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TRANSCRIPT
Chailights
Thank Y’all
Sunday morning, June 1, 2014, I stepped off of a redeye flight from San Francisco to Jackson and was greeted by Mark Fijman on behalf of the Beth Israel community. I was no doubt bleary-eyed and a bit dehydrated, but it did not take me long to realize that the heart of Mississippi was where I needed to be for this part of my life journey. My whirlwind two-day interview concluded with a dinner with the Executive Committee, in which Lawrence Haber spoke for everyone saying: “We know it is important to you that you visit your daughter on a regular basis. And, if that were not the case, you would probably not be the right rabbi for us.” Y’all had me from that moment on. From there it was just a matter of packing and moving cross country. I am so thankful to all of you for both supporting me in my role as Interim Rabbi for the congregation and in my role as father for my daughter Orli. You have embraced me, encouraged me, and cheered for me. You have confided in me your personal stories and trusted me with your sacred times. You have honored me by listening to my words and by allowing me to be your student. I am truly grateful.
Last September, I wrote in the Chailights: “. . . I realize that synagogues are about people and not programs. I believe that a community is defined by how one person reaches out to another in a time of need. A synagogue is successful when those who are least likely to connect feel embraced. A congregation should not be assessed on the total number of congregants, but rather how and whether each and every congregant feels nurtured, appreciated, and seen.” I recognize that this is a tall order for any congregation, yet after a year with you, I truly feel that it is lived out in this community like few others. My goals for the year, as outlined by the Search Committee, were fairly simple: Maintain synagogue routines, Engage congregants and foster community, and Help in transition to a permanent rabbi. I believe that my success in these first two areas is readily apparent. The third, admittedly, might not seem complete. However, though we do not yet have a permanent rabbi in place, we’ve laid solid groundwork this year for the next rabbi to be successful, healthy, and happy. Though we might feel as if we are wandering in the desert during this transition time, our synagogue is in fact built around the idea of wandering. Our current BIC facility was dedicated in 1967 and designed to evoke the image of the Ohel Mo’ed, the portable tent that served as our communal focal point during 40 years of wandering in the desert. With this in mind, I believe that as long as we hold on to the sanctity and beauty of personal relationships that form the heart of this community, our travels will be filled with blessings. Thank you to Howard Katz and our entire Board of Trustees for your dedication to our community. Thank you to Rabbi Debra Kassoff, Kimberly Graham, Rita Hobgood, Billy Albright, Ben Russell, Duncan Betzalel, Carol Joy Sparkman, Josh Wiener, Susan Rockoff, Jimmie Moore, our Choir, Ensemble, teachers, volunteers. . . and all of you, for making Beth Israel Congregation such a wonderful place to serve as your rabbi.
With blessings for all of you on your journeys,
Rabbi Ted Riter
JUNE 2015
Rabbi’s Message
Counting the Omer
It is June, so why am I talking about the Omer? Well, it is just one more thing for which I have to thank Rabbi Ted Riter. For the first time in many years, we Counted the Omer at Beth Israel Congregation. I grew up with this custom, but like so many things it has a very different meaning at my age. Counting the Omer begins on the second night of Passover and continues for 49 straight nights. This represents the 7 weeks from the time we crossed the Red Sea and on the 50th day we received the Torah at Mount Sinai.
During these 7 weeks, the Jews had to ascend from the moral and spiritual desert of Egypt and slavery to the holiness deserving the giving of the Torah. So much to do in just 7 weeks. The Kabbalah suggests that these 7 weeks represent 7 different aspects of character, the emotional forces that constitute the basic structure of the individual. This year as I counted the Omer, I looked at this as a ramp raising me from one point up to the next. Each day I hoped to be a little more insightful, more empathetic and a little holier. On the 50th day we received the Torah on Shavuot. But the ramp does not have to end. As Rabbi Riter taught us in the Musar classes, we have spirituality that we can work on each day. So by the time you read this, the Omer and Shavuot will be over but the ramp that we built can continue to take us to greater heights through the summer and to Sukkot. Thank you Rabbi Riter for bringing more spirituality to BIC through a simple Jewish custom of Counting the Omer. Howard Katz
From the President...
Howard T. Katz
Page 2 Chailights
Beth Israel Office Hours
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Closed for lunch: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
SEMI-ANNUAL
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY, June 14, 2015
9:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m.
(Coffee and Bagels will be served)
The Membership and Engagement Committee
is seeking help in reaching out
to our newest members.
If you are interested in being an ambassador
to a new member, please contact:
Debra [email protected] or
Robbie [email protected]
Sisterhood Spotlight:
A Message from the Sisterhood Co-Presidents
Page 3 Chailights
SUMMER IS HERE!!!! We enjoyed our Sisterhood Social/pool party and are working on another social event for July. Watch your Blasts and Chailights for updates. Mindy and I have been busy working with our Sisterhood Board to plan another eventful year for Beth Israel Ladies. Please contact any of our Board Members if you have ideas. Save the date - Our membership brunch has been scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2015 at the home of Robyn Pollack. You will receive an invitation in the mail. We hope that you can join us. Co-presidents - Mindy Humphrey and Cheryl Katz 1st Vice President - Suzanne Freedman 2nd Vice President - Frankie Springer Treasurer - Joyce Salomon Recording Secretary - Esther Roberts Corresponding Secretary - Erica Abeles Parliamentarian - Charna Schlakman Advisors - Beth Orlansky and Tammy Rubinsky
Meals on Wheels Needs Your Help on Our Monday Delivery Routes
If you have an hour or two to spare one day a month, the
Sisterhood needs drivers to assist with delivery of the food. The re-
cipients profoundly appreciate our work. It is truly a mitzvah and one
that is open to the entire congregation, not just Sisterhood mem-
bers. The routes are local Jackson areas (e.g., Fondren & Belhaven),
and we’ve mapped them out to be easily manageable. We suggest
two person teams working
together on each route—a driver and an assistant.
To volunteer, please contact Charna Schlakman at
Meals on Wheels is out of entrees and we are looking for volunteers to help supply some casseroles for June and July. We
currently have 12 people to feed. Any kind of chicken or hamburger casseroles are fine We can also use some bags of precooked
chicken breasts as an alternative.
If you can help us out, please contact Charna Schlakman at [email protected]
if you can help.
Please help
our Jackson Food Pantry!
Two (2) Volunteers are needed from
Beth Israel:
June 29-July 3, 2015
September 14-18, 2015
December 14-18, 2015
If you can volunteer please contact:
Beth Orlansky at [email protected]
Page 4 Chailights
Education Spotlight
Religious School
Registration for the 2015-2016 school year
begins June 15, 2015
More Information to follow
Avery Cohen
Jacob Craig
Tyler Daniel
Katie Fijman
Nina Humphrey
Ben Kaminsky
Zoe Mabry
Ashley Rubinsky
Jacob Schipper
Justin Schlakman
Beth Israel Religious School
is Now Accepting
Box Tops for Education
Clip your box tops and place them in the box
outside the Beth Israel office
BITY BUZZ
Is Proud to Announce:
Our 2015-2016 Leadership Team:
Lily Katz President
Jonathan Springer Programming Vice President
Tovah Rubinsky Communications Vice President
David Crystal Treasurer
Benjamin Hearon At Large
Hannah Guimbellott At Large
T. J. Grossman At Large
Connect with us on Facebook, write to
or contact Rabbi Kassoff for more information
PRESCHOOL—SAVE THE DATE
Summer Camps
(Grandchildren are welcome)
June 22 — June 26 - Sky Hawk Sports Camp
June 29 — July 2 -Leaps & Bounds with Ms. Kelly
Computer Explorers
July 6 — July 10 - Soccer Tots
July 13 — July 17 - Art Camp with Loris
July 20 — July 24 -Computer Explorers
July 27 — July 31 - Lego Bricks for Kidz
8:30 a. m. - 11:30 a.m.—All Day Options Available
Thank You To our wonderful teachers and madrikhim, and to the many parents and congregants (too many to name!) who contributed in other ways. You made our Religious School shine. Teachers Madrikhim Leah Apothaker First Semester Bethany Berger Lily Katz Rivka Cohen Jonathan Springer Suzanne Freedman Sarah Springer Missy Goldstein All Year Alachua Haskins David Crystal Kay Metz T. J. Grossman Sarah Printz Hannah Guimbellott Bette Shornick Benjamin Hearon Ashley Rubinsky Tovah Rubinsky
Page 5 Chailights
On behalf of the Beth Israel Men’s Club, we wish to thank all the Sponsors, Participants and Volunteers who made our Inaugural Golf Tournament a success. Peter Sharp, Social Chair & Tournament Co-Chair SPONSORS: Jonathan Larkin, Tournament Co-Chair Fairview Inn First Class Linen VOLUNTEERS: Hospitality Lighting Management Cheryl Katz Gulf States Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Tamar Sharp Southern Beverage Arna Miller Capitol City Beverage Susan Fijman Gil’s Bread Dana Larkin Bankplus Sysco Merchant’s Food Service Briarwood Wine & Spirits Elite Water & Coffee AAA Printing Jackson Iron & Metal Co., Inc. Finkelberg Rice Group of Raymond James Hotel & Restaurant Supply
Page 6 Chailights
June Birthdays
2 Jacob Shute
4 Robert Briggs
6 Mark Johnson
6 Art Salomon
6 Gino Giammarco
6 Aaron Trubman
8 Malcolm Barham
8 Erica Abeles
9 Elizabeth Springer
9 Howard Roffwarg
10 Joan Amman
10 Kelly Haber
10 Casey Smith
15 Jim Goodman
16 Roger Rosenfield
19 Nelle Cohen
21 Sarah Printz
21 Lynne Rosenfield
22 Isaac Burr
22 Michael Jacobs
22 Ian Paul
23 Jo Ann Gordon
24 Lindsey Topp
27 Deborah Devine
29 Leo Mermelstein
CALENDAR NOTIFICATION
If you have an item you would like to put in the Temple
calendar for 2016, please contact the office as soon as
possible.
June Anniversaries
7 Mark and Helene Johnson
10 Steve and Bernice Silberman
11 Robert and Carey Emmich
12 Ian and Julie Paul
13 James and Suzanne Freedman
15 Ralph Daniel, III and Melissa Daniel
16 Matthew Dreffen and Erica Weil
17 Philip and Kay Pollack
18 Clifton and Jennifer Tucker
19 Joshua and Judy Wiener
20 Bob and Gail Dellar
21 Marcelo and Cookie Ruvinsky
21 Howard and Cheryl Katz
22 Erik Hearon and Marla Harbor
24 Clay and Deborah Crystal
25 Eric Phillips and Mindi Helschein-Phillips
26 Shawn and Ellen Alexander
29 George and Sherrie Glass
30 Donald and Anne Sawyer
If you are hosting an event at Beth
Israel, please submit all requests,
set-ups or special instructions on
the Room Set-Up Form. These
forms need to be submitted one
month prior to the event/program. You can get this
form by stopping by the Temple Office or you can go to
our website at www.bethisraelms.org.
If you have any questions, call or text Gilbert Sollek at
601-317-5506.
WE APPRECIATE THE THOUGHTFULNESS OF THOSE WHO SUPPORT BETH ISRAEL
BY REMEMBERING AND HONORING THEIR FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES THROUGH THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS
Donations may be applied to the following funds, per your request:
GENERAL FUND
In Memory of Howard Cohen—Bob and Sondy Berman
In Appreciation of The Men’s Club—Mindy and Clay Humphrey
In Memory of Howard Cohen—Larry and Peggy Goldstein
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND
In Appreciation of Beth Israel—Donna and Ted Orkin
SATURDAY MORNING FUND
In Appreciation of Gino Giammarco—ISJL
In Appreciation of Beth Israel—Myrna Lane
CEMETERY FUND
In Memory of Sydney Geiger, Sydney Geiger Sr., and Lou Humphrey—Mindy and Clay Humphrey
In Appreciation of Beth Israel—Donna and Ted Orkin
In Memory of Betty Mermelstein—Morris Mermelstein
*******************************************************************************************************
*******************************************************************************************************
Farewell to Rabbi Ted Riter
Friday, June 26, 2015
Immediately Following Shabbat Services
More information to come!!
Page 7 Chailights
GENERAL FUND MEMBERSHIP & ENGAGEMENT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND TIKKUN OLAM FUND
ENDOWMENT FUND ONEG FUND LIBRARY/PRAYER BOOK FUND WEBSITE FUND
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND SATURDAY MORNING FUND MUSIC FUND CEMETERY FUND
CARING FUND (SISTERHOOD) ART FUND PROGRAM FUND JEWISH CINEMA MISSISSIPPI
5315 Old Canton Rd. Jackson, MS 39211
Phone: (601) 956-6215 Fax: (601) 952-0895
We Remember — Yahrzeits for June 2015
bethisraelms.org
Non-Profit Org
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit #123
JACKSON, MS
May 31—June 6 Jimmie R. Jacobs Jerel Price *D .H. Orkin Juliet Kossman Charles Hendrix Harry Ades Harry Praver Rosalie Rotwein *Alan Fields Edith Stone Michael Lasky Samuel Roffwarg Raymond Oppenheim Florence Wiener June 7—June 13 Sarah Beckerman Joe Goldstein *David Gordon Ruth Schwartz Mitchell Pollack
Minnie Wolff Goldie Kweller Michael LeBlanc Ida Muskin Julia Hart Joseph Elfassy Paul Silberman *Isaac Simon Ascher *T. Stanley Orkin Charles Miller June 14—June 20 *Bernard Finkelberg S. E. Kossman Alfred Jefferson Sumner Levine June 21—June 27 Homer Benson Eric Rofes Earl Solomon Eldora Judlin
Chalom Charles Elfassy Esther Draft Helen Lasky Ella Goodman Lena Kahn Ralph Katz Tillie Friedman Shirley Kreisman Isadore Beckerman June 28—July 4 Gussie Roffwarg *Edwin Ascher George Davis Davera Goldstein Carla Willenzik Louise Rofes Carl Rost
*Memorial Alcove Plaque