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December 2014 — Kislev & Tevet 5775
Dear friends,
Winter is upon us! That means the the weather is cool, Saints are playing hotly-contested, end-of-the-season games (um, sort of), our children have off from school, and Chanukah is approaching! Chanukah is one of the most-celebrated Jewish holidays across the Jewish spectrum; who doesn’t get excited for lighting candles,
playing games, and eating oil-soaked foods?!
Following in the stead of last year’s ThanksGivvukah, this Chanukah promises to get back to its roots. But—what are the roots of Chanukah? We are often given two related, but differing, narratives about the miracle that we are supposed to be celebrating. As kids, we are told about the miracle of the oil used to light the
Menora, how it lasted 8 days. As the popular piyyut “Maoz Tzur” tells it,
But from the last remaining flask a miracle was wrought for the Jews/Therefore the sages of the day
ordained these eight for songs of praise.
However, there is a parallel miracle of which we speak—the victory of the underdog, ragtag Jewish Maccabees against the larger, better-trained and better-equipped, Greek army. The Jewish people were
able to win back sovereignty from a great empire. What an unexpected, miraculous victory!
SO—which of these two is the true miracle of Chanukah for us to celebrate?
As is often the case with these types of questions, the answer is: both!! These two stories represent different sides of the same coin. The oil is a supernatural miracle, speaking to the miraculous nature that can, at times, seem to characterize the ongoing existence of the Jewish people. The victory of the Macabees symbolizes the same idea, but as manifested through the natural and organic workings of military might and political workings. Both ideas, in tandem, encourage us to spend time thinking about the many events, twists and turns in human and Jewish history that have led us to this moment, to be lighting the Chanukah candles at home
and at shul, with friends, family, and community.
We hope for and anticipate a time where we will not simply celebrate our continuing existence, but a realization of our people’s values and strivings. This is understood through the prism of a rebuilt center of Jewish worship in Jerusalem. As Maoz Tzur puts it, “Then we will celebrate with song and psalm the altar's
dedication.”
May we soon join together in song and psalm. Chanukah Sam’each!
-R’ Gabe
RABBI’S MESSAGE
4004 West Esplanade Avenue, South - Metairie, LA 70002 - Phone: (504) 454-5080 - Fax: (504) 883-8010 - www.BethIsraelNOLA.com
Learn the Hebrew Siddur:
Have you been a lifelong Beth Israel member but never really learned the words of the pray-er book? This class is for you! Are you new(ish) to Judaism and don’t have any back-ground? This class is for you!
Monday nights 7:00-8:00PM. We will be focusing on learning the words and pronunciation of the siddur, as well as some insights as to structure and meaning.
Ongoing Classes:
Thursdays 7:30PM — Parshat HaShavua with R’ Gabe
Saturdays 5:00PM — Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah with Dr. Yehuda Halper
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, Dec. 2nd at 12:00 PM
Judges and Lawyers Lunch & Learn
Join us as we discuss in-depth an area of Jewish law, and contrast it with its parallel in US law. Suggested $10 donation to cover lunch. Hosted at the Gertler Law Firm, 935 Gravier St., Suite #1900, New Orleans.
Sunday, Dec. 14th at 3:00 PM
Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra
Sinfonia Outreach Concert
GNOYO has been recognized both locally and nationally for its commitment to music education. Now in its twentieth season, GNOYO provides young musicians the opportunity to participate in a high-quality full orchestra program. Two members of Beth Israel play in GNOYO— Ethan and Avishai Taylor—so come out to support them, and listen to some beautiful music in our holy space!
Wednesday, December 23rd at 6:30PM
Beth Israel Community Chanukah Party /Chinese Dinner
Join us for a long standing Jewish tradition...Chinese Food for Christmas.
Free for members, non-member suggested donation $18 per person.
Friday, January 23rd following 6:00PM Services
Community Shabbat Dinner with special guest, Scott Cowan,
former president of Tulane University
RSVP to [email protected] or call the synagogue office.
$18 pp Members / $26 pp Non-Members / Free for Children 12 & Under
NEWS & HAPPENINGS
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Kiddush Fund
James & Sabina Altman
In honor of …
Past President, Alexander Barkoff………………by Irwin & Judy Lachoff
Rabbi & Rebbetzin Greenberg………………………………...by Eliot Lauer
Refuah Sheleimah to… Jacob Kansas…………………………….by Stephen & Frieda Ritter
In memory of…
Martin Burstein………………………………by Alan & Sherrie Goodman
General Fund
Anonymous Stephen & Mery Blitz
Richard & Kyna Epstein George & Elaine Haas
Eitan & Ahava Lang Richard & Kimberly Mayer
NCIS New Orleans (Danni Productions, LLC)
In honor of...
The engagement of Hannah Chalew...by George & Elaine Haas
In memory of…
Schanette Lopp…………………………………...by Gary & Sonya Batten
Joseph Levin…………………………………………….by J. Joseph Blotner
David Pailet……………………………………..by Marshall & Jane Gerson Helen Singer Lester Gerson
Harry Katz………………………………………………………by Miriam Katz
Abraham Teles………………………………………..by Joel & Paula Picker Celia Reiner Gerber
Morris Shaprio……………………………………………..by Ronald Shapiro
Oscar J. Tolmas…………………………...by Dr. Hyman & Connie Tolmas
Stanley Bleich, M.D…………………………..by Dr. Lance & Karen Turkish
Youth Programming Fund
Stephen & Mery Blitz
DONATIONS TO BETH ISRAEL NOVEMBER 1 - 25, 2014
Building Fund
Bradley & Daniela Bain Jacob & Lee Kansas
Mark & Keri Pollock Stanley & Roselle Ungar
Alvis & Jessie Wilson
Prayer Book Fund
In memory of…
Sol Harry Klumok……………………………..by Alan & Sherrie Goodman
Myron Kasten………………………………………………..by Sandra Kasten
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
In memory of… Bessie Rosenblum………………………………….by Evelyn Barton Joseph
Abraham Barber……………………………………………….by Miriam Katz
Rasel Barber
Morris Morvay……………………………………………..by Ralph Moskowitz
Refuah Sheleimah to Tinok ben Sarah (Bain)
Alvin Cotlar Judge Sol & Jackie Gothard
Joel & Paula Picker Rabbi David & Jessica Posternock
Refuah Sheleimah to Don Thomas
Joel & Paula Picker
High Holiday Honors
Sidney & Diane Cotlar Alan & Carol Shear
To Rachael Kansas and Jason Feder on their recent wedding!
To grandfather, Dr. Alvin Cotlar and parents Ronald & Tiffany Cotlar Furlow on the birth of a grandchild/child.
By the time this newsletter goes to print, the Bain family will hopefully have arrived home safe and sound from Boston. I have spoken with Bradley and Daniela, and they asked me to convey their deepest thanks and appreciation to the congregation. They have felt deeply supported by folks' thoughts, prayers, and many kindnesses bestowed over the last month since baby boy Bain was born. Additionally, they are particularly grateful for the financial contributions that people have given; they have made a world of difference in light of all the additional expenses that the family is now facing.
After they have settled back in, the Bain's look forward to introducing the newest member of their family, and to thanking you themselves in person.
A NOTE FROM RABBI GABRIEL GREENBERG
MAZEL TOV!
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DECEMBER 2014 YAHRTZEITS In memory of… Remembered by… December 1 (9 Kislev) Hedwig Bachenheimer Sol Belasco………………………….Joseph & Janice Nodvin Marvin & Peggy Belasco Celia Reiner Gerber……………………..Joel & Paula Picker Gerson Katz………………………………………...Mirta Katz Sol Harry Klumok………………….Alan & Sherrie Goodman Fred & Sue Preis Zolman Kutchei………………………………….Ronald Kahn Dalya Kutchei Pauline Loewenberg………………..James & Sabina Altman Abraham Rau……………………………..Jody Rau William & Leslie Rau Leon Shiff Solomon Shushan………………………..Sue Rae Fleischer Joel & Toby Mendler Albert Siegel Max Steiner
December 2 (10 Kislev) Bertha Friedman Cohen Farrel Arlan Prince Anna Yuspeh
December 3 (11 Kislev) Marvin Grodsky Isidore Rosenzweig Abraham Teles…………………………….Joel & Paula Picker
December 4 (12 Kislev) Alexander F. Thomas………………Allan & Nancy Topolosky
December 5 (13 Kislev) Mollie K Becker Perry Seelig Feldman Leon Goldblum Isidore Steinman………………………...Joel & Toby Mendler
December 6 (14 Kislev) William Aronson Libby Gruber Rosalie Feldman Young
December 7 (15 Kislev) Samuel Fellman Michelle Beth Kahn Hilda B Shapiro Jules Watsky……………………………..Shirley R. A. Watsky Sidney Wolf……………………………...Joseph & Yetta Wolf
December 8 (16 Kislev) Mollie B. Fishbein Abraham Ginsburg…………………….Jack & Joan Ginsburg Fanny Gordon Dr. Harold Title………………………………….Dr. Hilton Title
December 9 (17 Kislev) Bessie Rosenblum Barton……………Evelyn B Joseph Harold & Janet Pesses Harry J Cohen
In memory of… Remembered by… December 9 (17 Kislev)...continued… Philip Glinky Bessie Aisenman Rosenblum Sam Watsky……………………………...Shirley R. A. Watsky Robert Weinstein……………………………Beverly Brickman
December 10 (18 Kislev) Jacob Solomon Aronowitz
December 11 (19 Kislev) Rachel Berk..................................................Kathleen Lepow Morris Broverman Mallia Hendler Esther Karnovitz Louis Levy Lowentritt III
December 12 (20 Kislev) Ernest Altman………………………...James & Sabina Altman Rae Berk Lester Leo Lisker……………………………Ken & Anna Levin Harold I. Pailet
December 13 (21 Kislev) Abe Brener
December 14 (22 Kislev) Edel Aratchofsky Lena S. Cohen David Katz Ray Handelman Maslansky
December 15 (23 Kislev) Abraham Morris Goldman Sharon Morvay………………………….Ralph Moskowitz Ruth Pitak Polikoff……………..Stephen & Barbara Katz Helen Singer…………………..Marshall & Jane Gerson
December 16 (24 Kislev) Benjamin Belasco Anna K. Walpert
December 17 (25 Kislev) Abraham Davis Beulah Karnovitz Morris Lassen Joseph Levin…………………………..J. Joseph Blotner Dr. Dan & Marcy Fertel Rose Smith Packler Fanny B. Rosen…………………………Jack & Martha Sands
December 18 (26 Kislev) Helen L. Hyman Nathan Phillips
December 19 (27 Kislev) Abraham L. Fishman Beulah Latter Benjamin Middleberg Louise Chapman
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Please consider sponsoring a Kiddush in honor of a loved one’s Yahrtzeit.
Please support our congregation by sponsoring a Kiddush Lunch to honor someone, remember someone, celebrate a
simcha, or even just enhance our Shabbat celebration. If you cannot sponsor a complete kiddush, you may be a
partial sponsor through a donation to our kiddush fund.
There are three levels of Kiddush sponsorship: $180 for a Basic Dairy Kiddush
$270 for a Deluxe Dairy or Basic Meat Kiddush $360 for a Deluxe Meat Kiddush
Contact the synagogue office today to reserve the date for your special Kiddush or to make a donation!
In memory of… Remembered by…
December 20 (28 Kislev) Louise Chapman Abraham Goldman
December 21 (29 Kislev) Abraham Carp Ida Katz……………………………………..Barry & Alona Katz Richard Katz Louis Padulsky Annie T. Steinman Oscar Tolmas…………………..Dr. Hyman & Connie Tolmas
December 22 (30 Kislev) Rachel Gumelsky Benjamin Strug Sadie Kreinik Wright……………………………….Sylvia Stern
December 23 (1 Tevet) Luiza Adler Ralph Covert……………………………………Mildred Covert Bernard H Weiss
December 24 (2 Tevet) Eva Stein Ginsburg Lillian Fine Kolmaister Hattie Nodvin………………………...Joseph & Janice Nodvin
December 25 (3 Tevet) Dr. Maria Gitter Victor Katz…………………………...Stephen & Barbara Katz Morris Reiner
December 26 (4 Tevet) Sidney Carp………………………………………...Sarah Carp Hinde Esther Kleinfeldt………………………..Mildred Covert
December 27 (5 Tevet) Simon Cohen Sol Lepow……………………………………..Kathleen Lepow Miriam M. Pastel Leah Phillips Nellie K. Steiner Rachel P Zilberman
In memory of… Remembered by…
December 28 (6 Tevet) Nathan Greenspan……………………….David & Robin Mintz Freida Kansas David Pailet…………………………..Marshall & Jane Gerson Ethel Steinman Samuel R. Topolosky………………Allan & Nancy Topolosky Mae Trestman December 29 (7 Tevet) Samuel Brandt…………………………Simon & Paula Pulitzer Simon Cohen December 30 (8 Tevet) Rebecca Smith Salomon………...Gloria Fisher Dr. Marc & Deborah Fisher Annette Smason Rosa Breen Smith……………………………Alan Smason Annette Smason Irvin Smith December 31 (9 Tevet) Martin Meyer Dogulov……………….Stephen & Barbara Katz Willie Mintz………………………………..David & Robin Mintz Louis Rosenson Abraham Solomon
DECEMBER 2014 YAHRTZEITS
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Beth Israel is a proud
member of the Orthodox Union and a supporter of
YCT Rabbinical School!
CHESED COMMITTEE NEWS
The committee is a group of people who recruit others from
throughout the community to help individuals and families by providing anything from a phone call, a home or hospital visit
or a meal in such circumstances as an illness or the birth of
a baby.
The committee is open to both men and women and the more people involved, the more this group of volunteers will
be able to do to help.
If you are interested in serving on the committee or helping
in some way, please contact:
Jennifer Schneider at [email protected]
or (504) 883-5137, Eva Barkoff at [email protected]
or (504) 832-3617.
Book Dedications
Dedicate a book in honor of a loved one, in memory of someone special, or for a happy occasion!
Only $36 each!
Contact the synagogue office to
dedicate a prayer
book or chumash!
BETH ISRAEL & COMMUNITY NEWS
Thank You to our Volunteers
To our Holy Kitchen Krewe: Jackie Gothard, Blayne Gothard, Judy Antin Lachoff, Chink Lepow, Shula Fuchs, Gertrude Beerman, Lee Beerman Blotner, Jessie Wilson &
Jessy Posternock
To our recent office helpers: Paula Picker & Shirl Watsky
The Sisterhood continues to grow! If you haven't
joined yet, it's never too late, and we'd love to include
you. You can join by sending a check for $18 to Beth
Israel made out to Beth Israel Sisterhood (and note
that it is for sisterhood dues) or join at the next
function.
For more information, please contact one of our
Co-Presidents:
Judy Antin Lachoff
(504) 281-4181, [email protected]
Lee Miller Blotner
(504) 834-2312, [email protected]
Sisterhood Presents...
Thursdays, 5:30PM at Beth Israel
YOGA WITH JANICE OPPENHEIM
Open to men and women of all ages
$6 sisterhood members - $7 non-members
SISTERHOOD NEWS
HOME HOSPITALITY
Get in on your share of the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim! The task is ours to extend southern hospitality to visitors who find themselves in New Orleans over Shabbat.
Can you offer a bed, or a Friday night dinner, or a Saturday afternoon
lunch? Contact Jessie Wilson at [email protected] and find out how you can participate in Beth Israel's hospitality endeavors.
Help us maintain a network of
volunteers in home hospitality.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
COMMUNITY GROUPS WELCOME
As we did on Canal Boulevard, our new building is available to the community for use by civic
and neighborhood groups and service organizations as well as by our members for various
professional, social, or life cycle functions, etc. We have technology for business meetings with
video conferencing, high definition movie display, versatile space for your group or
organization’s needs and much, much more. All groups and organizations are welcome to use
our facility regardless of religious affiliation. Contact the synagogue office for more info or to
schedule your event!
In November we hosted: Jewish Family Services - Parents of Troubled Adults Support Group, Beth Israel Sisterhood Veterans Day
Program - Paperclips, NCSY - NJ BBQ, Mishneh Torah Class with Tulane Jewish Studies Professor Dr. Yehuda Halper,
Torah Study and Hebrew Siddur Classes with Rabbi Gabe, and Yoga with Janice Oppenheim
SHOP & CONTRIBUTE TO BETH ISRAEL We are pleased to announce that Congregation Beth Israel has partnered with AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile has the exact same prices
and product selection as Amazon.com. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible
AmazonSmile purchases to Beth Israel.
Access AmazonSmile at smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device.
On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you will need to select “Congregation Beth Israel Menorah
Institute” as your charitable organization. You can use your same account on Amazon.com and
AmazonSmile, and your shopping cart, wish list, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings
will be the same for both. Please go to smile.amazon.com for questions and additional AmazonSmile
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Monday, December 1st, 7:20PM - Jewish Community Center - Speaker: Walter Isaacson - at the Uptown JCC, 5342 St. Charles
Avenue, New Orleans. For more info contact Liba Kornfeld at (504) 897-0143 or [email protected].
Tuesday, December 2nd, 7:00PM - Federation - Jewish Community Relations Council 5775 Launch - Location TBD. Allison Kushner at
(504) 780-5688 or [email protected].
Thursday, December 4th, 9:00AM - Jewish Community Day School Prospective Parents Open House - at the Goldring / Woldenberg
JCC 3747 West Esplanade Avenue, North, Metairie. For more info contact Deb Marsh at (504) 887-4091 or [email protected].
Thursday, December 4th, 6:00PM - Anti-Defamation League Torch of Liberty Dinner - at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, New Orleans.
For more info contact Allison Padilla-Goodman at (504) 780-5602 or [email protected].
Tuesday, Decembeer 9th, 6:30PM - Federation - Opening Campaign Kickoff Event - at the home of Joyce & Sidney Pulitzer.
For more info contact Sherri Tarr (504) 780-5609 or [email protected].
Thursday, December 11th, 7:00PM - Jewish Community Center Speaker: Tova Mivis, - at the Uptown JCC, 5342 St. Charles Avenue,
New Orleans. For more info contact Liba Kornfeld at (504) 897-0143 or [email protected].
Thursday, December 11th, 7:00PM - Jewish Community Day School “Preparing for Chanukah” Wine & Wonder Event - at the Goldring / Woldenberg JCC 3747 West Esplanade Avenue, North, Metairie. For more info contact Deb Marsh at (504) 887-4091
Thursday, December 11th, 8:00PM - JCRS Chanukah Bash - at Bellocq, 936 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans. For more info
contact Mark Rubin (504) 828-6334 or [email protected].
Sunday, December 14th, 2:00PM - Jewish Community Center - Community Chanukah Celebration - - at the Uptown JCC, 5342 St.
Charles Avenue, New Orleans. For more info contact Liba Kornfeld at (504) 897-0143 or [email protected].
Tuesday, December 16th, 5:30PM - Chanukah@Riverwalk - at the Riverwalk Spanish Plaza, 3 Poydras Street, New Orleans. For
more info contact Mendel Rivkin (504) 302-1830 or [email protected]
Tuesday, December 16th, 7:00PM - Jewish Community Day School “Jewish Education Night at the Pelicans” - at the Smoothie King
Center, 1501 Dave Dixon Drive, New Orleans. For more info contact Sharon Pollin (504) 887-4091 or [email protected].
Thursday, December 18th, 6:30PM - Federation - JNOLA Latke Vodka - Location TBD. For more info contact Miranda Larsen
(504) 780-5612 or miranda @jewishnola.com.
Friday, December 19th, 11:00AM - Jewish Babies Club: Chanukah Music - at the Goldring / Woldenberg JCC 3747 West
Esplanade Avenue, North, Metairie. For more info contact Lauren Ungar (504) 887-4091 or [email protected].
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December 2014 9 Kislev - 9 Tevet
Judges and Lawyers
Lunch & Learn at the
Gertler Law Firm
12:00PM
Code of Jewish Ethics
at GoP 11:00AM
Women’s Tehillim Circle
8:00PM
Parsha Study at
Rabbi’s Home 8:00PM
Sisterhood - Yoga with Janice Oppenheim
5:30PM
Torah Study with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:30PM
Mincha /Kabbalat
Shabbat followed by
Dinner 6:00PM
R.S.V.P. required
$18 per person /
$30 per couple
Kabbalat Shabbat / Maariv 6:00PM
Vayishlach
Shacharit 9:00AM
Mishneh Torah
5:00PM
Shabbat Ends: 5:40PM
Havdalah 6:00PM
Wednesday Sunday Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9 Kislev
1
2 11 Kislev
3 1 16 Mar Cheshvan
4 12 Kislev
2 13 Kislev
5:54
5
4:42
3 18 Mar Cheshvan
6 14 Kislev
4 19 Mar Cheshvan
7 15 Kislev
4 Tevet
26
Learn the Hebrew Siddur with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:00PM
Learn the Hebrew Siddur with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:00PM
Saints @ Bears
7:30PM
Sisterhood - Yoga with Janice Oppenheim
5:30PM
Torah Study with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:30PM
Kabbalat Shabbat / Maariv 6:00PM
12
Vayeishev
Shacharit 9:00AM
Mishneh Torah Class
5:00PM
Shabbat Ends:
5:41PM
Havdalah 6:00PM
Chanukah-Day4
Miketz
Shacharit 9:00AM
Mishneh Torah
5:00PM
Shabbat Ends: 5:44PM
Havdalah 6:00PM
Vayigash
Shacharit 9:00AM
Mishneh Torah
5:00PM
Shabbat Ends
5:45PM
Havdalah 6:00PM
Chanukah-Day3
Kabbalat Shabbat /Maariv 6:00PM
19
Kabbalat Shabbat / Maariv 6:00PM
Erev Chanukah
Learn the Hebrew Siddur with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:00PM
Chanukah-Day 2
Sisterhood - Yoga with Janice Oppenheim
5:30PM
Torah Study with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:30PM
Chanukah-Day8
Sisterhood - Yoga with Janice Oppenheim
5:30PM
Torah Study with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:30PM
25
Chanukah-Day5
Falcons @ Saints
12:00PM
8 16 Kislev
9 17 Kislev
10 18 Kislev
11 19 Kislev 20 Kislev
13 21 Kislev
15 23 Kislev
14 22 Kislev 24 Kislev
16 17 25 Kislev
18 26 Kislev 27 Kislev
20 28 Kislev
22 30 Kislev
Chanukah-Day 6
Rosh Chodesh - Tevet (Day 1)
Learn the Hebrew
Siddur with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:00PM
21 29 Kislev
23 1 Tevet
24 2 Tevet 3 Tevet
27 5 Tevet
Saints @ Buccaneers 12:00PM
28 6 Tevet
30 8 Tevet
31 9 Tevet
4:43
4:46
4:49
Chanukah-Day 7
Rosh Chodesh - Tevet (Day 2)
BI Community
Chanukah Party / Chinese Dinner
6:30PM
Greater New Orleans
Youth Orchestra -
Sinfonia Outreach
Concert at BI 3:00PM
Panthers @ Saints
12:00PM
10 Kislev
Learn the Hebrew Siddur with Rabbi
Gabe at BI 7:00PM
29 7 Tevet
Chanukah-Day 1
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