January 2018 — Tevet & Shevat 5778 Friends, One of the most beautiful buildings in all of Jerusalem is known as Beit Diskin, the Diskin orphanage. Originally built at the gates of the Old City in the late 19th century, it now is situated at the western entrance of the “new” city of Jerusalem. The orphanage was first founded and run by an important figure in Jewish history, Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin (known by the acronym Maharil Diskin), who we remember this month as we acknowledge the 200th anniversary of his birth in January of 1818 ת תקע״חֵ בֵ ט כ״ט ב- Reb Diskin was born in Hordono, in what today is Belarus. He was engaged before his bar mitzvah (now that’s a bar mitzvah present!), and at the age of fourteen he moved in with his in-laws to the town of Volkovisk (incidentally, this is where my wife Abby’s family is from on her paternal grandmother’s side). He became the rabbi in several smaller towns, including Mezritch and Kovno, before finally settling in Brisk, a major center of Torah life in Ashkenaz. He moved to Jerusalem in 1876, and remained there for the rest of his life. Notably, in 1880, he was offered the position of Chief Rabbi of New York, which he declined. During his years in Eretz Yisrael, Maharil Diskin was instrumental in laying the foundation for Torah life in the Holy Land. He established the Ohel Moshe yeshiva, and created the orphanage which still bears his name. He fought against the integration of secular studies into the curriculum of yeshivot, a pedagogical conflict which still exists in Israel today. There are many fascinating stories told about Maharil Diskin. It was said about him that he never approached the kotel, the Western Wall. Most people thought that this was because of the halachot (Jewish laws) having to do with ritual impurity; since there is a doubt as to the exact location of the original walls of the Temple Mount, he was very strict as to ensure that he not come too close to sacred land. However, one of his most devoted students, R. Zevulun Charlap, later explained that Maharil Diskin’s actual reasoning was the of pikuach Nefesh, concern for one’s safety. R Diskin was afraid that the sight of the destroyed Temple might be too much for him to bear emotionally, and could potentially damage his health. I particularly like the following story: He was once writing a get - a writ of divorce - for a couple in his home. Suddenly, he stopped writing it, and without explanation sent the couple away. The next day, it emerged that the woman had been lying, and that the man she had presented as her divorcing husband was not her husband at all, but rather a man with which she’d been having an affair. The people of the town believed that Rav Diskin had miraculously known that they were lying. He later told them, “It was not a miracle, but rather the intelligence that God gave us to use our brains wisely. The couple that came to me to receive a get had a young dog. When I was writing, I saw that the dog was going back and forth from the man to the woman. This surprised me, for was it possible that the dog was familiar with both of them? Before they had decided to divorce, they had surely separated because they could not get along, and so the dog must have remained with only one of them. If the dog had remained with her, why would it run to him? And if the dog was his, why would it come to her? I therefore understood that it was not her husband, and that the dog was familiar with both of them. That is why I stopped writing the get. Later on my suspicions were proved well-founded.” Ultimately, Maharil Diskin is remembered for his great care and compassion that he displayed for the people of Eretz Yisrael. Until today, many people visit his grave to pay their respects on his yahrtzeit. May we all merit to learn from his compassion and concern for those around us. With blessings, R. Gabe RABBI’S MESSAGE 4004 West Esplanade Avenue, South - Metairie, LA 70002 - Phone: (504) 454-5080 - Fax: (504) 883-8010 - www.BethIsraelNOLA.com
Transcript
Page 1
January 2018 — Tevet & Shevat 5778
Friends,
One of the most beautiful buildings in all of Jerusalem is known as Beit Diskin, the Diskin orphanage. Originally built at the gates of the Old City in the late 19th century, it now is situated at the western entrance of the “new” city of Jerusalem. The orphanage was first founded and run by an important figure in Jewish history, Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin (known by the acronym Maharil Diskin), who we remember this month as we acknowledge the 200th anniversary of his birth in January of 1818 כ״ט בטבת תקע״ח-
Reb Diskin was born in Hordono, in what today is Belarus. He was engaged before his bar mitzvah (now that’s a bar mitzvah present!), and at the age of fourteen he moved in with his in-laws to the town of Volkovisk (incidentally, this is where my wife Abby’s family is from on her paternal grandmother’s side). He became the rabbi in several smaller towns, including Mezritch and Kovno, before finally settling in Brisk, a major center of Torah life in Ashkenaz.
He moved to Jerusalem in 1876, and remained there for the rest of his life. Notably, in 1880, he was offered the position of Chief Rabbi of New York, which he declined.
During his years in Eretz Yisrael, Maharil Diskin was instrumental in laying the foundation for Torah life in the Holy Land. He established the Ohel Moshe yeshiva, and created the orphanage which still bears his name. He fought against the integration of secular studies into the curriculum of yeshivot, a pedagogical conflict which still exists in Israel today.
There are many fascinating stories told about Maharil Diskin. It was said about him that he never approached the kotel, the Western Wall. Most people thought that this was because of the halachot (Jewish laws) having to do with ritual impurity; since there is a doubt as to the exact location of the original walls of the Temple Mount, he was very strict as to ensure that he not come too close to sacred land. However, one of his most devoted students, R. Zevulun Charlap, later explained that Maharil Diskin’s actual reasoning was the of pikuach Nefesh, concern for one’s safety. R Diskin was afraid that the sight of the destroyed Temple might be too much for him to bear emotionally, and could potentially damage his health.
I particularly like the following story: He was once writing a get - a writ of divorce - for a couple in his home. Suddenly, he stopped writing it, and without explanation sent the couple away. The next day, it emerged that the woman had been lying, and that the man she had presented as her divorcing husband was not her husband at all, but rather a man with which she’d been having an affair. The people of the town believed that Rav Diskin had miraculously known that they were lying. He later told them, “It was not a miracle, but rather the intelligence that God gave us to use our brains wisely. The couple that came to me to receive a get had a young dog. When I was writing, I saw that the dog was going back and forth from the man to the woman. This surprised me, for was it possible that the dog was familiar with both of them? Before they had decided to divorce, they had surely separated because they could not get along, and so the dog must have remained with only one of them. If the dog had remained with her, why would it run to him? And if the dog was his, why would it come to her? I therefore understood that it was not her husband, and that the dog was familiar with both of them. That is why I stopped writing the get. Later on my suspicions were proved well-founded.”
Ultimately, Maharil Diskin is remembered for his great care and compassion that he displayed for the people of Eretz Yisrael. Until today, many people visit his grave to pay their respects on his yahrtzeit. May we all merit to learn from his compassion and concern for those around us.
With blessings, R. Gabe
RABBI’S MESSAGE
4004 West Esplanade Avenue, South - Metairie, LA 70002 - Phone: (504) 454-5080 - Fax: (504) 883-8010 - www.BethIsraelNOLA.com
Stanley H. Langer Youth Education Fund
Hope Langer Gertler Bert Langer Goldberg
Wednesday, January 10th, 12:00PM Beth Israel's Downtown Lunch and Learn series, at the Gertler Law Firm, 935 Gravier St #1900, New Orleans
Take some time to nourish your mind, body and soul. Lunch will be a kosher deli meal.
We ask for a $10 contribution.
Page 2
NEWS & HAPPENINGS
Thursday, January 18th, 10:30AM
Sisterhood Coffee, Cake & Conversation at Beth Israel
Sisterhood is sponsoring an hour-long discussion with Rabbi Gabe on a contemporary hot topic in Jewish life.
Guest speaker, Dr. Joel Spalter, “Beyond the Trees: A Morning with Jewish National Fund”
Dr. Spalter is JNF’s Vice President of Small Communities, President of JNF’s Southwest Board of Directors and an active member of JNF’s Task Forces on Water Innovation and the Arava Region.
Friday, January 19th following 6:00PM Services
Michael Hecht, GNO, Inc.
Michael is President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., the economic development organization for southeast Louisiana. Michael will discuss the future metropolitan area growth and what that could mean for the Jewish community.
Members: $18 per person adults / $9 per person child 1
Non-Members: $25 per person adults / $18 per person child
Page 3
A BLAST FROM THE PAST
A Beth Israel Cultural Nursery School Picture from the 1950’s
Front row (left to right): Alan Krilov, Aaron Etzkin, Bobbie Trestman, Morris Roenzweig, Phillip Katz, Jerry Cohen, Alan Gerson, Debbie Finkel, Dianne Finkel, Martin Covert, Karen Steabman
Back row (left to right): Leopold Sher, Sidney Young, Judy Cotlar, Gary Bruchis, Hal Becker, Sandy Krilov, Sherry Grossman, Gayle Carp
Page 4
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
Alan & Diane Franco
In memory of…by… Dr. Hyman Tolmas…………………………………….Dr. Connie Tolmas
Building Fund
Bradley & Daniela Bain Rabbi David & Jessica Posternock Neil & Jennifer Schneider
General Fund Anonymous Matthew Bivelacqua
In honor of…by... Joe & Lee Blotner's 5th Anniversary……………………...Sabina Altman Esther Rosenberg……………………………………...Joe & Lee Blotner Rabbi David Posternock…………………….Dr. Mark & Rochelle Effron Kathleen "Chink" Lepow…………………….Dr. Mark & Rochelle Effron Dr. Hilton Title……………………………...Dr. Mark & Rochelle Effron Irwin Lachoff……………………………….Dr. Mark & Rochelle Effron Judy Antin Lachoff………………………….Dr. Mark & Rochelle Effron Marshall Gerson…………………………….Dr. Marc & Deborah Fisher Marshall & Jane Gerson…………………...Reuben & Marlene Friedman
In memory of…by… Jim Altman……………………………………...Jack & Claire Benjamin Rebecca Salomon…………………………...Dr. Marc & Deborah Fisher Muriel Polikoff…………………………….Reuben & Marlene Friedman Maurice Dayan………………………………Dr. Marc & Esther Hendler Jim Altman…………………………………………Barry & Alona Katz Morris Lew………………………………………….Barry & Alona Katz Ida Katz…………………………………………………..Richard Katz Gertrude Rosenblat……………………………Henry & Susan Rosenblat Ralph Rosenblat……………………………….Henry & Susan Rosenblat Jim Altman…………………………………..Dr. Michael & Linda Zoller Rebecca Rachel Daitch……………………….Dr. Michael & Linda Zoller Abrom Daitch………………………………..Dr. Michael & Linda Zoller
DONATIONS TO BETH ISRAEL NOVEMBER 20 - DECEMBER 25, 2017
Please consider sponsoring a Kiddush in honor of a loved one’s Yahrtzeit or to celebrate a simcha
Please support our congregation by sponsoring a Kiddush Lunch to honor or remember someone, to celebrate a simcha, or even to just enhance our Shabbat celebration. There are three levels of Kiddush sponsorship:
Contact Rabbi David in the synagogue office today at (504) 454-5080, Ext 2 or [email protected] to reserve the date for your special Kiddush or to make a donation!
• January 6 - Irwin & Judy Lachoff in honor of Irwin’s Birthday & Bar Mitzvah Anniversary
• January 13 - Available for Sponsorship
• January 20 - Richard L. Katz in memory of his grandmother, Sarah Barder, z”l
• January 27 - Available for Sponsorship
Upcoming Kiddush Sponsorships - Yasher Koach to our Generous Donors!
Youth Programming
In memory of...by... Abraham Teles………………………………………Joel & Paula Picker Celia Gerber………………………………………...Joel & Paula Picker
Kiddush Fund
Anonymous
In honor of…by… Joe & Lee Blotner's 5th Anniversary…………………...Joe & Lee Blotner Meir Michael’s Birthday…………………………….Baruch & Hila Fogel Ben Gothard's Bar Mitzvah Anniversary……...Edward & Blayne Gothard The birth of Gabriel Steinhaus……………...Alessandro & Julie Steinhaus Danny Wasserman…………………….Dr. Michael & Lynne Wasserman Alvis Wilson’s Birthday……………………………Alvis & Jessie Wilson
In memory of...by... Marcia Silverstein………………………..Elene Beerman Miller Blotner Marston Jacob Adler……………………...Dr. Mark & Rochelle Effron
In memory of Edith Shine Picker, z”l
General Fund Ken & Sue Rae Brown Bishop Courtenay Miller Henry Teles Dr. Michael & Linda Zoller
In memory of…by… Mildred Covert………………………………...Martin & Cecile Covert
In honor of Marshall Gerson Kenneth & Nancy Levin Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Sontheimer Annette Smason Alan Smason Arlene Smason Wieder
The Stanley H. Langer Youth Education Fund
In memory of…by… Mark Silver………………………………………..Hope Langer Gertler
Refuah Sheleimah to…by… Francie Smith Saposnik……………………………Hope Langer Gertler
Page 5
In memory of… Remembered by… January 1 (14 Tevet) Alia Masia Bendahan Ruth Richman Cohen Max Goldberg Bessie R. Goldman Samuel Smason………………………………………………………………….Alan Smason Annette Smason January 2 (15 Tevet) Sigmund Lieberman……………………………………………..Elene Beerman Blotner Esther Rau……………………………………………………………….Jack & Annette Rau Irvin Zimmerman……………………………………………..Mark & Janet Zimmerman
January 3 (16 Tevet) Anna Gentcher……………………………………………………………..Shirley Nowalsky Alfred Steinhaus…………………………………………..Alessandro & Julie Steinhaus
January 4 (17 Tevet) Rachel Bieber Joseph Burnstein Abrom Daitch…………………………………………………..Dr. Michael & Linda Zoller Mildred Zoller Anna Goldberg Jack Gurry………………………………………………………..Harvey & Devorah Harris Leon & Ava Nowalsky Fannie Klumok…………………………………………………..Alan & Sherrie Goodman Fred & Sue Preis Mary C. Levinson David A. Melman Anna Stone Steckler………………………………………………………….Beverly Cohen
January 5 (18 Tevet) Isadore Irving Daitch………………………………………………………….Mildred Zoller Ida Leah Ginsburg………………………………………………….Jack & Joan Ginsburg Ethel Sillman Gurry……………………………………………Harvey & Devorah Harris
January 6 (19 Tevet) Isaac L. Goldberg……………………………………………..Myron & Marcie Goldberg Mary Hyman Isadore Kansas………………………………………………………...Jacob & Lee Kansas Nathan Polikoff……………………………………………………………...Barbara Polikoff
January 7 (20 Tevet) Moise Alaynick………………………………………………………………Dorlene Alaynick Herman Alperin Hyman Barnett Benjamin Katz…………………………………………………………….Allan & Terry Katz Michael & Jane (Olds) Katz Roberta Ann Katz Ruth Spinner Katz……………………………………………………………...Stephen Katz Cherie Mintz…………………………………………………………….David & Robin Mintz Bluma Polmer Barnett Raitman Helen Cotlar Samuels Harry Singer
January 8 (21 Tevet) Hannah G. Fischer
January 9 (22 Tevet) Rose Carp Aron John I. Hyman Bernice Jacobs…………………………………………………….Joel & Ruth Loeffelholz Alvin Strug
January 10 (23 Tevet) Anna Barkoff Bodenger Lillian Rambach
January 11 (24 Tevet) Jennie Levin Barkoff Hilda Blotner………………………………………………………………..J. Joseph Blotner Dr. Dan & Marcy Fertel Sydney & Joyce Fertel Mina Weiner Brandt……………………………………………...Simon & Paula Pulitzer
January 12 (25 Tevet) Rabbi Moses H. Goldberg Rose D. Holtzman Bernice Pailet Richmond……………………………………..Edward & Avri Haggerty
January 13 (26 Tevet) Benjamin S. Feldman Jane Hurta Kansas…………………………………….Jason & Rachael Kansas Feder Freida Mae Gottsegen Jacob & Lee Kansas Joseph & Janice Nodvin
In memory of… Remembered by… January 14 (27 Tevet) Bluma Weiner Bienn Mollie R. Lomm Lillian Gurry Rodos…………………………………………….Harvey & Devorah Harris Evelyn Rodos Marlene Trestman & Henry Kahn January 15 (28 Tevet) Barbara Glassman Leiser Goldblum Abraham Goldfarb…………………………………………………..Lise Goldfarb Abrams Jacob Goldman Virby Robert Tobba Trestman…………………………………………………….Freida Mae Gottsegen
January 16 (29 Tevet) Fannie L. Barkoff
January 17 (1 Shevat) Janice Antin…………………………………………………………….Irwin & Judy Lachoff Yetta Neudorfer Gertler…………………………………………...Mike & Marcy Gertler Ethel M. Polunksy Joseph H. Rosenberg……………………………………………..Leon & Ava Nowalsky Shirley R. A. Watsky January 18 (2 Shevat) Mina Lew Brener Minnie Kanter…………………………………………………….Jerome & Sandra Kanter Marcia Lachoff…………………………………………..Jason & Rachael Kansas Feder Jacob & Lee Kansas Benah Klafert Irwin & Judy Lachoff Ida Pailet……………………………………………………………Marshall & Jane Gerson
January 19 (3 Shevat) Sarah Burstein…………………………………………………..Alan & Sherrie Goodman Fred & Sue Preis Mildred Dorthy Glinky Nathan Loeffelholz……………………………………………….Joel & Ruth Loeffelholz Edith Sherman Fannie Wilk Zoller……………………………………………………………...Mildred Zoller
January 21 (5 Shevat) Dr. Sidney H. Antin………………………………………………….Irwin & Judy Lachoff Ellis Smith…………………………………………………………………….Annette Smason
January 23 (7 Shevat) Abraham Burnstein Bella Burnstein Max Fischer Isadore Lachoff………………………………………………………………….Benah Klafert Seymour Schiffman……………………………………………………….Shirley Nowalsky Rivka Taichman Yisroel M. Taichman Dr. Harry Zoller………………………………………………………………….Mildred Zoller
January 24 (8 Shevat) Sarah Barder……………………………………………………………..Barry & Alona Katz Richard Katz January 25 (9 Shevat) Alberta Black Jack Cohen
January 26 (10 Shevat) Dave Covert Samuel Grossman Melvin Rosenberg…………………………………………………….Shirley R. A. Watsky Goldie Breen Rosenson Irvin Smith………………………………………………………………………...Alan Smason Annette Smason Lesley Smith January 27 (11 Shevat) Leonard "Boo" Katz………………………………………………………………..Claire Katz
January 28 (12 (Shevat) Rose Altman…………………………………………………………………….Sabina Altman Cillia Parnes
January 29 (13 Shevat) Dr. Robert M. Alexander Philip Sokolsky
January 30 (14 Shevat) Yetta Lupin Saul Singer…………………………………………………………Marshall & Jane Gerson
January 31 (15 Shevat) Sidney Chalew…………………………………………………..Dr. Stuart & Gail Chalew Alex Goldstein Lena Handelman Sacks Ben Whiser………………………………………………………Myron & Marcie Goldberg
JANUARY 2018 YAHRTZEITS
Page 6
PASSOVER 2014 / 5774 PASSOVER 2014 / 5774
Beth Israel is a proud member of the Orthodox Union
and a supporter of YCT Rabbinical
School!
BETH ISRAEL NEWS
Book Dedications
Dedicate a book in honor of a loved one, in memory of
someone special, or for a happy occasion! Only $36 each!
Contact the synagogue office to dedicate a prayer book or
Chumash!
Beth Israel Sisterhood
Sisterhood is dedicated to the wom-en of Beth Israel. We are all about friendship, Jewish education, Jewish values and particularly, supporting our Beth Israel family and synagogue. We hope you, too,
believe in this endeavor by joining and sending in your dues of $18 now.
The committee helps individuals and families by providing anything from a phone call, a home or hospital visit, or a meal in such circumstances as an illness or the birth of a baby. If you are interested in serving on the committee
Thank You to our Volunteers To our Holy Kitchen Krewe: Judy Antin Lachoff, Chink Lepow, Paula Picker, Lee Beerman Blotner, Rochelle Adler Effron & Jackie Gothard.
To our committed Office Volunteers: Shirl Watsky & Paula Picker. To our incredible Chanukah Party Volunteers: Lee Kansas, Sienna Kansas, Rochelle Effron, Eddie Gothard, Rabbi Gabriel Greenberg, Abby Streusand Greenberg and Rabbi David Posternock
HOME HOSPITALITY
Can you offer a bed, or a Friday night dinner, or a Saturday afternoon lunch?
Contact Jessie Wilson at [email protected] and find out how you can participate in Beth Israel's hospitality endeavors.
Help us maintain a network of volunteers.
MAZEL TOV! To Eddie & Blayne Gothard and Judge Sol & Jackie Gothard on the graduation of their son/grandson, Benjamin Gothard, from LSU!
Sisterhood Presents...
Thursdays, 5:30PM at Beth Israel
YOGA WITH JANICE OPPENHEIM
Open to men and women of all ages $6 sisterhood members - $7 non-members
Our building is available to the community for use by civic and neighborhood groups and service organizations as well as by our members for various professional, social, or life cycle functions. We have technology for business meetings with video conferencing, high definition movie display, versatile space for your group or organization’s needs and much, much more. All groups and organizations are welcome to use our facility regardless of religious affiliation. Contact the synagogue office for more info or to schedule your event!
In December we hosted: Sisterhood: Coffee, Cake & Conversation with Rabbi Gabe, Sisterhood Movies Night: “The Band’s Visit”,
Introduction to Prayer Book Hebrew with Rabbi Gabe Greenberg, Exploring Judaism: When Do I Sit? When Do I Stand? with Rabbi Gabe Greenberg, NAMI Support Group, Shabbat Dinner with Michelle Erenberg
of the National Council of Jewish Woman, Guest Speaker: Sarah Wolf, 2018 Chanukah Party & Dinner, and Yoga with Janice Oppenheim
COMMUNITY NEWS
Page 7
Sun, January 7th, 1:00PM to 3:00PM - Jewish Community Day School - STEAM Sunday - at JCDS, 3747 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie. Contact Lauren Ungar at (504) 884-4091 or [email protected].
Tues, January 9th, 6:00PM to 7:00PM - AIPAC Event - Speaker: David Horovitz - at Tulane Hillel, 912 Broadway Street, New Orleans. Contact Kevin Altman at [email protected].
Tues, January 9th, 7:30PM to 9:00PM - Jewish Community Center - Book Signing: Francine Klagsburn, Author of “Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel” - at the Uptown JCC, 5342 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans. Contact Judy Yaillen at [email protected].
Wed, January 10th - January 31st, 7:30PM to 9:00PM - Gates of Prayer Continuing Education - at Gates of Prayer, 4004 West Esplanade Avenue, South, Metairie. Contact Gates of Prayer (504) 885-2600 or [email protected]
Thurs, January 11th, 6:45PM to 9:00PM - Federation - Katz Phillips Session - Location TBD. Contact Sherri Tarr at (504) 780-5609 or [email protected].
Tues, January 16th, 7:00PM - 9:00PM - Jewish Community Center Film - The Cathy and Morris Bart Cultural Art Series - “Keep Quiet” - at the Uptown JCC, 5342 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans. Contact Judy Yaillen at [email protected].
Wed, January 17th, 7:00PM - 9:00PM - Chabad - Women’s Rosh Chodesh Program - at the Chabad Center, 4141 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie. Contact: Chanie Nemes at (504) 957-4987or [email protected].
Sun, January 21st, 10:00AM to 12:00PM - Jewish Community Center Annual Meeting - at the Uptown JCC, 5342 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans. Contact Leigh Goodman at (504) 897-0143 or [email protected].
Sun, January 21st, 1:00PM - 3:00PM - Torah Academy - Community Health Fair - at Torah Academy, . Contact Torah Academy at (504) 456-6429 or [email protected].
Sun, January 28th, 12:00PM - 2:00PM - Jewish Community Day School - Living Green Fun Fest - at JCDS, 3747 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie. Contact Lauren Ungar at (504) 884-4091 or [email protected].
Tues, January 30th, 7:00PM - 9:00PM - Avodah - Panel Discussion on Criminal Justice Reform - Location TBD. Contact Dani Levine at (504) 861-1068 or [email protected].
Tues, January 30th, 7:00PM - 9:00PM - Federation - 2018 Annual Campaign Solicitation Training - Location TBD. Contact Sherri Tarr at (504) 780-5609 or [email protected].
