Voice of
the People
OGV KUE
TEMPLE BETH AM
AFFILIATED WITH THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM • VOL 17, NO. 5 • Iyyar/Sivan 5777 • May 2017
FROM THE PRESIDENT
A
Night of Dreams! Sunday,
May 21st will be a beautiful
evening for our TBA family
and friends. It is a wonderful
opportunity to bestow the Lou
Colen Ma’ayan Legacy Award in
memory of Howard Pilch. For 66
years, Howard Pilchz”l called TBA
his second home. From the time his parents enrolled
him in the synagogue’s very first preschool class in
1950, and continuing all through Religious School,
the foundation of Howard’s Jewish education was
formed at TBA. Howard served in leadership roles
and on our Board for more than 20 years, culminating
in his presidency (2001-2003); he remained actively
involved until his untimely death in 2016. Howard
met his beloved wife Kathe at TBA; and his mother
Rose, daughters Jessica and Rebecca, their spouses
and children, carry his legacy forward through their
ongoing commitments to our community.
If you haven’t attended a TBA gala before, this is the
one to come and enjoy. There will be a silent auction, a
live auction, lots of laughs, good food, good friends, and
every part of the TBA family participating as we honor
Howard and the Pilch family’s legacy.
This Night of Dreams Gala is timed perfectly as we
count the Omer and work our way to Shavuot which
is just nine days later. One year. I was being clever for
our Pesah Seder and I decided that the place cards for
our family Seder on the 2nd night would be a name tag
tied around a small sheaf of “Omer”. I immediately put
some of the children to work on making little bundles
of wheat-looking fresh foliage – which I had shlepped
downtown to the flower mart to procure.
As I am not much of a farmer, I didn’t realize how
quickly those wheat-looking grasses dry out and each
little seed with its wings of grassy fiber are prepared
to set sail and spread far and wide. By the end of the
Seder, our living room was covered in little piles of
seeds trying to escape and fulfill their destiny in the
wild. Too bad that meant every imaginable nook and
cranny in our living room. I still find little Omer seeds
here and there … 4 years later! I now imagine that our
ancestors hurriedly gathered, bundled and delivered
the best and freshest of what they had to the Temple.
Continued on page 6
Kol HaRav
Welcome to Beiteinu
TEMPLE BETH AM
1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035
310.652.7354 • 310.652.2384 (fax)
To reach an operator,
dial 310.652.7353
SCHOOL PHONE LINE
310.652.2002
School Fax: 310.360.0850
[email protected]
www.tbala.org
Temple Beth Am celebrates
traditional and innovative Judaism
and inspires lifelong learning in a
warm, embrac ing community.
Susan Hetsroni, President
Rabbi Adam Kligfeld, Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Ari Lucas, Associate Rabbi
Rabbi Hillary Chorny, Cantor
Sheryl Goldman, Executive Director
Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman, EdD
Director of Youth Learning & Engagement
Dr. Erica Rothblum, Head of School
Rabbi Joel E. Rembaum, Emeritus
Rabbi Harry Silverstein, Emeritus
Rabbi Jacob Pressman z”l, Emeritus
Copy Editor
KOL HA’AM
Ellen L. Jacobs
Graphic Designer
Jeff Baughman
Kol Ha’am (USPS 008-599) is published monthly
except June/July & November/December
by Temple Beth Am,
1039 South La Cienega Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507
Annual Membership Dues
include $5.00 subscription
Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, California
and additional mailing offices.
Postmaster – Send address changes to:
Temple Beth Am,
1039 South La Cienega Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507
Phone: 310.652.7353 • www.tbala.org
Kol Ha’am 2
I
am pleased and excited to welcome you to Beiteinu. Beiteinu
is a multi-generational, intimate davening and learning
community. Child-friendly, yet halakhically-compliant, Beiteinu
aims to meet the spiritual needs of a diverse set of Temple
Beth Am families, including those with young children, are
new to Judaism, and are deepening their Jewish knowledge.
Beiteinu is centered around a weekly Shabbat morning service and is expanding to
include monthly Friday night potluck dinners. It is clergy-led, but encourages and
supports congregational participation in ways large and small. Beiteinu provides an
environment for Pressman Academy Day School and JLC students to practice what
they are learning. Beiteinu will be led by a steering committee to guide the minyan in
its growth and development.
Where did Beiteinu come from?
Beiteinu is a merger of BAIT Tefillah and Havah Narishah. BAIT Tefillah was founded
in the mid-90s with the help of Rabbi Perry Netter as a multi-generational
weekly Shabbat service that emphasized congregant learning and participation.
It continued to thrive and evolve under the leadership of Rabbi Susan Leider.
Havah Narisha was founded in 2010 as a mostly lay-led monthly Shabbat service
and Friday night potluck dinners (with davening) designed for families with young
children. Nearly two years ago, these two communities decided to join forces. They
realized they shared similar values and overlap in participating families. Beiteinu
(“Our House”) aims to combine the best elements of both communities.
What can I expect?
Many of the hallmarks that members have come to love about BAIT and Havah
Narishah have been preserved in the new Beiteinu service. You can expect a warm,
welcome, and a safe environment to lead, learn, and pray. Beginning after Pesah,
this is a typical outline of a Beiteinu service:
•9:15 - 10:00 a.m.: KIDdush Club: Kid-friendly snacks will be available and
the space will be open for schmoozing, singing, and praying (coffee will be
available for the adults).
•10:00 - 10:30 a.m.: Shahrit (the morning service) led by the rabbi or a congregant.
•10:30 - 11:20 a.m.: Torah service, led by congregants and interspersed with
commentary from rabbi, with seven abbreviated aliyot, including Torah
readers who are growing in their skills
•11:20 - 11:45 a.m.: Lively multi-generational Torah discussion, led by rabbi
•11:45 a.m. - 12:00 Noon: Musaf (Additional Shabbat Service), led by a congregant
•12:00 Noon - Whenever: Casual Kiddush lunch
How can I get involved?
Come check out Beiteinu and give it a try! If you haven’t been in a while, I hope
you’ll find some welcome new developments. If you’ve never been to BAIT or Havah
Narishah before and this sounds appealing to you, come check it out. You’ll be
greeted with a warm welcome.
B’shalom,
Rabbi Ari Lucas
YOUTH LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT
For Benefits, Registration Form and Pricing: www.tbala.org/teens
Teens Lead TBA
Community as our
Teen Council & USY Cabinet
(From left to right: Mira Berenbaum, Sarit Ashkenazi, Joey Abeles,
Maia Leventhal,Danielle Lewis, Laureen Akram, Oryah Cohen-Hodos,
Allie Levey, Danit Hetsroni, Jacob Serber, Tobey Lee, Noah Lee,
Honor Fuchs, Noa Kligfeld. Bottom Row: Reut Sklar, Youth
Coordinator and Shani Shahmoon, USY Advisor.)
Moving Traditions for
8th-10th Graders:
2017-18 Boys and Girls Groups
Now Registering
T
his year, 10th, 9th and 8th graders participated
in Rosh Hodesh and Shevet Achim groups led
by amazing group leaders, Shira Landau, Adam Sklar,
Reut Sklar, Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman, Emily Holzman and
David Schnabel.
For rising 8th graders, there is no better place than one
of these Moving Traditions groups for them to connect
with friends, build self-esteem, explore their Jewish
identity and develop their leadership skills. Our boys and
girls groups provide an opportunity for teens to discuss, in
a confidential setting, critical issues in their lives as teens
and young women and men. These groups create a critical
link for girls and boys as they enter their teen years,
particularly because they are guided by a trained mentor
and role model.
For more information about Moving Traditions, the
organization we partner with for the curriculum and
group leader training, visit www.movingrtradtions.org.
For more information about joining one of these groups
for 2017-18 visit www.tbala.org/movingtraditions
or contact Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman, EdD directly at
[email protected].
3 Kol Ha’am
There are fewer than 60 Days to make our dreams come true!
Add your name to the growing list of CAMPUS RENOVATION AND EXPANSION DREAMERS and make your investment TODAY!
With Deep Appreciation
$2,000,000+
Beth Am Manor, Inc.
Marilyn Ziering
$1,000,000 - $1,999,999
Anonymous
Lou Colenz’’l
Elyssa & Gil Elbaz
Anne Adair & Steven Ganzberg
Sid Morayz’’l
$500,000 - $999,999
Lee & Luis Lainer•
Janine & Peter Lowy
$250,000 - $499,999
Lynn & Les Bider•
Elisa & Brad Delson*
Dalia & Daniel Farkas•
Judy & Lou Miller•
$100,000 - $249,000
Anonymous
Shirley Askenas
Ruth & Miltonz’’l Berman
Sandra & Bob Braun
Marlynn & Rabbi Elliot Dorff*•
Debra & Robert Kasirer•
Virginia & Frank Maas
Wanda & Avi Peretz*
Kathe & Howardz’’l Pilch•
Jessica & Mark Samuel*
Angel & Alan Schneider
Sheila & Alan Spiwak•
Rachael Gordon & Don Snyder *
$50,000 - $99,999
Debbie & Jerry Abeles
Vivian & Ron Alberts*
Sandra & Mayer Brenner
Christy & Alex Chaloff*
Rosana & Edward Chermisqui
Dvorah & Jackz’’l Colker•
Elaine & Larry Friedman
Fran & Joel Grossman
Amber & Paul Kalt
Jeanney Kutner*•
Arlette & Harry Lumer
Susan & Arthur Mishler*
Leah & William Molle Foundation
Michal & Ken Salkin
Rita & Pepe Sigal•
Tove & Carl Sunshine
Janet Metson Urman
$25,000 - $49,999
Rita Bruckerz’’l
Alisa Shudofsky & David Cohen
Sherri & Mike Cohn
Jennifer & Yaron Elad
Samantha & Jeremy Garelick
Kol Ha’am 4
Sheryl & Seth Goldman
Caroline & Mark Goldzweig
Trena & Stanley Greitzer
Deobrah Schmidt & Rabbi Avi Havivi
Mildredz’’l & Alvin K. Hellerstein•
Havi & Rabbi Adam Kligfeld
Joanna Kasirer & Joshua Kaplan
Jill & Matthew Lefferman
Richard Levey*
Caryn & Rabbi Mitch Malkus
Laura Landesman Mandel & Charles Mandel
Dina Hellerstein & Joshua Metzger
Adrian & Larry Miller•
Nate Milmeister
Susan Green & Robert Ring
Rabbi Gail Labovitz & Bill Seligman
Rachel Shimoni Simons & Daniel Simons*
Jill & Skip Sperling Family*
$10,000 - 24,999
Sara & David Aftergood*•
Michele Breslauer & Jeffrey Abrams
Sharon & Michael Bacharach
Marlisse & Gary Bachrach*
Bernard Cartoon•
Debbie Cohen
Julie Shuer & Steve Davis
Robin Schaffran & Ronnie Eisen
Miriam & Herschel Elkins
Agnes & Semyon Emert
Dr. Jana Polsalski & Kenneth Firtel*
Karen & Zev Fried*
Jonathan Friedman*
Susan & Arnie Garelick*•
Rachel & Avi Gereboff
Nancy & Lloyd Gilbert
Karen & Steven Grey*
Jacqui & Alex Jacobs
Hannah & Marshall Kramer*
Ricki Breskin-Kulkin & Marshall Kulkin*
Sheryl Zohn & Rob Kutner
Mandy & David Lande
Mallory & Greg Lee
Rabbi Susan Laemmle & John Antignas•
Gabriela & Elie Litov
Rishelle & Eric Maman
Linda & Mike Mamann
Lisa & Alan Petlak*
Susan & Joshua Pretsky*
Nina & Michael Reinis*
Fredi & Rabbi Joel Rembaum•
Harvey Richz’’l
Lisa & Larry Rosenstein
Dr. Erica & Daniel Rothblum
Linda & Lee Salem
Tobie & Larry Schwimmer
Thelma & Harvey Shaps
Marnie & Steven Stiglitz
Vanessa & Kenny Stoff*
Michelle & Daniel Stone
Sara & Lawrence Tanz
Yana & Bradley Temkin
Michal & Jacob Vaakil
The Wachs Family
Julie & Eric Weissman
Rochelle & David Zohn*•
$5,000 - $9,999
Jennifer & Aaron Aftergood*
Cathy & Michael Barry
Cindy Levey & Larry Braman
Rabbis Hillary & Daniel Chorny*
David Chudnow
Dorit & Joel Cooper
Gloria & Gerald Feldman
Dr. Revital & David Feldman*
Ellen L. & Martin E. Jacobs *
Susan & Lucien Jacobs•
Marcia & Bernard Kamine *
Judy & David Langer*•
Talya Oberfield & Rabbi Ari Lucas*
Cazzie & Aaron Marzwell
Deborah Musher & Rabbi Joseph Menashe
Barbara & Rachmil Hakman
Sara & Jay Sanders
Marshall Temkin•
Marla & Stuart Weiss*
Lisa & Marc Yassinger
Up to $5,000
Michelle & Seth Becker
Drs. Sarah & Mark Benor*
Rosa & Mark Bernstein*
Dale & Morris Brill*
Scott Cohen
Donna & Mathis Chazanov*
Farrah Noah & Jeremy Daniel*
Tanya & Michael Dorff*
Elana & Ori Doron*
Cori & Larry Drasin
Jeremy Druckman
Keren & Leonard Dunn*
Nina Kleinert Dveirin & Brant Dveirin
Stephanie & Andrew Eisen *
Shelley Elias*•
Gita & Shmuel Feuerstein*•
Cheryl & Edward Finkel*•
Essia Cartoon Fredman & Howard Fredman•
Norm Garr
Connie & Mark Goldberg*•
Rebecca & George Greenberg
Lisa Feldman & Brian Greene
Sharon & Brad Grob
Lea Gemmel & Adam Grossman*
Elizabeth & Daniel Harrison
Susan & Ofer Hetsroni
Daria & Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman*
Sue Caren Hoffman & Paul Gordon Hoffman*•
Adena & Gil Hopenstand*
The Philip Klaparda Family
Mary Kohav*
Janet Kuris-Doherty*
Michelle Fellner & Paul Lerner*
Alan S. Levy*
Nina & Salvador Litvak
Linda & Dr. Marvin Kamras*•
Dina & Rabbi Gordon Bernat-Kunin
Roberta Feinberg & Ely Malkin
Juliette & Noam Maor*
Suzanne Weiss Morgen & Henry J. Morgen
Cheryl Noah & Ozias Libovitzi*•
Laurie & Stephen Parker & Family*•
Sarah Goldberg & Jesse Paster
Debbie Rich
Jana Lehman-Richland & Bruce Richland*
Nina Golden & Jason Rosenbaum
Allison & Seth Rosenzweig*
Liora Rothchild-Reder & Ben Reder
Lois & Richard Reinis*•
Alana & Jonathan Rotter*
Sonia & Michael Rubin
Julie & David Salomon*
Dr. Nina & Rabbi Tal Sessler*
Diane Shapiro
Laura & Michael Steuer
Emily St. Lifer*
Judith Tanz*•
Dafna & Scott Taryle
Eva Tashman *•
Betty & Stuart Tochner
Sharon Webb*
Janet Rich Weissman & David Weissman*
Natalie Weiss & Aaron Willis*
Hilary & Mark Wolf*
Jane & Jack Zuckerman*
Pressman Academy Day School Parent Association
Pressman Academy ECC Parent Association
Gifts As of March 31, 2017
donors took
* These
advantage of the Beth Am
Manor Match to double
the impact of their gift!
• Pressman Academy
Grandparents who made
donations in support of the
Crown of Wisdom Campaign
For more information
or to make a gift, visit
www.tbala.org/giving/
campus-expansion-project
or contact Seth Rosenzweig,
Director of Development at
[email protected]
or (310) 652-7354 x 205.
Our
B’nei Mitzvah
SHOSHANA ROBERTS
Daughter of
Tyson and Naomi Roberts
May 6, 2017
LIANNA LEVINE
Daughter of
Edward and Pamela Levine
May 27, 2017
Bris and Baby Namings
Noah Eliezer Rotter
Son of Alana and Jonathan Rotter
Brother of Talia and Aaron
Born on March 13, 2017
Given the name Noah Eliezer
Akiva Samuel Fields
Son of Jessica Pearlman Fields and Joshua Fields
Born on March 22, 2017
Given the name Akiva Shmuel
Engagements and Weddings
Mazal Tov to:
Jordan Istrin, son of Ann and Ollie Istrin,
and Amy Rebhun,
who were married on April 2, 2017.
IN MEMORIAM
We mourn the passing of:
Ester Aseo, grandmother of Esti (Izak) Saul
Evan Schneider, son of Angel and Alan Schneider,
brother of Cheyenne and Ivy
Yahrzeit Donations
We thank those who support the synagogue community
in memory of their loved ones named below:
Ruth Moed Abelow, Hassiba Abenhaim, Gertrude Altman, John Altman,
D. William Antignas, Abraham Baellow, Jennie Baellow, James Bales,
Sarah Baran, Max Berger, Bernard Bernstein, Jack Birns, Mary Kaplan Blank,
Serena Blumenfeld, Herman Boren, Rina Boren, Larry Braun, Morris Breskin,
Harry Brisman, Nettie Chelst, Edith Cohen, Abraham Cohen, Benjamin Cohen,
Jack Colker, Ann S. Cowan, Benjamin Cowan, Samuel Crane, Charles Elman,
Harry Isaac Elman, Rebecca Feifel, Jerry Feinberg, Myrna Feinberg,
Howard Feinberg, Benjamin Firestone, Lena Firestone, Esther Fisk,
Frieda Gerstel, Ahron Gersten, Ralph Ginsburg, Riva Giterman, Sam Glaser,
Jean Goldstein, Leah Gottesman, Patty Grant, Paul Grossman, Yaghoud Hakim,
Fay Hoffman, William Horwitz, Albert Hurst, Marsha Hurst, Zvi Izakson,
Emma Kaplan, Samuel J.Katz, Marcy Colker Klein, Bertha Fried Knell,
Shirley Koffman-Katz, Aaron Koladny, Sylvia Koladny, Hedy Korman,
Robert Koshner, Ruth Kraushaar, Max Kuperstein, Jeanette Lefko,
David Leon, Mina Lerman, Barnett Lubetkin, Moishe Malicki,
Gertrude Manoli, Eva Marder, Maurice Miller, Haya Newmann, Aurora Parras,
George Peters, Joseph Pflug, Marcia Pflug, Julius Polan, Carl Prager,
Max Rabin, Sara Rabin, David Rebarber, Irene Rebarber, Ernest Reizmann,
Yehudit Ron, Betty Roth, Charles Sachs, Mark Savinskiy, Willaim Schecter,
Tauba Schuster, Raymond Schweiger, Harold Segel, Manny Serber,
Mousa Shafajoo, Ellen Silk, Aaron Silvera, Emma Silvera, Sara Spitzer,
Annette Spronz, Hilda Spronz, Horace Sudar, Virginia Tzadok, Akhtar Victory,
Louis Vodovoz, Avram Wasserman, Elaine Weiss, Paul Weissfeld,
Mordechai Zerbib, Cilly Ziering, Isaac Ziering, Hyman Zimmerman
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
ohtcv ohfurc
We welcome the following New Members to our Temple Beth Am family
(as of 4/10/17):
Arik & Yamit Betesh
Brent & Adriana Bodner
Samuel & Sara Cohen
Emil & Forouzan Khalili
Wayne & Lauren Klitofsky
Daniel & Michal Landau
Dror & Hilla Mohar
Justin & Gilda Nassir
Michael & Sara Onufer
Laurence & Iris Orbuch
Jennifer Medina & Josh Pashman
Danny & Adi Siag
Raymond & Karen Zolekhian
To our Temple Beth Am Family:
Thank you so much for your well-wishes for Stan.
We feel blessed knowing that so many are thinking of him.
With Gratitude,
Stan & Leona Sperling
5 Kol Ha’am
MAY 2017 CALENDAR
CLASSES OF THE REMBAUM INSTITUTE OF ADULT
EDUCATION AND FAMILY PROGRAMMING
For information and class sign-ups, visit www.tbala.org/classes,
or email [email protected], or call Lia Mandelbaum at
(310) 652-7354 x 215
5
6:15 p.m. - NESHAMA MINYAN KABBALAT SHABBAT
followed by Community Shabbat Dinner.
RSVP for dinner at www.tbala.org/communityshabbat
HUMASH WITH RASHI WITH RABBI ADAM KLIGFELD
Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 at 8:30 a.m.
Study Rashi’s original Hebrew commentary on the text of the Torah.
MINI SIDDUR CLASS WITH RABBI AVI HAVIVI
Tuesday mornings for 20 min after minyan
12
LIBRARY MINYAN MISHNAH STUDY
Shabbat Mornings, 9:20 - 9:40 a.m.
Rabbis, teachers, and other members of the Library Minyan will take turns
teaching a weekly session in Mishnah on Tractate Avot.
NEW CLASS! OUR RADICAL BIBLE COMMENTATORS WITH RABBI JOEL REMBAUM
5 remaining Evening Sessions (mostly Wednesdays) – May 3, May 10,
May 17, May 23, (note Tuesday evening), and June 7, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
The past century was a period of innovative — indeed, often radical —
Jewish Bible exegesis. 1000-1300 CE also saw the emergence of bold new
approaches to the reading of Scripture. We will read excerpts from the
works of Rashi, Halevi, Rambam, Ramban, and the Zohar as we explore this
fascinating expansion of Jewish Biblical interpretation. Texts will be available
in Hebrew and English. A basic familiarity with Biblical traditions is preferred
but not required. RSVP to Cori at [email protected]
DEPICTION OF ISRAEL IN MODERN HEBREW POETRY:
THE CASE OF YEHUDA AMICHAI WITH DR. BARUCH LINK
May 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday
5:30 p.m. - SHIR KABBALAT SHABBAT SERVICE
for families with young children, followed by family
dinner.
RSVP for dinner at www.tbala.org/kabbalatshabbat
Friday
FAMILY SHABBATON AT CAMP RAMAH
(through Sunday, May 14)
7:30 p.m. YABA SHABBAT DINNER (20s & 30s)
at Corning House. RSVP to [email protected]
13
14
19
21
Saturday
WOMEN’S SHABBAT (Sanctuary)
Followed by Torah Fund Luncheon
Sunday
MOTHERS’ DAY
LAG B’OMER
Friday
6:00 p.m. - TEEN MINYAN KABBALAT SHABBAT
AND DINNER
RSVP to [email protected]
Sunday
TBA/JPA GALA
A NIGHT OF DREAMS
See cover for details
or visit www.tbala.org/gala
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Continued from page 1
Mark Your Calendar!
Temple Beth Am Annual Meeting
& Election of Officers and Board
Wednesday, May 24th – 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a delicious Italian dinner and discussion as we
review the past year and share plans for the next year.
Officers and Board members will be elected for 2017-18.
FREE (for all TBA members)
RSVP by May 19 to [email protected]
or call (310) 652-7354 x223.
Kol Ha’am 6
Every day from Pesah to Shavuot before it all dried out and
flew away.
I think it is a perfect metaphor for the Night of Dreams Gala.
I look forward to seeing you when we come together and share
some enthusiasm and resources – our “harvests”. Let’s enjoy
a wonderful evening of community and celebration, and honor
the memory of our dear friend Howard Pilch. Howard brought
his best to us at Temple Beth Am, with earnest dedication and
he inspired many to do the same.
I hope you will join me on May 21 to follow his example, bring
our best selves, honor his legacy, and support Temple Beth Am.
Warmly,
Susan Hetsroni
Daily
Minyan
Times
23
24
29
30
31
FRIDAY NIGHTS
MORNING MINYAN:
EVENING MINYAN
Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
Sunday & Federal Holidays: 8:00 a.m.
May 30 (Erev Shavuot)
7:30 p.m.
May 2, 24 and 26: 7:15 a.m. (Yom Ha’atzmaut,
Yom Yerushalayim, Rosh Hodesh)
May 31 (Shavuot Minha) 8:00 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
Saturday: 90 minutes before
the end of Shabbat
Tuesday - 7:45 p.m.
ART OF THE ACADEMY OPENING NIGHT
Wednesday - 6:30 p.m.
TBA ANNUAL MEETING AND
ELECTION OF BOARD & OFFICERS
Monday
MEMORIAL DAY
Temple and School Offices Closed
Tuesday
Temple and School Offices Closed
EREV SHAVUOT
7:30 p.m. EVENING MINYAN FOLLOWED BY
ALL-NIGHT TIKKUN
See back cover for details
Wednesday
1ST DAY SHAVUOT
9:30 a.m. Combined Services
Saturday Morning Services
Meditation Plus
9:15 a.m. - Whiteman Conference Room
Shir Hadash
9:15 a.m. – Sanctuary
May 13 – Women’s Shabbat
Beitenu
9:15 a.m. KIDdush Club
10:00 a.m. Services
Pilch Hall
Library Minyan
9:45 a.m. – Dorff Nelson Chapel
May 20 – Torah Club 5th Year Anniversary/
End-of-Year Celebration
Torah Portion
May 6
May 13 May 20
May 27
Acharei-Kedoshim
Emor
Behar-Bechukotai
Bamidbar
Candle Lighting
May 5
May 12
May 19
May 26
7:22 p.m.
7:27 p.m.
7:32 p.m.
7:37 p.m.
7 Kol Ha’am
FROM OUR
HEAD OF SCHOOL
March 27, 2017/
29 Adar 5777
L.A.
Count
Scienc y
e
Fair
F
lags and falafel on Yom Ha-atzmaut. Remembering on
Yom Ha-shoah. Lighting the hanukkiyah with our Magen
partners on Hanukkah. And all of those class celebrations
– all orchestrated by Jill Linder, who, as she says, likes to
“emphasize the joys and remember the oys!”
When Jill began as the Judaic Studies Principal at
Pressman Academy twelve years ago, the Hebrew
immersion program was in its infancy, and the school was
beginning to find a new path in its Hebrew and Judaic Studies academic program.
Under her leadership, the school forged partnerships with Facing History and
Ourselves, Hebrew at the Center, JTS’ TaNaKH Standards and Benchmarks
Program, Pardes, and Bonayich, and deepened existing partnerships, like the
school’s now twenty year-old partnership with the Magen School in Tel Aviv
as well as with the Hebrew/Judaic Studies TaL AM/iTaLAM program. These
partnerships have had a profound impact on the school’s program and on the
teachers. “I’m very proud of how the teachers view themselves. They started out
seeing themselves as Hebrew language teachers,” Jill explained, “and now they
see themselves as Judaic Studies teachers as well because of the professional
development we provided.”
Jill was responsible for the
Judaic Studies curriculum and
instruction in the Elementary
and Middle Schools, while also
overseeing the parts of the
program that make Judaism
come alive. Her eyes light up
as she speaks about some
of the particularly special
From the 2017 UnGala (L to R):
celebrations, such as the
Dr
Erica
Rothblum, Jill Linder, Michelle Barton
celebrations Pressman held
surrounding Israel’s 60th birthday. “There was a Tzofim (Israeli Scouts) concert. A
shuk on the roof where kids bought their m’laf’fonim and Bissli and ate in the Beit
Cafe. It was a statement of what we are all about.”
We know from all of our data that students love “doing Jewish” and being
Jewish. Our graduates continue on to Jewish education in exceptionally high
numbers and incorporate Judaism into their lives in meaningful ways. Much of
this is due to Pressman being the kind of school where kids breathe in Judaism.
The ethos of the school and the core values of the school guide the students
from within to be kind, thoughtful mensches who love their Judaism. We know
that so much of this is due to Jill’s leadership and commitment. As Ha-morah
Sigal Abukrat shared, “Jill is like a loving gardener. She makes sure that everyone
has everything they need to grow. She is patient, optimistic, and caring. She
makes sure we use opportunities for professional growth to learn new things
and flourish as teachers. She takes her time sitting with us and listening and
always providing guidance.” We are so appreciative for all that Jill has done for
Pressman Academy, and we thank her for her dedication as our Judaic Studies
Principal over the last twelve years.
Todah Rabbah!
Dr. Erica Rothblum
Kol Ha’am 8
Dear Pressman Academy
and Temple Beth Am Families,
T
he annual Los Angeles County Science Fair was
held from March 23rd-26th in Pasadena. The
competition consisted of almost 1,000 students
from all over Los Angeles County. Among them
were thirteen students from Pressman Academy.
They included: 8th graders Len Korol, Hannah
Kupferwasser, and Molly Litvak; 7th graders Jonah
Bard, Eliana Becker, Harrison Feld, Kaila Nassir,
Georgia Reder, Talia Tizabi, Adam Weissman, and
Joshua Weissman; and 6th graders Noah Elad
and Eitan Feldman.
The following students received awards at the fair:
• Talia Tizabi - 2nd Place - Behavioral Science Humans for her project “App-Solutely
Irresistable”
• Eliana Becker- Honorable Mention - Behavioral
Science - Humans for her project “This is How
We Scroll: Paper vs. Screen”
• Harrison Feld- Honorable Mention - Behavioral
Science - Humans for his project “Fonts, The
Cure for Forgetfulness”
• Joshua Weissman- Honorable Mention Behavioral Science - Humans for his project
“Effect of Lighting on Color Perception”
• Eitan Feldman- Honorable Mention Engineering Research for his project “Work
Every Angle: How to Get More Power from
Wind Turbines”
• Adam Weissman- Honorable Mention Engineering Research for his project “Is Using
Your Cell Phone Dangerous to Your Health?”
Kol Ha-kavod to Talia Tizabi who has been invited
to represent Los Angeles County at The California
State Science Fair, to be held April 24th-25th at
the California Science Center.
Congratulations to all the
students who participated!
AN OUTSTRETCHED ARM
Dear Sisters and Friends,
S
o what is your next adventure now that Pesah is over?
The holidays form the everyday us.
On May 13th we will celebrate women in our TBA
community at a very special Women’s Shabbat. TBA’s
Sisterhood is a longtime believer and devoted supporter
of the Torah Fund and the four designated supported
institutions: The Jewish Theological Seminary in New
York, the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles,
Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano in Buenos Aires, and
the Schecter Rabbinical Seminary in Jerusalem.
These institutions educate and support our future leaders;
our future Rabbis, Cantors, and educators, people that are
committed to the future of Jewish people and improving the
world. Please, join us in our efforts and show your support
to this extremely worthy cause at the luncheon immediately
following Shabbat morning Services. The proceeds from this
celebratory event will benefit the Torah Fund. For more
information please visit www.tbala.org/torahfund or call
(323) 394-8511.
Last month we held a make your own kippah and tallit
workshop. This was a unique opportunity to work with an
amazing and extremely talented artist Rosemary Cohen,
to understand and appreciate our Jewish prayer customs
as well as to create the prayer garments. Yasher Koah to
Rosemary!
Many thanks for the time and efforts of Cathy Turkell,
Marlene Braer and Rosana Chermisqui for making this
wonderful event happen and to all of you who participated. A
special Yasher Koah to those who donated the garments they
created to Jewish women in need in our TBA community.
Lastly, I would like to wish all mothers a Happy Mother’s
Day! You can only have ONE mother. With gratitude to all
of the blessings in our lives, MOMs always have a special
place in our hearts. We wish much health and happiness to
all Mothers and pray for peace in their neshama.
For those of us who no longer have our Moms, we will
be remembering them for the love, values, strength and
confidence they gave us that continues to show us the way
as we journey through life.
Please, check your Shabbat Bulletin and join us for any of
the following upcoming events:
• Majong Night
• Mystery Book Club
• Novel Book Club
• Rosh Hodesh a Women’s gathering.
B’Shalom,
Stella Ezros
Sisterhood President
O
n March 26, the Refugee Task Force
hosted a wonderful pre-Pesah “Global
Freedom Forum” called An Outstretched Arm,
an interfaith program focusing on themes of
freedom and refuge, linking our history and
values to the current refugee crisis. Community
partners included Habonim Dror Camp Gilboa,
Pacifica Institute, Jewish World Watch, IKAR,
and the Tiyya Foundation. The afternoon started with an interfaith
panel including Rabbi Kligfeld, and leaders from the Muslim, Christian,
and Baha’i’ communities, all sharing teachings from their own traditions
around justice, equality, and welcoming of the stranger. The second panel
was made up of people willing to share their personal journeys of fleeing
and seeking refuge in the United States. While the panels took place,
kids participated in an interactive program lead by staff of Camp Gilboa.
They spent time engaged in an activity where they filled in outlines of
people to create a representation of what we all need in order to live
happy, fulfilled lives, to understand what is lost when people must leave
their homes and communities, and to see how our own communities can
welcome refugees and support them as they rebuild their lives.
Following the panel, there was a “foods of freedom” tasting, and an
information gathering with advocacy and volunteer opportunities, as
well as resources to incorporate refugee crises into Passover Seders
gathering on advocacy opportunities. There was a tasting station made
up of Charoset from all over the world, including Iraq, Iran, Chile, Yemen
and more. There was “If not for me” soup from Mozambique, Turkish
Burma Baklava, and and Southern Tea Cakes commonly used to celebrate
“Juneteenth. Opposite the Freedom Foods were information tables for
advocacy, volunteering, and Seder resources. Participants were invited
to call, email, or write to the White House and members of Congress,
and suggested messages were provided from HIAS, Jewish World
Watch, and the UNHCR. At the table, kids filled out postcards that were
later mailed to Washington DC. There were also representatives from
Jewish World Watch and the Tiyya Foundation who shared information
about how to take action to help refugees in the LA area and those who
are still suffering abroad. To learn more info about the volunteer and
advocacy opportunities, as well as “Freedom Food” recipes, please visit
www.tbala.org/freedomresources. To read up on the panelists, please visit
www.tbala.org/freedom. Keep your eyes and ears open for more from
the Refugee Task Force!!
9 Kol Ha’am
TORAH CLUB NEWS
Y
asher koach to Torah Club members Mira Berenbaum, Jordan
Feldman, Ellie Ferd, Hannah Friedman, Sophia Goldberg, Noa
Kligfeld, David Schimmel, Adam Tizabi, Jonah Tochner, and Maya
Tochner for reading Torah, haftarah, and leading davening in Library
Minyan on March 18.
Thanks and yasher koach to Torah Cub members Tobey Lee and Aviva
Miller for helping out with Torah reading in Beitenu on March 25.
Yasher koach to Torah Club members Eitan Feldman and Molly
Menashe for participating in 6th Grade Shabbat on April 1.
Yasher koach to Judah Braman, Avrami Hacker, Ethan Kaufman,
Ayden Kligfeld, Samantha Linderman, Molly Menashe, Rachel Metzger,
Liv Reinis, Mikayla Weissberg for reading Torah, haftarah, and leading
davening in Beitenu on April 8.
Yasher koach to Torah Club members Lior Berrin, Ophir Berrin, and
Ayden Kligfeld for being the Torah readers in Hama’alot on April 15.
Yasher koach to Torah Club members Jamie Berman, Ellie Ferd, Leor
Kaminski, Tobey Lee, and Joseph Rosenbaum for being the guest
Torah readers at Hollywood Temple Beth El on April 22.
Kol Ha’am 10
Upcoming
Events
Torah Club members Josh Lefferman, Maia Lefferman, Molly
Menashe, Sarah Pretsky, Jonah Tochner, and Maya Tochner
will be reading Torah at the Beth Am Shabbaton on May 13 at
Camp Ramah.
Please join us for our 5th anniversary/end-of-year celebration on
May 20 in Library Minyan! We will be celebrating five years of
Torah Club and sending our first group of graduating seniors
off to college: Ayelet Goldman, Danit Hetsroni, and Noah Lee.
Torah Club members Jamie Berman, Ayelet Goldman, Danit
Hetsroni, Itai Koronyo, Noah Lee, Aviva Miller, Moriah
Pretsky, and Natan Rosenbaum will be reading Torah, while
Yaacov Broidy will be reading haftarah. Dava Braman, Daphna
Eisen, Maia Lefferman, Sarah Pretsky, Joseph Rosenbaum,
Daniel Schrager, Noah Weissberg, and Adam Weissman will
participate in and help lead the service.
Temple Beth Am Gratefully Acknowledges Donations through April 5, 2017
GENERAL FUND
IN HONOR OF
Elia Cohen & Hila Emanuel’s marriage
Susan & Ofer Hetsroni
Ayden Kligfeld’s Bat Mitzvah
Angel & Alan Schneider, Tina & Leon Kaminski
The birth of Adam & Anastasia Krymer
Susan & Ofer Hetsroni
Rita Shachar & Harvey Rosen’s marriage
Susan & Ofer Hetsroni
The birth of baby boy Rotter
Marnie & Steve Stiglitz
Marit Pearlman Shapiro & Elie Toubiana’s engagement
Angel & Alan Schneider
IN MEMORY OF
Mildred Hellerstein
Harper Puziss
Barbara Rabin
Susan Laemmle & John Antignas,
Melissa & Michael Berenbaum, Susan & Ofer Hetsroni
Susan & Ofer Hetsroni
Nancy & Allan Rabin
BILL STRICK MEMORIAL HELPING HAND FUND
IN HONOR OF
The birth of Lena Birdy
Ayden Kligfeld’s Bat Mitzvah
The birth of Adam & Anastasia Krymer
IN MEMORY OF
Marvin Rosenstein
Rosanne Keynan
Allan Tobin
Rosanne Keynan, Kathe Pilch
Sherri & Mike Cohn
JEWISH LEARNING CENTER
IN MEMORY OF
Mike Maman
Sherri & Mike Cohn, Lyle & Pam Kurtz, Lynn & Richard Nightingale
Abbey Klein
MARCY COLKER KLEIN/BARRY SHAPIRO MEMORIAL FUND
IN HONOR OF
Thank you to all my Beth Am Friends, much love
Kierra & Micki
IN MEMORY OF
Barbara Rabin
Dvorah Colker
Shirley Donnenfeld
Shalene & Alan Hersh
LAINER LIBRARY
IN HONOR OF
The birth of Adam & Anastasia Krymer
The birth of baby boy Rotter
Essia & Howard Fredman
Essia & Howard Fredman
IN MEMORY OF
Mildred Hellerstein
Essia & Howard Fredman
RABBI MALKUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
IN HONOR OF
Morah Rita Shachar & Harvey Rosen’s marriage
IN MEMORY OF
Mildred Hellerstein
Jules Fisher & Family
Caryn & Rabbi Mitch Malkus
Jessica Pearlman Fields & Joshua Fields
Rachel & Avner Gereboff, Caryl & Michael Kligfeld,
Barbara & Louis Lesser
Rabbi Matt Shapiro
Rachel Weber & Rabbi Ephraim Pelcovits
IN MEMORY OF
Jason Fenton
Mike Maman
Barbara Rabin
Miri Avraham & Doron Zaccai
Angel & Alan Schneider
Bonnie Blitzstein
PRESSMAN ACADEMY DAY SCHOOL
IN MEMORY OF Mildred Hellerstein
Vivian & Ron Alberts, Sandy & Mayer Brenner,
Sherri & Mike Cohn, Elyssa & Gilad Elbaz, Dafna & Scott Taryle
Alec Kiperstin
Andrea & Noah Jussim
PRESSMAN ACADEMY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
IN MEMORY OF
Mildred Hellerstein
PURIM BASKETS
IN HONOR OF
Thank You TBA Families for the Purim Box & the good wishes
Sheila & Alan Spiwak
Ruth Moll
DONATION
Rose Pilch
Joan Lipin
Agnes & Semyon Emert
IN MEMORY OF
Barbara Rabin
Sherri & Mike Cohn
YOUTH DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN HONOR OF
Eliana Becker’s Bat Mitzvah
Ayden Kligfeld’s Bat Mitzvah
Rachel Sisk
Rachel Sisk
DAILY MINYAN
IN HONOR OF
Hagbah & Aliyah
Robert Bird
IN MEMORY OF
Louis Jaffee’s yahrzeit
Martin Jaffee
RABBI KLIGFELD’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Ayden’s bat mitzvah
Rabbi Kligfeld
RABBI LUCAS’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
IN HONOR OF
Officiating at Noah’s Bris
Lily Artenstein
Steven Shapiro
Cathie-Ann Lippman and Jules Kamin
Alana and Jonathan Rotter
LIBRARY MINYAN FUND
IN HONOR OF
Granddaughter of Rabbi Karen Fox & Mickey Rosen
Jules Kamin & Cathie-Ann Lippman
Rotter family new baby boy
Susan Laemmle,
Jules Kamin & Cathie-Ann Lippman
New granddaughter of Stan & Val Goldstein
Scott Ben-Yashar & Rabbi Carla Howard
New granddaughter of Bob & Sandra Braun
Scott Ben-Yashar & Rabbi Carla Howard
New granddaughter of Irene & Norm Saiger
Scott Ben-Yashar & Rabbi Carla Howard
Our anniversary
Bob & Diane Roosth
Michael Bazyler winning 2016 National Jewish Book Award Don & Manya Beier
Anniversary of Joel Warren & Judy Weintraub
Joel Warren & Judy Weintraub
50th anniversary of Steve Spronz’s Bar Mitzvah
Lillian Gelberg & Steve Spronz
60th anniversary of Jules Kamin’s Bar Mitzvah
Jules Kamin & Cathie-Ann Lippman
Norm Saiger’s Birthday
Perry & Rena Horowitz
Birth of granddaughter, Mika Kai Perry & Rena Horowitz
Lecture by Daniel Stein Kokin Allan & Laraine Kokin
Our anniversary and Wanda’s birthday Avi & Wanda Peretz
10th anniversary of Marisa Holt’s Bat Mitzvah Paul & Caroline Miller
IN MEMORY OF
Yarzheit of my mother
Yarzheit of father, Henry Shershow
Yarzheits of parents Isaac & Maisie Zagnoev
Yarzheit of Kathy Rosenblatt’s mother
Yarzheit of Minoo’s father
My mother’s yartzeit
Yarzheit of my father, Harry Isaac Elman
Yarzheit of my brother, Charles Elman
Anita Happel
Dianne Shershow
Essia Cartoon-Fredman
Barry & Kathy Rosenblatt
Minoo Bahremand & Janet Parviziar
Debbie Rich
Anthony Elman
Anthony Elman
SISTERHOOD DONATIONS
To place a Sisterhood Tribute, contact Marlene Glaser
at (310) 550-1738 or email: [email protected]
MAZEL TOV!
Dvorah Colker
Rebecca, George and Oliver Greenberg
Kiera’s Wedding
Viktor and Yelena Krymer
Cathy and Jeff Turkell
Birth of Twin Grandchildren, Adam Alan and Anastasia Aria
SPEEDY RECOVERY
Stan Sperling
DONATIONS
Rozy Gersten
Esther Silon
CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
IN HONOR OF
Eliana Becker’s Bat Mitzvah
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TEEN PROGRAMS IN ISRAEL
IN HONOR OF
Ayden Kligfeld’s Bat Mitzvah
IN MEMORY OF
Barbara Rabin
LAURA & SID KLEIN MEMORIAL FUND
IN MEMORY OF
Abraham Horowitz’ yahrzeit
PRAYER BOOK FUND
IN HONOR OF
The birth of Akiva Samuel Fields
Ayden Kligfeld’s Bat Mitzvah
Miri Avraham & Doron Zaccai
The Torgan Family
REMBAUM INSTITUTE ADULT EDUCATION & FAMILY PROGRAMMING
IN MEMORY OF
Marilynn Greene
Sherri & Mike Cohn
CONDOLENCES
Dina Hellerstein and Family
Loss of Mother, Mildred
Kitty Justin & Family
Loss of Zolton
Eric Maman and Family
Loss of Father, Mike
Bruce Schweiger and Family
Loss of Mother and Grandmother, Barbara
Mikie Bernstein
Jessica, Mark, Chason, Eleanor & Sienna Samuel
Mikie Bernstein
Jessica, Mark, Chason, Eleanor & Sienna Samuel
Tami and Marv Greenstein
11 Kol Ha’am
Kol Ha’am (USPS 008-599)
Temple Beth Am
1039 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507
Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles,
California and additional mailing offices.
Save The Date!
Friday, June 16, 2017
Community Shabbat Dinner
and Board Installation
with presentation of the
Ben Siegel Community Service Award
to Dianne Shershow
Kol HaKolot,
Hear All Our Voices
Erev Shavuot Tikkun at Temple Beth Am
Beginning at sundown on Tuesday night, May 30 and continuing through the night;
Sunrise Shacharit on Wednesday morning, May 31.
This year for Shavuot 2017, Temple Beth Am will focus our learning and energy on Kol HaKolot, Hear All our Voices.
Last year we focused on our Torah, this year we must focus on the Torah we can learn from listening to all the voices
that make up our joint tapestry. We are excited to engage in conversations, dive into personal story and traditional
texts, and expose our voices for all to absorb and adapt as our own. We welcome members of these communities
to share their bold voices: Islamic, Christian, LGBTQ, refugee, Israel-advocacy, medical, diverse denomination
synagogues, etc. Special program for teens, too! Join us for a night of choices, such as: music, food, narrative, panels,
dialogue, interview, comedy, art and much more!
Watch your email for a detailed schedule, or visit www.tbala.org/tikkun
Thank you to our growing list of co-sponsors, including (as of press time):
Temple Beth Am / Pressman Academy; Pico Union Project;
Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies; JQ International;
NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change;
Temple Israel of Hollywood; Shalhevet High School;
The Youth & Gender Media Project; Beth Chayim Chadashim;