INSIDE THIS ISSUE PAGE 2XExploring the History of Temple Beth El PAGE 6XMelton Spring Graduate Courses PAGE 8XJewish Leap Year PAGE 12XMeet the Greenes PAGE 16XThanks for a Successful Year PAGE 18XPhotos from the Gala JAN U ARY / FEBRU ARY 201 4/5774 TE VE T-SHE VAT-ADAR I

Shabbat Service, Dinner & Concert with Mak’hela Friday, January 10, 6:00 pm

Please join us for a wonderful evening on Friday, January 10 as we celebrate Shabbat Shirah (Shabbat of Song). The evening begins at 6:00 pm with a Kabbalat Shabbat service, followed by a delicious Shabbat dinner at 7:10 pm prepared by Catering by Meital, and a concert by Mak’hela at 8:15 pm. Singles, couples, families with teenagers, and empty nesters are welcome to join us for dinner. The cost of the meal is $18 per person and includes a spring mix salad, sautéed chicken breast with an orange ginger glaze, oven roasted potatoes, wild rice with dried fruit and sautéed onions, Italian zucchini and summer squash with tomatoes and seasonings, and apple crisp with Tofutti ice cream. Guests are encouraged to bring a bottle of kosher wine to share with their table. Tables of 8 may be reserved, include names of your table guests with your reservation. Your payment is your reservation confirmation; mail your check or call the temple office at 733-4149 to pay by credit card. There is no charge to attend the concert. CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

The Sandi Kupperman Learning Center Bi-annual Night of Fundraising & Fun! Saturday, March 29



Join us on Saturday evening March 29, as we honor Michelle Anfang for the many ways she contributes to Temple Beth El. Whether overseeing the writing, MICHELLE ANFANG editing and publishing of the Centennial Journal, reading Torah, or serving on the Ritual Committee and School Sommittee, Michelle brings passion, joy and excellence to our community. Funds raised will benefit the Sandi Kupperman Learning Center. The evening promises to be fun. We’ll begin with Havdalah, enjoy good food and entertainment. Watch for details.

SISTERHOOD SHABBAT Saturday, January 18

Please join us as the women of our congregation participate in the Shabbat morning service. All are invited to a festive Kiddush lunch following services, sponsored by Temple Beth El’s Sisterhood.

FIDDLER FESTIVAL Saturday, February 1, 6:00 pm Join us at Temple Beth El on Saturday, February 1 at 6:00 pm for Fiddler Festival, a hot winter dinner and a sing-a-long showing of the film, Fiddler on the Roof. 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the original Broadway production of the show, which opened in 1964 and had the first musical production run in history to surpass 3,000 performances. The film, made in 1971, was an adaptation of the original Broadway production. Our version will have the lyrics to all of the songs subtitled on the screen, to encourage everyone to sing along. The evening begins at 6:00 pm with an Eastern European-themed dinner featuring stuffed cabbage soup, vegetarian vegetable soup, salad, hearty bread, and apple crisp, prepared by the Program Committee. The movie follows at 7:00 pm The cost is $15 per person if reserved by January 17, $18 per person after that date. The program is appropriate for adults and older teens (there will not be babysitting available). Dress is casual or shtetl, your choice. Please make your reservation by calling 733-4149 by January 24.

MMTemple Beth El Founded 1913. In 2008 merged with Congregation B’nai Jacob (founded 1891). Devoted to seeking God, doing Mitzvot, studying Torah, and creating Community. 1

Exploring the History of TBE Michelle Anfang

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” During the months I spent poring through the Temple Beth El archives housed in the library of the Springfield History Museum, this adage proved true over and over. The archives include more than 20 boxes filled with amazing pictorial records of our history. Here are a couple of examples of photographs that made an impression on me and transported me to another time: ■ A profile photo of Rabbi Price from the 1940s, addressing an outdoor audience at Court Square in Springfield. He is surrounded by American flags and patriotic bunting, and speaking into an old-fashioned radio microphone. We don’t know what he said, or the occasion, but I can imagine inspiring prayerful words. I imagine a community struggling

with fear about the news coming out of Europe, perhaps apprehensions about their own sons and husbands sent to war, looking to their beloved Rabbi for words of comfort, encouragement, and faith. The community frequently turned to its religious leaders for guidance and Rabbi Price was highly regarded by the entire Springfield community. This photo bears witness to his leadership beyond the pulpit.

■ A 1963 photo of the head table at the 50th Anniversary of Temple Beth El. Here we see the beaming face of Simon Katz with friends, awash in gold fabric, enjoying the festive occasion. You can almost hear the glasses tinkling, the white noise of hundreds of friends all talking at the same time, perhaps a dance tune in the background with the sound of the ladies dresses swishing to the music. I imagine their pride – in their beautiful new building, their astounding growth in membership, and their optimistic future. Editor’s Note: Michelle Anfang will be this year’s honoree at the Sandi Kupperman Learning Center fundraiser on Saturday, March 29. As a student who has attended Melton, adult Bat Mitzvah and many other classes, Michelle is a role model for all learners (adults and children) at TBE.

The deadline for the March-April Tekiah is Friday, January 24, email articles or photos to [email protected].

NEW SCHEDULE FOR MUSICAL KABBALAT SHABBATOT Weekday Morning Rosh Hodesh Shevat Monday through Friday........ 7:00 am Wednesday, January 1.......... 8:30 am Sunday................................... 8:30 am Thursday, January 2............. 6:45 am Weekday Evening Martin Luther King Day (office closed) Monday, January 20 Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday........5:45 pm Morning Services.................. 8:30 am Shabbat Worship Presidents Day (office closed) Erev Shabbat.........................6:00 pm Monday, February 17 Shabbat morning.................. 9:30 am Morning Services.................. 8:30 am Shabbat afternoon................5:00 pm Rosh Hodesh Adar I Friday, January 31................. 6:45 am Saturday, February 1...............9:30 am

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Due to the popularity of our Musical Shabbat Services, featuring Cantor Elise Barber with musicians, we will begin offering them on two Fridays each month (the second and fourth every month, except May), beginning on January 24. See the article on the front page about our service, dinner and concert with Mak’hela on January 10. We are also changing the format a bit. Instead of having an appetizer buffet at the conclusion of services, we offer a nosh beginning at 5:30 in our lobby, with services to begin at 6:00 pm. The schedule over the next few months is as follows: January 24 February 14 February 28 March 14

March 28 April 11 (dinner at 7:00, following services, instead of appetizers)

April 25 May 9 June 13 June 27

Mark your calendars and plan to join us as we welcome Shabbat in this special way!



Haftarah Chanting Class Are you interested in learning how to chant Haftarah? If so, we have the class for you! Cantor Barber is teaching a class on Sundays January 5, 12, 19, 26, February 2 and 9, from 4:30-5:30 pm on how to chant Haftarah, the sections from the prophets that are read after the Torah. The only requirement is the ability to read Hebrew. At TBE, we love to have as many people involved in leading a service as possible. It’s a great way to learn more about our sacred texts and help lead services. Call Cantor Barber at 733-4149 for more information or to sign up.

Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz Actions speak louder than words. The pen is mightier than the sword. Many hands make light work. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Haste makes waste. He who hesitates is lost. Out of sight, out of mind. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Judaism is laced with paradoxes: happiness in the midst of mourning, advice to cling to the past but never forfeit the future, certainty that we should expend all our efforts and energy on this world yet never despair that something lies beyond it. Mendl of Vorki, a Hasidic master, describes the internal experience of a religious Jew as “Upright kneeling, silent screaming, and motionless dance.” I am drawn to his teaching for another lesson. In this most unusual imagery we are taught that nothing in life is permanent: not our kneeling, our screaming or our dancing. As we live our lives there are moments when we cry and moments when we laugh. There are moments when we mourn and moments when we rejoice. Our challenge is to find the appropriate balance between loss and joy; between questions and appreciation of blessings. I pray that in the very near future we laugh more and cry less.

Each side of those paired proverbs is true at certain times. Living with contradictory truths is part of being human. When I reflect upon the last few months – I feel as though I have lived with contradictory emotions for much of November and December. The sheer joy of our Centennial Gala, the profound sadness when the community came together to mourn the untimely death of Michael Frankel and a few weeks later Naomi Baron. How did we manage these emotional swings?

Wishing all of you a healthy 2014.

Winter weather in the New England accentuates the cold and darkness of what seems to be an unwelcoming world. The days are so short – it is dark outside when I leave for the gym in the morning and when I return home in the early evening. Even when the sun finally appears, the skies often remain dim and grey. When I get the winter blues – and I always do sometime in January or February – I turn to this verse in Isaiah.

The sun will no more be your light by day... but God will be to you an everlasting light. (Isaiah 60:19) Isaiah is reminding us that only divine light can pierce the darkness. We become God’s partners when we bring light into the world. In these dark winter months let’s bring light and love to those around us. As we do we will bring warmth to someone who feels cold like we once did.

Would you Like to Preview a New Siddur? Like many of you, during the past few years I have enjoyed davening from our still-new Lev Shalem Mahzor on the High Holidays. The combination of aestheticallypleasing type, sensitive translations, copious marginal notes and helpful transliterations have made this a welcome companion in synagogue on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. As soon as the mahzor was published, it met with such acclaim that people urged the Rabbinical Assembly to produce a comparable Shabbat and Festival siddur. And so, the committee began working on a Lev Shalem Siddur for Shabbat and Festivals. Our own Rabbi Katz has been on the committee since its inception two years ago. The editorial committee, led by Rabbi Edward Feld, has made remarkable progress, and has just published First Fruits,” a paperback draft of the Friday evening service. The committee is looking for feedback. On January 10, we will continue using this new siddur which we first used on December 13. Your constructive feedback will be invaluable to the editors. We have 100 copies of the Siddur and we will daven with Lev Shalem for the months of January, February and March. If you would like to a) preview the siddur; b) join us for services during those months and c) share your reactions with Rabbi Katz, please email Lisa in the office at [email protected]. 3

Kadima Youth Group

Jenn Gottlieb Kadima Advisor

Family Shabbat

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4 & FEBRUARY 1 The first two Shabbatot every month from 10:00 am – 11:45 am are Family Shabbatot. Come and join other families and children of all ages. Parents are welcome to stay in the kindergarten through second grade program or the junior RONA LEVENTHAL congregation service with their children. Babysitting will be available. A Kiddush lunch will follow the morning programs. On Saturday, January 4, please join storyteller Rona Leventhal on Shabbat morning. Rona is one person, but many voices. Rona will have you dancing, swaying in your seats, singing and laughing as she shares stories from the silly to the serious, from the mysterious to the monstrous! Any questions, please contact Caryn Resnick at 413-737-0170 ext. 109 or [email protected].

THE SANDI KUPPERMAN LEARNING CENTER ANNUAL RETREAT FOR 6TH - 12TH GRADERS

This year’s overnight will be held Friday and Saturday, January 24 and 25, at the Holiday Inn in Enfield, CT. A Shabbat full of fun, learning, friendship, new experiences and community building. Don’t miss it!! Contact Caryn Resnick for more information at [email protected].

Student Led Service

On Saturday, March 1, the students from the Sandi Kupperman Religious School in grades K-12 will be participating in the Shabbat morning service. This is a time when our students can exhibit their prayer mastery skills learned in their classrooms. Our students are excited about the opportunity to help lead the congregation at this special Shabbat morning. Come and share their pride!! Stay for the celebratory Kiddush luncheon. As an additional treat, the student’s tzedakah projects, linked with organizations in Israel, will be on display. Don’t miss this special morning!! For further information contact Caryn Resnick at cresnick@ tbespringfield.org

USY Events JANUARY & FEBRUARY

Nora Gorenstein USY Advisor

Winter will see our teens “heating up” as we stay active and involved! January will feature teen leadership during an open USY Board meeting (date to be announced) and the SKLC Retreat on the 24th-25th. On February 8th, Temple Beth El will be hosting a regional event for Hanefesh USY: the Social Action/Tikun Olam (SATO) Dance Overnight! This massive bash will include social action projects and a dance followed by an overnight experience in the synagogue. Watch out! Our teens are really going places!

TEEN TRIP TO PRAGUE & ISRAEL JUNE 22 – JULY 4 For students in grades 9 - 12 (rescheduled from February). Travel through historic Prague, including the Jewish Ghetto and Theresienstadt Concentration Camp. Travel throughout Israel for nine days from the north to the south. Extraordinary itinerary, great opportunity to learn, have fun, and fall in love with our homeland. For more information, please contact Caryn Resnick at [email protected]. 4

Kudos to all who participated in Mitzvah Day! Kadima had a wonderful time buying and wrapping presents for underprivileged children for the holidays. We have two amazing events coming up that you do not want to miss. Get your snow pants ready because on Sunday, January 12th we are going to Bousquet Mountain for a day of snow tubing! Drop off at TBE at 10:30 am for a day enjoying the snow, and of course, hot chocolate. The adventure continues on February 9th because we are going to Nomads in South Windsor. Nomads has it all: laser tag, bumper cars, mini golf, an arcade... you name it. There is something exciting for everyone. Watch your email with more details coming soon!

2016 B’NEI MITZVAH TO BE SCHEDULED

Attention all families with children who will be turning 13 in 2016. Cantor Elise Barber will be sending you a letter in January about selecting a date for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The children whose names we have are: Hannah Adler, Ori Dragon, Avi Falk, Marni Freedman, Aaron Goldberg, Adam Greene, Sarah Kurbanov, Alyssa Peck, Ilana Rapaport, Dylan Ratner, Sophia Robbins and Aylee Elfant Weiss. If your child’s name does not appear on this list, please call Cantor Barber at 733-4149 so that we can be sure to include him or her in our planning.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS As we do every year, Temple Beth El is proud to be able to provide scholarships to our member children to attend Jewish summer camps as well as summer programs in Israel. Some of the scholarships are needbased and others are open to everyone. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 31. Please call the temple office at 733-4149 or e-mail us at office@ tbespringfield.org to request an application form.

We are so proud of our students’ performances at the Sandi Kupperman Memorial Event.

Parents and their children learning and performing mitzvot at Family Mitzvah Day. Students participate in a Walk-a-thon to raise money for teen Prague and Israel trip.

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FLORENCE MELTON ADULT MINI-SCHOOL SPRING GRADUATE COURSES FINDING GOD IN THE MIDST OF TRAGEDY

Lunch and Learn

Cuppa Joe

Wednesdays at noon Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, and Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26 During January, Phyllis Katz will lead the class while Rabbi Katz is on Sabbatical. The group will be discussing all aspects of modern Israel—technology, environment, the arts, etc. No politics! We will also be watching a film about Israel. Many thanks to Phyllis for leading the class during this month. In February, Rabbi Katz will return and we will resume our study of creating a vocabulary list for people who want a deeper understanding of Jewish life. We will be The pursuit of knowledge for its guided by the work of Rabbis Arthur Green own sake, an almost fanatical love of and Lawrence Kushner. For each word we justice, and the desire for personal discuss – we will study a definition, some independence -- these are the features history and bit of etymology. Then we will of Jewish tradition which make me discuss how or why this word may figure into thank my stars that I belong to it. –Albert Einstein our lives. Join us at noon with a dairy lunch.

Sundays at 9:00 am In Cuppa Joe we are reading the wonderful essays at the back of the Etz Hayim Humash. These scholarly essays allow for thoughtful conversation about Biblical life, Jewish law, prayer, and much more. You do not need a strong background to participate in the class, just a desire to learn. Just Show Up whenever it is convenient. Minyan is at 8:30 am, and breakfast and class begin around 9:00 am.!

KATZ FAMILY LIBRARY

SKLC BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP Liz Marinelli Librarian

The book group will meet on January 15 to discuss The Tin Horse by Janice Steinberg. Part mystery and part memoir, this engrossing novel set in Los Angeles’ historic Jewish neighborhood of Boyle Heights picks up the trail of a disappeared twin 60 years later. Suzanne Chorowski will be leading the discussion. Joining the book group is a great way to start the new year – everyone is welcome! We meet at 10:30 am in the library. Long winter evenings are perfect for watching a DVD. Here are a few new ones available at the library: Hava Nagila (The Movie) – A joyous, energetic documentary that reveals the roots of this classic Jewish song. Reuniting the Rubins – One man’s mission to follow his dream is halted in its tracks at the request of his dear, but difficult mother who is bent on seeing her warring grandchildren together one last time. Follow Me – This new documentary traces the life of Yoni Netanyahu and his role in the raid on Entebbe. A Bottle in the Gaza Sea – Emails between a 17-year-old Israeli woman and a 20-year-old Palestinian man jumpstart a friendship when he reads a note in a bottle that she has thrown into the Gaza Sea. English subtitles. 6

Instructor: Rabbi Devorah Jacobson - Mondays, 9:00 - 10:30 am, 10 weeks from February 3 to April 7 at Jewish Geriatric Services

We will read and discuss some of the most poignant Jewish writings over the ages responding to “the problem of evil” and the age old question: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” We will consider the Book of Job, passages from the Talmud, theologians of the Holocaust, and writings of Rabbi Harold Kushner. Tuition: $200 plus $25 materials fee.

JEWS IN AMERICA: INSIDERS AND OUTSIDERS

Instructors: Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz & Dalia Davis - Mondays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, from February 3 to April 7 at Jewish Geriatric Services

This Scholars course provides students with the opportunity to consider the challenges of Jewish acculturation to American life, and the sacrifices as well as the contributions that have been made over the past 200 years. Lessons will explore such topics as the role of education. The Three Generation Hypothesis, Anti-Semitism and the Holocaust, the changing place of Zionism and the State of Israel, the Civil Rights Movement as a case study of distinctiveness and involvement, and other issues that address American and Jewish culture and identity. As optimists and pessimists debate the future of Jewish identity in America, this 10-lesson course asks the question, “is the cup half-empty or half full?” Tuition: $200 plus $75 book fee.

KINGS I

Instructor: Dalia Davis - Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11:00 am, from January 21 to April 1 at the JCC

Explore the book of Kings I and study the final moments of David’s life and the life and reign of King Solomon. This book is filled with epoch events in Jewish history including the building of the Temple and the decentralization of the Jewish monarchy. This class will include textural analysis and dynamic group discussions. Tuition: $200 plus $25 materials fee.

From the President Paul Farkas

I recently visited Joe Lieberman. He shared the B’nai Jacob newsletter of January 1977, just about 37 years ago, from when he DR. PAUL FARKAS became shul president. In his letter he wrote, “most importantly (our goal should be) to make every member feel that he (or she) is an integral part of our synagogue.” Joe went on to talk about community. There is this pithy statement that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Now, in November (when I’m writing this), we are floating on the centennial cloud. Early in the month, hundreds of us gathered to party and dance at the Gala, a truly magical evening, the final celebration of our centennial year. Our visiting musicians told event co-chair Beverly Nadler that of all the many events at the many temples they’ve seen, never have they seen such spirit, such joy at being together, as here at TBE. It was only 6 ½ days later, on the following Shabbat morning, that hundreds of us gathered again for the first event of the next hundred years, for the beginning of the “next book” about our shul. We were honoring Rabbi Katz, celebrating her first five years with us. Again, the air was thick with exhilaration as we thanked Rabbi Katz for leaving Kansas to journey East to Beth El, in parallel with Jacob’s trajectory in that week’s Torah portion. Rabbi Devorah

Jacobson blessed her with a rewritten poem, once by Danny Siegel. All together we sang to her some surprising verses of the “newly evolving” Adon Olam! These moments bring home for all of us the beauty and magnificence of a true community, just as Joe Lieberman describes. Like Jacob, we too are dreaming great dreams as we think about the rest of this first year of our new centennial. By the time you are reading this, I hope we shall have shared many many potato latkes -- at our Hanukkah party, our Hanukkah Kiddush lunch, our Hanukkah Lunch and Learn at the Rabbi’s home. I hope our children are seeing each other at “Toys and Torah” on many Shabbat mornings, and that we “Just Show Up” as well. During these colder months we must resist the temptation to hibernate – rather, we should really savor our morning or evening (short) services, special times to connect with each other and fulfill what Gene Baker calls “the greatest mitzvah.” Marge Robinson’s program committee is dreaming up great ways to party, to continue the good times of the Gala. Rabbi Katz is discussing great Jewish words at Lunch and Learn, and leading us in understanding Torah and Haftarah at Cuppa Joe, while we continue to meet at our Melton classes. Our religious school children fill our hallways on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, and our teens are here on Thursday nights for B’Yahad. As we talk about the joys of gathering together, of the spirit of our warm community, perhaps these Tekiah articles are timeless. All we need to do is look up the B’nai Jacob newsletter of January 1977.

BROTHERHOOD ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING ON JANUARY 14

Temple Beth El’s Brotherhood will hold a meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 7:00 pm to discuss plans for events for 2014. All male members of the temple are welcome.

BRINGING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY TOGETHER. You are invited by the children of the Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC), Heritage Academy, and Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy (LYA) to our Community Leadership Day on Wednesday, February 12. Here is what is being said about leadership: ⦁ “Being a line leader is an important job.” –JCC Preschooler, age 4 ⦁ “The 7 Habits help me with my friendships.” –Heritage Academy student, grade 3 ⦁ “I love earning Leadership Cards when I am caught doing something right.” –LYA student, grade 2 ⦁ “Students grasp the idea that they can be leaders at any time and in any place. Leader in Me encourages them to make good choices even when no one is watching.” –Heritage Academy educator See how our children have been learning and living The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People through The Leader in Me. Join leaders from our community and celebrate leadership as our schools work together. Learn more at www.theleaderinme. org. RSVP to Michelle Everett at 413-737-4313 x137 or email meverett@ jewishwesternmass.org. Presented by the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts.

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New leadership for Hesed Committee

We are proud to announce that Temple Beth El has secured 59 commitments from members who have agreed to remember the synagogue in their wills. These commitments will help to ensure that our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy the same high level of worship, educational and social programs for years to come. Most recently, we were privileged to receive a generous gift of $100,000 from the estate of Dr. Arthur Pava. Arthur loved the temple deeply for many years. His thoughtfulness will ensure that TBE will derive benefits for years to come. If you would like to join all of those listed below as members of our Legacy Society, please contact Rhoda Peskin at 733-4149 or [email protected]. Our gratitude goes to: Dr. Stuart Anfang Barbara Binsky Anne Bloom Paul Bloom Edward Borowsky Michele Borowsky Alan Bullock Judi Bullock Bill Caplin Michael Chernick Amy Cohen Paul Cohen Nancy Cole Esta Farkas Paul Farkas Donna Feldman Steven Feldman Bill & Lynne Foggle Seymour Frankel Robert Friedlander Jerry & Myra Gold Ann Guttman Harold Grinspoon Richard & Susan Halpern

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Ted & Judy Ingis Maurice Katz (z”l) Albert Kohn (z”l) Melvin Lavin Jeffrey Mandell Adele Miller Dr. Robert & Susanne Osofsky Dr. Arthur Pava (z”l) Adam Peck & Rhonda Goldberg Dan Plotkin Mollie Plotkin David Ratner Ellen Ratner Rick Ratner Paul & Phyllis Salvage Cantor Morton & Frannie Shames Harvey Shrage Grace Sperling Robert & Sharon Tariff Abbie Weiss Meyer Weiss Karen Winer Stan Winer & 12 anonymous donors

JANUARY 10 SHABBAT SERVICE, DINNER & MAK’HELA CONCERT SEE PAGE 1

Effective January 1, Ellen Ratner will assume the chairmanship of Temple Beth El’s Hesed Committee. The Committee is responsible for outreach to the ill and ELLEN RATNER bereaved in our community as well as to those welcoming a new child. Tasks include writing notes to our ill members, delivering meals to our members who have suffered a loss, delivering meals

to our members who have new babies and delivering yahrzeit candles and jars of honey before the High Holy Days to our members who are in their year of mourning. Ellen invites anyone who is interested in helping with this important and fulfilling work, whether you have a few minutes a week or an hour or two each month, to contact Rhoda Peskin, 733-4149 or [email protected], and she will forward your name to the committee.

More generous members! Responses to the High Holy Day Appeal continue to come in. Since October 10, the following generous members have added their names to our list of donors. We are grateful to them and to all who gave to the appeal. Thanks to all of you, we recently received a check for $20,000 from our anonymous donor who had agreed to match our new and increased gifts.

Ruth Burstein Dr. Dennis & Miriam Gordan Jerry & Myra Gold Richard & Susan Halpern Richard & Dayna Nadelman Andy & Liz Paleologopoulos Merton Peck Marjorie Sherman Harvey Shrage & Amy Cohen Joyce Weinbaum

For Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz SHABBAT VA-YETZE NOVEMBER 9, 2013 Adapted by Rabbi Devorah Jacobson from Rabbi Danny Siegel’s original adaptation from Tractate Berachot

May your eyes sparkle with the light of Torah and your ears hear the music of its words. May your teaching continue to be passionate and may you find delight as you and your students together discover new meanings in every layer of the text. May your tefillah help ground you may the words on the page and the meditations of your heart bring warmth to your soul. May your deeds of lovingkindness and your devotion to tzedakah, continue to guide you and give concrete expression to the generosity of your spirit. May the miracle that is Medinat Yisrael continue to inspire you even as it inspires us. May your bike rides there never find you too weary, or keep you from enjoying the beautiful views. May your leadership continue to be authentic and strong. May your dreams for this community be a force for good. May the Holy One always be with you and bless you and all your loved ones with health and with peace.

The Jewish Leap Year Cantor Elise Barber

Since I am a singer, it is probably no surprise to learn that I am a huge fan of Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. I had the good fortune to be raised getting to watch G&S performances every summer—the same show over and over in one season until I had every word, every note, every inflection, and every move memorized. In Pirates of Penzance, the character Frederic turns 21, the age at which he can be released from his pirate apprenticeship and gleefully join the world of the lawful. also have a lunar calendar, but they do not Suddenly, it is realized that he was born on have leap years making holidays such as February 29th of a leap year and has only Ramadan occur in different seasons. celebrated 5 birthdays making him 5 years Our added month is called Adar I (Adar old, far from the age necessary to leave an Rishon or Adar Aleph) and is inserted before apprenticeship. Adar II (Adar Sheini or Adar Bet) in leap Well, we have leap years years. A leap year occurs in the Hebrew calendar as seven times in a 19-year well, but never fear. There are cycle—the 3rd, 6th, 8th, So what if Frederic safeguards in place so that a 11th, 14th, 17th, and 19th had been Jewish and 21-year old man will never be years in the cycle are the leap born during a leap considered a little boy of 5. years. In order to figure out month? Would he have We are now in the had the same trouble which years in the 19-year midst of a Jewish leap year, cycle should be leap years, getting out of his which occurs seven times we divide the number of the apprenticeship? in a 19-year cycle. Instead year by 19. If the remainder of adding an extra day as in is one of the above numbers the Gregorian calendar, we or 0, the year is a leap year. So this year is add an extra month. This system was put 5774. Divide 5774 by 19 and you get 303 with in place so that the lunar-based Jewish year a remainder of 17, one of the numbers listed remains aligned with the solar seasons. You above. see, 12 lunar months add up to only 354 days, So what if Frederic had been Jewish 11 days short of the 365.25 day solar year. and born during a leap month? Would he It is important that we keep our calendar have had the same trouble getting out of his consistent with the seasons as certain apprenticeship? Here’s how it works. holidays are supposed to occur during certain The extra month is inserted before the seasons. For example, the holiday of Pesach regular month so that Adar II is the real must be celebrated in the spring. Muslims Adar, the one in which the holiday of Purim

is celebrated and the one in which yahrzeits are observed. Adar II would also mark the birthdate for someone born in Adar, so it is usually during Adar II that any birthday would be celebrated. But it’s not really that simple. Some sources state that the birthday should be celebrated during both Adars in a leap year. Even more confusing, other sources state that if a person was born in Adar I in a leap year, then the birthday would be celebrated in Adar I and if born during Adar II, the birthday would occur during Adar II in a leap year. Whether born in Adar I or II, a person celebrates his or her birthday in regular non-leap years in the only Adar that occurs. This can be complicated. For example, if a boy was born on the 20th of Adar I and his friend was born in the next month on the 3rd of Adar II, and their bar mitzvahs were in a non-leap year with only one Adar, the younger boy born in Adar II will celebrate his bar mitzvah on the 3rd of Adar before his older friend born on the 20th of Adar I. Despite all that confusion, someone like Frederic would celebrate his birthday every year and would be able to leave his pirate apprenticeship as he would be considered a 21-year-old adult. Silliness aside, it is interesting to note that a leap year in Judaism is also called a Shana Meuberet, or a pregnant year. We are currently making our way through this ripe, full, pregnant year. With the image of fruitfulness and possibility in mind, let us consider how we can live this year in a state of fullness open to challenges, possibilities, surprises, and new relationships.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU Temple Beth El is proud to announce the receipt of a gift of $15,000 in support of our Centennial Celebration, from the Norman and Frances B. Cohen Charitable Trust. This is in addition to the $100,000 gift that we previously received for the Centennial Capital Campaign. We’d like to thank Attorney Jeff Sagalyn, who is the trustee of this fund, for remembering Temple Beth El in this generous and thoughtful way. 9

Beit Café

Saturday, March 8, 7:00 pm On Saturday, March 8 at 7:00 pm, Temple Beth El will hold an evening of music provided by our own members and co-organized by Curt Freedman and Cantor Elise Barber. We will sit, sing, play, chat, and of course, drink and nosh at Curt’s home. If you sing or play an instrument and would like to be one of the performers, we’d love for you to share your talents. Contact Cantor Barber at [email protected] or (413) 733-4149 for more information or to sign up. There is no cost for the evening, and all are welcome, whether you are performing or not. Space is limited, so please call the office (733-4149 or [email protected]) to let us know if you are coming.

Purim is Coming!

On Saturday, March 15, we will hear the Megillah and have a party! This year’s theme is fairy tales. People of all ages remember fairy tales, so come dressed as one of your favorites. Watch your mail for further details.

Mishloah Manot for Temple Beth El’s our College Students Mishloah Manot Last Purim, we began the practice of sending Purim baskets to our member children who are away at college as our gift to them. We were told that they were thrilled to receive this reminder of home. If you would like your child to receive a basket, please send their snail mail address to office@ tbespringfield.org. Since students move from year to year, even if you sent us addresses last year, we ask that you submit them again, so that we can be sure that we have current information on file.

SOCIAL ACTION PROJECTS

HELP US FEED THE HUNGRY

MARCH 29 THE SANDI KUPPERMAN NIGHT OF FUNDRAISING AND FUN! WATCH YOUR MAIL FOR DETAILS 10

Remember to join us every third Wednesday of each month at Christ Church Cathedral for Loaves and Fishes, 35 Chestnut Street, Springfield. Volunteers are asked to be at the church by 11:45 am and to bring a gallon of whole milk. We will also be preparing and serving dinner at the Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist Church, 797 State Street, Springfield, at 4:45 pm on Sundays, January 26 and February 23. We are asked to prepare and serve dinner for 50 hungry adults. Food should be cooked at home or can be purchased. Please call the temple office, 733-4149, for more details or to sign up for either or both of these social action projects.

Join us again for the festive TBE Mishloah Manot project – last year over 500 baskets were exchanged! You will receive a mailing in January with a list of the members of our synagogue. Please take a moment to select all the families to whom you would like to send Purim greetings and Mishloah Manot. There is a charge of $5 per recipient selected, and each member selected will receive a basket of goodies. Multiple members may send to the same person. In this case, the recipient will receive one basket accompanied by a Purim greeting that will acknowledge each of the families that sent the basket. Children may also like to send baskets to their friends, or to Grandma and Grandpa, or a favorite Beth El teacher. If you would like to send Purim baskets, fill out the order form on the opposite page (we’ll also mail you one) and submit it with a check payable to Temple Beth El – Attn: Purim Baskets. Order forms are due by February 19. If you need additional forms, please call the temple office at 733-4149 or e-mail [email protected]. Recipients will be contacted by phone and invited to pick up their baskets at the Megillah reading on Saturday evening, March 15, or the previous Thursday or Friday at the synagogue between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm If you would like to pick up and deliver baskets for your recipients, please indicate this on your order form. Thank you for your support of this important fundraiser for Temple Beth El.

Mishloah Manot Basket Order Form PLEASE YOUR ORDERS NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 19, 2014 Name of Recipient

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Total number of Synagogue Recipients Fee for Synagogue Recipients ($5 each, 12 baskets for $50) $ Total Number Out of Town/Other Synagogue Recipients Fee for Out of Town/Other Synagogue ($18 each) $ Total Amount of Check $ If you would like to send one of our Mishloah Manot to a friend at another synagogue or out of town, we would be happy to send them through the United States Postal Service. This would be an additional fee of $13.00 per basket (total charge is $18). Please attach names and addresses and include the additional fees in your check. Name of Sender_______________________________________________________ Phone Number _______________________________________________________ Email Address ________________________________________________________

Actual baskets include candy, fruit & nuts Hamentaschen and other goodies



THANK YOU!



Make check payable to Temple Beth El – Attn: Purim Baskets and along with this order form, return them to: Temple Beth El, 979 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA 01108

Meet the Greenes Tiffany Greene

I grew up in Longmeadow, so Temple Beth El has been part of my life for nearly 40 years. Growing up, I loved daydreaming out those intricate triangles in the main sanctuary, remembering the thrill of spotting my Nana Nuger’s red hair in a sea of hundreds of congregants during the High Holy Days, and hearing Cantor Shames chanting from the bimah. My husband Scott shares similar great memories of his Temple Shalom Emeth in Burlington, MA, where he became bar mitzvah and later stayed on to be confirmed in high school. Scott attended Syracuse University where he majored in Communications at the Newhouse School, and I studied business at the Isenberg School at UMass Amherst. I lived in the Hillel House during my senior year, while Scott minored in Jewish Studies. Being Jewish has always been vital to Scott and me, long before we found each other. However, it wasn’t fate that was responsible for our introduction, it was Mom. Suddenly single in Nashua after a breakup, 12

my Mom (Sharon Levy) determined it was time for me to have a mensch of my own. Mom decided my mensch lived on the Internet. She printed out the profiles of a few men from a site called TheJewishPeople. org, and sent them to me (snail mail, before email attachments). On its way into the trash bin, Scott’s profile caught my attention. The title read “The Land of Hope and Dreams” from one of his favorite Bruce Springsteen songs. His profile was honest down the receding hair line, mad love of Boston sports, and even World Wrestling Entertainment (oy!). But there was such an honest quality to his description of himself and what was important in his life that I put the rest of the profiles in the trash and sent him an email. We met where I was living in Nashua, NH, and the rest is history. (Scott also wrote a beautiful thank you note to my Mom for having brought us together.) We married in 2001 at TBE (on the bimah where my mom and dad married in 1971, and where I made bat mitzvah in 1987), and then we returned to New Hampshire. Nashua was a great community, but 6 years later, we felt something was missing from our lives. We hadn’t grown

roots in a Jewish community, and we were too far from family. Pregnant with our second child, we decided it was time to move home for more support and free babysitting. It was a total leap of faith, but there was never any fear. We moved in 2007, and this will forever be home. Our boys, Josh and Adam, have extraordinary relationships with their Bubbe and Papa, Mark and Sharon Levy, and their first cousins, Leah and Nathan Katz. My sister Candace Katz and I love watching the cousins play and we savor the times we are all together. If it was possible to bring the family any closer together by moving to Longmeadow, we did it. (We do have a no drop-in policy, however.). Adam (10) and Josh (6) attend Heritage Academy, a place that could not have embraced us with more kindness; they both speak Hebrew with Israeli accents and are getting phenomenal educations. I work as a Vice President of Human Resources for Springfield-based Disability Management Services, and serve on the Board of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Scott is Business Development Manager for Envision Marketing Group (a division of The Reminder), selling digital marketing services and Web design to local businesses. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Springfield JCC. Scott and I are grateful for the experience of the Foundations Program taught by Rabbi Katz, also known as miniMelton. The Sunday morning classes were a great opportunity to explore the traditions and values in a way that was more comfortable to us than formal prayer, and our closest friendships formed from those 20 Sundays. While we aren’t regulars at Saturday morning services, our connection to our religion and its teaching is at the core of how we live, love and raise our kids, and I can think of few things more important to us than being Jewish. To bring our family into the warmth of Temple Beth El is simply a blessing, and I love building new memories in a place so familiar.

Wisdom can only come by way of a willingness to accept truth from any source.

–Solomon ibn Gabirol

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 SHABBAT, DINNER & CONCERT WITH MAK’HELA

Mak’hela, whose name means “chorus” in Hebrew, is a Jewish choral group dedicated to performing works from all facets of the Jewish world. Founded in 2003, the 50-voice chorus has performed in many New England venues, and performed at the 2007 North American Jewish Choral Festival. This season, composer, choral director, and Longmeadow-native Dr. Elaine “Lainee” Broad Ginsberg is stepping into the shoes of Music Director, Kayla Werlin, who is taking a leave of absence. The program at Temple Beth El will feature Cantor Elise Barber as a soloist with Mak’hela in Ben Steinberg’s beautiful “Shalom Rav” and Kurt Weil’s “Kiddush.” The group will also present exciting musical settings of psalm texts, a few of Elaine Ginsberg’s own compositions, Rossi’s “Adon Olam” and more. Dr. Elaine “Lainee” Ginsberg holds degrees from Oberlin Conservatory (Music and Judaic Studies), Ball State University (Composition), and a Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music (Composition). Lainee has been teaching at Keene State College in NH for nine years; she has also served as Choral Director at Hampshire College for the past 13 years. From 19992005, Lainee was the Music Director for the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, which included teaching at Heritage and Yeshiva Academies and several local synagogues, including Temple Beth El.

[email protected] We encourage you to share your news with us, so that we can rejoice together. Or if you have suffered a hardship or loss, please know our Temple Beth El community is always here for you.

Ellen and David Ratner on the marriage of their son, Andrew, to Hannah Hessel. Dr. Steven and Tara Wolman on the engagement of their daughter, Laini, to Richard Reinblatt, son of Harvey Reinblatt and Zila Reinblatt of Kansas City. The wedding will take place on June 29, 2014 in Dallas. The couple resides in Omaha, Nebraska. Howie Davis on his induction into the Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame. Howie served as the Sports Information Director at the college from 1968 – 1980 and then at the University of Massachusetts from 1980 – 1993.

IN OCTOBER & NOVEMBER

To our Torah Readers: Max Gevanthor, Isaac Schein, Michelle Schein, Shari Schein, Lisa Nascembeni, Jared Zippin, Alexa Zippin, Brian Zippin, Glenn Baevsky, Mica Baevsky, Brooke Baevsky, Dr. Bob Baevsky, Andie Firestone, Rachel Firestone, Emily Robinson, Max Rubin, Samantha Rubin, Dan Kaplan, Adele Miller, Dr. Mark Sherman.

Myra and Jerry Gold on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Alexandra Callie Gold, on November 2 at Temple Israel in Westport, CT. Proud parents are Marc and Jennifer Gold. Jane Albert on being named Vice President of Development for Baystate Health and Director of the Baystate Health Foundation. Attorney Richard Gaberman on being named the first winner of the Distinguished Advisor in Philanthropy by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. David Lieber and Heather Wasilewski on the birth of their daughter, Violette Williamina Lieber. Proud sisters are Samantha, Lillian and Cecilia. To our Haftarah Readers: Harlan Wahrman, Isaac Schein, Jared Zippin, Glenn Baevsky, Dr. Mark Sherman, Dr. Larry Metz, Samantha Rubin, Dr. Max Chorowski, Stanley Light. Breakfast Sponsors:

In memory of their parents Jerry & Myra Gold In memory of his wife Judy Dr. Ed Gerstein In memory of his family members Josef Ladin In memory of her mother Hannah Sharon Aminia On the occasion of his 90th birthday Joe Lieberman

We mourn the loss of the following through November 27: Mark Richard Nuger Brother of Sharon Levy Bernard Schorr Husband of Betty Schorr Frederic Weinberg Brother of Myra Wiedman Judith Baker Wife of Eugene Baker Mother of Leslie Baker Bernice Karolinski Mother of Carl Karolinski Iris Chernaik Frances Sirulnik Helen H. Goldband Mother of Jane Schulman Mother of Donna Feldman Dr. Mortimer Stone Husband of Hortense Stone Herman Portney Brother of Norma Feder Thelma Gold Mother of Mark Gold

WELCOME DEBBIE PESKIN!

Herbert J. Steinberg Father of Jane Albert

We are happy to announce that Debbie Peskin has agreed to serve at TBE’s Interim Communications Coordinator. She comes to us with 14 years of experience handling communications for the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts. Debbie replaces Rebecca Gevanthor who left the position in November. We thank Rebecca for her service to the temple and hope that we will have the opportunity to see her and her family at many temple events for years to come. Debbie has agreed to handle all of our online and hard copy communications as we conduct our search for a permanent Communications Coordinator. She may be reached at 733-4149 or [email protected].

Michael J. Frankel Husband of Donna Frankel Father of Emma & Joely Frankel Son of Seymour Frankel Naomi Baron Granddaughter of Sidney & Evelyn Baron

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This list includes donations received as of November 27. Please note that only donations of at least $10 are listed in the bulletin.

KIDDUSH FUND In honor of the birthday of Max & Suzanne Chorowski The Michigan Halberstadts Continued good health to Seymour Frankel Dr. & Mrs. Alan Gerstein Mazel Tov to Rabbi Katz on her five years at TBE Richard Alpert Elliot and Phyllis Altman Barbara Binsky Sheila Blum Gene & Janice Cantor Stanley & Vickie Chiz Max & Suzanne Chorowski Vickie Donovan Mike Ezrin & Elaine Becker Ben and Adena Falk Ellen Fieldstein Paul & Esta Farkas Susan & Bill Firestone Bette & Alan Gerstein Joan Goodman Miriam Gordan June & Walter Gordenstein Michael & Dorita Henderson Shelley Hodes Judy & Ted Ingis Bob & Candace Kahan Marcia Kahn Sheldon & Judith Katz Ed & Sue Kline Allen & Judy Kronick Mel Lavin Phyllis Levenson Shirley & Alan Levitz Deborah Lieberman Ginsberg Iris & Marc Linson Bea & Jay Loevy Lucille Halberstadt Trust Larry & Mitzi Mackler Carole Magidson Charlotte Meyer Adele Miller June Okun Esther Pahl & Mamie Borns Debbie & David Peskin Rhoda & Judd Peskin Shelley Pleet Sue & Stan Polansky Ellen & David Ratner Carol Resnick Suzanne Rosenberg Michelle Shrair Linda & George Spitz Stan & Karen Winer TEMPLE FUND In memory of Leon Weiss Ruth Auerbach Dr. & Mrs. Neil Epstein Nancy & Andrew Leader-Cramer Nancy & Jim Aronson Robert A. & Shelley Freedman Jayne Antonowsky & Deborah Wolfe

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Francis J. Sweeney Beatrice Keene Deahn & Russell Leblang Susan & Jonathan Yorks Sharon & Howard Tripolsky John Sheldon Miriam Yorks Jon Aronson Dorothy Tatelman Curt Freedman Amy & Adam Forman Dolores & Melvin Hutner Robin & Jeffrey Shribman Michael & Robin Blake Lisa & Bruce Bial Dr. & Mrs. William Lloyd In memory of Norman Epstein Gerald Berg Donna & Steven Feldman Esta & Paul Farkas Lesly & Charles Reiter In memory of Mortimer Stone Jan Draymore In memory of Helen Goldband Freda Posnick Joseph Lieberman Ruth Auerbach Sora Torff Gail Stone Dayna & Richard Nadelman Carlin & Howard Trietsch Jan Draymore Marcia & Howard Albert Ellen & Maurice Fieldstein Joy & Michael Leavitt Ethel & Hi Neigher Michelle & Stuart Anfang Lesly & Charles Reiter Marlene Ratner In memory of Klara Sklar Joan Goodman In memory of Arthur Pava Joan Goodman Esta & Paul Farkas In memory of Frances Sirulnik Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Saltzman In memory of Herbert Steinberg Steven Lepow In memory of Michael Frankel Laura, Mollie, Zach & Ben Posnik Steven Lepow & Shelley Hodes Elizabeth & Phillip Irving Michelle & Stuart Anfang Dorita & Michael Henderson Alan & Rachel Sampson Susan & David Porter Jan Draymore Ellen & Mark Gold Paul L. Mancinone Company, P.C. In honor of Joe Lieberman’s 90th Birthday Shera Cohen Bill Caplin & Mary Jenewin-Caplin In honor of Rabbi Katz Barbara Binsky Wishing Larry Mackler good health Barbara Binsky

Wishing Seymour Frankel a speedy recovery Steve Lepow & Shelley Hodes Myer Ezrin & Elaine Becker Albert Goldberg & Miriam Lieff Herbert & Barbara Goldberg Mazel Tov on Andrew Ratner’s marriage Myer Ezrin & Elaine Becker Ezrin Suzanne Rosenberg In honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Cantor Morton & Frannie Shames’ granddaughter June & Walter Gordenstein In honor of the birth of Zachary Gotlib, son of Vlad & Ilana Gotlib Suzanne Rosenberg In memory of Judith Baker Curt Freedman Myer Ezrin & Elaine Becker Steve Lepow & Shelley Hodes Esta & Paul Farkas In memory of Herbert Steinberg Michelle & Stuart Anfang In memory of Bernice Karolinski Esta & Paul Farkas In memory of Thelma Gold Elizabeth & Phillip Irving Alan & Rachel Sampson Susan & David Porter In memory of Bernard Schorr Richard & Judi Goldmann Sally & Brian Hyduk Wishing Joan Rubin good health and happiness in her new home Miriam Hirschhaut In memory of Dorothy Katz Cantor Morton & Frannie Shames In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Isaac Schein Esta & Paul Farkas In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Glenn Baevsky Esta & Paul Farkas In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Jared Zippin Esta & Paul Farkas In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Max Gevanthor Esta & Paul Farkas In honor of Helen Goldband Sam & Maxine Goldberg

MINYAN FUND In memory of Judith Baker Myra & Jerry Gold Selma & Bernie Milstein Phyllis Levenson William Caplin Carol Wernick & family Ethel & Hi Neigher In memory of Leon Weiss Roberta & Bern Goodman & family In memory of Norman Epstein Phyllis & Irving Feldman In memory of Michelle Greston’s mother Selma & Bernie Milstein In honor of our son Brandon Goodman Roberta, Bern & Emily Goodman In honor of Chloe Shames’ Bat Mitzvah Myra & Jerry Gold

In honor of the engagement of David & Sharon Aminia’s daughter Myra & Jerry Gold Wishing Joe Lieberman good health Carol Wernick & family Yahrzeit of father, Morris Gerstein Ed Gerstein

SANDI KUPPERMAN LEARNING CENTER FUND In memory of Judith Baker Jan & Charles Nirenberg In memory of Thelma Gold Harvey Shrage & Amy Cohen In memory of Michael Frankel Harvey Shrage & Amy Cohen In honor of Jared Zippin’s Bar Mitzvah Marlene Kimball Caryn Resnick In honor of Samantha Rubin’s Bat Mitzvah Caryn Resnick In memory of Mark Nuger Jan & Charles Nirenberg In memory of Helen Goldband Jan & Charles Nirenberg Caryn Resnick In memory of Michael Frankel Jan & Charles Nirenberg In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Max Gevanthor Shirley & Alan Levitz In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Isaac Schein Shirley & Alan Levitz Caryn Resnick In memory of Marcia Chipkin Guzy’s mother Caryn Resnick In memory of Donna Feldman’s mother Caryn Resnick In memory of Jane Albert’s father Harvey Shrage & Amy Cohen YAHRZEIT FUND Seena R. Corn, beloved mother David B. Corn Marty Robinson, beloved brother Jan Draymore Selma B. Allen, beloved mother Carole & Harvey Gloth Nathan Max Solomon, beloved father Marion J. Mindel Shefford S. Goldband, beloved father Jane Schulman Richard Caplin, beloved father Bill Caplin Kalman Lutz, beloved father Arthur Lutz & Ruth Kimmell Bernard Broder, beloved father Martin Broder Alan Goldberg, beloved son Jack Goldberg Ruth Raker, beloved mother Marcia Raker Martin Weinberg, beloved father Brian Weinberg

Pauline Abelbaum, beloved mother Adele Barden Shirley Aliber, beloved sister Adele Barden Ruth Peck, beloved mother and wife Adam & Merton Peck Leonard Jessop, beloved father Karen Jessop Winer Penny Rosen, beloved sister Joyce Weinbaum Joseph Seigel, beloved father Alan Seigel Melanie Kitchener Winn, beloved granddaughter Helen L. Lapidus Melanie Kitchener Winn, beloved daughter Marcy Kitchener Mekler Keith S. Kitchener, beloved husband Marcy Kitchener Mekler Tabby M. Koff, beloved father Debra K. Freedman Mollie Bean, beloved mother Selma & Bernie Milstein William Singer, beloved father Howard Singer David Bramson, beloved father Liz Bramson Samuel H. Cutler, beloved father Elaine Becker Ezrin Anne Karp, beloved mother Sharon Schwartz Brenda Allen, beloved daughter Sylvia Allen Morris Leitzen, beloved father Dolores Hutner Louis Goldberg, beloved grandfather Jack Goldberg William F. Katz, beloved father Mildred Kitchener Anne Rickless Heit, beloved mother Betsy Gaberman Jacob Louis Wolman, beloved father Steven Wolman Jay A. Posnik, beloved husband & father Laura, Mollie, Zach & Ben Posnik Sheri Mandra, beloved sister Alan Seigel David Gurwitz, beloved father-in-law Florence Gurwitz Solomon Dalitzky, beloved father Dr. Milton Dalitzky Rosalyn Plotkin, beloved sister Selma & Bernie Milstein Solomon Bean, beloved father Selma & Bernie Milstein Dorothy B. Katz, beloved wife Morton Katz Joseph Ginsberg, beloved father Ruth Auerbach Jeannette P. Skvirsky, beloved mother Paul Skvirsky & family Herman Baron, beloved grandfather & father Larry & Shirley Uman

Judge Lawrence B. Wernick, beloved husband Carol Halpern Wernick William Olitsky, beloved father Jean Licht Maurice Solomon, beloved father Jeanette Ascher Herman G. Kinsler, beloved father Claire K. Rubin Morris Chain, beloved father Shirley Shepro Jonas Beck Heit, beloved father Betsy Gaberman Mark Leiter, beloved husband Roslyn Leiter Harry Levine, beloved father & grandfather Phyllis, Robin, Debby Levenson Paul Levenson, beloved father-in-law Phyllis Levenson Irving Sher, beloved father Arthur Sher William Levine, beloved father I. Murray Levine Leala Okun, beloved wife Harold Okun Nathan Solomon, beloved father Mickey Shrair Marya Ruvinskaya, beloved mother Sofya Beylina Min Diamond, beloved mother Bette Gerstein Rosa Chernobrova, beloved mother Marina Pen Harry Jackowitz, beloved father Herbert Jackowitz Helen Robinson, beloved mother Jan Draymore Michael Grodsky The Grodsky Family Helen Elbaum, beloved mother Susan F. Corn Rose Metter, beloved mother Freda Posnick Ida Ezrin, beloved mother Myer Ezrin Joseph G. Allen, beloved father Carole & Harvey Gloth Dr. Edward R. Levitz, beloved father Alan Levitz Ida Caplan, beloved aunt Barbara Schultz Rhoda Rosenberg, beloved mother Glenn Rosenberg Eli Rubin, beloved father Roberta Goodman Abraham Firestone, beloved father Maxine & Sam Goldberg Morris Lewis, beloved brother Florence Barowsky Jack Cohen, beloved father Paul Cohen Rebecca Lavin, beloved mother-in-law Florence Lavin

Avron Jacob Elfman, beloved uncle Joseph Lieberman Judith Gerstein, beloved wife Ed Gerstein Joseph Mirkin, beloved father Marlene Kimball Adele Gloth Kaufman, beloved sister Phyllis Feldman Harry Morchower, beloved father Bea (Morchower) Loevy Gerna Dolansky, beloved mother Dorita Henderson Fannie Shapiro, beloved mother Archie & Anne Shapiro Dora Goldberg, beloved mother Shirley Levitz Reva Broder, beloved mother Martin Broder Jay A. Posnik, beloved brother Barbara Fishman Doris Levine, beloved mother I. Murray Levine Isaac Shames, beloved father Cantor Morton Shames Edith Solomon, beloved mother Susan Solomon Scribner Bessie & Nathan Winer, beloved parents Phyllis & Earl Winer Benjamin & Goldie Cohen, beloved parents Phyllis & Earl Winer Celia Perlman, beloved mother Sharon Rosenberg Naomi Goldberg, beloved mother Ellis Goldberg Adele Kaufman, beloved sister Carole & Harvey Gloth James Poppel, beloved son Sam & Ruth Poppel Elliot Michaelson, beloved brother Saul Michaelson Merrill Robbins, beloved husband Myrna Robbins Bernard Ginsberg, beloved father & grandfather Harlene Ginsberg, Jerry, Kayla, & Andrew Schreibstein William Bean, beloved father Susan Bean Kline Bernard Ginsberg, beloved husband Barbara Ginsberg Bernard (Buddy) Blum, beloved husband Sheila Blum Milton R. Schimmel, beloved husband Marcia Schimmel Samuel Resnic, beloved father Harold Resnic Dorothy Katz, beloved wife Morton H. Katz William F. Katz, beloved father Morton H. Katz Joseph Mirkin, beloved father Marlene Kimball Sheldon M. Rosenthal, beloved husband Marilyn Rosenthal

Alfred Hirsch, beloved father Sydney & Jerry Hirsch Harriet Dufault, beloved sister Miriam Mackler Ida Heit, beloved mother June Okun Leonard & Jeannette Skvirsky, beloved parents Gail Skvirsky-Bohn Milton Mandel, beloved father Lynn M. Foggle Dorothy & Herbert Posner, beloved parents Roni Posner & Jen Berc Samuel Thorne, beloved father Sue Polansky Connie Bramson, beloved mother Liz Bramson Ida Zippin, beloved mother Al Zippin Louis Rochleff, beloved father Fern Newman Marion Rubin, beloved mother-in-law Claire K. Rubin David Mandell, beloved son Barbara Fishman Jerry Fishman, beloved husband Barbara Fishman Max Cohen, beloved father Ethelyn Bessel Mildred Cantor, beloved mother Gene Cantor David Cowen, beloved father Janice Cantor Eleanor Cowen, beloved mother Janice Cantor

HIGH HOLY DAY MAHZOR FUND In memory of Judith Baker Phyllis & Irving Feldman LINDY P. FEINSTEIN BOOK FUND In memory of Leon Weiss Michele Feinstein In memory of Myra Haffer Michele Feinstein ALAN GOLDBERG YOUTH FUND Congratulations on the birth of Sally & Archie Shapiro’s great grandson Sora Torff & Jack Goldberg Congratulations to Rabbi Katz on 5 great years Sora Torff & Jack Goldberg Congratulations on the marriage of Jacob Hausman Sora Torff & Jack Goldberg KATZ FAMILY LIBRARY FUND In gratitude for Dr. Art Bertrand’s recovery Callie & Alan Katz With gratitude for Seymour Frankel’s recovery Callie & Alan Katz In memory of aunt “Gussie” Ellen & Stuart Alpert BERNARD S. ALTMAN & SARAH ALTMAN MEMORIAL ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND In memory of Leon Weiss Phyllis, Elliot and Melvyn Altman

PHILIP & MIRIAM ZELLER CHILDREN’S EDUCATION FUND Happy 40th Anniversary to Mr. & Mrs. Edward Merrill Barbara & Allen Zippin In memory of Gerri Hahn Barbara & Allen Zippin THE WEINBAUM CHAPEL FUND In memory of Midge Kra Joyce Weinbaum LEON GOODLESS BUILDING MAINTENANCE FUND In memory of Helen Goldband Sheila Goodless In memory of Michael Frankel Sheila Goodless HESED FUND In honor of Glenn Baevsky’s Bar Mitzvah Marlene Kimball In memory of Michael Frankel Diane & Richard Friedberg & family NECHAMEN CHERNICK SCHOLARSHIP FUND Mazel Tov on Dan Linson’s marriage Ellen & David Ratner In honor of Rachel & Jacob Hausman’s Wedding Rick Ratner & Ann Guttman LILLIAN RUBINWITCH ASCHER FUND Todah Rabah to Rabbi Katz, Rev. David and Sharon Aminia, and Cantor Barber for their kindness; also to honor Rabbi Katz in her 5 years at Temple Beth El Micki Ascher Rubin NETTIE & MORRIS GOLDSTEIN FUND In memory of Judith Baker Phyllis & Elliot Altman SHIRLEY & GUSTAVE SCHOLARSHIP FUND Yahrzeit of my beloved sister-in-law Shirley Nuger Bernice Kalicka In memory of Mark Nuger Gloria & Jordan Katz CINDY JO KIGERMAN YOUTH FUND Yahrzeit of husband, Irving H. Levine Lillian Levine CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND Donation made by Mallory Caplan RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In honor of Rabbi Katz’s 5 years at TBE Albie Goldberg & Miriam Lieff Joe Lieberman Elaine Geha &Fred Brownstein Ann Koenig Ellen & David Ratner Shirley Smith Laura Broad Gene Baker Carol Wernick & family Anne Robinson & Ina Werman Florence Lavin

In appreciation of Rabbi Katz Janice Throne Sara Throne David Gloth & family Roz & Herb Levinsky Charlotte & Alan Zeller Arthur Nichols & Shirley Nichols With our deepest appreciation and gratitude The family of Dr. Norman Epstein In memory of Frederic Weinberg Emanuel & Myra Wiedman Yahrzeit of beloved grandfather, Samuel Byer Robert Engell In honor of Andrea’s and my trip to Israel Norma Feder In memory of Judith Baker Joe Lieberman Miriam & Dennis Gordan Wishing Seymour Frankel a complete & speedy recovery Joe Lieberman Selma & Bernice Milstein Best wishes on Joe Lieberman’s 90th Birthday Freda Posnick In memory of Helen Goldband Cissie & Gabriel Kitchener In honor of my dear husband Herb’s 85th Birthday Roz Levinsky In memory of Michael Frankel Joe Lieberman

LEAVES FOR THE TREE OF LIFE In honor of Joseph Lieberman’s 90th Birthday, November 19, 2013 From his children Deborah & David & families Happy Special Birthday Aunt Freda Posnick Love, your nieces and nephews and families In honor of the marriage of Jodi Rae Feldman & Timothy Andrew Ryan, October 15, 2011 Steven & Donna Feldman In honor of the birth of our granddaughter, born May 27, 2013 Steven & Donna Feldman Leaves for the Tree of Life may be purchased for $250 to honor a friend or family member. Please contact Rhoda Peskin at 733-4149 if you would like to order a leaf.

YAHRZEIT PLAQUES Norman Epstein Dr. Arthur Pava Jack D. Anfang Jerry Simon Yahrzeit plaques are fitting way to remember a loved one’s yahrzeit in perpetuity. They are displayed in the temple lobby each year during the week of the yahrzeit. The cost is $375. If you would like to purchase a plaque, please contact Reverend David Aminia at 733-4149.

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Thanks go to many at the conclusion of a successful year Now that we have completed a wonderful year of events commemorating Temple Beth El’s 100th year, it is time to once again thank the dozens of volunteers whose hard work over the past two years made our celebration so successful. We have made every effort to be sure that no one’s name has been forgotten, but if we have inadvertently left your name out, please contact Rhoda Peskin and we will be sure to acknowledge you in the next issue of Tekiah. Our Steering Committee, which oversaw the entire celebration, was chaired by Craig Kazin and his Co-Chair, Paul Farkas. Craig was a master at sticking to the agenda and timetable for each planning meeting. He kept everyone on task and was there to assist on all events. His attention to all details concerning performers, sound, lighting, etc. was amazing and most helpful. Craig and Paul were ably assisted by Michelle Anfang, Stuart Anfang, Marian Broder, Esta Farkas, Susan Firestone, Seymour Frankel, Sydney Hirsch, Susan Goldsmith, Sue Heller, Alissa Korn, Charlotte Meyer, Bev Nadler, Jeremy Powers, Yana Powers, Marge Robinson, Tina Rubin, Cantor Emeritus Morton Shames, Allison Steinberg and Elise Ungar with staff members: Rev. David Aminia, Cantor Elise Barber, Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz, Rhoda Peskin and Caryn Resnick. We would also like to express our appreciation one final time to our Major Centennial Sponsors, whose support made all of the events possible: The Frances and Norman Cohen Charitable Trust, Susan and Bill Firestone, Albert Goldberg and Miriam Lieff, Harold Grinspoon and Diane Troderman, Charlie and Jan Nirenberg. We are also grateful to the sponsors of each event and those who made in-kind donations throughout the year. They are listed below along with the members of each committee. 16

ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

Co-Chairs: Stuart Anfang, Marian Broder and Seymour Frankel Interviewers, Scribes and Registrars: Stuart Anfang, Liz Bramson, Marian Broder, Martin Broder, Robert Chipkin, Carolyn Chipkin Robbins, Amy Cohen, Carole Cohen, Marilyn Feldman, Seymour Frankel, Miriam Gordan, Marcia Chipkin Guzy, Susan Halpern, Sydney Hirsch, Craig Kazin, Mitch Kupperman, Phyllis Levenson, Iris Linson, Rhoda Mandell, Charlotte Meyer, Shelley Pleet, Ellen Ratner, Carol Resnick and Harvey Shrage

SIMHAT TORAH 5773 HONORING REV. DAVID AMINIA Sponsors: Paul and Esta Farkas Co-Chairs: Paul and Esta Farkas

SANDI KUPPERMAN MEMORIAL / SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE WEEKEND FEATURING DR. RON WOLFSON

Sponsors: Charlie and Jan Nirenberg Co-Chairs: Charlotte Meyer and Caryn Resnick

PAST PRESIDENTS DINNER

Sponsors: Stuart and Michelle Anfang, Harold Anfang and Jack and Edith Anfang Co-Chairs: Paul and Esta Farkas

TIME CAPSULE BURIAL

In-Kind Donation: Ascher-Zimmerman Funeral Home, Northeast Grounds Management Co-Chairs: Tina Rubin and Allison Steinberg

SIMHAT TORAH 5774 HONORING RABBI EMERITUS HERBERT SCHWARTZ AND CANTOR EMERITUS MORTON SHAMES Sponsors: Albert Goldberg and Miriam Lieff, Rabbi Amy and Ken Katz, David and Ellen Ratner Co-Chairs: Jeremy and Yana Powers Committee: Craig Kazin and Harvey Shrage

WOOD MUSEUM OF SPRINGFIELD HISTORY EXHIBIT AND DONOR RECEPTION

Sponsors: Dave’s Soda and Pet City, Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Jewish Endowment Foundation of Western Massachusetts and Jewish Geriatric Services In-Kind Donation: Chez Josef Exhibit Chair: Stuart Anfang Reception Committee: Michelle Anfang, Anne Chernick and Mollie Plotkin

SOUL TO SOUL CENTENNIAL CONCERT

Sponsors: Robert Friedlander, The Helen and Shefford Goldband Philanthropic Fund, Arthur PavaWWIn-Kind Donations: ATC Audio, Falcetti Music, and WFCRWWChair: Craig Kazin Committee: Cantor Elise Barber, Jerry Hirsch, Sydney Hirsch, David Ratner, Cantor Emeritus Morton Shames and Elise Ungar

ART AND ARCHITECTURE SYMPOSIUM Sponsors: Susan and Bill Firestone, Carol Halpern Wernick, Susan and Richard Halpern In-Kind Donation: Big Y, Crown Market, Marx Entertainment Co-Chairs: Sue Heller and Susan Shaker Committee: Margie Berg, Susan Firestone, Susan Halpern, Charlotte Meyer, Dan Plotkin, Howard Smithline and Amy Wistreich

CENTENNIAL JOURNAL

In-Kind Donation: Marcus Printing Co-Chairs: Michelle Anfang and Susan Goldsmith Committee: Maxine Bernstein, Anne Chernick, Donna Frankel, Rhonda Goldberg, Susan Porter, Carol Wernick and Elina Zak

CENTENNIAL GIVE-AWAYS - BRACELETS, LAPEL PINS AND MAGNETS In-Kind Donation: ES Sports

PHOTOGRAPHY

Ken Katz, Seth Kaye, Bert Krasner and Scott Libowitz

CENTENNIAL GALA

Sponsors: Harold Grinspoon and Diane Troderman, Jonathan and Susan Goldsmith, The Grodsky Family, Steve and Alissa Korn, Marcus Printing, Barry and Jane Schulman Co-Chairs: Alissa Korn and Bev Nadler In-Kind Donation: Boppers Committee: Margie Berg, Judi Bullock, Bill Burrows, Ellen Elfman, Margie Grodsky, Sydney Hirsch, Jerry Munic, Debbie Peskin, Mollie Plotkin, SallyAnn Resnic, Elise Ungar and Abbie Weiss

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The Art/Architecture Symposium held on October 27, 2013.

Centennial Gala: The Party of the Century held on November 2, 2013.

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Centennial Gala photos courtesy of Bert Krasner

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Temple Beth El

(413) 733-4149 • (413) 739-3415 Fax [email protected] • TBESpringfield.org

979 Dickinson Street Springfield, MA 01108

Office Hours Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Officers Clergy

Staff

Dr. Paul Farkas Amy Wallk Katz, PhD President Rabbi [email protected] Robert Dambrov Vice President Elise Barber Cantor Susan Firestone [email protected] Vice President Reverend David Aminia Daniel Plotkin Ritual Director Vice President [email protected] Eric Ratner Herbert Schwartz Treasurer Rabbi Emeritus David Ratner Morton Shames Financial Secretary Cantor Emeritus Maxine Bernstein [email protected] Recording Secretary Dr. Stuart Anfang Immediate Past President

Rhoda Peskin Executive Director [email protected] Caryn Resnick Educational Director [email protected] Lisa Laudato Administrative Assistant [email protected] Alexandra Espinal Bookkeeper [email protected] Marie Sampson Administrative Assistant [email protected] Debbie Peskin Communications Coordinator [email protected] Nora Gorenstein Conservative Youth Educator [email protected] Liz Marinelli Librarian [email protected]

To get read, we went green.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID SPRINGFIELD, MA PERMIT NO. 327

In addition to Tekiah, we rely on e-mail to communicate with you. We believe “paperless” is our environmental and fiscal obligation. If you’re not on our list, please send your e-mail address to [email protected].

MAJOR EVENT – BLUE BAR/BAT MITZVAH – GREEN

JANUARY 2014 1 2 3 4

New Year’s Day – Office Closed B’Yahad 6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 4:15 pm Shabbat Bo Family Shabbat 10:00 am with Rona Leventhal Havdalah 5:15 pm 5 Hafttarah Chanting Skills 4:30 pm 6 SKLC Classes 3:00 pm 8 Lunch & Learn 12:00 pm SKLC Classes 3:00 pm 9 Melton Year 1 B’Yahad 6:30 pm 10 Candle Lighting 4:22 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Shabbat Dinner 7:10 pm Concert by Mak’hela 8:15 pm 11 Shabbat Beshalah Shabbat Shirah

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12 13 15

Havdalah 5:22 pm Hafttarah Chanting Skills 4:30 pm SKLC Classes 3:00 pm Lunch & Learn 12:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting 7:00 pm 16 Melton Year 1 B’Yahad 6:30 pm 17 Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 4:30 pm 18 Shabbat Yitro Sisterhood Shabbat 1 Hafttarah Chanting Skills 4:30 pm 20 Martin Luther King Day – Office Closed 21 Melton Graduate AM/PM 22 Lunch & Learn 12:00 pm SKLC Classes 3:00 pm 23 Melton Year 1 B’Yahad 6:30 pm 24 Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 4:38 pm 24-25 SKLC Retreat 25 Shabbat Mishpatim Havdalah 5:38 pm 26 Hafttarah Chanting Skills 4:30 pm 27 Melton Graduate PM SKLC Classes 3:00 pm

28 29 30 31

Melton Graduate AM/PM Lunch & Learn 12:00 pm SKLC Classes 3:00 pm Melton Year 1 B’Yahad 6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 4:47 pm

FEBRUARY 2014 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Shabbat Terumah Family Shabbat 10:00 am Havdalah 5:47 pm Fiddler Festival 6:00 pm Hafttarah Chanting Skills 4:30 pm Melton Graduate PM SKLC Classes 3:00 pm Melton Graduate AM/PM Lunch & Learn 12:00 pm SKLC Classes 3:00 pm Melton Year 1 B’Yahad 6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 4:56 pm Shabbat Tetzaveh USY Regional Dance Havdalah 5:56 pm Hafttarah Chanting Skills 4:30 pm

10 11 12 13 14

Melton Graduate PM SKLC Classes 3:00 pm Melton Graduate AM/PM Lunch & Learn 12:00 pm SKLC Classes 3:00 pm Melton Year 1 B’Yahad 6:30 pm Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 5:05 pm 15 Shabbat Ki Tisa 17 President’s Day – Office Closed 21 Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 5:14 pm 22 Shabbat Vayakhel Havdalah 6:14 pm 24 Melton Graduate Class PM SKLC Classes 3:00 pm 25 Melton Graduate AM/PM 26 Lunch & Learn 12:00 pm SKLC Classes 3:00 pm Board of Trustees Meeting 7:00 pm 27 Melton Year 1 B’Yahad 6:30 pm 28 Musical Kabbalat Shabbat 6:00 pm Candle Lighting 5:23 pm