November Tekiah Draft for Website

Congregation Beth Torah Monthly Newsletter

A Note from the Rabbi Rabbi Rick Shapiro

(Continued on page 2)

Frequently I am asked by people I know: “Rabbi, why do Jews tend to be so liberal?” As Election Day draws near, this is a particularly apropos question albeit not one with an easy or simple answer. Why, indeed, is it that Jews continue to vote for liberal candidates and causes at a rate far greater than the general population? Why is it that we Jews, long after we have “made it” in America continue to vote like first generation immigrants? Why is it that we Jews, unlike most other Americans, continue to support elected officials and policies that are not in our own economic or social interest?

The central issue today in the ongoing debate between liberals and conservatives is not the substance of any of the particular issues themselves. The debate far transcends the merits of universal health care or abortion or gay marriage or the war against ISIS or gun control or any other specific issue. Instead, the debate seems to be focusing on the way in which these issues are dealt with; specifically, on the role government should play in their resolution. The question being asked over and over again is: are public institutions inherently helpful or harmful in solving society’s problems? Are we better off with more government or less government? Liberals have traditionally believed that the solutions to our problems lie in particular government programs, while conservatives today are arguing against that premise, claiming instead that voluntary programs provided by individuals and groups of individuals in the private sector must lie at the core of the answer.

It would seem that the Jewish people has some expertise to offer in this area, having kept a community together for more than 2,500 years. And indeed, the lessons in the Jewish experience speak directly to the current debate. When our ancestors were first expelled from Israel and taken to Babylon, they formed themselves into a communal body - a kehilah - that accepted responsibility for all of its members. “Kol Yisrael arayvim zeh bazeh,” became their motto: “each Jew is responsible for every other Jew.” When someone was in need, it was the obligation of the entire community to respond and insure that the individual in trouble was cared for. No one fell between the cracks because everyone stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity, forming a communal

Visit our website: www.beth-torah.org

November 2014 • Issue 283 Cheshvan/Kislev 5775

Community Blood Drive - Monday, November 3rd

2:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Beth Torah, Room 101

(Go to www.esavealifenow.org Click on “Find a Drive” Enter sponsor code “bethtorah” and select November 3rd)

Questions:Scott Franklin [email protected] (913) 645-1036

Turkeys, Turkeys everywhere….Ok, so we just collected 50 turkeys and bought 50 more for Pleasant Green Baptist Church so that people in the midst of food insecurity can enjoy Thanksgiving, but Christmas is right around the corner.

So, we need 50 MORE turkeys in our freezer and 50 MORE turkeys bought (at $18 a turkey) for Pleasant Green by December 1st. Stop by the Beth Torah office with your frozen bird or send in a check. There are also opportunities to help out in the preparation and the distribution of meals on the morning of December 25th. Keep your ears and eyes open for that information.

JFS Hanukkah BlessingsJewish Family Services makes a point every year that the joy of Hanukkah belongs to every Jewish family in the Kansas City area. In order to make that happen, we need to help them out by shopping for some of the families that otherwise would not know the joy of opening gifts as they light their Hanukkiah. The wish lists of these families are filled with necessities and little niceties that we take for granted. Contact Aaron Nielsenshultz to get information on how your generosity can shine a light.

reStart in JanuaryPull out your calendars and get ready for reStart in January. You can sign up by dropping by Beth Torah on Sunday mornings during Religious School, or by contacting Scott Franklin at [email protected].

A

Opportunities from the Joel Winston Social Justice Program

www.beth-torah.org | Page 2

Torah Portion & Haftarah

October 31/November 1 7 of CheshvanLech Le’cha, Gen. 12:1-17:27Haftarah - Isaiah 40:27-41:16

November 7/8 15 of CheshvanVayeira, Gen. 18:1-22-24Haftarah - II Kings 4:1-37

November 14/15 22 of CheshvanChayei Sarah, Gen. 23:1-25:18Haftarah - I Kings 1:1-31

November 21/22 29 of CheshvanToldot, Gen. 25:19-28:9Haftarah - Malachi 1:1-2:7 or Samual 20:18-42

November 28/29 7 of KislevVayeitzei, Gen. 28:10-32:3Haftarah - Hosea 12:13-14:10

Worship

structure that has maintained Jewish survival for all these years. Public schooling, soup kitchens, weddings and burials for the indigent - all were initiated by Jewish communities and meticulously maintained through the ages, both in times of plenty and in times of scarcity.

Here in America, we Jews have continued to believe that our time-honored, successful solutions to communal problems are worthwhile. We may have finally “made it,” but we digest along with mothers’ milk the notion that we cannot forget those who haven’t. “You shall love the stranger for you were strangers in the land of Egypt,” the Torah incessantly reminds us, and so when members of the greater community need assistance, we naturally turn to the agents of the greater community - the various institutions of our government - to provide that assistance. Marlene Adler Marks (z”l), in a 1990’s article in the Los Angeles Jewish Journal, put it succinctly:

Where [conservatives] see government as dangerous, a firebreathing big circle oppressing individual and community, the Jewish tradition of tikkun olam says quite the opposite: The government and the people are not adversaries, fighting for power one against the other; they are one unit, each striving to act out the community’s sense of its own purpose.

This, then, it seems to me, is the decisive factor in explaining why we Jews remain predominantly liberal despite all trends to the contrary: it’s simply part of who we are; it’s in our cultural make-up. When there are problems, the Torah and our history teach us not to assume that people in trouble will somehow find help from somewhere, but rather to turn to the community as a whole and demand that they receive the help that is their right and due. And so, as the conservatives in our nation continue to pursue their agenda of reducing the size of government, I expect that Jewish organizations across the political spectrum will speak out against it. Not because of partisanship, although partisan they may be, but because we continue to believe in the efficacy and essential goodness of government as the appropriate agent for the provision of communal assistance.

At this season of Thanksgiving and in light of the everpresent turmoil in our society on any number of issues at any given time, I believe that it is particularly appropriate for us to be thankful for the efforts of all those – both within government and without – who have been striving to solve these problems and provide relief for the millions of people affected. They speak for us all.

Lynn joins me in wishing all of you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

(Continued from page 1)

In Memoriam:

Zelmon Shvartzman Loved one of Joyce & Alisa Kartch

Hugo Holland Father of Fred Holland

Marjorie Lantos Mother of Dr. John Lantos

Moysey Kapustin Father of Tatyana Shuklaper

Ida Applebaum Mother of Victor Applebaum

Lunch with the RabbiThursday, November 20, 12 – 1:30 p.m. in the Library

Join Rabbi Rick Shapiro for some lunch and some learning at our next Lunch with the Rabbi. We will be in the library on Thursday, November 20th at noon. Bring your own lunch or call the office at (913) 498-2212

to order a sandwich.


Leadership Today, I want to give thanks. November, of course, includes our national day of Thanksgiving. Here at Beth Torah, we have a lot to be thankful for.

I’d like to start with our Board of Trustees. As you know, we are all volunteers. We meet monthly as a Board, and most of us participate in committee or task force meetings which represent additional time working on things important to Beth Torah. You will often see us greeting you when you arrive for services, or involved in various activities around the building. Our past presidents continue as members of our board, offering their advice, counsel and time as needed. On behalf of the entire Beth Torah membership, I want to thank our Board members for sharing their time, their skills, and their commitment to our community, and for sharing their friendship with me.

At Beth Torah, we are blessed to have a staff that truly cares about our community. Whether they joined our staff years ago, or as recently as the last few months, whether they are fulfilling the same role they started with, or if their responsibilities have evolved and grown, each of them is committed to making Beth Torah a unique and welcoming place: a place to play and pray; to rejoice and rejuvenate; and to love and learn. The dedicated faculty at our NATE accredited Weiner Religious School welcomes our children each year into the joys of Jewish learning and friendships that can last a lifetime. In turn, we hope Beth Torah is a unique and welcoming place for them to work. Again on behalf of the entire Beth Torah membership, I want to thank our staff and faculty for their work for our community.

Our many volunteers are the life blood of Beth Torah. From the days of our founding, we have been a community that made things happen. Donating more food than any other congregation in the city; making beautiful music at our worship year-round; serving in our many social justice, community support and fundraising activities; leading programs; cooking or eating award-winning chili; and on and on and on. Today, committees are forming or expanding, to continue our legacy. I can’t say enough about the creativity, vision, generosity and ruach of our members. Without you there would be no Beth Torah. And so for you all, I am truly grateful.

It is my honor to work with our board, our staff, our volunteers and members throughout the year. Thank you for being part of my life, and my thanks to each of you for all you do for Beth Torah.

Linda Zappulla

Tiffany & Kem Simpson on the birth of their daughter, Catherine.

Jim and Gail Appelbaum on the marriage of their daughter, Carolyn to Jordan Thompson.

Susan & Joel Waxman on the birth of their grandson, Reuben Gilbert Waxman.

Shabbat SponsorshipsFriday, November 7thNosh sponsored by Bonnie & Mickey Swade in honor of their anniversary

Friday, November 14thNosh sponsored by Don Goldman & Martha Gershun in honor of the Beth Torah community Friday, November 21thNosh sponsored by Joe & Bobbie Levy in honor of their 60th anniversary Friday, November 28thNosh sponsored by Tom Cohen & Lena Price in honor of their anniversary Nosh sponsored by Jill & Mike Fine in honor of Sam’s bar mitzvah

Linda Zappulla, Board [email protected]


Volunteerism at Beth Torah

Membership Committee I LOVE Congregation Beth Torah because....

At its first meeting, the newly formed Beth Torah Membership Committee identified three primary goals: 1) Recruitment - reaching out to new members and creating a welcoming atmosphere that will encourage new prospective members to join 2) Engagement - encouraging involvement in and connections with the Beth Torah community 3) Retention - promoting lifelong membership by creating a place where people feel deeply connected to one another, the congregation and Jewish Life.

In order for this effort to be successful, we will need the participation of the ENTIRE Beth Torah family.

As a first step towards engagement, congregants attending Friday night services in November will be given a name tag and encouraged to complete the phrase “ MY PASSION AT BETH TORAH IS: ______ , or I LOVE BETH TORAH BECAUSE: _______” . We thought it would be fun to see what congregants put on their name tags and the name tags will help us get to know one another better.

As for me, my passion at Beth Torah is the music! What’s yours?

We look forward to seeing YOU at Erev Shabbat services on Friday nights in November, and can’t wait to read your name tags!

SueAnn Strom and your membership committee: Tom Cohen, Todd Davison, Gloria Elyachar, Scott Franklin, Rabbi Linda Steigman

If you have great ideas for Beth Torah membership, please join the committee by contacting SueAnn at [email protected].

Caring Connection Team 2014


Cheshvan and Family School

This year, the month of Cheshvan begins with nightfall on October 24th. As a month, Cheshvan is considerably less famous than the month that precedes it, Tishrei. Tishrei is packed with Holy Days and Festivals. Beginning with two days of Rosh HaShanah and including Shabbat, 15 of the 30 days

of the month are set aside for special worship, celebration, or fasting. If a Jew were to observe every single one of these days, s/he might be partied out by the end of the month, or at least, a bit tired of going to synagogue.

A week after Simchat Torah, the month of Cheshvan begins. Cheshvan stands out on the Jewish calendar as the only month with no feast days or fast days, no special psalms nor shofar blowing, no seder nor omer counting. For this reason, it earned the nickname of Mar Cheshvan, bitter Cheshvan.

Yet, I have never found the lack of festivity in Cheshvan to be bitter. It is true that Cheshvan is quiet in comparison to the busy days of Tishrei and it does not light up the gradually longer and longer darkness with beautiful lights like the Hanukkah candles of the month to come, Kislev. However, in its silence, Cheshvan presents a tremendous opportunity. Cheshvan is the month that responds to the rush of Tishrei with time: time to fulfill the commitments we made during the Days of Awe, time to start becoming the people we want to be the next time the High Holy Days arrive and time to celebrate in other ways.

At the NATE Accredited Weiner Religious School, we will celebrate this Cheshvan with the first of our Family Schools. Family School is a special day on the calendar for each grade to invite parents (and sometimes grandparents) into the classroom after Family Worship to share in special educational programming designed for children together with the adults in their lives. These are social

times, but primarily family learning opportunities.

Family School Dates 2014-2015

To build on the social element of our school, particularly for parents who do not gather together in grade level groups as often as their children gather in school, we also hold Grade Level Parent Breakfasts. These breakfasts generally occur the same day as Family School. Parents in each grade level are invited on their special Sunday to bring their bagels and coffee from Family Breakfast (9-9:30

a.m.) to a designated location after Family Worship (9:30-10 a.m.). From around 10–10:50 a.m., we gather for an opportunity to meet and greet other families with students in the same grade, ask questions and hear from staff. While occasionally there may be special programmatic elements to Grade Level Parent Breakfasts, above all, these gatherings are social times for parents to meet and network.

And don’t forget that you can brighten Cheshvan or any month with a Religious School Social. While students get to see their friends every Sunday during religious school, you can also make your own plans to spend social time together. If you’re planning a day at the park, a mitzvah project, or an informal get-together at your home, we encourage you to invite the other members of your child’s class to come, too. For class contact information or ideas, please contact Aaron Nielsenshultz ([email protected] or call the Beth Torah office). Even when there are no holidays on the horizon, there’s always a good reason to gather together: community!

We are the community we need to brighten up Mar Cheshvan!

Rabbi Rebecca Reice, Rabbi Educator [email protected]

Kindergarten – October 19th 3rd Grade – October 26th 1st Grade – November 23rd

4th Grade – February 1st 2nd Grade – March 8th 5th Grade – April 12th

Kindergarten through Fifth Grade sessions will be held from 11:00 a.m. - NoonSunday, March 29th, 2015 Kindergarten Family SchoolSunday, November 23rd, 2014 First Grade Family SchoolSunday, March 8th, 2015 Second Grade Family SchoolSunday, October 26th, 2014 Third Grade Family SchoolSunday, February 1st, 2015 Fourth Grade Family SchoolSunday, April 12th, 2015 Fifth Grade Family SchoolSunday, January 18th, 2015 10:00 a.m. - Noon Sixth Grade Family School


ConnectionsIf we all move to the beat of our own drummer, what rhythms does your drummer play? There are personal rhythms. I am a morning person. I am married to someone who is not. There are family rhythms. New clothes for Rosh Hashanah and lots of homework at the end of school semesters and in my house, choir concerts around the winter holiday season and in the spring.

At Beth Torah, we who do the program planning try to stay in rhythm with the Jewish calendar and the other calendars that affect our life. We schedule Mitzvah Day on the Chiefs bye week; we avoid planning any programs when there is a community program, and we look at the seasons of the calendar. After High Holy Day “Season” we offer ways to complete creation. It seems so rhythmic to do that.

The late autumn months and early winter months here offer you plenty of actions to follow up on your commitments to improve the world that you made in our sanctuary over the High Holy Day

season. We actually held Mitzvah Day during the week of Sukkot this year. Here in November you can donate turkeys for Pleasant Green, contribute to pay for turkeys for Pleasant Green and/or actually go down to Pleasant Green Baptist Church in Kansas City Kansas and help make sure there is a holiday dinner for someone who otherwise would not get such a dinner. If turkeys are not your thing, you can give blood right here at the beginning of the month. In giving blood you are absolutely assured that you will save a life. It is a given.

December brings more opportunities at Pleasant Green plus a great excuse to go shop for families registered with Jewish Family Services in order so that they may receive some Hanukkah presents. Shining some light in an otherwise very dark month is so….rhythmic.

January brings the restart program and our opportunity to start the new secular year with the dedication of leaving our comfort zone behind us. Step into 2015 by gathering friends or family and cooking and serving a meal to a population that does not know the rhythm of coming home opening the fridge, grabbing a snack and relaxing.

Sometimes during the dark and grey days of winter it is easy to fall into the rhythm of shutting in. Let the spirit of giving ignite you to change up your winter rhythm and create a new song.

“Everything living has a rhythm. Do you feel your music?” Michael Jackson

Laura Intfen, Community Connections [email protected]

Joel Winston Social Justice ProgramsGoodwill Clothing DriveBeth Torah is partnering with Goodwill to collect clothes. There’s a donation barrel in the entryway to Beth Torah, so bring your gently-used clothing donations and drop them off in the bin. Donation receipts are available in the office.

reStartEven though January is far off, we’re already getting ready for Congregation Beth Torah’s month at reStart. Start looking at your weekend calendars for January and figure out if you can help serve a lunch or dinner shift. Scott Franklin will be here on SUnday mornings, looking for shift leaders and kitchen volunteers.

Pleasant GreenIt’s time to help our friends at Pleasant Green! We’d like to collect turkeys or turkey money for Pleasant Green’s Christmas food service, so either bring a frozen turkey or $18 for a turkey to Congregation Beth Torah throughout November. We’ll collect all the frozen cluckers and the money (make checks out to Congregation Beth Torah) for delivery by December 1st.

And don’t forget the other mitzvah opportunities that come at this time of year with Pleasant Green, too. Pleasant Green would love your help carving turkeys, bagging groceries, labeling and sorting food, and calling people about deliveries. You can help in the evenings Monday-Wednesday, November, 24th-26th, or on Thanksgiving Day. Contact Lucy M. Harmon, [email protected] or (913) 371-0231.


Adult Education Offerings for November 2014

Yiddish Circle - Yiddish Circle of Learning continues to grow in the Bride’s Room at Beth Torah. Bring a lunch for an hour of learning time devoted to the Yiddish language and culture. Knowledge of Yiddish not a requisite for attending. Come learn and laugh with Ray Davidson each Friday at noon.

Wisdom on Wednesdays - Study sacred texts with other Beth Torah members on Wednesdays at noon in the Bride’s Room. The Wisdom on Wednesdays crew is reading and discussing Pirke Avot, a tractate of the Mishna that contains short sayings of the sages of the Rabbinic Period. Many familiar Jewish quotations, such as the one that begins, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” are found in Pirke Avot, which is often translated as Sayings of the Fathers. You’re invited to join us any Wednesday that you are available. We eat and shmooze from noon to 12:30 p.m., and study from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Discussion on the Writings of the Torah - Join the community in discussion on Shabbat morning, 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. in the library.

Jewish Book ClubContact Rabbi Shapiro to be a part of our new Jewish Literature Discussion group. Find out what book will be discussed on November 24th by calling the Beth Torah office at (913) 498-2212.

Altered BooksIt’s time to dig up your precious mementos and make something new, meaningful and completely unique! Altered Books turn old, neglected books into beautiful journals and scrapbooks that you and your family will treasure for years to come. All levels of creativity and artistic experience welcome! Bridey Stangler will be our creative guide and supply ALL materials and books! Cost: $36 for materials. This class is limited to 15. Email this group’s coordinator, Marcia Rittmaster at [email protected] with questions and your interest. Class meets on November 2nd & 9th from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Congregation Beth Torah.

Kabbalat Shabbat Study GroupJoin the Kabbalat Shabbat Study Group on Friday, November 21st, at 5:30 p.m. in the Sader/Shimkin Library for a new way to welcome Shabbat. We’ll examine readings, recite poetry, explore guided meditations, sing songs, or light candles as a way to enhance your Shabbat experience. No fore knowledge of Kabbalah is necessary. This group is open to anyone, so please feel free to bring a friend.

Saturday Night at the MoviesJoin your community for an exploration of the Jewish experience in America as portrayed in feature films of the past 50+ years. Each film will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Beth Torah Ulam and be followed by a discussion led by Rabbi Shapiro. Join us November 22nd, for a viewing of Frisco Kid. Refreshments will be served.

Adult Education


Bar Mitzvah of Sam Fine Sam Fine, son of Michael and Jill Fine, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah at Shabbat worship on Saturday, November 29th, at 10:30 a.m. Sam is a seventh grade student at Prairie Star Middle School. Sam enjoys camping, fishing and playing competitive soccer. He is an avid reader and enjoys spending time withhis friends. Sam is the brother of Tim and Katie and is the grandson of Diane and Larry Fine of St. Louis, Missouri and Joan and Wade Wilkerson of Chesterfield, Missouri.

For his mitzvah project, Sam is collecting new toys, books and art supplies to be donated to the children at Children’s Mercy hospital. There is a collection box at Beth Torah for anyone who would like to donate to his mitzvah project. You can see a list of specific items needed by looking at the Children’s Mercy website or looking on the collection box. The drive will go thru November and he will deliver the items to Children’s Mercy in time for the holidays in December.

B’nai Mitzvah for the Month of November

CBT Music ProgramIt was inspiring and heartwarming to watch so many volunteers step forward and take on all manner of musical roles during the Days of Awe. Very special thanks go to Tim Intfen and Randy Deutch, for co-leading music for the YK Afternoon Service and the N’ilah Service; Judith Benson, for leading music for the Yizkor Service and leading the Torah service music for the Traditional Services; Lezlie Zucker, for directing the YK Afternoon Service and co-leading its music along with the music for the N’ilah Service; and Roger Sommi and Estelle Edelbaum, for leading the music for the YK Family Service. Many other musicians also sang various solos throughout the High Holy Days, including Jim Reicher, Sam Reicher, Julie Kaplan, Fred Gustin, Barbara Gustin, and Emma Benson.

These folks stand out in my mind as being at the heart of High Holy Days for me this year. What is it that stands out in your mind? It is not too late to share with us all of your thoughts and perspectives about the 2014 High Holy Days. And it’s not too early to share with us your ideas for next year. We have already begun the process of planning for 2015. As staff members and lay leaders, we rely on the entire congregation to let us know your insights about what seems to be working and what seems to be not working, along with any input about new and different things to try in future years. Your feedback about all aspects of the HHD, big things and small things, is invaluable.

To help inspire and guide you as you reflect on your experiences, here are some of the particularities of the HHD music that we would appreciate your thoughts on:

--the role that our Adult Choir played in Erev Rosh Hashanah, the three Traditional Services, Yizkor, and N’ilah.

--the roles of our various Lay Leaders in leading pockets of music throughout the High Holy Days

--the guitar accompaniment vs. the piano accompaniment

--the variety of instrumentation (for example: other guitars, mandolin, percussion, violins, bass, cello)

--the sound system, run this year by Brent Marriott of Harvest Productions

--the use of the wireless headset microphones by several worship leaders

--the English songs vs. the Hebrew songs, and traditional/contemporary musical elements in each service

--the use of the various machzors (HHD prayer books) in the various services

Which elements of the music moved you, and which did not? Which added to the meaningfulness and the power of the Days of Awe for you, and which did not? Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with any staff member at any time. If you are able to put your thoughts into writing and send it to us through email, that would be particularly helpful in our efforts to document the congregation’s feedback. Here is my email address: [email protected]. Please write to me or talk with me anytime.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Emily Tummons, Music Director

Emily Tummons, Music [email protected]


Aaron Nielsenshultz, Director of Youth , Education, and [email protected]

New Trope Classes for Bar and Bat Mitzvah StudentsDo you know a young person getting ready for bar or bat mitzvah? I’m excited to announce the return of trope training to Congregation Beth Torah! Trope is the system whereby Torah is chanted, Trope classes are open to all bar or bat mitzvah students who have picked a date and a Torah portion and who have attended a d’var Torah workshop.

Cost for the class is $75. This price includes the book and CD require for learning trope as well as a link to the student’s specific Torah portion that will work on any computer. Classes will meet in the winter and in the spring for six weeks at a time, one hour per class for six classes.

If you’re interested in signing your eligible bar or bat mitzvah student up, please contact me at the Congregation Beth Torah office so we can start scheduling our first class.

Hebrew Read-inIs your 4th through 6th grader looking for a way to connect with school friends? Come to our fall Hebrew Read-in! On Wednesday November 19th, we’ll have popcorn popped and tutors ready to work with students one-on-one on Hebrew prayers. Let me know if your child is planning on attending. The fun starts at 5:00 p.m., so let your child come and learn—and maybe even show off what they know!

Beyond Chai Keep your 18-26 year-old connected to Congregation Beth Torah with Beyond Chai! This program sends out care packages twice a year with holiday-specific Judaica and a note from the rabbis. Just provide contact information for your child or children, and we’ll take care of the rest! Registration is FREE. If you’ve already paid for Beyond Chai, contact Aaron. Register by calling the Congregation Beth Torah office.

BTTY Beth Torah Temple Youth’s next event is scheduled for November 15th. Mark your calendars, and listen for more information.

Camp NewsCamp presents your child the opportunity to mature and gain independence, to learn social skills, and explore personal interests. At Jewish camp, daily activities are often enriched by Jewish values and the culture of Judaism. Whether they’re telling stories in their bunks, learning about the environment, or playing kickball, campers explore what Judaism means to them in a safe, nurturing, and fun environment. Jewish camp, children will not only develop confidence and social skills; they discover a deep-seated and profound sense of what it means to them to be a Jew. Want to learn first-hand about camps our Beth Torah students have attended? We’ll hold our annual camp fair on Sunday, November 2nd, from 9:00 a.m. – noon. There will be displays about our area camps, and we’ll have speakers coming to tell you what makes their camp special. Also on November 2nd, trom 10:00-10:45 a.m. all who are interested are invited to join Laura Intfen and Aaron Nielsenshultz in CR8 to find out about Beth Torah’s camp scholarship opportunities. Beth Torah has several ways that we can even help with the cost.

Weiner Religious School News


Stay Connected!Visit our Website: www.beth-torah.org

Follow us on Twitter: @BethTorah

Join us on Facebook: Congregation Beth Torahhttp://on.fb.me/vQ8E5P

(or e-mail us at [email protected] and we will send you the links!)

PJ Library & FAMJamLooking for a way to make Fridays a little special? Why not come to PJ Library at Congregation Beth Torah! On the second Friday night of each month, you can sing along with FAMJam starting at 5:50 p.m., and then we’ll share a PJ Library book and a craft or other fun project. Enjoy a snack at the nosh before worship, and you’ll still be able to get your kiddos home in time for bed. We’d love to see

you on November 14th! PJ Library/Shalom Baby, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, is brought to you in partnership with Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. It is also generously supported by Jewish Community Foundation Legacy Fund, Jewish Heritage Foundation and Menorah Legacy Foundation.

Just About 4Are you interested in helping with Just About 4 planning? Our committee is planning for this year. Let Aaron know if you’re interested in helping with this playgroup for young ones

between three and five (or thereabouts).

Make Music with UsOur Adult choir and Kids Choir would love for our members to join in our music-making. Our Adult Choir rehearsals have moved to Wednesday evenings and we will be starting up on Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. TAG students over b’nai mitzvah age are welcome! Anyone under the age of 13 is welcome to join our Kids Choir. We rehearse seasonally, 8:30-9:00 a.m. on Sundays, right before religious school begins. Contact Music Director Emily Tummons at the Beth Torah office for more information at [email protected]


BTTY has started the year off right! We had our first program of the year at Pinstripes in Prairie Fire, and about 20 people attended! For Mitzvah Day, we went to ReStart and threw a Halloween party for the families living there. On the 26th of October, we visited the Louisburg Cider Mill. Don’t miss out on any of our fun fall programs!

I wish everyone a happy and healthy new year!- Margo Hellman, BTTY President

YOUTH GROUP NEWS:


Beth Torah General FundIn Memory Of:Ida ApplebaumDaniel Elyachar Sibby & Mel CosnerSusan Choucroun Barry & Linda Katz Ronnie & Larry LernerRalph Matzdorff Sibby and Mel Cosner Gail TuckerFrances Sandhaus Barry & Linda Katz

Rabbi Shapiro Discretionary Fund Linda Zappulla

In Honor Of:Birth of Rabbi Rick & Lynn’s Shapiro’s grandson, Bennett Daniel Phyllis Goldberg Fran & Rich RosmanEilleen Garry’s birthday Phyllis Goldberg

In Memory Of:Susan ChoucrounLita DiamondDaniel ElyacharSam HipshNorman JosephSeymour KaplanRalph MatzdorffHeidi MunseyFrances SandhausMichael WaxmanStacy Yedlin Jeff & Sharon AltmanDaniel Elyachar Jeff & Nancy Lang Edis ParkansRalph Matzdorff Jeff & Nancy LangSandra Shaffer Norman Shaffer

Rabbi Reice Discretionary Fund

In Memory Of:Daniel Elyachar Adam & Stephanie ElyacharStanley Grant Joan Grant

Contributions Ralph Matzdorff Jim & Kelly Kaplan

In Honor Of:Rabbi Rebecca Reice Debra Bass

Rabbi Levin Discretionary Fund

In Memory Of:Susan Choucroun Barry & Marge SkikneRalph Matzdorff Randi & Bill LefkoCyril Skikne Barry SkikneBarbara Steinhardt Delmar Gardens Family Anne Siegel

In Honor Of:Carolyn & Jordan Thompson’s wedding James & Gail Appelbaum

CBT Fund For Families In Need Jackie & Phil Hermanson

In Memory Of:Ida Applebaum Sharon & Jeff Altman Robin & Rod O’BryanPauline Cohen Herb CraneBertha Silberg Missy & Bill LoveBarbara Steinhardt Lori Garrison

In Honor Of:Birth of Vic & Adrianne Applebaum’sgranddaughter, Elliana ApplebaumSpeedy Recovery of Jeremy Applebaum Jim & Kelly KaplanBirth of Rabbi Rick & Lynn Shapiro’s grandson, Bennett Daniel89th birthday of Eileen Garry Robin O’Bryan Hunger FundIn Memory Of:Ida Applebaum Rochelle & Steven KohnAlan Elfanbaum Rita StarkJack Jacobs Rowena Jacobs

Ralph Matzdorff Adrianne Applebaum Rochelle & Steven Kohn Lesly & Issy Ozar Marge & Barry SkikneJean Price Susan & Bob FlappanJack RazafskyBertha SpectorJoAnn Gilgus Studna Jeff & Janet RazafskyHilda Zavelo Donna & Sam Zavelo

In Honor Of:Rabbi Rick & Lynn Shapiro’s grandson, Bennett Daniel Henri Goettel Jim & Kelly KaplanThe Staff of Beth Torah in gratitude of the Holidays Mark & Kacy Levin

Choir FundIn Memory Of:Sam HipshSeymour Kaplan Jim & Kelly KaplanSeymour Kaplan James & Margaret Billick

Social Justice FundIn Memory Of:Susan Choucroun Mary and Kathryn Zimmerman and Baba NimajaRonald Freed Morris & Lynne FaimanSeymour Kaplan Jim & Kelly Kaplan

In Honor Of:Birth of Barry & Linda Katz’sgrandson, Maxwell Katz Jim & Kelly Kaplan

Amy Dennis Pierron Music FundIn Memory Of:Amy Dennis Pierron Diana & Joseph Pierron

Religious School FundIn Honor Of:89th birthday of Radine Shaw Vic, Diana, Austin & Zach Hurst Anthony, Heidi & Victoria Heinz


1st graders at Congregation Beth Torah enjoy a sweet treat during Sukkot after making cards for children at Safehome as part of Beth Torah’s Mitzvah Day

“There’s a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in”Source: Leonard Cohen, Anthem / Contributed by: Leslie Zucker / Artist: Blaire Ellenberg

Artist’s Statement: I was given my quote so I did not select it. I chose my materials because I wanted to create a batik design. By using paint and glue, I was able to create a two tone effect that reflects light. My design spoke to me because it was dramatic and the light had a Jewish connection. I learned to use new materials and a new technique on this project.

Meaningful Jewish Vision with Henri Goettel

The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth TorahAs our New Year is just one month old, The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah wishes to say, “thank you very much for your support” to all of our customers. It is through your support of our Gift Shop that our motto, “where shopping turns into a mitzvah”, really comes to life.

Looking toward the New Year, we hope to see you soon and we look forward to helping you to find the perfect gift! The committee and our loyal volunteer staff ask, how can we earn/keep your support? We recognize that you have many choices when you plan to make a purchase. The internet offers an at home shopping experience. You never have to change from your “PJs” to get a gift. Please remember that The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah has an on-line shop at the beth-torah.org website. Look at the bottom of the home page for our colorful banner. This is a link to our business partners and the synagogue does benefit from all on-line purchases.

Need a gift for a simcha? We know that everyone buys cards, anniversary gifts, birthday gifts, hostess gifts and other presents. Please come to the Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah and register for any of your upcoming simcha. It is always nice for your family and friends to know they have found a gift you will truly treasure. It is our goal to be the one stop shop for all your gift buying needs. Did you know we offer free gift wrap?

How can we improve our service? We not only offer regular shop hours, but we offer the option of shopping by appointment. We realize the important service we provide for our community. Please feel free to send an email to [email protected] or call Kelly at 913-498-1474 with any suggestions for improving the Gift Shop.

Congratulations to Bonnie Swade! Bonnie was the winner of the “Sweet New Year Raffle”.

Shalom, The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN BETH TORAH’S

2014 MITZVAH DAY!!


November 2014 Calendar



Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDShawnee Mission, KS

Permit No. 721

Congregation Beth Torah6100 W. 127th Street

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

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Tekiah # 283, November 2014Congregation Beth Torah

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

Website: www.beth-torah.org

OfficersPresident................................................Linda Zappulla First Vice President...................................... Barry KatzVice President........................................ Mike GinsbergVice President............................................... Matt HaunSecretary ............................................... Bonnie SwadeTreasurer ................................................ Dan DavidsonImmediate Past President........................ Michelle ColeBoard of TrusteesJeff Altman Chuck Cantor Tom Cohen June CraneTodd Davisson Mike Fine Miki Herman Bob MilgrimDavid Spizman Frank Sterneck SueAnn Strom

BTTY President................................... Margo Hellman

StaffInterim Rabbi......................... Rabbi Rick Shapiro, D.D.Rabbi Educator ................ Rebecca R. Reice, M.A.J.E.Founding Rabbi ................ Mark H. Levin, D.D., D.H.L.Music Director...................................... Emily TummonsDirector of Community Connections ..........Laura IntfenDirector of Finance .......................... Todd Janvrin, CPADirector of Youth, Education, and Engagement ....................................................... Aaron NielsenshultzOffice Manager....................................... Robin O’ BryanAdministrative Assistant..........................Sharon AltmanBookkeeper.......................................................Barb Kitt

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

Pleasant Green Baptist Church will need turkeys for Christmas this year. These turkeys are cooked and then brought to people surrounding the Kansas City Kansas church that would otherwise not get a holiday meal.Our goal is 50 turkeys in our freezer by December 1st and the funds to buy 50 more (at $18 a turkey, make your check out to Congregation Beth Torah).

Turkeys for Pleasant Green!

Documents

November Tekiah Draft for Website