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October 2012 Temple Beth Ami 1

Temple Beth Ami A Reform Congregation, Member URJ 23023 Hilse Lane, Santa Clarita, CA 91321 661.255.6410

October 2012 A monthly publication of Temple Beth Ami Vol. 27 No. 09 www.TempleBethAmi.org Established 1987

From the Rabbi

W. C. Fields once said: “Anyone who hates children and animals can't be all bad.” Well Mr. Fields would have hated our Celebration of Life-Animal Service, held every year since October 2001. We’ve had a lot of both. This year we celebrate this unique worship experience Saturday, October 20 at 10 AM. For centuries Christians have dedicated the first Sunday in October to St. Francis of Assisi. Due to this Saint’s gentleness and association with animals, every year this day has been celebrated with a special blessing over the Animals. Respect for animal life is part of the moral sensitivity that makes us human as well as a central tenet in Judaism. Our increasing attention to the environment and ecological issues makes it imperative that we express this in our community as well. It has long been the message of our tradition that we are all creatures of God. Nothing is expendable. We read in the Midrash:

The rabbis said: Even those creatures you deem redundant in this world like flies, bugs and gnats, nevertheless have their allotted task in the scheme of creation, as it says: 'And God saw everything that God had made, and indeed, it was very good'. Rabbi Aha ben Hanina explained this verse thusly: Even those creatures deemed unnecessary in the world, like serpents and scorpions, still have their definite place in the scheme of creation.

To express our renewed connection with the natural world we have created an Animal/Pet Service for the Shabbat morning we read the story of Noah. There is no better time to reflect on our role in the preservation life, than the week in which we read these chapters from the Torah. This service is an opportunity to celebrate our relationship with the animal world, pray for the well being of all God’s creatures, as well as remember special pets that have died. Last year we were joined by over a dozen dogs, and a few terrified rabbits and cats. This year we hope to have at least one horse, some birds, and perhaps some other surprise guests. We encourage you to bring any and all animals, but also bring a leash if applicable. If you thought children were noisy at services you ain’t seen nothing yet.

JOIN US FOR OUR SPECIAL CELEBRATION OF LIFE-ANIMAL

SERVICE. BRING YOUR PETS AND ANIMAL

FRIENDS TO THIS UNIQUE OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE.

PARSHAT NOACH, this SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 10:00 AM

THIS YEAR FEATURING ANIMAL

FRIENDS FROM “THE GENTLE BARN”

Shalom, Rabbi Mark Blazer

Shalom Bayitשלום בית


Rabbi Mark Blazer [email protected]

Cantor Kenny Ellis [email protected] Board of Trustees:

Daniel Levine, President [email protected] John Stulman, Executive VP [email protected] Daniel Azani, Treasurer [email protected] Jennifer Ihrig, Secretary [email protected] Joyce Stein, Immediate Past President [email protected] Doreen Hawbecker – Membership [email protected]

Sandi Hershenson – Religious & Ritual [email protected] Rick Kaufman – Ways & Means Trustee [email protected] Donald Sanders – Facilities Trustee [email protected] Eddie Nathan – Trustee Joe Rensin – Trustee Chris Vila – Trustee Rosemary Watson – Trustee Alan Youngwood – Trustee _____________________ Teri Knafla – Administrator [email protected]

Judith Stolnitz – Education Director [email protected] _____________________________________

Preschool / Parent & Me [email protected]

Jennifer Ihrig, Sisterhood President [email protected]

Andy Steier, Men’s Club President [email protected]

Rena Slabich, Chavurah Coordinator [email protected]

TBAY (Temple Beth Ami Youth ages 10 – 12) [email protected] TeenAmi (ages 13 – 15) [email protected]

Capital Campaign [email protected]

Newsletter Editor [email protected] Newsletter advertising [email protected] Judaica Shop – [email protected]

Mission Statement of Temple Beth Ami

The purpose of the Reform Congregation shall be to worship G-d to promote Jewish education, to ensure the continuity of the Jewish people to cultivate love, understanding, and enjoyment of our Jewish heritage and to encourage community involvement.

Mark your Calendars for these Upcoming events 10/20 – 10 AM Shabbat with our animal friends 10/20 – 7 PM Movie night at Temple Beth Ami 11/17 – Casino Night / Silent Auction Fundraiser 11/18 – Maggie Anton, Author of Rashi’s Daughters will be speaking at Temple Beth Ami. 1:00-3:00 11/23 – Kosher Turkey Bowl 12/2 – Sisterhood Chanukah Party TBA 6:30-9 pm 12/3 – Chanukah Boutique January 13, 2013 Spa Day (Tentative) February 8-11, 2013 Women's Retreat at Brandeis

Thank you for your food donations to the SCV Food Pantry during the High Holidays. Remember we have a collection bin in the sanctuary – so you can give all year round. Grab a can from your pantry and bring it with you when you come to the synagogue.

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Thank you for your donations Below are some of the donations and pledges from the High Holidays. Temple Beth Ami thanks you for your donation. Anonymous 4 gifts Jeff & Diana Atals Daniel & Cassandra Azani – speedy recovery to

Cassandra Azani and Michael Goreck Ruth Baker Jay & Karen Barnett – in memory of Gertrude Barnett Mark & Lisa Barton Martin Bibicoff – in memory of Rhoda Bibicoff Daryl & Susan Bibicoff – in memory of Rhoda Bibicoff Wayne & Mindy Bish Phil & Kathy Blazer – speedy recovery to Carey

Dermer Lillian Blumenthal Ian Bratstavsky Scott & Christine Bresler Robert Brown Victor & Debbie Carrnahmias – honoring Leona

Gardner Joshua & Nikki Corben – In memory of Valyrie Corbin Steven & Meri Crane Norman & Jackie Davis Cary & Jackie Dermer – honoring the Peretz and Blazer Families Steve & Amy Elzer – In honor of Howard & Carole Elzer David Farkas – In honor of Ruth Farkas John & Norma Federman – In memory of John &

Norma Federman Norma Fields Travis & Kristine Fine – In memory of Barbara Castro;

Speedy recovery to Savannah Fine Steve & Amy Fink Eric & Judith Finkel Allan & Jackie Fisher David & Rita Fraser Jack & Ginger Freed – honoring Janey Crowley Diane Gilden – honoring Michael Gilden Jeff & Taffiney Goldberg Hal & Sarah Goldfam Paul & Robin Gonzalez – honoring Harold Steven Goodman – honoring Mike and Ethel Mundel Janet Gratz Richard Greenberg Andrew & Dori Greif Lynne Gross – honoring Evelyn Piken Lee & Stacy Guss – In memory of Eleanor Schwartz Robin Harris Rebecca Heiser – In honor of Sadie Walpert Norren Heiser – Honoring Rebecca Heiser, Daniel Heiser John & Carolyn Heitmann Eddie & Wendy Hersh – In memory of Louis Hersh Gene & Bonnie Horwitz – In memory of Steve Horwitz Mary Hunter – honoring Robert Hunter Jr and for a

speedy recovery Steven Elzer

Bart & Michele Joseph – honoring Nathan Joseph's Bar Mitzvah

Robert & Karen Kaplan – In memory of Soldie Herman and Al and Sadie Kaplan

Jerry & Eileen Kaplan Steven & Kim Karmelin Rick & BJ Kaufman – In memory of Steven & Carol

Kaufman Fred & Debbie Kreger Alan & Ronnie Lasky Daniel & Susanne Levine Janette Levy – In memory of my beloved husband

David Levy Marsha Lewis – honoring Beatrice Legman Chernoff

and Harry Legman Isaac Lieberman Anna Lief – honoring Phil Gross Alex Litel – honoring Florence and Bernard Lafer Lori Litel – honoring Florence and Bernard Lafer Denise Loverro Linda Luger Phyllis Mahler Arlene Malin – speedy recovery to Karen Seligman Joe & Harriet Merjan James Nagal Chad Pearlman Mitch & Elizabeth Pearlman Gail Pinsker Brad & Andrea Polak – In memory of Bryna & Jeff Lewis;

in honor of Brandon’s Bar Mitzvah Alan & Meredith Raber Mike & Bonnie Rabjohn Rob Ravitz Sarah Rensin Darel & Julie Roberts Donald Rosen Alyssa Rosen – In memory of Edith, Gina, & Lawrence

Rosen Vicky Rubin Eve Rumley Frank & Irene Saltzman Richard & Starr Sandak Barbara & Larry Schiern – In memory of Libbie &

Seymour Abrams Susan Schmitt – honoring Flora and Mark Suffin Wendy Schneider – In memory of Barry Schneider, Jack &

Fay Chalupowitz Allan Schollnick – In memory of Elias Travis Michael & Corrie Schoenwetter – In memory of Sy

Schoewetter Robert & Annie Schwartz Ken & Lisa Semko – honoring Linda Falstein Barry & Shelley Silver Jonathan Singerman – In memory Audrey Singerman Valerie Sokolow – In memory of Julia Dawn Sokolow & Michael Sokolow Mike Spalter Sam Spiegal Andrew & Patrice Steier Jeff & Joyce Stein – in memory of Rae Stein & Roslyn

Durkee (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 6)

Join us on October 20th -7PM for the Men's Club Family Movie

night at Temple Beth Ami

Cost is only $10 per family, (that's right, not per person, per family, so gather up mom, dad, jr., sr., the mother-in-law, the evil aunt...) Bring the blankets, bring the lounge chair if you like, but don't worry about the snacks or the popcorn. We'll bring those. The movie is: Mr. Poppers Penguins

RSVP at [email protected] (to give us an idea of how

many) or on our Facebook page, or just show up. We'll still take you.

Last year was a load of fun with a great movie and a great guest speaker. This year promises to be even better as we promise to have a great movie and even better snacks.


DONATIONS – Continued from pg 4 Jeff Stein – speedy recovery to Ron Shapiro Marlene Strauss Mark Suffin Jill Suponitsky Melanie Taylor – honoring Brendan Taylor, Kyle Taylor Joanie Thau James & Allyson Thurston Jim & Shellie Van Winkle – honoring our grandchildren Margot Webb – honoring my parents & grandparents Audrey Weber Lenny Wosk – In memory of Murray Wosk Scott & Kim Zimmerman

Israel: Facts and Fictions By Erika Schwartz The History of Israel-USA Relationship Since my premise is (and always will be) that Israel’s safety and continued existence should be a top priority of every Jew in the world, let me first address the obvious challenge question . . . . “Are you loyal to the United States or are you loyal to Israel?” Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Every loyal American’s answer should be “My loyalty is to the USA first!” But wait a minute. Take a step back and consider the very unique history of the Jews. Throughout our history, regardless of how well we were treated or how welcome we felt in any country, we were eventually expelled/marginalized/murdered by our host country. Tough times inevitably led to “blame the Jews” and . . . as they say . . . the rest is history. THAT is our history. Can you think of any other group of people who have had the same experience over and over again for thousands of years? I can’t. I don’t expect the USA to herd us into ghettos or kick us out any time soon. But . . . . So, for the sake of generations of Jews to come, I have to put Israel’s continued existence at the top of my priority list. Radical, but that’s my personal opinion. So now let’s explore the USA’s relationship with Israel over the past 65 years. In the early stages, the USA was very ambivalent about Israel. Although President Truman supported partition of Palestine and recognition of Israel, he was opposed by the Departments of State and Defense. Even after announcing recognition minutes after Israel declared her existence in May of 1948, the

administration didn’t immediately lift an arms embargo nor was an Israeli loan request granted until January 1949. Foreign aid to Israel was relatively minor until 1971 when it increased sharply to $600 million. Just a couple of years prior, the aid amounted to just $76 million. Throughout most of the administrations, American Presidents have had to walk a thin line between supporting Israel and having access to oil fields controlled by Israel’s often-hostile neighbors. In fact, in 1956 President Dwight Eisenhower came to the rescue of Egypt when Britain, France and Israel staged a “faux war” to wrest control of the Suez Canal away from Egypt. This was, in fact, the moment when the USA became a major player in the Middle East. The Johnson administration was the first to give whole-hearted support to Israel after the Six-Day War. However, things got tense in 1970 during the Nixon administration when Israel refused to accept a plan put forth by Secretary of State William P. Rogers. Trying to calm the War of Attrition between Israel and Egypt, the Rogers Plan called for a 90 day cease-fire and a military standstill zone on each side of the Suez Canal. In 1975 all U.S. arms shipments to Israel were halted when President Ford sent a letter to Prime Minister Rabin stating that “Israeli intransigence has complicated US worldwide interests.” The Carter administration was marked by Israel’s agreement to full withdrawal from the Sinai, thus leading to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. Many consider the Reagan years as the “most pro-Israel ever.” Although there were many contentious issues (particularly over Israel’s airstrike on the Iraqi nuclear reactor and Israel’s siege of Beirut during the Lebanon War), the two countries shared similar perspectives on terrorism, security and the Soviet threat during the Reagan years. This led to extremely close ties and cooperation. President George H.W. Bush began his presidency by signaling that Israel should “abandon its expansionist policies.” The Persian Gulf War, however, brought the two countries closer together. For the most part, the Bush administration was not considered to have a particularly amicable relationship with the Likud government of Yitzhak Shamir. President Clinton was witness to the Jordan-Israel peace treaty signing as well as producing the 1995 Interim Agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. Although Clinton was critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s policy of expanding Jewish settlements in the occupied territories, he was said to have a close relationship with Prime Minister Ehud Barak and mediated meetings between Barak and Arafat at the White House.


President George W. Bush established good relations with Israel’s Prime Minister Sharon early in his presidency. However, Sharon accused the Bush administration of appeasing the Palestinians at Israel’s expense in order to garner support for the USA’s anti-terror campaign shortly after the September 11 attacks. The most serious issue between Israel and the Obama administration (and arguably the most serious issue to face Israel in her entire short history) is the issue of Iran. In the view of Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Obama administration has not been willing to “draw a line in the sand” to make it absolutely clear when the United States would take military action to prevent the Iranians from developing a nuclear weapon. Since Iran’s President Ahmedinajad has clearly stated that his country’s intent is to “wipe Israel off the face of the earth”, Prime Minister Netanyahu has become extremely frustrated with the Administration’s position of “ . . . watching very carefully what they do . . . .” There is tremendous pressure on President Obama, particularly from his political base, to not allow Israel to draw the USA into yet another Middle East war. Israel is clearly aware that this is not a war they can fight on their own. So . . . here’s my summary. No President has demonstrated a strong consistent commitment to the security of Israel. Some (such as Reagan) have come close. From what I’ve learned as I’ve studied this subject, it appears that the closer ties to Israel have come from Presidents who have had a stronger commitment to America’s defensive strength. Again, just my opinion. But, as an American Jew who feels absolute terror at the very thought of the possibility of Israel’s annihilation, it does give me pause . . . . By Erika Schwartz

Mitzvah Project Because of my love for reading and books, I have decided to collect and donate books to an organization called Books for People for my mitzvah project. I am collecting at least 250 books that be sold to raise money for libraries, and the S.A.Y. Yes! Center for Youth Development (providing educational tutoring, nutritional meals, recreation, and character development) for the roughly 300 homeless children on Los Angelesʼ Skid Row. Bring gently used or new teen books to the drop off box at Temple Beth Ami. You can donate money in the form of a check or gift cards to bookstores to the cause. Contact me via email [email protected]. Thank you so much for your help! Erika Stolnitz

“A Night in Paris” Casino Gaming, Poker, Great Food, Dancing, Cocktails, Raffles, Silent

Auction … all this fun in one special Night in Paris!

Saturday, November 17th – 7PM at Chateau Hann –

The home of G. Marshall and Shelley Hann. Watch your mail and email in-box for more information and hold the date November 17… This is gonna be one fun fundraiser …. If you want to help with this event, please e-mail Tracy at [email protected]


Calling Grades 8 – 10. Announcing Confirmation for Grades 8--‐10.

Not all sequels are bad, so join us for another great year of friendship, learning and discussion. OH yes, and Pizza.

Any student in grades 8--‐10 is welcome to join in for this next step in Jewish Learning. The students will learn about famous Jewish Scholars and the Talmud. They will have the opportunity to discuss teen issues, including dating, friendship, peer pressure, suicide and more, all from a Jewish perspective. Social and Educational Field Trips are also planned.

And did we mention Pizza?

Join our confirmation class meeting the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00--‐8:30pm

October 18 November 1, & 15 December 6 January 17 February 7, & 21 March 7, & 21 April 18 May 2, & 16

Cost for Members is $150 and Non-members $250. Contact Judith for more information and to reserve your spot! [email protected] Judith Stolnitz, Education Director

FAMILY PROMISE Through mobilizing community faith groups, Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley works to assist homeless families to achieve sustainable independence, while offering hope, compassion, and preserving individual dignity. Homeless families will be at Temple Beth Ami the week of October 14 - 21 Please sign up and make a difference! To learn more go to http://www.familypromisescv.org/ Sign up for either August, or October or BOTH with this link. http://www.volunteerspot.com/login/entry/552345630833242026

Oneg News Why is an oneg important to have? It is a chance to celebrate Shabbat. It is also a chance for you to see people you don’t ordinarily see during the week. It is a stress

free time to schmooze. It is an opportunity to welcome new people to our synagogue. Last year Sisterhood took over financially responsibility for the temple onegs including for the high holidays. We are constantly looking for ways to “up” the oneg. At this time we are trying different vendors to decide where to purchase food that of “upped” quality and still stay within a reasonable budget. The oneg supplies such as the trays, pitchers, etc. will also be replaced to have a more uniform look. There are two ways you can be part of these changes. First, expanding the number of people who assist with the onegs is a necessity. You DO NOT have to be a sisterhood member (though we hope you will be) to lend a hand. A schedule has been set up at SignUpGenius www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0D44AEAB283-oneg/768470 for oneg signups. Sign up for one or more services. Your efforts will be appreciated more than you know. Do you want to celebrate a special occasion or milestone in your family, ex. Birthday, anniversary, graduation, special awards, etc.? Make a donation to onegs. $18 or $36 will help defray the cost for an oneg. If you wish to sponsor and entire oneg the minimum donation is $54. All donors will be listed in the temple newsletter. Please see the form in the newsletter or at the temple. Any questions, please contact Jennifer or Nancy at [email protected]

Overview

Hisdadukh, blessed to be beautiful and learned, is the youngest child of Talmudic sage Rav Hisda. The world around her is full of conflict. Rome, fast becoming Christian, battles Zoroastrian Persia for dominance while Rav Hisda and his colleagues struggle to establish new Jewish traditions after the destruction of Jerusalem's Holy Temple. Against this backdrop Hisdadukh embarks on the tortuous path to become an enchantress in the very land where the word 'magic' originated. But the conflict affecting Hisdadukh most intimately arises when her father brings his two best students before her, a mere child, and asks her which one she will marry. Astonishingly, the girl replies, “Both of them.” Soon she marries the older student, although it becomes clear that the younger one has not lost interest in her. When her new-found happiness is derailed by a series of tragedies, a grieving Hisdadukh must decide if she does, indeed, wish to become a sorceress. Based on actual Talmud texts and populated with its rabbis and their families, Rav Hisda's Daughter: Book I – Apprentice brings the world of the Talmud to life - from a woman's perspective.

TBA SISTERHOOD BOOKS AND BRUNCH

When: Sat, November 3, 2012

Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Where: At the home of Karen Kaplan

RSVP: [email protected] or 254-5758

Join us for a discussion on Rav Hasida’s Daughter

by Maggie Anton and a pot luck brunch.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rav-hisdas-daughter-book-i-maggie-anton/1110930806?ean=9780452298095

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rav-hisdas-daughter-book-i-maggie-anton/1110930806?ean=9780452298095

mailto:[email protected]


Sisterhood Happenings Sisterhood Membership renewal forms are in this newsletter and are on the website. Any new first year Temple Beth Ami member is automatically a member of Sisterhood free of charge (so you are always welcome to attend meetings and events as a member). Sisterhood/WRJ membership fees are set as follows: Basic membership ($36); Sarah ($54); Leah ($90); Rachael ($180) (*levels w/ gift) and non-temple members ($46). Just remember: “Without you we are one woman short!” Gail Silver, Membership

Ongoing Programs . . .

community service hours. We would love to have you! Interest in either mitzvah project, please contact Cheryl Cogan at 661-964-8460.

JUST A REMINDER . . . Sisterhood still sends out get well cards for those who are hospitalized, had surgery or are seriously ill and, of course, sympathy cards. Please contact Hedy Greenfield with your information (name & address) if you would like a card sent by contacting her at [email protected].. Hedy also takes care of our TREE & WATER PROJECTS IN ISRAEL. Because we believe this is such an important program Sisterhood is now offering it to you and your families to honor life cycle and special events. Simply fill out the form in the newsletter (or on TBA’s website) and send it to TBA Sisterhood, 23023 Hilse Lane, Santa Clarita, CA 91321. For one tree or one water project the cost is just $18. That’s it! A certificate indicating your gift will be sent directly from The Jewish National Fund to your gift recipient. ONEGS Are you interested in sponsoring an Oneg to acknowledge or celebrate a special event? Please contact either Jennifer Ihrig or Nancy Lepore by emailing them at: [email protected]. On July 10, 2012 Sisterhood’s Secretary Sally Villa emailed each of us the Oneg’s Genius to sign up for Onegs. Set ups are at 7:30 p.m. on a Friday night and then to help clean up afterwards (many stay and help you.) Your help will be recognized and appreciated at service. Should you be interested in being the Oneg Coordinator, please contact our president Jennifer Ihrig, [email protected]. JUST AROUND THE CORNER . . . Sisterhood Meeting: October 9, 2012 @ 9 am. Hanukah Party December 1 & Holiday Boutique on December 2, 2012 PLEASE REFER TO OUR 2012/2013 (October, 2012) SISTERHOOD CALENDAR We look forward to you becoming a member TBA’s SISTERHOOD “WITHOUT YOU WE ARE ONE WOMAN SHORT!”If you are interested in sponsoring an Oneg, please contact either Jennifer Ihrig or Nancy Lepore by emailing them at: [email protected]. Oneg Sign Up Click on this link to select a date and sign-up. www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0D44AEAB283-oneg/768470. You will truly be doing a very appreciated mitzvah when you sign up for one Friday night – and we really do need YOUR help!

BOOKS & BRUNCH: EVERY TWO MONTHS we meet for friendship, book discussion (we sometimes even get off topic) over brunch. We will be meeting next on November 3, 2012 at the home of Karen Kaplan from 10:30 to 12:00 to discuss Rav Hisda’s Daughter. As you can see below, you can now purchase the book by contacting Karen Kaplan. SAVE THE DATE FOR SOMEONE VERY SPECIAL! We have a very special speaker coming to TBA on November 18, 2012 from 1-3 p.m. Her name is Maggie Anton! She is the writer of the historical non-fiction trilogy “Rashi’s Daughters” and she is coming to introduce her new book “Rav Hisda’s Daughter.” Maggie Anton’s historical non-fiction books are easy reads of Jewish women’s lives and written to capture her readers’ interest. Her new book will be available for the purchase price of $15 (includes tax) and book signings on November 18th. Women’s’ Torah Study is held on the 4th Saturday monthly from 10-12 noon, so the date for October is October 27, 2012. We are continuing to read the story of Joseph at Chapter 38. This is an ongoing class and you are welcome to join at any time. Our text is The Torah – A Women’s Commentary, which can be purchased for approximately $44.70 either at Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Mitzvah Projects: Do you knit, would like to learn, or good enough to teach knitting? This group would make blankets for Henry Mayo Hospital, Keppot for the Jewish Home or maybe make a special project to be entered at the WRJ 100th Centennial next December! In addition, Cheryl has been hearing that there is a strong interest to work with Project Chicken Soup for Aids patients. Please contact her as well for this mitzvah project, which will start in 2013. Both social action projects will be open to the congregation and the community; a great way for teens to earn

TBA S is terhood Guest Speaker Event

Maggie Anton A w a r d - w i n n i n g a u t h o r

o f t h e h i s t o r i c a l f i c t i o n s e r i e s

R A S H I ’ S D A U G H T E R W i l l b e o u r s p e c i a l g u e s t

t o d i s c u s s h e r n e w e s t b o o k

“ R a v H i s d a ’ s D a u g h t e r ”

W h e n : N o v e m b e r 1 8 , 2 0 1 2 f r o m 1 - 3 P M W h e r e : T e m p l e B e t h A m i

2 3 0 2 3 H i l s e L a n e N e w h a l l , C A 9 1 3 2 1

B

Book will be available for purchase from Maggie Anton on November 18th Books also available for advance purchase for $15

TBA SISTERHOOD 2012/2013 EVENT CALENDAR

(Rev. 9/21/12) (OCTOBER, 2012)

MONTH SISTERHOOD EVENTS JOINT EVENTS ONGOING EVENTS

OCTOBER 2012

10/25-28 WRJ District Convention, Portland Sun.: 10/9 Sisterhood Mtg @ 9, TBA Sun: 10/14 or 21 Sisterhood Tea 1-4 @ Valencia Hills Clubhouse

Tu: 10/16, Rosh Chodesh 10: 1-2 Sukkot 10/6 Progressive Dinner 10: 10/8 Shemini Atzeret 10: 10/ 9 Simchat Torah 10/16/12 Rosh Chodesh 10/20 Havdalah TBA event

Sat: 10/27 Women’s Torah Study Books and Bunch

NOVEMBER 2012

Sun: 11/11 Sisterhood Mtg @ 9, TBA Sun: 11/18 Speaker Maggie Anton @ TBA 1-3 w/ new book: “Rav Hisda’s Daughter” (Presales-See Karen Kaplan per Flyer)

TH: 11/15/12 Rosh Chodesh 11/10 Havdalah TBA 11/17 Casino Night TH: 11/22 Thanksgiving

Sat: 11/3: Books N’ Brunch @ Karen Kaplan’s 10:30-12:00 Sat: 11/17: Women’s Torah Study

DECEMBER 2012

Sat.: 12/1 Chanukah Party 6:30-9 @ Azani’s home Sun. 12/2 Chanukah Boutique @TBA Sun. 12/9 Sisterhood Mtg @ 9, TBA

12/8-16 Chanukah 12/15 Chanukah Havdalah TBA F: 12/14 Rosh Chodesh

12/22 Women’s Torah Study Books and Brunch

JANUARY 2013 Sun: 1/13 Spa Day @ Balance Point Spa (Tentative) 1/12 Rosh Chodesh 1/26 Women’s Torah Study

FEBRUARY 2013

2/ 8-11 Women’s Retreat @ Brandeis in Simi Valley

2/10 Rosh Chodesh 2/24 Purim

Women’s Torah Study Books and Brunch

MARCH 2013 3/2/13 WRJ Nationwide Shabbat 3/10 Women’s Seder @ Valencia Hills Clubhouse, 3-6 pm

3/12 Rosh Chodesh 3/26-31 Passover 3/27 TBA Community Seder

2/23 Women’s Torah Study Books and Brunch

APRIL 2013

Nominations for Elections and Woman of the Year 4/20 Scavenger Night w/ Men’s Club

F: 4/6 Erev Passover 4/10 Rosh Chodesh 4/7-4/14 Passover 4/19: Holocaust Memorial Day 4/25: Israeli Memorial Day 4/26: Israeli Independence Day Sun: 4/22 Rosh Chodesh*

3/23 Women’s Torah Study

MAY 2013 Sun: WJR Tea

5/10 Rosh Chodesh Sun: 5/12 Mother’s Day

4/27 Women’s Torah Study Books N’ Brunch

JUNE 2013 F: 6/ Sisterhood Shabbat & Woman of the Year Presentation

6/8 Rosh Chodesh Sun: 6/16 Father’s Day 6/ 22 Women’s Torah Study

RECURRING ACTIVITIES: Books N’ Brunch: 1st Saturday every other month (Aug, Oct, Dec, Feb, April, June) 10:30 AM – noon; Women’s Torah Study: 3rd Saturday monthly 10 AM – noon; GNO (Girl’s Night Out): Planned throughout the year; *Rosh Chodesh program being developed. Further Details for upcoming events can be found in TBA Newsletter and Website.

TBA Sisterhood

Annual Hanukkah Party

Hanukkah treats, “White Elephant Gift exchange” and festive music await you! Bring one wrapped gift (value at least $10)

Bring a dish to share for 8-10 people

Cost: Sisterhood members who RSVP by November 24 are FREE Non-Sisterhood members and Walk-Ins are $10/person

RSVP by 11/24/12 on the Sisterhood Facebook website, or to

Debbie Block at [email protected]

Saturday, December 1, 2012

4-7 pm At th e h o m e o f Cas s a n d ra Az a n i

Stevenson Ranch, CA


Our Website gets a makeover! Beginning October 25th… It’s not often we get to say that. But it’s true – our synagogue Website will have a new look and with the help of the new Website editing tool, more people will be able to upload content faster without depending on just one or two web masters. With this new design and new tool, updates can happen as soon as you want. As some of our Facebook administrators can tell you – real time updates can be invigorating to a site. When one of our Website editor snaps some pictures while they are at an event; by the next morning (if not sooner) those pictures can be on the new website. We can have blogs, and Men’s club, Sisterhood, and our school classes can have updates much faster than previously done. This is very useful when we depend on the schedules of volunteers. More people can help out and updates can be more timely. We are very grateful to our webmaster Greg Gelberg – who taught himself this new tool, he worked with the URJ folks in New York to negotiate time to remain on the old server before moving to a new solution, and Greg figured out the new solution, paid for the pro version of the editor and the yearly hosting fee. But that’s not all, Greg then created a style guide to keep our editors and their individual style aligned AND created the new design and moved content from the current site to the new site. Then last Thursday, Greg showed the new site and taught the new editors how to create and format content in the web tool. Greg works tirelessly to make our Website fresh and relevant and for that we don’t have the words to express our gratitude. Greg, thank you for your help in moving us in this new and efficient direction. After we cut-over to the new site, we will be continually tweaking the new site as we learn more about the web design and our editors become more proficient. If you are interested in helping keep our website updated, then contact [email protected] To the right, is our current site.

Here’s the design for the new site. Notice all the important information is still on the home page just by using the scroll bar on the right. See the navigation tabs at the top and the easy drop-down menus. These will be on every page so you’ll know how to move from one section to another.


Men’s Club Football has kicked off and we started our Fantasy Football league. Don’t forget our famous Kosher Turkey Bowl coming up in November.

We enjoyed ushering at the High Holidays and with the Fetch-it & Shlep-it crew. Thank you to Rick for chairing the High Holiday activities.

Then we constructed the Community Sukkah and packed it up. A big THANK YOU to Rick for leading us in that effort. See the pics at the right.

Don’t forget to join us for our Family movie night – this Saturday. Mr. Poppers Penguins. It’s a very sweet comedy that the whole family will enjoy. Just $10 for the ENTIRE family AND includes great movie and even snackier snacks and popyer Soda Pop!

Thanks, Andy Steier President, Men’s Club

Beginners Photography Workshop

Dates: Sundays, October 28, November 4 and Wednesday November 7th

October 28th – Meet at The Village at Northridge from 9:30 - Noon

Exposure Composition Lighting Overview of equipment How to create high quality pictures

November 4th – Meet at a Skirball Museum to take pictures 3 – 7 pm

Landscapes, Architecture, People

November 7th – Meet at Temple Ahavat Shalom 7-10 pm

Show pictures and professional critique Question and answer period

Cost: $18 for Center members; $27.00 for Non-members

***Partial scholarships available for Center Members***

Paid Reservations Required – Limited Space

Singles @ Seven (50+ Singles Group)

For our monthly event, please Call Our Vivacious Hosts

Meets third Tuesday of every month

Joy (818) 429-0812 or Jerry Wayne (818) 360-2211

Lots of activities going on – check out our website: www.nvjcc.org

“The-J”, your NEW Jewish Community Center 18017 Chatsworth St. #217, Granada Hills, 91344

(818)-360-2211 nvjcc.org [email protected] [email protected]


The Chai Campaign

This year, Temple Beth Ami has taken a significant step towards maintaining and growing our

presence in Santa Clarita with our Chai Campaign. The campaign was initiated this April to gradually pay down and “burn the mortgage”. All funds are earmarked for paying down this long-term debt. This will free up thousands of dollars in cash flow for mitzvahs in the community and put us on the path towards eventually building a new temple on the Old Road in conjunction with the Center for Jewish Life.

We know this is a challenging undertaking during difficult times. It is our faith in our members and sponsors that make this campaign a possibility. Since the Chai Campaign began in April, we have raised over $52,000 in pledges and payments from 32 families. Our mortgage debt of $360,000 is an attainable goal over time with all of our members’ continued focus and support.

Temple Beth Ami has never charged a mandatory building fund fee alongside regular dues as many temples and churches do. Such an extra fee charged by temples like nearby Congregation Beth Shalom and Northridge’s Ahavat Shalom put total dues significantly higher than ours. Our approach is to rely on the good faith and moral obligation for each family to support our temple and facility as best as each can.

Inspiration can be drawn from Shomrei Torah. The product of a merger of two temples, Shomrei Torah began a “burn the mortgage” campaign in 2001. It was a time of financial distress for the temple, but they had the foresight and wonderful support of members large and small in donations. On June 16th 2012, Shomrei Torah paid off the mortgage in full and now have greater opportunities to pursue mitzvahs in their community.

One could argue that Santa Clarita has a greater need for a significant Jewish presence than the San Fernando Valley. This is what a stronger Temple Beth Ami, one with greater financial strength and ultimately a new facility, under the leadership of Rabbi Mark Blazer, can provide for future generations.

Every donor name will be recognized on a donor wall that will ultimately be transferred to our new facility and be a permanent part of our history. Please keep giving chai in mind as we approach the new year by pledging or donating by check or credit card in multiples of 18 to help us burn the mortgage. Along with our budgetary reforms for the coming year, the Chai Campaign will put Temple Beth Ami on the path towards being a significant presence in the Santa Clarita Jewish community for this generation and the next.

Shout Outs! Thank you Rabbi

Mark and Cantor Kenny for a rousing Simchat Torah.

Thank you to everyone who helped with the clean-up at Simchat Torah

Thank you Men’s Club and especially Rick Kaufman for your hard work on the building and then packing up the Sukkah.

Thank you to the Family Promise Volunteers who are staying at the Temple, providing food, or helping with the set-up.

Thank you to Greg Gelberg who has been rebuilding our website as we move from the URJ servers to a more inclusive contributor model. Thank you also for the terrific web demo you provided for future website editors.

.

$36,000.00 2000 x 18$18,000.00 1000 x 18$9,360.00 52 x 180 (180 per week)$6,570.00 365 x 18 (chai per day)$3,600.00 200 x 18$2,160.00 12 x 180 (180 per month)$1,800.00 100 x 18$657.00 365 x 1.80$360.00 20 x 18

2012 CHAI CAMPAIGNTEMPLE BETH AMI

Gifts of all sizes are needed. Every dollar will enable us to “burn the debt” and assist us in directly strengthening our Jewish community through expanded and enhanced programs and services.

We invite you to give at a level you are comfortable with to Temple Beth Ami, a home for our people, that cares for our community twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred and sixty five days a year.

Chai giving amounts:

Everyone donating to the “Chai Campaign” will have their name inscribed on a spe-cial donor wall. Please indicate how you would like your name to appear, or if you would prefer to be anonymous:

Name: _________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________ _______________________________________Payment method:[ ] Please bill me [ ] Check or money order [ ] Credit or Debit cardVisa or MasterCard #__________________________________________________Exp. Date: ___ / ___ C.V.V. # ___________I hereby give permission to Temple Beth Ami to charge my debit/credit card for all payments as set forth above.

Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _______________

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Birthdays David Aksenfeld 10/1 Maxwell Corben 10/11 Trevor Reeves 10/21Adrienne Levine 10/2 Jacob Levine 10/11 Rita Fraser 10/22Amanda Morgan 10/3 Robin Frieden 10/12 Judith Wolfe 10/22Aaron Ellis 10/4 Bob Rappoport 10/12 Michael Watson 10/22Jake Fleischman 10/4 Steven Fink 10/13 Cal Greenfield 10/23Natalie Barton 10/7 Jessica Siegel 10/13 Shawn Monheim 10/23Danielle Hershenson 10/7 Alan Wykoff 10/14 Brette Crane 10/23Juliette Hershenson 10/7 Madeline Corben 10/15 Reed Crane 10/23Samatha Maiten 10/7 Preston Fields 10/17 Elliott Levine 10/23Jenna Roth 10/7 Leah Hauptman 10/17 Steven Elzer 10/24Susan Bibicoff 10/8 Jeff Stein 10/18 Maya Kaplan 10/29Matthew Maiten 10/8 Janet King 10/19 Alexa Roth 10/29Henry Poltorak 10/8 Alan Shelton 10/19 Ryan Varshawsky 10/29Deminique Tabach 10/8 Jennifer Cogan 10/19 Sydney Varshawsky 10/29Kaniella Karney 10/9 Benjamin Garden 10/20 Ben Watson 10/29Barbara Hopkins 10/10 Chad Pearlman 10/21

Anniversaries Bonnie and Gene Horwitz 10/8 Sol and Bonnie Hauptman 10/19 Allan and Jackie Fisher 10/11 Steve and Sharon Reifman 10/19 Jay and Karen Barnett 10/15 Joseph and Leslie Peyton 10/21 Josh and Donna Siegel 10/15 Donna and Casey 10/29 Kirk and Lori Garden 10/17 Lee and Joyce Shulman 10/29 Bruce and Stephanie Seidel 10/30

Yahrzeits Rebecca Aronowitz* 10/1 Lois Hopkins 10/8 Arnold Blumenthal 10/19Michael Cohen* 10/1 Harry Penn 10/8 Arti Baer 10/20Jeanne Eller 10/1 Abraham Siegel 10/8 Samuel Scher* 10/20Jacob Fuchsman 10/1 Harold Carriere 10/9 Mayer Colodny 10/21Vladimir Kraner 10/1 Jerry Wells 10/9 Roslyn Durkee* 10/21Albert Mendelsohn 10/1 Rose Miller 10/10 Louis Goodman 10/21Harriett Nadler 10/1 Beverly Crane 10/12 Jack Friedman 10/24Rose Reifman 10/1 Bella Greenberg 10/14 Rosanne Melnick 10/24Morris Aronoff 10/3 Leonard Perman 10/14 Gloria Lieberson 10/25Janet Mervis* 10/3 Louis Rubin 10/14 Mary Edelman 10/27Alex Abramson 10/4 Gayle Block* 10/16 Marcus Greenfield 10/29Benjamin Fisher 10/4 Nathan Dermer 10/16 Florence Golden 10/30Albert Ludwig* 10/4 Irving Schwartz 10/17 Dora Greenberg 10/30Leon Strauss* 10/4 Ruby Wulfe 10/17 Simmon Kurtz 10/30Irwin Manekofsky 10/5 Max Nadler 10/17 Hyman Miller 10/30Gloria Rosenthal 10/5 Eva Nadler 10/18 Adelle Stulman* 10/30Charles Goldsmith* 10/6 Armaund Strauss 10/18 Norman Maiten 10/31

* Denotes a Memorial Plaque has been donated in their honor. Help us update the Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Yahrzeits. If a date is missing, please let us know so we can update our database. Contact: [email protected]


TEMPLE BETH AMI TRIBUTE CARDS Temple Beth Ami Sisterhood is pleased to provide Tribute Cards. When you mail, email, or order online, a personalized tribute card will be sent to the person or family you wish to honor or remember. You, the donor, will receive an acknowledgment card, and your donation will go to the selected fund within the Temple. [Minimum donation is $18.] Fill out the form below, or provide the information via the website, or email. The sisterhood will take care of the rest. [Honor cards include Birthdays, Graduation, B’nai Mitzvot, Rosh Hashanah greetings, New Babies, Awards, Promotions, etc.]

ORDER FORM Donor: _________________________________________________________________ Donor Address: __________________________________________________________ Donor Phone & email: ______________________________________________________

To: ______________________________________________________________________ Street Address: ___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ___________________________________________________________ REASON: (Check one) In Honor of: ____ In Memory of: ____ Temple Beth Ami fund(s) to receive donation: _________________________________________ By mail: send checks, payable to Temple Beth Ami, along with this form to 23023 Hilse Lane, Newhall, CA 91321 ATTN: Tribute. Donations should be received with or before your card order. By e-mail: send all of the above information to [email protected], while simultaneously either calling 661-255-6410or emailing [email protected] your credit card information to Teri Knafla, Temple Bookkeeper. [credit card information is kept strictly confidential.] Order online: http://ca018.urj.net/tribute_card_form.pdf, fill out and email the form from there. Simultaneously contact the Temple Bookkeeper with your donation. THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS.

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temple beth ami shalom bayit 661.255.6410 תיב םולש · vicky rubin eve rumley frank &...

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