Beth Haverim Shir Shalom T EMPLE TOPIC S AYAR/SIVAN/TAMUZ 5775 MAY/JUNE 2015 280 RAMAPO VALLEY ROAD MAHWAH, NEW JERSEY 07430 PHONE: 201-512-1983 FAX : 201-512-1586 www.BethHaverimShirShalom.org BETHHAVERIM@OPTONLINE. NET VOLUME 31 NO. 5 Friday, May 1 6:00 PM Youth Group Creative Service 7:00 PM Congregational Dinner following services by RSVP Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Hoffert and Sipper families Saturday, May 2 10:00 AM B'not Mitzvah of Abigail Hoffert and Carly Sipper Friday, May 8 7:30 PM Family Service, Teacher Appreciation Shabbat, 4th & 5th grade Shabbat May birthdays will be celebrated. Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Eichner and Schwartz families Saturday, May 9 10:00 AM B'nei Mitzvah of Samuel Eichner and Jack Schwartz Friday, May 15 7:30 PM K, 1, 2, 3 Shabbat, Grandparents’ Shabbat Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Ehrman family Saturday, May 16 9:30 AM Tot Shabbat 10:00 AM Bar Mitzvah of Tyler Ehrman Friday, May 22 7:30 PM Shabbat Evening Service Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Gold and Schulman families Saturday, May 23 10:00 AM B'nei Mitzvah of Harley Gold and Jason Schulman 7:00 PM Erev Shavuot/Confirmation Service Sunday, May 24 10:00 AM Shavuot Festival Service including Yizkor Friday, May 29 7:30 PM Shabbat Evening Service Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Kovar family Saturday, May 30 10:00 AM Bat Mitzvah of Alyssa Kovar Friday, June 5 6:00 PM Shabbat Evening Service 7:00 PM Congregational Dinner following services by RSVP Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Cohen and Freitag families Saturday, June 6 10:00 AM B'nei Mitzvah of Caroline Cohen and Kyle Freitag Friday, June 12 7:30 PM Brotherhood Shabbat. June and July birthdays will be celebrated. Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Polansky and Schlissel families Saturday, June 13 9:30 AM Tot Shabbat 10:00 AM B'not Mitzvah of Jordan Polansky and Carleigh Schlissel Friday, June 19 7:30 PM Board Installation, Honoring Rabbi Daniel Kirzane Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Kaplan and Landis families Saturday, June 20 10:00 AM B'nei Mitzvah of Alex Kaplan and Brandi Landis Friday, June 26 7:30 PM Shabbat Evening Service Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Blankman and Orlick families Saturday, June 27 10:00 AM B'not Mitzvah of Rebecca Blankman and Melissa Orlick
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VOLUME 31 NO. 5 TEMPLE S - Beth Haverim Shir ShalomI am grateful, too, to our assistant rabbi, Daniel Kirzane, who came into this congregation knowing that the position would only
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Friday, May 1 6:00 PM Youth Group Creative Service7:00 PM Congregational Dinner following services by RSVP
Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Hoffert and Sipper familiesSaturday, May 2 10:00 AM B'not Mitzvah of Abigail Hoffert and Carly Sipper
Friday, May 8 7:30 PM Family Service, Teacher Appreciation Shabbat, 4th & 5th grade Shabbat May birthdays will be celebrated.Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Eichner and Schwartz families
Saturday, May 9 10:00 AM B'nei Mitzvah of Samuel Eichner and Jack Schwartz
Friday, May 15 7:30 PM K, 1, 2, 3 Shabbat, Grandparents’ ShabbatOneg Shabbat hosts: the Ehrman family
Saturday, May 16 9:30 AM Tot Shabbat10:00 AM Bar Mitzvah of Tyler Ehrman
Friday, May 22 7:30 PM Shabbat Evening ServiceOneg Shabbat hosts: the Gold and Schulman families
Saturday, May 23 10:00 AM B'nei Mitzvah of Harley Gold and Jason Schulman7:00 PM Erev Shavuot/Confirmation Service
Sunday, May 24 10:00 AM Shavuot Festival Service including Yizkor
Friday, May 29 7:30 PM Shabbat Evening ServiceOneg Shabbat hosts: the Kovar family
Saturday, May 30 10:00 AM Bat Mitzvah of Alyssa Kovar
Friday, June 5 6:00 PM Shabbat Evening Service7:00 PM Congregational Dinner following services by RSVP
Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Cohen and Freitag familiesSaturday, June 6 10:00 AM B'nei Mitzvah of Caroline Cohen and Kyle Freitag
Friday, June 12 7:30 PM Brotherhood Shabbat. June and July birthdays will be celebrated.Oneg Shabbat hosts: the Polansky and Schlissel families
Saturday, June 13 9:30 AM Tot Shabbat10:00 AM B'not Mitzvah of Jordan Polansky and Carleigh Schlissel
Friday, June 19 7:30 PM Board Installation, Honoring Rabbi Daniel KirzaneOneg Shabbat hosts: the Kaplan and Landis families
Saturday, June 20 10:00 AM B'nei Mitzvah of Alex Kaplan and Brandi Landis
Friday, June 26 7:30 PM Shabbat Evening ServiceOneg Shabbat hosts: the Blankman and Orlick families
Saturday, June 27 10:00 AM B'not Mitzvah of Rebecca Blankman and Melissa Orlick
Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics2
I was sitting with a fellowcongregant the other day, feeling abit nostalgic as we anticipated our
6th graders’ upcoming “graduation.” Our children, a handfulof whom have been together since preschool, will be soon bemaking the move from Family School to Kadimah. whew…where did the time go?
It’s also difficult to believe that I am writing my final TempleTopics article as my term as BHSS president soon comes toan end.
It seems like just yesterday we were doing a Jewish-themed$10,000 Pyramid-type activity which involved holding aword above someone’s head while their partner offered cluesto prompt guesses. when it was our turn, Rabbi Mosbacherstepped in and quickly scribbled a word on the index card andheld it above me. Brady smiled, and said slowly, “It’s whatHarvey is now and what you will be.” His face then turnedbright red. I incorrectly assumed he was unsure if he shouldhave publicly divulged my forthcoming role, but laterdiscovered he was actually concerned that it was disrespectfulto not have instead said, “Mr. weinberg.” In any event, theannouncement was out there. The Family School communitycongratulated me, offering their support and appreciation. Itwas a nice way to let the cat out of the bag, so to speak.
I held on to the index card. My original intention was simplyto have it as a keepsake. But then one day something touchedme deeply at a Friday night Shabbat service, so I decided towrite it down. The following week a congregant sent me abeautiful letter offering his support and expressing hisconfidence in me, and I added that to my card… and so itwent. Basically just a collection of words which will serve toremind me of my time as president of BHSS. Some arereminders of good times and celebrations, retreats, b’neimitzvah, shpiels, bathroom renovations and holidays; othersreminders of particular services and sermons which movedme; and others are bittersweet, triggering times when we cametogether to pray, mourn, and support each other as we facedchallenges and losses. I even tried my hand at some pictures,representing moments like the kids’ faces when they“conducted” the shofar blowing at High Holidays, and thespeck of dust that flew by my face just as the reader read Dr.
Seuss’s words from Horton Hears a who in our first everSocial Action Shabbat service. I would have attempted todepict our first assistant rabbi, Daniel Kirzane, but portraitshave always been beyond my artistic capability. There areseveral references to food – Prenegs, Onegs, congregationaldinners and Dine-A-Rounds. And it also includes somepractical notes, like Iris’s phone number.
Credits for my most recent addition go to our scholar-in-residence, Dr. Gary Zola. As we greeted and welcomed Dr.Zola to BHSS, he struck up a conversation with Emily, whowas smiling by my side and happy to be at BHSS. I relayedto him how on the way to temple she expressed herenthusiasm to come to the “circus” (aka “service”) where therewould be “songs, holding hands (she now anticipates theentwined hands projected on the wall during the MiShebeirach), prayers, a parade (we assume she is referring towhen we carry the Torah out into the congregation) and afterall that, cookies and cake!”
Dr. Zola then shared a wonderful wordplay story of his own.He taught me that the term “president” first emerged duringthe colonial period, and that prior to the Revolutionary warthe Hebrew word “parnass” was used (and actually still is insome congregations). when translated most directly,“parnass” actually refers to a “warden.”
I got his joke, but fortunately, I have never really felt like aringleader, let alone a warden (at least not at synagogue --home is at times a different story!). I have always felttremendous support from our congregation, and for this I amgrateful. In my two years as president, I have learned muchabout the many facets of clergy, the wonders of music andprayer, the incredible power of faith communities, and ofcourse, myself.
needless to say, my index card is just about filled, but I willforever treasure it and all that it archives. I want to thank ourphenomenal clergy team, our dedicated staff, and ouramazing teachers for filling the past two years with so manyexperiences worth remembering. I have also been blessed tohave the constant support of a dedicated ExecutiveCommittee and Board by my side. Finally, I am grateful toour entire congregation for permitting me the opportunity to
President’s Messagefrom Jen Cole
(Continued on page 5)
2
From the Rabbi“If not now, when?”
How do you measure a year?
In this column, I want to measure this program year ingratitude.
I am grateful to the congregation for the opportunity youhave given me to serve half-time as national co-chair of theDo not Stand Idly By campaign to reduce gun violence thisyear. I have spoken to hundreds of congregational clergy inthis work, and each of them has reminded me how blessed Iam to serve a congregation that could imagine making suchan arrangement work.
To our patient and persistent president, Dr. Jennifer Cole, tothe visionary leaders of our Board of Trustees, to the bestprofessional staff in congregational life anywhere, and to eachof you who have made it possible for me to do this work,words fail me to express my gratitude.
I am grateful, too, to our assistant rabbi, Daniel Kirzane, whocame into this congregation knowing that the position wouldonly last a year, no matter how well he did. Rabbi Kirzane hasbeen a blessing to me, to our staff and leadership, and to oursacred congregation. I have often privately said that if RabbiKirzane had needed as much handholding as I needed when Iwas ordained 17 years ago, this year was never going to work.As we all now know, he didn’t need any handholding. Heheld our hands in the hospital when we were ill, and he heldour hands as we grieved. He held our hands as a brilliantteacher of Torah.
we will miss Rabbi Kirzane, his beloved Jessica, and theiradorable son Jeremiah as they take their talents to KansasCity, where Rabbi Kirzane will continue his career as anassistant rabbi. But we always will be grateful to them forimmersing themselves fully in the life our community, and forbringing the fullness of their neshamot, their souls, to the lifeof our congregation. we are better as a community becauseyou have been a part of it.
I invite all of you to join us as we celebrate Rabbi Kirzane’scontributions to our congregation during services on Friday,June 19 at 7:30 p.m. That night, we will also thank our Boardof Trustees and our president for their incredible anddedicated service to the Jewish people. Please be with us.
I am grateful most of all, as always,to my amazing family for their loveand support. Anytime you think to thank me for what Icontribute to this amazing congregation, I hope you’ll thankthem. Everything I do is bolstered by the strength andblessings that Elyssa, Ari, and Lev bring into my life every day,and nothing I do is possible without their pride andencouragement.
The Do not Stand Idly By campaign began in our sanctuary2 years ago with an assembly of 200 leaders from 20congregations from across Bergen and Rockland counties, onemonth after the Sandy Hook massacre. Our communityorganizing team ran that assembly and began to flesh outwhat a different kind of effort to reduce gun violence couldlook like. I am so grateful to that team, and to the leaders ofour congregation who continue to see community organizingas one way for us to act powerfully in the world.
That campaign, which began in Mahwah, has now grown toinclude over 70 mayors, police chiefs, sheriffs, governors, andleaders of faith from coast to coast in 13 states so far. Thiseffort to press gun manufacturers to help create saferdistribution systems that would dramatically reduce guntrafficking, and safer gun technology that would reduceaccidental shootings, suicides, and danger for lawenforcement, was something that leaders of Beth HaverimShir Shalom were the first to imagine and the first to exploreand engage in. For that, literally millions of Americans all overthe country owe a debt of gratitude to each and every one ofyou. You have helped start an effort that will reduce gunviolence in America.
we are taught by our Torah not to stand idly by as ourneighbors bleed. You, together with leaders all over the nationhave said: we will not stand idly by. we will not throw upour hands in despair and helplessness. we will make theworld better because we are in it, and because we have thepower to do so.
Blessed are you in your coming in, and blessed are you in your going out.-Deuteronomy 28:6
Sadly, the time of my going out has arrived – this will be mylast BHSS Temple Topics. It has been my distinct pleasureand honor to serve this congregation while Rabbi Mosbacherhas dedicated so much time to the Do Not Stand Idly Bycampaign. This community has left an indelible mark on me,on my family, and on my rabbinate.
naturally, at this time of transition, I’ve thought a lot aboutbeginnings and endings:
My tenure at BHSS comes to a close, and a new congregationwelcomes me and my family to Kansas City, KS, where I’ll bethe second rabbi of The Temple, Congregation B’naiJehudah. I’ve lived for thirty years on the East Coast, andnow a whole new adventure awaits. The first year of myrabbinate concludes, and the first year of the rest of myrabbinate is about to begin.
But isn’t this sort of transition happening all the time? Evenwhen we’re not experiencing radical change, nevertheless wefind ourselves, in one way or another, constantly in motion.Our job may be stable, but our families grow and change overthe generations. new works of art (or discoveries of old ones)make us think and feel differently about life. world eventsswirl around us, shaping a world of tomorrow so differentfrom the familiar world of yesterday. My current experienceof entering a new Jewish community is a stark example of themore subtle changes that accompany us throughout each ofour days.
Indeed, I believe this lesson lies embedded in the blessing Godoffers to our people before entering the Promised Land:“Blessed are you in your coming in, and blessed are you inyour going out.” Sure, this may refer to the BIG things, themajor life-and-death moments – that’s what Rashi (1040-1105 CE) thinks. But it may also refer to the small things aswell. The Spanish commentator Ibn Ezra (1089-1164 CE)teaches that God’s blessing refers to every daily coming andgoing, and a midrash suggests that these blessings flow everytime we enter or leave a room. Thus we encounter God’s
blessing through all moments oftransition—large and small, goodand bad, planned and unexpected.
As I prepare to bring my BHSS experience with me to mynew role in a new congregation, I bring all of the love andappreciation of this community as well. A midrash teachesthat through all of our comings and goings, the Shechinah—the presence of God that holds people together—neverdeparts. I take comfort in the assurance that this communitywill always be a part of me, and I am grateful for all theblessings I’ve experienced, in my coming in to BHSS, and inmy going out.
- Rabbi Daniel Kirzane
From the Assistant Rabbi
serve as president. I wrote in my first Temple Topics articlethat my vision for the presidency was to further the creationof a Kehilah Kedosha, or sacred community. Two years later,as I look around on any given day at Beth Haverim ShirShalom, I see engaged people connecting and sharing,teaching and learning, worshipping and singing, and doingall kinds of work to repair the world. If I had even theslightest bit to do with facilitating any of it, it was allworthwhile.
There is always, of course, still work to be done. OnTuesday, May 19 at 7:30 pm, nancy Levene will beconfirmed as the new president of BHSS. nancy has madegreat contributions to BHSS to date, and I am overjoyed thatshe will be assuming this role I have so treasured. nancy willbe leading alongside trusted experienced officers and boardmembers, as well as new faces who can offer freshperspectives and energy to our leadership circle – a circlewhere, by the way, there is always room for more….
Jen Cole, President
President’s Message(Continued from page 2)
6
JuneBirthdays
Hailey AbelHaley Davis
Amanda DavisShea EhrmanEmma FreemanCasey Gold
Jacob Graham-BialerKyler HorowitzAbigail JohnsonAlex KaplanLily Kay
Leah KovarBrandi Landis
Zachary LapinsonEthan Levine
Matthew LokshinRachael LokshinJared NewmeyerMelissa OrlickLeah ReinsteinJack Reinstein
“Get for yourself a teacher, and make for yourself a friend.”
I thank the dedicated teachers and aides ofBeth Haverim Shir Shalom religious school
for a wonderful year:
I thank Iris, Lisa, and walter for keeping us going.And I thank the Education Committee and Chair Lauren Einhorn andall of the parents who contributed to making our celebrations possible.
On Friday night, May 8, we have our Teacher Appreciation Shabbat.
I hope to see you there!
—Rebecca Bernstein McVeigh, Educator
From the Educator’s Office
Rabbi Joel MosbacherRabbi Daniel KirzaneCantor David PerperCantor Faith SteinsnyderStacey Butler (also Director of Informal
***Graduating Seniors - Good Luck in College (and come back to visit!)
If your child will be in 8th grade next year and enrolled in Kadimah, encourage him/her to apply to be one of our Morei Derech! We have openings and are happy to discuss the possibilities withyou and your interested student; call or write to find out more.
Mazel Tov from the Congregation to the families of our B’nei Mitzvah Class of 5775
9
...will be called to the Torah...
Carly Sipper - May 2, 2015Lives in Ramsey, new Jersey. Mother,Debra, Father, Bill, Brother, Andrew,16 ................ is a 7th grader at EricSmith Middle School ........... Herinterests include soccer and hanging
out with friends. “I would like to havea career in the health and fitness field.
I’m excited about my Bat Mitzvah andcan't wait for this day to come. For mycommunity service project I volunteer at SunriseSenior Living interacting with the residents andhelping out as needed.”
Abby Hoffert - May 2, 2015 Lives in Allendale, new Jersey.Mother, Lana, Father, Ken, Sister,Emily, 15, Brother, Sam, 7 ...............is a 7th grader at the BrooksideSchool .......... Her interests include
theater, bike riding, and being withfriends. “I am looking forward to
becoming a Bat Mitzvah. For mycommunity service I spent time at a soup kitchenmaking and giving food to people who need it.”
Samuel Eichner - May 9, 2015Lives in woodcliff Lake, new Jersey.Mother, Kathy, Father, Randy,Brother, Jacob, 10 ................. is a 7thgrader at woodcliff Middle School......... His interests include video
games, logic games, and soccer. “Iwould like to be a technological engineer.
I am excited to be recognized as a Jewishman. For my community service I helped ananimal rescue group that works with dogs.”
Tyler Ehrman - May 16, 2015Lives in Upper Saddle River, new Jersey.Mother, Brooke, Father, Ken, Brother,Jake, 11 ............... is a 7th grader atCavallini Middle School ............. Hisinterests include basketball, snow
boarding, and golf. “I would like to becomea doctor if becoming a professional athlete
doesn’t work out. I am excited to be a BarMitzvah but I am also a bit nervous.”
Jack Schwartz - May 9, 2015Lives in Upper Saddle River, new Jersey.Mother, Meredith, Father, Burt, Brother,Griffin, 11, Sister, Drew, 8 ............... is a7th grader at Cavallini Middle School............ His interests include baseball.
“I’d like to be a professional baseball player.I am very excited to celebrate this special day
with friends and family. For my communityservice project I participated in Buddy Ball, playingbasketball with some really special kids.”
10 Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics
...will be called to the Torah...
Jason Schulman - May 23, 2015Lives in Montvale, new Jersey. Mother,Lisa, Father, Jack, Sister, Rachel, 10................ is a 7th grader at FieldstoneMiddle School ................ His interestsinclude basketball and baseball.
“I would like to be a professionalbasketball or baseball player. I am very
excited about sharing this day with myfriends and family. For my community service Itaught basketball skills to developmentallychallenged children, helped run the FairlawnBreast Cancer Challenge to increase breast cancerawareness, and raised money for and participatedin the nYC Alzheimer's walk.”
Harley Gold - May 23, 2015Lives in Montebello, new York.Mother, Jill, Father, Lew, Sister,Casey, 10 ................. is a 7th graderat Suffern Middle School ...............Her interests include school field
hockey, lacrosse, tennis, skiing, andcamp. “I would like to continue to
work hard in school and work withabandoned animals. I am really excited to sharemy special day with family and friends. For mycommunity service I am collecting suppliesneeded for cats and will donate supplies to localanimal shelters.”
Alyssa Kovar - May 30, 2015Lives in Upper Saddle River, newJersey. Mother, Beth, Father, Lance,Brother, Jacob, 15, Sister, Leah, 9................. is a 7th grader at CavalliniMiddle School ............ Her interests
include dance, tennis, and hanging outwith friends. “I would like to be
successful and happy in whatever I chooseto do. I am so excited to become a Bat Mitzvahand to share this special time in my life withfamily and friends.”
Kyle Freitag - June 6, 2015Lives in Ramsey, new Jersey. Mother,Janet, Father, Bernard, Sister, Justine, 9................. is a 7th grader at Eric SmithMiddle School ............. His interestsinclude computer gaming, bowling,
hiking, student council, and debate club.“I would like to be a professional game
developer and to be a counselor at a camp. Iam excited to be called to the Torah for the honor ofmy Bar Mitzvah and to share this special occasionwith my family and friends. For my communityservice I learned about the many ways that I can helpin my community. I volunteered at a soup kitchen,and organized a bake sale at Family School anddonated the profits to the Center for Food Action.”
Caroline Cohen - June 6, 2015Lives in Upper Saddle River, new Jersey.Mother, Barbara, Father, Stephen,Brother, Jesse Pakula, 20 .............. is a7th grader at Cavallini Middle School............ Her interests include the
performing arts, forensic science,photography, and traveling. “I would like to
be a famous singer or forensic scientist. I wantto entertain people, help people, and save lives.Although this preparation was difficult, it was worthit. I feel more mature than I was and I can see what Ican do for the world. For my community service Iworked with the Linking Hearts group and we helpedsenior citizens, made crafts, and talked with them.”
11
...will be called to the Torah...
Jordan Polansky - June 13, 2015Lives in Ringwood, new Jersey. Mother,Theresa, Father, Glenn, Sister, Tyler,17, Brother, Ryan, 10 .............. is a 7thgrader at the Martin J. MyersonMiddle School ............ Her interests
include soccer and video editing. “I’mexcited to take this step in becoming a
Jewish adult. For my community service,over the course of the school year, I helped outstudents at Skylands School for mentally andphysically handicapped children.”
Brandi Landis - June 20, 2015Lives in Oakland, new Jersey. Mother,Lisa, Father, Steve, Sister, Lauren, 15........... is a 7th grader at Valley MiddleSchool .............. Her interests includesoccer, lacrosse, going hiking, skiing, and
going to the beach. “when I’m older Iwould like to be a doctor. I feel that I'm
finally growing up into a mature young womanonce I become a Bat Mitzvah. For my communityservice I am doing a bake sale and giving all the moneyto the charity “Save the Children” for kids innicaragua, because I went to nicaragua and CostaRica for a vacation and saw how all the kids lived inpoverty.”
Carleigh Sarah Schlissel - June 13, 2015Lives in Airmont, new York. Mother,Janet, Father, Andrew, Brother,Zachary, 11......................is a 7th graderat Suffern Middle School..............Her
interests include diving, swimming,making my friends laugh, and playing with
her dog. "I hope to become an Olympic diverand an anesthesiologist. I am excited to have all myfamily and friends from near and far share thisspecial day with me. For my community service, Iam working with the organization Souls4soles. Theydonate shoes to underprivileged individuals. Bydonating shoes, you can change peoples' lives."
Rebecca Blankman - June 27, 2015Lives in Upper Saddle River, new Jersey.Mother, Elena, Father, Alan, Sister,Hannah, 10, Brother, Ethan, 10............... is a 7th grader at CavalliniMiddle School ......... Her interests
include reading, playing the trumpet, andMinecraft.
Alex Kaplan - June 20, 2015Lives in Mahwah, new Jersey. Mother,Linda, Father, Rick, Brother, Jared, 19.............. is a 7th grader at RamapoRidge Middle School ................ Hisinterests include basketball, lacrosse,
math, science, and Spanish, and hangingwith friends. “I want to be an athletic
trainer or physical therapist to help athleteswho are injured/recovering. I am a little nervousabout reading from the Torah. For my communityservice I am working with special needs kids inbasketball and also helping with a baby who hasSpastic Quadroplegia.”
Melissa Orlick - June 27, 2015Lives in Airmont, new York. Mother,Lorraine, Father, Marc, Brother, Russell,16 .............. is a 7th grader at SuffernMiddle School ............ Her interestsinclude softball, music, and art. “I would
like to help people in need while doingwhat I love. I feel that becoming a Bat
Mitzvah is a special tradition that I shouldcarry on. For my community service I will bedonating art supplies to donation centers that helppeople who cannot afford them.”
12
AugustBirthdays
Note that August birthdays will becelebrated during our September
family Shabbat service!David AbramsonBrett AmendolaNoah BrownSarah Cassell
BHSS Intergenerational RetreatFebruary 5-7, 2016 atURJ Camp Harlam Kunkletown, PA
look for more information and registration materials in the early fall
The Music Committee is hard at work on next year’sprogramming. Our main event will be Cantor’s 10th Year atBHSS Celebration. Please mark your calendars forOctober 24, 2015. Much more news will be coming yourway!
If you enjoy singing, please consider joining our Adult Choir.we are always welcoming new voices. It’s never too late.Summer is a great time to start, as that is when rehearsals forthe High Holidays really gear up. Please contact CantorPerper for more information.
As always, our Junior Choir is also welcomes new members.Children must be in third grade or older to participate. Thekids get a great start learning for their b’nai mitzvah whilehaving fun and developing a great rapport with CantorPerper. Lisa Lamster is our contact person for those interestedin more information. That season coincides with the schoolyear. Please get in touch with her at [email protected].
This year will be filled with lots of planning and lots of fun.Singing is not a requirement for membership on thecommittee! we always are looking for new ideas, and there isalways a free chair at the table for you, my reader, so comejoin us. we meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month at7:30 pm at the synagogue. Contact me any time [email protected], and let’s chat!
Musically yours,nora Berger
Notes from MusicIt’s spring—do you know how we know? Sisterhood’s springseason is off to a flying start!
were you a part of our wonderful Miriam Seder? Ourmembers and guests who were in attendance enjoyed a veryspecial evening of storytelling, music, friendship—and ofcourse, a delicious meal. we thank our seder leaders andcommittee members for a memorable evening. And it’s onewe repeat every year -- if you missed this one, mark yourcalendars now, to remind yourself to be there in 2016!
The “formal” Sisterhood year caps off with our InstallationDinner, to be held this year at Marcello’s Ristorante ofSuffern, on Monday, June 1 at 7 pm. The dinner is ourchance to thank our officers for a job well done this year andto welcome in the new slate, already busy preparing forSisterhood’s next year. It’s always an evening of friendshipand fun. And if you’ve never been to Marcello’s, dining thereis a not-to-be-missed experience.
Sisterhood will be busy over the summer, too—watch theBHSS Sisterhood website, and the weekly e-blasts for detailsof upcoming programs.
Membership renewals will arrive with your BHSS packetsover the summer—don’t forget to join Sisterhood this year,and help us continue to support everyone in our BHSScommunity.
Looking forward to seeing you!
Sisterhood News
14 Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics
Shalom, BHSS!
March and April brought many challenges and changes.Because BHSS had so much awesome stuff going on, wecreated a modified event schedule. we had a wine sale forPassover, but no Men's Seder. we supported LifelongLearning, Social Action, and the Youth Group... anyonenotice that we sold out of everything at the Purim Carnival?It was awesome! Regarding the apparent absence of ourannual Men's Seder, next year we locate a venue, and we willwrite our own Men's Haggadah!
Brotherhood 2.0 continues to be ever present in ourcommunity. I would like to answer a question that peoplemaybe haven't asked. what does Brotherhood actually do?well, first and foremost, we are a social action andcommunity group within BHSS. we support all the othergroups as well as providing a social action and also just socialoutlet for the men of our community. Something unique youshould know about BHSS Brotherhood 2.0: we not onlyhave brothers, we also have sisters! Plenty of our Sisterhoodcounterparts are regulars in our community service and socialaction work, and our joint events for fun as well!
Most of the dues that are paid to BHSS Brotherhood go tosubsidize our events, but also to contribute to b’nai mitzvahgifts, food for carnivals, BBQs and events, and to subsidizethe costs of some of our events. If you have been a member inthe past but have not paid dues for 2014-2015 yet, pleasesend in your dues now. If you haven't joined, please considercoming to an event and, if you like us and like what we'reabout, please join. There are only two more months in theyear, but if you're willing to pay for the 2015-2016 dues upfront now, I'm willing to talk about half price dues nowthrough June.
Brotherhood has many great events -- some new, and sometraditional. we still meet most months for dinner, we stillhost Shabbat, we still will have a baseball game, a bike ride,and a membership drive. we had a successful coat drive, wehad a successful volunteering at the Suffern Soup Kitchen,and much more.
Upcoming Events (dates to follow):Springtime Bike RideBrotherhood ShabbatBrotherhood Membership BBQRockland Boulders GameDinner (yes, dinner)
Brotherhood 2.0
Garden Volunteers Needed
The garden’s season begins! On May 3 at 9 am, we will start by
laying the foundation for a great growing season: We will
refresh the beds with some new soil, weed, fix the fence to
keep the groundhog out, and lay down wood chips between
the beds. On May 17 at noon, we will plant seedlings from
Family School and other donated sources. We plan to have the
usual fare of eggplant, squash, cucumbers, beans, tomatoes,
peppers, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. This year we will
experiment in our two smaller beds with sweet potatoes and
lentils. Starting on Sunday, June 21 at 9 am and continuing
until October, the weekly TLC of the garden will begin. Can you
and your friends take a Sunday or two? Can your family, or just
you? There will always be a “garden know-it-all” present to
help direct activities, but we need hands to encourage the
garden’s success. Our goal is to donate 350 pounds of produce
to Center for Food Action and the Suffern Soup Kitchen. It is an
easy way to do something for your community and for yourself!
Social Action
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Michelle Mitzvah Group
In March, the Michelle Mitzvah Group participated in thetemple-wide Social Action Service. It was absolutely beautiful,but, more than that, it was truly inspirational. we are sofortunate to have so many wonderful groups within ourtemple who do so much for the community that surroundsus. A heartfelt thank you to whitney Speer and HermineAronson for planning it.
Children’s Aid and Family Services is always looking forindividuals to mentor a child. Or, if you have a special talent,there would be an opportunity to work with a group ofchildren. It’s very fulfilling, so if you have an interest, but areunsure, and you'd like to ask some questions, please contactIlyse Smith at [email protected].
we are also looking for people to help pick up produce fromAbma's Farm in wyckoff, nJ, to take it to Oasis in Paterson.Abma's is being very generous by donating fresh fruits andvegetables to Oasis, which feeds more than 200 people a day,but we just have to get the food there. Any help you can givewould be appreciated, whether it is once a month, twice amonth, etc.
And, finally, on Saturday, May 9, please considerparticipating in the “Grape Gallop,” an event supportingOasis, where you can "walk or run and taste!" wine, that is!Held at the beautiful Alba Vineyard in Milford, nJ, enjoy amorning of walking or running through the vineyard and endwith a wonderful wine tasting. The entry fee includes raceparticipation, the wine tasting, a wine glass, an event T-shirtand a tote bag. It would be great to have a “BHSS MMG”team. It’s sure to be a perfect way to start off a springSaturday! For more information, check out the web site athttp://www.grapegallopnj.com/.
MMG is a great group helping many in need in the
The Religious School year has flown by!
The Education Committee would like to thank all thereligious school families for a great school year! we wouldalso like to thank Rabbi Mosbacher, Cantor Perper, RabbiKirzane, Educator Rebecca McVeigh, Elyssa Mosbacher,Administrator Iris Greenberg, Lisa Barrack, and walterVasquez, for all their help and support throughout the year.
A giant thank you also goes out to the members of theEducation Committee. Thank you for all your time andenergy! If YOU are interested in making a difference in ourchildren's religious education, please feel free to contact meat [email protected] to join the EducationCommittee in the fall.
If your child will be in religious school next year, there willbe a letter coming shortly with the calendar for next year.Please make sure to read it CAREFULLY!
we would like to encourage you all to attend the TeacherAppreciation Shabbat on May 8. It’s a great day to showyour religious school teachers a little love!
Thank you for a great year, and have a great summer!
-Lauren Einhorn, chair, Education Committee
EducationCommittee
communities that surround us. We meet on the secondTuesday of the month at 7:30 pm at the temple. There areso many opportunities, whether you have an hour a weekor an hour a month. If you have any questions or are unableto make a meeting, but are interested in volunteering,please contact Ilyse at [email protected].
16 Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Temple Topics
Contributions
Rabbi Mosbacher’s Discretionary Fund
in honor of Owen Schwartz becoming a Bar Mitzvah, andfor Rabbi Mosbacher's kindness and inspiration
- Linda & David Schwartz
thanks to you as we come to temple for services and have enjoyed them
- Dr. Ari DeLevie & Judi Biderman
Rabbi Kirzane’s Discretionary Fund
in honor of Owen Schwartz becoming a Bar Mitzvah, andfor Rabbi Kirzane’s kindness and inspiration
- Linda & David Schwartz
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund
in honor of Owen Schwartz becoming a Bar Mitzvah, andfor Cantor Perper’s kindness and inspiration
- Linda & David Schwartz
with thanks for helping our friend Annette Sondack througha difficult time - Bonnie & Rich Berens
to the Spencer family, in memory of Todd Spencer- Lynn & Michael Zall
to the Koch family, in memory of Leonard London- Lynn & Michael Zall
Educator’s Discretionary Fund
in honor of Owen Schwartz becoming a Bar Mitzvah, andfor Rebecca's kindness and inspiration
- Linda & David Schwartz
Life Fund
in memory of Alfred Stewart- Barbara & Jeff nimerofsky
in memory of my brother Gregg - Suzanne DuCharme
in memory of Hella wexler and Flora Vogel-Lirtzman- Linda & Ed Vogel
to Sheryl and Joel Ives, in honor of your 50th weddinganniversary, with much love - Maxine & Alan Weinstein
to the Spencer family in memory of Todd Spencer- Candy & Michael Kassover- Shirley & Howard Fielder
- Maria & Thomas Charbonneau- the Kaufman family- the Lamster family
- Sheri & Allan Schott- Marissa & Peter Sacher
to the Koch family, in memory of Leonard London- Candy & Michael Kassover
- the Lamster family
to the Youth Group of BHSS, with thanks and in honor ofhosting the children of CAFS at the pancake breakfast
- Ilyse & Floyd Smith
in memory of Sally J. Paris - Joyce & Stephen Weinberg
in memory of Irving Pesin - Barbara & Phil Moss
in memory of Joseph Schwartz - David Schwartz
in memory of Julia Fihrer - the Lamster family
in memory of noel Lamster - the Lamster family
to Judy Blackman, in memory of her mother Martha Maier- Sue-Ellen & Ron Johnson
- Helen Milstein- Stacey & Seth Blackman
to Craig Frisch, in memory of his grandmother- Lisa Lamster & family
to Bill Sipper and family, in memory of his mother- Lisa Lamster & family
to Alison Axelrod and family, in memory of her motherJanice Kaplan - Judy & Joel Dorfman
17
in memory of beloved mothers Rose Rubin and Charlotte Dorfman as well as cousin Frieda Cohen
- Judy & Joel Dorfman
speedy recovery to Joel Dorfman - Judy Dorfman
in memory of grandmother Betty Schott- Sheri & Allan Schott
in memory of Uncle Juan Hans Lowenstein- Sheri & Allan Schott
to the Spencer family, in memory of our cousin Todd Spencer - Lynn Shrensel, Sharon & Charles Zadikow
to Janet Moskowitz and family, in memory of Ruth whitman - Cheryl Kendall & Joel London
in memory of Jack Lazar - Sandy & Newt Parks
in memory of Gerald Klein and Sylvia Mandel- Arlene & Rich Mandel
to Joyce and Stephen weinberg, in memory of yourbrother Lawrence weinberg - Lisa Lamster & family
High Holy Day Appeal
nat Stern & whitney Speer
Center for Food Actiondonated by their families
in honor of the following simchas:
Bar Mitzvah of Joshua SimonBat Mitzvah of Andrea MitchellBat Mitzvah of Sophie DweckBar Mitzvah of Jack Schwartz
Ramapo Bergen Animal Refugedonated by their families
in honor of the following simchas:
Bat Mitzvah of Madeline AbramsonBat Mitzvah of Skyler MurphyBat Mitzvah of Harley Gold
Bar Mitzvah of Samuel Eichner
Jewish Family Services of Rocklanddonated by their families
in honor of the following simchas:
Bar Mitzvah of Owen SchwartzBat Mitzvah of Alyssa Kovar
Contributions
OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEYJewish Federation
www.jfnnj.org/JewishCamp
Two ways to make camp a reality
$ * One Happy Camper
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or
18
Spring has sprung. If I had written this article on time, Iwould not have been able to say that, but I’m finally startingto believe that the snow is over and that April showers mayreally bring May flowers. And with May comes Shavuot, amajor Jewish holiday that, due to its timing, has somehowbeen forgotten by many Reform Jews. Shavuot usually falls inmid-May to mid-June, often after the religious school yearhas ended, so our children do not come home with stories orsongs about the holiday. Though the holiday is associatedwith dairy foods (thumbs up for cheesecake and blintzes), ithas no special individual item like latkes or hamantashen tomake it more enticing. It is not silly like Purim, or a bigdancing party like Simchat Torah. And this year, Shavuotfalls on Memorial Day weekend, and will have to compete foryour time with barbeques or the annual family trip to theJersey shore… not an easy task.
So what does Shavuot have that makes it a favorite of mine?Shavuot traditions revolve around learning, and I am proudto call myself a lifelong learner. For a number of years now,Hebrew has been a focus (passion? obsession?) of mine. Every week, I study Hebrew with our “rebbetzin” ElyssaMosbacher, and our educator, Rebecca McVeigh. Toaccommodate our ever-changing schedules and commit-ments, we meet on different days at different times, but mostimportantly, we meet, pretty much every week of the year, allyear round. we study vocabulary, conjugate verbs, learngrammar rules, write short (very short) essays in Hebrew, andyes, we do homework. I can’t speak for my fellow students,but my homework takes a couple of hours a week… and Ilove it. I love challenging myself. I love that I am gettingbetter at reading Hebrew without vowels. I love trying (oftenunsuccessfully) to translate my thoughts into Hebrew. I evenlove how frustrating and humbling it is that my vocabulary isnowhere near where I want it to be. I love to learn. And I loveShavuot because it is celebrated by learning.
Below is from the Reform Judaism website:Shavuot is the Hebrew word for “weeks”and refers to the Jewishfestival marking the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, whichoccurs seven weeks after Passover. Shavuot, like many otherJewish holidays, began as an ancient agricultural festival thatmarked the end of the spring barley harvest and the beginning of
the summer wheat harvest. In ancient times, Shavuot was apilgrimage festival during which Israelites brought crop offeringsto the Temple in Jerusalem. Today, it is a celebration ofTorah, education, and actively choosing to participate inJewish life.
Torah, education, and choosing to participate in Jewish life.Add in some cheesecake and what’s not to love?
This year Shavuot will be celebrated on Saturday, May 23 at7 pm. To show their love of Torah and education and thechoice to participate in Jewish life, 10 of our BHSS 10thgraders will be confirmed as part of the service. Thecelebration continues on Sunday morning, May 24 at 10 am.I hope that you will come, and celebrate, and study, andlearn, and support our confirmands and their families. I lookforward to seeing you there (and I’ll bring the cheesecake).
Stacey CoyneRitual Chair
Ritual Committee
Do you ever wonder what Library Ladies do when they greeteach other? That’s right: they immediately extend their armsin a warm embrace. Then, without fail, they launch into amajor discussion of the latest books they have read. Happily,many of these books are Sifriyah books.
This ritual, if you will, started us thinking. If this unplannedcustom has hooked us and further bonded us, then perhapswe can create an environment where congregants also feel thiskinship, enthusiasm, and love for the printed word.
So, beginning in the May issue of our weeklyannouncements, we will recommend a favorite Library Ladiespick -- just a snippet to capture your interest, bring you intothe library, extend your reading pleasures, and provideanother source for intriguing reading, for all ages. It’s ajourney well worth taking.
From the Sifriyah
19
Beth Haverim Shir Shalom now has SCRIP!
Convenient gift cards - and you help BHSS!
Great for all kinds of gifts, including B’nai Mitzvahs, birthdays, teachers’ thank you gifts, holidays,
and your personal shopping. Participating retailers include all shown here - plus more!
There are over 350 retaliers participating in this program. There are no activation fees when you
purchase these cards. Beth Haverim Shir Shalom receives a percentage each time a card is purchased.
So why pay extra fees at the store when you can just order your gift cards from your synagogue?
Marion StansfieldDavid SteinmanJane SteinsnyderHilda Wagner
Harold WeinbergRabbi Milton Weinberg
Willaim WeinbergIrving WeissRuth Weiss
Aaron WhitmanEsther Wolf
Gilbert WunschSeymour Yanowitz
Rose ZahmLeo ZuckerMax Zukof
Our Tree of Life commemorates joyousfamily life cycle events. The brassleaves are waiting for YOU to inscribethem with your memories! As wecome to the end of each book of theTorah, we say, “chazak, chazak,v’nitchazeik” – be strong, be strong,and we shall be strengthened. May ourTree of Life be a symbol of the strengthof our community for many years.Leaves are $100; to order, please callIris in the office: 201-512-1983.
Katherine TowellRobert TowellMorris TrepperBarney Victor
Helene WeinbergNorman WeisenfeldCharles Wiseman
Max Wolf
Dedicate a Mishkan HaNefesh High Holiday Machzor!
Dedications can be made in honor or in memory of a loved one. Please send in with a $36 donation (via check or credit card) to Beth Haverim Shir Shalom.
Dedication made by:
__________________________
Dedication to read: (Circle one)In Honor or In Memory of:
__________________________
A label will be placed in a machzor acknowledging your generous donation
22
July Yahrzeits Jerald Afir-HefflerMeyer Alpert
Shirley AnesettiMiriam AronsonBen Bendalin
Abraham BerkowitzSidney BlumenfeldJacklyn BoffordGrace ClarkeAndrew CohenBarry CohenCharles ColeVictor CooperLeatrice Erlman
Christopher FieldsRachel FieldsSol FishkinIrving FrankEthel FreemanHarry FreemanIris Glucoft
Rosalie GoodmanMilton Gralla
Dorothy Greenberg
Julian HauserMargot HowardJerome HymanBenjamin Israel
Jeff JaffeJerome JohnsonDana KantorAlan Karasik
Benjamin KassoverAda Kohlreiter
Morris KohlreiterSandra KopelmanAlan LefkowitzMarie LipsonMillie Marks
July and August Shabbat Evening Serviceswill begin at 7:30 PM
EXCEPTFriday, July 3 and August 7 - 6:00 PM
10 a.m. Shabbat Morning Serviceswill be held on July 11 & August 8 only
26
Beth Haverim Shir Shalom Presents
A Mock TrialThe Jewish People vs Rebecca and Jacob
(a family-friendly event)
✡
Jacob&
Rebecca
TheJewishPeople
**If you want your name in the jury pool, send an email to [email protected].
YOU MUST BE PRESENT AT 4:45 in order to be eligible for jury selection.
Age minimum for jury participation is 10 years old.
Did Jacob and Rebecca conspire to deceive Isaac?Did they “steal” Esau’s birthright?
Did Isaac REALLY bless the wrong son?Is Esau really so innocent in all this?
Come and help decide!
Sunday, June 7, 2015Jury Selection at 4:45 p.m.Call to order at 5:00 p.m.Verdict at 6:30 p.m.
Presiding Judge - Amy LittmanIsaac - Rabbi Joel MosbacherEsau - Rabbi Daniel KirzaneJacob - Suzanne DuCharmeRebecca - Rebecca McVeighJURY - Could be YOU!**
27
Contribution Opportunities at Beth Haverim
Name: __________________________________ Tel #: _______________________ Address: __________________________________ __________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Brick Fund (Minimum donation $ 5.00 for each) .................................................... $_______ In honor/memory of _____________________________________ In honor/memory of _____________________________________ Life Fund (Minimum donation $18.00 for each) ..................................................... $_______ In honor/memory of _____________________________________ In honor/memory of _____________________________________ Tree of Life (Minimum donation $100.00 per leaf).................................................. $_______ In honor of _____________________________________ In honor of _____________________________________ Sustaining Membership (Minimum donation $250.00) ............................................. $_______
Building Fund (voluntary) ......................................................................................... $_______
Robbie Kriser Fund .................................................................................................... $_______
Rabbi Discretionary Fund .......................................................................................... $_______
Cantor Discretionary Fund ........................................................................................ $_______
Barbara Weiss Scholarship Fund ................................................................................ $_______
Michelle Mitzvah Group ............................................................................................ $_______
TOTAL $_______ _________________________________________________________________________________ Other/Special - Please contact us to discuss further opportunities ___ Kehilah Campaign ___Yahrzeit Tablet ___Eternal Lights ___ Other ________ ___“Wish List” of Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment _________________________________________________________________________________ Payment Information:
Credit Card Info: _________________________________ exp. date ________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ Please send this form along with check or payment info to: Beth Haverim – 280 Ramapo Valley Road · Mahwah, NJ 07430
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