From Rabbi Birnholz

Though the time for Purim whimsy is past, there is never a bad time for a good chuckle. So here goes.About the time a

sofer (a Torah scribe) called to say he would be in town to do repairs if needed, I found a hole in the Bar Mitzvah Torah parchment just below the text. Of course, I invited him to come by and apply his talent and technical training to restoring our scroll. But he surprised me when he said I could fi x the hole myself. You’re kidding, I thought. I’m not a trained sofer.

I haven’t studied the art or laws regarding Torah writing or repair. I told him I have no qualms about changing out an electrical outlet, but patching a hole in our sacred Torah is something, well, sacred. Oh, that’s not a problem, he assured me in his

best DIY- network- encouraging voice. He said he would send me a parchment patch (called a klaf) and all I needed to do was glue it to the back of the scroll behind the hole. Right! All I had to do…… Which to me meant:

you as a sofer know how to do this because you do it all the time, but I have no idea what you are talking about. I mean, which way should I position the patch? And how would I know which side of the patch was supposed to show through the hole? He did say to put the glue on the Torah and not on the patch, but what kind of glue was I supposed to use?It was the answer to this last question that sent me

into hysterics. Would you like to guess his reply? Yep, Elmers!Who’da thought? You repair a hole in a sacred

Torah by slapping some Elmers glue on the back of the scroll and then popping a patch onto it? Wow, I thought. I’m on my way to becoming a sofer! Obviously I was getting ahead of myself. It turns

out that the intricacies of the writing and the use of kosher parchment (from a kosher animal) are what make a Torah sacred. Since no one can read my handwriting under any circumstances, I quickly concluded that becoming a sofer is not in my cards. And the glue? As long as it is made from kosher

animals, it can be applied to a Torah. However, since most companies will not tell you what animals were used to make the glue, you have to

CONGREGATION SCHAARAI ZEDEK | T A M PA , F LO R I D A

RABBI RICHARD BIRNHOLZ, D.D., R.J.E.

PASSOVER AT SCHAARAI ZEDEKPassover Begins at Sundown Friday, April 3A Shabbat Service will be held at 5:00 pm

Passover HikeSaturday, April 4 - 8:30 am

Join the Rabbis and Cantor for our own day in the wilderness. We will celebrate Shabbat and the fi rst day of Passover with a morning of hiking, prayer, song, and study in beautiful Alderman’s Ford Park in Lithia. Different pace groups will be available. End the morning with coffee and matzah with a butter schmear.

RSVP to the Temple Offi ce at offi ce@zedek.org or call (813) 876-2377.* * * * * * *

Second Night Passover SederSaturday, April 4 - 5:30 pm

Come to Schaarai Zedek for a participatory Seder led by our clergy. Our Seder is fun for the entire family. Reservations are required. Send in your reservation to the Temple Offi ce at offi ce@zedek.org or call (813) 876-2377, with a credit card.

If any member fi nds the cost of a Seder to be a fi nancial hardship, please contact Rabbi Birnholz for confi dential assistance.

* * * * * * *Pesach Yizkor Service

Friday, April 10 - 10:30 amRemember your deceased loved ones by attending the traditional Pesach Memorial Service.

Celebrate Shabbat honoringRabbi Joel & Jacent Simon

Friday May 8 Preneg - 6:30 pm Shabbat Service - 7:30 pm Oneg Shabbat - 8:30 pm

You are invited to celebrate Shabbat and honor Rabbi Joel and Jacent Simon as Rabbi Simon prepares to assume the position of Sr. Rabbi at Shir Ami in Newtown, Pennsylvania. We know you will want to share your mazel tov as the Simons begin this new chapter in their lives.

(continued on page 2)

LET’S

CELEBRATE

FRIDAY

MAY 8th

See Insert For Full Details

ALAN WEINER

2 (continued on Page 6)

WORSHIP CALENDAR IN OUR SYNAGOGUE

Th e ShofarPublished monthly by

Congregation Schaarai Zedek3303 West Swann Avenue

Tampa, Florida 33609-4643Volume 119, Number 9

APRIL 2015

Friday, April 3, 2015 - 5:00 pm (Please note the time change) Brief Pre-Seder Shabbat Service

______________________

Saturday, April 4, 2015 - 5:30 pm Second Night Passover Seder

_____________________

Friday, April 10, 2015

10:30 am - Yizkor Service

7:30 pm - Shabbat Service Rabbi Simon will speak

______________________

Saturday, April 11, 2015 10:30 am - Derek Sokol Bar Mitzvah

4:30 pm - Jessica Fleeter Bat Mitzvah______________________

Friday, April 17, 2015 - 7:30 pmBrief Yom HaShoah Commemoration Shabbat Service followed by the showing of the PBS Documentary “Escape from a Nazi Death Camp”

______________________

Saturday, April 18 10:30 am - Kelsey Birnholz Bat Mitzvah

______________________

Friday, April 24 - 7:30 pm Shabbat Service Rabbi Birnholz will speak

President’s Message

I wish you all could have been in the room. We are just now wrapping up the search process for our new Assistant Rabbi. The process has been

thorough and fulfi lling. By “fulfi lling”, I am not referring to the fact that we will conclude the process by having fi lled the position in an exemplary way (which we will likely have by the time you are reading this). Rather, I am referring to the commentary on our Temple that was provided by the large number of our congregants that were involved in the process and, hence, that were in the meetings with candidates for the Assistant Rabbi position.

More background: we identifi ed and brought in candidates utilizing the placement services of the URJ, the umbrella group for Reform Temples worldwide. While in Tampa, the candidates met with our Assistant Rabbi Search Committee for formal interviews, as well as with Board Members, past-Presidents, members of our 20’s/30’s groups, and members of our Schzfty Youth Group for informal “Meet and Greets”. These meetings, as you can well imagine, mostly involved “us” asking questions of the candidates. Routinely, though, we gave the candidates an opportunity to ask questions of us. One common question asked by candidates was, “Why are you each doing this – that is, participating individually in this search? What makes this Congregation important enough that you are in this room today?”

This is the room that I wish you could have been in. The answers were varied in that the meeting attendees ranged in age, interests, and family situation (i.e., single, married, with kids and without, busily employed and retired). Yet, there was a common theme, which was that, in some way, our Congregation, including our clergy and staff, had reached out to each and provided them with something that created a special affi nity to our Temple. And this affi nity was powerful enough that they each had a sincere desire to see this carried on in as best a way as it could be. You would have been proud.

Our clergy and staff and our lay volunteers

Passover & Shabbat Candle Lighting Times

Friday, April 3 . . . . . . . 7:31 pm (Eve of 1st Day of Passover)

Saturday, April 4 . . . . . 8:24 pm (Eve of 2nd Day of Passover)

Thursday, April 9 . . . . . 7:34 pm (Eve of 7th Day of Passover)

Friday, April 10 . . . . . . 7:34 pm (Eve of 8th Day of Passover)

Friday, April 17 . . . . . . 7:38 pm

Friday, April 24 . . . . . . 7:42 pm

MAZEL TOV

David Rosenbach was honored by the Maimonides Society of the Tampa Jewish Community Center and Foundation.

Doris and Frank Rosenblatt were invited to be members of Queen Esther’s Court at the annual Purim Ball celebrated by the Jewish Museum of Florida.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Nadia and Richard Bennet

BIRTHS

Alex Palladino Grandson of Barbara & Allan Goldman

Bradley Madden Woodruff Son of Erica & Adam Woodruff

DEATHS

Carl Altshuler Father of Joan AltshulerSue Becker Mother of Debra SchlactNorma Felsenthal Mother of Harry FelsenthalFrances Greenberg Mother of Karen LevyLarry Rinetti Step-father of Paula RosenRobin Sears Sister of David AntonJohn Wisdo Brother of Thomas Wisdo

use a synthetic substitute. Synthetic archivist glue is best because it will not yellow. But Elmers is fi ne since it is made from petroleum products. And, by the way, the patch used must have rounded edges. Square edges tend to pull off more easily.Maybe the lesson in all this is that you can

fi nd the sacred in everything; even in common things. And often, that sacredness comes from the attitude you bring to the moment. Now that’s a neat lesson. And to think that it all started with a little hole in the Torah….

Rabbi Richard J. Birnholz

From Rabbi Birnholz(continued from Page 1)

CANTOR DEBORRAH CANNIZZARO

3

From Cantor

CannizzaroWhen I think about

Shabbat, the fi rst image that pops into my mind is the scene from the movie, Fiddler on the Roof, when Golde lights the Shabbat candles. During the song that follows (“Sabbath Prayer”), we see woman after woman lighting the candles, moving her hands over the lights. A celebration of women!

How appropriate that this year Passover falls on Shabbat. Over the past 30 years, the Haggadah has undergone a transformation. More and more, the women of the Passover story are being mentioned, honored and discussed at our seder tables. This year, begin a discussion of your own about two very special women of the Passover story. Consider this verse from Exodus, Chapter 1.

“When Pharaoh became afraid of the Israelites, he ordered the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all Jewish boys when they were born. But the midwives, fearing God, did not follow Pharaoh’s orders. They saved the little boys. Then Pharaoh called for the midwives and said, ‘Why have you done this thing and saved the males.’ The midwives answered, ‘The male children survived because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women. They are so vigorous that they deliver their children before we can arrive.’

Who were these midwives? Why did they disobey Pharaoh? What were they thinking? Consider the following modern midrash which attempts to answer these questions:

Shiphrah and Puah, two of the midwives who served Hebrew women in the capital, sat together over tea after their momentous fi rst meeting with Pharaoh. “Shiphrah, we can’t do that,” said the smaller of the two women. For years we have dedicated our lives to providing comfort and safety to women in childbirth. I don’t care who these women are or what they believe, they are just like our friends in their concern for their families, in their joy at giving new life, and in their gratitude for whatever help we give them.”

“You’re right,” agreed Shiphrah. “There’s no way we are going to harm these precious baby boys, but how are we going to get away with it?” Puah reached for a biscuit. Chewing on something sweet helped her think better. All of a sudden, her

ADULT JEWISH LEARNING

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Weekly Torah StudyLed by Rabbi Joel Simon

Saturdays, April 11, 18 & 25, 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Our Saturday morning Torah Study group is now looking at some of Judaism’s greatest philosophers and their approach to Torah, God, Israel, and other questions. No prior knowledge is needed and pertinent information from previous sessions will always be repeated. Feel free to join at any time.

For more information, contact Rabbi Simon at jsimon@zedek.org.

Yom HaShoah CommemorationThursday, April 167:00 pm - 9:30 pm

At the Douglas and Maureen Cohn Jewish Community Center

The Jewish Film Festival and the Tampa Jewish Book Festival will present the award winning fi lm 50 Children: The Rescue Mission of Mr. and Mrs. Kraus followed by a Skype discussion with Steven Pressman, who wrote and directed the HBO documentary. The fi lm tells the story of how one American couple rescued 50 Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Vienna in 1939.

There no charge for this event. It is open to the community. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information call the Tampa JCC Federation at (813) 264-9000.

Th e Role of Government in Our Lives:A Jewish/American Perspective

Wednesday, April 22, 29 and May 67:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Teachers: Rabbi Birnholz and Rabbi Simon

Wednesday, April 22 — Information: Privacy vs. SecurityWe value our privacy and have a natural distrust of “Big Brother Government.” But how do we balance our distrust with our need for intelligence that can keep us safe in a world of terrorism? Hear what the Jewish experience has to say on the subject.

Wednesday, April 29 — Regulation: Whose Business is Religion?Can the separation of church and state go too far? Religious minorities should be protected from the religious practices of the majority. But what about the religious rights of the majority? We Jews have had it both ways. Is there a lesson in our unique experience?

Wednesday, May 6 — Militarization: America’s Interests vs. Israel’sIran has become an American-Israeli battleground This is the fi rst time American Jews have had to ask: am I an American fi rst or a Jew fi rst? Should Israel continue to choose sides in American politics? Can she afford not to? Is there a Jewish precedent?

RSVP to the Temple Offi ce at (813) 876-2377 or offi ce@zedek.org.

Israel Independence Day: Concert in the Park 2015Sunday, April 26

2:00 pm - 6:00 pmAt the Douglas and Maureen Cohn Jewish Community Center

Celebrate Israel’s birthday with the Jewish Community. Enjoy concerts for every member of the family. End the afternoon with the Nancy Spielberg Movie: Above and Beyond.

For more information call the Tampa JCC Federation at (813) 264-9000.(continued on Page 4)

4

Mah Jongg MondayMondays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Feel free to drop in and enjoy an evening playing Mah Jongg with friends every Monday at Schaarai Zedek. All players are welcomed – experienced and learners. Sydney Soschin and Debbie Rovner will be available to teach. Come relax and enjoy the friends and fun.

RSVP to the Temple Offi ce at (813) 876-2377 or offi ce@zedek.org.

EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTSDo You Know Someone...• New to Tampa?• Not Affi liated with a Congregation?• Just Married?• Looking for Quality Jewish Schools?Let us tell them about membership at

Congregation Schaarai Zedek.

Please call: Steve Holtzman, Vice President of Membership and Programming (813-966-1208) or Sherry Stein, Director of Programming & Membership (813-876-2377, Ext. 212).

Café CSZSundays during Religious School

8:45 am - 11:00 amHave a a bagel and a cup of coffee at Café

CSZ in the Schaarai Zedek Sisterhood Meeting Room.

Join the conversation... Greet friends, fellow parents, and other congregants... Café CSZ will be open every Sunday during Religious School. Drop off the kids. Drop in for bagels and coffee. See you there!

face brightened. “Our men,” she began, “think that the Hebrews are like animals. They have not seen them in their tender moments as we have. They don’t realize they are just like us, since they only know them as their slaves. Maybe we can take advantage of their ignorance.”

Shiphrah smiled. She loved Puah’s cleverness with people. “Animals surely do not use midwives,” she said slowly. Puah chuckled and squeezed Shiphrah’s hand. “You are so smart, Shiphrah. We’ll tell Pharaoh that the Hebrew women are such animals they don’t even labor long enough for us to reach them before the babe is already out, clean, tied, and suckling. Men are so ignorant of these matters, how can they possibly dispute us?”

She gathered the rest of the biscuits and fruit and put them in her bag. The nice family near the market square had invited them to the eighth day circumcision ritual for the boy they had helped deliver after a complicated labor last week. “Come on, Shiphrah, we’ll be late for the bris.” The two women hurried off arm in arm, smiling with the confi dence of those who know that in matters of greatest consequence, even heads of state are sometimes ill-informed.

May your seder be full of joy, family and good food!

Chag Pesach Sameach!

Senior LuncheonThursday, April 9, Seating - 11:15 am

Guest Performers: Opera Tampa

Join us for a special musical performanceof Broadway songs and light opera by the Opera Tampa Singers. Their program is sure to be a delight as the Opera Tampa Singers are from Opera Tampa, the resident company of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and the Tampa Bay Community. Opera Tampa Singers Program is made possible in part by Marta and Plácido Domingo, Greenberg Traurig, The National Endowment for the Arts and Charles A. and Faith S. Simmons.

There is no lunch charge. But we need reservations to prepare.

RSVP to the Temple offi ce at (813) 876-2377 or email at offi ce@zedek.org.

Schaarai Zedek’s 20’s/30’s ConnectionPre-Passover Pizza and Pilsners - Thursday, April 2 - 7:00 pm

The Dubliner on South Howard

There will be drink specials at this South Tampa favorite, and pizza is on us, as we get ready for a week without bread. Bring any Passover questions you have and enjoy a relaxed evening with old friends and new!

SAVE THE DATEBarbecue, Bonfi re, and Boat Rides (and Good Byes)

Saturday evening, May 9

We’ll be at a Schaarai Zedek member’s home in Odessa (transportation from the synagogue and back will be provided) celebrating Lag Ba’Omer (traditionally celebrated with a bonfi re) and saying good bye to Rabbi Simon and Jacent before their move to Pennsylvania. More details will be coming soon.

Schaarai Zedek’s 20s/30s Connection is a social group for Jewish young adults in their 20s and 30s. Singles, couples, and all partners/signifi cant others are welcome to join!

To RSVP or with questions about any Schaarai Zedek 20’s/30’s events, contact Rabbi Simon at (813) 876-2377, ext. 229 or jsimon@zedek.org.

Tampa JCC/ Federation Young Adult DivisionFor information on YAD events, go to www.jewishtampa.com.

Ravak Jewish Singles (40 and beyond) presents...Post-Passover Pizza Dutch Treat Dinner

Thursday, April 23, 7:00 pmAnthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, 1901 South Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa

Eat, Enjoy and Energize…Fun, Food, Fellowship and Friends. And just another reason to get together with friends from Ravak! RSVP by Monday, April 20th

by calling (813) 876-2377 so we can reserve a spot at Anthony’s!

For more information or to RSVP, call the Temple Offi ce at (813) 876-2377 or email offi ce@zedek.org.

From Cantor Cannizzaro(continued from Page 3)

May 21, 2015Guest Speaker: Rabbi Birnholz

June 18, 2015Entertainment: A Sinatra

Impersonator

July 16, 2015Guest Speaker: Dr. Carl Zielonka

5

SISTERHOOD EVENTS2 Months at-a-Glance

APRILSisterhood Board MeetingMonday, April 6 - 9:30 am

Movie Night with BrotherhoodThursday, April 9 – 6:30 pm

Book Club MeetingMonday, April 13 – Noon

The Boys in the BoatBy Daniel James Brown

Y.E.S. Fund LuncheonMonday, April 20 - 11:00 am

MAYSisterhood Mah Jongg NightWednesday, May 6 - 9:00 pm

(date may change)

Sisterhood Board MeetingMonday, May 11 - 9:30 am

Sisterhood Installation LuncheonMonday, May 11 - 11:00 am

Book Club MeetingMonday, May 18 - 12:00 noon

I Love You More; A Novel by Jennifer Murphy

Chag Sameach Pesach! April in Florida - celebrating the spring holiday of Passover, and for those of us that still have children in school, feeling like the summer is right around the corner. And yes, back to our summer wardrobe of shorts and sandals!

But no worries, Sisterhood is still planning a few events to keep us connected!

On Thursday, April 9, we are joining together with Brotherhood to host our members for the movie, The Woman in Gold. Starring Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds. The movie chronicles the amazing history of the famous Gustav Klimt painting of Adele Bloch-Bauer confi scated by the Nazis and subsequently appropriated by the Austrian government, and the legal battle to return it to its rightful heir. The movie will be shown at the Villagio Cinemas Bistro & Lounge in Carrollwood, beginning at 6:30pm. Rabbi Birnholz will lead a short discussion after the fi lm.

On April 20, at 11:00am, please join us for the YES Fund Luncheon (formally Circle of Service). The YES Fund is a Women of Reform Judaism fund that supports projects for youth, education of rabbis and cantors, and special projects. Each year, our Sisterhood joins together to raise money for this important fund. To attend, all we ask is that you make a minimum donation of $36 to the YES Fund, and higher levels are certainly welcome! This year, we will be honoring Rabbi Joel Simon for all he has done for our Temple, our youth, and our Sisterhood. Thank you to Lynne Merriam and her committee for organizing this event. Say Yes to YES!

Our Sisterhood continues to amaze me! You are what makes us thrive!

Happy Spring!

Cindy Minetti, Sisterhood Presidentcminetti@tampabay.rr.com

Brotherhood PresentsSignature Event 2015 - April 25th

“New Israeli Cuisine - Warming Your Jewish Soul”

Come feast upon delicious renditions of modern Israeli as well as classic Jewish dishes expertly prepared by local Super Star chef Kevin Kruszewski of Pane Rustica.

Your taste buds will soar with Kevin’s interpretation of our ethnic food traditions. Each dish has been elegantly curated by Israeli food writer, editor and cook book author Janna Gur. Janna was born and raised in the former Soviet Union and now lives in Tel Aviv. She is the founder and editor of the leading Israeli food and wine magazine and has written several books including “Jewish Soul Food” and “The Book of New Israeli Food.”

Janna will be a guest speaker and talk about each of the recipes, its origin and history and also do a Q&A moderated by Jayne Cohen. Jayne lives in NYC and writes and lectures extensively on Jewish cuisine and culture. Her most recent book, “Jewish Holiday Cooking,” was named a fi nalist for a James Beard Foundation award in the International Cookbook Category.

Kevin is excited to lend his name and talents to this prestigious event. It will be a night exploding with fun and fl avor. Come meet Jayne Cohen and Janna Gur, the “Julia Child” of Israeli cooking and share in the joy of preserving our Jewish food traditions “from generation to generation.”

You may never think of “Jewish Food” the same way again.

Call the Temple for price details and reservations. Hurry, as seating will be limited.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to local charities to help feed the hungry.

This isn’t your Father’s Brotherhood! Great events, good people, socially conscious

Bruce GoldenbergBrotherhood President

BROTHERHOOD EVENTSAt-a-Glance

Brotherhood-Sisterhood Date NightThursday, April 9 – 6:30 pm

“Woman In Gold”We have rented the entire theatre!

Villagio Bistro Cinema in CarrollwoodSeating is limited to 80 people.

RSVP to the Temple offi ce at (813) 876-2377

or email at offi ce@zedek.org.

Signature Event 2015“New Israeli Cuisine - Warming Your

Jewish Soul”Saturday, April 25 - 6:30 pm

(See Insert for full Information)

WATCH YOUR EMAILFOR UPCOMING EVENTS!

SISTERHOOD / BROTHERHOOD

6

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

News from the Amy Gail Buchman Preschool

Important Preschool Dates:

April 3: All School Shabbat and the Passover Play performed by Ms. Leo’s and Ms. Carla’s class. Early closing at 3:00pm .

April 6 & 7: Classroom Seders.

April 13: Silly Sam performs.

April 20-24: Buy One Get One Free Book fair.

April 27: Grandparents Tea.

April 28: Grandparents Interactive Seminar.

JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund)

Do you or your child need money for education? JELF may be able to help. The Jewish Educational Loan Fund provides interest-free, last-dollar loans, based on fi nancial need to Jewish students in the Tampa Bay area. Scholarships are offered towards any post-secondary education.

The loan application will be available from March 1 - April 30 for the 2015-2016 school year.

Questions?770.396.3080 or info@jelf.org

work every day on fi nding ways to allow everyone of us to somehow connect in one way or another with the Temple and with the Jewish Community. Thank you to one and all for the time, effort, diligence, and profound caring that you bring to these efforts. May we continue to do all we can to build upon the great foundation that you have established at Congregation Schaarai Zedek, so that all of our Congregants can fi nd the connection that those in the room certainly have.

L'Shalom, Alan Weiner, President

SchZFTY Open House and Special ElectionWednesday, April 1 – 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Come join us for our monthly open house complete with dinner, homework, and a special election for our SchZFTY Social Action Vice President. Bring your homework and RSVP to Lindsey to make sure we order enough dinner.

SchZFTY Ice Cream Tasting Tour of Tampa (Part Deux)Saturday, April 11 – 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

It has been 5 years since we made the rounds and taste-tested the Best of the Bay! Join us for an evening of dinner and ice cream. We will travel to four of the Bay-Area’s best frozen treat eateries and try to establish who has what it takes to be called “Best” in SchZFTY’s eyes! $20 covers dinner and dessert times 4!

3rd - 5th grade end of the year Family BBQ Sunday, April 12 – Noon - 2:00 pm

at Ballast Point Park and Splash PadBring the family and join us at Ballast Point Park under shelter 806 for a BBQ lunch, games at

the park and an afternoon at the Splash Pad! You bring your towels and we will bring lunch. $5 per person/ max $20 per family.

6th and 7th grade end of the year SPLASH!Sunday, April 19 – 11:30 am - 6:00 pm

Join us for an afternoon at the beach! We will enjoy lunch at Clearwater Beach before heading to Surf Style for FlowRider indoor Surfi ng and Ice Cream before drop off at Temple. We have the FlowRider rented out for 2 hours JUST FOR US! Keep an eye on your email and mailbox for waivers and more information about our exciting beach afternoon! $25 covers all activities and food. Membership paperwork and waivers required to participate.

Teenokot Color Me Mine: Birth - 4 YearsThursday, April 23 – 10:30 am - Noon

Join us for a morning at Color Me Mine in Hyde Park just in time to make Grandma or Grandpa, Mom or Dad a special Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift. We will work with the staff at Color Me Mine to make special handprint or footprint gifts with our little ones—older children can paint on their own. We will cover the Studio Fee for each painter, you can select the pottery piece of your choosing.

SchZFTY End of the Year Banquet and InstallationsWednesday, April 29 – 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

We will come together for dinner and our annual SchZFTY Installation ceremony. All 8th-12th graders are invited to attend! Please RSVP so we order enough dinner for all in attendance.

SchZFTY Open HouseWednesday, May 6 – 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Our fi nal hang out night of the year is the perfect study break from AP and IB exams. We will have breakfast for dinner and a delicious cereal bar for dinner! The griddles will be fi red up for pancakes and eggs, turkey bacon and more! Come take a study break and refuel!

SchZFTY 8th - 12th grade Mystery Bus RideSaturday, May 9 – Save the Date!

It’s that time of the YEAR! Our 8th graders join us for their fi rst SchZFTY event and it is time to CELEBRATE all our seniors have done in their time in youth group. We will join together with BITTY, Congregation Beth Am’s youth group for our day of fun, friends and mystery. You never know what we are going to do. Watch the mail and your email for more information about waivers, packing and how to RSVP!

Please watch your mailbox for more info about upcoming events and programs!

For info about any youth event, please contact Lindsey Dewey, Youth Director, at ldewey@zedek.org or (813) 876-2377, Ext. 221

President’s Message(continued from Page 2)

Kelsey BirnholzDaughter of

Kristan & Steven Birnholtz

Jessica FleeterDaughter of

Lori & Michael Fleeter

Derek SokolSon of

Ami & Marty Sokol

7

Gesher L’ Mishpacha: Jewish Family Fun

Join the fun... Create Jewish family memories at holiday times with “Gesher L’Mishpacha… Bridge to the Family” activities. Families of all make-ups and sizes will enjoy completing 18 simple activities from a list of over 70 items. Last year, 7 families were “Gesher Graduates.” Add your name to the 2015 Gesher Graduation List.

For more information, call Donna Wood, Religious School Director at (813) 876-2377, Ext. 210.

Interested in Substituting?

Interested in furthering Judaism?... Want to work with some great children?... Don’t want to worry about class materials?... Then substitute teaching at the Flom Religious School is for you. We supply the lesson plans, all the materials, and wonderful students. You supply 2 1/2 hours on Sunday mornings (9:00 am - 11:30 am). Interested? Call Donna Wood, Religious School Director at (813) 876-2377, Ext. 210.

You are cordially invited to attend the2015 CONFIRMATION 5775

Sunday, May 17 – 10:00 amA reception honoring our Confi rmands will be held following the service.

_____________________________________________________________

Andrew Behrenfeld. . . . . . . . . . . . Son of Lisa Rohatiner and Craig Behrenfeld

Hannah Nicole Bobek. . . . . . . . . . Daughter of Diane and Michael Bobek

Sarah Anne Chen . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daughter of Lisa Kiev-Chen and Alex Chen

Samuel Zane Feuer. . . . . . . . . . . . Son of Leigh and Scott Feuer

Hudson Francis Franklin. . . . . . . Son of Mary Frances Holmes and Dean Franklin

Amber Victoria Heinig . . . . . . . . . Daughter of Janet and Daniel Heinig

Rachel Hirsch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daughter of Tricia and Andy Hirsch

Garrett Edward Josephson . . . . . Son of Jean and Larry Josephson

Sophie Hannah Klein . . . . . . . . . . Daughter of Traci and Daniel Klein

Tyler Gregory Lynn . . . . . . . . . . . Son of Jill and Greg Lynn

Harris Townsend Markowitz. . . . Son of Carla and Howard Markowitz

Sophie Jennifer Moss . . . . . . . . . . Daughter of Marilyn and Craig Moss

Hillary Elizabeth Perfi t . . . . . . . . Daughter of Rosemary Perfi t

Julianna Della Reale. . . . . . . . . . . Daughter of Marcie and Anthony Reale

Isabella Grace Samson . . . . . . . . . Daughter of Annette and Paul Samson

Maren Scharf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daughter of Kelly and Alan Scharf

Brooke Logan Shapiro . . . . . . . . . Daughter of Michele and Scott Shapiro

Stephen Phillip Szuch. . . . . . . . . . Son of Cantor Deborrah Cannizzaro and James Szuch

Andrew Stephen Watts. . . . . . . . . Son of Francine and John Watts

Evan William Watts . . . . . . . . . . . Son of Francine and John Watts

Zachary Jon Weber . . . . . . . . . . . Son of Marcy and David Weber

Marc Harris Weinstein. . . . . . . . . Son of Seema and Eric Weinstein

Micaela Lynn Weinstock . . . . . . . Daughter of Michele and Mark Weinstock

Hana Brit Yankowitz . . . . . . . . . . Daughter of Diana and Jerry Yankowitz

B’NAI MITZVAH

YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

A Mitzvah: Trinity CaféTrinity Café, located at 2801 North Nebraska

Avenue, Tampa 33602, provides hot, chef-cooked meals to those in need. Volunteer opportunities are available to help serve on Mondays through Fridays from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 am - 10:45 am.

If you are interested or have questions, please contact Donna Wood, Religious School Director, at (813) 876-2377, Ext. 210 or dwood@zedek.org.

Religious School RegistrationIt is time to register for the 2015-16 Religious

School year! If your children are currently enrolled in Religious School, your registration materials can be picked up on Sunday, May 3, from 8:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. If you do not pick them up then, we will mail the forms to you on Monday, May 4.

If you do not receive registration materials, please contact the Religious School offi ce (dwood@zedek.org or dbirnholz@zedek.org or 813-876-2377 ext. 210 or 215). The registration forms are also available on line at http://www.zedek.org/learning/religious-school.

All children who will be 4 years old by September 1, 2015, are eligible to attend Religious School.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

10

OUR TEMPLE FUNDS

A Contribution to One of the Temple Funds is a Wonderful Way to Make a Tribute to a Loved One or a Friend.

Please indicate which fund you wish to support.

TEMPLE FUNDS ____ Rabbi Birnholz’ Discretionary ____ Rabbi Simon’s Discretionary____ Cantor Cannizzaro’s Discretionary____ Rabbi Richard & Donna Birnholz Education Fund____ Charles and Barbara Adler____ Food Bank____ Interfaith and Outreach Fund____ Library____ Prayerbook ($72)____ Rabbi David L. Zielonka Camp Coleman Scholarship____ Samuel & Julia Flom Religious School Scholarship____ Samuel & Julia Flom Religious School Special Fund____ SchZFTY____ Sustaining____ Tree of Life ($250)____ Memorial Plaque ($500)____ Amy Gail Buchman Preschool____ Annual European Exchange Fund

ENDOWMENT FUNDS____ Chair of Rabbinics____ Amy Gail Buchman Preschool____ Audrey E. Messerman Scholarship Fund for the Amy Gail Buchman Preschool____ Bernie & Betty Epstein Religious School Fund____ Brotherhood Youth Endowment ____ Duglin Family Camp Coleman Scholarship____ Hirsch Family Torah Fund____ Lawrence David Hoff man Mitzvah Fund____ Lillyan D. Neusner Fund for Leadership Development and Long Range Planning____ Mack Perlman Award____ Meyer Kotler Memorial Lecture Series____ Sadie Zbar Family Memorial Scholarship____ Samuel L. Flom NFTY____ Saul Rachelson Endowment____ Schaarai Zedek Seniors____ Ruth E. Wagner Jewish Cultural Endowment____ Zbar Youth Programs

Name _____________________________________________________ Amount __________________Billing Address ____________________________________________________________________________City ___________________________ State ____________________ Billing Zip ______________________

In Memory of ____________________________________________________________________In Honor of _____________________________________________________________________

Schaarai Zedek eNewsDo you receive “Congregation Schaarai

Zedek Online,” our eNewsletter each week?

If not, please send us your preferred email address. Every week we email the most up-to-date information about Schaarai Zedek events and activities.

We want to see you at Schaarai Zedek!

Call the Temple Offi ce to request the Schaarai Zedek eNews at (813) 876-2377 or email offi ce@zedek.org.

Congregation Schaarai ZedekEnriching Tampa’s Reform

Jewish Heritage for Over 100 Years

Th e Early Daysof Schaarai Zedek

Excerpts from the minutes of the Temple Board (1894-1923)

A Religious School is StartedIn May of 1905, Rabbi Henry Stollnitz

became our third Rabbi. His early tasks were outlined by the Board.

October 1, 1905: “Dr. Stollnitz was requested to express his views upon the needs of the Congregation. They were as follows: the organization of the Sabbath School, the acquisition of the new members and of social intercourse between the members…”

September 16, 1906: “It was moved, seconded and carried that the Secretary notify Dr. Stollnitz to meet with the School Board and arrange for the opening and conducting of the Sabbath School.”

In April of 1907, Rabbi Stollnitz was terminated “owing to the fi nancial condition of the Congregation.” Schaarai Zedek would not have another Rabbi until 1920.

These minutes were prepared by Dr. Carl Zielonka, Archives Chair,

for your information about our past history.

Gilbert Lean from Dr. & Mrs. David SolomonRose Moore from Dr. David Moore & Ms. Marianne FisherAlexis Morgan Saunders from Drs. Maurice & Kailie ShawHarold I. Borkowf from Drs. Maurice & Kailie ShawMarjorie Schine from Mr. Jerome SchineAlexis Morgan Saunders from Dr. & Mrs. Alan SaundersJulius Saunders from Dr. & Mrs. Alan SaundersRuth Getz from Mrs. Barbara RosenthalJerry Radin from Mr. & Mrs. Ron Porat Milton Spielberg from Mr. & Mrs. Richard Appelbaum

Irving Tannenbaum from Dr. & Mrs. Robert TannenbaumRuth Tannenbaum from Dr. & Mrs. Robert TannenbaumRachel Leah Borkowf from Drs. Maurice & Kailie ShawSheldon Klein from Mr. & Mrs. Marc KleinSophie Schwartz from Mr. & Mrs. Mark WolfsonHenry A. Rosen from Dr. Todd HorwitzGertrude Hochstadter from Mr. & Mrs. Allen KellerHarold Bruck from Dr. & Mrs. David BruckCharles Jacob from Dr. & Mrs. David BruckMilton M. Simmons from Mr. & Mrs. Charles SimmonsJoan Saul Brill from Mr. Mark & Mrs. Linda Saul-Sena

Henry Ronson from Dr. & Mrs. Stuart GoldsmithCharles Berlin from Mr. & Mrs. Marc LeVineBenjamin Adlin from Mr. & Mrs. Howard AdlinLillian Levy from Mr. & Mrs. Howard AdlinEdmund Levy from Mr. & Mrs. Howard AdlinCharles Berlin from Mr. & Mrs. Michael LeVineRuth Zack from Dr. & Mrs. Dennis FeldmanFrances Greenberg from Dr. & Mrs. Todd RosenthalMonroe Roffer from Dr. & Mrs. Stuart Goldsmith Stanley Dreier from Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Lolli

Go Green & Save Paper!View the Shofar online at

www.zedek.org

Tree of LifeCelebrate special occasions in your life and honor friends by purchasing a leaf

($250) on our “Tree of Life” in the Buchman-Rachelson Social Hall.

Call Mary Braverman at the Temple Offi ce for details at (813) 876-2377, Ext. 243.

SISTERHOOD FLORAL FUNDIn memory of:

11

DONATIONS TO OUR TEMPLE FUNDSWe appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who remember and honor their loved ones and friends through contributions made to our Temple Funds.

RABBI SIMON’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

In honor of: Bat Mitzvah of Molly Orlick Dr. & Mrs. Martin Orlick

In memory of: Simon Haimovitz Eleanor Haimovitz-McCulloch Mrs. Frieda Haimovitz Hooper

AMY GAIL BUCHMAN PRESCHOOL ENDOWMENT FUND

In honor of: 80th Birthday of Alvin Hameroff Mr. & Mrs. Richard Roher

HIRSCH FAMILY TORAH ENDOWMENT FUND

In honor of: Andy Hirsch Mr. & Mrs. Harry Tishler

CANTOR CANNIZZARO’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

In honor of: Bat Mitzvah of Molly Orlick Dr. & Mrs. Martin Orlick

FOOD BANK FUNDIn honor of: Birthday of Miriam Stiel Birthday of Marshall Levinson Dr. & Mrs. David Bruck

EDUCATION PILLAR ENDOWMENT FUNDIn memory of: Norma Felsenthal, mother of Harry Felsenthal Stutzman, Bromberg, Esserman & Plifka Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Jeffrey

INTERFAITH & OUTREACH FUNDIn memory of: Marjorie Schine Mr. Jerome Schine

JACOBSON LIBRARY FUNDIn memory of: Norma Felsenthal, mother of Harry Felsenthal Mr. & Mrs. Vinny Giusto

SENIORS ENDOWMENT FUNDIn honor of: Birthday of Adele Bayden Ms. Connie Mansfi eld & Mr. Les Scharf

MEMORIAL FUNDIn memory of: Marguerite Degan Ms. Corinne Mansfi eld

Norma Felsenthal, mother of Harry Felsenthal Mr. Rick & Dr. Deborah Levinson The Grenader Family Mr. Christ & Dr. Iris Sarro

SCHZFTY FUNDIn honor of: Jim Shimberg Schaarai Zedek Seniors

In memory of: Frances Greenberg, mother of Karen Levy Mr. & Mrs. Marc Blumenthal

ANNUAL EUROPEAN EXCHANGE FUND Mr. & Mrs. Boris ShiffIn honor of: Birthday of Gloria Sherman Mr. & Mrs. Marc Blumenthal

Birthday of Jerry Goudesmith Mr. Peter Samosky & Ms. Eileen Holzman

In memory of: Nathan Weinbren Mr. & Mrs. Don Weinbren

Francis R. McConnell Mr. & Mrs. Randy Marcus

SUSTAINING FUNDIn honor of: Dr. Joyce Karpay Ms. Sonya Miller

Birthday of Dr. Justin Jay Older Dr. & Mrs. Robert Farber

AMY GAIL BUCHMAN PRESCHOOL FUND Mr. & Mrs. Michael KassIn honor of: Birthday of Sam Reiber Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Buchman

In memory of: Howard Gobioff Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Gobioff

Lillian Falk Altshuler Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Roswig

Robin Sears, sister of David Anton Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Buchman

RABBI BIRNHOLZ’ DISCRETIONARY FUND

Mr. Willis Wilson Mr. & Mrs. Michael TebbiIn honor of: Naming of Sadie Abella McCarthy, granddaughter of Dr. & Mrs. Lee Grossbard

Birth of Madison James Osnos Mr. & Mrs. Bart Allen Mr. Sam Osnos

Wedding of Jennie Bray & Brian Dillard Dr. & Mrs. Owen Linder

Bat Mitzvah of Molly Orlick Dr. & Mrs. Martin Orlick

In memory of: Loretta Linsky Dr. & Mrs. Owen Linder

Dora Hurwitz Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Hameroff

Paul Winters Mrs. Marian Winters

Steffi Maurer, mother of Andrea Katz Mr. & Mrs. Michael Katz

Eunice Mouckley, mother of Meg Moskovitz Mr. & Mrs. Michael Katz Mr. & Mrs. Michael LeVine

Norma Felsenthal, mother of Harry Felsenthal Mrs. Ruth Adrian Mr. & Mrs. William Gruman Mr. & Mrs. Michael LeVine

John Wisdo, brother of Thomas Wisdo Mrs. Ruth Adrian

Frances Greenberg, mother of Karen Levy Dr. & Mrs. Robert Shaw

RABBI DAVID L. ZIELONKACAMP COLEMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In honor of: 70th birthday of Rabbi Richard Birnholz Birthday of Audrey Shine David Rosenbach Maimonides Society Honor Dr. & Mrs. Gary Moskovitz

Bat Mitzvah of Molly Orlick Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Bloom

In memory of: Murray Schulman Mr. & Mrs. Richard Roher

Steffi Maurer, mother of Andrea Katz Dr. & Mrs. Gary Moskovitz

Eunice Mouckley, mother of Meg Moskovitz Mr. & Mrs. Mark Wolfson

JULIA M. & SAMUEL L. FLOMRELIGIOUS SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In memory of: Carl Altshuler, father of Joan Altshuler Eunice Mouckley, mother of Meg Moskovitz John Wisdo, bother of Thomas Wisdo Shelley Herzog Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Wood

Frances Greenberg, mother of Karen Levy Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Bloom

Frances Harris Mr. & Mrs. Rafael Harris

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GOLDENTHANK YOU, WE’RE GOLDEN AGAIN!

On behalf of myself, our Preschool Staff, Preschool Parents, Temple Staff and Board of Directors, with our deepest gratitude, THANK YOU for entrusting your child’s early childhood experience to our school.

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Congregation Schaarai Zedek3303 West Swann AvenueTampa, FL 33609-4643

The Congregation Schaarai Zedek Shofar is published monthlyby Congregation Schaarai Zedek

www.zedek.orgphone: (813) 876-2377fax: (813) 873-1401

April 1, 2015DATED DELIVERY

OFFICERSPresident. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alan WeinerVice-President-Administration & Building-President -Elect. . . .Bob TannenbaumVice-President - Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David SchwartzVice-President - Religion, Education & Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith RoherVice -President - Membership & Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve HoltzmanTreasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melinda SheerFinancial Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chuck SlonimSecretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Eggnatz

TEMPLE PROFESSIONAL STAFFRichard J. Birnholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior RabbiJoel K. Simon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Associate RabbiDeborrah Cannizzaro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CantorMarc LeVine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Executive DirectorSherry Stein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Programming & MembershipDonna Wood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Religious School DirectorIan Bernstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Preschool DirectorLindsey Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Director

Temple Offi ce DirectoryTemple Phone: (813) 876-2377

Fax: (813) 873-1401CLERGY

Rabbi Richard Birnholz Ext. 202 rbirnholz@zedek.orgRabbi Joel Simon Ext. 229 jsimon@zedek.orgCantor Deborrah Cannizzaro Ext. 216 dcannizzaro@zedek.org

ADMINISTRATIONMarc LeVine, Executive Director Ext. 206 mlevine@zedek.orgMing Brewer, Clergy Assistant Ext. 202 mbrewer@zedek.orgSherry Stein, Membership & Programs Ext. 212 sstein@zedek.orgBarbara Keighley, Controller Ext. 217 bkeighley@zedek.orgTeddi Bloomston, Bookkeeper Ext. 201 tbloomston@zedek.orgLindsey Morgan, Youth Director Ext. 221 lmorgan@zedek.orgCk Shannon, Communications Ext. 203 fshannon@zedek.orgDebra Zepeda, Administration Ext. 234 dzepeda@zedek.orgMary Braverman, Assistant Director Ext. 243 mbraverman@zedek.orgMarilyn Moss, Programming Asst Ext. 213 mmoss@zedek.orgMarty Wittek, Receptionist Ext. 200 mwittek@zedek.org

RELIGIOUS SCHOOLDonna Wood, Ext. 210 dwood@zedek.org Religious School DirectorDonna Birnholz, Assistant Ext. 215 dbirnholz@zedek.org

PRESCHOOLFront Offi ce Main Phone: (813) 876-4867

Ian Bernstein, Preschool Director Ext. 218 ian@zedek.org

As you all know, we at Schaarai Zedek have opted to keep our dues affordable and to provide special consideration to any family with limited fi nancial means. The gates of our community are open to all, regardless of ability to pay.

To fi ll the revenue gap and to provide for the varied programs that so enrich our community, we instituted the Torah Circle, a vehicle for congregants to make an extra contribution to the Temple.

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of our Congregation, this year’s campaign has been a resounding success. This year, three families led the way by contributing $25,000 each to create the 2014/2015 Torah Circle Challenge. Thanks go to Jennifer and Hank Brenner, The Gemunder Family Foundation and Michele Fleeter Miller and Mark Miller. This Challenge Fund matched all new and increased contributions. The Challenge/Match is an invaluable tool to inspire members who participate in the Torah Circle to increase their contributions. Please join us in recognizing the generosity of these families and in thanking them for the leading role they played in this year’s campaign.

Thank you so much for your generous contributions.

The Torah Circle Committee