57732012-2013 Yearbook

Temple Beth-ElBirmingham, AL

Dear Temple Beth-El Community: We are delighted you are joining us for the High Holidays, and for the upcoming New Year. The Temple is abuzz with spiritual life, youth programs, adult education, and volunteer opportunities. ALL of these are because of you — the many members who attend our programs, help lead our services, raise funds for our building, and infuse life into our community.

This yearbook came about through the hard work of our staff and many volunteers. You will find within this 5773 Yearbook information about educational programs offered by our clergy, fundraisers and friendraisers conducted by Sisterhood and Men’s Club, and many ritual life and community service opportunities that you can take advantage of in the coming year. We urge you to resolve to engage even more fully in 5773 with your Temple community — the programs and projects of Temple Beth-El are intended to enhance your spiritual life, and to enhance Jewish communal life in Birmingham. Don’t hesitate to contact one of us, or the dedicated staff and lay leadership of TBE, if you have questions or new ideas.

L’shana Tova Umetekah May your year be a sweet one indeed,

Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith Cantor Dan Gale Arlene Fisher, Board President Bob Greenberg, Executive Director

Kol Nidre Tzedakah

It is said that giving tzedakah opens the gates to our prayers. On Kol Nidre, bowls will be placed at the entrance of the Temple to assist people in fulfilling the mitzvah of tzedakah. This year, the money will go to: • Fisher House Foundation for Injured Soldiers provides a “home away from home” for military families to be close to a loved one during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. www.fisherhouse.org• Yad Lakashish Lifeline for Israeli Seniors gives the elderly a creative work environment and invaluable support services, with a sense of purpose and community as well as financial assistance. www.lifeline.org.il• Temple Beth-El Religious School seeks to create a Jewish community for our children where they can learn about their Jewish faith in a joy-filled, stimulating, and low-stress environment, knowing they are a part of not only a 3,500 year old tradition but a synagogue with over 100 years of history in Birmingham. www.templebeth-el.net/religious-school.php

Please bring checks or cash to contribute to these funds. The Social Action Committee would also be grateful for donations of Perfect Sense gift cards.

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Tzedakah

Your Temple Beth-El

Professional Staff:Rabbi Michelle L. Goldsmith, rabbi@templebeth-el.netCantor Daniel Gale, cantorgale@templebeth-el.netExecutive Director, Bob Greenberg, bgreenberg@templebeth-el.netEducation & Youth Admin, Maurine Halpern, mhalpern@templebeth-el.netExecutive Director TBE Foundation, Barbara Gordon, barbaragordon@charter.net

Officers:President, Arlene Fisher, afisher185@aol.comVice President, Loraine Reznik, lorainereznik@gmail.comVice President, Dan Weinrib, weinribd@bellsouth.netSecretary, Sue Lischkoff, sue.lischkoff@gmail.comTreasurer, Bruce Downs, bruce@brucedownscpa.com

Board of Directors: Steve Altmann, Barbara Bonfield, Peggy Clarke, Steven Corenblum, Todd Doobrow, Sallie Downs, Edwin Fineberg, Eric Goldis, Jessica Goldstein, Vikki Grodner, Allen Halpern, Jacob Halpern, Naomi Ivker, Martin Klinger, Billy Lapidus, Richard Lehr, Michelle Pake, Toby Siegel, Natalie Sikora, Richard Smith, Tim Thornton, Danielle Weintraub, Dorothy Ziff, Melvin Zivitz

Past Presidents: Karl Friedman, Marshall Gordon, Howard Bearman, J.B. Mazer, Myron Radwin, Morton Stern, Julian Brook, Norman Berk, Maurice 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

Temple Beth-El • www.templebeth-el.net • 933-2740 • Page 3

Discussion, Exchange

Yom Kippur Community ConversationComposer Yotam HaberSeptember 26, 2012, 3:15 PM

Our guest speaker during the Yom Kippur afternoon break will be composer Yotam Haber.

Mr. Haber has been commissioned to create a program commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing which will be presented at the Alys Stephens Center in September, 2013. “A More Convenient Season,” the 75-minute work will bring together the Alabama Symphony, UAB Gospel Choir and Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Children’s Choir at the Alys Stephens Center.

Mr. Haber was born in the Netherlands and grew up in Israel, Nigeria and Milwaukee. A prize-winning composer, he was recently named artistic director of MATA, a New York-based organization that commissions and presents music by young composers.

This event is funded through the generous support of TBE member Sol Kimerling.

Dr. Ron WolfsonJanuary 9, 2013

Dr. Wolfson will speak to our congregation on the topic of “How to Transform Your Congregation into a Sacred Community” or “God’s To Do List: 103 Ways to be an Angel and Do God’s Work on Earth.”

Dr. Wolfson is a Professor of Education for the Fingerhut School of Education. He is a frequent scholar-in-residence for synagogues and communities, speaking on a wide range of topics in Jewish life. He is co-founder and current President of Synagogue 3000, an institute whose mission is to catalyze excellence in synagogue life. A pioneer in the field of Jewish family education, Dr. Wolfson is a member of the Consortium for the Jewish Family.

This event is funded through the generous support of TBE members Sallie and Bruce Downs.

Rabbi Abraham J. Mesch (z”l)Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Dr. Barry MeschDecember 7-9, 2012

Dr. Mesch is Provost and Professor of Jewish Thought at Hebrew College in Boston.

During the weekend there will be activities to remember/honor Rabbi Mesch as well as enjoy an inspiring presentation on Judaism by Dr. Mesch during Shabbat services.

AZA, former members, and the Mesch family will join us to honor Rabbi Mesch on his 50th yahrzeit.

Rabbi Abraham J. Mesch came to Temple Beth-El in 1935 and served until his untimely death in 1962. Under his leadership, Temple Beth-El grew in size and stature, with the institution of a Junior Congregation and youth group, among other innovations. He unified the congregation and was an outspoken Zionist, and oversaw Beth-El’s transition from Orthodox to Conservative. By 1960, Beth-El was the largest synagogue in the state.

This Scholar-in-Residence weekend is funded through the generous support of the Temple Beth-El Foundation.

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Religious School September17 Rosh Hashanah– Jr. Cong. and/or Family Service 18 Rosh Hashana– Jr. Cong. 19 No School 23 Ruffner Mountain trip 26 Yom Kippur– No School– Jr. Cong./Family Service October1 Sukkot– Jr. Congregation 3 Sukkot Family Dinner 7 Project Mishpacha (6th), No School for Pre K-10th 8 Simchat Torah Service and Dinner 12-14 ISJL Fellow Weekend 21 Zoo Trip- Community Event 24 Sam Glaser Program 26 Family Shabbat Ruach

November4 Project Mishpacha (6th) 10-11 No Jr. Congregation/School– Veteran’s Day 19-27 No Jr. Congregation/School– Thanksgiving Break 30 Family Shabbat Ruach

December9 Chanukah Lunch & Youth Presentation 12 Chanukah Event at McWane Center 21 Family Shabbat Ruach 23-Jan 8 No Jr. Congregation/School– Winter Break

January9 Students Return to School/ Ron Wolfson Program 13 Project Mishpacha (6th) 19-20 No Jr. Congregation/School– MLK Jr. Day 25 Family Shabbat Ruach 27 Tu B’Shvat– Community Event

February3 Project Mishpacha (6th), No School for 7th-10th 3 World Wide Wrap (5th)8-10 ISJL Fellow Weekend 16-17 No Jr. Congregation/School– President’s Day22 Family Shabbat Ruach24 Purim Carnival

March3 Project Mishpacha (6th) 10 Botanical Gardens Trip 16-24 No Jr. Congregation/School– Spring Break22 Family Shabbat Ruach 26 Passover– Jr. Congregation27 No School– Passover31 Chocolate Seder and Religious School

April7 Project Mishpacha (6th), No School for 7th-10th21 Israel’s 65th Birthday Parade– Community Event 26 Family Shabbat Ruach

May5 Project Mishpacha (6th), No School for 7th-10th 10 Teacher Appreciation/Awards Day Shabbat Dinner 11 Confirmation/Senior Send-off 12 No School for 7th-10th 24 Family Shabbat Ruach

Religious School Classes (Grades Pre-K - 10)Sundays 9 am– 12 pm

Religious School Classes,

in addition to Sundays (Grades 3-6)Wednesdays 3:45 pm– 5:45 pm

Junior Congregation (Grades 2-6)

Saturdays 10:30 am– 12:00 pm

Trope (Grade 5)5th grade students attending Religious School classes

will participate in Trope classes during Religious School hours. Day School students must contact

Cantor Gale to schedule Trope classes.

Youth Music Program (Grades 3-8)Sundays 9:40 am– 10:00 am

Opportunities to perform in front of the congregation will be planned throughout the year. Participation

in these performances is optional but strongly recommended.

Project Mishpachah (Grade 6)

6th grade students and their families will participate in Project Mishpachah, led by Rabbi Goldsmith.

Youth Groups

Optional (Grades 3-12)Chaverim- grades 3-5Kadima- grades 6-8

USY- grades 9-12Refer to the Youth Group calendar for specific meeting/activity dates

High Holiday Family Service

First day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, 10:00-11:00 am

in the Cultural CenterAt the conclusion of the service,

children Pre-K through 6th grade are invited to the Religious School

classrooms for special holiday activities until 1:00 pm

Shabbat Babysitting

Every Shabbat morning and most holidays there is free babysitting

for children age 1 through 1st grade

Temple Beth-El • www.templebeth-el.net • 933-2740 • Page 5

Our ISJL Religious School CurriculumTemple Beth-El is proud to be a participating institution with the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (henceforth referred to as ISJL) located in Jackson, MS. As a participating institution, we have access to a curriculum specifically designed to meet the needs of Jewish students in small southern Jewish communities.

The ISJL Education Curriculum is a spiraled curriculum, in which students revisit key content areas with increased sophistication as they progress through the curriculum. The ten key content areas are: Community, Culture and Symbols, God, Hebrew and Prayer, Israel, Jewish History, Jewish Holidays, Jewish Lifecycle Events, Mitzvot and Jewish Values, and Tanach (Torah, Prophets, and Writings). The curriculum is developmentally appropriate, nurturing students’ Jewish identity, equipping students to live rich and meaningful lives. Each grade has thirty, two hour, lessons including Hebrew. There are a variety of activities in each lesson that implement the idea that students have different learning styles. Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic learning activities are used throughout each lesson.

The ISJL curriculum provides class-by-class lesson plans for each grade, which include both the big picture (big ideas and the objectives) and the nitty-gritty (supplies and other things to prepare). In addition, the ISJL curriculum implementation component consists of traveling Education Fellows. Each community is assigned a fellow who visits 3 times a year providing programs such as teacher trainings, all school programs, service leading and more.

Throughout the curriculum, students will continue to be exposed to these key content areas:CommunityBy being part of the Religious School experience, students will feel a particular pride for their heritage as southern Jews and identify with the larger American and global Jewish community.Culture and SymbolsThe ISJL curriculum provides students with the opportunity to experience the colorful culture of Judaism and the symbols. The students will develop a deeper understanding of Jewish culture as their Religious School education builds.GodReligious School is a place where students can openly discuss their thoughts and feelings about God. Students will learn that throughout history Jews have explored their relationship with God.Hebrew and PrayerDuring Religious School, students will have the ability to participate in synagogue prayer services and find personal meaning in them, recognizing Jewish worship as an essential facet of Jewish life and as an opportunity for self-discovery, self-assessment, and self-development.IsraelThroughout the curriculum, students learn to identify with Israel as the Jewish homeland, understanding its history and recognizing our obligation to visit and support the State of Israel, and consider participating in an educational program there.Jewish HistoryStudents will develop a meaningful identification with Jews past and present through the study of Jewish history, culture, Hebrew language, liturgy, music, literature, arts, and texts.Jewish HolidaysWhether it is with the entire religious school at an All School Program or in each grade, students will familiarize themselves with the many rituals and traditions that are celebrated during Jewish holidays.Jewish Lifecycle EventsThe spiraled curriculum allows students to mark the passages of time and seasons through Jewish lifecycle ceremonies using the symbols, rituals, prayers and traditions of their Jewish heritage.Mitzvot and Jewish ValuesThe ISJL curriculum provides students with a chance to view mitzvot-both ritual and ethical-as opportunities to build a relationship with God. Tanach (Torah, Prophets, and Writings)Through the religious school experience, students will recognize that Jewish education is a lifelong endeavor, one that involves a critical and inquiring approach, whereby the process of questioning is as valued and important as the quest for answers.”

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Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El: 21st Century Women Supporting the Synagogue

We’ve been active before the season even starts! In fact, we are running a one-year ‘Special for New Members’ - $18 for the first year! If you happen to be one of the few women in our congregation who is not a Sisterhood Member, now is the time to join!

These are standard annual commitments paid in cash to the synagogue:• $12,000 to Religious School salaries • $100 cash to each teacher for classroom supplies • $7,000 for Kitchen Manager salary • $5,500 (up to that amount if spent) for Youth travel • $2,000 kitchen supplies- perishables • $2,080 second babysitter every Shabbat morning • $1,000 Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund

In addition to that annual commitment, in the last decade we have contributed: • $350 (last year) for unplanned rededication for new Mesch Building • $36,000 paid in full for Capital Campaign for sanctuary • $60,000 for Social Hall structure repair from leaks • $12,000 additional for Social Hall kitchen repairs • $18,000 pledge (3 yrs/$6,000 per year) for remodel of Mesch Building • Provided all the volunteers to “sell” cemetery rock garden • Non-cash donations to the synagogue annually • $1,200 annual payment to garbage pick-up for synagogue• $1,400 bimah flowers for all holidays (thank you, Melissa Zivitz!) • $400-$800 in book gifts for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs • $500 engraved Bibles for each confirmand • $8,400 Sisterhood’s Synagogue Directory (Janet Reagan, Shirley Froehlich, Adrienne Brook, Lynette Mazer and many, many solicitors) • $1,900 synagogue’s Book of Remembrance for four Yizkor services each year (thanks to Hannah Helman, Shirley Froehlich, Thea Ostroy, Naomi Fineberg) • $1,500 annual deep cleaning of the kitchens • $300 Baby Baskets for every New Beth-El Baby (thanks to Kim Mirelman and Ilse Nathan’s handmade blankets) • Annually our Sisterhood Women donate $19,000- $22,000 to the Jewish Theological Seminary and additional Conservative schools education professionals, lay leaders and community activists (thanks to Arlene Fisher, Hannah Helman, and Melissa Zivitz)

Okay, you say, what has Sisterhood done lately?We’ve moved into a refreshed Judaica Gift Shop, with new buyers, Esther Levy and Fawn Bloomston, Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, Janet Reagan, and Financial Manager, Judy Rutsky. Cash, Check, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover are accepted.

We’ve collected your names and donations for New Year’s Greetings , sold Honey from the Heart, and our traditional Rosh Hashanah apple cakes (if you’ve missed this year, make a note that we begin accepting orders in July/August of every year). Hannah Helman and her bakers don’t ever let us down!

On August 5 we polished all the ritual silver in the arks - that’s our hiddur mitzvah for the synagogue…and it was also an opportunity to visit with members of Sisterhood! Thank you to the leaders: Sharon Kahn, Roz Mannon, Janet Reagan, Margy Rosenbaum, Esther Schuster, Ruth Siegler and Nan Unkenholz.

Our Opening Meeting on August 16 was a fashion show narrated by Audrey Lindquist, with our members modeling clothes from Town and Country. Julie Bernstein, who chaired the event, really puts a program together, with co-chairs for table decorations from Pam Ruttenberg, and Hannah Helman arranging the meal from Nadine Cohen. New members attended free! We enjoyed a delicious lunch, viewed beautiful clothes, and saw so many friends we missed during the summer.

Sisterhood

2012-2013 Sisterhood Programming

Sunday, October 21, 4:30pmCocktail Reception for Southern Region Area Guests, including President, VPs, and WLCJ VIP. All Sisterhood members are invited!

Sunday, November 11, 10amAlyson Richman, author of “The Lost Wife” will visit, community invited for a continental breakfast and book signing.

Sunday, December 9Chanukah Latke Lunch and Raffle. There will be Gift Shop specials, and the 2013 Sisterhood Synagogue Directory will be available.

Friday & Saturday, January 19-20Sisterhood Shabbat Weekend: Sisterhood sponsors a traditional Shabbat supper Friday evening, leads the services on Saturday morning, and provides a kiddush luncheon for the congregation.

Months of January, FebruaryWe begin the preparation of our Shalach Manot baskets for Purim, which begins Feb. 23rd. There are dates for parties to help put together the baskets, and to later deliver them to recipients.

Saturday, February 9We’re joining with the Men’s Club to raise money for the Synagogue: CASINO NIGHT! There will be traditional casino games, poker, and Mahjongg tables!

Temple Beth-El • www.templebeth-el.net • 933-2740 • Page 7

And what will you be wearing for the High Holidays?! We hope it will be the new Torah Fund pin!

Please consider supporting the Jewish Theological Seminary where our future rabbis, cantors, and educational directors are educated by making a contribution:

Patron - $1200 • Associate Patron - $600 (pin with ruby) Guardian - $300 (pin with pearl) • Benefactor - $180

You will also receive a packet of contribution cards to send out at your convenience.Payments may be made in installments, and they can also be paid using VISA, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.

“Uri! Uri! Awake! Greet the New Dawn!”As women, we experience many wake-up calls. Devorah the Prophet was a judge in Israel when she was roused from her seat under a plam tree to lead her people’s troops into battle with the words, “Arise, arise, Devorah; arise and join in the chant”(Judges 5:12). But Devorah was also known as a mother in Israel, and, as such, she must have been responsive to the great variety of wake-up calls women experience throughout their lives: a hungry baby, a child in need, a cause that demands immediate attention and action.

Being roused to action is often just the prelude to awakening others, whether via the shofar – as seen growing out of the letter ayin in the 5773 Torah Fund pin – or by using our voices and networks to focus on the critical needs of our families and communities, our movement, and our people. The imagery of dawn invokes an awareness of the challenges before us as well as our need to be alert to address them. What challenges will we face in 5773 as Jewish women? Will we rise to meet them and will the glory of G-d be present in our response? Uri, uri – awake – and shir dabeiri – sing a song – of activity, of victory, and of thanks to the Holy One whose light illuminates all of our waking moments.

Please give us a call.Hannah Helman, 967-9659 Arlene Fisher, 967-5459

ASSOCIATE PATRON Beth SchaefferMelissa Zivitz

GUARDIANS Jodi Benck Candace CaineHeidi Damsky Shirley FroelichVirginia Heiman Hannah Helman Lisa Kianoff Ricki Kline Lynette Mazer Marjorie Perlman Pam Ruttenberg Maxine Sklute

BENEFACTORS Betty AnfangerTobie Axel Suzanne BearmanMichelle Bearman- Wolnek Phyllis BerkSylvia BermanEllen BernsteinJulie BernsteinLisa Ruttenberg BorBarbara Brande Adrienne BrookEsther Brown Ellen BruckSherry Cherner Anne Cohn Charlotte Corenblum

Vicki Denaburg Melanie Dillenberg Lisa Engel Carol FillerNaomi Fineberg Barbara FinkelsteinArlene FisherRabbi Michelle GoldsmithSherrie Grunfeld Shirley Hasson Bettie Jaffe Sheryl Kimerling Mary KimerlingEthel Laufman Esther Levy Judith MichaelsonPat MillerKim Mirelman

Ilse Nathan Susan Padove Hazel Pizette Marian Radwin Loraine ReznikHarriet RoutmanMicky Rubenstein Lora Schwartz Joyce Serwitz Dorothy Shiland Natalie Sikora Sandy Stern Debbie TesslerRazelle TorantoPhyllis WeinsteinChita Weintrob Dorothy Ziff

As of August 24, the following women have made a commitment to the new Torah Fund Campaign:

We have many things we want to do. Our Board has a place for you! If you can assist in any way (mailing, setting tables, keeping records, doing decorations, invitations, etc.) for any of Sisterhood’s activities, or you want to suggest a program or event, contact Janet Reagan at 956-9946 or JReagan@bham.rr.com. Remember that supporting the activities of Sisterhood is supporting the synagogue, and that is Holy work. You are doing a mitzvah!

Torah Fund

...And your name can appear here as well...

The Men’s Club continues to add value to Jewish life here at Temple Beth-El with entertaining programs and community service. We hold meetings throughout the year with schmoozing and bagels followed by guest speakers: sports, local media, finance, Israel, the Middle East, and more. Dues are $36 for membership. See more about our annual Kosher Barbecue Cook-Off on the back page.Our third annual Golf Tournament is at 7:00am on October 28 at Highland Park Golf Course. We’ll begin shotgun-style, and $100 pays for golf, greens fees, cart, breakfast, and lunch (Kosher chicken wings!). Activities will be available for the children, and other non-golfers are encouraged to come by and enjoy lunch as well for an extra small charge. This fundraiser benefits our World Wide Wrap Tefillin program.We join Conservative Congregations across the world in a Tefillin program on Super Bowl Sunday, called the World Wide Wrap. An instructional film and hands-on training with instructors makes it easy for those who want to learn how to participate in this important Jewish ritual. We also honor all the b’nai mitzvah who have received their Tefillin from the Men’s Club. In 2013, the wrap will be on February 3.Stay tuned for Men’s Club Shabbat, conducted by members.Our Men’s Club ensures through our Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle program that all households of our synagogue receive a memorial candle to be lit on the evening of Yom HaShoah on April 8.Beth-El keychains containing the Driver’s Prayer are gifted by the Men’s Club to those who have just received a driver’s license. The keychains are engraved with “May God Protect You,” and are presented when the recipient is called up to the Torah. Those who are already driving can join the Double Chai Safe Drivers Club by purchasing a keychain for themselves or others for $36.Each year, the Men’s Club organizes all the High Holiday ushers as well, filling this important role for our congregation.

Did you know a healthy Foundation is a necessity for TBE’s future? Historians believe the synagogue is the oldest continuous religious institution in human history, and scholars believed there is a direct correlation between the health of the synagogue and the welfare of the entire Jewish community. Did you know our membership dues cover only a portion of the annual expenses, not the full costs of running a synagogue? Additional funds are needed to keep our building, activities and services flowing smoothly. For these and many other reasons the Foundation of Temple Beth-El exists solely to insure the future fiscal health of our congregation and its vital role in perpetuating Birmingham’s Jewish Community. Did you know the TBE Foundation was created only to support Temple Beth-El? Funds under stewardship of this Foundation cannot be used for any other purpose. The Foundation was established in March 1960 as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.Did you know the Foundation has more than doubled its endowment since the year 2000? At the close of 2000 the Foundation of TBE Annual Report reflects assets of $2,309,000. The Foundation’s June 2011 Financial Report reflected assets exceeding $4,686,000. Did you know the future of our synagogue depends on the strength of its endowment? While many synagogues, without endowments, are struggling financially and making the hard decision to cut services to congregants, TBE, with the help of its Foundation, has been able to complete a badly needed building renovation and repair project. Through the Board of Director’s careful stewardship of the Foundation’s funds, TBE received over $400,000 to complete this project. This Board’s preparation for the inevitable building repairs and updating of the building allowed the Foundation to step up and financially help when our offices flooded from a broken pipe. This repair project became a wonderful opportunity to reconfigure and renovate the areas used for Temple business, social and educational programs. The Temple’s building will reach its 100 year mark in 2026. These much needed improvements will keep our building and programming vibrant as we reach this milestone. Did you know that these Foundation funds must be continually replenished? If the funds are not replenished, the Foundation will not be prepared for the next inevitable repair or request for enrichment activity funds. Each congregant has an opportunity and an obligation to participate in building our Endowment to insure the future of TBE. For more information about how you can be a part of building TBE’s future, call or contact Barbara Gordon, Foundation Executive Director.

Men’s Club

The Temple Beth-El Foundation

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Chesed is our community’s caring voice. The Chesed Committee performs acts of loving kindness on behalf of the Temple-At-Large. This group visits the home- and residence-bound at Jewish holidays, sends get well cards to those who are ill, birthday and new year cards to our senior friends. Cakes are delivered to those in mourning, and monthly Shabbat services are provided at local retirement homes. To participate in these mitzvot, contact Dorothy Ziff at 967-8746, Cindy May at 967-5512, or Sandra Gilbert at 967-6755.Contact Sisterhood if you would like to help bake shiva cakes.

The Birmingham Jewish Community Social Action Committee is involved in many Tikkun Olam projects, partnering with Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM), Birmingham Hospitality Network (BHN), and Community Kitchens. To become involved, contact Eva Wilensky at 967-3340 or littleva@bellsouth.net, or Sherrie Grunfeld at 969-3675. The group has been cooking and serving Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter meals to those in need for many years. To volunteer for helping with these meals, contact Eva Wilensky. This is a mitzvah in which the whole family can participate.December 23rd and 24th at Brookwood Mall, we will participate in the BHN gift wrap project, in which all proceeds go back to the organization. To participate, contact Toby at tbs2229@aol.com or Bert Siegel at bsiegel@realtysouth.com. Year-round, we assist with housing, and preparing and serving meals while BHN families are hosted by Temple Emanu-El. Another recipient of our tzedakah is GBM, an organization in which our fellow congregants, Vicki Lewis and Karen Weinrib, sit on board.We are also associated with the GBM, which helps financially support those who are going through difficult times by helping with bills such as utility and housing. We participate in a winter clothing, and toy drive as well.

Perfect Sense gift cards are available for Piggly Wiggly, Publix, Western, and Winn-Dixie, and can be used for both groceries and prescriptions. 3-4% of every Perfect Sense dollar is donated by the store to Temple Beth-El. You may purchase them as needed, or subscribe to a regular delivery of Perfect Sense cards through the office.

The Temple Beth-El Minyan has met twice daily for the duration of our synagogue’s existence. Attendance at minyan fulfills the mitzvah of prayer, comfort of the mourner, and if desired, that of putting on tefillin or helping someone else to do that. Minyan meets in the Kimerling Chapel weekdays at 7:00am and 5:30pm and on Sundays and American holidays at 8:00am and 5:30pm. During winter, Shabbat afternoon minyan is held at 4:30pm.

Immersion in the Mikveh is a mitzvah for both men and women, for ritual and special moments. Our spa-like mikveh is available for you to use in private if you wish, and can be scheduled for use by calling the Temple office.

The Chevra Kadisha, or Sacred Society, cares for the dead for our synagogue, performing the ritual bathing and dressing of the body in dignity and reverence. Virginia Heiman (967-5669) and Micky Rubenstein (967-4679) lead the women’s group, and Eph Mazer (967-5733) leads the men’s group.

A Community of Mitzvot

Temple Beth-El • www.templebeth-el.net • 933-2740 • Page 9

Our Cemetery Committee continues its good work. Thanks to the generous support of the TBE Foundation and regular maintenance contributions by next-of-kin, Block 40 of Elmwood Cemetery is flourishing. The Committee has been laying Emerald Zoysia on all new graves, ensuring that graves are properly watered, and providing weed prevention and fertilization. The entire area has been tended carefully to ensure families can visit a well-maintained burial site. The Committee has plans to continue on several fronts in the coming year to maintain this cherished space. • Annual maintenance fees will be used to continue improving the quality of landscaping to ensure long-term beauty. Families can also choose to make a life-time contribution to the TBE Foundation to cover maintenance care. Contact the Temple Office if you want more information about these options.• A new section for Memorial plaques/stones will be available in the Memorial Rock Garden to honor the memory of a loved one. Contact Barbara Bonfield for further information about this opportunity.• Cemetery sites continue to be on sale for long-term estate planning. Contact David Reznik for further information about sites available.The Temple Beth-El Cemetery Committee is committed to high Jewish burial standards and to serving the families whose loved ones have burial sites at Elmwood.

Music is an integral part of the worship experience at Temple Beth-El, enhancing the communal and spiritual aspects of prayer. TBE is a “singing” congregation. Our services include ample opportunity for communal singing and engagement, thus bringing the congregation into the worship experience.

A Congregation of Music

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Friday evening services at Temple Beth-El enhance your experience of welcoming the Shabbat: • TBE’s regular Friday evening service is an hour-long informal and relaxing fusion of contemporary and traditional worship and music, accompanied by guitar and drumming.• One Friday evening each month is Family Shabbat Ruach, a lively hour-long service for both children and adults guaranteed to uplift your ruach (spirit) and enliven your soul. Family Shabbat Ruach service begins with our children welcoming the Shabbat in song, after which they will follow Rabbi Goldsmith to the Chapel a children’s service and activities. Cantor Gale continues the service with TBE Shabbat Ruach Band of Bruce Downs on guitar, Spencer Leffel on drums, and Gerald Rosenblum on violin. Bring your entire family as we joyously welcome the Shabbat in song and prayer. Supper is served afterwards, $10 per person, $25 per family. Dates 2012: 10/26, 11/30, 12/21. 2013: 1/25, 2/22, 3/22, 4/26, 5/24.

Shabbat morning and holiday services are a blend of traditional and contemporary music. Congregational singing is an important part of the TBE worship experience, and the Cantor encourages the congregation to join their voices to enhance the worship experience. (Shabbat and Festival Services Guides are available in the pews to encourage participation by all – regardless your level of Hebrew knowledge.)

The TBE Choir is an all-volunteer group of dedicated singers who enhance TBE’s High Holiday services with their beautiful melodies, as well as joining in the congregational singing. If you would like to participate in the choir, please contact Cantor Gale.

Music in our Religious School: Music is an integral part of our children’s education at TBE. Our Religious School students have a Jewish music module on Sunday mornings with the Cantor, where they learn Hebrew songs about Jewish life, Israel and Jewish values. The Tefillah/Prayer component of our Religious School and Youth Minyan Programs incorporates the use of melodies used in services at TBE, preparing our students not only for B’nai Mitzvah, but for the years following as Jewish adults.

Temple Beth-El • www.templebeth-el.net • 933-2740 • Page 11

Classes with Cantor Gale Watch bulletin for dates and times:

Beginning Prayer Book Hebrew A continuing course on basic prayer book Hebrew and concepts found in the prayer book. A basic reading knowledge of Hebrew is suggested. First Century Judaism and the Beginning of Christianity A survey of the connections between early Christianity and Judaism in the First Century C.E.

Pirkei Ha-Shavua (“Chapters for the Week”) Tuesdays 12:00-1:00 pm, Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith Ongoing

For over a thousand years, Jews have been referred to as The People of the Book. Although in modern times part of our Jewish identity is based on our historic commitment to study as evidenced by this name, too often we have not really read “the Book,” the Tanakh (the Five Books of Moses and the fascinating books of Writings and Prophets). Come learn what it’s all about!

As Rabbi Jerome Epstein once wrote about the Tanakh: • “The Tanakh is a tapestry containing the threads of God’s plan. • The Tanakh is the ultimate source of our Jewish values. • The Tanakh makes it possible to truly experience our history. • The Tanakh makes it possible to be touched by Divine inspiration.• The Tanakh is the primary source that stimulated Rabbis and Sages throughout the ages to envision Judaism for their own generation. • The Tanakh is your Jewish birthright. • The Tanakh blends holiness and humanity. It challenges us to live our lives so that we will make a positive difference to others.”

Last year we studied Joshua, 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. This year we continue our studies with Kings I and II and the prophet Isaiah. This will be an exciting journey through the former Prophets. Our goal will be to read two or three chapters of the Tanakh each week.

We will be using The Jewish Study Bible by Oxford and employing pre-distributed questions to guide our reading and study.

For more questions or to register, please call 933-2740. Feel free to bring a dairy or vegetarian lunch.

The Observant Life – The Wisdom of Conservative Judaism for Contemporary JewsTuesdays 1:00-2:00 pm, Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith Begins October 9, 2012

Jewish tradition goes back thousands of years but the Torah commands us to make Jewish teaching fresh and relevant to each generation. Rabbi Martin S. Cohen spent over a decade collecting and editing the writings of many of the most respected Torah scholars of our generation in order to share the beauty of Judaism for 21st century Jews. Amazon describes the goal of the book as helping its readers “suffuse life with timeless values, how to remain loyal to the covenant that binds the Jewish people and the God of Israel and how to embrace the law while retaining an abiding sense of fidelity to one’s own moral path in life. Written in a multiplicity of voices inspired by a common vision, the authors of The Observant Life explain what it means in the ultimate sense to live a Jewish life, and to live it honestly, morally, and purposefully.”

In this class we will discuss one chapter per week. Topics will include Shabbat observance, Israel, synagogue life, public appearance and behavior, charitable giving, marriage, same sex-relationships, interfaith relations, personal integrity, and more.

Introduction to JudaismWednesdays 6:00 pm, Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith Ongoing

Judaism is the dynamic and inspirational religion of the Jewish people, going back over 3,500 years. Jewish tradition encompasses Jewish philosophy, thought, culture, and observance. In this introductory course, those who are seeking to enhance their Jewish knowledge, including those who are contemplating conversion, those who are married to a Jewish man or woman, those from an assimilated Jewish background, and those who were actively raised as Jews, can learn about the wisdom and beauty of this wonderful tradition and oldest of the monotheistic faiths.

Through an intensive study of the holidays and life-cycle including readings from the Hebrew Bible, rabbinic literature, the prayer-book, and philosophy texts, students will enhance their understanding of Jewish history, culture, and tradition. Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith will serve as the spiritual guide into this compelling tradition.

Adult Education

Active All Year

Sunday, May 19When Pigs Fly! Kosher BBQ Cook-Off

This year we’ll continue the contest along with a kid zone, celebrity judges, live entertainment, and a pickle eating contest. Get your team fired up and let’s cook kosher ribs!

The Temple Beth-El Foundation cordially invites you to Break-the-Fast after the Yom Kippur Neilah service. No reservations are necessary.

Do a Mitzvah: take a sack. On Kol Nidre, bring it back.Please take a sack home with you as you leave the building. Fill it with non-perishable food items (please remember to check expiration dates). Bring it back to the downstairs Social Hall on Kol Nidre. This Yom Kippur, let’s make sure there’s food on someone else’s table.

Saturday, February 9Casino Night

Sisterhood and Men’s Club are joining to raise

money for Temple Beth-El, with Casino Night! There will be

traditional casino games, poker, and Mahjongg tables! Something you will definitely not want to miss!

TEMPLE BETH-EL2179 Highland AvenueP.O. Box 550220Birmingham, AL 35255-0220205/933-2740

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

P A I DPermit No. 889

Birmingham, AL

Our community will join the Religious School in our Temple Beth-El Sukkah on Wednesday, October 3 at 6:00pm for a dinner and program.

We’ll also be in the sukkah for dinner and Java in the Hut on Friday, October 5 following Shabbat services.

Our Simchat Torah celebration is for both children and adults. Erev Simchat Torah/Hakafot and Spaghetti Dinner will take place Monday, October 8 at 6:30pm.

Simchat Torah service is on Tuesday, October 9 at 9:30am.