June july tekiah 2015

A Note from the RabbiRabbi Rick Shapiro

(Continued on page 2)

Dear Friends,

As I reflect on my first year serving as your rabbi, I am struck by the enormous vitality and vibrancy of Congregation Beth Torah. During the past year, I was

regularly asked, both by congregants and others outside the congregation, “Is Beth Torah doing okay?” And my answer has not wavered one bit from the first time I set foot in the building to today: “Congregation Beth Torah is a vibrant and vital congregation committed to excellence and innovation. The congregation is currently undergoing a transition. Just like families, congregations have ups and downs: They experience times of celebration and times of mourning, times of harmony and times of discord, times of constancy and times of growth and transition. I have every reason to believe that Beth Torah will emerge from this transition stronger and even more vibrant, prepared to resume its role in the Jewish community as an innovator and provider of a quality Jewish experience for all who choose to participate.”

There are many factors that contribute to my perception, and at the risk of omitting some important ones, I would like to highlight a few. First and foremost, the unsung heroes of Beth Torah’s success are the support staff who work behind the scenes to make everything that happens possible; Robin O’Bryan, Sharon Altman, Cathy Nix, Barb Kitt, Sara Glass, and Ulises Trujullo. Each of them is truly an expert in his/her field, and their tireless devotion to Beth Torah is an ongoing inspiration to me. I quite literally cannot imagine our ongoing success without the countless hours that they give to all of us. I am personally grateful for all they do, and hope that the next time you see any one of them, you will express your gratitude, as well.

Secondly, the Beth Torah professional staff is without equal. Each and every one gives 110% at every moment, and their dedication and commitment to our congregational mission is apparent in everything they do. And even though we are losing two prized members of that staff as we bid farewell to Rabbi Reice and Aaron Nielsenshultz, I am supremely confident that the individual selected to fill their roles will be every bit as dedicated and committed. And if you would like evidence of my conviction, you

AVisit us on the Internet at

www.beth-torah.org

The Monthly Newsletter of Congregation Beth Torah

June/July 2015 • Issue 290 • Sivan/Tamuz/Av 5775

Sunday, June 7th, 2015Are you ready to join the Ride? We’ve added a long ride this year, so you can choose from 10, 25, 40 or 62 mile rides through southern Johnson County with en route support, SAG stations, and an after-party featuring samples of local beers. Cost is $35 per rider in advance or $40 the day of the ride. Register online at the Joel’s Ride section of the Beth Torah website. You can also like Joel’s Ride Wheels for Meals on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @JoelsRide.

Monday, August 17, 201512th Annual Golf Classic

We are going digital!!August will be our last widely mailed paper Tekiah.

If you would like to receive paper copies of the Tekiah in the mail after August, please contact the

Beth Torah office to “opt in”.

Look for your first digital Tekiah September 1st!

Brookridge Golf & Fitness

Putting contest by:

Lite Meal by:

For more information contact: Doug Polsky at [email protected] (913)593-9529 or

Sharon Altman (913) 498-2212 [email protected]

www.beth-torah.org | Page 2

Torah Portion & HaftarahJune 5/6 18 Sivan B’haalot’chaNum 8:1-12:16Haftarah – Zechariah 2:14-4:7

June 12/13 25 of Sivan Sh’lach L’chaNum. 13:1-15:41Haftarah – Joshua 2:1-24

June 19/20 2 of Tamuz KorachNum. 16:1-18:32Haftarah – I Samuel 11:14-12:22

June 26/27 9 of Tamuz ChukatNum. 19:1-22:1Haftarah – Judges 11:1-33

July 3/4 16 of Tamuz BalakNum. 22:2-25:9Haftarah- Micah 5:6-6:8

July 10/11 23 of Tamuz PinchasNum. 23:10-30:1Haftarah – Jeremiah 1:1-2:3

July 17/18 1 of Av Matot-Mas’eiNum. 30:2-36:13Haftarah – Jeremiah 2:4-28, 3:4

July 24/25 8 of Av D’varimDeut. 1:1-3:22Haftarah – Isaiah 1:1-27

July 31/August 1 15 of Av Va-et’chananDeut. 3:23-7:11Haftarah – Isaiah 40:1-26

Worship(Continued from page 1)

In Memorium

Judy GilgoreSister of Stan Goldman

Alma Baskin

Friend of Barbara Gutierrez

Grief Support Group to BeginJewish Family Services is starting a Grief and Loss Support Group that will be held the first and third Wednesday of each month, 2:00-3:30 p.m. beginning June 3rd. The support group is for individuals grieving from the death of a spousal partner. The group, which is free, will provide the opportunity to address issues of loss and grief within a Jewish spiritual context in a warm and confidential environment. The group is co-facilitated by Rabbi Mark Levin and Roger Goldblatt, a licensed clinical social worker. To register for this support group or for more information, please contact Goldblatt at (913) 730-1422 or [email protected].

need look no further than the people who have come on board or changed positions in the last year in replacing earlier staff departures. Laura Intfen, Emily Tummons and Todd Janvrin are first-class professionals and truly outstanding exemplars of the Beth Torah spirit. I come to the synagogue every day excited about the opportunity to work with each of them.

Thirdly, the members of the current Board of Trustees have set a wonderful example of leadership and responsibility for all. Our president, Linda Zappulla, has expertly guided a diverse and outstanding team of your fellow congregants in their work of managing the congregation. Their commitment to the congregation, exercise of fiscal responsibility and discipline, openness to new ideas, practice of frequent and effective communication with the membership, and willingness to explore a new collaborative leadership style speak volumes about them both as individuals and as role models for others who might aspire to lay leadership. They are a joy to work with, and I want to publicly thank them for their service this year.

Finally, there is you. I suspect that adjusting to the change in rabbis was challenging for many, but you have risen to the challenge and continue to support Shabbat Worship and the myriad opportunities for involvement that CBT offers. You have responded to my charge to re-establish and reinvigorate the culture of volunteerism that was the founding ethos of the congregation. You participate in long-standing programs, and have come forward to participate in new ones, as well. You are no longer willing to rest on your laurels, but are passionately committed to keeping Beth Torah in the forefront of all that is good and meaningful in 21st century synagogue life. People like Shanna Haun and Barry Katz, who chair the Rabbinic Search Committee; Miki Herman, who chairs the Educator Search Committee; Kelly Kaplan, who runs the Gift Shop; Marcia Rittmaster and Jennifer Levinson, who are chairing the newly-formed Volunteer Coordinating Committee; SueAnn Strom and Scott Franklin, who head up the revitalized Membership Committee; and Jeff Altman and Larry Myer, who are leading our Building and Grounds Committee (to mention only a few) are sterling examples of this.

The coming year will continue to present challenges, but they are stimulating and exciting ones as you select a new rabbi and a new educator, and prepare to begin the second chapter of your congregational story. I hope all of you have an enjoyable and somewhat restful summer, and I look forward to sharing this next year with all of you, with everything CBT has to offer you for a life filled with spiritual meaning and community belonging.


LeadershipPresident’s Corner

My Tekiah article today is an excerpt from my report at the annual meeting: highlights of the past year, a brief reflection on where we are, and a look ahead.

We have seen a lot of activity in the last 12-14 months, many good things, some unsettling things. Laura Intfen was promoted to Director of Community Connections. Judith Benson took on the complex task of keeping our music program on course through the spring and early summer as we conducted a search for a new music

director. We completed the last of our Torah Writing days, and celebrated the completion of writing our own Torah.

We bid happy retirement to Rabbi Levin. Rabbi Rick Shapiro joined us. Mark and Kacy remain active at Beth Torah. Rick has served as our rabbi, our teacher and over time, our friend. With his wife, Lynn, he has become part of our community.

Todd Janvrin joined us as Director of Finance and Emily Tummons joined us as Music Director.

We announced we would be moving to a one rabbi model. With Rebecca’s decision to join Asher in Texas this month, we will make the move to one rabbi sooner than we thought, but we were prepared with a plan and organizational structure. We were not prepared for Aaron to leave, though we can’t blame his new congregation for wanting him, nor him for pursuing this opportunity for professional growth. And we do have a model for the process of recruiting an excellent new staff member. We are grateful to Miki Herman for leading our educator search process and are excited for the future of the Weiner Religious School.

A number of our committees are reinvigorated, and new volunteers are stepping up to get things done. The membership committee is renewed under the leadership of SueAnn Strom and Scott Franklin, as is the building and grounds committee under leadership of Jeff Altman and Larry Myer. The Religious School Vision committee was created, and a Fundraising Strategy Task Force made recommendations to the board on how to better think about structure and manage our funding needs.

As we catch our breath from all this activity, I note that we are one year into the two years of Rabbi Shapiro as our Interim Rabbi. A year, or months, into the tenure of important new staff members. More than a year of unsettled times. If we thought our path would be straight, we would have been wrong. And each of us responds differently to where we are and our process

(Continued on Page 4)

Linda Zappulla, Board President [email protected]

Planned GivingSecuring Our Future . . . .

Planned Giving Quote from a member:

“Congregation Beth Torah has played a vital, significant role in the life of our family. We turn to the synagogue for prayer, music, education, friendship, and meaningful social justice oppor-tunities. We are honored to commit to a legacy gift to help ensure our vibrant synagogue continues for other families far into the future.” -Martha Gershun and Don Goldman

Your legacy gift to Beth Torah helps ensure our future, and help us earn a $12,000 grant from the Bushman Community Endowment Program. Add your name to the Planned Giving display board in the foyer to get us closer to our goal. Questions—call or email Barry Katz (daytime ( 816) 274-4054, evenings and weekends (913) 451-1174, email [email protected]).

Barry Katz, chairDor L’dor Planned Giving Committee

Mazel Tov to:

Eric Morgenstern, chief executive officer of Morningstar Communications, who

received the 2015 Headline Award from the Journalism and Media Communications

program at JCCC on April 23, 2015.

Allison Hammond for graduating from KU with a double major of a Bachelor

of Science in Journalism: News and Information and a Bachelor of Arts in

Italian. She is off to Dayton, OH to work as a producer for the NBC affiliate there.


(Continued from Page 3)

for moving ahead. We know that change is not an overnight experience – we’re moving through it – and making progress.

Looking ahead, renewed volunteer activity is returning us to our Vision Statement, which cited volunteerism as the lifeblood of our congregation. To support these volunteers, Jennifer Levinson and Marcia Rittmaster were inspired to create the Volunteer Coordinating Committee. You will continue to see an infusion of new songs and melodies in our musical repertoire, and small ensembles bringing music to life. The Strategic Plan will be revisited, so we can be current in conversations with our rabbinic candidates.

Recognizing the importance and contributions of interfaith families and Jews by Choice in our congregation, we formed an Interfaith Programming Committee led by Amy and Shawn Kane. In coming months, we will establish a task force to recommend policies regarding the specific roles that the non-Jewish members of our congregation may play.

The board and staff will continue to work to ensure that we solidify the financial stability we have worked so hard to bring about. We will continue the quarterly congregational forums to maintain closer connection with our members.

My ‘ask’ to you – actively seek out your role in Beth Torah. You will contribute more, and your involvement will make Beth Torah more meaningful to you. Here are some things you might do:

• Attend worship occasionally and give us your feedback. If you would like alternative forms of worship tried from time to time, let us know. • Keep an eye out for the CCT Care and Compassion Card that will soon be available to enhance our sense of community. It will allow you to let us know of other congregants who might benefit from special assistance.• If you have new program ideas – things you would like to see – please set up a time to sit down with Rabbi Shapiro and share them with him.

There are many ways you can support Beth Torah, both as a financial supporter, and a supporter with your time and skills. See our website for the kinds of activities we need and pay for. Take a look at the list of committees, and reach out and participate.

We are the community we need, and we are Beth Torah. Beth Torah Strong.

Linda Zappulla

Volunteer Coordinating CommitteeIt is said that Beth Torah is “the community we need” . How can we make this a reality and accomplish this vital goal to ensure the growth and sustainability of our congregation and perform mitzvot within both the CBT and greater community?

Jennifer Levinson and Marcia Rittmaster have offered to create a new Volunteer Coordinating Committee. As co-chairs we hope to help you find your place and provided needed support as you take on the opportunity to be a volunteer.You will be receiving a survey from the VCC in late July.

Please complete and submit the survey to let us know your interest and passion. Through volunteering you will make an essential contribution to our community while connecting with others. We hope that you will participate in this survey and find your place to volunteer in the upcoming year.

-Jennifer Levinson & Marcia Rittmaster

[email protected] [email protected]

President’s Corner


Mikvah for Marking Transitions

On May 10, 2015, our local Jewish community celebrated the Chanukat HaBayit or Dedication of the Kansas City Community Mikvah. It was a grand reopening after an extensive remodel. This Community Mikvah is located at Kehilath Israel Synagogue, 10501 Conser in Overland Park. The community mikvah of the Kansas City area is run by an independent organization of local, caring Jewish men and women. They call themselves the Kansas Mikvah Association. Find out more about this place and the volunteers who keep it clean and running at https://mikvahassociation.wordpress.com/. So… what is a mikvah?

• a “collection” or “gathering” [of water]), such as an ocean, lake, pool or bath of clear water• must contain at least 40 se’ah or 150-200 gallons of water• must be constructed so that a person can completely immerse in one act• must be built permanently into the ground, making it an integral part of the earth• water in the mikvah must be “natural” water that was not drawn by human hands or transported in a vessel• natural sources of water include: rainwater, springs, rivers, lakes, oceans, snow, and ice

I have been a member of this mikvah since I moved to town in 2012. What makes our local Kansas City mikvah so special is that it is not only for women nor only for Orthodox Jews. Our mikvah is open to the whole community for traditional practices and new rituals. This mikvah is spa-like with a beautiful room to prepare for immersion. The water of the mikvah is warm and soothing. The mikvah room is well lit and peaceful with beautiful stonework. The Kansas Mikvah Association has volunteers who can help you plan your immersion. We also have new ritual resources in our Seder-Shimkin Library from the Massachusetts-based mikvah educational center, Mayyim Hayyim, including a book of rituals and laminated cards with blessings and rituals for use in the mikvah (immersion in living waters is a splashy, wet process after all!). The mikvah is the ideal Jewish ritual place for marking transitions of all kinds. It has helped me celebrate getting married, becoming a rabbi, observing holidays, as well as mark the end of Shiva after my father died. As we move from strength to strength in our lives and as a community in this transition, the mikvah is here for us to celebrate, observe, and mark these occasions. The first Israelites passed through water from Egypt to their freedom in the wilderness of Sinai. At that time, they passed through a parted sea. Today we pass through the water of the mikvah and immerse ourselves in tears or hope or cleansing waters – whatever we need the living waters of the mikvah to be. In the words of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, “The old becomes new and the new becomes holy.”

Rabbi Rebecca Reice, Associate Rabbi [email protected]

Examples of New Rituals for the Mikvah: Marking Changes in Status, Celebration, Part of Healing

• Before Bar or Bat Mitzvah• Before Going to College/Graduate School or Starting a New Career• Celebrating a Graduation• Celebration of Menopause• Recovering from a Miscarriage or Other Loss• Recovering from Surgery• Marking the Transition from Cancer Patient to Cancer Survivor• Healing from Rape or Sexual Assault• Healing from Divorce• Celebrating a Milestone Birthday• Celebrating a Milestone Anniversary (of a Relationship, of Recovery from an Illness, of Conversion to Judaism, of Sobriety)• Marking becoming an Empty Nester, Grandparent, or Retirement

Examples of Traditional Uses of the Mikvah: Marking Changes in Status, Celebration, Part of Healing

• Conversion• Laws of Niddah (Taharat Ha’Mishpachah/“Family Purity”)• Following Childbirth• Before a Wedding• Before holidays like Yom Kippur and Shabbat• Immersion of New Kitchen Utensils


Connections Laura Intfen, Director of Community [email protected]

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. -Barack Obama

Are you tired of hearing about change? Do you dream about words such as “transition” and “interim”? OK. I get that. But this article is not about change. Because over the last year, while we have been yelling “change”, “transition” and “interim” loudly, we have been quietly keeping on moving forward.

Before the congregation hired Lisa Wilcox (then Lisa Ephraim) as our Volunteer Coordinator, (a position I eventually signed on for) our volunteers coordinated our volunteers. Well, here we are with Marcia Rittmaster and Jennifer Levinson starting a committee to coordinate our volunteers. They will work with members looking for a place to volunteer and event chair people to get things done. We have not lost our dedication to connection.

Before we had two rabbis, our rabbi took off the month of July and the worship was led by lay leadership. Well, here we are with July lay leaders: Estelle Edelbaum , Jim Kaplan and yours truly, leading worship, next to our amazing music team. We have not lost our dedication to congregational lay-led worship.

Before we had a professional programmer on the staff, our members and committees developed, planned and hosted programs. Well, here we are with our grass roots-sprouted Caring Connection Team running a book discussion group and a Stay-N-Play group that meets after worship one Friday night a month to play board games. It is true interfacing face-to-face. We have not lost our dedication to building community.

Before we were a congregation, we did not have a newsletter like this Tekiah and so we called each other and spoke face to face when news needed to be disseminated. Well, we are NOT going back to that. But we are moving forward and turning our Tekiah into a digital newsletter starting with our September issue. If you would prefer to get our Tekiah in your physical mail box, that is fine; just call us at the office and let us know. Otherwise, look for your first digital Tekiah in your digital mail box September 1st. We have not lost our desire for innovation and moving forward.

President Obama is right. We are the ones we have been waiting for. We are not lost, we have not even moved. We are planted and feeding our roots to reach out and grow stronger.

I look forward to seeing you over the summer for the same old same old.

Laura Intfen


Adult Education & Special ProgramsBringing Adult Education to You

Discussion on the Writings of the TorahJoin the community in discussion on Shabbat morning, 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. in the Library.

Jewish Book ClubContact Rabbi Shapiro to be a part of our Jewish Literature discussion group. On Monday, June 29th, at 7:00 p.m., we will discuss: The Lover by A.B Yehoshua. On July 27th the book will be Smile of the Lamb by David Grossman. Call the Beth Torah office for more information at (913) 498-2212.

Saturday Night at the MoviesJoin your community for an exploration of the Jewish experience in America as portrayed in feature films of the past 50+ years. Each film will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Beth Torah Ulam and be followed by a discussion led by Rabbi Shapiro. Join us on Saturday, June 13th, for a viewing of “Crimes & Misdemeanors”. Refreshments will be served. There is no movie night in July.

Ray Davidson Yiddish CircleIf you haven’t yet visited the wonderful “Yiddish Circle for Learning” at Congregation Beth Torah, you’re missing a treat. Come to Beth Torah each Friday at noon until 1:30 p.m. Bring your lunch if you’d like.

Lunch with the Rabbi

Join Rabbi Shapiro this month for some lunch and some learning at our next Lunches with the Rabbi on Thursday, June 18th, and July 16th, 12:00-1:30 p.m. in the library. Bring your own lunch or call the office at (913) 498-2212 to

order a sandwich.

Wisdom on WednesdaysThe Wisdom on Wednesday crew is finishing its yearlong study of Pirke Avot. We have chosen Kohelet as our next text to study. Kohelet, also known as Ecclesiastes, is one of the books of the Tanakh known as the Writings. It contains well known verses such as “there is nothing new under the sun” and “everything has an appointed season, and there is a time for every matter under the heaven”. When we’re feeling as though life is an uphill battle, Kohelet provides us another perspective on the value of our experiences.

We plan to begin reading Kohelet at the beginning of June We eat and schmooze from noon to 12:30 p.m. and study from 12:30-1:30 p.m. You’ll find us in the Brides Room, and we’d love for you to join us.


Finance Report Todd JanvrinDirector of Finance

[email protected]

With a new fiscal year that starts July 01, 2015 we have made a small but important change to the statements that you receive each month.

On July 01, 2015 we will post to your membership account the full amount of your Membership Commitment and Capital Assessment for this next fiscal year to your membership account, the total amount that will appear This will be the amount showing on the Commitment Form that was recently sent to you.

The statement will show any payments applied to each of the line items showing on the statement (Commitment, Capital Assessment, Religious School, B’nai Mitzvah for example). The column that shows ‘Currently Due’ will be the full amount due for the remainder of the new fiscal year. This new procedure takes the guesswork out of how much you owe at any particular time.

There is an example showing below. For this example, I am being billed in September of 2015 and have made two monthly payments previously. The amount Currently Due will remind me of what my outstanding obligations are for the remainder of the fiscal year; July 01, 2015 through June 30, 2016.

It is our hope that you would I would like it if you are able to pay your remit the entire obligation in one lump sum payment at the beginning of this new fiscal year. However, I realize this is not practical in most cases. For those of us who do not make a single lump sum payment I cannot emphasize how important it is for Beth Torah if you are able to commit to an automatic monthly payment. An automatic payment each allows us to project our cash flow much easier.

The most cost efficient method of applying automatic monthly payments to your account is by your authorizing Beth Torah to do/process your payments via an electronic funds transfer (EFT). Beth Torah pays no fees for these transactions. Or you could authorize Beth Torah to charge your credit card. However, a credit card transaction will cost Beth Torah approximately 3%. Over the course of a year that could cost us almost $10,000 based on past experience.

Another method of payment There is another choice available to you, to is setting up automatic withdrawals from at your bank you could set it up so that your payment is sent automatically to Beth Torah each month.

The Commitment Form you received will list all these options (for you to choose.).

Please, please return your commitment form. We would like to get a 100% return on those forms. If you have not returned the Commitment Form by June 22nd) , one of our Board of Trustees members will be contacting you with a gentle reminder.

In the months ahead, I we will be more diligent in following up with members who have fallen behind in their payments. This is something that has not been done with any regularity in the past, but getting payment plans and other arrangements worked out earlier in the fiscal year will help with income projections and produce a more accurate picture of our financials. We would remind you that the Congregation deals with cases of special circumstances or financial assistance in a discrete and compassionate manner.

For the Congregation to maintain all of its programming and the services it provides to its members, it is imperative that members pay their accounts on a timely basis.

If you have any questions after you have had a chance to look at the Commitment Letter and Form or if you have any questions after you see the new statements, I hope you will give me a call or send me an email.

I am excited about this upcoming new fiscal year. I look forward to our quarterly Congregational Forums so that the transparency that our Board of Trustees strives for can be put into practice. There will be a lot going on and I am anxious, as I am sure you are, looking forward to our new Director of Jewish Lifelong Learning and meeting our new permanent Rabbi. Thank you everyone. Through your continued support and dedication, we can strengthen Beth Torah to be an even more vibrant sacred community.

Congregation Beth Torah6100 West 127th Street

Overland Park, KS 66209

Phone: (913) 498-2212

Fax: (913) 498-1071

STATEMENT

Date Printed: 09/01/2015

Member ID: JANVTOD

Date Last Statement Printed: 08/01/2015

Todd & Kathy Janvrin 6100 West 127th St Overland Park KS 66209

CurrentlyAccount Description

Total Commitment

Adjustments PaymentsDue

Dues Commitment 2015-2016 $ 1,875 $ 0 $ 312.50 $ 1,562.50

Capital Assessment 2015-2016 $ 75 $ 0 $ 12.50 $ 62.50

Balance Due $ 1,625.00

Congregation Beth Torah6100 West 127th Street

Overland Park, KS 66209

Phone: (913) 498-2212

Fax: (913) 498-1071

STATEMENT

Date Printed: 09/01/2015

Member ID: JANVTOD

Date Last Statement Printed: 08/01/2015

Todd & Kathy Janvrin 6100 West 127th St Overland Park KS 66209

CurrentlyAccount Description

Total Commitment

Adjustments PaymentsDue

Dues Commitment 2015-2016 $ 1,875 $ 0 $ 312.50 $ 1,562.50

Capital Assessment 2015-2016 $ 75 $ 0 $ 12.50 $ 62.50

Balance Due $ 1,625.00

SAMPLE


Stay-N-PlayWhere can you go on a Friday night for fun and social interaction that works for your whole family and is FREE?

Come and join your community at the Beth Torah Stay-N-Play Board Game Night group. Once a month, about 25 people (and growing) have been getting together and playing board and card games after services on a Friday night. Some classic games like Scrabble and Chess make it to the table each month as well as some new “hobby” or “designer” games if you want to try out something new.

Everyone is invited to come and play whether you come for services first or just come by at about 7:45 p.m. to join the congregation in Kiddush and gaming. And, if you have a favorite game, bring it with you!

Save the dates: June 19th, July 17th, August 28th, October 9th, November 13th, December 18th.

The Stay-N-Play Board Game Night was organized by Matt & Shanna Haun under the Affinity Group program guidelines. If you have an activity you enjoy and you can find at least 10 people that want to do it with you, then talk to Laura Intfen about it. Whether it is a one-time event or a regular occurrence, take the chance to engage with others and help build the social and cultural life at Congregation Beth Torah.

CCT Book Discussion Group

The Caring Connection Team of Beth Torah has initiated a book discussion group about Dr. Atul Gawande’s book “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End.” The next session will be held:

Session Three: Sunday, June 28th, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Read Chapters 5, 6 & 7) at Kelly Somberg’s home. Call the Beth Torah office for directions and more information.


A special Mazel Tov and Farewell to

Aaron Nielsenshults and Rabbi Rebecca Reicefor their continued dedication and contributions to our community.


A special Mazel Tov and Farewell to

Aaron Nielsenshults and Rabbi Rebecca Reicefor their continued dedication and contributions to our community.


Weiner Religious SchoolPlease contact Rabbi Rick Shapiro if you have any questions regarding the Weiner

Religious School or Youth Programming

Trope starts again in JulyOur next trope class begins on Sunday, July 26th, and it’s open to bar or bat mitzvah students who have started tutoring and are no more than four months away from their bar/bat mitzvah date. If your child’s bar or bat mitzvah is in September, October, or November, this is the class they should take. Cost for the class is $75, and it includes the textbook as well as a copy of the student’s Torah trope. RSVP with payment to the Congregation Beth Torah office no later than July 20th to reserve a spot for your child today. Trope classes will be offered quarterly. RegistrationRegistration for the ’15-’16 school year has begun at the Weiner Religious School! And if your child is already in school, registration is really easy: Just make sure the information on your forms is correct, sign them, and turn them in to the front office. If you need forms for a new registration, that’s no problem, too. Swing by the office during the week. If you know someone who’s looking for a great religious school, send ‘em our way—we’d love to have them!

Education Search CommitteeThe search committee for Congregation Beth Torah’s new Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning formed shortly after it was known that both Aaron Nielsenshultz and Rabbi Reice would be moving on from Beth Torah this spring. Due to their level of knowledge, skills and dedication to Beth Torah, it was important for the search committee to first establish a list of what our community needs to both continue and expand our culture of educational excellence. To help pinpoint what’s needed, a few members of the committee facilitated an Education Transition Meeting on April 26th. Over 20 parents attended this session. Those in attendance provided a great deal of insight about the needs of their children that will be helpful through-out the transition process and in the future. The committee worked on wording for the job listing and posted the position in mid-May. The committee is set to review the first round of applicants in mid-June. In addition, the group is working alongside the staff and in conjunction with the Executive Board to make sure that we have a smooth transition. Rabbi Shapiro will handle all questions about religious school, b’nai mitzvah preparation, TAG, Alef Bet, and informal youth programs throughout the summer. The congre-gation is welcoming Marcia Rittmaster as a consultant for Rabbi Shapiro at this time so that nothing falls through the cracks during this Education department transition. Congregants with questions about any aspect of Beth Torah’s religious school should contact Rabbi Shapiro at [email protected]. If anyone in the community has questions about the search committee, please contact Miki Herman ([email protected]).

Committee Members: Richard Bellotti, Sarah Derks, Henri Goettel, Jody Hanson, Miki Herman (chairperson) David Spizman, Rabbi Linda Steigman, Genna Stowe, Stuart Waldman.

Staff: Rabbi Shapiro, Laura Intfen, Linda Zappulla (Board President)


June 2015 B’nai MitzvotBar Mitzvah of Cameron JanofskyCameron Matthew Janofsky will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah at Shabbat service on Saturday, June 6th, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. Cameron is a eighth-grader at Prairie Star Middle School. He is a passionate travel hockey player for the Kansas City Stars and also enjoys baseball and lacrosse. His parents, Jeff and Melinda, and older brother, Noah, invite the Beth Torah community to worship and a kiddish luncheon following services.

Bar Mitzvah of David RopeDavid Franklin Rope, son of Clif and Stacy Rope, grandson of Merrill and Soni Talpers and Corrine Rope, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah at Shabbat services on Saturday, June 13th, at 10:30 a.m. David is a seventh-grade student at Indian Woods Middle School and a boy scout in Troop 387. He loves playing tennis and bowling and plays the French horn in the Indian Woods Middle School band. David is a big fan of the KC Royals and watches almost every game. He is looking forward to his Bar Mitzvah and the family welcomes the Beth Torah community to join them for worship.

Summer Time, Pool Parties, Family Picnics, Vacations, Camp and many Other Happy Times!!! Yes, The Gift Shop at Beth Torah is open!

Come see all the new items we have in the gift shop. Beginning May 18th, the summer hours are: Monday 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday 10:00 a.m. to Noon; or by appointment- call Kelly Kaplan at (913) 498-1474.

WE NEED YOU… That’s right; please consider volunteering to work in the Gift Shop. It is really important to have volunteers in our Gift Shop. You may not always be busy when you volunteer, but you will always be doing a mitzvah. The Gift Shop’s motto is “Where shopping turns into a Mitzvah”. We have shifts from two to four hours and you get to meet our community.

The Gift Shop wishes to thank all of our customers and volunteers for another successful year. It is our goal to have a wide variety of items at a reasonable price. Your support of the Gift Shop is another way you show support for our Beth Torah community.

Shalom, Kelly Kaplan; Chairperson

The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah


CBT Is....

Looking for a few good people to

advise us on options open to us to

increase our computer speed and

broadband. Contact Laura in the

office if you can help: (913) 498-2212.

Music Program NotesEmily Tummons, Music [email protected]

From time to time over the next year, we are inviting various folks to share their musical Beth Torah experiences with you all. We’re calling this feature, “Spotlight on a Music Maker.” Each experience is unique to the individual. Through these spotlights, you’ll have a chance to get to know your fellow music makers a little better. We hope you’ll be inspired carve out your own ways of connecting through music here at Beth Torah.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Spotlight on Lezlie Zucker:“When I began exploring Judaism, I was . . . cautioned to not be too disappointed about the lack of music. It’s just not, I was told, a Jewish thing. Chanting, sure. But music? Well . . . we do that on Broadway, right?

I come from a Christian background that was rich with music and theatre. I’ve probably sung more Bible verses than I’ve spoken in my life, acted out more Torah than I’ve heard chanted. So when I wandered into my first Friday night Shabbat at Beth Torah to find Shabbat Shira, it felt like a sign. And the sacred drama I’ve experienced in the Sukkah, or at Simchat Torah or the Yom Kippur afternoon service has taken my breath away.

Music, theatre, and storytelling aren’t just things I do. They are who I am. They permeate my very being. I live and breathe my art. If I am able to combine them, I’m happier than a puppy in a puddle. Allow me to add my spirituality to the mix and you have given me the gift of ecstasy.

Sacred drama helps get the brain out of the way so our hearts can connect directly with each other and with the Divine. It can entertain, nourish, and heal. I have been creating and executing sacred drama for most of my life. I was, therefore, thrilled when Emily asked me to help design the narrative for the April 2015 Sermon in Song. The opportunity to help create sacred drama for my Beth Torah community was a gift I’ll never forget, and one I hope to share again and again.”


ContributionsBeth Torah General Fund Jesse B. Rosenstock B’nai Tzedek Fund Jeff Lefko B’nai Tzedek Fund Darby Asner B’nai Tzedek Fund Carly Robinett B’nai Tzedek Fund Luc Robinett B’nai Tzedek Fund Jonny Lefko B’nai Tzedek Fund

In Memory Of:Herbert Siegel Barbara & Arthur SternGrandmother, Rose Klopper Karen Agron FlatteryDorothy Goldstein Martin & Irene GoldsteinMother, Marjorie Blond Cohen Barton S. BlondJudy Gilgore Ellie PennerMiki R. Christophersen Emily Tummons & Hunter Christophersen

Rabbi Shapiro Discretionary Fund

In Memory Of:Joyce Kartch Ron & Jo Ann GinsonFather, Joseph StarkMother-in-law, Dorothy Kreitman Howard Stark

In Honor Of:CBT Music Program Tim & Laura Intfen

Rabbi Reice Discretionary Fund

In Memory Of:Janice Eichler Jim & Kelly KaplanMother, Rose Feldman Peter Ehrlich

In Honor Of:Kelly’s Birthday Jim & Kelly Kaplan

Rabbi Levin Discretionary Fund

In Memory Of:Ray DavidsonJoyce Kartch Heidi AltmanMother, Rose Ann ShawFather, Herman Hurst Radine ShawFather, Sol Gould Aleza MyerDolores Minkin

Jim & Kelly KaplanRay Davidson Betsy Wanger

Choir Fund Texanna Ollenberger

In Memory Of:Miki R. Christopherson Jim & Kelly Kaplan

In Honor Of:Speedy recovery of Barbara Gustin Jim & Kelly Kaplan

Social Justice Fund

In Memory Of:Teresina Sanchez David A. SanchezAlice J. McEwen Terry O. McEwenJudy Gilgore Edis Parkans

Weiner Religious School

In Memory Of:Uncle, Charles Fair Heidi BoehmRonald Wohlner Terry, Lena & Bess Wohlner

In Honor Of:B’nai Mitzvah Class of 2014-2015 Emma Kershenbaum

Dr. Milton L. Tate Torah Fund

In Memory Of:Reggie Lloyd Nancy & Jay Yedlin

Joel’s Ride Kendra Weinstein B’nai Tzedek Fund

In Memory Of:Eddie CantorOur “Shabbat Friend” Herb Siegel Chuck and Sandi Cantor

Harold & Rita OlsenFather, Edward Serlin Tina SheaGeorge & Carol Pendergrass David PendergrassLouie Hendricks Johnette ZimmermanSarah Riseman Jay RisemanMother, Rose Skikne Barry Skikne

Rabbi’s Fund For Social Justice Projects

In Appreciation Of:The Caring Connection Team and the K’Sharim Committee Heidi Boehm

In Memory Of:Herbert Siegel Bonnie Friedman

CBT Fund For Families In Need

In Memory Of:Sara Rothstein Ruth & Mike WorthingtonHerb Siegel Paul Arndt John & Sarah Berry Angela GreenJudy Gilgore Maureen & Sandy SalzBernice DanielsSidney KlegJudy GilgoreNorma Harper Denise & Jerry PakulaAunt, Bert Wolf Ron ZipperJoyce Kartch Betsy Wanger

Hunger Fund

In Honor Of:Confirmation Class of 2015 Henri Goettel

In Memory Of:Dorothy Kreitman Joe & Bobbie LevyFather Leonard Klein Lesly OzarGrandfather, Leonard Klein Stephanie ElyacharJudy Gilgore


Community EventsSAVE THE DATE: OLDER ADULT TRANSPORTATION EXPO THIS JUNEJewish Family Services and Johnson County Human Services are teaming up for a fun, informational morning on June 3 about older adult transportation. “Get Up & Go: Older Adult Driving Expo” will offer information and activities focused on issues of driving as we age. The program will feature resources for transportation, advice and tips on older adult driving safety, self awareness and creating a driving retirement plan for when it’s time to hang up the car keys. The Expo will take place at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus in the Regnier Center. Please visit www.jfskc.org for more information.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP TO BEGIN Jewish Family Services is starting a Grief and Loss Support Group that will be held the first and third Wednesday each month, 2-3:30 p.m. beginning June 3rd. The support group is for individuals grieving from the death of a spousal partner. The group, which is free, will provide the opportunity to address issues of loss and grief within a Jewish spiritual context in a warm and confidential environment. The group is co-facilitated by Rabbi Mark Levin and Roger Goldblatt, a licensed clinical social worker. To register for this support group or for more information, please contact Goldblatt at (913) 730-1422 or [email protected].

AUTHOR EVENT TO FEATURE THE WAR TO END ALL WARSOn Sunday, June 28th, join author Derek Donovan from 2-3 p.m. for a special program about his updated edition of his book, “Lest the Ages Forget: Kansas City’s Liberty Memorial”. The free program will take place in the Heritage Center of the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park. It is jointly sponsored by Jewish Family Services, the Heritage Center of the Jewish Community Center and the Johnson County Library.

Donovan, who is the reader’s representative for the Kansas City Star, will talk about how the people of Kansas City rallied to raise more than $2 million to build the Liberty Memorial in remembrance of those who fought and lost their lives in World War I, the war to end all wars. Donovan will sign books following the presentation. Reservations are requested (but not required) by calling JFS at (913) 327-8250.

WANTED: DRIVERS FOR JET EXPRESSA program of Jewish Family Services, JET Express provides rides for older adults who no longer drive, taking them to the places they need to go. Whether it’s to the doctor’s office, shopping, to synagogue or church, or to meet a group of friends for a social outing, JET Express is helping older adults stay independent longer, and the volunteers who help them feel like they make a difference in someone’s life.

Because of increased demand, JET needs more drivers. JET Express is looking for new volunteer drivers for the program. Becoming a volunteer is convenient, flexible and rewarding. Volunteer drivers choose when, where and who they drive. Volunteer drivers choose how often they want to provide rides whether it’s once a month or every week. Volunteer requirements are minimal: you must be 21, have your own vehicle to drive and hold a valid driver’s license and have current auto insurance coverage. Drivers participate in a short training before they begin driving.

If you’re interested in volunteering for JET Express, please call (913) 730-1410, and use your car to be a star!http://www.jfskc.org/recruiting-drivers-for-jet-express/

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS Jewish Family Services Food Pantry is open to help meet the ever-growing need for food assistance in Kansas City all year ‘round. The demand for food is ever increasing and the pantry needs more donations, especially protein products, including tuna and peanut butter, as well as personal care and cleaning items.The Pantry has both VAAD-supervised kosher and non-kosher food options. It provides direct food assistance with staples such as grains, dairy, protein, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Personal care and household items are also available when possible. There are so many great ways you can get involved!

• Donate shelf stable food items, personal care items, and paper goods. • Volunteer to help sort food donations, pick up donations from food drives and local grocery stores • Host a food drive through your congregation or organization • Financial contributions are always appreciated to help us meet all needs.

Volunteers are also wanted to help organize and staff the pantry, make food deliveries to homebound clients, and assist clients who come to our pantry. To become a food pantry donor or recipient, please call JFS at (913) 327-8250. To volunteer, please call (913) 730-1410. Check with the JFS office for the exact hours the pantry is open. http://www.jfskc.org/services/lifecrisis/foodpantry

JFS LOOKS OUT FOR BELOVED COMPANIONS WITH PET FOOD PANTRYJewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City and VCA Animal Hospitals partner to provide pet food for needy families. Through Jasmine’s Corner at the JFS Food Pantry, donated pet food will be distributed monthly to JFS clients who have pets. You must be a client of JFS in order to receive pet food assistance through the food pantry.

The public is encouraged to donate unopened pet food as well as unused toys and other pet supplies for Jasmine’s Corner. Donations will be taken at VCA Mission Animal Referral and Emergency, 5914 Johnson Drive in Mission. A special barrel is also available for donations at the Jewish Community Campus. Financial contributions for the pet food pantry, as well as the food pantry itself, are also welcome. Donations may be made on line at www.jfskc.org. http://www.jfskc.org/jasmines-corner-pet-food-pantry/


Calendar June 2015

Congratulations to Denise Ellenberg, the first every winner of the Marcia Rittmaster Teacher of the Year Award. This award we will be presented

annually in honor of Marcia’s contributions Weiner Religious School.


Calendar July 2015

Sponsorships:

June 6: Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Jeffrey & Melinda Janofsky in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son, Cameron JanofskyJune 13: Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Clif & Stacy Rope in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son, David RopeJune 26: Nosh sponsored by Ann Elyachar in honor of her birthdayJune 12: Nosh sponsored by Ellen Taylor in honor of her birthdayJuly 17: Nosh sponsored by Martin & Irene Goldstein in honor of their wedding anniversary



Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDShawnee Mission, KS

Permit No. 721

Congregation Beth Torah6100 W. 127th Street

Overland Park, Kansas 66209www.beth-torah.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Tekiah # 290, June/July 2015Congregation Beth Torah

(913) 498-2212 Fax: (913) 498-1071E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.beth-torah.org

If you need to contact Rabbi Shapiro for a rabbinic emergency when the office is closed, he can be reached

on his cell phone: 760-668-5806.

OfficersPresident...................................................Linda ZappullaFirst Vice President…………………................Barry KatzVice President………………………...........Bonnie SwadeVice President……………………..........…Elisa WaldmanSecretary ........................................................ Matt HaunTreasurer ................................................. Mike GinsbergImmediate Past President.......................... Michelle Cole

Board of TrusteesJeff Altman Tom Cohen June CraneTodd Davisson Mike FineMiki Herman Bob Milgrim Frank Sterneck SueAnn Strom

BTTY President...................................................TBD

StaffInterim Rabbi........................ Rabbi Rick Shapiro, D.D.Associate Rabbi ............... Rebecca R. Reice, M.A.J.E.Founding Rabbi ................ Mark H. Levin, D.D., D.H.L. Music Director..................................... Emily Tummons Director of Community Connections...........Laura Intfen Director of Finance ......................... Todd Janvrin, CPA Office Manager..................................... Robin O’ BryanAdministrative Assistant.........................Sharon AltmanAdministrative Assistant ............................... Cathy Nix Bookkeeper......................................................Barb KittCOmmunications Associate ........................ Sara Glass

BTTY Adviser: Hannah Michelson JYG Advisers: Rachel Bolter & Zach Zwibelman © Congregation Beth Torah, Overland Park, KS

Summer days are no reason to disconnect.

Let’s get together to:See a movie: June 13th is Saturday night

at the Movies 7:00 p.m.

Discuss a Book: CCT Book Group, Sunday morning, June 28th at 10:00 a.m.

Jewish Literature Group, Monday,

June 1st, June 29th & July 27th, 7:00 p.m.

Come to worship on Friday night and then head

out to dinner with a friend.

Documents

June july tekiah 2015