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Temple Beth Torah
NEWS FOR YOU
November 2014
Cheshvan - Kislev, 5775
Shabbat Dinner
Friday, November 7, 6:30 PM
Rabbi Dan Gordon
SPIRITUAL LEADER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND
CHAIRPERSONS
George Owens
PRESIDENT
Susan Pollard
VICE PRESIDENT
Dan Kullman
TREASURER
David Askin
DELEGATE
Lawrence Heyman
DELEGATE
Joni Levy
DELEGATE
Michael Miller
DELEGATE
Shawna Kullman
RITUAL
Hy Penn
MEMBERSHIP
Rachel Claret
SOCIAL
Carrie Keith
EDUCATION
Stacey Blumin
BUILDING
Joy Fields
CARING COMMITTEE
Barbara Heller
SISTERHOOD PRESIDENT
Michael Miller
MEN’S CLUB PRESIDENT
Stacey Blumin
ADMINISTRATOR AND
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Our next scheduled Shabbat Dinner will be Friday, November 7 at 6:30 PM.
Please RSVP to social@tbthumble.org or mark the sign-up board at TBT by
November 3 to bring a salad, side or dessert to share.
The main dish will be turkey & gravy.
Be sure to include the number of people coming with you! We also need
volunteers to help set up and clean up and/or families to underwrite the cost
of the main dish served.
The theme at this dinner will be Social Justice, and TBT’s own S.A.L.T. (Social
Action Leadership Team) will be sharing information about how you can get
involved.
Also, the Hebrew school students will have an opportunity to become
involved by helping to set up tables and chairs, and set places on the
Wednesday night before. (Parents, watch for an email from Carrie with
more information).
“A Houston Favorite”: Cantor Vadim Tunitsky
Visits TBT - Sunday, November 9, at 11:00 AM
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky comes to TBT twice in one week! On Sunday morning,
he will offer an entertaining and informative talk entitled, “Jewish Music:
From King David to Today.” Cantor Tunitsky will bring his beautiful voice,
knowledge and his violin and tambourine! Please do not miss this wonderful
learning opportunity! Lecture begins at 11:00 am. Lunch will follow the
program. Please RSVP to ritual@tbthumble.org by Friday, November 7 if
attending the Lunch. No R.S.V.P. needed if you are just attending the class.
Friday, November 14, at 7:15 PM
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky will join us again! He will bring his musical talent, spirit
and enthusiasm, introducing new melodies and “old favorites”, as he joins
Rabbi Dan Gordon in leading Shabbat Services. Cantor Tunitsky comes to
Temple Beth Torah thanks to generous grants from the Houston Jewish
Community Foundation and the Tom Theriot Memorial Program Fund.
Cantor Vadim Tunitsky is a native of Russia and served as Cantor at Congregation Emanu
El in Houston for 17 years and now serves part-time as Cantor-in-Residence at Houston
Congregation for Reform Judaism. He has made a major impact in the community with
his infectiously joyous spirit for Jewish music. He is an expert in musical history and the
nuances of liturgy and song. An accomplished musician, (violin, piano and tambourine)
Cantor Tunitsky blends his talent, knowledge and spirit to inspire the soul.
Social Action Weekend – November 14-16
TBT will have activities going on all weekend focused on social action, including a
service project on Saturday November 15th from 3-6pm. For details about the
weekend’s activities please see the article on Page 3.
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RABBI’S MESSAGE
The Season of Gratitude
Sometimes, after the High Holidays, I feel a little sense of letdown. The anticipation and working toward
the “Big Days,” including the nervousness: Will I deliver the right message? Will my words hit home? Will people
be inspired by the prayers, the music and the camaraderie? The sanctuary and social hall are full for a few days. I
get to see people whom I haven’t seen in a while and catch up with their lives. I meet new people, coming to the
temple for the first time, perhaps reconnecting with Judaism after a long break. And then, back to the same old,
same old…
I don’t feel that kind of letdown this year. There’s nothing “same old” about Temple Beth Torah these
days. There is so much going on, it is hard not to be excited. Our Religious School is at an all-time high
enrollment, with an enthusiastic, experienced and dedicated faculty. Our teenage teachers and tutors bring a
beautiful sense of continuity, showing the younger children that learning and devotion to the synagogue do not
end with bar and bat mitzvah. Outside educators are also enhancing our learning for children, teens and adults.
The Jewish Federation has provided Israel education for older students, Institute of Southern Jewish Life brings
community engagement and TORCH (Torah Outreach Resource Center of Houston) gives a weekly class to adults
interested in a variety of Jewish topics. We also have music education, emphasizing the joyful spirit of Judaism
and Chai Mitzvah, the adult engagement program to enhance connections with our learning, practice and
community involvement. Shabbat dinners provide a sense of community, and our SALT (Social Action Leadership
Team) group brings community to service. We’re delighted that the temple’s still-new social hall has been able to
host bar mitzvah luncheons, allowing us to go straight from a service to the celebration.
At the risk of sounding like a commercial, this is the perfect season to bring us into Thanksgiving. Anyone
looking for ways to connect should be able to find them. At the same time, are we finding you? At the end of
Yom Kippur, those who were still at services stood together in candlelight, singing the Havdalah service that
“separates the holy from the ordinary.” I suggest that the holiness doesn’t end when the candle is extinguished,
but lingers on into the rest of the year. What we may think of as “ordinary” can become extra-ordinary…when we
notice.
Shortly after Sukkoth this year, my friend, colleague and teacher, Rabbi Judy Abrams passed away
suddenly. Rabbi Judy liked to emphasize the importance of brachot (blessings). There are blessings for
everything, and one of her favorites was the blessing for learning. She said that you could say this blessing -thanking G-d for making us holy with the commandment to engage in sacred study – any time during the day, and
it would count retroactively for anything you had learned earlier in day. Saying a bracha for performing a mitzvah
(sacred obligation) gave the mitzvah more weight, helping us get more “mitzvah points.” “It’s like telling G-d your
frequent flyer number,” she would say, hinting that reciting brachot gives us a spiritual focus that makes the
mitzvah more meaningful.
At her memorial service, Rabbi Judy’s daughters said their mother would see the sun rise in the morning
and say, “G-d gets a 10 today!”….regardless of how nice the sunrise was. The sun came up, didn’t it? Gratitude
includes challenges. Rabbi Judy Abrams lived with a great amount of illness and pain; yet she still expressed her
gratitude every day. When we lose a loved one, we say “Baruch Dayan Ha-Emet” – Blessed be the Judge of Truth.
The Mourner’s Kaddish is about praising G-d even when we are missing our loved ones, because of our gratitude
that they were a part of our lives. When one day seems filled with difficulties, we are challenged to appreciate
the all of what life offers: the good and the bad, the easy and the difficult, the comfortable and the
uncomfortable and the hard lessons we’re meant to learn.
Rabbi Abrams’ daughters admitted they were not feeling grateful that their mother had died. They did,
however, express deep gratitude that she had lived to be their mother, their rabbi and their friend. Ruth and
Hannah Abrams offered a blessing to those gathered at the memorial:
“If you take the time to be habitually grateful even when you don’t feel it, you’ll realize there is good and
bad in everything; and no matter how good or how bad it may be, there is always a truth to be blessed in
everything.”
October to November takes us from the Jewish holiday Sukkoth, the festival of the harvest, to the
American holiday Thanksgiving, a celebration of the bounty. This year, I pray for the strength to embrace joy
and challenges with equal enthusiasm and gratitude, knowing that all these blessings help me grow.
L’shalom,
To see previous monthly messages from Rabbi Dan Gordon, visit
Rabbi Dan Gordon
http://temple-beth-torah.org/our-rabbi/rabbis-monthly-message-archives/
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Shabbat Service Schedule for
November:
7th: 6:30pm Shabbat Dinner
14th: 7:15pm service with Cantor Vadim
Tunitsky and ISJL
st
21 : 7:15 service: Guests Strawbridge
UMC Confirmation Students
28th: No Services - Happy Thanksgiving
Calling All Women: TBT Sisterhood Event
Hanukkah Sales and Pot Luck Dinner
Wednesday, November 5th, 6:00PM
Barbara Heller's Home
We have mezuzahs, Star of David necklaces,
menorahs, and much more!
Bring a dish and enjoy shopping for friends and
family in a relaxed atmosphere.
Come any time during the evening.
I am saving space especially for the parents and
teachers of "Wednesday Night" Hebrew students.
If you have any questions, please call the temple at
281-446-5611
Please RSVP if attending to Barbara Heller
at: sisterhoodpresident@tbthumble.org
FALL BACK!!!
Don’t Forget – Sunday, November 2nd –
Daylight Savings – Set those clocks one hour back
Social Action Activities
November will bring many opportunities for
social action. At the Shabbat Dinner on
November 7th, the program will focus on the
agencies that partner with TBT. Come and learn
more about FamilyTime, Aishel House and Oaks
Elementary School, while enjoying a wonderful
Shabbat meal.
During the weekend of November 14th, 15th
and 16th, Alanna Kleinman of the Institute for
Southern Jewish Life will be here. On Friday
evening, November 14th, Alanna will teach the
confirmation class and then participate in our
Shabbat service and give a D’var Torah, a special
teaching. The evening will be even more special
as Cantor Vadim Tunitsky joins us and provides
beautiful music as our cantorial soloist.
Saturday, November 15th 3:00PM – 6:00PM
we will have a service project with local families
with economic challenges. Members of TBT will
join families in the community for an afternoon of
crafts, games and food.
On Sunday, Alanna will teach during the
Religious School, finishing up a great weekend.
For more details or if you are interested in
participating in our special Saturday activity,
please email Susan Pollard at
spollard@tbthumble.org or call 281-446-5611 and
leave a message.
Welcome New Members
SAVE THE DATE:
December 12 - TBT favorite Josh Levine will join us for
Shabbat services!
December 19 – Hanukkah Service, 6:45 PM, bring
your Menorah!
Follow Rabbi Dan on Twitter!
Rabbi Dan is on now on Twitter @RabbiDanGordon.
Break up the mundane routine of the week with his tweets
of words of wisdom from Torah and comments on TBT
events. Can Rabbi Dan do it in 140 characters? Follow him
to see!
We welcome you to Temple Beth Torah and
look forward to getting to know you.
Gerry Cousins
Sally and Joe Kullman
Debye Lurie
Kim and Stephen Levy and family
Marissa and Scott Stein and family
Shirley Stumpf
Marsha and Norm Weiss
Sharyn and David Harris and family
Are You on Facebook?
So is Temple Beth Torah!
TBT has its own Facebook page. Find us at
www.facebook.com/TBT.Humble and click “Like” to
receive up-to-date news, photos and pictures.
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MISSION
STATEMENT
Temple Beth Torah
is a congregation that
embraces the
philosophy and values
of Judaism
in the following ways:
Spiritually, by
celebrating the richness
and traditions of Torah,
prayer, holidays and
life cycle events;
Educationally, by
encouraging learning,
increasing Jewish
knowledge and
enriching
understanding for
children, teenagers
and adults;
Compassionately,
by caring for our
members and others in
the Jewish community
in times of need while
also fostering positive
relationships with our
non-Jewish neighbors.
Temple Beth Torah
embraces the spirit of
inclusion for Jewish
individuals and families
who represent a variety
of backgrounds and
family compositions.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
THANK YOU!!
NEXT MONTH, A SLATE OF OFFICERS AND DELEGATES WILL BE
PRESENTED TO YOU FOR YOUR VOTE. IF ELECTED, THIS NEW
LEADERSHIP TEAM WILL LEAD OUR CONGREGATION IN THE COMING
YEAR. THIS IS AN EXCITING TIME FOR TEMPLE BETH TORAH!
AFTER ALMOST 20 MONTHS AS YOUR BOARD PRESIDENT, I WANT TO
TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL COMMUNITY WE
ALL HAVE CREATED AND FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE
CONGREGATION AS PRESIDENT.
THANKSGIVING HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY. THE
TRADITIONS…THE FOOD…THE FAMILY… AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE
STOCK OF WHERE WE ARE---TO THINK ABOUT WHAT IS IMPORTANT.
I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THIS COMMUNITY. YOU TOOK MY FAMILY IN SO
MANY YEARS AGO WHEN WE FIRST ARRIVED, AND I NEVER IMAGINED I
WOULD EVENTUALLY BE SELECTED TO LEAD THIS SYNAGOGUE. I AM
VERY PLEASED WITH WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED DURING MY
TENURE. THIS WAS A NEW EXPERIENCE FOR ME TO LEAD A RELIGIOUS
ORGANIZATION. I HAVE BEEN SO IMPRESSED WITH HOW MANY PEOPLE
VOLUNTEER SO MUCH OF THEIR TIME TO MAKE TEMPLE BETH TORAH
WHAT IT IS TODAY. A BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU.
TO OUR MEMBERS, IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO SERVE YOU. TBT HAS A
UNIQUE MISSION TO SERVE NORTHEAST HARRIS COUNTY AND THE
SURROUNDING AREAS, AND WE HAVE BECOME SO MUCH STRONGER
OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS. OUR BUILDING ALSO LOOKS SO
DIFFERENT THAN IT DID JUST TWO YEARS AGO THANKS TO THE FLAME
IGNIGHTED BY MY PREDECESSOR, DAN KULLMAN, WHO DID A
WONDERFUL JOB SETTING THE STAGE FOR THIS TRANSFORMATION. DAN
MADE MY JOB SO MUCH EASIER WITH HIS PATIENCE, COUNSEL AND
PARTNERSHIP.
TO MY VICE-PRESIDENT,SUSAN POLLARD, WHO DOES SO MUCH BEHIND
THE SCENES, AND TO THE ENTIRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS-–I THANK YOU
FOR YOUR DEDICATION, LOVE AND ENERGY THAT YOU PUT INTO TBT
EVERY DAY.
TO PATRICIA AND MATTHEW, MY WIFE AND SON--YOU ALWAYS HAVE MY
LOVE. I THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.
I HAVE SAID MANY TIMES, TBT IS A FAMILY TO ME. I LOOK FORWARD TO
SERVING ON THE 2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS PAST PRESIDENT AND
HELPING THE CONGREGATION CONTINUE ITS IMPORTANT MISSION.
SHALOM,
George Owens
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RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CORNER
This month we are happy to have Jessica Yellen,
community educator, from the Jewish Federation of
Greater Houston, teaching several units of study about
Israel with the 6th-7th grade class and the 8th-10th grade
class. She is bringing these interactive and informative
modules on Israel as part of a Federation grant for Israel
engagement in the Houston area. The students were
excited to use their iPhone’s and tablets in class!
We are also excited about our music program with Janice
Rubin which begins this month. She will be teaching
Hanukkah songs for the Hanukkah/Shabbat service on
December 19th. Look for more information to come
home with students about participation in this service.
Also in November, Lonnie Kleinman, from the Institute
of Southern Jewish Life, will present a lesson to all the
students on social justice.
Lots of exciting Jewish learning opportunities for all of
our students.
L’Shana Tovah!!
Carrie Keith
CONFIRMATION CLASS / YOUTH GROUP
The confirmation class participated in 2 of 3 special classes
focusing on Israel taught by Jessica Yellen of the Jewish
Federation of Greater Houston. We appreciate Jessica’s
visits, and the kids really enjoyed the hands on aspect of
the classes. The sessions will finish up in early November.
In addition, we are looking forward to our first service
project of the year helping local families on Saturday,
November 15th.
CHAI MITZVAH
IT’S NOT TO LATE TO JOIN!!!
CELEBRATE AND ENHANCE YOUR JUDAISM
WITH CHAI MITZVAH
NEXT GROUP MEETING,
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 10:00 AM
Temple Beth Torah is engaging in an exciting new program
for adult learning and connecting personally with Judaism
and the community. “Chai Mitzvah” is about “stepping up
a notch” with your personal relationship with Judaism by
doing just a few little things that have the potential to make
a big impact. Chai Mitzvah participants will take on three
activities of their choosing, based completely on their own
interest level and ability. The expectation is for everyone to
choose one activity from each of the following three
categories:
1. Learning: choose one Jewish topic that you want to
understand more
2. Ritual: practice one Jewish ritual that you haven’t
tried before
3. Social action: participate in one activity that
enhances the community
Rabbi Dan Gordon will help guide all participants in
choosing their areas of interest and Andrea Eoff will be
coordinating the logistics. Participants have nine months,
October through June, to try these three activities. Once a
month, all participants will gather for a group learning
discussion facilitated by Rabbi Dan. It’s that easy! In June,
we will have a celebration for all. The schedule for the
monthly sessions has yet to be set, as it will depend on the
convenience of the interested participants. Watch your
weekly email updates for schedule. For more information,
contact Andrea at aeoff@tbthumble.org. For information
on the national Chai Mitzvah program, visit
www.chaimitzvah.org.
ADULT EDUCATION - TORCH
(TORAH OUTREACH RESOURCE CENTER OF HOUSTON)
Come to TBT at 9:30 AM for bagels and coffee and then
join us for class at 10AM led by Rabbi Wolbe from TORCH
Sunday, November 2, Hebrew: the holy Language
Sunday, November 9, The music of Cantors: From King
David to Today (Cantor Tunitsky) 11:00 AM
Sunday, November 16, Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless
Soul
Sunday, November 23, God and Man: The delicate
balancing act of faith and Personal Responsibility.
Temple Beth Torah to Host Confirmation
Class Students from Local Methodist
Church – Friday, November 21, 2014
Every year, some of our local churches bring students to
visit Temple Beth Torah to experience a Shabbat service
and learn a little about Judaism. Strawbridge United
Methodist Church, who opened their doors to TBT when
we needed a space during our renovations, has been
visiting annually for over 15 years. During Shabbat services
on November 21st, the students from Strawbridge UMC
will join our Jewish community for a dynamic learning
experience. It is always an enjoyable service; as the
students ask enlightening questions and our congregants
often learn something new as well! We hope you will join
us in hosting our friends and neighbors.
5
DONATIONS
DONATIONS
Lee Denbina –In Memory of Mildred and William
Denbina
Gloria and Raymundo Mendez
Lynn Gordon and Hy Penn – In Honor of the B’nai
Mitzvah of Azriel and Gil Velasquez
Marsha and Jerry Friedman – In loving Memory of
Vicki Mautner and Sam Woinsky
Making a donation to TBT is a perfect way to honor a
joyous occasion, like a birthday, anniversary,
wedding/engagement, new home, job change, or
retirement. It is also appropriate to honor someone who
has passed away with a donation in his/her memory at
the time of the passing or on the yahrtzeit (anniversary)
of the passing. All donations to Temple Beth Torah are
tax deductible. You can choose where you would like
your donation to be applied.
GENERAL FUND
RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Jean Maria Donatto – In appreciation of the
excellent work, talent and kindness of Rabbi Dan
Friends of Sherwin Kershman – In Loving Memory
of Sherwin Kershman
MORE WAYS TO DONATE!!!!
Looking to avoid capital gain taxes on appreciated stock?
TBT has the solution. You can donate your appreciated
stock held in taxable accounts directly to TBT. TBT is a
501c3 charitable organization and can sell the stock
without taxes. So whether you are making general or
membership donations, you can send your stock in lieu of
cash to minimize your taxes. Please contact our treasurer,
Dan Kullman, at treasurer@tbthumble.org for instructions.
Easy Ways to Give
Please visit our website at www.TBThumble.org or the
link http://temple-beth-torah.org/easy-ways-to-give-to-tbt/ to
learn more about:
Randall’s Good Neighbor Program”
Kroger “Neighbor to Neighbor Program”
Amazon “Smile Program”
“iGive”
“Vacation 4 a Cause”
GENERAL FUND
Any donation that is not specified to another specific
fund goes to the General Fund, which helps maintain the
operating budget of the temple. Building expenses,
insurance, staff salaries and all program expenses that
are not underwritten come out of the General Fund, as
well as support for the Religious School.
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
This separate tzedakah fund enables the rabbi to make
confidential contributions to help individuals and causes
that may be in crisis. The rabbi may also use this fund to
help support unbudgeted programs that will benefit the
temple or community.
BURT LEVY MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND
This fund maintains the library and helps purchase new
books. Our library, located in the back of the sanctuary,
is named after TBT’s founding president, Burt Levy, who
was a major inspiration in starting Temple Beth Torah.
TRACY TOBIN JOHNSON MEMORIAL EDUCATION FUND
This fund provides scholarships to Jewish summer
camps for children and for educational conferences for
teachers. It also helps support special educational
programs that are not in the general budget. The fund
honors Tracy Tobin Johnson, who was an active TBT
member, volunteer and teacher before passing away at
a young age.
TOM THERIOT MEMORIAL PROGRAM FUND
This fund supports special dynamic programs, often
related to the arts. It is named after Tom Theriot, a lover
of the arts, who was a constant presence at TBT and
supported every cause.
DONATIONS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
You can now make donations online for any fund donation
except for dues payments. Now there is an easy way to
honor the memory of loved ones or acknowledge a joyous
occasion by giving tzedakah. Tell your friends and family to
visit our newly named website, www.tbthumble.org, to
make use of this mitzvah.
Or SEE THE DONATIONS FORM ON PG 10
6
November 2014 Torah Portions
Compiled by Rabbi Dan Gordon
October 31-November 1, Lech L’Cha, Genesis 12:1-17:27
G-d speaks to Abram for the first time, establishing both
blessings and covenants. Abram shows his faith to G-d by
leaving his home and following G-d’s plan. It is unclear from
the Torah why Abram was chosen, but midrashic stories hint
the Abram had a special connection, believing in one G-d
when others worshipped idols. G-d changes his name to
Abraham, which means “father of many,” and promises that
he will be blessed by all nations, and will have a legacy of
many offspring.
November 7-8,
Vayeira, Genesis 18:1-22:24
There are many tests in this Torah portion. Visitors come to
see Abraham, and he welcomes them with extraordinary
hospitality. Sarah and Abraham learn that, despite their
advanced years, they will have a son together. G-d consults
with Abraham about His plan to destroy Sodom and
Gemorrah, and Abraham negotiates a plan to try to save the
city. Later, Abraham is tested by being asked by G-d to
sacrifice Isaac. Abraham is prepared to make this ultimate
sacrifice before an angel of G-d stops him. From the many
tests described, we contemplate the tests we experience in our
own lifetimes, wondering how we would respond and what
would constitute a positive outcome.
November 14-15,
Chaya Sarah, Genesis 23:1-25:18
Almost immediately after the near-death of her son, Sarah
dies at 127 years old. Abraham wants to make sure she has an
honorable burial. Though the landowner offers to give him
burial land for free, Abraham insists on paying the full price.
He then sends his servant to look for a wife for Isaac.
Rebecca, a distant cousin, is chosen because her kindness to
humans and animals indicates a unique sensitivity.
November 21-22,
Toldot,
Genesis 25:19-28:9
The most volatile sibling rivalry since Cain and Abel begins
with the twins, Esau and Jacob, battling in the womb. Mother
Rebecca is told by G-d that the greater of the two shall serve
the younger. Esau sells Jacob his birthright for some soup,
and Jacob collects the blessing of the firstborn with Rebecca’s
help. Having built a brotherly relationship based on trickery,
deceit and manipulation, Jacob and Esau realize that the town
isn’t big enough for both of them. Both brothers go to uncles.
Jacob travels to Rebecca’s father’s house (where he will
marry both of Laban’s daughters), and Esau finds himself a
wife from the daughters of Uncle Ishmael.
November 28-29,
Vayeitzei, Genesis 29:10-32:3
Along his journey, Jacob experiences G-d’s presence through
dreaming of a ladder with angels ascending and descending
from heaven. He pledges himself to G-d and continues to his
uncle Laban’s home. He falls in love with Laban’s daughter,
Rachel and asks to marry her. He promises to work for
Laban for seven years to marry his daughter, but is surprised
to find the older sister, Leah, in his wedding bed. Laban
informs him it is customary to marry the older child first, so
Jacob pledges another seven years of labor to marry Rachel.
Leah is more fertile, bearing six sons and a daughter. Rachel
pleads to G-d for children, and eventually bears Joseph and
Benjamin.
Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Dan
Nourishment for the Body, Mind and Soul
Once a Month
Wednesday, November 19 – 12:30-1:30 PM
The “Lunch Bunch” group has been gaining new
learners each month. People have found that
Wednesday, the middle of the week, is great time to
re-charge for Shabbat. Rabbi Dan Gordon facilitates a
relaxed discussion on a variety of topics, including
mitzvoth, Torah, holidays, current events and Jewish
practices. Each month is a different topic and
everyone gets a chance to participate.
Bring your own lunch, and get ready to nourish both
your mind and your body!
Future Lunch and Learn dates: November 19 and
December 17
No RSVP necessary; feel free to just show up!
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Simchas in November
Birthdays
2
Vitaly Aizenberg
4
Rosalind Mandell
7
Mike Stark
9
Brian Eoff
10
Larry Rhines
11
Thomas Claret
16
Sharon Heyman
Aaron Winter
17
Bradley Heller
21
Arthur Aizenberg
James Eoff
Alex Swaim
23
Chris Baur
Alice Kaufman
Emily Levy
24
Liz Smith
Arielle Harris
25
Rachel Pollard
27
Isaac Couch
Mindy LaCour
Matthew Owens
30
David Askin
Anniversaries
1
Mike and Penny Stark
7
David and Sharyn Harris
8
Marvin and Maxine Sussman
Ken and Bernice Troxclair
19
Eddie and Sussie Christman
28
Bob and Debbie Swaim
ONEG INFORMATION
Thank you to everyone who has provided an oneg
recently. They have been delicious and a highlight to
every Shabbat. Thank you also to those who have
sponsored an oneg with your generous donations.
Preparing an oneg is a wonderful way to celebrate a
special event. It is also a way to commemorate a
yahrtzeit for a loved one. If you would like to do an
oneg, please leave a message for Carrie Keith at 281446-5611.
November Yahrtzeits
The following names will be read each week during
November to acknowledge those who have passed
away who were connected with our community. If there
are mistakes or omissions, please e-mail the temple at
info@tbthumble.org or leave a message at 281-4465611.
Solomon Block, Frances Strizzi, Freda Rae Cahn,
Morris Schalet, Nathan Lee Rubin, Dr. Marvin P.
Farber, M. Paul Farber, Bill Gaile, Pincus Silverman,
Ernest Graf, Esther Kaufman, Yakov Royzengurten,
Lenore Greenbaum, Tony Sulpezio, Marie Rackmil,
Alfred Lubin, Joseph Scwartzberg, Lena Wallach,
Myron Gross
A TBT Member has Passed Away
Robert Lipstet passed away Wednesday morning
after his long battle with a lengthly illness. The
funeral will be on Friday, October 31st at 10:30 am
at Beth Israel cemetery in downtown Houston,
1207 West Dallas Street, Houston, TX 77019.
Robert's sister, Sandra Bomze, and her husband
Paul, want Temple Beth Torah to know how
appreciative they are for the support temple
members have provided to Robert throughout his
illness. They would like to welcome those
attending the funeral to join them for a brief
luncheon reception after the ceremony. Rabbi
Dan will be officiating at the service.
THE CARING COMMITTEE
The Caring Committee can help in stressful times, such
as family illness, death, birth, etc. We can provide a
meal and offer sympathy, transportation, childcare,
or congratulations for simchas. If you know of a
congregant who could use a little caring, contact Joy
Fields by e-mailing tbtcaringcommittee@gmail.com or
by leaving a message at TBT, 281-446-5611.
Food for HAAM
TBT collects food for HAAM on an ongoing basis.
Whenever you attend services, classes, or events at TBT,
please remember to bring nonperishable items with you
to help stock HAAM's pantry. Every item helps! We are
collecting for the Seasons of Sharing food donation so
let’s start the new year of 5775 off right by bringing
donations of Stuffing Mix, Canned Green Beans and
Sweet Corn, Instant potatoes, Jiffy Cornbread-box,
Turkey Gravy- can or mix, Canned Fruit or Brownie Mix.
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Building Renovation Plaque to be Installed
It’s hard to believe it has been a year since the completion of our renovation project at TBT. We are in the process of
honoring our donors that helped to make this possible with a plaque that will hang in our new space.
Please take a moment to review your name on the list—we want to make sure we have all the individuals and families
listed correctly that made a donation. If you have not made a donation to the project, this will be the last chance to do so
and get your name on the plaque. Please contact Dan Kullman by November 20th with any corrections or to make a
donation.
Judi and Ian Adler
Ruth and Ken Arnold
Melinda and David Askin
Rhani and David Babendure
Susan and Gary Bain
Fortuna and Philippe Bellande
Marilynn and Mike Bloom
Stacey and Jeremy Blumin
Terry and Norman Buchalter
Susan and Michael Cahn
Sandra and Lorry Charak
Susie and Eddie Christman
Rachel and Tom Claret
Shirley K. and Alan M. Cohn
Carole and Tony Curtis
Lael and Allan Daniels
Ellen and J.Q. Delap
Frieda and Melvin Dow
Joanne Epstein
Elsy and Mauricio Fainboim
Sandra and Steve Finkleman
Devinah and Jordan Finn
Martha and Donald Freedman
Charlett and Marshall Frumin
Sofia and George Gerszen
Betty and Roger Givin
Donna Glaser
Suzanne Glazer
Shayna Goldstein
Baylee and Marshall Gordon
Rabbi Dan Gordon
Iris and Tom Graf
Anne and Donald M Graubart
Diana and Chris Hambrecht
Sharyn and David Harris
Barbara and Stephen Heller
Irene and Marc Helsinger
Susan and Gary Herren
Donna and Aaron Karash
Alice and Jeff Kaufman
Carrie and Dennis Keith
Ellen and Dennis Klager
Saranne and J. Livingston Kosberg
Shawna and Dan Kullman
Sally and Joe Kullman
Mindy and Greg LaCour
Eve and Robert Lapin
David Levine
Velva and H. Fred Levine
Joni Levy
Kim and Stephen Levy
Lisa Levy
Barbara and Barry Lewis
Hanna and Bernard Lewis
Fran and Bryan Lipsen
Martin Lorin
Valerie and Peter Loth
Ellen and Richard Lowe
Jeanne Mandell
Stephanie Manley
Debra and Lee Miller
Andrea and Mike Miller
Shirley and Bill Morgan
Karol and Daniel Musher
Alla and Bart Myers
Leya and Jamie Nossal
Patricia and George Owens
Pam and Robert Penn
Lynn Gordon and Hy Penn
Connie and James Perwien
Elaine and James Pockmire
Susan and Bruce Pollard
Bernice and Peter Porrazzo
Marcia and Roger Poser
Paula and Irving Pozmantier
Lauren and Larry Rhines
John Romeo
Rose Rose
Linda and Jerry Rubenstein
Bobbylee and John Ruskis
Rozi and Jay Goldberg
Tina and Barry Sachs
Bobbi and Vic Samuels
Susan and Edward Septimus
Ellen and Richard Shaw
Rosemary and Ira Shepard
James Smith
Liz and Steve Smith
Joanie and Jeff Spalter
Ellen and Steve Stapleton
Jennifer Ofsowitz and Tony Sullivan
Howard J. Stern
Penny and Michael Stark
Edith and Bernard Stolbun
Julie and Bill Sukenik
Maxine and Marvin Sussman
Debbie and Bob Swaim
Maddi Taunton
Castine Theriot
Gail and Howard Tobin
Bernice and Ken Troxclair
Deysi and Guillermo Velasquez
Mandy Villarreal
Karen and Joe Wadsworth
Cynthia and Barry Weinberger
Leslie and Sanford Weiner
Lani and Bob Weirnick
Marsha and Norman Weiss
Carol and Simon Wellner
Melanie and Rich Wiener
Janie Wills
Ellen and Morton Winter
Barbara Wise
Leslie R. Witkov
Catherine Zakes
Edith and Robert Zinn
9
Please consider making a donation to support
Temple Beth Torah’s many worthy endeavors.
You can indicate which fund you would like your contribution
to support on the form below,
as well as the names of those you wish to honor or remember.
You may contact the Temple by calling 281- 446-5611 with any questions.
THANK YOU
Please mail your donation and form to the Treasurer at:
Temple Beth Torah 320 Shallow Drive Humble, TX 77338
From: ____________________________________
□ In honor of
□ In memory of
Name ____________________________________
TEMPLE
BETH TORAH
Donation Form
Thank You!
Please apply donation to (check one):
□ General Fund
□ Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
□ Burt Levy Memorial Library Fund
□ Tracy Tobin Johnson Memorial Education Fund
□ Tom Theriot Memorial Program Fund
Please send acknowledgement of the donation to:
Name ____________________________________
Address ___________________________________
TEMPLE BETH TORAH 320 SHALLOW DRIVE HUMBLE, TX 77338
(281) 446-5611 WWW.TBTHUMBLE.ORG
10
Cheshvan - Kislev, 5775
November 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
Religious School
9:15 AM–Noon
Mid-week Hebrew
5:00PM – 6:15 PM
10 AM Adult Ed –
TORCH class
Sisterhood
Hanukkah Sale
6:00 PM
9
10
11
Religious School
9:15 AM–Noon
6
Shabbat Dinner
6:30 PM
12
Mid-week Hebrew
5:00PM – 6:15 PM
13
17
19
20
18
Religious School
9:15 AM–Noon
Lunch and Learn
12:30 – 1:30 PM
10 AM Adult Ed –
TORCH class
Mid-week Hebrew
5:00PM – 6:15 PM
23
24
25
NO Religious
School
8
Chai Mitzvah
10:00 AM
14
Shabbat Service
with Cantor
Tunitsky and
Alanna Kleinman
from the ISJL
7:15 PM
11 AM Adult Ed –
with Cantor
Tunitsky
Lunch Following
16
7
15
TBT Service
Project
3:00PM –
6:00PM
21
22
Shabbat Service
7:15 PM
Community Guests
Strawbridge UMC
Students
26
No Mid-week
Hebrew
27
Happy
Thanksgiving
28
29
No Shabbat Service
10 AM Adult Ed –
TORCH class
30
NO Religious
School
Dec 1
2
3
4
5
6
Shabbat Service
7:15 PM
SAVE THE DATE!!
Hanukkah Celebration December 19th, 6:45 PM
11
Temple Beth Torah
320 Shallow Drive
Humble, TX 77338
(281) 446-5611
www.tbthumble.org
2