eternalbnaibr.org/images/interior/newsletters/2017 summer.pdf · 2017-05-31 · june / july 2017...

JUNE / JULY 2017

Volume 75, Issue 8

Eternal

What’s your Glory? Summer Reflection

In his book, Have a Little Faith, Mitch Albom reflects on

the time he spent with the rabbi from his childhood, Rabbi

Albert Lewis, who had requested that the author deliver the

eulogy at his funeral “when the time comes.” Rabbi Lewis, the

rabbi of Temple Beth Shalom in New Jersey from 1948-1992,

was known as a master preacher. In one of his sermons, he tells

the story of a vacation he took on the island of Bimini in the

Bahamas. He was just about the only white man on this little

sliver of land in the middle of the Gulf Stream. Because his

skin color made him an oddity, the friendly natives engaged him in constant

conversation. One day, a young man said to him, “Mon, tel me what’s your

glory?” He didn’t quite understand him, so he asked him to repeat it. There was

a rather impatient motion of the hands, and the man said, “Mon, what is your

glory; you know, Glory?” The rabbi still didn’t understand the question. Then

in frustration, the young native explained, “Bimini Jack (who was a well-known

fighter at the time) works in the fish-house, but he’s a fighter. That’s his glory.

Me! I fish. That’s my glory. Mon, what’s your glory?”

The rabbi now understood. He was asking, “What is it that you really

do?” What’s your thing? What’s your specialty - your uniqueness - your talent

for which you are known? Eventually the explanation was offered, but the

question was a good one, a haunting one; one which we might want to take

some time over the summer to ponder.

The question also applies to a community. So what would you say on

behalf of your people? I might respond that Jews were given their glory at Sinai

to become a people with a mission. Jews are to be specialists in justice and

holiness, bringing God into the world. That’s our glory which we can

accomplish only if we have a people. Thus, it’s our glory to live today.

(continued on page 2)

Join us at Shabbat Morning Minyan

Saturdays 10 am

Gary J. Weill Youth Room

What’s your Glory? – A Summer Reflection (continued from page 1)

Jews find God by sharing in the experience of a people. When we have

moments of triumph or joy, or even sadness and difficulty, and we feel God’s

sustaining presence – we do not save that moment for ourselves or seek some

kind of impossible salvation outside the historic covenant – we share it with our

people. If you have a joyous event like a Bar or Bat Mitzvah or a wedding, have

a Kiddush/Oneg for us, and share it with us; we are your people, your glory!

And if a person is sick, share your prayer with your congregation on behalf of

all those who are ill. And if, God forbid, you lose someone, you express that

loss within the heart of a congregation at prayer, saying: “Even in the wake of

this sadness, I am part of your community, O God, and that is the meaning of

Kaddish. Why do we get the words Kiddush and Kaddish mixed up all the time

when we say them? Because they share the same root in Hebrew; sad or glad,

they mean the same thing: the holiness of the Jewish people and the

togetherness of the Jewish world. That’s our glory!

As we enjoy our vacations to places near and far this summer, let’s reflect

on this question: “What’s my glory?” My blessing for you is that you will

discover and live your glory. And then that you will pursue your mission with

every ounce of energy you have. May God grant you the strength and the time

to fulfill it.

Have a wonderful summer.

Rabbi Jordan Goldson

Iyar-Av

President’s Message

by Jay Jalenak

This summer, explore your Judaism.

Somehow I achieved the office of Congregation President without ever

knowing that May was Jewish American Heritage Month. While May is

behind us, summer is a fantastic time to explore our Jewish heritage. An

article from the URJ recommends you visit a Jewish Museum, eat some

Jewish food, read a Jewish Book, or watch a film exploring the Jewish-

American experience.

Certainly our children know where to dive into Judaism in the summer. We are so

fortunate to have Henry S. Jacobs Camp just hours away. My children have long considered

camp their summer home. They have been enriched through the programming at Jacobs

Camp, and they developed lifelong friendships. Now that Nina is a counselor and drives to

camp, I miss the annual gathering with old friends waiting for the camp gates to open.

Moreover, I remain in awe of the dedication and commitment our Jewish teens display

each summer though Dream Street. I know that our children love their camp, but sharing that

camp experience with children with physical disabilities is life-changing for both the campers

and our teens. There is no better way for our children to honor our Jewish heritage and the

ideal of tikkun olam.

If you are looking for your own local Jewish heritage summer fun, give Mah-Jongg a

try. WCBI is hosting Mah-Jongg on Thursday nights in the Gary J. Weill Youth Room.

Beginners will be taught how to play. This is a fun, energetic group. Everyone brings a snack

to share, and this a wonderful way to meet new Congregational friends.

Of course, you can always join us for a casual and cool summer Shabbat service. No

jacket is required and—thank g-d—the air conditioning is working.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that Julie Tepper is now Co-Director of Religious

School. When the Yellen family moved to Texas, we were fortunate that Jessica agreed to

continue as Religious School Director, even though remotely. We were even more fortunate to

have Julie step in as Assistant Director. They continue to be an ideal team. Now, as Julie’s

experience has grown, having co-directors was the next logical phase. Thank you to Jessica,

Julie and our teachers for keeping our Religious School unparalleled.

Enjoy your summer.

Iyar-Av

Calen

dar

Iyar-Av

2017-2018 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

REGISTRATION

REGISTER NOW! (member must be in good standing)

http://bnaibr.org/Forms/Forms.asp?p1=125

June June 2

Shabbat Service, 6pm

Gates of Prayer

June 3

Shabbat Minyan, 10am

June 9


Union Prayer Book

June 10


June 13

Board Meeting 6pm

June 16


Gates of Prayer

June 17


June 23


Union Prayer Book

June 24


June 30


Gates of Prayer

July July 1


July 4

OFFICE CLOSED

July 7


Gates of Prayer

July 8


July 14


Union Prayer Book

July15


July 21


Gates of Prayer

July 22


July 28


Union Prayer Book

July29


http://bnaibr.org/Forms/Forms.asp?p1=125

Confirmation Class

of 2017 / 5777

Iyar-Av

Iyar-Av

CONFIRMATION STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

Cemetery Security at The Jewish Cemetery A Police Officer

is on site at the cemetery every

2nd Sunday of the month:

10:00am - 2:00pm.

Iyar-Av

You may donate to the Temple in many ways. The designated Temple funds are listed below with a brief description of each. When making your donations, please designate your fund of choice.

Chunky & Ellen Folks Building Fund: for maintenance, repairs & improvements to the building

Camp Scholarship Fund: for need-based scholarships to a Jewish camp.

Carolyn & Bernard Schmulen Cemetery Beautification Fund: To plant appropriate shrubbery and trees, particularly in the new part of the ceme-tery, to create a more beautiful and peaceful setting.

Cemetery Maintenance Fund: Ceme-tery maintenance

Endowment Fund: to establish a permanent base of financial support for Congregation B’nai Israel.

Gary Weill Youth Room Fund: for maintenance, upkeep and improvements of the Youth Room.

General Fund: for support of general operating expenses of the Temple.

Alvin & Janice Rubin Ner Tamid Break Fast Fund: to provide continued support for the Annual Yom Kippur Break Fast.

Prayer Book Fund: to purchase new prayer books.

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund: used to support worthy charitable organizations and to assist members in need.

Sandy Sager Beautification and Garden Fund: for outdoor Temple beautification.

Sylvia Steiner Religious School Fund: to purchase needed items and provide scholarship assistance for Religious School.

Torah Repair Fund: for repairs to Torahs.

The following memorials or dedications

are also available:

Tree of Life Leaf: $250

Yahrzeit Memorial Plaque: $250

Tree of Life Stone: $1000

Sanctuary Pew (1/2 side): $1500

DONATE ONLINE at www.bnaibr.org/donate

Pay by credit card online with an easy form

that allows you to choose a designated fund

or the general donation fund and the purpose of your gift.

Donations may also be mailed to

3354 Kleinert Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Contributions

General Fund Rose Anne Suffrin: in memory of Nathan Kern

Sylvia Steiner Religious School Scholarship Fund Pam Roby: in memory of Louise Gartner

Chunky & Ellen Folks Building Fund Robbie & David Rubin: in memory of Doris Kanter

Pam Roby: in memory of Doris Kanter

Linda & Bill Dubois: in memory of Doris Michalove Kanter

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Elise & Charles Kaufman: in honor of Lisa & Dore Binder’s grandson,

Elise & Charles Kaufman: in honor of Edie & Ralph Bender’s grandsons

Elise & Charles Kaufman: in honor of the high school graduates

Elise & Charles Kaufman: in honor of the Confirmation Class of 2017

Elise & Charles Kaufman: in honor of Laurie Aaronson’s 50th birthday.

Camp Scholarship Fund Pam Roby: in memory of Phillip Fishbein

Cemetery Fund Pam Roby: in memory of Phyliss and Joe Kessler

Yarz

hei

ts

Iyar-Av

JUNE 2 Rae Elster Abramson Mother of Steven Abramson

Ethel Alcus Grandmother of Chip Mann Antwand Covington, Jr Grandson of Sheryl Brown

Leo R. Doise Father of Janet Moyse Jack W. Dupaquier Son of John Dupaquier

Rose Millstein Lopoo Grandmother of Sid Blitzer Charles Norman Rubin Brother of David and Mike Rubin Rose Siegel Grandmother of Maureen Corcoran

JUNE 9 Joseph M. Bergeron Brother of Elaine Simon

Lester Bloomensteil, Sr. Husband of Lillian Bloomensteil, Fred Jellin Step-father of Jak Kunstler Charles Alfred Miller Father of Danny Miller Alvin B. Rubin Father of David and Mike Rubin

Gus “G.J.” Weill Father of Laurie Brandt and Felix Weill Grandfather of David Weill

Eliyahu Weinstein Brother of Rabbi Barry Weinstein

JUNE 16 Betty Berg Grandmother of Seth Kaplan

Charles Bombet Father of Julius and Ronald Bombet Augusta Durning Father of Ann Dreyfus Max Herzog Grandfather of Mike Herschman Annalee Jaffee Grandmother of Rebecca Svensson Amalie Metz Kahn Mother of Metz Kahn

Anna Lipsey Mother of Richard Lipsey Grandmother of Laurie Aronson & Wendy Lipsey Mary Anna Nachman Mother of Leonard Nachman Ruth Roth Mother of Gary Roth

JUNE 23 Gus Brandt Father of Harold Brandt Joseph Goldberg Grandfather of Harvey Schwartzberg Gloria Goldson Mother of Rabbi Jordan Goldson Betty Kaufmann Mother of Janet Black Michael Pitlor Uncle of Doris Chesler Gerald Posner Husband of Isabel Posner Father of Lisa Binder Ryan William Smith Son-in-law of Randy and Debbie Brown Emanuel Teller Father of Rose Anne Suffrin

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JUNE 30 Dr. Leo Abraham Husband of Insa Abraham

Brother-in-law of Hans Sternberg Father of Eric Abraham Uncle of Erich Sternberg & Deborah Sternberg Roth

Joe Berg Uncle of Seth Kaplan

Charles M. Brenner Grandfather of Edie Bender

Alice Hicks Sister of John Dupaquier

Augustus Hirsch Brother-in-law of Rachelle Hirsch

Charles Kantrow Grandfather of Stacy Sommer

Louis Kaufman Grandfather of Carol Newman

Clara Goldfarb Levine Grandmother of Bette Levine

William Levine Grandfather of Lee Berg

Carol Ann Hausmann Marks Mother of Pam Roby

Max Ross Father of Paula Hoffman

Leo Roth Father of Gary Roth

Felix Schmulen Grandfather of Lynn Weill Great-grandfather of David Weill

Ida Schwartzberg Mother of Harvey Schwartzberg

Meyer Schwartzberg Father of Harvey Schwartzberg

Jacob Siegel Grandfather of Maureen Corcoran

Erich Sternberg Father of Insa Abraham and Hans Sternberg

Grandfather of Eric Abraham, Erich Sternberg & Deborah Sternberg Roth Father-in-law of Mary Ann Sternberg

David Lee Suffrin Nephew of RoseAnne Suffrin

Ceceil Sussman Aunt of Marc and Warren Sager

JULY 7 Alexander Caplan Father of Ralph Caplan

Cathryn Craig Mother of Cathy Labens

Bernard Hirsch Brother-in-law of Rachelle Hirsch

Leo A. Nijoka Father of Monica Winkler

Janice R. Sachse Grandmother of Victor E. Sachse

Joseph S. Simmons Husband of Betty Simmons Father of Joseph G. Simmons, Jean Wilcox and Becky Simmons

Alex L. Suffrin Father-in-law of Rose Anne Suffrin

Iyar-Av

Yarzheits

JULY 14 Charles M. Bender Father of Marvin H. Bender

Grandfather of Ralph Bender

Louis Bertman Father of Skip Bertman

Janet Dreyfus Mother of Rachelle Hirsch

Jean Fischer Aunt of Sandy Bertman

Loretta Bogoff Friedman Aunt of Alan Fishbein

Adler Hirsch Father-in-law of Rachelle Hirsch

Dorothy Kaplan Grandmother of Jeffrey Bender

Lee Hillard Meltzer Father of Don Meltzer

Flossie Strauss Michaelson Great aunt of Carol Newman

Jeanette C. Rosen Grandmother of Edie Bender

JULY 21 Raoul A. Levy Father of Charlotte and Helen Levy

Raoul L. Levy Brother of Charlotte and Helen Levy

Leonard Lichter Father of Shelly Mullenix

Joe Amos Marks Father of Pam Roby

Sallie C. McGuire Grandmother of Esther Sachse

Rosalie Moyse Mother of Betty Moyse Simmons Grandmother of Joe Simmons, Jean Wilcox and Becky Simmons

Lea K. Sternberg Mother of Insa Abraham and Hans Sternberg

Grandmother of Eric Abraham, Erich Sternberg & Deborah Sternberg Roth

JULY 28 Marc Becker Husband of Ellen Becker

Edah Schwartz Kessler Grandmother of Ann Keogh

Donnie F. Mabry Grandmother of Esther Sachse

Seymour Pizer Uncle of Steve Beck

Leonard H. Rosenson Husband of Marilyn Rosenson Father of Celia Strickler

Jules Rosenthal Uncle of Lynn Weill

Iyar-Av

Iyar-Av

You may add your yahrzeit dates online

at www.bnaibr.org.

Click on contact us

then Yahrzeit Reminder Form

or call the office at 225-343-0111.

Yarzheits

Healing Mi Shebeirach, the prayer for physical and emotional healing, is recited

at the Friday evening Shabbat service. If you are ill and would like a Mi

Shebeirach recited on your behalf, please call the Temple office at 343-

0111 before noon on Thursdays, so the congregation may offer its pray-

ers for you. If you know another person who needs the same, please ask

the individual for permission to read his/her name before calling the of-

fice.

Visiting Those Who Are Ill Congregation B’nai Israel wants to make sure we care for our members

and their families. If you have a family member or know of someone in

our congregation who is in the hospital, has been in an accident, or is ill

and recuperating at home, please call the Temple office at 343-0111 so

Rabbi Jordan can contact them and arrange for a visit.

Yarzheits Yarzheits are traditionally read during the Friday night service prior to the

anniversary of a loved ones death unless other arrangements are made

through the temple office.

REMINDERS: We will now send out reminders by email un-

less requested mailed. By email, you will receive a reminder 30

days, 15 days & Monday prior to the Friday before the Yahrzeit.

If you do not receive a reminder, please contact the office by

email ([email protected]) or call 225-343-0111.

Co

mm

un

ity

Hi everyone. My name is Hannah Kaplan and I am the communication

vp for the 2017-2018 school year

This past weekend we had our end of the year ice cream social and said

goodbye to the seniors and welcomed the incoming freshman.

We also held elections for the new board and here they are:

Max Sager & Eliana Levy - Co-Presidents

Julia Sager - Programming VP

Abbe Kantrow - Social Action VP

Briana Mullenix - Religious & Cultural VP

Maggie Mullenix - Membership VP

Hannah Kaplan- Communication VP

We are excited to beginning planning this summer and look forward to

seeing all of our teens at our first event. STAY TUNED

Have a great summer

Hannah

LOOKING FOR A VENUE FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT?

The newly renovated Social Hall and the Gary J. Weill Youth Room

are available for your next event at a reasonable cost.

For information, contact the office at 225-343-0111.

MAH JONGG MONDAY MORNING OR THURSDAY NIGHT!

Do you want to learn how to play Mah Jongg?

Lessons are now being taught in the Gary Weill Youth Room

Thursday nights beginning at 6pm (play is until)

Bring snacks to share (temple food restrictions apply).

If you are interested, please call: Jill Roby (225-921-9529)

NOTE: Please contact Jill Roby to check Thursday Schedule

BaRFTY

THANK YOU to the

Sponsors of the

2017 B’nai Israel Golf Classic

2017 B’nai Israel Golf

BEST SHOT

LONGEST SHOT

CLOSEST

TO THE

HOLE

2017 WINNERS

Iyar-Av

ART & SOUL 2017

View photos of our kids at www.jacobscamp.org

Iyar-Av

Mazel Tov to everyone who celebrates birthdays and anniversaries this month!

Mazel Tov to

the Confirmation Class of 2017 / 5777

Hannah Bienvenu Roby Judge

Briana Mullenix Maggie Mullenix

Sierra Sager Spencer Spivak

Steven Spivak

Mazel Tov to

Son of Wendy Lipsey

Luke Shiroda

on his graduation from University High Lab School—LSU.

He will attend the College of Charleston in the fall.

Mazel Tov to

The granddaughter of Lee & Ralph Caplan

Amanda Bingham

on her graduation from Ole Miss with a Marketing Degree

Mazel Tov to

the winner of the Art & Soul Raffle from Lee Michaels

Rabbi Barry Weinstein

Mazel Tov to

The daughter of Steven & Monica Winkler

Aylsa Winkler

on her graduation from Episcopal High School of Baton Rouge.

Iyar-Av

To send a Mazel Tov, email [email protected]. If you have a picture, attach it to

the email and we’ll include it if space allows. All entries will be reviewed by

Rabbi Jordan and must be received by the 20th of the month.

Mazel Tov to

the winners of the 2017 B’nai Israel Golf Classic!

Andy Blumberg & Ned Pearson

Mazel Tov to

Robert and Nicole Hazey Buggs

On the birth of their son,

Avery Daniel Hazey

To the Religious School Teachers for another successful year!

To the Temple Office Volunteers for their commitment to the temple every week!

Thank you Edie Bernard, Robbie Rubin, Edie Bender and Laurie Brandt!

To the Art & Soul Volunteers for making the event such a success!

To Nathan Levy for providing the ditty bags for the B’nai Classic Golf Tournament!

Iyar-Av

Ad

vert

iser

s

ADVERTISE HERE Now accepting advertisers for 2017 for the

Eternal Light Newsletter

Call Cathy at the Temple office at 225-343-0111.

Address Service Requested

Congregation B’nai Israel 3354 Kleinert Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70806

www.bnaibr.org

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jay Jalenak, President Deborah Sternberg, Past President

Seth Kaplan, Vice President Warren Sager, Treasurer

Andy Blumberg, Secretary Ronnie Bombet Linda Dubois Shawn Folks Adrian Hirsch Mike Kantrow Donna Kunstler Robbie Rubin Norman Schwamberg Lynn Weill

Nathan Levy, Men’s Club President Paige Wormser, Women of CBI President

Max Sager, BaRFTY Co-President Eliana Levy, BaRFTY Co-President

STAFF

Jordan E. Goldson Rabbi

[email protected]

Barry Weinstein Rabbi Emeritus

Cathy Duplechin Office Administrator

[email protected]

Jessica Yellen Religious School Co-Director

[email protected]

Julie Tepper Religious School Co-Director

[email protected]

James Hickman Custodian

eternalbnaibr.org/images/interior/newsletters/2017 summer.pdf · 2017-05-31 · june / july 2017...

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