1. Art and Diseño

8 Shevat 5775
January 28, 2015
Rabbi Dr. Daniel M. Zucker, D. D.
Shabbat Services - Fridays, 7:30 PM - Saturdays, 9:15 AM
Family Services - First Friday of the month at 7:00 PM
Morning Minyan: Sundays, 8:00 AM; Mondays and Thursdays, 7:00 AM
Beginning February 2015
1st Friday—Family Services at 6:15pm
2nd & 4th Friday—Traditional Services at 7:30pm
3rd Friday—Creative Services with Music at 7:30pm
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Sunday School: Sundays 9:00am-Noon
Hebrew School: Tuesdays 4:30-6:30pm
Weekly Tuesday Evening Minyan at 6:15pm
Tu B’Shvat Seder—Tuesday, February 3rd 4:45-6:15pm
Shabbat Dinner hosted by the Judy Bieberfeld
Friday, February 6th—Services at 6:15pm
Honoring our Newer Members
Lasagna Dinner (dairy free/gluten free available) following services
RSVP Judy ([email protected] or 215-527-1083) by February 2nd
Board of Governors—Monday, February 9th at 7:15pm
Rabbi Zucker out of town February 19th through February 24th
(call the office in case of emergency)
Hamantashen Baking—Saturday, February 21st at 6:30pm
Purim Basket Packing—Sunday, February 22nd at 9:00am
Torah Study—Saturdays 12:00-2:00pm
Adult Education: Ethics from Our Ancestors—Tuesdays 7:30-8:15pm
Adult Education: Understanding Our Prayerbooks - Tuesdays 8:15-9:00pm
“If I am not for me, who will be for me? If
I‘m only for me, what am I? And if not now,
when?” (Hillel, Pirke Avot 1:14)
Last month I asked everyone to become involved in helping to prepare for and to man our upcoming
Jewish Heritage Festival on May 31st. The purpose of the festival is to raise funds for our congregation
as well as to publicize the existence of our synagogue. One could say that this falls under the rubric of
Hillel’s first question.
This month I am asking everyone to think beyond our own congregation and community and concern
themselves with the needs of Conservative/Masorti congregations in Israel by joining in the vote for this
year’s World Zionist Organization Congress and voting for MERCAZ—the Conservative Movement’s
party in the international WZO Congress. Why is this important? The more votes that MERCAZ gets,
the more seats it controls in the Congress which helps determine allocations for non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) in Israel such as the Masorti/Conservative Movement. Each vote that MERCAZ
gets means that our pluralistic, egalitarian movement gets to build more institutions in Israel, thereby
helping to make Israel a better democracy and home for all Jews, whether religious or not. This falls
under Hillel’s second question.
To vote, and anyone Jewish and 18 years of age by June 30, 2015 can vote, please go on line at
www.mercazusa.org and click on the link concerning the WZO Congress election. If you have questions,
you can click on the links that provide background answers before you vote. It costs $10 per person to
vote, a small fee that helps underwrite the cost of running this election. Voting began on January 13,
2015 and is open until April 30, 2015.
As Hillel’s third question reminds us, there’s no time like the present to get things done! But if you can’t
do so immediately, PLEASE try to get your vote in before Pesach. On behalf of all non-Orthodox Jews
worldwide, Thank you!
Elsewhere in this bulletin you will find an invitation to join us for the joyful celebration of our fourth
annual Tu’B’Shvat Seder to be held on Tuesday, February 3rd . P L E A S E, RSVP by the deadline so
that we can make proper food preparations and allow everyone to enjoy the Seder’s repast.
Elena and Rahel, Yehudit, Haim and Naomi, Fortine, Amiel, Adriel, and Avishai join me in wishing
everyone a very joyful Tu B’Shvat.
B’virkat shalom,
Rabbi Daniel M. Zucker
Rabbi Daniel M. Zucker
BY DECREE OF HAMAN, VIZIER OF AL PERSIA AND MEDEA: Purim is coming on
Wednesday, March 4th. All actors, mimes, readers, or producers are hereby notified to supply the
rabbi with ideas for dramatizing the Megillah reading. Be there, or be a triangle, like ME!
Rabbi’s Schedule of Events, News & Reminders
Our Rabbi in the Community: Rabbi Zucker is now serving as a volunteer chaplain for the Pottstown
Cluster, and continues to serve bi-weekly as rabbinic-chaplain at Manorcare on North Charlotte Street.
Rabbi Zucker lead an “Annotated Kabbalat Shabbat—Ma‘ariv Service” on Friday, January 16th as
we hosted 55 students from the Hill School and their teachers for their annual visit. Thank you to those
who came out on a chilly winter night to help make a minyan that evening. Rabbi Zucker participated
in the Pottstown 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Commemoration service, reading and
chanting a portion of the prophetic Book of Amos, one of Dr. King’s favorite scriptural passages.
High Schoolers: Gratz Jewish Community High School in Reading: If you are in grades 8-12 you can
study Jewish subjects and possibly obtain college credits. Classes meet 6:00 to 8:30 PM Sunday evenings
and transportation to Reading is available in both directions. The second semester starts on January 25 th
and runs to May 17th. If interested, please speak to Rabbi Zucker ASAP.
Adult –Ed:
Pirke Avot-Ethics from Our Ancestors: Come join our study-discussion group centering on the study of
this favorite tractate. Class is held on Tuesday evenings, 7:30-8:15 PM.
Understanding Our Prayerbooks: How We Jews Talk to God.
This Tuesday Class is open to all adults and post b’nai mitzvah. It does not require Hebrew skills; it will
help make sense of our prayer services. Come join us 8:15-9:00 PM.
Introduction to the Talmud: Tractate Berakhot
Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7:00 PM we are studying Tractate Berakhot—the first tractate in the
Talmud. We use the English edition of the new Steinzaltz Koren Noé Talmud Bavli, Berakhot. All are
welcome; knowledge of Hebrew is helpful but not necessary.
Parashat HaShavua’—The Weekly Torah Portion Shabbat Study Group: We meet for two hours
of Torah study of the weekly portion immediately after the Shabbat Morning Kiddush ‘Oneg (Noon
until 2:00 PM). All are welcome. We look at the text from the ‘Etz Hayim Humash as Rabbi Zucker
presents insights from archaeology, history, midrash, commentaries and Hasidic lore as collected in
his commentary on the Humash–Sefer Or-Eli.
Is there a subject that you would like to study as part of our Adult Ed. Program? Please contact Rabbi
Zucker so that he can arrange to have the class taught here. Daytime classes are possible, too.
A word from your librarian…..
Throughout the year, as a child in our Religious School celebrates a birthday,
parents and family members ask for ways to acknowledge these special occasions.
Why not donate a new book to our synagogue library to mark the occasion!
Melanie Giardina, our synagogue administrator, has designed an impressive book
plate for each book that is donated, with a place for the child’s name, the occasion,
the date and the name of the donor. Claire Pettigrew has a “wish list” with most books
priced at less than $15, or you may choose your own book with Jewish content.
Unlike cupcakes, books have no sugar, no trans-fats, no crumbs and a shelf life of
many, many years.
GENERAL
In memory of Sydney Weiss: Alvin Weiss
In memory of Howard Kostiner: Myrna & Marty Rawdin
In memory of Rabbi David Wortman: Myrna & Marty Rawdin
In memory of Suzanne Collins: Cindy Collins & Family
To mark the Yahrzeit of Herman L. Rudolph: Claire & Dan Pettigrew
In appreciation of Rabbi and Congregation: Kathleen MacDonnell
To mark the Yahrzeit of Sol Borger: Flip & Laurie Borger
To mark the Yahrzeit of Sue Collins: Bill Collins
TORAH REPAIR
To mark the Yahrzeit of Jacob Yasno: Ree & Len Hoffner
ROBERT S. POLLAK MEMORIAL
In memory of Agnes Regina Heyman: Arnold Markowitz
In honor of Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Marcus’ 60th anniversary: Henry & Fran Pollak
To mark the Yahrzeit of Murray Fine: Henry & Fran Pollak
In memory of Roz Grossman: Henry & Fran Pollak
PRAYER BOOK
To mark the Yahrzeit of Sol Borger: Rich & Barbara Borger
CEMETERY
To mark the Yahrzeit of Abraham Huss: Lesley, Robert & Sean Misko
To mark the Yahrzeit of Dora Huss: Lesley, Robert & Sean Misko
Thanks to all who sent Leagrams for my birthday...Melanie Giardina
Creative Service
On Friday, January 23, we celebrated our first Creative Service of 2015. A lively service, it
included alternative readings and featured Tom Faranda playing guitar.
We invite all of you to the next Creative Service which is scheduled for Friday evening,
February 27, at 7:30pm.
Please remember that Judy Bieberfeld is sponsoring the Shabbat Dinner on family night,
February 6, at 6:15pm and our Traditional Friday evening service is scheduled for the 2nd
and 4th Fridays at 7:30pm each month.
Yahrzeits for the Month of February (Shevat/Adar 5775)
Louis Sager
Lawrence Sager
Leonard Strom
Barry Sankey
Zelick Kaplan
Stephanie Windrim
Estelle Lasko
Frances Litvin
Dixie Burrows
Lori Harter
Samuel Menkowitz
Elliot Menkowitz
Wolf H. Amber
Jean Ruth Amber
Gayle Wolf
Gertrude Berger
Marilyn Altschull
Harry Bomstein
Dr. Stuart Clark
Sol Berman
Allen Berman
Samuel Liss
Bonnie Blank
Stanley P. Berger
Marilyn Altschull
Theresa Dauer
Phyllis Princenthal
Murray Fine
Frances Pollak
Murray Kressen
Debbie Simmons
Stanley Bressler
Janet Prince
Dora Huss
Lesley Misko
Jacob Yasno
Ree Hoffner
Herman Michael
Lilyan Prince
Jeannette Neumann
Marcus Neumann
Gerald Princenthal
Josephine Charnoff
Phyllis Princenthal
Monday, 2/2/2015
Shevat 13, 5775
father
Wednesday, 2/4/2015 Shevat 15, 5775
uncle
Thursday, 2/5/2015
Shevat 16, 5775
father
Thursday, 2/5/2015
Shevat 16, 5775
sister
Saturday, 2/7/2015
Shevat 18, 5775
mother
Saturday, 2/7/2015
Shevat 18, 5775
father
Sunday, 2/8/2015
Shevat 19, 5775
husband
father
Monday, 2/9/2015
Shevat 20, 5775
grandmother
Thursday, 2/12/2015 Shevat 23, 5775
grandfather
Friday, 2/13/2015
Shevat 24, 5775
father
Sunday, 2/15/2015
Shevat 26, 5775
father
Monday, 2/16/2015
Shevat 27, 5775
uncle
Monday, 2/16/2015
Shevat 27, 5775
mother
Tuesday, 2/17/2015
Shevat 28, 5775
brother
Wednesday, 2/18/2015 Shevat 29, 5775
father
Friday, 2/20/2015
Adar 1, 5775
father
Friday, 2/20/2015
Adar 1, 5775
mother
Friday, 2/20/2015
Adar 1, 5775
father
Wednesday, 2/25/2015 Adar 6, 5775
brother
Friday, 2/27/2015
Adar 8, 5775
mother
Saturday, 2/28/2015
Adar 9, 5775
brother
husband
5775
Tu B’Shvat Seder @ HsE
When: Tuesday, February 3rd, 4:45-6:15 PM
Where: HsE Social Hall
What: A Seder celebrating Tu
b’Shvat!
Why: ‘Cause it’s the birthday of the trees!
Who: Our HsE Religious School and the entire HsE family
How: RSVP: Call/e-mail HsE office by noon, Friday, Jan. 30th !
What’s on the menu: Fruits and nuts + 4 cups of wine (adults)
& 4 cups of grape juice (non-adults)
Cost: Free. Donations gratefully accepted.
Shabbat Shalom - Hey!
You spoke, we listened! We have some exciting changes in store for 2015! At our focus groups
this summer, our congregants indicated they would like to see a mix of traditional
services and some more creative services for our Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday night.
Thank you to those who participated in the ad-hoc ritual revamp meeting and those that helped
to hammer out the details of the new services and schedule: Jack Wolf, ritual chair, Rabbi
Zucker, Claire Pettigrew, Myrna Rawdin, Allan Altschull, Flip Borger, Miryam Nygaard, Stuart
Clark, Janet Prince, Gary Gross and Amy Wolf.
Here is our new monthly schedule of Friday night services:
1st Friday - Family Services - 6: 15 p.m., followed by Shabbat dinner - to be hosted/sponsored
by a different family each month.
3rd Friday - Creative Service with Music - 7:30 p.m. - A lively service with alternative readings
and guitar, played by congregant Tom Faranda.
2nd & 4th Friday - Traditional Service - 7:30 p.m.
We need families to host/sponsor Shabbat dinners! It doesn’t need to be fancy or elaborate,
and we will help plan a menu and prepare the meal. You can also combine forces with
another family and host together! We anticipate there will be between 20-40 people for each
dinner.
February 6th - Sponsored by Judy Bieberfeld
March 6th - Sponsored by the Manley family
April - no dinner due to Pesach
May 1st - Sponsored by the Messing family
June 5th– Sponsored by Bunny Gross
July 10th - open
August 7th - open
Please contact Amy Wolf if you would like to host/sponsor.
Shalach Manot Baskets
March 5th is Purim this year. You recently received a letter from Jewish Women’s League
inviting you to participate in our annual Shalach Manot Basket project, making it easy and fun to
surprise and delight friends and family with a container of goodies.
A Shalach Manot Basket traditionally contains at least one baked item and one liquid. Our
Kosher Shalach Manot Baskets fulfill these requirements and much, much more! We include:
DELICIOUS HAMANTASHEN, HAND-BAKED WITH LOVE
ONE BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF FRUIT
CANDY AND NUTS
A SPECIAL PURIM GROGGER
SEVERAL SURPRISE ITEMS
Also, again this year, we will be selling individual hamantashen for $8.00 per dozen. You must pre-pay
your order and include it on your form to be returned by the deadline of February 16, 2015. They will be
delivered with your basket.
We will be baking hamantashen on Saturday, February 21 and packing baskets on Sunday,
February 22.. Please come to help; it is a lot of fun and we will supply snacks and wine.
In Our Community
Our thanks to Meredith Manley for volunteering a week of her time during winter break from
Amherst College to clean and organize rooms and storage areas in the school wing. She did an
amazing job! Meredith is the daughter of Congregation members Wendy and Tim Manley. Her
Bat Mitzvah was held at our Synagogue on May 23, 2009.
Congregation Hesed shel Emet mourns the untimely passing of long-time member Marion
Mackey on December 21st. Marion joined the Congregation after completing her studies with
Rabbi Melody Johnston in 2000. She was active in our Sisterhood and remembered fondly by our
senior members. She is survived by daughter Teresa and son Richard Jr. May her soul be bound
up in the bond of life. '‫ת' נ' צ' ב' ה‬
We are sad to announce the passing of Roz Grossman, the widow of our late Rabbi Herman
Grossman. The Grossmans served our Congregation in the 1960’s and eventually moved to Israel.
The Grossman were the parents of three sons, Tuvie, Joel and Daniel, numerous grandchildren
and great grandchildren.
Roz was in charge of music for our Religious School and produced many plays and Purim
extravaganzas. She assisted in producing two shows—”Fiddler on the Roof” and “Fiorello” which
starred members of our Congregation.
Condolences to the Princenthal family on the passing of Frances Princenthal who was a very long
time member of our Synagogue. Grave side services are at our cemetery on North Hanover
Street on Wednesday, February 28, at 11:00am.
Get well wishes to Howard Sokol who is recovering at home following surgery for a fractured
hip.
You shop. Amazon Gives.
· Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to
Bnai Brith Int’l - Pottstown Chapter whenever you shop on AmazonSmile. Bnai
Brith in turn supports the congregation by donating all the proceeds from the
program!
· AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same
service.
· Support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at
smile.amazon.com.
· Use this link to get started! http://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7408626
· Make sure you are connected to Bnai Brith Pottstown each time you log in to your
Amazon account - the Smile logo will appear at the top left of the page and the
organization name will be display! Thank you!
· Contact Amy Wolf at [email protected] or 610-705-0846 if you have any
questions.
Mixed Metals Recycling Fundraiser
A friendly reminder from the metal recycling department…
Please keep the aluminum can separate from the steel cans in the marked containers. Examples
of aluminum cans are soda, beer, and small cat food cans. Steel cans are usually soup and
vegetables. We don’t make any money on steel cans, but I will take them as a courtesy to you if
your home recycling doesn’t take them. However, aluminum is our biggest money maker, so keep
them coming!
Thanks, Judy
Judy Bieberfeld
[email protected]
Save the Date!
Jewish Heritage Festival
Sunday, May 31, 2015
11 am - 5 pm
We are in the early planning stages of this major event and
fundraiser for our synagogue! The day will include:
• Art presentation by world-renowned artist Mordechai
Rosenstein
• Food, lots of great food!
• Yiddishe theater, presented by the Reading Theater
Group, Israeli -inspired dancers, shofar blowing and
more!
• Vendors presenting Judaica, books, jewelry, etc.
• Jewish history and holiday displays
 Tours of the sanctuary & Torah display
 How can you help?
• Join the planning committee - we need lots of great
minds and ideas to put together a successful event. We
meet every Tuesday, 6:15 pm in the library.
• Solicit ads for our program
• Donate your time on the day of the event - we need
“all hands on deck”
• Prepare food - we will prepare and freeze as much food
ahead of time as we can!
• Donate a basket - for our basket raffle. We need 5 or 6
really nice baskets of various themes/products
Congregation Hesed Shel Emet
575 North Keim Street
Pottstown PA 19464