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June 2016

Iyar and Sivan 5776

In This IssueIn This IssueIn This IssueIn This Issue Beinaynu p2

Project Beit Tefilah p3

Simcha Shabbat p4

Women’s Network p5

Mazal tovs p6

Condolences p6

Yahrzeit tzedakah p10

Funds tzedakah p12

Words of Torah p15

Temple Beth Tzedek GalaTemple Beth Tzedek GalaTemple Beth Tzedek GalaTemple Beth Tzedek Gala—June 5, 2016June 5, 2016June 5, 2016June 5, 2016 Thirty years ago, a 21 year old, newly-minted graduate of Bryant and Stratton, answered an ad in the Buffalo Evening News for a job in a synagogue. Kim was sitting in her Jewish grandparents’ house when she came across the ad. I have to believe it was not a coinci-dence that a thirty years’ journey began around her grandparents’ kitchen table. Jerry Frank, of blessed memory, hired her on a temporary basis. That was not because Kim wanted it that way. It was because there were many many people who sat in Kim’s chair before her who left after only a few months. Jerry wanted to see if Kim could handle the pressure of a synagogue office, and whether she would stay, be-fore he made her a permanent employee. We owe Jerry an enormous debt of gratitude. Thirty years later, Kim is still in that chair, the beating heart of our community. The congrega-tion watched her get married to Rich, give birth to twin boys, and raise them to be monsters on the ice and giants of kind-ness and goodness. She has been present at the most significant moments of our lives. For thirty years she has been instrumental in shepherding our members through illnesses and deaths, through births and b’nai mitzvah and weddings to more births and beyond. Her work has enriched our prayer ser-vices and our programming. She has been, and will continue to be, a constant in our lives, and an extended member of our families. Tonight we call her our anchor, by which we do not mean a dead weight that prevents us from sailing forward. On the contrary, Kim is the one who keeps us from sailing off course, and crashing on the shoals of jutting rocks. She is the one who provides us the strength and support to fulfill the holy mission of the shul. Nothing of value happens here without Kim’s fingerprints all over it. Tonight is our opportunity to show our gratitude and appreciation for all Kim does for us, and how important she is to all of us. Let us speak her praises in our gates, and thank God for how much Kim has enriched our lives. And thank Jerry, once again, for changing her status from temporary to permanent. May that continue for many years. Mazal tov, Kim. Know how much you are loved.

June Shabbat TimesJune Shabbat TimesJune Shabbat TimesJune Shabbat Times

June Calendar

TTTTEMPLE EMPLE EMPLE EMPLE BBBBETHETHETHETH TTTTZEDEKZEDEKZEDEKZEDEK

621 Getzville Road

Amherst NY 14226

Synagogue Office: 716.838.3232

Rabbi Perry Netter

Cantor Mark Spindler

Executive Director Harvey M. Brenner, FSA, FTA

Executive Director Emeritus Allan Werbow

Education Director Einav Symons

Chairman of the Board Alan Goldstein

President Leon Komm

Vice President Rachel Anderson

Vice President Lisa Benson

Vice President Jonathan Dandes

Vice President Andy Gewurz

Treasurer Edward Case

Secretary Lisa Wallenfels

Shofar Ad Space AvailableShofar Ad Space AvailableShofar Ad Space AvailableShofar Ad Space Available The Shofar reaches over 500 families. An ad in the Shofar is a wonderful way to expand your business footprint. If you would like more information about advertising in the Shofar, please contact Kim in the synagogue office at 838-3232 or kjones@btzbuffalo.org

Mailing Address

621 Getzville Road

Buffalo, NY 14226

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Buffalo, NY Permit No. 2434

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5 28 Iyar TBT Gala 9:30 am Talmud

6 29 iyar

7 1 Sivan 10:00am Rabbi’s Class

8 2 Sivan

9 3 Sivan 7:30 pm Refa’enu

10 4 Sivan Outstretched Arm Dinner

11 5 Sivan TIKKUN LAYL SHAVUOT

12 6 Sivan SHAVUOT

13 7 Sivan SHAVUOT

14 8 Sivan 10:00am Rabbi’s Class 7:30pm Board Mee*ng

15 9 Sivan 7:00p Finance

16 10 Sivan 7:30p Adult Ed Comm.

17 11 Sivan

18 12 Sivan Aufruf—Ari Goldberg & Kelly Norman

19 13 Sivan Fathers Day 9:30am Talmud

20 14 Sivan 21 15 Sivan 10:00am Rabbi’s Class

22 16 Sivan

23 17 Sivan 7:30pm Youth Ed Com-miAee

24 18 Sivan

25 19 Sivan

26 20 Sivan

27 21 Sivan

28 22 Sivan 10:00am Rabbi’s Class 7:00pm Officers

29 23 Sivan 7:30pm Membership CommiAee

30 24 Sivan

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epipia Beinaynu Beinaynu Beinaynu Beinaynu — Just Between UsJust Between UsJust Between UsJust Between Us

Harvey Brenner, Executive Director

June is a unique month for me. It is both one of the most joyful and painful times of the year. How can a month be both, you ask? Simple; let me explain. Father’s Day is celebrated and so on that day, just like any father/grandfather, I rejoice in the almost four year old “whirling dervish” known affectionately as my granddaugh-ter, Averi. You’ve “met” her before in this column and so it shouldn’t surprise you to know that she continues to amaze and delight me each and every day. When I return to NJ for my visits, she and I are insepara-ble. We cook, have story time and yes, even take a nap together when one of us (usually me) needs it. The aches of a 400 mile drive meltaway when I see her face light up (as she realizes that I’m back in town). There is nothing better than the love she shares so easily, effortlessly, gener-ously and intensely. On the other hand, my beloved father, Aaron “Arty” Brenner (z”l) passed away the day after Father’s Day, four years ago. He was conva-lescing in a rehabilitation facility a short stay in the hospital. His strength and balance were sapped by being bed-ridden and he was re-leased into a rehab facility to get extensive PT & OT so that at 94 he could return to his own home (and continue, along with my mother, to live independently). The last time we saw him alive was Father’s Day, 2012. It was a beauti-ful bright sunny afternoon, my son and expectant daughter-in-law, along with my wife and me, my brother and sister-in-law and their son and my mother, all picnicked with my father in the lush gardens of the facility. We reminisced, laughed at my dad’s cornball puns and jokes (he found humor in everything), saw him rub the “baby bump” that a few months later would become Averi, “fress” on all his “forbidden foods” (corned beef, pastrami, chopped liver, knishes, pickles, fresh seeded rye bread and brownies and fruit for dessert). These were all my dad’s favorites and for one meal, on one day, what could be the harm if he got to enjoy them. The smile and joy on his face, surrounded by everyone he loved and who loved him, was, as the MasterCard commercial says, “Priceless!” Continued on p4

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Temple Fund In honor of Kim Jones' 30 years of outstanding service

Jerry Michaels & Iris Brownrout

In honor of receiving an aliyah

Marshall Lipman In appreciation of aliyah

Herman Cohen Marshall & Sondra Lipman

In honor of the complete recovery of Leon Komm

Dr. & Mrs. Norman Weiss Warren Rogers, Eva Rogers &

Betsy Kozinn In honor of the speedy recovery of Rina Kotok

Janice & Harold Gelfand In honor of the special birthday of Frank Levin

David & Kaaren Norman In honor of Jason Markzon earning his masters degree

Fred & Mona Lewis

In honor of the 80th birthday of Jerry Robins

Roz & Herb Weiss In honor of the speedy recovery of Hillary Ruchlin

Howard & Helene Smallen In memory of Sarah Chertoff

David & Kaaren Norman In memory of Gerald Cooperman

Helen Ablove & Family In memory of Sylvia Greenman

Janice & Harold Gelfand Ronna & Bruce Kois and

Cheryl Torrontor Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC

In memory of Aaron Feuerstein

Gerald & Carol Einhorn In memory of Irwin Ginsberg

Laurie & Benjy Bluman

In memory of Sanford Ehrmann Janice & Harold Gelfand

In memory of Milton Kerker Harold & Janice Gelfand

In memory of George Massik Warren Rogers, Eva Rogers &

Betsy Kozinn Janice & Harold Gelfand Fred & Mona Lewis

In memory of Sheryl Stelzle

Janice & Harold Gelfand In memory of Sarah Chertoff

Barb Ginsberg Lenore Marx

Shirley & Cyrus Trossman Museum Fund In honor of get well wishes for Sheila Trossman

Edna Kielar Tinka Lendner Sandra & Bernie Weinstein

The Werbow Family Fund In honor of Sophie & Rachel Scheer becoming b'not mitzvah

Allan & Myra Werbow In memory of Gerald Cooperman

Allan & Myra Werbow

Shalom! I am Shayna Golkow, and I am very excited to serve as Temple Beth Tzedek’s rab-binic intern while Rabbi Net-ter is on sabbatical.

I grew up in Cherry Hill, NJ with my younger brother and parents, and I spent my summers at Camp Ramah in

the Poconos. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Religious Studies major and Psychology minor, and during college, I held several leadership positions at Penn Hillel. My time at Penn Hillel, my twelve summers as a camper, counselor, and Rosh Edah (division head) at Camp Ramah, and my experiences at my synagogue, Temple Beth Sholom led me to my decision to become a rabbi.

After graduating from Penn, I began rabbinical school at the Jewish Theological Semi-nary. I am now entering my third year out of five in rabbin-ical school, and I am also pur-suing a Masters degree in Jew-ish education at JTS. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, running, reading, and sofrut (Hebrew scribal arts).

I greatly look forward to meeting you all when I visit in October, and I am excited to learn from and contribute to the Temple Beth Tzedek com-munity over the course of the year.

A Word of TorahA Word of TorahA Word of TorahA Word of Torah

Before Moses was a leader of the Jewish people, he was a shepherd. One day, while tending his flock, he came upon a bush that was burning but didn’t burn up. As moses stared at this awesome sight, God spoke to him for the first time. (Exodus 3:1-6)

People usually explain that God used the burning bush to attract Moses’ attention. But suppose you were God and could do anything you wanted — split an ocean, make the sun stand still, or set up a pillar of fire. Compared to such spectacular displays, a burning bush is not very impressive. So why did God choose such a modest miracle?

Maybe the burning bush wasn’t a miracle but a test. God wanted to find out if Moses could see mystery in something as ordinary as a little bush on fire. For Moses had to watch the flames long enough to realize that the branches were not being comsumed and that something awesome was happening. Once God saw that Moses could pay attention, God spoke to him.

Much later, when God was ready to give Moses the Torah on Mount Sinai, God said, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there.” (Exodus 24:12) Rabbi Menachem Mendl from the town of Kotz (whom we call, the Kotzer Rebbe) asked: “If God told Moses to come up on the mountain, then why did God also say, ‘be there’? Where else would he be?” The answer, suggests the Kotzker, is that not only did God want Moses to be up on the mountain, God wanted him to pay close attention; otherwise he would not really be there. Often people are physically in a place but, because they are not paying attention, they might as well be somewhere else.

Jews have a special way of remembering to pay attention. It is called a berakhah or a blessing,” It begins, Baruch Atah Adonai, “Holy One of blessing,”Elohenu Melech ha’olam, “Your presence fills creation.” Then we add words appropriate for the occasion like: “who brings forth bread from the earth,” or “who removes sleep from my eyes and slumber from my eyelids,” or “who spreads the shelter of peace over us.”

Each time we say a berakhah, we say to ourselves, “Pay attention. Something awesome is happening all around us.” And then we realize that the ordinary world conceals mysteries.

The Book of Miracles by Lawrence Kushner

Project Beit Tefilah Report Project Beit Tefilah Report Project Beit Tefilah Report Project Beit Tefilah Report ---- May 11, 2016May 11, 2016May 11, 2016May 11, 2016 Harvey Sanders, Chairman

As reported in the March 2016 Shofar, our discussions with the leadership of Congregation B’nai Shalom con-cerning collaboration are ongoing. Since March, the draft merger papers that had been prepared have been cir-culated among the leadership of both congregations and those papers are continuing to be fine-tuned. A mer-ger would result in their real estate (and other assets, including their cemetery) becoming an asset (and respon-sibility) of Temple Beth Tzedek. In the very near future, we expect a merger document to be presented to the respective boards and congregational memberships for review and action. Any merger would also require New York State approval. As reported in the March 2016 Shofar, we completed the purchase of the house at 1671 North Forest, which is currently being occupied by our Executive Director, Harvey Brenner. Since that time, we have now also closed on the house at 1623 North Forest. That purchase would now give us a contiguous parcel of 4 acres (together with the current B’nai Shalom parcel) on which a new synagogue building could be built, as well as an addition-al 1.3 acre parcel on the corner of North Forest and Klein (1671 North Forest) which could be used for syna-gogue purposes, including High Holiday parking. We will continue to monitor opportunities to obtain adjacent parcels on the block that could enhance the project, including 1657 North Forest, with respect to which the con-gregation already authorized a purchase, but which is not currently on the market. The acquisition of addition-al parcels on North Forest gives us flexibility, as they could be sold for a profit in the unlikely event that the need arises. In the short term, we will explore opportunities to productively use the 1623 North Forest proper-ty. With respect to the purchase of our Getzville Road parcel, the necessary documents relating to that transac-tion are continuing to be fine-tuned to structure the transaction in a way that is best for both parties. Notwith-standing the fact that the sale documents have not yet been signed, the purchaser has been expending extensive time and monies with respect to the necessary due diligence, including environmental studies. This demon-strates their good faith intention to complete the transaction as negotiated. Once our board recommends such action, the next step would be to have one or more special congregational meetings to address the merger, the approval of the final sale of the Getzville Road parcel and the retention of an architect to begin designing our new facility. The timing of that meeting, and whether all three topics will be covered in a single meeting, will depend on how soon sufficient progress is made in each area. We will continue to communicate in writing, including through the Shofar and on our website, and we will continue to hold peri-odic informational meetings as appropriate. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please con-tact Harvey Sanders.

14 3

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“In The Family Tradition”

Pulpit Fund In observance of the yahrzeit of David H. Coplon

Alva Barozzi In memory of Veda Rotman

Fred & Donna Hirsh Marilyn Shuman

In memory of Abraham Slepian

Loretta & Norbert Schechter Alan Raines Library Fund In memory of Irwin Ginsberg

Helene Goldschmidt In memory of Sheryl Stelzle

Helene Goldschmidt & Skip Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund In honor of the graduation and new job of Jason Markzon

Elinda & Ed Reich In honor of Sophie & Rachel Scheer becoming b'not mitzvah

Elinda & Ed Reich In memory of Mary Harari

Elinda & Ed Reich Bruce S. Rein Memorial Fund In honor of Kim Jones' many years of hard work

Lenore Rein In honor of the marriage of Susan & Tom Wood

Tinka Lendner In honor of Lenore Rein's birthday

Edna Kielar

In observance of the yahrzeit of Martin (Buddy) Rein

Douglas, Sandra, Brina & Benjamin Rein

In observance of the yahrzeit of Martin (Buddy) Rein

Lenore Rein In memory of Seline Singer

Lenore Rein Herman S. Rekoon Scholarship Fund In memory of Barry Rekoon

Shirley Rekoon In honor of Elaine Zeve's return to good health

Marlene & Lawrence Joseph In memory of Sarah Chertoff

Larry & Cookie Levin Allan Robins Memorial Fund In honor of Jerry Robins' 80th birthday

Bette Lou Robins Wayne Robins & Family

In memory of Myrna Springer

Bette Lou Robins Wayne Robins & Family

Martin Sanders Memorial Fund In honor of Sofia Martin becoming a bat mitzvah

Ina Sanders In honor of Melanie Franco's graduation

Janice & Harold Gelfand In memory of Rabbi Conn's father

Ina Sanders

In memory of Sylvia Greenman Ina Sanders & Alvin Kaplan

In memory of Phil Wynn

Ina Sanders In memory of Mary Harari

Ina Sanders Marlene J. Simms Memorial Fund In observance of the yahrzeit of Marlene J. Simms

Joyce Greenberg In observance of the yahrzeit of Marilyn Stiller

Joyce Greenberg Nathan and Dorothy Simon Israel Scholarship Fund In honor of the speedy recovery of Rebecca Nudelman

Warren Simon In honor of the speedy recovery of Sheila Trossman

Warren Simon

Pearl and Nathan Sterman Memorial Fund In memory of Mary Harari

Joe Sterman & Sylvia Weiss Temple Fund In honor of June Feuerstein

Gerald & Carol Einhorn In celebration of 30 years of outstand-ing service by Kim Jones

Herb & Roz Weiss

In appreciation of April 9 aliyah Marshall & Sondra Lipman

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Beinaynu, continued

When his energy flagged, we wheeled him back to his room, kissed and hugged him goodbye and went back to our respective homes. It was just a perfect celebration. It was so perfect, that the next day, after his breakfast and a round of physi-cal therapy, he probably said to himself (with Ha-Shem listening), “well, it ain’t gonna get any bet-ter than yesterday, so I’m ready to leave this earth right now!” And he did. Our last memories of him are warm, wonderful, tender, raucous and sad, all at the same time. His smiles are indelibly etched into our memory banks. We got the opportunity to tell and show each other how much we loved one another and so, while we will feel the loss forever, we cannot regret anything about our last time together. When the facility called me at work to tell me that my father was “unresponsive”, I later found out that that was their “med-speak” for “deceased” I cried, but knew that he lived life fully and passed on when (and I believe how) he wanted. There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think of him and feel the empty spot in my soul. He was, aside from my wife, my very best friend. For the 64 years we shared, I can’t ever remember us having a cross word or a topic that we couldn’t discuss together. I hope that when my time comes, I’m as fortunate as he was in going peace-fully and painlessly and on my own terms. And then, I get to Skype, visit with or call Averi, my father’s first great-grandchild, whom he never got to meet. He got to “touch” her and “communicate” with her through amniotic fluid and something like Mr. Spock’s Vulcan Mind Meld. I know, and she knows, “GG” (Great Grandpa) loved her. So this is a mixed bag for me and yet, on bal-ance, I have a great deal to be thankful for and smile about. On Shavuot, God gave the Jewish People the gift of Torah and this year, as we cele-brate it in June, I’ll also remember that gift along-side the joy of having a loving father (OBM) and a sweet granddaughter as my personal gifts from God. I wish you all and your loved ones a Chag Shavuot Sameach and a Happy Father’s Day.

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Sandi Ida Miesik Glickstein Kesher Fund In memory of Phil Wynn

Edie Teibel Harriet & Ralph Halpern Janet Gunner & Glenn Pincus Bruce & Sharla Bleichfeld

In memory of Lilly Pleskow

Janet Gunner & Glenn Pincus In memory of Veda Rotman

Janet Gunner & Glenn Pincus

In memory of Sylvia Greenman Steve & Fern Bernstein

In memory of Mary Harari

Janet Gunner & Glenn Pincus Harvey & Myra Horowitz Sandra & Bernie Weinstein Bruce & Sharla Bleichfeld

Mark L. Josephson Torah Fund In observance of the yahrzeit of Stuart Brownstein

Esther Brownstein Kassirer Family Minyan Room Fund In honor of Barbara Rodman's special birthday

Shirlee Stromberg Gluckstein In honor of Zachary Wexler becoming a bar mitzvah

Beth Kassirer In memory of Sylvia Greenman

Linda & Lenny Cohen Judy & Barry Baron Lance & Michele Pozarny

In observance of the yahrzeit of Jerry Simon

Shirlee Stromberg Gluckstein Rabbi Isaac Klein Scholar in Residence Endowment Fund In memory of Sylvia Greenman

Helen Ablove In memory of Lilly Pleskow

Muriel Segal In memory of Phil Wynn

Helen Ablove

Richard S. Kulick Memorial Fund In observance of the yahrzeit of Joseph Katz

Peggy Kulick In observance of the yahrzeit of Thelma Goldman

Peggy & Deborah Kulick and Jennifer Rosenbaum Klein - Amdur Library Fund In memory of Stan Conn

Laurence & Linda Boxer In memory of Phil Wynn

Laurence & Linda Boxer In memory of George Massik

Annette Kareff

In memory of Mary Harari Laurence & Linda Boxer

Max & Rose Linsky Memorial Fund In observance of the yahrzeit of Max Linsky

Jeffrey Linsky Sally and William Malkinson Scholarship Fund In honor of Sofia Martin becoming a bat mitzvah

Beth Ginsberg, Annette Hayes, Sophie Ginsberg-Hayes In honor of Mel & Elaine Brothman

Beth Ginsberg, Annette Hayes, Sophie Ginsberg-Hayes In memory of Irwin Ginsberg

Shelley Pack Bobbie Simmons Gertrude Schwab

In memory of Sheryl Stelzle

Barbara Ginsberg Ritual Fund In honor of the speedy recovery of Sheila Trossman

Elaine & Seymour Baren, Mar-cia & Paul Burstein and Linda & George Clement In memory of Sylvia Greenman

Shirley & Larry Magil

In observance of the yahrzeit of grand-mother, Lillian Sperling

Harold & Arlyne Levy Lippa Family Auditorium Maintenance Fund In memory of Robert Miller

Barbara & Jack Yellen In memory of Veda Rotman

Barbara & Jack Yellen Pulpit Fund In honor of the confirmation of Seth Blum

The Wallenfels Family In honor of Rick Davis' special birthday

Carol Davis In honor of the confirmation of Jordan Grubea

The Wallenfels Family In appreciation of Kim Jones on her 30 years at Temple Beth Tzedek

Einav Symons Bruce & Sharla Bleichfeld

In appreciation of receiving an aliyah

Ruth Merlin In appreciation

The Stearns Family In honor of the confirmation of Hanna Linsky

The Wallenfels Family

In appreciation of Rabbi Netter Beverly & Melvyn Mesnekoff Gary Ginsberg & Family The Confirmation Families

In honor of Howard Popkin's 90th birthday

Linda & George Clement In appreciation of Cantor Spindler

The Confirmation Families In memory of Sylvia Greenman

Sandy Perlmuter Carole Blumenkrantz

In memory of Irwin Ginsberg

Marilyn Shuman

Simcha Shabbat - June 4, 2016 Celebrating May and June events Anniversaries Mel & Elaine Brothman Pam & Steve Cohen* Jane & Stuart Fischman Janice & Harold Gelfand Shelly & Marty Kerker Carolyn & Gerald Kershanbaum Michele & Lance Pozarny Sheila & Donald Weisman Rusty & Joe Zackheim

Birthdays Robert Ablove Judy Alessi Carol Amsterdam Daniel Amsterdam Lisa Bloch-Rodwin Aaron Blum (also for Aaron’s graduation) Elaine Brothman* Judy Brownstein Carol Davis, also honored by children and grandchildren Beth Kassirer* Shelly Kerker Carolyn Kershanbaum Gerald Kershanbaum Dana Kurtzman Frank Levin* Calvin Izeire Lewis by Grandma and Grandpa Werbow Eileen Markzon Sol Messinger Lori Morrison Evan Daniel Pozarny Michele Pozarny Sloane Leia Pozarny by Michele & Lance Pozarny Lenny Saran* Harvey Schiller Ava Lillian Serure by Ma & PaPa Serure in honor of being called to the Torah as a

Bat Mitzah Phyllis Sigel Alan Sisselman Livia Slabodkin by Dana Kurtzman Anita Snyder Jared Wallenfels Donald Weisman Laurie Werbow Myra Werbow Joe Zackheim*

*Indicates a milestone Next Simcha Shabbat is August 6 Celebrating July and August events

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We gratefully acknowledge th e following donationsWe gratefully acknowledge th e following donationsWe gratefully acknowledge th e following donationsWe gratefully acknowledge th e following donations

5

Anne Bernstein Memorial Fund In honor of David Bernstein's birthday

Annette and Sanford Rosenberg In honor of Henry Peita's birthday

Herschel & Mimi Balsom In memory of Irwin Ginsberg

Marvin & Beverly Gareleck In memory of Mary Harari

Sheila, Joel & Sarah Bernstein Building Fund In observance of the yahrzeit of Harry Levine

Ellen Levine-Loffredo Edith & Joel Cohen Memorial Fund In honor of Jacob Weiss

Len & Rita Weiss Danziger Family Torah Endowment Fund In memory of Gerald Cooperman

Jack & Margie Danziger In observance of the yahrzeit of father, Henry Danziger

Jack & Margie Danziger In observance of the yahrzeit of mother, Regina Rappaport

Jack & Margie Danziger In observance of the yahrzeit of cousin, Regina Singer

Jack & Margie Danziger Irwin Davis Memorial Fund In honor of Rick Davis' special birthday

Evie Berman In honor of Evelyn Davis' 100th birthday

Eric & Judy Davis In memory of Milton Kerker

Esther Trachtman In observance of the yahrzeit of Stella Safeer

Neil Safeer In observance of the yahreit of Max Blaustein

Neil Safeer

Cantor Gerald DeBruin Music Shelf In honor of Frank Levin's 90th birthday

Len & Rita Weiss Education Fund In honor of Fern Bernstein's many years of dedicated service with Gesher

Lisa Kovel, Emily, Sarah & Han-na In honor of Sophie & Rachel Scheer be-coming b'not mitzvah

Elaine & Mel Brothman In observance of the yahrzeit of Joseph Morrison

Armand Morrison In memory of George Massik

Roz & Harvey Podolsky In memory of Mary Harari

Elaine & Mel Brothman Armand & Lori Morrison

In memory of Harold Gandel

Susan & Mark Wallach Floral Fund In honor of Sofia Martin becoming a bat mitzvah

Gertrude Schwab In memory of Sarah Chertoff

Gert Schwab In observance of the yahrzeit of Abe Abraham

Shirley & Adrian Feldman In memory of Sarah Chertoff

Marilyn & Irving Sultz Jerry Frank Memorial Garden Fund In honor of Elaine Brothman's special birthday

Shirley & Larry Magil In honor of Mitch Steinhorn

The Serure Family In memory of Lilly Pleskow

Shirley & Larry Magil In memory of Veda Rotman

Mona Schwartzberg & Family

Sandi Ida Miesik Glickstein Kesher Fund In honor of Sophia Martin becoming a bat mitzvah

Bruce & Sharla Bleichfeld In honor of Kim Jones' 30th anniversary at Temple Beth Tzedek

Sandy Perlmuter In appreciation of Outstretched Arm programs

Myra & Harvey Horowitz In honor of outstretched arm

Daniel & Ida Serure In appreciation of Kesher shiva meal

Martin & Shelly Kerker In appreciation of Passover volunteers

Bruce & Sharla Bleichfeld In honor of good health for Ilene Levine

Selma & Mike Berger In appreciation of Rabbi Netter for shiva service

Martin & Shelly Kerker In honor of Sophie & Rachel Scheer becoming b'not mitzvah

Myra & Harvey Horowitz In honor of speedy recovery of Doris Sellers

Sandy Perlmuter In appreciation of Cantor Spindler for shiva service

Martin & Shelly Kerker In memory of Sarah Chertoff

Harvey & Myra Horowitz In memory of Stan Conn

Janet Gunner & Glenn Pincus In memory of Sylvia Greenman

Janet Gunner & Glenn Pincus Helen Bergman & Joe Buch Ilene Levine

In memory of Milton Kerker Janet Gunner & Glenn Pincus Harvey & Myra Horowitz Bruce & Sharla Bleichfeld Eileen & Jerry Markzon

Womens N etwork Womens N etwork Womens N etwork Womens N etwork Judith Brownstein, President

As my first year as head of Women’s Network draws to a close I have had time to reflect on all that we have accomplished. First, our name change has happened. Our Board and our membership voted overwhelmingly to become the Women’s Network of Temple Beth Tzedek. Simultaneous with what a number of Sisterhoods are doing all over the country, we have a fresh name to reflect the evolving role of women in synagogue life. This year, as always, we have funded programs and activities for the synagogue. We maintain the Sara Brooks Judaica Shop. This year we are again awarding scholarships to our college and graduate school students. The Youth and Education Committee has benefited from our financial support: subsi-dizing travel to USY meetings, replacing the Siddurs for Junior Congregation and contributing to the cost of packages sent to college students at Hanukkah. Bat and Bar Mitzvah and confirmation students receive books to mark the occasion. We have also made contributions to other synagogue projects and programs. In April we launched our Shiva Help Bag project containing some immediate supplies to those suffer-ing a loss (see article in May Shofar). We participate in the Torah Fund Project of Women’s League which raises funds for the four rabbinic seminaries if the Conservative Movement. Our Tikkun Olam project has elected to donate money to charities dealing with sustenance as we did last year. We have had programming throughout the year. Kicking off in September, our opening dinner in-cluded a concert of the Ring Masters Handbell Group, led by TBT member Gloria Werblow. We had a theater outing in October. Women’s Shabbat was November and included two special guests, Lana Benatovich, the president of The National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York and Eleanor Diamond, President of the International Northeast Region of Women’s League. She met with us over lunch to discuss our mutual concerns. In November we had our annual rummage sale, our main fund raiser, and once again a success all around. City Mission brought trucks to collect unsold merchandise which they then distribute to fami-lies and individuals in need. Hanukkah brought us Rabbi Deborah Prinz discussing her book On the Chocolate Trail, at a choc-olate themed brunch jointly sponsored with the Brotherhood. January was our Tu B’Shevat Seder and we had a Rosh Chodesh program in February where some members did brief presentations on biblical women. In March we had a Purim spiel program with a Dr. Seuss take on the Megillah. In April, in preparation for Passover, we prepared a variety of Pesach recipes in small groups for all to sample. We had a recipe exchange as well. In May, we had our concluding event of the season, the Mothers and Others dinner. The event was, as usual, an enjoyable evening.

Continued on page 6

2016 SHABBATON COMES TO TEMPLE BETH TZEDEK

Friday, September 9

Activities, dinner, services, discussion and children’s programming

Saturday, September 10

Services, luncheon, discussion, children’s activities, dinner, bonfire, s’mores and singing

Sunday, September 11

services, discussion, children’s programming and brunch

Details and reservation information to follow.

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Gerald Cooperman Loving brother, uncle & friend Milton Kerker Husband of Reva Kerker Father of Martin Kerker Father of Joel Kerker Father of Susan Langmann Father of Ruth Ann Hapner Sarah Chertoff Wife of Theodore Chertoff Mother of Amy Huang Mother of David Chertoff Mother of Mark Chertoff

Barukh Dayan Haemet Barukh Dayan Haemet Barukh Dayan Haemet Barukh Dayan Haemet — may th eir m emories be a blessingmay th eir m emories be a blessingmay th eir m emories be a blessingmay th eir m emories be a blessing

Mazal TovMazal TovMazal TovMazal Tov

• Elaine & Melvin Brothman on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Sofia Martin

• Laura & Scott Wexler on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Zachary Wexler

• Karen & Alan Wexler on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Zachary Wexler

Womens Network, continued

Women’s Network can only sponsor all these activities and programs with the support and dedica-tion of a committed group of volunteers. We thank them all for their efforts making this year a suc-cess. I personally wish to thank my board, officers and especially my past presidents for all their hard work and guidance, and without whom this eventful year would not have been possible. Also, we rely on synagogue staff to do what we do. Rabbi Netter and Cantor Spindler have been there for us. Their presence and input are appreciated and invaluable. Harvey Brenner has worked with us on details and logistics to make events a success. Kim Jones and Michele Lynch in the office have been instru-mental in assisting us on a regular basis with the grunt work in the office doing so much it is difficult to mention all the things they make possible. I cannot forget Pat Farrell and Jack Robson who set up for all our events and help with general schlepping. You all have contributed meaningfully to this year. As always, we are planning the calendar for next year and would appreciate assistance and ideas for programming.

Service Tim esService Tim esService Tim esService Tim es WEEKDAY

Sunday Shaharit 8:30a

Mon-Fri Shaharit 7:30a

Daily Minha/Maariv 6:00p

SHABBAT

Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00p

Shaharit 9:00a

Minha-Havdallah

June 4 8:15p

June 11 8:30p

June 18 8:30p

June 25 8:30p

REFA’ENU

June 9

July 7

Yahrzeits ContinuedYahrzeits ContinuedYahrzeits ContinuedYahrzeits Continued

May th e m emory of th e righteous be a blessingMay th e m emory of th e righteous be a blessingMay th e m emory of th e righteous be a blessingMay th e m emory of th e righteous be a blessing

Robert Nusbaum

Randy Oshlag

Sydney Pastor

Todd Pastor

Haskell Penn

Ronald Perelstein

Anna Perlmuter

Harry Perlmuter

Irving Persky

Rose Persky

Jerome Pitterman

Philip Potosky

Rosalie Potosky

Jacob Presser

Harry Pugrant

Anna Ravins

Belle Redlo

Moses Resler

Gerald Ribakove

David Robins

Mollie Rosenblat

Esther Rosenfeld

Lena Ruddank

Regina Safar

Martin Sanders

Alfred Schwab

Rosa Schwab

Sigmund Schwab

Harry Seeman

Ellis Segarnick

Belle Serns

Kenneth Shaffer

Lyucya Shahnovskaya

Arnold Sherman

Irving Shuman

Philip Silverberg

Adele Sisselman

Hyman Sniderman

Anita Stackhouse

Dora Steinhart

Morris Steinhart

Sybilla Stern

Adolf Their

Ida Trachtenberg

Volodia Trachtenberg

Joe Troy

Harry Tubin

Fred Vogel

Dorothy Wabnick

Simon Wallens

Rose Weinstein

Ruth Weinstein

Sanford Weinstein

Allen Weisman

Marion Weitzman

Jack Wolffe

Anna Wolkind

Morris Wortman

Al Wynne

Ethel Yachnin

Charles Yaeger

Morris Yellen

Evelyn Zakalik

Leon Zarin

Maryasha Zarin

Manuel Zorfas

Irving Zubkoff

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A Message from Kim I have been asked by many people to publish my speech that I gave at the Gala on June 5. I would like to thank everyone that came to the Gala, everyone who couldn’t come but whose thoughts were with us that night, who put an ad in the Ad book that was distributed that evening, and who gave a donation for the silent auction. It was an amazing evening for my family and me, and so heartwarming to see so many people who came to be with us. My husband , my sons and my family and friends who were here got to meet so many of the people that they have heard about for so many years but have never met. There were so many kind words spoken. Thank you to the entire committee who put so much of them-selves in to that evening to make it perfect. You made that evening one that I will never forget. I laughed, I cried, I danced a little, and I talked to many people who have been such an important part of my 30 years here. Thank you to each and every one of you. Every one of you has a special place in my heart and my life. Below is my speech:

3 months after graduating from Bryant and Stratton, I was sitting at my grandparents' kosher kitchen table looking through the Buffalo Evening News want ads. I came across an ad for a Secre-tary at a synagogue. I said to myself, this could work in the meantime, until I find a permanent posi-tion. So I answered the ad and I met Jerry Frank. He hired me that day and said he had to put me through a temporary agency for the first 3 months because he wanted to make sure I was going to stay. He had gone through many office workers in a year that did not stay very long. Some went to lunch and never came back (Thank God I don't go out for lunch.) Jerry was worried I wouldn't stay. Little did he know. Little did I know! I admit I have contemplated quitting many times in the last 30 years. Something or someone al-ways caused me to stay. Sholem Stern was the rabbi when I began my tenure at Temple Shaarey Zedek. Anticipating brevity in my stay, he offered to write me a letter of recommendation to use at my exit. Never would he have guessed. Bill Richter, who was the maintenance supervisor at the time, used his power of persuasion many times to keep my feet firmly planted at Temple Shaarey Zedek, so I stayed. Then when Jerry Frank got sick, he would have me go to his house every day for a couple hours and work with him from his house. He used to make me feel guilty about wanting to leave while he was sick, so I stayed. When Jerry first got sick Allan Werbow started working in the office part time. After Jerry passed away, Allan became our full time Executive Director. I didn't want to leave with him starting out, so I stayed. And this was just year 1! Since then, Allan and the entire Werbow family have become part of my family. Ellis also offered to give this speech for me. We have gone through so much together and I know that no matter what, the Werbows will always be there for me. I try to watch out for Allan as much as I can as well, which is not an easy job, you may not have noticed, but Allan is a slightly stubborn person. When Allan & My-ra began fostering children again, they included me in the lives of these babies and they became part of my family as well. I was just about as attached to these children as Allan and Myra were. I re-member when I got pregnant with the boys, I had to go for weekly doctors visits. In about my 5th month of pregnancy, I returned to work after one of my office visits with a note from the doctor. Al-lan's jaw dropped as he read the doctor's instructions that my maternity leave was to begin immedi-ately. My solution was to just shred the note and pretend we didn't have it, but Allan wouldn't go for it. Neither of us were ready for me to be out yet. Allan called Myra that day and said "Help!" He asked her to please rearrange her schedule at her job and come work at temple for him part time as soon as she could. Thank God she was able to help. When I had the twins, Allan & Myra were at my house to see the babies as soon as I came home. That's what family does. They have always accepted Rich, the boys and me as if we were their own. We have always been included in their lives. I will be eternally grateful for everything they have done for us and for just being there.

I am grateful to the 2 men since Allan's retirement that have taken on the difficult and demanding position of Executive Director. Thank you Joe and Harvey for your guidance, your friendship and your many contributions to Temple.

We gratefully acknowledge donations in observance of th e following We gratefully acknowledge donations in observance of th e following We gratefully acknowledge donations in observance of th e following We gratefully acknowledge donations in observance of th e following YahrzeitsYahrzeitsYahrzeitsYahrzeits

May th e m emory of th e righteous be a blessingMay th e m emory of th e righteous be a blessingMay th e m emory of th e righteous be a blessingMay th e m emory of th e righteous be a blessing

Nathan Abramowitz

Robert Adams

Allison Albano

Minnie B. Altman

William Altman

Jack Antman

Beverly Balsom

Michael Barney

Frank Baron

Ralph Baron

Betty Bengart

Alexander Berg

Isaac Blitz

Louis Blitz

Itzyk Bluvshteyn

Rae Borsky

Theodore Borsky

Helen Brophy

Max Brothman

Sidney Buyer

Mary Cantor

Meyer Cantor

Millie Cantor

Sophie H. Capell

Lillian Carrel

Norman Chassin

Herman Cohen

Hymen Cohen

Sharon Dandes

Henry Danziger

Nathan Davidson

Irwin S. Davis

Lillian Davis

Isadore Drach

Angelo P. Dubreville

Dorothy Eisman

Jack Ellis

Jerahmiel Farkash

Anna Feinstein

Ethel Feuerstein

Jacob Feuerstein

Anna Fineberg

Robert Fish

Howard Franco

Earle Freedman

Adolph Fruit

Clara Fruit

David Fruit

Morris Fruit

Sam Gitin

Goldie Glickstein

Harold Glickstein

Judith Goldberg

Isaac A. Goldenberg

Samuel Gottlieb

Robert Haymes

Harry Hoffman

Henry Hoffman

Donald Horowitz

Tillie Jacobs

Sadie Jacobson

Ralph Jaffe

Samuel Kaiser

Sylvia Kaiser

Blanche Elster Kaplan

Hyman Kaplan

Gertrude Kardaman

Mary Kay

Khasya Keyl

Benjamin Klein

Bernard Klein

Rozica Klein

Leah Knoller

Marvin Kovel

Louis Kulick

Richard Kulick

Rose Kulick

Ruben Kulick

Tillie Kulick

Jeanette Lansky

Shirley Lasser

Sarah Lepp

Sally Levin

Harry Levine

Lester Levine

Sam Levinsky

Sara Levinsky

Estelle Levite

Samuel Levite

George Levy

Josef Lorinczy

Lillian Malkin

Albert Mandelkern

Yetta Mandelkern

Alfred Mark

Molly Markowitz

Morris Markowitz

Regina Markowitz

Sharon Matilda Marx

Alvin Mendelsohn

Chaim Merrick

Florence Meyer

Rose Meyer

Rita Meyers

Bessie Michaels

Daniel Milich

Esther Milich

Harry Miller

Fannie Mintz

Joseph Morrison

Lillian Myers

Benjamin Newman

Melvin Meyer Newman

In the past 30 years, we've been through many congregational deaths, births, weddings and b'nai mitz-vah together. I've made countless close friends and have accumulated several extra mothers, sisters and brothers. You have been there for the joys of my life such as my marriage to Rich, the long awaited birth of my twins Richard & Ronald and you've also been there to hold my hand for the low points of my life, such as sicknesses, surgeries, and family deaths. You've also endured with me the many hospital visits and Emergency room visits with the men in my house........ all 3 of them. Many times you have watched me run out of the building when I got a call from my husband, my neighbor or the school that I needed to take one of the boys to the emergency room or the ambulance was on the way and I should come meet it. I have to admit to you all that there are emergency room nurses who know my name. I always got calls from many of you checking on them. Everyone here has always showed genuine concern for my family's well being and I appreciate it immensely. I have had many co-workers who have become very close friends of mine. Gerry Williams was the secre-tary in the school when I started here. She and I worked together for my first 12 years at Temple and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding. Even though she left here many years ago, our friendship has not weak-ened. I am so glad that you "punched back in" to be here tonight. When I started, the maintenance men were Bill Richter and Tom Farrell. Bill became one of my closest friends from day one. During my first month, he called me into the school office across the hall. When I went over there, the lights were off. I entered the school office to turn on the lights and suddenly, a 6 foot stuffed gorilla came flying down at me. Bill and Tom had hooked this monstrosity to the ceiling with a string and when I walked in to the dark room, the trap was sprung. I didn't know what this furry thing that came flying at me was and ran down the hall screaming. As I looked back from the end of the hall, I saw Jerry Frank attempting to scream at Bill and Tommy. His scolding met deaf ears as Bill and Tom were on the ground laughing hysterically. Many times I would sit at my desk and 10 minutes later, some-thing would grab my ankles. Bill would hide in the closet behind my desk and I would hear someone saying in a very soft voice "help me". I could go on and on about the shenanigans that Bill pulled on me, but any-one who knew Bill knows what he was capable of. He was funny, crazy, creative, an amazing cook, and a loyal friend who I miss every day. I only worked with Tommy for about a year, but he became a terrific friend and we all had a lot of laughs. After Tom left, his brother Pat started here. He has been my friend and confidante ever since. I thank him for always being there for me. Together we've been through changes in Executive Directors, Rabbis, presi-dents, many maintenance men, office staff and a merger. Things haven't always been calm here but I know that whenever I need someone to talk to or vent to, he'll be there for me, and he knows I'm here for him. Jack started in maintenance a couple years later. He couldn’t be here tonight. He’s always been reliable, hard working and honest and a terrific friend to me. After Gerry left the school office, I worked in my office and in the school office with Leah Schneider. At Christmas time she would call my boys and pretend to be Santa Claus telling them to be good. She was al-ways willing to help me or my family and was always there for us. I am always grateful for our time to-gether. I currently work in the office with Michele. She and I started working together in July of 2008. She makes me laugh just about every single day we are here. We work so well together and have so much in common I feel like I've known her my entire life. We help each other, we talk, we laugh and we vent. To work side by side with someone like that makes this job so much easier. What can I say about Cantor Spindler. When he first started here, I was under the impression that he just immigrated from foreign lands. Little did I know, he is from Scranton. I didn't realize people from Scran-ton had such a thick European accent. Cantor is solely responsible for the metamorphosis of my name from Kim to Keem. He can always be counted on for friendly greetings and interesting conversations. Thank you Mark for your daily doses and upbeat outlook. I am glad to work with you.

Being Rabbi Netter's assistant has certainly added an intriguing dimension to my position at Tem-pe Beth Tzedek. There are people that say that we argue like siblings (that’s mainly because he doesn’t listen to me). Not only has he been a teacher and guide to his congregation and to me, but he knows how to seek out amusement. Some of these events have been at my expense. An example of which is when he decided to hide his car on me after we were leaving from an off site meeting. When I did finally find his car, I saw his face in the side mirror bellowing with laughter. I thank you for always listening, giving me advice, being one of my biggest advocates, and being my friend. I thank the Gala Committee for everything you have done to make this night a success. All of you have put your heart and soul in to making this night perfect. I know it was a lot of work and I truly appreciate all of it. You did an amazing job and I thank you very much. Last but not least is my friends and family. My parents and all of my family have always been there for me. So much has happened in the last 30 years and you have always stood by me. Rich and my boys have had to listen to me talk about Temple business and have had to share me with you 7 days a week. Very few weekends or vacations go without phone calls or emails. I couldn’t ask for more loving and understanding men in my life. My family means the world to me and I love you all. There are sev-eral of my friends here tonight and I thank you for spending tonight with us. It means so much. If my numbers are correct, I've worked with 12 presidents, 7 Rabbis, 1 Cantor, 4 Executive Directors, many maintenance men, many office staff, 3 school secretaries, 6 Principals, 1 merger and approxi-mately 2,485 congregants (approximately). I am sincerely grateful for the friendship and love that each and every one of you have shown to me and my family. You have added to my life, my perspective and my world. I would not be the person I am today without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here tonight and for sharing the last 30 years with me. God bless you all.

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