Thirteen months ago, seven women assembled in the Gries Library for very different reasons, each deciding to become a Bat Mitzvah in their own

way. In these last months, they have learned to read from the Torah scroll, lead a service, and connect even more deeply to Judaism, themselves and each other.

It’s said that every time we open the Ark to remove the Torah, it’s as if we are ascending Mt. Sinai. How amazing that these women will not only sym-bolically ascend Mt. Sinai, holding and embracing Torah, but will also read the Ten Commandments that were given on Mt. Sinai those thousands of years ago.

At this moment in the service, when they read from the Torah, they will remind all of us of the eternal covenant that God established with us: “You stand this day, all of you, before the Eternal your God... to enter into the cove-nant with the Eternal your God, which the Eternal your God is concluding with you this day...”, and we will all be bound together in this timeless covenant.

This is a true milestone in each of their lives, and we wish them a hearty Mazal Tov! Their success is our success; their joy, our joy; their celebration, our celebration, so we invite you to join us as we kvell (beam with pride and joy) over them and as we celebrate with them at their B’not Mitzvah. We look forward to seeing everyone as they lead services on both Friday, February, 6 at 6pm and Saturday, February 7 at 10:30am.

Rabbi Allison Vann Rabbi Shana Nyeravann@suburbantemple.org Director of Lifelong Learning snyer@suburbantemple.org

February 2015

Worship Schedule for FebruaryFriday, February 66pm | Kabbalat Shabbat with Adult B’not Mitzvah, Kolot Kol Ami Choir, and Torah Reading

Saturday, February 710:30am | Adult B’not Mitzvah Service

Friday, February 136pm | Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Friday, February 206 pm | Kabbalat Shabbat Service6 pm | Come Grow With Me Shabbat

Saturday, February 2110:30am | Bat Mitzvah of Isabel Coleman

Friday, February 276pm | Kabbalat Shabbat Service

Mazal Tov!The congregation is invited to celebrate together during Shabbat services on Saturday, February 21 at 10:30am. Isabel

Coleman, daughter of Deborah and Evan Coleman, will become a Bat Mitzvah.

Are You on Our List?Do you want to receive the Temple Times, Religious School news, invitations for special Temple events, snow day information, and bereavement notices? Then we need your correct email address! Please take a moment to update us if your email has changed recently, or if you have not received our “email only” communications. Email admin@suburbantemple.org with your name and your preferred email address. We don’t want you to miss a thing!

Please Join in Celebrationas

Stacey Brown, Fran Greenfield, Ginny Lehman,

Lori Rosenberg, Ellyn Ross, Karen Shapiro and Renee Young

are called to the torah as B’not Mitzvah Friday, February 6 at 6pm

andSaturday, February 7 at 10:30am

From Brett’s Desk

Talent! We are sur-rounded by talent-

ed people, worldly in their experiences. Each week, I learn something about a congregant who’s done something out-

standing in their personal or profession-al lives. Sometimes those stories are quiet and shared over a cup of coffee or in a quick phone call. Other times, I hear about these talents in a meeting, which is what occurred late last fall when the Men’s Club discussed upcoming programs.

The Men’s Club has decided to invite two of our congregants to tell us about their passions. In February, we’ll hear from Bruce Sherman about his passion for and experience with extreme athletic adventure competition. In March, sur-geon Dr. Jerry Shuck will discuss the operating room and changes over the past 50 years.

How wonderful it is to have a wealth of talent and experience as part of our Suburban Temple family. I hope that we will have a great turnout to hear both speakers.

One more quick reminder: our annual campaign is still under way and we are counting on you to help us reach our goal. If you haven’t yet given, please take a few minutes right now to call the office or visit our website to make your donation.

Thank you!Brett Shankman, Executive Directorbshankman@suburbantemple.org

Wish ListOneg Shabbat – $50

Bimah Flower Sponsorship – $35

Wireless N/N+ Routers – Have you upgraded your wireless recently? Do you have a router lying around? We can use it... or a $75 donation.

New pack-n-play and diaper changing station – $125

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I was driving to Temple to teach Confirmation class on a Sunday morning, and I got to

thinking about the kids in the class (who are absolutely great), and that got me thinking about their families – some of whom I’ve known forever, others of whom I’ve come to know, and how the Confirmation year is so turnkey in welcoming these tenth graders to the congregation as adults. It was quite a goose bump reverie.

When I walked into the lobby, Rabbi Shana was more than a little surprised to see me, on account of there was a field trip that day, and my class wasn’t in residence. My fault, I didn’t read the schedule for that Sunday (but read all the others, I assure you). No matter. A learning session for the new prayer book was letting out, and I got to spend a fantastic half hour with Marge Grodin. Any half hour with Marge Grodin is fantastic, but in this one I heard some Temple history that I’d not known, or, had never listened to before with president’s ears. That Sunday conversation really gave me some insight and perspective on what it means to choose a Temple and love it like you love your family – with an open heart, even during the times you want to throttle someone.

That, then, got me thinking about what has changed for me over the last three years of my presidency. Naturally, in this role, you see warts. But I didn’t think about that. I thought about all the people I’ve come to know, and how so many of them have become my family. They are people that Dad, Mark and I now have High Holy Day meals with. They are people I meet for lunch, spend a Saturday with running errands (translation: eating lunch and shop-ping), go out for dinner with following Shabbat services, with whom I’ve traveled to Israel... They are advisors who have become dear friends – where would I be without my monthly lunches with Jim “Svengali” Grunzweig – and Don Jacobson who was a Green Mill cohort of Dad’s at Heights High, but without whom, I’d be blue. There are folks I know from civic engagement in the CLE, and there are my Confirmation class members, looking ever so much the same.

To me, it’s an incredible tapestry, and it’s a home I’d never have expected, and I’m grateful. MWAH.

Sara Stashower, Presidentideas@suburbantemple.org

From our President:

A Big, Fat, SWAK Valentine for ST-KA

Men’s Club NewsAttention men of ST-KA: Mark your calendars for these upcoming Men’s Club programs.

Sunday, February 22 | 10 amBruce Sherman will speak about “The World of Extreme Athletic

Adventure Competition.” This is a great opportunity for men of the congregation to hear from one of our own.

Thursday, March 12 | 7 pmDr. Jerry Shuck, former chief of surgery at University Hospitals, will discuss “Fifty Years in the Operating Room: What Has Changed?” This program is open to all members

of the congregation.

There is no charge for these programs; however, please RSVP to admin@suburbantemple.org. Watch for more details in the weekly

Temple Times and in the March Bulletin.

Doing JewishIn celebration of Tu B’shvat (The Birthday of the Trees and Jewish Earth Day) we will gath-er at noon on Sunday, February 1 for lunch and a brief text study, followed by a tikkun olam (repair the world) project that will allow us to be shomrei ha’adamah, guardians of the earth. Please RSVP to admin@suburbantemple.org or 216.991.0700. Can’t wait to see you there!

What are Judaism’s 10 Best Ideas?

Author, Rabbi, Philosopher Arthur Green recently authored the book Judaism’s 10 Best Ideas. Join Rabbi Vann to explore this accessi-ble volume through dis-cussion and reading. Classes will meet from 9:30–10:30am on February 8 and 22,

and resume again following Passover. Note: Please bring the book Judaism’s 10 Best Ideas to class with you. RSVPs are appreci-ated to admin@suburbantemple.org or 216.991.0700. The book is available at local libraries, at ST-KA for reference, on Amazon.com or your favorite bookstore!

Adult Education: The Four Questions Aren’t Just for Passover!While many believe that the symbol of Judaism is the Star of David, is it actually the question mark. We love to ask questions, and it is how we learn. Throughout the spring, Rabbi Shana and Linda Wolfe will be teaching a class on the Jewish holidays we celebrate at this time of year. We will study a text (in English) associated with each holi-day, and then discuss the questions both the text and the holiday evoke in us. This promises to be a new and thought-provok-ing way to approach the holidays.

Classes will meet from 7–8pm on the following Wednesdays:

Purim – February 18 and 25 Passover – March 11 and 18 Shavuot – April 8 and 15 Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) – May 6 and 13

Come Grow with Me Shabbat

On Friday, February 20, at 6pm join us for a brief, interactive, and fun Shabbat

service, followed by Shabbat dinner for families with very young children. This pro-gram is free thanks to a gen-erous grant from the Jewish

Federation of Cleveland. Please RSVP to Jill Ebenstein (jill@suburbantemple.org or 216.991.0700 ext. 101).

6th Grade Family ShabbatonPutting a Little Holy into Every Day: On Saturday, February 21 from 1–7pm, 6th graders and their families will spend a day filled with learning, laughter, food and fun. Through text study, art, games, music, and tikkun olam (repair the world) projects we will discover how to bring a little holiness into each day, how to make each day a little more meaningful and special. We are excit-ed for you all to join us! Please RSVP to Jill Ebenstein (jill@suburbantemple.org or 216.991.0700 ext. 101).

Parents’ Night Out

Would you like a date night or a night out with friends? Let our professionally trained teachers, Kathy Klein and Heidi Mell watch the kids while you enjoy yourselves! All chil-dren one year and older are welcome to join us Saturday, February 28, from 6-9 pm for a pizza dinner, activities, havdalah, and a movie in pajamas. The cost is $5 per child for the whole evening! Please RSVP to Jill Ebenstein (jill@suburbantemple.org or 216.991.0700 ext. 101).

Lifelong Learning

Mazal tov to Bob Gries, who recently published Five Generations: 175 Years of Love for Cleveland. This family his-tory chronicles the deep impact Bob’s family has had on Cleveland in busi-ness, philanthropy, and Jewish life from 1837 to today. Proud members of the “5th generation,” Bob and Sally leave a wonderful legacy to their chil-dren and grandchildren (generations 6 and 7) and to all Clevelanders. May you go from strength to strength!

At Suburban Temple-Kol Ami, we are proud that Loree Resnik, our execu-tive director emerita, has taken a national role in helping lead the cam-paign on behalf of ARZA (Association of Reform Zionists of America). Congratulations, Loree!

Suburban Temple-Kol Ami members: The spotlight’s on you! We’ll celebrate your accolades and accomplishments in the Temple Times and the monthly Bulletin. Send submissions to admin@suburbantemple.org.

Our Prides and JoysWe share in the joy of grandfather Tom Gerson upon the birth of Dylan Gerson on December 14, 2014. Proud and happy parents are Max and Shana Gerson. Mazal tov to the whole family!

We share our joy in the birth of Jacob Isadore Rosenberg, great-great-grandson of Elise Rosenberg, grandson of Renee Young, and great-nephew of Lori Rosenberg. Jacob was born on December 29 to Meghan and Kevin Rosenberg. Mazal tov to the entire family!

Book of LifeThe following name has been lovingly inscribed for permanent memorial:Gloria Dinner

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service, followed by Shabbat dinner for families with very young children. This pro-

Suburban Spotlight

Kolot Kol Ami COME SING!Kolot Kol Ami: The Congregational Choir of Suburban Temple-Kol Ami will rehearse on Wednesday, February 4, at 7:30pm in the sanctuary. We will lead the music for the Shabbat/Torah service on Friday, February 6, at 6pm. It will be our honor to share the bimah with members of the adult B’not Mitzvah class.

Whether or not you’ve sung with us before, you are welcome to join us for music-making and fellowship. This is an opportunity for newcomers to learn our congregational melodies and for choir mem-bers to refresh their memories. We regularly add new melodies to familiar prayers, which we all learn together.

Kolot Kol Ami sings monthly from fall through spring. Please contact me for further information.

Bruce Shewitz, Music Directorbruce@suburbantemple.org

Caring CommunityWe all know someone who is recovering from an injury or accident, shut in due to weather, or no longer driving. Maybe you’ve been in that situation and wished for a friendly visitor. ST-KA Caring Community members are here and available on request to provide a meal, a ride, a social visit, or to be helpful in any other way.

If you could use our assistance, please let us know. If you know someone else who would appreciate some help, ask their permission to notify the Caring Community or encourage them to call Rabbi Vann or Executive Director Brett Shankman at 216.991.0700. Please call Linda Schneider at 216.593.0003 for more informa-tion or to get involved with the team.

Coffee, Tea and WeNow that Peet’s Coffee has closed, we have moved to a new spot: Panera at Richmond and Harvard Roads. Join Rabbi Vann and Brett Shankman for a schmooze, a jolt of java, or a soothing tea on Tuesday, February 10 at 8am and Tuesday, February 24 at 4pm. Coffee’s on us!

Connecting With Our Community

Greetings to all from Kol Nashim! As we are now in the heart of winter we look forward to getting together to worship and to exchange ideas. What better opportunity to come out of the cold than to bring a lunch and join Rabbi Vann at Book & Bread. On Tuesday, February 10, at noon, we will discuss The Aleppo Codex, by Matti Friedman. This deeply researched true-life thriller tells of the journey of the 10th century annotated Hebrew Bible known as the Aleppo Codex from its hiding place in an ancient Syrian synagogue to the newly-founded state of Israel. Author Matti Friedman uncovers a story of political upheaval, international intrigue, charged courtroom battles, obsession, and sub-terfuge. As always, it promises to be an enlightening discussion. RSVP to the Temple (admin@suburbantemple.org or 216.991.0700). The program is chaired by Maria Litt.

Women’s SederWe look forward to hosting our annual Women’s Seder on Sunday, March 15 at 5pm. Bring your girlfriends, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and grand-daughters to participate in this meaning-ful experience lead by Rabbi Vann and soloist Laura Lindauer. Please bring a wine glass or goblet special to you to be used as a Miriam’s Cup during the Seder. We will serve traditional Pesach foods, including a light meal. We will sing, we will dance, we will question, and we will learn together!

Everyone is welcome and the cost is only $18 per person. Please RSVP to the Temple at 216.991.0700 or admin@suburbantemple.org. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Gordon Merdler, chair, at susanlynngm@gmail.com or 440.684.6188. Look for an invitation to follow with all of the details.

Amy BloombergKol Nashim PresidentSTKAKolNashim@gmail.com

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10 Day Tour of Israel Led by Rabbi Allison Vann

August 6–16, 2015For more information, contact Rabbi Vann at 216.991.0700 or avann@suburbantemple.org.

For tour details and an itinerary go to www.arzaworld.com

and search for Suburban Temple-Kol Ami.

Join suburban temple-Kol ami in israel

Reform Jews for Israel: Vote for ARZAIn 2015, the American Zionist Movement (AZM) will hold elections to determine US Jewish representation to the World Zionist Congress (WZC), the highest legislative body of the World Zionist Organization (WZO). The WZO provides a forum for all the world’s Jews to come together and deliber-ate about issues affecting both Diaspora Jews and the state of affairs in Israel.

145 seats in the Congress are dedicated to the AZM. These elections are the stron-gest way for American Reform Jews to pro-mote and encourage the ideals of justice, equality and democracy in Israel itself.

To sign up and vote, please visit www.reformjews4israel.org. The cost is $10/$5 for those under 30 to register and vote for ARZA – Representing Reform. Voting runs until April 30.

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Book of Life FundIn memory of Gloria Dinner Sherry and Gary Dinner Dorothy Mirsky Diane and Harvey Scholnick

Bram FundIn memory of Husband, son, brother, and uncle,

David Blank Noreen Bertman

Endowment FundBarnett and Carole BookatzTom GersonLynn-Ann and Donald Gries Anita and Lee Seidman

Flower FundIn memory of Peter D. Cristal Susan and Michael A. Cristal

and Family

General FundJenna Bernstein

Music FundIn memory of Newson “Bucky” Shewitz Barbara and Irv Feldman Joan Lehman Fleming Flossy and Dennis Mitchell

Oneg Shabbat FundIn memory of Howard Orpett Susan and Bruce Long

Operating FundAmy and Lee Handel

For a special project Ronni and Jack Bialosky

In memory of Newson Shewitz Loree and Alan Resnik Joan Lehman Fleming Michelle Brown Loree and Alan Resnik Debra Light and Bruce Sherman

In appreciation of Suburban Temple-Kol Ami Joseph McDaniel Matthew Niekamp High Holy Day Tickets Rochelle and Mark Nyer

Prayerbook FundIn memory of Peter D. Cristal, Sue G. Cristal, and

Rabbi Eric Bram Susan and Michael Cristal and Family Nathan Shagrin, Norton and Erma

Greenfield, and Barbara Lurie Fran and Steve Greenfield Babette S. and Edward F. Hirsch Susan Hirsch and Family Ethel and Harold Polster, Dorothea

and Heinrich Gesenhues Dorothea and Michael Polster Irwin S. Haiman Ellen and Richard Rabb and Family Firooz and Arlene Raphaely Jonathan Payes and Susan Raphaely Dr. Sam and Marjorie Rose Zlotnik,

Dr. Raymond and Jeanne Levenson Sears

Sally and Larry Sears

In appreciation of Linda Wolfe and Rabbi Shana Nyer Ginny Lehman

In honor of Hannah and Emma Bloomberg Amy and Neil Bloomberg Justin Pilloff’s Bar Mitzvah Julie and Jeremy Pilloff Rabbi’s Discretionary FundIn appreciation of Rabbi Allison Vann Rabbi Philip and Nancy Kranz Debra and Bruce Levison

Religious School FundLeon Mendlowitz

In memory of Samuel L. Carlin, Israel Rubin,

and Rose Rubin Dolores and Myron Rubin

We Gratefully Acknowledge The Following ContributionsPlease consider making a contribution to Suburban Temple-Kol Ami to celebrate a special occasion, express gratitude or sympathy, or honor important accomplishments. A current list of Temple funds is available from the Temple office. Donations may be made on line at www.suburbantemple.org. Donations listed below were received between December 1-31, 2014. Please let us know of any errors or omissions.

Shabbat AcknowledgmentsWe are grateful to the following people who helped make our December wor-ship services a beautiful experience.

Ushers: Noreen Bertman, Al Jaffe, Jan Lieblich, Flossy and Dennis Mitchell, Tom Wieder

Blessings: Jodi, Jason, Jenni, Jamie and Josie Ashby; Mickey Friedman and Margaret Friedman Bahleda; Brynda, Todd, and Rhys Ivan; Jonathan Payes; Charlie Vann

Service Participants: Jodi Ashby, Will Berick, Lauren Clar, Tom Galvin, Carly Lehman, Molly Markowitz, Jeremy Rich, Drew Riley, Linda Schneider, Sadie Scullion-Mindlin, Karen and Sandy Shapiro, Madilyn Weinberger

AnnouncementsSara Stashower, President

Bimah FlowersOn Friday, December 5, were a gift from Barbara and Irv Feldman in memory of Irmgard Baer, Albert J. Baer, and Hyman Feldman and from Jason and Jodi Ashby in honor of their daughters receiving their Hebrew names.

In MemoriamDear RelativesNadine ElkinAunt of Charlie Vann

Joan Lehman FlemingMother of Dennis Lehman

Robert Ware FosterRelative of Stacey Brown

Marc C. KrantzSon of Joan and Byron Krantz

Charlotte MarkowitzMother of Robert Markowitz

Newson “Bucky” ShewitzFather of Bruce Shewitz

With our apologies, the following names were inadvertently omitted from the January Bulletin.

Eugene AmbroseFather of Patty Passov

Harry H. ZeidGrandfather of Brian Zeid

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22401 Chagrin Blvd. • Beachwood, Ohio 44122-5345Phone: 216.991.0700 • Fax: 216.991.0705Email: info@suburbantemple.org www.suburbantemple.org

Member, Union for Reform Judaism

Address Service Requested

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAIDCleveland, OH 44101

Permit 2752

staFFAllison Vann, RabbiEric J. Bram, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus, z”lMichael A. Oppenheimer, D.D., Rabbi EmeritusMyron Silverman, D.D., Rabbi Emeritus, z”lBrett Shankman, Executive DirectorRabbi Shoshana Nyer, Director of Lifelong LearningBruce Shewitz, Music Director

oFF i C e r sSara Stashower, PresidentKim Rosner, Vice-PresidentRonni Bialosky, Vice-PresidentDebra Light, Vice-PresidentBruce Waterhouse, SecretaryMichelle Brown, Treasurer

Our Temple Family Celebrates Chanukah