May 2014 Iyar/Sivan 5774 Vol . 48, No . 7 Annual Event 2 From Rabbi Rheins 3 Ritual Column 4 From Rabbi Gorban 6 In the Congregation 7 B'nei Mitzvah 10 Contributions 13 Calendar 15 Sinai's Tour of Israel: A Lifetime of Great Memories and Friendships! Sign up for our March 2015 Tour!
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May 2014 Iyar/Sivan 5774 Vol 48, No 7 5 … · Once Again: “The Best Tour to Israel Ever!” We just returned from our latest Temple Sinai tour of Israel and Susan and I heard once
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In the Congregation 7B'nei Mitzvah 10Contributions 13Calendar 15
Sinai's Tour of Israel: A Lifetime of Great Memories and Friendships! Sign up for our March 2015 Tour!
Honoring Rabbi Rick Rheins & Rabbi Susan RheinsSaturday, May 10, Denver Marriott Tech Center
A magical, unforgettable evening for all!
Auctions:This year we are going electronic with Mobile Bidding! No
more constantly checking your paper bids as you’ll bid right from your phone or tablet! Most importantly, no long lines at checkout! This user-friendly and simple mobile device system will make checkout swift and painless. Can’t make it to the event? You can bid from home! Just register at templesinai.auction-bid.org.
There will be staff present to walk you through the process. If you do not have a smart phone or prefer not to bid via your cell phone, we will have “Personal Shoppers” to take care of you.
There is nothing like a Temple Sinai auction! The items are exciting and unique! Some of the items include: gift cards to restaurants and spas, signed sports memorabilia, trips, specialized baskets, sports tickets, photography packages, hotel stays and much more. There will be close to 300 items.
The live auction will feature several really special items to bid on, including a free land tour for one to Israel (with Rabbi Rheins – Spring, 2015), free land tour for one to Eastern Europe (with Rabbi Rheins – Summer, 2015), a Peyton Manning signed jersey, a week in Keystone, a Brewer-for- a-Day at AC Golden Brewing Company, Private Flight with Lunch for Two, and an exclusive tour of the personal baseball collection of Marshall Fogel.
Dress: Snazzy Casual AttireHave you been asking yourself what you should wear to
the Black and White Gala? You are not alone, and we have some great ideas for you!
Gals: Jeans and a sparkly top. Black pants and a nice top. Jewels! A skirt, a dress, a tutu, a toga...anything goes! (Ok, maybe not the toga, unless it has been bedazzled.)
Guys: Jeans and a sportcoat, sweater or snazzy shirt. Slacks and a shirt.
All: This is definitely one of the more casual Annual Dinner events we have had. No matter what you wear, just make sure to have your dancing shoes on!
Rooms: Make a whole night of it! Stay right at the Marriott for
$99.00 per night, plus tax. Contact the Marriott at 877-303-0104 and ask for the Temple Sinai rate.
An unforgettable evening is in store! We look forward
to seeing you on May 10 to honor Rabbi Rick and Rabbi Susan Rheins. For additional information, please contact Lisa Thorner at 303-759-1827 or [email protected].
Temple Sinai has the BEST congregants! Because of your generosity and support, we are thrilled to announce that we met and exceeded the $1.5 million matching gift.
Now, it is time to start focusing on the construction project! Here is the expected timeline. We will announce the date of
the ground-breaking ceremony soon.1. New School Construction: Groundbreaking in June/July 2014 (6-7 months to complete the new school building).Keep in mind that the existing school building will stay operational until the new school is completed.2. Demolition of Current School Building: After the new school opens, the old school will be demolished (1-2 months).3. New Chapel Construction: The new chapel will then be built (3-4 months). We will continue to fundraise until we are done with construction and the mortgage has been paid but, for now, let’s take
a little time to really appreciate how far we have come and how committed to the future we have proven to be. Of course, if you haven’t yet made a pledge or donation, we still want to include you in this very important project, and we welcome gifts of all sizes.
Building Our Future
It is indeed a very exciting time to be a part of Temple Sinai! P.S. We have had many congregants tell us how pleasantly surprised they
were with the substantial tax breaks and/or refunds they received from the The Colorado ChildCare Tax Credit on their 2013 tax returns due to their gifts to Building Our Future!
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Worship Services
Friday, May 27:00 p.m., Erev Shabbat ServiceSaturday, May 39:00 a.m., Shabbat Morning MinyanFriday, May 910:00 a.m., Confirmation and Erev
Shabbat ServiceSaturday, May 109:00 a.m., Shabbat Morning Minyan10:30 a.m, B/M B. Lurie
Thursday, May 1511:00 a.m., Healing ServiceFriday, May 167:00 p.m., Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, May 179:00 a.m., Shabbat Morning Minyan10:30 a.m., B/M C. Spiegel & M.
Cantor10:30 a.m., Tot Shabbat
Friday, May 237:00 p.m., Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, May 249:00 a.m., Shabbat Morning Minyan10:30 a.m., B/M M. KugelmasFriday, May 307:00 p.m., Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, May 319:00 a.m., Shabbat Morning Minyan
Once Again: “The Best Tour to Israel Ever!” We just returned from our latest Temple Sinai tour of Israel and Susan and I heard once again that “this trip has to have been the best tour of Israel — ever!” Over half of the 42 members who went were on their very first visit to Israel and several of the others had not been to Israel for more than 20 years. But even those who are frequent travelers to Israel remarked that there was something very special about this visit.
When Susan and I plan the Israel adventures, we have only one agenda: for each person to feel a positive, loving, joyful and personal connection to Israel. It may sound like a tall order, but it is really quite easy. You see, beyond the headlines is a country, our Jewish homeland, filled with our Jewish family from around the world. Every day we would see awe — inspiring sites from the days of our Biblical an-cestors. And every day we met with Israelis who are a part of the modern miracle of Israel’s rebirth and remarkable success. And every day, each one of us felt a part of both the land and its people.
This year was our first visit to Sderot to meet with fami-lies and children in the protected recreational center that was built, in part, through donations by the JNF (Jewish National Fund). Palestinians in Gaza fire rockets indiscrimi-nately into Israel and Sderot, the largest Israeli town near the Gaza border, is the unfortunate victim of too many of these attacks. The children have only a 20 second warn-ing of an incoming Palestinian rocket attack — not nearly enough time to make it to a bomb shelter. Therefore, a rein-forced sports center was built to give the kids a fun and safe place to play. Sinai members met with the center’s staff and saw adorable children playing in safety surrounded by a fan-tastic assortment of games, toys and activities. Of course, we brought loads of toys that will help lift up their spirits.
Another highlight was our Erev Shabbat service at the Southern Wall beneath the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Earlier on Friday, we spent the morning at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum that teaches visitors to Israel from many different nations and faiths about the horrors of anti-Semitism, and reminds each of us how absolutely essential it is that we support a strong and secure Israel. From the heartbreaking visit to Yad Vashem, we went to Har Herzl and visited the graves of those who devoted their lives to building and leading Israel, as well as the young men and women who died in battle in her defense. From there we
went to the colorful chaos of Machne Yehuda, Jerusalem’s open air market that is a perfect symbol of Israel’s vitality. Along with thousands of Israelis, we jostled and bargained for the sweetest fruit, tastiest treats, and bread hot out of the oven. (The goodies were for our final Shabbat after-noon picnic overlooking the Old City — fun, delicious and meaningful beyond words!). So after this emotional day, the 42 of us made our way to the Southern Wall and sat on the very steps our ancestors climbed to enter the Temple Mount. For nearly 2,000 years, Jews were forbidden to sit on those steps. Romans, Christian Crusaders, Muslim invad-ers, and then British and Jordanian occupiers each denied us the simple right to express our faith in the places our ances-tors built and made famous. But now we sat and we sang our Shabbat prayers. We shared memories of our trip and gave thanks to God for our blessings. And like every Shab-bat, we paused to consider and appreciate the marvels of life. The 10 days went far too quickly. Tears were shed think-ing that we would soon have to leave. Yet, transformed by our experience, a part of us will never leave. Indeed, that is what our tours are all about. Israel is not some faraway place, another exotic site for a tourist’s bucket list. Rather, Israel is home — and a connection to home is sealed upon our heart and soul. Our Jewish family’s story began in Israel and we never forgot her no matter where we lived. And like family, when we part we don’t say “goodbye” because that sounds too final. We say lehitraot, “until we see you again.”
Every person who cares about Israel, who advocates for Israel, who contributes to Israel’s well-being, and, of course, who visits Israel is helping this young, vibrant, Jewish nation to grow and thrive. I hope that you will take a few moments to check out our Temple Sinai website to see some of the fabulous photos of our time in Israel. Now, imagine yourself in those photos. Imagine your loved ones and friends having the experience of a lifetime in Israel. Imagine yourself saying to all who will listen that “our tour to Israel was the best one ever!” And of course you will be right. Indeed, they all are the best ever. Maybe next year is your turn?
L’shanah HaBa-ah B’Yerushalayim! Next Year in Jerusalem!
Rabbi Richard S. Rheins
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Ritual Column
Ask Rabbi RheinsQuestion of the Month
“Why is the Book of Ruth read on Shavuot?”Every Shavuot, we read the Biblical Book
of Ruth. It is the story of how one of our most cherished ancestors chose to be a Jew. Ruth was born a Moabite. She married a Jewish man whose family moved to the land of Moab to escape famine in Israel. She grew to love the Jewish faith and the Jewish people. When Ruth’s husband died and her mother-in-law (Naomi) was preparing to return to Israel, Ruth insisted that she, too, wanted to live in Israel. Naomi was mystified. “Return to your parents’ house and may the Lord deal kindly with you.” But Ruth would not leave Naomi. Ruth uttered the famous words that pledged her love and commitment to Judaism: “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried” (Ruth 1:16-17).
Ruth’s conversion struck a chord that resonated to the very core of Jewish spirit. Accordingly, though she was not born Jewish, she was welcomed fully as a member of our people. Ruth’s Jewish descendants became the most exalted of our leaders. Her great-grandson was none other than King David! Indeed, modern versions of her tale are told in the lives of the many men and women who choose to become Jewish. Like Ruth, the modern day “Jews-by-Choice” bring countless blessings to our people and our faith.
We can trace the reading of the Book of Ruth on the Festival of Shavuot to the earliest days of the Talmudic period (3rd century). There are different explanations for reading Ruth on Shavuot. Some maintain that it is because the story takes place at the time of the barley harvest (Ruth 1:22). The counting of the Omer, from Passover to Shavuot, numbers the days of the barley harvest. Another explanation is that, just as Israel received the revelation of the 10 Commandments on Shavuot, Ruth received her connection to our faith at the time of Shavuot.
Richard Rheins Senior Rabbi
More and more people are rediscovering the spiritual and social significance of our Biblical Festivals. Shavuot, the “Festival of Weeks” is the third of the great Festivals (the other two are Passover and Sukkot). Originally, the three Festivals were called Sh’losh Regalim, the “Three Pilgrimages.” Our ancestors would travel from all over to gather in Jerusalem for the sacred services. There, they would bring their offerings, renew their communal bonds and hear the Levitical choir sing Hallel, Psalms 113-118. Though the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed nearly two-thousand years ago, Jews have continued to keep alive those Biblical traditions.
At Temple Sinai, our Festival services are blessed with the extraordinary skill and passion of our choir. It is especially moving to hear them, together with our Chazzan Bryan Zive, lead Hallel, followed by the soulful meditations of Yizkor, the traditional memorial service.
During the Yizkor service we read the names of all our loved ones who have died during the past year. We also pause and honor the memories of those who have blessed our lives and whose legacies we cherish and preserve.
The powerful experiences of Hallel and Yizkor help us rekindle faith and perpetuate the loving memory of our loved ones. Come to the Shavuot services and discover the gifts and inspiration of Judaism. Study and prayer, socializing and song, remembrance and renewal express the true essence of Shavuot. Oh, and yes, we’ll have some cheesecake as well!
Chag Shavuot Sameiach!Rick
Shavuot: The EarlySummer Festival
Hallel and Yizkor to be enhanced by our Sinai Choir!
Tuesday, June 3 at 8:00 p.m. for Tikun Leil Wednesday, June 4 at 10 a.m. for Yizkor
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Ritual Column
Confirmation Service: Friday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m.Confirmation is more than just the graduation of 10th graders from Religious School. It is a sacred
milestone whereby students reaffirm the importance of their Jewish faith, heritage and community. Confirmation marks the significant progress the students have made since they became B’nei Mitzvah and demonstrates that they have taken seriously their pledge to continue their studies and active participation in Jewish life.
Temple Sinai families value the importance of Jewish education and active participation in the Jewish community. Each confirmation student has fulfilled his/her pledge to continue studying after becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This year’s class is especially wonderful, and this Confirmation service is a way for our community to honor these 10th grade students who are imbued with a positive feeling of Jewish identity, a solid Jewish education, a sense of spirituality, compassion, morality and ethical strength.
We hope that you will show your support and encouragement to the Confirmation students by attending this special service.
Healing ServiceThursday, May 15 at 11:00 a.m.
For our Healing Service, we gather together in the sacred space of the Zwerin Sanctuary for prayers, meditations and the warm embrace of friends to renew our sense of hope, strength and healing. All are welcome.
Lunch & Learn!Thursdays, Noon to 1:00 p.m.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Review and discuss ethical & moral issues in
selected Jewish texts over lunch!.
Newcomers quickly and easily fit right in!
Friday, May 16 at our 7:00 p.m.Erev Shabbat Service
Please join us as we present theAnita Fricklas Education Award for
Outstanding Contribution to Jewish Education at Temple Sinai to this
year’s recipient,Bobbi Kramer
We hope you will join us as we celebrate and honor Bobbi. There will be a special oneg
following the service.
Hebrew and Yiddish Words of the Month:
PushkeIt is an old and time-honored tradition to
begin Shabbat and the Festivals by dropping coins and bills into a specially designated charity box with the intention to help needy people and important Jewish causes and organizations with our tzedakah (charitable donation). The beloved Yiddish word for the charity box is pushke. It is especially sweet to give our children and grandchildren coins and have them drop them into the pushke, thereby teaching them the importance of caring for the less fortunate and for important causes.
Friday, May 23 at Silo ParkTot Shabbat at 5:00 p.m.
Kol Kolot UNBOUND! at 6:00 p.m.Welcome Shabbat in our beautiful outdoors
with friends and family. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy after the service.
Book ClubWed., May 28: The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
Rabbi Gorban
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From Rabbi Gorban
Herz in memory of her parents, Rose and Sam Rollnick.
Even though the stained glass is one of the first things that visitors notice, it’s outside the field of vision for most of us as we walk through our doors. We walk in and either try to figure out where we’re going or go directly there. There’s no need to look up, so many people haven’t noticed it.
In our lives and in our congregation there are many things we don’t notice because they are out of our field of vision or experience. We don’t always notice the beauty around us because we’re busy getting from one place to another or because we have other things on our minds.
We also don’t always notice the people who are new to our community because we want to greet our friends. We don’t always notice the needs of people with various differences, illnesses or disabilities, especially when there may not be obvious outward signs of those challenges. And, although we might notice the people who are different from us, we don’t always notice all the ways in which we are the same.
Just a few weeks ago we celebrated our freedom from Egypt. It is that experience that reminds us never to treat others the way we were treated in Egypt—as strange, as different, as outsiders—and to notice the wonders of the world we are now free to enjoy. During this month, which is marked by our journey from Egypt to Sinai, I invite you to look for what you might not have noticed before.
About a half-dozen times a year, I give groups of visitors a tour of our Temple’s building, primarily our foyer and sanctuary. Instead of directing them to look at different objects, I invite the visitors to notice things and ask questions. I do this for a number of reasons, but primarily I do this because it’s fascinating to see a familiar space and familiar objects through someone else’s eyes. Sometimes, though this occurs less often now, a visitor will point out something that I’ve never noticed before.
One of the first things that visitors usually notice is the stained glass in our foyer. It’s a beautiful image of the burning bush—the bush that burned but was not consumed. And in fact, the flames form the Hebrew words from Exodus 3:2, “ ” (v’has’neh eino uchal—and the bush was not consumed).
Because I knew very little about the history of the stained glass, I asked Rabbi Zwerin for some information. He wrote, “[The stained glass image] is symbolic of our congregation. Our first Temple building (1976-1983) was poorly constructed and had to be kept standing for some six years before being razed. This was an enormous financial and emotional hardship to bear, and yet the membership numbering some 300 households at the time endured. Our lovely sanctuary was completed in 1987—the result of our renewed efforts. And so, the flame burns without consuming.”
Rabbi Zwerin also shared that Helen Ginsburg designed the image to create “an arbor of color and a canopy of light”. Occasionally, this is exactly what happens, when the light shining through the glass sends beams of color that reflect off of the arched ceiling. It was then created in glass by an artist in Colorado Springs named Vincent O’Brien. It was donated by Debra
”אוכל אינו והסנה“
”אוכל אינו והסנה“
”אוכל אינו והסנה“
Do You Notice?From Rabbi Gorban
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Beginningsby Andrea Jacobs
Temple Sinai and its adult High Holy Day Choir were both founded in 1967. The choir has sung at every High Holy Day service — from a church to a structurally doomed building to the current sanctuary — for 47 continuous years.
Personal losses and national tragedies like Sept. 11 rarely interfere with the choir’s mission to pray for the congregation through song. Singers, directors and repertoires may have diversified over the decades, but never the intensity of commitment.
Sinai held its inaugural Shabbat service on Sept. 8, 1967, at First Plymouth Church. Rabbi Ray Zwerin jokingly told the 100 or so congregants that he expected them to sing loudly because otherwise they might hear his voice.
Everyone laughed, especially the all-volunteer choir. Excited winks passed between them. Their big debut was only weeks away.
The talented, dedicated vocalists had practiced for months. Soprano Laurie Caspe hosted the first rehearsal at her home.
“I’m pretty sure there were 10 of us,” she says. “Rikki Zwerin, Marion Galant, Trudy Strauss, my husband Jerry, my mother Rosa Silver, Art Bleecher, Manny Dworkin, Max Appel and Ed Allen.”
Simi Fleischer was the director and accompanist.
On Oct 4, 1967, Erev Rosh HaShanah, congregants poured into First Plymouth for Sinai’s first High Holy Day service. The sanctuary was packed. About 15 men and women dressed in holiday attire stood on one side of the pulpit. Simi Fleischer positioned herself on the opposite side.
As the director raised her hands, hauntingly familiar Jewish melodies like the incomparable “Avinu Malkeinu” rose in four-part harmony.
Caspe sang Janowski (her favorite) and compositions Fleischer had created just for her. “I sang it all.”
Ten days later, congregants filled the church for the solemn Kol Nidre service. Max Appel intoned “Kol Nidre,” the most anticipated liturgical plea in the Jewish faith. Caspe performed the soprano solos. You could hear a pin drop.
Manny Dworkin, who sang with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Robert Shaw, took the lead on “Yom Kippur” for several years. “I was very glad to be singing it,” he says.
Temple Sinai choir does not hold auditions. You just have to love singing, show up for rehearsals and practice, practice, practice. Time and problems disappear. And once you master the music, you feel incredible . . .
To read the full article, please go to www.sinaidenver.org or call 303-759-1827 and we will email it to you.
We are your instrument. You, our player. With your hands, with your eyes, you say, Begin. No, too soft.Now, they insist, More, more, yes.Now you, Tenors. Seconds, get ready.No, no, less. Shhhhh . . .But far more oftenYour eyes embrace us,Telling us we’re just right.And sometimes, many times,They squeeze shutAnd your hands come together beneath your face, sighing, Wrapping grateful and awestruck arms around their instrumentAmazed and relieved that we gave youWhat you subtly, soundlessly, soulfullyDreamed of.We are your instrument. You, our player.But in between us God happens. —Kim Kramer, Second Soprano 2011-present
In the Congregation
Fundraiser at Tagawa GardensSpring is just around the corner. Join us
from April 1 to June 1 for a fundraiser at Tagawa Gardens located at 7711 South Parker Road in Centennial. Tagawa Gardens opened its doors to the public 29 years ago. You can stroll through acres of an indoor and outdoor oasis of lush plants, beautiful flowers, blooming display gardens and leisurely chat with garden enthusiasts and experts about your concerns. A percentage of the total sales over the two months will be donated to Temple Sinai. Contact Lisa Thorner at [email protected] to pick up your flyer.
SAVE THE DATECongregational Shabbat
Dinner & Annual MeetingFriday, June 20
5:00 p.m. Congregational Annual Meeting6:00 p.m. Shabbat Service honoring Chazzan Bryan and Melyssa Zive for their wonderful contributions of spirit, music and Torah to Temple Sinai.7:00 p.m. Shabbat Dinner
Please make your reservations in advance for the dinner. It’s a time for family and friends. There will be special entertainment for the kids.Cost: $18.00 Adults; $8.00 KidsContact: Lisa Thorner at 303-759-1827 or [email protected].
Take Me Out To The Ball Game!Sunday, June 22 at 2:10 p.m.
Join us as we head to Coors Field to watch the Colorado Rockies take on the Milwaukee Brewers at 2:10 p.m. Tickets are $11.00 per person (normally $35.00). We will carpool from Temple Sinai if there are enough people who are interested. For additional information, contact Lisa Thorner at 303-759-1827 or [email protected].
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Nomination of the 2014-15 Board of Trustees
PROPOSED SLATE
Executive CommitteePresident: Susan Epstein Past-President: Neil Culbertson President Elect: Vacant Treasurer: Ed Schenkein Secretary: Wendy Vean Vice President: Karen Kaplan Vice President: David Goldman Vice President: Michelle Weinraub
At-large Board:Grace Bach Gordan PostSusan Bernhardt Ralph PowellJennifer Feingold * Amy Rittenberg Lane Feingold Jeff RobbinsLarry Jacobson* Allan StrikerDebbie Kohn Lin Sunshine, Ex-officioSherri Kononov* Matt VeanSheryl Gurrentz Cliff YeckesLarry Mogolov* Josh Zucker*
*New Trustees
Thank you to the members of the Leadership Development Committee:Wendy Vean, Chair; Lane Feingold; Dan Keller; Susan Bernhardt; Nate Mendel; Sandy Korn and Cindy Mogolov
In MemoriamBetty Kirbens, Mother of Andrea (Mark)
GreenbergPeter Guthery, Husband of Dr. Jean Guthery,
Father of Lisa (David) Guthery HoffmanGerald Polokoff, Father of Stefanie (Gary)
NeumannSelma Victor, Mother of Yona Victor and
Grandmother of Ellen SmirnoffRosalyn Weiner, Sister of Anna (Arnie)
SamuelsNorm Polman, Father of Larry (Barb) Polman
For additional programming information or
to RSVP, contact Lisa Thorner at 303-759-1827 or
lisa@ sinaidenver.org
Lisa Thorner Director of
Programming and Volunteer Development
New MembersWelcome to Temple Sinai!
Jack & Marilyn KinerRebecca & Bryan Bernstein
Mason
Preschool News
Our summer program is for those children age two to five (or entering kindergarten in the fall). Currently enrolled children, as well as new families are welcome to join in the fun. We have planned exciting themes that are sure to spark the interest of all children. Children will learn through the exploration of play by investigating the themes of: Old McDonald Had a Farm, When I Grow Up, Summer Camp Out, and others. Special Guests and activities, including the fire department, a veterinarian, Morning Star Miniatures (petting zoo), Bricks4Kidz, and more will visit our school and involve the children with hands on experiences for all to enjoy. To cool off during the warm summer months, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, children will participate in outside water play and splash about with friends. Other theme-related activities including arts and crafts, music and movement, will be available to spark the creativity and imagination of each child. Registration is now open and families can chose to have their child participate for the entire summer, or select individual weeks to fit their scheduling needs. Fall registration is underway! We’re currently touring families who are looking for a unique preschool experience where children are cared for and nurtured by a loving staff that provides various learning opportunities that will prepare your child for their next step in their educational journey. Through play, children will learn important early literacy and math skills.
They will learn about the world around them by engaging in science and social studies exploration and hands-on activities. Through our committed and caring community, children will learn about the beauty and teachings of our Jewish values and traditions as we incorporate them into our daily activities.
Shannon Morgione
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Shannon Morgione
Interim Preschool Director
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Education
Our new slogan for the Temple Sinai Preschool, “Where Learning Meets Fun,” was designed by our new Interim Director, Shannon Morgione. Shannon came to Temple Sinai after working for several years in Early Childhood Education. She is in her last class and counting down the last few assignments to complete her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. She has a degree in Journalism with a minor in the promotion of fine arts in early childhood. Her credentials are impressive; her experience vast, her personality is warm and full of energy
Welcome Shannon!
and her determination to make a difference to the children, parents and staff of our Preschool is magnificent.
Along with Shannon, we add a fantastic group of dedicated teachers who spend every day teaching, guiding, advising, nurturing, playing and loving the children and parents who are in our Preschool. The common theme among new visitors or new families in the Preschool is that when they walk in, they immediately feel the warmth and happiness all around them. It is truly an extraordinary place.
Summer Adventure Camp
For more information about Summer Adventure Camp or Preschool, please call
303-759-0755.
Dr. Glick’s Chai-lightsDr. Steven Glickman, Director of Education
1 Shoe, 2 Shoes, Old Shoes, New Shoes8th Grade Needs Shoes!
As part of their year-long social action project, our 8th grade students are collecting shoes – new or used – for Soles4Souls, is a global not-for-profit institution dedicated to fighting the devastating impact and perpetuation of poverty (www.soles4souls.org). Their goal is to collect 1800 pairs of shoes! Soles4Souls also takes individual shoes. Please bring shoes to the collection bin in the school wing. Also, be sure to put Saturday, May 17, 6:30 p.m. on your 6th-12th grade students’ calendars for Roots n’ Boots: For Growing Soles, this year’s 8th grade social action event, that will benefit Ekar farms – a Denver communal urban farm, inspired by Jewish values (www. ekarfarm.org) – as well as Soles4Souls.
Confirmation, May 9, 7:00 p.m. Please join us for an amazingly inspirational Shabbat as the Confirmation class of 5774/2014 leads us through an evening of prayer, song and wisdom. The Confirmation service is a truly profound experience, one that embodies the beauty of our collective heritage and our Temple Sinai community.
Important May Dates2-4 Fri-Sun: Confirmation Retreat9 Friday Confirmation11 Sunday Madrikhim Celebration17 Saturday 8th Grade Event18 Sunday Last Sunday of Religious School19 Monday Last Monday of Religious School21 Wednesday Last Wednesday of Religious School
B’nei Mitzvah
Charlotte SpiegelMay 17
Charlotte is the daughter of Jeff and Ilana Spiegel and the sister of Max (15), Jack (10), and Ruthie (7). She is a student at Campus Middle School, a competitive gymnast and a madrikhah (teacher’s assistant) at Temple Sinai Religious School. For her Mitzvah Project, Charlotte is “paying forward” a mitzvah project started by a family friend with Down’s Syndrome, reminding people to “smile” and “choose kind.”
Ben Lurie is the son of Jonathan & Jennifer and the brother of Kate (11) and Sam (6). He is in 7th grade at Denver Academy and loves swimming, reading, animals and computers. For his Mitzvah Project, he has been acting as a foster family with Freedom Service Dogs. He also spent time volunteering with Newborns in Need.
Ben LurieMay 10
Megan CantorMay 17
black belt this fall. For her Mitzvah Project, Megan is volunteering her time at the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado Kids Kouncil. She has helped increase awareness of the disease through social networking and also organized purple day at a local elementary school. She stuffed backpacks for newly-diagnosed children living with epilepsy, and participated in a Day at the Hill to advocate for people living with the disease.
Megan is the daughter of Joann and H. Andrew Cantor and is the sister of Hallie (10). She is a student at Campus Middle School and enjoys skiing, baking, playing piano and spending time with her friends and family. Megan is passionate about Tae Kwon Do and will be testing for her
Maxine Lauren KugelmasMay 24
Maxine is the daughter of Carina and Marcelo Kugelmas and the sister of Juliana (15) and Alexandra (10). She is a student at Campus Middle School and her hobbies include soccer, dance, piano, guitar and skiing. For her Mitzvah Project, Maxine organized a Toy Drive for Families First, an organization that supports families and children at high risk for abuse and neglect. She was able to gather around 200 toys from donations and bring them to Families First
for parents to be able to choose gifts for their children for the holidays. She also helped parents choose and wrap the gifts at their holiday workshop.
Temple Sinai
2014 Confirmation Class
Greetings Order Form
Confirmation Greetings are a wonderful way to express pride in the achievements of the 2014 Confirmands. Think of this as sending a greeting as well as providing additional funding for the Julius and Helen Ring Teen Scholarship Fund. Please select the name of each Confirmand you wish to congratulate. There is a $10.00 fee for each greeting or a Special Discount of $100 for the entire class! Please note that you will not receive an acknowledgement card from the Temple and students do not always write thank-you notes in response to these greetings. Composite greetings will be sent to the Confirmands following the Confirmation ceremony.
Funds will be used to provide scholarships for participants in the 2015 Israel Study Tour.
Greeting Name of Confirmand Son or Daughter of: _______ Iliana Eber Robert & Leslie Eber _______ Jeremy Feerer Scott & Kelley Feerer _______ Joshua Finesilver Steven & Brenda Finesilver _______ Matthew Finesilver Steven & Brenda Finesilver _______ Abigail Forlina Andrea Forlina _______ Sam Hesch Andy & Jodi Hesch _______ Jacob Hirschhorn Irvin Hirschhorn and Jody Rein _______ Emma Hope John Hope & Sharon Travers _______ Sarah Humphries Brad & Lisa Humphries _______ Samuel Keller Dan & Rachel Keller _______ Monica Kleyman Stanislav & Yelena Kleyman _______ Matthew Knaster Cary & Gloria Knaster _______ David Laff Alan Laff z’’l & Elizabeth Laff _______ Rachel Lehrman Ira & Ellen Lehrman
_______ Maxwell Post Gordan & Bonnie Post _______ Aliza Saper Buddy & Beth Palent-Saper _______ Daniel Sarche Jon & Jamie Sarche _______ Shilan Schechter Ricardo & Gabriela Schechter _______ Sarah Scheinkein Edward Scheinkein & Judy Bloomberg _______ Eric Simon Glen Simon and Nancy Levy _______ Hailey Simon JerrySimon and Cheryl Simon _______ Dayna Sloane Daniel & Sharon Sloane _______ Connell Smith Tom & Melissa Drazen-Smith _______ Maura Smith Tom & Melissa Drazen-Smith _______ Jacob Trelease Justin & Heather Trelease
_______ Jonah Vest Kevin Vest & Mitzi Wasserstein _______ Julia Zimmerman John & Cathy Zimmerman
______ Total number of greetings X $10.00 each greeting Amount Enclosed = $____________ Special Discount
______ Greetings to all 29 Confirmands: $100.00 Amount Enclosed = $____________
The deadline for greetings is May 20th, 2014
Youth ProgramsCarly Coons, Director of Youth Engagement
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Youth Connection
Carly Coons Director of Youth
Engagement
Parent VolunteersWant to get
involved in our Youth Group community?
Want to help out with programs or behind-the-scenes
Youth Programs Carly Coons, Director of Youth Engagement
TSYG (9th-12th Grade) Upcoming Programs Elections Saturday, May 10 We need you! The time has come for us to elect our 2014-‐2015 TSYG Executive Board and YOU can help make a difference. Whether you decide to run for a position yourself or you want to support your fellow TSYG leaders, join us at this fun event! We will hold elections and have a fun activity for everyone afterwards. Senior Send-‐Off Friday, May 16 It's hard to believe that the year is almost over and it's time to bid our amazing seniors adieu! Join us for a potluck dinner. More information coming soon.
After an intense game of Broomball at Spring Rush. TSYG is so excited to welcome the 8th graders into Youth Group! JYG (6th-8th Grade)
JYGers from all over the community at the Nuggets game in March!
Meretz & Ruach (K-2ndGd) (3rd-5thGd) What an amazing year we had! We did everything from exploring the solar system in the planetarium dome to celebrating Passover with a Chocolate Seder! Keep your eyes open. Our summer schedule coming soon! A huge thank you to all of the volunteers this year. The Meretz and Ruach events would not have been possible without you! Our amazing volunteers: Elyse Adlen, Amy Borman, Lisa Brenner, Tamara Boxer, Josh Chapman, Kelly Cohen, Cindy & Rich Coons, Iliana Eber, Julie Elkins, Lynne Falick, Jennifer Feingold, Shelby Ginsburg, Leslie Harris, Emma Hope, Madeline Hope, Alex Izbiky, Kelly & Tim Jordan-‐Dill, David Kaye, Lauren Kerstein, Stephanie Klein, Galit Mankin, Susan Pendleton, Amy Rittenberg, Sheila Sharpe, Michael Shebowich, Charlotte Spiegel, Madison Steine, Dani Tennant and Ian Tennant!
Building Our Future FundIn Honor ofBuilding Our Future Jeremy & Melissa RyanBuilding Our Future Robyn GoldBuilding Our Future Christopher Munger & Carol KlossCarlyn Ungar Congratulations
on your 100th Birthday Carol UngarEd & Marilyn Pepper’s
sponsorship of Orchestra of Exiles Bart & Barbara VallsEd & Marilyn Pepper’s
sponsorship of Orchestra of Exiles Sid & Barbara GlassmanLisa Friedman for her work with the
Habitat Interfaith Alliance Coalition Lisa ZalesLisa Friedman for her work with the
Habitat Interfaith Alliance Coalition JP & Nancy Simon McCahillLisa Friedman for her work with the
Habitat Interfaith Alliance Coalition Chris & Wendy McPhillipsMarriage of Lisa Guthery to
David Hoffman Loretta CaweltiMarriage of Lisa Guthery to
David Hoffman Joan Winn & Rick BallNoreen Stillman’s 75th Birthday Betty KarshRabbi Keren Gorban for
a beautiful sermon Bernard & Sheila SilvermanRabbi Rheins receiving an
honorary doctorate Sid & Barbara GlassmanRabbi Rick Rheins & Rabbi Susan Rheins Dr. Robert & Marsha GoldRabbi Zwerin’s 50 Years in the Rabbinate Ed & Marilyn Pepper & FamilyRabbi Zwerin’s 50 Years in the Rabbinate Sid & Barbara GlassmanIn Memory ofBeatrice Epel Joshua & Betsy EpelBen Zeidman Bart & Barbara VallsCaroline Garcia Charlie GarciaCarolyn Simon Michael & Diana KaplanElinor Debber Lois B. Sitrin GrayckGrandfather Max Reissner &
Uncle Hans Reissner Dr. Marc & Susan ReissnerGrandmother, Lottie Bernstone Sherri KononovHarry Condiotte Anita, Barry & Bret WohlgemuthHyman R. Wright Alan & Anita EisenbergIda Kaitz Cohen Marilyn & Art WolfsonJennie Lustig Bernie & Shana KatzKatherine Harrison Will & Lorie KlumbKatherine Harrison Cindy & Steve DiamondLorraine Dreiblatt Alan & Anita EisenbergPeter Guthery Harold & Sue CohenPeter Guthery Marlynn & Joe SilverPeter Guthery Ray & Alicia SmithPeter Guthery Ed & Marilyn PepperPeter Guthery Philip LewisPeter Guthery Andy & Sheryl GurrentzPeter Guthery Stephen Oxman & Florianne SolinPeter Guthery Wendy VeanPeter Guthery Joyce MeltzerPeter Guthery Dr. Marc & Susan ReissnerPeter Guthery Allan & Suzan MarkmanPeter Guthery Catherine & Richard LutzPeter Guthery Moreen & Chuck WilliamsPeter Guthery Doug & Marty MeitusPeter Guthery David & Glory WeisbergPeter Guthery Marcia WolfPeter Guthery Arlen & Ruth Lurie AmbrosePeter Guthery Marcia & Bernie KarshmerPeter Guthery Libby MarcusPeter Guthery Susan & Larry SiegelPeter Guthery Hyla SloanePeter Guthery Joan Winn & Rick BallPeter Guthery Diane KaminskyPeter Guthery Robert ContigugliaPeter Guthery Carole & Robert AdelsteinPeter Guthery Jody & Janie BravermanPeter Guthery Cindi & Andy PolletPeter Guthery Sid & Barbara GlassmanPeter Guthery Eleanor GolubPeter Guthery Michael & Diana Kaplan
Peter Guthery Bernard & Sheila SilvermanPeter Guthery Ann & Fred LevitonPeter Guthery David & Elizabeth PoppersPeter Guthery Marshall & Helene AbrahamsPeter Guthery Roberta GreengardPeter Guthery Ronald ZallPeter Guthery Debra Zinik & Ed BoxerPeter Guthery Loretta CaweltiPeter Guthery Jan & Linda DorfmanSeymour Heller Jon & Betty HellerThinking ofArt Heller Ed & Debby RosenfeldBrenda Sheldon Loretta CaweltiRabbi Joe Goldman Fred & Lois MargolinRikki Zwerin Loretta CaweltiStephen & April Block Fred & Lois MargolinSponsorship of Temple Sinai Cookbook Fred & Beth BarnetSponsorship of Temple Sinai Cookbook Dr. Marc & Susan ReissnerSponsorship of Temple Sinai Cookbook Dennis & Paula KingSponsorship of Temple Sinai Cookbook Alan & Esther GurmanSponsorship of Temple Sinai Cookbook Mike & Phyllis BabichSponsorship of Temple Sinai Cookbook Doug & Marty Meitus
Cemetery Beautiful FundRae Kurtzman George & Florence Steinberg
Leonard Actor & Pearl Actor David MarkowitzLeonard Silverberg Phyllis GoodmanMalvin Kurtis The Kranich FamilyShirley Kaminsky David “Duke” & Sandy KaminskyBill Branowitzer Herb & Elaine Hoffman
Ilene Shiroff Memorial FundIn Memory ofShirley Vean Wendy Vean
Jewish Education FundIn Memory ofHelen Brodkin Paula Schneiderman & Steven Clark
Joseph H. Sigman Youth Scholarship FundIn Memory ofHilda Ross Michael & Patti Ross
Julius & Helen Ring Israel Teen Scholarship FundIn Honor ofDina & Darren Boivin’s 10th Anniversary Barry & Diane SametIJN article about Sarah Grope, Mohelet Barry & Diane SametMarriage of Lisa Guthery to
David Hoffman Barry & Diane SametRabbinic ordination at HUC-JIR
Cincinnati of Carolan Glatstein & Eric Mollo Lin & Gary Sunshine
In Memory ofBabe Ginsberg Lin & Gary SunshineDr. John & Genise Singer Larry & Susan SiegelFrancine Rosenberg Barry & Diane SametHannah “Sher” Licht Dr. Mel & Roberta KleinHershel Shapiro Barry & Diane SametMuri Sigman Barry & Diane SametRose Greenberg Lin & Gary SunshineSarena Yenkinson Barry & Diane SametThinking ofBrenda Sheldon Lin & Gary SunshineBrenda Sheldon Barry & Diane SametRabbi Joe Goldman Lin & Gary SunshineRabbi Joseph Goldman Barry & Diane SametRuth Cohen Barry & Diane Samet
Gifts & Contributions
We Gratefully Acknowledge Your Generous Contributions
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Contributions
We Gratefully Acknowledge
Your Generous Contributions
Mitzvah Project FundIn Memory ofJoseph B. Singer Andrea S. Pollack
Music FundIn Honor ofPeter z”l & Jean Guthery Fred & Doris SchwartzbergIn Memory ofDr. Henry Wolf Marcia WolfPeter Guthery Ralph & Shirley Beer Powell
Preschool FundIn Honor ofNaming of Daughter Jason & Beth AssoulineThank youTemple Sinai Preschool David Sheldon & Lynn Hutchinson
Rabbi Gorban Discretionary FundIn Honor ofSabrina Ehrnstein’s Bat Mitzvah Andrew & Cynthia Ehrnstein
Rabbi Rheins Discretionary FundIn Honor ofDr. Sarah Grope Frances WolpoNew Home and Mezuzahs Estelle Meskin & Lew SapiroRabbi Rheins Reuven & Ada GellerRabbi Rheins Fred & Lois MargolinIn Memory ofCarol Davis Kim NevinsDel Ahrendt Audrey Meer AhrendtDr. Hyman Heller Dr. Joel & Elaine GoldsteinEsther Ann Lichtman Fred & Beth BarnetFather, Phil Wurmbrand Rocco & Judith DodsonLaura Ann Lassow Gerald & Natalie LassowMarian Hirschberg Jim & Lisa Thompson
Religious School FundIn Memory ofJoseph B. Singer Andrea S. Pollack
Contributions
Bible, Beers & BrotherhoodMen’s Happy Hour and Discussion Group
Thursday, May 1 and Tuesday, June 36:00 p.m.
Darcy’s Pub in the DTCS. Ulster St. between Union and Belleview
Are You a Snowbird?If the answer to this question is yes, or if you
will be away from home for an extended period of time and have the Post Office hold your mail, please remember to provide the Temple Sinai office with the dates that you’ll be away along with a forwarding address, if available.
The Post Office will not forward any bulk mail so, if you are temporarily away, they will return that bulk mail back to Temple Sinai and the Temple must pay the return costs associated (these costs may seem small, but they add up quickly). We greatly appreciate your help in keeping our costs to a minimum. Should you have any questions or know that you will be away for a period of time, please contact Lin Sunshine in the Temple office by phone or email at [email protected].
to Carolan Glatstein and Eric Mollo on being ordained by HUC-JIR as Rabbis on May 3, 2014.
to Ellen & Marty Seldin on the birth of their grandson, Jonathan Micah, son of Adam and Bobbee Seldin Griff.
to Ellen Smirnoff who was named Keller Williams DTC Listing Agent of the Year.
to RD Sewald on his appointment as Israel National Lacrosse Team Assistant Director of Operations. The World Lacrosse Games will be held in Denver, July 10th - 19th featuring national teams representing 38 countries.
to Andy Gurrentz who co-chaired the ADL 33rd Annual Govenor’s Holocaust Rememberence Program.
Babich, Gale Chapman, Marina Rolbin, Jody Frank, Lisa Humphries, Debbie Lipman, Doe Wise, Lisa Kresge and Marion Galant for their help in the Gift Shop.
to Cindy Coons, Debbie Kohn and Martha Gertz who helped us make the Passover boxes for our college students.
to Grace Bach for all of her help with the Second Night Seder.
to the Hope and Eber Families for volunteering and making dinner at TSYG’s Social Action Shul-In.
to Susan Welton for her help in the giftshop.
to Rabbi Zwerin for being honored by the CCAR for 50 years in the Rabbinate.
Announcing the NEXT Temple Sinai Tour to IsraelMarch 17 - March 29, 2015
Rabbis Richard and Susan Rheins have just returned from leading another fabulous Temple Sinai tour to Israel and have already received several requests for another Israel tour in the spring of 2015. Well, it did not take much to convince them to say YES; so it looks like a whole new group will have an Israel experience with blessed memories that will last a lifetime!
The next tour will include highlights like Tel Aviv and Old Yaffo, the Roman ruins at Caesarea, wine tasting in the Golan, the Western Wall and the Southern Wall Excavations of the Second Temple era, the Dead Sea, Yad Vashem, the Israel Museum and much, much more!
And a brand new Temple Sinai Tour: EASTERN EUROPE!July 6 - July 19, 2015
So many Temple Sinai members have been asking about a tour of Eastern Europe. To make sure that the experience would meet our expectations, Rabbi Susan Rheins personally went on an extensive tour of Eastern Europe’s most compelling Jewish sites. Now, after consulting with experts, she and Rabbi Rick Rheins have developed what they believe will be an extraordinary experience. The itinerary will include tours of Berlin, Prague, Warsaw and Krakow. In addition to visiting both the infamous Sachsenhausen and Auschwitz concentration camps, we will also be able to witness the inspiring rebirth of the Jewish communities in areas once devastated by the Nazis.
Sign up fliers for both experiences will soon be available in the Temple Sinai lobby and office and on the website. You can also contact Ayelet Tours directly at [email protected] or call (800) 237-1517.
Announcing the NEXT Temple Sinai Tour to IsraelMarch 17 - March 29, 2015
Rabbis Richard and Susan Rheins have just returned from leading another fabulous Temple Sinai tour to Israel and have already received several requests for another Israel tour in the spring of 2015. Well, it did not take much to convince them to say YES; so it looks like a whole new group will have an Israel experience with blessed memories that will last a lifetime!
The next tour will include highlights like Tel Aviv and Old Yaffo, the Roman ruins at Caesarea, wine tasting in the Golan, the Western Wall and the Southern Wall Excavations of the Second Temple era, the Dead Sea, Yad Vashem, the new Israel Museum and much, much more!
And a brand New Temple Sinai Tour: EASTERN EUROPE!July 6 - July 19, 2015
So many Temple Sinai members have been asking about a tour of Eastern Europe. To make sure that the experience would meet our expectations, Rabbi Susan Rheins personally went on an extensive tour of Eastern Europe’s most compelling Jewish sites. Now, after consulting with experts, she and Rabbi Rick Rheins have developed what they believe will be an extraordinary experience. The itinerary will include tours of Berlin, Prague, Warsaw and Krakow. In addition to visiting both the infamous Sachsenhausen and Auschwitz concentration camps, we will also be able to witness the inspiring rebirth of the Jewish communities in areas once devastated by the Nazis.
Sign up fliers for both experiences will soon be available in the Temple Sinai lobby and office and on the website. You can also contact Ayelet Tours directly at [email protected] or call (800) 237-1517.
29 � 11:00am Lunch & Learn
30 � 7:00pm Erev Shabbat
Service
31 � 9:00am Shabbat Morning
Minyan � 10:30am Torah Study
Richard S. Rheins, Senior Rabbi Keren Gorban, Assistant Rabbi Raymond A. Zwerin, Rabbi Emeritus Bryan Zive, ChazzanAmy Becker, Executive Director Lisa Thorner, Director of Programming and Volunteer Development Cindy Abramson, Communications Director Diana Kaplan, Administrative Assistant Lin Sunshine, Executive Assistant to Clergy Debbie Kohn, Assistant to the Executive DirectorSteven Glickman, Director of Education Michelle Schwartz, Asst. Director of Education Carly Coons, Director of Youth EngagementJenni Sutton, Director of Finance Kelly Nicholas, BookkeeperShannon Morgione, Interim Preschool Director Marissa Vaughn, Preschool Office Manager
Board of TrusteesSusan Epstein, President David Goldman, Vice President Karen Kaplan, Vice President Michelle Weinraub, Vice President Sheryl Gurrentz, Vice President Ed Schenkein, Treasurer Wendy Vean, Secretary Neil Culbertson, Past President
Trustees:Grace Bach, Susan Bernhardt, Lane Feingold, Debbie Kohn, Gordan Post, Amy Rittenberg, Jeff Robbins, Allan Striker, Matt Vean, Cliff Yeckes; ex-officio, Lin SunshinePaul Levine, Brotherhood PresidentDawn Spector and Robyn Fleischman, Sisterhood Co-PresidentsEmily Kohn and Shelby Ginsburg, TSYG Co-Presidents
TEMPLE SINAI 3509 S. Glencoe Street Denver, CO 80237-1018 303-759-1827 www.sinaidenver.org
Non-Profit Organization U.S Postage
PAID Denver, CO Permit No.
4470
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Staff & Board
HOURS:
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.Monday Evenings 6:00 to 7:15 (when Religious School is in session)
Sunday 9:00 a.m. to Noon (when Religious School is in session)
Or, by appointment: Contact Jane at [email protected] or 303-759-1827
Profits benefit the Preschool, Religious School and Ring Israel Teen Scholarship Fund