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Friday, April 6 from 5:00 to 5:30 P.M.Shabbat Passover Service with Cantor Julie and Rabbi Alan Berlin
in the Oppenheimer Chapel (See details this page)
Friday, April 6, 6:30 P.M.Machar Passover Seder
at the Pearl Studio See page 4 for details
Saturday, April 7Shabbat Seniors’ Havurah
featuring Rabbi Block, who will discuss “Pearls from the Union Haggadah”
11:30 A.M. See page 3 for details
Community Sederin the Barshop Auditorium 6:00 P.M. See page 4 for details
Thursday, April 12, 6:00 P.M.Men’s Sederat the Barn Door
See page 5 for details
Friday, April 13, 7:45 P.M. after Shabbat Services
Let’s Eat Hametz!Congregational Spaghetti Dinner
See page 16 for details
Temple Beth-El Bulletin
Temple Beth-El was organized in 1874 and is a founding member of the Union for Reform Judaism.
211 Belknap Place | San Antonio, Texas 78212 | 210-733-9135 | 210-737-8946 fax | [email protected]
Vol. 15, No. 4 April 1, 2012 — 9 Nisan 5772 beth-elsa.org
UNDER OUR DOME AND REACHING BEYOND
Passover ServicesFriday, April 6
• Shabbat Passover Service with Cantor Julie and Rabbi Alan Berlin in the Oppenheimer Chapel at 5:00 P.M. (no child-care or HOT Shabbat available)
• Erev Passover – Home Seder Night.
Saturday, April 7• Passover Festival Worship
Service at 10:30 A.M. in the Oppenheimer Chapel.
• Shabbat Seniors’ Havurah Passover Lunch & Program at 11:30 A.M. – see page 3 for details and reservations.
Friday, April 13• Last Day of Passover Festival
Worship Service at 10:30 A.M. in the Oppenheimer Chapel. Yizkor-Memorial prayers will be offered.
• The Temple offices are closed.
Passover is Here — Home Seder Night April 6 Celebrate Passover with your Temple Family!
Register and pay online for all Passover activities at www.beth-elsa.org/passover.
Page 2 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012
We received several grants from Golden Manor Jewish Senior Services this year to help us maintain connections with our senior congregants who are homebound or not able to come to Temple Beth-El as often as they once did. In a previous article, I wrote about one of the grants called Shabbat To Your Door, in which volunteers make Shabbat visits to our homebound seniors, bringing conversation and Shabbat goodies.
Another program we received grant support for is Mobile Music, a program that brings Jewish music to our seniors in two ways. First, our Shabbat Shira guest, Mattan Klein, visited three senior facilities where many of our congregants live, as well as other Jewish seniors. Mattan, Rabbi Alan Berlin and I gave short concerts of Jewish music at Madison Estates, Adante Senior Living and Golden Estates. There were about twenty-five people at each concert and everyone really seemed to enjoy the music and camaraderie.
Second, twenty-five of our homebound senior congregants will receive a Jewish music library. I compiled a group of eleven Jewish music CDs including Yiddish, Klezmer, holiday and Shabbat music that I think they will enjoy. Also, several of the senior living facilities have a communal activities room where this collection of Jewish music can be kept for all to enjoy. I have started to deliver the Mobile Music Library to some of our congregants and they have been very appreciative.
Building and sustaining connections with all of our congregants is an important priority of Temple Beth-El. Some of our members can no longer, or not as easily, come to Temple Beth-El, and so we, the clergy and many volunteers go to our members.
Cantor Julie Berlin
We Welcome Our New Members
We welcome the following new member who were accepted at the Board of Trustees meeting on March 6:
Alfonso Garcia – Alfonso converted to Judaism in February and is very happy to be a part of the Temple community. He is an architect with Sonne Design Group and looks forward to meeting more Temple members.
Josh Gorelick – Josh grew up at Temple Beth-El, and is join-ing for the first time as an adult. He is glad to be back and is enthu-siastic about having his own membership.
Bea and Dr. Bob Unger – Bea converted to Judaism in December and has enthusiastically embraced Temple life with her husband, Bob. Bea is an attorney in private practice, Bob is a Radi-ologist, and they have two daughters in college.
Karen Wollman – Karen just moved to San Antonio and found Temple Beth-El on the internet. She has been coming to Shabbat Eve Services and is looking forward to reconnecting to her Judaism and making new friends at the Temple.
Habitat For Humanity Project Returns
Build Date is Sunday, April 15Don’t miss this opportunity to make a real difference — sign up today!
In 2012, we continue to dedicate ourselves to improve the lives of those around us through donations and/or volunteering. Temple Beth-El and Brotherhood will team with other congregatioins in San Antonio to co-sponsor the build of a Habitat for Humanity House for a family in San Antonio.
Habitat for Humanity is an international organization that builds affordable housing for families in need. This is the fifth year in a row for Temple’s participation. This project is underwritten in part by Temple Beth-El’s Brotherhood, and congregants like you.
If you would like to volunteer or make a monetary donation to this project, please contact Tim Williamson
at [email protected] or (210) 508-4810.
Cantor’s Notes
DR. SYDNEY SCHIFFERHusband of Fern Schiffer
Father of Temple member Brenda (and Dr. Terry) Hoffman and of Brian Hoffman and Dr. Brent (and Janice) Hoffman
NANCY SHERMANWife of Stephen Sherman
Mother of Lisa (and Martin) Perkins, Fred Sherman, Mardi (and Joe) Smith, and of the late Shari Sherman
Sister of Temple members Dr. Eleanor Komet (and Dean Lewis) and Mike (and Louise) Beldon
Aunt of Temple members Leslie Komet (and Adam) Ausburn, Brad (and Susan) Beldon, Alli (and Danny) Kustoff,
Lauri (and Dr. Mark) Porter, and Missy (and Dr. Eric) Rindler, and of Jonathan (and Maria) Beldon, David Komet,
and Jenn (and James) Rosenblatt
Our Condolences to...
Larry Goldman, on the death of his mother, Lilo Goldman.
Yogendra Thami, on the passing of his mother, Urmila Thami.
Ken Gindy, on the loss of his father, Irving Gindy.
MGen. Abe Dreiseszun, on the death of his brother, Phineas “Penny” Dreiseszun.
Roselle Simon Lebo, on the passing of her brother-in-law, Jerry Simon.
“May their souls be bound upin the bonds of eternal life.”
Big Birthday? Milestone Anniversary? Extra-Special Accomplishment?
Joyous occasion?If you wish to be blessed on the bimah to
commemorate any of these moments, please call Iris Berman-Smith at 733-9135, ext. 106, to make arrangements.
Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012 Page 3
Kiddush HostsThe congregation unites for one Kiddush in the Barshop Auditorium after both Shabbat Eve Services.
April 13: Kati and Jeff Warman April 20: Noelle and George Gellert April 27: Selma and Sol Mongite Oneg Shabbat Fund
Friday, April 6, 5:00 to 5:30 P.M.In the Oppenheimer ChapelShabbat Service for the first night of PassoverCantor Julie and Rabbi Alan BerlinPlease see p. 1 for a schedule of Passover activities.
Saturday, April 7, 10:30 A.M.Service for Shabbat and the first day of PassoverOppenheimer ChapelRabbi Block and Cantor BerlinTorah Portion: PesachExodus 12:37-42; 13:3-10
Friday, April 13, 6:30 P.M.In the Wulfe SanctuaryRabbi Block and volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Janie KolmanRabbi Block: “The Local News”Bar Mitzvah of James Marshall WarmanCandles: James Warman, Kati Warman, and Mallory Warman
In the Barshop AuditoriumRabbi Plost and Cantor Berlin with the Temple Beth-El Band
Saturday, April 14, 10:30 A.M.In the Wulfe SanctuaryRabbis Block and Plost and Cantor BerlinBar Mitzvah of James Marshall WarmanTorah Portion: SheminiLeviticus 9:1-10:11
In the Golden Estates ChapelLisa Goldstein, RJE
Friday, April 20, 6:30 P.M.In the Wulfe SanctuaryRabbi Plost and volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Lynne BalbertRabbi Plost: “Judaism: A Religion of the Home”Bat Mitzvah of Tess Edith GellertCandles: Tess Gellert and Noelle Gellert
In the Barshop AuditoriumCantor Berlin and Shlihei Tzibbur (worship leaders) Chris Brown, Harry H. Levy, IV, and Ethan Ausburn, with Rabbi Alan Berlin on guitar
In the Oppenheimer ChapelTOT Shabbat – Lisa Goldstein, RJEApril Birthday Blessings
Saturday, April 21, 10:30 A.M.In the Wulfe SanctuaryRabbi Plost and Cantor BerlinBat Mitzvah of Tess Edith GellertTorah Portion: Tazria/MetzoraLeviticus 12:1-15:33
Friday, April 27, 6:30 P.M.In the Wulfe SanctuaryReform Movement’s Israel ShabbatRabbis Block and Plost and Songleader, Lisa Goldstein, RJEElias Saratovsky, AIPAC Southwest Regional Director, will speak.NOTE: There is only one service this evening.
Saturday, April 28, 10:30 A.M.In the Oppenheimer ChapelRabbi Plost and volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Rachel WalshTorah Portion: Ahare MotLeviticus 16:1-18:30
B’nai MitzvahWe Congratulate Those
Who Will be Called to the Torah in April
April 13-14James Marshall Warman, son of Kati and Jeff Warman and grandson of Millie and Jim Cleghorn and the late Betty and Marvin Warman.
April 20-21Tess Edith Gellert, daughter of Noelle and George Gellert and granddaughter of Erika and George Pyle and the late Edith and Leslie Gellert.
HOT Shabbat(Hands On Torah)
Enjoy activities on Fridays in April. All school-aged children through Grade 4 who attend the Barshop Auditorium Service (or Wulfe Sanctuary Service when there is only one Service) will leave the worship service, as the Torah service begins, for a kid-friendly program of storytelling and hands-on projects, and rejoin their parents for the Kiddush at the end of the worship service.
TOT Shabbat! Friday, April 20, 6:30 P.M.
in the Wulfe Sanctuary with Lisa Goldstein, RJE
Featuring April Birthday Blessings! All children with birthdays in April will be
blessed and receive a special birthday treat! There will be a special “TOT Oneg”
following the service in the Joske Foyer.
Shabbat Seniors’ Havurah
Saturday, April 7immediately after Passover Morning Services (approximately 11:30 A.M.) in the Block Conference CenterThis month, the theme is
Passover!featuring Rabbi Block,
who will discuss “Pearls from the Union
Haggadah”A delicious Passover lunch will
be served first, then the program will begin. Don’t miss it! There will be a nominal charge of only $5 per person, subsidized by a grant from Golden Manor Jewish Senior Services.
Please RSVP to Elena Dufner at 733-9135 x121 or [email protected]. Complimentary transportation to and from the event, sponsored by a grant from Golden Manor Jewish Senior Services, can also be arranged by contacting Elena.
PLEASE NOTE: Our Shabbat Seniors’ Havurah will take place on the FIRST SATURDAY of each month, so mark your calendars in advance!
Page 4 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012
Recommended Reform Passover
ObservanceRecommended Reform Jewish practice includes
refraining from eating bread and other leavened products during the seven days of Passover.
Ashkenazic Jews also do not eat rice, corn, and legumes (like peas, beans, etc.) during Passover. However, Sephardic Jews do not forbid the eating of these foods. These prohibitions are optional for Reform Jews.Give Leavened Items to Poor
All leavened products should be removed or put aside in the home before the holiday. We ask all Temple members to consider giving their leavened products to the poor and needy by bringing them to the Temple before Passover begins. We shall arrange for them to be directed to the San Antonio Food Bank, which coordinates all our local efforts to alleviate hunger.
Since Reform Jews observe a yom tov (major Jewish holiday) on both the first and seventh days of Passover, we urge your attendance at Passover services on these two days of sacred obligation.
One Seder RequiredThe Seder is conducted on the eve of the first
yom tov of Passover, which is Friday, April 6. This date is fixed and may not be changed for any reason whatsoever.
A “Second Seder” on the second eve of the holiday is optional. However, our Community Seder will be held on that second eve, which is Saturday, April 7.
Our congregation will hold its fourth annual Men’s Seder on the eve of the last yom tov of Passover, which is Thursday, April 12, at 6:00 P.M., at the Barn Door Restaurant. See page 5 for reservations and further details.
The Women’s Seder, now in its twelth year, was hosted before Passover on Tuesday, March 27.
Community SederSaturday, April 7, 6:00 P.M.
Hosted by Temple Beth-El Brotherhood, Co-Sponsored by the Shalom CommitteeDinner provided and cooked by the Ojeda Family with our thanks!
In the Barshop AuditoriumRabbi Barry H. D. Block will lead the Seder, which is open to all. Especially
welcome are those members of our Temple family who, for whatever reason, are unable to attend a home Seder service this year.
Seder items and dinner will be provided.
Transportation is available for seniors, provided at no charge by the Mildred K. and Albert C. Strum Memorial Senior Adult Fund of Temple Beth-El. To request transportation, please call Elena Dufner, 733-9135 x121 or [email protected] by Thursday, April 5, at noon.
Reservations are a MUST. The deadline is MONDAY, April 2, at 12:00 NOON.
Yes! I / We wish to attend the Community Seder. In our party there are:
Member Adults, at $25.00 ea. Children, 12 & under, at $15.00 per person.
Non-member Adults, at $30.00 ea. Children, ages 2 & under, no charge.
Amount enclosed: $
Name(s):
Phone Number:
You can register and pay online at www.beth-elsa.org/passover. Please make check payable to Temple Beth-El and mail with form to:
211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212. If you wish to pay by credit card, please call Elena Dufner at 733-9135 x121 or [email protected].
Your Payment is Your Reservation, and MUST be received no later than Monday, April 2.
The theme of Passover is, “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” If the cost would prevent you or your family from attending the Seder, please call Rabbi Block at 733-9135, ext. 101. Complimentary or reduced admission will be provided without questions, and will be confidential.
For those in their 20s and 30s Friday, April 6, 6:30 P.M. at the Pearl Studio$10 per person ** RSVP to Rabbi Ari at [email protected] no later than Tuesday, April 3.
Payment will be collected onsite before the Seder.
Bring your children! Bring your friends! Fully catered Delicious Passover Seder, led by Rabbi Plost
Today. Tomorrow. Together!
*What is Machar? MACHAR means tomorrow. Our journey of wonderment, encounter and discovery begins today and renews every day. Envisioned by
an energized group of young Jewish adults at Temple Beth-El in San Antonio, TX. MACHAR seeks to provide experiences for those of similar lifestyles and interests. We believe there’s a way to actively access our Judaism where we are rejuvenated by exploration. Hopefully, along the way through connection, study and service, we may even find moments where we meaningfully absorb how we are in need of each other and God.
** If the cost will prevent you from attending, please contact Rabbi Ari at 733-9135, ext. 102 or [email protected].
Passover Seder!
✔
Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012 Page 5
A creative Seder, written and led by Rabbi Barry Block, is open to all men of the congregation! The charge is $45 per person ($30 for vegetarian), which will include seder items, kosher wine, salad, dinner, kosher dessert and fruit, and tea and coffee. Please indicate below your choice of grilled chicken, trout, steak, or vegetarian.
_____ YES! I/We would love to come to Wine, Steak, and a Seder — The Men’s Seder!
Number of men attending:
Choice for Dinner entreé: Grilled Chicken Trout Steak Vegetarian
Name(s):______________________________________ Phone:
Register and pay online at www.beth-elsa.org/passover. If paying by check, make check payable to Temple Beth-El and mail with form to: 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212. If you wish to speak to someone about your reservation, please contact Elena Dufner at 733-9135 x121.
Your Payment is Your Reservation, and MUST be received no later than Monday, April 9.
Haggadot For Sale in theTemple Office
Copies of A Passover Haggadah, published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and beautifully illustrated by Leonard Baskin, are
available to purchase for $10. Please see Lisa Martinez in the Administrative Wing of the Temple Office.
Hametz Prohibited in Temple During Passover
Throughout Passover, beginning on Friday evening, April 6, and concluding on Friday evening, April 13, hametz (food forbidden during Passover) is not permitted on the Temple premises. Therefore, please do not bring any leavened items to the Temple, even for personal consumption, during this holiday.
Your cooperation with this policy is greatly appreciated.
Speakers:Jesse Castro
Brent JohnsonRaul Lomeli-
AzoubelRabbi Ari Plost
Bulletin DeadlineThe deadline for the May Temple Bulletin
will be Thursday, April 5, at 12:00 Noon. All articles and photos must
be submitted by that time. Articles must not exceed 250 words.
They may also be submitted on a CD or by e-mail to [email protected] .
Temple Beth-El Ombudsperson
If you have a question or concern about Temple policy, process, etc., and would like confidential assistance in
having your query answered, please call Marty Epner at 210-862-1500.
Temple Beth-El Bulletin (USPS 016328) is published the first of every month, except July, by Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212-5896. Application to Mail at Periodicals postage rates is paid at San Antonio, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212-5896.
Beth Keough to Receive Sisterhood’s Highest Award
Temple Beth-El Sisterhood will present Beth Keough with its most distinguished honor, the Or Tamid award. Or Tamid, which means “everlasting light,” acknowledges Sisterhood members who exemplify continuous and consistent quality of service to the organization. Selection is made by the Honors Committee. Please join Sisterhood in honoring Beth by attending a luncheon on Sunday, April 29, at 12:00 Noon at Paesano’s near the Quarry.
Beth Keough was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and graduated from Miami Dade College, where she was among the first there to receive a degree to be a Legal Assistant. When she moved to San Antonio in 1989, she wasn’t yet sure where she wanted to worship, but Sisterhood was a MUST for her, and she joined Sisterhood without becoming a Temple member. Membership was inevitable, however, and she joined soon after.
The first volunteer job Beth held in Sisterhood was to be a model for a style show held at Scrivner’s. Throughout the years, Beth has chaired Sisterhood Shabbat for two years, co-chaired Interfaith Shabbat, she has been on the Judaica Shop Committee, she has decorated for Sukkot, baked, volunteered for Biennial and Artastic, been a Publicity Chair, and attended Sisterhood regional meetings.
Outside of Sisterhood, Beth has helped Temple Beth-El tremendously by chairing the Women’s Seder, she has served on the Temple Board of Trustees and on the Legacy Committee, and she has chaired the Silent Auction for the Temple’s annual Gala.
In the wider community, Beth has been active in the Association of Fundraising Pro-fessionals, has served on the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, the Board of Jewish Family Service, Golden Manor Senior Services – Grants Distribution Committee, NCJW –San Antonio Section, the Board of Emerging Non-profits, Mentor for new fundraising professionals, and S.A. Giveback through the Jewish Federation of San Antonio.
Don’t miss the fourth annual...
Wine, Steak, and a Seder – The Men’s SederThursday, April 12, 6:00 P.M.
at the Barn Door Restaurant • 8400 N. New Braunfels Avenue
Page 6 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012
RABBI BLOCK’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIn memory of Rose “Precious” Mandel by Emily
and Rob Kaufman, Rochelle and David Lefton.In honor of our daughter, Madelyn Rose Massil’s
naming ceremony and in appreciation by Nina and Oren Massil.
In honor of the birthday of Betty Lifshutz by Miriam and Morton Greenberg.
In appreciation by Sylvia and Dr. Hugh Wolff and Stephanie and Larry Rickel.
In honor of the marriage of Karly and Mitchell Penner and in appreciation by Marsha Penner.
In memory of Dr. Sydney Schiffer by Elaine and Ed Lauterstein.
In honor of my conversion and in appreciation by Alfonso Garcia.
In honor of their conversion and in appreciation by Dawn Pomento and Paul Davis.
In appreciation by Harris and Joyce Koch.CANTOR BERLIN’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIn appreciation for Mattan Klein’s Shabbat Shirah
visit by Suzie and Allen Raufman.RABBI PLOST’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In honor of my conversion and in appreciation by Alfonso Garcia.
In appreciation by Harris and Joyce Koch.DIRECTOR OF LIFELONG JEWISH
LEARNING’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIn memory of Marjorie Adler by Tricia Katz and
James Hesidence and Julie Vanek.RABBI STAHL’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In memory of Abe Gans and Paul Simon by Roselle Simon Lebo.
In memory of Dr. Sydney Schiffer by Rochelle and David Lefton.
In honor of the marriage of Karly and Mitchell Penner and in appreciation by Marsha Penner.
In memory of Morton Rubin by Sondra and Walter Wolff, Jr.
FINE ARTS FUNDIn honor of the birthdays of Gail Gurwitz and
Robert Gurwitz by Sylvia and Dr. Hugh Wolff.GENERAL OPERATING FUND
In memory of Jean Jefferson by Nat Jefferson.In memory of Rose “Precious” Mandel by
Susanne Jalnos.
In honor of the birthday of Sarah Burleigh by Janet Burleigh.
In memory of Marjorie Adler and Bertha Bayman by Bill Goodman.
In memory of Dr. Sydney Schiffer by Joan and Marty Seidler.
In honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Sophia Cantu by Jaime and David Wender.
CHARLES AND BETTY HILTON CAMPERSHIP FUND
In memory of Gaston and Aline Brunswick Bloch by Edgar May.
JACOBSON GARDEN FUNDIn memory of Reva T. Bry by Judy Bry Rutstein
and Robert P. Rutstein.In memory of Irene Skora and Jac E. Gugenheim
and in honor of the birthday of Barbara Spigel by Dottie and Dr. Sam Miller.
PERRY AND FRANCES KALLISON TEMPLE ACCESSIBILITY FUND
In memory of Rose “Precious” Mandel by Barbara, Leslie, and Todd Levine.
BEN NATHAN AND AARON AND ROSE MANDEL CAMPERSHIP FUND
In memory of Rose “Precious” Mandel by Dana and Bruce Hendin, Betsy and Lee Rosenberg, Janet and Joe M. Westheimer, Jr., and Sylvia and Dr. Hugh Wolff.
FRED AND ERNA MILLER RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND
In memory of Erna Miller by Dorothy and Gerd Miller.
RENEE AND KURT POMPER FUND FOR SENIOR TRANSPORTATION
In memory of Allan Bachman by Ellie and Dick Drileck.
MILDRED K. AND ALBERT C. STRUM MEMORIAL SENIORS’ FUND
A contribution by Brigitte Mayo.OSIAS AND BEULAH WOLF “FEED THE HUNGRY” FUND
In memory of Beulah Wolf by Harriet and David Wolf.
JEAN AND JESSE WULFE RELIGIOUS ENHANCEMENT FUND
In memory of Irving W. Gindy by Barry Wulfe, Carl and Sandy Wulfe, and Lonnie and Lenora Wulfe.
We Gratefully Acknowledge the Contributions of Our Members and Friends
Contributions received in the Temple office by Wednesday, April 4, will appear in the May Temple Bulletin. Contributions received after April 4, will appear in the June-July Temple Bulletin.
Contributions are welcome to any of our funds at any time. For a list of Temple funds and their descriptions, go to the Temple website at http://bit.ly/xARudu . You may also make a contribution
online at https://www.beth-elsa.org/donations.aspx .
We congratulate those celebrating life’s joyous occasions…
Dottie and Dr. Sam Miller, on the birth of their grandson, Elliot David Miller, born to Dr. Sarah and Seth Miller in Houston. Congratulations also to Elliot David’s great-grandmother, Helen Jacobson.
Lynne and Dr. Peter Balbert, on the engagement of their daughter, Risa, to Dillon Brown.
Adele Herzstein, on the birth of her granddaughter, Elise Joan Fishel, born to Bari and David Fishel, in Houston.
Gerry Miller-Hughes and Harold Hughes, on the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Georgia Leigh Middleman, to Gary Burr.
Cheryl and David Levinson, on the engagement of their daughter Elisa to Shannon Martin.We congratulate those who have achieved something extra-special…
Brittany Power, who was named Distinguished Graduate for the San Antonio College Sociology Department.
Aliza Holzman-Cantu, who was appointed Interim Director of Early Childhood Education at the Heintz Preschool of Congregation Agudas Achim.
We congratulate those celebrating milestone birthdays in April…
Elsa Barshop, Phyllis Breit, Elliott Cohen, Susan Cook, Phyllis Davis, Pete Felts, David Fischer, Frieda Fischer, Dr. Jerome Fischer, M. Bernard “Buddy” Gardner, Jr., Eli Goldstein, Edwin Henkin, Janet Holliday, Helen Jacobson, Joyce Kaufmann, Alan Krapf, Claudia Ladensohn, Hortie Lyman-Fein, Dr. Don Meagher, Kathi Oppenheimer, Stacy Penner, Herschel Sheiness, Stephen Silver, Maurice Simon, Doris Spector, Dr. Ricky Wayne, Marilyn Weinstein, Phyllis Weinstein, and Julie Weiss.
We congratulate those celebrating milestone anniversaries in April…5 Years: Laurel Hawks-Bluntzer and Jared Bluntzer; Ellen and Bob Sims 10 Years: Diana and Fred Cohen; Danna and Jim Halff 15 Years: Janet and Odes Matthews 20 Years: Tomme Lu and Scot Riklin 25 Years: Cyndee and Steven Dubinski; Nina and Jerry Rosson 50 Years: Martha and Jack Rips; Tina and Brian Weiner 60 Years: Phyllis and Alvin Breit; Leah and Maynard Burstein 65 Years: Idelle and Dr. H. Norman Abramson
In the Temple Family
Wednesday, May 2 at 7:00 P.M.in the Barshop Auditorium
funded through the Jean and Jesse Wulfe Religious Enhancement Fund
Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012 Page 7
A Party You Don’t Want to Miss!
Page 8 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012
Bette and Jack VexlerJack was born and raised
in San Antonio. Through junior school he attended classes in the Jefferson area and Hebrew classes at Agudas Achim where his paternal grandparents were members. When his family moved to Olmos Park he began high school at Alamo Heights and was confirmed at Temple Beth-El, where his mother had been confirmed. He graduated from Rice University with a MS in Biology and went on to UT Law School and passed the
bar in 1969, though he never practiced law. The family business needed him. The challenges of change in the scrap industry and the new environmental and labor policies were overwhelming in the 3rd generation of Monterrey Iron and Metal, but Jack’s legal training was an asset that his father welcomed as stacks of new governmental regulation piled on their desks. The business on Medina Street that his grandfather had opened in 1916 was con-demned by Urban Renewal and they were forced to relocate to the present location near Kelly AFB. The curse that almost closed the company ended up as a blessing in that it gave Jack an opportunity to reorganize, update, and develop new machinery. Harold taught Jack everything he knew and supported Jack through those hard transitional years, but was happy to turn the leadership over to him. They will tell you that they’ve only had two arguments in their time working together. They are most proud that they have never laid off a man in the almost 100 years of running a family business. For more than 40 years now Jack and Harold have worked together to build the family business into one that has been honored by the industry and many profiles. They have established college schol-arships in the Southwest side and have donated a park honoring Abraham Vexler and Meyer Scharlack, Jack’s grandfathers to promote good relations with their community. As the 5 ½ day work week at Monterrey allows Jack little free time, hiking and tend-ing the cows in Tarpley, where he and Bette have a ranch, and his morning workouts at the Concord are his main diversions. He is an avid reader with special interest in Texas and Jewish history, politics and economics.
Bette is a Corpus Christi native, whose life in San Antonio unfolded as an undergraduate at Trinity University, majoring in Latin American Studies. She also earned her M. Ed. there in Educational Diagnostics, both degrees assets when she began her career in the Edgewood School District, first teaching, then writing bilingual curriculum. After leaving Edgewood, Bette taught in a private psychiatric treatment center for children, then left when she and Jack, her husband of now 37 years, began their own family.
Once Jeff, David, and Jordan were off to GWU, Vanderbilt, and Rice repectively, Bette eased back into part-time teaching, first at the JNA, then as a homebound teacher for the NISD for ten years. Following graduation all three children returned to San Antonio to live and work, and will carry the family business into its fourth generation.
Both the Jewish and larger San Antonio community have kept Bette engaged over the years. She has volunteered with the National Council of Jewish Women as a reading tutor, helped with Brandeis book sales, ORT gift wrapping, chaired the Bonds for Israel dinner, the Israel Independence Day committee, Mitzvah Day, and the annual Temple gala. Her involvement with the CRC began twenty years ago when she took Holocaust education into the
schools. She has continued this pursuit, speaking as a docent in the Holocaust Memorial and serving on the Holocaust Commission.
In the wider community, Bette was active in the Junior League for 15 years, worked with Parks and Recreation to restore San Pedro Park, and as a Board member of the AH Little League ran the concession stand there in the summers. For over a decade she has served on the board and Executive Board of the San Antonio Public Library Foundation.
Bette shares her love of the outdoors and their ranch with Jack and has expanded her interests to include land management and conservation, animal husbandry, and architectural restoration. She and Jack are enthusiastic hikers and choose their travel desti-nations accordingly.
Clyde SeligClyde was born in Suffern,
New York, and grew up on a chicken farm in lower New York State. He attended Clark-son College of Technology and graduated with a B.S. from the University of Maryland while in the army.
Clyde and Trudy, of blessed memory, were high school sweethearts in Spring Valley, New York and married at nineteen.
After being drafted by the army as a private, Clyde graduated from Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant. He taught leadership at the U.S. Army Signal School and was then stationed in Italy with Trudy, and their young daughters, Robin and Leslie, for several years before returning to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Clyde was qualified as a senior parachutist in the 101st Airborne Division and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He resigned as a Regular Army Captain after serving seven years.
Clyde then joined his brother Marvin, of blessed memory, in the steel business in Seguin, Texas. During the next 50 years, Clyde and Marvin built a world-renowned, state-of-the-art steel mini-mill—formerly known as SMI, which grew to become the Commercial Metals Steel Group (five small steel mills and over 30 downstream processing companies employing over 7000 people). Clyde and Marvin were active members of the US Steel industry and served in leadership positions in the national trade associations. The “People Program” they developed—based upon the principle of respect and dignity of every individual—was a key to the company’s success and has been a model for other companies worldwide.
Clyde was awarded the Billy Wallis Award from The (Steel) Melters Guild, was made an honorary member of the (Steel) Roll Institute and received the Israel Proler Award from the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. Additionally, he was recognized for his contributions to the community with several awards.
Clyde was a member of the Board of CMC and retired as the President and CEO of the CMC Steel Group.
As a Jewish employer in Seguin, Clyde was committed not only to leading and mentoring his CMC family, but to serving the wider community. Clyde was the founder of the Seguin Boys Club, a member of the Board of the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center for 25 years, a member of the Guadalupe Juvenile Board and Presi-dent of the Seguin and Guadalupe County Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Rotary Club. The Clyde and Marvin Selig families established an endowment with Texas Lutheran University
Don’t Miss this Fabulous Event — A Tremendous Value! Who Knew Supporting our Temple Could Be So Much Fun?Tickets are $150 per person — Sponsorship Levels are available starting at $250, Table Sponsorship Levels are available starting at $1800
Proceeds Benefit the General Fund of Temple Beth-El. Sign-up online at www. Beth-Elsa.org/gala
continued on page 10
Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012 Page 9
Don’t Miss this Fabulous Event — A Tremendous Value! Who Knew Supporting our Temple Could Be So Much Fun?Tickets are $150 per person — Sponsorship Levels are available starting at $250, Table Sponsorship Levels are available starting at $1800
Proceeds Benefit the General Fund of Temple Beth-El. Sign-up online at www. Beth-Elsa.org/gala
Join us for an Evening of Dinner & DancingSaturday, May 12, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
as we Honor
Clyde Selig * Rick and Leslie Selig ByrdEsther and Harold Vexler * Bet te and Jack Vexler
50’s or casual attire
Johnny B. Goode
Shake, Rattle and RollEsther and Harold Vexler
Bette and Jack VexlerAngela and Steve Rubin & Shirley and Michael Swanson
Gala Sponsors:
Great Balls of FireRabbi Barry and Dr. Toni Dollinger Block
Bracewell and Giuliani LLP
Leslie and Rick Byrd
Emily and Rob Kaufman & Russell and Terry Davis
Sylvan and Amy Lang & Richard and Sara Planto
Clarance Dickinson, Bill Goodman and Dan Markson
Jesse H. and Susan Oppenheimer Foundation
Laurie Pomerantz and Brian Callahan
Helene and Arthur Riklin, Tomme Lu and Scot Riklin, and Martha and Rand Riklin
Sol Schwartz & Associates, P.C.
Clyde Selig
All Shook UpBDO USA, LLP
Brandt EngineeringSallie and Barry Chasnoff
Cox Smith Matthews IncorporatedJolene and Steve Davis and Phyllis Davis
Frost BankThe Board of Directors of Jewish Family Service
and M.H. and Natalie LevineMartha Landsman and Jeff and Missy Berler
Mary and Harry LevyMichelson Energy Co.
Porter Loring MortuariesNancy and Phil Seidenberger
Harris and Francie SterlingSWBC
The Wulfe Family — Alamo Aircraft
dinner — the rk group
entertainment — Rick Cavender
Band
Page 10 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012
in memory of their parents, Jenny and Sam Selig, which is dedi-cated to the support of interfaith relations.
Born in the Depression, Clyde was mentored by a wonderful extended family during difficult times, Clyde has always felt the obligation to give back and to do for others less fortunate. As a committed Jew and ardent supporter of Israel, Clyde has active in supported the Jewish Federation, AIPAC, The Joint Distribution Committee and the Jewish National Fund. He is a member of the JNF Steering Committee for the revitalization of Yerucham, Israel and has recently returned from a trip to Israel with the Committee. Clyde is a member of the Board of the Jewish Federation and its committee focusing on the needs of Jewish seniors. Clyde and his family have been active supporters of Temple Beth-El for over 50 years. At the young age of 75, Clyde became a bar mitzvah, shortly following the b’nai mitzvah of his grandchildren.
In addition to supporting his community, Clyde is devoted to his family. He was the loving husband of Trudy for 59 years, and is the adoring father to Leslie and Robin, their husbands Rick and Harry (all lawyers) and his four grandchildren. Lauren, a graduate of Scripps College and a Charter School teacher in Brooklyn, New York and Emily, an Education major at the University of Texas, are committed to education like their grandmother Trudy. Jordan is a graduate of the University of Texas and a Civil Engineer, and Josh is a Math and Economics major at Trinity University. Clyde and Trudy even traveled to Europe with four teenage grandchildren in order to offer them a new experience!
Rick and Leslie Selig Byrd
Leslie and Rick first saw each other in the law library of Cox Smith in San Antonio where Leslie was a frequent “poacher” of the firm’s extensive library. A mutual friend introduced them and they will be celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary on May 12, the evening of the Gala.
Leslie Selig grew up in Seguin and with the entire
Selig-Pomerantz clan made the trip from Seguin to San Antonio every Sunday to attend Temple Beth-El religious school through confirmation. She graduated from Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University with a B.A. in Political Science, Magna Cum Laude, followed by a J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law. Following law school, Leslie joined the labor and employment law firm of Manitzas, Harris & Padgett in San Antonio, which then merged with Matthews & Branscomb, and in 2001, joined Brace-well & Giuliani, LLP.
Leslie has enjoyed dedicating her practice to representing employers in labor and employment matters and is certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Labor and Employment Law. She was the first female in San Antonio specializing in labor and employment, initially known by her tenaciousness during difficult union negotiations and strikes during the 1980’s. While vigorously defending her clients, Leslie is respected by both sides of the bar, administrative agencies and judiciary. In addition to her practice, Leslie has served on various boards in San Antonio, currently serving as a member of the Board of the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio, and has provided pro bono legal services to Jewish organizations in San Antonio as well as other religious and chari-table institutions.
Leslie is a past President of Temple Beth-El. During more than fifteen years of Temple Board service, she has chaired and/or served numerous committees, including the Human Resources, Outreach and Nominating Committee and numerous ad-hoc committees. During the two years of Leslie’s presidency, Temple Beth-El be-came an even more warm and welcoming community. On Friday nights, Leslie began the tradition of greeting everyone attending
Shabbat Services as they entered the Sterling Porte-Cochère and Michelson Entry Plaza.
A native of Denver, Colorado, Rick Byrd attended Arizona State University, where as a Phi Beta Kappa, he earned B.A. (Magna Cum Laude) and M.S. degrees. Rick moved to Texas to attend Baylor University School of Law, where he graduated with a J.D. Cum Laude. While in law school, as the recipient of the Leon Jaworski full scholarship, Rick served as Executive Editor of the Baylor Law Review and was a member of the Order of Bar-risters. Following law school, Rick clerked for the Hon. Thomas M. Reavley, Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and then moved to San Antonio to begin practicing law with Cox & Smith. As an attorney with various law firms, and as in-house counsel to La Quinta Inns, Rick primarily practiced corporate, securities and financial institution regulatory law.
After being diagnosed with a disabling bone disease, Rick retired from law practice and has since dedicated himself to volun-teer service. As part of his program of rehabilitation, Rick became an accomplished wheelchair tennis player and went on to earn the U.S. Professional Tennis Association certification as a wheelchair instructor. He is a member of Wheelchair Tennis Committee of UTSA – Texas. Rick has devoted countless hours as a volunteer wheelchair tennis instructor for the City of San Antonio’s Adaptive Sports & Athletics Program and the Barshop Jewish Community Center of San Antonio, and he also served as head coach of our del-egation’s tennis team to several JCC Maccabi Games. Rick founded a nationally-recognized Wheelchair Tennis Program at the JCC in 2008 and has inspired others in wheelchairs including our Wounded Warriers. Rick also volunteers to teach tennis at Temple Beth-El’s Food and Fun summer camp, an interfaith effort of Temple Beth-El to reach neighborhood children in the school lunch program.
Rick was honored to receive President Obama’s Gold Volunteer Service Award in 2010 and 2011 in recognition of his extraordinary volunteer service. He was a recipient of the Weldon C. Place Award recognizing his exceptional contributions to the JCC’s sports program.
Further serving those with disabilities and illnesses, Rick is the current President of Any Baby Can of San Antonio, a non-profit agency, which this year celebrates 30 years of assisting children facing health and developmental challenges and their families. Rick also served as a member of the JCC Board of Directors for the past six years and sat on its Membership & Marketing Committee.
At Temple Beth-El, Rick is a member of the Board of Trust-ees, chair of the Religious Practices Committee and serves on the Kimmelman charitable committee and has been a member of the budget, by-laws and other committees. As an adult b’nai mitzvah and a Shaliach Tzibbur (lay worship leader), Rick has enjoyed the opportunity to further his commitment to Jewish learning.
Leslie and Rick have two wonderful children, Jordan and Emily. Both were actively involved with Temple, SAFTY, NFTY and Greene Family Camp.
Esther and Harold Vexler
Esther and Harold met when she was 5 years old and he was 8. They met in 1923 at the 25th anniversary of the marriage of Mary Arbetter and Meyer Scharlack at their home at 327 Army Blvd. The Vexlers had to take three street cars to get from their home at 639 E. Elmira. Both homes are still standing, surviving five Vexler and nine
Scharlack children. The youngest of the nine, Esther, was the first baby born in San Antonio on January 1, 1918. continued on page 11
Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012 Page 11
Join Temple Beth-El in Israel in 2012
We will have two congregational trips to Israel this year:Adults Only Trip led by Rabbi Barry H. D. Block
November 4-15, 2012www.arzaworld.com/temple-beth-el-san-antonio-adult-trip.aspx Participants of All Ages (families welcome) led
by Cantor Julie Berlin and Rabbi Alan BerlinDecember 22, 2012 – January 1, 2013
www.arzaworld.com/temple-beth-el-san-antonio-israel-tour.aspxVisit the above links for complete itineraries and pricing.
Contact Rabbi Berlin at (210)733-9135 x118 or [email protected] for more information.
Stay tuned for more information about another family trip to Israel in the Summer of 2013.
Fifteen new artists, a food truck, and a “Feather Their Nests” community service project are just a few of the reasons to plan to attend Artastic! 2012.
This is the sixth year that Temple Beth-El Sisterhood has hosted the event, held in the Barshop Auditorium, for the greater San Antonio community. The show is open to the public from 10:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Sunday, May 6.
Artists rent space to show one or more pieces of their work. There are around 30 artists. Most hope to make sales, but some just like to be part of the socializing, viewing the works of others, and having conversations about their creations with the people circulating through the room. About half of the exhibitors are presenting at Artastic! for the first time.
Artastic! has always included a community service project element. This year Temple Beth-El Sisterhood will make dona-tions to 12 local non-profits based on the results of a raffle called “Feather Their Nests.” Twelve volunteers will decorate birdhouses to benefit the Helen Jacobson Youth Education Fund and a charity of the decorator’s choice. The winner need not be present to win, but the raffle tickets must be deposited in the respective birdhouse box on May 6. Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20, and may be purchased in advance from a Sisterhood Board member or one of the decorators.
Accepting the “Feather Their Nests” challenge and the organization to benefit are Courtney Silver, The Battered Women’s Shelter; Chris Brown, Susan G. Komen; Mindi Silver Weiss, The Bexar County Family Justice Center; Lucy Lashover, the American Red Cross; Geri Gregory, Jewish Family Service; Lacey Dalby, Humane Society; Hannah Margolis and Becky Schenker, SAMM Ministries; Marcia Katz, Morningside Manor; Nancy Gerson, Camp CAMP; Tim and Lori Williamson, Planned Parenthood; Daniel Laser, Golden Manor Jewish Senior Services; and Mary Levy and Myra Frapart, NFTY-TOR.
There will be plenty to eat, from continental breakfast through lunch to afternoon tea served inside in our schmooze lounge and outside from Say-She-Ate. Richard Berchin, Master Chocolatier of Creative Chocolates, will once again have chocolate art samples to view and to taste.
Sponsors who want to encourage artists, art appreciation and conversation while benefitting the Helen Jacobson Youth Education Fund are welcome to mail a check to Temple Beth-El Sisterhood, attn: Artastic!, 211 Belknap, San Antonio, TX 78212. If you would like to volunteer your time to help on May 6, or for additional information, email [email protected]
The Artastic! 2012 committee includes Debbie Coben, Chair; Marilynn Berkowitz and Ellie Drileck, Artists; Lisa Boggs, Administration; Patricia Marcus, Food; Aliza Cantú, Children’s Art Sale; Janet Neuenschwander and Linda Levy, “Feather Their Nests;” Beth Keough, Raffle Rickets; and Lori Williamson and Ina Bushon, Sisterhood Judaica Shop.
Sharon Miller, Sisterhood President, and Barbara Moss, VP Fundraising, hope you tell your family, friends, and neighbors to join you at Artastic! 2012.
Keep Us Informed We rely on our Temple members, their friends and family
to let us know when someone is hospitalized or suffering any illness or bereavement, or would just enjoy a call or visit from the clergy or a member of the congregation. The clergy would also like to hear good news, such as celebrating a birth or other simcha. Since the privacy laws have changed, some local hos-pitals no longer release information when we ask for a list of Jewish patients. Methodist Healthcare does provide names of Jewish patients, but even that information is imperfect. In order to better serve the congregation, please share this information with our clergy by calling Iris Berman-Smith at 733-9135, ex-tension 106. The patient or immediate family is often not able to make this call, so please let us hear from you.
2012 Gala Honorees (continued) Harold had become friends with another Harold, “Buster” Scharlack and Sheppard “Shep,” having attended Hebrew School (Cheder) together at the Jewish Community Center on Camden. Harold claims that he waited many years until Esther graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1940. He attended the graduation ceremony with the Scharlack family. Esther and Harold married in 1941, and they became the parents of Jack, Stuart, and Jill, and eventually the grandparents of Jeff, David, Jordan, Rosie, and Tibarek. Esther’s photo is on the wall of the Temple in the Confirmation Class of 1933. She co-led a class of Girl Scouts at the Temple for three years, and taught a Yoga class there in the 1990s. She has been a part of the Shabbat Torah Study for many years, and an active volunteer in many areas – most recently on a weekly basis at the Temple’s Summer Day Camp. Both Esther and Harold have supported causes in both the Jewish and wider San Antonio communities. Harold was active on the Board of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio, and Esther served as President there in 1966-1968. More recently, Harold and son Jack were honored by the Ecumenical Center as the Most Ethical Middle-Sized Business in San Antonio. Esther was honored by having a Yoga School in her name. At the ages of 84 and 97, this devoted couple can be found at Shabbat Services at Temple Beth-El most Friday nights.
May 12, 2012 * See You There!
Yom HashoahDay of Remembrance
Thursday, April 19 • 7:30 P.M.Congregation Rodfei Sholom
3003 Sholom Drive
Page 12 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012
The Sydney Taylor Book Award honors new books for children and teens that exemplify the highest literary standards while authentically portraying the Jewish experience. The award memorializes Sydney Taylor, author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series. Presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries since 1968, the award encourages the publication and widespread use of quality Judaic literature. The winners will receive their awards at the Association of Jewish Libraries convention in Pasadena, California, this June.
The Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner for Younger Readers is Chanukah Lights by Michael J. Rosen with artwork by Robert Sabuda. Open this beautiful book and follow the Festival of Lights through place and time — from Herod’s temple to a shtetl in Russia; from a refugee ship bound for the New World to an Israeli kibbutz. Inspired by Michael J. Rosen’s reverent poem, Robert Sabuda’s striking pop-ups depict each night’s menorah in a different scene, using imagery such as desert tents, pushcart
lanterns, olive trees, and a final panorama of skyscrapers.
Naamah and the Ark at Night by Susan Campbell Bartoletti with illustrations by Holly Meade (Candlewick Press). As Noah’s wife sings the animals to sleep, an age-old tale is told afresh in a soothing poetic form brought to life with beautiful collage illustrations.
Around the World in One Shabbat written and illustrated by Durga Yael Bernhard (Jewish Lights Publishing). This book takes you on a colorful adventure to share the many ways Shabbat is celebrated around the world. Shabbat Shalom! It begins in Jerusalem goes to Australia, Russia, United States with other countries in between and ends in Canada.
The gold medal recipient in the Sydney Taylor Book Award’s older readers category is Susan Goldman Rubin’s Music Was It: Young Leonard Bernstein (Charlesbridge Publishing), shares the inspiring story of the young musician and his commitment to succeed in spite of his family’s opposition.
Through hard work, determination and a spirit that never quit, Bernstein’s dream is realized as he takes the stage as a conductor at Carnegie Hall.
Robert Sharenow is the Sydney Taylor Book Award’s teen readers category gold medal recipient for The Berlin Boxing Club [a 2012 Best Books for Young Adults title --ed.], published by Charlesbridge Publishing. The Berlin Boxing Club reveals the history of Nazi Germany through the eyes of Karl Stern, a typical 14-year-old German boy.
The Blood Lie by Shirley Reva Vernick (Cinco Puntos Press) is a 2012 Sydney Taylor Award Honor Book. This book is a powerful and poignant reminder that no person can live freely until all people can live freely.
These books will be in the Bendiner Library.
Pesach has always been my favorite holiday. Despite the weeks of preparation, from doing our annual Spring cleaning to chang-ing over the dishes
and cooking utensils to searching in all the corners and crevices for any remaining crumbs, there is an air of excitement and anticipation. I have often wondered if this is what the Israelites felt on the eve of the exodus from Egypt, only more heightened because they did not know what to expect. The familiar words of the Haggadah which we will hear in just a few days resonate with meaning, both historical and contemporary.
Pesach is an opportunity to explore the concepts and commitments that are most important to our Jewishness. When we sit around our tables we ask ourselves if it would have been enough for God to have taken us out of Egypt, if it would have been enough to have brought us through the Sea of Reeds, enough to have given us the Torah and Shabbat, and enough to have brought us into the land of Israel. While we count each of these blessings as if it would have been enough on its own, we know that more was given and more is promised in the future.
From singing Dayeinu, we learn to celebrate each landmark on our people’s journey. Yet we know that these are only way stations; our redemptive destination is still far off. There is still so much to do
in our work of tikkun olam, repairing our fractured world. And so, I offer an update to Dayeinu, and suggest that in reality, while each in and of itself is important, it is only in the collective that it can truly be Dayeinu.
If we speak truthfully to each other about the pain, joys and contradictions of our lives, Dayeinu.
If we listen to others with sensitivity and compassion, Dayeinu.
If we fight economic injustice, sex-ism, racism, harassment and homophobia, Dayeinu.
If we volunteer our time and money, Dayeinu.
If we break the silence about violence against women and children in the Jewish community and everywhere, Dayeinu.
If we teach our students and children to pursue justice with all their strength, Dayeinu.
If we care for the earth and its future as responsibly as we care for those we love, Dayeinu.
If we put our values and convictions above our careers, mentschlechkeit above material possessions, and our parents and children above all else, Dayeinu.
If we create art, music, dance and literature, Dayeinu.
If we realize our power to effect change, Dayeinu.
If we bring holiness into our lives, homes and community, Dayeinu.
Maury joins me in wishing you a joyful, meaningful and liberating holiday.
Lisa Goldstein
Educator’s Edition
New Books for the Bendiner LibraryThe 2012 Sydney Taylor Book Award Winners
As we continue to create a vision and set priorities for Lifelong Jewish Learning at Temple Beth-El, we’d like to hear from those engaged in learning for themselves and/or for their children. The Lifelong Jewish Learning Committee will be conducting focus groups at a variety of times. Please choose one of the following sessions and join us to share your responses to some big questions that have import to our education programs:
Sunday, April 1 9:00 – 10:30 A.M.
Wednesday, April 114:30 – 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday, April 117:00 – 8:30 P.M.
Tuesday, April 174:30 – 6:00 P.M. at the EKA
on the Jewish Community Campus
Sunday, April 229:00 – 10:30 A.M.
We look forward to seeing you at one of these sessions!
Lifelong Jewish Learning Committee
to Conduct Focus Groups
Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012 Page 13
What a whirlwind few weeks we’ve had in Temple youth groups! In March, youth groupers of all ages came out for a fun afternoon of food and dunking the rabbis at the hugely successful Purim Carnival. SAFTYites, with the help of Haverim and Gesher, baked over 200 dozen hamantaschen (and sold every last one of them!) Students in grades 6, 7 & 8 traveled to Greene Family Camp for the NFTY TOR Junior Youth Group Retreat and learned about all the awesome opportunities headed their way as they transition from middle school to high school. SAFTY hosted a social action bonanza—SAFTYites spent a night making a difference at Dave & Buster’s, where they won thousands of tickets, which they used to buy toys and prizes to donate to the San Antonio Children’s Shelter. We are proud of our SAFTYites for working hard to improve our community!
We hope you’re as excited as we are about all of the amazing things happening in Temple youth groups! Here’s what we’re up to in April:Grades 4 & 5 – Haverim Mad Scientist!
Sunday April 15, 12:00 – 1:30 P.M.Did you know Albert Einstein was Jewish? Explore
his crazy world with us during an afternoon of glow-in-the-dark experiments and excitement! Cost: $5 per student, RSVP to Elena
Grades 6 & 7 – Olim Schmooze with Jews – Sunday April 22
Stay after Religious School to schmooze with your friends in Grades 6 & 7. Lunch included. Cost: $3 per student.
Grade 8 – Gesher Move-Up!Saturday April 21, 7:00 – 10:00 P.M.
Join SAFTY at Temple for a Mystery Bus Tour around San Antonio and a special celebration in honor of Gesherites graduating into SAFTY!
Details to follow—mark your calendars! You won’t want to miss this highlight of the year.
SAFTY – J-SERVESunday April 1, 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Join Jewish teens from across San Antonio for a day of mitzvot! Find it on Facebook (J-SERVE San Antonio) or contact Elena for more information.
SAFTY – Mystery Bus Tour!Saturday April 21
SAFTY presents Gesher Move-Up. Don’t miss the social event of the season, planned by the SAFTY Board and remaining a mystery until April 21. What’s in store? You’ll have to be there to find out!
NFTY TOR Spring Kallah at Greene Family Camp, April 27 – 29
Register online at www.nfty.org/tor. For questions about youth group and to be a part of
the fun, contact Elena the Youth Director at [email protected] or call 733-9135 x121.
We Thank Our Purim Carnival SponsorsThe SAFTY Purim Carnival was a huge success, and we
couldn’t have done it without the gracious support of our sponsors:
Hero of the Jewish PeopleMatthew, Jordana, Gabriel and Maya Epstein
Courtney, Steve and Joey Silver
Queen EstherNancy Belinsky and Debra Williams
Dental Offices of Irene BlaessRabbi Barry and Dr. Toni Dollinger Block
The Perloff Family
MordecaiLarisa and Brian Colton
Bill GoodmanRabbi Ari Plost and Cantor Star Trompeter
Temple Beth-El BrotherhoodTemple Beth-El Sisterhood
King AhasuerusAmol’s Specialty Inc.
Rabbi Alan and Cantor Julie BerlinGeri Gregory
Sherry, Andy and Ian JacobsonJoseph’s Inc.
The Levy CompanyDeborah and Morris Miller
Mark and Moira RogowMarcia Krassner and David Spener
Rabbi Samuel and Lynn StahlJosh and Miranda Sutin and Family
Gordan, Mary, Lucas and Nicholas WeinerAmy and Perry Wulfe
Lonnie, Lenora and Rachel Wulfe
Queen VashtiBobby, Cindy, Sam, Adam, Matthew and Brian Berman
Dee and Rick CardunerJerry, Nicole and Jacob Cohen
The Feinberg FamilyNeely and Merrill Kasanoff
Jean and Phil KolovsonClaudio Stokes-Liss and David Liss
Lee and Bob MarkmanMichael Ringel
Beth and Paul RogersLindsey Van de Kirk and Jan Roller
Lisa Farnett and Josue RomeroIris Berman-Smith and Charley Smith
This year, membership in Temple youth groups increased by
40%. More than 1/3 of all eligible students (Grades 4-12) are in-volved with youth group. Thanks to the generosity of those listed above, our Carnival sponsorships increased by 42% and allowed us to reach more students than ever before. This year’s sponsor-ships will allow us to continue to grow at an astounding rate and provide meaningful connections for our students while maintain-ing the high quality of our programs and relationships.
It’s never too late to support our youth — if you’d like to contribute to the growth of our program by sponsoring the Youth Fund, please contact Elena Dufner, Youth Director, at [email protected] or call 733-9135 x121.
Page 14 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2012
For more information contact 210.732.6564 AUSA [email protected]
Organized by the San Antonio Chapter ofAmericans United for Separation of Church and State
Saturday, April 2812:30-4:30 p.m.
TriPoint (3233 N. St. Mary’s, San Antonio, TX 78212)
Free & open to the public
We urge everyone to come and celebrate the
1st amendment, cornerstone of our freedom!
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
FIRST AMENDMENT DAYCelebration!2nd Annual
The Jewish Family Service Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon will be held Thursday, May 10, at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community starting at 11:00 AM. The event will include a silent auction, sponsor displays, and a musical tribute to the honorees presented by Tova Rubin and Company. The lunch begins at noon.
“The event honors women who have inspired us through their dedication and leadership”, said M.H. Levine, Executive Director. This year’s honorees are Silvana Bachman Bitran and Mary Sue Kern. “Each of these ladies has contributed their time, talent and treasures to make our community a better place to work and live”, said Rosanne Atlas, this year’s event Chairperson.
Silvana is a dedicated Jewish educa-tor at the Inda Posner Religious School (IPRS); teaching Hebrew and prayer, Torah and Jewish Values. She has a hand in most IPRS special programs such as the High Holy Days youth services, the Hanukkah
program and the Passover Family Experi-ence at the school. She leads the Agudas Achim monthly Tot Shabbat services and is most recognized for her development and leadership of the Junior Congregation. Silvana and her husband, Rabbi Leonardo Bitran, have been strong supporters of Jewish Family Service.
Mary Sue established the Walter and Reba Viner Charitable Fund, named in her parents’ memory. The fund has provided support for many San Antonio organiza-tions and thereby enhanced the lives of thousands of individuals and families. She is an active member in many organizations including the Jewish Community Center, the National Council of Jewish Women, Hadassah and Temple Beth-El Sisterhood. She is a Lion of Judah at the Jewish Federa-tion of San Antonio, a Board member of the Unicorn Center, has volunteered for numerous years for Elf Louis and she and her husband Maurie have been life-long supporters of Jewish Family Service.
The Mother’s Day Luncheon is an
Temple Telephone ExtensionsRabbi Barry H. D. Block . . . . . . . 101Rabbi Ari Plost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102Cantor Julie Berlin . . . . . . . . . . . 103Rabbi Alan Berlin . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Executive Director
Lisa Goldstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning
Geri Gregory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Member Services Coordinator
Iris Berman-Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Clergy and Cemetery Administrator
Elena Dufner, Youth Director . . . . 121Michael Ringel, Controller . . . . . . 124Michael Kung . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Facilities Manager
Sara Planto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Religious School Assistant
Edith Vanderventer . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Assistant to Cantor Berlin and Rabbis Plost and Stahl
Lisa Martinez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Administrative Assistant
Jean White, Music Director . . . . . 122Marlene Reynolds . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Bendiner Library
JFS Announces Mother’s Day Luncheon Honorees
annual fund raiser to support JFS pro-grams that provide services to seniors, children, victims of crime, and the JFS counseling program.
“The event is open to the public and it enables all of us an opportunity to hon-or those women who have inspired each of us by placing a tribute in the luncheon program and attending the luncheon,” said Atlas.
For reservations, to place and ad, or to place a tribute in horror of or memory of someone who has inspired you, contact Cheryl at JFS, 302-6921.
Silvana Bachman Bitran
Mary Sue Kern
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25 Nisan 26 Nisan 27 Nisan 28 Nisan 29 Nisan
30 Nisan
1 Iyar
2 Iyar 3 Iyar 4 Iyar 5 Iyar 6 Iyar
7 Iyar 8 Iyar
May Bulletin Deadline:April 5, at 12:00 Noon
April 2012 – Nisan/Iyar 5772 Temple Beth-El Monthly Planner Temple Telephone: (210) 733-9135
FAX: (210) 737-8946 Email: [email protected]
Temple B
eth-E
l Bulletin – A
pril 2
012
P
age 15
First Night of Passover12:00 Noon Brotherhood “First Friday Lunch” at Zorba’s Restaurant5:00 pm Shabbat Passover Service with Cantor Julie and Rabbi Alan Berlin in the Oppenheimer Chapel 6:30 pm MACHAR Seder at The Pearl Studio
First Day of PassoverNO Introduction to Judaism class9:15 am Shabbat Torah Study – Rabbi Block10:30 am Passover and Shabbat Morning Service in the Oppenheimer Chapel11:30 am Shabbat Seniors’ Havurah Passover Lunch featuring Rabbi Block discussing “Pearls from the Union Haggadah”6:00 pm Community Seder at the Temple
Passover NO Religious School
Passover NO Midweek Hebrew
Passover 6:00 pm Men’s Seder at the Barn Door Restaurant
Last Day of Passover Temple offices closed10:30 am Passover & Shabbat Morning Service with Yizkor – Oppenheimer Chapel6:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat6:30 pm Shabbat Service in the Wulfe Sanctuary – Rabbi Block and volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Janie Kolman. Rabbi Block: “The Local News.” Bar Mitzvah of James Marshall Warman6:30 pm Shabbat Service in the Barshop Auditorium – Rabbi Plost and Cantor Berlin with the Temple Beth-El Band7:45 pm “Passover is Over – Let’s Eat Hametz!” Congregational Spaghetti Dinner
9:00 am Introduction to Judaism class9:15 am Shabbat Torah Study – Rabbi Plost10:30 am Shabbat Service in the Wulfe Sanctuary – Rabbis Block and Plost and Cantor Berlin. Bar Mitzvah of James Marshall Warman10:30 am Shabbat Service at Golden Estates – Lisa Goldstein, RJE
8:30 am Boker Tov Café9:00 am Religious School. Grade 7 Family Education.9:00 am Adult B’nai Mitzvah classes12:00 Noon Haverim Event
4:30 pm Midweek Hebrew at the Jewish Community Campus4:30 pm Mussar Study with Rabbi Block at the Jewish Community Campus4:30 pm Lifelong Jewish Learning Committee Focus Group @ JCC
4:30 pm Midweek Hebrew at the Temple7:00 pm Introduction to Judaism class
7:30 pm Yom Hashoah community commemoration at Rodfei Sholom
6:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:30 pm Shabbat Service in the Wulfe Sanctuary – Rabbi Plost and volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Lynne Balbert. Rabbi Plost: “Judaism: A Religion of the Home.” Bat Mitzvah of Tess Edith Gellert.6:30 pm Shabbat Service in the Barshop Auditorium – Cantor Berlin and Shlihei Tzibbur (worship leaders) Chris Brown, Harry H. Levy, IV, and Ethan Ausburn, with Rabbi Alan Berlin on guitar6:30 pm TOT Shabbat in the Oppenheimer Chapel – Lisa Goldstein, RJE
9:00 am Introduction to Judaism class9:15 am Shabbat Torah Study – Rabbi Plost10:30 am Shabbat Service in the Wulfe Sanctuary – Rabbi Plost and Cantor Berlin. Bat Mitzvah of Tess Edith Gellert6:00 pm SAFTY Event: Gesher Move-up
8:30 am Boker Tov Café 9:00 am Religious School. Grade 8 Family Education.9:00 am Adult B’nai Mitzvah classes9:00 am Lifelong Jewish Learning Committee Focus Group9:15 am Pre-K class11:00 am AH-HAH class12:00 Noon Olim Event6:00 pm Brotherhood at the Spurs vs. Cavaliers Game
4:30 pm Midweek Hebrew at the Jewish Community Campus
8:30 am Boker Tov Café 9:00 am Religious School9:00 am Adult B’nai Mitzvah classes12:00 Noon Sisterhood Or Tamid Luncheon honoring Beth Keough at Paesano’s at the Quarry
9:00 am Introduction to Judaism class9:15 am Shabbat Torah Study – Rabbi Block10:30 am Shabbat Service in the Oppenheimer Chapel – Rabbi Plost and volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Rachel Walsh6:30 pm Brotherhood at Battle of Flowers Parade
12:00 Noon Brotherhood at Battle of Flowers Parade6:15 pm Kabbalat Shabbat6:30 pm Shabbat Service in the Wulfe Sanctuary for Reform Movement’s Israel Shabbat – Rabbis Block and Plost and Songleader, Lisa Goldstein, RJE. Elias Saratovsky, AIPAC Southwest Regional Director, will speak. NOTE: There is only one service this evening.
7:30 pm Mussar II Study with Rabbi Block
12:00 Noon Mussar II Study with Rabbi Block4:30 pm Midweek He-brew at the Temple6:00 pm Community Wide Observance of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut at the Jewish Community Campus
Pass-over
Passover 12:00 Noon Mussar Study with Rabbi Block4:30 pm Midweek Hebrew at the TempleNO Introduction to Judaism class4:30 pm & 7:00 pm Lifelong Jewish Learning Committee Focus Groups
4:30 pm Midweek Hebrew at the Jewish Community Campus4:30 pm Mussar Study with Rabbi Block at the Jewish Community Campus7:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting
4:30 pm Midweek Hebrew at the Temple7:00 pm Introduction to Judaism class
12:00 Noon May Temple Bulletin Deadline7:30 pm Mussar Study with Rabbi Block
8:30 am Boker Tov Café9:00 am Religious School9:00 am J-Serve for Grades 7-12 at the JCC9:00 am Adult B’nai Mitzvah classes9:00 am B’nai Mitzvah Havurah9:00 am Lifelong Jewish Learning Committee Focus Group10:30 am Sisterhood Board Meeting
NFTY TOR Spring Kallah at Greene Family Camp
Mission Statement of Congregation Beth-ElThe mission of Congregation Beth-El (also known as “Temple Beth-El”) is to
create a welcoming and vibrant house of God that inspires a community of Reform Jews committed to meaningful worship, spiritual growth, tikkun olam, and outreach within and beyond our congregation.
RabbisBarry H. D. Block
Ari PlostDr. Samuel M. Stahl, Emeritus
CantorJulie Berlin
Professional StaffRabbi Alan Berlin, Executive Director
Lisa Goldstein, RJE, Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning
Geri Gregory, Member Services CoordinatorIris Berman-Smith, Clergy & Cemetery Administrator
Elena Dufner, Youth Director
Michael D. Kung, Facilities ManagerMichael Ringel, ControllerJean White, Music Director
OfficersBill Goodman, President
Michael Swanson, Senior Vice PresidentArlene Dryer, Vice President
Robin Kressbach, Vice PresidentJoshua Sutin, Vice President
Anne Kanter, TreasurerBruce Munch, Secretary
AuxiliariesAndy Kabbe, Brotherhood PresidentSharon Miller, Sisterhood PresidentJose Pomerantz, SAFTY President
211 Belknap PlaceSan Antonio, Texas 78212
210-733-9135
PERIODICAL
Address ServiceRequested
TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL
Passover is Over ` Let's Eat Hametz!Congregational Spaghetti Dinner
Friday, April 13immediately after Shabbat Eve Services
(approximately 7:45 p.m.) in the Barshop Auditorium
Enjoy a delicious Family Shabbat Dinner with your immediate family and your Temple family!Kid Friendly, featuring a special Kid’s food station.
$13 for Adults, $7 per child, 12 and under, FREE for children under 5
Maximum family cost: $35If the cost of this event would prevent you from attending,
please contact Rabbi Block or Geri Gregory.
Send payment to the Temple Office at 211 Belknap Place, 78212 to be received no later than Tuesday, April 10.
RSVP and Pay Online at www.beth-elsa.org/passover . You may charge your credit card by calling Elena Dufner, 733-9135 x121.
