1. religion and spirituality
2. judaism

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WWW.SINAITEMPLE.ORG | VOL 75 NO 4
Sinai
Going Green
FEBRUARY 2015 | ADAR I 5775
SPEAKS
13
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Sinai Temple Men’s Club
Moderator
Rabbi Erez Sherman
of Sinai Temple
David Siegel
Consul General
of Israel
presents
Nasimi Aghayev
Consul General
of Azerbaijan
(Immediately following the Dialogue)
Rabbi David Wolpe will present to the Community of Mountain Jews of Azerbaijan
a Sefer Torah written by members of the Sinai Temple Men’s Club in honor
of the whole Sinai Temple Community, whose hearts and prayers are for the
safety of the Jewish people and Eretz Yisrael.
Enjoy a light dinner.
For more information please email MensClub@SinaiTemple.org
Sinai Temple • 10400 Wilshire Blvd.,LA • www.SinaiTemple.org • 310-474-1518
THE TWO DISCIPLES
the talmud teaches that one should be “soft like a reed, and not hard like a cedar. (ta’anith 20a.) medieval
philosopher Bahya Ibn pekuda comments on that passage, “therefore the reed is privileged to be fashioned
into a pen used for writing torah scrolls.” It is surprising for those who think the torah rigid and inflexible
that even the implement used to shape its letters is chosen for flexibility.
since the beginning of Jewish history some people have tried to nail down the corners of torah, make it rigid
and certain, a mechanical series of behaviors rather than a living, changing organism. Yet law, custom and
legend all grow and change; the torah is called an Etz Haim, a tree of life. like all living things, the torah
today is not precisely what it will prove to be tomorrow.
two disciples of a famous Rabbi once met later in life. one had followed all the dictates of his teacher; the
other had developed his own practices and interpretations. the first expressed anger at his former friend:
“why did you not follow our teacher’s path?” he asked. the second answered, “But I did. He grew up and
left his teacher. I grew up and left mine.”
Rabbi David Wolpe
RECENT SERMoNS | oFF ThE PulPIT | RAbbI WolPE’S FACEbook | FolloW RAbbI WolPE oN TWITTER
Save the Date
The passing of
the annual
Alan Grushcow
S INAI T EMPLE D INNER DANCE G ALA
the evening of
Sunday, June 14, 2015
honoring
D EBORAH & J OEL W EINSTEIN
and our
YOUNG L EADERS AWARD W INNERS
SInai Temple
Board of Directors Nominations
Sinai Temple's Nominating Committee will be meeting soon to
propose the slate for the 2015-2016 Board of Directors. If you are
interested in being considered, application forms are available in
the synagogue’s main office. The completed forms must be returned to the office, attention Judy Begin, no later than Tuesday,
March 11, 2015.
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20th of January, before sunset – 29th of Tevet, 5775
the late Alan grushcow was
sinai temple’s Budget Committee Chair/Co-chair 2001-2015
he also served our community on the
Audit, Contract, Cemetary management, It, personnel,
sAA Budget and msmp Committees.
We mourn his passing.
GROWING THE JEWISH SOUL
S ERVICES
& F ESTIVALS
Beginning on the evening of Tuesday, February 3rd, we will
celebrate Tu B’shvat (the 15th day of Shevat), the New
Year for trees. I expect that our Sinai Akiba Academy and
Religious School students can tell us about this holiday of
the trees that dates back thousands of years, as these
students grow in front of our eyes both physically and mentally like young trees. Traditionally the holiday of Tu B’shvat
is celebrated by the planting of trees in Israel. We also
know how important trees are from the famous verse of
Proverbs describing the Torah as an etz hayyim, the “tree
of life”, and Biblical verses imploring us to protect the trees
literally and figuratively both within Israel and in the Diaspora.
ShAbbAT MoRNINg
IN ThE ZIEglER SANCTuARY
8:45 a.m.
FAMIlY MINYAN &
FAMILY MINYAN Children’s Service
We have been fortunate to watch Israel grow to a strong and prosperous tree with
branches embracing Jews all over the world. A key component of Israel’s success and
ability to defend itself has been the result of a close relationship between Israel and
the United States, and by support of Israel by the Jewish community. Strong support
of Israel is a core component of our Temple’s mission. In fact, our Temple mission
statement states that “Sinai Temple is dedicated to… support for Israel and the Jewish
people….” One way we fulfill this mission is through our Israel Center headed by
Rabbi Guzik.
As a community, we can support Israel by attending the AIPAC national policy
conference held this March 1st-3rd in Washington D.C. Through the leadership of
Rabbi Wolpe and our past president Jan Zakowski, our Temple often sends the largest
synagogue delegation to AIPAC’s national conference. We have more than 200 Temple
members registered to attend this year, and there is still time to register. Join us to
learn more about AIPAC’s efforts to establish bi-partisan congressional support for
Israel, listen to experts discuss the rise of terrorism and anti-Semitism in France and
Western Europe, the role of Israel in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and China, and
learn first- hand about the technological wonders developed by our homeland, the
“start-up nation”. If you have not registered yet, I encourage you to do so by contacting
Jan Zakowski at jan@amcco.com or (310) 860-8812. If you cannot attend the national
conference, consider attending the 2015 AIPAC Los Angeles Annual Dinner on
February 8, 2015. You can make a difference by honoring the covenant of God who
promised the land to us in return for our upholding the mitzvot.
continued on page 7
Friday Candle
Lighting Times
February
February
February
February
6 – 4:47 p.m.
13 – 4:54 p.m.
20 – 5:00 p.m.
27– 5:06 p.m.
Saturday
Havdalah Times
February
February
February
February
7 – 6:12
14 – 6:19
21 – 6:25
28 – 6:31
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
Weekly
Parashas
February 7 – Yitro
February 14 – Mishpatim
(Shabbat Sh’kalim)
February 21 – T’rumah
February 28 – T’tzavveh
(Shabbat Zachor)
9:00 a.m. Feb, 14
9:30 a.m. Feb, 7, 21 & 28
ToRAh IN ThE RouND
9:30 a.m. Feb. 21
ToRAh AT ThE TAblE
9:45 a.m. Every Shabbat
STARS ShAbbAT MoRNINg
10:00 a.m. Feb. 14
ToT ShAbbAT
9:00 a.m.
Feb. 21
ShAbbAT lIVE
10:45 a.m.
Feb. 14
JAMMIES & JEANS
5:45 p.m.
Feb. 6
FRIDAY NIghT lIVE
7:30 p.m. Feb. 13
FIRST FRIDAY FREIlACh/ShADI
ShAbbAT
5:45 p.m. Feb 6
MuSICAl kAbbAlAT
ShAbbAT
5:45 p.m. Feb. 27
MINChA/ShAbbAT SERVICE
5:45 p.m. Every Friday Night
D A I lY M I N YA N
Mornings
8:30 a.m. Sunday
7:30 a.m. Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. National Holidays
Evenings
5:45 p.m. Sunday - Friday
4:30 p.m. Saturday
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Sinai Temple Grandparents’ Hanukkah Shabbat - December 20, 2014
Reprint of speech by Michelle Neman
today, on this shabbat morning (saturday, dec. 20,2014), we are celebrating the fifth day of Hanukkah and
we are reminded to disconnect from all the darkness and find the light in our lives. A bright light shining
in my life are my grandparents.
A few years ago, I had an idea to have a day when grandparents and grandchildren would come together
on a shabbat morning to spend quality time in prayer. I am so thankful and honored to be here today at
our third annual grandparents shabbat.
michelle neman
this year, this event is extra special to me as it comes at the time of my grandfather’s birthday, meir
Hanukkah, although he is unable to be with us today. His legacy has lit up my soul as he has brought me closer to Judaism, as do my other
grandparents who are thankfully with us. my grandfather set an example for his grandchildren to always pray and to be thankful to god. my
grandmothers have both taught me to love and always be positive in life. they have passed down their family traditions to me and I also hope
to pass them down.
to be a Jew is an honor and for us to all be sitting here today in a synagogue together is a true blessing. our grandparents are the ones who
fought and may even have risked their lives to keep our religion alive. they have gone through experiences that don’t even compare to ours.
they fought for their beliefs, their religion and we must continue to fight for ours, especially with everything going on today. we must pass
down the customs and traditions that have been passed down to us. we need to continue to learn and to embrace our religion. we owe it to
them to keep our religion alive through their teachings. the traditions can’t end with us and won't be diminished by us. we must remember to
connect with our grandparents on a deeper level.
I’ve just completed my first year in graduate school studying psychology and I’ve learned what people lack most is connection. today, our society is connecting through social media. technology is moving faster and I can’t even keep up. Imagine how our grandparents must be feeling.
I’m not standing here to tell you all to make a Facebook or twitter account for your grandparents, but that may be a good way for them to
keep up with our lives. I am standing here inviting you to build stronger and more meaningful relationships.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve made more of an effort to visit my grandparents on a weekly basis. I see the amount of light shine brighter in my
grandparents’ lives from a visit or a phone call. show your love and appreciation to your grandparents. Honor them whether they are with us
today are not.
If you were to ask my grandfather, papa, how old he is, he would respond with a gentle smile, "You mean, how young am I?" In school, I took
a course where we learned about aging. Yes, I thought I was very aware of the process of aging until I had to sit down and interview the elderly
on their experience. my grandfather reminds me how aging is a blessing. It’s a true blessing, a miracle, to get old enough to see your grandchildren and it’s a dream we all wish to live old enough to witness.
All grandparents want to do is to give to their grandchildren. As grandchildren we must receive. Its important for us to understand all the collective wisdom they have to offer. we need to give back to them by giving them the love, appreciation and patience they deserve.
grandparents are our family’s most valuable treasure, they are founders of a loving legacy, the best storytellers, the keepers of our traditions,
and the foundation of our families. our grandparents are the ones who keep our families close at heart. For every ‘no’ we have gotten from
our parents, our grandparents have always been there to say ‘yes’.
I want to thank you all for coming here today, especially to our grandparents. thank you for all the love, support, and care you have given.
thank you for spoiling us with always saying ‘yes’. thank you for bringing light into oUR lives. I pray that we all see our grandchildren and
build a connection with meaningful relationships and unconditional love. may we all always see that light - even in darkest times.
thank you. shabbat shalom and Happy Hanukkah.
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SinaiTemple
presents
Inside The Persian
Jewish Community
Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 7:30pm
The Persian Jewish community in Los Angeles is thriving and dynamic,
Saba Soomekh
steeped in history and tradition. Join Rabbi David Wolpe, along with
Saba Soomekh and Gina Nahai, as they dive deeper into a conversation
surrounding Persian life, culture, and stereotypes.
Sinai Temple Members: $15
Gina Nahai
Non-Members: $36
Register online at www.sinaitemple.org or contact
Rebeka Small, Program Director, at (310) 481-3243.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to
show your love & appreciation for Judy
at the
SINAI TEMPLE SISTERHOOD
ANNUAL TORAH FUND LUNCHEON
honoring
Judith Fischer
2014-15 Ha’Yay Olam Honoree
Featuring Sinai Akiba Orchestra
& Milken Community School Orchestra
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
11:30 a.m. Gold Hall, Sinai Temple
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Luncheon: $30.00 Sinai Sisterhood members
$35.00 non-Sinai Sisterhood members
Minimum Torah Fund pledge $18 per family
GROWING THE JEWISH SOUL
continued from page 3
Additionally, we need to support Jews in need wherever
they live. Now is the time to make a donation to the Jewish
Federation’s French Terror & Security Fund or to the Masorti
Olami, which have undertaken emergency c a m p a i g n s
f o r aid to the victims and funds to reinforce security
measures in France.
I look forward to seeing you at our exciting Temple programs
and services during February, and at AIPAC’s dinner in Los
Angeles and national policy conference in D.C.
Joel Weinstein
Friday, February 6th 5:45 p.m.
Please join us for the next
First Friday Freilach/Shadi Shabbat.
It’s going to be a fun and singing Kabbalat
Shabbat service with Ralph Resnick and
Rabbi Andy Feig leading us in song and
t’fillah. Bring your parents and your STARS and
SAA students to welcome Shabbat in
Kohn Chapel at 5:45pm.
We’ll even have a little Shabbas nosh
after our service. This will be a monthly
treat on the first Friday…except in
January when we’ll meet on the 9th.
Come and have a
freilach and shadi Shabbat.
Beit Midrash
Weekly Study Group
Delve deeply into modern Jewish topics, learn in relaxed small group conversations,
meet new friends and help repair the world through social action.
Get to know more about us at our
DESSERT RECEPTION
Thursday, March 19, 2015
8PM Private Home
For location and more information contact
Rabbi Jason Fruithandler
jfruithandler@SinaiTemple.org
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It Was Truly ‘One Crazy Night’
Sinai Temple’s annual synagogue-wide Hanukkah extravaganza “one Crazy Night” was just that….one crazy
night! With over 500 families in attendance on the second night of Hanukkah, the evening was a wonderful way for
all of our Sinai communities to celebrate the Festival of Lights together under one roof. The festivities kicked off
with a Sinai Akiba Academy and Sinai Temple Religious School Carnival featuring a bounce house, face painting,
carnival games, and prizes – and most importantly, our children having a blast! Pizza, Krispy Kreme donuts, and
a memorable chocolate fountain were certainly the highlight of the activities, with chocolate-covered smiling faces
lining the halls of our synagogue. In between the various activaties, there was a community candle-lighting in
Ziegler Sanctuary, with representatives from all of the various Sinai Temple groups – Men’s Club, Sisterhood, Chai
Society, Sinai Akiba Academy & the Douglas Preschool, Dor Chadash, Religious School, Atid – lighting
their respective menorahs in unison. Generous members also donated prizes to raffle off to attendees and the
Sinai Akiba Orchestra and Sinai Temple Youth Choir performed for the guests.
Soon following, the famed Dor Chadash Hanukkah party kicked off for families with young children to socialize
with one another, enjoy dreidel games, arts and crafts and, of course, latkes! Not to leave out the children-at-heart
of our community aka our Sinai Temple adult members, the evening concluded with a Men’s Club/Sisterhood/Chai
Society mixer in Gold Hall and an Atid cookie-decorating party for our young professionals. All in all, it was an
incredible evening of community, fun, and celebration. We look forward to seeing everyone next year at another
One Crazy Night!
A special thank you to all of our volunteers, lay leadership and staff for making this event such a success.
Photos by
Pini Dror Photography
& Clik, Click Photography
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Sinai Temple Religious School is immersed in Tech!
Thank you to the Simhaee Family for making this
possible with their generous grant.
Join Sinai Temple’s new business networking opportunity, JNET
Nosh, schmooze, and make business connections!
JNET is the premier Professional Networking Organization
within the Jewish community.
JNET is committed to facilitating the growth
of business relationships.
Next Meeting: Friday, February 6th,
7:15am-9am. at Sinai Temple
Loyalty Program: Attend 5 consecutive meetings,
get a prize!There is no cost for first-time guests.
This is your opportunity to join local Jewish businesspeople and
help give your business, and theirs, a BIG boost!
We mean business!
For more info or to RSVP, please contact Rabbi Sherman
at esherman@sinaitemple.org or (310)481-3234.
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SISTERHOOD
Michele Gabai and Clara Bruno, Co-Presidents
In Parasha Yitro Moses’ father-in-law Jethro counsels Moses to gather a group of
devout, trustworthy men to help him mediate disputes, to aid the people in understanding God’s wishes and to resolve questions dividing the community. Jethro
essentially says that if one creates an organization, one can be less exhausted,
more successful and more helpful to the community. He provided wise advice, and Jews have been following it ever
since. On February 6th and 7th, Sisterhood will have its annual Shabbaton when the women of Sisterhood lead the
congregation in Friday night, Shabbat morning, Shabbat afternoon and Havdalah services. On Shabbat morning, when
we read Parasha Yitro, we will examine how Jewish organizations have enabled us to help society at large. We are
privileged to have as a guest speaker Janice Kamenir-Reznik, who with the much - esteemed late Rabbi Harold
Schulweis, founded Jewish World Watch to aid victims of genocide around the world. Rabbi Schulweis also co-founded
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. Janice Kamenir-Reznik grew up at Sinai, and her mother is still a member.
We welcome her home. We invite you to join us for services, a Shabbat dinner catered by Sisterhood on Friday evening
and a Seudah Slishit on Saturday evening. Under the able stewardship of our co-chairs Angela Maddahi and Faranak
Rostamian, this Shabbaton promises to be a treat. Not only will you enjoy beautiful services led by the talented women
of our congregation, you will be inspired to find ways to do Tikkun Olam. To RSVP for the dinner, please contact Dee
Goozé at deegooze@gmail.com or call her at 310-553-7468. Special pricing for children is available.
Coming up in March are two important events. On Sunday, March 15th, we have our 2nd annual Mah Jongg Tournament
from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This entertaining fundraiser is open to Temple members and non-members alike. Click
here for the flyer. Attendees must be registered in order to park in the garage. The cost is $36.00 and includes coffee,
bagels, a buffet lunch and prizes. On March 17th we have our Torah Fund luncheon, honoring our own Judy Fischer.
Judy has been a pillar of social action in the Sinai Community. Please come and give her the support and praise she
deserves for all of her efforts. Any contributions to Torah Fund in her honor go to providing scholarships for Conservative
rabbinical and cantorial students at the American Jewish University, the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Seminario
Rabiníco Latinamericano.
April will bring an exciting joint evening program sponsored by Sisterhood and the Men’s Club. Look for details in our
next column. We hope you will join us.
SISTERHOOD
JUDAICA
SHOP
Available in your gift shop
...
Gift Certificates!
Any denomination - give a
certificate and let them
pick their perfect gift!
SISTERHOOD
DAIRY
CATERING
Sisterhood Caterers offer delicious Kosher dairy extended
Kiddush luncheons for every occasion.
The culinary talents and artistic abilities of our Sisterhood
Caterers are displayed in the attached spectacular photos
with fabulous floral arrangements.
Hours: Mon. - Wed. 10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Thurs. & Fri. 12:30 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
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(closed Saturdays & holidays)
For private shopping appointments, please call Frances Katz, Manager 310-481-3290
For Sunday shopping appointments, please call Lorraine Joffe 310-890-4802
We have many satisfied repeat customers. Their guests are so
impressed that they also book their events with us.
We cater parties of all sizes from intimate gatherings to large
affairs and we offer a variety of menus to fit your budget.
To book your next event, please contact our Catering
Contract Chairperson Jina Rezvanpour (310) 991-2509
MEN’S CLUB
Cary Lerman, President
It is now 2015, and I am six months into my tenure as President of the Men’s Club. In that
time, we have had many superb programs, increased our attendance multi-fold, and more
than doubled our membership. I want to thank all of your who helped organize and attended
the programs.
On January 6, the Men’s Club hosted Game Night, offering poker, Backgammon and Scrabble. We drew (no pun
intended) over 80 people who played the games with verve and tenacity, feasted on delicious food and occasionally
imbibed spirits and wine. The winners, each of whom received a gift certificate to the Sisterhood Gift Shop (thank
you Francis Katz), were for Poker: Shimon Ben Poorat (1st), Sheldon Liber (2nd) and Heskel Nazarian (3rd); for
Backgammon: Angela Maddahi (1st), Hamid Rafii (2nd) and Michael Boruokim (3rd); for Scrabble: Ann Passer.
The success of the evening was due to the efforts of many people: Joseph Gabbaian (pit boss), Adam Lewis (dealer
to the stars) and Michael Silberstein (logician) – all of whom were irreplaceable organizers. Others also were indispensable. Mark Haloossim put on his dealer shades, Daniel Simantob organized the food, Leslie Migdahl and
Esther Gendel were our trusted cashiers, and Jorge Garcia was the Men’s Club audio visual expert. Under the
guiding hand of James Hatami and Leslie Migdal, many helped assemble our candle packages for Yom Hashoah
Remembrance Day.
We have two events that you must put on your calendar.
On February 1 at 9:00 a.m. be part of our annual World Wide Wrap with a musical service and the participation of
the Religious School, to be followed by a light breakfast sponsored by Selma Daye in memory of her beloved husband, Sydney z’l and her son, Leslie z’l.
Following breakfast we will have a truly inspiring event. The Men’s Club has written a Sefer Torah on behalf of the
Sinai Temple Community to be given to the Mountain Jews of Azerbaijan for their synagogue in Baku. This ancient
community of Jews practices Judaism openly and proudly within a Shiite Muslim country that has deep and positive
relations with Israel. The Mountain Jews originate from Ancient Persia, arriving there
in the 8th century BCE and migrating to what is now Azerbaijan in the 5th century
CE. Their language, Juhuri, is an ancient Persian dialect that integrates many elements of Ancient Hebrew. The Sofer will be present, giving us the chance to fulfill the
mitzvah of writing a Torah. Bring your children and grandchildren to this memorable
event.
Then, on February 3 at 6:30 p.m., the Men’s Club will sponsor a dialogue between
the Consul General of Azerbaijan, Nasimi Aghayev, and the Consul General of Israel,
David Spiegel, on the positive relationship between Azerbaijan, a pro-Western, Shiite
Moslem country, and Israel, moderated
by Rabbi Erez Sherman. Rabbi Wolpe
will make a special presentation of the
Sefer Torah to the Leader of the Community of Mountain Jews, who will be
present in Los Angeles for the ceremony. This too will be an extraordinary
evening.
Bottom line: Much has happened and
much more to come. We invite you to
become part of our dynamic community.
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Exceptional
or
or
C A T E R I N G
Call 310.205-8707
Call 818-343-5157
FROM AN INTIMATE GATHERING
TO A LAVISH BANQUET
WE CATER TO ALL YOUR NEEDS
Call Fe at 310 - 481 - 3263
14
Adult Learning at Sinai Temple
THE CLERGY IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
You know your clergy at Sinai Temple....but who are the clergy in your neighborhood?
Join Rabbi Jason Fruithandler for a series of five breakfast sessions, along with clergy
from our neighborhood religious institutions, for discussions on issues that affect
religion in America today.
Session #2: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at St. Paul the Apostle Church 9:00 a.m.
Admission: $10 per person, includes breakfast.
Register online at www.sinaitemple.org or contact Rebeka Small, Program Director at (310) 481-3243.
ALICE & NAHUM LAINER LEARNING & LUNCH with RABBI DAVID WOLPE
GREAT CONTROVERSIES IN JEWISH HISTORY
Were Jews ever unified? This year we will examine the fights that marked Jewish history -- beginning with the Bible and
moving to the clashes between the Sadducees and the Pharisees, the Hasidim and the Mitnagdim, the Orthodox and the
modernists, and many others. What did each side believe, and how did they promote their beliefs? Join us for a fascinating look inside the struggles and sides that shaped our tradition.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Pricing:
Sinai Temple Members: Free of charge
Non-Members: $25 per session
Register online at www.sinaitemple.org or contact Rebeka Small, Program Director at (310) 481-3243.
THURSDAY MORNING TORAH with RABBI DAVID WOLPE
Spend an hour every Thursday morning deepening your understanding of Judaism and our sacred text. Learn along with
us as we go through the Torah together; no previous knowledge or Hebrew is required.
This year We will be studying the five megillot, so students will need a copy of the Tanach, or other book that contains:
Jonah, Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Esther.
If you need to purchase a book, please click here to order a suggested copy.
When: Thursday mornings, 8:15 a.m.
Dates: February 5, 12, 19, 26*
Cost: There is no charge for this class.
Contact: Rebeka Small, Program Director, (310) 481-3243, or rsmall@sinaitemple.org
*All dates subject to change or cancellation.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THIS EXCITING PROGRAM COMING IN MARCH 2015!
AAYAN hIRSI AlI IN CoNVERSATIoN with RAbbI DAVID WolPE
Aayan Hirsi Ali, an activist for women's rights and a critic of Islam, will be in conversation with Rabbi David Wolpe on her
beliefs and the causes to which she has devoted her life.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Aayan Hirsi Ali's appearance has been made possible by a generous donation from Moussa Soomekh.
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We extend our
condolences to the
bereaved families and
record the passing of:
•••
raBBI DaNIel arNall
nephew of
Claude Arnall
•••
guIlFOrD glaZer
uncle of
Jennifer glazer malkin
•••
DarIuSh JaVaNShIr
(raChaMIM)
father of
tanaz Banooni
•••
FlOra KOhaNBaShIrI
mother of
saghar Zarabian
•••
herMaN leVITT
father of
Harry levitt
•••
ShulaMIT MIrOVSKI
mother of
Benny mirovski
•••
NISSIM NaSSIB
father of
Zaro nassib
Aron nassib
grandfather of
nicole nassib
•••
Bella OSTrOW
sister of
Victor meschures
•••
Dr. Murray SChulMaN
husband of
sylvia schulman
•••
raBBI harOlD M. SChulWeIS
husband of
malkah schulweis
•••
eSTer ZaruTSKy
mother of
galina Ferd
Mazel Tov to: grandparents, sheila &
Aaron leibovic and to aunt, talia leibovic and to parents, tova & Austin
douglas, on the birth of Eve meora ;
stefanie lipson, upon becoming an estate planning partner at greenberg,
glusker, Fields, Claman, & machtinger;
nancy Cole and mark loeterman, on
the marriage of their daughter leah
Cole loeterman to Alex Fein; Eilon
gabel & Ramona davoudpour, on the
birth of micah levi gabel; Irving s.
white, on the publication of his new
book “A duty of the Heart”.
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DOR CHADASH
JAMMIES ‘N JEANS
Friday, February 6, 2015 at 5:45pm
Celebrate the new year, Jammies 'n Jeans style! Slip on a pair of jeans and dress your kids in
pajamas….to shul! Light dinner provided to those who RSVP.
Contact Dor Chadash at dchadash@gmail.com or 310-481-3296
If you would like to receive Dor Chadash emails with information on all of our
upcoming events, please email dchadash@gmail.com and request to be added!
ToT ShAbbAT
Brought to you by Dor Chadash, the “Next Generation” at Sinai Temple
Saturday, February 21 at 9:00 a.m. in Kohn Chapel
Join Dor Chadash as we celebrate Shabbat with uplifting spirituality, community bonding,
and meaningful memories for you and your little ones…with Sinai Temple’s own Rabbi Nicole
Guzik, Rabbi Jason Fruithandler and Dale Schatz!
Dor Chadash is a great way to make a large synagogue feel like a small community. We welcome all families with young children, so come introduce yourself at one of our upcoming
events!
For more information, please email dchadash@gmail.com
or call 310-481-3296.
Come visit us in the library - check out a book - so many adventures await!
BluMeNThal lIBrary
laINer learNINg CeNTer
3rd Floor
monday -thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
* Closed Weekends & All Holidays
SINAI TEMPlE book gRouP
Next Meeting: February 5, 2015
Time: 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Library classroom
Book Title: To Rise Again at a Decent Hour
by Joshua Ferris
Facilitated by: Lisa Silverman
ChAI SoCIETY
Shabbat Shalom Meet and Greet FAMIlY MINYAN
In alphabetical order
Noah Fonck
son of
Sharon Gold & Matthew Fonck
Jacquelyn Stern
daughter of
Sara & Benjamin
Join us . . .
February 14, 2015
February 14 & 28
General Meeting: February 24
Dinners – Plays – Celebrations –
Winery Trips
Call Elaine Lotwin at (310) 271-5554 or
eal1160@aol.com
Rachelle Marcus and
Richard Greenberg, Co-Chairs
NeeD a raBBI?
We at Sinai Temple can only
be a community of concern when we
know when and where we can be of
support. If you know of anyone who
may benefit from a visit or a talk with
the rabbi, please call (310)474-1518.
Sing, Sing, Sing with the
Sinai Youth Choir!
We are looking for kids ages 7-13 with
GREAT voices to sing with us!
Upcoming performances at Sinai Temple
(Shabbat Shira), Museum of Tolerance,
LA Museum of the Holocaust, Celebrate
Israel, etc.
Why not join us!
Rehearsals every Wednesday, Kohn
Chapel, 3:45-4:45pm (this rehearsal is
coordinated in conjunction with SRS)
Any questions?
Please email/call Dr. Michelle Green
Willner, Music Director
michellegwillner@yahoo.com, or
310-839-3327
17
RAbbI DAVID WolPE’S
DISCRETIoNARY FuND
IN hoNoR oF
Natalie Geiderman’s bat mitzvah by Dr.
Joel Geiderman & family; Dr. Harley Liker’s
birthday by Dr. Victor & Diane Marder; Dr.
Richard Greenberg’s second bar mitzvah
by Michael P. Broida, Murray D. Heller,
& Stanley Eisenberg; the birth of Cayla
Makena Vantrease, daughter of Melissa &
Scott Vantrease and the birth of Samuel
Murray Lopez, son of Kimberly & Jonathan
Lopez by Susan Lopez-Giss & Harvey
Giss; the marriage of Leah Cole Loeterman
to Alex Fein by Deborah & Joel Weinstein.
IN MEMoRY oF
Fradelle Rosenberg by Marla Rosen &
family, Sandra Kahan & family, & Michael
Rosenberg & family; Marvin Selter by
Shirley Selter; Emanuel Kreisel’s yahrzeit
by Cynthia & Ralph Finerman; RuthAnn
Savitz’ yahrzeit by Stanley Savitz; Grandpa
Max Part’s yahrzeit by Carol & Jerry
Muchin; Doctor Ernie Shore’s yahrzeit by
Marc Siegal; Mildred Finerman’s yahrzeit
by Cynthia & Ralph Finerman; my father,
Martin Bizar’s yahrzeit by Ruth Pilot;
Benjamin Dwoskin’s yahrzeit by Laura
Dwoskin; Michael David’s yahrzeit & Julio
Grapa’s yahrzeit by Angie David; Ralph
Kahan’s yahrzeit by Jason Kahan; Herman
Friedberg’s yahrzeit & Phyllis Friedberg’s
yahrzeit by James Friedberg ; Gus & Zoey
Lichtenfeld’s yahrzeit by Eric & Marlowe
Lichtenfeld.
IN APPRECIATIoN oF:
Rabbi Wolpe by Barbara & George Berci;
Rabbi Wolpe by Gabriella Nasch;
Rabbbi Wolpe’s support & comfort on the
occasion of Marvin Selter’s passing by
Shirley Selter.
RAbbI NIColE guZIk’S
DISCRETIoNARY FuND
IN APPRECIATIoN oF:
Rabbi Nicole Guzik officiating at our wedding by Jake White & Danielle Pakdaman;
leading the warm and meaningful shiva
service for our mom Fritzi Rosenberg by
Marla Rosen, Sandra Kahan, Michael
Rosenberg and their families; and wishing
Rabbi Guzik and family a Happy Hanukkah
by Gabriella Nasch.
IN hoNoR oF:
The birth of our granddaughter Eve Meora
Douglas by Sheila & Aaron Leibovic; and
Benjamin Brittan’s bar mitzvah by Tracy &
Graydon Brittan.
IN MEMoRY oF:
Eric Hirschowitz’s yahrzeit by Sharon &
Mark Vidergauz; and Rabbi Daniel Arnall’s
passing by Deborah & Joel Weinstein.
18
RAbbI JASoN FRuIThANDlER’S
DISCRETIoNARY FuND
IN APPRECIATIoN oF:
Rabbi Fruithandler officiating at the wedding of Ivana Popovic & Anoush Hakimi by
Parviz & Farzaneh Hakimi; organizing a
great evening for One Crazy Night by
Cary Lerman; officiating at the bris of our
son Micah Levi Gabel by Eilon Gabel &
Ramona Davoudpour.
IN MEMoRY oF:
Ester Zarutsky’s yahrzeit by Deborah and
Joel Weinstein
RAbbI EREZ ShERMAN’S
DISCRETIoNARY FuND
IN APPRECIATIoN oF:
Rabbi Sherman’s warm & personal shiva
service which he led for our mother Fritzi
Rosenberg by Marla Rosen, Sandra
Kahan, Michael Rosenberg & their families.
IN MEMoRY oF:
My mother Ruth Zeitlin and in appreciation
of Rabbi Sherman’s sermon by Paul Zeitlin.
RAbbI EMERITuS ZVI DERShoWITZ’S
DISCRETIoNARY FuND
IN MEMoRY oF:
Benjamin Tilem’s yahrzeit by Joseph N.
Tilem.
CANToR MARCuS FElDMAN’S
DISCRETIoNARY FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
The births of our granddaughter Cayla
Makena Vantrease and grandson Samuel
Murray Lopez by The Honorable Harvey
Giss & The Honorable Susan Lopez-Giss.
ARYEll CohEN’S
DISCRETIoNARY FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
The births of our granddaughter Cayla
Makena Vantrease and grandson Samuel
Murray Lopez by the Honorable Harvey
Giss & the Honorable Susan Lopez-Giss.
RAlPh RESNICk’S
DISCRETIoNARY FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
Preparing Russel Jacobs for his bar mitzvah and leading Family Minyan by Lou &
Karre Jacobs; my second bar mitzvah by
Dr. Richard & Carole Greenberg; Ralph
Resnick’s support and kindness upon the
passing of our mother Fritzi Rosenberg by
Marla Rosen, Sandra Kahan, Michael
Rosenberg & their families.
IN MEMoRY oF:
Max Aron’s yahrzeit by Michele & Joseph
Gabai; Fannie Ruth Greenberg’s yahrzeit
by Fran & Arnie Stengel; Tavous - Monir
Melamed and Batsheva Rakow’s yahrzeits
by Nora & Jack Rakow; Herbert Bernstein‘s yahrzeit by Dr. Richard & Carole
Greenberg; Monroe Haas’ yahrzeit by
Diane Haas Dassa & Ron Dassa; and Max
Moore’s yahrzeit by Morey & Grace Moore.
FAMIlY MINYAN FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
Rabbi Andrew Feig, Ralph Resnick, the
Anniversary of Brandon Isaac’s bar
mitzvah and our aliyah during the High
Holy Days services by Brandon Isaac &
David Abraham Golshirazian; and Dr.
Richard Greenberg’s second bar mitzvah
by Sandra B. Fine.
IN MEMoRY oF:
Eric J. Rollman’s yahrzeit by Fred, Gail,
Gregory, Jeffrey & Alison Rollman.
ToRAh IN ThE RouND FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
Benjamin Brittan’s bar mitzvah by Tracy &
Graydon Brittan.
ATID FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
Sinai Temple’s ATID program by Julie &
Marc E. Platt.
gENERAl FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
Sinai Temple by Nancy & Paul Nouri and
by Soraya Kermani.
IN MEMoRY oF:
William Cohen’s yahrzeit by Bernice Cohen.
MEMoRIAl FuND
IN MEMoRY oF:
Sandra Mayer’s yahrzeit by Julie & Joel
Mayer; Aliyahou Habib Famili’s yahrzeit by
Dr. Claudia N. Mikail; Rose Goodglick’s
yahrzeit by Sandra & William Goodglick;
Edith Sternberg and Abraham Ordentlich’s
yahrzeits by Hedy & Ted Orden; Albert
Rosen’s yahrzeit by Donna & Harvey
Rosen; Maria Rosenzweig’s yahrzeit by
Margot Rubinstein; Rabbi Aron Sinder’s
yahrzeit by Dr. Martin & Barbara
Schechter; Garrison D. Cohen’s yahrzeit
by Dr. Gerald & Dr. Barbara Levey; Sylvia
Kahn & Theodore David Kahn’s yahrzeits
by The Honorable MeraLee Goldman;
Ghodrat Rachel Toufer’s yahrzeit by
Pouran & Parviz Nazarian; John Wolff’s
yahrzeit by Linda & Louis Wolff; Houri
Yeshoroun’s yahrzeit by Marmar Khalifian;
Dr. Seymour H. White’s yahrzeit by Martha
W. White; and Bella Ostrow’s passing by
Deborah & Joel Weinstein.
ChEVRA kADIShA FuND
IN MEMoRY oF:
My darling husband Dr. Elliott Hinkes’s
yahrzeit by Eileen W. Hinkes; Alfred
Rothholtz’s yahrzeit by Barbara & Peter
Rothholtz; and Dr. Murray Schulman by
Deborah & Joel Weinstein.
JACob WEISbARTh hoSPICE
CENTER FuND
IN MEMoRY oF:
Bernard Charles Kornblau’s yahrzeit by
Rosalie Kornblau; and Guilford Glazer by
Deborah & Joel Weinstein.
SPECIAl NEEDS RElIgIouS
SChool & b'NAI MITZVAh
PRogRAM FuND
IN MEMoRY oF:
Ethel Gewarter’s yahrzeit by Roz & Abner
Goldstine.
ShIVA FuND
IN MEMoRY oF:
Nissim Nassib by Deborah & Joel
Weinstein.
ISRAEl CENTER FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
Israel by G.A. Bedward and Hope in the
Hills.
IN MEMoRY oF:
Sadie Dwoskin’s yahrzeit by Laura
Dwoskin.
DoR ChADASh FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
Grandparents Sheila and Aaron Leibovic,
Aunts Talia Leibovic & Tori Leibovic, and
parents Tova & Austin Douglas on the birth
of Eve Megan Doulas by Deborah & Joel
Weinstein.
ADulT EDuCATIoN FuND
IN MEMoRY oF:
Simon Meyer’s yahrzeit by Pamela
Weisberg.
lIbRARY FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
Dr. Richard Greenberg’s second bar mitzvah by Judith Fisher and by Hillel Aronson.
IN MEMoRY oF:
Henry Levin and Harriet Leah Moritz
Halpern’s yahrzeits by Barbara & Milton
Moritz; Thomas Ivener’s yahrzeit by Eva
M. Ivener; Harry Wolf’s yahrzeit by Dr. Sidney & Sandra Zusman; Irving L. Kory’s
yahrzeit by Shirley Kory and family; Gregory Goldner’s yahrzeit by Beverly Goldner; and Harry R. Schwartz’s yahrzeit by
Dr. Rona Schwartz.
DouglAS FAMIlY EARlY
ChIlDhooD CENTER FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
The birth of Sheila & Aaron Leibovic’s
granddaughter and Tova & Austin Douglas’ daughter Eve Douglas by Jennifer &
Rob Galperson and family.
hANNAh lIPPERT gENERAl FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
The birth of Sheila & Aaron Leibovic’s
granddaughter Eve Douglas by Danielle
Kassin.
IN MEMoRY oF:
Moshe Barkhordar’s yahrzeit by Robert &
Ella Omidi.
RITuAl obSERVANCE FuND
IN MEMoRY oF:
Samuel Cohen’s yahrzeit by Alan J.
Cohen.
ThE MARgARET AND JAMES FlESh
SCholARShIP FuND
IN hoNoR oF:
Stefanie Lipson upon becoming an estate
planning partner at Greenberg Glusker
Fields Claman & Machtinger, Irving S.
White on the publication of his new book
“A Duty of the Heart”, the births of Rabbi
Rebecca Rosenthal & Dr. Adam Arenson’s
daughter Madeline Rose Arenson, Sheila
& Aaron Leibovic’s granddaughter and
Tova & Austin Douglas’s daughter Eve
Meora Douglas, and the marriage of Leah
Cole Loeterman to Alex Fein and
Stephanie (White) Ackerman to Whitney
Ackerman by Judy & Tom Flesh.
IN MEMoRY oF:
Morad Harouni, Dariush Javanshir
(Rachamim), Rabbi Daniel Arnall, Flora
Kohanbashiri, Bella Ostrow, Dr. Murray
Schulman, Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis,
Guilford Glazer, Ester Zarutsky, and
Nissim Nassib by Judy & Tom Flesh.
SINAI AkIbA SCholARShIP FuND
IN MEMoRY oF:
Monroe Haas’s yahrzeit by Diane Haas
Dassa & Ron Dassa.
SINAI AkIbA ACADEMY
TEChNologY FuND
IN MEMoRY oF:
My father Arthur Weisberg’s yahrzeit by
Pamela Weisberg.
Shop for Sinai
Sinai Temple
and Sinai Akiba
Academy have
created new
ways for you to "give" to
Sinai Temple, while buying
the things you buy already!
For full instructions click here or go
to www.sinaitemple.org
To register click here.
To register online click here.
To download a pdf to take to the
store to register click here.
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Sinai Temple
19
Sinai Temple Mission
Sinai Temple is dedicated to providing a welcoming and caring
community for its members, devoted to Jewish learning, support
for Israel and the Jewish people and committed to improving
ourselves and the world through a
growing
relationship with God
COMMUNITY . PRAYER . LEARNING
from generation to generation.
We are committed to the principles and values of Conservative
Judaism and we welcome Jews of all backgrounds and affiliations
to observe life cycle events, and pursue our mission through prayer,
rituals, learning, music and the other gifts God has given us.
We welcome your membership.
SINaI SpeaKS
monthly newsletter published by sinai temple
10400 wilshire Blvd., los Angeles, CA 90024
310-474-1518 ~ fax 310-474-6801
www.sinaitemple.org
~
Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Rabbi david wolpe,
The Max Webb Senior Rabbi of Sinai Temple
Rabbi nicole guzik
Rabbi Jason Fruithandler
Rabbi Erez sherman
Rabbi Emeritus Zvi dershowitz
Cantor marcus Feldman
Cantor Emeritus Joseph gole
Ralph Resnick, Ritual Director
Joel weinstein, President
Howard lesner, Executive Director
sarah shulkind, Ed.d.
Head of School, Sinai Akiba Academy
Rabbi laurence scheindlin
Headmaster Emeritus, Sinai Akiba Academy
danielle salem-Kassin,
Religious School Director
tracy schatz, Director,
Douglas Family Preschool
len lawrence, General Manager,
Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries
Aryell Cohen, Organist & Choir Director
penny dain, Public Relations Director, Editor
Barton H. Kogan & paul Herman, Co-Chairs,
Board of Governors
Cary lerman, Men’s Club President
michele gabai & Clara Bruno,
Sisterhood Co-Presidents
deadline for the march issue is February 2
deadline for the April issue is march 3
SINaI TeMple
SinaiTemple
The First Conservative Congregation in the pacific Southwest