“I’m walking here!”: Reflections of WORSHIP...

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VOL. 89 No. 4 | APRIL 2017 – 5777

“I’m walking here!”: Reflections of Temple Sinai’s Confirmation Trip to NYC

Rabbi Matthew A. [email protected]

SATURDAY, APRIL 110:15 a.m. Shabbat Serviceand Bar MitzvahTorah Portion: Vayikra, Leviticus 1:1–5:26Leo Singer will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah. Son of Michael and Courtney Singer.Ushers: Jeff Stolier, Doug Downing, Jeff Berkman, Eddie Levin, Erik Nowak, Leslie Gottsegen FRIDAY, APRIL 76:15 p.m. Shabbat n’ SchmoozeJoin us as Rabbi Cohn interviews Rabbi Reimer for insight into New York/East Coast experiences and New Orleans cultural introductions.Candles: Amy ReubenSATURDAY, APRIL 89:00 a.m. Torah Study and Shabbat ServiceTorah Portion: Tzav, Leviticus. 6:1–8:36FRIDAY, APRIL 146:15 p.m. Shabbat ServiceCandles: Leslie KastlKiddush & Motzi: Tim & Sheila GoldSATURDAY, APRIL 159:00 a.m. Torah Study and Shabbat ServiceTorah Portion: Chol Hamoed, Exodus 33:12–34:26 MONDAY, APRIL 175:00 p.m. Passover Yizkor ServiceFRIDAY, APRIL 216:15 p.m. Shabbat ServiceRabbi Cohn will speak on “Being a Rabbi in Turbulent Times,” a report on the National Rabbi’s Conference.Candles: Linda Cartin, Deborah Perlstein, Mary Kay Warden, Margaret Boynton and Molly KissingerKiddush & Motzi: Robert Perlstein, Adam Perlstein, David Perlstein, Jake Kissinger, Max Perlstein, Jeremy Perlstein and Brian PerlsteinUshers: Kent Box, Julian Box, Max Perlstein, Jeremy Perlstein and Brian PerlsteinSATURDAY, APRIL 2210:15 a.m. Shabbat Service and B’nai MitzvahTorah Portion: Shemini, Leviticus 9:1–11:47 Jackie Perlstein and Eli Perlstein will be called to the Torah as B’nai Mitzvah. Son and daughter of Michael and Dr. Patty Kissinger-Perlstein grandchildren of Linda Cartin, Robert & Linda Perlstein, and Jean & William Kissinger (in memorial).Ushers: Kent Box, Julian Box, Max Perlstein, Jeremy Perlstein and Brian PerlsteinFRIDAY, APRIL 28 6:15 p.m. Shabbat ServiceCandles: Bonnie AronsonKiddush & Motzi: Harvey HersteinSATURDAY, APRIL 29 9:00 a.m. Torah Study and Shabbat ServiceTorah Portion: Tazria-Metzora, Leviticus 12:1–15:33

WORSHIP SERVICES | APRIL

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(Cue Harry Nilsson’s “Everybody’s Talkin’…)

As has been the custom at Temple Sinai, this year’s Confirmation Class took its annual “pilgrimage” northward for a weekend jaunt to New York City. Hailey Abrams,

Gabriella Cole, Sydney Gold, and Audrey Singer, self-nicknamed The SheBrews, were excited to hear about the trip that lay ahead of them. The theme was “Freedom, Future & Fun (and Food!).” What follows is The SheBrews’ reflections from a wonderful and inspiring trip.Audrey Singer

On the last weekend of Mardi Gras break, the Temple Sinai Confirmation Class traveled north for a three-day exploration of New York City. As soon as we put our bags down, we began our walk toward Roosevelt Island to visit the Four Freedoms Park. Before we rode the tram across the East River to get to the island, we tried to guess which freedoms were included in President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” speech. The first two we got fairly easily: the freedom of speech and expression and the freedom of religion. But the next two were trickier: the freedom from fear and the freedom from want. At the foot of the park stood a bust of FDR. We read his speech and the first thing that stood out to me was that after he listed each freedom, Roosevelt explicitly said “everywhere in the world.” In a few simple sentences, FDR summarized what America stands for; inalienable rights for every person no matter where they live, what they think, or who they worship. America was established to protect the people’s interest. Part of that includes protecting ALL people from fear. The speech also said that these freedoms were not a goal to be achieved in the future, but rights that everyone deserves now (in 1941). No one, anywhere, should live in fear at any time. That message set the tone for the trip.

Before we left the park, we talked about how FDR’s speech fits into present day politics. The truth of the matter is, as a young Jewish woman, I fear for the future, mine and my friends’. FDR’s speech changed the way I view my political atmosphere and made me fully aware of the rights I deserve.Hailey Abrams

While in New York for our confirmation trip, our group got the chance to see the Broadway show “Dear Evan Hansen.” The show focuses on a boy named Evan Hansen and the trouble he faces when someone else gets ahold of a letter he has written to himself and people believe the two are friends. Evan suffers from anxiety which makes it harder for him to make friends in school. This ends up helping him because he has no one who can contradict his story. Every actor in the play was so inspiring to all of us, as they were all so hardworking and put so much emotion into their characters that there was not a dry eye in the theatre by the time the show was over. Continued on page 2...

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RABBI’S ARTICLE CONTINUED [email protected]

The show’s storyline was also moving, as by the end the main character had discovered where he belonged in the world. After the show, we were all set on waiting by the stage door to meet the incredible people we had just witnessed on stage. The only problem: the weather. It just so happened to be 20 degrees by the time the show was over. Rabbi Reimer (being the good sport he is) waited a good while before he jokingly tried to convince us we should find warmth. Although we did not have the chance to meet Ben Platt, I will always remember the experience with this amazing group. Gabriella Cole

The night before we left for New York, I was absolutely terrified. I had never been anywhere outside a few southern states! What will we be doing? How will we get there? What will it look like? After an exciting flight we finally arrived. I will never forget everything we did. We were outside all weekend, which was surprising considering it was about 20 degrees the entire weekend! We walked all over the streets of New York. We walked to amazing restaurants, delicious ice cream shops, candy stores and incredible museums. If we weren’t walking we were on the subway. It was my very first subway ride. I loved it!

I always imagined what New York looked like, but to finally see it was a hundred times better. This trip has shaped my outlook on everything. We visited the Rabbi’s synagogue on Friday night, and it was a beautiful service. The people there were so nice and joyful, and they all invited us with open arms. In fact, it was probably one of the most engaging services I have ever attended. Over all, this trip surpassed my expectations, and I am glad I could go with my Confirmation Class.Sydney Gold“What is sacred ground?”

The Rabbi probes us with the question as we shiver towards 180 Greenwich Street. The question is met with murmurs as frozen tongues remain planted in mouths, but it percolated in my head as we wandered through the 9/11 memorial. My second time at the memorial in 9 months, the pertinence of the exhibit felt even more pressing. The current political landscape shapes divides between the media, the financial sector, and Capitol Hill, and yet they all felt present in this one basement. It was not lost on me that perhaps one of the only places in the world where every color of collar commingled had been destroyed and turned into a monument, a commemoration of what we once had and may never find again. The 90’s economic boom, the largest economic expansion period in the history of the US, and the peaceful coexistence that accompanied this era of American comfort seemed to have fallen with the towers, and the country splintered into factions. Still, regardless of politics, it was in this place that all the divide seemed to disappear. Within these walls, we, Americans, humans, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, felt a collective mourning that united us far beyond any political party. Within these walls, we walked on sacred ground.

The question still floated in my mind long after leaving the memorial. What makes somewhere sacred ground? Though the weight of the memorial did not evade me, to me 9/11 is as historical as Pearl Harbor or the assassination of JFK. For others, it was a moment that has impacted their lives every day since. Even events I do remember (if not loosely) like Hurricane Katrina, affect me in ways that pale in comparison to those who lost their homes or family members, and still, I feel the weight of what happened when driving through areas that continue to remain affected by the storm. Shared tragedy fosters sacred ground.

Sacred ground can also be borne from happy circumstances. Jacobs Camp will always be sacred ground to me. The white sand shores of Orange Beach, where my family goes every summer, retains sacred value to me. So do my best friends’ bedrooms, The Smithsonian sculpture garden, The Brooks Atkinson Theater, and Commander’s Palace. These places have value to me that make them sacred that no one else may know. Contrarily, I walk down sacred sidewalks every day without knowing to whom and why these places are so special. We as individuals consecrate the ground we walk on every day just by living our lives. The smallest event, comment, look, can sanctify our lives silently, and perhaps internally or individually, and no one else could know. Life and its events, loves, and losses can create sacred ground. Rabbi Reimer

Reading through The SheBrews’ reflections, I was so moved by the impact this trip had on them and how much they felt Temple Sinai prepared them for all that lies ahead in each of their lives. Continue reading some of their thoughts about the role that their synagogue plays in their lives on a daily basis, as they navigate through the world.

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Sydney GoldTemple Sinai is sacred ground. Knowing how

greatly this congregation has impacted me, my family, and those I love makes it a significant place for me and many others. While sacred can certainly be a secular phrase, there is an inherent religious connotation connected with it, and perhaps rightfully so. As I examined what made a place sacred, it often involved a connection with a force greater than yourself. For me friendship, community, and art were major players in what constituted a higher power, and I am fortunate enough to be part of a congregation that provides me with all of these. Within this congregation, I have built upon and connected with generations of Jews who have been a part of this sacred ground.Hailey Abrams

Temple Sinai has celebrated diversity rather than stifling it. I wouldn’t trade this trip for anything in the world. It was full of new experiences, amazing food, and now great memories.Audrey Singer

My favorite line from the play was: “No one deserves to be forgotten. No one deserves to disappear.” The goal of the play was to convey to the audience that everyone deserves to be free from the fear that they don’t matter and that they will disappear. It encourages everyone to help each other feel safe and welcome and show everyone that they are not alone. Although I was not an immigrant in the 1950’s or a Syrian refugee today, I still have a way to incorporate freedom from fear into my daily life.

Temple Sinai already emphasizes freedom from fear. Our synagogue is welcoming to all. The trip to New York inspired me to think more about how I can help myself and others become free from fear. B’Shalom!Rabbi Matthew A. Reimer

This Year’s Temple Sinai Gala to Honor Herbert and Sue Barton

This year’s Gala will be May 13, 2017. Mark your calendars and save the date for this year’s Temple Sinai Gala, honoring Executive Director Emeritus Herbert Barton and Sue Barton. Herbert, Executive Director Emeritus and Executive Secretary of Hebrew Rest Cemetery Association, just celebrated his 94th Birthday.

Krewe of Muses Inspires the Reimers

“The Shoes! The Shoes!,” was the cry of Evelyn, Ayla, Dahlia and Izabel as they and Rabbi Reimer experienced their very first Mardi Gras, compliments of the Krewe of Muses. The girls and the Rabbi enjoyed this first celebration, New Orleans style.

RABBI’S ARTICLE CONTINUED [email protected]

Confirmation Class visits Four Freedoms Park United for Peace


The Robert Kohlmann Senior Outreach Luncheon held on March 7th was a big success in many ways. The Panorama Klezmer Trio was terrific and added to the merriment of the occasion, the food was superb, and our guests really enjoyed the day, as illustrated by the following two

thank-you notes we received after the luncheon:From Charlotte Turley, Uptown Shepherd’s Center: Thank you very much

for the lunch and music on March 7th. I enjoyed it along with the other elderly attending.Your kindness was not overlooked. The music was lively and thrilling, the mood exciting, and it was a pleasure meeting the new Rabbi, Mathew Reimer. The food: healthy and delicious and plentiful. You made us feel so welcome. I pray for God’s divine protection for all good and loving people, and pray for Israel and the world against demonic forces. God bless you dear ones.

From Janet C. Ferran, Activity & Volunteer Coordinator: Just a note of thanks for your wonderful hospitality. My Sunrise residents loved the food and had a ball listening to the band. They enjoyed them so much that I hope to have them perform here in the future. May God bless you for your kindness.

Temple Sinai is very appreciative of the Jewish Endowment Foundation, which makes it possible to provide these community outreach programs, which enrich us all tremendously. Thank you, Amy Reuben and Irene Hirsch, for organizing this fabulous event, and thank you to all who served on their committee: Leslie Kastl, Verdie Richburg, Amy Haspel, Sue W. Hall, Nancy Marsiglia, Bonnie Aronson, Genie Dyer, and Lisette LaPrairie. Thank you to our Sinai hosts for attending the luncheon and for being so gracious and welcoming to our guests. Your warm hospitality really made a difference! Our guests obviously appreciated it so much! Cliff Kern and Maddie Fireman, thank you for taking pictures. Judith Gainsburgh, thank you for all the behind-the-scenes work that you always do! Temple Sinai and Sisterhood are so fortunate to have such dedicated people in our midst. And as always, we are so very appreciative of EllenRae Shalett, Linda St. Cyr, Madelyn Fireman, Kevin Jones, and Kevin Lamotte for all that they do.

Sisterhood is co-hosting the annual Seder, which will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2017. We hope to see you there!

SISTERHOOD CO-PRESIDENTS’ MESSAGE Doris Baron & Leslie Kastl

[email protected], [email protected]

Leslie Kastl and Doris Baron, Sisterhood Co-presidents

Happy Passover!

PLAY BALL!!!With the Temple Sinai

Softball Team!Weekend games will start

soon. Josh Danzig, our team captain, and the rest of the team have a blast playing Sunday games all season long. For more information, please reach out to Josh: [email protected].


The next Brotherhood Leadership Council Meeting will be held on April 4th at 8:00 p.m. PLEASE JOIN US!! These meetings are open

to any male member of Temple Sinai. If you have generously contributed your dues this year, we would love to see you. If you would like to stop by and learn more about Brotherhood, there is no obligation. Join us and share your ideas . . . tell us what Brotherhood can do for you.

We have begun planning for our annual Brotherhood Bingo!! We will again host the event on May 28, 2017, the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, beginning at 4:30 p.m. This new date and time has been a huge success. Help us make this event even more fun for you and your family by letting us know how to make it better. Reach out to us via email, through the Temple office or join us at our meeting on April 4th.

If you have any questions or suggestions, reach out to us via email: [email protected] or call the Temple office. Matt Glodowski, Barry Spanier, Rob Rothman, Billy Kullman or myself will be happy to return the call.

Yours in Brotherhood,

Timothy Gold

BROTHERHOOD’S MESSAGE President, Timothy J. [email protected]

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Robert B. [email protected]

The month of March was full of activity at Temple Sinai and reflects the creativity and energy of our clergy and Temple staff. Our Shabbat Service

continues to be dynamic as Rabbi Reimer adds innovation to our worship. The birthday and anniversary blessings at the beginning of the month continue to be popular, and I hope we will see each of YOU if you are celebrating in the month of April! We were also treated to both the Temple Sinai Ruach band and a performance of the Panorama Jazz Band that has been introduced over the last year. We enjoyed a Purim dinner and service along with a special Purim Shpiel with our Religious School, where our students served on a jury in considering the innocence or guilt of HAMAN, under the watchful presiding of Judge Jewdi (aka our incoming Temple President, Judge Robin Giarrusso). I was particularly impressed by the students’ enthusiasm in shaking the groggers. The Saturday morning Torah study continues to be a huge success, and we celebrated a fantastic B’not Mitzvah (B’not meaning two at once) by Grace and Lindsay Friedman. Thank you to all in that family for celebrating with us. Rabbi Reimer led us in an adult education series for three weeks on Wednesday nights.

Our Temple Sinai Cares Committee is off and running, and I appreciate that the group reached out and sent Purim gifts to 21 Temple Sinai family college students to institutions across the country. This committee is planning much more of this kind of outreach and I encourage all of you to support it and send along ideas.

April will continue to be a busy month for us all, including Passover celebrations. Rabbi Reimer, Rabbi Cohn and Cantor Colman will participate with St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church, St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church and Trinity Episcopal Church to continue to bring us “The Many Moods of The Psalms,” a 4-part educational and music series, from April 19th to May 10th. Please look in this bulletin for more details. This is the return of a very popular collaboration last year. We are looking forward to having a good Temple Sinai representation at these events, continuing our long history of leading interfaith relationships in New Orleans.

We are pleased to announce that our annual Gala will honor and celebrate Herbert and Sue Barton, who both have served Temple Sinai for so many, many years. Herbert served a long stretch as our Temple’s executive director and both he and Sue have supported our services, programs and continue to be a strength for our entire congregation. The Gala is on the evening of Saturday, May 13th, and please look for details to come!

On a final note, I have an ask of all of you. We are fortunate that we have many new visitors to our services, and many are unaffiliated Jews coming to the New Orleans area of all ages and interests, looking for a synagogue. As you attend our services and Oneg Shabbats, please always introduce yourselves to folks you do not know. Let’s greet them in the warm Temple Sinai way, and get to know their interests and how we can help them into our community. We want these visitors to feel welcomed in our Temple Community! B’Shalom,Bob Brickman

Social Action Harvey [email protected]

Thank you for your continued generous support of the Second Harvest Food Bank. This is a reminder that the next volunteer date for

Congregation Temple Sinai with the Second Harvest Food Bank, at 700 Edwards Avenue in Harahan, is for Saturday, April 22nd, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Regards,

Harvey HersteinSocial Action Chair


FROM THE TEMPLE EDUCATOR Ann Zivitz [email protected]

Our 3rd through 5th graders enjoyed a pre-Purim field trip to Hillel for some learning and fun with our fantastic Tulane Hillel students. This has grown into an annual partnership between our school & Hillel and next year will expand to include older students.

For the month of April, we continue to collect

children’s underwear forour Tzedakah partner,

The Choice Foundation. TheChoice Foundation supports needy children in three of

our Orleans Parish Schools.

On Sunday, March 12th, we enjoyed our third of four Taste of Religious School mornings and the annual Purim Shpiel! This year, Judge Jewdi: The People vs Haman was a good time for all.

Don’t Miss the Blessing of the Pets!

Judge Jewdi, played by Judge Robin Giarrusso, presides over the case against

Haman (Rabbi Reimer)

April is packed with opportunities for our students and their families to enjoy the full scope of Temple Sinai! April 1st is our

“No April Fools Tot Shabbat” at Audubon Park. On April 2nd, our 9th & 10th graders will enjoy a field trip to the WWII Museum Nazi Propaganda Exhibit. April 9th is our All School Passover Experience. On April 23rd our 8th grade class will lead the All School Yom HaShoah Service and on Sunday, April 30th at 11:00 a.m. we will all enjoy the Blessing of the Pets!

April 19, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. atSt. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church1545 State Street, New Orleans, LA 70118

Introductory favorite psalm by Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn.The evening’s lesson will be led by

Reverend Donald Frampton.

April 26, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. atCongregation Temple Sinai

6227 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118 Introductory favorite psalm by Reverend Donald Frampton.

The evening’s lesson will be co-led byRabbis Matthew A. Reimer and Edward Paul Cohn.

May 3, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. atSt. Charles Avenue Baptist Church

7100 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118Introductory favorite psalm by Reverend Elizabeth Lott.

The evening’s lesson will be led byReverend Elizabeth Lott.

May 10, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.at Trinity Episcopal Church

1329 Jackson Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130 Introductory favorite psalm by Reverend Michael Carlisle

and Rabbi Edward Paul Cohn.Trinity Church organist and choirmaster, Paul Weber, will coordinate a Choral Concert and hymn sing on the Psalms,

featuring Cantor Joel Colman of Temple Sinai.

Join us for a four-week interfaith program. $8 per person. Each session begins with dinner; no reservations.


JewCCY Calendar:

JewCCY Calendar Charlie [email protected]

As we welcome spring, we are keeping up the momentum of fun, fitness, service and community support. I look forward to these

upcoming events! Saturday, april 1St - l.a.r.p. & lunch!!!

Join your 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, & 8th grade friends from around the city for the first ever Passover themed L.A.R.P. (Live Action Role Play) & Lunch! This event will be at City Park from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and lunch will be provided. You are in for a treat!

Sunday, april 2nd - J-Serve daywith Jewccy and BByO!

J-Serve is the International Jewish Youth Service Day and is in partnership with BBYO, Good Deeds Day, Repair the World and Global Youth Service day. This year we are going to the Blair Grocery and Urban Farm to learn about sustainable agriculture in urban settings. Transportation will be provided from Gates of Prayer, Touro Synagogue, and Temple Sinai at 11:00 a.m. to bring participants to Blair Grocery. Lunch will be provided.

For questions or more information, please email either BBYO Director Garrett Moore via [email protected] or JewCCY Director Charlie Cox via [email protected].

Saturday, april 22nd - 3rd annual teenS vS. adultS Jewccy BOwl Flag FOOtBall FundraiSer!

Come out to the Metairie JCC from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to support our youth group and watch our local teens beat their adult counterparts in a friendly game of Flag Football!

Temple Sinai Membersin the Community

This is the first in a series of articles about the leadership and participation of Congregation Temple Sinai members in the broader New

Orleans Community. Temple Sinai member,

Stanley J. Cohn, has recently been elected as the 60th President of the Sugar Bowl. From the very beginning of what was then known as the New Orleans Mid-Winter Sports Association, Temple Sinai members have been intimately involved. In 1934, two of the thirty-nine founding members of the voluntary, nonprofit, civic organization were Temple Sinai members Joseph Dresner and Albert Wachenheim, Jr., representing the Southern AAU and the Retail Merchants Bureau, respectively. Temple

members, Sam Corenswet, Jr., Clifford H. Kern, Jr., and Jay H. Kern have each served as president and chair of the Executive Committee of the Sugar Bowl. Additionally, Jay Corenswet, Clifford H. Kern, III, and Dr. Sam Zurik have served on or chaired numerous committees including the Executive Committee.

As the Sugar Bowl has evolved from the first football game, with Tulane vs. Temple in 1935, the Sugar Bowl has grown into an economic engine, annually investing over $1.6 million into the community through the hosting and sponsorship of sporting events, awards and clinics. Through these efforts, the organization supports and honors over 25,000 student-athletes locally, nationally and throughout Louisiana each year, while injecting over $2.5 billion into the local economy in the last decade.

Temple Sinai members have been closely involved in this development, including the growth of Tulane Stadium and the move from Tulane Stadium to the Superdome, arranging contracts with the SEC, and one of the earliest color telecasts in broadcast television of a football game. Under the current system, the Bowl is hosting four college playoff football games and, along with other organizations in New Orleans, the CFP Championship in 2020.

Stanley J. CohnNew President of the

Sugar Bowl


HOW TO CONDUCT A SEDER IN YOUR OWN HOMEWe know that many young parents would like to observe the first seder in their own home, yet feel they

cannot conduct the seder in the traditional manner. Here are some ideas which should prove helpful.1. Make sure that everyone has a Haggadah. Select the one that you like best and is suited for the

participants. The seder has been characterized as “a hurried trip through Jewish history via the Haggadah—a panoramic cross-section of Jewish life.”

2. Don’t feel that your seder must be too formal. You may mix into the various parts of the service your own comments. You may ask others to do the same. Keep the service moving along, but don’t feel that it has quite the same formality as a synagogue service. The seder is a unique admixture of the solemn and the joyful.

3. Study the Haggadah before the night of the seder. Decide in advance which parts you can do in Hebrew and which in English.

4. Rotate the reading of the parts of the Haggadah among those at the table. Some will read in English; others in Hebrew. Some will sing the songs in one style; others will use another melody. The very mélange of the Hebrew dialects and the variations in the manner of reading portions of the service will illustrate the diversity of Jewish life and add a special flavor to the proceedings.

5. Have the guests recite as many of the blessings as possible in unison, and even certain segments can be read in unison so as to engage the attention of everyone.

The Seder Table should be set as beautifully as possible with flowers, fine silverware and sparkling linen in addition to lighted candles over which a blessing should be recited.

On the table, there is a decorative plate which contains the symbols of Pesach.

PESACH SYMBOLSMatzah-Four matzah are placed before the leader of the Service. One explanation of this is that three of the

Matzot represent the three Jewish divisions: Priest, Levite and Israelite. A modern explanation is that all Jews come from the same roots and each is responsible for the other; all are responsible to God. Therefore, the three matzot represent God, Torah and the people of Israel bound together in unity.

The fourth matzah is the matzah of hope. It symbolizes, the hope for freedom for the Jews of the Soviet Union, Syria and Iraq, and reminds us of the indestructible links that exist between our people wherever they may live. It affirms that we will stand with our people in their struggle against oppression until the light of redemption shines forth. During the seder, the second matzah is broken, and one part, called the Afikomen, is hidden. The seder cannot be concluded until this part of the Matzah is found and everyone partakes of it, as the Afikomen represents the paschal lamb and the entire seder procedure.

Bitter Herbs-are a reminder of the suffering of the Jews at the hands of the Egyptians who made their lives bitter with hard labor.

Roasted Meatbone-This is a symbol of the paschal lamb which the Jews sacrificed on the eve of Pesach during the days of the Temple.

Roasted Egg-The roasted egg is a symbol of the festival offering that was used by our people in olden times. It was known as Chagigah.

Charoses-This is a mixture of nuts, cinnamon, apples and wine. It is a reminder of the clay the Jews were given to make bricks and mortar used to build the palaces and temples for Pharaoh.

Parsley-The parsley which is dipped in the salt water, and the bitter herbs dipped in the Charoses, are relishes used at festive meals in the olden times.

Four Cups-The first cup of wine follows the Kiddush, as on other festive days and Sabbaths. The second cup is taken at the end of the first part of the seder. The third cup follows the grace after the meal. The fourth cup is drunk at the end of the second part of the seder. The number “four” is used because God, when sending Moses to deliver the Hebrews, made use of four different verbs, all of which signify redemption.

Cup of Elijah-Because of his role as the champion of righteousness, Elijah is the hero of many legends. It was thought that he would appear as the messenger bearing word of the coming of the Messiah, who would usher in peace and bring salvation to Israel and all mankind; he would unite the hearts of parents with the hearts of their children and establish God’s kingdom on earth. Thus Elijah’s cup led to the custom of opening the door during the seder for the entrance of this great prophet.

Reclining-The master of the house reclines on a cushion when he drinks his wine and eats his first piece of matzo. This posture was a symbol of freedom and independence in ancient lands.

Haggadah-Meaning “telling.” The Haggadah contains the story of Pesach, read during the seder, in fulfillment of the Biblical command: “And thou shalt tell thy son on that day, saying: it is because of that which the Lord did for me when I came forth out of Egypt.”

Hallel-Throughout the seder, we recite certain Psalms of David. Because they are psalms of praise, we speak of them as Hallel, which is the Hebrew word for praise. These psalms are regarded as the oldest portion of our Haggadah ritual.

The seder is an occasion of joyous family reunion. A little effort on your part will bring you the satisfaction of knowing that you have created an inspiring event in your child’s life which will remain a happy memory. And remember: Lots of Questions.


APRIL BIRTHDAYSPeter KoeppelBilly KohlmannBunny KoockJanette KornmanCarol LangeSandy LevyHarry LowenburgDan MacMasterJoe MarsigliaStanley MarxMindy MayerJimmy MeyerWendy PabianCopie PrinceDr. Gary RichDr. Myron SchneiderDr. Melanie SheenDr. Philip SheltonDr. David SilversStephanie SimoneauxCourtney SingerMichael SingerJeanne SmolkinMollye SmolkinBarry SpanierDr. Mel SternbergOdette SternbergJerry StrugRose Anne SuffrinArielle TaggerDr. Henry ThreefootRoger TygierJulia WalkerSandra WeinsteinDotty WeislerRoger WhiteMargaret YoungLisa Zoller

Sabina AltmanBonnie AronsonEric AschaffenburgTeddy BaerEric BeckerJudge Pete BeerJan BenjaminChad BergDarlene BewleyMeghan BitounHarriet BlumenthalBridget BoriesJulie BradshawErin ButlerEllen CohenTracey DoddDean EhrlichRick ElskyLucile EscherDr. Morgan FeibelmanDevie FriedmanDavid GansCassie GiarrussoMichael GoldblattLauren GoldenJimmy GoldsmithJoyce GoldsteinTerri HaffnerDonna HorowitzJeffrey HusemanDr. Teddy Hyman, IIIStanley JacobsClaire KatzRuth KatzDana KerenSharon KirkpatrickDr. Patty Kissinger-PerlsteinBurton Klein

APRIL YAHRZEITSAPRIL 7-8Mina AlaynickFelix AlcusSamuel Alcus, Sr.Charles AronsonScott BeerJules BernheimSydney Besthoff, Jr.Raphael BlockHarry BlumenthalEmanuel BodenheimerWalter DavisDr. Nathan EisenmannRose HymanFelice KeifferEldon Lazarus, Jr.Charles Levy, Jr.Beatrice MarxIrving NovickSuzanne SamuelLena ScharffHenry SternFrieda SternbergDr. Lawrence StrugOdile WashastromMarie Weil

APRIL 14-15Mollie AchterSamuel Antin, Jr.Sophie AronsonPearl BerkeGladys CahnJune CahnEvelyn CohnNewman GoldringTheo HellerHenry HeymannMary HeymannBernard HymanSamuel JacobsonShonnette KahnDavid KarnoLawrence KoltunRoberta KoronesMrs. A MooreTheodora PlattMarjorie RosenthalHerbert SolomonJay SternbergSophie WeinsteinDr. Jacob WeislerJulius WienerSidney Wright

APRIL 21-22Dr. Isadore BrickmanRodney DavisLeopold DreyfusElaine DufourChester EakinElise EisenmannVictor ElsasJulia FisherMiriam FreedmanJerome GlazerCharles GoldsmithMamie IsraelGabriel KahnFlorence LeventhalSylvia Levitan LevyArthur LevyEmma LowyRebecca NavraMorris RabinowitzGertrude SaalLeah SchreierDr. Sam ShermanJennie SternSamuel SternbergBarbara ThreefootEmanuel WeilMiriam WeilLou Welsch, Jr.

APRIL 28-29Inge ElsasLouis ElsterRoger GladeCecile KingGordon KraussMilton LatterAdrian LazarusJoseph LevyMilton LevyOscar LevyMathilde MarksSophie MayerHelen MervisHarold MichaelsHermione MossYetty SearDr. Hyman SoboloffMax SternbergDr. Sam ThreefootJanet WallfischAda Weiss

Steven & Amanda AdjmiDr. John & Doris BaronChad & Vanessa BergArthur & Ashley BoisfontaineDick & Kathy BuckmanBennett & Lisa DavisRick & Marnie ElskyKent Box & Robin GoldblumSandy & Lisa GottesmanEric & Debra KraarBilly & Ivonne KullmanMax & Elise MerlinBrenda & Michael MoffittBrian & Andrea PessesRobert Rothman & Jolene FehlerCourtney & Michael SingerBarth & Martha WeinbergLouis & Betty Zelman

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

IN MEMORIAM

Emily Moore, wife if Kurt Moore, mother of Hallie and Jordon Moore and daughter-in-law of Betty Moore.

May her memory be for a blessing!


MAZEL TOV TO . . .

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK Nancy and Michael Marsiglia

SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND Peter and Jodi AamodtIn Memory of Benjamin FendlerLynny Steiner

TEMPLE FUND AnonymousIn Honor of ElenRae Shalett’s 20-year pin from the National Association of Temple AdministratorsIrving and Joyce GoldsteinIn Memory of Emily S. Benjamin Jack Benjamin, Jr. and Jennifer BenjaminIn Memory of Leopold R. HirschIrene HirschIn Memory of Leonard KatzJoan MascaroDianne and Jason J. ParksEsther RosenbergIn Memory of Stephen Alcus ThreefootBerte and Ike MuslowIn Memory of Tillie WolffGerald and Joan Berenson

YOUTH GROUP FUND In Memory of Leonard KatzSusan Bender

TEMPLE SINAI’S AED FUND Dr. A.J. and Devie Friedman

ALTAR FUND In Honor of Joyce Goldstein’s BirthdayIrving GoldsteinIn Memory of Aaron Steeg, Clara Steeg, Moise Steeg Sr., Carrie G. Steeg, Miriam Gutmann, Melba L. Steeg, Moise Steeg Jr., and Marion B. SteegRobert and Pamela SteegIn Memory of Morris StrugGerald StrugIn Memory of Dora YuspehGerald Strug

TEMPLE SINAI CARES COMMITTEE Robert and Caroline Brickman

UNDERWRITING NEW SPEAKERS FOR THE CHAPEL SOUND SYSTEM Dorothy Weisler and Daughters

CANTOR’S CONCERT FUND In Memory of Lillian AlaynickDorlene AlaynickIn Honor of Cantor Joel ColmanClaire Katz

UNDERWRITING LGBTQ INTERFAITH SEDER Charles Wallfisch and Jeffery Gregoire

THE CONGREGATION EXTENDS ITS S INCERE THANKS FOR THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS

March 24 & 25In Loving Memory of Betty Greif Zivitz from Harrel Zivitz and familyIn Loving Memory of Judy Ellen Miller from Marianne CohnIn Loving Memory of Louis Anthony “Tony” Rose from Sue Latter Rose, Patty Barnett and Kathy & Dick BuckmanMarch 31 & April 1In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Leo Singer from Courtney & Michael SingerIn Loving Memory of Henry A. Winter from Marianne CohnApril 7 & 8In Honor of the Birthday of Joyce Goldstein from Irving GoldsteinIn Loving Memory of Bernie Reuben from Amy ReubenApril 14 & 15In Loving Memory of Roberta Korones from Sheila, Tim, Sydney & Audrey GoldIn Loving Memory of Sophie Weinstein from the Brickman familyApril 21 & 22In Loving Memory of Dr. Isadore D. Brickman from the Brickman familyIn Loving Memory of Carrie G. Steeg from Robert and Pam SteegIn Honor of the B’nai Mitzvah of Jackie and Eli Perlstein from Michael Perlstein and Dr. Patricia Kissinger-Perlstein

March 31In Honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Leo Singer from Courtney and Michael Singer April 21In Honor of the B’nai Mitzvah of Jackie and Eli Perlstein from Michael Perlstein and Dr. Patricia Kissinger-Perlstein

ALTAR FLOWERS

Elizabeth Allison Hufnagel and Jeffrey Solomon Baron on the birth of their daughter, Isabelle Ashley. Mazel Tov also to the grandparents, John and Doris Baron.Max Nathan, Jr. and Rusty Levy, who were honored as Past Presidents of the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana at its 50th Anniversary Celebration.Mike Stern, Andy Polmer and Shane Finkelstein who participated in the Mardi Gras Mitzvah Makers, a group of musicians and revelers who brought Carnival to shut-ins and the infirm at Homelife in the Gardens, Cura Health Hospital and Touro Infirmary.Annie Cohen, who has been named the Editorial Page Editor for the Emory Wheel, the student run newspaper of Emory University.Sarah Jane Lowentritt on her election as president of Hillel at Georgia Tech University and for being a maid in this year’s court of the Krewe of Hermes. Mazel Tov also to her father, Dr. Joshua Lowentritt.Lester Sack, for winning the Slew Hester Award in the U.S. Tennis Association Southern Section as Male Player of the Year for his outstanding performance, with a 21-0 record for the 2016 season!Shane Finkelstein, owner of Nacho Mama’s, featured in the March 14th Gambit for organizing Top Taco New Orleans festival to benefit foster children (www.toptachnola.com).Shirley Herstein, named in the April DownBeat Magazine feature article for teaching classical piano to Jon Batiste, famous musician and celebrated music director for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert!Lauren Levy Neustadter, who has been appointed Head of Film and Television for Hello Sunshine, the female-centric storytelling shingle launched by Reese Witherspoon and The Chernin Group and AT&T’s Otter Media. Mazel Tov also to Lauren’s mother, Sandy Levy.

Robert B. BrickmanTemple Sinai [email protected] A. ReimerSenior [email protected] Paul Cohn D.D., D.Min.Rabbi [email protected] M. Colman, [email protected] Zivitz [email protected] ShalettExecutive [email protected] BartonExecutive Director Emeritus/Exec. Secretary - Hebrew Rest Cemetery [email protected] J. GoldBrotherhood [email protected] Baron & Leslie KastlSisterhood [email protected]@a2zmd.comTEMPLE SINAI OFFICE STAFF Madelyn Botnick FiremanOffice Administrative [email protected] Ber St. [email protected]

ONEG SHABBATS

TEMPLE S INAI CONTACTS

TEMPLE S INAI LEADERSHIP

TEMPLE S INAI BULLETIN (USPS 538-240)

is published monthly for $.50 per year by Congregation Temple Sinai 6227 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118

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PAID New Orleans, Louisiana

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Temple Sinai 6227 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118

Robert B. Brickman, PresidentThe Honorable Robin Giarrusso, Executive Vice-PresidentTracey Dodd, Vice PresidentJoshua Danzig, Vice PresidentMichael Kirschman, SecretaryHarvey Herstein, TreasurerTimothy J. Gold, Brotherhood PresidentDoris Baron & Leslie Kastl, Sisterhood Co-PresidentsMatthew A. Reimer, Senior RabbiDr. Edward Paul Cohn, Rabbi EmeritusJoel M. Colman, M.S.M., Cantor Ann Zivitz Kientz, Education DirectorEllenRae Shalett, Executive DirectorHerbert Barton, Executive Director EmeritusPhone: (504) 861-3693www.TempleSinaiNOLA.com

VOL 89 NO. 4 | APRIL 2017 – 5777

@templesinainola.com @TempleSinaiNola

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