1. Art and Diseño

CONGREGATION
Beth Tikvah Times
February 2015/Shevat 5775
Special points of
interest:
Volume 2
From the Rabbi’s Desk
 New Machzors
 Tu B’Shevat
T
hroughout this past year
we have read article after article
and study after study pointing to
the problems within the Conservative Movement. Both the
Pew Report and the social observer, Daniel Gordis, point to
the demise of our movement. Our own observations
confirm how Conservative synagogue membership is shrinking
and congregations, such as our
own, have consolidated. Indeed,
most non-Orthodox synagogues
are increasingly populated by
older congregants. It is not an
inspiring picture.
Inside this issue:
President’s
Message
2
Donations
3
Sisterhood
7
Men’s Club
7
Chavurah
9
Preschool
13
Religious
School
13
Calendar
35
There was a time some fifty
years ago when the Conservative Movement was the largest
in America and growing. As a
matter of fact, many rabbis in
those days came from the world
of orthodoxy but were attracted by the modern yet traditional
message and practices of a
movement that promised
“tradition and change.” Recently, the Movement seems to have
emphasized “change” over
“tradition” in the areas of women’s participation, gay marriage,
and abbreviating parts of the
service.
This past month, at the annual
USY convention, the wording of
a standard for officers of the
youth group was changed from
requiring its leaders not to accept positions if they plan to
inter-date. A more positive
statement replaced the negative
language, yet it was clear that
even in this one area of tradition that has never been
breached, there are those who
want to be more “open.”
While the sociological fact is
that Conservative synagogues in
most communities are in
“competition” for members not
from the Orthodox but from
the Reform, still we are all grappling with the real live and important issue of how to be open
and accepting of those who
intermarry while at the same
time truly believe that we stand
for eternal truths and values
that primarily can survive by
families who share Judaism in
the home and in the synagogue.
Our own Congregation Beth
Tikvah has increasingly been in
the forefront of welcoming both
converts and interfaith families
in various halachic ways and
through being a warm and welcoming family. Nevertheless, it
has always been our position
that we must sincerely stand for
certain eternal values such as
the laws of marriage and divorce, and who is a Jew according to halachah.
I do believe that most informed,
educated, and involved Conservative Jews and certainly
Rabbis understand that both a
synagogue and a synagogue
movement while caring about
the feelings, emotions, and
points of view of each of its
members must primarily see the
“big picture” into the future.
Only in this way can we assure a
beautiful and traditional future
for any Jew who truly wants an
authentic grasp of an ancient
religion which has survived only
because it learned what values
are eternal and which can be
adapted only for positive and
holy reasons. By continuing our
innovative programs in education and culture and by inspiring
ourselves to reach out to the
community and also to reach
from within our congregation to
influence others and stand up
for the values we hold true, can
we ever hope to be a main
force for continuing belief and
practice of Torah for generations yet to come. So may it be
His will.
Dr. Alan F. Lavin
Rabbi
Page 2
Beth Tikvah Times
Message From the President
Please feel free to contact:
Rabbi Lavin
[email protected]
Ray Bazini
[email protected]
Please notify the office if
anyone is sick or homebound. Rabbi Lavin would
like to make visits
Check us out on the Web
at:
http://www.congbt.org
The Congregation
Beth Tikvah Times
is published monthly by
Congregation Beth Tikvah
3710 Woodbine Ave.
Wantagh, New York
11793
516-785-2445
Brrrrrrr! Yes, it is that time
of the year where we must
wear a sweater and our
coats in our sanctuary/shul
depending on the density of
your blood. I know it was
cold this past Saturday January 10th. The heat is on but
like us, (the boiler) can't
keep up with the cold load
outside. Our heating equipment will do well once we
do our shul's renovation. I
think that once the old
WINDOWS are replaced
and gone, new walls insulated as well as the floors,
there should be more sustainable heat in the sanctuary.
We had a meeting on January 12th with our prospective GC (General Contractor) and we are moving
ahead to do what we have
been attempting to do for
almost the past two years. It
has been a long road, and I
want to thank the Long
Term Planning Committee
for all their hard work, all
the hours that they have
spent unselfishly; this is
what I call commitment
from all. Thank you all.
If the plan goes the way we
think it should, then the
construction should begin in
March, this year, 2015, and
shall be finished before the
high holydays!
Last week we had our first
Bar Mitzvah in quite a long
time, and I must tell you all
it was great to see a child
growing to be a MAN. I
miss those days when all
four of my children, were
Bar/Bat Mitzvah here. Time
goes by when you are having fun!
Just a reminder, please
come to shul, we miss you
all. We do need some help
with the minyans each and
every morning. Please try, it
is a mitzvah.
Ray
Well, it was Elvis Presley’s
80th birthday, as well as my
young daughter; she just
turned 26. We were reminded that it is that time of
the year, so what did we do
that day? We listened to
Elvis as much as we could!
Stu, I did my best, and I did
mention this during my announcement on Saturday.
Things are running well at
the shul, and all the holidays
are past us, now we must
get past this winter, as I am
sure we all will.
CBT thanks Investors Bank for their generous donation to underwrite
Congregation Beth Tikvah Times.
Celebrate your birthday,
anniversary, or any special
occasion with us and
sponsor a
Kiddush or Oneg Shabbat.
Please call
Jerry Lutzker after 7:30PM
(No Mondays)
516-735-5457
February 2015/Shevat 5775
Page 3
Please Note:
The minimum cost of a
donation to appear is $10.
Donations
YAHRZEIT:
Shirley Appel by Evelyn Katz
Mordecai David Balonov by Joy Kipnes & Family
Moses L. Becker by Lillian Richer
Rae Belman by Lucille Wechsler
Harold Berman by Larry Berman
Samuel Berman by Mark Berman
Gladys Bloom by Stu, Marilyn, Lisa &
Bonni Spector
Helen Bloom by Michael Bloom &
Family
Rose L. Braun by Ruth Berger
Abraham Briendel by Miriam Cohen
Bella Briendel by Miriam Cohen
Pauline Briendel by Miriam Cohen
Fay Cohen by Stu, Marilyn, Lisa &
Bonni Spector
Hyman Robert Cohen by Miriam Cohen
Murray Falk by Keith Falk
Viola Frieda Friedman by Michael
Friedman
Jerry Friedman by Estelle Friedman
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND:
In Memory of:
Ted Garb by:
Bea & Bill Steinmetz
Debby Heyman
Gita & Irving Freed
George Block by Esther & David Kamlet
In Honor of:
Donation by Mindy & Bruce Skurnick
Jennifer Schultz’ Engagement by Esther &
David Kamlet
Speedy Recovery:
Bruce Hartman by Esther & David Kamlet
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES FUND:
In Memory of:
Julius Port by Miriam Port
Ted Garb by:
Debby Heyman
Norma & David Raspler
William Woodley by:
Ceil Garb
Larry & Shelley Slutsky
Anna Gershowitz by Steven Gershowitz
Sidney Gold by Marlene J. Horowitz
Anna Gordon by Lillian Adler
Abraham Greenblatt by Beatrice
Greenblatt
Marlene A. Jackowitz by Robert Jackowitz
Lillian Karpoff by Marian & Philip
Spitzer & Family
Lillian Katz by Carole Katz
Herman Kramer by Renate Hirsch
Max Krissoff by Ronnie & Lester Steinberg
Alan Krome by Judith Krome
Joseph Lemberg by Madeline & Michael
Ross
Michael Lesser by Jane Rubenstein &
Patricia Schriro
Nathan Lutzker by Jerry Lutzker
Marvin Meister by Ronald W. Meister
Edith Morgenroth by Natalie Morgenroth
Norman Morgenroth by Natalie Morgenroth
Norma & David Raspler
George Block by:
The Board of Trustees
Fran & Paul Weinberger
Elaine & Bill Kappel
Debby Heyman
Maddy & Mike Ross
Wendy & Ron Schwartz
In Honor of:
Ava & Tom Williams’ new granddaughter by:
Maddy & Mike Ross
Gita & Irv Freed
Lois & Ivan Kipnis
Donation by Eileen Dock
Jennifer Schultz’ Engagement by:
The Board of Trustees
Alice & Barry Eckstein
Fran & Paul Weinberger
Arline Mann & Jerry Lutzker
Gita & Irving Freed
Cele Goldenberg
Speedy Recovery:
Louise Goldberg by:
Isidore J. Newmark by Bernard &
Selma Stern
Regina Panzer by Shirley & Barry
Bogner
Sam Rolnicki by Ada & Gary Marcus
Benjamin Rothenberg by Eleanor
Rothenberg
Elaine Sampliner by Fred & Linda
Sampliner
George Schriro by Jane Rubenstein & Patricia Schriro
Binem Shraga by Sam & Marlene
Shraga
Wiilliam Shuchman by Sandra
Shuchman & Family
Blima Gittel Steinmetz by Bill &
Bea Steinmetz
David Steinmetz by Bill & Bea
Steinmetz
David Weinger by Eugene & Barbara Weinger
Jacob Weinstein by Norma Raspler
Lorraine Zippert by Jane Magenheimer
The Board of Trustees
Maddy & Mike Ross
Alice & Barry Eckstein
Sue & Bill Freeda
Norma & David Raspler
Fran & Paul Weinberger
Lois & Ivan Kipnis
Wendy & Ron Schwartz
Carol Tescher by Norma & David Raspler
Bruce Hartman by the Board of Trustees
SHIVA MEAL FUND:
In Memory of:
Ted Garb by:
Jackie Jager
Gail & Harold Levy
Sylvia Bauman by Alice & Barry Eckstein
Anita Fader by Joan & Mort Ray
George Block by:
Alice & Barry Eckstein
Cele Goldenberg
Continued on Page 9
Page 4
Beth Tikvah Times
Thank You
If you would like to
have a memorial
plaque placed on
our memorial
boards, please call
Adele Schecker
516-796-5257
Heartfelt thanks to all of you who showed
care and gave comfort with your calls, cards,
visits and contributions in memory of Theodore Garb; my husband and your friend.
Ceil Garb and family
The FF had a very successful showing of
"Nicky’s Family.” 50+ people came to enjoy
the film. I would like to thank Ray Newman
for his able assistance during my recovery
period.
See you next month.
Marilyn Newman
Mazel Tov
Harriet & Richard Schultz on the engagement of their daughter Jennifer Schultz to
Anthony Geremina.
TREE OF LIFE
We are sure that you
have noticed the
Tree of Life in the
Lobby of our Synagogue! There are
plenty of Leaves
available to commemorate a Special
Occasion. How
about a Bar or Bat
Mitzvah Leaf or a
Leaf for a New Baby
in the Family?
Please call Esther
Kamlet @ 516-7350796
Buy your Leaf now!
Esther Kamlet
Speedy Recovery
Louise Goldberg
Bruce Hartman
Ada Marcus
Marilyn Newman
Pat Heissenbuttel
Greta Ziedenweber
Our best wishes to all of you for a Speedy
Recovery.
Condolences
Horn Family on the passing of Jules Horn on 12/11/14.
Yola Davis & Family on the passing of her beloved father William Woodley.
Sandy Slutzah & Linda Katz and families on the passing of their beloved father,
George Block.
May God comfort them among the mourners of Zion & Jerusalem.
February 2015/Shevat 5775
Page 5
Yiddish Group
Winter has arrived! I know
you don't have to be reminded of that fact. Brrrr....
Why not start the week
coming down to our Yiddish
Group meeting and get a
taste of some warmth mingling with some nice
*menschen in our shul?.
hear it spoken and some
feel the need for yiddishkeit.** Whatever the reason, you will find it enjoyable.
We meet every Monday
morning at 11:00 - 12:30 all
year round.
If you need more info, contact me, Sherry Amowitz,
[email protected]
The FOOD FOR THE NEEDY PROJECT sends supermarket gift cards to
eight clients each month in the
amount of $50 apiece. This helps the
elderly subsidize their income to purchase food and necessities.
We are all aware of the growing
need of seniors who are living below
the poverty level. Our goal is to help
more of these elderly Jewish residents in our communities. Of course
we need your cooperation and generosity to do so.
MEANING:
Anger is like a thorn
in the heart.
-
"If you can't feed one hundred people, then feed just one." Mother Teresa
It is also important to be
aware that we notify all contributions made by donors to the recipients of the donation for different
occasions.
Please fill out the form that you will
find in the back of this Newsletter. Giving to our Project is a mitzvah and we make it easy to do. Just
make out check to Congregation
Beth Tikvah and write Food Project
on the memo line. Thank You.
The following is a recent donation:
TO: Linda Katz and Sandy Slutzah
In Blessed Memory of their father,
George Block by Saralynn and
Geralyn Grandison.
Sherry Amowitz
[email protected]
Publicity
Coming Events
If any group or club wishes to have publicity for an
event published in local weekly papers, Jewish Week,
Newsday etc. please e-mail all information to
Estelle Friedman at
Fri. Feb. 6
Board of Trustees Shabbat
[email protected] or
826-6749
At least 5 weeks before the event.
Der tsoren iz in
hartsen a doren.
* menschen - Jewish people
** Yiddishkeit - Jewish related
matters
Most of us come down for
the same reason...some
want to learn how to speak
Yiddish, some just like to
Food for the Needy Mitzvah Update
WHAT MAMA
USED TO SAY..
Friday night services 8 PM.
Page 6
Beth Tikvah Times
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADULT EDUCATION:
Spring Semester begins on Monday, March 2nd at 8:15PM, as Rabbi Lavin will lead a class on the Book of Psalms. Included in every worship service, funeral, and life cycle event, no other book of the Bible has received such acclaim from
both Jew and non-Jew alike. Come join our class as we explore the message of each of these inspiring religious poems
together.
AN AUTHOR AMONG US:
Lois Kipnis announces the publication of her book Without a Script: A Caregiver’s Journey, a collection of stories,
poems, letters and vignettes that capture the roller coaster of emotions as the author and her mom are cast in new
roles and set out on a journey without a script, stage directions, or understudies in the wings. In addition, Lois’ story “I
Did Not Understand” appears in the newly released Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Forgiveness.
** CALL FOR VOLUNTEER HAFTORAH READERS FOR 2015 **
After several years of dedicated service, Susan Gelbman has handed off the Haftorah coordinator responsibilities to
Scott Gubin and Annette Schwartzman starting this month. We want to thank Susan for her hard work over the
years. Kol Hakavod!
Annette and I encourage all interested adults to sign up for our email list. There is no obligation to volunteer. When
you get our email, please respond if you are available to read during any of the weeks listed in the email. Everyone has
special readings: our bar/bat mitzvah, anniversaries, Yahrzeit or other occasions that can be celebrated through a haftorah reading. You can also choose to read without a specific occasion. We need readers every Shabbat and on holidays
when a haftorah is read.
If you are interested in reading a haftorah at Shabbat services, and would like to learn how to do it, there are many
resources available to you. There is the website, www.ellietorah.com for the tropes, and www.bible.ort.org for the
haftorahs. In addition, our weekly torah reader, Jenni Zepnick has offered her personal and wonderful assistance to
those who are interested.
To join our email list, please contact Annette at [email protected]. Please mention that you want to join the list and
let her know if you want to reserve any haftorah reading dates. She is keeping the schedule and will notify the shul of
your scheduled reading date.
We wish you all a happy, healthy and productive new year. We look forward to working with you, and finding more of
you to work with.
Hoping you will join our list and become part of this wonderful tradition.
Scott Gubin and Annette Schwartzman
SAVE THE DATE
The Men’s Club is going fishing. Not now….Keep Sunday, July 12, 2015 open for a fun day on the high seas.
More information to come as we get closer.
February 2015/Shevat 5775
Page 7
Sisterhood News
I thought I would devote
this column to the upcoming Sisterhood events at our
shul and at the BQLI Region.
On February 3rd, we have
the pleasure of having Terry
Muldoon with her Healing
Drum Circle. This program
was scheduled for January,
but the weather thought
otherwise. Join us to make
rhythm, and music while at
the same time bringing you
peace, joy and relaxation.
On Saturday February
7th, Sisterhood with Men's
Club is sponsoring the
Tu'B'Shevat Seder.
April 26th is Supermarket
Bingo.
The above is just some of
the upcoming events.
BQLI Region has many
events planned:
Thursday, February
26th: The Persian Connection Pre Purim evening of
fun and a little learning.
Tuesday, March 10th:
Helen Cytryn Torah Fund
Education Day at Temple
Beth Torah in Westbury.
Share a day of Mishpachah with your sisters within the Region.
Monday, April 20th: BQLI
Region Conference Day/
Evening, at Midway Jewish
Center.
Women's League has
a Facebook page. Check it
out for some great information.
All members are welcome
to attend, watch a movie
and have refreshments with
your fellow congregants.
Please watch the Tikvah
Times for
further advertisement on
this event.
We will have our annual
wine tasting and sale of wine
for Passover on Tuesday
night February 24th at 8:15
PM. Orders for wine will be
accepted that evening and
the final day to submit
orders is March 9, 2015.
Until next time Shalom,
It is not too late to join Sisterhood and remember
SUPPORT Torah Fund.
Helene Fruchter
Helene
Men’s Club
On, January 20th, we had
our nostalgia night: a book,
slide show and review of
STOP AT THE RED
APPLE REST, the restaurant
on Route 17 on the way to
the Catskill Mountains. We
had a very good turnout of
about 70 people. All who
attended had a great time
listening to the author,
Elaine Freed Lindenblatt.
We continue with our
events on Sunday, February
8th with our competitive
bowling at Wantagh
Lanes. Tuesday, February
17th is our night out at the
movies at the Bellmore Playhouse movie theatre.
Just as a reminder, we will
have our fishing trip on Sunday, July 12th.
Sol
Sol Zweben
Page 8
SUBMITTING
ARTICLES
FOR THE
NEWSLETTER
If you are submitting
an article please e-mail
it to us at
[email protected].
If possible, please submit your article in the
text of your
e-mail because we
cannot always open
your attachments.
If you are submitting a
flyer to be placed in
the newsletter, either
e-mail it to us or put
the flyer in the newsletter mailbox in the
shul office.
All articles and
flyers should be
submitted by the
15th of the month
for the next newsletter.
Gita & Irving
Freed
Beth Tikvah Times
The CBT Judaica Shop
The ONLY Judaica Shop You Will Ever Need!
YOUR JUDAICA SUPERSTORE
Gifts to Celebrate All Your Simchas
And For Special Gift-Giving
Holidays, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, New Baby & More
“Best Prices In Town”
Support the Temple Through Your Purchases
Contact: Marsha Einhorn 516-679-9652 or
Sandy Shuchman 516-520-5305
February 2015/Shevat 5775
Page 9
Chavurah
When was the last time you
actually were able to enjoy a
dinner without any distractions? When was the last
time you didn't have to
cook that dinner? Clean up?
Do the dishes? We thought
so!
How about including all
those wonderful things and
adding good friends from
your synagogue? Your
dreams have come true!
We have a wonderful evening planned for Saturday
evening, February 21st.
The restaurant is called
"Colbeh" and it is going to
be an evening of one type of
food after another. The
most delicious food you've
ever had.
We have many reservations
already, and with a few
more they are willing to
close the entire restaurant
for us.
Just like a wedding: friends,
family, but no expensive gift!
The gift is for yourself to
enjoy the fun and camaraderie of your fellow congregants. Invite family and
friends of your own...the
more the merrier!
It is going to be a very special evening, and having you
there will make it even
more special....Please....come join
us! Call: Lynn, Irv, or
Stu.....we're waiting for you!
Lynn, Stu & Irv
Feast on delectable Mediterranean foods that your palate will thank you for the
rest of the month. Think we
are exaggerating? Come and
prove us wrong....you can't,
because everyone that has
been to Colbeh for dinner
will agree with us.
Donations continued from Page 3
Lois & Ivan Kipnis
Gaby & Phil Lubitz
Maxine Silbergleit
Lola & Gary Davis
Shelley & Larry Slutsky
Gail & Harold Levy
Ceil Garb
OPEN THE GATES:
In Memory of:
George Block by:
Jerry Lutzker & Arline Mann
Shirley & Ben Schnapper
Selma & Bernard Stern
Speedy Recovery:
Ada Marcus by Jerry Lutzker &
Arline Mann
Louise Goldberg by Jerry Lutzker & Arline Mann
BEAUTIFICATION FUND
In Honor of:
Birth of Ava & Tom Williams’
new granddaughter by Gail &
Harold Levy
Speedy Recovery:
Louise Goldberg by:
Toby & Ira Kase
Helene & Sy Fruchter
Sue & Bill Freeda
Birth of Ava & Tom Williams’ new
granddaughter by:
Toby & Ira Kase
Helene & Sy Fruchter
DR. MARVIN & HELEN
MEISTER ENDOWMENT
FUND:
Speedy Recovery:
Louise Goldberg by:
Helene & Jerry Wohlstetter
Cele Goldenberg
DORIS KRAMER PRESCHOOL:
In Memory of:
William Woodley by Sandy &
Richard Slutzah
In Honor of:
Ava & Tom Williams’ new granddaughter by Gita & Irving Freed
Speedy Recovery:
Louise Goldberg by:
Sandy & Richard Slutzah
Linda Katz
Marilyn Newman by Lynne &
Marvin Garelick
Page 10
Beth Tikvah Times
Support Congregation Beth Tikvah
Why Participate in the Gift Card Program?



The synagogue benefits
from your participation,
and it doesn’t cost you
anything extra.
This is an easy way to
raise funds for our shul.
Consider it an investment
in your synagogue.
A wide range of merchants are available including MACY’S, BLOOMINGDALE’S, BARNES &
NOBLE, MARSHALL’S,



KOHL’S, BEST MARKET
(now available) and many
more. Supermarkets and
butcher shops can always
be obtained.
You will receive prompt
attention.
Call us at home, email
us or leave your order in
the office.
For those who can’t pick
up during the day, arrangements can be made
to pick them up in the shul
office in the evening between 7:30 and 8 PM.
Your support is needed
and appreciated. We’re
waiting for your call.
Joel & Stefani Letvak
516-679-0525 or
[email protected]
Shul Gifts
Anyone who would
like to donate yarn
to be used to make
blankets for AIDS
patients, blankets for
children with cancer
and preemie hats for
babies,
please call Shirley
Schnapper at
750-8935.
Thank you.
There are many happy occasions in our lives; births,
marriages, engagements,
anniversaries, bris, bar/bat
mitzvah, birthdays, baby
namings etc…
If you have a special gift in
mind that is not listed below, please contact Sheila
Blum for further information.
785-4395
Etz Chayim Chumash
$75
Contact the office
If you would like to share
your joy with us by purchasing a gift from our shul,
some of the costs are listed
below. If you have a loss in
your life, perhaps you would
like to make a gift to our
shul that will memorialize
your loved one.
Tree of Life
$125
Contact Esther Kamlet
735-0796
Stand up Basic Kiddush
starting at $175
Contact Jerry Lutzker
Memorial Plaque (All
CBT members)
$235
Contact Adele Schecker
796-5257
Ethel Kantor Women’s Minyan
The next Women’s Minyan will be held in May. Watch this space for further information.
Cele
Lev Shalem Machzor
$36 - Contact the office
Stand up Basic Oneg
starting at $150
Contact Jerry Lutzker
Siddurim for Jr. Congregation $25
Haftarot
Anyone who is interested in chanting a Haftarah, please contact Susan
Gelbman @ 795-5880
or
[email protected].
Thank you.
February 2015/Shevat 5775
Page 11
Social Action by Beth Goldberg
The time has come when the nations
of the world must unite to fight the
terrible ISIL and ISIS groups whose
violence is spreading like wildfire. The
US, England, France, Canada and Belgium have been jolted into reality by
the horrific murders of shoppers in a
kosher supermarket and the murder
of the Charlie Hebdo editorial staff in
France. Two satirical cartoons of the
prophet Mohammed inflamed the
senses of fanatical Islamists who
would like to censor free speech.
There are as many as 12 anti-Jewish
incidents taking place in Paris each
day. We should boycott French perfumes, wines and clothes and trips to
France.
Please note: The views expressed in the following column is solely those of the author
and do not, in any way, express the views of the CBT or its members.
perative that you contact your senators, congressmen and President
Obama to stop using our US tax dollars to support terror. The Palestinians have rejected peace talks with
Israel and chosen to pursue efforts to
delegitimize and isolate Israel at the
UN and International Criminal Court.
Senators Marco Rubio and Kristen
Gillibrand are urging other congressmen to sign a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Kerry to oppose
harmful efforts of the PA at the UN,
to withhold funds to the PA if they
actively support an investigation
against Israel at the International
Criminal Court, and to publicly support Israel's right to defend its citizens from terrorist organizations.
The plastic
strips or
"lechis" that
are attached
to utility
poles are
nearly invisible. The
stickers are not religious symbols but
give reassurance to the Orthodox
community that lives in Westhampton that they can carry things and
push their baby carriage within the
boundaries of the eruv on the Sabbath. It seems petty and intolerant in
fighting among religious factions on
the part of the "Jewish People for the
Betterment of Westhampton" to be
the ones to protest the ritual boundary since not having an eruv in the
The Palestinian Authority has incited
acts of terror against Israel. There are And now to switch the focus to Long area would not better the communivideos that are being posted on TV
Island, New York. I was surprised and ty. We need to have respect for each
showing the best techniques for stab- pleased with a recent Federal Appeals other's right to follow religious rituals
bing Jews. There were twelve people Court decision to uphold the consti- as long as those rituals do not violate
stabbed on a bus by a terrorist in Tel tutionality of ritual boundary (an erthe rights of others.
Aviv today. We have to stop the flow uv) in Westhampton. There is no
of millions of dollars contributed by
violation of church and state in the
Beth
the US and European Union. It is im- first amendment.
Thank you to the following people for making donations to
purchase our new machzors.
Mary Cohen
Fran Rosenberg
Page 12
Beth Tikvah Times
Bikur Cholim News
The BIKUR CHOLIM
COMMITTEE is looking for blank greeting
cards that you would
like to donate. These
cards are used to send
speedy recovery and
good wishes to those
who are sick and recovering from an illness.
Please bring any cards
you have to the office.
Thank you.
Bikur Cholim, or visiting the
sick, is more than an act of
charity; it is a commandment that is considered
binding on all Jews. The importance of visiting the sick
was underscored when G-d
visited Abraham after he
was circumcised (Genesis
17:26-18:1). In the act of
visiting Abraham when he
was ill, G-d set a precedent
for the Jewish people. Bikur
Cholim is a paradigm for
interpersonal relationships.
“And you shall love your
neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
The performance of this
mitzvah links us to all generations and connects us as
one people to each other
and to all humanity through
the G-dly attributes of compassion and loving-kindness.
We at Congregation Beth
Tikvah have such a viable
committee, which has been
keeping in touch with some
of our members who have
been ill or in an adult facility.
We not only visit, we make
telephone calls, send cards,
shop for groceries and have
been driving some of our
extended family to their
appointments. We have
made the commitment to
care for one another, and
bring the strength of community and connection of
our Jewish heritage to our
Congregation Beth Tikvah
Family.
If you need us we are just a
telephone call away. Simply
call Rabbi Lavin at 785-2445
or myself, Louise.
I would also like to take this
opportunity to thank all of
our committee members
for the wonderful job they
are doing:
Tehillim or Psalms, have been recited by Jews for thousands of
years. These ancient prayers open our hearts and bring renewal and
strength to our daily lives. We at CBT in conjunction with Bikur
Cholim have formed a Tehillim Circle. On the second Tuesday of
every month, at 8:15 PM, we meet for 30 to 40 minutes and collectively recite specific chapters of Tehillim dealing with the healing of
the sick. At the end of the recitations we say a Mi Sheberach (a special prayer for the sick). The power of this group is that it utilizes the
collective strengths of those who are saying the psalms together. Join
us and bring the names of those persons to be included in our prayers. If you can’t make it, call the office with the person’s name and
their mother’s name, and we will include the person’s name in our
communal listing.
Sheila Ciemny
Mollie Faber
Helene Fruchter
Sy Fruchter
Cele Goldenberg
Leah Hartman
Renate Hirsch
Esther Kamlet
Joy Kipnes
Ivan Kipnis
Barbara Krakower
Michael Krakower
Ruth Kreitner
Vera Lavin
Lynn Menzies
Natalie Morgenroth
Marilyn Newman
Ray Newman
Norma Raspler
Adele Schecker
Ben Schnapper
Richard Schultz
Lucille Wechsler
Shalom,
Louise A. Goldberg
Chairperson
With deep regrets we
announce the passing of our
committee member, Leon
Kovar.
Tehillim Dates 2014/2015
Feb. 10, 2015
Mar. 10, 2015
Apr. 14, 2015
May 12, 2015
June 9, 2015
February 2015/Shevat 5775
Page 13
Doris Kramer Pre-School
Winter at the Preschool
allows us to search for
creative indoor play. We
are doing a great job of
keeping things interesting
indoors by "moving" with
the children so that we are
all getting the exercise
needed to keep everyone
healthy and in great shape.
We use the Social Hall
(the children call it the
party room) to allow the
kids to run to their hearts
content and get out all
their energy in a positive
way. In between, we have
been able to get out for
moments of fresh air too.
We had Cheri Photography come to do picture
day and the results were
fabulous photos of our
beautiful children. Cheri
Photography is owned and
run by a D.K. Preschool
alum, Shari Binder. She
was relaxed and very creative and made the photo
shoot a fun event for every
child in the school.
Early Bird registration will
be starting this week.
Thank goodness phones
have been ringing and we
have been showing the
school to quite a few families who are looking for a
Preschool for their little
ones. Early Bird registration for the summer program and Sept. 2015 will
go till the end of February.
If you know of anyone
looking for a Preschool,
please refer them to me by
phone, a visit or email and
I will be happy to follow
up.
We will be starting our
Original Works fundraiser
shortly. We do a wonderful
handprint art project and
parents have an opportunity
to order their child's masterpiece on a selection of
items. It is a fun and very
successful fundraiser for our
school. We are planning our
Tu' B’Shevat celebration
where we honor and learn
all about how trees are an
important creation of G-d
and all the fabulous gifts
they give us everyday.
So, all’s well and wonderful
downstairs in the Preschool...come on down and
visit.
Shalom,
Miss Lois & Staff
Sol Feld Religious School
So much has happened in
the last few weeks. The
most noteworthy event of
late has been Ian Kramer’s
Bar Mitzvah. We at the
Solomon Feld Religious
School are so proud of Ian
and how well he handled
himself at his Bar Mitzvah.
The best part is that Ian’s
Bar Mitzvah was just a
beginning to his participating in services at CBT.
Jenni, who so ably guided
Ian through his Bar Mitzvah preparation, is already
working with Ian to chant
another haftorah in February. Since his Bar Mitzvah,
Ian has even been encouraging other students to
learn trope (torah/haftorah
notes) during class. Keep
up the good work Ian!
While all this has been
going on, we have been
utilizing a new textbook
this year that combines
Hebrew reading, learning
tfillot-prayers and learning
the meaning of the pray-
ers. Saying the blessing over
a cookie, for example, has
literally gained new meaning!
It’s an exciting time at our
school
Ruth Deane
Education Director
Page 14
Beth Tikvah Times
February Birthdays
Eleanor Shifman 2/02
Sonya Tilin
2/02
Shoshana Bazini 2/04
Sherry Cohen
2/06
Joan L. Ray
2/12
Alexander Trink 2/12
Robert Cooper 2/13
Lawrence Luber 2/15
Barbara Freedman 2/16
Natalie Morgenroth 2/16
Lita Molof
Richard Cohen
Michael Sarosi
Al Weinberg
Eileen Buchalter
Fred Kalenscher
Ivan Kipnis
Marsha Einhorn
Stephen Kaztz
Bruce Skurnick
2/18
2/19
2/19
2/19
2/20
2/20
2/20
2/21
2/21
2/23
Jerome Cohen 2/24
Marlene Shraga 2/24
David Dicker
2/25
Eugene Weinger 2/25
Melanie Aguado 2/26
Wallace Bloom 2/26
Randi Cohen
2/27
Marilyn Spector 2/27
Fran Bezerman 2/28
February 2015/Shevat 5775
Page 15
Torah Fund Campaign
WHAT IS TORAH FUND?
The Torah Fund Campaign of Women's League of Conservative Judaism is dedicated to raising money for scholarships to benefit students at the Jewish Theological Seminary, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies,
Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, and Seminario Rabinico.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT TORAH FUND?
TORAH FUND BENEFACTOR:
Your donation of $180 makes you a Torah Fund Benefactor. In recognition of your generous support, you will receive
a beautiful Torah Fund pin. To make your Benefactor pledge, please call Reva Wolitzky (516) 799-7448.
TORAH FUND CARDS:
When you purchase your special occasion cards from Torah Fund, you send the right message, AND do a mitzvah by
donating to the Torah Fund. Beautifully hand designed New Baby, Mazel Tov, Rejoicing With You, Special Occasion,
Thinking Of You, Thank You, Get Well, and Sympathy cards are all available, and are on display on the table in front of
the office. Cards are $4 each, 5 for $18, and 10 for $36. Cards can be ordered by contacting Debby Heyman (516) 221
-5297, Louise Goldberg (516) 735-6008, Elaine Stein (516) 694-5683 or Reva Wolitzky (516) 799-7448.
Checks should be made payable to: Congregation Beth Tikvah Sisterhood Torah Fund.
"Let Tzedakah Flow Like A Mighty River"
Reva Wolitzky
Torah Fund Chair
Our Synaplex Players
Left to right—Jenni Zepnick, Dave Gelbman, Irving Freed, Helene Fruchter, Dave Raspler, Rabbi Lavin and Sy Fruchter.
Page
16 16
Page
Beth Tikvah Times
Tu B’Shevat
The name of this festival is actually its
date: "Tu" is a pronunciation of the
Hebrew letters for the number 15,
and it falls in the Hebrew month of
Shevat.
According to Deuteronomy 8:8,
there are five fruits and two grains
associated with Israel as a "land of
wheat and barley, of vines, figs and
pomegranates, a land of olive trees,
and date honey." The kabbalists also
gave a prominent place to almonds in
Tu B’Shevat, or the "birthday" of all
fruit trees, is a minor festival seeming- the Tu B’Shevat seder, since the ally tailor-made for today's Jewish envi- mond trees were believed to be the
ronmentalists. In fact, there is an an- first of all trees in Israel to blossom.
cient midrash that states, "When God Carob became another popular fruit
to eat on Tu B’Shevat, since it could
led Adam around the Garden of
survive the long trip from Israel to
Eden, God said, 'Look at My works.
See how beautiful they are, how exJewish communities in Europe.
cellent! For your sake I created them
all. See to it that you do not spoil or Participants in the kabbalistic seder
destroy My world--for if you do,
would also drink four cups of wine:
there will be no one to repair it after white wine (to symbolize winter),
white with some red (a harbinger of
you'" (Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7.13).
the coming of spring), red with some
white (early spring) and finally all red
But it was not always this way. In
ancient times, it was merely a date on (spring and summer).
the calendar that helped Jewish farmers establish exactly when they
Complete with biblical and rabbinic
should bring their fourth-year proreadings, these kabbalists produced a
duce of fruit from recently planted
Tu B’Shevat Haggadah in 1753 called
trees to the Temple as first-fruit of"Pri Etz Hadar" or "Fruit of the
ferings. After this, all subsequent fruit Goodly Tree."
produced from these trees could be
When Zionist pioneers began returneaten or sold as desired.
ing to the land of Israel in the late
Tu B’Shevat could easily have fallen
19th century, Tu B’Shevat became an
into disuse after the destruction of
opportunity for these ardent agrarithe Second Temple in 70 CE, since
ans to celebrate the bounty of a rethere was no longer a system of fruit stored ecology in Israel. In ancient
offerings or Temple priests to receive times, the land of Israel was once
them. However, the kabbalists of
fertile and well forested. Over centuTzfat, in the Land of Israel in the 16th ries of repeated conquest, destruccentury, created a new ritual to cele- tions, and desertification, Israel was
brate Tu B’Shevat called the Feast of denuded of trees. The early Zionists
seized upon Tu B’Shevat as an opporFruits.
tunity to celebrate their tree-planting
Modeled on the Passover seder, par- efforts to restore the ecology of anticipants would read selections from cient Israel and as a symbol of rethe Hebrew Bible and Rabbinic litera- newed growth and flowering of the
ture, and eat fruits and nuts tradition- Jewish people returning to their anally associated with the land of Israel. cestral homeland.
In modern times, Tu B’Shevat continues to be an opportunity for planting
trees--in Israel and elsewhere, wherever Jews live. Many American and
European Jews observe Tu B’Shevat
by contributing money to the Jewish
National Fund, an organization devoted to reforesting Israel (the purchase
of trees in JNF forests is also customary to commemorate a celebration
such as a Bar or Bat-Mitzvah). Many
parents donate to the JNF every year
on Tu B’Shevat in honor of their children.
The Tu B’Shevat seder has increased
in popularity in recent years. Celebrated as a congregational event, the
modern Tu B’Shevat seder is multipurpose. While retaining some kabbalistic elements--and still very much a
ritual that connects participant to the
land of Israel--the seder today is often
imbued with an ecological message as
well. One new custom often found at
such seders uses Tu B’Shevat as a
preparation for the Passover seder. In
climates where tree planting is not
feasible, participants will plant parsley
seeds; the parsley will be used on the
Passover seder plate.
February 2015/Shevat 5775
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DiMonda Construction is the company that put the new roof on our synagogue building.
Page 32
Beth Tikvah Times
Open Sundays
10 AM– 2 PM
February 2015/Shevat 5775
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Beth Tikvah Times
February 2015/Shevat 5775
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Calendar
The Yiddish Group meets every Monday from 11 AM-12:30 PM
Rabbi’s Adult Ed Class meets Mondays after the minyan.
Su
Tu
W
W
Th
F
Sa
Su
Su
Tu
Tu
M
Tu
Th
Tu
W
Th
M
W
Th
Th
F
Su
Su
Su
Tu
Tu
Th
F
Su
Su
Tu
Th
F
Sa
Su
W
Th
F
2/1
2/3
2/4
2/4
2/5
2/6
2/7
2/8
2/8
2/10
2/10
2/16
2/17
2/19
2/24
2/25
2/26
3/2
3/4
3/5
3/5
3/6
3/8
3/8
3/8
3/10
3/10
3/12
3/13
3/15
3/15
3/17
3/19
3/20
3/21
3/22
3/25
3/26
3/27
Israel Bond Breakfast
Sisterhood Healing Drum Circle
Tu B'Shevat
Sisterhood Meeting
Executive Council Meeting
Board of Trustees Shabbat
Tu B'Shevat Seder
Men's Club Bowling
Film Festival
Tehillim Service
Men's Club Board Meeting
President's Day
Men's Club Movie Night
Board of Trustees Meeting
Men's Club Wine Tasting
Sisterhood Board Meeting
Executive Council Budget Meeting
Adult Education
Megillah Reading
Purim
Executive Council Meeting
Shushan Purim
Film Festival
Men's Club Bowling
Daylight Savings Time
Tehillim Service
Men's Club Board Meeting
Board of Trustees Budget Meeting
Men's Club Shabbat
Congregation Meeting
Celebrate Israel Night
Joint Arms Passover Workshop
Board of Trustees Meeting
Lunch & Learn
Synaplex
Women's Seder TBD
Sisterhood Board Meeting
Board of Trustees Budget Meeting
Sisterhood Shabbat
9:45 AM
8:00 PM
8:00
8:00
8:00
9:15
9:45
1:30
8:00
8:00
PM
PM
PM
AM
AM
PM
PM
PM
7:00
8:00
8:15
8:00
8:00
8:00
7:00
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
PM
8:00 PM
1:30 PM
9:45 AM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
10:00 AM
4:00 PM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
12:00 NOON
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Wantagh, NY
Permit # 19
VOLUME 2
CONGREGATION
BETH TIKVAH
3710 Woodbine Avenue
Wantagh NY 11793-3099
Office
785-2445
Religious School
491-6878
Nursery School
826-6587
Youth Office
221-1650
Fax
Rabbi
Rabbi Emeritus
785-5363
Dr. Alan Lavin
Mordecai Rubin z’’l
Ed. Director
Ruth Deane
Nursery Sch. Dir.
Lois Schwab
Ritual Director
President
Co-Editors
Or CURRENT
RESIDENT
Sol Feld z”l
Ray Bazini
Gita & Irving Freed
Mailed February 1, 2015
Schedule of Services
FRIDAY, February 6, 2015
Candle Lighting
17 Shevat
5:01 PM
SATURDAY, February 7, 2015
Yitro
18 Shevat
9:15 AM
FRIDAY, February 13, 2015
Candle Lighting
24 Shevat
5:08 PM
SATURDAY, February 14, 2015
Mishpatim
25 Shevat
9:15 AM
FRIDAY, February 20, 2015
Candle Lighting
1 Adar
5:17 PM
SATURDAY, February 21, 2015
Terumah
2 Adar
9:15 AM
FRIDAY, February 27, 2015
Candle Lighting
8 Adar
5:25 PM
SATURDAY, February 28, 2015
Tetzaveh
9 Adar
9:15 AM
DAILY MINYAN:
Sunday Morning
Civic Holidays
Monday, Thursday &
Rosh Chodesh
Wednesday &
Friday
Evening Minyan (except Sunday)
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
6:45 AM
7:00 AM
8:00 PM