Messages from the Mountain, April 2010

Number 609 April 2010/Nisan—Iyyar 5770

Congregational Meeting, April 21 at 6:30 pm — announcement, page 19

We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Jonathan Slater to Temple Mount Sinai this month. Rabbi Slater will be our teacher on Shabbat Shemini, April 9-10. Rabbi Slater is the Co-Program Director of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, where he writes and teaches about mindfulness through the vehicle of Hasidic

Torah commentary. In his work with the IJS he is involved in explicating and grounding the connection between contemplative practice and social justice, particularly in the realm of environmental awareness and action.

As a participant in the fifth cohort of the IJS’s Rabbinical Leadership Program, Rabbi Bach has come to know and admire Jonathan, and is thrilled to bring him To El Paso. His visit is in memory of David Goodman, sponsored by Evelyn and her family.

Jonathan is the author of Mindful Jewish Living: Compassionate Practice. A gifted teacher, he will guide us in our learning at our Shabbat services on Friday evening (6:15 pm) and Saturday morning (10:30 am), at talks after Shabbat Dinner (7:30 pm) and our Kiddush Luncheon (noon), and at Shabbat Morning Torah Study (regulars, please note the special start time of 9 am). The theme of his talks will be “Mindful Jewish Living.” Jonathan is himself a graduate of the first cohort of the Rabbinical Leadership Program of the IJS. He received his ordination at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York City in 1979. Until recently, Rabbi Slater served for 19 years as rabbi for Congregation Beth Ami, a Conservative congregation in Santa Rosa, California, where he addressed various spiritual, educational and organizational needs, including pastoral ministry, healing services, and meditation services. With the exception of Shabbat Dinner, this weekend is entirely free. Those who would like to attend dinner are asked to please make a reservation by April 6. Adults (ages 13 and up) are $8; children 5-12 are $5; children through age 4 may attend at no cost.

Rabbi Jonathan P. Slater, Scholar-in-Residence April 9—10, 2010

Editor’s Note... As I gain more knowledge of all the wonderful programs that are happening at Temple Mount Sinai, I have the feeling that there must be many congregants doing things that could be reported in the bulletin. My appeal goes out again for input on any TMS programs and events that are not covered. Awareness and exposure will make all our efforts more successful. The next person to join a group or program may only be a sentence or two away. We welcome your submissions and feedback.

Mark Schrier

Page 2 April 2010/Nisan—Iyyar 5770 Messages from the Mountain

Worship Schedule April 2-3

Chol Hamo’ed Pesach Friday, April 2

Candlelighting, 7:08 pm Oneg Shabbat, 5:45 pm

Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 pm Birthdays and Anniversaries, Story

Saturday, April 3

Torah Study, 9:30 am Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 am

Rachelle Gomolsky, D’var Torah Shir Chadash will Sing

April 9-10 Parashat Shmini Friday, April 9

Candlelighting, 7:13 pm Oneg Shabbat, 5:45 pm

Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:15 pm Rabbi Jonathan Slater will teach

Dinner to follow (page 1)

Saturday, April 10 Torah Study, 9:30 am

Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 am Rabbi Slater will teach

Kiddush Luncheon to follow (page 1)

April 16-17 Parashat Tazria-Metzora

Friday, April 16 Candlelighting, 7:17 pm Oneg Shabbat, 5:45 pm

Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:15 pm

Saturday, April 16 Torah Study, 9:30 am

Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 am

April 23-24 Parashat Achrei Mot—Kedoshim


Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:15 pm Honoring Blood Drive Participants (page 12)

Saturday, April 24

Torah Study, 9:30 am Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 am

Jordyn McCoy Bat Mitzvah

April 30-May 1 Parashat Emor


Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:15 pm

Saturday, May 1 Torah Study, 9:30 am

Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 am

May 7-8 Parashat Behar-Bechukotai

Friday, May 8 Candlelighting, 7:32 pm Oneg Shabbat, 5:45 pm

Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 pm

Saturday, May 9 Torah Study, 9:30 am

Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 am Leah Pearlman Bat Mitzvah

Page 3 March 2010/Adar-Nisan 5770 Messages from the Mountain

From the Rabbi’s Study As we prepare to celebrate sixty-two years of Israel’s independence later this month, it is worth reflecting on the modern-day miracle that is the third Jewish commonwealth. For most of Jewish history, we were a people without temporal, worldly power. In that state, we developed a tremendous capacity to exist in the here-and-now while living in the world of our dreams: Zion. To borrow the well-worn phrase from Israel’s national anthem, our hope was never lost.

For sixty-two years out of the last two millennia, we’ve found ourselves exercising worldly power once again. A Jewish state, with an army, a police force, a diplomatic corps, schools and universities, and provisions for the common good, exists! Let’s never become jaded to this fact. Even after sixty-two years, our shehecheyanu on Yom Ha’atzma’ut should be as heartfelt as the one offered in Israel’s Hall of Independence on Iyyar 5, 5708 (May 14, 1948).

One of my great joys as a rabbi is leading congregational trips to Israel, and a highlight of those trips is visiting the hall, standing in the place where the words were spoken, and hearing a recording of Rabbi Y.L. Maimon’s voice, cracking with emotion: “...for keeping us alive, sustaining us, and bringing us to this moment in time.” We’ll be there again in late June with a group of 40, and are already scouting the calendar for good dates in late 2011 or early 2012 for another trip.

Even as we rejoice in the mere fact of Israel’s existence, we reflect on the work that is still left to be done. Last month’s visit by Rabbi David Forman, the founder of Rabbis for Human Rights, gave us ample opportunity for such reflection. Rabbi Forman forcefully reminded us that, judged against universal standards, Israel does incredibly well in a very tough neighborhood, and that universal standards are the only fair standards by which the rest of the world should judge her. But having said that, Rabbi Forman maintains that she owes it to herself to hold herself to a higher standard: that of the Prophets and the Sages whose voices we still hear: “Be holy.”

I hope that all of us will be together on April 18 as the El Paso Jewish Community (under the auspices of our Jewish Community Relations Council) celebrates Israel’s independence day. More information about the celebration can be found on page seven of this newsletter.

As we make our way through sefirat ha’omer, the journey from Passover to Shavuot, and celebrate events which exist in memories over three thousand years old, let’s not forget the miracle that exists right before our very eyes.

B’shalom,

Rabbi Bach


April Birthdays

April Anniversaries

April 1 Jeffery Bargemann Lauren Davis April 2 Michael Goldman Rena Marcus Adele Siegel* April 3 Brent Harris Bud Ramenofsky Rachel Weinstein Sue Zaltz April 4 Scott Blumenfeld Martha Schlusselberg Wendy Siegel* April 5 Dick Fass April 6 Peggy Feinberg Jeryl Marcus April 7 Erline Gordon Peggy Kovan

April 8 Julian Bernat Orit Eylon Bobby Goldfarb Shelly Gopin April 9 Stuart Shiloff April 10 Mike Batkin April 11 Edi Brannon Lory Goldberg April 12 Larry Anenberg Naomi Mercer Bob Nitzburg David Westermann* April 13 Michael Benjamin Judy Blumenfeld Alan Karp April 14 Donna Leffman

April 15 Marty Klein* April 16 Lee Schweitzer* April 17 Joseph Feldberg Linda Miner April 18 Erik de Vos Sydney Goltz Nancy Laster Mark Schrier April 19 William Berry Helen Goldberg David Rothbardt Billy Spier April 20 Elaine Krasne April 23 Oren Belkin

April 24 Jimmy Keller Lloyd Krapin * Ellen Wilson April 25 Joanne Farley * Idell Rothstein * Etta Mae Scherr April 27 Arlene Ellenburg April 28 Barbara Behne* April 29 Lila Bowman Sue Schecter

April 1 Josh & Jenny Meyer* Tony & Julie Mullen April 2 Fred & Ada Marcus April 5 Jim & Carol Parker

April 8 Steve & Ann Lauterbach* April 12 William & Cynthia Bass April 20 Mike & Debby Robalin

April 22 Eddie & Laurie Knipp April 25 Michelle Assael & Alejo Restrepo April 30 Bob & Claire Jacobs


Hamakom Y’nachem—May God Bring Comfort... to Evelyn & Edward Schwartz, Stuart & Shari Schwartz, and Jane & Bob Snow on the

death of their brother-in-law and uncle Aaron Cohen

to Simon & Grace Bir on the death of Simon’s brother, Morris Bir

to Jay & Marilyn Mendeloff on the death of Jay’s brother Gale Mendeloff

to Jerry & Haidi Appel on the death of Jerry’s aunt, Shirley Luger

to Phil Alpern and Lou & Laura Alpern on the death of wife and mother, Rene Alpern

to Vladik and Olga Kreinovich on the death of Vladik’s mother, Galina Kreinovich

to Taube & Ray Jenkins & Janna Wallen on the death of their mother, LoisAnn Markowitz

We are delighted to welcome the following people to membership at Temple Mount Sinai:

Michael Slayton Stuart & Dannah Meyers

Do you know someone who is new to town, new to Judaism, or interested in getting in-volved with a synagogue? Please help them to get in touch with Susan Jaffee at 532.5959 or [email protected].

New Members

to Allan & Amy Goldfarb on the marriage of their daughter, Judith Goldfarb, to Ryan Jacobson on March 13, 2010. Judith’s grandparents are Mary & Jay Heins and Miriam & Bill Goldfarb.

to Orit Eylon & Frank Pemberton on the birth of Ethan Jonathan Pemberton on March 11, 2010.

to Beth & Mark McCoy, whose daughter Jordyn will become Bat Mitzvah on April 24, 2010.

Mazel Tov! Congratulations...


Upcoming Events Mishpachot Trip to the Zoo Sunday April 11, 3-5 pm

All families with children in pre-K through 2nd grades are invited to join us at the El Paso Zoo to visit the animals and go on a Jewish scavenger hunt. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children. Please RSVP to Alanna at [email protected] by April 8th.

Second Annual Jewish Women’s Retreat May 14-16, 2010

Join Temple Mt. Sinai for our second annual Jewish Women’s Retreat in the beautiful Sacramento Mountains. Take this opportunity to remove yourself from the pressures of everyday life and focus on friendship, Judaism, and personal growth. This is an event you won’t want to miss! For more information or to RSVP for the retreat, please contact Alanna Bach at [email protected] or 532-5959. See the story on page 15 for more information.

Gesher Classes, Sundays April 11 and 25, 10-11 am

All children 6 months through 4 years and their parents are invited to join us in Schwartz Hall. See the story on page 14 for more information.

Noar Bowling at Fiesta Lanes Sunday April 25th 12-2 pm

Third, fourth and fifth graders: Join us for an afternoon of bowling. Right after religious school we will carpool to Fiesta Lanes for lunch and bowling fun. Cost per person is $12 and includes bowling shoes, unlimited bowling, and lunch (please be sure to bring socks).

RSVP to Alanna at [email protected] by April 21st. See the article on page 15 for more information.

Temple Mount Sinai Blood Drive 4-12 through 4-23

This blood drive will be a little different… Instead of having the bloodmobile come to the us, we are go-ing to United Blood Services. Any time from April 12th to April 23rd blood can be donated at any UBS location. Appointments can be made, or walk-ins are also welcome. Tell them you are with the Temple Mount Sinai Blood Drive to insure we get credit for the donation. See the Face-to-Face story on page 12


Ongoing Events and Reminders

Religious School Cartridge Fundraiser

Thanks to all who have donated your used (empty) toners and ink cartridges. So far we have EIGHTY toners/cartridges, this translates into $240 worth of school supply awards. This will certainly help purchase school supply for the upcoming school year. Please bring your used (empty ) toner and ink cartridges to Religious School or the Religious School will make arrangements to pick up used toner and ink cartridges, to save a trip to the Temple.

Any brand and size of cartridge is accepted. Staples and Office Depot will give a $3.00 credit for each cartridge.

For more information, contact Grace Bir at [email protected] or 532-5959 ext 27.

Upcoming Events

Yom Ha Atzma’ut Sunday April 18th 12:30 pm at Temple Mount Sinai

Israel’s Birthday: 62 years young. Don’t Miss The Party. This is a community wide celebration. Everyone is welcome. Let our community come together in joy and celebration, looking to a future of peace, people and prosperity. Since this event is hosted by Temple Mount Sinai, let’s have a large turnout from our congregation to show support for this event.

12:30—Israeli food sampling

1:15 — Joyful program and music celebration

2:15 — Israeli film

There is no charge for this event. Coordinated by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation. For more information call the Jewish Federation at 584-4437

Congregational Meeting Wednesday April 21st

Meet at Krupp Chapel 6:30 to 7:30

The congregation will be voting on board of trustees members and changes to the bylaws. Make your voice heard, make your vote count.

See the story on page 19 for more information.


“It’s a Girl Thing” gets its own space

Using a donation from the Sandra Troyer Kern Memorial Endowment Fund, Honey Do’s has begun renovating a classroom to make it a special and warm place for the 7th and 8th grade girls to gather for their “It’s A Girl Thing” – Rosh Hodesh sessions. Chalk boards and Peg boards were removed, some closet doors were removed and shelves added to create two book shelves, new teal and cream color paint went on the walls, new mini-blinds adorned with draping. Sandi’s office furnishing have been added to keep her memory alive.

Our goal is to have this renovation project completed by the first week in April and are planning a dedication ceremony in “Loving Memory of Sandi Kern” on April 11th. You will receive more detail regarding the ceremony via a group e-mail.

There are truly no words to describe the sadness we have all felt (and still do) over the death of Sandi Kern. And now, through the creation of the Sandra Troyer Kern Memorial Endowment Fund via the generosity of Martin, Suzan, Mollie, and David Kern, the “It’s A Girl Thing” – Rosh Hodesh program will be dedicated in Loving Memory of Sandi.

As David Kern mentioned in his Temple Bulletin article, if any of you are so moved, you can help

Sandi’s Fund grow, by giving a gift to Temple in Sandi’s memory”. We appreciate your support. Thank you.

Grace Bir

4th Annual Cultural Event was a success. We raised the set goal of $1,000 for our special Tzedakah project “A Package From Home”. We will adopt the Elite Combat Unit and this money will provide packages for the 34 soldiers in this Unit.

The Event started at 11:00 in Schwartz Hall, with Grace welcoming all, briefly speaking about the Event and “A Package From Home” Tzdakah project and expressed thanks to all who helped. A representative from each grade (a teacher or students in the 1st through 6th grades) went up to the microphone to give a brief overview of their project. Seventh and eight grade students lead us in “Hatikvah”, Cheyanne lead us in the “National Anthem” via skillful karate movements. Following the National Anthem, second grade

Religious School News


students came up to the stage and beautifully danced to the Jewish song “Mayim”.

The first grade students expressed their Jewish identity via art projects displayed for all to enjoy. The Third grade students with the help of their parents and some MSTY-ites prepared Jewish foods (family recipes) of which all in attendance enjoyed tasting. The fourth grade students brought to light some of our Jewish authors and displayed some books written by these authors and displayed poems they created. Fifth grade students learned about and presented displays about Jewish Artists. Included in the fifth grade displays were beautiful puppets created by the students. The sixth grade students highlighted in their displays, accom-plishments of Jews in America.

From 9:30 to 12:30, David and Tina Wolfe, Scott Feldt and Erhen Weiner were hard at work getting the tacos crispy and ready to sell.

The seventh and eight grade students participated in the event by selling, tacos, salsa, desserts and drinks, during the event. They had a great time helping out and did an awesome job.

The response and feedback before, during, and after the event was GREAT.

Prior to the event, on March 6th, from 2:00 to 5:30, Shana and Carly Levin, JoAnn Farley, Sylvia Krapin, Scott Feldt, and Grace Bir worked in the kitchen to prepare the tacos and the salsa. Grace Bir donated the baked goodies. Thanks to everyone for attending and supporting our Cultural Celebration.

A special thanks to Frank for setting up and making everything ready for our events.


YAMS is the newest chavurah--affinity group at Temple! These young adults range in age from 22-39 and are passionate about their Judaism. The group meets monthly and would love for you to join them. Each month features Jewish learning and community building.

YAMS (Young Adults at Mount Sinai) celebrated Purim in Feburary with "Tefilah and Tequila." The chavurah for young professionals ages 22-39, met at temple-member owned Crawdaddy's on Cinncinati. We were happy to have the bar personally opened for us on a Sunday night so fabulous bartender Marshall Berry could show off his drink slinging skills and enlighten us into the secret world of the man behind the bar. We happily toasted the success of two of our YAMS members who went from working the tables to owning the whole restaurant.

The end of the night was capped off with a great discussion with Rabbi Bach about prayer and Jewish identity. Our next event in April will be announced shortly so look out on your email accounts.

Again, bring your toiletries! If you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate

to contact Danielle Scher ([email protected]) or Hedy Uecker ([email protected]) and they will be more than happy to assist you.

Along with their monthly events YAMS are actively engaged with the Center Against Family Violence. YAMS is collecting all of those little toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap ,lotion) that you pick up at hotels. These will all be donated to the Center Against Family Violence in El Paso (http://www.cafv.org). There will be a box at Temple for anyone who wants to make a donation.”

Young Adults of Mount Sinai (YAMS)


Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) Temple Mount Sinai was full of excitement on the night of February 27 with our family Purim Party. The Beatles went to Mardi Gras, and what a wonderful time we all had. Thank you to MSTY volunteers for helping with the decora-

tions, children’s games, and costume contest; to Rabbi Larry and Shir Chadash for providing a memorable musical treat with our Beatles-inspired Megillah; to MRJ members for serving beverages; and to all other temple members who helped fill the night with fun. A special thanks to WRJ Board member Amissa Burton for chairing this event and for leading our WRJ volunteer cooks in preparing a delicious menu of great New Orleans-themed foods. To all of our volun-teers and guests, thank you for making this event such a success and joy.

On Tuesday, April 6, WRJ will host its annual volunteer appreciation dinner at the wonderful

home of WRJ member Lee Schwartz at 6:30 p.m.

We will enjoy a special Mediterranean-inspired meal, drinks and plenty of fun!

While honoring our volunteers, in the true spirit of WRJ, we will also be collecting non-perishable foods that night to donate to our local food bank. Please plan to attend and bring canned goods, boxed foods, or other food items that you would like to donate to this good cause. More details for this dinner will be mailed to WRJ members soon. To attend, please contact the coordinator of this event, WRJ Board member Laura Brannon-Rosales, at [email protected] or Lee Schwartz at 915-526-2250. Please RSVP no later than Thurs-day, April 1.

On Friday, April 30, WRJ will conduct a Sister-hood Shabbat service, led by WRJ member Tina Wolfe, one of our congregation’s shlichei kehillah (“lay worship leaders”). The lively service will include a variety of readings, songs, and poems written by women and read by WRJ volun-teers.To participate, please contact Tina through Temple Mount Sinai at 532-5959 before April 23. All are welcome to attend this regularly sched-uled Friday night service, which begins at Tem-ple Mount Sinai at 6:15 p.m.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support Temple Mount Sinai WRJ!


Face to Face Do Not Stand Idly By While Your Neighbor Bleeds.. Bleed With Him!

Temple Mount Sinai Blood Drive

April 12 – 23

Temple Mount Sinai will be holding a blood drive from April 12 – 23 at United Blood Ser-vices locations throughout El Paso. The blood drive was inspired by Rabbi Bach’s Yom Kip-pur message about the importance of stepping up to save lives. “The blood drives comes about due to the efforts of the Face to Face meetings and our goal is 118 donations in this two-week period” said Mark Schrier, the leader of the monthly sessions.

We’ve scheduled a blood drive to culminate on Shabbat K’doshim, when we read in To-rah,”Do not stand idly by while your neighbor bleeds.” Rabbi Bach notes, “This verse serves so well as the catch-phrase for a blood drive. First, there’s the clever and cute read-ing: ‘Don’t sit around while your neighbor gives blood, but instead give some blood right alongside him or her.’ And much more seriously, our Tradition teaches us that we may not remain indifferent to the life-or-death needs of others. Donating blood is one way that we can fulfill this mitzvah.”

Everyone can participate in our drive. Here are four ways: donate blood, make a financial contribution to sponsor a bone marrow donor, communicate with a sick friend or relative, join our Face to Face sessions.

United Blood Services has locations at:

424 S. Mesa Hills (544-5422 for an appointment)

1338 N. Zaragoza (849 – 7389)

4758 Loma del Sol (822 – 8438)

The South Mesa Hills location is open Monday – Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thurs-day from Noon until 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday form 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. When registering with United Blood Services, please mention that you are part of the Temple Mount Sinai blood drive. Appointments may also be made at unitedbloodser-vices.org.

All participants giving blood (or trying to give blood) will be honored on the bimah on Friday night, April 23 at Temple Mount Sinai during the evening services.

Please don’t be idle while your neighbors take part in this drive; join with them!


Jewish War Veterans I received this letter and thought it was a worthy project and have included it in this issue… Editor

The San Antonio Jewish War Veterans Post 753 recently completed cataloguing the approximately 450 Jewish veterans buried in San Antonio cemeteries. Because there is no Jewish War Veterans Post in El Paso, we have been asked to extend the project to your city.

If you know of a Jewish military veteran, male or female, buried in any El Paso cemetery please e-mail as much of the following information as you know to Herschel L. Sheiness at [email protected] or mail it to 718 Mello Oak, San Antonio, TX. 78258.

Full Name of the deceased

Date of Birth

Date of Death

Branch of Service

Highest military rank achieved

War(s) served in

If killed in action, name of the theater

If graves are plotted, the grave’s location.

Any other information you have pertaining to military service such as decorations, the veteran’s job was in the military, military unit, etc.

The names will be provided to the Temple, the Texas Jewish Historical Society and the National Jewish War Veterans Cemetery committee for their historical records. In San Antonio we also place American flags on the grave sites in the Jewish and non-sectarian cemeteries on Memorial Day as well as request the temple and synagogues publish the names of those who were members of their respective congre-gations in remembrance for Memorial Day. Perhaps some day there will be a Jewish War Veterans Post in El Paso that will do the same.

If you would like any additional information or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at the e-mail or regular mail address above.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail, regular mail or by phone (evenings (210)494-8768).

Thank you,

HERSCHEL L. SHEINESS

Chairperson, Cemetery Committee

Jewish War Veterans Post 753,

San Antonio, TX

E-mail: [email protected]

Mail: 718 Mello Oak, San Antonio, TX 78258


Craft Time at Gesher Gesher (bridge in Hebrew) is a hands-on Jewish learning program run by Temple Mt. Sinai for children from birth through four years and their parents. Our rich curriculum, designed by Alanna Bach, includes playtime with thematic toys, singing, movement, stories, craft projects, and thematic snacks. Gesher meets at Temple Mt. Sinai in Schwartz Hall from 10 to 11 am approximately twice a month. In March, Gesher met to explore the holiday of Passover. We laughed, ate matzah with cream

cheese and macaroons, completed sand art pictures, listened to stories, and played with our friends. If this sounds like fun, you¹re welcome to come join us in April. The April Gesher classes will meet on Sunday, April 11, to celebrate Israel¹s birthday and on Sunday, April 25 to explore ³What¹s Jewish About Frogs and Toads². During these classes we will learn about the beautiful colors and sites of Israel, read a couple of books in Hebrew about frogs, create special crafts, sing and dance, and snack on blue and white food for the Israel class and ³frog faces² for our frogs and toads class. We hope your family will join us for Jewish fun and learning. Gesher is funded in part by the Jewish Federation of El Paso and all families are welcome to attend. Please contact Alanna Bach at [email protected] or 532-5959 for more information. 915-532-5959 915-328-6062 (cell)

Gesher Goings‐on

Border Interfaith The Diocese of El Paso Justice for Immigrants together with EPISO and Border Interfaith

invite you to join them at the Interfaith Immigration Summit

Wednesday, April 14th from 10 am to 2:00 pm At Temple Mount Sinai

Join us for prayer and discussion on what we have learned about Immigration Reform and how we can continue our work together.

For More Information call 276-2165, 238-3848 or 872-8422 The cause of immigration reform is a topic that affects all residents of the El Paso area. Being up to date and having an opportunity to participate in the discussion is an important component of social action for us all. A strong turnout of members of TMS is an important statement to the community. Please plan to be there so our voices can be heard... Editor


(photo by Elaine Prensky)

Grab your family and your hat, Mishpachot is headed to the El Paso Zoo to check out the

newest arrivals from Africa – the lions and meerkats!

Mishpachot is Temple’s youth group for children in preK through second grades and their extended families. We will meet at the front gate of the El Paso Zoo. Zoo admission is $6 for ages 3 to 12 and $10 for ages 13 and older. We will have a wonderful time wandering the Zoo together and completing a special scavenger hunt. Please RSVP to Alanna at [email protected] or 532-5959 by April 8, for this event.

Mishpachot Goes to the Zoo — April 11, 3 pm

Jewish Women’s Retreat

Join Temple Mt. Sinai for a Jewish Women’s Retreat in the beautiful Sacramento Moun-tains. Take this opportunity to remove your-self from the pressures of everyday life in El Paso and focus on friendship, Judaism, and personal growth. The weekend programming will be a mixture of prayer, adventure, and relationship building. We will stay in hotel-style accommodations at the Sacramento Methodist Assembly Retreat Center.

The theme for our retreat is “creating ritual in our lives”. While we celebrate Rosh Chodesh, the holiday of the new moon, we will explore what it means to create lasting and meaning-ful ritual. We will explore this topic through discussions, study, yoga, meditation, and physical activity. Cantor Robbi Sherwin from Austin will be our spiritual leader for the retreat. Cantor Robbi will lead us in Shabbat blessings, prayer services, and inspirational discussions. This retreat is sponsored in part by the TMS Women of Reform Judaism. Registration forms for the retreat are now available. For more information or to request a registration form, please contact Alanna Bach at [email protected] or 532-5959.

Dates: May 14-16, 2010 Location: Sacramento, New Mexico Theme: Creating Ritual in Our Lives


B’nai Shabbat - Shabbat Services for the very youngest!

B’nai Shabbat services have become a popular gathering place once a month for families with young children. Each month brings joyous Shabbat songs, playtime with friends, candle lighting, and a special story. B’nai Shabbat is an experiential Shabbat service conducted on the bimah in the main sanctuary of Temple Mount Sinai.

B’nai Shabbat participants are invited to join the rest of the congregation at 5:45 pm for a delicious oneg prepared by Simon Bir. Following the oneg, childcare will be available the children. Parents are invited to enjoy an adult service beginning at 6:15 pm.

Please join us for the next B’nai Shabbat Service on Friday, April 23rd at 5:15 pm in the main sanctuary of Temple Mount Sinai. To RSVP for the service or for more information please contact Alanna Bach at 532-5959 or [email protected].

B’nai Shabbat

Noar means youth in Hebrew. The Noar group run by Temple Mt. Sinai provides opportunities for third, fourth, and fifth graders to enjoy social events, support their Jewish community, and make new friends. So far this school year, Noar students have enjoyed a swimming party at the El Paso

Swim and Tennis Club, hiking the trail behind Temple, leading Shabbat services, and attending a UTEP basketball game.

In April, Noar students will go bowling as a concluding activity for the year.

Please join us on Sunday, April 25, from noon to 2 pm for an afternoon of bowling fun! At noon we will carpool from Temple Mt. Sinai to Fiesta Lanes. Pick up at the end of the event will be at Fiesta Lanes, 5859 Onix Dirve. At the bowling alley everyone will enjoy lunch, bowling, and games. The event cost is $12 per student. Please RSVP to Alanna Bach at 532-5959 or [email protected] by April 22.

Noar News


Please remember to use your key tag each time you shop for groceries at Albertsons.

All you need to do is have the card scanned when you check out. Temple will earn 1% of your shopping total each time you scan the card. If you have a card from another

organization, you may scan more than one card and thereby benefit both organizations.

If you need an additional key tag, contact the Temple office.

Maintaining Wellness as a Care giver

“To be a caregiver is to affirm love and to affirm life. Caregiving is not a denial of the inevitability of death, for when that time comes, you must let go. Caregiving is the recognition that in the face of vul-nerability and mortality, you choose to help a loved one live as fully as possible. In order to do this well, as a caregiver you must make the choice of life for yourself as well.” Excerpt from “With Sweetness from the Rock: A Jewish Spiritual Companion for Caregivers” by Rabbi Stephanie Dickstein, pub-lished by The National Center for Jewish Healing.

In many ways the task of care giving is a cove-nant between two individuals. The circum-stances are not desirable as no one desires to be ill, vulnerable or dependent. One does not wish for the illness of a loved one or the accom-panying responsibilities. Yet, with the immense physical and emotional toll for both parties, the relationship between caregiver and loved one can deepen in profound ways.

Often the caregiver, giving fully in his or her role, forgets how valuable self-care can be. Caregivers can experience enormous fatigue,

guilt, anger, fear as well as develop their own physical ailments while they are caring for their loved one. If you find yourself in the role of caregiver (or as family supporting a caregiver) and would like to learn more about how to care for yourself at the same time, join us for a worthwhile discussion.

On Tuesday, April 27th at 11:00 am in the Zork Library, the Care Teams from Temple Mount Sinai and Congregation B’nai Zion will learn “The Importance of Maintaining Wellness as a Caregiver”, with Miriam Maldonado, Care-giver Educator Coordinator from the Texas Area Agency on Aging.

For more information and to RSVP, please con-tact Susan Hernandez or Gloria Lopez with the Interfaith CarePartners Program at Jewish Fam-ily and Children’s Service, 581.3256 extension 15.


Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ) End of School Year Celebration on May 9th

On the 9th of May, MRJ will be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs for Temple's Religious School kids and faculty. Anyone wishing to help, or requesting more info can contact Scott Feldt at [email protected] or 915-526-8478.

MSTY News In this past month of March, MSTY enjoyed havdallah/ movie night at the home of Erin and Andrew Schoenfeld. Havdallah was celebrated outside in the backyard followed by the movie, Whip It.

Mini-MSTY participated in a fabulous hike with the junior youth group in Las Cruces and enjoyed their 4th annual Chocolate Seder at the home of Cyd and Tommy Goldfarb. We would like to thank those who have helped out and those who have opened their homes to us.

April 8th thru 11th, MSTY will join the rest of NFTY-SW at Spring Kallah in Phoenix, AZ.

Do you know that you can honor or remember a loved one with a leaf or a stone on the Tree of Life? This beautiful work of art is displayed on the wall in the foyer at Temple just outside the Sanctuary.

For a minimum donation of $300 for a leaf or $3,000 for a stone, the brass will be engraved according to your instructions and will remain on the Tree of Life forever. Your donation becomes part of the Foundation Trust and benefits Temple Mount Sinai in perpetuity.

For more information, contact Sally Parke at the Temple office at 532-5959.

Leaves and Stones on the Temple’s Tree of Life


Congregational Meeting

Congregational Meeting Wednesday April 21 Meet at Krupp Chapel 6:30 to 7:30

The congregation will be electing Officers and Trustees, and voting on proposed changes to the bylaws. In accordance with the bylaws, the detailed changes are available at the Temple Mount Sinai office. Below is a summary of the proposed changes.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED BYLAWS CHANGES At the upcoming Annual Meeting of the Congregation the Bylaws Committee will be presenting two proposed Bylaws changes for approval by the Congregation. The proposed changes are as follows:

A proposed amendment to Section 3.2 will create terms of service for Officers of the Congregation. The Bylaws already have terms of service for Trustees, but currently have no term limits for Officers. This change is being proposed to harmonize the Bylaws provisions concerning Trustees with those concerning Officers. Officers other than the President and President-Elect (who serve two year terms), serve one year terms. Under the proposal, the Secretary may serve no more than two years (two terms) as Secretary and Vice Presidents may serve no more than four years (four terms) in those positions. After the expiration of these term limits, Officers can no longer serve as such, until one year has elapsed after which they can become Officers again if otherwise permitted by the Bylaws. Alternatively, Officers who have served out their maximum terms as Secretary and Vice President may remain as

Officers by serving as President-Elect and President.

A proposed amendment to Section 4.1.1 will allow the Presidents of the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ) and Senior Youth Group (MSTY), (all of whom serve as voting members of the Temple Board under the Bylaws) to designate another officer of their organizations to serve on the Temple Board, in the place of the President of these groups, for a term of at least one full year. Currently, the Bylaws provide that the Presidents of WRJ, MRJ, and MSTY serve on the Temple Board. The purpose of this proposed change is to allow the Presidents of WRJ, MRJ and MSTY, at their discretion, to appoint some other officer from their organizations to represent their organization by serving a term on the Temple Board. This practice contributes to the development of leadership at Temple by involving more people in leadership roles. Alternatively, however, the Presidents of WRJ, MRJ and MSTY may continue to serve on the Board themselves if they determine, in their discretion, to do so.

In addition to the foregoing proposed changes, the Bylaws Committee also plans to update the Table of Contents of the Bylaws with new page numbers and new headings as appropriate to reflect the Bylaws changes approved at the last Annual Meeting and those which may be approved at the upcoming Annual Meeting.

Any questions about these proposed Bylaws changes should be directed to David Leffman, the head of the Bylaws Committee.


Tributes for January 30, 2010 to March 5, 2010

Alfred Blumenthal Video History Fund in memory of Herbert Schwartz by Bettye Kohlhagen Campership Fund In memory of Albert Feinberg by Joyce Jaffee in honor of Helaine Bach's Bat Mitzvah by Bruce & Erline Gordon, Bettye Kohlhagen, Lillian Silberman, Joyce Jaffee in honor of Sam Ellowitz's Special Birthday by Jay & Mary Heins Caring Community Fund in honor of Harry Swiff's Special Birthday by Keith & Becky Myers in memory of Murray Karp by Donna Munch speedy recovery to Sister Blumenthal by Bill & Anne Spier Cemetery Fund in honor of Jane Rosen's Special Birthday by Jay & Marilyn Mendeloff in memory of Geri Given by Barbara Behne in memory of Robert Given by Barbara Behne

Floyd Fierman Religious School Fund: in honor of Helaine Bach’s Bat Mitzvah by Stuart & Frances Kahn Kahn Endowment For Youth Fund in honor of Helaine Bach's Bat Mitzvah by Sandi & Mike Carpenter Ethel Oppenheimer Flower Fund in memory of Aaron Heller by Fifi Heller-Kaim & Boris Kaim in memory of Elizabeth Clark Rosenthal by Lee Rosenthal & Jorge Ibarra in memory of Ethel Oppenheimer by Betty Morgan in memory of Ethel Oppenheimer by Jeanne Moye in memory of Herbert Given by Marty & Bonnie Colton in memory of Lee Mason by Jim & Carol Parker in memory of Lena Rosenberg by Steve Rosenberg in memory of Lillian Lakehomer by Arthur & Rhoberta Leeser in memory of Rose Greenberg & Gussie Kligman by Sid & Fay Kligman

in memory of Sandi Kern & Ruth Kern by David Kern in memory of Terry Goldfarb Walker by Bob & Shirley Goldfarb in memory of Nathan Goldman by Estelle Goldman in memory of Miriam Bir by Simon & Grace Bir in memory of Maria Rodriguez by Gloria Crohn Friedman/Bloom/Rothstein Outdoor Chapel in memory of Albert Feinberg by Phil & Ann Rothstein General Donations Fund in appreciation of Ellen Goodman & Rabbi Larry Bach by Werner Spier in appreciation of Temple Mount Sinai by Mike Pariente, Douglas Waters in honor of Anne Spier's Special Birthday by Bill & Marcia Dahlberg in honor of Barbara & Gershon Ettinger's Special Anniversary by Bill & Miriam Goldfarb, Edward & Evelyn Schwartz in honor of Edward Feldt's Bar Mitzvah by Jerry, Julie, Josh, Rachel Kallman


in honor of Helaine Bach's Bat Mitzvah by Jerry, Julie, Josh, Rachel Kallman, Anne Hollander, Mildred Marcus in memory of Albert Feinberg by Irene Oppenheimer, Irma Oppenheim,Ann Marks, Norma Levenson, Hy & Marilyn Silverstein, Gershon & Barbara Ettinger, Stuart & Shari Schwartz, Bill & Marcia Dahlberg, Charlotte & Bud Ramenofsky in memory of Albert Mathias by Sister Blumenthal in memory of Cheryl Spier by Irene Oppenheimer in memory of David Goodman by Mimi Lait in memory of Herbert Schwartz by Barbara Berliner, Richard Feuille in memory of Lena Levitt & Sidney Axelrod by Neal Axelrod in memory of Lena Rosenberg by Steve Rosenberg in memory of Maurice Schwartz by Sister Blumenthal in memory of Murray H. Karp by Bob & Sara Shiloff in memory of Nathan Goldman by Merton & Laura Goldman in memory of Sadye Finer by Norma Levenson

in memory of Terry Liebman by Stuart & Shari Schwartz, Mark & Dori Fenenbock, Lillian Silberman speedy recovery to Helene Solomon by Mimi Lait speedy recovery to Geoffrey Keidan by Sara Mansfield Isadore Kahn Memorial Fund in memory of Ben Gitterman by Stuart & Frances Kahn Jon Heller High Holiday Fund in honor of Boris Kaim’s Board Certification by Fifi Heller-Kaim in memory of Grazia Baram by Fifi Heller-Kaim & Boris Kaim in memory of Aaron Heller by Fifi Heller-Kaim & Boris Kaim Krasne Discretionary Fund in memory of Anna E. Rosenberg by Ruth Braun in memory of Murray H. Karp by Marty & Bonnie Colton in memory of Terry Leibman by Ruth Braun Landscape Special Projects Fund in appreciation of Temple Mount Sinai by Bill & Marcia Dahlberg

in honor of Anne Spier's Special Birthday by Dick & Jean Scherotter in memory of Terry Liebman by Bruce & Erline Gordon Lauterbach Youth & Campership Fund in honor of Judy & Ron Blumenfeld's Special Anniversary by Jay & Marilyn Mendeloff MAZON Donation in memory of Terry Liebman by Edward & Evelyn Schwartz Rabbi Bach's Discretionary Fund in appreciation of Rabbi Larry Bach by Bettye Kohlhagen, Joanne Kasten in honor of Helaine Bach's Bat Mitzvah by Sara Mansfield, Robert & Leslie Beckoff, Marty & Jody Klein, Lola May, Sheldon Poretsky & Sylvia Delgado, Ann Glen in honor of Jane Rosen's Special Birthday by Terren & Maria Klein, Tibor & Ann Schaechner, Alan & Mimi Pittle, Robert & Leslie Beckoff in honor of Sue & Frank Kamoroff’s Special Anniversary by Bob & Jane Rosen


in memory of Albert Feinberg by Bob & Jane Rosen, Robert & Leslie Beckoff in memory of Florence A. Jacob by Marty & Jody Klein in memory of Herbert Schwartz by Bob & Jane Rosen in memory of Isadore Kahn by Bill & Miriam Goldfarb in memory of Ivan Miller by Bettye Kohlhagen in memory of Michael Knipp & Louis Leeds by Sydney Goltz in memory of Murray Karp by Robert & Leslie Beckoff in memory of Terry Liebman by Molly Rosen in memory of Vivian Jacob Levinson by Marty & Jody Klein in memory of Simon Kahn by Miriam & Bill Goldfarb speedy recovery to Mimi Lait by Bettye Kohlhagen speedy recovery to Myer Lipson by Bob & Jane Rosen Sandi Kern Fund in memory of Sandi Kern by Suzan Kern SKIP in honor of Helaine Bach's Bat Mitzvah by Donna Munch, Loree Furman

Special Oneg or Kiddush Fund in honor of Helaine Bach's Bat Mitzvah by Michael & Marlene Bach in memory of Fred Davidoff by Joyce Davidoff & Bert Davidoff in honor of Dan & Leba Hirsch’s 20th Wedding Anniversary in memory of Sandi Kern & Ruth Kern by David Kern & Molie Kern speedy recovery to Mimi Lait by Jerry & Julie Kallman Syd Dictor Memorial Fund in honor of Helaine Bach's Bat Mitzvah by Rona Dictor in memory of Albert Feinberg by Rona Dictor in memory of Bing Borschow by Rona Dictor speedy recovery to Ellen Shaikun by Rona Dictor speedy recovery to Larry Gladstone by Rona Dictor WRJ in honor of Amy Weiss' marriage to Scott Levingston by Manny & Betty Schydlower

Youth Fund in honor of Helaine Bach's Bat Mitzvah by Jim & Liz Levy, Eleanor Goodman

Tributes for January 30, 2010 to March 5, 2010


Yahrzeits for April

April 2-3, 2010 Dorothy Blumkin Harry Brettler Jacob Calisher James Daross Grace Fagelman Mary Finger Sandy Feldblum Jimmy Given Irving Herman Richard Jacobs Morton Jaffe Lillian Lazovick Evelyn Leff Harold Mann Charlotte Mehl Larry Metcalf Lawrence Meyer Sadie Miller Alice Purvin Lawrence Reedman Fanny Rosenwasser Greta Roth Abe Scherotter Jack Schwartz Ben Shanblum Marian Warsowe Anne Ovsay Weiss Molly Willner Dorothy Wolfson

April 9-10, 2010

Francis Barjansky Max Borschow Frances Catalano Sandy Cherno Amelia Delgado Linda Falcon Sylvia Friedman

Milton S. Goldman Buena Gonzalez Consuelo Hughes Evelyn Jaffee Abraham Karsch Erna Krakauer Jeanette Lait Jean Loew Ann Reinhardt Laura Rosenberg Florence Rothbardt Matilda Shanblum Libby Starekow David Terk

April 16-17, 2010 Israel Becker David Bleiberg Mary Broghamer Barbara Cole James Cole Laura Cole Lawrence Cole Rebecca Feldberg Sarah Gerofsky Robert Hughes Josefina Kaim Adele Kohlman Itia Kozakish Flossye Kranzthor Leonard Kratzer David Leeser Gloria Levy Ethel Litt Jerrold Marcus Mamie Marcus Fannie Medoff Herbert Pittle Rose Potashkin Jack Press Lloyd Purvin Agnes Schaechner Aaron Segal Rosalie Silberg Arnie Washer Heidi Weiss Janet Weiss Marcus Wildstein Melvyn Witkoff Zelda Zenizper

April 23-24, 2010 Hal Anenberg Jill Benjamin Glen Chicofsky Estela Modiano de Azicri Florence De Renzis Sara Ettinger Lynnette Forbes Estelle Jacobs Stanley Jaffe Madeline Kahn Samuel Kovan Frederick Kranzthor Rose Leeser Lillian Lipson Carl Rosenbaum Max Rosenberg Joseph Rosenwasser Raymond Siegel Rose Weiss

April 30-May 1 Anne Barnett Arthur Blaugrund Hildigard Dalkhe Silvia Drexler

Dolores Duran Dorothy Eagle Marc Frank Pyrle Fridner Sam Glazer William Halkin Dr. Harold Harris Jules Jaffe Richard Jaffee Charlotte Kenyon Selma Kreitman George Lakehomer Norman Lakehomer Paul May George Michael, Sr. Charlie Press Robert Rosenberg Charles Sandler Ernestine Schoor Hedwig Schwartz Sarah Silberman Dorothy Stern

Staff Rabbi ........................................................................ Larry Bach Rabbi Emeritus ........................................................ Ken Weiss Administrator ......................................................... Sally Parke Administrative Assistant ............................. Buddy Schwartz Religious School Director ......................................... Grace Bir Outreach Director ................................................. Susan Jaffee Family Educator ................................................... Alanna Bach Youth Advisor ........................................................ Stacy Berry Bulletin Editor .................................................. ...Mark Schrier Building Manager ....................................... Frank Hernandez House Keeping ............................................... Ramona Pinales Accompanist ..................................................... Linda McClain

Officers David Kern ................................................................ President Shari Schwartz ................................................ President-Elect Marian Daross ................................................... Vice President Greta Duran ....................................................... Vice President Ellen Goodman ................................................. Vice President Jon Sonnen ......................................................... Vice President Tommy Goldfarb .............................................. Vice President Stephanie Calvo ......................................................... Secretary Marcia Dahlberg ........................... Immediate Past President

Trustees Rick Amstater, Olivia Chavez, Joyce Davidoff,

Scott Feldt, Lori Gaman, Susie Goldman, Jack Heydemann, David Leffman,

David Mansfield, Hal Marcus, David Novick Debby Robalin, Phil Rothstein

Temple Mount Sinai 4408 North Stanton Street El Paso, TX 79902 Phone: 915-532-5959 Fax: 915-533-0092 www.templemountsinai.com

Temple Mount Sinai is the Reform Jewish congregation serving El Paso, Texas.

We are a congregation of supportive, caring and diverse people with a rich history.

Temple is a place for prayer, ritual, spirituality, education, wholeness and healing, social action and celebration.

Join us as we explore, through these elements of sacred living, the richness of Jewish faith and tradition.

Mailing Address

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. Postage PAID

EL Paso TX Permit No. 1386

Coming in May: Please join us on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18 and

19, as we celebrate the Festival of Shavuot. Our celebration continues with CONFIRMATION on Friday

evening, May 21. Details in the May issue of “Messages from the Mountain.”

Documents

Messages from the Mountain, April 2010