Beth Israel Synagogue

12604 Pacific Street, Omaha NE 68154

www.orthodoxomaha.org

402-556-6288

The Beth Israel Bulletin

A Publication of Beth Israel Synagogue

September 2015 • Elul 5775/Tishri 5776

Table of Contents

Mazal Tov to our Members ........................... 2

Chai Lights .................................................... 3

Weekly Classes .............................................. 4

High Holiday Schedule ................................. 5

Holiday Information ..................................... 6-10

Babysitting and Holiday Child Care ............. 10

The Month in Photos .................................... 11

Scholar In Residence Schedule ...................... 12

Mishnah L’Neshamah Club ........................... 13

Weekly Youth Events ..................................... 13

Birthdays & Anniversaries ............................. 14

Contributions ................................................. 15

Service Schedule ............................................ 16 (Back Cover)

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Rabbi Ari Dembitzer, Rabbi

The High holidays are upon us. We are about to start a new year, which we hope will be better than the last. The month preceding the high holidays, "Elul," is a time to prepare for the holiness. There are many different ways to prepare. The Rabbis tell us that the name "Elul" is an acronym for "ani ldodi vdodi li," I am for my beloved and my beloved is for me. First we work on bringing ourselves close, and then we will feel the ultimate closeness. We work this month on returning. We must rid ourselves of any blockages to achieve this. Our rabbis tell us that as a prerequisite for achieving closeness with G-d one must first achieve closeness with fellow man. We spend the next few weeks working on making sure we have minimal negativity towards others and attempting to resolves one's negativity towards us. If we are able to achieve this, then G-d will only see the positive in us as well. May the blockages we remove with our fellow man lead to removing the blockages between us and G-d. Blessings for a Shana Tova, filled with happiness and health.

About the Cover:

Rosh Hashanah is a time of newness. New beginnings. New hope. And new chances to pursue our dreams. The f o o d s o f R o s h Hashanah help pave the way by symbolizing all the good things to come.

Rabbi Yaakov Weiss, Mashgiach Ruchani

The Jewish people often have opportunity for looking into the future. We don’t know what will happen in the future but we try our best to predict and prepare for what will happen. Many of our prayers and thoughts on Rosh Hashana look towards the coming year with anticipation. Rosh Hashana is a very special time of year when people come out and identify themselves as practicing Jews. They come to synagogues, social events, or dinners as people that are proud of being Jewish. Perhaps we can take a cue from one of the central prayers of the holiday: Ki Anu Amecha – we are your people and You are our G-d. The prayer goes through different relationships we have with G-d, and I believe its essence is that at different times the Jewish people look to understand their relationship with G-d in varied ways. Let us start off the year as a quest to find out the best way for us to relate to ourselves, each other, and the Master of the world. Shana Tova u-Metukah

...to Meira Gitt & Taliah Shrago on the celebration of their Bat Mitzvot! Mazel Tov to grandparents Leon & Dani Shrago and the entire extended family. ...to Sarah Potash on the birth of Jenna Rose. Mazal Tov to grandparents Linda and Bruce Potash. ...to Brittani & Ido Shtrobach on their wedding. Mazal

Tov to Brittani (Rut), Lillyanna (Keshet), Leaha, and Dvorah on completing their conversions. ...to Brittani & Ido Shtrobach on the birth of their son Israel James (Yisrael), and to big sisters Lillyanna (Keshet), Leaha, and Dvorah. ...to Abby Kohll upon the celebration of her Bat Mitzvah. Mazal Tov to Alan Kohll & Briggete Mimram.

BETH ISRAEL STAFF

Rabbi Ari Dembitzer, Rabbi Rabbi Yaakov Weiss, Mashgiach Ruchani Jeannie Nickels, Office Manager Kris Eschliman, Administrative Assistant Betty Bader, Kitchen Jay Benton, Housekeeping Leo Fettman, Cantor Emeritus

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Toba Cohen-Dunning, President

Liat Shyken, VP of Administration

Bruce Potash, VP of Membership &

Executive Officer

Bruce Goldberg, VP of Financial

Planning

Jeff Kirshenbaum, Treasurer

Joey Shyken, Secretary

Joel Alperson

Aryeh Epstein

Mary Sue Grossman

Julee Katzman

Zoë Riekes

Stacey Rockman

Lynne Saltzman

Michael Shrago

Sherry Taxman

Harry Weiner

All past presidents

BETH ISRAEL CHAI LIGHTS

Our community continues to thrive because of our dedicated benefactors and volunteers. Thank you to…

• Sponsors of August Kiddushes:

• Leon & Dani Shrago and for sponsoring the Kiddush Lunch and

Seudah Shlishit in honor of their granddaughters’ Bat Mitzvot

• Ruth Edelman in honor of her birthday, her Bat Mitzvah, and chanting

of the Haftorah on this same day

• Lynne Saltzman for providing birthday cake in honor of her birthday

• Bruce and Linda Potash in honor of the birth of their granddaughter

Jenna Rose

• Sponsors of the August Simcha Kiddush:

Birthdays: Lynne Saltzman, Jack Shrago

Anniversaries: Ruth & Harold Edelman, Paysie & Susie Shyken,

Jack & Helene Shrago

• Day of Learning sponsors:

• Ruth & Harold Edelman in honor of those who called or visited Harold

while he was in the hospital

• Anonymous in honor of the children of Beth Israel

• Jonathan Duitch to commemorate the Shloshim for his mother Jean

Duitch

• Susan Katzman for sponsoring the Shabbat Sheet once a month

• All of the community members who helped host our guests from Project

SEED: Aryeh & Crystal Epstein, Rabbi Ari, Donald Gerber, Harry & Kathy

Weiner, David & Shirley Goodman, Jack & Bette Kozlen, Gary & Liat Shyken,

Joey & Rachel Shyken, Rabbi Yaakov & Ilana Weiss, and Leon & Dani Shrago

• Mary Sue Grossman & Jordana Kurtzman for editing the Shabbat sheet

• Mary Sue Grossman, Jordana Kurtzman, and Deborah Platt for editing the

monthly bulletin

• Rachel Shyken for leading the monthly Kids Craft for August

• All those delivering a Dvar Torah and reading from the Torah during August

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ShopAmazonand

HelpBethIsrael!

Buy ANYTHING on Amazon and earn cash for Beth Israel Synagogue.

Every purchase you make on Amazon that begins on the Beth Israel

website will return a percentage of your purchase to the synagogue.

The link is found on the website at www.orthodoxomaha.org.

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WEEKLY CLASSES & PROGRAMS

SHABBAT DAY

Shabbat Morning Children’s Classes

Beginning with the Torah parade at 9:45 am,

classes are available for children of all ages

Parshah Study

Before and after the Torah reading each week

Shabbat Afternoon

One hour before Mincha, delve into insights of the

Weekly Torah Portion or upcoming holidays

Seudah Shlishit

Celebrate the beauty of Shabbat with Torah, food,

and song

SUNDAY

9:45 am - Bagels and Beit Medrash:

Understanding Our Prayers

2:00 pm - Caffe Ivrit with Eliad

TUESDAY

12:00 pm - The Portion of Israel with Eliad

(Social Hall) - Please note that class on the second Tuesday

of the month will take place at the Kripke Library in the JCC

THURSDAY

9:30 am - Women’s Class: Deepening Our

Connection with G-d (Social Hall)

3:30 pm - Scholar’s Club for 6th grade

will resume after Sukkot

7:00 pm - Avot U-Banim—Parent-Child Learning

7:30 pm - Girls Learning Program at Beth Israel

8:30 pm - Talmud Learning at Beth Israel

DAILY

Daily Learning of Jewish Law and Jewish Thought

following Sunday and weekday Shacharit services

7:45 am - Principles of Jewish Thought on weekdays

New Classes Coming to Beth Israel with Shaliach Eliad Eliyahu

The Portion of Israel

Every Tuesday at 12:00 pm you are invited to join Shaliach Eliad Eliyahu for an

interesting session of Israel updates. During the sessions Eliad will share the current

news from Israel and the different versions reported in Israeli and international media.

The second part of the session will be dedicated to learn the highlights from the Torah

portion and their connection to Israel and to our life nowadays! The first session will be

on Tuesday, September 1st at 12:00 pm at Beth Israel. The program will take place every

Tuesday except for the second Tuesday of the month. The monthly Eye on Israel session

will take place at the Kripke Library in the JCC on the second Tuesday of the month.

Caffe Ivrit

Do you have basic skills in Hebrew and want to improve them?

Please come to our Caffe Ivrit class with Shaliach Eliad Eliyahu every Sunday at 2:00 pm at Beth Israel

Synagogue. The session will include short updated clips from Israel, tips for fluent conversational Hebrew and

basic understanding of Hebrew grammar. Session will begin at 2:00 pm.

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Visit theBeth Israel Sisterhood Gift Shop

for all your holiday needs!

Sunday,Sept13-ErevRoshHashanahSelichot&Shacharit........................................................9:00a.m.BagelsandBeitMedrash...........................................10:00a.m.Mincha/Maariv/CandleLighting...........................7:19p.m.

Monday,Sept14-RoshHashanah(DayOne)

Shacharit..............................................................................8:00a.m.Mincha/Maariv.................................................................7:00p.m.EarliestCandleLighting................................................8:18p.m.

Tuesday,Sept15-RoshHashanah(DayTwo)

Shacharit..............................................................................8:00a.m.Mincha/Maariv.................................................................7:00p.m.Havdalah..............................................................................8:24p.m.

Wednesday,Sept16—FastofGedalia

FastBegins..........................................................................5:42a.m.Selichot&Shacharit........................................................6:40a.m.Mincha/Maariv.................................................................7:00p.m.FastEnds.............................................................................8:03p.m.

Thursday,Sept17

Selichot&Shacharit.......................................................6:40a.m.Women’sClass..................................................................9:30a.m.AvotUbanim......................................................................7:00p.m.Girls’LearningProgram................................................7:30p.m.ChavrutaLearning...........................................................8:30p.m.

Friday,Sept18

Selichot&Shacharit.......................................................6:40a.m.Mincha/Maariv&KabbalatShabbat........................7:11p.m.CandleLighting.................................................................7:11p.m.

Saturday,Sept19—ShabbatShuva

Shacharit..............................................................................9:00a.m.Repentance101................................................................6:00p.m.Mincha&SeudahShlishit.............................................6:50p.m.Havdalah..............................................................................8:17p.m.

Sunday,Sept20

Selichot&Shacharit.......................................................9:00a.m.BagelsandBeitMedrash...........................................10:00a.m.KidsCraftandClass.....................................................10:00a.m.CaffeIvrit.............................................................................2:00p.m.TashlichPicnic..................................................................5:00p.m.

Monday,Sept21

Selichot&Shacharit........................................................6:40a.m.

Tuesday,Sept22—ErevYomKippurSelichot&Shacharit........................................................6:40a.m.Mincha..................................................................................4:30p.m.KolNidre.............................................................................6:40p.m.CandleLighting&FastBegins....................................7:04p.m.

Wednesday,Sept23—YomKippurShacharit.............................................................................8:00a.m.SermonfollowedbyYizkor.......................................10:00a.m.BookofYonah....................................................................5:00p.m.Mincha..................................................................................5:40p.m.Neilah....................................................................................6:40p.m.FastEnds—ShofarandHavdalah..............................8:10p.m.Breakthefastfollowingservices:$8foradults;freeforchildren12andunder

Thursday,Sept24

Shacharit.............................................................................6:55a.m.Women’sClass...................................................................9:30a.m.AvotUbanim......................................................................7:00p.m.Girls’LearningProgram................................................7:30p.m.ChavrutaLearning...........................................................8:30p.m.

Friday,Sept25

Shacharit.............................................................................7:00a.m.Mincha/Maariv&KabbalatShabbat........................6:59p.m.CandleLighting.................................................................6:59p.m.

Saturday,Sept26—Shabbat

Shacharit..............................................................................9:00a.m.SukkotCrashCourse.......................................................6:00p.m.Mincha&SeudahShlishit.............................................6:40p.m.Havdalah..............................................................................8:05p.m.

Sunday,Sept27—ErevSukkot

Shacharit.............................................................................9:00a.m.Bagels&BeitMedrash:UnderstandingPrayer..9:45a.m.Mincha/Maariv/CandleLighting............................6:55p.m.

Monday,Sept28—Sukkot(DayOne)

Shacharit..............................................................................9:00a.m.LunchintheSukkah($12adults;$6children4-12)Mincha/Maariv.................................................................6:55p.m.EarliestCandleLighting................................................7:54p.m.

Tuesday,Sept29—Sukkot(DayTwo)

Shacharit..............................................................................9:00a.m.Mincha/Maariv.................................................................6:55p.m.Havdalah..............................................................................8:00p.m.

Wednesday,Sept30—CholHamoed

Shacharit.............................................................................6:45a.m.

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YES, IT’S TIME TO ORDER YOUR LULAV & ETROG!

Place your order by noon on September 4 by either going to the website and using the link under “Upcoming Programs & Events” or by

calling the office.

Cost - $48.00

It is a beautiful mitzvah to perform as part of the Sukkot holiday!

Holiday Preparation Classes:

What you thought you already knew everything about...

Songs and Prayers of High Holidays:

Tuesday, September 8 at 7:00 pm

High Holiday Crash Course:

Shabbat, September 12 at 6:00 pm

Teshuva—Repentance

Shabbat, September 19 at 6:00 pm

Sukkot Crash Course

Shabbat, September 26 at 6:00 pm

Pre-Selichot Concert

Saturday, September 5 at 11:00 pm

Rabbi Ari Dembitzer and Rabbi Yaakov Weiss

Get ready for Selichot and High Holidays through a meaningful concert. Bring your

own instruments and play along

Selichot will follow at 11:59 pm

Open to ALL Jewish

Omaha teens in

11th & 12th grade!

December 20, 2015 -

January 1, 2016

Study sessions and dinner with Eliad are open to all 11th & 12th

grade teens. Sessions are required for those attending the

Omaha Teen Trip to Israel.

Study sessions dates are as follows:

September 30, 6-8pm

at Temple Israel

October 21, 6-8pm at Beth Israel

November 18, 6-8pm

at Beth El

December 2, 6-8pm at JCC

The Synagogue Discovery Tour:

Sunday, September 20, 2015

9:45am—12:15pm

Just for Omaha’s Jewish 1st and 2nd Graders

In place of Sunday religious school classes, students

will visit Omaha’s synagogues for a bit of exploration and games in

search of Jewish symbols at each location. A kosher snack and

souvenir will also be provided for each child, all free of charge. Please

contact the office for registration forms.

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Looking Ahead at October

Mikvah News For mikvah access, please contact Dani Shrago at (402) 333-6108. Please give as much notice as possible. The community mikvah is located at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home on the JCC Campus.

From the Synagogue Office

• Beth Israel sends a weekly e-mail reminder of

upcoming events. Contact the office if you are

currently not on the list and would like to receive it.

• We are happy to include announcements of your

family simchas. Contact the synagogue office to

share your good news.

• The synagogue office will send e-mail notifications of

funerals to the congregation when we are contacted

by a family member.

• The office will be closed September 7 for Labor Day,

14-15 for Rosh Hashanah, close at noon on 22 and be

closed on 23 for Yom Kippur, and 28-29 for Sukkot.

Beth Israel Tashlich Service

Sunday, September 20 at 5:00 pm

Join Beth Israel at Lake Zorinsky for Tashlich.

Meet at the park for Tashlich and a picnic. Bring

your own dinner, and Beth Israel will provide

chips and a pareve dessert.

October1-Thursday—CholHamoed

Shacharit.............................................................................6:45a.m.

Women’sClass..................................................................9:30a.m.

AvotUbanim......................................................................7:00p.m.

Girls’LearningProgram...............................................7:30p.m.

ChavrutaLearning.........................................................8:30p.m.

October2-Friday—CholHamoed

Shacharit.............................................................................6:45a.m.

Mincha/Maariv&KabbalatShabbat.......................6:47p.m.

CandleLighting.................................................................6:47p.m.

October3-Shabbat—CholHamoed

Shacharit..............................................................................9:00a.m.

SukkahHop........................................................................3:30p.m.

InsightsintotheHolidayofSukkot.........................6:00p.m.

Mincha&SeudahShlishit............................................6:30p.m.

MusicalHavdalahintheSukkah...............................7:53p.m.

October4-Sunday—HoshanaRabba

Shacharit.............................................................................9:00a.m.

Hoshanot&FarewelltotheLulav............................9:45a.m.

Mincha/Maariv&CandleLighting..........................6:44p.m.

October5-Monday—SheminiAtzeret

Shacharit................................................................9:00a.m.

Yizkor...................................................................10:45p.m.

FarewelltotheSukkah....................................6:15p.m.

Mincha/Maariv...................................................6:45p.m.

Livelydancing,singing,rejoicingandHakafot

SimchatTorahDinnerfollowingHakafot

(Betty’sfamousmac&cheese,tossedsalad,tuna

salad,fruitsalad,andfabulousdairydesserts.)

$12adults,$6children4-12,free3andyounger.

EarliestCandleLighting..................................7:42p.m.

October6-Tuesday—SimchatTorah

Shacharit................................................................9:00a.m.

Livelysingingandrejoicing!Torahconcludeswith

Kol Ha-nearim and Chatan Torah and Bereishit.

Women’sclassduringtheTorahreading.

LastMomentsoftheChag…………………….6:00p.m.

Mincha/Maariv...................................................9:00p.m.

Havdalah................................................................7:48p.m.

October7-Wednesday

Shacharit................................................................7:00a.m.

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The Yamim Noraim, Days of Awe, are more than

just Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. There is an entire

holiday season dedicated to the process of Teshuva.

Selichot (apologies)

The high holidays officially begin the Saturday night

before Rosh Hashanah. Selichot is perhaps the most

spiritual event of the year and sets the tone for the

entire season.

Kever Avot (Kever — graves; Avot – ancestors)

We visit the cemetery before the Yamim Noraim to ask

Hashem that in the merit of the righteous, He grant us

a good year.

See following page for visitation schedule.

Rosh Hashanah (Rosh—beginning;

Hashanah— The year)

The day that commemorates Adam and Eve’s creation.

The beginning of a year is a time to reflect on the year

past and to make resolutions for the year to come.

Tzom Gedaliah (Tzom—fast; Gedaliah—man’s

name)

This day commemorates the tragic events that led to

the end of the last semblance of Jewish sovereignty

after the First Temple’s destruction.

Aseret Yemei Teshuvah (Aseret—10; Yemei—

Days; Teshuva—Repentence)

The ten days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur are

to be spent asking Hashem and our fellow man for

forgiveness.

Tashlich (to throw)

Around the time of Rosh Hashanah, it is a widely

accepted custom to go to a river and recite a few selected

prayers. The practice has come to be known as Tashlich

because we recite a verse from the book of Micha where

the prophet says, “And cast (Tashlich) into the depths of

the sea all of their sins.”

Yom Kippur (Yom—day; Kippur—atonement)

The day commemorating Hashem’s granting us

atonement for worshipping the golden calf. A spiritual

day when we shun the physical by fasting and immersing

ourselves completely in prayer.

Sukkot (Sukkah—temporary home)

This festival commemorates Hashem’s constant

protection for forty years in the desert. We eat in the

sukkah and pray for rain with the Lulav and Etrog.

Hoshana Rabbah (the great Hoshana)

The day we commemorate the festive circuits observed

when we have a Beit Hamikdash.

Shemini Atzeret (Shemini—eight; Atzeret—

festival)

The Yamim Noraim come to a close with the final day of

Sukkot. During the holiday season, we are closer to

Hashem than at any other point in the year. Shemini

Atzeret is Hashem saying to us, “Before you leave, please,

just spend one more day with me.”

Simchat Torah (simchat—happiness)

This holiday celebrates the completion of the yearly

Torah reading cycle.

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Selichot

September 5, 2015

Pre-Selichot concert with Rabbi Yaakov Weiss and Rabbi Ari Dembitzer at 11:00 pm - 11:58 pm

Beth Israel Selichot will be held at 11:59pm

Selichot will continue daily through Yom Kippur. Selichot Services begin at 6:40 am on weekdays.

Kever Avot

September 6, 2015

Golden Hills Cemetery, 5025 North 42nd St., 12:00 pm

Beth Israel/Mt. Sinai Cemetery, 78th & Crown Point, 1:00 pm

BHH/Fisher Farms, 8900 South 42nd St., 2:00 pm

Tashlich

September 20, 2015

Join Beth Israel at our Tashlich gathering. Meet at Lake Zorinsky at 5:00 pm for a

picnic and Tashlich.

Bring your own dinner, and Beth Israel will provide chips and a pareve dessert.

Yom Kippur

September 23, 2015

Cheese sandwiches, applesauce, grapes, potato chips, and juice will be served for children at 11:30am.

Lunch will cost $3 per child. Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

The Book of Yonah, 5:00 pm

A Break-the-Yom-Kippur-fast dinner will be held at the synagogue

when the fast ends at 8:10 pm. Menu includes tuna salad, egg

salad, bagels & cream cheese, pasta salad, and dessert. $8 for adults

(free for children ages 12 and under). Please RSVP by calling the

office or by using your Shabbat cards.

Lunch in the Sukkah

September 28, 2015

Join us for lunch in the sukkah following services. Menu includes turkey,

challah stuffing, roasted vegetables, salad, and dessert. $12 for adults, $6 for

children ages 4 to 12 (free for ages 3 and under). Please RSVP by calling the

office or using your Shabbat cards. (Photo by Beth Cohen)

Simchat Torah celebrations

October 5, 2015

Following Hakafot, stay to enjoy a delicious dairy dinner! Menu includes Betty’s famous mac & cheese,

tossed salad, tuna salad, fruit salad, and fabulous dairy desserts! $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 4 to

12 (free for ages 3 and under). Please RSVP by calling the office or using your Shabbat cards.

Save The Date! Sunday, November 1, 2015

Sisterhood Donor

Luncheon and Style Show Featuring fashions from Dillard’s

11:30am - Socializing, Gift Shop, Silent Auction

12:00pm - Lunch, followed by style show

Watch for details in coming weeks!

RESERVATIONS

Name ____________________________________________

Lulav & Etrog—$48 a set # of Sets _______

Babysitting $5 per session. Please list how many kids per day.

Rosh Hashanah: Sept 14____ Sept 15 ____ Yom Kippur: Sept 22 ____ Sept 23 (Morning) ____ Sept 23 (Afternoon) ____

Sukkot: Sept 28 ____ Sept 29 ____ Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah: Oct 5 ____ Oct 6 ____

Yom Kippur Child Lunch Sept 23—$3 # Kids _______

Yom Kippur Break the Fast Dinner Sept 23—$8.00 Adults; Free for 12 & Under #Adults _______ # Kids _______

Lunch in the Sukkah Sept 28—$12 Adults; $6 kids; Free for ages 3 & under #Adults _______ #Kids _______

Simchat Torah Oct 5— $12 Adults ;$6 Kids; Free for ages 3 & under #Adults _______ #Kids _______

Our synagogue’s membership now includes over 75

children (and counting!). Children are welcome in the

sanctuary for services as we trust that parents will be

considerate of other attendees. If children are not in

the babysitting program, they must be under the

direct supervision of an adult. Parents may still use

the Children’s Room with their children if they have

not reserved a spot in babysitting.

In an effort to provide a safe environment for children

and efficient use of resources, we will be requiring

advanced reservations and a $5 per child per service fee

for the upcoming High Holiday babysitting.

Rosh Hashanah—Mon., Sept. 14—9:30 am to the end of

services

Rosh Hashanah—Tues., Sept. 15—9:30 am to the end of

services

Kol Nidre—Tues., Sept. 22—7:00 pm to the end of

services

Yom Kippur Morning—Wed., Sept. 23—9:30 am to the

end of services

On Yom Kippur, a lunch of cheese sandwiches,

applesauce, grapes, potato chips, and juice will be

served for children at 11:30 am. Lunch costs $3 per

child. Please make lunch reservations so we can plan

accordingly. Your child does not need to be in

babysitting to participate in the lunch.

Yom Kippur Afternoon—Wed., Sept. 23—6:30 pm to the

end of services

Sukkot—Mon., Sept 28— 9:30 am to the end of services

Sukkot—Tues., Sept 29— 9:30 am to the end of services

Shemini Atzeret—Mon., Oct. 5—9:30 am to the end of

services

Simchat Torah—Tues., Oct. 6—9:30 am to the end of

services

Again…please, please, please…make a reservation if

you would like your child in babysitting so we can hire

the appropriate number of babysitters. There will be a

$2 extra charge per child per service for late

reservations (made less than 5 days before the service).

High Holidays Babysitting

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Beth Israel August Photo Gallery

Wedding of Ido & Brittani Shtrobach ~ Learning with Project Seed Uphsurin of Akiva Shyken ~ August Beth Israel Events

CRC Beit Din visit to Omaha with Rabbi Rockoff from Overland Park, KS

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Register online for all Beth Israel events directly

fromthewebsite.Youcanalsopayforeventsnow

viacreditcardorbillyouraccountdirectly.Ifyou

haveanyquestionsorneedhelppleasecontactthe

synagogueofHice.

www.orthodoxomaha.org

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Beth Israel is planning an exciting line-up of Scholars-in-Residence in the coming year.

Please mark your calendar now for these special visitors.

October 10 - 11 - Yossi and Pirhiya Apter

The Story of Noam Apter: Heroism, A Natural Extension of Noam’s Life

Yossi and Pirhiya Apter will share personal stories about their son’s dedication to Judaism, to

Israel and its people. In 2002, Noam Apter was one of four students murdered in a terrorist

attack at Yeshivat Otniel. He was working in the kitchen preparing a Shabbat dinner for about

100 students in the dining room next door. Apter said the message he hopes to convey to is that

“the decision to give your life in order to save the lives of your friends, it doesn’t come in a

moment at the end of your life. It’s a way of education.”

November 13-14 - Lewis Groner The Life of a Rabbi’s Son

Lewis Groner is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Jewish Community

Foundation of Los Angeles. Prior to joining The Foundation, Lew spent 15 years in corporate

marketing and advertising working for J. Walter Thompson, an international ad agency, and

Experian, a credit and information services company. Lewis graduated from the University of

Illinois in Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in political science and Judaic studies. Lewis has a

strong historical connection to Omaha. He is the son of Rabbi Benjamin Groner and Rebbetzin

Frances Groner. Rabbi Groner served as Beth Israel’s rabbi in the mid-50’s and early 6o’s.

Exploring Judaism

Originally designed to provide basic information about Judaism to those considering

conversion, the course has been enhanced to provide a great opportunity for anyone in

the Jewish community to revisit the principles of their faith and the richness of the

practices of Jewish living. The class will be taught by Scott Littky, a seasoned Jewish

educator. The 20 session course begins Monday, October 12, 2015, meeting from 7:00

– 8:30 pm in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. The class, provided through the

Center for Jewish Life, is free for donors to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish

Federation of Omaha and $180 for all others.

Call (402) 334-6463 or mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org for more information and to register.

A full description can be found on the website at

http://www.jewishomaha.org/education/center-for-jewish-life/

WEEKLY & MONTHLY YOUTH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Mishnah L’Neshama Every Shabbat at Beth Israel, enjoy singing, learning, and having fun. Attend this great session 15 minutes after kiddush.

Shabbat classes for Children During and after Shabbat services, classes are available for children in preschool through high school.

Monthly Kids Craft and Class

Sundays at 10:00 am Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 15, & Dec 6

Share your crafting talents for these great

events!

Scholar’s Club - For Grade 6 “Creating Tomorrow’s Leaders” Class for children in the sixth grade will begin after Sukkot. “Avot U-Banim” - Parent-Child Learning

Thursday Nights at 7:00 pm in the Beth Israel Beit Medrash

Parents and children are invited to come learn as we explore lessons from Avot.

Class for Girls Grades 7-10 Thursday Nights at 7:30 pm at Beth Israel!

Mishna L’Neshama Club by Eliad Eliyahu, Community Shaliach

According to the Talmud, the survival of the entire

world rests upon the pure breath of small kids

learning Torah (Tinokot shel Beit Raban). Here, at

Beth Israel you can definitely feel the blessing that

comes from our children who memorize the

Mishnayot as they learn with songs and hand

motions.

Thanks to Naama Weiss and Shilat Ben Shushan for

sharing with us their favorite Mishnah! You are more

than welcome to send more favorite Mishnayot with

a picture to my E-mail- Eliad@jewishomaha.org

Naama Weiss

My favorite Mishnah is "Eitz Chayim Hee." I like it because I just like the song. That song has lots of different versions and tunes. It makes me think about that every tree goes in a life-cycle and never ever dies. We go around with the Torah in circles and the Torah never dies and grows old.

Shilat Ben Shushan

My favorite Mishnah is

“harcheck Mi Shachen Ra.”

"harchek mishachen ra" means

"Keep away from a bad

neighbor" (Pirke Avot 1:7). I

love this Mishnah because I

love the melody of the

Mishnah, which was the first

song I knew in English – “Bim

Bam, Shabbat Shalom.” I also think it is important to

have only good friends around us, because we learn

from them how to behave.

13

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L�B�ATE ��D

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BETH �S�AL

Bag n’ Save Gift Cards

are available for

purchase at Beth

Israel!

Use just like cash at the

Bag n’ Save stores. There

is no extra fee to buy gift

cards. The synagogue

earns a percentage of

what you spend! Cards

are available for purchase

during regular synagogue

office hours.

Celebrate with a

Simcha Plaque!

A special birthday or

anniversary, birth of a

child or grandchild, Bar

or Bat Mitzvah in your

family? Simcha plaques

cost $100, and are a

wonderful way to

celebrate.

A leaf on the Tree of

Life! A beautiful and

meaningful way to

celebrate a milestone

or commemorate a

loved one.

Prices begin at $300.

Tree of Life donations

fund the Beth Israel

Endowment Fund.

14

CONTRIBUTION FORM

In Honor Of

In Memory Of

For the Recovery Of

For the Yahrzeit Of

Contribution By

Amount $ � General Fund � Other (please specify)

� Please do not list my name on the Contributions page of the Bulletin.

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Beth Israel sends its very best wishes to those who will be

celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in the coming month.

Please call the synagogue office at 402-556-6288 for any additions.

Birthdays

Anne Joseph Sep 2 Deborah Platt Sep 14

Zachary Stein Sep 3 7th Yaakov Weiss Sep 14

Maximo Shechet Sep 4 Jessica Rich Sep 15

Dorothy Suvalsky Sep 7 Todd Gerber Sep 16

David Goodman Sep 8 Esther Silver Sep 20

Shirley Goodman Sep 8 Evan Stoler Sep 20

Mary Sue Grossman Sep 8 Jordan Stoler Sep 20

Alyssa Gerber Sep 8 Ms. Crystal Epstein Sep 20

Alan Stoler Sep 10 Helene Shrago Sep 21

Mark Javitch Sep 10 Nathan Feldman Sep 22

Bonnie Hines Sep 10 Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan Sep 22

Marcia Lipsman Sep 11 Nancy Rampey-Biniamow Sep 23

Aaron Kurtzman Sep 11 Mark Passer Sep 24

Batsheva Tova Shyken Sep 11 9th Doron Margalit Sep 25 13th

Ilana Weiss Sep 13 Sandra Kohll Sep 29

Anniversaries

Bruce & Cindy Goldberg Sep 4 27th

Harry & Kathy Weiner Sep 18 21st

Celebrating a Simcha in September

Be a part of the Simcha Kiddush on Shabbat,

September 19, 2015

A sponsorship is just $25

Call the synagogue office at (402) 556-6288 to be included.

CONTRIBUTIONS Beth Israel acknowledges, with sincere gratitude, the following contributions.

Contributions received after August 25th will be listed in the next bulletin.

YAHRZEIT DONATIONS

15

GENERAL DONATIONS

IN MEMORIAM

Bernice Cohen Sidney Mirvish

Beth Israel extends condolences and wishes of comfort

to our members on the deaths of their relatives.

Ha'makom yenachem etkhem betokh she'ar avelei Tziyon vi'Yerushalayim

Beth Israel Synagogue - Elaine Urban

In Honor of Bennett Fishbain's birthday - Jack & Bette Kozlen

In Honor of Donald Gerber's birthday - Adina Schuller, Aviva & David Atri

In Honor of Sara Potash & Jake on the birth of Jenna Rose - Julee Katzman

In Honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Leon & Dani Shrago's granddaughters - Harold & Ruth Edelman, Beth, Harry, Zoe & Bradley Cohen

In Honor of Rabbi Yaakov & Ilana Weiss for their warm hospitality - John & Sara Berlowitz

In Memory of Rita Biniamow - Mary Sue & Alex Grossman, Connie Wheeler, Suzi & Mike Mogil, Georgia Plotkin, Banner Family, Jack & Helene Shrago, Banner Family, Paysie & Susie Shyken, Julee Katzman

In Memory of Bernice Cohen - Sheila & Ray Tomps, Paula & Stanley Burnstein, Marc & Laurie Sorkin, Marilyn, Michael & Jeremy Ivers, Esther Silver, Paysie & Susie Shyken, Julee Katzman, Jack, Helene, Michael Melissa, Ethan & Noah Shrago

In Memory of Jean Duitch - Shirley & David Goodman

In Memory of Sidney Mirvish - Van Argyrakis

In Memory of Stan Widman - Jack & Helene Shrago

For the speedy recovery of Anne Cohen - Jack & Helene Shrago, Michael & Melissa Shrago

For the recovery of Harold Edelman - Estelle Faier

For the speedy recovery of Martin Leiserowitz - Harold & Ruth Edelman

Thank you to Rabbi Ari for your hospitality and kindness - Nate Mellman

Lester H. Bloch - Howard Gendelman & Bonnie Bloch

Rose Blumkin - Frances Blumkin

Don Cohen - Mel Cohen

Harry Cohen - Bernice Cohen

Bernice Crounse - Joni Crounse

Aaron Feldman - Howard & Lori Feldman

Louis Friedman - Sol & Lois Friedman

Norman Garrop - Barbara Garrop

Mamie Gotsdiner - Lewis Izenstat

Mariam Grossman - Alex & Mary Sue Grossman

Lloyd J. Hollander - Cheryl Smith

Pearl Kaplan - Phyllis Kaplan Brown

David W. Katskee - Melvin R. & Pola Katskee

Mabel M. Katskee - Melvin R. & Pola Katskee

Mariam King - George King

Eleanor Kurtzman - Jordana Kurtzman

Zena P. Kutler - Debbie Pacey, Ronna, Mallory & James

Ella Braunstein Milder - Lois Milder, Emily & Abbey Milder

Hymie Milder - Lois Milder, Emily & Abbey Milder

Harry Noodell - David & Shirley Goodman

Yetta Orenstein - Harvey & Marcia Lipsman

Bede Ostrow - Stosh Ostrow

Glenn Pickett - Alex & Mary Sue Grossman

Harry Rifkin - Helen Rifkin

Mary Rifkin - Helen Rifkin

Rose Schonbrun - Helen Rifkin

Ruth Himelbloom Sharff - Dick & Bev Fellman

Michael Shukert - Gloria Jones

Mary Shukert - Gloria Jones

Howard Silber - Sissy Silber

Arthur Simon - Edith Siegler

Joseph Weinberg - E. A. & Doris Nachman

Rebecca Winberg - Roger & Helen Porter

Joe Wolfson - Leona Wolfson

Mary Zalk - Harlan & Dorothy Hockenberg

Gertrude "Gussie" Zweiback - Maxine & Joe Kirshenbaum

SERVICE SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER 2015

NONPROFIT ORG.

US POSTAGE

PAID

OMAHA, NE

PERMIT #329

Beth Israel Synagogue

12604 Pacific Street

Omaha, Nebraska 68154

Beth Israel Synagogue is a member of the

Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations.

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Shacharit Schedule

7:00 a.m. - Weekday Shacharit

6:40 a.m. - Selichot Weekdays September 8-22

9:00 a.m. - Sunday Shacharit

CANDLE LIGHTING AND HAVDALAH TIMES

Friday Night

Mincha/Maariv and Kabbalat Shabbat

will be at candle lighting time after

the second week in September

Shabbat Day

9:00 a.m. - Shacharit

Mincha and Seudah Shlishit is approximately 15 minutes

before candle lighting

Ki Tavo—September 4-5 7:30 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 7:35 pm Candle Lighting 9:00 am Shacharit 7:15 pm Mincha/Seudah Shlishit 8:41 pm Havdalah 11:00 pm Concert followed by Selichot Nitzavim—September 11-12 7:23 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 7:23 pm Candle Lighting 9:00 am Shacharit 7:05 pm Mincha/Seudah Shlishit 8:29 pm Havdalah

Vayelech—September 18-19 7:11 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 7:11 pm Candle Lighting 9:00 am Shacharit 6:50 pm Mincha/Seudah Shlishit 8:17 pm Havdalah Ha’azinu—September 25-26 6:59 pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat 6:59 pm Candle Lighting 9:00 am Shacharit 6:40 pm Mincha/Seudah Shlishit 8:05 pm Havdalah

See page 5 for complete Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot Schedule

Lisa Krutter

P.O. Box 202

Milton Mills, NH 3852