temple beth tzedek shofar - btzbuffalo.org · the tzitzit, which represent the 613 mitzvot, are our...

DECEMBER 2010 Kislev - Tevet, 5771

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Thanksgiving aT TBTWe just celebrated the secular holiday

of Thanksgiving. This is the perfect time to thank some of the groups and people to whom our synagogue owes a debt of gratitude.

The first such group is our Sisterhood. They had an extremely busy month in November, as their Rummage Sale took place during the second week of the month. This is a major fundraiser, and the Sisterhood members were busy sorting and organizing donations since the High Holidays. At the time of this writing, we don’t know how successful it was, but if past success is any measure, I am confident they did well. It is through fundraisers like the Rummage Sale that the Sisterhood is able to raise the money to support the synagogue financially. Not only do they make an annual contribution toward the synagogue’s operating budget, but they support many programs throughout the year. As reported elsewhere in this edition of the Shofar, the Sisterhood recently purchased new convection ovens that have been installed in our kitchen. Karen is thrilled with them and we will all enjoy the items coming out of those ovens. Hopefully, you donated items for sale or stopped by to make a purchase at the Rummage Sale. Either way, when you see a member of Sisterhood, be sure to wish them a Yasher Koach!

But the Sisterhood did not take much of a rest after the Rummage Sale. The Sisterhood Shabbaton took place Nov. 19-20. Because I am writing this in advance, I cannot report on how it went, but I know how much work goes into planning such a weekend, and I am confident it will have been a wonderful weekend of learning and Shabbat observance, with ruach and friendship. And that is just the month of November! The Sisterhood also studies weekly with Rabbi Netter, and incorporates study and learning in their calendar of monthly meetings. The Sisterhood is always busy. They have already started rolling out their promotion of their Hamantashen fundraiser – which we are confident will bring in more dough for the scholarships they support. Thank you, Sisterhood!

I also want to thank the people who have been and continue to work on supporting all of the ritual services and other events and programs on our synagogue calendar. This includes – but is not limited to – the High Holiday subcommittee; the greeters, honors coordinators and gabbayim (and the people who coordinate those schedules); the Torah Mantle committee; the volunteers in our office and who help collate the Shofar; and the synagogue directory committee. Our Brotherhood is also deserving of appreciation for their programming, fundraising and support of the shul. I also want to thank – in advance – those who are beginning to plan our ComedySportz Improv Event(save the date of Jan. 9, 2011), our Purim Dinner Event(March 20, 2011) and our synagogue Shabbaton/Retreat(tentatively set for Labor Day weekend 2011). Last spring, we had a recognition Shabbat to honor some of our volunteers and we plan to do this again this year. If you see a volunteer who is deserving of recognition, please bring that name to my attention.

I look forward to seeing you in shul.

FROM THE CHOLENT POT

The clothing of ancient kings was not merely a fashion statement of the rich and famous; much of what royalty wore was infused with the symbolism of authority and power. The crown, the scepter, even robes established and sustained the king’s authority. On the hem of the royal cloaks worn by the kings of antiquity hung threads that contained the king’s seal and signet. Whenever

the king would sign a document, he would take the threads in hand and press his signet onto the wax, leaving an imprint of his authority. The signet was a symbol, a physical sign of the wishes of the sovereign that must be obeyed.

Some scholars suggest that the commands in the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy to wear tzitzit on a four cornered garment come from this ancient tradition of monarchical attire. The tzitzit transformed an ordinary topcoat into a garment of royalty. Even the lowliest Israelite descended from royal lineage, no less than the kings of antiquity, and we had the threads to prove it. We have power and authority because we are part of Israel, God’s first-born, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

This would explain one of the customs of being called to the Torah for an Aliyah. When first approaching the Torah, before the aliyah berakha is said, the custom is to take a tzitzit in hand and touch it to the place in the Torah where the reader is about to begin, and then kiss the tzitzit. This procedure is repeated after the reading, touching the place where the Torah reader has just finished the reading, and once again bringing the tzitzit to the lips to be kissed. This practice for an aliyah comes from the practice of kings: as we touch the Torah with our tzitzit we are indicating that we place our imprimatur on the words of the Torah. The tzitzit, which represent the 613 mitzvot, are our sign and signet. We agree, we accept, we embrace the words of the Torah. Touching the Torah with the tzitzit and kissing the tzitzit is an act of ego identification with Torah, a moment of connecting with God, Torah and Israel on the deepest, most fundamental level.

Isn’t that a lovely custom? Yeah, I think so, too. See you in shul, your majesty.

JULY 2009 TAMMUZ / AV 5769

Shalom

This will be my last article to you as President of Temple Beth Tzedek. I have completed my term as President. At the Board of Trustees meeting held on June 9, 2009. Harvey Sanders was elected the new President and I have moved up to Chairman of the Board.

I feel that we have accomplished a lot over the past year, our first year of operation as Temple Beth Tzedek. As you all know, Beth Tzedek came about through the merger of two long time synagogues in our community: Temple Shaarey Zedek and Temple Beth El.

The process of merging has not been without some pain and turmoil, but that was to be expected. While we are both Conservative synagogues, there were cultural differences that had to be overcome. I can’t tell you how many times I heard “Why are “we” (referring to TBT) doing (whatever it is) this way? “We” (referring to a predecessor synagogue) did this (whatever it is) this way.”

Our objective, of course, is to proceed in the “Temple Beth Tzedek” way and begin establishing our own culture, keeping in mind the traditions of the predecessor synagogues. Many of the reasons for merging were because old methods no longer were the best way to operate and survive over the long term. We have financial considerations as well as the issue of a shrinking local Jewish community. The Jewish community as a whole is also looking at the changing demographics. Our successful merger could serve as a model for what can and must be accomplished.

Before I go any further, I have to thank again the many, many individuals who have worked so hard over the last year to make the merger go as well as it has. Your Board of Trustees has worked tirelessly to make the merger work. Results appear to have happened seamlessly but a lot of effort was required to achieve these results. For the most part, we have worked in the best interests of the synagogue. Discussions have been constructive and led to decisions that will allow us to move forward for many years as a vibrant organization serving the local Conservative movement.

On May 31, we held out first annual Temple Ball. The Ball was a financial and social success. Those in attendance had a wonderful time. My thanks to David and Beverly Schiller and their dedicated committee for their hard work. Anyone who did not attend missed a wonderful evening. Plan to attend next year. We expect the Ball to become an annual affair which will be the highlight of our social season.

The Board has recommended the hiring of Rabbi Netter, which will be voted on at a congregational meeting July 7.

During the past year, Rabbi Conn has served as our interim Rabbi. He has been appointed to a full-time position, and at the end of July, he and his family are moving on. I want to

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Temple Beth Tzedek Shofar

RABBI CONN’S MESSAGE THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

(Continued on page 2)(Continued on page 2)

Time and again this year, I met people who told me they came to Buffalo only temporarily—and ended up staying for a lifetime. Now, after nearly a year living in Buffalo, I understand. Buffalo has a bad reputation out there in the rest of the world. The mention of Buffalo evokes images of piles of snow and shuttered factories. Buffalo is the gray, dismal place you pass through on the way to Niagara Falls. Buffalo is a perennial loser in sports, in economics and in demographics. Lots of people come from Buffalo, only to end up somewhere else.

But Buffalo starts looking different once you live here. People greet you with enthusiasm wherever you go. Strangers hold open doors and readily offer directions. Cars yield the right of way at four way stops (though not when there is a yellow light). Trips across town never take more than twenty minutes—even in rush hour. Drive down the right streets and you can be dazzled by architectural wonders. Keep your eyes on the arts section and you will discover a vibrant cultural life. Stay patient through the admittedly long winter and reap the reward of a gentle spring that lasts well into June.

And then there is the Jewish community as I have experienced it through our congregation. For those of us socialized in the suburbs of New York, Boston or Los Angeles, the spirit of Buffalo’s Jews comes as a pleasant surprise. Used to being surrounded by fickle consumers who could belong just as easily to one synagogue or the other--or none at all--we marvel at the dedication of Buffalo’s Jews to their synagogues. Families attend and support the same synagogue for generations. Loyalty runs deep. People give of their time and their resources because that’s what they have always done—and what their fathers and mothers before them did. People may complain. They may compare us unfavorably to the great Buffalo community of the past. But they care in a way that transcends a particular rabbi or a particular need or even a particular synagogue building. We could move our synagogue to the farthest reaches of Clarence and it would still echo with the spirit of Hamlin Park and North Buffalo.

Buffalo grows on you. The Buffalo Jewish community grows on you. And, yes, TBT has grown on us. Soon enough, it’s hard to leave. But at the end of the month, Illyse, Yoni and I are leaving. We will be leaving a synagogue we love, people we feel close to and really care about. It will be hard to say good-bye.

There is a wonderful story in the Torah that has helped me frame my thoughts as we prepare to leave Temple Beth Tzedek. Sometime after the Israelites leave Egypt, Yitro, Moses’ father-in-law, travels across the wilderness from Midian to meet up with Moses. He brings Moses’ wife Tzipporah and their two sons with him. Yitro means only to escort Moses’ family to

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TBT SISTERHOODAs we kindle the lights on each of the eight nights of Chanukah, we

repeat aloud the commandment not to use these lights for any other purpose but to look at them, so that we may remember the miracles, the wonders and the triumphs performed for us at that time. Light is the symbol of many positive attributes, and among the greatest of these is learning, for through the light of Torah, through education, we become enlightened; we see, and thus we comprehend.

It is very significant that Chanukah is the only holiday of the Jewish calendar which spans two months, reminding us of the rhythm of the lunar cycle as it passes from Kislev to Tevet, just at the time of year when we most need the reassurance of continuity. Following the abundance of the fall holidays, we experience a period crowned weekly by Shabbat, but without Yomim Tovim. And then Chanukah appears, with its illuminating spirit – at the moment we descend into the darkest days of winter. Physically, we are increasingly surrounded by darkness, while spiritually, the growing flame of the hanukkiah rivets our attention to the need to rededicate ourselves to Jewish values, the struggle for freedom and life itself.

When we, as Conservative Jewish women, light our hanukkiot, the flame symbolizes not only the Hasmonean victory to perpetuate the light of the Torah, but also a time to reflect upon our own new freedom in the realm of ritual obligation. Thus, Chanukah becomes more encompassing in its call to each of us to dedicate ourselves to our new status – to grasp the moment and become full adult participants in our Jewish heritage.

We are continuing our “Tuesdays with the Rabbi” every Tuesday morning at 11 a.m.(except when we have a Board meeting, and then it is held at noon.) We discuss various topics of interest, including prayer rituals and traditions and explanations. Reservations are not necessary; just show up for a lively discussion.

Our annual huge Rummage Sale, Sisterhood’s largest fundraiser, is finally over and we can all come up for air. We need to thank all of our hard-working volunteers, who helped with this year’s sales event. We have many wonderful sales personnel and cashiers, as well as greeters, sorters and baggers. Heading our Rummage Sale for over 30 years are Carolyn Kershanbaum and Shirley Magil. They are the heart and soul of Rummage. It is a great deal of hard work, but our Sisterhood benefits, and in turn so does our Synagogue and community.

Our ladies displayed their leadership qualities on Nov. 19 and 20, with an inspiring Shabbaton and helping to conduct Shabbat services. Many thanks to Carolyn Kershanbaum and Rusty Zackheim for coordinating the services and arranging for our speakers. Judith Gendler Epstein rendered a beautiful maftir and haftorah. Rachel Sokoloff led us in the Musaf Service. Ellen Goldstein was very informative about interfaith community relations, and our afternoon discussions involved women of various religious backgrounds discussing women who influenced them. Our creative caterer, Karen Vogt, and her staff provided us with delicious culinary experiences.

Please mark your calendars for Thursday evening, Dec. 9, when we will be having a Chanukah dinner and musical program. Elaine Brothman will again show off her latke-making skills by directing a fine group of women in making batter and frying the potato pancakes. We will dine on the fruits of their labor. Carolyn has arranged for Sara Schultz and Marty Kerker to entertain for us. Please invite a friend to join us and celebrate a holiday tradition. In lieu of exchanging gifts, we are requesting a $5 donation to benefit TBT’s Kesher Committee.

Some of us will be leaving the area and attending Women’s League International Convention in Baltimore starting on Dec. 12. We will hopefully return chock full of new ideas to invigorate our Sisterhood. I am also pleased to announce that our regional conference will be held right here at Temple Beth Tzedek on May 15 and 16. Every Sisterhood member is invited to join us and attend our sessions and the installation of our new region president. Much more information will follow.

Please do not forget to join us in the mitzvah of Shalach Manos, the giving of gifts on Purim. The proceeds from this project benefit our college scholarships awarded to our students. Please send your checks in by Jan. 15.

Our Sisterhood members are very involved with each other and we have many activities planned. Please consider joining us, and feel free to contact me at any time. I welcome your ideas.

See you in services, Linda Steinhorn – President

TEMPLE CONTACTSIn the interests of streamlining communication with staff and committees, Temple Beth Tzedek has set up the following email addresses to ensure messages are delivered to the right people. Please use them accordingly.

[email protected] – Rabbi Perry [email protected] – Cantor Mark [email protected] – Executive Director Allen [email protected] – TBT President, Harvey [email protected] – Catering Manager Karen [email protected] – TBT Librarian Dan [email protected] – TBT [email protected] – Administrative Assistant Kim [email protected] – Administrative Assistant Michele [email protected] – Membership [email protected] – RSVP for TBT [email protected] – Messages, articles or other submissions to Shofar [email protected] – TBT Roster Book [email protected] – “Go Green” Initiative, for email delivery of [email protected] – TBT Webmaster, Larry Boxer

Tzedakah FundA Tzedakah Fund has been formed at Temple Beth Tzedek to enable contributions in the Temple’s name for such things as disaster relief, solidarity with Israel or participation in community-wide events. While contributions to such things have been made in the past, the creation of this fund ensures a specific source of funding, and will enable the name of Temple Beth Tzedek to be part of community support. The Board of Trustees has agreed that a tzedekah box will be passed at Board meetings, but any congregant is free to make a contribution, small or large, at any time. Disbursements from the fund will be authorized by the Board or its designee.

SIMCHA OPPORTUNITIES(A celebration of monthly birthdays and anniversaries

for our Beth Tzedek family members.)

PLEASE JOIN US on Saturday morning, Dec. 18, 2010, as we honor those observing a simcha during the

month of December.

We’d like to acknowledge members who are celebrating with a bimah honor during services. Please let us know if you’d like an aliyah or reading. Those who wish to remain anonymous may, of course, do so. Those with another simcha (such as promotions, graduations, engagements, homecoming, etc.) are also welcome to participate. Even if you will not be at services, we hope you will participate by letting the congregation know of your celebration.If you are a celebrant, we ask that you join in sponsoring the lovely kiddush luncheon. Our Chef Karen is working on innovative and exciting menus for us. Feel free to invite your family and friends to celebrate with you. (If you expect a large number of guests, please let the office know so that we may adequately prepare the luncheon. If you expect only a few guests, no additional notice is necessary.)

We suggest four levels of support: $36 to be a Sponsor; $54 to be a Donor; or $72 to be a Benefactor. You may honor a child, here in town or near to your heart, with any of these amounts or, with our special Kinder Recognition, with a donation of $1 per year for children up to age 18.

We appreciate even greater generosity to help offset the ever-increasing costs. Perhaps you can send a dollar for every year of celebration? However, if even these levels are too much for your budget, please feel free to contact Allan Werbow in the Temple office, or me. Family and friends may find that a Simcha Shabbat sponsorship is the perfect gift.

Because of publication delays, it will take a month or two, but those contributing to Simcha Shabbat will have their names listed in the Shofar – unless you request anonymity.

To participate or if you have any questions, please contact the Temple Office (838-3232) or Linda Boxer (284-1534) or via email: ([email protected]).

We look forwarding to sharing your celebration!

Linda Boxer, Chair of Simcha Shabbat A service of the Membership Committee

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We look forward to seeing you on December 18, 2010. The next Simcha Shabbat will be January 15, 2011.

Mazel Tov to all our Celebrants!

SIMCHA SHABBAT OCTOBER 16, 2010 - Kiddush

ANNIVERSARY DONORSRoberta Levine & Alan Sisselman

BIRTHDAY PATRONMelinda Saran*

(also honored by parents, Marcia & Len Saran)

BIRTHDAY DONORSLarry BoxerMona Lewis

BIRTHDAY SPONSORSGert Baker * (honored by niece, Edie Teibel)

Fern Bernstein Jeff Blum Lillian Bob* Ruth Cohen Michele Davis Harold Gelfand Janice Gelfand (September) Karina Gitman* Sharon Kostiner* Vivian Lamandola Catherine Lauglan Ruth Norman David Schiller Aleksandr Shander Harry Sperer* Jim Steinhorn* Joe Sterman Edie Teibel David Wolf Jeremy Wolf

Special S’machotCelebrating 101 years - Harry SpererCelebrating 104 years - Gert Baker

*indicates a milestone year

OCTOBER MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIESLinda & Alan GeldinEthel & Avy Lipson

Gail & Milt PittermanBea & Bob Saffer

OTHER OCTOBER MILESTONE BIRTHDAYSElaine Baren Amy CarrolRae Cohen David EssrowTobya Fiskin Helen FlatowDon Gilbert Marcia JacobiAlbert Jacobson Arlene KissinNorm Moser Esther RabinEsther Robbins Wayne RobinsJamie Rosenberg Yael ShoreWarren Simon Benjamin SnyderSeymore Sunshine Jeanette WinczerJCC Gift Cards

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Temple Beth Tzedek is fortunate to count among our members and friends many generous supporters, who have been financially supportive of our shul and our many endeavors. Without them, we could not provide the programming and services to which we are all accustomed or fund the improvements to our infrastructure that are needed or desired.

Now, as we near the end of the 2010 calendar year, Temple Beth Tzedek is very pleased to acknowledge several substantial gifts we have recently received, particularly through bequests from the estates of former members.

In particular, Temple Beth Tzedek would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to the estates of Karl Gerst, Jeanette Lansky and Hilda Kurland. These bequests, totaling well in excess of $200,000, will greatly benefit our long-term endowment, helping meet the needs of Temple Beth Tzedek far into the future. Ms. Lansky’s estate also purchased a dedication for one of our beautiful new Torah mantles.

Karl Gerst and his late wife Marion were longtime members of TBT predecessor Temple Shaarey Zedek, and before that, of Temple Emanuel on Starin Avenue. A Jewish war veteran, he served in the U.S. Army in World War II, stationed first in Texas before he was sent overseas to fight the Nazis in Europe. After the war, he became a pharmacist. He and Marion did not have children.

At TBT and its predecessors, Karl was active in Brotherhood and other activities, and helped with donations and the annual Sisterhood Rummage Sale.

Karl was “very involved in the goings-on at the Temple,” said his great-niece, Sharon Piatek, also a TBT member. “We’ve been part of Shaarey Zedek’s family since its inception.”

After his wife passed away following an illness, he donated money in her honor to purchase one of the tribal windows that adorn the Andrew Paull Eisen Sanctuary, for the Tribe of Dan. He was a regular attendee at Shabbat services, and always sat in front of that window, Piatek said.

“Everything and anything they could be involved with at the Temple they would,” Piatek said. “He was a wonderful philanthropist. They always gave of their time.”

Jeanette Lansky and her family have been longtime active members of the Buffalo Jewish community and its synagogues, including Shaarey Zedek. The Buffalo-area native worked as a secretary, including at the Watervliet Arsenal in Troy, N.Y., during World War II, and also trained and served as a nurse’s aide during the war.

In 1952, she married the late Isador Lansky, a Buffalo clothing manufacturer who co-founded Royal Men’s Sportswear, which operated a factory on the site of the current Buffalo and Erie County Public Library.

The Lanskys were devoted to the Jewish community, helping to found Kadimah School of Buffalo, where Jeanette volunteered for many years. At Shaarey Zedek, she was particularly active in Sisterhood, serving as president and a board member and also voluntering in the Sara Brooks Judaica Shop and in the catering business when it was run by Sisterhood.

“She was always available to others, performing tireless and cheerful service to the synagogue, whether it be ordering flowers for an event or helping to prepare meals,” her obituary read. “She was a much respected mentor and friend.”

Hilda Kurland started as a social worker and then an elementary school teacher in Buffalo Public Schools before becoming an administrative assistant at University at Buffalo’s math department. She retired from that post to take care of her parents, Abraham and Esther, until they passed away.

The Buffalo native never married but doted on her nieces and nephews, all of whom lived out of town. She had two brothers, Melvin and Charles, and was a “voracious Buffalo Bills fan,” said TBT Executive Director Allan Werbow.

“You couldn’t speak to her on Sunday afternoon, not between 1 and 4,” said her cousin, TBT member Shirley Magil. “It wasn’t just the Bills. She knew everything there was about all sports.”

She and her family were also passionate about Judaism. Her father, who belonged to Temple Emanuel, was one of the founders of the Kadimah School of Buffalo, and she kept a strictly kosher home. She also volunteered at the synagogue, especially for bingo and the Cemetery Committee.

“The temple was a very important part of her life,” Magil said.“She was a generous lady, and not just with the synagogue,”

Werbow said.The Gerst bequest was designated to go to our Building Fund.

The Lansky bequest is being placed in a special fund named in her memory for general endowment purposes. The Kurland bequest has been added to our general endowment fund. Our current policy permits the creation of a new named endowment fund for gifts of $10,000 or more, while bequests of lesser amounts are designated by the board to the general endowment fund or another appropriate fund, consistent with the wishes of the donor. Bequests of any amount are, of course, greatly appreciated.

Temple Beth Tzedek is fortunate to be able to provide a wide range of services and programs for members of all ages, and to play a leadership role in the Buffalo Jewish community.

Whether we attend daily minyan, Shabbat services or High Holy Day services, whether our children have received a Jewish education through TBT, whether we’ve obtained counsel or support from our clergy, or whether we’ve simply enjoyed sharing simchas or time with fellow members through Sisterhood, Brotherhood, or other activities, we have all benefited from our membership in one way or another, at one time or another. Even if you have not partaken of what’s available recently, you or someone you know has.

These efforts do not come easily or without money, however. TBT relies on financial support from all of you as a critical means of funding our efforts. While we charge dues for membership, as nearly all synagogues do as part of their budgets, the money collected can never be enough to support all of our operations, infrastructure, staffing and programming each year without additional fundraising and donations.

Temple Beth Tzedek would therefore like to take this opportunity to remind our members and friends that the end of the calendar year is a good time for charitable donations and financial planning for the future. If you are considering making a charitable contribution to the shul for the 2010 tax year, they must be made by yearend.

If you would like to make a donation or discuss a major gift, please contact the synagogue office at 838-3232, or email Harvey Sanders, TBT president, at [email protected].

THANK YOU TO OUR BENEFACTORS!

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TEMPLE BETH TZEDEK YAHRZEITSContributions are gratefully acknowledged for the following Yahrzeits

Louis AbloveFannie AbramsonJanet AdlerSelig AdlerGertrude AltmanCharles AmsterdamRoselyn AtlasRabbi Abraham BabbSarah BabbMoshe Bar-ItzhackBarney A. BarlowSevastyan BenekhisHelen BoxerLillian BrownroutGilda DentonKenneth DrellichHilda DruckerRose DubbsRuth DubinSzloma DulaEdith ElkinVera EllisJerome ElmanMaury FarberRose Rosenblatt FarberFeige FarkashJacob FreedmanEdward FoganClara FoxHerman FoxHarriet Freedman

Rev. Perez FreedmanSamuel FreedmanFrieda FriedesMoritz FriedlerTrude FriedlerHarold GellerKarl GerstLenore GodinMorris GoldmanLeah GoldsteinMeyer GordonHelen GottesmanMinnie GounSam GounAvi Sarah GreenbergMildred GrelickBen HoffmanDaniel HolmlundJack HorowitzHenry KahnMax KornmehlDavid Leib KriegerLeo KronmanRequel KubiakEmily KurlandEthel LeveIrwin LevineSamuel LeviteNathan LevyJack LipmanMary Lubin

Jane MagilGeorge MannDavid MaslekoffJack MastmanIsaac MehanaSteven MeyerAnna MillerJacob MillerMax MingalHenry MintzCelia NeumanEdwin NeumanSam NisbergPhilip ObreanaSol OrtenbergIsaac PfefferJ. Alan PfefferJack PlattFannie PotoskyDr. A. Harry RavinsHarry ReismanSamuel RichterLillian RobinsonSeymour RodmanAlbert RoseRose RosenheimerRose SacksSamuel SacksHarriet SalamaBlanche SaltzmanDiana Samson

Herman SchwabBelle SernsDavid SernsTheodore ShapiroGerhardt ShumakerLyla SilversteinIsadore SnidermanSelma SpeierArthur SternAbram StillerDr. Aloys StillerGerald StillerTamie StillerLynda SuchmanAndrew TeibelSara ThierBetty UllmanWilliam WallachMinna WaxmanSteven WaxmanEsther WeinbergClara WeinsteinBella WilliamsSarah WolffeBenjamin YostDr. Maurice ZackheimMarion ZamekIda Zeplowitz

No, we don’t mean business sales. We mean Fred Sales.Fred Sales was a talented local pianist and avid music collector,

known for his knowledge and passion toward music of all sorts, and his ability to not only read sheet music but also play any tune by ear. The son and grandson of Jewish musicians in Poland and Buffalo, he conceived an idea to establish a Jewish Music Library in Buffalo, to be named for his father and grandfather.

“My brother was a great musician. He was a wonderful pianist,” said his sister, Deborah Bokobza. “If someone was discussing a particular song, he would just sit down at the piano and play that tune totally by instinct.”

After his premature death, Debbie carried on his work but added his name, establishing the Fred, Joseph and Herman Sales Music Library, in memory of her brother, as well as their father and grandfather, who were also Holocaust survivors.

The library consists of a host of CDs of Jewish music collected from out-of-print recordings, including Klezmer and Israeli music, recordings by Jewish-American artists such as Richard Tucker and Jan Peerce, and recordings of Jewish-themed classical and theater music, as well as store-bought CDs. The collection also includes

books and sheet music that will complement TBT’s existing Cantor Gerald DeBruin Music Collection.

Orginally housed at the Bureau of Jewish Education’s Library, the collection was later sent to University at Buffalo, but was not easily accessible to the public.

Through Debbie’s generosity, and TBT’s good fortune, the Sales Music Library is now housed in our Klein-Amdur Library. The collection has been properly inventoried and catalogued, and will soon be available for loan to the Temple community.

“It was [Fred’s] fondest hope and wish to work and develop the music library upon his recovery. Sadly that didn’t happen,” Debbie said. “I have taken that torch over for him and look forward to adding to the collection according to what the members and teachers at TBT recommend. I look forward to a long partnership.”

In conjunction with the collection itself, Temple Beth Tzedek is also pleased and honored to administer a special fund used to support the collection and a concert held every year in Fred’s memory. This year, the concert was held Nov. 14, at UB’s Center for Tomorrow, as part of the Jewish Book Fair, but we hope future concerts will be held at TBT, for all to enjoy.

Sales are Up!

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CELEBRATING COMMUNITYThe theme of this year’s Torah Fund pin is

Kehillah Kedoshah: Celebrating Community Woman to Woman.

A kehillah is a community: a group of people sharing the same beliefs and values. Kedoshah means holy; however, in the

Torah, the word holy means dedicated. That is what defines us as members of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism: we are dedicated to perpetuating Conservative Judaism, and one of the ways we do that is by supporting the Jewish Theological Seminary, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and Schechter School of Jewish Studies through Torah Fund. In return, JTS and Ziegler give us our outstanding rabbis(like our Rabbi Netter), cantors, scholars, educators and lay leaders(like our own Rachel Goldstein).

If you have the opportunity, take a tour of the JTS or Ziegler campuses, and you will see the results of our giving. You will have a revealing experience everywhere you look – especially the faces of the students when they notice you wearing our Torah Fund pin.

This year’s pin depicts women celebrating, dancing and praising. It reflects how we hope, pray and heal, and how – united – we give. We do all this because we care. We care about our Conservative Movement and want to better educate our children. Help us reach this year’s national goal of $2.5 million, and become an integral part of our holy community.

Since last month’s list of contributors, we have added two new Benefactors, Carolyn Kershanbaum and Myra Werbow, and also new Supporters – Elaine Baren, Bernice Katz, Charlotte Mador and Shirley Waxman. Todah Rabah to you all for joining the ranks of dedicated and committed women who have taken the opportunity to do this mitzvah.

B’Shalom,Elaine Baren, Gloria Fenston, Marcia Goldstein,Edna Kielar, Sheila Trossman, Bobbie Vishner

TORAH FUND

From the Ritual Committee…As you all know, Temple Beth Tzedek recently purchased our

new machzorim, Lev Shalom, which we enjoyed using during the High Holidays this past September.

We currently still have in our possession the old Harlow machzorim, as well as the Siddur Sim Shalom. We have received a number of requests from parties outside the Buffalo area interested in obtaining these prayer books.

As a courtesy to our Temple Beth Tzedek members, we are hereby allowing you a “first-come, first-served” opportunity to have your own siddur. This opportunity only lasts through yearend. If you are interested, kindly call or e-mail one of us or just call the synagogue office at 838-3232, and we will make the necessary arrangements for you to obtain a copy.

Judith Epstein Mitchell SteinhornCo-Chair Co-Chair(716)636-0514 (716)[email protected] [email protected]

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FROM THE STACKS by Dr. Dan Schwartz

Here is the third and last installment of new KarBen books in the Library. These might be more appropriate for upper elementary and middle school readers, but adults might enjoy them, too.

Norman H. Finkelstein. Jewish Comedy Stars: Classic to Cutting Edge. My son loves this book. It’s divided into three sections: On Stage (which should have been titled Vaudeville and the Yiddish Theater), On Air (radio, film and TV up to Woody Allen), On Fire (comedians from Lenny Bruce through Andrew Dice Clay) and Comedy 2.0 (featuring Lewis Black, Sacha Baron Cohen – “Borat” – he keeps kosher and doesn’t work on shobbos – etc.). Senator Al Franken appears in 2.0, but he appeared on Saturday Night Live before Billy Crystal and Jon Lovitz, who appear back in Chapter 3. If you don’t get hung up on the questionable groupings and group titles of the comedians and the many great Jewish comics who are omitted (Weber and Fields, as well as Smith and Dale are here, but where is Al Sheen? Why Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks and Morey Amsterdam, but no Carl Reiner? Where are Robert Klein and David Steinberg? What about Eugene Levy, Harold Ramis and Rick Moranis of Second City and beyond?) Still, Finkelstein does a good job describing 46 comedians or teams, but he only provides a single representational joke for each entry. All in all, it’s a good introduction to America’s Jewish comedians. My favorite joke in the collection? Jack Benny’s “I don’t deserve this award, but I have arthritis, and I don’t deserve that either.” I hope my son doesn’t try to crack that one. He’s only eight.

Carolyn Vogel and Yossi Leshem. The Man Who Flies With Birds. This is the story of an Israeli ornithologist. (From this he makes a living?) Yossi Leshem combined his love of birds, the environment and military service. Bird strikes are responsible for many plane crashes, and now experts from all over the world come to Israel to learn how to reduce such occurrences from Leshem. When Jordanian and Palestinian farmers had rodent troubles, the Israelis invited them to a conference on using barn owls for rodent control. They did not accept the invitations because in Arab culture owls mean bad luck. The next year the Israelis changed the name of the conference to “Organic Gardening.” The Palestinians and Jordanians attended and within six years there were 80 nesting boxes in Palestinian fields and 100 in Jordanian fields. There is a lot of information on the Israeli environmental movement and the Israeli bird watching craze. This is a good book for all and a great one for kids with an interest in the sciences.

Stacia Deutch, Rhody Cohon and Craig Orback. Hot Pursuit: Murder in Mississippi. Some of my strongest memories of growing up in the sixties are of watching the struggle for civil rights on television with my mother. I recall watching a mid-morning CBS news program hosted by Harry Reasoner and Mike Wallace, pre–“60 Minutes,” and they showed footage of Bull Connor and Co. turning fire hoses on marchers. I also recall the coverage of the assassination of Medgar Evers and the bulletin announcing the bodies of three civil rights workers, Schwerner, Cheney and Goodman, had been found buried in an earthen dam. I recall not sleeping the night they found them, and having trouble

“remembering to forget” for a long time thereafter. Hot Pursuit is a state-of-the-art young adult nonfiction account of the murders in Mississippi. The illustrations are great, although they make the civil rights workers appear younger than their years and photos.

“On their way out of town, two cars carrying Ku Klux Klan members, tipped off by the local police, ambushed their station wagon. For weeks local law enforcement officers, aided by the FBI, searched for the missing men. Their bodies were found buried in an earthen damn forty-four days after they disappeared. They had been brutally beaten and shot.”

As was the case with many civil rights workers of the era, Schwerner and Goodman were Jewish. Cheney was African-American.

On June 21, 2005 Edgar Ray Killen, a KKK member, was found guilty, 41 years after the murders. The inscription on Cheney’s tombstone reads:“There are those who are aliveYet will never live,There are those who are deadYet will live forever,Great deeds inspire and encourage the living.”

On the back of the book’s cover is another quotation:“Justice denied anywherediminishes justice everywhere.” -- Martin Luther King

Happy Chanukah!

Thank You!Temple Beth Tzedek is blessed to have a very

active and generous Sisterhood, which not only helps to bring the women of TBT together for a range of religious, spiritual, cultural and educational activities, but also supports the broader Temple community.

Most notably, every year, Sisterhood raises money through activities such as its well-known and highly successful annual Rummage Sale, which was just completed last month after weeks of preparation. It also runs the Sara Brooks Judaica Shop. From these fund-raisers and other activities, Sisterhood also donates back to the shul from its own coffers.

This year, Sisterhood has once again given generously, spending $7,000 to purchase new convection ovens for our kitchen, for use by Temple Beth Tzedek Catering and our in-house chef, Karen Vogt. This new oven will only enhance the ability of Karen and her staff to prepare even more meals to dazzle our tastebuds.

THANK YOU, SISTERHOOD!

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WE ACKNOWLEDGE WITH THANKS THE FOLLOWING TBT CONTRIBUTIONS

Anne & Harry Barney Fund - In Honor of:Welcome Home to Bruce Bronstein

Suzanne Barney

Speedy Recovery of Nancy GreenbergSuzanne Barney

Anne & Harry Barney Fund - In Memory of:Evelyn Silvert, Mother of Mr. & Mrs. Alan Mollot

Suzanne Barney

Anne Bernstein Memorial Fund - In Honor of:Speedy Recovery of Ellen Bernstein

Barbara & Jack Yellen

Speedy Recovery of Beverly LevinSheila, Joel & Sarah Bernstein

Speedy Recovery of Bobbie VishnerJoel & Sheila Bernstein

Anne Bernstein Memorial Fund - In Memory of:Henry Nemirov

Sheila & Joel Bernstein

Bradley J. Bronstein Memorial Fund - In Honor of:Recovery of Bruce Bronstein

Bea & Bob Saffer

Building Fund - In Honor of:Speedy & Complete Recovery of Joe Sterman

Mendy & Edith Fine

Building Fund - In Memory of:Harriet Feder

Mendy & Edith Fine

In Observance of the Yahrzeit of Irwin YalowichMr. & Mrs. Burton Yalowich

Edith & Joel Cohen Memorial Fund - In Memory of:Harriet Feder

Phyllis & Allen Sigel

Gilda TunisAllen & Phyllis Sigel

Irwin Davis Memorial Fund - In Honor of:Special Anniversary of Myra & Harvey Horowitz

Esther Trachtman

Irwin Davis Memorial Fund - In Memory of:Gilda Tunis

Neil & Ellen Safeer

Education Fund - In Honor of:Alice & Carl Dobozin’s Granddaughter’s Bat Mitzvah

Roz & Harvey Podolsky

50th Anniversary Janice & Jerry RobinsRoz & Harvey Podolsky

Floral Fund - In Honor of:Marriage of Aaron & Caitlin Peekstoks

Judy & Mel Hurwitz

Jerry Frank Memorial Garden Fund - In Honor of:Golden Wedding Anniversary of Judy & Mel Hurwitz


Speedy Recovery of Donald WeismanKaren & Alan Wexler

Sandi Ida Miesik Glickstein Kesher Fund - In Memory of:In Observance of the Yahrzeit of Mowry Hacker

Janet Presser

Kassirer Family Minyan Room Fund - In Honor of:Belated Birthday Wishes for Fritzie Silver

Shirlee Gluckstein

Get-Well Wishes for Bobbie VishnerMichele & Lance PozarnyBeth Kassirer

Kassirer Family Minyan Room Fund - In Memory of:Evelyn Silvert

Judy & Bob Alessi

Gilda TunisMichele & Lance PozarnyBeth Kassirer

Rabbi Isaac Klein Scholar in Residence Endowment Fund - In Memory of:Harriet Feder

Anna Post & FamilyMuriel Segal

Henry NemirovMuriel Segal

Gilda TunisMuriel Segal

Rabbi Isaac Klein Library Fund - In Honor of:Speedy Recovery of Jack Herzbrun

Myra & Allan Werbow

Dr. Harry Sperer’s 101st BirthdaySandy Perlmuter

Rabbi Isaac Klein Library Fund - In Memory of:Henry Nemirov

Harvey & Myra Horowitz

Harriet FederNancy & Martin Robinson

Gilda TunisDrs. Jane & Stuart Fischman

Lippa Family Auditorium Maintenance Fund - In Memory of:Stephen Sklar

Warren LippaBarbara & Jack YellenDebbie Yellen & Jerry ReisbergAnne LippaHeidi & Shelly Yellen

Henrietta Steinberg Music Fund - In Memory of:Gerald Drucker

Leona & Mark Spindler

Pulpit Fund - In Honor of:Speedy Recovery of Josh Hershel

Dr. & Mrs. Franklin Zeplowitz

In Appreciation of Carrying Torah During Yom Kippur

Lisa BlochRodwin

Alan Raines Library Fund - In Memory of:Gilda Tunis

Elaine & Marty Goldstein

Bruce S. Rein Memorial Fund - In Honor of:Buddy Rein’s Birthday

Henry Peita

Bruce S. Rein Memorial Fund - In Memory of:In Observance of the Yahrzeit of Herman Pitterman

Ilene Levine

Barron ReingoldLenore & Buddy Rein

Synagogue Renovation Fund - In Honor of:Speedy Recovery of Laura Abate

Larry & Cookie Levin

Birth of Rowan J. Johnstone, Grandson of Catherine Laughlan

Catherine Laughlan

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WE ACKNOWLEDGE WITH THANKS THE FOLLOWING TBT CONTRIBUTIONSFuture Remodeling

Edith & Mendy Fine

Bob Saffer’s Special BirthdayShirlee Gluckstein

Speedy Recovery of Joe StermanMarcy & Rich, Randi & Jon, Kenny &

Merredith LevinLarry & Cookie Levin

Speedy Recovery of Bobbie VishnerCookie & Larry Levin

Allan Robins Memorial Fund - In Honor of:Golden Wedding Anniversary of Janice & Jerry Robins


Martin Sanders Memorial Fund - In Honor of:Speedy Recovery of Max Pohl

Ina Sanders

Bar Mitzvah of Sam AppletonIna Sanders

Speedy Recovery of Bobbie VishnerIna Sanders

Martin Sanders Memorial Fund - In Memory of:Simon Farkas

Ina Sanders

Pearl and Nathan Sterman Memorial Fund - In Honor of:Speedy Recovery of Avy Sterman

Myra & Allan Werbow

Speedy Recovery of Joe StermanMyra & Allan WerbowBea & Bob SafferNadine & Mickey SteinDavis & Iris Buch

Speedy Recovery of Michelle WolffeMarcy & Rich, Randi & Jon, Kenny &

Merredith Levin

Pearl and Nathan Sterman Memorial Fund - In Memory of:Stanley Gilman

Larry & Cookie Levin

Evelyn SilvertCookie & Larry Levin

Temple Fund - In Honor of:Bert & Clare Chalmer

Melva Mogerman

Craig Chertack’s BirthdaySteven & Ellen Lippa

In Appreciation of hospitalityAnn Haalman & Kathy Lobelsohn

Joseph Kramer Becoming a Bar MitzvahLilly Silbiger

Speedy & Complete Recovery of Ivy LipmanJanet Gunner & Glenn Pincus

The 50th Wedding Anniversary of Jerry & Janice Robins

Warren & Leila Kahn

Speedy & Complete Recovery of Bobbie VishnerJanet Gunner & Glenn Pincus

Bat Mitzvah of Shirley Waxman’s greatgranddaughter, Rivke

Phyllis & Allen Sigel

Temple Fund - In Memory of:Harriet Feder

Marlene & Irwin KatzmanSam & Helen AbloveShelly & Heidi YellenIrv & Ruth Merlin

Gilda TunisAmy EarlyBrian & Laurie RothschildLilli SilbigerThe Pera FamilyMrs. Marna BursteinIrv & Ruth Merlin

CONDOLENCESE. Katherine Bizem

grandmother of Peninah Monroygrandmother of Reuben Monroy

Harriet Federwife of Herbert Federmother of Deborah Federmother of David Federmother of Joshua Feder

Henry Nemirovhusband of Eva Etkin Nemirovstep-father of Paul Bennettstep-father of Mark Bennettbrother of Hyman Nemirovbrother of Sarah Chertoff

Gilda Tunismother of Karen Mannymother of Susan Tunismother of Richard Tunismother of Adam Tunis

Join your TBT friends as we collect eyeglasses, cell phones, hearing aids and printer cartridges for recycling and/or donation to those who need. Look for specially marked boxes at TBT, coming soon.

CONGRATULATIONS* Ilene Levine on the birth of her great-grandson, Brennan Corser

* Ellen & Steve Loffredo on the birth of their grandson, Brennan Corser

MAZEL TOV TO THE BAR MITZVAHDecember 4 - Bat Mitzvah of Alyssa Schwartz

daughter of Alan & Sonya Schwartz

10

Want to help your shul? Here are some ways to raise money for

TBT while doing your normal activities:1. Shop at designated online vendors who will donate a percentage of your purchase to Temple Beth Tzedek. TBT only receives this referral fee if you connect to the vendor through our Web site by clicking on a link from it. Once you do that, you do not need to do anything further except shop. If you reach the vendor’s site in any other way, TBT will not receive anything because the vendor can’t trace it back to TBT. This is a great way to help TBT while you shop! Plus, you save yourself the hassle of a drive to the mall! So, go to http://www.btzbuffalo.org/funds/e-tail.htm, and start shopping!

*Amazon.com – Books, apparel & accessories, tapes & CDs, DVD & video on demand, electronics & software, toys & games, home improvement, auctions, jewelry, computer peripherals, office supplies, etc.*Artscroll – Specializing in Jewish content, particularly Torah and Talmud: books, audio, software, Judaica.*Jewish National Fund – Plant trees; support water projects; honor your loved ones; satisfy the mitzvah of building up the land of Israel.*Kosher.com – Packaged kosher foods delivered to the address you specify.*Oy Toys – Toys, gifts, clothing, etc., with Jewish themes.

2. Use the search engines at www.igive.com or www.goodsearch.com after first designating Temple Beth Tzedek as your beneficiary. You only need to make this designation once at each of these services. After that, every Web search you do on these services yields a penny for TBT. You do not need to connect to them from our Web site for TBT to benefit. At www.igive.com, you must also become a member (it’s free) and designate TBT as your cause, which will also yield a separate payment to TBT. You may also use the cyber-malls of the two Web sites without going through the Temple if you have already designated TBT as your beneficiary.

3. Buy scrip cards for Tops Friendly Markets from the Temple office.

4. Buy Entertainment 2011 coupon books from the office, for $30 each. They make great gifts, or use them for yourself.

5. Support TBT recycling projects. Bring your discarded papers to the recycling bin in the Temple parking lot. A list of acceptable papers is available at www.btzbuffalo.org.

It all pays off. To date, TBT has already received $297.73 from Amazon.com, $195.78 from Goodsearch.com, $160.19 from Igive.com and $20 from JNF, for a total of $673.70. And we’re just getting started.

GET EDUCATED!Coming to services or attending our in-person adult education programs aren’t the only ways to learn more about Judaism and Torah. Here are some other options available online to subscribe to periodic educational emails.

*Sign up for the weekly parsha commentary from JTS: http://www.jtsa.edu/Conservative_Judaism/JTS_Torah_Commentary.xml

*Receive Torah Sparks and Two-Minute Torah from United Synagogue: http://www.uscj.org/index1.html

*Register for the Haftorah commentary from United Synagogue’s Fuchsberg Center in Israel: http://www.uscj.org/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=haftarah&A=1

*Sign up for the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs’s new Haftorah commentary: http://www.fjmc-consultants.org/seferhaftorah-sign-up.html

*Try the Parashat Hashavua through the American Jewish University (Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies): http://judaism.ajula.edu/Content/SubCategoriesList.asp?CID=22

*Explore the Jewish Resources section of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life: http://www.hillel.org/jewish/default

*Many other similar options are also available through other organizations.

Take advantage of what’s out there, and enrich your minds and your spirits.

Purim is coming, and that means our annual Shalach Manos project is under way. A custom during Purim is to share “goodies” and good wishes with others. This usually included hamantaschen and other sweets and treats. At Temple Beth Tzedek, the Sisterhood has undertaken this program as a fundraiser, with the proceeds being used to enhance synagogue programming. This year, the proceeds are dedicated to increasing the scholarship awards given to college students by the Sisterhood.

All members of the congregation receive either a Purim “basket” (really a bag) if they are in town or a virtual “basket” if they are out of town at delivery time. You may include your name on the card for every synagogue member for a donation of $150 for everyone, or you may designate specific congregants for a donation of $5 per name. Each family receives only one basket but all donors’ names are included on the enclosed card. The congregation list will be mailed by postal mail to your home in early December. Extra forms will be available in the synagogue office after Dec. 1, 2010. THERE WILL BE NO RECIPROCAL GIVING AVAILABLE THIS YEAR.

Your help (men and women) is needed to make this program a success. Drivers are needed to deliver “baskets” during the week of March 14 – 19. Bakers are also needed – no experience needed. On-the-job training will be available! You need not be a member of Sisterhood to apply. If you’d like to help with any part of Shalach Manos, please email or call Doris Serota, [email protected], 689-2102, or Rusty Zackheim, [email protected], 634-6028, and you will receive details. No applicant will be refused a job!

SHALACH MANOS

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2008 / 5768TEMPLE SHAAREY ZEDEK

CONFIRMATION STUDENTS RECOGNIZED

The second day of Shavuot was the setting for recognition of students from the former Temple Shaarey Zedek as they became confirmed during Shabbat morning services at Temple Beth Tzedek. Participating with aliyot, Torah readings and/or leading portions of the service were Sarah Bernstein, Scott Cohen, Gregory Dubin, Alexander Gordon and Rachel Pincus. The young adults, who have continued their religious studies at the High School of Jewish Education, also participate in various school and community activities as part of their ongoing commitment to Tikkun Olam.

As part of the celebration, the confirmands were presented with several Jewish texts as gifts from the Sisterhood, whose president, Linda Steinhorn, spoke of each student’s accomplishments and importance to the synagogue. Rabbi Steven Conn also spoke directly to the confirmands using the analogy of the childhood game Tag as parents pass being “It” to them and they assume the responsibility of not only practicing the teachings of Torah, but the obligation to continue the cycle by passing Torah on to their children. As Rabbi Conn spoke about the interrelationship of the festival of Shavuot, which celebrates the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and their responsibilities to themselves, their temple and the continuation of Judaism, he passed the Torah to each of the confirmands in symbolic gesture of their commitment to Judaism and Torah.

A kiddush following services was given in honor of the Confirmation Class.

Let me start with some thank yous. Thank you for the vote of confidence so many of you have expressed to me and the incoming officers:

Chair: Larry Levin Vice Presidents: Linda Boxer, Jonathan Epstein, Janet Gunner, and Irv Sellers Secretary: Alan Goldstein Treasurer: Steve Lippa

Thank to the incoming officers for agreeing to serve with me. Thank you to the inaugural officers who served during this first year after the merger, including Linda Boxer, Ed Drozen, Alan Goldstein, Harold Halpern, Ariel Kostiner, Larry Levin and Rusty Zackheim. There was a lot to do during this first year and the officers worked together very well as we began Temple Beth Tzedek. We are well on our way and look forward to continuing this progress!

Our recent visit with Rabbi Perry Netter went very well and we look forward to continuing the process of considering his candidacy to become our Rabbi. If you were unable to join us during the weekend, talk to your friends who were there. It was a very positive weekend.

We will also continue to focus on the core mission of the synagogue. In fact, we will be forming a task force to recommend a Mission Statement for the synagogue. If you are interested in serving on that group, please contact me. We will also focus on the required supporting infrastructure – both physical and personnel resources.

I encourage all of you to attend the numerous religious, educational and social activities at the synagogue. I also encourage you to serve on the committees that make those things happen. I appreciate the tireless efforts of those who worked on those committees, but we cannot rely on them alone. We need you! I am looking for people to serve on all of our committees, including: Art & Artifacts, Catering, Cemetery, Dues & Retention, Education (including Adult Education), Ethics, Financial Oversight, Fundraising, House, Insurance, Investment, Kesher, Legal, Library, Membership, Mission Statement, Museum, Personnel, Program Coordination, Religious, Shofar/Publicity, Special Funds, Website and Youth. Please step up to the plate!

I have set up an e-mail address where you can reach me for synagogue business. It is [email protected]. I look forward to working with you this year.

Harvey Sanders

A WORD FROM HARVEY SANDERS

Compliments ofSteinhorn Professional

ServicesMitchell Steinhorn

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Harvey Sanders




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Harvey Sanders




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Mount Sinai. But Yitro ends up staying awhile. He gives Moses advice on how to set up a judicial system. He offers sacrifices to celebrate the power of God and the liberation from Egypt. He comes to identify with the Israelites and their God.

And God instructs Moses and the Israelites to leave Mount Sinai and begin the journey to the land of Israel. Moses invites Yitro to come along. He asks Yitro to help guide the people through the wilderness. He offers Yitro a stake in the land of Israel. But, according to most commentators, Yitro decides to return to Midian.

Why would Yitro, who has become so attached to the Israelites and to God, choose to return home to Midian? Perhaps Yitro expresses his answer in the way he refers to his destination as “my country and my birthplace”. Yitro was a Midianite by nationality. But, more important, Midain was Yitro’s family home—and the home of his family. His wife, and six daughters and their families, remained in Midian. No matter how much Yitro might have liked to identify fully and completely with the Israelites, his loyalty remains first and foremost to his family.

I came to Temple Beth Tzedek a year ago as an interim Rabbi. I expected to spend a year here, do my best to help the community, and then be on my way. I never expected to become so attached to this community and to all of you. I never expected that I would come to identify with this community and consider it my own. I never expected to be so inspired by what I experienced this year.

When it came time to decide whether I would accompany you as Temple Beth Tzedek took the next steps on its journey, the decision was unexpectedly difficult. In the end, though, the factors that compelled Yitro to return to Midian are the same factors that drove our decision to relocate to Plainview, New York.

It is certainly true that leaving Beth Tzedek allows me to take advantage of an excellent professional opportunity in a very strong Jewish community. I am very excited about my new position. But ultimately, for us, as for Yitro, the most important factor for me was family. My daughter Dalya is moving to New York City this summer. Moving to the New York City area offers me the opportunity to give my daughter Dalya the hands-on support of both of her parents and a very devoted stepmother at a very important juncture in her life. I know that it has been difficult for Dalya to be separated for the last six years from one of her parents or the other by at least a thousand miles. Illyse and I are looking forward to helping Dalya find her path after high school, and giving Dalya and Yoni the chance to enjoy being brother and sister. I am hoping that our move will benefit all of us in the way that only the love and support of family can.

As we read later in the Book of Judges, Yitro’s family retained ties to the Israelites. I hope we will always retain ties to the Temple Beth Tzedek community. I hope that, like Yitro, I was able to offer some valuable guidance while I was here. I certainly have learned much from my experience this year. I feel that, like Yitro, sharing the first year of TBT’s history has enabled me to grow spiritually

RABBI CONN’S MESSAGE CONT’D(Continued from page 1)

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D(Continued from page 1)

personally thank him for a wonderful job and for his assistance in facilitating our “healing” and “consolidation” process. He made my job much easier.

Cantor Spindler has continued to serve us at services and various life-cycle events as well as training our children for B’nai Mitzvah. I have to say that I am in awe of his Torah reading. He makes it look so easy.

I also want to thank the other professionals for their assistance in the last year. Allan Werbow, our Executive Director, has proven himself invaluable. His heart and soul are truly in the synagogue. Kim and Michelle do so much in the office and make it look easy. They are truly an asset to TBT and I thank them for their assistance. Bill Richter and the maintenance staff work very hard to keep our building clean and fully functioning. In addition, Bill does double duty and runs our catering function. They have always been there when needed.

Repeating my monthly plea, our daily minyans are generally well-attended. We have good attendance on Tuesday and Friday mornings when the café is in operation after the minyan and breakfast is served. However, at other times, we have had trouble getting enough people. If you could commit to attending one service a week, it would be a great help. If you can assist us as well as those who come for yahrzeit, let Cantor Spindler know and he will put you on his list.

I continue to encourage you to visit our website at www.btzbuffalo.org. There is information on the various operations of the synagogue. There is also a link to various vendors that you may use for your Internet shopping. If you access these vendors through our site, we are paid for every purchase at no cost to you. Please consider using this means of access. It is an easy way for us to make some additional money.

I look forward to seeing you all in Shul. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you as President this past year.

B’Shalom

Larry

Our TBT Community is Strengthened & Enriched by Member Participation

in TBT High Holy Days Religious Services. PLEASE JOIN US!

Please contact Janet Gunner (536-0454; [email protected]) or Irving Sellers (691-6842; [email protected]) by July 15, 2009, if you are interested in the following roles: Leading Davening, Reading Torah, Chanting Haftarah, Sounding the Shofar, Opening the Ark, Carrying a Scroll, Having an Aliyah, Lifting the Scroll, Leading an English Reading, Dressing the Scroll, Serving as an Usher. Preparation assistance is available.

(Continued on page 3)

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Harvey Sanders




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To Advertise in the Shofar, call the office at 838-3232

Go Green with Temple Beth Tzedek!

Caring for the environment is a religious imperative, one of the first core values in the Torah. So help TBT go green! Help us do the mitzvah of Tikkun Olam, to repair the world.

Help us reduce our use of paper and mailings by registering your email address with the Temple office and signing up for electronic distribution of the Shofar, flyers, letters and other mailings. Your participation in this initiative will also help us to reduce our expenditures for printing and postage, and you will receive notice of events and activities much sooner.

To sign up, email [email protected]. Include your email address and your consent to receive mail electronically.

The following have sponsored a S’eudah Shlisheet or Kiddush during the month of October:

Dr. Stanley Dickson, on the occasion of the aufruf of his grandson, Lewis Sohinki, and bride, Lora Ainsman

Marvin Kornmehl, in honor of his father, Nathan Kornmehl

Celebrants of birthdays and anniversaries occurring during the month of October

Maria Rizzo, on the occasion of the Bar Mitzvah of her son, Samuel Appleton

TEMPLE BETH TZEDEKAmherst, New York

TEMPLE OFFICE……………838-3232SCHOOL OFFICE……………836-2660

Rabbi ...........................................................Perry NetterCantor .......................................................Mark SpindlerCantor Emeritus..................................... Gerald DeBruinExecutive Director ....................................Allan WerbowChairman of the Board .................... Lawrence H. LevinPresident .............................................. Harvey SandersVice President .............................................Linda BoxerVice President .......................................... Janet GunnerVice President .........................................Rick JacobsonVice President ............................................. Steve LippaTreasurer ............................................ Jonathan EpsteinSecretary .................................................Alan Goldstein

Temple Beth Tzedek is affiliated with theUnited Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Mailing Address621 Getzville RoadBuffalo, NY 14226

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBuffalo, N.Y.

Permit No. 2434

TEMPLE BETH TZEDEKAmherst, New York

TEMPLE OFFICE……………838-3232SCHOOL OFFICE……………836-2660

Rabbi………………………………………. . . . . . Steven ConnCantor…………………………………………Mark SpindlerCantor Emeritus……………………………Gerald DeBruinExecutive Director……………………………Allan Werbow

Chairman of the Board……………….....Lawrence H. LevinPresident…………………………………....Harvey SandersVice President ……………………………......Linda BoxerVice President…………………………………Janet GunnerVice President…………………………….........…Irv SellersVice President…………………………….Jonathan EpsteinTreasurer…………………………………........Steve LippaSecretary …………………………………… Alan Goldstein

Temple Beth Tzedek is affiliated with theUnited Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Mailing Address621 Getzville RoadBuffalo, NY 14226

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDBuffalo, N.Y.

Permit No. 2434

*** SERVICE SCHEDULE ***Sunday Shaharit Service - 8:30 A.M., Weekday Shaharit Service 7:30 A.M.

Friday Evening Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv Service July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 – 7:45 p.m.

Saturday Shabbat Service - 9 A.M.

DAILY MINHA(Sunday through Thursday) 6:00 P.M.

SATURDAY MINHA FOLLOWED BY S’EUDAH SHLISHIT,MA’ARIV & HAVDALAH

July 4 - 8:15 p.m.July 11 - 8:15 p.m.July 18 - 8:15 p.m.July 25 - 8:00 p.m.

August 1 - 8:00 p.m. August 8 - 7:45 p.m.August 15 - 7:45 p.m.August 22 - 7:30 p.m.August 29 - 7:15 p.m.

OUR NEXT ISSUE

Find us on the Web at: Http://www.btzbuffalo.orgOr e-mail us at [email protected]

All material forAUGUST SHOFARMust be received by

July 7, 2009

JULY 2009 TAMMUZ / AV 5769Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 9 TAMMUZ 2 10 TAMMUZ 3 11 TAMMUZ 4 12 TAMMUZ

5 13 TAMMUZ 6 14 TAMMUZ 7 15 TAMMUZ 8 16 TAMMUZ 9 17 TAMMUZ 10 18 TAMMUZ 11 19 TAMMUZ

12 20 TAMMUZ 13 21 TAMMUZ 14 22 TAMMUZ 15 23 TAMMUZ 16 24 TAMMUZ 17 25 TAMMUZ 18 26 TAMMUZ

19 27 TAMMUZ 20 28 TAMMUZ 21 29 TAMMUZ 22 1 AV 23 2 AV 24 3 AV 25 4 AV

CalendarCommittee7:30 p.m.

Shabbat Services7:45 p.m. /

Candle Lighting8:39 p.m.

End of Shabbat 9:27 p.m.

Talmud Class10:00 a.m.

Special Congregational

Meeting7:00 p.m.

FAST DAY Shabbat Services 7:45 p.m. /

Candle Lighting8:37 p.m.


Talmud Class10:00 a.m.

Board Meeting7:30 p.m.

Finance Committee7:30 p.m.

Shabbat Services 7:45 p.m. /

Candle Lighting 8:33 p.m.

Simcha Shabbat / End of Shabbat

9:20 p.m.

Adult EducationCommittee7:45 p.m.

Shabbat Services 7:45 p.m. /



Talmud Class10:00 a.m. /

Kesher Weinberg3:30 p.m.

27 6 AV 28 7 AV

Officers’ Meeting7:30 p.m.

29 8 AV 30 9 AV 31 10 AV

FAST DAY Shabbat Services 7:45 p.m. /


26 5 AV

OUR NEXT ISSUE

Find us on the Web at: http://www.btzbuffalo.orgOr e-mail us at [email protected]

All material forJANUARY SHOFARMust be received byDECEMBER 7, 2010

DECEMBER 2010 KISLEV - TEVET, 5771Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 24 KISLEV 2 25 KISLEV 3 26 KISLEV 4 27 KISLEV

5 28 KISLEV 6 29 KISLEV 7 30 KISLEV 8 1 TEVET

12 5 TEVET 15 8 TEVET 16 9 KISLEV 17 10 KISLEV 18 11 TEVET

19 12 TEVET 20 13 TEVET 21 14 TEVET 22 15 TEVET 23 16 KISLEV 24 17 KISLEV 25 18 TEVET

Chanukah / Education Committee 7:30 p.m.

Chanukah / Congregational Dinner Candle Lighting @ 4:23 p.m.

Sisterhood Board Meeting 10:00 a.m.

27 20 TEVET 28 21 TEVET 29 22 TEVET 30 23 TEVET

Office Closed Candle Lighting @ 4:32 p.m.

26 19 TEVET

11 4 TEVET10 3 TEVET9 2 TEVET

14 7 TEVET13 6 TEVET

31 24 TEVET

Chanukah / Bat Mitzvah Alyssa SchwartzEnd of Shabbat @ 5:11 p.m.

Chanukah / Minyan Class 8:30 a.m. / Outstretched Arm Program 10:30 a.m. / Gesher Chanukah Program

Mincha at Weinberg 3:30 p.m. / Gesher School / Mishpacha

Officers Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Gesher SchoolMembership Committee 7:30 p.m.

Catering Committee

Office Closed /Brotherhood Chinese Dinner Candle Lighting @ 4:27 p.m.

End of Shabbat @ 5:16 p.m.

Board Meeting 7:30 p.m. / Gesher School / Catering Take-Out Night

Lunch & Learn noon / Finance Committee 7:30 p.m.

Adult Education Committee 7:30 p.m.

Simcha Shabbat / Tot Shabbat / Jr. CongregationEnd of Shabbat @ 5:12 p.m.

Chanukah / Gesher School / Ritual Committee 7:30 p.m.

Chanukah / Kesher Study Program at Weinberg / USY Ice Cream Social

Family Havdalah Program / Jr. Congregation End of Shabbat @ 5:10 p.m.

Chanukah / Sisterhood Chanukah Dinner

Candle Lighting @ 4:22 p.m.

Candle Lighting @ 4:24 p.m.

***SERVICE SCHEDULE***Sunday Shaharit Service: 8:30 a.m. – Weekday Shaharit Service 7:30 a.m.

Friday Evening Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv Service 6:00 p.m.Saturday Shabbat Service 9:00 a.m.

Daily Minha Sunday through Friday 6:00 p.m.Saturday Minha followed by S’eudah Shlishit,

Ma’ariv & Havdalah

December 4 – 4:00 p.m. January 1 – 4:00 p.m.December 11 – 4:00 p.m. January 8 – 4:15 p.m. December 18 – 4 :00 p.m. January 15 – 4:15 p.m.December 25 – 4:00 p.m. January 22 – 4:30 p.m.

Chanukah

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