Where Contemporary Jews Embrace Traditional Judaism

Bulletin BETH AM

December 2011 Kislev / Tevet 5772

Please R.S.V.P. to the

Synagogue office by

Tuesday, December 20

407.862.3505.

Celebrate Hanuka with your CBA family:

? Buffet dinner with plenty of latkes

? Crafts for the kids

? Dancing and singing

? Bring your family Hanukiya and 4 candles.

IT'S FREE AND OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY - BRING A GUEST

JOIN THE CELEBRATION!!!

Annual Hanuka Party and

dedication of our School Addition

Thursday, December 22

6:30 p.m.

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RABBI'S MESSAGE

One of the songs we share on Hanuka contains the verses: "Down with darkness up with light... Each of us is one small light." The philosophy of the song goes far beyond the lighting of

Hanuka candles as it speaks to the choices we make for ourselves in life. It has been said of Jews that we are py-romaniacs because we are constantly lighting candles. We begin and end Shabbat with the mitzva of kindling flames; we light Shiva candles upon returning from the cemetery and yahrzeit candles on the anniversary of death.

Every holiday begins with the formula reminding us that lighting candles is a religious responsibility.

Lighting candles is not merely a ritual: it is a philosophy of life. Where there is darkness, we must kindle a light; and where there is light, we must enhance the brightness by lighting more candles.

As a congregational community, we are charged to bring Torah Ora - the light of Jewish Tradition - to the

contemporary world. While many people immediately see shortcomings and failures, Judaism encourages us to focus on what we are doing well, acknowledging that we can always do better.

There is no congregation in Central Florida that can match our spirit! We are not afraid to laugh and to find joy in our Shabbat services. We are proud that our children so comfortably and capably participate in worship ser-

vices. Every Bat/Bar Mitzva family will attest to the fact that out-of-town guests are impressed, as are guests from other local congregations. Our children walk into our building for Religious School with smiles, and they know that at Beth Am they are a “somebody”: self-esteem remains our highest priority. It is truly a school where teachers

care and excellence is attained. Our new school building is open, enabling us to expand our adult education and youth programs.

Our congregation now numbers almost 300 households, with approximately 140 students in our school. New

members continue to join the Beth Am Family, coming from all parts of the Greater Orlando area because they know that it is worth the drive. There is a myriad of reasons for belonging to our congregation. Some families tell me that they are willing to be part of the congregation because it is important for the children; others offer that

with children or without, it is important to support the congregation so that it exists for the next generation. A young woman recently told me that she has no problem paying her dues because it is less expensive and far more effective than therapy! A couple with children in college shared with me that they felt synagogue dues were a

bargain as the ongoing benefits outweigh a cruise they could take for slightly more money. A man in his mid-70s told me that he enjoys paying his dues because his affiliation ensures that he has a family. There are two dangers that loom before us. The first is complacency: we like what we have, so let’s just

stay as we are. Like standing in the proverbial stream, not taking a step while the water flows forward actually means that we are moving backwards. Today becomes yesterday: yesterday is gone, and the future will be gone if we are not careful. We must stop fixating on "what is" and get excited about "what we have the potential to be-

come." We need to share our dreams and work together to make those dreams come true.

In the quote commonly attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, we can curse the darkness or we can light a candle.

I am proud to be part of a congregation that actively pushes away darkness with light and delight.

— Rabbi Rick Sherwin RabbiRick@embarqmail.com

FROM OUR

RABBI

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Wow how time flies when you are having a good time…… it is amazing how several times over the past two years I have commented in the bulletin how fast time goes by, however, at the end of my two year term I must again repeat those familiar words.

Two years ago, writing twenty-two bulletin articles and renovating our shul and school seemed like a daunting, if not impossible task. It’s hard to believe that this is my last article as President and I would like to take this last opportunity to dispel a very common myth.

Many people, including myself at times, have commented that being a synagogue president is a thankless task. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, as I’ve participated in many events, and been behind-the-scenes with other activities, the breadth and depth of what we do never fails to amaze me and I hope many of you will aspire to a leadership positions in the future. We now have a school that is second to none with a congregation made up of the most amazing people that I have ever known.

All of what we have accomplished was possible because of our dedicated staff and volunteers. I could not have done my job without the support of you, the staff, the Board and, of course, my wife Jill. I especially want to thank Steve Leibowitz, your president next year, for all of his help and support.

The most memorable reward for me during this period has been the opportunity to watch many of our children at the bimah to chant their aliyah as a b’nai mitzvah. To me our youth is the future of Judaism and we should do everything in our power to educate our children in Jewish tradition and culture. The second greatest reward for me has been the completion of our new educational wing. This new facility gives our children and adults a comfortable, safe and secure place to learn and meet. Additionally the best parts of position have been receiving all the compliments regarding Beth Am. I can’t tell you how many people; congregants, new members and visitors have told me what a warm and welcoming place we have and what wonderful Torah readers we have, how beautiful our school is, how wonderful our Kiddush luncheons are after Shabbat services.

While the job of President is rewarding, I admit it is not

always easy. There were times I was awake at 2:00 AM wondering how we were ever going to be able to complete the school when the wall to the old school was torn down to make way for the hallway of the new school. There were difficult decisions that needed to be made. I tried my best to listen, to keep an open mind, to look for creative solutions, to be supportive, always trying to put the good of the congregation first. I hope I lived up to your expectations.

I have one last request as President of Beth Am: remember to see the best in your fellow congregants, in our staff, in our clergy, and in every volunteer who works so hard to make Beth Am the special place it is and do everything you can to support Steve Leibowitz, our new president in any way that you can. We are so lucky to have such a passionate and dedicated person to lead our congregation.

Thank you for the honor of being President. As I return to my seat along the wall on the right side of the sanctuary on Shabbat morning my perception of Beth Am will be much richer than it was two years ago. Jill and I would like to wish all of you a happy, healthy New Year. L’Shalom,

— Jim Riola President

FROM OUR

PRESIDENT

JOIN CBA IN ISRAEL: JUNE 2012 JOIN CBA IN ISRAEL: THIS YEAR IN

JERUSALEM

To date, 60 members of our congregation enjoyed exploring Israel a family in 2007 and in 2009 to fulfill the mitzva of T’mikhat Yisrael, Supporting Israel. Each tour in the past has offered a spiritually inspiring experience specifically designed for the group. We fully toured Israel from coast to coast, up to the Lebanese border and across to the Golan Heights, then back down to Jerusalem. One highlight of our most recent tour was a morning service at the Wall lead by six B’nai Mitzva where each one read from the Torah, and everyone received an aliya. We will again offer this opportunity to both teens and adults. The 5772 trip is tentatively set to leave on June 12, 2012, for a full 10 days of touring. We need a minimum of 30 people for the trip to take place. We are planning to schedule an information meeting in December. Please contact Rabbi Rick <rabbirick@embarqmail.com> if you are considering the POSSIBILITY of joining the group, fulfilling one of the highest mitzvot in Jewish Tradition, and enjoying the experience of a lifetime.

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FROM OUR PRESIDENT-ELECT

The goals for 2012 are simple – the road to attaining them is not as simple. Fiscal stability is a must. We need to make sure that we have the doors open for our members and make them comfortable and secure in their “House”. Going hand in hand with that is offering the services that our members have come to rely on for life cycle events, prayer services, education and celebrations. There are three full cycle steps for success: ? Communication ? Participation ? Explanation Communication - we will be accessible to discuss your needs. In this respect, we can do no more. You have to let us know what you want. We have many ways of letting you know what we are doing. We have a weekly update, a monthly Bulletin, announcements at services and articles that we distribute throughout the community. We want to expand our external communications so the surrounding community will know who we are and what we do. See Participation (below) Participation – yes, we have something for ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls and children of all ages. We have groups that regularly meet – The Sisterhood, Men’s Club, Book and Movie Club, Sports Shooting Club, Choir, School parents, Adult Education, festival celebrations and more. Please pick one (or more) and come to a meeting or an event. We have a variety to offer and they encompass everyone. Don’t see anything you’d like, don’t know what it is about, or just want to know a little more about anything? See Explanation (below) Explanation – although this goes along with communication it has been singled out because we want you to know why we do what we do. If you have a question or concern, please let us know. Let us research and let us respond. See Communication (above) and thus, the cycle is complete, We have a wonder facility. With the addition of the multi-purpose wing and upgrades to the existing structure, we are as modern inside as we are outside with the new paint, landscaping and signage. Our school continues to flourish offering a Jewish education in a clean and safe learning environment. Our school administration knows what our next generation needs to be productive and informed. Your dues include so much more that High Holiday tickets if you want to take advantage of what is offered at your “House”. Be a part of the crowd that shows up. We are open to the young, old and everyone in between.

Steve Leibowitz, President Elect

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ASSIGNING BAR/BAT MITZVA DATES

We are now assigning dates for the 2012-2014 Bar/Bat Mitzva lists. We plan early so as to give

our long-standing members first access to open dates. If your child was born in 1999, 2000 or 2001, and you have not yet arranged for a date to

be reserved, please contact Rabbi Rick so that your child will not be inadvertently overlooked. Assignments are made on the basis of one's 13th

Hebrew birthday, with flexibility for summer birthdays and special circumstances.

ADULT BAT/BAR MITZVA SERVICE

JANUARY 25 & 26, 2013

The date has been set for a class of adults to be called to the Torah as B’nai Mitzva! The program is in re-sponse to the adults who have expressed interest in

becoming Adult B’nai Mitzva. Some of the explana-tions: (1) I did not have the opportunity when I was

younger, (2) I went through the experience but it did-n’t go through me, (3) I just want to learn more, and/ or (4) I wasn’t Jewish when I was younger.

Our study program continues with classes on the first and third Sunday in November, 11/6 and 11/20 at 11 am. Please contact Rabbi Rick by e-mail if you are

interested in participating in this program or you have any questions.

HOW TO CONTACT US

407.862.3505

Shalom@CongBethAm.org

www.CongBethAm.org

Please direct all correspondence to:

P.O. Box 915756

Longwood, FL 32791-5756

We're located at: 3899 Sand Lake Road Longwood, FL 32779

CBA Office Hours Saturday, Sunday & Monday—closed

Tuesday thru Friday 9:00 am—3:00 pm Wednesdays during School until 6:00 pm

eBay at CBA While doing your summer cleaning, did you find

things you just don’t want or can’t use but they’ll

have some value to someone? If so, please donate

these items to us – it's a win-win situation. You

support Beth Am and get the tax deduction – we

sell the items on eBay and other venues and use

the pro, activities and programming at Beth Am.

Please call Herb (407.774.9695) if you have any

questions or to arrange for pickup of your unused

treasures.

Visit Us On The Web go to

www.congbetham.org

MEMORIAL PLAQUES

A plaque on the Memorial Board in our Sanctuary is a fit-ting way to remember family members whom we recall with

warmth and affection. To honor the memory of a loved one with a plaque, please submit your request (accompanied by

payment of $360) to our office. The form is available in our office or on the secure Payments Page of our website, where you can also make payment.

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BOOK & MOVIE CLUB

The CBA Book & Movie Club has been very busy over the past few months. In September we read, and later discussed, The Amber Room. This was a suspenseful book about the search for the amber panels from Catherine’s Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia which disappeared during the Nazi era October was movie time again. We viewed a wonderful documentary about Gertrude Berg from the 1950’s TV series, “The Goldberg’s”. We learned what a fabulous woman she was. As a leading lady and as business woman, Gertrude was well ahead of her time and broke down many doors, opening the way for those to come.. Also, she won the first Emmy given to a female actress. She was affected by the “Black List” but managed to continue her successes. As Jews, we should consider her as an inspiration and role model for all of us. We will take a break during the month of December, but look forward to 2012. January will be another movie “Water for Elephants” and will be held in a member’s home. February will be the book Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. It is a wonderful story that takes place in Ethiopia and the United States….more information to come in the January bulletin. We always welcome new members and visitors. Please contact me for any further information.

Happy Chanuka to everyone!

Norma Greenberg 407-788-2285

Normajg28@aol.com

CBA Sisterhood - Affiliated with Women’s

League for Conservative Judaism December means just one thing…it must be time for Chanukah! And our CBA Sisterhood is ready to help you celebrate.

The Gift Shop will be open for your shopping con-venience. Dates and times will be announced through the blast. We have dreidels, gelt, decora-tions, chanukiyot and more! Support our Sister-hood as we support our synagogue!

The annual Chanukah Party will be held on Thurs-day, December 22, the 3rd night of Chanukah. We will be assisting the Men’s Club and Religious School in bringing this joyous event to the congre-gation. If you are able to come help set up during the day on Thursday, please let me know.

Thank you to Eva Gaber for the wonderful beaded Kippah class. Look for these beautiful creations next time you’re in services. They will be worn with pride!

Our CBA Sisterhood Shabbat will be January 27-28. If you are interested in participating in the service please contact Norma Greenberg at normajg28@aol.com.

For more information about our CBA Sisterhood, please contact me. I look forward to welcom-ing even more women to our Sisterhood, hear-ing your ideas and working with you to create a warm and caring community within our shul.

B’shalom

Cathy Swerdlow President

CBA Sisterhood

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri t b #

STUDY &

DISCUSSION

GROUP

MEETS AFTER

KIDDUSH

LUNCHEON

REMINDER: COMMUNITY

MINYAN 7:45 AM,

MON.-FRI. JEWISH

ACADEMY OF ORLANDO

1 2 5:10 pm 8:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Bat Mitzva Jori Allen

3 9:00 am Mitzva Class

Bat Mitzva Jori Allen

Sunset 5:28 pm

4 9:30 am Religious School 10:00 am Men’s Club Meets 11:00 Adult B’nai Mitzva

5 OFFICE CLOSED

6 5:00 pm Religious School (Winter Springs)

7 4:15 pm Religious School (Longwood) 7:15 pm Biblical Prophecy

8 9 5:11 pm 8:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

Bar Mitzva Nick Horne

10 9:00 am Mitzva Class

Bar Mitzva Nick Horne

Sunset 5:29 pm

11 9:30 am Religious School 11:00 Adult B’nai Mitzva

12 OFFICE CLOSED

13 5:00 pm Religious School (Winter Springs)

14 4:15 pm Religious School (Longwood) 7:15 pm Biblical Prophecy

15

16 5:12 pm 8:00 pm Kabbalat Shabbat

B’nai Mitzva

Shayna &

Michael Rashy

17 9:00 am Mitzva Class

B’nai Mitzva Shayna

& Michael Rashy Sunset 5:32 pm

18 9:30 am Religious School

Last School Session 2011

11:00 Adult B’nai Mitzva

19 OFFICE CLOSED

20 Hanuka Eve

21 Hanuka-1

22 Hanuka-2 Congregation Hanuka Party

6:30 pm

23 5:15 pm Hanuka-3 7:00 pm Family Service

24 Hanuka-4 Sunset 5:35 pm

25 Hanuka-5

26 Hanuka-6 Rosh Chodesh First Day OFFICE CLOSED

27 Hanuka-7 Rosh Chodesh Second Day

28 Hanuka-8

29 30 5:20 pm

No Service Shabbat at Home

31 9:00 am Mitzva Class Sunset 5:39 pm

December 2011 Congregation Beth Am Kislev / Tevet 5772

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Support Beth Am AND celebrate your special occasion

with custom invitations and announcements.

We carry a full line from Regency, Encore and Checkerboard.

You can also order a tallit

for yourself or for your child's Bat/Bar Mitzva.

Contact Debbie Davids at 407.869.0238.

Catering By Artisans (Your CBA Caterer)

Celebrating a simha at Beth Am?

If you want...

? delicious food

? an impressive presentation

? personal, caring attention

? every last detail taken care of

? unbeatable pricing

? catering profits to benefit Beth Am

Then...

Catering By Artisans is your only choice!

For information, contact:

Sheri Rosenberg

SHARING THE CARING

Share the news with members who don't have e-mail Share your compassion with recently bereaved members

Share your time with members who are home alone Share your time with members who are in nursing homes

Share your time with members who are in a hospital

Join the Care Team — for additional information, please contact Debbie Zelkowitz (407.862.7471)

If we have inadvertently omitted a birthday, anniversary or yahrtzeit or published incorrect personal information about you in this Bulletin, we apologize. Please let us know so that we can correct our records.

Promote your business with a Bulletin ad

For information, contact Joanne at the office at 407.862.3505

IN MEMORIAM

As a Congregational Family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to

Norm & Marlene Levin

as they remember the loss of Norm’s father HAROLD LEVIN

HA-MAKOM Y'NAHEM

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Nicholas Michael Horne, son of Steve and Paula Horne of Longwood, Florida will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Congregation Beth Am in Longwood.

Nick is an honor student in the seventh grader at Teague Middle School. Nick is an avid coca cola collector. Additionally, his interests include bas-ketball, football, computers and math.

Sharing in the family simcha will be Nick’s brother, Benny; grandparents Al and Linda Gross of Longwood, Ray (Saidia) Goodman of Longwood and Mike Horne of Orange City; and family and friends from Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, California, Washington and New York.

DECEMBER B’NAI MITZVAS

NICK HORNE

Dec.10

14 Kislev

Va-yishkah

Jori Leigh Allen, daughter of Cheryl and Paul Allen and sister of Samantha and Danielle, will be called to the Torah for the first time as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Congregation Beth Am (3899 Sand Lake Road, Longwood 32779). She is in 7th grade and attends Indian Trails Middle School where she is on Honor Roll for the 2nd year in a row. Jori plays the French Horn in the Symphonic Band. In addition, to band she is also a member of the Drama Club and will be in the 2011-2012 school production of “Follow That Rabbit” as the Mad Hatter. She is an active member of the Girl Scouts and has been since 1st grade. Jori’s real passion is reading and writing and someday will have many fiction stories published for all of us to read.

Sharing in the Taylor's simcha will be her grandparents, Mae Heller and Robert and Patty Allen, and Deidre and Al Trevelino, along with her aunts, uncles and cousins from Maryland, New York, and Florida.

JORI ALLEN

Dec. 3

7 Kislev

Va-yaytzay

Shayna Elizabeth Rashy, daughter of Dan and Kris Rashy, will be called to the Torah for the first time as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, December 17, 2011. Shayna is in the seventh grade at Markham Woods Middle School, where she sings in the cho-rus. Shayna enjoys hanging out with friends, lis-tening to music and swimming.

Michael William Rashy, son of Dan and Kris Rashy, will be called to the Torah for the first time as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, December 17, 2011. Michael is a seventh grade honor student in the pre-IB program at Sanford Middle School, where his favorite subjects are math and physical education. Michael enjoys playing baseball, basketball and spending time with friends.

SHAYNA RASHY MICHAEL RASHY

Dec. 17

21 Kislev

Va-yeshev

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1 Joy & Mike Stricker 5 Alisa & Justin Zinovoy 9 Nancy & Robert Berman 12 Cindy & Jonathan Caplan 15 Juli & David Goldstone 17 Elyse & Alan Jacobs 18 Elyse & Jules Baclar

18 Jeanne & Scott Gold 18 Gail & Jonathan Lewis 19 Ava & Manny Martin 20 Candace & Steve Jaffe 21 Bernice & Joseph Davids 22 Ruth & Richard Rubin 25 Jackie & Mark Lichtenstein

27 Jana & Evan Shear 29 Linda & Chuck Silverman 30 Kristi & Matt Klein 30 Sandra & Marshall Pearlman 31 Doris & Ira Locks

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

WE THANK… hbr hdwt

Millie Harris & Rose Lazoritz and Heidi Ulch

for their help again in preparing the monthly bulletin for mailing

Mike Cohen, Rich Citrenbaum, Kevin Colley, Craig Fishman, Jeff Grushka

Steve Leibowitz, Mark Lichtenstein and Herb Weissman For organizing and playing The Men’s Club Poker Tournament

At the Jewish Academy of Orlando

Rick Gardner, Steve Leibowitz, Ernie Meyers and Mike Stricker Our CBA Security Team

Joanne Weiss

For all her efforts in making Torah Covers and work on the Sanctuary’s Ark

We thank our 2011 Board of Directors

Immediate Past President Dan Williams President Jim Riola President Elect Steve Leibowitz Treasurer Simon Mendel Secretary Michael Baron V.P. Facilities Ira Locks V.P. Membership Debbie Davids V.P. Education Rachel Shapiro V.P. Religious Activities Mark Davids V.P. Ways & Means Lane Mercer Trustee Nancy Stern Trustee Cathy Swerdlow Trustee Robyn Colley

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WE REMEMBER DECEMBER YAHRTZEITS

1 Max Silver, father of Larry Silver 2 Lawrence Dale Gaber, husband of Eva Gaber & father Lila & Felissa Gaber Barbara Hornreich, daughter of Jeri Leavitt 3 Nathan Padawar, father of Joseph Padawar Sophie Scherr, mother of Joanne Weiss 4 Frank Bobele, father of Ron Bobele Nathan Fischer, father of Calvin Fisher Marilyn Levy, mother of Marc Siegel 5 William Hopson, uncle of Marlene Levin Joseph Perlberg, brother of Dorothy Klosner Samuel Schulman, grandfather of Mark Schulman Marvin Rosenberg, father of Andrea Lewis Harvey Franzel, father of Steven Franzel 6 Ruth Robbins, mother of Robert Robbins Samuel Tulip, uncle of Cyndie Elman 7 Diana Goodman, mother of Florence Kuppe & grandmother of Deborah Zelkowitz Sara Swerdlow, mother of David Swerdlow 8 Manuel Mendel, brother of Simon Mendel Minnie Rosen, grandmother of Jack Klosner 9 Judith Sheplan, mother of Ed Sheplan Hyman Kaplan, father of Lawrence Kaplan Robin Forrest, mother of Brett Forrest Jack Bernstein, father of Charles Bernstein 10 Dora Liebeskind, mother of Ruth Snaid 11 Edith Feuerstein, mother of Susan Robbins Rose Fishman, grandmother of Sheri Rosenberg 12 Len Goldstein, father of Richard Goldstein Milton Mercer, brother of Dr. Lane Mercer & Ellen Solomon 13 Annette Fink, cousin of Susan Shapiro Valentine Malkin, grandmother of Marie Agranovsky 14 Lewis Green, father of Jeff Green 15 Mira Straubs, mother of Zohar Cain 16 Florence Lev, mother of Tobe Lev

17 Lois Davis, sister of Helene Gold Florence Klosky, sister of Albert Elman & Hilda Frishman 18 Nettie Chaiken, grandmother of Jerrey Weiss Anne Berknowitz, mother of Maxine Morris 19 Janet Lefkovits, grandmother of Mark Schulman & Janet Kaplan Ralph Laub, father of Robyn Colley Bertha Pervin, mother of Bernice Shapiro & grandmother of Susan Shapiro 20 Irving Greenwald, father of Sherril Bracco Mose Karesh, mother of Marsha Stein Alice Weinstein, mother of Linda Silverman 21 Rabbi Machlouf Bitton, father of Denise Reback Harry Katzen, father of Marlene Morris Sylvia Cohen, grandmother of Jason Eichenholz 22 Beatrice Margot, mother of Philip Margot Arnold Butnick, father of Rhonda Scorzelli Fanny Dorfman, mother of Roberta Bernstein 23 Shirley Kaplan, mother of Robert Kaplan Max Kristel, father of Sandra Pearlman Phyllis Hecht, mother of Ava Martin 24 Bea Finkelstein, mother of Howard Finkelstein 25 Jeanette Lack, mother of Minna Alstein & Ilona Sheplan & grandmother of Derek Sheplan Joseph Pervin, father of Bernice Shapiro & grandfather of Susan Shapiro 26 Dustin Rose, son of Lynn & Ed Rose 27 Ruth Loeb, mother of Carol Francis 28 Meyer Handler, grandfather of Barbara Bernstein 30 Florence Olicker, mother of Jacqueline Levine 31 Louis Gelfand, father of Philip Gelfand Rochelle Mann, mother of Elyse Baclar Louis Wilensky, father of Ellis Wilensky

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 Danielle Allen 1 Sharon Berger 1 Rachael Henig 1 Michael Rashy 1 Shayna Rashy 3 Elli June Stein 4 Leslie Intro 4 Dan Williams 5 Jana Citrenbaum 5 Jacob Green 5 Sarah Myers 5 Robert Rosenberg 6 David Swerdlow

8 Alan Henig 8 Eric Kaltbaum 9 Gloria Padawar 9 Suzanne Weinstein 10 Andrew LoMedico 10 Julie Stockton 11 Margot Baron 11 Michelle Hartog 11 Dr. Fred Pearl 12 David Bernstein 13 Jackie Levine 13 Harry Lipkind 13 Denise Reback

14 Melissa Abrams 14 Rachel Shapiro 14 Rich Ulch 15 Paul Karlinsky 15 Robin Mackler 16 Nicholas Abrudescu 17 Adam Alstein 17 Hannah Alstein 17 Lisa Herwitz 17 Logan Intro 17 Mark Lichtenstein 17 Erik Woodruff 18 Lillian Tobias

21 Kristine Klein 23 Taylor Harris 24 Bethanie Mendel 24 Lindsay Williams 25 Daniel Kaprow 25 Amy Meier 25 Pearl Seidler 26 Frances Brown 27 Brian Harris 27 Trevor Hartog 27 Isaac Lewis 27 Harriet Margot

28 Manny Martin 28 Sofia Poliak 28 Jack Sousa 29 Marilyn Miller 29 Jerrod Zlatkiss 30 Nancy Berman 30 Jeff Gruska 30 Seth Reichelson 30 Wil Robbins

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING

Our tradition teaches us the importance of tz'daka. What a wonderful and lasting way to commemorate a birthday, anniversary, yahrtzeit, recovery from illness or hardship, Bat or Bar Mitzva, wedding, new baby or other occasion! Or give just because... !

We maintain various funds, donations to which are used to support our many activities and to make Beth Am the Synagogue we want it to be. Please show that you care — make a contribution to the fund of your choice. All contributions are tax deductible.

SUPPORTERS OF BETH AM

ONEG/KIDDUSH SPONSORS

Ed & Lynn Rose, in celebration of Tollefson Baby Naming The Parents of the 6th Grade Class, in honor of their children

as they enter the Mitzva Program

"DOR-TO-DOR" (GENERATION-TO-GENERATION) CAMPAIGN TO FUND SCHOOL ADDITION

Matt & Kris Klein Jon & Gail Lewis

ALEX GELFAND DELIALLISI MEMORIAL FUND

Fran & Phil Gelfand, thank you to Rabbi Rick for his kindness

GENERAL FUND

Heddy & Michael Bernstein, in memory of Harold Levin Kail & Faith Brotman, in memory of father Samuel

Brotman Jon Caplan, in memory of father Howard Caplan Joe & Bernice Davids, in memory of brother Marvin

Kornick Mark & Debbie Davids, In memory of mother Natalie Feld Helene Gold, in memory of mother Pearl Levy and In memory of husband Meyer Gold Hank & Norma Greenberg, for Adult Education Program Sherman Miller, in memory of mother Leah Miller Lester & Marlene Morris, in memory of Harold Levin Rich & Ruth Rubin, in memory of Harold Levin Elly Soski, in memory of Harold Levin Lillian Tobias, in memory of grandson, Chad F. Vignola Lloyd & June Werk, in memory of father Bernard Adler Lon & Joy Winter, wishing a Happy Birthday to Judy

Winter Dombrow & Happy 30th Birthday to Jessica Winter Stafford & Happy Birthday to Sherill Bracco

Mae Weisman, in memory of mother Lena Levine, in memory of father Louis Levine & in memory of sister Sylvia Beckerman Sherwood Weisman, in memory of mother Gussie Weisman Norman Wofsy, with thanks to Rabbi Rick for a beautiful Rosh Hashana Service

EDUCATION FUND Fred & Frances Brown, in memory of mother Bernice “Bunny” Grimm

RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND

Hank & Norma Greenberg, In honor of Dan Williams & Debbie Zelkowitz receiving Simchat Torah honors

Dr. Marshall & Sandra Pearlman, for Adult Education ProgramJerrod & Linda Zlatkiss, In memory of father Isadore Landau

PRAYER BOOKS Jon & Cynthia Caplan, for Lucas Caplan’s 6th grade Siddur

Service Alisa & Justin Zinovoy, in celebration of Misha Tollefson’s

1st birthday

HIGH HOLY DAY APPEAL

We thank each of you who responded to our High Holy Days Appeal. We appreciate

your participation, generosity and support.

Nicholas Abrudescu & Nancy Brown Harry & Karen Lipkind Gitty Adler Manny & Ava Martin Greg Alman Sherman & Marilyn Miller Alan & Arlene Applebaum Lester & Marlene Morris Myron & Allyson Ascher Barry Nager Michael & Roxanne Baron Thom & Beth Oxborough Charles & Roberta Bernstein Joe & Glo Padawer Rob & Dana Bial Marty & Kristin Pupko Ken & Wendy Bowman Dan & Kris Rashy Frank & Sherril Bracco Seth & Debbie Reichelson Fred & Frances Brown Jim & Jill Riola Phil & Louise Brown Seth & Jessica Rosenblatt Michael & Lauri Cayado Mark & Susan Schulman Mike & Joanna Cohen Jim & Rhonda Scorzelli Jeff Cohen & Luci Belnick Steve & Lucy Seidler Alan & Sheri Kaplan-Cohn Bernice Shapiro Kevin & Robyn Colley Sam & Rachel Shapiro Jason & Robyn Eichenholz Marc & Nancy Sharfman Jerry & Sima Feldberg Marc & Diane Siegel Craig & Lisa Fishman Elaine Silver & Michael Baron Eva Gaber Neal & Bernadette Silverstein Rick & Donna Gardner Moishe & Ruth Sniad Phil & Fran Gelfand Sherwin & Barbara Sokolov Marvin Goldstein Ken & Ellen Solomon Mike & Becky Goldstein Elly Soski Hank & Norma Greenberg Marty & Marsha Stein Mike & Sandi Groberg Lillian Tobias Jeff Grushka & Andrea Behn Eric & Suzanne Weinstein Millie Harris Sherwood & Susan Weisman Lori Helman Herb & Shelley Weissman Josh & Rebecca Katz Dan & Sherry Williams Matt & Kristi Klein Anne Zahary Steve & Mary Kutner Justin & Alisa Zinovoy Miles & Kate Landis Jerrod & Linda Zlatkiss Norm & Marlene Levin Stan & Jackie Levine Mark & Jackie Lichtenstein

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT — STEVE LEIBOWITZ

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT — JIM RIOLA PRESIDENT-ELECT — DEBBIE DAVIDS

VICE PRESIDENT FOR RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES — GREG ALMAN VICE PRESIDENT FOR EDUCATION — RACHEL SHAPIRO

SECRETARY — ROBYN COLLEY TREASURER — SIMON MENDEL DIRECTOR — HERB WEISSMAN DIRECTOR — DAN WILLIAMS DIRECTOR — PAULA HORNE

CONGREGATION BETH AM DIRECTORY

AD SIZES Size (all sizes are nominal sizes) Directory Bulletin Business card 3-1/2" X 2" 3-5/8" X 2"

Quarter page N/A 3-3/4" X 5" Half page 4-1/2" X 3-3/4" 7-1/2" X 5" Full page 4-1/2" X 7-1/2" 7-1/2" X 10"

AD RATES Directory* Bulletin Directory and Bulletin Business card $90 $150 $225 Quarter page N/A $360 N/A Half page $150 $650 $750 Full page $275 $1170 $1,300

* All ads are in color if color ad is submitted. Cover placement, if available, is subject to a separate rate schedule. For best quality, please submit your ad in JPEG or PDF format. Please submit you advertisements and payments to: Herb Weissman 2963 Autumnwood Trail Apopka, FL 32703 321 246-0717

ALL PRINT ADS HAVE A COMPANION BULLETIN-SIZE AD ON OUR WEBSITE

INSTALLATION OF THE 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Come join us on Saturday, January 14, 2012 for Shabbat Services and the installation of the newly elected CBA Board of Directors. Meet the Board and hear what the plans for Beth Am are for 2012.

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THE MIRACLE OF HANUKA

Approximately 500 years after the story of the Maccabees re-dedicating the Temple with an eight-day holiday, the Rabbis of the Talmud re-examined the message of Hanuka. Instead of emphasizing a military battle to keep Judaism alive, they spoke of miracles and

faith in God. The Rabbis created a story about the Maccabees finding a small vial of oil for the Temple lamp, containing enough to last only one day. According to the legend, eight days later the menorah still burned! In recounting this miracle, the Rabbis thus lift Hanuka

from its historical context. More than a commemoration of victory in war, Hanuka now cele-brates faith in God.

What is the miracle of Hanuka? Not the oil burning for eight days, but

? the victory of the few against the many.

? the willingness of a small group to take a stand for their convictions.

? when the wider society did not care to listen.

the fact that a fire was lit when there was no reason to believe that it would continue to

burn. The Hebrew word for “miracle” is NES which also means “a banner” or “a sign.” As we celebrate the NISIM (miracles) of Hanuka, we should think of a miracle not as something

that defies the expectations of nature, but rather as an event in our experience that stands as “a sign” - a turning point (real or potential) in our lives today.

MEANINGFUL GIFTS FOR HANUKA

Those looking to give something special to friends and family for Hanuka might want to consider sponsoring

a Siddur, Mahzor or Humash. Each volume will carry a personalized bookplate with a personal acknowledgment to

both the giver and the one who is being honored (or to the family of the one being remembered).

-- A Minyan of Comfort ($25): The volume we use at Shiva Minyanim, with contemporary readings and poems

woven into the Traditional text of comfort.

-- Mahzor Hadash ($36): The High Holy Day volume with its contemporary prayers and readings in a gender-neutral

text.

-- Siddur Hadash ($36): The “order” of prayers for Shabbat and Festival Mornings with easy-on-the-eye Hebrew,

modern translations and extensive transliterations.

-- The Etz Hayim Humash ($72): The finest presentation of Torah text and Haftarot, with a modern translation

and with both classical and contemporary commentary reflecting Conservative Masorti ideology.

Alternatively, it would be a great gift to place a leaf on the Tree of Life display in the lobby in honor/

memory of a friend or member of the family, or to commemorate a celebration of life; e.g., birth, anniversary, spe-

cial birthday, Bat/Bat Mitzva, etc. ($72)

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We encourage you to support our advertisers who support us with their ads in the Bulletin, Membership Directory and on our web site

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The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

GWEN D. BLOOM Attorney At Law

1180 Spring Centre South Blvd. Admitted to Practice in Florida (1991)

Suite 310 Admitted in Massachusetts (1981)

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Tel: 407-682-3390 Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust

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Vol. 36, No. 11

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