5 annual apples and honey new year...
TRANSCRIPT
Volume 47, No. 1 — August 2012 — Av/ Elul 5772
Sisterhood Rummage Sale… see page 6 Family Camp….See page 7
Congregation B’nai Moshe
Invites You To The
5th Annual Apples and Honey New Year Celebration
Outdoor Picnic
Sunday, August 19
11 am – 2 pm
at Congregation B’nai Moshe
Relay R
aces
and other
fun gam
es
Mobile
Petting Zoo Face Painting and
Tattoos
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HOW YOU CAN REACH US
Telephone: (248) 788-0600
Fax: (248) 788-0604
School office: (248) 788-3600
email: [email protected]
on the web: www.bnaimoshe.org
Clergy
Rabbi Elliot Pachter ... [email protected]
Cantor Earl G. Berris .... [email protected]
Executive Director
Charles Berris ............. [email protected]
Director of Education
Gail Gales .................... [email protected]
Office ....................... [email protected]
President ......................................... Dan Sperling
Vice Presidents ................................... Steve Fine
Steve Mondrow
Jon Isenberg
Treasurer ........................................... Joel Shayne
Secretary…………………..…..Cathleen Zepelin
(USPS 981-880) Published Monthly except July
POSTMASTER:
Send Address Changes to:
B’nai Moshe Bulletin
6800 Drake Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Periodical Postage
Paid at Pontiac, MI 48343
September Bulletin Deadline September Bulletin articles are due in the office
on Friday, August 3, 2012. Stories may be
delivered to the office, faxed to (248)788-0604,
or e-mailed to [email protected].
Photographs are encouraged to accompany
stories when appropriate. Late stories are subject
to inclusion on a case-by-case basis.
HAVE YOU VISITED
OUR WEBSITE?
www.bnaimoshe.org
We Have Archived Bulletins
by Dan Sperling
Hello. Years ago, the general membership gave the Board of Directors the power to raise standard dues by up to 6 percent each year without a membership vote. While the board chose to raise dues by the full 6 percent a couple of times in the ensuing years, this past year, after two years of no increases, standard dues were raised by roughly half
that amount. As you will have seen on your dues statement last month, for this year (the 2012/2013 dues year), we did not raise our standard dues levels. We DID do something different, however. In mid-June, you received a mailing from me asking you to voluntarily increase your dues. Crazy, huh? I have to admit that I was skeptical when the idea was initially brought to me during an Executive Committee meeting. At a time when our costs are increasing and we haven’t raised dues in a couple years, could we afford to ask our members to voluntarily increase their dues? (In this year’s budget, for example, we’ve increased the funding for “membership activities” by $3,500 in order to provide additional programming and activities for our families.) But then, the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. I frequently talk about how not all of our members are currently in a financial state to afford full dues and that it is the responsibility of those of us who are to give above and beyond what is expected to help subsidize our budget. I realized that asking for a voluntary dues increase is a great way to allow those that can afford it to support the shul without putting an undue burden on those that can’t. As of this writing, I’m happy to report that 25 member/families have agreed to this voluntary increase, including four that have agreed to become Chai members and two that have agreed to elevate their Chai membership from Silver to Gold. To all of these people (and to the others that have no doubt agreed to an increase after my writing)… Thank you! It’s through your generosity that we can continue to survive and thrive as a shul! (On a personal note, I’ve committed to my Executive Committee that as soon as my job situation becomes clearer, I too will be increasing my dues level.) So… if you haven’t already responded to my letter from mid-June, it’s not too late. Just send in the form and your next statement will be adjusted. If you no longer have the letter, just call the office. Either way, it’s never too late to give to the Shul (and the congregation) the kind of financial support it needs! Any amount, no matter how small, is hugely appreciated! Thank you again for doing your part! See you in Shul!
Thoughts From Our President
Save the Date — September 7 at 6 p.m. Outdoor Shabbat Odyssey
We’ll celebrate Shabbat with services & dinner in our own backyard.
Watch for details in the August mid-month mailing.
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by Rabbi Elliot Pachter
One Candle Keeps The Flame Of Torah Burning Our community is greatly enriched by the time and effort given by the members who “go the extra mile” to make our synagogue a better place. Shabbat Kiddush, Minyan Breakfast, the library and this monthly Bulletin are just a few examples of the way our members share their talents for the
benefit of us all. We have devoted members who care for our garden, see to the upkeep and security of our building, and yes, stuff envelopes. This month I would like to give praise to one such member of our B’nai Moshe family who, like many others, has truly made a difference. His name is Barry V Levine. In case you don’t know, Barry Levine is our most active member in the area of Jewish education. Although he is a dedicated Bar/Bat Mitzvah teacher, I am here to share with you Barry’s enhancement of Jewish education for adults. About a dozen years ago, Barry created the Shabbat morning Torah study group. Each Shabbat ever since, a dedicated group of 10-15 devoted students follow Barry from the sanctuary down to the school wing to engage in a study of the morning’s Torah portion. Even when Barry is unable to attend, he has trained and inspired other congregants to fill in for him, and keep the flame of Torah burning. About four years ago, Barry decided to branch out. He took his knowledge and humor “on the road” to Meer Apartments. Meer Program Coordinator, Melanie Gorman, recently told me: “Barry’s class enables residents who value Jewish programming to have something to look forward to every week! He gives them the opportunity to study, learn and schmooze in a friendly and welcoming environment.” You don’t need to live at Meer to attend Barry’s class, which meets every Thursday at 2 p.m. His group includes a few people from Hechtman, and others from the community are welcome, so come and enjoy! Three years ago, when I changed my schedule to become a full time teacher at the Frankel Jewish Academy, I was forced to give up one of the favorite activities of my week — Mocha Moment, our weekly discussion group which meets at Barnes and Noble on Orchard Lake Road. Without hesitation, Barry stepped right in to take over Mocha Moment. On behalf of the Thursday morning regulars, I would like to thank Barry for leading the group these past three years. Mocha Moment will continue, each Thursday at 10 a.m., under the capable leadership of Cantor Berris. Barry, our “Eveready Bunny” of Adult Education, is moving on to create some new B’nai Moshe programs, including:
The return of a monthly Stay and Learn on Shabbat, beginning September 8.
“Tuesdays with Barry” (with no permission from Mitch Albom) at 5:30 p.m., starting October 16. A pre- or post-evening minyan session to brush up on basic synagogue skills.
If you know Barry, you know he is fond of puns, so you will appreciate my saying that we love him Barry, Barry much (loud GROAN!).
For more about Barry, please see page 8.
A Word From Our Rabbi
by Cantor Earl G. Berris
Here’s What’s New Take a look at some upcoming happenings at B’nai Moshe:
Siddur Contest It has been more than two years since the Rabbi and I introduced our new siddur and it is time for a second
printing. Before we do, we want to make all necessary corrections to our previous edition. So for every correction you point out, whether in the Hebrew, English, transliteration or instructions, we will put your name into our drawing for some amazing prizes. Please tell us your name, the page the correction applies to and the specific details. When we go to print, sometime after Sukkot, the contest will end and we will draw three winners. The more corrections you point out the more chances you have to win. This lottery is open to all adults and children. The next time you pray from our prayer book, Tefilah L’Moshe, spend a little extra time as a proofreader. To make it easier, you will find a tear off in this Bulletin on page 6 and copies of the tear off form in the office to help you. A master copy for suggested corrections of the siddur can also be found in the main office.
Cantorial CD This past Fall, I went down to Florida to participate in a weekend celebration installing Cantor Zachary Mondrow as Hazzan of Temple Torah of West Boynton Beach. On Sunday of that weekend, a concert was performed by Cantors Zach Mondrow, Alberto Mizrahi, David Propis, Steven Heatherstone and myself. A CD was made of the concert and about a dozen copies of the CD are available for sale in the office for $15. If they are all sold, I will try and get some more based on requests. Checks should be made out to the Cantors Discretionary Fund or you can pay by cash. If you love Cantorial, Jewish and other types of music, you won’t want to miss out on getting a live recording of this concert featuring the singing of some of the best cantors in the country.
By the Way... I have just returned from northern Michigan with
this year’s summer synagogue bus trip. I will write
about this trip in the future. I hope it will pique your
interest and get you to join us next summer for our 11th
annual bus trip.
A Word From Our Cantor
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Bar Mitzvah / Family Fun
Bar Mitzvah
~~~~~~~~~~
Ari Kohl
Ari Mitchell Kohl will
be called to the Torah as
a Bar Mitzvah on
Saturday, August 25. He
is the son of Harriet Sherman Kohl and
Steve Kohl and brother of Molly.
Proud grandparents are Joyce and
Don Sherman, Shelley and Ed Kohl, and
Cherie Kohl-Warsaw and the late Arthur
Warsaw.
Ari attends Birmingham Covington
School.
He loves technology, tennis and spending
time with his friends.
His mitzvah project included
volunteering at Safety Town.
B’nai Moshe Annual Picnic Congregation B’nai Moshe will hold its annual picnic on Sunday, August 19 on the grounds of B’nai Moshe, from 11 a.m.
to 2 p.m. Hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie dogs, and turkey burgers will be available. Side dishes, condiments, and
refreshments will also be on hand. There will be entertainment for kids of all ages, including crafts, relay races, face-painting,
and a petting zoo.
All congregants and their family and friends are invited.
Join B’nai Moshe For
Family Camp Nov. 2-4 By Randi Berris
Jewish overnight camp is all about s’mores by
the campfire; fun Shabbat services; games; and
most importantly, the friendships and deep
connections built through common experiences.
Now, B’nai Moshe wants families with school-age children to
enjoy that experience together, dor l’dor, at Family Camp at the
Butzel Center (part of Camp Tamarack) the weekend of Nov. 2-4.
Starting with a kosher Shabbat dinner on Friday night, the
weekend will be centered around sharing Shabbat, generation to generation. It is open to all synagogue families. We will have
family events, breakout sessions for adults, a Havdalah service
followed by s’mores, and babysitting at night so parents can have
some fun without the kids. Together, we will learn more about
the “choreography” of the Shabbat service, how to welcome
Shabbat in the home, and much more. Rabbi Elliot Pachter and
Gail Gales, director of education and youth, will facilitate the
weekend.
Family Camp includes five kosher meals, accommodation for
two nights in a hotel-style private room and all the programming.
We would appreciate donations from the congregation to help offset the cost. Gratefully, we have already received some.
The synagogue is our spiritual home, and it’s the people in the
congregation that make it our second family. Family Camp
provides an opportunity to build those relationships, from
generation to generation, which, in turn, will make our shul
stronger. We have room for 18 families for this special weekend.
Reserve your spot today! For details, please contact the B’nai
Moshe office, 248. 778-3600 (See page 7.)
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Library/Men’s Club
It is wonderful that many B’nai Moshe members are enjoying taking books home from our library.
However, it is time to remind everyone, our current patrons and those who are not yet using the
library, about how to check books out, AND what to do when you bring them back. It is important to
follow these guidelines so we can keep track of materials when they leave the library and so you will not be left with books on your record after you return them. All books must be signed out. If you pass
a book you have signed out on to a friend to read, the book remains on your record and you are still
responsible for its return. Remember, this library runs on the honor system.
CHECKING BOOKS OUT OF THE LIBRARY: there are two ways to check books out of the library.
The “Shabbat Friendly” Method. This method can be used at any time.
Select the book you want to check out.
Remove the Book Card which is found in the back of the book. This card has a barcode on it that is assigned to
that book only.
Find and remove your Patron Card which is found in the Shabbat Friendly Patron Box on the Shabbat Friendly
Cart located in the Klein Chapel except on Shabbat when it comes into the Social Hall for Kiddush. These
cards are filed in the box alphabetically by last names, and have your unique Patron barcode on them.
Paperclip the two cards together.
Place the paper-clipped cards back in the Patron box directly in front of the sign that says “Place sign out cards
here”. DO NOT re-file them among all the cards under your name where they may get lost.
The sign out information will be entered into the computer the next time the librarian comes in when it is not
Shabbat and the patron card will be refilled in the Patron box at this time, ready for your next selection.
The “Sign-out Slip Method.” This method cannot be used on Shabbat or Holidays.
Select the book you want to check out. Fill out a sign-out slip. These slips are located in the library in a box on the desk that is adjacent to the
printer. Please include your name, the date, your phone number, and the unique book barcode number for
each book you are taking out. The barcodes are found on the front flyleaf of the book and have four
numbers on them. Each sign out slip can accommodate six titles.
Place the sign out slip in the second box found on the desk that is designated for them. The sign out information
will be entered into the computer the next time the librarian comes in when it is not Shabbat.
The sign out information will be entered into the computer the next time the librarian comes in when it is not
Shabbat.
RETURNING BOOKS TO THE LIBRARY. Books are due back two weeks from the day you take them out. They can be
renewed and if you are late returning them, we do not charge fines. However, you are responsible for any books that are never returned. The library sends out overdue notices about four times a year. There are two ways to return books.
Return books to the LIBRARY ROOM. Bring the books back into the library itself and place
them on the “Return Cart” (not to be confused with the Shabbat Friendly Cart, it’s a
different cart). This cart is located near the far door to the Library and has a sign on it that
says “Return Books Here.”
Return books to the SYNAGOGUE OFFICE. You may give the books to the office staff and
they will get them back to the library for discharge off your record.
All returned books will be discharged off your record in the computer the next time the librarian comes
in. There is no need to leave your name in returned books; the computer already knows who had the
books. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN BOOKS BY PLACING THEM ON THE “SHABBAT FRIENDLY
CART!” If you do that, they may never be taken off your record.
The Men’s Club recently published our July newsletter. We did not have all your email addresses so you may not have received it. Please let us know what your email address is so we can send you our future newsletters. Send your email address to [email protected]. You can view the July newsletter at www.bnaimoshe.org/indexnl.html
WANTED: YOU We are looking for people who want
to organize - or help organize - a
future Shabbat Dinner program.
So if you’re interested in chairing or
willing to work with a Shabbat Dinner committee,
please contact Chuck Berris at 248.788.0600.
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Synagogue / Sisterhood
Men, Women & Teens – Your Help is Needed. Proceeds from the Rummage Sale provide many wonderful things for our shul. We
need everyone’s help. We will gladly provide verification of community service
hours for teen volunteers.
Sale Dates and Times Sunday, August 5 ~ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday, August 6 ~ 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 7 ~ 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Please contact Ruth Shayne at 248-489-0783 or [email protected] and let her know when you are available to help.
Save The Date Sisterhood Paid Up
Membership Brunch
Sunday, September 23
Featuring Storyteller
Judy Singer
“Tales From Your Mother”
Name That Siddur Correction Your Name__________________________________
Page in the Siddur:____________________________ Hebrew
Circle the Language: English
Transliteration
Explain the correction in full detail:____________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Send this form back to the synagogue office at:
6800 Drake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Or e-mail to [email protected].
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Family Camp
Sports, Games, Hiking and
Nature Trails
Adult Enrichment and Kid-Friendly
Programming
Reserve Your Spot at Family Camp Now!
B’nai Moshe’s Family Camp is right around the corner. Family Camp is a Family-friendly Shabbat weekend at Butzel Conference Center
(part of Camp Tamarack) Cost for family of 3 is $450. Each additional family member is $75.
Kids under 2 are free. This payment provides you with two nights accommodation, five kosher meals,
snacks, babysitting, camp counselors, and priceless time with your family and your B’nai Moshe family.
Nov. 2 - 4,
2012
L.I.F.E. Family Camp! A $50 deposit per family is required to reserve your space by August 17.
B’nai Moshe is applying to the Jewish Federation for a grant to help support this weekend.
If we receive the grant, we might be able to provide a stipend to the first 12 families who register, so ACT NOW!
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Enclose this form and your $50 deposit check made payable to: Congregation B’nai Moshe, Family Camp
6800 Drake Road, West Bloomfield MI 48322 For more information, please call the B’nai Moshe L.I.F.E. Office at 248.788.3600.
See article on page 4.
Sharing
Judaism with
our Children
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Synagogue / Community News
Global Islamic Terrorism Expert Brigitte Gabriel
Warns B’nai Moshe Crowd Of Dangerous Extremists
More than 600 people came to B’nai Moshe on June 11 to hear Brigitte Gabriel speak about global Islamic terrorism. Tight security had crowds lined up around the building, waiting to get in.
Photos courtesy of Lemus Photography
Left: Brigitte Gabriel shared how the
influx of radical Islam during the
Lebanese Civil War transformed her
middle class life as a Lebanese
Christian into a nightmare. Showing
the audience what she called a
blueprint to bring radical Islam to
America, Gabriel warns against these
extremists.
Right: To help fight these
extremists, Gabriel created
the grass roots organization
Act! For America. An
audience member signs up.
Below: Gabriel poses with
B’nai Moshe members.
After her presentation Ms. Gabriel signed her books and spoke
with audience members about her experiences.
Barry V Levine engages the Meer residents in Torah study. On the right are B’nai Moshe members Bob and Helen Siegel.
Barry V Levine Shares His Tales As A Jewish Educator Rabbi Elliot Pachter recently asked Barry V Levine a few questions:
REP: How long have you been a Jewish educator and how did you get started
in the field?
BVL: My first experience as a Jewish educator came in 1972-1973. At that time I
was a fairly young public school administrator and an adjunct instructor at local
community colleges and at Wayne State University. Since I was raising a large
family, I was always on the look out for a part-time job. I answered an ad in The
Jewish News for a youth director position at Congregation Beth Achim. While in
that position in June or July of 1974, I was informed by an officer of the
congregation that there was an emergency need for an interim headmaster at
Hillel Day School. The interviewing committee selected me, and I arranged for a
one year leave of absence from the Detroit Public Schools. The rest is hysteria! (I
guess I should say history.) I accepted positions as religious school
director through 1998. Informally, of course, I had been giving B/Mitzvah lessons
and other informal "Hebrew" lessons since I was eighteen years old.
TO READ THE FULL BARRY V LEVINE STORY VISIT OUR B’NAI MOSHE WEBSITE:
Www.bnaimoshe.org/bpindex.html