September Tekiah 2015

A Note from the RabbiRabbi Rick Shapiro

(Continued on page 2)

One of my favorite passages from Mishkan T’filah, our Shabbat prayerbook, strikes me as particularly appropriate and meaningful at this time of year as we prepare for the High Holy Days.

Prayer invites God’s Divine Presence to suffuse our spirits, to let God’s Will prevail in our lives. Prayer may not bring water to parched fields, nor mend a broken bridge, nor rebuild a ruined city; but prayer can water an arid soul, mend a broken heart, and rebuild a weakened will.

The theme of this passage is the ages-old question: Can prayer change things? For me, the answer to that question is an important part of how we Jews view the world. For as valuable and central as prayer is in our lives, it is not because it can magically change the ways of the world. Rather, it is because it can change us enough that we will go out and change the world.

That prayer is meant to change the pray-ers, and through them, change the world, is suggested by a wonderful passage in the Talmud. There our Sages ask the question: “We know that God prays; what is God’s prayer?” Their answer provides us with an important insight into their concept of prayer. God prays:

May it be My will that My mercy may suppress My anger, and that My mercy may prevail over My other attributes, so that I may deal with My children in the attribute of mercy and, on their behalf, stop short of the limit of strict justice.

Since we are taught that we ought to strive to imitate God, we can see from this beautiful passage that one of the primary functions of prayer is to change ourselves so that we can change the world. For one of the marvels of life is our ability to change.

AVisit us on the Internet at

www.beth-torah.orgThe Monthly Newsletter of Congregation Beth Torah

September 2015 Issue 292 • Elul/Tishri 5775

HHD Service Schedule 2015/5775/6Selichot - Saturday, September 5th8:15 p.m. Selichot Dessert Reception

8:45 p.m. Havdalah9:00 p.m. Community Selichot Program

Erev Rosh Hashanah - Sunday, September 13th9:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah Rumpus

7:30 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah Service

Rosh Hashanah - Monday, September 14th8:30 a.m. Traditional Service

11:30 a.m. Contemporary Service11:30 a.m. Teen Session

4:00 p.m. Family Program5:00 p.m. Tashlich

Sunday, September 20th1:00 p.m. Memorial Service at the Beth Torah

section of the Mt. Moriah Cemetery

Kol Nidre - Tuesday, September 22nd6:00 p.m. Kol Nidre Contemporary Service

8:45 p.m. Kol Nidre Traditional Service

Yom Kippur- Wednesday, September 23rd8:30 a.m. Contemporary Service11:00 a.m. Adult Study Session11:30 a.m. Traditional Service

12:30 p.m. Adult Study Session2:00 p.m. Yizkor

2:00 p.m. Teen Session2:00 p.m. Adult Study Session

3:30 p.m. Afternoon Program “A Living Hallelujah”5:00 p.m. Family Program

5:00 p.m. Adult Study Session6:00 p.m. Neilah Service

(Break fast sponsored by the Ellenberg family following Neilah Service in Ulam)

www.beth-torah.org |

Torah Portion & Haftarah

September 4/5 10 of Elul Ki TeitzeiDeut. 21:10-25:19Haftarah – Isaiah 54:1-10

September 11/12 17 of Elul Ki TavoDeut. 26:1-29:8Haftarah – Isaiah 60:1-22

September 18/19 24 of Elul Nitzavim-VayeilechDeut. 29:9-31:30Haftarah – Isaiah 61:10-63:9

September 25/26 2 of Tishri HaazinuDeut. 32:1-52Haftarah- Hosea 14:2-10, Micah 7:18-20, and Joel 2:15-27

Worship(Continued from page 1)

In Memorium

Harvey FlacksLoved one of Kevin Flattery and

Karen Agron Flattery

Charles SmithGrandfather of Karen Davidson

Pam Lehr

Friend of Randi Friedlander

Rod LandrethFriend of Richard Bellotti

Joannie Glifman

Loved one of Steve and Marjorie Cooper

Kathleen Niemi

Sister-in-law of Tina Niemi

Laura BramWife of Alan Bram

Some people do not believe that we are capable of altering the way we live our lives. They say: “Oh well, that’s human nature, and we can’t change it. As long as people are the way they are, the world will always be the way it is: crime, drugs, wars, disease. We can’t change that!” Or others of us, when confronted with a mistake we have made or a fault in our personalities, say: “That’s just the way I am. I can’t change it.”

As Jews, the Days of Awe teach us exactly the opposite lesson. They teach us that we do have the power to change, to become different: not simply to accept our own personal faults, but to change them; not merely to accept the problems of the world, but to improve them. One of the greatest gifts we are given by God is our capacity to grow and mature, and thereby change the world around us. It won’t happen overnight, nor will it be easy. But it can be done. And that’s what the High Holy Days are for: to remind us of how important it is that we use God’s gift wisely, not let it lie dormant while we utter the all-too-familiar excuses for doing nothing.

As we enter this Season of Awe, let us remember God’s prayer and God’s gift to us. Let us remember that it is not merely the prayers we utter but the preparations we make prior to praying those prayers that will make a difference. Let us remember that prayer is not something that simply happens; we must have prepared ourselves to pray if our prayer is to be truly meaningful. And let us recognize that prayer can effect change in us only if we are truly ready to hear the words we speak in prayer.

During these High Holy Days, as each of us struggles with our prayers, may we always remember why we are together. May we draw strength from one another, and may we all emerge from the Days of Awe enriched and changed for the better.

Lynn joins me in thanksgiving as we anticipate celebrating our second High Holy Day season with all of you. May your year be a healthy and happy one, and may it bring only sweetness and goodness into your lives. Leshana tova tikateivu.

Rick

OfficersPresident...................................................Linda ZappullaFirst Vice President…………………................Barry KatzVice President………………………...........Bonnie SwadeVice President……………………..........…Elisa WaldmanSecretary ........................................................ Matt HaunTreasurer ................................................. Mike GinsbergImmediate Past President.......................... Michelle Cole

Board of TrusteesJeff Altman Tom Cohen June CraneTodd Davisson Mike FineMiki Herman Bob Milgrim Frank Sterneck SueAnn Strom

BTTY President........................................... Sarah Shaw

StaffInterim Rabbi........................ Rabbi Rick Shapiro, D.D.Founding Rabbi ................ Mark H. Levin, D.D., D.H.L. Music Director..................................... Emily Tummons Director of Community Connections...........Laura Intfen Director of Education ........................... Bridey StanglerDirector of Finance ......................... Todd Janvrin, CPA Office Manager..................................... Robin O’ BryanAdministrative Assistant.........................Sharon AltmanAdministrative Assistant ............................... Cathy Nix Bookkeeper......................................................Barb KittCommunications Associate ........................ Sara Glass

BTTY Advisers: Hannah Michelson & Zach ZwibelmanJYG Advisers: Rachel Bolter

© Congregation Beth Torah, Overland Park, KS

Tekiah # 292, September 2015Congregation Beth Torah

(913) 498-2212 Fax: (913) 498-1071Email: [email protected] Website: www.beth-torah.org

If you need to contact Rabbi Shapiro for a rabbinic emergency when the office is closed, he can be reached on his cell phone: 760-668-5806.


President’s CornerWhat an amazing year we have in front of us.

As Beth Torah continues to re-create itself, making bold and substantial statements that mirror our founding, I am so proud to be part of this congregation.

In removing tuition for the Weiner Religious School for children of our members, and opening enrollment to the children of non-members, we are extending our commitment to educating the next generation.

By initiating a Task Force to explore the role of the non-Jew in our congregation, we are acting on the importance of being thoughtful, disciplined and attentive to the needs of many of our members. By forming a Committee on Interfaith Programming, we move a step closer to answering questions important to our members, which may not get asked. You will see the results of both these initiatives during the coming months.

Our Membership Committee began almost a year ago to explore why people joined Beth Torah (or didn’t), and why they stayed. Under their leadership, we welcomed new members formally at an Erev Shabbat worship, presenting them with a certificate of membership. In August, at our Membership and Movie Night, we greeted more than 100 members and 14 guest families for an evening of fellowship, friends, fun, food and music, a wonderful showcase of our community. As the High Holy Days approach, we look forward to seeing some of these new friends at worship. You will see a variety of membership activities throughout the year.

The Rabbi Search Committee has begun to receive resumes, and screen candidates. It is exciting to see the quality of rabbis reaching out to us, and reinforces our confidence that we will find the right new rabbi to partner with us in our future. Throughout the next months you will hear about our progress, and in November and December we will be bringing in finalists for visits to our community.

As we approach the High Holy Days, I was moved as I read the first of the daily Elul emails: “In the shtetl of Lubavitch, on the Shabbat preceding the month of Elul, though summer still lingered and the day was bright and sunny, there was a change in the air; one already smelled the Elul-scent, a teshuvah-wind was blowing.” -The Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak

I feel a good wind blowing for Beth Torah, and for all of us. L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu – May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good year.

Linda Zappulla

Linda Zappulla, Board President [email protected]

Caring Connection Team seeks new Volunteers

Led by Chair Kelly Somberg, the Beth Torah Caring Connection Team (CCT) has served 12 partners in its two years of operation. The Team’s services include providing friendly visits to members of our congregation and their relatives, driving a fellow congregant to doctors’ appointments and relieving a family caregiver for a few hours (respite care). Providing such needed services to members of Congregation Beth Torah allows us “to demonstrate our care, concern, and friendship”, according to Nancy Solomon, one of more than 20 volunteers. Nancy was inspired by Founding Rabbi Levin’s High Holy Days sermon in 2013. She has been an active volunteer ever since.

New in the second year of operations, Care & Compassion Cards are available in the backs of the pews in the Beth Torah Sanctuary and can be used to provide CCT with names of members who may benefit from our volunteers’ generous time and talents. One of the volunteers, Estelle Edelbaum, sends out handwritten get well blessings to those newly listed on the Beth Torah Mi She’berah List. These cards are appreciated by those needing a special Refuah Shlemah.

Also new this year, CCT is combining with K’sharim. Check out page 13 of this Tekiah.

CCT volunteers meet every other month for training and support, thus we are continually improving our services and outreach to the Beth Torah community. New volunteers will go through a short training before being assigned a Care Partner. If the activities, care, concern, and friendship offered by Beth Torah’s Caring Connection Team sound like those YOU would like to share with others, please contact Kelly Somberg at (913) 205-6411 or email at [email protected].


Connections Laura Intfen, Director of Community [email protected]

“Rosh HaShanah is a moment of opening. The gates of repentance swing wide; the Book of Life is turned to a new page. For a precious few days, the portals are unlocked and open…We stand on the threshold. Let us enter!” Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD, from the introduction essays of the Reform Machzor, Mishkan Hanefesh

In truth, Judaism is full of thresholds. Conversions, babies being born, marriages, deaths, and also, retirements, moves, and congregational changes. It is always possible to back into a doorway, but that is NOT the best way to go over a threshold. Being bold; walking over a boundary facing forward is the best way. So, as our community crosses the threshold between 5775 and 5776, I offer you a look into what we, holding hands and walking forward boldly are facing as we enter 5776:

Caring for each other: The k’sharim committee and our Caring Connection Team are joining forces to take better care of the individuals that make up our community. Many times a member will need a ride or a meal, but also there are plenty of people in our community who need help doing small repairs around their house, or maybe a lawn mowing or sidewalk shoveling and then there are those who may need a professional service that you can offer. Can you help someone with taxes? Can you help paint a room or repair an appliance? The other side of this, is what can we do for you? Do you know a Beth Torah member who could use a little caring? You will see the new CCT/K’sharim cards out and about at High Holy Days. Think about who in your life matters. Could that person use someone to reach out a hand? Look for new k’sharim letters this coming year and more opportunities to help. Are you on the threshold of stepping forward to help someone or maybe to ask someone for help? Be bold.

Safety: The line between trying to make people safer and inconveniencing them is a fine one. Locking our door 24/7 was a difficult decision. It inconvenienced the staff, our members and felt unwelcoming to our guests. Not having communication between our office and our school kept our teachers and our administration up at night. This is the year we take steps to control what we can. With the understanding that for every solution we offer, there is a loophole, a “yes, but”, we can go into this year feeling like we are safer than we were last year. We upgraded our security system. And by that I mean we have upgraded, AND taken steps to acknowledge our congregants’ valid concerns about building access and being welcoming. We have added phones and intercom systems, we have added cameras, redirected cameras, updated our security technology, and most visibly, added a fob entry system to our building. Each of our member families will be receiving a fob from us. Here are the details:

1) You can pick up your fob at the Beth Torah office anytime the office is open or on Sunday mornings when there is religious school.2) There is one fob per family. If you would like a second fob, we can do that for a $10.00 fee.3) When you pick up your fob, there will be a FAQ sheet with it. Please be sure to read it. It is important.4) With your fob in your hand, you will not have to have the front door opened for you. Our community safety relies on you being aware of anyone who enters the door with you. Always stay in tune with your surroundings, for everyone’s sake.5) Your Beth Torah fob experience should be FOBulous. If it isn’t, please call or email me and let me know. This is new to all of us. Have patience, offer constructive suggestions and also let me know what is working well.

If you see something that doesn’t look right, tell someone. What you think matters. Be bold. Being part of a whole: As this Tekiah gets sent out, we will be hosting the community Selichot service here in our building. This has been a tradition for many years. This year, we will be the hosts for community orchestras, choirs, worship services, camps and classes. We will be combining worship leadership teams with The Temple B’nai Jehudah for morning worship on Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Passover and Shavuot. We will be sending a team of Beth Torah members and staff to the URJ Biennial in November in Orlando, Florida. There, we will be learning, absorbing and packing ideas to bring home to introduce, share and teach what is going on in the American Jewish world outside of our walls. We will bring the energy of the greater Kansas City area, Orlando and beyond over the threshold of our door and into our community. We will be bold.

Mattering: If Beth Torah was gone tomorrow, would you miss it? If you didn’t show up to Beth Torah for a while, would you be missed? If you are nodding your head as you read these questions then Beth Torah matters. Beth Torah congregants matter. YOU matter. There is a wonderful blog entry on the URJ website from an author named Allison Fine. She wrote such books as: Momentum: Igniting Social Change in the Connected Age and Matterness: Fearless Leadership for a Social World. She also happened to be President of a synagogue in upstate New York. She blogs, “Synagogues tend to be busy places, with people rushing around…But in all this busyness, congregants become little more than dues-paying, High Holiday-going, b’nai mitzvah-getting consumers. .. I call this the loss of Matterness.”

Our Strategic Planning Committee, led by David Spizman, Janice Schonwetter and Matt Haun is looking at our future using the lens of “Matterness”. How will our community matter? How will our congregants matter? How will our programming matter? How will our worship matter? This matter tinted lens is being focused alongside our search for a rabbi who matters. The year 5776 and beyond look mighty bright for us as we cross that threshold of transition BOLDLY and walk together into becoming a community that MATTERS. I’ll see you all in the next few weeks as we welcome the Days of Awe together. When we meet, whether outside on our walkway, in our halls, or in the sanctuary, I pray that I am able to convey to you that you matter. May 5776 be a year of healthy, strength, satisfaction, connectivity, support; bold moves and of course, Matterness. Amen. May it be so.


Volunteer Coordinating CommitteeThinking about how to fulfill your role by actively participating in Social Justice? We want to help you find your place in the community we need.

Our participation in Social Justice stretches beyond the walls of Congregation Beth Torah and well into the greater community at large! Please consider involving yourself in any or all: •BackSnackCommittee(TeresaHellman,Chair):Helppack&deliverBackSnackpackagestoaShawneeMissionelementary school Thursdays during the school year. •CCT/CaringConnectionTeam(KellySomberg,Chair):Providespracticalsupport,encouragement&connectiontothosethat may need a little extra help following a health care situation or facing a long-term health challenge while living at home. •MitzvahDay(Larry&AlezaMyer,Chairs):MitzvahDayisscheduledforOctober18,2015.SiteLeadersareneededtohelp coordinate individual projects in our community when CBT joins together to help organizations & projects in the larger KC Community •SAVEhome(LaurenAaronson,Chair)For25years,volunteershavebeenbringingSundaynightdinnertoSAVEhome,a supervised residence for up to 8 people with HIV/AIDS, plus 1 staff member. Cook at home, at SAVEhome or bring take-out.Use our Sign Up Genius to decide what best fits your interest and passion. CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

Jennifer Levinson & Marcia Rittmaster, VCC [email protected] / [email protected]

Mazel Tov to: Dann and Hannah Michelson, Boyd and Laura Bolter and Rachel Bolter on the birth of their daughter, granddaughter and niece, Amelia

Joan Michelson

Caroline Danielson on her conversion to Judaism

Vic and Adrianne Applebaum on the marriage of their daughter, Amy Applebaum and

Michael Novorr

Alicia and Adam Poslosky on the birth of their daughter, Harper Jordyn

Joel’s Ride Is Ready to Roll Join us for your last ride of the year! Joel’s Ride: Wheels for Meals is scheduled for Sunday, October 18th. There are four rides to choose from including a 10, 25, 42 and a metric century (62 miles). Ride times start as early as 8:00 but are stag-gered so all rides ending at our after-ride event with lunch sponsored by Spin! Neapolitan Pizza as well as some adult beverages. All rides are SAG supported and helmets are required. The 10-mile ride is entirely on bike paths and off-road so it’s the perfect family ride. The 25, 42 and 62-mile rides are through Southern Johnson County. If you can’t ride, then consider volunteering for our event as a part of this year’s Mitzvah Day event. Registration can be found by clicking here to go to Active.com. Register by October 1st, and get a free event T-shirt. Joel’s Ride supports the Joel H. Winston Social Justice Fund at Beth Torah. Registrants

are asked to donate three cans of shelf stable foods for pantry donations.

Chavurah Update:

From the Hebrew root word that means “friend”, a havurah is a small group of congregants who become friends through regular meetings and shared interests. There is no better way to feel Beth Torah’s motto of “we are the community we need” than by being in a chavurah. We have been in ours for 13 years, and it’s still going strong. The members of our chavurah are truly like a second family.

If you are interested in joining a chavurah, or forming a new one, please contact us. Be sure to include your name(s), email address(es) and your age(s). We will contact you regarding a fall meeting for the formation of new groups.

We need to update the chavurah information on file. If you are now in an existing chavurah, please ask one member to contact us. If your chavurah needs more members, or is having problems, please let us know, and we will try to help.

Susie & Jerry Klinock [email protected] (913) 663-5446 First day of Religious

School is September

13th for a special

family HHD Program!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4daea72babf94-volunteers

http://www.active.com/overland-park-ks/cycling/races/joel-s-ride-wheels-for-meals-2015




Adult Education & Special ProgramsBringing Adult Education to YouDiscussion 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 Jewish Literature discussion group. On Monday, September 28th, at 7:00 p.m., we will discuss: Catch the Jew by Yuvia Tenenbom.

Saturday Night at the MoviesJoin your community for an exploration of the Israeli 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 on Saturday, September 19th, for a viewing of “Ushpizin”. This will be part of our membership and movie night.

Ray Davidson Yiddish CircleIf you haven’t yet visited the wonderful “Yiddish Circle for Learning” at Congregation Beth Torah, you’re missing a treat. Come to Beth Torah each Friday at noon until 1:30 p.m. Bring your lunch if you’d like.

Lunch with the Rabbi

Join Rabbi Shapiro this month for some lunch and some learning at our next Lunch with the Rabbi on Thursday, September 17th, 12:00-1:30 p.m. in the Library. Bring your own lunch or call the office at (913) 498-2212 to order a

sandwich.

Wisdom on WednesdaysThe Wisdom on Wednesday crew is preparing for the Days of Awe by reading selected texts appropriate for the reflective month of Elul and the High Holy Days. We will be studying texts for the Days of Awe through Wednesday, September 16th. Bring a lunch and join the shmoozing at noon, or come at 12:30 p.m., when study begins. You’ll find us in the Bride’s Room.

The Cemetery at Beth TorahEveryone should make an effort to come out to the cemetery and see for themselves what a comforting place it can be, with all of the trees, bushes and benches that separate us from the rest of the cemetery. Under the guidance of Dr. Michael Blum it has become a place of beauty, remembrance and peaceful comfort. On September 20, 2015, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Rabbi Rick Shapiro will be conducting a memorial service for our congregation at our cemetery. This could be your opportunity to attend the memorial service and see our cemetery for your self. As of January 1, 2016, the pricing structure is changing and the price of plots for members will be going up to $1,850, from the current price for mem-bers of $1,700. This price includes first degree relatives. The non-member price will be $2,600. It would be smart to take advantage of the current pricing before the price goes up. As the new chairman of the cemetery committee, I would be happy to show anyone the cemetery and introduce them to the cemetery personal who could guide them through the final life cycle event planning. Pre-need planning alleviates financial and emotional hardship at the time of death. Anyone wishing to be on the cemetery committee should contact Mickey Swade at (913) 681-3050 or email me at [email protected]. “We are the community we need!” Thank you,Mickey Swade


Sukkot and Simchat Torah!

Sunday, September 27th:10:00 a.m. Meet up in back of Beth Torah and help raise our congregational Sukkah. All hands are needed and if you can bring a ladder and/or a cordless drill, even better. There will be donuts and cider. 4:00-6:00 p.m. Come on by for our Sukkot Swing! This is a family educational program open to the entire Jewish Community. There will be something for everyone, but more importantly there will be swings. Whether you are a porch swinger or a hammock swinger, we have got the swing for you. Invite your swinging friends too!!6:00-7:00 p.m. Picnic Dinner: Bring your favorite take out or cook up your favorite outdoor treat and bring it along for dinner. Fulfill the mitzvah of shaking the lulav and the etrog in the sukkah and play a game of badminton or catch up with your friends. Harvest a memory during our annual Sukkot picnic.7:00-7:45 p.m. Our outdoor worship including lots of music.

Monday, September 28th: 10:30 a.m. Sukkot morning worship with the Temple B’nai Jehudah at The Temple B’nai Jehudah. They are located at 12320 Nall Ave, Overland Park, KS 66209. Our worship leadership team will be leading worship along with theirs. There will be no worship at Beth Torah that morning.

Shabbat, October 3rd:10:30 a.m. We will have Shabbat morning worship outside in and around the Sukkah (weather permitting). Why not bring a sack lunch and enjoy a meal in the Sukkah after worship? If you would like to use our Sukkah at all during the week of Sukkot to have a family meal, just give the office a call and book it. We will have the table and the lulav and Etrog out there for you to use.

Sunday, October 4th: 5:30-6:30 p.m. This is a day when the end and the beginning are both celebrated, so why not have breakfast for dinner??!! Chris Cakes will be here flipping flap jacks. All you have to do is show up and catch them! Don’t worry about the calories; we’ll dance those off during worship.6:30-7:30 p.m. Time to celebrate Torah. Bring your consecration Torah scrolls if you have them and wear your comfortable shoes. Let’s celebrate the Tree of Life and all that it means to our lives. Come and enjoy the live Klezmer music as we mark another year of learning from the stories and the lessons of the Sefer Torah.

Monday, October 5th:10:30 a.m. Simchat Torah morning worship with The Temple B’nai Jehudah here in the Beth Torah sanctuary. Our worship leadership team will be leading worship along with theirs.

May your Sukkot be bountiful with blessings and your Simchat Torah be enlightening.

AFTeR THe FinAl SHOFAR blAST OF YOM KiPPuR AnD THe GATeS clOSe THeRe iS…

Sukkot & Simchat Torah:


Religious SchoolCan you feel it? There’s a thrumming beneath our floors - a buzz that’s following people around, making our community hum with excitement. It’s about coming together and asking: how do we get back to ourselves, to our community, and to God? Let’s break down the buzz, shall we?

Lifelong learning is something highly valued here at Beth Torah, and I can tell that in my short six weeks here: phone calls, emails, and meetings, oh my! People are eager for Adult Hebrew, Jewish parenting discussion groups, meditation sessions, and learning retreats. If you haven’t already, be sure to complete our Lifelong Learning survey; CLICK HERE. Research is underway to provide the Beth Torah community with learning options to support a vibrant Jewish life.

Congregation Beth Torah’s ARJE-Accredited Weiner Religious SchoolWRS feels like a kind of clubhouse. As any true kid/kid-at-heart knows, a clubhouse is defined by its chumminess, by its atmosphere of adventure, and by its unbridled sense of freedom. At WRS, kids and families will get down and dirty in the delights of Jewish life in a way you simply can’t in a large religious school. It’s no secret that the number of kids in our school has shrunk, and those who remain are those ready for something completely different.

The Rosh Hashanah Rumpus, a family event, on Sunday, September 13th, will kick the year off with a blast – a shofar blast. Building on the theme of Maurice Sendak’s

“Where the Wild Things Are” (hence the Rumpus), families will be transported for a morning of adventure and exploration of the Jewish New Year. Prepare and sample Rosh Hashanah foods from across the world, including Kolva, a Greek pudding from the Sephardic tradition, and of course, sweet round challah. Also featured: a Shofar Petting Zoo, a Family Rosh Hashanah Resolutions Station, a symbolic outdoor Tashlich (burn away the year’s sins), a New Year’s photo booth, and more.

Just two weeks later, Sunday morning religious school is called off so that everyone can come later that evening for the Erev Sukkot Swing, an outdoor party complete with sukkah decorating, Can-struction contests, and a little food. Pencil it in: Sunday, September 27th.

Rest assured, these are just two of the many exciting things happening inside and outside of our clubhouse classrooms this year. Make sure you’re here to meet the teacher and hang the mezuzah at 10:00 a.m. in your kiddo’s class on Sunday, September 27th. It’ll consecrate the clubhouse, and we want you to be a part of it. We want you to be a part of all of it.Won’t you join us?

-Bridey Stangler

Bridey Stangler, Director of [email protected]

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/925RYJN%29

http://beth-torah.org/our_community/youth_activities/rosh_hashanah_rumpus.aspx


The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah

September 2015 B’nai MitzvahBat Mitzvah of Josie SafirJosie Safir, daughter of Craig and Jenny Safir, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Shabbat worship on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Josie is in eighth grade at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy in Overland Park, KS. She enjoys playing soccer and basketball, hanging out with her friends and family, and working on creative projects. Josie has an older brother, Nathan. She is the granddaughter of Robert and Maxine Benson and Gloria Safir and the late Stanley Safir. The congregation is welcome to join the family at the Kiddush luncheon following our community worship service.

Bat Mitzvah of Hannah LuschenHannah Luschen, daughter of Jay Luschen and the late Sharon Luschen, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, September 19th. Hannah is a seventh grader at Prairie Trail Middle School. She enjoys gymnastics, playing the violin and attending Camp Sabra in the summer. She is the granddaughter of Lee and Mariam Birnbaum and the late Jack and Joyce Luschen. The congregation is invited to join Hannah and her family for worship and the Kiddush luncheon following the service.

While everyone has been enjoying the pool, barbecues, and vacations, the volunteers at the Gift Shop have been shopping. The Gift Shop is ready for Rosh Hashanah with shofars, honey pots, and apple trays. We offer a wide variety of gifts, including hostess gifts, challah trays, Havdalah sets, children’s toys and many more items which will delight the whole family.

We are having a “Sweet” New Year Tallit Sale. From August 24th to the September 9th, buy a tallit and get 25% off. Come in and see our beautiful “one of a kind” tallit from Israel. Get a new tallit for the High Holy Days. In fact, this is a double value time of year because our annual “Sweet” New Year raffle is on during the tallit sale. Make a purchase of $18 or more, then register in our raffle. You could be the lucky winner of an apple and honey tray.

The Gift Shop would love to have you celebrate your simcha with us. Celebrating a wedding, B’nai Mitzvah, or birthday, please come to the gift shop and work with one of our volunteers to set your gift registry. If you are looking for the perfect gift for any occasion, talk to our gift shop volunteers, so you can find a gift that you know will always be treasured.

Our store hours beginning September 13, 2015:Sunday (during religious school only) 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.;

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

If you can’t get in to the gift shop during our regular hours, then you have two options. Either go to our online store through the Beth Torah Website, or call Kelly @ (913) 498-1474 and set up an appointment to shop at our store.

L’Shanah Tovah from all the Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah Volunteers!

Kelly Kaplan, Chairperson


Music Program Notes Emily Tummons, Music [email protected]

In my last letter to you all, I mentioned that for this High Holy Day season, we will be incorporating a new musical component: quartets. In each traditional services they will share one or two musical pieces. I asked these singers to work with me on putting together some details about their background, their experiences here at Beth Torah, about what the High Holy Days mean to them, and so on. I am delighted that the following seven people will join me in creating two quartets this year, one for Rosh Hashanah and one for Yom Kippur:

Judith Evnen Benson has been a part of musical worship with Congregation Beth Torah for about 13 years. She has sung in the choir, provided a hand in Yizkor and other special services and was the temporary music director for CBT for about six months in 2014. Judith views the High Holy Days as an opportunity to reconnect with one’s truest heart and soul, a chance to take a hard look, and listen and make decisions, supported by our sacred community. She believes that the music touches our past and present in a way that creates an opening for these important days. Judith enjoys singing with the Kansas City Symphony Chorus as well, and she is so

pleased that the Kansas City Chorale will hold a concert of Jewish pieces right here at Beth Torah in October.

Jeff Carroll became a member of the Beth Torah choir in 2000 and has participated, off and on, ever since. His musical background includes singing in choirs in high school and college and playing in various musical ensembles on trombone, bass guitar and standup bass. Singing with the Beth Torah choir is special to him because it was through the choir that he became more interested in Judaism, which led to his conversion in 2001. For Jeff, singing during the High Holy Days is particularly significant as it gives him an opportunity to, hopefully, make worship more meaningful for the Beth Torah community.

Carmen Dieker teaches Orchestra at a local middle school. She has performed with area symphonies, choirs, and bands, crossing many genres. Carmen joined the music team at Beth Torah in the Spring of 2014. She participates in nearly every pocket of the music program, including Shabbat services, Festival services, and Sermon-in-Song programs as a violinist, vocalist, cellist, and pianist. Carmen also serves as our year-round Adult Choir Director. This year the Beth Torah music program commissioned Carmen to compose a special piece for the choir, using a traditional High Holy Day text: Psalm 27:4. This after-sermon song will be shared with the congregation at the Erev Rosh Hashanah service.

A trombonist by birth, Fred Gustin took up singing when he joined his wife soprano Barbara Brill Gustin and the CBT Choir in 2003, and he now sings the trombone part. Fred also sang with Shireinu for several years, and is currently discovering masterworks by Beethoven, Mozart and Faure with the Summer Singers of Kansas City and of Lee’s Summit. Forced to earn a living just to pay the mortgage and feed a wife and two dogs, Fred puts down his music and makes the daily schlep downtown, where he toils for you – the customers of Kansas City Power & Light – to keep your lights on. Fred and Barbara have three sons and three daughters-in-law, two grandsons, and a granddaughter-on-the-way.

Tim Intfen joined Congregation Beth Torah exactly 18 years ago, with his wife Laura (Director of Community Connections). This will be his 19th High Holy Day season singing with the Beth Torah choir. He has worn many hats in the congregation, including teaching in our religious school, directing the Kids Choir, and working hard in committees, classes, and special events. For about 15 years now, Tim has also been a regular member of the bimah team, helping in the leading of liturgical prayers and music on Shabbats and holidays. Tim has shared that when he leads music from the bimah, he appreciates the opportunity to look out into the faces of the congregants, reflect on their personal stories, and find ways to connect the music to them both individually and together as a whole community.

Lezlie Zucker has been a part of the Beth Torah music community ever since she joined the congregation. In addition to helping lead worship music, in the past several years she has sung soprano, directed, and even composed music for the choir. Most recently, Lezlie has been working at the intersection of music and sacred drama, designing narratives for Sermon-in-Songs, weaving these stories together with music and prayer. She believes that sacred drama can help get the brain out of the way so our hearts can connect directly with each other and the with the Divine. Recognizing Lezlie’s passion and background in this area, the staff and Liturgical Team commissioned her to re-envision our Yom Kippur Afternoon Service. After months of preparation, Beth Torah is excited to share this brand new program, called “A Living Hallelujah.” We hope you will join us Yom Kippur afternoon.

Zach Zwibelman has been a familiar face here at Beth Torah for many years. He teaches the youth group, teaches in the religious school, sounds the shofar every hear for the High Holy Days, and even brings in catered coffee shops for us. Zach began studying piano while in Kindergarten, and played French horn and trumpet in band. He has been a regular singer in the Beth Torah choir since his bar mitzvah more than a decade ago, where he enjoys making music together with his mother and brother.

Emily Tummons, Music Director [email protected]


Contributions

Beth Torah General Fund

In Memory Of:Laura Bram Nancy & Jay YedlinDick Rosenfeld Les & Amy RosenfeldPeedee Brown Phillip S. BrownIda Kaplan Alice KaplanRichard Ingersoll Esther Markus

In Honor Of:In honor of my birthday Laura Deware-JonesTootie Brown’s 90th birthday Barbara Mendelsohn

Rabbi Shapiro Discretionary Fund Valery & Susan Tokar

In Memory Of:Lori Ginson Ron & Jo Ann GinsonSeymour Kaplan Carole KaplanMaxine Stark Howard Stark

Rabbi Levin Discretionary Fund Bill & Charlotte Kessler Valery & Susan Tokar

In Memory Of:Philip Lustig Marty LustigJacob Osman

Doug GreenwaldNathan Salz Maureen & Sandy SalzPaul Richolson Rowena JacobsAbraham Sher Marilyn SchulzingerMichael Bernard Waxman Joel & Susan WaxmanDaniel Elyachar Adam & Stephanie ElyacharLaura Bram Sharon & Jeff Altman

Choir Fund

In Memory Of:Sylvia Sue Carter Barbara GutierrezFlorine Capper Gail Altman

Social Justice Fund

In Honor Of:Martin & Irene Goldstein’s 50th Anniversary Nancy Jonas WilsonTootie Brown’s 90th birthday Patsy Shanberg

In Memory Of:Clayton Lee Wood Jo-Ann Harris

Youth Activities Fund

In Honor Of:Marlene Kahn’s 80th birthday Steven Dloogoff

Stan OsmanSylvia Becker Rose RovickSister, mom & dad Al & Karen HessSolomon Lieberman Marty & Diane Lustig

CBT Fund For Families In Need Valery & Susan Tokar

In Memory Of:Lilly Jacobson Bill KesslerLinda Sobol Ruth Deutsch Sue CraneHelen Gilman Lynn Murray

In Honor Of:Our daughter Rachel’s Birthright trip to Israel Chuck & Sandi Cantor

Hunger Fund

In Honor Of:Marlene Kahn’s 80th birthday Mona GlazerBirth of Robin & Rod O’Bryan’s grandson, Charles McCoy KraftTootie Brown’s 90th birthdayMarlene Kahn’s 80th birthdaySpeedy recovery of Stanley Katz Sharon & Jeff Altman

In Memory Of:Gilbert Greenwald Pola Greenwald Susan & Joel Waxman

Sponsorships:

September 4th/5th: Pulpit flowers and the Kiddush luncheon on Shabbat morning are sponsored by Craig and Jenny Safir in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Josie Safir. September 18th/19th: Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Jay Luschen and Debbie Leonard in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Hannah Luschen.


Community EventsGreater Kansas City Mental Health Coalition 5K Walk: Honoring Jason by Helping Others.Let’s Start a Conversation. Walking and talking go hand in hand. Join us on Sunday morning, September 20th as we gather in the Beth Torah parking lot at 7:30 a.m. for our 8:15 walk on Tomahawk Creek Trail. We will be walking in tandem with the team walking for Jason Arkin ( a young man from Beth Torah’s congregation who, just this past May, was a victim of suicide as a result of his Depression) as part of a huge event in Chicago. There is no charge for this walk but we do ask that you sign up and that you donate to further the cause of the Coalition to reduce stigma and increase education. Read Jason’s story and find out more information at www.itsok.us/jason or look us up on Facebook at: Honoring Jason by helping others. A walk to help start a conversation.

Suicide AwarenessSASS-MoKAN (Suicide Awareness Survivor Support) will hold its 12th Annual Community Remembrance Walk on Sunday, September 6, 2015, at Loose Park. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. The cost for the walk is $25 for pre-registration and $30 the day of the event. Participants will receive a t-shirt and bag. Proceeds benefit area support groups. There will be a dove release and name ceremony. To register go to www.sass-mokan.com/sass-walk or call Mickey or Bonnie Swade at (913) 681-3050.

Grief Support GroupJFS is starting a Grief and Loss Support Group that will meet the first and third Wednesday of each month, 2:00-3:30 p.m. The support group is for individuals grieving from the death of a spousal partner. The group, which is free, will provide the opportunity to address issues of loss and grief within a Jewish spiritual context in a warm and confidential environment. The group is co-facilitated by Rabbi Mark Levin and Roger Goldblatt, a licensed clinical social worker. To register for this support group or for more information, please contact Goldblatt at (913) 730-1422 or [email protected].

Community-wide Course: “Judaism for Conversion Candidates” Begins in Fall The Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas will once again offer a community-wide course, “Judaism for Conversion Candidates”, beginning Thursday, August 27th. The year-long course will be taught on a rotating basis by rabbis from the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox movements and is intended to acquaint those considering conversion to Judaism with what it means to live Jewishly. Classes will take place on Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. An orientation session is scheduled for Thursday, August 20th, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the JCC. The fee for the course is $250 per person and includes course textbooks. For additional information or to register for this course, visit kcrabbis.org or contact Annette Fish by email at [email protected] or (913) 327-4622.

Jewish Community Prepares for High Holy Days with Community-wide Selichot Program and Service The community is invited to participate in a city-wide Selichot program and service on Saturday, September 5th, at Congregation Beth Torah, 6100 W. 127th St. Selichot is an opportunity to examine one’s deeds of the past year, directing one’s heart and mind to the process of teshuvah (repentance), and seeking forgiveness. Some of the prayers and music found in the Selichot service are taken from the High Holy Day liturgy, thus providing a musical transition between the “old year” and the New Year. The evening will begin with a dessert reception at 8:15 p.m. followed by Havdalah at 8:45 p.m. At 9:00, two superstars of Jewish music, Neshama Carlebach and Josh Nelson, will present a musical concert that is not to be missed. The Selichot service will begin at 10:10 p.m. and is designed to help worshipers begin to spiritually prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The service will be led by area rabbis. The music will be led by music director Emily Tummons of Congregation Beth Torah, Hazzan Tahl Ben-Yehuda of Congregation Beth Shalom, music director Lara Steinel of Congregation Kol Ami, a community choir, and our guest musicians, Neshama Carlebach and Josh Nelson. For information, visit www.kcrabbis.org or contact Annette Fish, Rabbinical Association Administrator, [email protected] or (913) 327-4622. The Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City sponsors the Selichot program with generous support from The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, Jewish Community Foundation and congregations. Selichot services also take place at 11:00 p.m. at Kehilath Israel Synagogue and at 1:15 a.m. at Congregation Beth Israel Abraham and Voliner.

JYG UpdateWe’re so glad that many of you joined us in August for our Pool Party and we would love to see you again! Join us on Sunday, September 27th for a JYG (6th through 8th grade) Youth Lounge Night after the Sukkot program, picnic and worship! We will have fun with games, snacks and a movie! Please RSVP to Rachel Bolter at [email protected] or Zach Zwibelman at [email protected] by Sunday, September 20th. We hope to see you there!

http://www.sass-mokan.com/sass-walk


High Holy Day Food Drive

Congregation Beth Torah has provided about 60% of the food that JFS collects for the food pantry. With the help of our youth group who provide the grocery bags at the High Holy Days, we do a fantastic job filling the Ulam with groceries. So of course I am counting on us to bring those bags back filled to the top. Here is my next plea; I would like our goal to be to have those food barrels filled all year. I am asking that each time we enter Beth Torah we have a canned food item in hand. Of course we can bring more than one item. When you shop for groceries add something you can donate the next time you come. Make it a family affair or a classroom activity. One in five children in Johnson County is affected by food insecurity. That just isn’t acceptable. Let’s do our part to change those numbers. Any questions, contact Phyllis Goldberg at [email protected].

Most needed items: canned fruits & vegetables, cereals, tuna, peanut butter, soups, whole grain pasta & rice, paper products and personal care products.

Food PantryA member of Harvesters Food Network

Donation barrels are located at the JCC and most area synagogues. Bring your grocery bags to Kol Nidre services or throughout the High Holidays.

High Holiday Food Drive

One Can.One Bag.One Barrel.

It all adds up! With the start of the Jewish New Year, take Tzedakah to heart, and help feed hungry people in our community.

You CAN make a difference.

60 Barrels = 12,000 poundsof food

GOAL:September 13 - 30, 2015

The amount of food distributed every month by JFS to families in need

Staying Connected

Stay Connected at Beth Torah:

Visit our website:www.beth-torah.org

Follow us on twitter: @BethTorah

Join us on Facebook:

Congregation Beth Torah

or Email us at: [email protected]

and we’ll send you the links!

http://www.beth-torah.org

https://twitter.com/BethTorah

https://www.facebook.com/CongregationBethTorah%3Ffref%3Dts

https://www.facebook.com/CongregationBethTorah%3Ffref%3Dts

mailto:info%40beth-torah.org%20?subject=


“Deeds of Kindness weigh as much as all the Commandments” --So says the Talmud

The K’sharim Committee and the Caring Connection Team are working together to provide

Gemilut Chasidim (acts of loving kindness) through hands-on community support. Beth Torah strives to be a caring community where everyone is included and made to feel welcome to celebrate together and support each other.

Join us Friday night, October 2nd, as we begin a new tradition recognizing the caring souls of our congregation who are part of the October k’sharim committee. Our Caring Connection Team and our K’sharim Committees are joining forces for some audacious caring. You can be a part of this too. Call the Beth Torah office to offer your time and/or experience, or if you know a Beth Torah member who needs a little extra TLC from the CCT.

See you Friday night, October 2nd, because you care.

Calendar September 2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 17 of Elul 5775 Building Closed

2 18 of Elul 5775 12:00 PM-Wisdom on Wednesdays 7:00 PM- Task Force on the Role of the Non-Jew in the Synagogue 7:00 PM- Choir Rehearsal

3 19 of Elul 5775

4 20 of Elul 5775 12:00 PM- Yiddish Circle 6:00 PM-Nosh 6:30 PM-Erev Shabbat Worship 7:45 PM-Oneg

5 21 of Elul 5775 9:00 AM-"Discussion on the Writings of Torah" 10:30 AM-Shabbat Worship Bat Mitzvah of Josie Safir 8:15 PM- Community-Wide Selichot Services

6 22 of Elul 5775 8:00 AM- Sass-MoKan Support Walk (Loose Park)

7 23 of Elul 5775 Labor Day - Building Closed

8 24 of Elul 5775 Building Closed

9 25 of Elul 5775 12:00 PM-Wisdom on Wednesdays 7:00 PM-HHD Choir Rehearsal

10 26 of Elul 5775

11 27 of Elul 5775 12:00 PM- Yiddish Circle 6:00 PM-Nosh 6:30 PM-Erev Shabbat Worship 7:45 PM-Oneg

12 28 of Elul 5775 9:00 AM-"Discussion on the Writings of Torah" 10:30 AM-Shabbat Worship

13 29 of Elul 5775 9:30 AM- First Day of Religious School – Rosh Hashanah Rumpus Erev Rosh Hashanah

14 1 of Tishri 5775 Rosh Hashanah- Office Closed

15 2 of Tishri 5775 Building Closed

16 3 of Tishri 5775 12:00 PM-Wisdom on Wednesdays 7:00 PM-HHD Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM- Task Force on the Role of the Non-Jew in the Synagogue

17 4 of Tishri 5775 12:00 PM-Lunch with the Rabbi

18 5 of Tishri 5775 12:00 PM- Yiddish Circle 6:00 PM-Nosh 6:30 PM-Erev Shabbat Worship 7:45 PM-Oneg – Supplied by Panera

19 6 of Tishri 5775 9:00 AM-"Discussion on the Writings of Torah" 10:30 AM-Shabbat Worship Bat Mitzvah of Hannah Luschen 7:00 PM-Saturday Night at the Movies- Israel on Film

20 7 of Tishri 5775 9:30 AM-Religious School PreK-6th Grade 12:30 PM-Rosh Hodesh 1:30 PM- Congregational Memorial Service at Mt. Moriah

21 8 of Tishri 5775 7:00 PM-Board Meeting

22 9 of Tishri 5775 Office Closed Kol Nidre

23 10 of Tishri 5775 Yom Kippur

24 11 of Tishri 5775

25 12 of Tishri 5775 12:00 PM- Yiddish Circle 6:00 PM-Nosh 6:30 PM-Erev Shabbat Worship 7:30 PM-Oneg

26 13 of Tishri 5775 9:00 AM-"Discussion on the Writings of Torah" 10:30 AM-Shabbat Worship

27 14 of Tishri 5775 10:00 AM- Sukkah Raising 3:30 PM- Sukkot Swing 6:00 PM- Sukkot Picnic 7:00 PM- Sukkot Worship

28 15 of Tishri 5775 1st day of Sukkot – Office Closed 7:00 PM-Jewish Book Club

29 16 of Tishri 5775 Building Closed

30 17 of Tishri 5775 12:00 PM-Wisdom on Wednesdays 7:00 PM- TAG 7:00 PM-Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM- Task Force on the Role of the Non-Jew in the Synagogue

Mitzvah Day 2015Sunday, October 18th

Schedule for the Day: 9:00 a.m. Bagels

9:30 a.m. Worship10:00 a.m. Projects Begin

New This Year: Joel’s Ride! Check website information for

start times and details

Please note: This is a Sunday School morning. All religious school families

sign up for Mitzvah Day!

Sign Up by Wednesday, October 14th, and direct any questions to

Rabbi Shapiro at [email protected]

September Tekiah 2015

Documents

Transcript of September Tekiah 2015