TOURO Glassman Clem Goldberger ... Email Team Captain Brian Shepard at ... idea that when Jews from diverse backgrounds come together

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As a child growing up in Upstate New York – where winter lasted from roughly late November until late March – it was common, especially in my primary grade-school years, to hear an old adage about the turning of the seasons: “March goes in like a lion and out like a lamb.” It was a comforting statement, especially on those days when we would stand with our noses pressed against the window in the hope that a glimpse of mud and fresh grass would present itself from the snow and frost, or the days when it was announced at the beginning of our lunch period that it was still too cold and too icy to go outside and play when we had finished eating. We would wait patiently, day after day, as the lion-ness of March’s bitter chill would ease enough into the gentle lamb-like reprieve of pre-April’s mild breeze.

Of course, the warm days would always eventually arrive, albeit some years earlier than others. And just as this little English-language adage marks a truth about the passage of the seasons and our contemporary months of the year, so too do we look to an

adage about the passage of time as we continue living our lives in this season of Jewish time:

Mi she-nikhnas Adar, marbin b’simcha. “Those who enter [the month of ] Adar, their joy increases.”

This line, taken directly from the Talmud*, speaks directly to not only the holiday most closely associated with the month of Adar, Purim, but also to the season itself. Adar is the time of perhaps our most festive Jewish holiday, when costumes and gifts of food and cups full of drinks abound (hmm, is Purim the Jewish cousin of Mardi Gras?); it is the time when we prepare for the festival of Passover, the redemption from slavery out of Egypt; it is, physically, the time when the entire earth seems – at least in our hemisphere – to spring back to life with new shoots of grass, new buds of flowers, new baby everythings being born and beginning a new layer of life. How easy it is then to see and realize the joy that Adar brings with it.

Adar is rebirth. It is the opening of the curtains on a cold, winter-weary planet. It is the cracking of a world-wide smile

after the frowning of the frost. It is, both by calendar and by sentiment, the opposite of our most somber season and holiday, Yom Kippur.

Happy, happy Adar, friends. May all of our journeys through this month and this season leave us with a heart and soul more filled with joy and gladness than ever before!

Warmly,Rabbi Todd Silverman

*Ta’anit 29b

Rabbi Todd Silverman

Volume 186, Issue 11 March 2016 - Adar/Adar II 5776

TOUROSYNAGOGUE

A Message from Rabbi Silverman

MUPPET PURIM SHPIELSUNDAY, MARCH 20

10 AM IN THE GRANT MEYER GARDEN PAVILIONJoin us for the fuzziest Purim Shpiel yet!

Come see all your favorite frogs, pigs, chickens and other Touro community members as they tell the story of Purim in

a way that only the Muppets can!

Be sure to come in costume and bring a box of macaroni — you can use it as a gragger and then donate it to

the Broadmoor Food Pantry!

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It is already March, and two-thirds of the synagogue year is over. I don’t know if it is moving more quickly for me since my calendar stays full, or maybe everyone else feels the passage of time is way too rapid. For some reason, my favorite song from the musical Rent keeps coming to mind!

“Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes. Five hundred twenty five thousand moments so dear. Five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes. How do you measure, measure a year?”

How do we measure our years? I have come to believe that it is by “moments” and at Touro “special moments” in the life of our congregation. Some are simple and sweet, like those on a Friday night when the rabbi invites our littlest ones to the bimah for a Shabbat blessing and a “Kiss." Or perhaps, it is a moment of sharing laughter and friendship all the while

helping to raise funds which balance our temple budget. Maybe one of those moments for you is a camping trip with fellow congregants, or our community seder or Jazz Fest Shabbat.

One thing I have come to understand as president is that these “moments” don’t always just happen, but are truly special because Rabbi Berk has guided us in making them so. Her past eight years as senior rabbi have made us a better congregation. Her love and affection for this place and the people who are Touro Synagogue have no bounds.

Therefore, one of our happiest “moments” this year has been the decision for Rabbi Berk to extend her tenure with us for another six years. Your Board of Trustees ratified this extension at the February board meeting. A unanimous and elated vote was recorded!

I hope many of you will express your

happiness to Rabbi Berk and her family. This is truly a “special moment” for our congregation. As we say in our family, Life is “Good”!

B’Shalom,Susan

A Message from our President

MESSAGE FROM RABBI SILVERMAN..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1 PURIM SHPIEL.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1 MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT SUSAN GOOD...............................................................................................................................................................................................................2TOURO'S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER PATRONS AND UNDERWRITERS...........................................................................................................................................................3CAMPING WITH TOURO..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4SHABBAT KUMZITS......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4 JOIN TOURO'S SOFTBALL TEAM..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4LIMMUDFEST...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5SHEPARD H. SHUSHAN AWARD............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5FORMATION OF TOURO BOARD OF TRUSTEES.....................................................................................................................................................................................................5RELIGIOUS SCHOOL...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6UPTOWN HEBREW LATE NITE EVENTS...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................7TOT SHABBAT ROCKS!...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7SISTERHOOD SHABBAT.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7APRIL B'NAI MITZVAH.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8JEWCCY EVENTS............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8JAZZ FEST SHABBAT..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9MARDI GRAS AT TOURO........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CIVIL RIGHTS TRIP.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................11 ADULT EDUCATION..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................12-13SOCIAL ACTION AT TOURO.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................14-16DONATIONS/SPONSORS.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................17YAHRZEITS......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18MAZEL TOV.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18NEW MEMBERS............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18IN MEMORIAM .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18CALENDAR..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................19SHABBAT SERVICE SCHEDULE.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................20

Table of Contents

Susan Good

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Touro Synagogue thanks all who participated and contributed to the success

of our Annual Fundraising Event. A special thank you to our underwriters

and patrons whose generosity made the night's fundraising goal possible.

Dining with the Stars

UnderwritersPhyllis and Jack Alltmont

Alexis and Bob BerkAnn Fishman

Diane and Alan FrancoAna and Juan Gershanik

Susan and Lou GoodCarol Good

Jill and David IsraelBetty Kohn

Millie and Robert KohnSherry and Alan Leventhal

Laura and Walter LevyNaomi and Larry OrlanskyKathy and Hal Shepard

Julie and Scott SilbertVicky and Peter Sperling

Jenna and Jon WalshRandolph Roig and Brian Weimer

Jenny and Lee ZurikMelanie and Sam Zurik

Touro Infirmary Foundation

PatronsStephanie and Keith Adler

Julie Koppman and Brian BainAimee and Steven Bain

Hertha BartJoy and Andy Braun

Vivian and Richard CahnRebecca and Simon FingerSusan and Marc FriedmanCathy and Charles Glaser

Jared GlassmanClem Goldberger

Shannie and Rabbi David GoldsteinRobert Hammer

Lisa and Mike Herman

Teri and Jonathan HunterCarmen and Andrew JacobsCarole and Morton Katz

Beverly KatzLisa and Brian Katz

Ruth and Larry KullmanAlexa Pulitzer and Seth Levine

Ellen and Stephen ManshelCarrie and Austin MarksDoris and William Norman

Sarah and Joe Pasternack, Jr.Jane Phillips

Gale PickThaia Pick

Joyce and Sidney PulitzerLaurie and Ricky RosenbergLisa and David SchlakmanPhyllis and Jay ShamesDana and Louis Shepard

Robert ShepardNancy and Gary Silbert

Cathy Lazarus and Eric SimonIrina Foxman-Ware and Marcus Ware

James Williams Carol Wise

Ellen and Marc Yellin

Additional donations listed on page 17

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CAMPINGAT TICKFAW STATE PARK

MARCH 11-13, 2016Sign up now! Cabin space is limited

Sign up immediately to reserve your cabin - they are going fast! Each cabin includes two bunk beds; one queen size bed;

one sleeper-sofa and sleeps up to 8 people. $230 per cabin for the weekend, make your reservation at

http://tinyurl.com/TouroCamping. Share a cabin! Bring your friends!

Tent camping is also available at Tickfaw's primitive campsites. If you are interested in tent camping,

please call the office at 504-895-4843.

Erev Shabbat potluck under the stars

Morning Torah in nature Storytelling & singing overlooking the Cypress trees!

Picnic lunch Bring all your favorite picnic stuff to share.

Afternoon hikes, canoeing, playing & restingSublime and peaceful Shabbat fun.

Gourmet (and rustic) grill-fest Elegant and rugged

Campfire Havdalah – wine and s’mores!

Join us. We can’t wait!

Join us for our monthly gathering of communal singing!

Literally meaning “come and sit” in Yiddish, a Kumzits is an opportunity to gather together in an intimate setting for

some beautiful, passionate singing and a powerful, spiritual experience.

We hope you’ll join us following Shabbat services and dinner!

And while you're at it, mark your calendar for the next Kumzits on April 8!

Join Cantor Mintz for

SHABBAT KUMZITS

March 4, 2016 after Shabbat Services

ARE YOU READY TO PLAY SOME BALL?

Join the team! Email Team Captain Brian Shepard at

[email protected].

The team plays March through July against the other synagogues’ teams.

Ages 14 and up.

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LIMMUDFEST JOINT SHABBAT SERVICEFriday, March 18, Shabbat Evening Service

at 7:00 p.m. at Congregation Gates of Prayer

Saturday, March 19, Shabbat Morning Services at 10:00 a.m. at Congregation Gates of Prayer

In celebration of LimmudFest New Orleans, Touro Synagogue, Temple Sinai and Gates of Prayer will have joint Shabbat services on both Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19 at Congregation Gates of Prayer in Metairie. Both services are co-led by New Orleans Reform Synagogue clergy.

ABOUT LIMMUDFEST NEW ORLEANSLimmudFest New Orleans is a weekend festival of Big Tent

Jewish learning, arts, culture and spirituality — all planned by volunteers. It is part of a global movement inspired by the idea that when Jews from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate and learn about everything Jewish, the entire community is enriched.

Limmud is an international non-profit dedicated to making some of the world’s most dynamic Jewish educators, performers and teachers, working in a variety of educational styles – lectures, workshops, text-study sessions, film, meditation, discussions, exhibits and performance – accessible to everyone, no matter what their level of Jewish knowledge or commitment to Jewish life.

There will be babysitting for infants and toddlers and a creative Young Limmud program for children. Registration fees are affordable and vary by age and include all sessions, meals, and materials.

For registration, volunteer and hospitality sign-up, and program updates, go to www.limmudnola.org.

MARCH 18-20, 2016

NOMINATIONS REQUESTED FOR THE SHEPARD H. SHUSHAN

MEMORIAL AWARD

Members of the Congregation are invited to submit recommendations for this prestigious honor which is

awarded bi-annually “...To that individual who, through dedication and loyalty to Touro Synagogue, best exemplifies the extraordinary legacy of

devotion of Shepard H. Shushan.”

Past recipients of this award include Lauren Greenberg, Dr. Bernie Jaffe, Bernard “Woody” Widofsky, Adrien Genet

and Donald Mintz (of blessed memory), among others.

If you have someone in mind who you believe to be worthy of consideration for this great

honor, please share your nomination with us by calling the synagogue office or by e-mail:

[email protected] before March 31, 2016.

REMINDER!Friday, March 18,

Shabbat Evening Services

held at 7:00 p.m. at

Congregation Gates of Prayer

Saturday, March 19,

Shabbat Morning Services

held at 10:00 a.m. at

Congregation Gates of Prayer

The Nominating Committee is beginning the process of nominating congregants for election in May 2016 to fill vacancies on the Board of Trustees. The new Trustees will be eligible to serve a two year term beginning July 1, 2016. We invite any congregant who is interested in joining the leadership of Touro Synagogue to submit their name for consideration by the Committee.

The Board is the synagogue’s governing body and has responsibility for control and management of the affairs of the congregation, general oversight of the congregation's operations, and setting policies. The Board is currently comprised of 36 congregants and meets monthly. Membership on the Board involves a significant time commitment.

If you know of someone worthy of consideration you wish to suggest or if you yourself would like to be considered, please submit your nomination by March 15th to the Nominating Chair, Scott Silbert at [email protected] or to Executive Director, Kerry Tapia at [email protected].

The Formation of the Touro Board

6

Thank You to Religious School ParentsSince the start of the school year, Touro Synagogue Religious School teachers have been treated weekly to a delicious start to their Sundays! Nothing is quite as welcoming on an early morning of Religious School as a tasty breakfast of muffins, yogurt, fresh fruit and coffee – and we are so thankful to the parents and volunteers in our community who have been so generous and loving toward us. Special thanks to Rebecca and Simon Finger, Kim Sherman and Steven Mardon, Jenny Hunter, Anamaria Villamarin-Lupin and Tim Lupin, Julie Koppman and Brian Bain, Sam and Joe Guichet and Lisa and William Keleher for providing us will all of the deliciousness so far this year.

Since the start of this semester in January, we have also loved having our weekly Parent Greeters help start the morning each Sunday! As Touro Scholars arrive via car, bike or their own two feet, our Greeters have been welcoming them with help for those big steps out of SUVs, high-fives and cheers, reminders of where to go and who to speak to, and so much more. A big “thank you” to our team of Parent Greeters so far: Sam Guichet, Anamaria Villamarin-Lupin, Shea Soll, Missy Taranto, Arian Elfant, Rebecca Finger, Ginny Wise and Naomi Lonseth.

If you would like to volunteer as a Parent Greeter or provide breakfast for our teachers, we would be thrilled and thankful! Anyone who is interested can visit our website and click on the VolunteerSpot button or contact Religious School Adminstrative Assistant Kayla Coffee at [email protected] for more details. Please see page 12 for other volunteer opportunities.

FAR LEFT AND TOP RIGHT: Pre-kindergarten students show off their Jewish themed Mardi Gras floats after returning to Religious School from break.BELOW: Two students work with pre-kindergarten assistant teacher Zoe Skelton on their Jewish themed Mardi Gras mini floats.

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HEBREW OLYMPICS ON MARCH 16 AT 5:30 P.M.

TOURO SCHOLARS, JOIN US FOR THE LAST TWO LATE NITE PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR!

MARCH 16 & APRIL 13 AT 5:30P.M.IN THE SHUSHAN ASSEMBLY

Join us for Hebrew Olympics, an academic and (somewhat) athletic display of our Hebrew skills and abilities. Students will join with teammates to create Hebrew cheers, play reading and identification games and burn off some pent-up

energy from their day. Special guest appearance by Ivy Cohen of JewCCY and Henry S. Jacobs Camp!

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING ON APRIL 13 AT 5:30 P.M.We are proud to offer an additional Late Nite experience to help promote the Mitzvah Project of Ana Finger, an Uptown

Hebrew alumna and older sister to current Uptown Hebrew Scholar Charlie Finger. For her project, Ana will be screening a short (35 min) documentary entitled Drawing the Line, a side project of local New Orleans artist Alex Beard through his Watering Hole Foundation which seeks to help endangered species before it is too late. Following the viewing, Ana will speak to students about the role she has taken on as Mr. Beard’s intern for the past few months, and Mr. Beard himself

will speak about his trips to Africa and the work he produces to help further the cause. Parents, siblings and friends are welcome to join us for the screening and panel discussion, so mark your calendars now!

TOT

ROCKS!A MONTHLY SERVICE FOR OUR YOUNGEST

MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

MARCH 5 AT 9:30 AM IN THE SHUSHAN ASSEMBLY

Come celebrate Purim with Cantor Mintz, Rabbi Silverman and all your Tot Shabbat friends!

Join us for singing, dancing, stories, art projects — and, of course, juice and challah!

TOURO SYNAGOGUE SISTERHOOD SHABBAT

MAY 13, 2016, 6:00 P.M.FOLLOWED BY A CELEBRATORY

SHABBAT DINNERJoin us at the final Touro Sisterhood Shabbat

Service as we honor the history and dedication of Touro women who have long played a vital role

in the life of this congregation.

SAVE THE DATE

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UPCOMING BAR MITZVAH

Alistair Cunningham Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, April 2, 2016

Tennis is a sport that has significant meaning to me. It is teaching me about patience, resilience, commitment and has been a source of great fun and lasting friendships. For my mitzvah project, I am committed to sharing my joy of tennis with others by starting a non-profit called Baseline Tennis that provides kids from economically disadvantaged communities with the opportunity to play tennis.

I plan to begin by rehabilitating two existing courts affiliated with the Sojourner Truth Community Center in the Tremé. These courts are pretty new so they do not require resurfacing. However, they need new nets, posts, wind screens and landscaping. After rehabilitating the courts, I plan to organize and host a series of clinics at the Sojourner Truth tennis courts for local kids interested in learning the basics.

To accomplish these goals, I plan to rely on my savings and Bar Mitzvah money, and raise other funds to purchase equipment. I also will recruit family and friends to help me with landscaping and tennis pros to assist with the clinics.

I ultimately hope to be able expand this project to other neighborhoods in New Orleans. If you are interested in volunteering or getting involved, you can learn more about my project at https://rally.org/f/bn1jHI7zlRW or call me at (504) 324-4557.

Alistair is the son of Meredith and Mark Cunningham; brother to Virginia and Pierce Cunningham; grandson of Marina and Roger Cunningham, Dorothy Pierce, Pete Pierce and Laurie Williams.

Help support Alistair's Mitzvah Project by visiting https://rally.org/f/bn1jHI7zlRW or call him at

(504) 324-4557.

JEWCCY NEWS - YOUTH GROUP ACTIVITIES

JR. JEWCCY'S TCHOUPITOULAS

CHALLENGE

March 6, 20161:30 p.m. at Creole Creamery

on PrytaniaAll middle schoolers are invited to join

us for this free ice cream social!Email [email protected] to register

ATTENTION ALL 6TH-8TH GRADERS: JOIN JEWCCY AT JYG KALLAH AT JACOBS CAMP

March 11-13, 2016 at Jacobs Camp

Free bus will depart at 3:00 p.m. from Gates of Prayer.Register at southern.nfty.org, then let Ivy Cohen of

JewCCY know at [email protected]

9Design by Steve Sweet

with

Panorama Jazz band

Touro Synagogue Choir

Terry D. Maddox, Music Director

and Cantor David Mintz

and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen

Jon ClearyFeaturing

2016 Grammy Award Winner

4238 St. Charles Ave.New Orleans, LA

FRIDAY April 29, 2016

7:30 PM

25th

Annual

Touro Synagogue presents

DESIGN BY STEVE SWEET

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MARDI GRAS AT TOURO SYNAGOGUE

Cantor Tiep and Cantor Mintz enjoy the parades.

Touro's Krewe of VIPs pose with the Tulane and Loyola mascots before the parades get started.

Dr. Juan Gershanik smiles with a VIP kid before the parades get started.

Rabbi Silverman celebrates his first Mardi Gras.

Stacy and Steven Deitelzweig celebrate Mardi Gras at Touro with their daughter.

Cantor Mintz entertains the Krewe of VIPs before the parades.

Special thanks to all our Krewe of Touro volunteers who made Mardi Gras at Touro possible this year! Aimee & Steven Bain, Bob Batterman, Ana & Juan Gershanik, Michael Goldman, Ron Gubitz, Alan Guettel, Sam Guichet, Chris Kahn,

Ben Kahn, Chris Kornman, Devin Neal, Julie Schwartz & David Radlauer, Kathy & Hal Shepard, Gary Silbert, Bobbie Smith, Missy Taranto, Jennifer Vorhoff, Dan Weiner, Stacey Weinreb, Dave Willis, and Naomi Yavneh

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RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CIVIL RIGHTS FIELD TRIPOn January 29, Touro Scholars from 7th and 8th grade embarked

on a Civil Rights trip to Birmingham, Alabama. Joined by Rabbi Silverman, their teacher Alysse Fuchs and teens from other local and regional synagogues, they explored the roots of racial injustice in the Deep South, as well as the historical sights which offered a look at how the tide of racial prejudice and intolerance began to turn during the 20th century. It was a weekend of deep thinking, uncomfortable questions and answers, and new light shined upon dark, generations-old struggles.

Our Touro Scholars represented our community with maturity and poise as they shared Shabbat dinner with the vibrant Birmingham Jewish community, took a walking tour of the 16th Street Baptist Church (sight of the 1963 “Four Little Girls” bombing) and heard a local Holocaust survivor's story at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. We look forward to our next Civil Rights trip in 2018!

ABOVE: 7th and 8th grade Touro Scholars relax in their hotel room after a day of sight seeing and learning around Birmingham, Alabama, during their Civil Rights Field Trip.

LEFT: 7th and 8th grade Touro Scholars had the chance to listen to Holocaust survivor Riva Hirsch tell her story at the Linn-Henley gallery surrounded by an art exhibit called "Darkness into Life: Alabama's Holocaust Survivors Through Photography and Art."

ABOVE: 7th and 8th grade Touro Scholars utilize interactive tools at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute during their trip.

LEFT: 7th and 8th grade Touro Scholars took time for an ice cream break at Kelly Ingram Park during their visit to Birmingham, Alabama, to learn about Civil Rights.

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Alzheimer's Care Givers Support Group

Meets every other Tuesday 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

in the Chapel Study

Caregivers for Alzheimer's face special challenges. You are not alone. Whether you need information about early-stage

care giving, middle-stage care giving, or late-stage care giving, the Care Givers Support Group meets to discuss the issues

caregivers deal with on a day-to-day basis.

For more information on the group, please contact the Group Facilitator, Claire Jacobi at [email protected] or

visit the Touro calendar for the schedule.

Torah Study Every Saturday at 9:00 AM!

Everyone is invited on Saturday mornings to unwrap ancient wisdom in a post-modern world with our Torah Study group.

Feb. 28-March 5: Vayak'heilExodus 35:1-38:20 / II Kings 12:5-16

March 6-March 12: P'kudeiExodus 38:21-40:38 / I Kings 7:51-8:21

March 13- March 19: VayikraLeviticus 1:1-5:26 / Esther 7:1-10, 8:15-17 or I Samuel 15:2-34

March 20-March 26: TzavLeviticus 6:1-8:36 / Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, 9:22-23

March 27 - April 2: Sh'miniLeviticus 9:1-11:47 / Ezekiel 36:22-36

ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES AT TOURO

News and the Jews with Rabbi Berk

ENGAGING DISCUSSIONSMarch 3 & March 17

12 - 1 p.m. in the Mautner Learning Center

Each week, there are stories in our community and our world that confound us and comfort us, confuse us and confront us.

What would Judaism say about these world issues? What is a Jewish response?

Join Rabbi Alexis Berk in the Mautner Learning Center for a lunchtime study. Each session will be completely unique in that we will explore a story from the week’s news through a Jewish

lens, with a Jewish mindset. Come join us! All are welcome. Bring your own lunch.

Touro Book Group for Women

SOME LUCKby Jane Smiley

on March 28 at 10:30 a.m. in the Mautner Learning Center

Theone Perloff will lead the discussion.

If you have any questions, please contact Marjorie Weiner at [email protected]

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Touro’s Adult Hebrew AcademyHebrew for Beginners Part II: Beyond Hebrew

Decoding with Cantor MintzTuesdays at 6:30 PM

Mark your calendars for the following dates:March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Hebrew of the Siddur and Rabbinic Texts with Rabbi Silverman

Thursdays at 6:30 PMJoin us for these dates:March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Call the Touro office at (504) 895-4843 to inquire about joining these courses!

MEDICAL ETHICS

JEWISH ETHICS IN HEALTH CARE

Dinner and DiscussionTuesday, March 15, 6:30 p.m.

in the Shushan Assembly

Join Rabbi Berk in exploring how we bring Jewish ethics to our professional lives. The session is driven by relevant

ethical issues affecting health care providers. We look forward to seeing you there.

Please RSVP to [email protected].

$10 per person for dinner.

ALL WHO GO DO NOT RETURNWITH RABBI BERK ON MARCH 2, 6:00 PM

Join Rabbi Berk for a conversation about Jewish Fear, Faith and Fanaticism. Shulem Deen was raised to believe that questions are dangerous. As a member of the Skverers, one of the most insular Hasidic sects in the U.S., he knows little about the outside world. Deen's first transgression — turning on the radio — is small, but his curiosity leads him to the library, and later the internet. After his faith unravels, he is labeled a heretic and forced into a life of deception. In All Who Go Do Not Return, Deen traces his harrowing loss of faith, while offering an illuminating look at a highly secretive world.

AS A DRIVEN LEAFWITH RABBI SILVERMAN ON APRIL 14, 6:00 PM

Milton Steinberg – an American rabbi, philosopher and theologian – knew a basic truth about himself and others: Everyone is prone to feel torn between opposing forces. Such is the story of the main character of As a Driven Leaf.

Steinberg caught flak for publishing what many in the Jewish community viewed as a work of heresy, but for so many others he touched a nerve which continues to speak to our people: How do we live our lives with Jewish values and ethics while still maintaining our place in a wider non-Jewish society? It is an age-old question.

$10 per person for dinner.To RSVP for the dinner and discussion, or if you have any questions, please email

[email protected] or call the Touro office (504) 895-4843.

LITERATURE & LIBATIONSAN EVENING OF DISCUSSION AND DINNER WITH FRIENDS

14

Get Involved at Touro!Our social action initiatives at Touro Synagogue would not be possible without the dedication of our passionate congregants. As we strive to continue our missions, the help we give the community is immeasurable. Please take a look at ongoing volunteer efforts as well as initiatives we are undertaking in the future and find out how you can help. Also, don't forget about our VolunteerSpot button on our homepage for the most up-to-date volunteer opportunities.

Touro Shines as an Example for Notre Dame University Research Team Sometimes it might feel hard to see or know or feel the mitzvot we as a congregation are engaged in through our housing of start-up charter schools and in our partnership with Sophie B. Wright.

A Notre Dame research team with a keen understanding of what is going on across the nation recently gave us an outside lens to remind us: Touro is making a difference in public education in this city, in the lives of children and therefore, in the future of New Orleans.

As an extension of the Gates Foundation's Expectations Project, researchers at the University of Notre Dame are looking at the sociology of education on one hand, the sociology of faith institutions on the other hand, and what is happening across the nation when those two hands join in relationship. Their starting assumption is that there is a moral imperative to ensure that all children are deserving of a free, quality education. Their initial research is looking at what happens when faith institutions get involved in support of public education. What does it look like? What's the impact? What's the reality in specifics?

A member of a Notre Dame team of researchers got in touch with Touro and spoke with Teri Hunter, board chair of social action, to learn more about and discuss Touro's partnership with Sophie B. Wright Charter School and our housing of new, incubating Charter Schools.

For more information, email Teri Hunter at [email protected]

Sunday, May 159 a.m. - 3 p.m.

We are SO excited!

Join us as we come together for a build day with Habitat for Humanity. We've done it before and it is time to do it again!

Habitat will offer a special build day for Touro members and friends. Everyone 16 years and older is encouraged to join us! No previous experience or skill is required. All you need is a willing spirit and a desire to build a dream.

Contact Teri Hunter to sign up or to find out more information at [email protected].

Habitat for Humanity and Touro Synagogue Join Forces for Rebuild Day

15

A special Shabbat Service Mass incarcerationAs part of a public radio series about how mass incarceration affects our city, Eve Abrams, independent radio producer, interviewed Rabbi Berk and members of Touro's Mass Incarceration Initiative. Eve believes that a crucial part of the story is how our larger community, including faith

communities, engages with issues of criminal justice and mass incarceration. Unprisoned: Stories from the System, can be heard on public radio station WWNO (89.9 FM) every other Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. You can also visit these sites to read about the series and listen to past installments: http://tinyurl.com/unprisoned and http://tinyurl.com/unprisonedfacebook. Be on the lookout for an upcoming segment including the interviews with Touro members and Rabbi Berk.

If you are interested in learning more about Touro's initiative surrounding mass incarceration,

please contact Dani Levine, [email protected] or Julie Silbert, [email protected]

JOIN US FOR OUR LGBTQ SHABBAT

Friday, April 1, 2016Please join us on Friday, April 1 for LGBTQ Shabbat,

an educational opportunity for our congregation and a celebration of Reform Judaism's commitment.

The evening will include a Shabbat service that embodies Reform Judaism's warm embrace of equality

and acceptance, followed by a panel discussion to include personal stories, guidance on the issues that continue to

threaten LGBTQ equality and opportunity for discussion. We welcome participation from the entire

congregation and guests, and look forward to learning, questioning and celebrating together.

For more information, contact Laura Levy at [email protected].

Touro and Broadmoor Food Pantry Partnering to Alleviate Hunger

Coordinator of Congregational Life Annahi Tapia and Facilities Manager Anthony Jones harvest greens from Touro's vertical garden. They were able to harvest eight bags and donate 31.75 pounds of greens to BFP.

Touro Synagogue and The Broadmoor Food Pantry's partnership continues to thrive! Touro’s innovative and high-yielding vertical garden provided approximately 50lbs of greens that were distributed to needy families. Touro’s contribution is often the only source of fresh food that the pantry distributes and the clients are very grateful.

BY THE NUMBERS: THE MONTH OF JANUARY201

Households served by the Broadmoor Food Pantry

219Children served by the Pantry

284Adults served by the BFP

37Seniors

served by the Broadmoor Food Pantry

HELP US HARVEST!Harvesting in Touro's vertical gardens is a very enjoyable experience and we need your help. The harvest usually takes place on Sunday mornings and we need volunteers.

DONATE TO BFPTouro's contributions to the food pantry have included monetary support and canned goods. We are in constant need of protein items. As a result, during the month of March we are conducting a peanut butter drive. Bring these donations to Touro at anytime or to the Food Pantry on Mondays from 10-12pm or Wednesdays from 1-3:30pm. The pantry is at 2021 S. Dupre Street.

Please contact Anamaria Villamarin-Lupin at [email protected] or at (504) 259-6604 if you are interested in volunteering as a harvester or at the food pantry.

16

WHERE TO GET HELP

Touro’s Mental Health Awareness Committee has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to connect our congregants struggling with their own or a loved one’s mental health condition with community offerings. NAMI offers hope, help and healing to people with mental illness — and to those who share their lives — through family support, education, advocacy and quality psychosocial services. If you or a loved one is seeking counseling or guidance, please see NAMI's support group offerings for the month of March.

Family Support Groups (For loved ones of those living with mental illness)March 2: 6:30-8:00pm at 1538 Louisiana Ave in New Orleans (NAMI New Orleans Uptown Office)March 14: 5:30-7:00pm at 2200 Lafitte St in New Orleans (Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center)March 15: 6:30-8:00pm at 2051 8th St in Harvey (NAMI New Orleans Westbank Office)March 24: 6:30-8:00pm at 4004 W Esplanade Ave in Metairie (Congregation Beth Israel)

Connection Recovery Support Groups (For individuals living with mental illness)Every Thursday: 1:30-3:00pm at 1538 Louisiana Ave in New Orleans (NAMI New Orleans Uptown Office)Every Friday: 10:30am-12:00pm at 2051 8th St in Harvey (NAMI New Orleans Westbank Office)

NOLA Survivors of Suicide Loss March 9: 6:30-8:00pm at 1538 Louisiana Ave., New Orleans (NAMI New Orleans Uptown Office)March 23: 6:30-8:00pm at 1538 Louisiana Ave., New Orleans (NAMI New Orleans Uptown Office)(Please call 504-410-7025 or email [email protected] before attending your first meeting)

NAMI New Orleans Offers Support Groups

HELP WITH THESE INITIATIVES ANYTIME!Eden House

Eden House is a residence/program for women who are recovering from sex trafficking and human trafficking. It is a safe home where women come to heal, learn and rehabilitate for a better future. These women have nothing to call their own when they arrive at Eden House. Please consider donating items such as toothpaste, brushes, shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion, towels and any personal care items. These items are used to create a welcome basket that Touro lovingly provides to new residents of Eden House. It is our way of welcoming them to a home that will be their place of belonging and growth.

SPECIAL REQUESTS1. A few of the residents at Eden House have gone back to school and they are requesting notebooks.2. A laptop for homework, papers and online job searches.3. New or used washing machine as the one they had is no longer working.

Please contact Touro at 504-895-4843 or [email protected] if you are able to donate.

You can help our Religious School teachersSupply them with breakfast!

Want to thank Religious School teachers for their hard work? Drop off 12 muffins or pastries at Touro Synagogue on Friday. With this simple gift, you can provide the teachers with Sunday morning breakfast. See page 6 for more details on how you can help our Religious School teachers.

Use this link to sign up for teacher breakfasts: http://vols.pt/FUo8Us, or click our VolunteerSpot button on our homepage.

17

TOURO SYNAGOGUE FUNDIn Honor of:90th Birthday of Jack Lengsfield By: Betty Kohn Edie and Paul Rosenblum Jan and Steven Yellin Speedy Recovery of Louise Weiss Speedy Recovery of Margery Kirschman By: Betty Kohn Touro Synagogue’s clergy By: Carol and Gary Gerson 50th Wedding Anniversary of Nini and Henry Bodenheimer By: Renee Zack 95th Birthday of Leona Shlosman By: Linda and Frank Fontenot Carol Good Phyllis and Jack AlltmontIn Memory of:Ellen Gandle By: Bruce Gandle Dot Shushan By: Betty Kohn Patti and Jack Lengsfield Nini and Henry Bodenheimer Robert Oreck By: Julie Wise Oreck and Marshall Oreck Judith Clare Cohen By: Phyllis and Jack Alltmont Dee Dee and Lester Dulitz Jane and Marshall Gerson Patti and Jack Lengsfield Leslie and Paul Lux Dale and Alan Singer Renee Zack Richard B. Levy Cynthia Farber Marlene and Reuben Friedman Elaine and George Haas Shirley and Carl Merlin Karen and Lance Turkish Shirley S. HillerJoan Van der Kar Rosenberg By: Patti and Jack Lengsfield Joe Epstein By: Judy Brown Harry S. Kaufman, Jr. By: Harry S. Kaufman III Delores “DJ” Cahen By: Julie Schwartz and David RadlauerDonations: By: Beverly Katz/Exterior Designs, Inc. Minka Shura Sprague Terre Aux Boeufs Land Co., Inc. Garland Rolling

CARING SUPPORT FUNDIn Appreciation of:Rabbi Alexis Berk By: Debra FriedmanIn Memory of:Susan W. Bain By: Joan and Elliott Bain Judith Clare Cohen By: Janet and Rene Koppel Tanya and Dan Tuman

CHOIR MUSIC SUPPORT FUNDIn Memory of:Stuart D. Farber By: Shellye Farber

HEARING DEVICE SUPPORT FUNDIn Memory of:Robert Gervis By: Barbara Gervis

JAZZ FEST SHABBAT SUPPORT FUNDIn Memory of:Gertrude Appelton Zarowitz By: Joan and Lawrence Zaslow and FamilyDonations: By: Sandy Kay

SOCIAL ACTION SUPPORT FUNDDonations: By: Terri and Jay Goldsmith

TORAH STUDY SUPPORT FUNDDonations: By: Nancy and Gary Silbert

DONALD MINTZ FUNDIn Honor of:Speedy Recovery of Leona Shlosman By: Betty Kohn 95th Birthday of Leona Shlosman By: Susan and Lou Good Jean MintzIn Memory of:Arthur Rosenthal By: Susan and Byron Kantrow

JACKIE WOLFF SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIn Memory of:Sunny Norman By: Linda and Richard Friedman

CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIn Honor of:George Dansker and the Sondheim Concert performers By: Susan and Lou Good Delightful Shabbat morning service David Hammer on the anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah By: Jacqueline and Beryl AmesIn Memory of:Joan Levy Sheridan By: Family of Joan Levy Sheridan

RABBI BERK’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIn Honor of:Installation of Irvin Smith’s Memorial Plaque By: Leslie SmithDonations: By: Jennifer and Scott Pollack Garland Rolling Carole Jacobson and Family

RABBI SILVERMAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIn Honor of:Delightful Shabbat morning service David Hammer on the anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah By: Jacqueline and Beryl Ames Blessing of Eleonore Sloane Greenberg By: Nancy and Gary Silbert

GENERAL DONATIONS TO FOUNDATIONIn Honor of:Speedy Recovery to Buck Genet By: Ellen and Marc YellinIn Memory of:Judith Clare Cohen By: Ellen and Marc Yellin

DINING WITH THE STARS DONATIONSLisa and Lance AfrickElizabeth and Aaron Ahlquist AnonymousArlene and Paul BarronRon GubitzSamantha and Joseph GuichetMarlene and Bernard JaffeJan KatzRabbi Todd SilvermanDaniel WeinerStacey WeinrebNaomi Yavneh

Donations & Sponsors

Thank YouTO OUR JANUARY SPONSORSHIPSWe thank these generous supporters

for their help in making Shabbat a wonderful experience:

Pulpit Flowers Kathy, Hal, David and Rachel Shepard Dotty, Andrew and Carmen Jacobs

Joel Weinstock Andi and Terry Lestelle,

Lee and Ellen Sucherman, Dean Sucherman and their family

Sofia, Katie, and Thomas Gershanik Joyce and Woody Widofsky

George Dansker Nancy and Gary Silbert Nonnie D’Bardeleben

Shabbat Dinner/Oneg ShabbatGinny Wise and Kevin Wilkins

Kiddush Luncheon Ginny Wise, Kevin Wilkins

and Carol Wise

18

YahrzeitsPerpetually enshrined on the Yahrzeit Tablets of Touro Synagogue are the following loved ones for whom Kaddish will be recited for the month of March.

Friday, February 26 / Saturday, February 27RichaRd B. Kaufmann, JR., chaRles epstein, louise mayeR Blum, eva tulBowitz GeismaR, leo zandeR, david leo Koppman, BenJamin J. phillips, m.d., chaRles levy, david Band, RoBeRt GeRvis, Retta stRouse leipziGeR, Jeannette GReenspan mintz, lena leopold falK, heRman hiRsch levy, maRion levy sontheimeR, elma B. Rosenfeld, saRa BasKind smith, BeRtha GRace "cooKie" naGel, ellen loeB Gandle, md

Friday, March 4 / Saturday March 5floRence Joelson fReedman, Jacquelyn "JacKie" wolff, JacoB m. GensBuRGeR, emily lazaRus cohen, GeRson aletRino, heRBeRt h. meyeR, testa Joseph naGel, sidney deutch, fannie ochs RuBenstein, solomon tuRKish, RoGeR G. weill, GeRtRude davis sheRman, Joel KeRn handelman, louis G. shushan, Bianca adleR KlinG, isKa BRown KohlmeyeR, louise lowenstein levy, duKe isadoRe a. maRchiz, Rose fatt newhouse, ethel lilly GoRdon

Friday, March 11 / Saturday, March 12paul KlinG, JR., maRion Koppman, Joseph shushan, henRietta GoldenBeRG, BeRtha l. mayeR, hannah weil, siGmund Kohlmann, esmaR KaiseR, JacK fielKow, Jeanie Goodwin, simon m. heinemann, Julia hiRsch, ReBecca BeRnstein Bennett, mollie yoedicKe, haRold manshel, BeRnaRd m. Rosenthal, moRRis michaelis, Jesse philip steRn, ellie huGhes BeRGman, leon hochstein, emil william leipziGeR, Jeanne Goodman Goldstein, Jules lazaRd cahn, James p. hoffman, aRthuR d. Rosenthal, louis euGene hoRniKel, hannah GlucKsman KeRn, leon mintz

Friday, March 18 / Saturday, March 19howaRd J. flecK, o.d., mauRice Blumenfeld, hannah n. tannenBaum, nathan phillip milleR, Rose B. BRown, Kenneth alan KiRschman, douGlas a. Goff, samuel mintz, caRoline salomon mayeR, haRRy Goodman Goldstein, Belle hanaueR maas, camille s. hochstein, louis GeismaR, lesteR s. seeliG, ethel fishel RippneR, GeRtRude pailet sinGeR, fanny lith, ethel JacoBs BeeR, alfRed alltmont, aBRaham n. silveRstein, isaac l. weil, Rachel adleR silveRstein

Friday, March 25 / Saturday, March 26p. sidney neuwiRth, Rachel handelman, ella maas, william Kohlmann, shepaRd shushan, moise m. fishman, Gladys R. BeR, GloRia plitman cohen, minel louis GeismaR, maRGaRet hall seeliG, louis h. yaRRut, JacK KushneR, Joseph m. Rosenthal, Joseph shushan, wilfRed G. GehR, Belle G. KRonacheR, louise isaacs pfaelzeR, mac slimmeR, louis a. silveRstein, sadie Kahn RaBin, estheR s. KiRstein, meyeR Rosenfeld, BeRnaRd schwaRtz, audRey pailet weiss, henRy c. dReyfus, Rosalie picaRd dReyfus, william BRown, haRRy Bennett

Friday, April 1 / Saturday, April 2mollie BeRGman, sam s. solomon, shepaRd h. shushan, stella m. vacant, alphonse B. hilleR, louis J. phillips, samuel GReen, haRRy Ross, anna l. Rosen, Ralph J. schwaRz, leah s. lazaRus, JacoB maas, patRicK w. BoRdelon, louis ochs, JR., david adiGeR

Friday, April 8 / Saturday, April 9sadie maRx, muRRay aaRon Koppman, maRK BaRtlett, maRvin l. "Buddy" JacoBs, sam coRenswet, sR., Kippy aBRoms, louis ochs, sR., eleanoR milleR schwaRtz, thelKa KRauss heymann, fRieda levy zandeR-Goldman, Judith Kops sheR, iKe Bloch, JR., henRietta lemle maRKs, fannie wexleR RuBenstein, walteR f. maRcus, JR., eRhaRd mayeR, saRah lissa spiRo, noah weaKeR, deBRa van deR linden sidelniK

Our beloved are with us through the blessing of memory ... we think of them now; they live

in our hearts; they are a continual blessing. -Chaim Stern, Paths of Faith

In Memoriam

Mazel Tov to:

Online Donations

Our website has an easy-to-access online

donation form. If you'd like to make a donation in honor or in memory of a loved one, please visit

www.tourosynagogue.com/donate/donate-online/

Welcome New Members

Cindy and Robert "Bobby" Richter and Quintin Richter

Cheryl and Kevin Slane and Ben and Rachel Slane

Touro Synagogue extends its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of...

Delores "DJ" Cahen,aunt of David Radlauer (Julie Schwartz)

Linda Randall,aunt of Scott Saltzman (Shelley Saltzman)

and great-aunt of Tierney Saltzman

June Leopold and Martin Goldstein on the birth of their grandson, Levi Ephron Leopold

Devin Neal for setting a Touro record for volunteering during Mardi Gras

19

6:30 p.m.Hebrew for Beginners, Part II: Beyond Hebrew Decoding with Cantor Mintz

4:00 p.m.Uptown Hebrew

6:30 p.m.Literature & Libations with Rabbi Berk

12:00 p.m.News and the Jews with Rabbi Berk 6:30 p.m.Adult Hebrew Academy: Hebrew of the Siddur and Rabbinic Texts With Rabbi Silverman7:30 p.m.Choir Rehearsal

6:00 p.m.Shabbat Service/Birthday Blessings

7:30 p.m.Shabbat Kumzits

9:00 a.m.Torah Study

9:30 a.m.Tot Shabbat Rocks!

10:30 a.m.Shabbat Service

9:00 a.m.Religious School(All Grades)

11:30 a.m.Purim Rehearsal & Lunch

12:00 p.m.Alzheimer's Care Givers Support Group



6:30 p.m.Adult Hebrew Academy: Hebrew of the Siddur and Rabbinic Texts With Rabbi Silverman

7:30 p.m.Choir Rehearsal

Camping with Touro at Tickfaw

State Park

6:00 p.m.Shabbat Service


State Park




State Park

Religious Schoolnot in session

6:30 p.m.Jewish Ethics for Health Care Professionals



5:30 p.m. Uptown Hebrew Late Nite

12:00 p.m.News and the Jews with Rabbi Berk 6:30 p.m.Adult Hebrew Academy: Hebrew of the Siddur and Rabbinic Texts With Rabbi Silverman7:30 p.m.Choir Rehearsal

Limmudfest


at Gates of Prayer as part of

Limmudfest

Limmudfest



at Gates of Prayer as part of

Limmudfest

Limmufest

9:00 a.m.Religious School(All Grades)

10:00 a.m.Purim Shpiel

12:00 p.m.Alzheimer's Care Givers Support Group


Uptown Hebrew not in session






Religious Schoolnot in session

10:30 a.m.Touro Book Group Meeting


Uptown Hebrew not in session



March 2016Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

20

Friday, March 46:00pm Shabbat Evening Service/Birthday Blessings, Forgotston Chapel7:30pm Friday Night Kumzits (Communal singing), Shushan Assembly

Saturday, March 510:30am Shabbat Morning Service, Forgotston Chapel Friday, March 116:00pm Shabbat Evening Service, Forgotston Chapel

Saturday, March 1210:30am Shabbat Morning Service, Forgotston Chapel

Friday, March 186:15pm Shabbat Evening Service will take place at Gates of Prayer

Saturday, March 1910:30am Shabbat Morning Service will take place at Gates of Prayer

Friday, March 256:00pm Shabbat Evening Service, Forgotston Chapel

Saturday, March 2610:30am Shabbat Morning Service, Forgotston Chapel

Friday, April 16:00pm LGBTQ Shabbat Evening Service / Birthday Blessings, Forgotston Chapel

Saturday, April 210:30am Shabbat Morning Service / Bar Mitzvah of Alistair Cunningham, Main Sanctuary

Shabbat Services March 2016Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage PAID

New Orleans, LA Permit No. 412

4238 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70115

Phone: (504) 895-4843www.TouroSynagogue.com @TouroSynagogueNOLA @RabbiAlexisBerk

@CantorDaveMintz

Susan Good, PresidentRabbi Alexis BerkCantor David MintzRabbi Todd Silverman Kerry Tapia, Executive DirectorTerry D. Maddox MM, Music DirectorDavid Goldstein, Rabbi EmeritusRalph H. Slifkin, Cantor Emeritus

TOURO SYNAGOGUE

MEMBER OF UNION FOR REFORM JUDAISM

Torah Study - Every Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Mautner Learning CenterJoin Torah study at Touro Synagogue! Each week the group discusses the weekly Parashah or Torah Portion in the Mautner Learning Center at 9:00 a.m., with the sessions led by different lay leaders. All who are interested are welcome, no prior Torah knowledge or Hebrew skills needed. A light breakfast of bagels and coffee is served. See page 12 for the weekly Parashah and Torah portion.

Documents

TOURO Glassman Clem Goldberger ... Email Team Captain Brian Shepard at ... idea that when Jews from diverse backgrounds come together