November, 2018Cheshvan - Kislev, 5779

UPCOMING THIS MONTH AND NEXT

NOVEMBER 4 - Mahjongg Class begins (pg 1)

9 - Judith Ruden Bat Mitzvah (pg 4)

10 - Judith Ruden Bat Mitzvah (pg 4)

11 - Sisterhood/Men’s Club Veteran’s Day Brunch (pg 5)

16 - Hey class (7th Grade) Family Service21 - Men’s Club Brewing Project Tasting Day (pgs 1, 3)

30 - Shabbat Sparks of Goodness (pg 15)

DECEMBER 2 - First Night of Chanukah Men’s Club Latke Party (pg 12)

16 - Adult Education course begins (pg 4)

20 - Annual Sisterhood Joint Lunch (pg 9)

B’NAI ISRAEL BREWERS PROJECT KICKS OFFby Brian Stewart

On the morning of October 7th, a group of courageous men from B’nai Israel came together and embarked on a mission of greatness. Armed with only a kettle, a spoon, and a dozen bagels, these stalwart men set out to transform the noble barley plant, one of the original Seven Species of the land of Israel, into one of nature’s greatest miracles: Beer! Stories were told, legends were born, myths were busted, and beer was spilled. The Brew Project turned out to be the perfect time to make new friends and a chance to reconnect with friends who had not had a chance to talk in a long time; a great time was had by all who participated.

On October 28, again following a healthy breakfast, the team of intrepid Brewers reconvened for the second phase of the job. They opened their fermenters, transferred

From Left: Men’s Club president Jimmy Tran, Rabbi Art Flicker, Brian Stewart, Terry Locke, Alan Kesner, Luis Mejia-Huazo, Ben Kesner, Alan Chodorow, Marty Sherman and Marty Mayo.

Have you ever wondered why Mahjongg, the Chinese tile game, has been so popular with Jews?

This November tCongregation B’nai Israel invites you to learn to play Mahjongg and get a game going Sundays at 12:30 in the Social Hall. The cost is $5.00 per class, led by Nori Yonack.

Total beginners and experienced players welcome. Bring a set if you have one but we will have several sets on hand. You can RSVP to the office and pre-pay for the four week series or pay at each class.

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ADULT EDUCATION AT B’NAI ISRAELby Sarah Egelman

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THE SHOFAR A monthly publication of Congregation B’nai Israel

4401 Indian School Road NEAlbuquerque, NM 87110(505) 266-0155 / (505) 268-6136 (fax)www.bnaiisrael-nm.orgoffice@bnaiisrael-nm.org

Shofar StaffBryan Bobrick, EditorLayout by Caitlin Hecsh, Artistic Design & Print

Rabbi Arthur Flicker, Rabbi Emeritus

Professional StaffAnna Alexander, Office ManagerJoan Horowitz, Religious School Director

Executive Board of TrusteesPresident, Elynn FinstonPresident-Elect, Ellen SatzCo-Vice Presidents, Amanda Cohen-Bandy, Louis Mejia-HuazoSecretary, Talia TimminsPast President, Wayne BobrickSisterhood President, Melissa DroletMen’s Club President, Jimmy Tran

Committee ChairsHistorian, Harvey BuchalterProgram, Amanda Cohen-BandyWays & Means, Madeline DunnEducation, Sarah Egelman100th Anniversary, Sarah FlatowLibrary, Lynn FreedmanHouse, Security, Russell GoldsteinArts Judaica, Ellen LandisPublic Relations, Rachael LandauRitual, Ben StuhlParliamentarian, Esther TenenbaumNominating, Nori Yonack

SHOFAR ADVERTISING RATES:Business Card Ads: Per month: $30, 6 months pre-paid: $165 1 year pre-paid: $300

Quarter Page Ads: Per month: $606 months pre-paid: $330 or 1 year pre-paid: $600

SHOFAR SUBMISSIONS & DEADLINES:The deadline for submission of content is the tenth of the month for the following month’s publication. When the tenth falls on Shabbat the deadline is advanced to Sunday. Content and photos must be e-mailed to the Shofar editor at shofar@bnaiisrael-nm.org AND to the designer at 2catjoe@swcp.com. When sending photos, please be sure to include first and last names of the people in each photo. Photos should be 300 dpi resolution in color or black and white. Optimal photo size is 3”x5” or a close approximation. In addition to keeping congregants informed, The Shofar is used to connect with our inactive and shut-in members to help them know they are still part of the congregation; as a bridge of friendship to visitors and those interested in joining our congregation; and help members who have moved away keep in touch with friends back home. Letters to the editor in the form of debate, opinion, or responses that do not fit the purpose of The Shofar are not accepted. News and articles are welcome. The editor reserves the right to edit for grammar, style, length and content.

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Minutes of monthly Board of Directors meetings are available in the synagogue office.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEby Elynn Finston

Now that the holidays are behind us, I’d like to bring you up to date on what’s been happening here at B’nai Israel:

On October 9, 2018, Sofer Rabbi Yochanan Salazar visited B’nai Israel. During the time he spent with us, he was able to evaluate the six Torah scrolls in the Aron Kodesh in the main sanctuary. Two of the scrolls needed only minor repairs and Rabbi Salazar was able to make them as they were discovered. Those two scrolls are now completely kosher. The remaining four scrolls have varying degrees of damage, some of which can be remediated on site in a follow-up visit to B’nai Israel. Others have damage extensive enough to require send-ing the scrolls to Rabbi Salazar in Florida where he can work on them over an extended period of time. In a few weeks we will receive a comprehensive report indicating the condition of each scroll, the repairs that were made so far, what remains to be repaired, and the cost for each recommended repair. We will make decisions on how to proceed based on the expense for each scroll individually. We can space the repairs out over a period of time depending upon the availability of funds.

Rabbi Salazar met with the Religious School students who asked many thoughtful questions. They saw a Torah scroll unrolled, and they watched Rabbi Salazar make some repairs to the scroll as they were talking together. During his session with the adults, he told us about the history of our Torah scrolls (more about that in a separate article), gave us tips for how to raise the scrolls more safely when we do hagbah, talked about his training to become a Sofer and instructed us on how to better care for our Torah scrolls. We learned a great deal from our conversation with him, and look forward to his return, when he will be able to evaluate the condition of the remaining two Torah scrolls down in the small chapel.

By now, many of you have heard the sad news that B’nai Israel needed to close our Preschool this past month. You’re probably asking, “What hap-pened?” Let me begin by assuring you that this was not a sudden decision. Over the past several years our preschool has failed to cover its operating expenses. Each year the Board has struggled with the question of whether or not to allow the preschool to keep operating. Last year we subsidized the preschool $17,000.

In the spring we met with the Preschool Director, Samantha Newcomb, to discuss how to make the preschool profitable. We informed her that if the preschool could not at least break even this year, we would have to close. We worked on the budget and determined that it would take 20 – 25 students to make this happen. At the time, there were 15 students enrolled. Saman-tha was confident that by the end of summer we could enroll an additional 5 – 10 students to meet the goal. Unfortunately, this did not happen. On opening day, we had 6 children enrolled. There were more teachers in the classrooms than students, and no prospect of any additional new children. It was no longer financially feasible to keep the preschool open. We met with the preschool staff to inform them that a recommendation would be made to the Board to close the preschool by the end of September. Our intent was to give the staff time to find new employment and the parents time to find

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CONDOLENCES TO:

REPORT FROM THE 100 YEARANNIVERSARY COMMITTEEby Sarah Flatow

While September and October have been busy months at the synagogue, we have kept up our efforts to provide a tremendous 100th Anniver-sary Year. To date, Beth and I have met with all of our committee chairs (The Launch, Big Event, Purim, Young Adults Event, Gala Event and the B’nai Book) and they are underway with planning. We also met with Rachael and Esther and they agreed to provide the PR for the events, which will take the word out way beyond our current borders. We have met with Sisterhood and Men’s Club presidents with a wonderful partnership established and all kinds of great ideas generated. We met with Membership and are aligned on increasing our membership by 100 new members between now and the end of 2020. Our steering committee continues to provide wise and steady support. A local Playwright, Terri Klein, offered to compose and produce a play for us, free of charge, that she’d like to contribute as a fundraiser for the 100th year anniversary. There are many places to participate, just let us know how and we’ll point you in the right direction. At the moment we are looking for people who have experience in either marketing or fundraising who might like to play with us. Please let us know.

As we write this, Beth’s leaving for a well earned week off for her son’s wedding. Mazel Tov to Beth and Brian!

INTERIM RABBI SEARCH UNDERWAYby Benjamin Stuhl

The search for an Interim Rabbi for our community is officially under way! The Search Committee held its first organizational meeting on Sep. 30th, with a focus on organizational matters and understanding its charge. The Board of Directors has charged the Search Committee to find an Interim Rabbi, a rabbinic leader specializing in community building and helping our congregation find a good fit with a future permanent spiritual leader. The position of Interim Rabbi is intrinsically time-limited, which usually helps the community building and healing process by reducing some of the tensions that can build through a longer tenure.

The Search Committee has agreed, with the concurrence of the Board, to execute an extremely wide search: not only candidates from the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies, but also candidates from Reform, Reconstructionist, and independent seminaries may be considered. Our community certainly expects a certain level of ritual knowledge and practice from any future Rabbi, but there are many institutions which teach to the appropriate level.

We also want to thank everyone who participated in the congregational survey and the congregational meetings over the summer. We would not know what to look for in the candidates without all of your inputs.

The initial roster of the Search Committee consists of 9 members:Ellen Satz (Chair) Elynn Finston (Congregation B’nai Israel President)Melissa Drolet (Congregation B’nai Israel Vice-President)Harvey Buchalter Benjamin StuhlDanny LevensonMarissa WaldEsther Shir

Questions and comments should be addressed to the Chair, Ellen Satz, at satz@comcast.net.

Michael, Mina Jo and Daniel Linver and family on the loss of beloved mother and grand-mother, Betty Linver.

Gary Raish and his family on the passing of his mother, Margaret Raish.

Have you wondered how all our local breweries go about making their many delicious beers?

Come join in as B’nai Israel Men’s Club commences their first Fall Brewing Project beginning Sunday, October 7, 2018. Under direction of Home-brewer Brian Stewart, participants will learn about the brewing process, and brew and bottle two different batches of beer. No prior experience is necessary, but experienced brewers are welcome to join in the fun.

A $12 participation fee will get you into any or all of the project steps.

Sunday, October 7, 9:00 to 1:00 Brew Day—Steeping the grains, boiling the wort, adding the hops and pitching the yeast.

Sunday, October 28, following Men’s Club Bottling Day—Sanitizing the bottles, priming the wort, Breakfast filling and capping the bottles.

TENTATIVE Wednesday, November 21, 5:30 Tasting Day—Pouring a glass and enjoying with friends.

to 7:00

————————————————————————————————————————————————-

B’nai Israel Brewing Project Sign-up Name___________________________________ Phone ____________________ Email ______________________________

I would like to participate in:

_____ October 7 Brew Day

_____ October 28 Bottling Day

_____ TENTATIVE Nov 21 Tasting Day

Mail to: Brian Stewart, 5301 Calle Nuestra NW, Albuquerque, NM OR Drop off in the B’nai Israel Business Office OR Use the QR code provided OR Use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b044eaca82da0f94-2018

their treasured beverage into bottles, and sealed it inside to carbonate. 50 bottles each of “Promised Land” Amber Ale and “Tangerine Express” Pale Ale are locked away in a hidden corner of the Shul, hopefully filling up with bubbles. How will the beers taste? Come find out at the “Big Reveal!” Tasting Day will be Wednesday, November 21, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Sign up at bit.ly/cbibrewing. The cost is $12 and snacks, soft drinks and, yes, beer will be served!

B’NAI ISRAEL BREWERS continued from page 1

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Send your news, schmooze and simcha announcements to: shofar@bnaiisrael-nm.org AND also to 2catjoe@swcp.com and kvell a little about YOUR loved ones, or even someone else’s loved ones! We’ll gladly help you share the news with the rest of the world! Photos are always welcome!

Happy Birthday to

Schmooze News

Happy Anniversary to:

Harold & Patricia BaskinKeli & Evelyn Enzweiler

Nathan & Angelina Lopez-BrodyAlexander Maller & Carol Krugman Maller

Tobias & Sarah FlatowAlan & Diane Chodorow

Did we miss your big day? We don’t want that to happen!Call the office at 266-0155 to update your information so we can help you celebrate.

Daniel Wald Roberta Haynes Sparks

Susan Seligman Helen Grevey Leah Kesner

Zachary Kesner Rachael Landau

Sally Fisher Sharon Gorelick

Justin Koepke Jordan Bobrick

Donald Satz

Evelyn Enzweiler Neal Shadoff

Terry Lee Heller Aviva Timmins Isaac Goldstein

Laura Prager-Diamond Jason Tenenbaum

Louis Guillory Gregg Franklin Brigita Jupiter Marilyn Stark Judith Anna Ruden, daughter of Joshua and

Jennifer Ruden, will become a bat mitzvah on November 9-10, 2018 at B'nai Israel.

A 7th grader at Desert Ridge Middle School, Judy enjoys designing artwork and reading books in her spare time. She also enjoys taking pictures of her pets.

Judy will be donating toys and school supplies to UNM Children's Hospital as part of her bat mitzvah project as well as making a generous donation to the Malala fund. Judy is a proponent of education and equal access to it. In the future, Judy hopes to attend medical school and become a psychiatrist.

Bat Mitzvah

MEMBERSHIP / BLUE BOOK CORRECTIONS:

Michael & Mina Jo Linver2904 Mayer Place, Alexandria, VA 22302

Nina Simon & Jodie Hart1413 Aliso Drive NE, 87110

SAVE THE DATE FOR DECEMBER ADULT ED COURSE

Adult Education presents a class on Musar (virtue based ethics) with Terry Lee Heller on Sunday, December 16th at 10 am.

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“For God, Country, and the Thrill of It”The Women Airforce Service Pilots of WW-II

The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) were a group of approximately 1100 American women pilots who flew every aircraft in the Army Air Force inventory during WWII. They were recruited into the civil service, trained to the same standards as Army Air Force pilots, and assigned to bases throughout the continental United States. They ferried new airplanes across the country, towed sleeve targets for anti-aircraft artillery and aerial gunnery training units, acted as targets for aerial gunnery students firing camera equipped guns, piloted student bombardiers and navigators on their training flights, and flew as utility and engineering test pilots at bases. Eleven WASPs died during training and 27 during operational flights. The presentation will cover the development of the WASP program, their training, duty assignments, and the politics associated with the establishment of this pioneering group of exceptional women aviators. Individual pilots will be highlighted throughout the discussion.

Joint Sisterhood/Men's Club Veterans' Day Brunch

Sunday, November 11, 2018, 10:30 AM

Join us for an Illustrated Presentation with Guest Speaker

Lanny Smith

A lox & bagel brunch will be prepared and served by our Men's Club and Sisterhood kitchen crew. The cost is $12 per person

Veterans and active duty U.S. military personnel are free. Reservations are necessary, and can be made by submitting the attached form no later than November 5,

or go to the Sisterhood website, www.cbisisterhood.org, to make and pay for your reservation.Questions? Call Melissa Drolet at (505) 980-1453

Joint Men’s Club & Sisterhood Veterans’ Day Brunch Reservation Form

Please complete this form and send it with your check, made payable to B’nai Israel Sisterhood, to:Tania Bobrick, 5619 Estrellita Del Norte Road NE, 87111, no later than November 5.

Yes! I/We can’t wait to come!

Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

No. Attending _____________________ Total enclosed: $_______________________

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RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NEWSby Joan Q. Horowitz, director

We are getting into the flow of a regular weekly schedule now that the Tishrei holidays are over. Our Hey class is learning about Jewish history and talking about how Judaism can help them make informed life choices. Our Gimel/Dalet class has grown so large, we are going to split them into two grade-level classes. Our Bet class, always into the arts and crafts, is also working hard on learning Hebrew and finding out more about Israel. Our beginning Hebrew class is quite small, just 2 students, but they are learning their Alef-Bet and working hard on how to decode Hebrew words. Our youngest students are continuing their studies of Shabbat and the Torah.

The first of our almost-monthly class services, held on Friday evenings, was at the end of October. Confirmation students had the opportunity to practice again the skills they learned for their B’nai Mitzvot. Over the course of the year, each of our religious school classes will participate in a Friday night service. We are working to have a meal available for future services, and hope you can join us to watch our students grow. Here are the dates for the rest of the year:

Friday, November 16 - Hey (7th grade) ClassFriday, December 7, 6th night of Chanukah - Gan (preschool - 1st grade) ClassFriday, February 1 - Mechinah/Alef (2nd and 3rd grades) ClassFriday, March 1 - Bet (4th grade) ClassFriday, April 5 - Gimel (5th grade) ClassFriday, May 3 - Dalet (6th grade) Class In addition to learning Hebrew reading, prayers, and liturgy, we are

working to include Jewish history and strengthening our connections to Israel at every grade level. Over the course of the school year, each class will also have some kind of project that includes family involvement. For example, family members may be asked to help fill in family trees or to come into their child’s classroom to talk about their Jewish experiences.

Even if you don’t have children in the religious school, we would love to learn from and with you. We welcome anyone who has a story to tell, a special interest to share, or a skill to teach.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL’SSUKKOT IN PHOTO REVIEWby Sarah Egelman

From top to bottom: Avi Franklin and David Koshkin with a lulav and etrog

outside the sukkah.Nathaniel Levenson and Aren Horowitz lead services in

the sukkah on Hashona RabaReligious school students working together on Sukkot

crafts.

CAN YOU READ HEBREW? DO YOU LIKE KIDS?RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SEEKS TUTORS

The Religious School could use some people to help tutor students who are behind in their Hebrew reading skills. Tutoring could take place during school hours (Sundays 9am-12noon, Tuesdays 4:30-6pm), or at a time and place that is mutually convenient.

We also need a group of reliable substitutes for all grade levels, Gan (preschool through 1st grade) through Hey (7th grade). Lessons plans and materials will be available – it’s just that sometimes our teachers get sick, have family obligations or other commitments.

If you are interested in tutoring or substituting in the Religious School, please contact Joan Horowitz at RSatCBI@gmail.com or 505-553-0736 (call or text). If you know someone in or out of the B’nai Israel community who would be interested, please pass along this information.

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continued from page 2

new school placements. Unfortunately, before this could happen, we were informed that the preschool director had already accepted a new position and was leaving before our anticipated closing date. As the preschool staff only worked part time, they were not eligible to collect unemployment benefits. This prompted the Board to give bonuses to the teachers who agreed to work until the designated closing date. Some worked beyond the closing date to pack up classrooms and finalize closing paperwork.

Many factors have combined to bring us to this point. New Mexico now offers FREE public preschool for three and four-year olds. In a state where discretionary income is limited, the choice between paying for a private preschool education, and receiving a free public preschool education for your child is an obvious one, especially if you are not wholly committed to providing a Jewish preschool experience for your child. We have, for many years been more of a “neighborhood school” rather than a Jewish one. This year we had only two Jewish children enrolled. Over 20 private preschools have closed their doors here in Albuquerque this summer. Also, because we are synagogue-based, we require that the school be closed for all the Jewish Holidays. This places a hardship on many parents, especially those who are not Jewish. These obstacles have made it increasingly more dif-ficult to keep our enrollment up.

Although we will miss the sound of children’s voices echoing through the building, I am not disheartened. I have been approached by some individuals who are interested in opening up a different kind of preschool in our space. A presentation will be made to the Board within the next few weeks and then a decision will be made to determine if this might be a new option for us. I will keep you posted if we decide to move forward.

Last month I wrote about the four different ways that you could finan-cially support our synagogue. As the year progresses, other opportunities might arise. I have been approached by several congregants who have asked the same question: “I pay my dues. Why do people keep asking me to donate more money?” Other congregants have been hearing rumors that we are financially unstable and are about to close our doors. Which prompts the next question, “Why renovate if we aren’t going to make it?” These are all really good questions and very legitimate concerns. I have asked our Financial Secretary, Tobias Flatow, to address these, and other issues, in a series of articles in the Shofar over the next few months.

We are an amazing congregation with the talent and determination to keep our congregation moving forward. I understand how difficult it can be at times to carry on without a Rabbi to consult about ritual matters, to counsel us in time of need or to represent us in the greater community. I want to assure you that we are proceeding with our search for an Interim Rabbi. Ben Stuhl, our Ritual Committee Chair, will keep you posted on the progress we are making in this endeavor. See his article for more details.

Please continue to bring your questions and concerns to me or to El-len Satz, and we will address them as best we can both through on-going conversation and in our monthly Shofar articles.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SELICHOT FUND UPDATEby Judy Pitkofsky

Our Selichot observance is now a pleasant memory which brought us the outstanding panel discussion led by Rabbi John Feldman, Attorney Terry Lee Heller and Dr. Samuel Roll, the mean-ingful service conducted by Rabbis Min Kan-trowitz and Harry Rosenfeld and Cantor Barbara Finn and the delightful and delicious reception sponsored by the Yudin Selichot Memorial Fund.

Alan Yudin, with his sisters, Helen Gomez and Brenda Schoenbrun (of blessed memory), created the Yudin Memorial Selichot Fund 23 years ago to honor the memory of their parents, David and Dorothy Yudin. Alan was present on September 1 and greeted those in attendance.

If you would like to help raise money for this fund, you can send Selichot Fund tribute cards for any occasion. The minimum donation is $5. Send your request and check to Judy Pitkofsky, 12200 Academy Rd., NE, Apt. 615, 87111. The check should be made out to B’nai Israel Sister-hood and marked for “Yudin Selichot Fund.” Sisterhood administers this fund, but the monies are kept in a separate account.

In the past few months, the following tributes have been sent by Alan:

In Memory of:Gussie Zaks, mother of Marcia Rosenberg,Peter Roenfanz, father of Jill SavoyAllan Adler, father of Terry RogowayJack SeligmanPhyllis Goldhamer, mother of Mark GoldhamerMargo Green, mother of Robert GreenFernie CaplanRae Frishman

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TORAH FUNDby Susan Shadoff

SISTERHOOD NEWS:A WOMAN OF VALORby Melissa DroletA BIG thank you to all Torah Fund contribu-

tors. They are:

Marilyn BrombergVicky Camerlingo

Melissa DroletMyra Gasser

Rosalie GollinsBetty Osoff-Hanagan

Bonnie IvenerFran Ivener

Shirley MorrisonJennie NeginWillie Peters

Judith PitkofskyMarilyn Reiman

Sharon RubensteinSusan ShadoffBobbie Spector

Jan TepperAlice WeinsteinMargaret Yonack

Money raised by contributing to Torah Fund goes towards scholarships to all the schools pro-moting and perpetuating Conservative Judaism.

You can mail your donations to :Susan Shadoff, 6335 Cliffbrush Lane NE,

Albuquerque, NM 87111 or go to www.cbisister-hood.or. and do it online.

We look forward to your continuing support.

JOIN THE SISTERHOOD’SE-BLAST LIST!

As part of our continuing effort to improve the lines of communication within Sisterhood, Chris Buchalter and Beth Stewart compiled a list of Sisterhood members’ e-mail addresses and created a group that we can “blast” with e-mails concerning upcoming Sisterhood events and volunteer opportunities. If you are a Sisterhood member, you should have received several of these e-mail blasts in the last couple of months. If you are a Sisterhood member and have not been receiving these e-mail blasts, but would like to, please send your e-mail address to Esther Shir at esthers@unm.edu and she will add you to the list. Esther is Sisterhood’s new Recording Secretary and she will be taking over sending out the membership e-mail blasts.

Our community, our congregation, and our Sisterhood suf-fered a tremendous loss a few weeks ago. Fernie Caplan passed

away. Fernie was a great friend, a lifelong member of Congregation B’nai Israel, and a dedicated Sisterhood member. We will miss her.Fernie was a real “hometown girl”- born and raised here in Albu-

querque. Nancy Levick remembers when Fernie’s family, the Bernsteins, lived just down the street from her family, across from the library at Central and Edith, and Fernie, a few years older than Nancy, was her babysitter. Later Fernie’s family moved to Tulane Street, near Monte Vista Elementary School. She attended Jefferson Middle School and Highland High School. Except for a few years spent at the University of Colorado and some time spent in California training to be a dental assistant, Fernie spent her entire life in Albuquerque.

And a good life it was. She married the love of her life, Reuben, and had four daughters, Mindy, Connie, Suzy, and Pam. Her family was the most important thing in her life, and she was a loving and very involved mother, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of eight.

Second only to her love of family was her love of friends. Fernie was a wonderful friend. Most remarkable was her over 60 year friendship with Judy Greenfeld. Fernie and Judy gave new meaning to the term “BFFs- best friends forever.”

Following close behind Fernie’s dedication to family and friends was her dedication to Congregation B’nai Israel and, especially, Sisterhood. A lifelong member of the congregation, she joined Sisterhood soon after she married Reuben, when her girls were young. She served on the Sisterhood Board in nearly every capacity: Secretary, Membership V.P., Tree of Life Chair, etc. If there was a job to be done for Sisterhood, Fernie was willing to do it. There was hardly a Sisterhood Board position that Fernie did not hold at some time. She was so generous with her time and energy. What-ever she did, she did well. She was honored as the Sisterhood “Woman of Achievement” in recognition for all she did for our Sisterhood and our congregation.

Fernie was a familiar presence in the synagogue kitchen. A wonder-ful cook, she headed up the publication of Sisterhood’s 75th Anniversary Cookbook, generously sharing many of her own recipes. Many of us, myself included, will think of Fernie every time we make her famous “Green Fluff Jello.”

In addition to her work for Sisterhood, Fernie also volunteered in the synagogue office for over 30 years. I always enjoyed calling the office on Thursday mornings, knowing that Fernie’s warm, unmistakable voice would answer the phone. Fernie continued to come in every Thursday until nearly the end, dedicated as she was to her shul.

There is so much we will remember about Fernie- her smiling face, her sympathetic ear, her willing hands. May her memory be for a blessing to us all.

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We continue to add leaves and rocks to our Tree of Life. Let’s fill it up with many mitzvot and memories.

Leaves are $60.00 and allow for 55 to 60 let-ters. Rocks at the bottom of the tree are available and offer more space for well-wishes and memori-als. Rocks are $500.00.

The following leaves have been added:

“Aunt Fernie CaplanWe’ll miss you

Love The Greenfeld Family”from The Greenfeld Family

IN MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND FERNIE CAPLAN

CHAVURAH B’LI SHEMMarilyn Bromberg, Myra & Sidney Gasser, Judy Greenfeld,

Marilyn Reinman, Margaret Yonack

“Fernie, Mom, Grandma, GigiLove4Ever

Mindy, Aly, Shauna, & Kids”from Mindy Caplan

“Susie Kubie2017

for her friendship and optimismCBI Sisterhood”

from Congregation B’nai Israel Sisterhood

The following rock has been added:

“In Memory of Fernie Caplan

for her years of friendship and work on the Sisterhood Boardand her warm smile greeting us in the B’nai Israel office

CBI Sisterhood 2018”from Congregation B’nai Israel Sisterhood

To purchase a leaf or rock please call Beth Stewart at 440-8986 or send an email to her at busymom7890@gmail.com.

Your leaf or rock will be on the tree in about a week. Make your check out to B’nai Israel Sisterhood and mail to Beth Stewart, 5301 Calle Nuestra NW, Albuquerque, 87120

TREE OF LIFE

December 20, 2018

SAVE THE DATE

Annual SisterhoodJoint Luncheon

B’nai Israel Sisterhood members will be the guests of the

Congregation Albert Sisterhood at this annual get-together.

Watch your Shofar and e-mails for more information about

the menu and program.

We’ll be lighting the first candle of Chanukah on December 2 – just a few weeks away. You’ll want to drop in at Sisterhood’s Judaica Shop soon to check over the many beautiful holiday items on display. On page 11 in our gift shop ad, is pictured three of the many Chanukiahs in stock. On the left is a sleek, modern, electric Chanukiah – perfect for a child’s room or for rooms or homes where an open flame can be dangerous. The one in the middle is made of hand-carved Jerusalem stone and the other is the more traditional design.

In addition, you will find the ever- popular Chanukah socks for babies, kids and even adults in new colors and patterns. The shelves will be filled with candles, dreidels, games, press-on nails with Chanukah designs, light-up pendants, packaged Chanukah cards and decorations. And of course, do stock up on gelt, shortbread cookies and Jelly Belly jelly beans.

Most Chanukah items will be on sale in No-vember.

The shop is open from 9:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. When Religious school is not in session, it will be closed. If you need something special, call Judy Sherman, 292-3297.

GIFT SHOP NEWSby Judy Pitkofsky

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PLEASE SEND YOUR DONATIONS TO THE SYNAGOGUE OFFICEWhen making a donation for a yahrzeit, please be sure to include your loved one’s name AND their relationship to you with your donation.

Donations to the Congregation GENERAL FUND

Donations: -Larry Golden -Terry Locke -Pam Endzweig -Cynthia DettmanMazel tov to:Beth & Brian Stewart on the marriage of their son, Matthew -Nori Yonack & Bob ChoateThank you to:Rabbi Arthur Flicker -Families of Ron Taylor & Mitch TaylorSpeedy recovery to:Brian Ivener -Lyn SinowitzBonnie Ivener -Lyn SinowitzIn memory of:Fernie Caplan -Carolee & Harold Albert -Anita & Jim Miller -Karen & Ron Taylor -Havi & David Graeber -Paula Schwartz -Bobbie Weinberg -Karen & Erik Kanin -Linda Forms -Paddy Levick -Anita Klawsky -Ellen Diamond -Bobbie Kleinfeld -Anna Alexander -Judith Pitkofsky -Allen Berlin -Nancy Levick

In memory of:Fernie Caplan -Samantha & Kenneth O’Brien -Peggy & Sid Henderson -Caitlin Hecsh & Joe Scott -Shelley & Herb Koffler -Lily Azouz -Marilyn & Stanley StarkBetty Linver -Karen & Ron Taylor -Phyllis & Murray Elowitz -Alice Weinstein -Tania & Wayne Bobrick -Margaret Yonack -Judy Greenfeld -Shelley & Herb Koffler -Bonnie & Roger Leib -Marilyn ReinmanBeverly Rogoff -Karen & Ron Taylor -Paddy LevickRae Frishman -Judy GreenfeldHannie Wols -Lily AzouzMildred Terr -Lily AzouzYahrzeiten:Father, Kalman Saltzberg -Judith PitkofskyFather-In-Law, Edward Greenfeld -Judy Greenfeld

GENERAL KIDDUSH FUND

Yahrzeit:Aunt, Rosa Sloneem -Lyn Sinowitz

RELIGIOUS & EDUCATION SCHOOL FUND

In memory of:Fernie Caplan -Sharon Kahn

MARTIN MORRISON MEMORIAL FUND

In memory of:Beverly Rogoff -Shirley Morrison

DANNY SPECTER MEMORIAL CAMP

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIn memory of:Fernie Caplan -Bobbie & Lionel Specter

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Money contributed to this fund is used to pay for the cost of the food and its preparation for Kiddush Luncheons. If you choose to sponsor the Kiddush exclusively, the cost is $350 and your name will appear in the Friday/Saturday flyer.

If you want to remember a loved one’s yahrzeit, or honor someone, a minimum contribution of $50 is all that it takes.

To make a donation to the Kiddush fund, send in your information including the name and relationship and your check to 4401 Indian School NE, 87110, or you can go online to make your donation.

KIDDUSH FUND

I AM A MEMBER OF CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL

BECAUSE...

“It’s the only congregation I have been a member of. My dear friends are members here.”

(Member, Synagogue Survey, April/May 2018)

“We joined because we prefer Conservative services.”(Member, Synagogue Survey, April/May 2018)

“It’s the Conservative home for my family. We are part of this community and this is where

we feel most comfortable as a family.”(Member, Synagogue Survey, April/May 2018)

SiSterhood Judaica Shop

Get 15% off Menorahs & Misc. Chanukah Items

(CDs, serving dishes, etc-

Get 20% off Decorative Dreidels & Electric Menorahs

Sorry, candles, food items, dreidels, toys NOT included in this sale.

Hours:Sunday - Friday 9am to Noon

Or call 266-0155 for personal appointment

Janice & Marshall Moranz for Berkeley FroomkinTerry Locke for a Kiddush fund donation.Jan & Bradley Tepper for his father, Arnold TepperMarilyn Bromberg for her daughter, Ellen Sue SkolnickSondra & Gerald Malloy for her father, David ZabinJudy & Peter Weinreb in honor of Aren Horowitz’s contribution to morning minyan

Wishing Everyone the Thanksgiving of their dreams!

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NM JEWISH HISTORICALSOCIETY ANNUALCONFERENCE IN ABQ

The New Mexico Jewish Historical Society will celebrate “Expressing Jewish Identities, Challenges and Accomplishments” at its annual Fall Conference in Albuquerque, November 9-11, 2018.

The conference is open to the public and will be held at the Sheraton Uptown Hotel. Pre-senters will show how New Mexico Jews have expressed their unique cultural identity from film and dance to everyday life. The keynote address will be “Dancing Jewish: Jewish Women and Modern American Dance” by author and choreographer Dr. Rebecca Rossen.

Programs include Marcia Fine on the Cryp-to-Judaic Experience; Marcia Torobin, on “Jew-ish Identity through the Lens of Israeli Film;” Sharon Niederman’s “Confessions of a 21st Century Jewish Pioneer: Keeping the Candles Lit in Colfax County,” and others by speakers Rabbi Jack Shlacter; Ron Duncan Hart; Yvette Cohn Stoor; Dorothy Corner Amsden; and Har-vey Buchalter. In addition, Israeli folk dancer Denis Maltz Grutcki will demonstrate and teach basic Israeli dancing to willing attendees.

Naomi Sandweiss, author of Jewish Albu-querque 1860 - 1960, will conduct an optional walking tour of historic Jewish downtown Sat-urday morning.

Contact NMJHS at (505)348-4471, admin@nmjhs, to register. On-line registration is avail-able at www.nmjhs.org.

New Mexico Jewish

Historical Society 505 348 4471 nmjhs.org

Farewell to Preschool & StaffWe’ll miss you so much.

The secret things belong unto the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed

belong unto us and to our children for ever. [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 29:28]

...The trouble is that even the revealed things are unseen by us.

- Reuven Alcalay

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Our Holy Scriptures are not only a religious book, but the foundation of our literature, our language and our history, and the sole source of them.

- Rav Tza’ir

SOFER RABBI YOCHANAN SALAZARVISITS CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL by Elynn Finston

It was a great honor to have Rabbi Salazar come to B’nai to evaluate, assess and repair our Sifre Torah. Here are some of the things we learned by the end of the day:

•Youdon’thavetobeaRabbiinordertobecomeaSofer,butithelps!•YouhavetostudytobecomeaSoferandittakesatleast4-5years

before you can take the test to earn your s’micha.•YoucannotstudytobecomeaSoferonyourown.Youarerequired

to find a mentor (or two or three) to help guide you and teach you the skills of becoming a Sofer. As there were many different traditions for writing a Torah scroll it is beneficial to have studied with mentors who can teach you about each tradition.

•ASofermustlearnhowtomakehis/herownink,andpreparehis/herown quills to write with. They use turkey feathers.

•Beforethe2ndWorldWar,TorahscrollswerewrittenmostlyinRus-sia or Poland, each country had its own style of script and its own way of laying out the text. All of this was standardized by Rabbi Koran, who is considered to be the ultimate authority on the Torah text. He decided that moving forward, all Torah scrolls would be written in the Polish tradition.

•NowTorahscrollsaremostlywritteninIsraelwithasmallnumberinthe United States. They still use the Polish script.

•Thereareonly3womenwhohaveearneds’michaand the right towork as a Sofer.

•Thereisonly1left-handedSofer.•ASofercanonlywriteaTorahscrollforsomeoneelse,neverforhim/

herself.

The Torah scrolls at B’nai range in age form 50 years – 175 years old. The youngest one is a S’fardi Torah written in Israel. The oldest is a Polish Torah. We also own a Torah written in Russia and one possibly written in Czechoslovakia. All of our Torah scrolls are beautifully written and easy to read, even after all these years.

Torah scrolls need to breathe to keep the scrolls from totally drying out and becoming brittle. This is important if they are not used on a regular basis. Rabbi Salazar instructed us on how to do this safely and efficiently. It will become part of our High Holiday preparations moving forward.

The average value of a used Torah is $14,000. It costs approximately $35,000 to purchase a new Torah. It takes about 1 year for a Sofer to write a new Torah.

We will use those facts to help us decide which and when to repair our remaining Torah scrolls.

We are looking forward to Rabbi Salazar’s return when he can begin to repair our damaged Torah scrolls and evaluate the remaining two scrolls in our Chapel. We hope that he will be able to conduct another class for us.

Above & Below: Sofer Rabbi Salazar talking to the Religious School’s Bet class

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When times get tough, it’s easy to dwell on all the negative things that have hap-

pened, often magnifying their significance beyond reality. Please join us as we search

together for all the good things that surround us. It will be an opportunity to remember

the unexpected kindnesses that have been bestowed upon us, and to reflect upon the

good things we have been able to do for others.

Have you ever had a chance to “pay it forward”? Come tell us about it. Do you

have a special poem that helps inspire you to keep going through the hard time you’re

facing? Come share it. Would you like to write a prayer of thankfulness for the blessings

you have received? If so, send it to Marty or Elynn Finston at martyelynn@gmail.com by

November 23rd, and we’ll include it in the service.

As usual, we will begin with Wine and Lite Bites at 6:30 sponsored by the Abby

and Lew Harris fund. This will be followed by a lay-led service at 7:30. We will conclude

with an Oneg after services. And, of course, there will be plenty of note cards to take

home so you can thank someone who took the time to make your life just a little bit better.

There is no charge, but an RSVP to Misha Sauceda-Halliday at 505-385-6579 or to

the synagogue office at 505-266-0155 by Wednesday November 27th will help us plan

for refreshments.

Until then, may your umbrella remain upright and may all the traffic lights remain

green on your way to work!

Shabbat Sparks:Sparks of Goodness

Friday, November 30, 2018

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THE MI SHEBERACH LIST If you, or someone you know is in need of

a healing prayer, please contact the synagogue office and ask that the name(s) be added to the weekly list. The names will be recited during the Torah service on Shabbat morning.

GOT THE WRITING BUG?

Did you know that typewriters are actually making a comeback? It’s true.

People who read the Shofar (think current and potential members) are interested in know-ing what is happening at our Synagogue, about the latest Jewish book you’ve read or even a relevant movie you’ve seen.

If you would like to contribute, please send your proofed, typed article to shofar@bnaiisrael-nm.org and also to 2catjoe@swcp.com. It’s a great way to get involved and make new friends!

ADDING A NAME TO THE YAHRZEIT LIST

If you would like to add the name of a loved

one who has passed on, gather your informa-tion and send it in. If the death occurred after sundown, please include that information as well. Please email your information to us and include your name, the name of the deceased and how they are related to you as well as the date of death (American or Jewish Calendar is fine). You can email the information to us at office@bnaiisrael-nm.org, or mail it to: Congregation B’nai Israel, 4401 Indian School Road NE, 87110.

WHY LEGACY? WHY NOW? LET THE CONVERSATIONS BEGIN! Reprinted from the winter 2017 issue of NM Jewish LINKBy Erika Rimson

Jewish organizations do great work for our community. They educate

children and adults. Demonstrate Jewish values. Help people in need.

Host community Shabbat and holiday celebrations. Guide us through

life-cycle events. Bring people together for cultural opportunities. They

make an impact now.

But what about tomorrow? Ensuring that the organizations doing

good work now have the financial security to continue for decades to

come is critical to sustaining our Jewish community.

That’s why the Jewish Community Foundation of New Mexico (JCF),

in collaboration with Jewish Federation of New Mexico, is helping

Jewish organizations in Albuquerque and Santa Fe build endowments

through legacy giving, providing long-term resources that benefit the

entire community.

JCF launched the 4-year LIFE & LEGACYTM program in partnership with

the Harold Grinspoon Foundation at a kickoff meeting on December

5th at the JCC. Attendees representing twelve New Mexico Jewish or-

ganizations learned about the value of building endowments now and

the tools required to jumpstart the process.

“We’re impressed with the Grinspoon Foundation’s commitment

to supporting Jewish continuity. LIFE & LEGACY has a proven record

of building endowments in Jewish communities, small & large, across

the country. We believe our participation is a worthwhile investment in

Jewish New Mexico’s future,” said Art Gardenswartz, Jewish Community

Foundation board chair.

A key benefit of endowments is they create perpetual income streams

that take some of the edge off year-to-year fundraising pressures that

all nonprofit organizations face. LIFE & LEGACY brings organizations

together for a community-wide endowment development effort, creating

synergy that will benefit all and strengthen community ties.

Erika Rimson, JCF E.D. and LIFE & LEGACY program director noted,

“We are lucky and blessed to live in New Mexico, a state with such a

unique, enriching environment and a fascinating Jewish history. Of

course ‘being Jewish’ plays out in many different ways. Regardless of

how we define it, we share a common heritage that is worthy of sus-

taining. So let the legacy conversations begin!”

If you’d like to learn more about LIFE & LEGACY in New Mexico,

contact Erika Rimson, 505.348.4472 or erika@jcfnm.org.

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Puzzle of the Month: Scrambled Searchby Caitlin Hecsh

Here’s another two-parter: first you must solve the word scramble, then use the answers to solve the word search. It’s all about Chanukah this month and next!

Need the answer? See page 18 for solution

M E B A C R A N N L A D S G S A NM S E L D N A C I H S A M A H S HA R G E A A Y A H D M I D V A F LK D D G O N R N O A E T L Y N E OD A T A E I T O Y I N A G F U S FT C A M T E F I N E O U I O K T AY T E B D D B T O A R H K H K I MT H E L E O L A E C A K N A A V LD R E I D E L C C M H A A I H A HL A R N G N Z I U C P U L K T L AD F V G L H M D V D A L S K M N KV E L S I K T E S E N M E U D R AR U Z B G R A D Z L O S H N C G DO F L E H G R E A T M I R A C L EM A O Z T Z U R A Y N Y L H D L ZH E N H S Y R I A N S A A C T U TS H T E L L E E T I E O G E S A J

SYRIANS EIGHTDAYS LIGHTS GELTFESTIVAL JUDAHMACCABEE GREATMIRACLE GANTZDREIDEL FRIEDFOODS CANDLES MAOZ TZURREDEDICATION MENORAH TZEDAKAH OLIVEOILTEMPLE LATKES ANTIOCHUS GAMBLINGSHTELL CHANUKKIAH HANUKKAHSHAMASH KISLEV CHANUKAHHALB SUFGANIYOT NIT

CKNHHAUA __________________

TILGSH ____________________

HELTLS ____________________

SAIETLFV __________________

NSIGUTYAFO ________________

NGMBGALI __________________

GTREA EAMRLCI _____________

HONRMEA ___________________

NKAAUIHKHC ________________

HLAB_______________________

DKZTEAHA __________________

LGET ______________________

KAAHNUHK __________________

LIDDERE ___________________

SMHAASH ___________________

GHIET SAYD ________________

AKLSET ____________________

LVEOI ILO _________________

IREDF ODOFS _______________

ITN _______________________

GZNTA _____________________

YIANSRS ___________________

NOUATHSCI _________________

IETDEIONRCDA ______________

SLVEIK ____________________

ANDLCSE ___________________

DJHAU MBACEECA ____________

AOZM RZTU _________________

LMEEPT ____________________

18

This Week @ B’nai Israel, our weekly congregational email, is sent out every Thursday at 2:00 pm for the upcoming week.

Get your news or event on the Congregation B’nai Israel website and in This Week @ B’nai Israel by sending your ready-to-go email to webmaster@bnaiisrael-nm.org by 4:00 pm Tuesday afternoons.

General rules of thumb are: if you send it to the Shofar, send it to the Webmaster! If you send it to the Link, send it to the Webmaster!

The Congregation B’nai Israel choir is always looking for additional singers.

Don’t worry if you can’t read Hebrew - our music is phonetically transliterated. Ability to read music not required. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Israel. For more informa-tion, contact Diane Chodorow or Judy Sherman.

PHONE ETIQUETTE REMINDER

Please don’t forget to turn off your cell phones and beepers when you are in the synagogue or sanctuary during Shabbat and other holiday services.

Notes & Reminders

JOIN THE B’NAI ISRAEL CHOIR!

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS & SUPPORT

CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAELBY PLACING YOUR AD

IN THE SHOFAR

11 Issues per yearBusiness Card Ads:

Per month: $30 or 6 months pre-paid: $165 ($15 discount) or 1 year pre-paid: $300 ($60 discount)

Quarter Page Ads: Per month: $60

or 6 months pre-paid: $330 ($30 discount) or 1 year pre-paid: $600 ($120 discount)

Call the Administrator in the B’nai Israel office at 266-0155

to get your ad in NEXT MONTH!

WEEKLY CONGREGATIONAL EMAILS

THE ANSWER IS . . .Solution to the puzzle on page 13

M E B A C R A N N L A D S G S A NM S E L D N A C I H S A M A H S HA R G E A A Y A H D M I D V A F LK D D G O N R N O A E T L Y N E OD A T A E I T O Y I N A G F U S FT C A M T E F I N E O U I O K T AY T E B D D B T O A R H K H K I MT H E L E O L A E C A K N A A V LD R E I D E L C C M H A A I H A HL A R N G N Z I U C P U L K T L AD F V G L H M D V D A L S K M N KV E L S I K T E S E N M E U D R AR U Z B G R A D Z L O S H N C G DO F L E H G R E A T M I R A C L EM A O Z T Z U R A Y N Y L H D L ZH E N H S Y R I A N S A A C T U TS H T E L L E E T I E O G E S A J

SYRIANS EIGHTDAYS LIGHTS GELTFESTIVAL JUDAHMACCABEE GREATMIRACLE GANTZDREIDEL FRIEDFOODS CANDLES MAOZ TZURREDEDICATION MENORAH TZEDAKAH OLIVEOILTEMPLE LATKES ANTIOCHUS GAMBLINGSHTELL CHANUKKIAH HANUKKAHSHAMASH KISLEV CHANUKAHHALB SUFGANIYOT NIT

19

NOVEMBER 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

Morning Minyan Services: Mondays & Thursdays, 7:30 amTorah Study Group: Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:30pm

Choir Practice: Wednesdays, 7:30 - 9pm Library: Closed until further notice

On Our Calendar. . .

Board Meeting-7:00pm

Kabbalat Shabbat - 6pm Candle Lighting - 5:38pm

Adult Hebrew Class - 12:00pm

Kabbalat Shabbat - 6pm Judith Ruden Bat MitzvahCandle Lighting - 4:30m

Adult Hebrew Class - 12:00pm

Confirmation Class Family Service - 6pmCandle Lighting - 4:42pm

Kabbalat Shabbat - 6pm Candle Lighting - 4:20pm

Shabbat Sparks - 6:30pm Candle Lighting - 4:18pm

Shabbat Service - 9:30am

Shabbat Service Judith Ruden Bat Mitzvah- 9:00am

Shabbat Service - 9:30am

Junior Congregation - 10:30am

Shabbat Service - 9:30am

Sisterhood Board Mtg - 10am

Mahjongg Class - 12:30pm

Religious School

Veteran’s Day Brunch - 10:30am

Mahjongg - 12:30pm

Religious School

Mahjongg - 12:30pm

Mahjongg - 12:30pm

Shofar

DeaDline!

Adult Hebrew Class - 12:00pm

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Religious School

Election Day

Religious School

Religious School

NO Religious School

Men's Club Brewing Project - Tasting Day - 5:30pm

ThanksgivingOffice Closed

Office Closed

NO Religious School Religious School

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit No. 281Albuquerque, NM

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4401 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

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