Volume VI
Adar/Nissan 5783 / March 2023
No. 53
Purimshpielers recount the Megillah to the tunes of Elton John. March 2020.
RABBI'S MESSAGE Laughing at What Scares Us Three years ago, on Monday March 9, we celebrated Purim with a megillah reading and Purimshpiel. By the Friday after that Monday, everything had shut down due to a new virus that turned out to be a pandemic. I remember the uncertainty of those days, the anxiety, the fear. Even though we did gather in person last year for Purim, I’m feeling very connected to that last celebration before the pandemic transformed our lives because this year the evening of Purim also falls on a Monday, March 6, so close to the date it was in 2020. The pandemic hasn’t ended, and there is still uncertainty, but we’ve settled into new patterns of living, if uneasily. The irreverence of Purim seems paradoxical. We take a story of the near-extermination of Persian Jewry and make fun of it. If we weren’t busy laughing, shouting, booing, making jokes, and being generally raucous, we might see how scary it is. Humor, laughing at what we’re afraid of or what we’re uncomfortable confronting, has long been part of Jewish culture. Laughter reduces tension and stress. Our situation may still be dire, but humor can help us go on in the face of it. The times we are living in now are, for many, frightening times. The pandemic grinds on. The news of extreme weather resulting from global climate change keeps coming. Many people worry about the functioning of our government and whether our democracy remains strong. The same is true in Israel, which has a governing coalition that is very far to the political right. That coalition is working now to enact changes to the judiciary in Israel. The changes would weaken the Supreme Court in several ways—giving the government more control over appointment of judges, making it possible for the Knesset to overturn Supreme Court rulings by a simple majority vote, and taking away the Supreme Court’s ability to review the legality of Israel’s Basic Laws, which function as its constitution. (Israel has no formal constitution.) Many Israelis worry that these reforms would seriously weaken the checks and balances in government and erode Israel’s democracy. For weeks now, thousands of Israelis across the political spectrum have been demonstrating in the streets against these proposals. This month I will travel to Israel with a group of senior rabbis assembled by the UJA. From March 12 to 17, we will meet with officials and learn about what is happening in Israel politically. I look forward to sharing what I learn with you. Meanwhile, let us take seriously the challenges we face as individuals, as a country, as part of the people Israel, and as a world. At the same time, may we continue to be able to find humor and release our stress and fear through laughter. I hope to see you for Purim and other occasions! Rabbi Hoover
Voice of Truth
Rabbi Heidi Hoover
Adrienne Knoll B'ShERT President
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Taking up New Old Habits As a new inhabitant in the world of semi-retirement —meaning I have two jobs, including this volunteer Temple gig, instead of my former three—and with pockets of free time (!) to fill, I recently dug my long-neglected knitting bag out of my closet. Back in the day, I was one of those enthusiasts who would whip out her knitting at school Parents’ Association meetings, birthday parties, musical events (I once knit most of a scarf during an outdoor Liza Minnelli concert in Brighton Beach), mind-numbing kids’ shows like Barney Live or Ice Capades, and any other occasion that didn’t require or merit my full attention, or so I believed. (I would never knit in the front row, by the way; that’s just rude.) Then my kids got older, I started working full time and then some, and knitting became a casualty of having too few hours in a day. I always missed it, though. In January, with my career as a communications director for a state elected official behind me, I re-learned how to knit with the help of YouTube videos and “Knitting for Dummies.” I had forgotten everything, even how to cast on stitches, but muscle memory did eventually take over, kind of. My knitting bag started traveling with me again, ready for opportunities or lulls in the action to fill. And on a Saturday afternoon in February, after the special Shabbat musical service here at B’ShERT, that’s what brought me to the Portable Crafting group gathered in the Temple Community Room. Portable Crafting is one of two “small groups” organized by Temple members with the goal of building community around common interests. When I arrived, there were close to a dozen members, and Rabbi Heidi, preparing to do their (creative) thing. Some, like me, were knitting. At the time the group met, I was about three feet into a striped scarf for my daughter. Others were crocheting or doing needlepoint. Two members were working on their beading projects with the help of portable lamps. (I could barely see the beads, even with the lamps.) Rabbi Heidi was needle felting a truly amazing, tiny world globe. When I was watching her pound away with the felting needle, it occurred to me that felting might be an excellent stress-reliever. Except for when the needle connects with your finger instead of the felt. During the nearly three hours that the crafts group met, there was as much schmoozing going on (and a fair amount of noshing) as there was crafting. But that’s the point of groups like this one. The activity you’re engaged in is what gets you into the room. The conversation, the congeniality, and the opportunity for socialization are what keep you there. And socialization—a skill that for many of us grew a bit rusty during the pandemic—is important not just for community-building here at Temple but for our own health and well-being. (Even this introvert will admit that periodic doses of peopling are probably a good thing.) The next Portable Crafting group will meet at Temple on Saturday March 11, at 1 p.m. If you’d like more information, contact Diane Figueroa at figbeads@aol.com. And if you’d to learn more about the small groups initiative, which also includes the group Cooking with Friends, look at the Membership Committee report in this issue of the Voice of Truth. As always, feel free to reach out to me anytime at a1editor@bshert.org. Freilichen Purim to all, Adrienne Knoll
Dear B'ShERT Family and Friends, By now you may have noticed our interactive memorial board on the wall to the right of our recently restored stained glass window of Moses. The board has been there since October 2020 and, until now (due to the COVID pandemic), had only been seen by a few of you. We encourage you to become familiar with the board the next time you attend services. The board shows all the yahrzeits for the current and following week from the memorial plaques presently displayed in the sanctuary and the plaques from our legacy congregations, which are in storage. Because the board is digital, it can also be viewed virtually at https://bsve.joltone.com/screen/. The Board of Trustees has decided that existing memorial boards in the sanctuary will remain, while new memorial plaques will be added to this interactive board. Please note that digital plaques have the added feature of linking to a biography and images of your loved ones. To see an individual plaque, click on the “Search” tab under the Yahrzeit candle and type your loved one’s last name, then click on “Search.” When the name comes up, click again. The following is the fee schedule for new digital plaques and the fee to add biographies and images to plaques already uploaded into the board's database: Also provided in this issue of The Voice of Truth is an order form which can be sent by email or regular mail. If you have any questions, please contact me. B'Shalom, Eric Platt Vice President
Digital plaque
$300
Enhanced digital plaque (with biography and photos [max. 3] at time of purchase)
$360
Addition of biography and photos [max.3] to existing digital plaque
$100
Dear B'ShERT family, Purim is just around the corner, and we invite you to participate in the Membership Committee’s 2nd Annual Hamentashen Share. Bake or buy your favorite Hamentashen, and when you come to the Megillah Reading and Purim Shpiel on Monday March 6, at 7:15 p.m., bring little baggies of 3-5 cookies each to share and exchange with other members. We loved tasting all the different recipes and fillings last year and can’t wait to do it again. On Saturday March 18, at 11 a.m., we will be hostingGirl Scout Shabbat during our Shabbat morning service. During the service, Rabbi Hoover will include teaching moments about our traditions and service, and she will answer any questions our visitors may have. We extend an invitation to all current and past Girl Scouts to wear your uniforms or other regalia and join us for the service and a light lunch afterward. We express our thanks to Rich Lubell for his enlightening virtual art tour “Dutch Masters of the Golden Age” on February 12. Twenty-one members and friends attended the program on Zoom, and we hope you all enjoyed it. If you’re interested in additional presentations like this one, take a moment to let us know. Thanks also to Yvette Pomeranz for the suggestion and for making the connection with Rich. If you’re looking for some indoor activities to keep busy during the winter, don’t forget we have two small groups which are actively holding meetings. If you are interested in Portable Crafting, please contact Diane Figueroa at figbeads@aol.com or if you are interested in Cooking with Friends, please contact Ellyn Rothstein at pr@bshert.org. We have also been trying to start a beginner-friendly Mah Jongg small group. If you are interested in learning or playing the game, please contact Irene Nachinoff at bklynirene@aol.com. Our next committee meeting will be Tuesday March 7, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Please email Ellyn (pr@bshert.org) or Joanie (jmhschaffer@gmail.com) for the Zoom link, or to share your suggestions and ideas for helping to build connections between our members. Chag Purim Sameach, Ellyn Rothstein and Joanie Holland Schaffer Co-Chairs, Membership Committee
Johannes Vermeer, The Milkmaid (1658–1661)
Membership Committee
We welcome your "Voice of Truth" news. Let the B'ShERT community know of events in your community, family or your own life. Send your news to news@bshert.org.
Brotherhood Affiliate at B'ShERT
Special Message From Rabbi Pinsky Dear B’ShERT Family, When I came to B’ShERT almost three years ago, I was thrilled to be joining such a loving, warm, and dedicated community. After moving back to New York and seeking a community to grow with and call home, the open part-time Rabbi/Educator position spoke to me and revealed itself to be everything that I was looking for. After initial meetings with the search committee and leadership, there was an instant synchronicity, and it became clear that a beautiful match was being made. Please allow me to use the only verbiage that feels appropriate; it was b’shert—meant to be. These years have been filled with blessings, challenges, learning, spirituality, and celebration. I am truly grateful for every moment of being your rabbi. It is therefore a bittersweet moment as I anticipate the next chapter of my rabbinic journey and share with you that this will be my final year at B’ShERT. As I reflect on my time in this community, I am deeply grateful for the partnership and blessings in working with Rabbi Hoover, the incredibly dedicated lay leadership, our professional staff, and with each of you. When I began my tenure in the summer of 2019, none of us could have anticipated the shifts that our world would face. Together, we have faced a pandemic with grace and creativity. We have reimagined the possibilities of learning, shifting our religious school online with little notice, and even growing the number of families and students in our community. Not only did we move our regular programs online but together we used technology to our advantage, and dreamed of entirely new programs and ways to come together as a community. In one of the most difficult periods in our collective global society, our community has grown ever more connected and stronger. It has been a joy and blessing to be your rabbi, and I’m not nearly done! I will be with B’ShERT through the end of June. I look forward to the time that we have together in the months ahead. There are still so many opportunities to come together, celebrate, learn, and pray. While I cannot yet fully announce my next step, I can tell you that I will be staying in the New York area and taking on a full-time congregational position. Please know that as I continue in my rabbinate, I will always take so much of B’ShERT with me. With gratitude and love, Rabbi Alexis Pinsky
Gene Guskin and Sam Silverman pose with their hotdogs during the Brotherhood Indoor Picnic. (Photo by Alan Zarrow)
A tremendous thanks to Sam Silverman, Alan Zarrow, Gene Guskin, Mike Rose, and all those who helped make the Brotherhood indoor picnic on Sunday February 5 a success. Photos of the picnic follow. Upcoming events: Sunday March 12, at 10:45 a.m., join Brooklyn historian and long-time Temple member Ron Schweiger on Zoom as he presents “The history of the village of Flatbush,” with fantastic slides and remembrances that will amaze you. Ron will be happy to answer any questions you might have; you definitely don't want to miss this! * Reminder: Daylight Savings time begins on SundayMarch 12, so don’t forget to move your clock ahead one hour to ensure you won’t miss any of Ron's presentation. A Brotherhood meeting will precede Ron's presentation, starting at 10 a.m. Sunday April 16, at 10:45 a.m., join Alan Zarrow onZoom for a presentation on “Erasmus and Other High Schools In NYC.” We all know how fantastic Alan's presentations are, so we are sure you won’t want to miss this. Passover will be over by then, so you can even eat a bagel during Alan's presentation. Brotherhood wishes everyone a joyous Purim holiday and, if celebrating, an enjoyable St. Patrick's Day. Stay well and stay safe everyone, Joel Moss and the members of your Brotherhood at B’ShERT
Social Action Committee
Women of B'ShERT: A Sisterhood Organization
The Women of B’ShERT had a very special event on Tuesday February 21, at which Rabbinical Student Kelly Whitehead, who officiated at the High Holy Days services along with Rabbi Heidi this past September, was our guest speaker. Looking ahead, on Tuesday March 14, at 7:15 p.m., on Zoom, Alan Zarrow will give a talk on “All About Alexander Hamilton.” This event also promises to be a very interesting discussion. Alan never fails to amaze with his wonderful and informative talks. More information to follow. Further ahead: Join us for a special 7th Night Seder on Tuesday April 11, for a delicious “Dessert Seder.” More details will follow. The Women of B’ShERT wish everyone and their families a very happy Purim! Submitted by Jane Gleiberman Candi Friedman, President Tamara Kerner, Vice President Women of B’ShERT, A Sisterhood Organization
Kelly Whitehead at “Welcoming Versus Belonging” (Photo by Tamara Kerner)
The Interfaith Coalition of Brooklyn is planning an Abraham’s Table on Sunday March 12, in the afternoon. The Abraham’s Table programs focus on the three faith traditions represented in the Coalition (Christian, Jewish, and Muslim) and their perspectives on particular topics. What a great way to learn and understand! Please watch out for details. In addition, stay tuned for information about our next book discussion. Are you interested in having guests from the Interfaith Coalition at your Passover Seders? Would you like to attend an iftar dinner during Ramadan? Please contact Sally Hipscher at sally.hipscher@gmail.com and copy Yvette Pomeranz at yphomecrest@yahoo.com. There are many problems in our world for which social action is needed. As it is said, we are not called upon to finish the work, but we are expected to at least start the process to the best of our ability. Even a little help is some help. If you are not in a position to engage in “hands on” activity, if you can, please make monetary or other donations, which are so sorely needed. Maybe you can donate blood, which is so very important. Maybe you can contribute toward aid for Haiti, Pakistan, and the Ukraine, for example. Such “old” issues continue even as our attention is drawn to a new crisis — the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Our hearts go out to our friends at the Turkish Cultural Center as they process this catastrophe. Yvette Pomeranz and Lori Silverman Co-chairs, Social Action Committee
FRIDAY TORAH SERVICE HONORS Prior to COVID and the lockdown, B'ShERT had a once-a-month Friday night Torah service. As of Friday, February 3, Rabbi Heidi has reinstituted that service. Going forward, this service will be held on the first Friday of each month. Congregants will be able to receive the following honors during the Torah service, both in person and on Zoom: Blessings before and after the Torah reading Blessings before and after the Haftarah reading These blessings may be chanted or read, in Hebrew or in English, according to the honoree's preference. Reading the English translation of the Torah Reading the English translation of the Haftarah portion Gelilah, dressing the Torah prior to its being put back in the Ark (this is the only honor that must be performed in person) We are compiling a list of congregants who are or may be interested in being offered honors as time goes on. If you are interested, please contact Diane Figueroa at figbeads@aol.com, or at phone number (718) 338-3520. You can always contact Diane to request a specific honor and/or date. We look forward to seeing you at Temple, Diane Figueroa
Fundraising Committee
Like the sound of a drinking song? Please joins us in seeing a live production of The Student Prince, performed in English by the Regina Opera Company. Details are in the flyer found later in this issue of The Voice of Truth. Tickets will be distributed in advance of the performance, so please indicate the names of the adults and the names of the children to receive tickets, so our distribution will be accurate. If you have any questions, please call me at (917) 453-9004. Looking forward to seeing you. Regards, Pam Glantzman, co-chair Fundraising Committee
Ritual Committee
ARZA
The time is now for all concerned Jews to take action and ensure that Israel continues to be a truly democratic nation. Legislative elections were held in Israel on November 1, 2022, the results saw the right-wing national camp of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu win a majority in the Knesset. This right-wing government is pressing ahead with a divisive package of proposed legislation for a far-reaching overhaul of the judicial system. This proposed overhaul would curtail the Judiciary, place unchecked power in the hands of the executive government, and remove protections afforded to individuals and minorities. According to IRAC: “Members of thisnew government threaten to override Israel's core values with insidious racism, extremism, and discrimination. A barrage of coalition agreementsforma powerful storm that endangers IRAC’s legal achievements which secured Israel as a Jewish and democratic homeland. A legal revolution, if allowed to pass, will block attempts to challenge in courts the extreme initiatives of the government and will gravely harm Israel’s democratic nature, leaving the rights of Reform Jews, women, LGBTQ and Arabs unprotected. In addition, due to the anti-Reform views of the new government and its ministers, the Israel Reform Movement stands to lose more than $1.5 million in government funding.” Many diaspora communities are expressing concern about how the these proposed judicial changes could impact Israel’s democracy. Here is an interview with Yossi Klein Halevion this consequential moment and the role of North American Jews in securing Israel’s future: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWFpE83TJ2g If you feel concerned and would like totake action, below is a petition created by IRAC, the Israel Religious Action Center: https://www.drove.com/campaign/63c81d2501884993a52bfc13 To stay informed and up to date with all that's Israel, the Progressive Jewish Movement and ARZA please go tohttps://arza.org/, https://urj.org/ and/or https://www.irac.org/. Let’s continue to support progressive Judaism in the land of Israel. Tamara Kerner, Chair
Events
Temple Book Group Book Lovers: Interested in Joining a Book Group? The B'ShERT book group has been meeting almost every month since 2016! This group generally reads books with a Jewish component, but not always. Twice a year members of the group bring suggestions of books to read, summarize key information about the choices, and then by consensus select the monthly books for the next six months. Since the pandemic, meetings have been held on Zoom, which has proved to be a great way to meet even in healthy times! The meetings are scheduled for the first Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89635560576 Passcode: 007634). All are welcome to attend! Come each month, or just for the discussion of books that interest you. If you would like to stay informed about the schedule, or if you have questions, please message Evelyn Shunaman (evelyn.shunaman@gmail.com). Below is the schedule for the coming months: March 1: All About Me! by Mel Brooks Evelyn Shunaman will lead the discussion. At this meeting, the group will select books for the next six months. April: No meeting due to Passover May 3: The German Wife, by Kelly Rimmer Helene Smith will lead the discussion. The Temple book group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. All are welcome. For more information contact evelynshunaman@gmail.com. Israeli Dance All classes are on Thursday from 7:30–9 p.m.
Offerings of the Heart Contributions Gratefully Acknowledged
Rabbi Hoover's Discretionary Fund In honor of Simone Posner 25th Anniversary SRS ~J. Simone Posner In memory of Aaron Schwartz ~Anne and Bennett Schwartz Janet Haynes Social Action Fund In memory of Madeline Hyatt ~Women of B'ShERT The Morton Meyer Fund Speedy Recovery of Arlene Ribler ~Sara West For the General Fund Happy 50th Anniversary Fran & Sam Silverman ~Mona Goldberg Happy Birthday Hazel Tishcoff ~Joel Tishcoff and Faye Penn In memory of Sylvia Baron ~Shirley Spivack In memory of Leon & Ethel Davis ~Mona Goldberg In memory of Joseph Davis ~Gary and Kathleen Katzen In memory of Carol Davis ~Mona Goldberg In memory of Abraham Feinberg ~Barbara Wasserman In memory of Morris Feinberg ~Barbara Wasserman In memory of Mildred Feinberg ~Barbara Wasserman In memory of Robert Feinberg ~Barbara Wasserman In memory of Mike Figueroa ~Diane Figueroa In memory of Aleja Figueroa ~Diane Figueroa In memory of Gail Hochhauser ~Lori Pandolfo In memory of Madeline Hyatt ~Gary and Kathleen Katzen ~Frema Schneier ~Diane Figueroa ~Barbara Wasserman In memory of Estelle Karp ~Shirley Spivack In memory of Minnie Katzman ~Leanora Katzman In memory of Michael Kohn ~Diane Figueroa In memory of Bessie Leopold ~Shirley Spivack In memory of Abraham Levitt ~Roseanne Levitt ~Judith Korcz In memory of Fannie Migdal ~Diane Schenker In memory of Marcia Miller ~Frema Schneier In memory of Wallace Ostrover ~Nancy Ostrover In memory of Jerry Prezioso ~Shirley Karp In memory of Meyer Reich ~Dorothy and David Goldberg In memory of Max Rudman ~Shirley Spivack In memory of Sara Salad ~Grace Schneider In memory of Tillie Schenker ~Diane Schenker
For the General Fund (cont.) In memory of May Schwartz ~Anne and Ben Schwartz In memory of Charlotte Smith ~Helene Smith In memory of Hilda Steiner ~Ruth Bile In memory of Samuel M. Wasserman ~Barbara Wasserman In memory of Dottie Weiss Tabickman ~Frema Schneier In memory of Dorothy Weiss Tabickman ~Mona Goldberg
Offerings of the Heart Contributions Gratefully Acknowledged (cont.)
You can reserve your seats or book your journal ads online! Visit https://bshert.org/luncheon
Allyson Bechtel Emily Brown Benjamin Clark Westbrook Ursula Cooper Melissa deLeon Judah Philip George Pam Glantzman Arthur Goldberg Matthew Holland Arthur Hyun Jerry Jaffee Parker Jonas Sylvia Kaplan Stella Kubersky Max Levinson Sue May Martin McGee Jose Medina Martin Murowitz Eric Platt Saul Radow Julia Rousakis Jackson Scott-Luib Jordan Seavey Fred Siegel Joel Siegel Joshua Silverman Gabrielle Silverman Daniel Silverman Gerard Soffian Shirley Spivack Elizabeth Stewart Susan Sysler David Tarica Eric Zi
...and Happy Anniversary to... Brian and Karen Wilkow
Torah Portions - March 2022
Date
Torah Reading
Reference
March 4
T'tzaveh
Exodus 27:20-30:10
March 11
Ki Tisa
Exodus 30:11-34:35
March 18
Vayak'heil - P'kudei
Exodus 35:1-40:38
March 25
Vayikra
Leviticus 1:1-5:26
Simcha Corner Happy Birthday, March Babies!
Mazel Tov!!
Ken Brown Photography The best for Your Mitzvah! (or any other event, personal or professional) Longtime established pro; temple member; references available. editman1000@gmail.com • 718-670-3256.
JESSICA SCHULMAN • TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE SPECIALIST COMPUTER SERVICES & GRAPHICS ARTS SERVICES 718 338-2043 • fax 718 377-7919 jstech@optonline.net
Maxine Feldman Teaches… Piano, Voice, Guitar, Sight-Singing Ms. Feldman has 35 years of experience teaching all ages. She has served on the music faculties of NYU, Brooklyn College, The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and Hebrew Union College. She has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Recital Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, the United Nations, at PTBAS and now at the new consolidated congregation! For further information, please call Maxine at 718-490-7556
You Are Invited to Join THE HANNAH SENESH SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA, INC. The Hannah Senesh Society honors the memory of one of the greatest heroines in modern Jewish history during World War II. Membership: Family —$20 Individual —$10 Lifetime—$100 Contact: Jacqueline Mizrahi, Co-President (718) 666-7418
B'ShERT's Caring Chesed Committee: We're Here to Help Volunteers are needed to make phone calls and/or visits to those who are ill or have suffered a loss. It is especially important to keep in touch with those who are grieving after the initial mourning period. If you know that someone is in need of a visit or a call, please contact one of our co-chairs. We are always looking for new members and would appreciate any ideas to make the committee more effective. "It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work, but neither are you at liberty to desist from it…" Pirke Avot Gene Guskin (917) 533-6231 Ruth Bile (646) 732-2650 Frema Schneier (917) 459-0904 Debbie Belsky (718) 252-8030 B'ShERT Caring Chesed Committee
Wolf's Appliance Repair Prompt, Friendly Service in Brooklyn Fridges, Stoves, Ovens, Gas Ranges, Washers, Dryers and So Much More Call us! 718 998 3238
Text
Are you looking to advertise?? The Voice of Truth would love to hear from you! Please call the Office at 718-282-1596 or email Office@bshert.org for details!
©2023, Beth Shalom v'Emeth Reform Temple
MARCH CALENDAR
Note that Friday March 10 services are ZOOM Only — Torah Study, Poetry Study and Tot Shabbat are cancelled for 3/9-10 and 3/16-17. For the latest updates and changes please see the online calendar at https://bshert.org/calendar/