WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE BULLETIN

Valentine’s Day What’s a Jew to Do?

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oses are Red, Violets are Bluish, St. Valentine’s Day is Christian and I am Jewish.” That’s what my friend Neal Karlin wrote on the top of his Valentine’s Day box in school when we were kids. It was Neal’s way of expressing the cultural tensions for Jews on holidays like Halloween and Valentine’s Day. There are numerous myths about the roots of Valentine’s Day. None can be proved. The legends are so suspect that the Catholic Church removed Valentine’s Day from its calendar in 1969. On the other hand, we do know it is a day named after a Saint and there was at least one documented case of Jews being massacred on February 14th. In the mid-fourteenth century, it was rumored that Jews created the Plague that was killing tens of millions of Christians in Europe. In Strasbourg, a mob used this as an excuse on February 14, 1349 to murder nearly 2,000 local Jews to whom they owed massive debts. Nevertheless, 16,000 Christians in Strasbourg died a few months later of the Plague. A number of rabbis have weighed in on whether or not Jews should celebrate Valentine’s Day. Most Orthodox rabbis I

Volume 98, Number 2 • February 1, 2011

know oppose recognizing Valentine’s Day because it is named after a Saint and is the custom of Gentiles. Many other rabbis embrace a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Others believe there is nothing wrong with it. The most relevant rabbinic opinion is from the Rama (Rabbi Moshe Isserlis, Poland, 1520-1572) who lists four criteria that must be met in order to permit Jewish celebration of rituals initiated by Gentiles. •  Does the debated activity have a secular origin or value? • Can one rationally explain the behavior or ritual apart from the gentile holiday or event? • If there are idolatrous origins, have they disappeared? •  Are the activities actually consistent with Jewish tradition? Each of us must decide on our own. But there’s no doubt celebrating love is a good thing and that in my house, chocolate and flowers are always a good idea. Rabbi Steven Z. Leder

In This Issue BEYOND BRICKS AND

Al Sh’losha D’varim

Improving

Hebrew

MORTAR

Torah Portion

Torah Online: www.wbtla.org

Standing at the Door PARASHAT VAYAKEL: EXODUS 35:1 - 38:20

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ornings in my house seem to be a race to get out the door. From the moment the kids wake up to the moment we get in the car to come to school, we are in constant motion. I am on auto pilot and just before I go out the door, my wife and daughter take me through my check list. If I did not take this time as a reminder, without fail, I would forget my wallet, keys, phone, lunch, you name it. Even though it is the same every day, without my reminders, I would be lost, or at least penniless, car-less, email-less and hungry. I am thankful for the reminders, because otherwise I would just keep moving.

This month in Parashat Vayakel we are reminded again to keep Shabbat, day of complete rest. It is God standing at the door, reminding us to turn off our auto pilot and remember to slow down. For me, “standing at the door” means I have all that I need for my day. For us, the “standing at the door” is a reminder to take time out of our busy, hectic lives to rest, check in and be with the ones we love. I am thankful for my family for keeping me plugged in and prepared to work within our tradition. I am thankful for our tradition for keeping me unplugged to be with my family. I am thankful for the reminders. Rabbi David Eshel

Plugged In

Get YOUR TICKETs H online

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ave you noticed we’re bringing our ticket sales into the modern age? We started using Paypal to make life easier for everyone – selling tickets to events like Jews and Gospel, Tu BSh’vat Wine Tasting and now PURIMland (March 13). It’s quick, and so much easier than bringing cash to any of our events. Skip the lines, cash and checks...

PURIMland

2

Tickets on sale at www.wbtla.org

Tikkun Olam

Making a

“

Difference

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his year I’m going to be less stressed, take more time off, get out of debt, eat healthier, quit smoking, save more, learn something new, go to the gym and lose weight.” What New Year’s resolutions did you make this year? Number ten on Time Magazine’s “Most Commonly Broken New Year’s Resolutions” is volunteering. We have good hearts and good intentions. We want to give back to our communities and help those who are in need. We try to get involved, to make a difference, but often we fall short and our commitment to volunteer goes the way of the gym and the diet.

Why not get involved in 2011? We have so many ways: a Sunday morning spent at one of our food pantries feeding the hungry, volunteering to read to a child through Koreh LA, traveling to part of the world that is in dire need of our help, mentoring a homeless family as they get back on their feet or participating with tens of thousands of Angelenos in Big Sunday. Make 2011 the year you give back. Rabbinic Intern Beau Shapiro

Get Involved... find more info on our website www.wbtla.org/pages/tikkun_socialaction

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Adult Opportunities

Years Later and the Demand to return jewish art and property continues

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dele Bloch-Bauer” by Gustav Klimt fetched an unheard of price: one hundred and thirty-five million dollars, paid by collector Ronald S. Lauder for the Neue Gallerie on Fifth Avenue in New York City. However, prior to the Holocaust, this work and others of equal beauty and power were owned by the Austrian Jewish sugar industrialist Ferdinand and Adele Bloch-Bauer. Adele died in 1925, and Ferdinand fled Austria at the Anschluss, when Hitler marched into Vienna in 1938. Like other Jewish art and artifacts, the Nazis looted the BlochBauer’s artwork and kept it as their own. The Klimt works hung in the Belvedere Palace for years as Austrian property until an Austrian arbitration panel awarded the paintings to the family. Is “Adele Bloch-Bauer” worth the millions? Perhaps not yet, however, she is worth more than the Middle European – roughish-symbolic-chic style that she might represent. Many other survivor families still hope for restitution of their family art and objects. Representatives of 49 countries gathered in Prague in June 2010 to assess the progress that has been made

since a 1998 conference in which 44 countries agreed to a set of rules for the return of artwork looted in the Nazi era. The Nazis plundered more than 650,000 pieces of art and religious objects from Jews and other victims. There is still more work to be done to restore the artwork integral to the culture, economics and religious presence of Jews in Europe. It is restitution, but it still cannot bring back the men, women and children brutally murdered. It can, however, realize their hope for a life of beauty and renewal. Join us in February and hear the process by which Mr. Donald Burris, J.D., and his firm passionately pursued looted art stolen by the Nazis before and during World War II. Read more about this fascinating event on our website – it’s not to be missed. Rabbi Karen L. Fox From Tragedy to Triumph: Altmann, Bennington and Looted Nazi Art Thursday, February 24 at 7:30 p.m., Irmas Campus www.wbtla.org/events/item/432/adult_events 3

Brawerman Elementary School

Al Sh’losha D’varim The World Stands on Three Things Torah, Prayer and Acts of Loving Kindness (Pirke Avot)

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ach Monday morning Brawerman students and faculty gather in the Marcia Israel Chapel/Auditorium for t’filah (prayer) as we begin the new school week together. Rabbi Elissa Ben-Naim guides the program of Torah learning and prayer. She is assisted and supported by a dedicated Hebrew/ Judaic staff, song leaders and classroom teachers. Three distinct morning services provide age appropriate opportunities for students to learn the liturgy and make connections that help them grow spiritually and Jewishly. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders read from their personal copies of our Temple siddur, Mishkan T’filah. They lead the service, read from the Torah and offer commentary on the parashah (Torah portion). Second and third graders also take part in the Torah reading and follow the prayers in our Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps’ siddur. Kindergartners and first graders learn words and melodies, sing out and enjoy

a parashah story each week. Everyone takes time for reflection and meditation. We are grateful for the opportunities we have here at Brawerman to educate our children so that they can take their place as the connecting links in the chain of our people and within our Jewish world; sustained by Torah, prayer and acts of loving kindness.

Religious School: “Center for Learning & Engagement”

Improving H

Hebrew

ere we are, midyear through religious school – how fast time goes… In the first semester, we had our students learn in pods. Young students have been learning the Alef-Bet, while older students have been practicing and improving their reading skills. In addition, all students have been learning how to chant the blessings and prayers. We also conducted Hebrew assessments at the end of the Fall semester. In an effort to ensure that each student is placed in a pod most suitable for her/his needs, we have reshuffled some of our Hebrew pods. We also added some new computers to our program, and students are enjoying learning Hebrew through educational computer games. We have found that the students who do best with Hebrew are the ones who spend a little time practicing

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and reviewing at home. In an effort to encourage that, we are happy to announce that we have purchased Hebrew flash cards that children and parents can use at home. Spending just a few minutes a day reviewing the cards with your child will greatly improve his or her Hebrew letter recognition. If you would like your own set of Hebrew flash cards, please email me at [email protected] and I will leave it for you with Shira in the religious school office. Eran Bar-Adon Hebrew & Family Education Learn more about the Religious School at www.wbtla.org/pages/religious_school

Early Childhood Centers

Coffee With Carol B

eing the parent of a young child is a daunting task. At Wilshire Boulevard Temple you don’t have to travel on that pathway alone. Carol Bovill, M.A. Ed, Director of Early Childhood Centers meets monthly with parents of children ages six years and younger to assist them in being the best parents they can be. Carol offers expert advice to guide and empower parents on their parenting journey. Each session features an essential topic such as sleep issues, discipline, sibling harmony and the balance between staying safe and friendly. All sessions

include a forum for additional pertinent conversations. This program is free, open to the public and offered at both the Temple and the Irmas campuses.

“It is just night 4 and it’s working! Your Coffee with Carol on sleep is priceless! Thank you!” - Rachel Wintner, mother of Jesse

For more information (213) 388-3401 x133 • [email protected] www.wbtla.org/events/item/270/youth_events

Camps

Honoring the

Gold Family: Ilene, Stanley, Jennifer and Charles Gold at our 2011 Golf Tournament

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e are delighted to be honoring Ilene, Stanley, Jennifer and Charles Gold in May at our 8th annual Golf Classic. In addition to their significant involvement in the Jewish world and at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, the Gold family has participated in our annual tournament since it began eight years ago, and both Charles and Jennifer have been on the Golf Committee. Net proceeds from our annual tournament provide scholarships for the teen summer Israel program and camperships to our camps. When 50 teenagers returned from their Israel experience last August, many wrote to thank us for providing them with scholarship assistance. The impact the trip had on several scholarship recipients is best described in excerpts from

their letters: “I wanted to say thank you for your help in allowing me to go to Israel this summer. This past month was the most incredible experience I’ve ever had.” “It connected everything I’ve learned at camp about my Jewish self to its roots that lie in Israel.” “I would like to thank you for your generous scholarship for my trip to Israel this summer. It was the trip of a lifetime that could not have happened without your help.” This year, another 50+ teens from our Temple and camps hope to go to Israel, and many will request scholarships to do so. Join us on the golf course on May 2nd as we honor the Gold Family, and help send kids to camp and to Israel. Cheri Lauterbach Alumni & Development Director Join us at the 8th annual Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps Golf Classic at El Caballero Country Club on Monday, May 2, 2011. For more information, please contact Cheri Lauterbach, (213) 388-2401 or [email protected] 5

Developments

BEYOND BRICKS AND MORTAR LIVES UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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e are building lives, because the building lives.

At Wilshire Boulevard Temple, lives under construction include 4-year-old Elijah David, in the Adom class at the Erika J. Glazer Early Childhood Center. Hearing him sing, “Wherever you go, there’s always a Jew and you’ll never be alone,” and listening to him enumerate the myriad reasons he loves his Chanukah, it’s apparent that this young boy’s life has already been profoundly influenced by the Building Lives Project. Because of the renaissance of the Temple Campus, Elijah’s parents, Susie and Ben David and his little sister, Natalia, have a warm and nurturing nursery school just minutes away from their Fairfax area home and newfound friends in a supportive community. Susie says, “It was important for our kids to be in a Jewish school. I didn’t have the benefit of the early religious education that Elijah enjoys, and now he is teaching us!” Little sister Natalia is eager to join her brother in September. We are building lives, because the building lives. The Talmud teaches us to help the non-Jewish poor as a way to increase the peace in our communities. So we rallied together as a community for the Big Give, bringing 200 congregants to the Temple Campus who assembled all the ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal and distributed them to 4,000 needy Angelenos—half of whom live in the Wilshire Center area around the Temple Campus. With a goal of supplying 1 million gallons of clean drinking water to victims of the Haitian earthquake in January, 2010, we doubled down and distributed 2 million gallons and $100,000 in donations from our congregation in an effort spearheaded by Trustee Andy

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Haas. Each month, the food pantry at the Temple serves 3,000 people. The building lives, because we are building lives. Wilshire Boulevard Temple is more than a landmark building and an architectural treasure. We are a community that comes together to support one another as Jews and to heal the world around just as the Torah instructs. As we move ever closer to groundbreaking on the Building Lives Project, we know that restoring and redeveloping our historic Temple Campus will surely build rich and fulfilling Jewish lives for our members. With the strong foundation of our values and ethics, we will also touch the lives of many others in our diverse city. Gina Lobaco Development Director

Help breathe new life into our beloved building and learn how you can help build lives through the Building Lives Project by calling the Development Office at (213) 388-2401.

Upcoming Events Making Prayer Real cover

making prayer real: Building a prayer practice

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Page 1

Fresh, Useful Perspectives on the Spiritual Dynamics of Prayer

—FROM THE PREFACE

Join over fifty Jewish spiritual leaders from all denominations in a candid conversation about the why and how of prayer: how prayer changes us and how to discern a response from God. In this fascinating forum, they share the challenges of prayer, what it means to pray, how to develop your own personal prayer voice, and how to rediscover meaning and God’s presence in the traditional Jewish prayer book. CONTRIBUTORS: Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson Rabbi Aryeh Ben David Rabbi Anne Brener, LCSW Rabbi Sharon Brous Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum Rabbi Mike Comins Rabbi Elliot J. Cosgrove, PhD Rabbi Lavey Derby Cantor Ellen Dreskin Rabbi Diane Elliot Reb Mimi Feigelson Rabbi Tirzah Firestone Rabbi Nancy Flam Rabbi Karen Fox, DD Dr. Tamar Frankiel Rabbi Ethan Franzel Rabbi Elyse Frishman Rabbi Laura Geller

Rabbi Neil Gillman, PhD Rabbi Shefa Gold Rabbi Elyse Goldstein Joel Lurie Grishaver Rabbi Nadya Gross Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD Melila Hellner-Eshed, PhD Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD Rabbi David Ingber Rabbi Zoë Klein Rabbi Myriam Klotz Rabbi Jamie Korngold Rabbi Lawrence Kushner Rabbi Naomi Levy Rabbi Richard N. Levy, DD Rabbi Sheryl Lewart Jay Michaelson

Rabbi Linda Motzkin Rabbi Debra Orenstein Rabbi Nehemia Polen, PhD Rabbi Marcia Prager Rabbi Jeff Roth Rabbi Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi Rabbi Rami Shapiro Rabbi Jonathan P. Slater Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz Rabbi Ira Stone Rabbi Michael Strassfeld Dr. Linda Thal Rabbi Abraham Twerski, MD Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg Rabbi Zari M. Weiss Rabbi David J. Wolpe Rabbi Shawn Zevit

Leading Jewish Spiritual Voices on Why Prayer Is Difficult and What to Do about It

Wednesdays, February 2,9,16 and 23, 2011 7:00 p.m. Fee: $ 36 per session

Starting a prayer practice may sound strange as Reform Jews, but we do have a spiritual tradition of daily prayer, one in which God listens. Religion / Judaism / Prayer

For People of All Faiths, All Backgrounds

JEWISH LIGHTS Publishing

$18.99 (Higher Outside the U.S.)

ISBN: 978-1-58023-417-7

Woodstock,Vermont

www.jewishlights.com

the parenting journey

SPIRITUAL LIFE

“Better music, better sermons and better prayer books can only go so far. Many innovations have been tried around the world, and no doubt, synagogue leadership will continue to think creatively about improving services. But deep and lasting change will only come when each of us takes ownership and responsibility for what only we can really guide—our inner lives.”

Makingg Prayerr Reall

Thursday, February 17, 2011 7:00 p.m. Fee: See website for details

Leading Jewish Spiritual Voices on Why Prayer Is Difficult and What to Do about It

Comins

JL

JEWISH LIGHTS

Rabbi Mike Comins

author of A Wild Faith: Jewish Ways into Wilderness, Wilderness Ways into Judaism

With Rabbi Fox we will include body awareness, yearning, gratitude, coping with loss and developing a personal prayer voice. We will highlight aspects of Mike Comins’ new book Making Prayer Real: Leading Jewish Voices on Why Prayer is Difficult and What to Do about It (Jewish Lights, 2010)

Join Lori Getz, the founder of Cyber Education Consultants, as she talks about internet safety, security, netiquette, social networking, parental controls and so many more aspects of keeping children safe from internet predators. Caroline Sandman, [email protected], (213) 388-2401 x133 www.wbtla.org/events/item/259/adult_events

from tragedy to triumph: Altmann, bennigson and looted nazi art

Ruth Stoch, [email protected], (213) 388-2401 x266 www.wbtla.org/events/item/413/adult_events

Thursday, February 24, 2011 7:30 p.m.; Coffee and Dessert at 7:00 p.m.

WOMEN’S TORAH STUDY WITH RABBI FOX

Hear the passionate process by which Mr. Donald Burris, J.D., and his firm pursued looted art stolen by the Nazis before and during World War II. Their efforts culminated in the United States Supreme Court case of Altmann v. Republic of Austria, 541 U.S. 677 (2004), in which the Austrian government was ordered to, and did, return to the firm’s client’s possession a number of priceless historic paintings by Gustav Klimt.

Fridays, February 4 and 18, 2011 12:30 p.m. Fee: $36 per semester There’s nothing like the sacred space and fascinating conversation when the women of Wilshire Boulevard Temple gather to study. Experience studying, eating together and enjoying the fruits of Torah. Bring your own lunch and we supply dessert and drinks. Ruth Stoch, [email protected], (213) 388-2401 x266 www.wbtla.org/events/item/221/adult_events

Mr. Burris has been involved in a number of other important looted art cases and has lectured about his experiences at law schools including Vanderbilt, Pepperdine, Texas Tech, Nebraska and the John Marshall School of Law as well as museums, schools, synagogues and libraries. As you view slides of priceless paintings, raise questions about the art itself and the role of art in Jewish reclamation.

Torah and lUnch with rabbi Leder Friday, February 11, 2011 (Century City) 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 18, 2011 (Downtown) 12:00 p.m. Fee: $36 per semester

Ruth Stoch, [email protected], (213) 388-2401 x266 www.wbtla.org/events/item/432/adult_events

The Rabbis said: “Torah is the best business.” Why not mix business and Torah over lunch a few times a year? Join Rabbi Leder for lunch and Torah study throughout the year. You bring your lunch; Rabbi Leder brings the wisdom of our ancestors. Ruth Stoch, [email protected], (213) 388-2401 x266 www.wbtla.org/events/item/219/adult_events

COFFEE WITH CAROL: the art of toilet training Tuesday, February 15, 2011 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2011 9:30 a.m. Carol Bovill, Director of Wilshire Boulevard Temple’s Early Childhood Centers, offers expert parenting advice to guide and empower you on your parenting journey. Caroline Sandman, [email protected], (213) 388-2401 x133 www.wbtla.org/events/item/270/youth_events

Temple Campus

Irmas Campus

Registration Required

Contact For More Information

Information Available Online

Free of Charge

For a full calendar of events and services, please visit www.wbtla.org/events 7

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Page 1

For People of All Faiths, All Backgrounds

Coffee with Carol Making Prayer Real Israeli Dancing

15 Coffee with Carol Judaism 101 Spousal Bereavement Support Group

Cooking with Sherrie

Food Pantries

Israeli Dancing

Judaism 101 Spousal Bereavement Support Group

Cooking with Sherrie

Food Pantries

28

Cooking with Sherrie

27

Food Pantries

SPIRITUAL LIFE

JEWISH LIGHTS

JL

Comins

Rabbi Mike Comins

Tot Shabbat

Women's Torah Study with Rabbi Fox

Man Skills 101

Gentle Yoga for Breast Cancer Survivors

Kabbalat Shabbat

From Tragedy to Triumph: Altmann, Benningson and Looted Nazi Art

Shacharit Shabbat

Shabbat Morning Minyan

Torah Study and Service Combined

26

OPCC Annenberg Access Center, Santa Monica Service time different than usual - please check online

Temple Campus Irmas Campus

Youth Choir

25

Kabbalat Shabbat

Torah Study and Service Combined

Torah Study with Rabbi Leder at Downtown

Shacharit Shabbat

19

Lincoln's Birthday

Shacharit Shabbat

Tot Shabbat

Torah Study

18

24

Gentle Yoga for Breast Cancer Survivors

The Parenting Journey

17

Kabbalat Shabbat

Soul Sounds - Folk

Torah Study with Rabbi Leder at Century City

11 Raising a Jewish Child 101

Soul Sounds - Folk

12

Shacharit Shabbat

Women's Torah Study with Rabbi Fox Kabbalat Shabbat

5 Torah Study

4

saturday

Raising a Jewish Child 101

10

Gentle Yoga for Breast Cancer Survivors

Friday

Gentle Yoga for Breast Cancer Survivors

author of A Wild Faith: Jewish Ways into Wilderness, Wilderness Ways into Judaism

Leading Jewish Spiritual Voices on Why Prayer Is Difficult and What to Do about It

Makingg Prayerr Reall

3

Thursday

For more information, including time and location, on all of the events in this calendar, visit www.wbtla.org

Washington's Birthday

Making Prayer Real

22

21

20

23

16

Israeli Dancing

14

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group

Spousal Bereavement Support Group

13

9 Making Prayer Real

Cooking with Sherrie

President's Day

$18.99 (Higher Outside the U.S.)

Religion / Judaism / Prayer

8

www.jewishlights.com

Woodstock,Vermont

JEWISH LIGHTS Publishing

7

Valentine's Day

—FROM THE PREFACE

Rabbi Linda Motzkin Rabbi Debra Orenstein Rabbi Nehemia Polen, PhD Rabbi Marcia Prager Rabbi Jeff Roth Rabbi Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi Rabbi Rami Shapiro Rabbi Jonathan P. Slater Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz Rabbi Ira Stone Rabbi Michael Strassfeld Dr. Linda Thal Rabbi Abraham Twerski, MD Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg Rabbi Zari M. Weiss Rabbi David J. Wolpe Rabbi Shawn Zevit

ISBN: 978-1-58023-417-7

Rabbi Neil Gillman, PhD Rabbi Shefa Gold Rabbi Elyse Goldstein Joel Lurie Grishaver Rabbi Nadya Gross Rabbi Jill Hammer, PhD Melila Hellner-Eshed, PhD Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD Rabbi David Ingber Rabbi Zoë Klein Rabbi Myriam Klotz Rabbi Jamie Korngold Rabbi Lawrence Kushner Rabbi Naomi Levy Rabbi Richard N. Levy, DD Rabbi Sheryl Lewart Jay Michaelson

Groundhog Day

Israeli Dancing

CONTRIBUTORS: Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson Rabbi Aryeh Ben David Rabbi Anne Brener, LCSW Rabbi Sharon Brous Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum Rabbi Mike Comins Rabbi Elliot J. Cosgrove, PhD Rabbi Lavey Derby Cantor Ellen Dreskin Rabbi Diane Elliot Reb Mimi Feigelson Rabbi Tirzah Firestone Rabbi Nancy Flam Rabbi Karen Fox, DD Dr. Tamar Frankiel Rabbi Ethan Franzel Rabbi Elyse Frishman Rabbi Laura Geller

Join over fifty Jewish spiritual leaders from all denominations in a candid conversation about the why and how of prayer: how prayer changes us and how to discern a response from God. In this fascinating forum, they share the challenges of prayer, what it means to pray, how to develop your own personal prayer voice, and how to rediscover meaning and God’s presence in the traditional Jewish prayer book.

Judaism 101

Spousal Bereavement Support Group

1/5/10

“Better music, better sermons and better prayer books can only go so far. Many innovations have been tried around the world, and no doubt, synagogue leadership will continue to think creatively about improving services. But deep and lasting change will only come when each of us takes ownership and responsibility for what only we can really guide—our inner lives.”

Fresh, Useful Perspectives on the Spiritual Dynamics of Prayer

Making Prayer Real: Building a Prayer Practice

Making Prayer Real cover

2

Judaism 101

Wednesday

1

Tuesday

6

monday

Food Pantries

sunday

20 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE 02February 11 Leading Jewish Spiritual Voices on Why Prayer Is Difficult and What to Do about It

Contributions RABBI EDGAR F. MAGNIN FUND

In Loving Memory Of:

In Honor Of:

Florence Goldstein by Jared, Sydnee, Jordan and Samantha Breuer Dorothy Kellner by Martin Kellner My sister, Barbie Zolla on the occasion of her 70th birthday by Jane Lewine

In Loving Memory Of:

SISTERHOOD PULPIT FLOWER FUND

The Glantz Family

Belated Chanukah greetings and best wishes for a successful 2011! by Pamela & Peter Gordon Albert Allen by Judith & Eugene Tuch Beloved brother and uncle, Sheldon Andelson by The Andelson Family Alvin H. Barbanell, DDS by The Barbanell Family Anne Benjamin by Marion & Joel Selbin Eddie Blacher by Ruth & Harold Borden Dear mother, Eva Codon by Corryne Schuster William Cohen by Cathy & Mark Louchheim Edna Bermond by Pat & Carole Crone Ann Dawidoff by Fay Kozberg David Friedman by Elizabeth Naftali Lucille Gantman by Joseph Gantman My beloved father, Coleman C. Gershuny by Betty G. Denitz Lillian Laya Green and Louis Label Green by Judith Green Leta Mae Hilliard by Brooks, William and David Hilliard Eugene Hirsch & Irving Hirsch by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hirsch Gordon Hultmark by Dete Meserve Lewis Hyman by Terry, Eric & Tess Hamermesh Hilda Keith by Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Keith Aaron Kurtz by Orland Family Minnie Leisner by Lynda & William Leisner Helen Levin by Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Levin Murray Lubliner by David Lubliner Stanley Lyons by Joan Sigband Anna Malin, Milton Malin and Norman Malin by Naomi & Arthur Malin Mark Meyers by Natalie Stein David Migdal by Gail Title Rose Morhar by Leonie & Glen Janken Samuel Perzik by James Perzik Hanna C. Price by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Price Barnett Rawitch and Rose Rawitch by Naomi & Arthur Malin Harriet Reade by Ronnie Reade Dear mother, Louise Rhodes by Arlene and John Saffro Sydney J. Rosenberg by Jaclyn Rosenberg Lionel Saffro by Julie & Dennis Saffro Sara Schneider by Marilyn & Harvey Schneider George Schuchman by Alan Schuchman James Shanedling by Jennifer & Adam Herschman Nathan Smooke by Judith & Richard Smooke Rose Steinberg-Frankel by Lynn Bernstein Rysia Tenzer by Mitchell Tenzer and Gail Woods Emanuel Weber by Evelyn Weber Carroll Weiler by Pat and Carole Crone Bessie Wolner by Ferne Margulies

WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE REDEVELOPMENT FUND Risa Gertner Rachelle & Sheldon Lewenfus John Schulman and Toni Mindling Schulman Lucille Ellis Simon Foundation Frederick R. Weisman Philanthropic Foundation

CLERGY FUND In Honor Of:

Rabbi Ben-Naim for officiating at the service of Alvin Dick by Robert Davis Rabbi Steve Leder by Leah & Jeffrey Altman Rabbi Steve Leder by Darcie Denkert Rabbi Steve Leder for officiating at the service of Eugene Goodwin by Madeline Goodwin Rabbi Steve Leder for officiating at our wedding by Janet Crown and Steven Robinson Rabbinic Intern Beau Shapiro on the occasion of our son, Leo Kaplan’s Bar Mitzvah by Jean & Stephen Kaplan Rabbinic Intern Beau Shapiro for Saturday Torah Study by Rivka & Allan Night

In Loving Memory Of:

Naomi Howard by Dayle Dolginer, Dana & Eric Futoran

ANN AND SAM BERNSTEIN CHILDREN’S LIBRARY In Honor Of:

The birth of grandson, Benjamin Ruben by Beth & Ronald Saul

In Loving Memory Of:

Rhona Chorna by The Chorna Family Caesar Kersten by Beth & Ronald Saul Werner Schott by Sheryl & Ronald Schott

FOOD PANTRIES FUND The Bragin Family Gail & Robert Dubois Jordan Bender

In Honor Of:

Mark & Pat Benjamin by Lalo Fiorelli and Evelyn Cambridge Happy Holidays to Mr. & Mrs. Ron Cichocki by Marian Brown Mr. & Mrs. William Fenning’s 60th Wedding Anniversary by Marian Brown Happy Holidays to Dorothy Goldstein by Marian Brown Happy Holidays to Mr. & Mrs. Lou Marienthal by Marian Brown Happy Holidays to Judy McLaughin and Mike Ryan by Marian Brown The engagement of our son, Danny Heyman to Stephanie Liebert by Sherry & Edward Heyman

In Loving Memory Of:

Annette Abrams by Dana, Ira, Emilio and Max Katz Grandmother, Jeanette “Dearie” Agay by Lisa Agay Selma Becker by Jane Hirsch Gordon Bodek by Jacqueline & Henry Cahn Stanley Brown by Jacqueline & Henry Cahn Henry Epstein by Lucille Epstein & Family Frances Fenton by Caren, Rick, Dana & Laura Sheckter Philip Forman by Andrea and Barry Forman Grandfather and great grandfather, Nathaniel Goldstein by Jared, Sydnee, Jordan and Samantha Breuer Sadie Greenblatt by Linda & Augie Hess Beloved mother & nana, Jean Hartman by Ruthie & Stephen Loeb Ann Ketover by Jacqueline & Henry Cahn Beloved nephew, Norman Malin by Madeline & Michael Price My father, Edgar Marx by Lotte Seelman Nan Meyer by Marvin Meyer and Helen Lewis Stanley Meyer by Marvin Meyer and Helen Lewis Florence Naumburg by Betty & Marvin Hoffenberg Lorene Randall by Rowena & Neil Haas Phillip Rauss by Laura Rauss Arthur Schwartz by Suzanne Rubin & Family Gerald Young by Dana, Ira, Emilio and Max Katz

KLEIN FAMILY FUND FOR THE MANN FAMILY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Melissa and Scott Klein Natalie and Kenneth Wolfe

GERI AND RICHARD BRAWERMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Alice Guttman

In Honor Of:

Richard and Sandra Mosk by Donna & Barry Bernstein

In Loving Memory Of:

Minnie Swidler by Paul Swidler

ANNE AND NATHAN SPILBERG ANNUAL LECTURE ON JEWISH LIFE In Loving Memory Of:

Howard Basch by Susan & Bruce Levin

RABBI HARVEY J. & SYBIL A. FIELDS EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Honor Of:

Our Special Anniversary by Judy & Gene Tuch

In Loving Memory Of:

Richard Barrett, Jr. by Saredel Riskind Beverly Mitchell by Marshall Zolla Darling son, John Riskind by Saredel Riskind My husband, Zinovy Zeltser by Seviita Livshits

ANAT BEN-ISHAI SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Loving Memory Of:

Jacob Samuels by Lilly & Bruce Karatz

MUSIC PUBLICATION FUND In Honor Of:

Cantor Gurney by Peter Gordon Cantor Gurney on the occasion of our son, Leo Kaplan’s Bar Mitzvah by Jean & Stephen Kaplan Cantor Gurney for officiating at the memorial service of Justin Gershuny by Betty Denitz Cantorial Soloist Lonee Frailich on the occasion of our daughter, Zoe Glick Bat Mitzvah by Lisa & Adam Glick

More Contributions on Page 11

TIKKUN OLAM SOCIAL ACTION FUND In Loving Memory Of:

Cele Bloom by Robert Klyman and Dena Bloom Julius Brown by Robert Klyman and Dena Bloom

PRAYER BOOK DEDICATION FUND In Loving Memory Of:

Sylvia Unger and Milton Grey by Judi and Alan Fogelman

MANN FAMILY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Marchell & David Hilliard Hillary and Lance Milken

In Honor Of:

Our daughter, Farrah Rose Levine by Mr. and Dr. James Levine

We appreciate your generous donations. An $18 minimum donation is required for each acknowledgment card.

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B’nei Mitzvah

Temple Campus

10

Irmas Campus

Contributions continued JORDAN EHRLICH FUND FOR PROGRAMS IN BUSINESS ETHICS

RABBI ALFRED WOLF CAMP FUND

In Loving Memory Of:

In Honor Of:

Casey Sater

MEREDITH FISHMAN MEMORIAL FUND

Linda & Mike Roberts’s 50th Wedding Anniversary by Marjorie Blatt Nan Brostoff by Linda & Mike Roberts Rabbi Eshel for officiating at our wedding by Glenn Kessler and Julie Clair

In Loving Memory Of:

In Loving Memory Of:

Fred Ehrlich by Nadine & Stephen Breuer Fred Ehrlich by Susan & Bill Ehrlich

Eli Fishman & Marion Fishman by Susan & Richard Fishman

THE BIKUR CHOLIM FUND In Honor Of:

Rabbi Karen Fox for officiating at the funeral services of Edith Meyer by Richard Meyer and Ginny Sotolov

In Loving Memory Of:

Brenda Grossman by Grace & Ira Grossman

THE ZOLLA FAMILY FUND In Loving Memory Of:

Barbie Zolla by Marshall Zolla

THE BIG GIVE FUND Michelle & Michael Moshay

In Honor Of:

Hannah Yatman by Deatra Yatman

WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE CAMPS In Loving Memory Of:

Barry Chasen by Doryann Chasen Frank Citron by Tracy & F. Ron Smith Eugene Goodwin by Suzanne Dunbar Husband, John Green by Roslyn Green Larry Hill by Dana and Michael Glantz Mindel Wallach by Schaer Family

Don Adlen by Paula Hoffman J. Robert Arkush by William Spector Dr. Alfred I. Coleman by Laurie & Paul Kelson, Amanda Kelson, Deborah Kelson, Elliott Brown & Leah

EVELYN K. KRAMER MEMORIAL CAMP FUND Harriet Burton

CHARLES BENDIT CAMPERSHIP FUND In Loving Memory Of:

Isadore Bendit by May Bendit

KEHILLAH COMMUNITY CAMP FUND Jill & Greg Adler Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Adler Lisa Agay & Stan Getz Julie Mayerson Brown & Mark Brown The Bruce Cooperman Family Sabrina & Jared Finegold Eric Goren Elizabeth & Stephen Henson Teri & Kenneth Hertz Yvette, Paul, Ian & Camille Joffe Shelley & Paul Lawrence Joanne & David Lockman Jamie & Douglas Lynn Matt Matzkin Lya & Mark Pinkus Bernie Resser and Gail Geyer

Rhonda Schwartz Miryam & Samuel Tarica Linda Schwartz Vacca & John Vacca

In Honor Of:

Rabbi David Eshel for officiating at the baby naming of Alexis Rose Levine By Wendy & Eric Levine

FOOD PANTRIES Sunday, February 13, 2011 Underwritten by Jordan Bender Gail & Robert Dubois Sherry & Edward Heyman Thank you to those individuals and families who have chosen either to underwrite ($1,000) or sponsor ($500) a week of food.

TIKKUN OLAM

REPAIRING THE WORLD WILSHIRE BOULEVARD TEMPLE

Thank you to Canter’s Deli, Brooklyn Bagel, Noah’s Bagel Larchmont, and Western Bagel West L.A., for their weekly donation of bread to our Food Pantries. If you are interested in joining this effort, please contact Gina Lobaco at (213) 388-2401 or [email protected]. Mitzvah go’reret mitzvah — doing a mitzvah leads to doing more.

Temple Family Welcome to new Temple members… Anessa Karney and Stuart Goldstein and their children, Alexandra, Justin and Kyra…Eryn and Ryan Kilstein and their daughter, Harper…Rebecca and Hank Nelken and their son, Noah…Julie Arnaoutova and Loren Osher…Stephanie and John Yadegar and their children, Daniel and Abigail…

Congratulations to… Nicole Furman and Steve Seigel recent marriage…Ashley Feinstein and Beau Shapiro on their recent engagement…Shawna Barasch and Caleb Wilson on their recent marriage and to parents, Janine and Stephen Barasch…

Congratulations to… Adrienne and Stan Rubin on the birth of their grandson, Ryan Liam Cohen and to aunt and uncle, Randy and Galit Rubin and to cousins, Adam and Oren Rubin and to parents, Pamela Rubin Cohen and Loren Nathan Cohen…Stacie and Aaron Cohen on the birth of their son, Ryan Scott Cohen and to big brother, Devon…Meredith and Justin Hochberg on the birth and baby naming of their daughter, Margaux Plum Hochberg and to big brother, Balthazar…Dana and Scott Kaufman on the baby naming of their daughter, Sasha Rose Kaufman and to big brother, Noah…Sharon and Darren Lewin on the birth of their son, Justin Tyler Lewin and to big brothers, Jared and Jason and to uncle and aunt, Kevin and Lisa Lewin and cousins, Jessica and Ethan…Raquel and Austin Richter on the birth of their son, Mateo Brandt Richter and to big brother Cole…Alexis and

Randy Miller on the birth of their daughter, Zoe Isabella Miller and to big sister, Talia…Jenny and Jay Sonbolian on the birth of their son, Noah Charles Sonbolian and to big sister, Eva…

Condolences to… Robert and Donna Aizuss on the death of his mother, Geny Aizuss and to grandson, David…Susie and Jeff Stein on the death of her mother, Marilyn August and granddaughters, Kasey and Madeleine… Barbara Barrett on the death of her son, Richard Barrett, Jr… Mike and Amy Brown on the death of his father, Fred Brown and grandchildren, Garrett and Marissa…Rabbi Lindy and Matt Davidson on the death of her grandfather, George L. Cooper and grandchildren, Clara and Isaiah…Sheila Rose on the death of her ex-husband Alvin David Dick and to his son, Steven Davis…Jeanne Gerson and Linda Delaney on the death of their cousin, Harriet Freund and to grandson, Steven and Nina Freund and great grandson, Jordan…Friends and family of Frances Friedman…Lauren and Steven Wolff on the death of her mother, Lee Reinman and grandchildren, Mark and Rachel and to sister, Natalie Stein and extended family, Michael and Debbie Stein and their children, Leanne and Matthew Stein…Friends and family of Helen Samples…Erica and Josh Friedman on the death of her grandmother, Helen Shapiro and to great grandchildren, Madison, Olivia and Zander…Dana and Ira Katz on the death of her father, Gerald Young and to grandson, Emilio and Max…

And to all immediate and extended family. 11

Wilshire Boulevard Temple 3663 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90010

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

LOS ANGELES, CA PERMIT NO. 785

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Clergy Rabbi Steven Z. Leder, Pritzker Chair of Senior Rabbinics Rabbi Karen L. Fox, M.F.T. Rabbi Elissa Ben-Naim Rabbi David Eshel Cantor Don Gurney Cantor Susan Caro Rabbinic Intern Beau Shapiro Rabbi Harvey J. Fields, Ph.D., Emeritus Board of Trustees Richard Pachulski, President Andrew E. Haas, Vice President Teri Hertz, Vice President Rick Powell, Vice President Mary Brussell, Secretary Steven Romick, Treasurer Susan Adler Jannol, Alan Berro, Stephen Davis, Philip de Toledo, Barry Edwards, Alan Epstein, Jami Gertz, Barbara Grushow, Michael Halpern, Richard Kurtzman, Donald Levy, Steve Sugerman Julie C. Miller, Immediate Past President Scott Edelman, Counsel Honorary Board Members Lionel Bell, Howard M. Bernstein, Audrey Irmas Administration Howard G. Kaplan, Executive Director Carol Bovill, Director, Early Childhood Centers Nadine Bendit Breuer, Head of Elementary School Sarah Hanuka, Director, Center for Learning & Engagement Douglas F. Lynn, Director, Camps & Conference Center Gina Lobaco, Director of Development Jessica Accamando, Director of Communications Rebecca Sills Nudel, Membership Director

The Wilshire Boulevard Temple Bulletin is published monthly by Wilshire Boulevard Temple

www.wbtla.org (213) 388-2401

Printed on recycled paper. Please remember to recycle it again!

Schedule of Shabbat Worship & Study Friday, FEBRUARY 4

Shabbat Service Rabbi Eshel and Cantor Caro 6:00 p.m.

Shabbat Service Rabbi Fox and Cantor Caro 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, FEBRUARY 12

Soul Sounds Shabbat in Folk Rabbi Leder and Cantor Gurney and trio 6:00 p.m.

Torah Study Exodus Tetzaveh 27:20 – 30:10 Rabbi Sara Goodman 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, FEBRUARY 5

Tot Shabbat Rabbi Lindy Davidson 9:30 a.m.

Torah Study Exodus Terumah 25:1 – 27:19 Avi Cohen 9:00 a.m. Shabbat Services Rabbi Fox and Cantor Gurney 10:30 a.m. Rabbi Leder and Cantor Caro 10:30 a.m.

Friday, FEBRUARY11 Soul Sounds Shabbat Cantor Gurney and Rabbinic Intern Shapiro and the Band 6:00 p.m.

Temple Campus

Shabbat Services Rabbinic Intern Shapiro and Cantor Gurney 10:30 a.m. Rabbi Eshel and Cantor Caro 10:30 a.m.

Friday, FEBRUARY 18 Shabbat Services Rabbinic Intern Shapiro 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, FEBRUARY 19

Saturday, FEBRUARY 26

Torah Study and Service Combined Exodus Ki Tisa 30:11 – 34:35 Rabbinic Intern Shapiro 9:00 a.m.

Torah Study and Service Combined Exodus Vayakhel 35:1 – 38:20 Rabbi Fox and Cantorial Soloist Sugerman 9:00 a.m.

Tot Shabbat Rabbi Eshel 9:30 a.m. Shabbat Services Rabbi Eshel and Cantor Caro 10:30 a.m.

Friday, FEBRUARY 25

Shabbat Morning Minyan Rabbinic Intern Shapiro 9:00 a.m. Shabbat Service Rabbi Leder and Cantor Gurney 10:30 a.m.

Shabbat Services Rabbinic Intern Shaprio 6:00 p.m. Rabbi Leder and Cantor Gurney and the Youth Choir 6:00 p.m.

Rabbi Eshel and Cantor Caro 6:00 p.m.

Irmas Campus

All Shabbat and worship information can be found online at www.wbtla.org