INSIDE Shabbat Services pg 2
Friday Night Live! pg 5
B’nai Mitzvah Students pg 9
Events Calendar pg 11
Tzedakah Donations pg 18-19
April 2014 ● NISAN 5774
A L I F E T I M E O F B E L O N G I N G
In Every Generation…
Women's SederSunday, April 6, 20144:00 in the afternoon
Bring a mother, daughter, sister or friend and make new memories while we recall the past during our catered Seder.
Guests are welcome.
the Ma alotthe Ma alot’
2 April 2014 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEBeth CarrollPresident
Carole FrankelVice-President/Membership, Chavurot
Wendi FastVice-President/Administration
Sharon BlindellVice-President/Community Relations
Rod SternVice-President/Legal
Rachel Harman-FriedmanVice-President
Richard SternbergTreasurer
Heath LinerSecretary
BOARD MEMBERSDebra BordenKim BurgerShannon ColemanDebra GoldmanMarty HartJamie EvansSharlene KonowitchJudy KuperbergEileen LensonLisa MonetteCharlotte RadziminskyLori ReznickAbby RozenbergJerry SilverJoe SloateArlene TaslitzBob Yonowitz
BROTHERHOODMichael KaiserCo-PresidentDavid TeincuffCo-President
NASHIM (SHM WOMEN)
Katherine LinerCo-ChairJamie EvansCo-Chair
SHABBAT SERVICES
RABBI RICHARD M. STEINBERGSENIOR RABBI
RABBI LEAH LEWISTHE JAFFE FAMILY ASSOCIATE RABBINIC CHAIR
CANTOR ARIË MANELA SHIKLERTHE HOLLANDER FAMILY CANTORIAL CHAIR
Marisa Kaiser, M.A. Ed., R.J.E.THE ALPERT-WALDMAN FAMILY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION CHAIR
Beth Shikler, M.S.EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Stacy Bleiweis, M.B.A.MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Lindsey Morlan, M.A.OFFICE MANAGER/ASSISTANT TO
RABBI STEINBERG, RABBI LEWIS, AND CANTOR SHIKLER
Rebecca ZarrabiYOUTH DIRECTOR
Leora RoblesASSISTANT TO DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION,
MARISA KAISER
Lynne Koffl erBOOKKEEPER
Lynda ClineCOMMUNICATIONS/GRAPHIC DESIGN
Rabbi Bernie King, z”lFOUNDING RABBI
Friday, April 4th• 7:00 pm Family Shabbat Service with Youth Choir & Band and 6th Grade
Parti cipati on followed by Israeli Dancing
Friday, April 11th• 7:30 pm Shabbat Service with Temple Musicians and
Marriage Reconsecrati on
Friday, April 18th• 6:30 pm Tot Shabbat Service with PJ Library Reading• 7:30 pm Shabbat Service
Friday, April 25th• 7:00 pm Pre-Neg for Past Israel Trip Att endees• 7:30 pm Friday Night Live! Shabbat Service, “Common Decency”
Cover Photo: From the SHM stained glass window, Creati on, this porti on of the window shows The Alef, sitti ng in a sea of calm above the chaos of creati on. The Alef is the fi rst lett er of the Hebrew alphabet and also the number one. Inthis case the Alef is a metaphor for one God, the beginning and Adam, the fi rst human. The sun in all its glory is showing us our warmth, our light, our life. The moon is in solar eclipse and is our calendar and our clock. We look to the moon is awe, and the moon looks back.
the Ma alotthe Ma alot’
A L I F E T I M E O F B E L O N G I N G April 2014 3
FROM OUR RABBI
Rabbi Richard SteinbergSenior Rabbi
I love being a rabbi. I could not imagine doing anything more fulfi lling, more invigorating or more meaningful. I am blessed ten times over to be able to do what I do. Being a rabbi of a congregation our size is fi lled with challenges and puzzles, with joys and celebrations and services and simchas. Being a rabbi requires tremendous creativity several times a week in writing, sermonizing and teaching. Being a rabbi is an honor in that one is invited into the lives of his/her members in the darkest moments and in the brightest times. During the storms of people’s lives, the rabbi is there to guide, comfort and listen. During the celebrations, the rabbi is the master of ceremonies, quite literally, and must direct the fl ow of events.
In baseball, there is a phrase, “hitting for the cycle.” Th is means that one player hit a single, double, triple and homerun all in the same game. When a rabbi hits for the cycle it means that in one weekend, he/she did a baby naming ceremony, offi ciated at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, conducted a wedding and presided at a funeral. I have hit for the cycle many, many times.
Th e Torah instructs the Israelite that every seven years, they must allow the land to take a sabbatical. Instead of constantly plowing and farming the land, it must remain still in order to regenerate and reenergize so as to provide a bountiful harvest for the proceeding years.
So too it is with rabbis. Being on the constant go is a way of life, but if one
is not careful, he/she can burn out quickly. Th is is why I am so blessed to be part of a congregation that not only allows, but encourages, that their rabbis take sabbaticals in order to better serve the Temple. Typically, a rabbi is granted a sabbatical every seven years for a length of six months. So beginning this May, I will be on sabbatical through July and then again in 2015, from May-July (I choose to split it up instead of taking the time all in one shot). Th is will allow me to do the spiritual work and the intense introspection one needs to serve a congregation and community.
When I took my last sabbatical, I achieved two things of which I am proud. Th e fi rst insight I had was that our Temple should be “theme” based; that the programs we off er ought to include a central through line that would spark the spirit and carry on through the year. We have had several so far: Th e New Shabbat Experience, Th e L’chaim Project, Michpacha Family Moments, Kehillah Kedoshah, to name just a few. Th e other accomplishment of my last sabbatical was to begin the process of obtaining my degree in Marital Family Th erapy, which I have used immeasurably in my practice as a rabbi and I hope our congregation has been the benefi ciary of such training.
I have grand plans for this sabbatical as I am in the process of writing a book. I hope to dedicate the bulk of my time away to this endeavor so as to benefi t our Temple and the greater community as well. Writing such a book will continue to feed my soul and my spirit
and will allow me to come back to you fresh with ideas and creativity.
Between Rabbi Lewis, Cantor Shikler and Beth Shikler, the Temple will be covered on all bases during my absence. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I have been aff orded. Such a sabbatical will benefi t me and our community all at once.
THE REWARDS OF A SABBATICAL
4 April 2014 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING
FROM OUR CANTOR
Save June 7th on your calendars and let me explain why. Well, I am going back in time to my high school days. No, I don’t have a time machine, only music. Music can transport us anywhere in time, heart and soul in the short time that it takes to sing a song. And not just music from the past necessarily, any music.
Back in those days the main sources for music were radio, live bands and friends who had a record player. My next door neighbor Yossi had a record player and three records. We would listen to Elvis, Little Richard and Th e Shadows, an instrumental band. When I met my friend Memi in high school, he had a larger collection of Gospel, Blues, Jazz and Folk music. Memi and I both played guitar and we would spend a lot of time learning and practicing songs of every genre. He was a great piano player and the two of us became a duo. If we went to a party we always brought our guitars and a set of bongos with us.
After everyone was tired from dancing to the popular songs of the time, we’d start to play and sing. Before too long there would be a large group surrounding us all singing together with spirit. If there was a piano Memi would play it and I’d sing, play guitar or bongos. Other musicians would join in from time to time as we expanded our musical landscape. Everything was “live” and acoustic. Th ere is a certain quality to that sound that cannot be duplicated with electronics. Two guitars, harmonies, occasional drum beat and lots of spirit.
Like the lyrics to the song “Th ose Were Th e Days.” “Th ose were the days my friend we thought they’d never end, We’d sing and dance forever and a day”
I still remember the fi rst time I saw an electric guitar. It was a light blue Fender owned by a guy named Zohar who was a year older than us. Later on that year I traded my acoustic guitar with the brand
name “Chicago” for a new acoustic guitar with a pickup and a volume knob so I could plug it in and go electric.
Th ere was an input behind my parents’ old “Pilot” radio and I could turn it into an amplifi er. What fun!
When unplugged, the guitar still had a nice acoustic sound quality so it was a dual purpose instrument. We played a lot and pulled quite a few all nighters. When I got drafted my guitar came with me to the army. It continued to provide music and inspiration in good times and diffi cult ones.
As songs became hits on the radio, we learned to play them. Th e Beatles, Bob Dylan, Th e Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin, Th e Kinks, Simon and Garfunkel, Ray Charles, Sam Cook, you name it, we played it. All of them had songs of love or about love.
Chuck Berry once said in an interview that his songs were popular because he wrote them about three experiences we all have in life; We all went to school, drove a car, and fell in love. It is this last subject that I want to concentrate on in my next Cantor’s Concert, June 7.
Love is something we are born into. From the time we are a helpless baby we are loved and we love back. It is a natural emotion, something you feel in your heart and soul. Love is the most positive energy in the world. Th e greatest line in the Torah? “ Love thy neighbor as you would wish to be loved”. If the whole world could do that, God would be so happy…
Th ere are so many aspects of love, and they are so universal. Love of family, friends, soul mates, nature, God, country world and universe. And music will take us there on eagle’s wings.
I am very fortunate to be joined for an unplugged concert by Duvid Swirsky of the famed “Moshav” band. Duvid is a
“musician’s musician”. One of the best songwriters I ever met with a gift for unusual and beautiful songs.
Duvid co-founded the band Moshav with Yehudah Solomon in the mid nineties in Moshav Modiin in Israel. Th eir parents were American Jews who were inspired by their beloved rabbi Shlomo Carlebach to make aliyah to Israel and reconnect with their Jewish roots. Duvid and Yehudah were brought up there, surrounded by music and entertaining mainly Jewish American students who were in Israel for a year or two studies. Like Memi and I back in our time, they played in parties, clubs and events. Th ey took the band all over the world and excited audiences everywhere. Based in Los Angeles they tour regularly here and abroad.
Recently the band released a video of their song “World on Fire” featuring Matisyahu. I love their music and enjoy watching them live when possible. So I am so excited that Duvid was available for an “Unplugged” concert with me this year. Take my word for it, you are in for a treat! We will be joined by Paul Carman on upright acoustic bass for an evening of love songs and songs about love.
I’ll leave you with a quote from Plato. “Music gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, fl ight to the imagination and life to everything.”
Save the date – hope to see you there!
Cantor Arie ShiklerThe Hollander Family
Cantorial Chair
A L I F E T I M E O F B E L O N G I N G April 2014 5
Friday Night Live! Shabbat Service
Friday, April 25th at 7:30 pm
“Common Decency”Music is a powerful tool for evoking the inner space
within which transformative prayer can happen.
The ancients knew this, and music was a big part of
the ancient temple ritual.
This service features congregational melodies and
eclectic, contemporary music which compliment
the creative service booklet compiled by
Cantor Shikler specifi cally for this service.
6 April 2014 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING
A L I F E T I M E O F B E L O N G I N G April 2014 7
Th is post from Rabbi Ruth Adar’s blog on December 22, 2013 (www.coff eeshoprabbi.com/page/8/) said everything I wanted to share with you all about Temple membership this month, so I received permission from Rabbi Adar to reprint it. Enjoy!
I have to be honest about my bias on this topic. One of the fi xed items in our household budget is synagogue membership. Our children are grown. We don’t need religious school. No one is studying for a bar mitzvah. But to borrow a phrase from Moses – excuse me, Charlton Heston! – I’ll let go of my synagogue membership when they take it out of my cold, dead hands.
Why is synagogue membership important to me? Let me count the pros:
1. I have a rabbi (actually, two rabbis) on call should we need them. I like knowing that if I have a big decision to make, there’s someone grounded in the tradition with whom I can talk it through. I like knowing that if something bad happens, all members of my family will be free to call on the rabbi for support and guidance. I don’t want to be looking for a rabbi at a crisis in my life.
2. I have a community. I don’t love everything about that community, or everyone in that community, but it is my community, people who know who I am and with whom I navigate life. If I am looking for a plumber, or a doctor, or a real estate agent, everyone has a recommendation. If I have something to celebrate, they will care. If something bad happens,
they’ll care. I am not anonymous there.
3. I benefi t from the Caring Community, or Committee, or whatever it is we’re calling it now. When my kids were still in school, and I fell and smashed my knee, someone picked up my kids from the bus, someone brought dinner, and someone was on the other end of the phone to help me fi gure out how I was going to deal with life while my leg was immobilized. As an aging woman with some disabilities, this is not a small thing.
4. I have somewhere to develop and use my talents as a volunteer. Th is goes for small stuff , like bringing food to potlucks, and to larger things as well. Currently I don’t work for a congregation, but I volunteer some of my professional skills for my congregation. If I had the time, I could sing in the choir (I wish I had the time.) I get appreciation for the things I do from time to time, and that’s nice too. I also learn about social justice action opportunities, and have a ready-made group of people with whom to pursue those.
5. I have a minyan with whom to pray. Jews engage in private prayer, but there are some kinds of prayer for which we need a minyan of at least ten Jewish adults.
6. I have people with whom to learn. Th ere is no substitute for a community when doing Jewish learning: it just does not work alone. And even though I went to rabbinical school, I still have lots to learn: learning is a lifelong activity for a Jew.
7. When there is truly a crisis, I have a community and a rabbi. Much of my work is with unaffi liated Jews, and I have to tell you that that more than anything has convinced me of the benefi ts of belonging. I do my best for families who are grieving, but they’ve turned to me because someone gave them my name after disaster struck. I’m essentially a nice stranger with a set of skills they need. How much better it would be for them to have a rabbi they know, that they can call the minute trouble looms, and who already knows their story? Th at is what I want for myself and my family.
8. I know that by supporting this synagogue, I am contributing to the future of Judaism in my area. Even after my kids are grown, children will be learning about Judaism at that synagogue. Couples will get married. Funerals will be held. Celebrations will happen, holidays and fasts will be observed. By being a part of a synagogue, I keep Judaism going.
FROM OUR PRESIDENT
CHOOSING SYNAGOGUE MEMBERSHIP
Beth Carroll
Temple President
Conti nued on page 15
8 April 2014 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING
New Era in Education Department at Shir Ha-Ma’alot
As we announced earlier this month, the next chapter of Marisa’s life begins this summer when she and her family move to Atlanta. We also shared that Becca, our much loved Youth Director, is moving on to pursue her Master’s degree. And we are happy to announce that Leora, our school administrative assistant, is pregnant and is going to stay home full time with her children starting in June. With all of these changes, the clergy and lay leaders have been working diligently to design a structure for our Education Department that will continue the work and foundation Marisa and Becca have set so beautifully and provide continuity for our families. We are also taking this opportunity to envision how we can continue to grow, change and innovate.
In that spirit, we are happy to share that Rabbi Lewis will be altering her responsibilities from “Associate Rabbi” to become “Rabbi and Director of Lifelong
Learning.” A major component of her responsibilities will be to oversee the Education Department. Rabbi Lewis brings more than twelve years of experience as a talented rabbi, educator, teacher and leader. Her fi rst years as a rabbi were spent as a Rabbi/Educator directing a large religious school. As a congregational rabbi at her previous Temple, she was active in all aspects of Synagogue life including creative programing for the school and later taught at a Jewish day school. Since being with us at Temple, she has done it all with passion, joy and erudition.
Rabbi Lewis’ wealth of experience and contagious love of Judaism will inspire the Shir Ha-Ma’alot Education Department to continue to fl ourish. She will also continue to be an active clergy member and lead lifecycle events and services; inspiring us in all her roles.
To make this work, we are recruiting a
School Principal who will administer and facilitate many of the details of running the school. In addition, we will hire a registrar/administrative assistant to fi ll Leora’s role. Rabbi Lewis will provide leadership to the overall department and focus on classroom and school programming, major school events, teacher supervision, family issues and so much more. We have already made a great progress interviewing for a new youth director and fi nding an inspiring and caring person to fi ll Becca’s shoes.
We are thrilled with all the wonderful things happening in the lives of our Educator, Youth Director and Administrative Assistant. While change is always hard, it provides opportunities too. We embrace the changes with enthusiasm and thoughtfulness. If you have any questions whatsoever, please feel free to contact us.
Tot Shabbat News…
Volunteers Needed!
We are in need of volunteers to greet at Tot Shabbat services on the 3rd Friday of the month at 6:30 pm. We also have a need for a volunteer coordinator who will work with the group of greeters to ensure coverage each month. Contact the Temple offi ce at 949-857-2226 for more informati on or to sign up.
Tot Shabbat Service with
PJ Library Reading
Friday, April 18th at 6:30 pm
Join us for this interacti ve service for young children that will help them understand the meaning, joy and richness of their Jewish heritage as well as excite them about their Jewish future. This week we will have a reading from a book in the PJ Library. You don’t want to miss out!!
CONGREGATION
SHMShir Ha-Ma’alot
CONGREGATIONAA
Shir Har -Ma’alotoo
SHM Annual Youth Friday
Night Live!
Friday, May 2nd7:00 pm
Featuring B’nai Ha-Shirim
A L I F E T I M E O F B E L O N G I N G
3652 Michelson DriveIrvine, CA 92612
949-857-2226www.shmtemple.org
A L I F E T I M E O F B E L O N G I N G April 2014 9
B’NAI MITZVAH STUDENTS
Teddy KoleApril 5, 2014Son of Cynthia & Larry KoleI att end: Jeff rey Trail Middle SchoolI enjoy: Baseball, basketball, trombone and
hanging out with my friendsMitzvah Project: Collected sports equipment for
donati on to Children’s Charity
Matt hew CherneyApril 5, 2014Son of Brian & Julia CherneyI att end: El Rancho Charter SchoolI enjoy: Video games and golfMitzvah Project: Volunteered for the Boy
Scouts of America
Max FerryApril 12, 2014Son of Matt hew & claudine FerryI att end: Tarbut V’TorahI enjoy: SoccerMitzvah Project: Collected gently used children’s
books to donate
Aniela BokotaApril 26, 2014Daughter of Paul & Wendy BokotaI att end: Sierra Vista Middle SchoolI enjoy: Playing soccer and volleyball, going to
the beach, hanging out with my friends and playing with my dog and cat
Mitzvah Project: Collected items for the Irvine Animal Shelter
Mazel Tov to Jacob Muchnickwho made his Bar Mitzvah
March 16, 2014Son of Cindy & Adam MuchnickI att end: Harbor Day SchoolI enjoy: Soccer, fl ag-football, playing with friends
and hanging out with my familyMitzvah Project: Volunteered as a “grandfriend” at
Heritage Pointe Reti rement Home
Mallorie CohenApril 12, 2014Daughter of Monica & Robert CohenI att end: Corona del Mar Middle SchoolI enjoy: Volleyball, baking, sleep away
camp and playing with my dogMitzvah Project: Pet Partners, helped people
with my therapy dog
SHMOFTY (GRADES 9-12)PASSOVER SEDER!
Saturday, April 5th6:00 to 10:00 pm
JIFTY (GRADES 6-8) JIFTY SoCal 678Saturday, April 5th12:00 to 7:00 pm
MINI-MITY (GRADES 2 3) CHOCOLATE SEDER!
Sunday, April 6th12:30 to 2:30 pm
MITY (GRADES 4 5)BEACH DAY!
Sunday, April 27th1:30 to 3:30 pm
Youth Programs
Hot Challah Club
Please join us in thanking Tami Kalansky
and Bernie & Marcia Labowitz for assisting
with the Hot Challah Club this year.
Our next event is:
Friday, May 2nd
Challah Making at
6:30 pm
Family Shabbat
Service at 7:00 pm
Come just a few minutes before services to nourish your body as well as your soul. We invite people of all ages to make a challah and while you are at services, the challah will bake. As you leave for home aft er the Oneg, you will have a fresh challah to enjoy for the Sabbath.
10 April 2014 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING
A L I F E T I M E O F B E L O N G I N G April 2014 11
CALENDAR EVENTS FOR APRILSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 Hebrew School, 4:15 pm 7th Grade BMC, 5:00 pm 8th-10th Grade, 5:30 pm Executive Committee
Meeting, 6:00 pm 11th & 12th Grade Class,
6:30 pm Board of Trustees
Meeting, 7:30 pm SHMoFTY Board
Meeting, 7:30 pm
2 3 Bridge Group, 11:00 am Temple Musicians
Rehearsal, 6:30 pm
4 Family Shabbat Service
with Youth Choir & Band and 6th Grade Participation, 7:00 pmfollowed by Israeli Dancing
5 Weekly Lessons of Life:
Torah Study, 8:30 am Bar Mitzvah of Teddy
Kole, 9:00 am Bar Mitzvah of
Matthew Cherney, 11:15 am
JiFTY@SoCal 678, 12:00 pm
SHMoFTY Passover Seder, 6:00 pm
6 Religious School with
4th Grade Family Camp, 8:30/10:45 am
7th Grade Action Day, 8:30 am
Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 8:30 am
Youth Choir, 10:15 am Torah Time for Tots,
10:45 am Youth Band, 12:30 pm Mini-MiTY Chocolate
Seder, 12:30 pm Women’s Seder, 4:00 pm
7 Mah Jongg Group,
9:30 am Adult Choir
Rehearsal, 6:45 pm
8
No Hebrew School
9 Chai Society Lunch &
Speaker, Judge David Hoff er, 11:30 am
Women’s Support Group
10 Bridge Group, 11:00 am Temple Musicians
Rehearsal, 6:30 pm
11 Shabbat Service with
Temple Musicians and Marriage Reconsecra-tion, 7:30 pm
12 Weekly Lessons of Life:
Torah Study, 8:30 am Bar Mitzvah of Max
Ferry, 9:00 am Bat Mitzvah of Mallorie
Cohen, 11:15 am
13
No Religious School or Adult
Classes
14 Mah Jongg Group,
9:30 am
15
PassoverOffi ce Closed
Community Passover Seder, 5:30 pm
16 17 Bridge Group, 11:00 am Temple Musicians
Rehearsal, 6:30 pm
18 Tot Shabbat Service
with PJ Library Read-ing, 6:30 pm
Shabbat Service, 7:30 pm
19 Habitat for Humanity
Build Day in Commu-
nity, 7:30 am
Weekly Lessons of Life: Torah Study, 8:30 am
20
No Religious School or Adult
Classes
Yizkor Service, 6:00 pm
21
7th Day of Passover
Offi ce Closed
22 Hebrew School, 4:15 pm 7th Grade BMC, 5:00 pm 8th & 9th Grade, 5:30 pm Brit Tikvah Support
Group, 6:30 pm Men’s Spirituality Group,
7:30 pm
23 Women’s Support
Group
24 Living Room Learning
at the home of Stephanie Sukert, 10:00 am
Bridge Group, 11:00 am Temple Musicians
Rehearsal, 6:30 pm Brotherhood: Viewing
of Steven Spiel-berg fi lm, “The Last Days”and discussion, 7:00 pm
25 PreNeg for Past Israel
Trip Attendees, 6:30 pm
Friday Night Live! Shabbat Service, “Common Decency” 7:30 pm
26 Weekly Lessons of Life:
Torah Study, 8:30 am Bat Mitzvah of Aniela
Bokota, 9:00 am
27 Religious School,
8:30/10:45 am Youth Choir, 10:15 am Torah Time for Tots,
10:45 am Youth Band, 12:30 pm MiTY Beach Day,
1:30 pm Yom HaShoah Service,
5:00 pm
28 Mah Jongg Group,
9:30 am Adult Choir
Rehearsal, 6:45 pm
29 Hebrew School, 4:15 pm NaSHiM: Rosh Chodesh
Celebration in support of Women of the Wall, 7:00 pm
30 Family Israel Trip
Meeting, 6:30 pm
12 April 2014 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING
2014 Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot
In Every Generation…
Women's SederSunday, April 6, 20144:00 in the afternoon
Bring a mother, daughter, sister or friend and make new memories while we recall the past during our catered Seder.
Guests are welcome.
A L I F E T I M E O F B E L O N G I N G
Adult Members & Guests $40Children (12 & Under) $25*
Non-member Adult $50*Including a special program for girls 5–12, contact the Temple for more information.
RSVP by March 21st to the Temple of ce at 949-857-2226
or online at www.shmtemple.orgAll reservations made after 3-21-14 will be $50 per
person and subject to availability.
A L I F E T I M E O F B E L O N G I N G April 2014 13
Welcome New MembersTova CohenRon Brand
Laurie GruschkaFred & Aviva Forster
In SympathyAlison Posner on the death of her grandfather, Bernard Katz
Lois Jacobs on the loss of her mother and Sheryl Becker on the loss of her grandmother, Esther Jacobs
Samantha and Blair Becker on the loss of their great-grandmother, Esther Jacobs
Barbara Silverman on the death of her father, Robert London
SHM Brotherhood
Holocaust Film & Discussion,
“The Last Days” Thursday,April 24th at 7:00 pmJoin us in remembrance of the Shoah as we screen the fi lm, “The Last Days” a documentary from Steven Spielberg and The Shoah Foundati on. The fi lm tells the stories of fi ve Hungarian Jews during the Shoah. It focuses on the horrors of life in the Nazi concentrati on camps, but also stresses the opti mism and desire to survive of these incredible people.The fi lm will be followed by a discussion with Richard Kreitman who edited the documentary.
Chai Society: Lunch & Speaker Series
Superior Court Judge,
David Hoff erWednesday, April 9th at 11:30 amJoin The Honorable Judge Hoff er, our congregant, to learn and understand the justi ce system as it exists today. What are the assets such a system provides for a society and what are its defi cits? Judge Hoff er will speak about the challenges that come with being a judge, and of its honors as well.
NaSHiM: SHM Women
Rosh Chodesh
Celebration
“Women of the Wall”Tues., April 29th at 7:00 pmRosh Chodesh, the celebrati on of the new moon, has long been associated as as ti me for women to come together in frienship, in spirit and in learning. Join NaSHiM for this very special Rosh Chodesh during which our celebrati on will be complemented by an examinati on of the challenges facing women and progressive Jews in Jerusalem and around Israel.
Living Room LearningThursday, April 24th
at 10:00 amThis program, designed for women, covers issues, concerns and topics in a safe, inti mate and warm environment. Contact the Temple for the locati on at 949-857-2226.
Join with us on Fri., April 11th at 7:30 pm
as we conti nue our special tradi-ti on of marriage reconsecrati on
at Shir Ha-Ma’alot
If you are celebrati ng a special anniversary (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or any year aft er 50) and would like to parti cipate, please contact the
Temple offi ce at (949) 857-2226.
14 April 2014 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING
ADULT LEARNING PROGRAMS
Adult B’nai MitzvahSundays at 8:30 am
April 6th & 27th—No class 4/13 & 4/20
This year-long intensive course is designed for students who wish to learn Hebrew, basic Judaism and read Torah at the conclusion of the class. Be part of the great mitzvah of lifelong learning.
• The Adult B’nai Mitzvah classes require a commitment of ti me, energy and devoti on
• No prior Hebrew required (although knowledge of the lett ers is helpful)
• No prior Judaic knowledge required
Weekly Lessons of Life: Torah
Study with Rabbi Steinberg and
Rabbi Lewis Saturdays at 8:30 am
April 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th
Each week our Torah porti on invites us to search our souls for meaning, memories, mitzvah, and lessons on how to be a mentsch. We read the Torah over and over again each year as we gain more insight into its depth. Study with the Rabbis the weekly Torah porti on and you will have inspirati on for the week to come. You will have food for thought that will nourish your soul. Weekly study is an essenti al part of Jewish life.
Empty Nesters program
Thursday, May 1st at 7:00 pm If you are transiti oning nto or adapti ng to a home without dependent children, know that the synagogue can be a source of support and
connecti on to thers who are also going through it or have already done so. Join us for discussion, guidance and comeraderie about the challenges and pleasures of having an empty nest.
SHM Adult Choir
Calling all Bass, Baritone, Alto and Soprano voices! If you like to sing, please join our Adult Choir. The choir sings at several Shabbat services and at the High Holy Days. It’s a great way to get involved at Temple. Rehearsals are held Monday nights at 6:45pm. If you are interested, please contact Cantor Shikler at 949-857-2226 or [email protected]
A L I F E T I M E O F B E L O N G I N G April 2014 15
Now for the “cons” of synagogue membership:
1. Yes, it costs money. Having that rabbi on call, and a secretary and whatever else (a building, a janitor, teachers, etc) costs a lot of money. If money is tight, then you have two options: talk with the synagogue about reduced rates, or opt not to belong for now.
2. As I said above, not everyone at my congregation is my best friend. Sometimes there is confl ict. Th ere are some people who drive me a little nuts. I probably drive them a little nuts, too. Comes with the territory. As the old joke goes, sometimes it is easier to love Judaism than it is to love real live Jews.
3. Yes, they bug me to give and to do stuff . Linda and I get periodic appeals for fi nancial and volunteer participation. I also feel free to say “no” when I really can’t or don’t want to do something.
4. I don’t agree with the way everything is done by the
synagogue. Policy is up to the board, and they call those shots. I get to state my opinion, but I am not the boss. If it’s the only synagogue in town and the disagreement is about something serious, then maybe it isn’t worth it. For example, I am not sure I could be a happy member of a congregation that wanted me to be closeted, or that did not count women for a minyan.
5. Paying dues is just the beginning. To really get the benefi ts of synagogue membership, you have to invest time and heart.
Synagogue membership is not cheap. It costs money, time, and heart. Sometimes it is aggravating. But for me, it’s worth it.
Rabbi Ruth Adar writes a blog under the title Coff ee Shop Rabbi. She is a frequent blogger on Jewish topics exploring Jewish identity, Jewish paths, studying Torah and Jewish fi lm. Check out her posts on coff eeshoprabbi.com.
Family Promise Shelter
Thank You…Huge thanks to all of our temple members who volunteered their ti me, money and energy to make our sprint host week for the Family Promise homeless shelter a great success!
Jeff , Stephen & Elijah Brenner
Louise Beckerman
Allison Kramsky
Jay and Bett e Rothman
Zena Reichert
Lori Reznick
Laura Udkoff
Lenni Meyerson
Amy Lawsky
Bob Radus
Amy Driver
Jay and Leonie Kramer
Ilana Rosenberg
Richard Sternberg
Bruce Gary
Nancy Shalloway
Rosa Rosenstein
Phil Waldman
Brian Glabman
Mona Hammer
Mike Gellman
Stuart Moss & Family
Charlott e Radzminsky & Family
Laura, Russ & Shira Alterman
Jeremy Rose
Beth Carroll conti nued from page 7
16 April 2014 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Getting closer with more space
Thank you for your donation to our Capital Campaign. We are truly appreciative of your support.
Mr. & Mrs. Robert AllenMr. & Mrs. Eyal AronoffMr. & Mrs. Larry BannMr. & Mrs. Ken BassmanMr. Greg Berkowitz & Mrs. Janet LawrenceMr. & Mrs. Alexander BermanMs. Julia BermanMr. & Mrs. Darin BlindellMr. & Mrs. Michael BordenMr. & Mrs. Alan BrutmanMr. & Mrs. John BurgerMr. & Mrs. Michael CantorMr. & Mrs. James CarrollMr. & Mrs. Robert CohenMr. & Mrs. Bradley CohenMr. & Mrs. Michael ColemanMs. Linda CossMr. & Mrs. Bradley EisensteinMr. & Mrs. Nathan EvansMr. & Mrs. Barry FastMr. & Mrs. Robert FleishmanMr. & Mrs. Alan FrankelMr. & Mrs. Douglas GoldenMr. & Mrs. Jeremy GoldmanMr. & Mrs. Stephen GordonDr. Gary & Mrs. Linda GreeneDr. Rachel Harman-FriedmanMr. & Mrs. Martin HartMr. & Mrs. Jonathan JaffeMr. & Mrs. Michael KaiserMr. & Mrs. Robert KaitzDr. Stephen & Mrs. Lynne KofflerMrs. Sharlene KonowitchDr. Benjamin KrautMr. & Mrs. Sid KuperbergMr. & Mrs. Lloyd Lenson
Mr. & Mrs. Hoawrd LePatnerMr. David & Rabbi Leah LewisMr. & Mrs. Heath LinerDr. & Mrs. Herbert ModelevskyMr. & Mrs. Marc MonetteMr. & Mrs. Tony ParkMr. Howard PerleyDr. & Mrs. Daniel PerlmutterMrs. Charlotte PinskyMr. & Mrs. Ron RadziminskyDr. & Mrs. Allan RaffMr. & Mrs. Michael ReznickDr. & Mrs. Jay RindenauMs. Abby RozenbergMr. Lloyd SellingerCantor Arie & Mrs. Beth ShiklerMrs. Ruth ShulmanMr. & Mrs. Jerry SilverMr. & Mrs. Joseph SloateMrs. Rosalie SogolowRabbi Richard & Mrs. Beverley SteinbergMr. & Mrs. Rod SternMr. Richard Sternberg & Mrs. Lou Ann SchemmelMr. Cory & Dr. Stephanie SukertMr. John TharpMr. & Mrs. Laurence ThompsonMr. & Mrs. Michael WagschalMr. Phillip Waldman & Dr. Teri AlpertMr. & Mrs. Howard WeinsteinMr. & Mrs. Albert WeissMr. Bert White & Mrs. Lori SchwartzMr. & Mrs. Norman WitkinMr. & Mrs. Robert YonowitzMs. Rebecca Zarrabi
A L I F E T I M E O F B E L O N G I N G April 2014 17
Annual Congregational Meeting
Tuesday, May 6th at 7:30 pm
The new slate of Executi ve Committ ee and Board of Trustees nominees is listed below. Your vote counts, we look forward to seeing
you at the meeti ng.
SHM BOARD OF TRUSTEES & SLATE OF NOMINEES
2014-2015
Executi ve Committ eePositi on Name Role Term Exp.
Offi cer Caroll, Beth President 2014
Offi cer Blindell, Sharon VP Community 2015 Relati ons
Offi cer Fast, Wendi VP Administrati on 2014
Offi cer Sternberg, Richard Treasurer 2014
Offi cer Liner, Heath Secretary 2014
Offi cer Frankel, Carole 1st VP/Chavurot 2014 Kehilah Kedoshah
Offi cer Harman-Friedman, 2nd VP 2014 Rachel
Offi cer Stern, Rod 3rd VP-Legal 2014
Board of Trustees Positi on # Member Name Term Exp. 1 Hart, Marty 2016 2 Konowitch, Sharlene 2016 3 Evans, Jamie 2016 4 Reznick, Lori 2016 5 Rozenberg, Abby 2016 6 Monett e, Lisa 2016 7 Coleman, Shannon 2017 8 Yonowitz, Bob 2017 9 Lenson, Eileen 2017 10 Brutman, Karen 2017 11 Silver, Jerry 2017 12 Olshansky, Ellen 2017 13 Borden, Debra 2015 14 Burger, Kim 2015 15 Goldman, Debra 2015 16 Radziminsky, Charlott e 2015 17 Sloate, Joe 2015 18 To Be Announced 2015
Kehilah KedoshahBuilding Community One Relationship at a Time
Shabbat is a time to connect. And in the spirit of connecting, we have implemented a unique new program at Shir Ha-Ma’alot in which a member
family hosts Shabbat dinner in their home for an intimate group of fellow temple members.
Would you like to dine, chat and make new friends while enjoying an intimate
Shabbat dinner?Please contact Lindsey Morlan at [email protected]
or 949-857-2226 to let us know if you would like to host a dinner or are interested in attending one.
18 April 2014 MEMORY • MITZVAH • MENTSCH MAKING • MAKING MEANING
Shir Pleasure Gift ShopLocated in the Temple lobby
BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR!
20%OFF OUR ENTIRE
INVENTORYEVERYTHING GOES!!!
MAKING ROOM FOR ALL NEW MERCHANDISE
Gift Shop Hours:Contact Arlene Taslitz at 949-837-9456
for appointments any other ti me
Sun: 8:30 am to 1:00 pmMon: 9:30 am to 12 noon
Tues & Weds: 3:00 to 6:30 pmThurs: 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Fri: 1 hour before services (Shabbos hold if uncomfortable handling money)
Courtesy gift wrapping Visa & MC acceptedGift certi fi cates available
COMING IN MAYMark your calendars for these special events
as we bid farewell to each of our most special
Religious School leaders:
Youth Group Event: End of Year
Celebration with Farewell to
Becca Zarrabi
Sat., May 10th at 5:30 pm
Shabbat Service with Farewell to
Marisa Kaiser
Friday, May 30th at 7:30 pm
For Sale - Double Cemetary Plot Pacifi c View Memorial Park
Corona del Mar, Garden of David - Space D, Lot 5
Asking $12,500Can be seen by appointment. Please
contact Sandy Goodman at 480-558-1680
Thank You…
Many thanks to all those that participated in our March 9th blood drive for the American Red Cross. We collected 25 units of blood that will help 75 people in need. Th is is our 18th Chai year of hosting blood drives.
As always, we appreciate the gifts of live from our blood donors. Our heroes who came to donate were Toni and Aaron Rios, Ali Wolf, Myra Firth, Chris Allcorn, Gabrielle and Ellie Bozmarova, Michael Kaiser, David Gross, Aurora Pribram-Jones, Josh Zeldner, Diana Cantor, Brent Haas, Joe Sloate, Julia Hubner, Sharon Deering, Lori and Douglas Suvalle, Rachel Abraham, Jason Gary, Mark Hyman, Jenette Stokols, Mitch Shatzen, Victor Lindsey, Kristen Saad, Ronnie Hyman, Brad Erdosi, Brittany Cooper, Ron Radzaminsky, Libby Frolichman, and Bruce Gary.
Our donors always come through.We can’t thank you enough.
A L I F E T I M E O F B E L O N G I N G April 2014 19
RABBI STEINBERG’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDBarbara & Bob Kaitz in memory of Esther
JacobsMarvin Blum, thank you for all your
thoughts and prayersLinda Algazi in memory of Milli KaminskyJoAnn Anthony & Family, thank you for con-
ducti ng David’s service, it was beauti fulLeacarol Shinder, thank you for your
supportLois Jacobs & Family, thank you for all of
your supportJill & David Susson in memory of Morris
Talerman
CANTOR SHIKLER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Marvin Blum, thank you for all your thoughts and prayers
JoAnn Anthony & Family, thank you for your beauti ful music at David’s service and playing for him a few days before his passing
Judy & Sid Kuperberg in honor of Alex Baumann’s engagement
Lois Jacobs & Family, thank you for all of your support
CULTURAL ARTS/FNL FUNDMark & Dyanne Drucker in honor of Dave
Teincuff receiving the Bob Wolf AwardKara Jacobs in memory of David AnthonySandy & Alfi e Schekman, congratualti ons
to Judy Kuperberg and Mazel Tov on your daughter’s award
Bob Wolf in memory of Nathan Schine
GENERAL FUNDLynne & Steve Koffl er, congratulati ons to
David Teincuff for receiving the Bob Wolf Community Service Award
Sharon Blindell in memory of Joyce Miller, mother of Marilyn Stemper
Marilyn Stemper in memory of Esther Jacobs
Beth Carroll, donati on with the IBM employee campaign
Gail Ballinger, tzedakah donati on
RITUAL (JERRY JACOBS) FUNDDonna & Howard Weinstein in loving
memory of Lois Jacob’s mother, Esther Kaplan Jacobs
Lynne & Steve Koffl er in memory of Esther Jacobs
TZEDAKAH DONATIONSEsther Jacobs in memory of Michael Jacobs
Michael Einbund in memory of Geraldine Gold
Kara Jacobs in memory of Esther JacobsJoy & Howard LePatner in memory of
Esther Jacobs, Lois’s wonderful motherBeverly & Jake Jacobs in memory of Esther
Jacobs
TODD EVAN ROSS SCHOOL FUNDRobin, Matt hew & Griffi n Abrams in
memory of Esther Jacobs
YOUTH GROUP FUNDDarla Shepard in memory of Esther Jacobs,
grandmother of Sheryl BeckerLisa & Jeff Anderson, donati on to the Senior
High School programs
YAHRZEIT FUNDAnatoly Berman in memory of Anna
Berman
Sid Kuperberg in memory of my father, Herman Kuperberg
Jon White in memory of Robert White
Jon White in memory of Elizabeth White
Hope Sherwood-White in memory of Helen Sherwood Burka
Sondra Berman in memory of David Yuspeh
Frank Magursky in memory of Margaret Magursky
Sasha Erlik in memory of Robert Erlik
Sonya Shavartsman in memory of Rachmil Kuperman
Esther Kett ler in memory of Herz Katzlach
Esther Kett ler in memory of Max Vogel
Ned Greenberg in memory of Pearl Greenberg Moskowitz
Marvin Blum in memory of Lawrence Blum
JoAnn Anthony in memory of Lillian Anthony
Lois Garcia in memory of Edith Block
Lois Garcia in memory of Jeannett e Hecht
Bob Sherman in memory of Brian Sherman
Jerri Loeb in memory of Louis Silver
Sheryl Anderson in memory of Alvira Perlman
John Lawrence in memory of Wilma Rasmussen
Rita Becker in memory of Suzanne da Silva
Rita Becker in memory of Carmen Froes
Esther Jacobs in memory of Albert Kaplan
Charlott e Pinsky in memory of Fannie Harris
Dyanne Drucker & Family in memory of Esther Jaocbs
Nancy Platka in memory of Jane Woolner
Barbara Kaitz in memory of Eva Feingold
Barbara Kaitz in memory of Samuel Feingold
Patti Kramer in memory of Stanley Wolfe
Ed Kramer in memory of Allan Kramer
Dale Lechtman in memory of Max Letchtman
John Tharp in memory of Nancy Tharp
Sponsor A Student
Mark Palley in memory of Shirley Palley
DATED MATERIAL—
Please Deliver Before April 1, 2014
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
NEWPORT BEACH, CA
PERMIT NO. 272
Tree of Life Campaign
Commemorate a simcha with a leaf
on the Tree of Life in the Temple lobby.
$180 per leaf, use the form on this page to order today!
Honor a loved one and support SHM!
3652 Michelson DriveIrvine, CA 92612
(949) 857-2226 ph
Make your Tzedakah Donation Online!It’s quick & easy to make
your donation on the
Temple website.
Go to: www.shmtemple.org
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Alex Zeleznick Children’s Fund Cantor Shikler’s Disc. Fund Cultural Arts/FNL Fund Elana Frenkel Memorial School & Youth Florence Ruth King Chesed Fund General Fund Jessica Herron Adopt-a-Family Fund Library Fund Oneg Shabbat Fund Prayer Book Fund
Rabbi Steinberg’s Disc. Fund Rabbi Lewis’ Disc. Fund Rita Teller Camp Scholarship Fund Ritual (Jerry Jacobs) Fund Special Events Fund (Aaron & Brock Silverstein) Stained Glass Fund Todd Evan Ross School Fund Yahrzeit Fund Youth Group Fund
Please Apply My Contribution to the Following Special Fund(s):
Tzedakah ContributionsPlease enclose contribution and mail with this form to the Temple offi ce.
(Minimum $10.00 per name or occassion)
Donation Given by: Acknowledgment sent to:
Name___________________________________ Name ________________________________
Address_________________________________ Address ______________________________
City/Zip:________________________________ City/Zip: _____________________________
Amount of Donation $______________ Check Credit Card on fi le
Visa/MC ___________________________________ Exp.___________
In Honor of ___________________________________________________________________
In Memory of _________________________________________________________________
Special Occasion _______________________________________________________________
Other _________________________________________________________________________
Other Donation OpportunitiesMemorial Board Tree of Life Prayerbook Fund $360 per name $180 per name $35 per book
Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot has many Sanctuary and Facility Giving and Naming Opportunities. Please contact the Temple offi ce for further information.