Congregation Beth Torah Monthly Newsletter

A Note from the RabbiRabbi Rick Shapiro

(Continued on page 2)

January 2015 • Issue 285 • Tevet/Shevat 5775

Dear Friends,

Many of you know that from 1998 - 2003 I served as Chair of the Committee on Conversion for

the Central Conference of American Rabbis (the international association of all Reform rabbis). As Chair of that Committee, I oversaw the creation of a document to provide guidance for Reform rabbis who work with prospective converts. During the past 30 years I have spoken frequently on the topic of conversion to Judaism, as well as led many workshops for prospective converts and their families. As I have renewed my work in this area here in Kansas City, I have been reminded of many facts and perceptions that I believe are important to keep before us.

Our Jewish religious tradition has always recognized the importance of welcoming into the community those who choose to accept our way of life. Even in times of persecution, conversion to Judaism has always been a cherished option for some, and in times of peace and prosperity, we have often had many knocking on our doors, asking to enter. And our tradition is equally clear that, when they do become Jews, converts are to be treated as born Jews in all regards – no exceptions. Nonetheless, from time to time we still hear the canard: “You can’t ever really be Jewish if you’re not born that way.” Nothing could be further from the truth. As many of you know, among the most loyal and involved members of our community are those who were born into another faith and who have chosen Judaism as adults. To marginalize or stigmatize them with this kind of statement is seen as the most serious of offenses in Jewish law.

Beth Torah Blood DriveMonday, February 9th

2:30 to 7:30 p.m.Schedule your donation at

www.esavealifenow.org

It’s Chai time we get ready for....The 18th Annual

Chili Cook-Off & Fun FestSunday, February 8th, 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Tickets on sale at the Beth Torah office or you can get them online by going to our website. 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 (check out page 5 for details)!

In order for the night to be as magical as it has been in the past, we need your hands. Head on over to our website at www.beth-torah.org and sign up to volunteer for a shift or two. Sign up a friend to work with you.

Think your chili is the best in town? Whether you are a bean and meat chili chef, or a Cincinnati chili chef or a dessert chili chef we want to taste your creation! Put your skills to the test and sign up to be a contestant in our Chili Contest.

Any questions regarding this amazing event should go to the 2015 Chili Cook-Off Queen June Crane. You can reach her at sales@funblock.com, or you can call the Beth Torah office at (913) 498-2212.

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Torah Portion & HaftarahDecember 26/27 4 TevetVayigash, Gen. 44:18-47:27Haftarah – Ezekiel 37:15-28

January 2/3 11 TevetVa-y’chi, Gen. 47:28-50:26Haftarah – I Kings 2:1-2:12

January 9/10 18 TevetSh’mot, Exod. 1:1—6:1Haftarah – Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-29:23

January 16/17 25 TevetVa-eira, Exod. 6:2-9:25Haftarah – Ezekiel 28:25-29:21

January 23/24 3 ShevatBo, Exod. 10:1-13:16Haftarah – Jeremiah 46:13-28

January 30/31 10 ShevatB’shalach, Exod. 13:17-17:16Haftarah – Judges 4:4-5:31

Worship(Continued from page 1)

Another reality that I am intensively involved in is the process of how people choose to become Jewish. In particular, I am fascinated by those who choose Judaism after having lived with a Jewish spouse for many years. When asked why they are choosing Judaism now, at this point in their lives, the vast majority say: “I got tired of waiting for someone to ask!” It seems that, out of a concern for the sensitivity of those we love, we are reticent about even raising the issue of conversion. And yet, our non-Jewish loved-ones tell us in overwhelming numbers that they want us to raise the issue; they want us to ask; they want to be wanted, to be welcomed into the faith and fate of the Jewish people.

The lesson from this experience is clear. The most effective way that we can strengthen our families and our communities is to ask someone we love to become Jewish. In the past, American Jews have been very reluctant even to discuss this all-important issue. The time has come to bring it out of the closet and onto the table. After all, if we love our Jewish tradition so much, why would we be reticent to share it with someone we love, particularly with someone with whom we are sharing our life? Not in a dogmatic or forceful way, but in a loving, caring and open way: “Have you ever thought about converting to Judaism? You know, we would love to welcome you into the Jewish people!”

If you or someone you know is interested in exploring the possibilities of conversion, there is no better time than now. Just call me at Beth Torah and I will be happy to meet with you personally to explain the process of study and consideration of possible conversion. Regardless of the final decisions that they may have made, everyone I know who has gone through the process with me in the 33 years of my rabbinate has told me that it was an educationally valuable and emotionally rewarding experience.

I encourage you to think about all of this very seriously, and if you have never raised the issue with your non-Jewish husband or wife or sister-in-law or best friend, think about doing it soon. It is truly a gift of love.

Rick

Lunch with the Rabbi

Thursday, January 15th, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. in the Library

Join Rabbi Shapiro this month for some lunch and some learning at our next Lunch with the Rabbi. We will be in the library on Thursday, Janary 15th, at noon. Bring your own lunch or call the office at (913) 498-2212 to order a sandwich.

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LeadershipPresident’s Corner

I didn’t know what to write about this month, and my son immediately came up with the following relevant and insightful ideas: Prioritize things that are important and hold ourselves accountable for them.

What’s important to me, and what’s important to Beth Torah? To me, family, doing my best, doing the right thing. To Beth Torah, community, doing our best, doing the right thing. It was certainly encouraging for me to see the match between my personal values and some of the Beth Torah values.

During the next few months, as we participate in Rabbi Shapiro’s workshops, and reactivate the Rabbi Transition Committee, we will be exploring Beth Torah values, to see what we want to maintain from our past, and how we will maintain, refashion and possibly add to them to forge our future.

How do we hold ourselves accountable? Personally, I set goals, and try to achieve them. I revisit the goals from time to time, to be sure they remain important to me. Some goals for Beth Torah to work toward? Create a clear vision of who we want to be/become, and find a rabbi who shares our vision, and will partner with us to make it a reality. Continue to innovate in education and programming. Support our community. Offer opportunities to explore worship, prayer and lifelong learning. Open ourselves to the opportunities in change. Communicate a lot.

Big thoughts to ponder as we enter the new year…..

- Linda Zappulla

Join us for the next Congregational Forum on Sunday morning, January 25th. 10:15 a.m. We’ll share the latest financial results, and whatever else is on your mind.

Meaningful Jewish Vision “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” -Amos 5:4

Contributed by: Judy HellmanPoster by: Sarah Gordon

Artist’s Statement:I was given this quote and it sort of “caught me by the hook,” like a book you just are urging to read. From doing this poster, I learned that art doesn’t have to be complicated, anyone can accomplish it.

Linda Zappulla, Board President Linda.Zappulla@gmail.com

In MemoriumHoward Agron

Father of Karen Agron Flattery

ShabbatSponsorships

January16th: Nosh sponsored by the Board of Trustees

in honor of the Beth Torah community.

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Tradition! Tradition! Tradition!

The 10th-anniversary season of the White Theater at the Jewish Community Center began in November with a production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” For those of you who have not seen the Tony award-winning play or the Oscar-winning musical movie (or have not seen it in awhile), the first song the cast sings is about traditions in the town of Anatevka. That theme of traditions kept and traditions changed continues throughout the play.

We at Beth Torah have many traditions and in this transition period, we are looking at what to keep and what to alter as we move forward. This month, we are continuing a few key traditions: our month at reStart and our celebration of song at Shabbat

Shirah. We also look forward to our 18th Annual Chili Cook-Off and Fun Fest, falling on February 8th this year. These are beloved Beth Torah traditions.

From nearly the beginning of Beth Torah, we committed to supporting reStart, the only non-sectarian shelter in Kansas City, with money, food and our time. We have been serving meals in January ever since. Our month at reStart is a deeply volunteer-driven program, relying on the passion of our community to staff reStart’s kitchen and prepare lunches and dinners every weekend in January.

Shabbat Shirah is called the “Shabbat of Song” because it is the Shabbat when Parashat Beshallach is read. Beshallach contains the reading of Exodus 15, also known as the Song of the Sea. It is a Jewish tradition to especially emphasize music and communal singing when we read the first story of Jewish communal singing from the Torah. This year, as in many past years, we will enjoy a Sermon in Song during worship, celebrating Shabbat Shirah with our Adult and Kids Choirs on Friday night, January 30th, starting at 6:30 p.m. While always driven by our music professionals, the celebration of Shabbat Shirah would go nowhere without our amazing music volunteers.

The coming Chili Cook-Off and Fun Fest highlights our Beth Torah tradition of volunteer leadership perhaps best of all. From the contestants themselves to kid games run by our teens to the VIP area to the silent auction to Pub Pepe, it is Beth Torah members that make the Cook-Off so warm and wonderful (and tasty!).

These three programs are examples of continuing Beth Torah traditions. What are the Beth Torah traditions that are dear to you and your family? As we plan for our future, we need your feedback, ideas, energy and leadership. Please share your thoughts with us by calling our Beth Torah office (913) 498-2212 or emailing me (rreice@beth-torah.org) or Rabbi Shapiro (rshapiro@beth-torah.org). Traditions are most powerful when they allow personal and communal expression to shine through, connecting our present to our past and our experiences to the broader American experience and global Jewish experience. Let us return to and continue our most significant traditions. As Tevye says, “Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as... as... as a fiddler on the roof!”

Rabbi Rebecca Reice, Rabbi Educator rreice@beth-torah.org

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ConnectionsK’sharim: It is a term you all know. It is that committee that EVERYONE is on. You know. You get that letter once a year asking you to be available to cook a meal, attend a shiva service, drive a congregant. And every year the month of your k’sharim assignment comes and goes, and mostly, you do not get called. But what does k’sharim mean?

Thanks to our Caring Connection Team, it is being turned over and reviewed so that it will be more than just a letter in the mail every year. CCT is beginning to redefine our own k’sharim; moving it closer to its translated meaning. The term actually has a few translations according to the Internet, but my favorite, by far, is the word, “knots”. K’sharim means “knots”. And if I were to produce an advertising slogan for the emerging connection between k’sharim and our Beth Torah community, it would be that you need to have contact with someone in order to make a connection.

So, this year, when you receive your k’sharim letter, it may look different. Take a few minutes while you are waiting for your coffee to brew, or waiting in a carpool line, and take it out and read it. There may be some new ideas or some ideas that are new to you that will tie together to create a ‘knot’, to tie you into our community.

The CCT is exploring the entire concept of the k’sharim committee so that the mailing you get every year is no longer a list of names, but a collection of strings to be tied. Did you ever do macramé as a child? I remember pinning strands to a board and then tying knots and crossing string over string to develop a finished product. CCT is expanding and rediscovering itself in order to use the concept of k’sharim as a board with the strings attached to it, and then creating “out of box” ideas to allow you to create the ‘knots’, or the k’sharim.

If we all reach out to one another and ask, “What are you doing at CBT these days?”, or “I remember you from when our children were in Religious School, and was thinking about you; how about we meet on Sunday morning for a bagel and get caught up?”, then when a need arises, and a need WILL arise, it will not be a stranger that calls to offer help and it will not be a vague offer that will be offered. It will be someone you know, or someone who knows you, offering what is needed, when it is needed. There will be k’sharim, there will be caring. There will be connection. There will be community.

Change k’sharim to make connections? Sure, why KNOT?

Laura Intfen, Member Services Coordinatorlintfen@beth-torah.org

Silent

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Adult Education &Special ProgramsAaron Nielsenshultz, Director of Youth, Education, and Engagementaaron@beth-torah.org

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. Find out what book will be discussed in January by calling the Beth Torah office 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 January 24th for a viewing of “The Pawnbroker.” Refreshments will be served.

Learners’ Shabbat Why do we bow here and not there? What am I saying when I say “kadosh, kadosh, kadosh?” Can I explain this custom to my kids? How about to my parents? This Shabbat service happening on Saturday, January 24th, 10:30 a.m., is intended to help congregants of all ages understand the meaning of Shabbat prayer. Rabbi Shapiro will lead this interactive and informative service, so bring your questions and bring your friends!

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 January 9th!

P J

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.

Driving Risk Awareness

Do you have a 9th- or 10th-grader who is about ready to get behind the wheel—either with you or on their own? Sign up for Driving Risk Awareness, a fantastic program through Jewish Family Services. The class will meet on Sunday, January 11th from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. and RSVPS are required. Contact Susie Hurst at (913) 327-8259 or susieh@jfskc.org.

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Joel Winston Social Justice ProgramGoodwill Clothing DriveBeth Torah is partnering with Goodwill to collect clothes. There’s a donation barrel in the entryway to Beth Torah, so bring your gently-used clothing donations and drop them off in the bin. Donation receipts are available in the office.

reStartWe’re continuing a more than 25-year tradition this January when Congregation Beth Torah goes to serve meals at reStart on weekends throughout the month. Call the Beth Torah office to see what shifts still have openings.

Pleasant GreenTogether we raised more than seventy turkeys for Pleasant Green in December! Many thanks to our December turkey donors: Joel Waxman, Robert & Debra Henneke, Allison Roodman, Robert & Jill Campbell, Gloria Bernstein, Barry & Linda Katz, Denise Pakula, Marvin & Eva Steiner, David Packham, Barbara Wolock, Gregg & Miki Herman, Paul Chapman, Robin O’Bryan, Jo-Ann Harris, Henri Goettel, Julie Chesis, Judith Benson, Lenna Levitch, Valery Tokar, Barry & Marjorie Skikne, Boyd & Laura Bolter, Megan Emert, Jeffrey & Barb Kitt, Ron & JoAnn Ginson, Laura & Jeff Carroll, David & Terry Sanchez McEwen, Don Goldman, and Chuck Cantor.

And a huge shout-out and thanks to Robert Kort for his work in coordinating this great mitzvah opportunity! All told, we donated over 120 turkeys to our friends at Pleasant Green for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Hello! Hope everyone had a really nice holiday! I’m so excited to say that BTTY’s December program was a hit. We went to the Crown Center Ice Terrace and got to go ice skating with some new and familiar faces. We also had dinner at Fritz’s and got some dessert after ice skating; it was so much fun. We’re looking forward to a successful second semester, so keep your eye out for dates and upcoming programs. See you at the Chili Cook-Off!

-Margo Hellman

Margo HellmanBTTY President 2014-2015

Youth ActivitiesBeyond 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 previously paid for Beyond Chai, contact Aaron. Register by calling the Congregation Beth Torah office.

BTTY BTTY serves dinner at reStart on Sunday, January 25th, followed by our annual dinner at Winstead’s. Clear your calendar and join us for this community-service project! Also in January: Winter Chavurah in St. Louis, the weekend of January 16th-19th. We’d love to have all 9th-12th graders join!

JYGOur next JYG event takes place on Sunday, January 11th. Check your inboxes and the CBT JYG page for details!

4th and 5th Grade TWYGJoin your 4th and 5th grade friends for an Ice Cream Oneg after worship on Friday, January 16th. This evening will one of fun and friendship—not to mention yummy treats. Call the office to let us know you’re coming at (913) 498-2212

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Weiner Religious SchoolAaron Nielsenshultz,

Director of Youth, Education, and Engagementaaron@beth-torah.org

Have you ever heard the NFTY cheer? NFTY is the North American Federation of Temple Youth, the Reform Jewish youth movement. The cheer lasts no more than a couple of minutes; you can hear it at all kinds of NFTY events, and it’s wonderful to hear teens throwing themselves full-voiced (and full body, jumping and stomping with abandon) into phrases like “Gonna live and die N-F-T-Y!” If you’re ever worried about the commitment young people have to Judaism, hearing the fervor of the NFTY cheer will put a smile on your face and some pep in your step.

In February 2012, I took part in the biennial NFTY Convention in Los Angeles. Part of the program took place at Universal Studios, including an exclusive tour for NFTY teens only. A young family—father, mother, two children under 10—managed to tag along into the line, despite their lack of affiliation, being neither teens nor members of NFTY. They were a little hesitant given this crowd of over a thousand teens standing in line, but they held their own, gamely trying to fit in. All of a sudden, someone started the NFTY cheer: One voice called out, “Say what’s your name?” and all thousand teens immediately shouted out, “NFTY!” As the teens started jumping and yelling the cheer, this family quickly left the line, knowing that they were in the midst of a group of true believers. The teens were laughing, smiling, having the time of their lives, knowing that they were surrounded by their friends and peers, fellow Jews who saw the world the same way. It was powerful stuff.

NFTY Convention takes place next month; this year, the gathering is in Atlanta, Georgia, and it promises to be as inspiring as 2012. I cannot recommend enough sending your teen to this event; what it will do for their energy and enthusiasm for Judaism is beyond estimation. You can register at www.nftyconvention.org. Move quickly, though; Convention begins on Saturday, February 14th.

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 at (913) 498-2212 to arrange your sponsorship today.

Trope starts again in JanuaryOur next trope class begins on Sunday, January 18th, 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. Cost for the class is $75, and it 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 Monday, January 12th to reserve a spot for your child today. Trope classes will be offered quarterly.

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2014….It was a very good year

CBT

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Music Program Notes

Emily Tummons, Music DirectorEmily@beth-torah.org

Have you ever wondered why we do not just pray “God of our ancestors,” near the outset of the Amidah? Why do we spell out a list of patriarchs and matriarchs?

One possibility is that as we call out each name, we summon up each of those conceptually different ways of engaging God.

In our siddur, Mishkan T’filah, a footnote appears in the Amidah section, posing this more specific question:

Why do we chant “God of Abraham, God of Isaac . . . God of Sarah?” Why not “God of Abraham, Isaac . . . and Sarah”?

The footnote answers the question this way: “Each of our ancestral parents shared a relationship with the One God; yet each relationship was different.”

If we did not repeat “God of” in this prayer, if we said, “God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” that would still allow for this concept to be interesting, that God engaged with them differently, even though there is only one God. But we don’t say that. We say, “God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob.” How much more, then, are we explicitly noting these three discrete forms of engagement.

The more we study Torah each week, the more this list of the patriarchs and their distinctive ways of relating with God can become elegantly complex. And the listing out of four matriarchs is no less complex. How did God engage Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah differently?

Here is an alternate prayer from our siddur, spotlighting our ancestors’ unique connections with God:

Our fathers and mothers prayed,each through their own experience of God,each through their own visions which we have come to share. Abraham with the fervor of justice, pleaded the cause of cities. Sarah, in the pain of waiting, dared to hope for new life.Isaac, meditating alone in the field, lifted his eyes to find love.Rebecca asked for the ability to discern God’s call. Jacob climbed the rungs of his night into heaven, seeking destiny. Leah dreamed of love; and Rachel sought harmony.We as they seek God’s Presence.

We can imagine that each person entering a Shabbat service comes needing to encounter God in a different way. It can be nice then to be able to latch onto whichever name or idea we need to on that day. Of all special ways of connecting with the Source of all being, which do you need most this week?

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Caring Connection Team It’s Soul-ful!“They saved my life!” says Betsy Wanger, when asked how she would describe Beth Torah’s Caring Connection Team of volunteers. “They made me feel like I was very much a part of something….very much a part. It was an incredible feeling”. But you ask….how did this all come about?

On a vacation in the south, walking on Wrightsville Beach at dawn …..enjoying the company of daughter Jessica, and friends, Betsy was flying back through Atlanta, where she was planning to spend several days with her brother Tom and sister-in-law, Darnell. Then, IT happened. Ouch! Betsy broke her left elbow, according to the ER doc, and would need surgery when she got back home. The fall occurred Monday, October 13th - the day her health “crisis” began.

Even with a broken wing, Betsy was anxious to get back to walking at least 10,000 steps each day. The doctor hadn’t said she couldn’t walk before her scheduled surgery, so on Sunday, October 19th, Betsy headed out on a lovely fall day for a walk in her neighborhood. What happened next isn’t funny, but Betsy was laughing as she told the story. She wore an old pair of running shoes - soles were absolutely slick - and there were plenty of leaves on the ground in mid-October. Unfortunately, Betsy fell AGAIN. This time breaking her right wrist!

Some of you know that Betsy, like many of us, lives alone. And while she has two daughters - Jessica lives in North Carolina and Ashley, mom to Shoshi, a beloved granddaughter, lives in Lawrence, KS. Both girls work full time. How would Betsy manage? Luckily for Betsy and others who may need assistance, Congregation Beth Torah initiated the Caring Connection Team in 2013. Laura Intfen, Director of Community Connection at Congregation Beth Torah, heard about Betsy’s situation - BOTH arms in casts and unable to feed herself much less take care of her daily needs, she would be out of work for as long as 12 weeks.

Enter Caring Connection Team member Nancy Solomon. Nancy became “Team Captain” for Care Partner Betsy. Nancy created a special section on Lotsa Helping Hands, where CCT members and many more Beth Torah congregants signed on to stay overnight with Betsy for her first week or so, bring daily meals for more than a month, take her to doctor visits or just car rides to get her out of her apartment on a beautiful day. Others drove Betsy to Erev Shabbat services, where we could give her get-well wishes in person.

Betsy shared how Interim Rabbi Shapiro’s Friday night sermon about everyday miracles - people doing mitzvot everyday - reminded Betsy of ALL the CBT members who came to her rescue. She said, “I realized that not only did these wonderful people save my life, but that I am not alone! People showed me great kindness….the people who helped me opened my eyes to goodness…in people. I knew it was there. They did the mitzvah - for someone like me, it’s amazing!

Appreciative of those who came to her doorstep, Betsy added, “They didn’t just bring food, they brought emotion, too.” They asked, “What else can I do for you?”

What is Beth Torah’s Caring Connection Team? According to Betsy Wanger, it’s…”feeding me; feeding my soul. It’s soul-ful!”

Caring Connection Team: Meggin Emert, Irene Goldstein, Estelle Edelbaum, Kelly Somberg, Nancy Solomon, Linda Zappulla, Susan Cohen, Jill Jacob,

SueAnn Strom and Jane Lawless.

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January 2015 B’nai MitzvotAisling NielsenshultzAisling Nielsenshultz, daughter of Aaron and Yara, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Shabbat Worship on Saturday, January 31st, at 10:30 a.m. Aisling is a seventh-grade student at Pleasant Ridge Middle School. She enjoys playing clarinet in the school band, creative writing, and spending time with friends. The family looks forward to seeing the Beth Torah community at worship and for a casual dessert reception to follow.

MeltonTwo new community-wide Melton programs are starting: The Melton School of Kansas City is offering two new classes: Jewish Mysticism and Kabbalah: Secret Knowledge in Judaism begins January 11th and goes for 10 lessons. The Foundations of Jewish Family Living program begins on Friday, January 23rd and also goes for 10 lessons. Find out more information on these programs and sign up at www.events.org/MeltonKansasCity or contact Rabbi Doug Alpert at dougalpert@kolamikc.com.

WANTED: DRIVERS FOR JET EXPRESSA program of Jewish Family Services, JET Express provides rides for older adults who no longer drive, taking them to the places they need to go. Whether it’s to the doctor’s office, shopping, to synagogue or church, or to meet a group of friends for a social outing, JET Express is helping older adults stay independent longer, and the volunteers who help them feel like they make a difference in someone’s life. JET Express is looking for new volunteer drivers for the program. Becoming a volunteer is convenient, flexible and rewarding. You must be 21, have your own vehicle to drive and hold a valid driver’s license and have current auto insurance coverage. Drivers participate in a short training session before they begin driving. If you’re interested in volunteering for JET Express, please call (913) 730-1410, and use your car to be a star.

Happenings In The Kansas City Jewish Community

Did you know that January is Mitzvah Month at the Gift Shop?

What does that mean? It means that each year, in January, the Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah gives our customers two opportunities to be part of a mitzvah. If you spend at least $18 in the month of January, you can enter the name of your favorite social justice project for a chance to win a portion of all of January’s sales. Another chance to do a mitzvah is to purchase a tree(s) to be planted in Israel. The National Jewish Fund Tree Planting Center will plant a tree for any occasion you wish to honor (birthday, anniversary, birth of a child, in memory of a loved one, etc.). These are two of the many opportunities the Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah offers our customers to celebrate all the blessings in their lives.

Are you having a simcha? The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah would be happy to help your family and friends find a gift from your registry. Just call or come in to the Gift Shop about 4- 6 weeks prior to your simcha and let us help you choose your potential presents. When someone asks you what you want for your simcha, you can tell them you are registered at the Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah.

It is time to order your Mah Jongg card for 2015. We have forms in the gift shop or contact Marlene Kahn at 305-322-5998. Last year, we raised over $100 for our congregation through the sale of Mah Jongg cards and Marlene’s hard work.

Thank you for shopping at the Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah: “Where Shopping Turns into a Mitzvah!”

Shalom, Kelly Kaplan, Chairperson

The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah

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ContributionsBeth Torah General Fund

In Memory Of:Burton S. Goldstein Martin & Irene GoldsteinSarah Ozar Stephanie & Adam ElyacharBarbara Lois Steinhardt Jeanne M. Janchar

Rabbi Shapiro DiscretionaryFund In Honor Of:Speedy recovery of Lloyd Hellman Sharon & Jeff AltmanRabbi Rick Shapiro Boyd & Laura Bolter

In Memory Of:Sid Carr Sharon & Jeff AltmanDavid Childers Ron & Jo Ann GinsonBernard Zipper Ron Zipper

Rabbi Reice Discretionary Fund

In Honor Of:Rabbi Rebecca Reice Boyd and Laura Bolter

Rabbi Levin Discretionary Fund In Memory Of:Ruth Helen Brown Mayer Barbara NovorrHadassah Salz Maureen & Sandy Salz

In Honor Of:The marriage of our daughter, Lindsay, to Evan Langweiler Steve & Nancy Hirschorn

CBT Fund For Families In Need Marty & Dianne Lustig

In Memory Of:Ida May BlackmanSteven Jay Hammer Norman ShafferSusan Choucroun Denise & Jerry PakulaFather, Morris Feinberg Susan FeinbergDebbie Keplinger Chuck & Sandi Cantor Marlene Kahn Jane & John Lawless Roshann Parris & Jeff Dobbs Nancy SolomonRuth Kessler Bill & Charlotte KesslerIrving Klinock Jerry & Susie KlinockFred Markowitz Alan MarkowitzBarbara Steinhardt Denise & Jerry Pakula

In Honor Of:Special Birthday of Joanne Chunowitz Denise & Jerry PakulaPapa’s (Herb Crane) 80th Birthday Jackson, Danielle, Jonathan & Aaron80th birthday of Herb Crane30th wedding anniversary of Judy & Mark KassBirthday of Hedy Goldman Maureen & Sandy Salz

Weiner Religious School Fund

In Honor Of:The Bat Mitzvah of Morgan Caviar Emma KershenbaumThe Bat Mitzvah of Beth Shniderson Bruce & Eileen Kershenbaum

Hunger Fund Robin Hendrikse

In Memory Of:Astrid Barkis Phyllis GoldbergMother, Lillian Elfanbaum Rita StarkAnne Jacobs Steve Siegel & Robert Koch

Debbie Keplinger Ellen & Robert Bruennig & family Jay & Nancy YedlinFrances Klein Stephanie & Adam ElyacharFrances KleinSarah Ozar Lesly & Izzy Ozar

Choir Fund

In Honor Of:Tim Intfen Boyd & Laura Bolter

Social Justice Fund Sam & Donna Zavelo

In Memory Of:Anne Jacobs Morris & Lynne FaimanPaul Reisbord Bruce & Eileen Kershenbaum

In Honor Of:Joe & Bobby Levy’s 60th Anniversary Steve, Lori, Ali & Adam SamazinAaron NielsenshultzIsrael Travel Friends Bruce & Eileen Kershenbaum

CBT Camp Scholarship Fund

In Memory Of:Anne JacobsDebbie Keplinger Maureen & Sandy Salz

www.beth-torah.org | Page 14

Calendar January 2015

www.beth-torah.org | Page 15

www.beth-torah.org | Page 16

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 # 285, January 2015

Congregation Beth Torah(913) 498-2212 Fax: (913) 498-1071

E-mail: info@beth-torah.orgWebsite: www.beth-torah.org

OficersPresident................................................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.Rabbi Educator ............... 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

Shabbat Shira

Friday, January 30th

6:00 p.m. Nosh

6:30 p.m. Reading of the Song of the Sea

Join your Beth Torah

Community and both the kids and adult choirs for this sermon in

song!