Welcome to Beth Shalom!

We are glad to hear of your interest in our community. “Beth Shalom” means House of Peace, and we hope this is a place where you can find peace, healing, inspiration and community, and grow in your love of yiddishkeit and your service of the divine. We are an inclusive and joyous spiritual community where tradition lives and thrives. At Beth Shalom, we offer more than just services. We offer Torah, joyous study of our traditional texts as a lifelong pathway to spiritual growth. We offer “gemilut hesed,” opportunities to do mitzvot together both for the Jewish commu-nity and for the greater world. And we offer community. I would be glad to speak with you more about your Jewish interests and passions, to offer any help or guidance which you would need, or simply to chat and get to know you. My door is always open. Sincerely, Rabbi David B. Siff

Beth Shalom Synagogue

5827 North Trenholm Road * Columbia, SC 29206 * (803) 782-2500

RABBI: David Siff DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION: Rebecca Pinsker

RESIDENT SCHOLAR: Dr. Leon Spotts PRESIDENT: Dr. Lilly Filler

WEB SITE: www.BethShalomColumbia.org

BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE

5827 N. Trenholm Rd. Columbia, SC 29206 (803) 782-2500

Welcome to Beth Shalom Synagogue! Beth Shalom "House of Peace" is affiliated with the Conservative branch of American Judaism. Our worship service is conducted mostly in Hebrew with English translation available on every page of the prayer book and Chumash (Bible). The Shabbat (Sabbath) evening and morning services in which we participate is a tradition that dates back well over 2000 years and is conducted in synagogues worldwide. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is an important cultural and religious event in the life of a Jewish boy or girl, marking the time when he/she makes the transition to a young adult member of the Jewish community. Becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a call to responsibility. Kippot (head covering) and Tallit (prayer shawls) You may wonder why so many Jewish men in the synagogue wear a prayer shawl (tallit), with long fringes. That's because of G-d's command in Num-bers 15:37-41: The Lord said to Moses as follows: “Speak to the Israelite people and instruct them to make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments throughout the ages; let them attach a cord of blue to the fringe at each corner... Thus you shall be reminded to observe all my com-mandments and to be holy to your G-d." The wearing of the Tallit is op-tional for women. When entering the sanctuary, all men and boys are re-quired to wear a head covering or Kippah. This is a Jewish tradition and a sign of respect for G-d. Women are only required to wear a head covering when called to the Bema (the raised platform in front of the synagogue). The Sanctuary As you sit in the main sanctuary, look straight ahead. The raised platform, or stage in front of the synagogue is called a bimah. Located in the middle of the bimah is the Holy Ark containing the Torah (Scroll of the Law), in which is written the Pentateuch or Five Books of Moses. Our synagogue has more than one Torah scroll, but it should be noted that all are identical; in content, writing (orthography), and length, and are always produced by specially-trained scribes. The scribe may require about a year to write a Torah scroll. All writing is copied from an existing scroll, and each word is pronounced aloud by the scribe before copying it. There can be no mis-takes. If an error is made the entire sheet of parchment is set aside and bur-ied. There is no punctuation and there are no vowels in the Torah. Aside from the beautiful manner in which the Hebrew text is written, there is no decoration or pictorial art in a Torah scroll. Reading from the Torah is the central element around which the Sabbath morning liturgy is built. The Torah Service Hebrew is read from right to left, so the reading of the

prayer book also moves in that direction. This portion of the service centers on the chanting of the text from the Torah and a text from the Prophets (Haftorah). The Torah contains the first five books of the Hebrew Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The Torah de-scribes the origins of the Jewish people. Embodied in this history are the laws by which we are expected to live. Each week the Torah is removed and a designated portion is read. After the Torah has been removed from the Ark, it is carried around the sanctuary so that congregants may touch is as a sign of love and respect. The congrega-tion always rises when the Ark is opened out of respect for the word of G-d contained in the Torah. The Ark is located on the eastern wall of the syna-gogue, facing Jerusalem, the site of the ancient Temple. The Torah scrolls are velvet or satin covered and are adorned with silver ornaments. Hanging above the Ark is an ornate lamp called the "Ner Tamid" or Eternal Light. It is continually lit to remind us of the constant watchfulness of G-d. The service is divided into three main parts: Shacharit Service: This service includes introductory prayers, psalms, affirmation of faith and silent devotions. The Torah Service: This begins with the opening of the Ark and removal of the Torah Scrolls. The Torah will be carried around the sanctuary for all to see and touch. The scroll is then opened and the weekly portion read. The weekly Torah portion has been sub-divided into small sections. For each section we call upon an honored adult who thanks G-d for the spiritual privilege of reciting a blessing over the Torah. This honor is called an Ali-yah. Every Shabbat at least seven Jews beyond Bar or Bat Mitzvah age are called to the bema to recite a blessing over the Torah (Aliyah). Then the weekly Haftorah portion will be read along with introductory and conclud-ing blessings. The Haftorah is the lesson from the Prophets. The Torah and Haftorah portions can be found in Hebrew and English in the larger Chu-mashim, or Bibles. The Musaf Service: This relatively short service contains concluding prayers and hymns. After blessing over the wine and challah (ceremonial bread), please join us for kiddush luncheon in the social hall.

Thank you for joining us and we wish you a Shabbat Shalom (Sabbath of Peace).

Schedule of Services

Shabbat evening services

Friday - 6:30 p.m.

Shabbat morning services Saturday - 9:45 a.m.

Minyan

Monday-Thursday - 6:15 p.m.

E-mail Addresses:

Rabbi David Siff: DSiff@juno.com

Rebecca Pinsker: RebeccaFHP@gmail.com

Dr. Leon Spotts: Dugree33@yahoo.com

Tonya Dotson: BethShalom@bellsouth.net

Sara Simmons: ReligiousSchool@bellsouth.net

Web Site: www.BethShalomColumbia.org

Beth Shalom Synagogue RESOURCES & PROGRAMS 

  

 Junior Congregation  Contact: Rebecca Pinsker, Director of Education 

Learning your prayers and learning how to pray are two completely different skill sets!  Families and students join together the first two Shabbatot a month to  learn how to pray and create a dialogue with G‐d.   

Kadima & USY  Contact: Rebecca Pinsker, Director of Education 

We may be small but we are mighty! Get together with other your other Jewish friends and not only have fun but do mitzvot at the same time!  Join us for loads of fun.   

Family Shabbat This monthly program  features  a  family oriented  Friday night  service  followed by  a  Shabbat dinner including food and special programming for children.   

Interfaith / Intermarriage Contact: Matt Gottlieb, 528‐7312 

Do you or will you have a non‐Jewish family member or spouse?  This does not exclude anyone from being involved or welcome at Beth Shalom.  We offer programming and support to assist in the inclusion of all family members wanting to be involved members of the community.  Even if you just have a question we are there for you. 

  

Daily Worship We join together as a community for daily worship (minyan)  

Monday through Thursday at 6:15 p.m.      

Tikkun Olam Contact: Sue Berkowitz, 256‐0109 

  

Adult Education Academy  Contact: Rebecca Pinsker, Director of Education 

Lean in an innovative environment that encourages questions.  Academy leaning happens three times a year, Fall, Winter, and Spring with course offerings of two‐55 minute classes each hour from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday evenings. 

  

  

Music & Choir Contact: Dr. Michal Rubin, 738‐0267 

Beth Shalom is in the midst of a "musical" journey, enriching our services with music and song with an emphasis on congregational singing.   Sound files are sent to the community with new melodies; groups of "singers" prepare for the High Holy Days, encouraging singing in the kahal (congregation); our services are  led by  lay  leaders; the Torah and Haftarah are chanted by  lay readers; As a new congregant, we would like to extend our invitation to you to join the ranks of singers, Torah readers, and prayer leaders.   

Hesed Outreach Contact: Doris Frank, 699‐1464 

Caring for Our Members Our  compassion  for  our  Beth  Shalom  community  finds  its  expression  in  the  physical world through bikur cholim, visiting the sick, and nichum avelim, comforting the mourner.  Both these mitzvot  fall within  gemilut  chesed,  acts  of  loving  kindness  performed  in  emulation  of God's devine  kindness  and  love,  without  the  expectation  of  reward  or  acknowledgment.    The relationships  created by  these acts hold  the potential  for  spiritual experiences, enriching  the giver as well as receiver. 

  

Library  Contact: Rebecca Pinsker, Director of Education 

Celebrating  a  birthday,  anniversary,  commemorating  a  loved  one?    Consider  a  donation  to continue building our collection of juvenile, research, and adult books.  Our library is a welcome haven  for  scholars,  students,  browsers,  novel  lovers, mystery  fanatics,  and  soon movie  and music lovers.     

Beth Shalom Sisterhood Contact: Heidi Lovit, 736‐5144 

Beth Shalom Sisterhood is a vital part of Beth Shalom.  Sisterhood has many programs that run throughout the year, such as Sisterhood Shabbat weekend, Sisterhood Donor, Torah Fund “Chai Tea,” monthly Jewish Women’s Book Club meetings, Paid‐Up Brunch, and many more.   Not to mention they run our beautiful Gift Shop.  Sisterhood provides many opportunities for support to our synagogue and educational department.  Join Sisterhood today!   

Sisterhood Gift Shop As  you  consider  your  birthday, wedding,  anniversary,  and  holiday  gift  needs,  come  see  the wonderful  assortment  of  jewelry,  serving  pieces,  candlesticks,  religious,  and  non‐religious items.  Hours are: Wednesday:  4:30 ‐ 6:15 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. ‐ 12:30 p.m., or by appointment 782‐2500.  We are looking for volunteers to work in the Gift Shop for a couple of hours a week.  If you are interested in seeing how you can help, call Naomi Freedman. at 787‐1882 

Welcome to

BETH SHALOM SYNAGOGUE

“Where Tradition Come Alive”

RABBI: David B. Siff

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION: Rebecca Pinsker

5827 North Trenholm Road Columbia, SC. 29206

(803) 782-2500 www.BethShalomColumbia.org

Member of the United Synagogue of

Conservative Judaism

o�ka ,hc

Beth Shalom Board of Directors

Officers

President: Lilly Filler Vice President: Barbara Blau

Treasurer: Joe Sharnoff Financial Secretary: David Zalesne

Recording Secretary: Harold Friedman Immediate Past President: Howard Stravitz

Members of the Board of Directors

Ruth Bazerman Ronnie Frank Ira Greenberg

Howard Hammer Lyssa Harvey Charles Kahn

Hyman Karesh Dan Matzner

Sandra Poliakoff Sharon Robinson

Beth Bernstein Sanders Linda Schoen Giddings

Aaron Small Randy Stark

Board of Trustees Members

Shep Cutler Bruce Filler Belle Jewler Barry Laban David Lovit Bill Stern

Jack Swerling Henry Ray Wengrow

Rabbi David B. Siff 782-2500 Director of Education Rebecca Pinsker 782-2500 Resident Scholar Dr. Leon Spotts 787-9330 President Dr. Lilly Filler 788-2416 Vice President Barbara Blau 782-0612 Treasurer Joe Sharnoff 788-1184 Financial Secretary David Zalesne 788-2577 Membership Co-Chairs Sharon Robinson 790-7977 Lyssa Harvey 787-7331 Friday Evening Service: 6:30 p.m. Saturday Morning Service: 9:45 a.m. Monday - Thursday Minyans: 6:15 p.m.

Beth Shalom Synagogue provides a comprehensive Jewish educational program for the children and youth of the congregation beginning with the early childhood years and extending through Hebrew school into middle school and high school. The young people of the congregation have the opportunity to learn about and participate in the religious traditions and culture of our people. Bar and Bat Mitzvah for boys and girls at age 13 are particularly meaningful at Beth Shalom. And the emerging teen pro-gram offers unique opportunities for further Jewish learning coupled with travel to Israel and elsewhere. The congregation also offers a wide-ranging adult education program, including op-portunities for studying Hebrew and participating in adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah classes, discussion groups, lectures on diverse topics such as Israel, Jewish holidays, and life cycle events.

For further information on any of the above, contact the Director of Education at Beth Shalom, Rebecca Pinsker, 782-2500.

Board of Education Chairperson:

Daryl Giddings 419-0203

Hebrew School: Wednesday 4:30 - 6:15 p.m. Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Select Saturdays 9:45 a.m. - noon

The Sisterhood of Beth Shalom Synagogue plays an active role in the Jewish commu-nity. It seeks to instill the ideals of Judaism into the lives and homes of its members through education, social action and religious observance. Call Heidi Lovit at 787-5744, if you would like more information. The Sisterhood operates the gift shop at Beth Shalom for your holiday and special occasion gift giving. The gift shop hours are Wednesdays: 4:30-6:15 p.m. and Sun-days: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or by appointment.

THE HISTORY

The Jewish community has existed in Columbia since the early nineteen century, with German Jewish set-tlers practicing Judaism in a synagogue they had re-built in 1900, after it was destroyed by General Sherman’s troops in the closing days of the Civil War. By 1907, a number of Jewish men began to gather in this small house at the corner of Park and Lady Street

to conduct Orthodox services. This small “minyan” became the House of Peace (Beth Shalom) under the leadership of the first congregational president, Philip Epstein, and received a state charter in 1912.

THE BEGINNING

By 1928, Columbia’s Jewish community was too large to be accommodated in the Park Street Syna-gogue and plans were made to erect a larger syna-gogue. On January 27, 1935, this building was built on Marion Street. At a general meeting on April 21, 1955, the congre-gation approved the purchase of land on Trenholm Road to be used to build a Jewish Community Cen-ter, education building and Synagogue.

The JCC later became a separate organization and the education building (now known as Lollipop Lane Daycare) served as Sunday School, Hebrew School and Nursery School, until the current education wing was added onto the synagogue in 1980.

THE PAST

Ground breaking ceremonies for the new Syna-gogue at 5827 North Trenholm Rd., were held on December 19, 1971. The dedication of the new Synagogue we now call home was held on March 25, 1973. At a general congregational meeting held on October 31, 1976, the congregation voted to build an education building adjacent to the Syna-gogue. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on

May 20, 1979 and the completed building was officially dedicated on January 12, 1980. A major expansion of the education wing was built in 1999. A Mikvah was constructed adja-cent to the education building in 1999. Today our congregation has the largest membership in its history and many second and third generation Beth Shalom members have taken leadership roles within the Synagogue.

THE PRESENT

Beth Shalom Synagogue

“Where Tradition Comes Alive”

Application for Membership

5827 North Trenholm Road Columbia, SC 29206

(803) 782-2500 * (803) 782-2501 Fax: (803) 782-5420

www.BethShalomColumbia.org

Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Beth Shalom Synagogue ‐ Application for Membership  

Adult #1  _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Title (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc)                      First name                                    Last name       (Birthday)  Married / Single / Divorced / Widowed   (Circle one)                                                  If divorced, was there a get?___________  Home Address:________________________________________________________________________________________       Street        City      State      Zip  Home Phone:_________________________________________  Personal e‐mail:__________________________________   Place of employment:___________________________________ Occupation:_____________________________________  Work Phone:__________________________________________ Work e‐mail:____________________________________  Cell phone:_________________________   Hebrew Name: ____________________________________ Kohen /Levi /Yisrael  (Circle one)  Parents’ Hebrew Names: ___________________________________________   If Applicable:  Date and Place of Conversion:____________________________________  Name of Rabbi: _______________________________ Synagogue Name & Location: ______________________________   Date of Marriage:__________________________          Adult #2  _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Title (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc)                      First name                                    Last name       (Birthday)  Have you ever been divorced?  ________ If so, was there a get?___________  Place of employment:___________________________________ Occupation:_____________________________________  Work Phone:__________________________________________ Work e‐mail:____________________________________  Cell phone:_________________________                Personal e‐mail:_________________________________  Hebrew Name (If applicable): ____________________________________ Kohen /Levi /Yisrael  (Circle one)  Parents’ Hebrew Names: ___________________________________________  If Applicable:  Date and Place of Conversion:____________________________________  Name of Rabbi: _______________________________ Synagogue Name & Location: ______________________________ 

CHILDREN INFORMATION:      Child's Name        Hebrew Name (including parents)      Birth date  1.________________________________________________________________________________________________________  2.________________________________________________________________________________________________________  3.________________________________________________________________________________________________________  4.________________________________________________________________________________________________________   If child's last name, address and/or phone number are different from that of member, please indicate:  Name_____________________________________________________________________________________  Address___________________________________________________________________________________  Phone________________________________________ E‐mail: ______________________________________  If child is away at college, please indicate:  Name_____________________________________________________________________________________  College___________________________________________________________________________________  Address___________________________________________________________________________________  Phone________________________________________ E‐mail: ______________________________________  

Hebrew School: Additional Information will be sent to you if you check this area.  ______ Kindergarten ‐ 2nd Grade meet Sundays 10 a.m. ‐ 12:30 p.m.  ______ 3rd ‐ 7th Grade meet Sundays: 10 a.m. ‐ 12:30 p.m. and Wednesdays: 4:30 ‐ 6:15 p.m.    ______ 8th ‐ 10th Grade (Midrasha) meet Thursdays: 6 ‐ 8 p.m. 

 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:  Previous Synagogue/Temple affiliations:_______________________________________________________________   

Yahrzeit Information  Deceased      Relationship      Who Observes    Date of Death _________________________________________________________________________________________________________  _________________________________________________________________________________________________________  _________________________________________________________________________________________________________  _________________________________________________________________________________________________________  _________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

Participation is part of membership at Beth Shalom Synagogue. Which committees or activity might either of you (or your children) be interested in serving on?  Please indicate which member is interested in each committee.  Committee        Adult #1        Adult #2 Social committee      _______        _______   Ritual committee      _______        _______   Youth committee      _______        _______   Chevra Kadisha        _______        _______   Cemetery committee      _______        _______   Membership committee    _______        _______   Library committee      _______        _______   Adult Education committee    _______        _______   House committee      _______        _______   Fundraising committee      _______        _______   Outreach (Hesed) committee    _______        _______   Global Concerns (Tikun Olam)    _______        _______   Bulletin committee      _______        _______ Intermarriage committee    _______        _______  Please indicate activities you would be interested in becoming involved in:  Leading Services      _______        _______ Sunday Adult Seminar      _______        _______   Sisterhood        _______        _______   Kadima (youth group‐5th‐8th grade)  _______        _______   Social Action        _______        _______   Hebrew school teaching     _______        _______   Daily minyan        _______        _______   Torah reading        _______        _______   Outreach/volunteer work    _______        _______ Shabbat Greeter      _______        _______ High Holidays        _______        _______ Music & Choir        _______        _______   Adult Education       _______        _______ Other (please list):_________________________________________________________________  Do you have any other skills or interests which you would be interested in sharing with the community? _________________________________________________________________________________________  _________________________________________________________________________________________ The Beth Shalom Board of Directors meets on the 2nd or 3rd Wednesday of the month. At that time, new members applications are introduced and formally approved for membership.   Please return to:  Beth Shalom Synagogue, 5827 N. Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206 

For Office Use Only:    Date of Introduction to Rabbi: _____________     Date of Introduction to Board: _____________   

Dues Deposit Received: $__________Check #________   Annual Dues: $______________  

Type of Membership:  _____ Family Membership _____ Single Membership   _____ Associate Membership  _____ 35 & under 

Beth Shalom Synagogue Talent Bank  From  time  to  time  the  synagogue  staff or  synagogue  committees have need  for members with particular skills and interests. Please indicate by putting a checkmark the areas in which you are willing to share your knowledge and talents with our congregation.  

Category  Description  Adult #1  Adult #2 

Arts Judaic/Calligraphy/Illustration/Kid’s Projects Decorating/Floral Arrangements 

   

Clerical  Type/File/Organize/Phone     

Computers  Programming/Graphics/Desktop/Publishing     

Communications  Publicity/Media/Facilitating/Newsletter     

Event Planning  Socials/B’nai Mitzvot/Weddings     

Financial  Planning/Management/Training/Consulting     

Food  Cooking/Baking/Set‐up/Special     

Hebrew  Teach/Read/Torah/Chant     

Judaic Knowledge  Teach Adult/Religious School/Lead Services     

Languages  Speak/Read/Understand/Write     

Music & Dance  Choir/Song Leader/Instrument/ Israeli Dance     

Photography  People/Events/Nature/Video     

Needlework  Sew/Knit/Crochet/Needlepoint/Embroidery     

Games  Bridge, Mah Jongg, Poker     

Sports  Children’s, intramural, softball, tennis, basketball, golf     

 Education    Degree (s)    Major/Minor           School (s)____ 

 Adult #1 ____________________________________________________________________  Adult #2 ____________________________________________________________________  

Employment  Adult #1 ____________________________________________________________________  Adult #2 ____________________________________________________________________   Please mail this form with your filled out application for membership.