April 2015
Nisan/Iyyar 5775
Scholar-in-Residence Weekend
with Rabbi Irwin Kula
May 1–3
Program Topics
Beyond Tribe and Creed: Religion
as a Path to Human Flourishing
The Technology of Mitzvot:
Is There an App for That?
Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred
Messiness of Life
Our Scholar-in-Residence Weekend is made possible in part by the generous support of the Temple Beth-El Foundation,
the Birmingham Jewish Foundation and the Independent Presbyterian Church Focus on Faith Committee.
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APRIL 2015
RELIGIOUS SERVICE SCHEDULE
April 3
Erev Shabbat/Pesach/
Maariv
5:45 pm
Candle lighting
6:51 pm
First Seder at Home
April 4
April 5
April 9
April 10
April 11
PROFESSIONAL STAFF & BOARD
Rabbi
Randall J. Konigsburg
[email protected]
Director of Congregational Rabbi Joseph Robinson
Learning
[email protected]
1st Day of Pesach
9:30 am
Maftir: Dalia Abrams
Shabbat Mincha
5:30 pm
Second Seder at Home
Executive Director
Bob Greenberg
[email protected]
Foundation
Executive Director
Robin Gotlieb
[email protected]
2nd Day of Pesach
Maftir: Larry Brook
Mincha
Bookkeeper
Tammy McClellan
[email protected]
Communications
Lindsey Herring
[email protected]
Events/Kitchen
Debby Thomas
[email protected]
Administration
Emily Gregory
[email protected]
Youth Programs
Taryn Fink
[email protected]
9:30 am
5:30 pm
Maariv for Yom Tov 5:30 pm
Candle lighting
6:55 pm
7th Day of Pesach
Maftir: Eph Mazer
Mincha/Maariv
Candle lighting
9:30 am
5:45 pm
6:56 pm
Meditation Service 9:00 am
8th Day of Pesach
9:30 am
Yizkor
Maftir: Chevra Kadisha
Mincha/Maariv
5:30 pm
President
Officers
Loraine Reznik
[email protected]
April 17
Erev Shabbat
Candle lighting
5:45 pm
7:01 pm
Vice President
Dan Weinrib
[email protected]
April 18
Parashat Shmini
9:30 am
Maftir: Melissa Stein
Shabbat Mincha
5:30 pm
Vice President
Jessica Goldstein
[email protected]
Vice President
Eddie Griffith
[email protected]
Secretary
Barbara Brande
[email protected]
Treasurer
Steven Sikora
[email protected]
April 24
April 25
Erev Shabbat
Candle lighting
5:45 pm
7:07 pm
Saturday morning
9:30 am
Parashat Tazria-Metzora
Maftir: David Reznik
Shabbat Mincha
5:30 pm
WEEKDAY SERVICE SCHEDULE
Daily Morning Minyan
Sundays & Secular Holidays
Daily Afternoon Minyan
Saturday Afternoon Minyan
7:00 am
8:00 am
5:30 pm
5:30 pm
Visit www.templebeth-el.net to livestream services.
2014-2015 Board of Directors: Michelle Bearman-Wolnek, Danielle
Bogart, Barbara Bonfield, Dan Burnick, Steven Corenblum, Tracy
Diamond, Todd Doobrow, Lisa Engel, Warren Gewant, Allen
Halpern, Jacob Halpern, Naomi Kipp, Matt Swerdlin, Evan Rhodes,
Ben Rosenbaum, Rebecca Rothman, Wendy Rutkoff, Stuart
Shiland, Rhonda Siegel, Natalie Sikora, Tim Thornton, Alan
Weintraub, Melvin Zivitz
Past Presidents: Karl Friedman, Howard Bearman, J.B. Mazer,
Myron Radwin, Morton Stern, Julian Brook, Norman Berk, Maury
Shevin, Joan Lebow, Ron Froehlich, Ronald Shiland, Gary Gordon,
Jack Schaeffer, Martin Damsky, Jimmy Krell, Steven Corenblum,
Barbara Solomon, Seth Wolnek, Franklin Tessler, Vikki Grodner,
Arlene Fisher
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APRIL 2015
From Rabbi Konigsburg: FaithCraft
EXPERIENCING MITZRAYIM
On Pesach, we talk about our people in Mitzrayim. Mitzrayim is
usually translated as “Egypt” but the word could also mean “a
narrow confining space.” Some rabbis, when they talk about
the exodus from Mitzrayim, they speak about an escape from
a very narrow place, perhaps a prison or maybe some other
confining location.
Modern Jews think of Mitzrayim not so much as a place but as a condition. We are
all limited by self-imposed limits. We figuratively imprison ourselves in bad habits
and inflexible thinking. I once heard a public service announcement about a man
who wanted to hire a new manager. His Human Resources person recommended
a dozen employees who had the qualifications for the new position but each one
was rejected by the owner because of race, gender or some other prejudice. The
owner was frustrated that it was so hard to find good employees, and the HR
official could only shake his head that the owner could not see past his bigotry and
find good quality candidates right under his nose.
When we come to synagogue, we too carry similar self-imposed limits as to what
we expect from our Temple. For many people, our impressions of prayer can be
vestiges of how we perceived prayer when we were very young and we never
looked deeper into what kind of experience prayer can be. My friend, Rabbi
Jonathan Slater of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, asks, “When in your own
life, do you sense that you have listened to God’s word – or studied Torah, or
engaged in prayer – as if listening to a harp: beautiful, entertaining, moving – but
not existentially demanding? Or, not directed personally to you? Or, not unique in
that moment and so also eternal and part of God? When have you ‘really’ listened?
What was the difference? How might you nurture hearing with a ‘listening heart’
over just listening?”
If we can get out of the conditions that narrow our vision and be open to new and
different experiences; if we liberate ourselves from our prejudices and see faith as
a path that can help us find sublime beauty in the world; if we can leave the
slavery of expectations and interact with the world as if it were born new each
and every day; if we can do this, we can experience our own exodus from
Mitzrayim, and find our hearts and minds liberated, and we will be ready not to
just listen but to participate in the ongoing discussion with God.
PAGE 4
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APRIL 2015
Message From Foundation Executive Director, Robin Gotlieb
IF YOU HAD $1,000,000.00...
Spring signals a rebirth as dormant flowers push their colorful heads towards the
sun after all the winter weather we have experienced in Birmingham. All of God’s
creation celebrates the season and spring also brings the observance of Passover
to celebrate the deliverance of our ancestors from slavery.
The practice of giving to charity is an important part of many Jewish holiday
celebrations, including Passover. Some think of giving tzedakah as a way of helping others, but it can
also be a spiritual practice that can help, those who choose to give, be more generous and giving in
their everyday lives.
Congregants often ask me to “wait a few years” before beginning the conversation about their
legacy gift to the Foundation. We all feel if we wait a little longer, we will be able to do more.
The following story illustrates the importance of developing a plan for a gift to the Foundation now,
rather than later.
What will you give?
There once was an old farmer who was constantly bragging about how generous he would be if he were only
rich. One night, God sent an angel to test him. The angel asked, “If you had $1 million dollars, would you share
some with God?” “Of course I would” answered the man without hesitation.
“If you lived in a mansion, would you let God have a room?” the angel asked. Again, the man quickly
answered, “Absolutely.” Finally, the angel asked, “Would you let God use your old horse out back?”
The man thought for a long time and finally answered, “No.” “Why not?” asked the angel.
The man answered, “Because that horse is the only one I have and I need him.”
Moral of the Story:
It’s harder to be generous with things that we actually have than it is with riches we hope to have someday.
Please contact Robin Gotlieb, TBEF Executive Director, to discuss giving options.
[email protected] or (205)933-2794
We have received the following donations since our last bulletin:

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Joyce Spielberger and Maury Shevin made Chai donations to the Tenenbaum/Spielberger Tikkun Olam
Fund wishing Mazal Tov to Lisa and Alan Engel on the birth of their granddaughter and in loving
memory of Julie Bernstein’s mother, Anita Danneman.
Barry Dreayer and Sandra Jaffe made a Chai donation to the Elaine and Sigmond Rosen Fund wishing
Mazal Tov to Lisa and Alan Engel on the birth of their granddaughter.
Lisa Kianoff made “Double Chai” donations to the Kianoff and Katz Family Youth Fund in honor of the
Yahrzeits of Tese Kianoff, beloved mother and grandmother; Nathan Kianoff, beloved father and
grandfather; Della Katz, beloved grandmother; and Helen Goldenberg, beloved Nana.
Keith Abrams made a very generous donation to the Dalia and Keith Abrams Dues Assistance Fund in
honor of Dalia’s birthday.
Billy and Susan Lapidus made a donation to the Maxine and Stanley Lapidus Special Projects Fund in
memory of Julie Bernstein’s mother, Anita Danneman.
Candace Caine made a very generous contribution in loving memory of her mother, Etta Caine, to the Etta
Caine Kiddush Luncheon Fund.
APRIL 2015
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SPECIAL PROGRAMS: MAY 1-3
Scholar-in-Residence: Rabbi Irwin Kula
Friday, May 1
Beyond Tribe and Creed: Religion as a Path to Human Flourishing
Oneg/Reception: 5:30 pm
Shabbat Service and Presentation: 6:00 pm
Location: Temple Beth-El
Saturday, May 2
The Technology of Mitzvot: Is There an App for That?
Service: 9:30 am with Kiddush Luncheon to follow
Location: Temple Beth-El
Sunday May 3
Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life
Light Breakfast: 9:30 am
Presentation and Book Discussion: 10:00 am
Location: Independent Presbyterian Church (3100 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham, AL 35205)
*For a complete description of programs, visit www.templebeth-el.net.
Childcare available during all presentations.
In his book Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life, Rabbi Kula inspires us to
explore our spiritual desires further, and reveals how to utilize our
yearnings as a path to self-discovery and a means to creating a more
meaningful, impactful relationship with God.
To attend or host a book group with Temple Beth-El and Independent
Presbyterian Church members, contact Rhoda Fleisig at
[email protected] or Michelle Bearman-Wolnek at
[email protected].
Books are available for purchase at the Little Professor Book Store, where
you will receive a 20 percent discount. There also will be copies available
for purchase at the synagogue.
About Rabbi Irwin Kula
Rabbi Kula is a nationally recognized spiritual leader. He received a 2008 Walter Cronkite
award for work “toward equality, liberty and a truly inter-religious community.” Fast
Company magazine and Religion and Ethics Newsweekly (PBS) both named him one of
the leaders shaping the American spiritual landscape. He also has been listed in Newsweek
as one of America's “Most Influential Rabbis,” and regularly appears on NBC’s “The Today
Show.”
Rabbi Kula has written a number of influential texts on religion and spirituality. His book,
Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life, won a “Books for a Better Life”
award and was named one of the “Best Spiritual Books of 2006” by Spirituality & Health.
*Temple Beth-El is committed to communal lifelong learning. Come learn with us.
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APRIL 2015
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
SATURDAY MORNING MEDITATION SERVICE: April 11
Temple Beth-El’s next Meditation Service will occur on Saturday, April 11,
beginning at 9:00 am. We will offer a program of Jewish Mindful Meditation,
chanting and a look at Torah text from a spiritual point of view. It also will
serve as preparation for our traditional prayer practice/service, which will
follow at 9:30 am.
Everyone is invited to this monthly service: beginners and those who have experience with Mindful
Meditation. For information about the service, meditation and Jewish spirituality, contact Rabbi
Konigsburg at the Temple Beth-El office by calling 933.2740.
All Roads Lead to TBE...
Please join us on Friday, May 8, 2015, as we officially welcome Rabbi
Joseph Robinson and Family to Temple Beth-El and celebrate his first year
as our director of congregational learning.
5:45 pm: Shabbat services led by all TBE Religious School students
7 pm: Special Shabbat Meat Dinner in the TBE Cultural Center
Adults (ages 13 & up): $18
Children ages 12 & under: Free
Please call the TBE office or visit www.templebeth-el.net before
Wednesday, May 6, for dinner reservations. Space is limited.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! (
AS OF MARCH 10)
Julia and Evan Salter
3651 Bermuda Drive
Birmingham, AL 35210
Susan and Chuck Beard
184 Grande View Lane
Maylene, AL 35112
Home Phone: 205.616.5269
WHEN FAMILY OR FRIENDS ARE ILL:
If you or someone close to you is hospitalized or becomes ill, please contact the TBE
office as soon as possible. The rabbis regularly visit and contact congregants who are
hospitalized or ill, and it is very important that the Temple be notified in the event a
hospitalization occurs.
Thank you!
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APRIL 2015
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
CELEBRATING BECOMING A BAT MITZVAH!
Melissa Stein
Daughter of Amy and Scott Stein
Saturday, April 18th
9:30 am
Kiddush Luncheon hosted by
Sandy and Morton Stern and Joyce and Gaston Stein
YOM HASHOAH COMMUNITY PROGRAM
Each year, as the events and stories of the Holocaust fade further into the past, our task to keep the
history and the lessons of the Holocaust alive in our community becomes more and more important.
Along with our local Holocaust survivors, who continue to be the main focus of our work and whose
stories have been documented by the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center, we realize there are
second- and third-generation survivors in our midst whose family stories still need to be preserved and
shared.
This year’s Yom HaShoah Commemoration will be at Temple Beth-El on Sunday, April 12, at 3:00 pm,
and we want to feature these stories – your stories.
Our program is entitled:
STORIES REMEMBERED AND RETOLD
The stories of deceased Holocaust survivors as told by their local descendants
If you are interested in having your family’s story included, please contact the BHEC office at
205.795.4176. Although we hope to use all of the submitted stories, we recognize this may not be
possible and some stories will need to be saved for another commemoration event. Join
us in telling the stories to ensure that the Holocaust is remembered and its lessons are
taught. Together we can fulfill the promise of “Never Again.”
Livestreaming of this program will be available at www.templebeth-el.net.
FAMILY PROMISE OF BIRMINGHAM
Temple Emanu-El will host our next rotation for FPOB the week of June 28 with the help of wonderful volunteers
from Temple Beth-El and the entire Jewish community to help provide meals and a warm, safe place to stay each
night during that week. If your child needs volunteer hours, Family Promise is a simple and meaningful way to
earn those hours!
There are several ways you can help, including: providing a meal one night and dining with the guests at Temple,
volunteering to help with set up or clean up on Sunday June 28 or Sunday July 5, helping pick up beds if you own
a truck with a hitch, or volunteering to spend one night at Temple as a chaperone.
Please contact Matt Swerdlin at [email protected] or (202) 747-4271 to ask any questions or
schedule your volunteer time.
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APRIL 2015
Message From Director of Congregational Learning, Rabbi Joseph
A Broken World
The Koznitzer Maggid1 says, “The world is so broken, but our
children can make the world whole again. We break the matzah
[during the Passover seder which becomes the afikomon]; the
small piece we keep, and the big piece – the bigger brokenness –
our children take away [in some families it is hidden]. They bring it
back to us whole.”
That healing potential of our children is one that needs to be
nurtured and fostered in order to aid their efforts in mending the
fractures in the world. We have been taking positive strides to
build the proper scaffolding on their behalf by conducting our factfinding parlor meetings, last month and continuing through this month, with the goal of rebooting our
curriculum. Thank you to those who have already shared valuable feedback in this process.
As we move forward, we anticipate the fractures in education to be fewer and fewer, as well as cherish the
great honor of witnessing our children change the world.
Mending the Fractures
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Come one, come all, to our All Youth Groups Mock Seder. Join us from
4:30 to 6 pm for food, song and community in an effort to prepare us
for Passover. April 1 and we ‘aint fool’ng.
What better way to celebrate and experience our redemption from
Egypt, than to kick up our heels from having to labor over a Friday
night meal? Join the community for our Passover Family Shabbat
Ruach, Friday the 10th at 5:45 pm. Please RSVP with the TBE office.
Communal memory has been a factor in our continued survival
throughout the years. Take to heart the stories and memories of dear
loved ones as we commemorate the Holocaust on Sunday, April 12th,
at 3:00 pm. Our community-wide program is entitled Stories
Remembered and Retold. Be a part of the continued chain of memory.
Once again our Youth Minyan will commandeer portions of our regular Saturday morning Shabbat
service. Our young scholars will take over the Torah and Musaf services on Saturday, April 25. Come
and join the exciting milestone in their learning.
Search for Afiko-Men
Hidden throughout this bulletin are eight Afiko-Men. Be the first under
the age of 13 to find them all and win a prize from Rabbi Joseph!
1
Find my
brothers!
Sorry...I don’t
count as 1 of
the 8!
Yisroel Hopstien (1737–1814) was one of the more important Hasidic leaders of Poland during the 18th
and early 19th centuries. He wrote many books on Hasidut and Kabalah.
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APRIL 2015
April Religious School Calendar
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Ramah Darom Offers Tikvah Program
Ramah Darom is offering a new program in the Southeast. Tikvah at Ramah Darom is a
new four-week Jewish summer experience designed for teen campers diagnosed with
autism spectrum disorder. Summer 2015 programs are offered June 9-July 6 and July 8August 3. To reserve your spot, call 404.531.0801 or visit www.ramahdarom.org/apply.




Sports, swimming, art, boating, campfires… and more
Small cabin groups build social skills and friendships
Develop problem-solving and independent living skills
Gain a sense of autonomy while having fun


Experienced, professionally educated counselors
Engaging, innovative activities inspire a passion for
Jewish values and community
For more information, visit www.CampRamahDarom.org/Programs/Tikvah-Program.
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APRIL 2015
SPEEDY RECOVERY
Best wishes for a speedy recovery and continued good health to:
Bernard Stern and Roz Hellman
CONDOLENCES
With sympathy, we wish the following families peace and love during their time of sorrow:
Anita Allen Danneman
Mother of Julie Bernstein (Randy), Neil Danneman and Jeff Danneman
Frances Jaffe
Mother of Cindy Jaffe Klepak (Gary), Laurie Jaffe Turner (Glenn), Marc Jaffe (Susan) and Susan Jaffe Poole (Laine)
Max (Mendy) Mutchnick
Brother of Marsha Asman (Harry), nephew Eric Asman (Natalie), and niece Toby Siegel (Bert)
May the families be comforted among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
MAZAL TOV
Mazal Tov to Judy Luks on the birth of her grandson, William Benjamin Johnson, on February 25, 2015. Also,
Mazal Tov to great-grandmother, Bertha Luks. Congratulations to proud parents, Rebecca Wearb Johnson and
Seth Johnson, of Jacksonville, FL.
Mazal Tov to Barbara and Gary Gordon on the marriage of their son, Louis, to Shoshana Basha on February 1,
2015. The couple resides in Boston. Shoshana is the daughter of Patricia Dranoff. Louis is the grandson of the late
Sara and Al Gordon, and late Henrietta and Simon Wolf.
April
Mazal Tov to the following on their
Special Birthdays:
Edward Goldberg, Susan Goldstein,
Deborah Gross, Fran Ivker, Roslyn
Mannon, Barbara Royal, Stuart Royal,
& Jonathan Rutkoff
*Special Birthdays are published in the
bulletin beginning
with age 50 and every 5 years
thereafter.
Josif & Fira Charny (62)
Susan & Richard Einhorn (20)
Rochelle & Martin Green (20)
Shelby & Joel Kimerling (1)
Ricki & Lanning Kline (38)
Anna & David Levy (2)
Raena & Kristopher Maday (10)
Toby & Joel Mendler (47)
Kerri & Efram Peller (14)
Harriet & Gilbert Routman (45)
Tatyana & Zanvel Shitsel (59)
Marilyn & Malcolm Sokol (51)
Sari & Barry Spieler (7)
Evdiniya & Boris Zinger (40)
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APRIL 2015
A Special Thank You to All Who Helped Make the
Disco and Diamonds Gala a Success!
Diamond Sponsors
Carol & Jimmy Filler
Brenda & Fred Friedman
The Kimerling Foundation
Levy’s Fine Jewelry
Marjorie Perlman
Harold Ripps
Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center
Emerald Sponsors
Ideal Furniture
Schaeffer Eye Center
Sirote & Permutt, P.C.
Standard Iron & Metal
Ruby Sponsors
Allen Kipp/ARC Realty Alscan Suzanne & Howard Bearman Adrienne & Julian Brook Max Cooper
Sallie & Bruce Downs
Lisa & Alan Engel
Mervyn Epsman
Hannah & Colin Helman
Johns-Ridout’s Funeral Parlors L. Kianoff and Associates, Inc.
Sol Kimerling Sue & Bill Lischkoff
Major Promotions
Lynette & J.B. Mazer Red Wing Shoes
Micky & Stanley Rubenstein
Jimmy Rushton Pam Ruttenberg
Servis 1st Bank Joyce & Arthur Serwitz
Dan Weinrib & Eyal Ron/Allstate
Sapphire Sponsors
Victoria & Gerald Belopolsky
Julie & Harold Ceitlin
Caryn & Steven Corenblum
Toby & Warren Gewant
Karen & Reuben Halpern
Bobby Heilpern
K-Chem, Inc.
Debra & Jeff Lindy
Barbara & Stuart Royal
Sherri & Jeff Weissman
Auction Items, Balloon Pop Items & Donations
Damsky Paper, AAA Plastics, Beth Schaeffer, Slice, Taj India, Maurine & Jacob Halpern, Party City, Icing on the
Cookie, Sushi Village, Nail Envy, Jessica & Michael Goldstein, P.F. Chang’s, Roz Bloomston, Little Savannah, Eli’s
Jerusalem Grill, Jinsei, Crestline Bagel, ICON Performance, Naomi & Allen Kipp, TBE Sisterhood, TBE Sisterhood
Gift Shop, Hampton Inn Downtown Tutwiler, Iron City Grill, Rabbi Joseph Robinson, Emily Hausman, TBE Religious
School, Table Matters, Inverness Country Club, Villager Yoga, Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Cherie Greenberg,
LJCC (Marilyn Leeds, Mary Zarate, Katelyn Crews, Kreston Collins), Angel Hair Salon (Eli Semana, Shlomi Dadon),
S&H Designs, Oak Street Hair Group, Painted Shovel, Stone Hollow Farmstead, TBE Men’s Club, Toby Klein, Alley
Bulka, Amy Soverow, Jamie Jaffe, Darrell Ezekiel, Betsy Marks, Oven To Table, Reuben Halpern, Juarez Boxing,
Barbara & Arieyeh Austin, Andrea & Jeff Shapiro, Melt, Post Office Pies, Avondale Brewery, Amy P Photography,
Wasabi Juan’s, Parkside, HotBox at Parkside, Saw’s, The Pantry in Crestline, George Sarris and The Fish Market,
Highland Golf Course, Red Wing Shoes, Gus Mayer, Starbucks, Yucatan Trading Company, Serendipity Boutique,
Majestic Nails, Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center, Levy’s Fine Jewelry, Ginsburg Dermatology, Nail Couture,
Schaeffer Eye Center, Rebecca & Josh Rothman, Grassroots Wine, Nancy & Doug Lewis, Shari & Greg Friedman,
Lisa & Jim Bor, Meg & Marc Krawitz, Danielle & Alan Weintraub, Melissa & Steve Altmann, Wendy & Jonathan
Rutkoff, Julie Tuck, Food Bar, Little Soles, Lili Pad, Gigi’s, Sexton’s Seafood, Birmingham Bake & Cook Company,
Learning Express, Flower Buds, O’Carrs Restaurant, New York Butcher Shoppe, Cummings Jewelry Design, BAM
Sports Grill, Metropolitan Properties, Susan Bently, Sheldon Black, Edwin & Naomi Fineberg, Kathy & Steven
Goldman, Myra & Eddie Griffith, Ricki & Lanny Kline, Judy Michaelson, Harold Lischkoff, Susan & Stuart Padove,
Amy Sanders, Dorothy Shiland, Stuart & Blythe Shiland, Bari Sokol, Ralph Sokol, Amy & Scott Stein, Gloria
Weintraub
Committee Members & Staff
Barbara Brande, Tracy Diamond (Co-Chair), Arlene Fisher, Maurine Halpern (Co-Chair), Jacob Halpern, Naomi
Kipp, Sue Lischkoff, Rabbi Joseph Robinson, Micky Rubenstein, Beth Schaeffer, Susan Shiland, Tim Thornton,
Danielle Weintraub, Warren Collins, Nico Cusi, Bob Greenberg, Emily Gregory, Sherrie Grunfeld, Lindsey Herring,
Rabbi Randall Konigsburg, Tammy McClellan, Debby Thomas
PAGE 12
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APRIL 2015
Passover Guide
Excerpts and text from the
THE RABBINICAL ASSEMBLY PESACH GUIDE
by Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff and the Committee on Jewish Law & Standards (CJLS) Kashrut Subcommittee
(For the full Pesach Guide, please visit www.rabbinicalassembly.org/pesah-guide or you can pick up a
copy at the Temple Beth-El office.)
Judaism’s master story is the Exodus from Egypt, followed by the trek to Mount Sinai and then to the
Promised Land of Israel. We leave Egypt not as individuals but as a nation, and we do so only with the
help of God. This is very different from the staunch individualism at the heart of the liberalism that has
forged most Western countries. At Mount Sinai we engage in a Covenant with God that establishes the
basis of our relationship with God – and the duties of that relationship – for ourselves and all our
descendants.
This Guide, prepared by the Kashrut Subcommittee and approved by the Committee on Jewish Law
and Standards, explains in detail the laws and customs regarding the dietary restrictions of Passover,
the rules that remind us each time we eat of Passover’s messages for us. Some of these guidelines are,
frankly, quite technical and even complicated; that is the result of the special stringency of the
Passover rules in Jewish law and the complex, new ways in which foods are processed in our time.
We hope that this Guide will enable Jews to understand what they may eat on Passover and how to
prepare their kitchens for the holiday in ways that are clear and understandable. We do not intend this
Guide to replace your rabbi’s guidance on these matters; on the contrary, any question you have about
what is written here or what is missing you should address to Rabbi Konigsburg.
KASHERING THE KITCHEN
It is customary (and easiest) to remove the utensils and dishes that are used during the year, replacing
them with either new utensils or utensils used year to year only for Pesach. This is clearly not possible
for major appliances and may not even be possible for dishes and utensils.
There is a process for kashering many, but not all, kitchen items thus making them kosher for Pesach:
The general principle used in kashering is that the way the utensil absorbs food is the way it can be
purged of that food. This principle operates on the basis of the quality or intensity of how the items
absorb food. Things used for cold food can be kashered by rinsing since no substance has been
absorbed by the dish or glass. Items used on a stove absorb the food and thus need a stronger level of
action namely expelling the food into boiling water. The most intense form of usage is directly on a fire
or in an oven and these utensils require the most intense method of kashering, namely ‫( ליבון‬libbun),
which burns away absorbed food.
FOODS
The Torah prohibits the ownership of hameitz (flour, food or drink made from the prohibited species of
leavened grain: wheat, oats, barley, rye or spelt) during Pesach. Ideally, we burn or remove all hameitz
which may be effected from our premises through donations to a local food pantry.
In some cases, however, this would cause prohibitive financial loss. In such cases, we arrange for the
sale of the hameitz to a non-Jew and its repurchase after Pesach.
(Continued on page 13)
APRIL 2015
C O NNE C T I O N
PAGE 13
Passover Guide
(Continued from page 12)
Mekhirat hameitz – the sale of hameitz is accomplished by appointing an agent, usually one’s rabbi to
handle the sale. This must be considered a valid and legal transfer of ownership and thus the items sold
must be separated and stored away from all other foods and supplies. This means that non-Passover
dishes, pots, utensils and hameitz food that have been sold as part of the selling of one’s hameitz
should be separated, covered or locked away to prevent accidental use. At the end of the holiday, the
agent arranges to repurchase the items on behalf of the owner, since the hameitz at that time is again
permitted. One must wait until one is sure the repurchase has been done. If ownership of the hameitz
was not transferred before the holiday, the use of any such hameitz remains prohibited after the
holiday and any such products should be given away to a non-Jewish food pantry. The sale will take
place at 10:00 am on Friday, April 3rd, the day before Pesach.
Prohibited foods
Since the Torah prohibits the eating of hameitz during Pesach, and since many common foods contain
some, guidance is necessary when shopping and preparing for Pesach.
Prohibited foods include the following:
•biscuits
•cakes
•pasta
•crackers
•leavened bread
•coffees containing cereal derivatives
These are foods that are generally made with wheat, barley, oats, spelt or rye (grains that can become
hameitz). Any food containing these grains or derivatives of these grains must be certified kosher for
Pesach.
Flavorings in foodstuffs are often derived from alcohol produced from one of these grains which would
render that food hameitz. Such products also need Pesach supervision.
Rabbinical authorities added the following foods classified as kitniyot, grains and legumes, to the
above list of prohibited foods:
•beans
• corn
• millet
• peas
• rice
• soy
These and some other plant foods (e.g. mustard, buckwheat and sesame seeds) are not permitted for
eating on Pesach. They need not be sold or disposed of before Pesach. The processed products,
whether liquid or solid, from kitniyot are also forbidden by most rabbinical authorities. These might
include, but not be limited to, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), corn oil, corn sweetener, and soy oil. Most
Sephardic authorities permit the use of all the kitniyot foods other than those that might have come in
contact with the prohibited grains. Israeli products are often marked “contains kitniyot” and thus Jews
who do not use kitniyot need to be vigilant when purchasing Israeli products for Passover. Our
Movement’s Committee on Jewish Law and Standards has permitted the use of peanuts and peanut oil
on Pesach, provided said items have proper year-round kosher certification and do not contain any
hameitz ingredients.
*Please note that the Temple Beth-El office will be closed for Passover on
Friday, April 10th.
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PAGE 14
APRIL 2015
Passover Guide
Siyum Bechroim Services—Calling All First Born
Fast of the First Born
Friday, April 3rd
7:00 am Minyan with breakfast following
A first born is commanded to fast on the day before Pesach in commemoration of the
deliverance of the First Born of Israel from the 10th plague which killed the Egyptian
First Born Sons. The day before means the day on which the First Seder falls which, this
year, is Friday, April 3rd. The requirement to fast is waived
however if the first born is present at what is termed a
Seudat Mitzvah — a festive meal which follows the
performance of certain Mitzvot (i.e. Brit Milah, baby
naming).
Since it isn’t always possible to arrange for a Simcha to fall
on the right day, the custom developed to have a “SIYUM”
on that day. A SIYUM is a public completion of the study of a section of Rabbinic
literature. Since the SIYUM—which means completion—is followed by a meal of
celebration, any first born who is present is permitted to eat. This effectively negates
the fast for the rest of the day. The SIYUM will take place at morning Minyan on April
3rd beginning at 7:00 am. There will be a breakfast at the conclusion of Minyan. Bring
your Tallit and Tefillin (we can provide these if you need them).
C O NNE C T I O N
PAGE 15
APRIL 2015
Passover Guide
Jewish Law requires us to rid our homes of Chametz for Pesach. One of
the ways we do this is to sell our Chametz to someone who is not
forbidden to own Chametz. This year, Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper
has agreed to buy our Chametz for the duration of Pesach.
Fill out the colored insert found in this bulletin or in the TBE office and
return to Temple Beth-El before 9 am on April 3, 2015. Do not wait until
the last minute! This form authorizes Rabbi Konigsburg to act as your
agent in setting up the sale. Please include a donation to the Rabbi’s
Discretionary Fund. This donation will go to Chief Roper’s requested charity, the
Birmingham Police Athletic Team, which offers a variety of sport programs to children at
risk in Birmingham.
Chief Roper will be at Temple Beth-El at 10:00 am on Friday, April 3, to purchase our
Chametz. Join us in this important Mitzvah and make a difference in our community at the
same time.
We wish all of our members a Happy and Kosher Pesach.
Out with the Old
Bring your unopened chametz to be donated to Collat Jewish Family Services. We will have drop-off
boxes outside the TBE office. Please bring all items by Wednesday, April 1.
We make donations at this time of year for those who can’t afford matzah for Passover. If you would
like to participate in this mitzvah, you may write a check to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, and
earmark it for Ma’ot Hittim/Rabbi’s Matzah Fund. Thank you!
PASSOVER BIMAH FLOWERS
We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the following congregants who have generously
donated the flowers which adorn our Bimah.
First two days of Passover
In loving memory of our beloved family members
From:
Lynette & J.B. Mazer,
Carole & Michael Mazer and Family,
Nancy & Dennis Lutz and Family
Last two days of Passover
In memory of our loved ones
From:
Anonymous
C O NNE C T I O N
PAGE 16
APRIL 2015
Passover: First Seder is Friday, April 3, and Second Seder is Saturday, April 4. The Gift Shop has all the essentials
to make your Seder table complete, such as Seder plates, Kiddush cups and Haggadahs.
All Passover items are on sale half-price at The Gift Shop!
Shavuot, May 23-25: One of the customary things to eat on Shavuot is dairy food. Sisterhood
would like to help you fulfill this mitzvot.
Order your-made-to-order-only blintzes by May 10: $22/dozen and $12/half-dozen.
Contact Hannah Helman, [email protected], 967-9659.
Wedding - Bar/Bat Mitzvah Registry: Make an appointment with Esther Levy,
Gift Shop Chair, to meet with her and make gift selections for your upcoming
simcha. We have many beautiful items for these occasions - Kiddush cups, tallises,
Shabbat candlesticks, Seder plates - all items that every Jewish home should have!
Congratulations to Loraine Reznik on being nominated to serve as Treasurer of the Southern Region, Women's
League of Conservative Judaism!
SISTERHOOD FUND DONATIONS
A Chai donation in loving memory of Nathan Carl Schaeffer
A Chai donation in loving memory of Edna Kamenshine
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Lisa & Alan Engel on
the birth of their granddaughter Hadassah “Haddie” Rosalyn
Haines
A Chai donation wishing speedy recovery to Michelle
Konigsburg
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Esther Levy on being
nominated for the Light of Torah Award
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Sue Lischkoff on being
nominated for the Light of Torah Award
From: Pam Ruttenberg & Arnold Shiland
A Chai donation wishing continued good health to Morton
Stern
A Chai donation wishing continued good health to Dodie
Sokol
From: Natalie & Albert Sikora
In loving memory of Anita Allen Danneman
From: Ruth Siegler
Lynette & J.B. Mazer
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Sue Lischkoff & Esther
Levy on being nominated for the Light of Torah Award
From: Susan & Stephen Greene
A Chai donation in loving memory of Felice Cohen
A Chai donation in loving memory of Nathan Carl Schaeffer
A Chai donation in loving memory of Edna Kamenshine
A Chai donation wishing speedy recovery to Michelle
Konigsburg
From: Shirley & Ron Froehlich
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Virginia Heiman on her
Sisterhood Flower Fund
special birthday
Wishing safe travels to Shirley & Ron Froehlich
In loving memory of Nathan Carl Schaeffer
From: Lynette & J.B. Mazer
From: Arlene Fisher
C O NNE C T I O N
PAGE 17
Chesed Celebrates Purim
APRIL 2015
Jewish Community News
Our Purim festivities began at Brookdale Place where Rabbi Robinson and our
Religious School children played Family Feud Purim Style with the residents.
Homemade goodies were enjoyed by all, including mountains of delicious
hamentashen. Our wonderful volunteers then continued bringing Purim cheer and
goodies to other seniors in our community.
From baking and serving, to goody bag prep
and visiting with our senior friends, the Chesed
Committee volunteers continue to be amazing!
Our thanks go to Esther Schuster, Julie Ceitlin,
Dale Marcus, Toby & Bert Siegel, Ruth Siegler,
Jean Bearman, Carol Tuck, Eleanor Binderman,
Micky Rubenstien, Donna Schiff, Sherrie
Grunfeld, Amy Peetluk, Karen Halpern, Marian
Radwin, Meredith & Brian Weintraub, Sheri Krell, and Sybil Michelove.
Our next Chesed event will be a celebration of Israel Independence Day. Rabbi Konigsburg will lead the program
at Brookdale Place on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 2 pm.
If you would like to join us in extending Beth-El loving-kindness to the community, please contact us.
Dorothy Ziff [email protected]
Sandra Gilbert [email protected]
Cindy May [email protected]
LEAGRAMS
Julie Bernstein: Wishing you a complete recovery and continued good health
From: Deborah Botnik
Michelle Konigsburg: Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery
Jeri Davis: Best wishes on the occasion of your special birthday
Chesed Committee of Temple Beth-El: Thank you for your visit and bag of gifts, and the good work you do for
our community.
From: Ralph Sokol
HANDS UP TOGETHER 2015
Join CJFS in celebrating 25 years at the 6th Annual Hands Up Together event at 7 pm on Monday, May 11, at the
Alabama School of Fine Arts Day Theater. For sponsor or ticket information, visit
http://cjfsbham.org/highlights.php.
GUEST SPEAKER: GREGG SWAIN
Please join us for a fascinating talk and book signing of “Mah Jongg: The Art & History of the Game” with
author Gregg Swain at 11 am on Sunday, April 12 at the LJCC. Cost is $5. The event is co-sponsored by the
Sisterhoods of Temple Beth-El, Temple Emanu-El, Knesseth Israel Congregation, and Birmingham Hadassah.
Contact Mindy Cohen at [email protected] or 879-0411 ext.233 for more information.
C O NNE C T I O N
PAGE 18
APRIL 2015
DONATIONS
Good Fortune Fund
A Generous donation wishing Mazal Tov to
Raquel Wolnek on becoming a Bat
Mitzvah
From:
Geri & Bob Stone
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Lisa
& Alan Engel in honor of the birth of
Haddie Haines
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to
Robin Gotlieb in honor of her daughter
Carlie’s engagement to Alex Cohen
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Sue
Lischkoff in honor of her nomination for
the Light of Torah Award
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to
Esther Levy in honor of her nomination
for the Light of Torah Award
Wishing Mazal Tov to Nadine & Louis
Cohen on the engagement of their son
Alex to Carlie Gotlieb
From:
Ricki & Lanning Kline
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Lisa
& Alan Engel in honor of the birth of their
granddaughter Hadassah Rosalyn Haines
From:
Sheri & Jimmy Krell
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to
Dorothy Shiland on the Bat Mitzvah of
your great-granddaughter Molly Frohsin
From:
Lynette & J.B. Mazer
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Ella
Rosenthal on becoming a Bat Mitzvah
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to Bess
Rosenthal on becoming a Bat Mitzvah
From:
Sherry & Jerry Cherner
A Chai donation in honor of Julie Bernstein
for teaching Mah Jongg
From:
Mary Kimerling
Wishing Mazal Tov to Lisa & Alan Engel on
the birth of their granddaughter, Hadassah
From:
Charlotte Corenblum &
Karl Friedman
Wishing Mazal Tov to Estelle Strauss on
her 83rd birthday
From:
Hazel & Murray Pizette
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
In honor of Rabbi Konigsburg for our baby
naming
From:
Denise C. Ginsburg
In appreciation of Rabbi Konigsburg for his
many visits and support of our mother
Jenny Cohen
From:
Victor Cohen & Family
In honor of Rabbi Konigsburg
From:
Pat & Alan Geldzahler
In appreciation of Rabbi Joseph for his
kindness and thoughtfulness to our family,
and for officiating the funeral of our
mother Jenny Cohen
From:
Victor Cohen & Family
In loving memory of Edna and Harry
Kamenshine
In appreciation of Rabbi Konigsburg for his
help with Edna Kamenshine’s funeral
From:
Ilene & Allan Wilensky
Shabbat Sim Shalom Daily Prayer Book
A Generous donation wishing Susan
Gerber happy birthday
From:
Sherry & Jerry Cherner
A Generous donation in loving memory of
Roberta Gerwin, beloved mother on her
Yahrzeit
From:
Beth & John Gerwin
Keith Altman Camp Ramah
Scholarship Fund
A Most Generous donation wishing Mazal
Tov to Estelle Strauss on her 83rd birthday
From:
Sandra Steinbrook &
Jeffrey Spielberger
A Generous donation wishing Mazal Tov to
Kaitlyn Jefferson on becoming a Bat
Mitzvah
From:
Geri & Bob Stone
A Chai donation wishing Mazal Tov to
Kaitlyn Jefferson on becoming a Bat
Mitzvah
From:
Rosalyn Peller
Edie Wilensky Memorial Fund
A Chai donation in honor of Eva Wilensky
for teaching Mah Jongg
From:
Mary Kimerling
A Chai donation in loving memory of Edie
Wilensky, beloved niece on her Yahrzeit
From:
Ilene & Allan Wilensky
In loving memory of Felice Cohen
Wishing speedy recovery to Gina Karp
In loving memory of Janet Thieberger’s
son
From:
Eileen & Len Levin
In loving memory of Edna Kamenshine
From:
Lois M. Lande
In loving memory of Edna Kamenshine
From:
Mervyn Epsman
In loving memory of Anita Allen Danneman
From:
Arlene Fisher
Wishing a speedy recovery to Dodie Sokol
From:
Eileen & Len Levin
Chico Bomchel Memorial
Social Action Fund
A Double Chai donation in loving memory
of Nathan Carl Schaeffer
From:
Mary & David Kimerling
A Chai donation in loving memory of Lena
Weiss, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit
A Chai donation in loving memory of Chita
Weintrob, beloved wife on her Yahrzeit
A Chai donation wishing speedy recovery
to Dodie Sokol
From:
Howard Weintrob & Family
In honor of Cathy & Irwin Fingerman on
the engagement of their son Levi to
Megan Wilson
From:
Karen & Dan Weinrib
Elmwood Cemetery Fund
In loving memory of Bess Caine, beloved
grandmother on her Yahrzeit
From:
Candace Caine
Robert Spielberger Memorial Fund
Wishing speedy recovery to Jay Cohen
Wishing speedy recovery to Michelle
Konigsburg
In loving memory of Bernie Bloomston,
beloved uncle on his Yahrzeit
From:
Lynn & Bert Bloomston
Rosemore/Goldstein
Food for the Needy Fund
In loving memory of Eddie Crowell
In loving memory of Elois Howard
From:
Mrs. Marion Rosemore,
Dr. Martha Morrow &
Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow
Simcha Shabbat Fund
A Generous donation in honor of Virginia
Heiman’s birthday
From:
Virginia Heiman
A Generous donation in honor of Naomi
Fineberg’s birthday
From:
Naomi & Edwin Fineberg
A Double Chai donation in honor of Sam
Tenenbaum, Jr.’s birthday
From:
Sam Tenenbaum, Jr.
A Double Chai donation in honor of our
anniversary
From:
Lynn & Bert Bloomston
Chesed Committee Fund
Wishing speedy recovery to Michelle
Konigsburg
From:
Dorothy Ziff
C O NNE C T I O N
PAGE 19
APRIL 2015
DONATIONS
Temple Beth-El General Fund
Wishing a speedy recovery and continued
good health
A Most Generous donation in loving
memory of Edna Kamenshine
From:
Asher Bailey
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Nathan Carl Schaeffer
From:
Sheri & Jimmy Krell
A Chai donation wishing speedy recovery
to Gerson May
From:
Penny Gordon
A Most Generous donation in loving
memory of Edna Kamenshine
From:
Southpace Properties
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Nathan Carl Schaeffer
From:
Jamie & Greg Odrezin
A Chai donation wishing continued good
health to Riva Hirsch
From:
Ricki & Lanning Kline
A Chai donation in loving memory of Edna
Kamenshine
From:
Hannah & Colin Helman
A Chai donation in loving memory of Frank
McCay
From:
Sherry & Jerry Cherner
A Chai donation wishing speedy recovery
to Morton Stern
A Chai donation wishing speedy recovery
to Dodie Sokol
From:
Shirley & Ron Froehlich
A Chai donation in loving memory of Edna
Kamenshine
From:
Sheri & Jimmy Krell
Nathan Carl Schaeffer
From:
Charlotte Corenblum &
Karl Friedman
Arlene & Milton Goldstein
Ricki & Lanny Kline
Wishing speedy recovery to Sheri Epstein
Wishing speedy recovery to Morton Stern
From:
Dolly & David Staff
Wishing speedy recovery to Gerson May
From:
Betty & Bob Anfanger
Wishing speedy recovery to Michelle
Konigsburg
From:
Frieda & Eph Mazer
Wishing speedy recovery to Michelle
Konigsburg
From:
Susan & Michael Stein
Wishing speedy recovery to Michelle
Konigsburg
From:
Charlotte Corenblum &
Karl Friedman
Wishing speedy recovery to Michelle
Konigsburg
From:
Hazel & Murray Pizette
Wishing speedy recovery to Gerson May
From:
Arlene & Milton Goldstein
Wishing speedy recovery to Tracy
Diamond
From:
Nan & Bill Goldman
Memorial Fund
In Loving Memory Of
A Chai donation in loving memory of Edna
Kamenshine
From:
Joan & Mike Krawchek
A Chai donation in loving memory of Edna
Kamenshine
From:
Susan & Bernard Bryan
A Chai donation in loving memory of Edna
Kamenshine
From:
Ester Winston
A Chai donation in loving memory of Edna
Kamenshine
From:
Mayer Cohen
A Chai donation in loving memory of Edna
Kamenshine
From:
Dolores & Edward Bloomston
A Generous donation in loving memory of
Esther Brown
From:
Rona & Frank Harper
A Chai donation in loving memory of Janet
Cypress Harris
From:
Sherry & Jerry Cherner
A Chai donation in loving memory of Janet
Cypress Harris
From:
Charlotte Corenblum &
Karl Friedman
A Double Chai donation in loving memory
of James Douglas Hewell
From:
Melissa & Melvin Zivitz
A Most Generous donation in loving
memory of Anita Allen Danneman
From:
Janet DeForest &
Jonathan (Greg) Barber
A Chai donation in loving memory of
James Douglas Hewell
From:
Melissa & Steve Altman
A Chai donation in loving memory of Anita
Allen Danneman
From:
Ricki & Lanny Kline
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Nathan Carl Schaeffer
From:
Jean & Ira Levine
A Chai donation in loving memory of Anita
Allen Danneman
From:
Shirley & Ron Froehlich
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Nathan Carl Schaeffer
From:
Hannah & Colin Helman
Patsy Collat
From:
Arlene & Milton Goldstein
Lison & Jack Spiegelman
Edna Kamenshine
From:
Arlene & Milton Goldstein
Ricki & Lanny Kline
Charlotte Corenblum
Melba Epsman
The Padawer Family
Lison & Jack Spiegelman
Barbara & David Betten
Thomas Palmer
From:
Ricki & Lanny Kline
Janet Cypress Harris
From:
Lynette & J.B. Mazer
Anita Allen Danneman
From:
Sherry & Jerry Cherner
Charlotte Corenblum &
Karl Friedman
Ilse Nathan
Marjie & Myron Butler
Sherri & David Romanoff
Hazel & Murray Pizette
Mervyn Epsman
On Their Yahrzeits
In loving memory of
A Most Generous donation in loving
memory of Charles Raymond, beloved
father on his Yahrzeit
From:
Paula Glover
A Most Generous donation in loving
memory of E.M. Zeidman, beloved father
on his Yahrzeit
From:
Philip F. Zeidman
A Most Generous donation in loving
memory of Eugene M. Zeidman and Philip
Fisher, beloved father and grandfather on
their Yahrzeits
From:
Adele Zeidman Silver
PAGE 20
C O NNE C T I O N
APRIL 2015
DONATIONS
A Most Generous donation in loving
memory of Alan Perlman, beloved father
on his Yahrzeit
From:
Marjorie Perlman
A Most Generous donation in loving
memory of Ruth Bodenheimer, beloved
mother on her Yahrzeit
From:
Elise Bodenheimer
A Most Generous donation in loving
memory of Bessie Caine, beloved mother
on her Yahrzeit
From:
Harold Caine
A Generous donation in loving memory of
Milton Levine, beloved husband on his
Yahrzeit
From:
Natalie Levine
A Generous donation in loving memory of
Sadie Shiland Starr, beloved mother on
her Yahrzeit
From:
Anita Shapiro and Toby Gordon
A Generous donation in loving memory of
Paulina Belotserkovskaya and Abraham
Belotserkovskiy, beloved grandmother
and grandfather on their Yahrzeits
From:
Dr. Olga Belotserkovskaya and
Dr. Al Belotserkovskiy
A Double Chai donation in loving memory
of Walter J. Klein, beloved husband on his
Yahrzeit
From:
Toby Klein
A Double Chai donation in loving memory
of Mae Ruth Green, beloved mother-in-law
on her Yahrzeit
From:
Helen Green
A Double Chai donation in loving memory
of Beth DeYoung, beloved grandmother
on her Yahrzeit
A Double Chai donation in loving memory
of Lewis DeYoung, beloved grandfather on
his Yahrzeit
A Double Chai donation in loving memory
of Jim Foy, beloved uncle on his Yahrzeit
From:
Michael P. Goldstein
A Double Chai donation in loving memory
of Elaine Royal, beloved mother on her
Yahrzeit
From:
Joyce R. Serwitz
A Double Chai donation in loving memory
of Mel Bruck, beloved husband on his
Yahrzeit
From:
Ellen Bruck
A Double Chai donation in loving memory
of Abraham Michaelson, beloved father on
his Yahrzeit
From:
Judy Michaelson
A Double Chai donation in loving memory
of Joseph Cohen, beloved father, Daniel
Cohen, beloved brother, Isadore Schlaff,
beloved father, and Norman Schlaff,
beloved brother, on their Yahrzeits
From:
Shirley & Paul Schlaff
A Double Chai donation in loving memory
of Aisic Hirsch, beloved husband, father,
grandfather, and great-grandfather, and
Joseph Schuster, beloved father, on their
Yahrzeits
From:
Riva Hirsch
A Chai donation in loving memory of Haim
Mouyal, beloved father on his Yahrzeit
From:
Regina Smith
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Esther Padove, beloved mother on her
Yahrzeit
From:
Stuart Padove
A Chai donation in loving memory of Helen
Rotenstreich, beloved mother on her
Yahrzeit
From:
Joy Fleisher
A Chai donation in loving memory of Nellie
A. Palmer, beloved mother on her
Yahrzeit
From:
Dr. Cheryl Ann Palmer
A Chai donation in loving memory of Harry
Biel, beloved grandfather on his Yahrzeit
From:
Ginger, Larry, James Henry & Eli
Brook
A Chai donation in loving memory of Steffi
Levite, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Abbey Benck, beloved granddaughter on
her Yahrzeit
From:
Pam Ruttenberg
A Chai donation in loving memory of Betty
Pekarne, beloved sister on her Yahrzeit
From:
Bonnie & Jules Weiner
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Audrey Cohen, beloved mother on her
Yahrzeit
From:
Gail Schuster
A Chai donation in loving memory of Ida
Brown, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit
From:
Jerome Brown
A Chai donation in loving memory of Rita
Routman, beloved sister on her Yahrzeit
From:
Penny Gordon
A Chai donation in loving memory of David
W. Levin, beloved husband and father on
his Yahrzeit
From:
Betty Levin Anfanger & Family
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Sidney Gewant, beloved father on his
Yahrzeit
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Edythe Gewant, beloved mother on her
Yahrzeit
From:
Toby & Warren Gewant
A Chai donation in loving memory of Mary
Hoffman Baker, beloved mother on her
Yahrzeit
From:
Debra & Jeff Lindy
A Chai donation in loving memory of Bert
Steinberg, beloved stepfather on his
Yahrzeit
From:
Jay Cohen
A Chai donation in loving memory of Philip
Schattner, beloved uncle on his Yahrzeit
From:
Rita Glanz
A Chai donation in loving memory of Reva
Levy Engel, beloved mother and
grandmother on her Yahrzeit
From:
Lisa & Alan Engel and Family
A Chai donation in loving memory of Rabbi
Nissan Yablonsky, beloved grandfather on
his Yahrzeit
From:
Nissah Mattenson
A Chai donation in loving memory of Sam
Slaughter, beloved father on his Yahrzeit
From:
Harlene & O.J. Wehby
A Chai donation in loving memory of Felix
Cohen, beloved father and grandfather on
his Yahrzeit
From:
Mayer Cohen
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Norman Fleisher, beloved brother on his
Yahrzeit
From:
Robert Fleisher
A Chai donation in loving memory of Rosa
Colb, beloved mother on her Yahrzeit
From:
Nancijoy Weissman
A Chai donation in loving memory of Mary
Meyerowitz, beloved mother and
grandmother on her Yahrzeit
From:
Sandy & Gene Siegal and Family
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Marvin Kemeny, beloved father on his
Yahrzeit
From:
Fred Kemeny
A Chai donation in loving memory of Sofa
Shilkrot, beloved wife on her Yahrzeit
From:
Leonid Shilkrot
PAGE 21
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Elizabeth Slater, beloved grandmother on
her Yahrzeit
From:
Amy Alpern
A Chai donation in loving memory of
Beverly Levy Marks, beloved mother on
her Yahrzeit
From:
Julie Marks
Paul Steinlauf, grandfather
From:
Maxine Sklute
Jake Lipsitz, father
From:
Mickie Cohen
Rita Routman, mother
Ann Brick, grandmother
From:
Cindi & Michael Routman
David Levy, brother
From:
Harriet Routman
C O NNE C T I O N
APRIL 2015
Annie Routman, mother
From:
Gilbert Routman
Hyme Cohen, grandfather
From:
Cindy May
Cookie Senior, sister-in-law
Nazlie Senior, grandmother
From:
Natalie & Albert Sikora
Helen Rotenstreich, grandmother
From:
Tammy & Keith Fleisher
Elisa Sokol, mother
Sandra Apolinsky, sister-in-law
From:
Ralph Sokol
Sima Kaz-Kagar, aunt
Josef Iacubovich, grandfather
Moses Golubov, uncle
From:
Lazar Golubov
Molka Draluk, mother
From:
Tatyana Shitsel
Bruce Mayer, husband
From:
Norma Jean Long
Harry Padawer, brother
From:
The Padawer Family
Sue Small, aunt
Joe Feldser, uncle
From:
Sharon & Steve DeShazo
Bernie Bloomston, father
From:
Rhoda & Robert Feirman
Special Note of Gratitude
We want to express our deepest gratitude for the love and support offered during the weeks of my
recovery from knee replacement surgery. I am making tremendous progress this second time around
and trust that in the next few weeks, as my strength returns and mobility increases, I will be able to
engage more actively in synagogue and community life.
We feel very blessed to be a part of this special community. The words “thank you” barely touch the
depth of our gratitude.
Michelle and Rabbi K
THIS MONTH IN JEWISH HISTORY 101 - THE SHORT COURSE
12 Nisan – 11 Iyar
13 Nisan – The German Workers’ Party was renamed the Nationalist Socialist German Workers’ Party on this
date in 1920, and thus, the beginning of the Nazi Party (this occurred on the anniversary of the day Haman
published his degree of extermination of the Jews in the Purim Story).
22 Nisan – The Kishinev Pogrom broke out. The massacre led to worldwide protests and the beginning of
Jewish self defense organizations in 1903.
25 Nisan – The trial of Adolph Eichmann on charges of genocide in Europe during WWII opens in Jerusalem on
this date in 1961.
3 Iyar – Tel Aviv becomes the first Jewish municipality on this date in 1921.
C O NNE C T I O N
PAGE 22
YAHRZEITS
Shabbat Pesach
April 3-4
*Sylvia Back
Marilyn Bearman Bell
*Harvey Benjamin
*Harry Berk
*Dora Block
*Harriet Bogart
Annie Bram
Conrad David Cohen
Sylvia Cohen
Hyman Coplon
*Molly Crayne
Jeph Epstein
*Harry Evans
*Charles Feigelson
Roslyn Fingerman
Sandor Fried
*Rachel Friedman
*Margot Fuld
Rae Garfield
Leonard Gennis
*Myron Ginsberg
*Dave Goldberg
Bennie Goldstein
Fred Goldstein
Ethel Gorlin
*Bernard Gottlieb
Blanche Gottlieb
Georgia Griffith
Sheina Grusin
Ester Gutman
Max Hasson
Stanley Hellman
George Hiller
*Max Hoffman
Sarah Jacobson
*Herman Jaffe
*Philip Kadis
Rose Kaufman
Edith Kreisman
I. Levine
Richard Levy
*Abraham Lipsitz
*Walter Morse
Sadie Muldawer
Anna Odrezin
*Josephine Regal
Bertha “Fritzi”
Rosenberg
*Robert Rosenbluth
*Annie Rotenstreich
Rosalind Rothman
Ben Royal
Esther Rubenstein
*Sam Rubenstein
*Jennie Rubin
Selma Sakoloff
Marie Scheuer
Frieda Schnier
*Chana Schniper
Marjorie Shafferman
*Wilyum Sher
Jack Silverman
*Fannye Sokol
*Melvin Sokol
Paul Steinlauf
Harold Stern
*Helen Wilder
*Henrietta Wolf
Esther Zell
*Philip Ziff
Shabbat Pesach
April 10-11
*Ike Abelson
Ida Abroms
Warren Axelroth
Nathan Azrin
Ann Banks
Seymour Barnes
*Joyce Benjamin
Harmon R. Berger
Abraham Blatt
Steve Browdy
Alfred Buchalter
Pearl Cohen
*Sam Cohen
*Frances Copeland
*Marilyn Crayne
*Etta Dannis
*Grace “Tootsie” Eiman
Ann Elder
Michael Epstein
*Morris Fisher
*Eric Fuld
Sarah Gettinger
Albert Goldforb
Nakhoma Guberman
Lee Harris
*Rose Helman
Bessie Kirschner
Sam Klotzman
Norman Kurman
Jack Lande
Carl Levy
Blanch Lipman
*Folly Marcus
Blanche McCrossen
Philamae Mendelsohn
*Benjamin Mesch
Boris Mintsin
Ruth Mirelman
*Isadore Newman
Andronit Peremitin
Abe Pizitz
*Harry Ravitz
Sanford Reitman
*Marvin Rich
Alex Rittenbaum
Edith Robinowich
*Moses Robins
Jerome Schwartz
*Maurice Schwartz
Bette Shapiro
Fannie Siegel
*Morris Silverfield
Elsie Siskin
Morris Staff
Cecile Sundock
*Peter Tichansky
*Isaac Torme
Bernard Trachtman
*Bobby Tuck
*Harold Weisner
*Minnie Zakuto
Shabbat Shmini
April 17-18
*Abraham Banks
*Sara Bearman
*Jennie Berman
Barney Bonfield
Harold Bruchis
Abraham Cohen
Jack Cohen
*Isaac Copeland
*Aaron Dombrow
Aaron Eidex
*Dina Feldstein
Israel Fitterman
Frank Friedman
*Gladys Friedman
Lillian Furman
*Sam Geeser
Claire Gettinger
David Glick
Helen Coplon Grusin
Helen Jaffe
*Ida Jaffe
Rebecca Joseph
Anita Kaplan
Dorothy Kaplan
APRIL 2015
*Isidore Kulpe
Betty Lean
Lola Liberman
*Reuben Lipsitz
Rosa Litovsky
Morton Litowich
Sam Michelson
Alexandra NelubinBearman
*Fannie Pearlstein
Gerald Permutt
Jean Reitman
Jackie Riskin
Louis Roth
Mel Safer
*Edward Schulman
Carl Schultz
Margaret Schwartz
Nathan Schwartz
*Joseph Senior
*Stuart Shevin
Isadore Shiland
*Sylvia Shiland
*Jennie Simon
*Rose Sokol
Tea Sternklar
*Morris Tenenbaum
Asya Udler
Neville Wallace
*William Weber
*Morris Weinstein
*Freddy Weintraub
*Max Weintraub
Louis Winick
Bennie Witt
*Rebecca Witt
Paul Ronald Yanuck
Bertha Zion
Sigmund Zion
Shabbat
Tazria-Metzora
April 24-25
Leslie Allen
Abraham Altman
Dyna Asman
Gabriel Asman
*Abe Baker
Harold Bank
*Fred Berman
Paul Blatt
Lizzie Bloomston
Yefim Bubis
Ida Bubis
Kishinevskaya
Benjamin Buchalter
Louna Capouya
Max Chused
Esther Cohen
*Wallace Cohen
*Sarah Copeland
Florence “Tootsie”
Epsman
*David Finkelstein
*Sarah Frankel
Arthur Goldberg
*Mary Goldstein
Bessie Halpern
Roselle Harris
Nadja Idelman
Dr. Marvin Kaplan
*Baila Karasek
*Harry Kirshner
Raya Kishnevskaya
*Israel Landau
*Samuel Lemkin
*Solomon Lepp
*Max Levin
Edna Levine
*Mary Lichtenstein
*Bernard Lichter
Khaya Lyublinskaya
Judy Mayer
*Walter Morris
Natalie Morrow
Richard Nassau
Jerrold Packler
Yetta Pizitz
*Jacob Radwin
*Barnet Randman
*Benjamin Roth
*Ethel Schoenberg
*Eugene Schwartz
*Edward Isaac Stein
Louis Stubblefield
Alvin Tenenbaum
*William Torme
Joyce Weintraub
*Rosa Weintrob
*Simon Wolf
Muriel Zable
Samuel Zakuto
Itsk Zeltser
*Nathan Zivitz
*Denotes a perpetual
memorial plaque in sanctuary
given by family members.
PAGE 23
C O NNE C T I O N
APRIL 2015
CHALLAH DESIGNS/RECIPES FOR THIS MONTH’S SHABBATOT, FROM RABBI JOSEPH
Every Shabbat, we are blessed to explore our tradition through the Torah reading of the week. Every portion
has a different message and lesson to be learned. Challenge your family with a unique design to your challah.
See if they can find the connection between your challah and the weekly parasha.
Night 1 and 2 of Pesach (April 3-4) and the Final days of Pesach (April 10-11)
The holiday of Pesach challenges us all for great ways to craft our challah into something wonderful, as we
forgo any leavened products all together. However, with the first two seders falling on Shabbat, we can
double down on the creativity. Take a page (or two) from Dr. Ron Wolfson’s Art of Jewish Living: The
Passover Seder and try these creative ways of enlivening your seder with food:
Pesach Appetizers and Personal Seder Plates
Visit www.templebeth-el.net for Pesach appetizer and personal seder plate recipes and directions!
Shmini (April 17-18)
Now that one can eat chametz again, it would be very powerful to use your challah to express the various
animals, birds, fish and insects that can be eaten. For a complete list of the laws of kashrut, check out this
week’s Torah reading. Make sure your fish have fins and scales. Four-legged insects are forbidden unless they
have a pair of jointed legs with which they can leap.
Tazria-Metzora (April 24-25)
This double portion “oozes” with the laws of impurity, skin disease, and leprosy. Try turning the yucky, icky,
and messy feelings toward this parasha into a positive light. Bake
yourself some Monkey Bread (your family will love you for it!).
Give this recipe and directions a go
(http://www.melskitchencafe.com/the-best-monkey-bread/).
Temple Beth-El
2179 Highland Avenue
P.O. Box 550220
Birmingham, AL 35255-0220
(205) 933-2740
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Passover at Temple Beth-El
Passover Guide begins on page 12! See inside for a
complete schedule of events.
Plus:
Looking to sell your Chametz? We can help! See the
insert and page 15 for more details.
And…
Don’t forget about the Sisterhood Gift Shop Sale!
All Passover Items 50 Percent Off from Now until
the End of Passover!
Celebrate the achievements of our Confirmation Class and our
high school seniors as we wish them well with their future
endeavors!
Send names of high school graduates and intended colleges to
Emily Gregory at [email protected] by May 6.