Temple Beth Torah NEWS FOR YOU March 2015 Adar - Nissan, 5775 “Motzi and the Megillah” Rabbi Dan Gordon SPIRITUAL LEADER BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CHAIRPERSONS Susan Pollard Temple Beth Torah Purim Shabbat Service Friday, March 6, 7:15 PM Celebrate Purim on Friday March 6th as Rabbi Dan and special musical guest Motzi lead the Purim service. Come in costume and celebrate with us (a costume is not required). Of course we will have Hamantaschen!! PRESIDENT Castine Theriot VICE PRESIDENT Dan Kullman TREASURER Carole Curtis SECRETARY David Askin DELEGATE Lawrence Heyman DELEGATE Joni Levy DELEGATE Michael Miller DELEGATE Andrea Eoff RITUAL Hy Penn MEMBERSHIP Carrie Keith EDUCATION Stacey Blumin CAMP JUST GOT CLOSER SPECIAL CAMP-STYLE SERVICE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 7:15 PM FEATURING TBT FAVE JOSH LEVINE Anyone who has experienced Shabbat at a Jewish summer camp knows that it can be one of the most dynamic, spiritual and invigorating ways to connect with your Jewish soul. The music and fellowship combine to remind us the fun and the joy of communing with nature and with each other. You don’t have to wait four months OR drive four hours! Camp is coming to Humble! Song-leader and guitarist Josh Levine, a TBT favorite, will help guide us into the summer. Representatives from Greene Family Camp (GFC), the Reform Movement’s regional summer camp near Waco, will be joining us, and some GFC campers will help lead the service. Of course, a delicious surprise Oneg at the end will conclude an evening of surprises for this one-of-a-kind Kid and Adult service. BUILDING Selina Smith SOCIAL Barbara Heller “Camp in March” is part of Temple Beth Torah’s “Shabbat Around the World” program, funded in part by the Houston Jewish Community Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. SISTERHOOD PRESIDENT Michael Miller MEN’S CLUB PRESIDENT Joy Fields CARING COMMITTEE Shawna Kullman MUSIC Passover Seder Friday, April 3, 6:00 PM Kingwood Country Club See page 11 – for the flyer and RSVP Stacey Blumin ADMINISTRATOR AND NEWSLETTER EDITOR 1 RABBI’S MESSAGE SEX, LIES AND EXECUTIONS – Purim’s Transition from What it was to What It Is Reader discretion advised The Book of Esther, also known as Megliat Esther, is the story we recount on Purim. I am certain that this story, presented as written, would NOT earn a PG rating. It begins with a drunken party, authorized and enjoyed by the king, who demands his wife to dance before his drunk friends…and banishes her when she refuses. The heroine of the story, Esther, lies about her identity to win the king’s favor in order to entice him into marrying her. The original text doesn’t suggest that the selection process for a new bride was anything as tame as the “beauty contests” we talk about in the children’s version. Because King Ahasuerus did not know his wife was Jewish, he allows his counselor Haman to convince him to permit a decree executing the Jews. When Esther reveals her identity as a Jew, Haman is hanged on the very gallows that was intended for Esther’s cousin Mordecai. The actual text then describes a systematic series of killing that some might call self-defense and others might call revenge murders. From Chapter 9: 1 Now on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month – Adar - when the king's commandment drew near to be put in execution, on the very day in which the enemies of the Jews hoped to get them in their power; the opposite happened, and the Jews had power over those that hated them; 2 the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to attack on those who sought to hurt them; and no one could withstand them; for the fear of them was fallen upon all the peoples. … because the fear of Mordecai was fallen upon them. 4 For Mordecai was powerful in the king's house, and his fame went forth throughout all the provinces; for the man Mordecai grew greater and more powerful. 5 And the Jews smote their enemies with the sword, slaying and destroying; they wreaked their will on their enemies. 6 And in Shushan the castle the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men. Five hundred were killed for Haman’s plot, plus Haman’s ten sons. The king says to Esther, “The Jews have killed a total of five hundred men, plus the ten sons of Haman…What is your wish now? It shall be granted.” Esther says to her royal husband, “If it please your Majesty, let the Jews in Shushan be permitted as they did today, and let Haman’s ten sons be impaled on the stake.” So phase 2 includes the public display of Haman’s sons and the Jews going through the provinces killing seventy-five thousand more. And it became a day to celebrate. Purim is the only time of the year when Jewish people actually celebrate the misfortune of others. Even on Passover, we spill out part of wine out of respect for the suffering of the Egyptians during the plagues. Even if it were necessary to kill 75,510 people, would that be a cause for celebration? The Book of Esther is the only book of the Hebrew Bible that does not include G-d’s name, and was also the very last book that was chosen to be included in our sacred scriptures. For these reasons, some scholars wonder how accurate the telling is. There are several historical references that match up with ancient Persia, and some that don’t. Regardless of how true this story is, its celebration has taken on a dramatic transformation. It’s a party, a carnival and a dress-up day. It’s a day for children to have fun and adults to release their inhibitions. We’re not so much celebrating Haman’s death as we are celebrating our own survival. Some scholars maintain that aspects of the Purim story might be, at the very least, exaggerated. One theory is that it came about during a time period in which Jews were greatly persecuted. Hiding your identity was often important to survive harsh oppression. We needed a heroic tale, with mortals like Esther and Mordecai to remind us that people can step up to save the day, even during times G-d’s presence doesn’t look so obvious. Regardless of your historical theory, Purim is different today…and it should be! We can celebrate that we no longer need to hide who we are. We can celebrate survival. We can sing, dance, party, dress funny and eat hamantashen. For what we are really celebrating is that we are here, we are Jewish and that in and of itself is a joy, worthy of a party. And for those who want to revisit the gory details of the text, please add to your prayers that, the day after Purim, it will be time to take off our masks and share with the world that we are proud to be who we are. L’shalom, Rabbi Dan Gordon To see previous monthly messages from Rabbi Dan Gordon, visit 2 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 When I was preparing this message, I was also helping to organize a visit to a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. I thought about how everyone benefits from doing this kind of activity- especially what we all take away. Those with whom we spend time learn there are many who care about them and, on a practical level they have something to do for a few hours on a slow afternoon. We come away with so much more; a richer appreciation for what we have, a respect for what it takes to leave home with your children in order to keep them safe, what you gain and what you have to give up in making that choice. We also get to know specific people. Domestic violence is no longer something that happens to a faceless person, it happens to someone with whom I cooked a meal, someone I talked to about their life experiences, someone who shared what it feels to not have a home anymore. This makes visiting FamilyTime a much more personal and meaningful experience. It also leaves me wanting to be more involved. It is the responsibility of our synagogue to provide opportunities for our members to get involved, and I am glad we are able to offer them these experiences. I hope that every member of our congregation takes the opportunity to participate in social action and social service. Our Social Action Leadership Team (SALT) is organizing visits to FamilyTime and to Aishel House. I invite you all to choose an activity and experience the benefits first hand. There is nothing like connecting with someone on a personal level to make a difference to both of you. SUSAN POLLARD 3 SAVE THE DATE: Holocaust Remembrance Shabbat Service with guest Holocaust Survivor Fred Floersheimer, April 17th Join us at TBT on Friday, April 17 for a special service to remember the Holocaust. Our guest speaker will be Holocaust Survivor Fred Floersheimer. Please plan to attend so we can join together and say, “never again.” Our Very own Ms. President Susan Pollard was Published as a feature article in the ISJL (Institite for Southern Jewish Life) Newsletter, CIRCA. To read her article about Temple Beth Torah’s event with FamilyTime’s shelter for domestic violence, The Door, please visit http://www.isjl.org/circa.html and scroll down to see her article and a picture of the TBT group. Social Action Leadership Team (SALT) Activities SALT is organizing activities throughout the year as we reach out to the community. We have visits every other month to work with victims of domestic violence through FamilyTime and periodic visits to prepare meals for those undergoing long term medical treatment and staying at Aishel House in the medical center of Houston. If you would like to take part in either of these activities on a one time basis or regularly please email SALT@tbthumble.org and let us know. We will provide the orientation and the supplies so all you need is a desire to help. Both of these activities are suitable for anyone 12 years old and up so you can participate as a family or come with a friend. Shabbat Service Schedule for February: 6: 13: 20: 27: with 7:15 PM Purim Shabbat Service 7:15 PM Shabbat Service 7:15 PM Shabbat Service 7:15 PM “Camp Style” Shabbat Service Josh Levine Participate in a TBT Committee— Your Help is Needed Interested in doing a mitzvah? Consider joining a committee. Volunteers are needed for all committees including our Building, Ritual, Education, Social, Membership, Fundraising, Music, Caring, and Social Justice committees. Contact Susan Pollard for more information at president@tbthumble.org. Simchas in March Birthdays 4 Lee Bassett Ellen Stapleton 6 Anna Ayzenberg 7 Joni Levy 8 Penny Stark 9 Melinda Askin Taylor Wise 10 Alex Troxclair 18 Lael Daniels 21 Andrea Eoff Chris Hambrecht 23 Kevin Miller 25 Rachel McConnell 28 David Babendure 29 Lauren Rhines Anniversaries 8 Stephen and Barbara Heller Lee and Debra Miller 9 Brian and Andrea Eoff 16 Aaron and Donna Karash 25 Barry and Tina Sachs 28 Joe and Karen Wadsworth 4 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CORNER This year is flying by. It is hard to believe that it is almost Spring and Passover will be here soon. We will have our model seder on Sunday, March 29 from 11:15 – 12:00. Parents are encouraged to attend with their child. If you would like to volunteer to help set up and serve please email Carrie at education@tbthumble.org. Bethany Berger, our ISJL fellow, taught an environment and Judaism lesson for the Religious school in February. All the students had a great time making terrariums. They each were unique and interesting. This was her last visit with us for this school year. It would be wonderful to have her back next year. Whichever fellow we get, they are all enthusiastic and eager to share their expertise with our students and teachers. Bethany also had a movie night with our youth group while the adults enjoyed Night of Why with Rabbi Dan. On the next day, the confirmation students did crafts and snacks with children that are currently residing at The Door, our area women’s shelter. So, now it is Spring and just a few more sessions of Religious School and Midweek Hebrew left on the calendar. We are busy looking at schedules and teachers for the 2015-2016 school year and also looking forward to the ISJL Conference held each summer in Jackson, Mississippi. Tot Shabbat Friday, March 20th 6:00 PM Bring your little ones for an active Shabbat service led by Rabbi Dan Gordon. Singing, moving, and having fun together will be followed by a kidfriendly, kosher-style potluck dinner. Please RSVP to Stacey Blumin at sblumin@tbthumble.org. Perfect for ages 8 and under, but all are welcome. Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Dan Nourishment for the Body, Mind and Soul Once a Month Wednesday, March 25 – 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! Upcoming dates: April 22, No RSVP necessary; feel free to just show up! ADULT EDUCATION - TORCH Carrie Keith (TORAH OUTREACH RESOURCE CENTER OF HOUSTON) Confirmation Class / Youth Group This month the members of the confirmation class and youth group visited a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. They played games and did crafts with the kids. Sarah Couch, youth group coordinator, and Carrie Keith, school principal, lead the activity. Thanks to Ryan, Austin and Brittany for spending time with the kids there. 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” Start your Sundays with Adult Learning at TBT. Come at 9:30 AM for bagels and coffee and then join us for class at 10AM led by Rabbi Wolbe from TORCH Sunday, March 1: Binding our hearts and minds: How Tefillin models our life’s mission. Sunday, March 8: Nation of the Book: The Ten Reasons why we Study Torah. Sunday, March 15: National Revelation and Other Evidence to the Integrity and Accuracy of The Torah Sunday, March 22: Chessed (Kindness): the Four Kinds of Kindness and why it is the premier Catalyst for growth 5 DONATIONS GENERAL FUND Hy Penn and Lynn Gordon In Memory of Alfred Heyman, Father of Lawrence Heyman Donna Glaser In Honor of her sister Naomi, with healing prayers Joshua Ahart Elaine and Walter Heller In Honor of Bradley Heller for winning DECA Award from Kingwood High School and competing in the State Competition Raymundo and Gloria Mendez RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND Jules and Janice Rose In Honor of Leah Premazon’s 70th Birthday Robert Shaddox In Honor of Elin and Charlie Doug Morgan In Memory of Marilyn Morgan ONEG MEANS “CELEBRATE!” – INVITE YOUR FRIENDS Every week, we invite the Friday night Shabbat participants to enjoy “a delicious oneg in the Social Hall.” Are we really just talking about the food? The Hebrew word “oneg” is loosely defined as “joyous celebration.” It’s a great time to get together with friends, both old and new, to share time and treats, cookies and conversation. Sharing and preparing an oneg can also be a joy…especially when shared with friends. If you’re coming to Shabbat services on the evening that you’ve volunteered to share your treats, why not let your friends know? Then, you’ll be together, celebrating Shabbat with dear ones, and the whole evening will be more fun. You can invite friends to participate with you as co-hosts, or just be there to enjoy your offerings. 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 281-446-5611. DONATIONS 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 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 8 6 March 2015 Torah Portions Compiled by Rabbi Dan Gordon March 6-7, 2015 Ki Tissa Exodus 30:11-34:35 This is one of the most dramatic Torah portions, which includes the Israelites losing faith and building a Golden Calf to worship. Moses pleads with G-d to show mercy, and then his own anger causes him to break the tablets. Those who are not willing to come back to the LORD are killed. But the Torah portion includes reconciliation, as G-d instructs Moses to construct a new set of tablets “like the first.” The first set were written by G-d; the second by Moses, empowering a human, and in turn, humanity, to maintain the commitment and the covenant. March 13-14, 2015 Vayakhel/Pekude Exodus 35:1-40:38 This double portion brings us to the end of Exodus. Vayakhel describes the specifics of the wood and other items required in building the tabernacle. But it begins with a reprise of the commandment to rest on Shabbat. This teaches us that, even a highly important task like the tabernacle is not more important than our weekly day devoted to rest and rejuvenation. "Pekude" means "records" and refers to the accounting of the gold, silver, copper and yarn that were used to make the Tabernacle. In this last portion of Exodus, the presence of the Lord fills the Tabernacle. Traditional rabbinic commentators have compared the building of the Tabernacle to the creation of the world itself. March 20-21, 2015 Vayikrah Leviticus 1:1-5:26 "Vayikrah" is both the name of the book, which in English is translated as Leviticus, and the name of our Torah portion. While the book contains sacrificial practices which are completely out of date, the issue of the proper form of atonement for modern Jews is a contemporary one. According to some rabbinic commentators, prayer has replaced sacrifice for the modern Jew. The description of what constitutes sin in Leviticus demonstrates the ethical principles of our tradition. In Judaism, each individual must take responsibility for making amends to God: no person can sacrifice her or his life for another's. March 27-28, 2015 Tzav Leviticus 6:1-8:36 G-d instructs Moses to teach Aaron and his sons the rights and duties they will take on in becoming priests. They, and their descendants, will be the ones to offer the sacrifices in the Sanctuary. A fire on the holy altar must be kept burning at all times in preparation for the sacrifices. The Kohanim (priests) must learn the variety of different offerings for peace, sin and guilt, and practice very specific rituals regarding each. Aaron and his sons remain in the sanctuary compound for seven days, and Moses initiates them into the priesthood. March Yahrtzeits The following names will be read each week during March 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 281-446-5611. Dell Amos, Edgar Askin, Alfred Bieler, J.Q.Delap Sr., Mary Kharasch, William Klemz, Wilfred Kullman, Donald Plumb, Barbara Bernstein, Joseph Bernstein, Sadie Miller, Emmanuel Storey, Basya Royzengurten, Jean Utay, Irving Snider, Thelma Gordon, Dave Sayovitz, Arline Rambo, Rose Weintraub, Marisa Weirnick, Rebecca Winter 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 (Humble Area Assistance Ministries) 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! 7 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 8 March 2015 Sunday Monday 1 Adar - Nissan, 5775 Tuesday 2 Wednesday Thursday 3 No Religious School at Temple 4 Friday 5 Mid-week Hebrew 5:00PM – 6:15 PM Saturday 6 7 Purim Shabbat Service 7:15 PM 10 AM Adult Ed – TORCH class Oneg: Pollard Family 2PM Purim in the Park Kingwood Town Center 8 9 10 NO - Religious School Spring Break 11 12 No Mid-week Hebrew 13 Shabbat Service 7:15 PM 14 Chai Mitzvah 10:00 AM 10 AM Adult Ed – TORCH class Oneg: Ramirez Family 15 16 17 NO - Religious School Spring Break 18 Mid-week Hebrew 5:00PM – 6:15 PM 19 20 21 Shabbat Service 7:15 PM TOT Shabbat 6:00 PM 10 AM Adult Ed – TORCH class Confirmation Class 6:00 PM 22 23 24 25 Religious School 9:15 AM–Noon Lunch and Learn 12:30PM – 1:30PM 10 AM Adult Ed – TORCH class Mid-week Hebrew 5:00PM – 6:15 PM 26 Oneg: Wadsworth Family 27 28 “Camp Style” Shabbat Service with Josh Levine 7:15 PM Oneg: Adler Family 29 Religious School 9:15 AM–Noon 10 AM Adult Ed – TORCH class 30 31 April 1 Mid-week Hebrew 5:00PM – 6:15 PM 2 3 4 Passover Seder First Night Kingwood Country Club 6:00 PM SAVE THE DATE: PASSOVER SEDER– FIRST NIGHT - FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 6 PM Kingwood Country Club 9 Temple Beth Torah 2015 Passover Seder First Night of Passover Friday, April 3, 2015 The Kingwood Country Club 1700 Lake Kingwood Trail, Kingwood, TX 77339 You, your family and friends are cordially invited to share in the annual Temple Beth Torah Community Seder. We will be celebrating on the Frist night of Passover The Seder will begin promptly at 6:15 pm (Doors open at 5:30 PM - Please check in by 6:00 pm) The menu will include: Gefilte Fish, Matzo-Ball Soup, Garden Green Salad Chef’s Specially Prepared Chicken, with Potatoes, Vegetables and Dessert Wine, Grape Juice, Iced Tea and Coffee Please return the Following Reservation Form with your Check made payable to Temple Beth Torah to: Stacey Blumin 320 Shallow Dr. Humble, TX 77338 We hope to see you on April 3rd for a most memorable Seder So mark your calendar and please R.S.V.P. with payment by March 27th. Please Note – Reservations will NOT be accepted after this date. If you need further information or have a special meal request, please contact Stacey Blumin 281-446-5611 sblumin@tbthumble.org -----------------------------------Reservation Form-------------------------------Name:_________________________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________ Email:___________________________________ Members Guests _____ @ $45.00 Each (Adults) _____ @ $25.00 Each (Children 12 and under) _____ @ Complimentary (Children under 3 with no meal) _____@ 50.00 Each (Adults) _____@ 30.00 Each(Children 12 and under) _____@ Complimentary (children under 3 with no meal We would like to help sponsor those who cannot afford the Seder with a Passover Donation: $________ ___________ Total Amount Enclosed We would like everyone to be able to attend our Community Seder. If you are unable to afford the full price, please contact Rabbi Dan Gordon At rabbidangorgon@gmail.com or 281-446-5611 Your request will be handled confidentially 10
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