October tekiah for website 2014

Congregation Beth Torah Monthly Newsletter

A Note from the Rabbi Rabbi Rick Shapiro

(Continued on page 2)

I have always been intrigued by the festival of Sukkot. As a child we never observed it; indeed, I don’t believe I even knew it existed. Then, as an adult, I began to recognize Sukkot’s potential for celebration and thanksgiving, and my family and I celebrated with a Sukkah in our backyard during most of the years of my children’s lives.

My interest in Sukkot has also led me to a fascination with one of its primary symbols: the etrog. This inedible but incredibly sweet-smelling fruit has always intrigued me. The Torah tells us that for Sukkot we are supposed to use the “fruit of a goodly tree.” How do we know it is an etrog that is meant? Where does it get its extraordinary power over us during the days of the festival?

In my explorations over the years, I have come across many comments and midrashim about the etrog, but none more poignant and meaningful than one written by Rabbi Allen Maller of Temple Akiba in Culver City. I want to share it with you in hopes that you will find it as inspiring as I do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It all goes back a long time ago to a king who, unlike most kings, was poor, fat, and felt life was tasteless. He was very unhappy.

One day he prayed to God to find the answer to all of his problems. The next night he had a dream, telling him that the answer to his problems would be found in a citrus fruit. The next morning he sent his wise men in search of the right citrus fruit.

After a few weeks one of the wise men returned with an orange. “This fruit is very good,” the wise man said. “It’s sweet and its juice makes a wonderful drink. If we plant some seeds, we can grow it here, can the juice and sell it to our neighbors. We’ll be rich.” The king did as the wise man suggested and within a few years, he was rich and prosperous. But he wasn’t happy because he was still fat and life still seemed tasteless.

Visit our website at www.beth-torah.org

October 2014 • Issue 282 Tishrei/Cheshvan 5775

A Community Blood Drive - Monday, November 3rd

2:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Torah, Room 101

(Go to www.esavealifenow.org Click on “Find a Drive” Enter sponsor code “bethtorah” and select November 3rd)

Questions:Scott Franklin [email protected] (913) 645-1036

Erev Sukkot Picnic

Wednesday October 8th:Join BTTY for lawn games or bounce in our supervised bouncy house before worship!

Bring your dinner and picnic with us starting at 5:45 p.m.

Fulfill the mitzvah of the holiday and shake our lulav and etrog in our wonderful sukkah

Worship begins at 6:45 p.m., starting with a Sukkot welcome from our CBT Youth Choir, under the

direction of Emily Tummons

*If you would like to enjoy a meal with family and/or friends in our sukkah during the week of Sukkot, please contact Laura Intfen in the

Beth Torah office (913) 498-2212. The door to our sukkah is always open.

Sukkot Morning WorshipOur community will be joining B’nai Jehudah for Sukkot morning worship on Thursday morning,

October 9th, at 10:30 a.m. at The Temple Congregation B’nai Jehudah, 12320 Nall Ave,

Overland Park, KS

Simchat Torah

Wednesday, October 15thPut on your dancing shoes and let’s celebrate Torah!

Simchat Torah worship begins at 7:00 p.m

Bring your consecration Torah scrolls if you have them.

Have your photo taken in our Simchat Torah photo booth starting at 6:30 p.m. while enjoying some nosh.

Worship begins at 7:00 p.m.

Atzeret Morning Worship Atzeret morning worship will be here at

Congregation Beth Torah on Thursday, October 16th, starting at 10:00 a.m.

www.beth-torah.org |

Torah Portion & HaftarahOctober 3/4 9 of Tishrei Yom Kippur Morning. Deut. 29:9-14:11-20 Haftarah – Isaiah 58:1-14Afternoon Lev. 19:1-4, 9-19, 32-37Haftarah Jonah 1:1-4:11

October 10/11 16 of TishreiSpecial Reading for Shabbat Chol Hamoed Sukkot Exod. 33:12-34:26Haftarah - Ezekiel 38:18-39:7

October 17/18 23 of TishreiB’reishit, Gen1:1-6:8Haftarah - Isaiah 42:5-43:10

October 24/25 30 of TishreiNoach, Gen. 6:9-11:32Haftarah - Isaiah 66:1-13, 23

October 31/November 1 7 of CheshvanLech Le’cha, Gen. 12:1-17:27Haftarah - Isaiah 40:27-41:16

WorshipHe called his wise men together and sent them out again in search of the right citrus fruit. After a couple of months one of them returned with a grapefruit. The wise man explained that it was low in calories, and like the orange, it could be squeezed and sold in cans. It could also be sold in sections for salads, and people on diets would love it. The king had grapefruit trees planted and ate the grapefruit regularly. His diet was a success and he no longer felt fat. But he wasn’t happy because life still seemed tasteless.

The king called his wise men together and sent them out once again to find the citrus fruit that contained the answer to his problems. After almost a year one of the wise men returned with a lemon. He said it could be used in salads, in tea, on fish or chicken, and that it would improve the taste of almost any food. The king began using lemon, and his food became appetizing. He now was a rich, slender king with tasty food. But he still wasn’t happy.

He called his wise men together, and they suggested he ask a Jewish sage who was traveling through the kingdom. When the sage was told of the king’s problem, he produced an etrog and gave it to the king. “What will this do for me?” the king asked. “Nothing,” replied the sage, “but God has made everything for a purpose so it’s up to you to figure out what the purpose is of an etrog. It doesn’t taste good, it won’t make you thin or rich. It’s for a man who has everything.”

The king began to think about the etrog. “It’s true,” he said. “I do have everything I need. I have my family, and my work, and my home, and my friends. I’m rich, I’m not fat, and my food tastes good. I really don’t need anything else.” He began to feel happy. He prayed to God and instead of asking for something, he thanked God for all that he had. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That’s why we use an etrog for our Sukkot observance. In its imagery and symbolism it communicates to us the essential message of the festival itself. The etrog doesn’t do anything special for us; it just reminds us to be thankful for all we have. It’s the perfect gift for anyone who has everything because by understanding and appreciating what we have, we realize that we already have all we need to make us happy. A second important quality is that the etrog is the only fruit that doesn’t rot; you can keep it for months or years. In the same way people who are satisfied with what they have will never be unhappy when they lose something, because their happiness comes from within. These are the messages of Sukkot, and we can see that the etrog is, indeed, a goodly fruit because it teaches us what is really good for us.

May your days of Sukkot be filled with learning from the example of the etrog and thanksgiving for the many blessings we all enjoy.

Rabbi Rick Shapiro

(Continued from page 1)

In Memoriam:

Sam HipshFather of Louise Hipsh

Ralph Matzdorff

Father of Gloria Elyachar

Susan ChoucrounSister of Ron Sandhaus

Stacy F. Yedlin

Brother of Jay Yedlin

Barbara SteinhardtMother of Anne Siegel, Steve Paul and

Harold Steinhardt

Congregational ForumSunday, October 26, 10 – 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Join members of the Board of Trustees and congregation for our Congregational Forum. As promised at the annual meeting, this is the

first quarterly gathering where we will share financial results of the quarter, and any topics that members want to discuss.


Leadership Chag same’ach, everyone.

We are in the heart of the high holidays. It is a holy and introspective time for Jews around the world, and for us at Beth Torah. We are settling in and warming to our new staff members. We welcome new members to the congregation and bid farewell to those who move away or leave for another reason. We embrace our friends, and hopefully, ask forgiveness from those we offended. It’s about our relationships, our community.

Some have told me we overdo “we are the community we need,” yet I think it still holds true, even as community ebbs and flows. We often reach out and ask our members to volunteer or lead an activity. Our Affinity Group approach to programming means things don’t happen unless enough members of

our community want them. Our community responded to our need for nosh – we didn’t find ‘funding,’ we found members who want to preserve our Friday night nosh, who donate their time to cook or shop, or their money to support the tradition. Our Caring Connection Team reaches out to those in need of a little help following a post-acute or long-term health care challenge, bringing community to them. Our Sunday morning community gathers in the Ulam, worships together, meets old friends, makes new ones, attends adult or youth learning opportunities, and brings our building to life. We want each of you to find the community you want and need at Beth Torah. If you don’t see it, let’s talk about how, together, we can create it.

As we move into the next few months, Rabbi Shapiro will lead us in an exploration of who we are, and who we want to be. This is part of the transition period between the leadership of our Founding Rabbi and the new Rabbi we will select to join us in July 2016. It’s our opportunity to re-create Beth Torah based on who we are today, building on the heritage and values of our past, and envisioning many possible views of the future. I look forward to hearing your ideas during warm and thoughtful conversations among our members.

L’shana tovah tikatevu. May you be inscribed in the book of life

Linda Zappulla

Jewish Film Series to start in October:Join your friends in 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. on a Saturday night in the Ulam and be followed by a discussion led by Rabbi Shapiro. We will meet monthly beginning after High Holy Days. October 25th we will screen the movie: Hester Street.

Rabbi Rick and Lynn Shapiro on the birth of their first grandchild, Bennett Daniel Shapiro. Mazel tov to the entire Shapiro family.

Barry and Linda Katz on the birth of their granddaughter, Maxwell Timbers Katz.

Andrew Stowe on his conversion to Judaism.

Shabbat SponsorshipsFriday, October 10th: Nosh sponsored by Howard and Rita Stark in honor of their anniversary; and Frank and Robin Sterneck in honor of their anniversary.

October 10th/11th: Friday night Nosh and the pulpit flowers are sponsored by Mark and Regan Shniderson in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Beth Shniderson.

Friday, October 17th: Nosh sponsored by Todd Davisson in honor of Rebecca Davisson’s birthday.

October 17/18: Pulpit flowers and Kiddush luncheon is sponsored by Allison and Zane Zismer in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Morgan Caviar.

Friday, October 24th: Nosh sponsored by Linda Zappulla in honor of Matt Zappulla’s birthday.

Linda Zappulla, Board [email protected]


The Caring Connection Team FAQ Members of the Caring Connection Team, which officially began in the Fall of 2013, are eager to serve you or a family member who may need our services. We thought you might want to know who we are, what we do, and how you can get involved - either as a volunteer or care partner.

1. Why did Beth Torah congregants initiate CCT?Following the CCO (Communities Creating Opportunities) house meetings in 2010, the ONE issue not yet addressed by Beth Torah congregants was congregational health-related issues. After learning about a congregational-based health-related program in Houston, TX, members started to explore what we at Beth Torah could do to meet our congregational needs. We added more volunteers to the planning group and began engaging with the Shepherd’s Center of Kansas City’s Central Caregivers Institute; our thoughts coalesced and the following mission evolved: Beth Torah members supporting each other through life’s health care challenges.

2. Who is involved in CCT?Volunteers are members of Congregation Beth Torah who want to get involved in helping other members of our Beth Torah community in a personal and compassionate manner.

3. What are expectations for my time and commitment to CCT?Volunteers typically meet with their care partners two times per month for an hour or more. Additionally, CCT members meet bimonthly to learn additional strategies for serving others in our community.

4. Will I receive training to be a volunteer of the Caring Connection Team?Yes! We provide an individual or group volunteer training. Ongoing training is also provided at the bimonthly meetings.

5. What types of services does CCT provide?There are five areas of service:

1. Respite: a physical and emotional break from family care giving2. Socialization: maintain the human connection, counter social isolation3. Emotional Support: listening, a trust relationship (not therapy)4. Practical Assistance: transportation, errands, help around the house, help with meals, etc.5. Spiritual Support: support for the individual’s faith journey

6. How do I sign up to receive Caring Connection services?Call the Beth Torah office (913) 498-4812 or e-mail the CCT team at [email protected] if you know a Beth Torah member who could benefit from the service or if you are a member needing services.

7. How does CCT provide me with services?Each Beth Torah member requesting services will receive an initial visit to identify needs and create a plan of action. Next, CCT will set up a Care Circle of two to six trained CCT volunteers to provide supportive services to each Beth Torah Care Partner and the family.

8. What is the benefit of volunteering with CCT?

Volunteers receive the good feeling of “giving back” to their Beth Torah community and enhance personal relationships with fellow Beth Torah members. Several volunteers have said that they wished the Caring Connection Team was available when they needed respite care or assistance themselves.

We invite YOU to join this caring community at Beth Torah.


Security & Insecurity at Sukkot & All Year

Just five days after the fast of Yom Kippur, the festival of Sukkot begins under the full moon of Tishrei. By the light of the moon, we begin a

celebration that is as much joyful as it is unsettling. The booths we build run counter to the way we experience life most of the year. We are fortunate to go inside with walls around us and we are able to cool or heat our surroundings to our comfort while the sun beats down or the cold winds rage outside. But when we build a sukkah, we begin to notice how different it is from our normal dwelling. It is not particularly sturdy (depending on the skill of your designer/builder, it might be really wobbly). When the wind blows, you feel it sitting inside the sukkah, you might even see the wind as the

walls catch the air and the decorations hanging from the ceiling go flying. It is designed this way to remind us of the fragility and transience of life. We are commanded in the Torah to be happy on Sukkot in the face of this reality. It is a delightful topsy-turvy feeling: the joy of security and reality of insecurity in the same moment.

As we embrace the tenderness of this time of year, it seems the right time to write about the way we are managing the sense of security and insecurity in our NATE-Accredited Weiner Religious School. After the events of April, the entire Kansas City Jewish Community is looking more closely at security procedures. Our

own Security Committee is working on bolstering current procedures and making updates for our building and community. As a part of that project, our building has been inspected by security professionals and the Committee organized trainings for faculty, staff and our Board of Trustees with Chuck Clanahan from the Department of Homeland Security and representatives from the Overland Park Police Department. Based on recommendations from these security professionals we have some additions to our standing school safety procedures:

• You will find that during school hours, all classroom doors will be locked. The door may be cracked or open, but it can be closed at a moment’s notice, already locked should the class need to shelter in place.

• The glass partitions in the doors to the classrooms have been covered with a “peak” available to the teacher to see outside.

• Should you need to pick up your child early from any of our school programs, please notify Aaron Nielsenshultz who will direct you to proceed to your child’s classroom and sign your child out on the clipboard in the classroom.

• As always, Pre-K through 2nd Graders should be picked up in the classroom by a parent, guardian or older sibling at the end of Sunday School.

• Reminder: The parking lot can be a hazardous place, even when it’s not icy out. Please escort your children through the parking lot and help them learn to look for cars, just as if they were crossing a busy street.

• Reminder: No unattended vehicles may park in the fire lane. That area needs to be clear (…and there is a fine from the Fire Department, if they find it blocked).

During this topsy-turvy season of fasting for Yom Kippur, celebrating on Sukkot and then dancing on Simchat Torah, we are the community we need to find security together.

Rabbi Rebecca Reice, Rabbi Educator [email protected]


ConnectionsGeorge E. Woodberry said, “Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure.” George E. Woodberry is a poet I have never heard of until this month. He is an American poet who lived from the mid 1800s until the early 1900s. I was never a huge poetry reader, but recently , thought, “Sure, I’ll try it.” And I’ m glad I did.

That quote has become my mantra for this year’s High Holy Days. I didn’t get done everything I wanted to get done. There were many stressful moments leading up to Rosh Hashanah, and then the Gates opened and I realized that the blessing of the season is that it offers exactly what is needed at the time: a “reboot.” I know I have made mistakes; I sometimes did not even do my best. But I will try harder for next year. I will do better next year.

As we enter 5775, what does your “reboot” look like? Can I help you achieve your goal? Do you have a passion you want to share? Our member Susan Cohen has spent years of time and energy bringing the

challenges of safe driving for older adults to light. She planned a program on just this topic and we offered it here, in our building. After retirement, Marcia Rittmaster wanted to share her love of her friend Bridey’s scrap booking /memory project and so an Affinity group was born and I am pretty sure that new memories will be made as this group gets together to create beautiful books to hold their old memories.

Is your goal this year education? Did you know you could start your Saturday morning learning? Every week at 9:30 am, a group meets in the library to discuss Torah as well as other Jewish writings. There is coffee and sweets and you can leave at 10:15 a.m. having learned something new before your weekend even starts. Grab some Wisdom on Wednesday over lunch or immerse yourself in Yiddish on Fridays. The new film series, hosted by Rabbi Shapiro starts on October 25th. You can get started on your new path of learning as early as this month.

If your goal is to make the world a better place, then Beth Torah is the place for your first step. Mitzvah Day, baking for Onegs, sponsoring a Nosh or a Bagel Breakfast or attending a shiva service are all ways you can help.

How can you assure yourself that this time next year you don’t feel defeated? The answer is, “To try.”

May your 5775 be full of health and happiness, with your eyes wide open to the beauty of the blessings that surround you and may the catch phrase of your year be, “Sure. I’ll try it.”

Laura Intfen, Community Connections [email protected]

Joel Winston Social Justice ProgramsMitzvah Day 2014It’s not too late! Mitzvah Day 2014 takes place on Sunday, October 12th! Look at the back cover of this Tekiah, or go to www.beth-torah.org to download the brochure for all the details.

High Holy Day Food DriveWhen you show up for the High Holy Days this year, make sure you pick up a food donation bag from BTTY, your friendly Youth Group. Fill the bag with food, and bring it back by the end of Sukkot to add to our food drive for the food pantry at JFS.

Goodwill 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.

reStartEven though January is far off, we’re already getting ready for Congregation Beth Torah’s month at reStart. Start looking at your weekend calendars for January and figure out if you can help serve a lunch or dinner shift. Scott Franklin will be looking for shift leaders and kitchen volunteers on Sunday mornings beginning in October.


Adult Education Offerings for October 2014

Yiddish Circle - Yiddish 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 Wednesdays - Study sacred texts with other Beth Torah members on Wednesdays at noon in the Bride’s Room.

Discussion on the Writings of the Torah - Join the community in discussion on Shabbat morning, 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. in the library.

Bringing Adult Education to you- What interests you? What aspect of Jewish life and learning would you like to know more about? In our new Adult Education model, you get to pick a topic, a time, and a place for you and nine others to learn. Here are some potential topics:

The Art of Memory • Conversational Hebrew • Creating Your Own Jewish Atlas • Comparative Judaism

If you’d like to learn more or if you’re ready to schedule, call or e-mail Aaron (913) 498-2212 or [email protected].

Altered BooksIs there a shoebox under your bed overflowing with family photos? A drawer stuffed with greeting cards, postcards and letters? It’s time to dig up those precious mementos and make something new, meaningful and completely unique! Altered Books are created by turning old, neglected books into beautiful journals and scrapbooks that you and your family will treasure for years to come. Use scissors, glue, rubber stamps, needle and thread, ribbons, beads and MORE to decorate your book. All levels of creativity and artistic experience welcome! Bridey Stangler will be our creative guide and supply ALL materials and books! Cost: $36 for materials. This class is limited to 15. Please let Robin O’Bryan ([email protected]) know you want a space in this class, and e-mail this affinity group’s coordinator, Marcia Rittmaster, at [email protected] with questions and your interest. Class meets on Sundays, October 19th & 25th, and November 2nd & 9th from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Congregation Beth Torah.

Kabbalat Shabbat Study Group - Join the Kabbalat Shabbat Study Group on Friday, October 17th, at 5:30 p.m. in the Sader/Shimkin Library for a moving and personal way to welcome Shabbat. We’ll examine readings, recite poetry, explore guided meditations, sing songs, or light candles as a way to enhance your Shabbat experience. No fore knowledge of Kabbalah is necessary. This group is open to anyone who wishes to explore the mysticism found within our religion on a more intimate level, so please feel free to bring a friend.

Adult Education


Bat Mitzvah of Beth ShnidersonBeth Shniderson, daughter of Mark and Regan Shniderson, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Shabbat worship on Saturday, October 11th, at 10:30 a.m. Beth is a seventh-grade student at Oxford Middle School. She enjoys playing volleyball and basketball, but her passion is softball. Beth is the sister of Carly and the granddaughter of Kristen and Dave Davis of Overland Park, Kansas, Rusty and Ona Mullinax of Golden City, Missouri, Mary Lou Shniderson of Houston, Texas, and Stanley and Irma Shniderson of Houston, Texas.

For her mitzvah project, Beth is collecting new or gently loved stuffed animals for SAFE (Stuffed Animals For Emergencies.) SAFE collects stuffed animals and distributes them to first responders to benefit children during traumatic emergency situations. Beth will be placing a collection box at Beth Torah to gratefully accept any donations.

Bat Mitzvah of Morgan CaviarMorgan Danielle Caviar, daughter of Allison and Zane Zismer, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, October 18th, at 10:30 a.m. Morgan is a 7th grader at Lakewood Middle School. She is a talented young lady and loves all types of performance. She’s been a competitive dancer with Jody Phillips Dance Company for 7 years and does many theatrical performances throughout Kansas City, including Theatre in the Park at Shawnee Mission Park. Morgan is the granddaughter of Arnold and Carol Caviar of Overland Park, KS, and Larry and Janice Zismer of California, MO. She is also a new big sister to Dylan Michael, 8 months.

B’nai Mitzvah for the Month of October

CBT Music ProgramAs we were singing “Shalom Aleichem” together at the Shabbat service last week, something I had read years ago came back to mind. I’d like to share it with you here:

“The members of the congregation must nurture one another because they need one another. They simply cannot do it alone. Hermits and monasteries are noticeably absent from Jewish history; we are a hopelessly communal people.”

--Rabbi Lawrence Kushner

The statement, “We are the community we need,” bears itself out in every pocket of Beth Torah’s congregational life together, including the music world. A great example of this is the singers in our Youth Choir, who with great enthusiasm have recreated over the past few weeks, as they do each year, a beautiful cluster of friends who love singing Jewish songs together. And, by the way, they are all excited to share their songs with you at our outdoor Erev Sukkot service, October 8th!

There are many ways to get involved in the musical life of our congregation, and in doing so, to make new friends and continue building our community. If you play an instrument, enjoy singing, or simply enjoy helping to organize and coordinate musical programs and projects, I would love to hear from you.

Thank you!Emily Tummons, Music Director

Emily Tummons, Music [email protected]


Did you know that we have three levels of youth programming at Congregation Beth Torah? It’s true, and I’d like to tell you a little more about them:

Our informal youth programs begin with 4th and 5th grade TWYG—that’s TWeen Youth Group. This group is parent- and volunteer-led, and it’s designed to give 4th and 5th graders a chance to have fun together outside of Sunday School. Programs include trips to swimming centers, mitzvah projects, ice cream socials, and so on. If you’re the parent of a 4th or 5th grader, I’d love to connect you with the other parents who are planning events for this year.

For 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, we offer JYG, our Junior Youth Group. Advisers Rachel Bolter and Zach Zwibelman plan a variety of fun activities on a monthly basis for our middle school students. Watch your e-mail for information about upcoming JYG events.

And for our high school students, we have BTTY—Beth Torah Temple Youth. BTTY activities are all planned and run by our awesome board of high school students acting under the supervision of adviser Hannah Michelson. Activities can be community-service based, educational, or social—or some combination of the three.

For example, join BTTY as we go to reStart on Mitzvah Day, October 12th, for a Halloween Party. We’ll be giving away costumes, playing games, and creating fun for families at Kansas City’s only non-denominational homeless shelter. Teens can have a great time while earning community service hours. We’ll meet at Congregation Beth Torah at 12:30 that Sunday afternoon. Let Hannah Michelson know if you’re coming by calling the office. We’ll have another BTTY event on October 26th, too. Watch for more information.

There are lots of ways to keep your children involved. If you have suggestions or ideas for programs, please do let me know.

Hebrew Read-insIs your 4th through 6th grader looking for a way to connect with school friends? Come to one of our fall Hebrew Read-ins. On Wednesday November 19th, we’ll have popcorn popped and tutors ready to work with students one-on-one on Hebrew prayers. The fun starts at 5:00 p.m., so let your child come and learn—and maybe even show off what they know!

Youth Activities - Beyond Chai Keep your 18-26 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 $18. Register at http://conta.cc/1ll2FQc

Weiner Religious School News

Harvesters Backsnack Program Looks Ahead to Another Successful School Year

Beth Torah will partner again this school year with Pawnee Elementary School, close to our own neighborhood, to bring Harvesters Backsnack foodpacks to children in need of nutritional support. If you can spare a couple of hours a month and help deliver the foodpacks to Pawnee School, you will know you are making a difference in the lives of many children. Please contact Diane Balanoff at (913) 238-4276 and let her know you can join the Beth Torah Backsnack Team.

Aaron Nielsenshultz, Director of Youth , Education, and [email protected]


THANK YOU! Thank you to Judy Kass for creating

the beautiful wall hanging out of the squares that our families made during out Torah Writing year. The squares themselves were the vision of our member Ellen Taylor. These two talented artists together have

created a keepsake that will remind us of our wonderful year of Torah.

Have you been to the mishulash to try and find YOUR square?

Youth Activities YOUTH GROUP NEWS:

First, I would like to say thanks to everyone who came out to Pinstripes on September 28th! It was such a great way to kick off the year. Have no fear though, BTTY has a really fun semester coming up! On Mitzvah Day, we will be going to reStart, like we do every year, to have a Halloween party for the kids. After that, we’ll all have lunch at Winsteads so please join us! On Sunday, October 6th, we’re going to Louisburg Cider Mill! Flyers will be sent out with more information but expect a good time! I’m really excited for this month, and I hope to see everyone at our upcoming events.

- Margo Hellman, BTTY President

Stay Connected!Visit our Website: www.beth-torah.org

Follow us on Twitter: @BethTorah

Join us on Facebook: Congregation Beth Torahhttp://on.fb.me/vQ8E5P

(or e-mail us at [email protected] and we will send you the links!)

PJ Library & FAMJamLooking 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 p.m. to 6:05 p.m., and then we’ll share a PJ Library book and a craft or other fun project from 6:10 p.m. 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 October 10th! PJ Library/Shalom Baby, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, is brought to you in partnership with Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. It is also generously supported by Jewish Community Foundation Legacy Fund, Jewish Heritage Foundation and Menorah Legacy Foundation.

Just About 4Are you interested in helping with Just About 4 planning? Our committee is planning for this year. Let Aaron know if you’re interested in helping with this playgroup for young ones between three

and five (or thereabouts).

Our 2014 CBT Golf Classic was a great day. Thank you to all our

volunteers, sponsors and golfers who made the event a huge success.


“G’mar hatima tova.”May you be sealed in the book of life.

Quote source: Traditional High Holiday greetingPoster by: Kacy Childs Levin

Artist’s statement: The pages of an open book are fanned and the side view forms a circle of a book with an infinite number of pages with no beginning and no end. The text is written in a circle to emphasize this sense of timelessness. The wax seal of a menorah placed in the center of the text is the mark of an historic method for finalizing or authenticating a document.

Meaningful Jewish Vision with Henri Goettel

The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth TorahThe Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah is open for the New Year 5775! As the leaves turn to fall colors and you spend time

outside in a sukkah, the volunteers at our gift shop are working hard to be ready for all your shopping needs. Need a hostess gift, a bar/bat mitzvah gift, or a simcha gift of any kind? The Gift Shop has a wide variety of gifts and we try to have the best value for your

money. Everyone buys at least two gifts a year. Please remember to shop at the Gift Shop “Where Shopping Turns into a Mitzvah.”

As part of the Beth Torah Community, the Gift Shop volunteers work hard to provide your one-stop shopping experience. We have wonderful gifts and cards for all occasions. Did you know we offer free gift wrap?

The Gift Shop volunteers are waiting to help you find the perfect gift for yourself or for a special someone. Please consider the Gift Shop, a good place to shop for a unique gift.

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

Monday - 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday and Friday- 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Or by appointment- call Kelly Kaplan at (913) 498-1474.We look forward to helping you find the perfect gift!

Shalom, The Gift Shop Committee

Join Rabbi Shapiro on Thursday,

October 23rd, for Lunch with the

Rabbi at 12:00 p.m. Bring your lunch

or call the office to order a sandwich at

(913) 498-2212

We are happy to report that expenses for the first two months of this new fiscal year (starting July 1, 2014) continue to track at and a little below the budget that was approved by the congregation this spring. Even better news is that the current fiscal year expenses, in particular payroll, are significantly less than the prior year expenses. A new audit firm has been selected and we hope to have that audit completed in October. We hope to be able to present these audit results at the congregational meeting being held on October 26th.

Financial Update Todd Janvrin, Director of [email protected]


Beth Torah General FundIn Memory Of:Seymour Kaplan David & Judy Jacobs Joyce & Harold Koch Donna & Sam ZaveloAlexandr Vaysfligel Sergy & Irina VaysfligelMarvin Rubin Anne GillRalph Matzdorff Glitters, Inc.

In Honor Of:Recovery of Jeremy Applebaum Edith ShawRecovery of Larry Weiner Linda & Barry KatzBirth of Lon Lowenstein’s twin grandsons Todd & Shirley Stettner

Rabbi Shapiro Discretionary FundIn Honor Of:Birth of Rabbi and Lynn Shapiro’s grandson Larry & Marcia RittmasterBirth of Rabbi and Lynn Shapiro’s grandsonBirth of Lon Lowenstein’s twin grandsons Sharon & Jeff Altman

In Memory Of:Sam Hipsh Henri GoettelWife & mother, Peedee Brown Phillip Brown & Melissa RookerFrances Sandhaus Becky & Ron SandhausHusband, Seymour Kaplan Carole KaplanSusan Choucroun Phyllis GoldbergSusan ChoucrounLita DiamondDaniel ElyacharSam HipshNorman JosephSeymour KaplanRalph Matzdorff

Contributions Heidi L. MunseyFrances SandhausMichael WaxmanStacy Yedlin Sharon & Jeff Altman

Rabbi Reice Discretionary Fund In Memory Of:Ralph Matzdorff Gloria & Matthew ElyacharSusan Choucroun Sharon & Steve Gerson

Rabbi’s Fund For Social Justice ProjectsIn Memory Of:Ross Zucker Marge & Barry Skikne

Rabbi Levin Discretionary Fund

In Memory Of:Lilly Jacobson Bill KesslerJacob Osman Stan OsmanSeymour Kaplan David Gentile

CBT Fund For Families In NeedIn Memory Of:Stacy Yedlin Robin & Rod O’BryanGilbert Greenwald Susan & Joel WaxmanMickey Kleg Susie & Jerry KlinockSusan Choucroun Maggie Adler

In Honor Of:Birth of Rabbi and Lynn Shapiro’s grandson, Bennett Daniel Robin & Rod O’Bryan

Hunger FundIn Memory Of:Sylvia Becker Rose RovickMichael WaxmanGilbert Greenwald Pola GreenwaldGreat grandfather, Morris Klutznick Janet & Jeff RazafskySam Hipsh Annette & Joel Fish

Gilbert Greenwald Doug GreenwaldEmery & Jimmie Taylor Linda KatzLeah Kelne Bernat Harriet & Ron JacobsonFrancis Sandhaus Maggie AdlerSusan Choucroun Henri GoettelNathan Salz Maureen and Sandy Salz

In Honor Of:Bat Mitzvah of Talia Chase Annette & Joel FishNathan Salz Maureen and Sandy SalzBirth of Lon Lowenstein’s twin grandsons Stevie & Jonny Shuchart

Choir FundIn Memory Of:Sam HipshTexanna Ollenberger’s granddaughter, Anna SueAnn StromSeymour Kaplan Jenifer & Michael Blum Harvey Bodker Elinor & Sherrill Friedman Arlene Hart Larry & Paula Hollenbeck Sunie and Lee Levin Ann Shepherd John & Julie StricklandAnna Powers Ann ShepherdChas. M. Levy, Jr. Jill JacobSusan Choucroun Larry & Marcia Rittmaster SueAnn StromIn Honor Of:Judith Benson Ron & Becky Sandhaus

Social Justice FundIn Memory Of:Daniel Elyachar Mr. & Mrs. Ken Schifman Ann ShepherdGrandfather, Gabe Spector Janet & Jeff Razafsky

(Continued on page 13)


In Honor Of:Bar Mitzvah of Braxton Hammontree SueAnn Strom

CBT Camp Scholarship FundIn Memory Of:Gale Watt Ruth & Michael WorthingtonAlbert Schonwetter Jack FeldmanMichael Waxman Laurie & Jeff Horn

Amy Dennis Pierron Music FundIn Memory Of:Ben Zion Rothstein Ruth & Michael WorthingtonSusan Choucroun Sheila GinsbergSeymour Kaplan Don Goldman and Martha GershunSam Hipsh Rabbi Vered Harris

Torah Writing Project DonationsIn reflection of our 25th Anniversary, it is important to recognize the many members who chose to donate to the Torah Project – Renewing Our Promise, Right Here, Right Now campaign. As promised, we are working on creating a permanent Donor Recognition Board to accompany the others in the Ulam in the coming year. How you see your name presented below is how we plan to present your name on the recognition board. If a revision needs to be made or your name is missing, please contact Samantha Hammontree at [email protected] or call (913) 685-1070 prior to November 1, 2014. Please note if you indicated you did not want your name publicized, we honored your request.

Thank you to all of Congregation Beth Torah’s members for supporting the Torah Writing Experience be it through your participation, donation or volunteerism. We should all be so proud to see, touch and read from our new Torah made especially for us!

(Contributions continued from page 12)

Lauren Aaronson & Philip MeltzerSherry Abramowitz

Margarita AdlerJeff & Sharon Altman

Marion AltmanRon & Julie Altman

Victor & Adrianne ApplebaumDamon & Sondra AtherlyPaul & Amanda Bachmut

Baim FamilyDiane & Arnie Balanoff

Richard BellottiJudith & Doug BensonJanet & Robert Bloom

Michael & Jenifer BlumHeidi Boehm

Laura & Boyd BolterJudith Brougham

Jill CampbellChuck & Sandi Cantor

Alice CapsonDebbie, Jeff , Talia and Oscar Chase

Paul & Julie ChesisKathleen Coenen

Leonard & Lisa CohenTom Cohen & Lena Price

Susan Cohen & Mitchell KrasnopolerEric & Michelle Cole

Margie & Steve CooperSue & Herb Crane

Michael & June Crane and FamilyMary Crouch Young & Bobby Young

Ray DavidsonDan & Karen Davidson

Todd DavissonLolly Davisson

Sarah Derks and Tom TellerJudy & Ron Dubrov

Carol DucakRoz Dwyer

Estelle Edelbaum & Glenn EsserEileen Garry

Denise & Steve EllenbergMike & Jim Ellis Family Foundation

Matthew & Gloria ElyacharAnn Elyachar

Marty & Megan EmertTeala & John Engle

Mike & Jill FineAnnette & Joel Fish

Susan & Bob FlappanForman - Wright Family

Fried Family

Len & Dawn FrischerMartha Gershun & Don Goldman

Deb & Mike GillGinsberg Family

Henri GoettelPhyllis Goldberg

Martin & Irene GoldsteinGlenn & Joyce Goldstein

Barbara GutierrezHakan Family

Samantha & Quentin HammontreeJan Harness

Jo-Ann HarrisMatt & Shanna Haun

Lloyd & Judith HellmanTeresa & Rick Hellman

Hendler FamilyMark & Vicki Herman

Marsha & Eddie HermanHess Family

Fred & Jane HollandLaurie Horn

Diana & Sasha HurstTim & Laura Intfen

Jill JacobMarlene Kahn

Fred & Sherri KahnKangas Family

William Kanter FamilyJulie Kaplan

Joyce W. & Alisa KartchJudy & Mark Kass

Sharon & Milton KatzRebecca & Jonathan Katz

Barry & Linda KatzEmma Kershenbaum

Gabe KivettJeff & Susan Kivett

Jason & Heather KortJoel & Donna Krichiver

Fran KuhnJohn Lantos & Martha Montello

John & Jane LawlessRonnie & Larry Lerner

Cathy & Gary Levin & Katie ZemelJennifer, Molly & Kate Levinson

Harry & Peg LevittJoseph Levy

Richard & Gail LozoffMarty & Dianne Lustig

Jill & Jim MaidofHerb MendelsohnBarb MendelsohnMilgrim Family

Mahta & Mark MillerlileEric & Shanny Morgenstern

Louis MosesAudrey Myers

Neumann FamilyAaron, Yara, Liam, & Aisling Nielsenshultz

Robin OldermanRichard OpticanPakula FamilyEdis Parkins

Stella & Arnold ParrisEllie Penner

Adam & Alicia PosloskyLisa Raich

Rabbi Rebecca Reice & Asher LazarusSuzanne & Todd Rein

Marcia & Larry RittmasterAllison Roodman

Roshan Parris & Jeff DobbsJody RovickRose Rovick

Becky & Ron SandhausSader Family

Jenny SafirMark & Janice Schonwetter

Rob SchwartzCindy ShamesPatsy Shanberg

Gary & Amy ShawTina Shea

Barry & Marge SkikneNancy Solomon

Kelly & Dan SombergHerb Spiegel

David Spizman & Karen LoggiaRita & Howard Stark

Frank & Robin SterneckMorris & Rosalie SterneckGenna & Andrew Stowe

SueAnn StromBonnie & Mickey Swade

Linda Sweenie & Glenn PhilipsEllen TaylorKitt Family

Neuman FamilyValery & Sofia Tokar

Esther Vinzant & Lolly DavissonMickey & Esther Vinzant

Joni & Larry WeinerRuth & Michael Worthington

Wylan FamilyLinda Zappulla

Dave & Leslie Zucker


October 2014 Calendar


Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDShawnee Mission, KS

Permit No. 721

Congregation Beth Torah6100 W. 127th Street

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

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Tekiah # 282, October 2014Congregation Beth Torah

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

Website: www.beth-torah.org

OfficersPresident................................................Linda Zappulla First Vice President...................................... Barry KatzVice President........................................ Mike GinsbergVice President............................................... Matt HaunSecretary ............................................... Bonnie SwadeTreasurer ................................................ Dan DavidsonImmediate Past President........................ Michelle ColeBoard of TrusteesJeff Altman Chuck Cantor Tom Cohen June CraneTodd Davisson Mike Fine Miki 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 TummonsDirector of Community Connections ..........Laura IntfenDirector of Finance .......................... Todd Janvrin, CPADirector of Youth, Education, and Engage-ment............................................... Aaron NielsenshultzOffice Manager....................................... Robin O’ BryanAdministrative Assistant..........................Sharon AltmanBookkeeper.......................................................Barb Kitt

BTTY Adviser: Hannah MichelsonJYG Advisers: Rachel Bolter & Zach Zwibelman

© Congregation Beth Torah, Overland Park, KS

Schedule for the Day:

Make sure you sign up by Wednesday, October 10th! Contact Aaron Neilsenshultz in the office with any questions or to sign up!

Please note: This is a Sunday School morning. Religious School students will complete projects in their classes, and families can sign up for afternoon shifts together.

9:00 a.m. Bagels

9:30 a.m. Worship10:15-11:45 a.m. First Shift

12:15-1:45 p.m. Second Shift

“It is not your responsibility to finish the work, but you are not free to desist from it either.”

--Rabbi Tarfon

Mitzvah Day 2014SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12TH

October tekiah for website 2014

Documents

Transcript of October tekiah for website 2014