InsideConnectionsSUMMER DAY CAMP

MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS

ERJCC ANNUAL MEETING

MEALS ON WHEELS

2013 CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL

FAMILY TRIATHLON

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION

SPRING 2013

special issueLook InsIde forAnnuAL report Insert

hat child wouldn’t want to be in the circus for a week? They’ll get to at the

J Camps Circus of the Kids Camp June 10 - 14. Or your kids can choose to sharpen their athletic skills at Sports Camp starting June. Parents can start their planning when it comes to occupying those long, hot summer days with structured activity. It is why registration for J Camps at the ERJCC this summer has been high and camps are filling up quickly. Not only does the ERJCC offer traditional camp activities, but also children have the choice to specialize in skill-based activities or sports. Camps are designed to help children sharpen skills in specialized fields of interest. This summer a number of new camps are being offered for 3rd – 5th graders including Digital Media Camp, Video Game Creator Camp and Aquatics Camp.

W “My children always look forward to participating in the J summer camps. They have a lot of fun, reconnect with old friends and make new friends, learn something new, celebrate being Jewish and build confidence,” said Ellen Tagtmeier, mom of J Campers. This summer’s stellar camp lineup includes more than 50 options with numerous themes including favorites such as Art, Tennis, Circus, Equestrian, Gymnastics, Cooking and a revamped Sports Camp with a different special-ized sport each week including golf (Matt Swanson Golf Camp), basket-ball, baseball (Rice University Camp) and soccer. The ERJCC also offers traditional day camps for preschoolers through 2nd grade such as Camp Bami, Kinder Camp and Camp Kaleidoscope. “J Camps offer children all the tradi-tional elements of summer fun with song, playtime and arts and crafts,” said Randy Comensky, J Camps Director. “We really focus on safety when it comes to swim-ming lessons and activities. We believe quality starts with our counselors and training starts well before the kids arrive.”

ERJCC camps offer daily instruc-tional and recreational swimming, Ju-daic enrichment, friendship circles and planned activities that focus on fun and skill-building. The ERJCC has been giving children the ultimate summer day camp experience for more than 70 years. ERJCC offers flexible program options from 1- 12 weeks, making our

“My children always look forward to participating in the J summer

camps. They have a lot of fun, reconnect with old friends and make

new friends, learn something new, celebrate being Jewish and build

confidence.” — Ellen Tagtmeier, Mom of J Campers

Summer Day Camp a popular and affordable choice for parents. J Camps are committed to hiring plenty of experienced staff members to keep a low staff-to-camper ratio. Camp begins May 29 and runs three sessions ending August 23, 2013. Your child can enjoy as many weeks of J Camps as he or she wants.

SUMMER DAY CAMPS AT THE J

SUMMER MEMBERSHIP DEALS!

become a member and enjoy our spectacular camps!

$225 Family

add on to the fun with Bronze Fitness and Tennis and enjoy unlimited access to all group exercise and mind, Body & Spirit classes:

+$75/month Family | +$50/month individual

contact member services today713.595.8168

membership@erjcchouston.org

Children’s Membership only $29/monthMembership based on 12 mos. Includes camp access.

First year joining fees apply.

Summer Family Pool & Camp Membership $398 neW tHIs year: Includes bronze-level Fitness

$115 individual

f u N f O R E v E R Y O N E !

REGISTER

ONLINE!

erjcchouston.org

/camps

p o o l / t e n n I s / F I t n e s s

Birthdayat the Parties

FUN FOR kIDS… EASY FOR PARENTS!

We’ll customize an unforgettable dream party for your child age four and up. Just pick your favorite theme, and leave the rest to us!

for more information, contact Amanda Stein: 713.729.3200 ext. 3121 or birthdays@erjcchouston.org.

dj musIc | Games | prIZes FroZen treats

meet tHe counselors:

Camp Bami – 10:00 AM Bertha Alyce Center

Kinder Camp – 11:00 AM ERJCC 3rd floor

Kaleidoscope - 1:00 PM Merfish Teen Center

save tHe date

––

he mitzvah of honor-ing one’s parents is considered so vital that it is one of the Ten Com-

mandments. Recorded twice in Torah, we learn there are three partners in the creation of a new life; G-d, the mother and the father. The further back we go, the greater our elders are considered. In Judaism, we learn that every day has to be a day of thanksgiving and every day we must honor and cherish our parents. It is for these reasons that every one of us must endeavor to truly honor our parents. That means that we make an active effort to look after their needs (both physical and spiritual), as well as treat them with the utmost respect, whether we agree with them or not. This includes good nutrition to ensure health and well being. This includes the ERJCC Meals on Wheels. The Hebrew word for “honor” (ka-bed) consists of the same letters as the Hebrew word for “heavy” (ka-ved). The only difference is a dot in the second letter. In other words, “honor” means treating one’s parents with the gravity that their position demands.

T The ERJCC Meals on Wheels takes very seriously this mitzvah, having served 640 of our neighbors within the past year. On average, 33 ERJCC Meals on Wheels referrals are received each month from adult children of clients who live away or are estranged from a parent. This commandment is the only one that lists a reward for its fulfillment — long life as a viable society. The Torah

wants us to understand that a society in which children cease showing honor to their parents will cease to be a functioning society. 30% of all ERJCC Meals on Wheels clients are either estranged from their adult children or have outlived them. Another 14% live more than 250 miles from their nearest relative. Love comes from individual, unique relationships; whether or not there are blood ties does not create, by itself, an

It’s tIme to Honor mom and dademotional closeness. Each year 200 ERJCC Meals on Wheels volunteers provide a daily dose of human touch each weekday to our elder neighbors who are near us but alone. Join us this spring as the ERJCC Meals on Wheels honors Mom and Dad.

yes, I want to give a contribution in honor or memory of:

From:

NAMEADDRESSCITY / STATE / ZIPPHONE

For: Mother’s Day Father’s DayIN HONOR OFIN MEMORY OFPlease send acknowledgement to: NAME

ADDRESSCITY

STATE/ZIP

PLEASE SIGN CARD

For: Mother’s Day Father’s DayIN HONOR OFIN MEMORY OFPlease send acknowledgement to: NAME

ADDRESSCITY

STATE/ZIP

PLEASE SIGN CARD

For: Mother’s Day Father’s DayIN HONOR OFIN MEMORY OFPlease send acknowledgement to: NAME

ADDRESSCITY

STATE/ZIP

PLEASE SIGN CARD

For: Mother’s Day Father’s DayIN HONOR OFIN MEMORY OFPlease send acknowledgement to: NAME

ADDRESSCITY

STATE/ZIP

PLEASE SIGN CARD

In the amount of: $36 $72 $144 $288 $_____ To provide as many meals as possible $1,500 to provide one meal a day for one homebound mother or father for one year. I Would like to volunteer. Please contact me at______________________________________ My company will match my contribution. Please contact me at_____________________

A special tribute card will be mailed in acknowledgement of your gift. Please make checks payable to:

Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center 5601 S. Braeswood, Houston, TX 77096. All Contributions are tax deductible.

upcoming c j l l events

A talk with music featuring Isabelle Ganz and Mary Carol Warwick. The influence of Jewish Music on Broadway and popular song composers.Monday, May 13 | 7:30 PM | Free

Hadar Noiberg Trio

Israeli flutist, composer, and arranger Hadar Noiberg brings Cuban, Jazz and World Music to the Kaplan Stage.Sunday, May 19 | 2:00 PM$15 MeMber/$20 Public

Both events take place at the Kaplan Theatre

I W Marks Theatre Center

The Gerald Rauch Cultural and Performing Arts Center

Visit erjcchouston.org/music for tickets.

center for jewish living and learning scholar series

From Enlightenment to Intifada: frenCH JeWrY tHen And noW

Don’t miss these final lectures on the history of French Jewry by Dr. Robert Zaretsky,

professor of modern French history at the Honors College of the University of

Houston. Witness the lectures in-person or watch them streamed live by visiting

houstonjewishlive.com.

$10 Member / $15 public (per lecture) $36 Member / $48 public (series pass)

Register online at erjcchouston.org/frenchjewry

Vichy then and now: the jews of France in the second World War thursday, april 18 • 7:30 pm

France’s military defeat in 1940 heralded the birth of the

Vichy regime, which sought to turn the clock back to pre-

revolutionary France. Central to this reactionary agenda was the regime’s battery of

anti-Semitic laws—initiated without the slightest of nudges from the Nazis. Beginning

in 1942, these laws enabled Nazi Germany’s application of the Final Solution to

France, leading to the murder of nearly 75,000 Jews, both foreign and native-born.

We shall discuss the motivations of the bureaucracy that created and applied these

laws and reflect on those institutions and individuals that resisted them.

From the second World War to the second Intifada: France and the jews todaythursday, may 2 • 7:30 pm

In 1967, the great political theorist (and secular Jew)

Raymond Aron, upon hearing President Charles De Gaulle’s

remark that the Jews were an “elite people, sure of themselves and domineering,”

wondered if this opened “a new chapter in Jewish history and perhaps anti-

Semitism.” With the surge of violence in North African quarters against Jews,

climaxing in the horrific massacre at Toulouse, French Jews now ask themselves

if they can remain both fully French and fully Jewish.

ARTS, CULTURE, EDUCATION | ADULTS | SENIORS | KIDS & FAMILY | HEALTH & WELLNESS

Sounds Jewish, Doesn’t It?

Music in May aT The J

these lectures are being streamed live. Visit houstonjewishlive.com.

Tributes We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our many individual, corporate and foundation donors whose generous ongoing support helps the ERJCC continue to be a vital community asset.

tHank you to our Generous donors!

adult mItZVaH FundIn Honor of Bonnie Kasner – Diana Howard

ann & stepHen kauFman jeWIsH educatIon FundIn Memory of Shirley Gerson – Leah and David EngelbergIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Theba and Buster Feldman

bertHa alyce center Fund In Memory of Joan Danziger – Roz and William FinkIn Memory of Terence “Terry” Redman – Preetha Kalathil and David AllemanIn Memory of Terence “Terry” Redman – Shari and Stephen KammermanIn Memory of Terence “Terry” Redman – Tiffany MorrissetteIn Memory of Terence “Terry” Redman – Jessica Whiteside and Gordon Wong

book FaIr FundIn Honor of Henrietta Bell – Yiddish Class Friends

cHIldren’s scHolarsHIp ballIn Honor of Lenny Dubin – Kal SarlatIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Julie and John GilbertIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Ronda Feinberg and Allan Goldstein In Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Liz and Ron OppenheimerIn Honor of Richard Frankoff – Marsha and Lionel SchoolerIn Honor of Lenny Dubin – Francine and Bradley BeckmanIn Honor of Lenny Dubin – A.I. and Manet Shepps FoundationIn Honor of Lenny Dubin – Marsha and Stanley RosenblattIn Honor of Lenny Dubin – Beverly and Howard RobinsonIn Honor of Lenny Dubin – Mindy and Barry LevinsonIn Honor of Lenny Dubin – Faye and Michael CoplandIn Honor of Lenny Dubin – Linda and Tim ErwinIn Honor of Lenny Dubin – Rosalie HalpinIn Honor of Lenny Dubin – Margolis, Phipps & Wright Charitable FoundationIn Honor of Gina Luna – Margolis, Phipps & Wright Charitable Foundation

In Honor of Jim Crownover – Margolis, Phipps & Wright Charitable FoundationIn Honor of Jim Crownover – Lee and Gary RosenthalIn Honor of Gina Luna – Susan and Michael PlankIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Stefani and Andrew GolubIn Honor of Lenny Dubin – Nathan Stein

dance montH Fund In Honor of Terry Comnisky – Ann and Ken Friedman

eVelyn rubensteIn jcc Houston FundIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Deborah ClarkIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Mike SpringerIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Lea and Brad TodesIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Rebecca and Arthur KayIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Bob SmithIn Memory of Jack Turk – Susan LevinIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Helen Charski

General trIbute FundIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Susan and Michael KottwitzIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Elena and Ronald LevyIn Honor of Marilyn Hassid – Elena and Ronald LevyIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Gail and Norman StalarowIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Ton Van ArsdelIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Linda and David CottsIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Kathleen and Keith EllisonIn Memory of Shari Epstein – George Gogola In Memory of Shari Epstein – K. Gregory ErwinIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Janet and Ken GroueIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Joan and Lawrence KatzIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Cindie LavendaIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Kevin SullivanIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Sharon and Gerald LadermanIn Memory of Shari Epstein – John NolanIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Patricia and Mark RauchIn Memory of Shirley Gerson – Lauren and Walter CarstensenIn Honor of Barbara Winthrop Rose and Jay Steinfeld – Lauren and Walter Carstensen

In Memory of Jack Turk – Bobbi and Vic SamuelsIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Bobbi and Vic SamuelsIn Honor of Barbara and Raymond Kalmans – Bobbi and Vic SamuelsIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Elyse and Lewis KalmansIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Jay J. MadridIn Honor of Barbara Winthrop Rose and Jay Steinfeld – Elena and Joel DinkinIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Janey and Steve MitnickIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Cherill and Maurice DubinskiIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Anne and Jimmy SpierIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Judith and Steven AbramsIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Abigail Neiman and Marshall LevitIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Larissa and Alexander PotiomkinIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Lynn WaldmanIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Irene and Alex WolchanskyIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Janis and Larry OdenskyIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Joseph G. EpsteinIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Helen F. MintzIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Saundra TurkIn Memory of Madeline Wolf – Lynn WaldmanIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Sharon and Abe CharskiIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Debbie and Rick ColtonIn Honor of Joanne and Donald Brodsky – Barbara and Raymond KalmansIn Honor of Henrietta Bell – Marilyn and Maurice RobinowitzIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Patti and Dan SteinerIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Joyce and Alfred GoodmanIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Ruth BrodskyIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Joanne and Donald BrodskyIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Ellen Brodsky GaberIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Marsha and Stanley RosenblattIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Teresa and Jeff KaplanIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Martha and Donald Freedman

Gerald raucH memorIal FundIn Honor of Fern Granowitz – Lila RauchIn Honor of Sally and Bernard Fuchs – Lila Rauch

GIVInG tree campaIGn FundIn Honor of Naomi Block – Janis and Stephen BlockIn Honor of Terra Haley – Brenda SolovitzIn Honor of Bonnie Kasner – BAC Teachers and StaffIn Honor of Whitney Gould – Erin and Brandon GouldIn Honor of Bren and Drayden Johnson – Penny and Don JohnsonIn Honor of Sydney and Zoe – Regan and Jon KasmanIn Honor of Rachel and Dylan Schwartz – Marni and David SchwartzIn Honor of Ms. Cynthia, Ms. Sandra and Ms. Jennifer – Cassandra and Sean SmithIn Honor of Truman and Ryan Wasserstein –Sallye and Brent WassersteinIn Honor of Corbyn – Jennifer and Ross HutchmacherIn Honor of Emma Doran – Nancy DoranIn Honor of Ms. Thelma & Ms. Jeanette –Jessica Segal and Danny MillerIn Honor of Hailey Fingeret – Michelle and Jeremy FingeretIn Honor of Miss Maya – Donna Warndof and Richard FoIn Honor of Samantha Odensky – Janis and Larry OdenskyIn Honor of Beryt Scott and Ezra Scott – Adrienne and David ScottIn Honor of Jim Richards – Amanda and Stephen CruserIn Honor of Miss Leslie, Miss Vera and Ms. Dauphine – Meredith and Bradley SegalIn Honor of Mildred and Ernest Webster – Alexandria SewartIn Honor of Teachers of the Bunny Class – David MeckleyIn Honor of Garrett Lloyd – Claudette and James LloydIn Honor of Ella Cumagun – Amy SherIn Honor of Brody Mark – Donna and Brandon MarkIn Honor of Ruth Contreras – Leslie and Michael SchwartzIn Honor of Samantha Odensky – Angeka and Evan OdenskyIn Honor of Emily & Liat Rappaport – Mitzi Shure & Jerry Wische

TStarts at the J,” complete with flashing marquee lights. Native Houstonian Dan Dunn took the side-stage as the surprise pre-dinner entertainment and treated guests to “Paintjam,” a live theatrical performance art show of speed painting. His two 6-foot square paintings – one of Frank Sinatra and one of iconic New York City landmarks, both painted in less than 6 minutes each, were then up for bidding in the event’s silent auction. The black tie event honored long-time ERJCC community leader and volunteer Lenny Dubin; former director at McKinsey & Company Jim Crownover; Chairman of JPMorgan Chase in the Houston Region and CEO of Middle Market Banking Gina Luna. The Honorees, along with their Honorary Chairs were featured in three separate and inspiring videos, which highlighted the Honorees’ dedication and passion to children’s and educational causes, and talked about the work performed at the ERJCC through

CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL2013

2013 Honoree Jim Crownover with Honorary Chair and 1991 Honoree Marc Shapiro

2013 Ball Co-Chairs Patti Hanfling and Robyn Shkolnick

2013 Honoree Gina Luna with Honorary Chair Amy Bernstein

2013 Honoree Lenny Dubin with Honorary Chairs Louis Lippman (left) and Jeremy Samuels (right)

S u c c e S S f u l S c h o l a r S h i p B a l l B r i d g e S t h e p o S S i B i l i t i e S

he Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center’s 23rd Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball welcomed over 500 guests to the Westin Galleria on Saturday, March 2 for an

evening of New York flair and enter-tainment that raised over $520,000 for the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund. Beginning with a cocktail reception featuring New York “street food” served from a food truck facade and food cart, guests also enjoyed the sounds of a piano player in an area inspired by the famous “Blue Note Jazz Club” in Greenwich Village. Guests were then ushered into the intricately-designed ballroom featuring New York street signs, lamp post centerpieces and a 24-foot wide backdrop of Times Square. The stage was adorned with a New York City skyline silhouette and large 3-dimen-sional buildings with backlit windows flanking both sides of the stage and a large hanging sign which read “It All

2013 Ball Honorees Lenny Dubin, Gina Luna and Jim Crownover

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tHank you to our Generous donors!In Honor of Declan Wheeler – Amy WheelerIn Honor of Levi Kasner – Bonnie and Marc KasnerIn Honor of Colby Stewart – Wendy Stewart

GymnastIcs FundIn Memory of Kenneth Young – HGC Men’s Booster Club

HarrIs j. WeInGarten tennIs center FundIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Joni and Gary LewisIn Memory of Eleanor Lensky – Emily J. Weingarten

Harry k. smItH meals on WHeels FundIn Memory of Louis and Rowena Goldfad – Lynn and Jeffrey BuschIn Honor of Shari Epstein – Emily HerbsterIn Memory of Marvin Green – Yetta GreenIn Memory of Dr. Abel Schwartz – Aileen and Milton GugenheimIn Memory of Betty Dinkin – Diane B. PuschettIn Honor of Sandy Lusky – Rici and Harold MillerIn Memory of Sam Urbach – Sadie and Samuel UrbachIn Honor of Our Family – Sandy and Joseph KirkIn Honor of Barbi & Craig Witz – Dena & David LindaIn Honor of Rici & Harold Miller – Dena & David LindaIn Memory of Jackie & Julian Hurwitz – Alan Hurwitz & Drew TuckerIn Honor of Dr. & Mrs. Ralph D. Cohen – Benjamin K. WebbIn Memory of Jean Baker Moore – United Salt CorporationIn Honor of All You Wonderful Friends – Bernita Fogarty-Hebert and Marvin HebertIn Honor of Walter Hecht – Carol and Desey DesenbergIn Honor of Edith & Bernard Stolbun – Norma and Jonathan HymanIn Memory of B.J. Waller – Carol WallerIn Honor of Fredel McGee – Gabriel BarrowIn Honor of Dr. David Wolf – Beverly and Harry BloomIn Honor of David Lowe – Carol and Desey Desenberg

IrVIn kaplan cHIldren’s scHolarsHIp FundIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Suzan and Jeremy SamuelsIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Jane and Larry WagnerIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Frances and Abraham FriedmanIn Honor of Lenny Dubin – Andrea Bochner and Harold FriedmanIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Allison and Lee Plotkin

jcc maccabI Games FundIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Sherry and Lenny DubinIn Memory of Thomas Holmes – Sherry and Lenny Dubin

jerry WIscHe leadersHIp deVelopment FundIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Leah and Jonathan Gross jeWIsH arts & culture Fund In Memory of Shari Epstein – Karen Dow In Memory of Shari Epstein – Dena and David LindaIn Memory of Frances Silberstein Evensky – Hilda and Robert FrankIn Memory of Kenneth Young – Dena and David LindaIn Memory of Freida Bell – Dena and David Bell

jeWIsH educatIon FundIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Dorothy Swann

jserVe FundIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Sherry and Gerald Merfish

karol musHer stars early cHIldHood InterVentIon proGramIn Honor of Karol Musher – Dan GordonIn Honor of Karol Musher – Marsha and Stanley RosenblattIn Honor of Karol Musher – Lydia and Benjamin Musher

marIlyn HassId emerGInG autHor book FaIr FundIn Memory of Shari Epstein – Susan and David MorrisIn Honor of Marilyn Hassid – Susan and David Morris In Honor of Barbara Winthrop Rose & Jay Steinfeld – Kathy and Stephen Parven

marIlyn landsberG steIner pre-scHool FundIn Memory of Dr. Barton (Bud) Glaser – Shirley and Isadore LandsbergIn Memory of Harry Feltman – Shirley and Isadore LandsbergIn Memory of Bob Meinzer – Cheryl and Haran LevyIn Memory of Al Berger – Shirley and Isadore LandsbergIn Memory of Murray Sennet

merFIsH teen center Fund In Memory of Mike Moszcyc – Madeline and Mario Jason

meyerland soccer proGram Fund In Memory of Shari Epstein – Headway Marketing LLC

mIke Grossman/judy rIcHker maccabI scHolarsHIp FundIn Honor of Dr. Dvid Skibell – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Honor of Dr. Larry Greenfield – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Honor of Elizabeth Krohn –Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Honor of Marsha & Irl Bernstein – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Honor of Rabbi David Rosen – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Honor of Barbara Winthrop Rose and Jay Steinfeld – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Honor of Harvey Lewis – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Honor of Jane and Paul Lewis – Vicky and Michael Richker In Memory of Joe A. Brown – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Benny Leonard Davis – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Shari Fisher Epstein – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Marsha Amdur Malev – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Lenore Garfinkel – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Helen Smolen – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Darryl Scott Lewis – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of John Perel – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Lawrence Rice – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Joseph Rifkind – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Rabbi Shimon Sadick – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Doris Kalmin – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Herb Brochstein – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Erlynn Daily Fitzgerald – Vicky and Michael RichkerIn Memory of Norman David Wishnow – Vicky and Michael Richker

nIte oWls proGram FundIN Memory of Evelyn Bell – Gail KutinIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Melissa RileyIn Honor of Dylan Bishop – Elena and Joel DinkinIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Marcia ForbesIn Memory Of Evelyn Bell – Amy GriswoldIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Carol HawkinsonIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Michele Kantor

In Memory of Rubin Samelson – Michele KantorIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Joan and Lawrence KatzIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Fran and Mark KatzenellenbogenIn Memory of Rubin Samelson – Fran and Mark KatzenellenbogenIn Memory of Mikey Moszczyz – Fran and Mark KatzenellenbogenIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Rachel KernIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Barbara KonigIn Memory of Evelyn Bell - Marjorie and Brett MarksIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Marian PragerIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Rose and Justin RoseIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Susan and Edward SeptimusIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Edith and Robert ZinnIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Bikin ‘n Eggs Cycling ClubIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Patricia ComerIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Beverly and Howard FeldmanIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Cecile and Samuel KeeperIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Sandy and Moses SchimmelIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – James SilverIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Phyllis and Peter GingissIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Judy and Barry SolomonIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Janis and Larry OdenskyIn Memory of Evelyn Bell – Marilyn Hassid and Marc Gessner

olIVer lapIn cHIldren’s book FaIr FundIn Memory of Elaine Greenberg – Eve and Bobby Lapin

raymond e. plotkIn jcc maccabI Games tennIs scHolarsHIp FundIn Honor of Elaine & Ronnie Plotkin – Maxine and Robert KareshIn Memory of Raymond Evan Plotkin – Eleanor Levine

sopH & al natkIn stars proGram FundIn Honor of Barbara and Raymond Kalmans – Linda and Jerry RubensteinIn Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Barry Lewis – Linda and Jerry RubensteinIn Honor of Lynn Edelman – Linda and Jerry Rubenstein

Names and organizations listed in this newsletter

reflect donations received by february 28, 2013. for

corrections or to make a donation, please contact

our Development Department at ext. 3103 or visit

the Support the ERJCC tab on our website.

its preschool, special needs, after school care, summer day camp and JCC Maccabi Games programs, conveying the importance of the ERJCC’s scholarship program. The Honorees were presented with award statuettes from their respective Honorary Chairs: Chairman, Chase Bank of Texas, Marc J. Shapiro for Jim Crownover; Attorney at Law Louis Lippman and Victory Packaging Regional President Jeremy Samuels for Lenny Dubin; and Founder of Bern-stein Realty, Amy Bernstein for Gina Luna. 2013 Ball Co-Chair Robyn Shkolnick stated, “This year’s Chil-dren’s Scholarship Ball celebrated both the spirit of the legacy of the fund’s namesake, Irvin Kaplan, epitomized by our three Honorees, who provided both leadership and partnership in our mission, as well as the positive influence of early childhood opportunities, inherent in the essence of our theme – New York – and the idea that you really can make it anywhere! The iconic Brooklyn Bridge provided the visual element of ‘bridging’ our children’s potential, with the community providing the necessary support.” Ball Co-Chair Patti Hanfling added, “The ERJCC exemplifies every day, in every program orchestrated for children, the commitment to the foundational elements that are

necessary for kids to reach their potential and works tirelessly to ensure that opportunity exists for the whole of its community’s children, just like those actions of our deserving Honorees.” At the conclusion of the program, the Honorees, Honorary Chairs and Ball Co-Chairs were invited onto the dance floor for the ceremonial first dance, led by the music of Dave Halston and the Sinatra Nation Orchestra, a 16-piece band featuring the very best facsimiles of Frank Sinatra, The Rat Pack, and those bold and brassy big bands that made for a swingin’ good time! Following dinner, guests partook in a moveable feast of desserts and coffee in the foyer -- mouth-watering sweets including “guiltless bites” of New York cheesecake, tiramisu, carrot cake, apple strudel, and delicious cake pops allowing guests to walk thru the amazing silent auction and have their photos taken in front of a Times Square backdrop. The evening con-cluded with more music and dancing. Once again, the Ball’s silent auction raised additional scholarship funds attributable to the community’s generosity. “Patti Hanfling and Robyn Shkolnick really gave the community a night to remember,” said ERJCC President Sam Stolbun. “Our dedicated

“The iconic Brooklyn Bridge provided the

visual element of ‘bridging’ our children’s

potential, with the community providing

the necessary support.”

Ball Co-Chairs, their committee, our Honorees, Honorary Chairs and ERJCC staff all contributed towards creating a fun, fabulous and very successful event.” Proceeds of the Ball benefit the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund, named in memory of one of the Houston Jewish community’s most outstanding public servants, Irvin Kaplan. Providing financial assistance to families of all religions, races and origins, the fund enables all children access to the outstanding ERJCC children’s programs. Since its inception over two decades ago, The Children’s Scholarship Ball has generated approximately $8.5 million in

scholarship assistance to children allowing the ERJCC to ensure that no family in need of financial assistance is ever turned away. And though this year’s Ball is now concluded, the need to help our children remains. Please contact Michele Rathers in the Development Office at the ERJCC at 713.729.3200 ext. 3103, or visit erjcchouston.org for more information and to contribute to the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund.

Native Houstonian Dan Dunn entertains a ballroom full of guests with his famous “speed painting”

ERJCC President Sam Stolbun welcomes guests and kicks-off the evening

Leapin’ Lizards! Don’t miss this wonderful adventure put on by the ERJCC Children’s Theater Program. Enjoy everyone’s favorite spunky depression-era orphan determined to find her parents who abandoned her at a New York City Orphanage. Fall in love with Annie as she finds a new home with a lovable mutt named Sandy. Join us at the Kaplan Theater in The IW Marks Theater Center of The Gerald Rauch Cultural Arts Wing on Thursday, May 2 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, May 5 at 2:30 and 5:30 PM. Advance admission is $7. Reserve your tickets starting April 15 by visiting www.brownpapertickets.com/event/349829.

obody wants to miss the next Mishpacha and Me. The pro-gram for Jewish families with

young children is getting more popular, drawing 40 – 50 families per month. “Mishpacha and Me activities have served as wonderful opportunities to attend events with Jewish content that then translate into meaningful conversa-tions with our son,” said Leah Madof, a resident of the Heights who attended both the Tu B’Shevat Nature Festival and the Purim Puppet Show held in recent months. “The program has also been a nice resource to be able to meet other Jewish families in our neighbor-hood and throughout Houston.” Upcoming events include a Lag B’Omer Family Fun Day at Fire Truck Park in West U on April 21, a Havdalah and Shavuot Dinner at the Gordon Ranch on May 11 and a Havdalah Pool Party at the ERJCC pool on June 8. The outreach program also facilitates smaller, more intimate Shabbat gather-ings throughout the year. The goal is for families with young children to get to know other families and to share experiences with other Jewish families

in their neighborhoods. We saw great success with a Havdalah ceremony at a West U park and are looking forward to an upcoming Heights/Montrose community potluck Shabbat dinner. Mishpacha and Me will be at the Houston International Festival April 27 and 28. “We hope, through Mishpacha and Me programs, to help young Jewish families from all over Houston make connections with one another through both preschool play dates for children and ‘parent play dates’ for adults,” said Rebecca Block, the chair of the pro-gram’s steering committee.

J C C S P R E S E N T S

www.brownpapertickets.comFor reserved tickets visit

please support our WonderFul actors by takInG In a sHoW

FAMILY TRIATHLON

5TH ANNUALTKC/ERJCC

To register, visit trikidscamp.org and click ‘imathlete’.

Sunday,May5

at theEvelyn RubensteinJewish CommunityCenter of Houston

RACE STARTS AT

7:30 AM

Maximize your race potential

by joining Reason2Race.com

{3}RACE DISTANCES:

ONE FOR EVERY

MEMBER OF

THE FAMILY.

INCLUDING MOM

AND DAD!

RegisterToday!

Your patronage of our wonderful sponsors is what puts on our race! Please show them you appreciate them.

EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096erjcchouston.org

Like us on Facebook

at Tri Kids Camp

FAMILY TRIATHLON

5TH ANNUALTKC/ERJCC

To register, visit trikidscamp.org and click ‘imathlete’.

Sunday,May5

at theEvelyn RubensteinJewish CommunityCenter of Houston

RACE STARTS AT

7:30 AM

Maximize your race potential

by joining Reason2Race.com

{3}RACE DISTANCES:

ONE FOR EVERY

MEMBER OF

THE FAMILY.

INCLUDING MOM

AND DAD!

RegisterToday!

Your patronage of our wonderful sponsors is what puts on our race! Please show them you appreciate them.

EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, Texas 77096erjcchouston.org

Like us on Facebook

at Tri Kids Camp

The recent M&M

programs really

make us feel like

we and our kids

are part of a

community.

— Mollie Gordon

J-serveJ-Serve Houston returns April 28 with a goal to Make Hunger History. About 300 teens will spend the day learning about the issues surrounding hunger and homelessness in Houston. Teens will volunteer at the Houston Food Bank, SEARCH, Meals on Wheels, Target Hunger and Urban Harvest.

J-Serve Houston, led by BBYO and the ERJCC in collaboration with all of the youth groups and synagogues in our community, is being coordinated again by the J-Serve committee of teen leaders. The teen committee is responsible for working on every aspect of the program, contacting partner organizations, raising money and recruiting peers to participate.

J teen art sceneFourth Annual J Teen Art Scene: A celebration of Houston Jewish teen art that captures the spirit of triumph and independence of Israel that has inspired and given hope to millions of people around the world. April 14 – May 24 | Deutser Art Gallery

Jcc maccabi Games & artsFestGood Luck Team Houston! Team Houston goes back on the road this summer to Orange County, CA and Austin for the 2013 JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest. More than 150 teens, ages 13 – 17, will represent the ERJCC in 17 sports teams and 6 arts specialties. Auditions for JCC Maccabi ArtsFest will continue through early May.

teens at tHe

n

new director oversees the ERJCC Fitness Center. J. Morgan relocated to Houston

from New Orleans where he served as General Manager of a 36,000 sq. ft. workout facility. Morgan has more than 20 years of experience in the health and fitness field. He is a certified personal trainer and has operated his own CPR/AED certification firm through the American Heart Association, providing continuing

education training to client businesses. Morgan is certified in a variety of fitness classes such as spinning, boot camp and core conditioning. Morgan is from Metairie, Louisiana. “I believe with my years of experience and fitness background the ERJCC Fitness Center will continue to provide quality programming and services and a strengthened sense of community for our membership,” said Morgan. “I welcome the opportunity to

expand programming and classes, ensure a consistently clean and maintained environment, provide even a higher level of customer service, while bringing best practices to enhance the overall member experience.” Fitness memberships are on the rise in this country with a growing awareness of health and wellness and what it takes to maintain active lifestyles. The ERJCC Fitness Center is relatively new with state-of-the-art strength training equipment and cardio machines with

built-in personal TV’s. Members have a variety

of classes to choose from in our cycling studio, large group exercise studio and a personal pilates studio. In addition, qualified trainers, instructors and staff are on hand to help and guide members. “We are very pleased to have J as a member of our fitness team,” said Teri Greenblatt, ERJCC Assistant Executive Director. “I believe the ERJCC Fitness Center will continue to grow and flourish under J’s leadership and high level of expertise.”

Ladies Ni ght OutN E W P R O G R A M

MAY 8

Gather your girlfriends for DIY Monogrammed Mosaics at the ERJCC on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:00 PM. Bring your friends and wine and we will provide the inspiration, art supplies and finger foods. Please RSVP to Esther Bethke at 713.595.8186. The cost of this program is $30 for members, $42 for the public.

JUNE 11

Head to the Kendra Scott store in Rice Village located at 2411 Times Boulevard, to create colorful, beautiful jewelry using natural gemstones on Tuesday, June 11, 5:00 -7:00 PM. You select the style, the stones and the metal — then watch a trained stone-setter make your design a reality. Hang out with your girlfriends and enjoy champagne and cupcakes, all compliments of Kendra Scott. Twenty percent of the sales that night will benefit the ERJCC Adult Program.

Spend quality time with

friends — it’s the one

thing that never goes

out of style.

Meet our neW fItness dIreCtor

a

T

fITNESS MEMBERSHIPS

ARE ON THE RISE IN

THIS COuNTRY WITH

A GROWING AWARE-

NESS Of HEALTH AND

WELLNESS AND WHAT

IT TAKES TO MAINTAIN

ACTIvE LIfESTYLES.

annual meetinG77th

E V E L Y N R U G E N S T E I N J E W I S H C O M M U N I T Y C E N T E R

05/09/13 7:00 PM 7 7 Y e a r s o f J e w i s h J o u r n e Y s

he ERJCC of Houston will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, May 9 at 7:00 PM. The evening will

honor outgoing President Sam Stolbun, who has completed a two-year term. New president, Bobbi Samuels will be introduced, new board members will be

elected and community leaders will be recognized for outstanding service. The meeting provides an opportunity for members and the public to get caught up on the events of the past year and hear projections for the future. “The ERJCC has continued to thrive guided by its mission to bring Jewish values to families and building a strong and active Jewish community,” said Stolbun. “We are proud that we have brought many new programs that impact families to the ERJCC including Mishpacha and Me, a resident Shaliach, host city for the JCC Maccabi Games & ArtsFest and the live streaming of programs via ERJCC Live.” The program will highlight the creativity and leadership of several key members of the community.

The Selection Committee, chaired by Carol Goldberg is pleased to announce the 2013 recipient of the David H. White Award is Donald Brodsky. “We are thrilled to honor Donald for outstanding volunteer commitment and legacy of great leadership,” said ERJCC Executive Vice President Joel Dinkin. ERJCC staff member, Maxine Silberstein who is Director of the Dance program, will be presented the Jerry Wische Staff Excellence Award. Richard Stezer will receive the Stanley Rosenblatt Volunteer Excellence Award. Visit erjcchouston.org for more information about our upcoming 77th Annual Meeting.

Donald Brodsky has been selected to

receive the David H. White Award.

I believe with my years of experience and fitness background

the ERJCC fitness Center will continue to provide quality

programming and services and a strengthened sense of

community for our membership. – J Morgan

Activate Your Lifestyle!

FREE 2-Week Pass

Must present pass to ERJCC Fitness Center or Tennis Center.

Valid for first-time visitors only. Must be 18 years or older.

Must redeem by May 31, 2013. Other restrictions may apply.

WITH

A

eRJcc Fitness or Tennis center

Outgoing President Sam Stolbun

completes two-year term.

20

13calendar eventsdMay2 & 5 JCCS Presents Annie

2 Dr. Zaretsky Lecture on French Jewry

4 & 18 Kids Nite Out

5 5th Annual Houston Family Triathlon

5 Outdoor Pool Open (weekends)

9 ERJCC Annual Meeting

13 Sounds Jewish, Doesn’t It?

14 Erev Shavuot - Close at 6:00 PM

15 Shavuot - Closed

16 Reopen at 6:00 PM

19 The Hadar Noiberg Trio Concert

29 Pre-Camp Session 1 Begins

June3 Pre-Camp Session 2 Begins

9 Summer Classes Begin

9 ERJCC School of Dance Recital

10 Pre-Camp Session 3 Begins

16 Splash Day

16 J Camps Open House & Meet the Counselors

24 Camp Session 1 Begins

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become a member and enjoy our spectacular camps!

Children’s Membership only $29/monthMembership based on 12 mos. Includes camp access.

First year joining fees apply.

Summer Family Pool & Camp Membership $398 neW tHIs year: Includes bronze-level Fitness.

REGISTER

ONLINE!

erjcchouston.org

/camps

SUMMER MEMBERSHIP DEALS!

$225 Family

add on to the fun with Bronze Fitness and Tennis and enjoy unlimited access to all group exercise and mind, Body & Spirit classes:

+$75/month Family | +$50/month individual

contact member services today713.595.8168

membership@erjcchouston.org

$115 individual

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InsideConnectionsSUMMER DAY CAMP

MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS

ERJCC ANNUAL MEETING

MEALS ON WHEELS

2013 CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL

FAMILY TRIATHLON

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION

SPRING 2013

special issueLook InsIde forAnnuAL report Insert