www.ourtemple.org (205) 933-8037 Birmingham, Alabama February 2019 Shevat/Adar 5779 The monthly bulletin for Temple Emanu-El Our Mission: Temple Emanu-El nurtures our relationship with God by making Judaism come alive, welcoming all people to help them grow on their spiritual journeys, and bringing more love and kindness into the world. Social Action Shabbat February 1 at 5:45 p.m. Judaism calls us to serve others and be together. This Shabbat will be shared with our hard-working Tikkun Olam Committee. This committee has been our arm of community engagement, through service, fundraising, and planning. Our Tikkun Olam team is always open to new ideas and new experiences. There will also be opportunity to sign up to get involved with service projects and social action through Temple Emanu-El.
Our Mission: Temple Emanu-El nurtures our relationship with God by making Judaism come alive, welcoming all people to help them grow on their spiritual journeys, and bringing more love and kindness into the world.
Social Action ShabbatFebruary 1 at 5:45 p.m.
Judaism calls us to serve others and be together. This Shabbat will be shared with our hard-working Tikkun Olam Committee.
This committee has been our arm of community engagement, through service, fundraising, and planning. Our Tikkun Olam team is always open to new ideas and new experiences. There will also be
opportunity to sign up to get involved with service projects and social action through Temple Emanu-El.
PLEASE NOTE: The hearing aid loop devices are located on the tallit rack near the elevator on the sanctuary level.
All services are webcast at
www.ourtemple.org
Babysitting during services available
upon request
USPS Identification Publication Title: Our Temple
Issue Date: February 2019Issue Number: 115
Statement of Frequency: Published monthly
except for June/July issue
Address: 2100 Highland Avenue SouthBirmingham, AL 35205-4002
Organization: Temple Emanu-El
Our Services2
Friday, February 15:45 p.m.
Social Action Shabbat Service/Birthday Blessing
Oneg sponsored by Donna & David Askenazi
Saturday, February 29:00 a.m.
Torah Study 10:30 a.m.
Shabbat ServiceTorah Portion
Mishpatim Exodus 21:1 – 24:18
Haftarah Portion Jeremiah 34:8-22
and 33:25-26
Friday, February 155:45 p.m.
Shabbat Service/Anniversary Blessing
Oneg sponsored by Alison & Robert Berman and
Sandra & Alan Berman
Saturday, February 169:00 a.m.
Torah Study 10:30 a.m.
Shabbat ServiceTorah Portion
T’tzaveh Exodus 27:20 – 30:10
Haftarah Portion Ezekiel 43:10-27
Friday, February 85:45 p.m.
Shabbat Service
Oneg sponsored by Fran Godchaux & Ron Cohen
Saturday, February 99:00 a.m.
Torah Study 10:30 a.m.
Shabbat ServiceTorah Portion
T’rumah Exodus 25:1 – 27:19
Haftarah Portion I Kings 5:25 – 6:13
Friday, February 225:45 p.m.
Diversity in JudaismShabbat Service
Oneg sponsored by Barbara & Jack Aland
Saturday, February 23 9:00 a.m.
Torah Study 10:30 a.m.
Shabbat ServiceTorah Portion
Ki Tisa Exodus 30:11 – 34:35
Haftarah Portion I Kings 18:1-39
Diversity in Judaism Shabbat
February 22 at 5:45 p.m.Jews come from all walks of life. This special
Shabbat will recognize the wonderful diversity in our congregation, and in Judaism around the world.
Our sermon will be delivered by Dr. Tarece Johnson from Atlanta. Dr. Johnson is a multiculturalist, author,
and creator of The Global Purpose Approach. She also founded Global Purpose Academy, Beauty & Glory and
co-founded, Peninsula International Academy (Placencia, Belize) and Jewish Global Diversity. A single mother with two children, she converted to Reform Judaism in 2016
and is a member of Temple Sinai in Atlanta. Dr. Johnson attended La Universidad del Sagrado Corazon in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and continued her studies by earning an MPA from Columbia University in New York, MBA from Emory
University and EdD from Capella University.
3Message From Our Senior Staff
Cantor Jessica Roskin
There is a man who comes to a Rabbi Levi Yitzchak from Berditchev and tells him that he can’t believe in a God that would cause all the horrible things in his life to happen. With
compassion, Rabbi Levi looks at the man and says, “The God you don’t believe in, I also don’t believe in.” What did the rabbi mean? Did he really not believe in God? Rabbi Levi is known for his relationship with God, for his ease in communicating his love and his disappointment with God. In a famous Yiddish song called A Din Toire Mit Gott (A Trial of God), composed by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, the Rabbi takes God to task for allowing God’s people to suffer. In the end however, Rabbi Levi offers his praise to God in reciting the beginning of the Kaddish, “Yitgadal, v’yitkadash, sh’mei raba!” So, for Levi Yitzchak, the God that would intentionally create misery in people’s lives was not the kind of God he would give credence to, and he would be more able to believe in a God that was more like a friend or family member who is present in our suffering but certainly not the cause.
I shared this story because I think for many of us, we have an outdated, inaccurate picture of God. I would even speculate that for some of us we haven’t thought about the possibilities of what God can be beyond the image of the old man with the white beard sitting on a heavenly throne. I was taught by one of my teachers, Rabbi Eugene Borowitz, that a person should update their theology every few years. The lesson is that we change during our lifetimes and, therefore, we should change how we think about God. To cause our ideas about intangible things such as morals, ethics, and spirituality to evolve ultimately affects how we behave in the world. So, updating how we think about God, in a way, is like updating software on our computers. In order to be functioning our best and to be in tune with the modern world and with the changing nature of our lives, we need more sophisticated “software.” So, we should occasionally ask ourselves questions, such as, “Where do we experience God? What do we currently believe about God?” Challenge your basic beliefs and learn some new and ancient ideas about God, the universe, and our ultimate roles in the world.
L’Shalom,
Cantor Jessica Roskin
Updating How We View God
Sign Up to Volunteer
For Shabbat Services
Round 2 of sign-ups is ongoing! Enrich
your Shabbat by participating in services. To see what dates and
opportunities are still available, go to
www.ourtemple.org & click on “Volunteering for Shabbat Services” on the top ribbon or call Barbara Aland
205-527-2236.
We are honored to welcome the following into our Temple Family:
Welcome Our Newest Members
Beverly Hawk
Around Our Temple4
Special FebruaryBirthdays
Following are members of our family celebrating birthdays in
years divisible by 5 or turning 90+. Sol Alevy
Amy AschermanJeffrey Bayer
Gail BayerDr. Nancy Berland
Caroline ClarkAbbey Cohn
Phoebe CottonAnisa DawnEllen Elsas
Alise ErdbergBrenda Friedman
Beth GerwinFran GodchauxNancy Goldberg
Howard KochRochelle Koslin
Leigh LewisCaroline Marx
Dr. Robert MayMarcy OpstalMichael PizitzAlix Rosenfeld
Dr. Michael RoutmanSara Scherer
Regina SigmanLinda Steinberg
Sam Tenenbaum, Jr.Adam Weil
Lynn WeinbergerLillian Williams
Please note that this list is gathered from information in the Temple’s database.
We apologize for any errors or exclusions. Please contact us at
We are open 24/7/365....ONLINE!!!www.templetraditions.com
Need a gift for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
How about a wedding? Baby naming? Other simcha?
Check out what we’ve got...don’t see quite what you are looking for?
Contact us and we will help you with ideas.
We can also order items that aren’t currently in the shop!
Come in the shop, visit us online, email, call...we are here for you.
Fill out a Registry Card for your simcha and get a 20% discount off one item!!!
Let your friends know you’ve signed up and we’ll be happy to help them with selecting items you’d like to receive. It’s a win-win for everyone!!
If you have questions, call Kim at (205) 733-1723 or send an email to [email protected]
Sisterhood Board MeetingSunday, February 24 10:00 am in Jasper Meeting Room
Board Meetings are open to all Sisterhood members.
Around Our Temple 5
FebruaryAnniversariesJanet & David AaronsJulie & Barry Altmark
Karen & Kenneth BluesteinAvie & Ronald CohenEmily & Joel FeinsteinHilary & Scott GewantCarol & Robert Gross
Carol & Donald HermanOlivia & Jack Kalin
Amy & Adam KesslerHollye & David LibermanGlenda & Paul Nagrodzki
Michele & Michael Wilensky
Please note that this list is gathered from information in the Temple’s database. We
apologize for any errors or exclusions. Please contact us at [email protected]
regarding any corrections. Thank you.
Happy AnniversarySave the Date
Special Speaker
March 15-16
featuring Rabbi Jan Katzew, PHD Associate Professor of Education and Jewish Thought
Director of the Rabbinical Program at Hebrew Union College /Cincinnati
Join us Friday at Shabbat Services as Rabbi Katzew gives a sermon and on Saturday morning, when he will teach Torah Study beginning at 9:00am. Immediately
following, Rabbi Katzew will accompany the Confirmation Class families as they visit the Legacy Museum, The
Southern Poverty Law Center and The National Memorial for Peace & Justice in Montgomery.
More details of the weekend will be forthcoming. All members of Temple
Emanu-El are encouraged and welcome to help assist in service projects which will be performed
at Temple and around the community. If you have a project
in mind or if you want to be a project leader, please contact
David Askenazi at 205-907-6048 by March 1st, 2019.
MITZVAH DAY Sunday April 14th 2019
We are grateful tothe Honan Family Torah Study Fund, and the Leah Marks Teen Education Fund of the Grafman Endowment Fund making this
special Scholar-In-Residence weekend possible.
Around Our Temple6
HONORABLE MENSCHENS
Thanks to all of our volunteers for their time in January on various tasks like preparing our bulletin for mailing, answering doors and phones, filing, and various other special projects.
Following are the wonderful people who helped out last month:Kaydee Erdreich-Breman
Linda CohnAlise Erdberg
Chu-Chi FiermanJanice Ford-Freeman
Shirley HassonMarilyn HaverIlene JohnsonLydia Johnson
Leah LeafWilliam LehmanOrli Lichtenstein
Holly MazerDavid OvsonSuzy OvsonEli Pinhas
David ReeseKim Roth
Zena SchulmanRhonda Weinberg
We welcome all who would like to volunteer! Please contact Robin Gotlieb
at (205) 933-8037, ext. 238.
Each month, tEmplE Emanu-El choosEs a spEcific rEcipiEnt for our tzEdakah Box
Three Hots and a CotThree Hots and A Cot is a 501(c) (3) organization formed by veterans to help veterans – to serve our brothers and sisters who need our help. Their primary mission is to assist homeless military veterans
transition from life on the streets into a self-sustained lifestyle. They are NOT a Homeless Shelter – but a gateway to independence. Whatever the need of the veteran – we will help them meet it. Whatever the road block is – we will help them move it. Whatever the hurdle in the veteran’s path – we will help them climb over it. Three Hots and A Cot’s objective is to be a source of healing and prevention of a national tragedy.
Faith in Action RecapOn Tuesday, January 8, 2019, Temple Emanu-El hosted the first Faith in Action hub session in the Jewish community with Temple Beth-El. Faith in Action is an interfaith organization that aims to promote awareness, educate and impact positive change on social action issues within the faith communities. In the hub session at our Temple, they discussed their plans for 2019. It was very well attended with approximately 43 people from various congregations in the Birmingham area. Amy Allon partnered with Diane Slaughter and Sheri Krell, from Temple Beth-El, to bring this event to the Jewish community. Thank you to David Askenazi and Monika Singletary who supported this project from the beginning, Cantor Roskin and our Temple Board who supported us in making this possible. A special thank you goes to the Temple staff for their assistance and service.
We did it! We fed 200 hungry people on Christmas Day with a delicious, homemade Christmas dinner. Thank you for shopping, donating, picking up, delivering, doing dishes, serving, cleaning up and doing major dishes! We bought, prepared and served 10 hams, 6 turkeys, 18 bags of stuffing, 20 boxes of gravy, 5 large cans of cranberries, 12 large cans of yams and green beans, 10 pies and countless cookies and so much more. Our guests ate as much as they could and then they stuffed hardboiled eggs in their pockets and carried out foil wrapped covered dishes for later. The team at Community Kitchens does this work daily and it's nice when we can provide them with a break to be home with their families on holidays. Together we made a difference and we couldn't have done it without the help of all.
Community Kitchens Recap
Around Our Temple 7
The ”T” Word- Wednesdays – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM – Founders Room
Join us for Adult Evening Torah Study on Wednesdays 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in Founders Room
Torah study goes beyond Saturday morning as we dig even deeper into the weekly parsha. What is that Biblical text really trying to say? We will discuss, unpack, and come up with some likely and unlikely theories during this hour. Wine and Torah are provided!
Temple Trips- February 7 – Stitching History from the Holocaust – Exhibit atAbroms-Engel Institute for the Visual ArtsTemple Tripscreatean opportunities to enjoy parts of Birmingham with your congregation in a casual, fun, & free way. Meet by the gift shop 30 minutes before start time to head to the museum.
Hedy Strnad, a Jewish dress designer in Prague, perished in the Holocaust, but her designs and her story live on in the dresses made from her rediscovered sketches. Come and see this fascinating and haunting exhibit about fashion, history, and what was lost in the Holocaust. This original exhibit was created by and is on loan from the Jewish Museum Milwaukee. It is presented by the Birmingham Holocaust Education Center. Learn more at http://bhecinfo.org/stitching/
Engagement - Community – KehillahFor more information or to register, Contact Monika Singletary, our Director of Congregational Engagement at [email protected] or 933-8037, ext 213.
"Wellness with Essential Oils" Lunch & Learn- Feb. 12 – 12:00 PM – Jasper Room There's an Oil for That! Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade™ essential oils can help address your concerns for everything from typical acute issues like allergies, to whole body issues like inefficient digestion.
Come ready to learn and put your nose to the test. You will be able to smell, and experience all the oils and products as well as walk away with samples specific to your health concerns.
We will cover oil basics, methods of use, and how to help with everyday ailments. Bring your own lunch and join us in the Jasper Room.
Highland Tribe- 20s & 30s GroupTemple Emanu-El and Temple Beth-El unite to share this Jewish young professionals’ group. Catering to ages 21 to 39, Highland Tribe creates spaces of fun, welcoming and engaging social, educational, informal Jewish experiences. Stay tuned for service projects, social events, and text studies coming soon! Follow us on Facebook at Highland Tribe Birmingham
Temple Emanu-El now has a BLOG! Are you interested in writing? Send your blog submissions to [email protected]. View our blog at: templeemanuelbirmingham.wordpress.com
8 Youth & Education
Dear Friends,
Family is the center of Jewish life, yet often we decline the opportunity to find time to talk with, be with and find comfort with our family. Below are some ideas that might help facilitate the process and remind us how important it is to talk with our family.
5 Questions to Ask at The Dinner Table
Nothing makes us happier than the strength of our human relationships. But what’s a quick and effective way to make sure our relationships with our closest people (our families) stay strong? These questions are based on a signature technique from Anil Gupta, a world-renowned relationships expert. It’s a simple series of 5 questions to ask around the dinner table. The exercise creates the space necessary for acknowledgement, gratitude, and discussion, while maintaining love and respect for one another. Members of the family go in a circle taking turns to answer each question.
What is it you’ve done today for which you’d like to be acknowledged?
This question is wonderful for children and adults alike. It helps us feel appreciated and helps us recognize each other. With children, it’s a great way to help boost their self-esteem.
What are you grateful for today?
Showing gratitude has profound effects on mental well-being. It increases self-esteem, improves your sleep, and increases energy levels. When you constantly show your appreciation and gratitude, you find more good things fall onto your lap.
What act of kindness did you see or perform today?
By asking this question, you’re asking your children to be aware of the beauty in the world. You’re also teaching them to be consciously kind to others and to see kindness as a natural way of being.
What was great about today? What magical thing did you see?
Allowing someone to talk about something that made them happy lets them know that you’re interested and involved in their life. It also increases happiness levels by getting you focused on positive things.
What unresolved issues do we need to talk about?
Opening the discussion to unresolved issues reinforces open communication, transparency and candor. It prevents resentment from building up over time between family members and creates a clear space for love and understanding.
Family Dialogue YOUTH & EDUCATION
SAVE THE DATE
Monday, Feb. 4Education Committee Meeting
6:00 pm
Wednesday, Feb. 6Hebrew School 3:30 pm
TEENs 5:30 pm
Sunday, Feb. 10Religious School 9:30 am
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Workshop Meeting 9:30 - Noon
Wednesday, Feb. 13Hebrew School 3:30 pm
TEENs 5:30 pm
Sunday, Feb. 17NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Wednesday, Feb. 20Hebrew School 3:30 pm
TEENs 5:30 pm
Sunday, Feb. 24Religious School 9:30 amWednesday, Feb. 27Hebrew School 3:30 pm
TEENs 5:30 pm
Lynda Gutcheon
Take turns leading the meeting each day so that each person gets to feel important, respected, loved, listened to, and acknowledged. Anil Gupta says that it’s important to also let your children run the meeting. Imagine what it does for the self-esteem and confidence of a young child when they get to lead dinner table meetings with their parents. Asking the right questions while being present and aware makes a huge impact in our lives and the lives of our children and it creates happier families. You can start with any number of these questions. Choose the ones that resonate with you and your family.Lynda Gutcheon Interim Director of Education
9Youth & Education
Mazel Tov To....... Erin & Todd Koretzky of New York City, NY on the birth of their son, Everett Fox Koretzky, born on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 . Also welcoming baby are his twin siblings, big sister, Campbell and big brother, Barrett. Congratulations to proud grandparents Susan & Barry Koretzky and Dr. Bob and Eileen Kaplan of Albany, NY. Also welcoming the new arrival are aunts and uncles Sara and Brett Koretzky, Jill and Robert Wollner and their children.
Renea Hutchins, Director
Let’s Do a Mitzvah! Jewish values are an important part of our Discovery School curriculum. We are
continually learning about Mitzvot (good deeds)!
Charles Phillips 1st
Sophia Sheikh 4th
Emmy Saag 7th
Maya Yang 9th
Ms. Christina 10th
Patrick Fraser 15th
Charlotte Sokol 16th
Claire Cui 16th
Raines Alexander 19th
George Weintraub 20th
Pearlie Dudley 27th
Aaron Sokol 31st
Ms. Ethel 31st
Don’t Forget
School will be cl os ed on Monday,
February 18th for President’s
Day Sharing is a Mitzvah
Learning is a Mitzvah Hugging a friend is a Mitzvah
10 Our Yahrzeits10
February 1-2Irvin R. Allen
Salomon AllounPatricia C. Bailey
Eva Rotenstreich BeckerDr. Bobby J. Bell
William BerkDaniel Betten
Frances Weber BirnbaumMarlene Bledsoe
Marvin Jay BleibergGenady Bronshteyn
Robert CarafiolAbraham Cohen
David William CohenIsaac Cohen
Richard Lawrence CohenPatsy Weil Collat
Leila CrownLouis Damsker
Gerson EisenbergCharlotte ElmetsSamuel EstroffA. O. FeidelsonCharles Fetter
Jacob FiesFrances FrohsinLeon GeismanEdythe Gewant
Leon RosenthalFrancis RosnerRita RoutmanBen RutsteinPhil Shapiro
Martha SilvermanMarvin Silverstein
Hattie Loewenberg SingerNyima Lois Stamler
Syd StantonCharles B. Todd
Hermon WeinsteinRoberta Kay Weinstein
Irene Zaslofsky
February 8-9Leroy Aarons
Max AllonMaxine Cohen BarkerLillian Muriel Berchuck
William BleiweissBette Ann Pearl Blumenthal
Bruce CassalKaceil ChernerHarry Cohen
Mina Louise ColemanThelma CuttlerAllan DensonCora S. Dorn
Florence ElsasLouis S. ElsasDottie Epstein
Stanley M. Erdreich, Sr.Alice Ettelson
Rochelle GalbertSylvia Gandler
Rebecca Slive GingoldHerman Goldberg
Mollie Handelman GoldbergGussie Goldstein
Geraldine "Jerry" Stewart Goodman
Irving GreenbergSamuel Grossberg
Keith HewellEdward Hiller
Bernard HolzerMaurice J. IvesHarry O. KanterHarvey KormanItka Kronenberg
Magda Beckmann KruseSonya Damsker Lefkovits
Bert LevinJane Marx LevyHerman Marks
Rose Rutenberg McClendonPaula Michael
Louis MohrOliver Benveniste Nasi
Violeta NeuwirthBella PerlmanPaul R. Rich
Abraham RoskinBarbara Danziger Schwartz
Hyman Silverman
Rose SilvermanCarolyn SlossD. Riley Stuart
James Edward UnderwoodMay Clara Weil
B.J. WinnikMurray WoltagLouis Wynne
February 15-16Bernice Aland
Sandra R. ApolinskyMena Kaufman BeckLouis Hyman Berry
Lillian Van Baalen BlachHarold (Bo) Bowman Blach IIIMorris D. Blumenthal, Sr.
Marks B. CooperMax Copeland
Richard DiamondGladys K. Evans
James Forrest FargasonStella FetterRuth N. Gold
Selma Virginia GoldstoneLee Gotthelf
Morris WIlliam GreenDaniel Greenspan
Clarence HagedornAlan Jack HananMarie F. HarrellA. "Chief" Harris
Janet Cypress HarrisRosalie Hurvich
Phyllis Rosenbaum JacobsRose Jacobson
Susie JaffeLouis KaplanBertha Kern
Joseph Seymour Kimerling
May the beauty of their lives shine forever,and may we always bring honor to their memory.Yahrzeits
Our Yahrzeits
Our Yahrzeits Our Yahrzeits 11Our Yahrzeits 11
Rosi KleinAlex LeitmanKate Levine
Myrna Landau LevineFrances G. Levy
Nathan Meyer MarcuseEva Margolin
V. Hugo Marx, Jr.Bruce A. Mayer
Ferdinand MeyerMarjorie Abraham Meyer
Harry J. MillerElla K. MorrisWalter Morse
Lincoln NewfieldMary Patrick
Patricia "Patty" Rubenstein Pizitz
Pauline Lewy RosenfeldMitchel Rubenstein
Gail RubinIrene L RussakoffAlbert SchinasiArnold J. Siegal
Beatrice SolomonSam Steinberg
Barbara Curjel SteinerEsther G. Swedlaw
James Carl ThompsonHyman YassemMorris Zaslofsky
Joe Ziff
February 22-23Floyd Bert Athey
Herbert R. BiernsteinLena Bittner
Regina Flaum BluttmanBradley CheslerDo Sup ChungLillian Cohen
Norman J. CohenHoward Cohn
Jacob Henry CohnJohn Allen DeesDorothy DolinksyMarylyn Dorsky
Lea EgliDavid Engel
David T. FeidelsonLon FlurerLee Forst
Simon FriedmanElbert From
Max Goldberg
Albert B. GoldsmithMalcolm Gordon
Jeanette GrossmanMargie (Smith) Herrington
Bettye HirschJames L. Hirsh
Morris JaffeStanley Kahn, M.D.
Istvan KerteszDorothy Koen
Marcia Cypress KramerEvelyn Leonard
Alice LevittMarjorie Lichenstein
David LovemanAbe Luria
Louis E. Maring, Sr.Elisa McKleroy
Nancy MendelsonDonald Glen MonroeEsther Israel Nathews
Herman NeedleAbraham David Oppenheim
Dena C. OsbandAlexander PinslerMilton Rabinowitz
Barbara Dunham Ream
Selma ReismanFlorence RenaudJoan Rittenbaum
David RoseLouis S. Rosenblum
Paul RosenthalHelen RotenstreichDora Landau Roth
Abraham SchulmanGabriel Sedlis
Mosely ShugermanIsadore E. Simon
Morris SiroteWill Slate
Bessie SteinbergGertrude W. Stern
Marius SznajdermanLouise Levy Temerson
Razelle TorantoBertha K. VanPraag
Richard WallerBrian Waronker
Moses WeilSayde Yeargin
Goldie Rosen Zinder
May the beauty of their lives shine forever, and may we always bring honor to their memory.Yahrzeits
Our Yahrzeits
... the family of Fima Katz of Mexico City, Mexico, who passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018. He is survived by his brother, Jose (Bari) Katz and sister Jenny Katz.
... the family of Leroy Monsky, Jr. of Rockville, MD on Thursday, December 27, 2018. He is the son of the late Leroy Monsky Sr. and Maurine Monsky. Sisters were the late Julie Monsky Metzger (Buddy) and Merry Monsky Bodzner (Richard). Leroy is survived by his three daughters and first cousins Paul Friedman Jr. (Cathy), Mark Friedman, and Sandy Friedman.
CONDOLENCES TO
Our Tributes12
Donations to our General Temple and Endowment Funds, and the Unrestricted Named Endowment Funds provide the greatest Flexibility to respond to our congregation’s changing needs.
We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who support our congregation by remembering and honoring their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions. Thank you for the following gifts received through January 9, 2019.
General & Unrestricted Funds
In Memory Of:Martin Aaron by Stephanie & Stephen SteinmetzJudy Abroms by Susan & Jeff Cutler by Nancy Goldberg by Stephanie & Stephen Steinmetz by Sylvia Wright & Eli PinhasBrett Berman by Trey, Andrew, Cheryl & Charlie CollatThelma Bernstein by Bernice BarsteinAnne E. Cohn, mother-in-law of Linda Cohn by Susan & Jeff Cutler by Betty & Max SteinmetzRose Davis by Jane & Malvin DavisLon D. Flurer by Mary FlurerEdith Gerson by Isabel & Alan SiegalButch Gordon by Herbie MillerVirginia Heiman by Ricky Koslin & Lyons HeymenPhyllis Lehman Herman by Carol & Donald HermanBernard Honan, father of Michael Honan by Betty & Max SteinmetzFima Katz, brother of Jose Katz by Chu-Chi & Bobby Fierman by Nancy & Glenn Goedecke by Julie & Howard Koch by Susan & Barry Koretzky by Candy & Ed MeyersonIsadore Lasser by Linda CohnLeroy Monsky, Jr., cousin of Paul, Mark and Sandy Friedman by Chu-Chi & Bobby Fierman by Ashley & Jon LewisStephen Peetluk by Chu-Chi & Bobby Fierman by Stephanie & Stephen SteinmetzBabs Perlman by Nancy Goldberg by Stephanie & Stephen SteinmetzWilliam Rich by Marie Rich
Lindsay Raymond by Bernice Barstein by Ricky Koslin & Lyons Heymen by Betty & Max Steinmetz by Stephanie & Stephen SteinmetzErin Rosemore, daughter of Michael & Michelle Rosemore and Kim Rosemore by Susan & Rodney Barstein by Harry Bayer and Gayle Leitman by Margie & Myron Butler by Cheryl & Charlie Collat by Tom Cowan by Adrian & Jeff Dyer-Smith by Jacqueline Feldman by Amy & Scott Garber by Nancy & Glenn Goedecke by Bill Goldman by Susan & Macon Gravlee by Pat & David Halpern by Bunny Howard by Heather Imhof by Gordon Kirschberg by Pat & Michael Levine by Denise & Wayne Lewis by Erin, Christi & Ben Lunsford by Candy & Ed Meyerson by Martha & Johnny Mack Morrow by Marion Rosemore by Charlotte & Robert Russell by Elinor Sue & Michael Staff by Margaret & Max Stern by Linda Verin & Rick Clay by Lori & Jimmy Weil by Lorraine & Bert WolfStanley Routman, father of Marc Routman by Bernice Barstein by Laurie & Craig Elmets by Amy & Scott Garber by Ricky Koslin & Lyons Heymen by Denise & Wayne Lewis by Ashley & Jon Lewis by Betty & Max Steinmetz by Joan & Don WeisbergFlorence Siegal by Dr. & Mrs. Dowdy by Brenna Jean & Charles DowdyNathan Solomon by Jane & Malvin DavisDonald B. Toland by Deborah & Roy SwindalJuliette Toland by Deborah & Roy Swindal
Our Endowment Funds At Work
We greatly appreciate the enhancements provided by the
following funds of the Grafman Endowment Fund enriching our congregation over
the past few months:
General and Unrestricted Endowment Funds for underwriting the costs associated with the search process in interviewing and selecting our next senior rabbi.
Ruth & Marvin Engel Cantorial Fund for contributing a substantial portion towards underwriting the compensation package for our cantor.
Gail & Jeffrey Bayer Family Fund for Religious Education for contributing to the salaries of our Religious School administrative staff.
Ruth & J.D. Rosenberger Music Fund and Mary K. Broadnax Music Fund for enhancing the wonderful Shabbat of Song commemorating the life and career of Leonard Bernstein in January with a lovely oneg following the service.
Figtree Scholarship Fund for providing a scholarship grant to one of our young adults to travel to Israel in conjunction with Birthright this past December.
Our Tributes 13
Rebecca Staff, daughter of Elinor Sue & Michael Staff by Harriett & James Heacock by Lindsay Levine & Lee Ascherman by Pat & Michael Levine by Watts Realty Company by Lori & Jimmy Weil by Sylvia Wright & Eli PinhasBuddy Warren by Carol Ann WarrenNorma Warren by Carol Ann Warren
Wishing Good Health To:Roz Caplan by Sandra & Alan BermanLacey Epstein by Susan & Barry KoretzkyJudy Monheit by Jane & Joe BluesteinRoxanne Travelute by Stephanie & Stephen SteinmetzJanet Wertheimer by Chu-Chi & Bobby Fierman by Donna & Howard Goldberg by Julie & Howard Koch by Amy & Michael Saag
In Honor Of: Birth of Caroline Katherine Howell, granddaughter of Rochelle & Mike Koslin by Stephanie & Stephen SteinmetzBirth of Everett Fox Koretzky, grandson of Susan & Barry Koretzky by Sandra & Alan BermanBirth of Samuel Decker Marx, grandson of Margot & Edgar Marx by Jane & Joe BluesteinSpecial Anniversary of Jane & Joe Bluestein by Sandra & Alan BermanSpecial Anniversary of Linda & Richard Cohn by Sandra & Alan BermanSpecial Birthday of Alan Davis by Sandra & Alan BermanSpecial Birthday of Donald Hess by Judy & Gerson May
Dear Grafman Endowment Fund:
I am incredibly grateful to the Figtree Fund for helping expense my first trip to Israel. This journey to our Homeland
came at the perfect time— allowing me to mentally reset and to start off 2019 refocusing on the most important
things in my life. In late December, my sister, Rebecca Blitz, and I boarded a plane with 25 other Americans to Israel not
knowing what to expect from our Extreme Amazing Israel Birthright experience. Upon arrival, 7 new Israeli
additions joined our growing group. After spending a short 8 days in Israel, I found that those 32 strangers
became mishpacha (family), the state of Israel became a home, and I became closer to my Judaism. Through
hiking through the mountains and across the desert, exploring the history of Jerusalem, biking along the
coast in Tel Aviv, and floating in the Dead Sea, I feel as though I was able to further connect with my Jewish
roots and experience the wide-range of opportunities that Israel has to offer.
Although there are a myriad of highlights from this trip — one in particular has truly changed my life.
It was Shabbat, and for the past four days, our group had not rested for a second; we had places to be and
people to see. But we arrived in the Old City of Jerusalem and sat in a circle on the cold stone of these ancient
grounds. Our tour guide prompted us to close our eyes and picture someone we would like to be with us as we
approached the Western Wall momentarily. We then shared our responses with our mishpacha, and come to
find out, Rebecca and I were thinking of the same person—our late grandfather, Pops.
As we approached the Western Wall, Rebecca and I held hands and touched the Wall with our other
hand and stood silent, remembering relatives we had lost before and during our lifetimes, relishing in our
thankfulness for this experience together, and praying.
It was such a powerful experience, and I am extremely grateful to have traveled to Israel with my sister
to explore where Judaism has been and where we are going. Without the support of the Figtree Fund,
my Birthright experience would not have been the same.
Many thanks, Callie Blitz
Engagement of Brooke Schwartzman, granddaughter of Bernice Barstein, to Eric Elfenbein by Candy & Ed Meyerson by Ferne SeigelDavid Warren on his retirement by Mallory, Erin, Debbie & Mitch BlockRabbi Adam Wright by Robin & Hilton BergerMarriage of Jonathan Horn to Tammy Caldwell by Stephanie & Stephen SteinmetzMarriage of Sylvia Wright & Eli Pinhas by Laurie & Craig Elmets by Chu-Chi & Bobby Fierman by Denise & Wayne Lewis
Callie Blitz (right) with her sister,
Rebecca, in Israel on a Birthright excursion
this past December.
Your contributions through our “Temple Tributes” help to support Temple Emanu-El’s annual operations and activities, and further
build our Grafman Endowment Fund to enrich our congregation…now and forever.
To make a Tribute Gift to either a temple or an endowment fund, please contact the Endowment Office at 933-8397 or [email protected].
A list of all our funds is available on the our website at www.ourtemple.org.
SPECIAL THANKS
The Temple and Grafman Endowment Fund leadership gratefully acknowledges
the foresight and generosity of the Michael Rosemore family for
establishing the following new named fund in memory of their daughter, Erin:
Erin Rosemore Fundfor unrestricted purposesAs this fund grows, it is designed to eventually provide funding to assist any of our Temple youth with disabilities to better participate in our youth & education studies and activities.
When you do your estate planning, please remember the Temple!
For more information on creating a Named Fund, or exploring the many ways to include the Temple in your estate plans,
please contact Jann Blitz in the Endowment Office at 397-0814.
Our Tributes14
CANTOR JESSICA ROSKIN DISCRETIONARY FUNDIn Memory Of:Louis Goldman, Rose Goldman, Sally Librach, and Frank Librach by Renita & Jay GoldmanIn Honor Of:Special Birthday of Alan Davis by Susan BiedingerCantor Jessica Roskin by Leah Leaf by Amy TrammellMarriage of Sylvia Wright & Eli Pinhas by Susan Biedinger by Eli Pinhas by Ingrid & Howard RoskinMarriage of Emily Rousso and Seth Capper by Nancy & Danny Rousso
Designated Temple Funds
Gifts to these “immediate use” funds fulfill special needs beyond the scope of what dues and tuition fees are able to provide.
ABROMS HALL PRESERVATION FUNDIn Memory Of:Judy Abroms by Carol, Laurie, & Zachary Solomon
BLACH FAMILY FUND FOR DUES ENDOWMENTIn Memory Of:Judy Abroms by Nancy & Harold BlachErin Rosemore by Richard, Jason, Kit & Rick RothWishing Good Health To:Jimmy Filler by Nancy & Harold Blach
NINA & NORMAN COHEN NEXT GENERATION FUNDIn Memory Of:Leroy Monsky, Jr. by Lois & David Cohen
HANNAH & HYMAN GOLDSTEIN VOLUNTEER FUNDIn Memory Of:Hannah Goldstein by Marilyn & Murray TannerHyman Goldstein by Marilyn & Murray TannerFima Katz by Debra & Joel GoldsteinWishing Good Health To:Janet Wertheimer by Marilyn & Murray TannerIn Honor Of:Special Birthday of Gail Herman by Marilyn & Murray TannerMarriage of Sylvia Wright & Eli Pinhas by Debra & Joel Goldstein
RABBI JONATHAN MILLER ENDURING LEGACY FUNDIn Honor Of:Birth of Samuel Decker Marx by Elise & Hank Frohsin
Designated Endowment Funds
Contributions to these “perpetual” funds help provide permanent sources of income for special programming and enhancements
for our temple today, as well as for future generations.
HONAN FAMILY TORAH STUDY FUNDIn Memory Of:Erin Rosemore by Roxanne Travelute & Michael HonanIn Honor Of:Marriage of Sylvia Wright & Eli Pinhas by Roxanne Travelute & Michael Honan
REESE FAMILY FUNDIn Honor Of:Marriage of Sylvia Wright & Eli Pinhas by David Reese
BUNNY & JOEL ROTENSTREICH FUND FOR DUES ENDOWMENTIn Honor Of:Special Anniversary of Sherry & Jerry Cherner by Bunny & Joel Rotenstreich
LANA & STEVE ROYAL FUND FOR DUES ENDOWMENTIn Honor Of:Special Anniversary of Lana & Steve Royal by Chu-Chi & Bobby Fierman
JANET & LEONARD WERTHEIMER FUND FOR DUES ENDOWMENTIn Memory Of:Fima Katz and Leroy Monsky, Jr. by Janet & Leonard Wertheimer
CARING COMMITTEE FUNDIn Memory Of:Eileen Johnson and Aaron Rosenfeld by Ilene & Ken JohnsonIn Honor Of:Dale Marcus by Lisa M. McCarroll
THE MUSIC FUNDIn Honor Of:Special Birthday of Alan Davis; Marriage of Sylvia Wright & Eli Pinhas by Jamie & Greg Odrezin
THE BIRTY YOUTH GROUP FUNDIn Memory Of:Lon D. Flurer by Monika Singletary
Our Sponsors 15
Temple Emanu-El
Gift Shop
February 2019 HoursSunday: 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon
Wednesday & Friday: 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.or by appointment contact Kim Roth at 205.914.3545
Temple Emanu-El Adver tising Information for Our Temple Bulletin Black & white ads are sold on an annual basis only and will run for 11 consecutive months.
Available ad sizes include small, medium, and large. (Sorry, color ads are not available.)
Why advertise with us?• Businesses get an Automatic Trust Factor when advertising in faith-based newsletters.• Your advertising will be in both over 600 monthly circulated print editions and also in the digital edition on our website, which is visited by our members and many non-members. • Your business is viewed in a positive light as a community supporter.• Every potential customer lives in your community!Monthly payments are available. For pricing and other information, please contact: Temple Emanu-El (205) 933-8037, ext. 239 [email protected]
In addition to our shop at the Temple....we are now ONLINE!!www.templetraditions.com
Looking for a gift, special item, or simply Shabbat candles?
Checkout our selection from home, place your order and pick it up at the Temple
whenever you are in the area (please give us 48 hours).
Register for a life cycle event (Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, Baby Naming, etc.)
It’s a great way to let everyone know how to honor your special event!
Clergy Cantor Jessica Roskin, Engel Cantorial Chair Rabbi Jonathan Miller, Rabbi EmeritusSenior Team Robin G. Gotlieb, Executive Director Jann Blitz, Endowment Fund Executive Director Lynda Gutcheon, Interim Director of Education Monika Singletary, Director of Congregational EngagementBoard of Directors Executives Dr. Al Cohn, President Robert Berman, President Elect Charles Collat, Jr., Vice President Dr. Jackie Feldman, Vice President Lisa Bebenek, Secretary Kerry McInerney, Treasurer Ben Weil, Immediate Past President Sherron Goldstein, Presidential Appointment Ronne Hess, Presidential Appointment General Board Laurie Elmets Becky Gordon David Nomberg Eli Pinhas Kit Roth Brittany Saag Candy Meyerson, Endowment Fund Board PresidentAuxiliary Leadership Mark Mussafer, Brotherhood President Sylvia Wright, Sisterhood President
The monthly bulletin for Temple Emanu-El2100 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 (205) 933-8037 | FAX (205) 933-8099 www.ourtemple.org
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In the event of a family emergency after hours, please contact us: Cantor Jessica Roskin: (205) 266-6549 Robin Gotlieb: (251) 422-6637
Founded in 1882 and affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism.
This issue of OurTemple bulletin is made possible through the support of the Rabbi Grafman Endowment Fund.
Remember Temple’s Endowment Fund in your estate plans, and please let us know when you do.
