It would seem that we have turned the meaning of Bat/Bar Mitzvah upside down. Before they become adults, our children

are obligated to pursue their Jewish identities, but post-thirteen, they become free of all Jewish obligations! Think about it. When they are younger, we insist that our children go to religious school, accompany us to services when we go, observe the holidays at home, etc. But once they turn 13, all of a sudden they are free to make their own decisions, and frequently all sense of Jewish obligation and participation goes out the window. It doesn’t make any sense.

AVisit us on the Internet at

www.beth-torah.org

The Monthly Newsletter of Congregation Beth Torah

GIVE BLOOD:The Community Blood Center needs to collect 580 units of blood daily. Please share your gift of life by donating at the next blood drive on Monday, February 9th, from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. Sign-up online: esavealifenow.org, Sponsor Code: Beth Torah. For additional details contact Scott Franklin at (913) 645-1036 or [email protected].

Purim Sunday, March 1st:

Wear your costume to religious school and be part of our parade! Enjoy our artist-in-residence,

Dan Nichols, and celebrate Purim at our 9:30 a.m. family worship. Join us to see what else

we might have up our celebratory sleeve!!

Erev Purim:Wednesday evening, March 4th

Teens are invited to be part of a citywide two-hour mitzvah project. Contact Aaron Nielsenshultz For more information at [email protected].

The Café Shushan Singers Present:The tale of Esther, Mordechai, a King and Haman as we

redefine that famous surfing slogan of hanging ten!

Wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt for the Hawaiian shirt contest, put on your flip flops and join us: Wednesday, March 4th

• 7:00-8:00 p.m. a VERY dramatic reading of the megillah in the sanctuary by CBT volunteers

• 8:00-8:15 hamantaschen and coffee* in the Ulam.

• 8:15ish-9ish: The Café Shushan singers ,

under the direction of Emily Tummons, present:

(With major apologies to the Beach Boys)

*fancy coffee drinks prepared by Zach Coffee Guy Zwibelman

www.beth-torah.org |

Torah Portion & HaftarahJanuary 30/31 10 ShevetB’shalach, Exod. 13:17-17:16Haftarah – Judges 4:4-5:31

February 6/7 16 ShevatYitro. Exod. 19:1-20:23Haftarah – Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-9:6

February 13/14 24 ShevatMishpatim, Exod. 21:1-24:18Haftarah – II Kings 12:5-16

February 20/21 1 AdarT’rumah, Exod. 25:1-27:19Haftarah – I Kings 5:26 – 6:13

February 27/28 8 AdarT’tzaveh, Exod. 27:20-30:10Esther 7:1-10, 8:15-17 or I Samuel 15:2-34

Worship(Continued from page 1)

I am reminded of the joke that tells of the rabbi and pastor who were commiserating over their common problems. “We have real problem with rats,” the pastor complained. “Try as we might, we simply cannot get rid of them.” “We had that problem a few years ago,” replied the rabbi, “and the solution was simple. I just Bar Mitzvah-ed all the rats and they left and never set foot in the synagogue again!” And while we all laugh when we hear this joke told, it is a sad commentary on Jewish life that it reflects an all-too-common reality.

In my work with adult non-Jews interested in becoming Jewish, I often encounter their Jewish partners who are indifferent, or even hostile, to Judaism. They frequently make a point of telling me that they aren’t religious, and that they haven’t been in a synagogue since their Bar Mitzvah (I say Bar Mitzvah because these indifferent or hostile Jewish partners are overwhelmingly men). When I begin exploring with them what Judaism does mean to them, I invariably discover that their Jewish education and involvement (other than some vague sense of “feeling Jewish”) ended at the age of 13. At that point I challenge them by saying: “No wonder you don’t feel connected to Judaism! What other part of your life functions successfully with the knowledge of only a 13-year-old? If you read at a 13-year-old level or if you had a 13-year-old’s knowledge of the world, you would be considered illiterate! And yet you still expect your 13-year-old’s perception of Judaism to give you meaning and significance.”

And that is precisely what plagues so many of us: We have difficulty relating to our Jewish tradition because we still try to function with an understanding of God and Judaism that was last updated when we stood on that bima, read from the Torah, and then decided to walk away from the synagogue.

Judaism is not a child’s religion. Yes, you heard me right - Judaism is not a child’s religion. It is only after Bat/Bar Mitzvah, only after our children become young adults, that they can begin to discuss and learn about Judaism in all its sophistication and complexity. And so when parents permit a child, under the guise of exercising their new-found post-Bat/Bar Mitzvah ability to make their own decisions, to drop out of religious school and end their Temple involvement altogether, they are depriving them not only of the best years of their Jewish education, but of the ability to make educated, informed Jewish decisions for the rest of their lives. And, if my experience is any guide, they are significantly increasing the chances that their child will grow up to be an indifferent or hostile Jewish adult.

Here at Beth Torah, opportunities abound for our teens to continue their Jewish education and remain attached to and involved in the Jewish community. TAG is an excellent education program that allows students to interact with Judaism as only young adults can; the Madrichim program is an outstanding example of innovative ways to engage young minds; and BTTY presents teens with opportunities to interact with other teens in a Jewish environment while continuing to explore the meaning of Judaism in their lives.

And opportunities for education and engagement don’t end at the age of 18. Beth Torah’s adult education programs present frequent discussions and activities to continue to interact with modern Judaism; Shabbat worship offers an opportunity to engage in a joyful and spiritual journey of the soul; Shabbat morning Torah Study with Rabbi Levin is an intellectually challenging dialogue between modern Jews and ancient texts; Saturday Night at the Movies takes a look at the challenges faced by Jews in coming to the United States and struggling to become part of American life; and our Jewish Literature Discussion Group explores the wonders of contemporary Jewish writers writing about Jewish life and exploring contemporary Jewish issues. And these are but a few of the many opportunities that exist for yesterday’s teenagers – all of YOU! – to engage in today’s Jewish life.

Congregation Beth Torah is on the cusp of beginning the next chapter in its storied life. In the months to come we will continue our exploration of who we are and what we stand for, and in the spring, the Rabbinic Search Committee will reconvene to begin its work in selecting the next Rabbi who will assume the pulpit of this wonderful congregation and guide it on its ongoing journey. The only question that remains is: Will you be part of that journey or merely a bystander? The choice is yours, and how those of you with children respond to your child’s request to drop out of Religious School after Bat/Bar Mitzvah will offer a revealing window into the future of this congregation in particular, and Jewish life in general. My hope and my prayer is that each of you will grasp this opportunity to re-engage in meaningful Jewish life, and in so doing, reinvigorate and revitalize your own lives as you reinvigorate and revitalize the Beth Torah community. The coming decades offer exciting possibilities for Jewish life – where will you be as they bear fruit?


LeadershipPresident’s Corner

A year ago, we held a series of Congregational Forums and conducted an online survey to listen to the feelings and thoughts of Beth Torah members, as we began the transition from our founding rabbi and other staff changes, to the next stage in our congregational life and history. We published the “word-cloud” illustration below, which summarized our response to: “What are three words that describe your feelings about the changes in the Beth Torah community?”

Responses ran the full spectrum of feelings. The top two occurring words were opportunity and hopeful. This was a sign that though we were concerned (tied for 3rd) most people felt this time of change (tied for 3rd) was an opportunity for us as a community to

re-envision what it means to be Beth Torah and re-engage in building for the future. This wide range of feelings continues to this day. Beth Torah members are involved and committed, and want to preserve what is unique about our community.

In December, 40-50 Beth Torah members participated in the first of three transition workshops led by Rabbi Shapiro. During an exercise where those attending chose actions or activities that stood out to them, the following items were identified by many: the founding of the congregation in 1988, opening of the building in 1996, announcement of Rabbi Levin’s impending retirement and the Torah Writing Project. Also in December, 40-50 members attended a meeting and shared their thoughts about the decision to move to a one-rabbi model in July 2016, coinciding with the arrival of our new rabbi. Mixed feelings were again expressed, as we work to ensure Beth Torah continues to be strong spiritually, as a community, and financially.

Thinking about Beth Torah today, there are important things that set us apart: the NATE accredited Weiner Religious School; our inspiring sanctuary; our uplifting music program, led by Music Director Emily Tummons; and our welcoming and engaged community. As we continue with the transition workshops, we will no doubt revisit these unique aspects of Beth Torah, as well as many other values, activities and people that are important to each of us in our Beth Torah experience.

NOW is an important time to be involved in exploring and influencing our future. As the board of trustees, staff and other community leaders try to communicate often with our members, we invite you to communicate with us. Continue to share your thoughts with us. Participate in the upcoming workshops. Invite your friends to share in our community. Let us know of your interest in taking on leadership roles, serving on committees or task forces, and considering board service. You may speak to any board member, myself or Laura Intfen.

We are Beth Torah Strong because of you.

Linda Zappulla

Linda Zappulla, Board President [email protected]

Raise Your Hand to Get Involved in Leadership at

Beth Torah!Hello CBT Members,

Every year at this time, the Nominating Committee is activated to develop the slate of officers and members of the Board of the Trustees, to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. The Nominating Committee consists of three board members and three non-board members. (Nominating Committee members cannot be proposed as officers or new members of the Board).

Throughout the year, Board leadership is looking for their own successors. Sometimes we need particular skills or need to add people who reflect the demographics of the membership. We become aware of people who have been involved in Beth Torah activities, taken a leadership role in a program or committee or expressed interest in joining the Board. But we may not know of YOUR interest and skills. Please let us know if you are interested in being considered for the Board or in getting involved in another leadership role.

With all of these changes, there are so many opportunities to influence the future of Beth Torah so please consider stepping forward into leadership. Realize that it may take time to work your way into the ultimate leadership role you want; but getting started is equally important. We need your professional skills, your interest and commitment and your love for the community we call Beth Torah.

Please contact me directly with your interests-I look forward to hearing from you!

Michelle Cole, Nominating Committee Chair and Immediate Past President, Board of Trustees(913) [email protected]


What Judaism Asks at a Time of Grief

To begin with gratitude: I’m writing this article in mid-January, still in the midst of my Sh’loshim observance for my father. I have sent many messages of gratitude already, but my heart is overflowing with thanksgiving to each member of the Beth Torah community who has been supportive during this time of my grief. Thank you for your gentle remarks, calls, cards, emails, donations, handshakes, hugs, listening ears, food and friendship. Thank you most of all for your presence in whatever way you offer it. I will be mourning all year. I appreciate your sensitivity, kindness and community at this difficult season in my life and the life of my family.

Judaism suggests four stages of formal mourning: I. Aninut – Period of mourning from the time you hear the news of the death until the burial; immediate, intense mourning II. Aveilut or Formal Mourning:

1. Shiva – The first seven days after burial, including the day of burial 2. Sh’loshim – The first 30 days after burial, including the day of burial; this concludes the period of formal mourning for all relatives except for parents 3. Shneim asar chodesh – The first year of Aveilut starting with the day of death, observed with Kaddish Yatom (the Mourner’s Kaddish; literally, the Orphan’s Kaddish) for 11 months for parents; tombstones are unveiled after one year One of the great gifts of Reform Judaism is the commitment to autonomy and the pursuit of personal meaning. How each person lives inside of these four time periods of formal mourning is for him or her to determine. In an ideal world, we would study our tradition before determining our choices; this is how we exercise “choice through knowledge.” There is much more to learn to inform a mourning practice, but for the purposes of this Tekiah, I want to share two basic ideas: “What Judaism asks of a Mourner” and “What Judaism asks of the Mourner’s Jewish Community.” “What Judaism asks of a Mourner”In all the stages, Judaism asks a mourner:· To feel your feelings· To share about your loved one who has died· To be gentle and patient with yourself· To not expect to feel how you felt before your loss, because your life has changed. You will have to find what is normal for you moving forward, often termed, “the new normal.” “What Judaism asks of the Mourner’s Jewish Community”In all the stages, Judaism asks a Jewish community to support and comfort the mourner. This role can be very challenging. Just as there are individual responses to grief and loss, each mourner will have individual needs for support. The most common themes for helping are:· Offering to make a minyan (a quorum of adult Jews) for the mourners who wish to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish· Not greeting a mourner over the phone or in person (“Hi! How are you?” can be a deeply troubling question, because there may not be an answer or the answer may be very difficult for the mourner). Instead of a standard greeting, simply say, “I’ve been thinking about you.” And let the mourner lead the conversation (talk or not talk). Your presence and emotional support may be all your friend will want or it may be just the beginning of what he/she will request from you.· Providing other help and support. When offering help/support to a mourner, it is ideal to make a specific offer (e.g., running errands, bringing over dinner, picking up the kids from school, etc.). Your grieving friend may not yet be able to articulate his/her needs or engage in gracious social behaviors to request help when a vague offer is made. Specificity is a gift to your friend. Be prepared for your friend to not accept your offer of help right away, but rest assured that simply offering help is a deep kindness on its own. Perhaps the most important lesson I have learned on this side of mourning is the same as the first step in CPR training: You point at someone hovering over the unconscious person and say, “You, call 911.” In a crisis, people often assume that someone else will step up. Someone else will call. That is rarely the case. In fact, people often think that a mourner is overwhelmed and would not appreciate contact at this time. In this day and age of Caller ID and phones that can be silenced or turned off, mourners have the ability to control contact over the phone, as well as email, social media or the mailbox. It is always kind to reach out to a mourning member of your community to express your support (in the first week, month, year or more). A simple, “I’m thinking about you,” will go a long way. Remember, you can always make a plan to call again in a month or two. After the intense period of Shiva has ended, phone calls slow, but a mourner will still appreciate your support.

Rabbi Rebecca Reice, Associate Rabbi [email protected]


Connections“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein

There are two new systems in our Beth Torah world. One is a reaching out and one is a pulling in. On the recommendation of the Director of Community Security from the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and to increase the security of our staff and congregants we have begun to lock our doors at all times except during worship and when school is in session or when we have Overland Park off-duty police

officers out front. When you come up the walk, you will ring in at the intercom at the northernmost front door and Robin or Cathy will be there to answer your buzz, identify you and unlatch the door for you to come in. This was a hard decision to make, but it is a decision that synagogue and other religious buildings all across the country are making every day. Things happen. They happened in Paris; they happened here in Kansas City. We must be proactive. We don’t make this move to exclude, but out of necessity, we pull in.

The second system we are putting into place is an online system for you to be able to reach out. Our database system is going to connect with our web site and you can get online and change your address when you move, pay your statement, make a donation, and you will be able to register your child for school this spring. One of the best features of the new system is the online directory so that you can reach out to your Beth Torah community for connections. Check your email boxes soon for your sign-in name and password. Let me know how you use your new online connection opportunities. We look forward to this new feature on our web site. Reaching out and connecting is one of the best benefits of your membership.

You don’t have to be an Einstein to see why we at Beth Torah have introduced these new things. It is to keep us all in balance. Just like riding a bike.

Laura Intfen, Member Services [email protected]

Meaningful Jewish Vision Quotation: “Let us thank You and praise You...for Your wondrous deeds and favors at every time of day: evening, morning and noon.” -Shabbat morning amidah

Contributed by: Henri Goettel / Artist: Judy Kass

Artist’s statement:During our initial meeting I was able to rifle through several quotes ... The one I picked first was too long and it didn’t really strike me. When I came upon the quote I eventually picked I knew it was perfect for me. It was short, simple and literal. I knew I could relate it to basic aspects of nature, and I could render it in a manner that would not be cryptic and would be immediately recognizable to the viewer. As far as the materials I used, I chose colored pencils because they are fairly easy to control, and the finished product can appear light and airy, which I felt was an important characteristic of the quote and the image I presented.

Kvetching, Kvelling and Beyond: Charting the Future of Beth TorahSunday, February 15th

Whether or not you attended the first workshop, you won’t want to miss this afternoon

of interactive, hands-on work. Sunday afternoon, on

February 15th, will be the time to look beyond the “Being the Community We Need” slogan

to discover the community that we really are. What

are the values that we as a congregation have and what is the image we project? This is

your opportunity to have your voice heard. Sign-up at our

web site or call the Beth Torah office to RSVP.


Adult Education &Special ProgramsAaron Nielsenshultz, Director of Youth, Education, and [email protected]

Bringing Adult Education to You

If you’re interested in getting a group together to learn about an area of Jewish learning, let Aaron know. He’s glad to help facilitate the creation of a group or to brainstorm with you on ways that it can be fun and compelling. Your imagination is your only limit!

Yiddish CircleYiddish Circle of Learning continues to grow in the Bride’s Room at Beth Torah. Bring a lunch for an hour of learning time devoted to the Yiddish language and culture. Knowledge of Yiddish not a requisite for attending. Come learn and laugh with Ray Davidson each Friday at noon.

Wisdom on WednesdaysStudy sacred texts with other Beth Torah members on Wednesdays at noon in the Bride’s Room. The Wisdom on Wednesdays crew is reading and discussing Pirke Avot, a tractate of the Mishna that contains short sayings of the sages of the Rabbinic Period. We eat and schmooze from noon to 12:30 p.m., and study from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Discussion on the Writings of the TorahJoin the community in discussion on Shabbat morning, 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. in the Library.

Jewish Book ClubContact Rabbi Shapiro to be a part of our new Jewish Literature discussion group. On February 23rd, at 7:00 p.m., we will discuss: Yoshe Kalb by I.J. Singer. Phyllis Goldberg will host this month. Call the Beth Torah office for more information at (913) 498-2212.

Saturday Night at the MoviesJoin your community for an exploration of the Jewish experience in America as portrayed in feature films of the past 50+ years. Each film will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Beth Torah Ulam and be followed by a discussion led by Rabbi Shapiro. Join us February 21st, for a viewing of “Gentleman’s Agreement.” Refreshments will be served.

PJ LibraryLooking for a way to make Fridays a little special? Why not come to PJ Library at Congregation Beth Torah! On the second Friday night of each month, you can sing along with FamJam from 5:50 to 6:05 p.m., and then we’ll share a PJ Library book and a craft or other fun project from 6:10 to 6:25 p.m. Enjoy a snack at the nosh before worship, and you’ll still be able to get your kiddos home in time for bed. We’d love to see you on February 13th!

PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, is brought to you in partnership with Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. PJ Library is also generously supported by Jewish Community Foundation Legacy Fund, Jewish Heritage Foundation, Lowenstein Family Supporting Foundation and Menorah Legacy Foundation.

Lunch with the Rabbi

Join Rabbi Shapiro this month for some lunch and some learning at our next Lunch with the Rabbi on Thursday, February 19th, 12:00-1:30 p.m. in the library. Bring your own lunch or call the office at (913) 498-

2212 to order a sandwich.


Joel Winston Social Justice ProgramreStartThanks to everyone who made our annual month at reStart such a resounding success! I’ll have numbers to share and people to thank next month, but know that your kindness and generosity warmed the hearts of hundreds of people.

Youth Activities - Beyond Chai Keep your 18-to 26-year-old connected to Congregation Beth Torah with Beyond Chai! This program sends out care packages twice a year with holiday-specific Judaica and a note from the rabbis. Just provide contact information for your child or children, and we’ll take care of the rest! Registration is FREE. If you’ve already paid for Beyond Chai, contact Aaron. Register by calling the Congregation Beth Torah office. Joel’s Ride Save the date for Joel’s Ride on June 7th, 2015!

In MemoriumFrances Jean Lerner

Mother of Paula Robinson

Dr. Seth Robert ReiceFather of Rabbi Reice

Laura Marie Young

Stepmother of Bobby Young

Craig WacknovSon of Paul Wacknov

Mazel Tov toEli Maker for winning First Place in the Kansas City Hanukkah

Art Contest.

Sara and Scott Goldstein on the marriage of their daughter, Michelle, to Tyler Anderson on January 3rd.

William & Jessica Day who gave birth to their daughter, Shoshanah Cordelia Day, on December 19th.

We are delighted to announce that

we are changing Rabbi Rebecca

Reice’s title to Associate Rabbi,

to more accurately reflect her

contributions to Beth Torah and the

work she is doing for our community.

We continue to look forward to our

ongoing collaboration with Rabbi

Reice during the next year and a

half as we chart our course into the

future.


Weiner Religious School Aaron Nielsenshultz,Director of Youth, Education, and Engagement

[email protected]

February is often the month associated with romance—after all, Valentine’s Day takes place during February. And this year, February 14th falls on a Saturday, so what better time to celebrate love? The only possible thing to make this better would be childcare already arranged for you—and that’s where your Beth Torah teens are ready to help! Beth Torah is holding our annual Parents’ Night Out on Saturday evening, February 14th, from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Children from preschool (potty-trained only, please!) to 5th grade are welcome. Just $25 for first child and $10 for each additional sibling (includes pizza dinner & snacks). Just RSVP to me so we know we’ve got the coverage we need. And if you have a teen who’s looking to earn some community service hours, I’d be glad to sign them up to help.

But that’s not all the youth programming coming up in February. We also have the Chili Cook Off on February 8th. Our teens run the game rooms, so have your teens sign-up there, too. And JYG will be running the Cake Walk room. 4th and 5th grade TWYG members can get in on the fun, too—we need food runners, and many hands will make for light work.

We’ll have another program on February 28th (details to follow), and we’ll wrap the month up with a Dan Nichols concert at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1st.

I’ll just add one more note for teens seeking more community service hours: Keep your calendar clear for Wednesday night, March 4th: we’ve got a project to do for Purim.

Breakfast or Ice Cream SponsorshipAre you looking for a fun way to honor a special occasion in your life or in the life of someone you love? Why not sponsor breakfast on Sunday mornings or ice cream on Wednesday evenings for our religious school children? They’ll be grateful, and your simcha will be commemorated with special joy. Call Cathy Nix to arrange your sponsorship today at (913) 498-2212.

Trope starts again in AprilOur next trope class begins on Sunday, April 12th, and it’s open to bar or bat mitzvah students who have started tutoring and are no more than four months away from their bar/bat mitzvah date. If your child’s bar or bat Mitzvah is in June, July, or August, this is the class they should take. Cost for the class is $75, and includes the textbook as well as a copy of the student’s Torah trope. RSVP with payment to the Congregation Beth Torah office no later than April 6th to reserve a spot for your child today. Trope classes will be offered quarterly.


February 2015 B’nai MitzvotBat Mitzvah Alexis ShafferAlexis Lili Shaffer, daughter of Keith and Julie Shaffer, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Shabbat worship on Saturday February 7th, at 10:30 a.m. Alexis is in seventh-grade at Aubry Bend Middle School. She enjoys playing flute in both concert and jazz band. She also enjoys playing percussion in Aubry Bend’s percussion ensemble. Her passion, though, is art of any form. She is a goalie for the Sporting Blue Valley Padova team, and aspires to someday become a soccer-playing artist. Alexis is the sister of R.C. Shaffer, granddaughter of Richard Conway, Lina Conway, Charles Shaffer, and Carol Shaffer. The family looks forward to greeting the Beth Torah community at worship, and invites the community to a Kiddush luncheon following the service. Alexis will be donating the centerpieces from the luncheon to Wayside Waifs. She will also be donating the soccer ball centerpieces from her party to First Kicks, and the art bouquet centerpieces to Beth Torah. She also created the Mitzvah tree for ReStart to help families in need.

Bat Mitzvah of Molly LevinsonMolly Beth Levinson, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Shabbat worship on Saturday, February 14th, at 10:30 a.m. Molly is a seventh-grade student at Prairie Star Middle School. She enjoys playing soccer and art, yet most of all Molly loves attending Chippewa Ranch Camp in Wisconsin every summer. Molly is the daughter of Jennifer Levinson of Leawood, and Scott Levinson of Overland Park. She is the older sister to Kate and granddaughter to Libby & David Savner and Joan & Larry Levinson. The congregation is welcome to a sweets table at Kiddush following our community’s morning worship.

Bat Mitzvah of Mia Isabel HollandMia Isabel Holland, daughter of Jayne and Fred Holland, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Shabbat Worship on Saturday, February 21st. Mia is a seventh-grader at Pleasant Ridge Middle School. She enjoys running cross-country, playing volleyball, writing and drawing, and being a student mentor at her school. Mia is the sister of Julian and the granddaughter of Jack and Pat Friedland, and Ann Holland and the late Hugo Holland. The Holland family invites the congregation to a Kiddush luncheon following morning worship.

Bar Mitzvah of Jacob ShawJacob Malachai Shaw, son of Gary and Amy Shaw, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah at Shabbat Worship on February 28th, at 10:30 a.m. Jacob is a seventh-grader at Harmony Middle school. He loves soccer, swimming, and summer camp at OSRUI. Jacob looks forward to seeing family, friends, and the Beth Torah community at worship followed by a dessert reception.

We are grateful to Dr. Gary and Amy Shaw for sponsoring our Artist-in-Residence weekend February 27th-March1st in honor of Jacob’s bar mitzvah. Come and enjoy nationally acclaimed Jewish singer/song writer Dan Nichols at Erev Shabbat worship on Friday night, February 27th, at 6:30 p.m., and on Sunday, March 1st, as part of our family worship at 9:30 a.m. and at a free concert in our sanctuary at 1:00 p.m.


Music Program Notes

Emily Tummons, Music [email protected]

“Be happy it’s Adar!”

As we anticipate the start of one very happy Jewish month, we’re excited to invite you to Beth Torah’s annual Purim extravaganza on Wednesday night, March 4th. Our theme this year is “Good Libations.”

Estelle Edelbaum and her team have been busy rewriting the words to many a Beach Boys song to tell the Purim story.

Here is this year’s Purim cast of characters:

Esther: Estelle EdelbaumHaman: Vic FinkelsteinMordechai: Jim ReicherVashti: Julie ShafferThe King: Aaron NielsenshultzNarrator: Rabbi Shapiro

Our evening will be filled with raucous singing from our Adult Choir, great food, and delicious libations. Be sure to wear your tackiest beach gear, and enter the Hawaiian shirt contest.

See you there!

Chili Cook Off Silent Auction & Fun FestWe want to thank everyone who donated items for our Chili Cook Off Silent Auction. Your generosity will be put to good use by the youth of Congregation Beth Torah. It will support their educational, community service and social programs that will help them grow into responsible Jewish adults who will change the world. You can drop them off at the Beth Torah office or contact Susie Klinock at [email protected] (913) 663-5446 or Marcia Rittmaster at [email protected] (913) 649-9524.

Hey all! Hope everyone has had a really great holiday season/break. I love that time of year, getting to be with my big, crazy family is something I cherish more than anything. BTTY is looking forward to a super second semester. On January 4th, all of board met up at Sarah Shaw’s house for a board retreat where we focused more on who we are and who we want to be. We’ve redefined ourselves and our theme statement so to speak. Over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, BTTY sent 13 teens to Winter Chavurah at United Hebrew Congregation in St. Louis. On the 25th, we served dinner at reStart and went to Winsteads after, yummy!ALSO: our main fundraiser for Camp Rainbow, a camp in St. Louis for kids with cancer and other blood related

diseases, is happening on February 14th! That’s right, Valentine’s Day! Drop your kids off at Beth Torah and we will take care of them for the evening. Keep a look out for a flyer with more details!-Margo Hellman

Margo HellmanBTTY President 2014-2015

Artist-in-ResidenceDan Nichols

Don’t miss a special Erev Shabbat with our Artist-in-Residence guest, Dan Nichols, Friday night, February 27th. Join us for community and nosh at 6:00 p.m. and worship at 6:30 p.m. Thank you to Dr. Gary and Amy Shaw for sponsoring this Artist-in-Residence in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son, Jacob. See the enclosed flier for the weekend’s schedule!


FAMILY CAMP -- New fall 2015! An OSRUI Experience for FamiliesOctober 2-4, 2015. Camp isn’t just for kids ... it’s for the whole family! Experience a taste of what OSRUI has to offer. For more information, see our web site: http://osrui.urjcamps.org/yearround/programs/familycamp/

DEVORAH QUILTING KALLAH - April 15-19, 2015OSRUI has pieced together this fabulous adult program for all levels of quilters. At Devorah we will explore ways to stitch together our creativity, spirituality, Jewish identity, and personal life stories into quilts that wrap us with warmth both physically and emotionally. Limited space available. For more information and to register see our web site: http://osrui.urjcamps.org/yearround/programs/devorah/

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN COLLECTS COSTUME JEWELRYDo you have costume jewelry that you no longer wear? Please consider donating it to National Council of Jewish Women for The Mother’s Day Project. Jewelry will be used for students to come to the Mother’s Day Store in a selected school (schools), Students will get to select a piece of jewelry for their mother or special someone. We are asking you to go through your jewelry box and find the things that you no longer wear (costume --necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins or earrings). Donate them to NCJW so that we can see that as many students as possible have a piece of jewelry to give to their mother or special someone on Mother’s Day. The students will be taken shopping to the Mother’s Day Store in their school and will each be given a choice of one item (at no cost). The “Store” will be staffed by NCJW volunteers. Please ask your neighbors, families and friends to donate their jewelry. Jewelry can be dropped off at Congregation Beth Torah, 6100 W. 127th Street, Overland Park, Kansas, or at the NCJW office, 5311 West 75th Street (Ohev Shalom Synagogue), 913-648-0747. If you have any questions about this project or would like to volunteer to work the Mother’s Day Store call Ellen Dalen, (913) 888-8852 or [email protected].

Happenings In The Kansas City Jewish Community

Kosher Passover Candies Available at the Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah!

It is time to place your order for Kosher Passover Candies from Barton’s Chocolatier. The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah is the exclusive seller of Barton’s Candies and Confections and is accepting prepaid orders from now through March 8th. The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah is the only shop in the Kansas City metropolitan area that will be selling Barton’s candies this season.

To order directly from the www.misschocolate.com web page, go to the web site then look for the “online store” on the thin blue bar. Click on the words “online store” and a new page will open. On the left hand side of the page, you will see all of the items sold. Click on the word “Passover” to see pictures of all the candies and confections that are Kosher for Passover. The other items listed on the left side are additional items you could choose to order. After you have decided what you wish to order, click on checkout. (Remember if you wish to send a gift to your family or friends you will need to place each order separately.)

Next use returning customer and entering our email: [email protected] and the password: cbtpaSSover15 then click on sign-in. The next page is for delivery information. Your order will be mailed directly to the Gift Shop or you can change the shipping address for your order and then it will be sent directly to your house or to your children, friends or your extended family’s house. Please remember our Gift Shop will have a limited supply in our store, which will be sold only while supplies last, so a prepaid order is the best way to guarantee that you will have the candies you like for Passover.

The Gift Shop hours are: Sunday- 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (during religious school); Monday- 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday and Friday- 10:00 a.m. to noon. Or by appointment- call Kelly Kaplan at (913) 498-1474.

Looking forward to seeing you in our shop.Shalom, Kelly Kaplan

The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah


ContributionsBeth Torah General Fund

In Memory Of:Salar Khalili Parvin RahbarradShirley Weneck Rhonda & Mark BrownHoward Agron Ken & Sandi Lerner David & Judy Weinstein Kimberly & Michael ZaveloBunnie Chesis Julie & Paul ChesisMaurice Jerwick Sharon & Scott JerwickOlga Mintskovsky Felix MintskovskyIrving Muller Fran & Whitey KuhnMadeline K. Chapman Paul ChapmanBetty Moses Janet & Robert BloomSadie B. Levin Betty Deutch

In Honor Of:Hal & Carol Sader Robert Kort

Rabbi Shapiro Discretionary Fund Ron & Jo Ann Ginson Valery & Susan Tokar

In Appreciation Of:Rabbi Rick Shapiro Karen Agron Flattery & Kevin Flattery

In Memory Of:Daughter, Susie Stovall Ron & Jo Ann Ginson

Rabbi Reice Discretionary Fund

In Memory Of:Beloved father, Leon P. FlappanBeloved father, Sam R. Price Bob & Susan FlappanChristine Mattes Tina & Kevin Shea

Rabbi Levin Discretionary Fund Ed & Robin Hoffman

In Memory Of:Maurice DanielsMichael Daniels Bernice DanielsSally Osman Stan OsmanMay Riseman Jay & Mary RisemanMother, Sarah Hurst Radine ShawSherry Kaplan Alice KaplanEsther & Jerry Shapiro Barry & Chris ShapiroHarry Skikne Barry Skikne

Rabbi’s Fund For Social Justice Projects

In Memory Of:Connie Broughton Betsy Wanger

CBT Fund For Families In Need

In Memory Of:Sister, Geta Ashkenasy Klaper Phyllis GoldbergWerner RosenthalSelma Rosenthal Debra & Roman BeznovskyHoward Agron Samyra & Michael Marks Stevie & Johnny ShuchartDebbie Keplinger Judy KassRuth EilerSol Eiler Martin & Irene GoldsteinGrandma, Hennie Bergh Phil & Jackie HermansonAddie Shaffer Norman Shaffer

In Honor Of:Bruce Cantor for donating his bone marrow Chuck & Sandi CantorSpeedy recovery of Bonnie Swade L’Chaim Havurah

In Appreciation Of:Rabbi Rebecca Reice Alice Capson

Hunger Fund

In Memory Of:Debbie KeplingerHoward Agron Kristy BlackmanElsie GelfandRon Freed Jim & Diane MielkeIda Salz Jan & Tom HarnessIda Reva Jaben Etta BrennerJoseph Gutovitz Allen & Gail GutovitzKasil Jaben Etta BrennerFather, Leopold Levy Joe & Bobbie LevyJeanette Salz Maureen & Sandy SalzSalar Khalili James & Betsy KhaliliHoward Agron Jill JacobFather, William Carter Barbara GutierrezJack BernatClara JacobsonVictor G. Jacobson Harriet & Ron Jacobson Eleanor JacobsonRuby Goodman Chuck & Sandi Cantor

In Honor Of:Bar Mitzvah of Sam Fine Annette & Joel Fish, Cara & BryanSpeedy recovery of Efi Kamara Henri Goettel

Choir Fund Valery & Susan Tokar

In Memory Of:Elener Revelle Lezlie Zucker


Amy Dennis Pierron Music Fund

In Memory Of:Elener Revelle Lezlie Zucker

Social Justice Fund

In Memory Of:Husband, Edward E. Goldstein Gail Goldstein

Prayerbook Fund

In Memory Of:Ida Applebaum Gail Tu

Library Fund

In Memory Of:Ida Salz Maureen & Sandy Salz

Weiner Religious School Fund Valery & Susan Tokar

Sam Taber Art Fund

In Memory Of:Anne Jacobs Marcia & Chuck, Stephanie & Amanda Perkins

Joel H. Winston Social Justice Fund Roger L. Strong, Jr. Kendra Weinstein B’nai Tzedek Fund

CBT Camp Scholarship Fund

In Memory Of:Morris O’Brien Maureen & Sandy Salz

Birenbaum Vinenbaum Memorial Scholarship Fund

Valery & Susan Tokar

In Memory of Dr. Seth Robert Reice

Maggie AdlerSharon & Jeff AltmanSandi & Chuck CantorMargie & Steve Cooper

Estelle Edelbaum & Glenn EsserAnnette & Joel Fish

Deb & Mike GillHenri Goettel

Harriet & Ron JacobsonAndie & Cliff Neuman

Larry & Jane NyceRobin & Rod O’BryanDenise & Jerry Pakula

Edis ParkansTina & Kevin SheaNancy Solomon

Rabbi Linda SteigmanSueAnn Strom

Bonnie & Mickey SwadeTerry WohlnerDonald WylanLinda Zappulla


Calendar February 2015

Sponsorships:February 7th: Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Keith and Julie Shaffer in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Alexis Shaffer.

February 20/21st: Friday nosh and pulpit flowers and the kiddush luncheon on Saturday will be sponsored by Fred and Jayne Holland in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Mia Holland.


Non-Profit Org.U.S. POST.A.G.E

PAIDShawnee Mission, KS

Permit No. 721

Congregation Beth Torah6100 W. 127th Street

Overland Park, Kansas 66209www.beth-torah.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Tekiah # 286, February 2015Congregation Beth Torah

(913) 498-2212 Fax: (913) 498-1071E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.beth-torah.org

OfficersPresident................................................Linda ZappullaFirst Vice President...................................... Barry KatzVice President........................................ Mike GinsbergVice President............................................... Matt HaunSecretary ............................................... Bonnie SwadeTreasurer ................................................ Dan DavidsonImmediate Past President........................ Michelle Cole

Board of TrusteesJeff Altman Chuck CantorTom Cohen June CraneTodd Davisson Mike FineMiki Herman Bob MilgrimDavid Spizman Frank Sterneck SueAnn Strom

BTTY President................................... Margo Hellman

StaffInterim Rabbi........................ Rabbi Rick Shapiro, D.D.Associate Rabbi ............... Rebecca R. Reice, M.A.J.E.Founding Rabbi ................ Mark H. Levin, D.D., D.H.L. Music Director..................................... Emily Tummons Director of Community Connections...........Laura Intfen Director of Finance ......................... Todd Janvrin, CPA Director of Youth, Education, and Engagement...................................................... Aaron NielsenshultzOffice Manager..................................... Robin O’ BryanAdministrative Assistant.........................Sharon AltmanAdministrative Assistant ............................... Cathy Nix Bookkeeper......................................................Barb Kitt

BTTY Adviser: Hannah Michelson JYG Advisers: Rachel Bolter & Zach Zwibelman © Congregation Beth Torah, Overland Park, KS

Tickets on sale at the Beth Torah office or you can get them online by going to our web site. They will also be on sale during religious school hours in January and at the door.

Come for the food! Come for the music!Come for the Silent Auction!

Come for the games! Come for the fun!

There will be festivities including LIVE MUSIC, GAMES RUN BY OUR OWN YOUTH GROUP, OUR ADULT BEER GARDEN, and brought back by popular demand: a silent auction full of THINGS YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED. We need volunteers for the day, and you can still get your chili into the competition! Any questions regarding this amazing event should go to the 2015 Chili Cook Off Queen, June Crane. You can reach her at [email protected], or you can call the Beth Torah office at (913) 498-2212.

February 2015 Tekiah

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Transcript of February 2015 Tekiah