july tekiah 2016
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A Note from the RabbiRabbi Javier Cattapan
We read in the book of Job 10:12, “chayyim va-chesed asiyta imadiy”, You [God] bestowed on me life and care. Your providence watched over my spirit.” One may think that this show of chesed, of loving-kindness, is the exclusive domain of God. However, our Sages teach that being made in God’s image means that we resemble God in the way we act. Paraphrasing Job: We live to care for each other. The image of God inside each one of
us compels us to act in a God-like way: Just as God shows chesed to every human being, so must we show chesed to each other.
The three pillars on which all Jewish congregations rest are inscribed on the front wall of our building; they are avodah, worship services for Shabbat and holidays as well as life-cycle events; talmud torah, the study of Torah at every stage in life; and g’milut chassadim, helping each other, acting in a God-like manner by showing chesed, loving-kindness for others. All three pillars require our active participation and engagement. Yet, being a congregation that fosters and nurtures chesed is a constant challenge for each one of us as individuals and as a group. In this era of social media one may think that we are more connected than ever. Yet, the research shows that interpersonal relationships need all the help we can give them. As we begin our journey together as rabbi and congregation, my vision leads me to believe that how we show chesed for each other at times of sorrow, as well as at a simcha, will make us stronger. Let us fill up our beautiful building with chesed, with loving-kindness, and its future will be bright and secure.
My husband Kris and I are honored and thrilled to join Beth Torah this summer. We have already felt the warm embrace of many of the members and have received much chesed. We are eager to be part of the synagogue’s family and make our contribution so that Beth Torah will become even more vibrant and compassionate.
I believe that our congregation exists in the caring space that the personal relationships we are able to create opens up; in that space, we are able to develop and nurture each other. We make Beth Torah the special place that it is when we help each other, when we share our ups and downs, when we continue to live up to the challenge of bringing chesed into the world. When we do so, we will touch others in their time of need or celebration, but, more importantly, we will be touched deeply by the experience of showing loving-kindness.
AVisit us on the Internet at
www.beth-torah.orgThe Monthly Newsletter of Congregation Beth Torah
July 2016 Issue 302 Sivan/Tammuz 5776
Note about online Tekiah: When viewing the Tekiah online, you click through the pages using the left and right arrows to view the entire document. Slide the magnifying bar to make the pages
bigger. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions or problems.
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Torah Portion & Haftarah
July 8/9 3 of TammuzParashat Korach “It’s a Choice Spiritual vs. Material”
July 15/16 10 of TammuzParashat Chukat “What is the Promised Land?”
July 22/23 17 of TammuzParashat Balak“Listen to Input From an Unexpected Source”
July 29/30 24 of TammuzParashat Pinchas“Be an Agent of Change for the Good”
From Rabbi Mark Levin President’s CornerFor this month, (and probably this month only) this article is penned solely by me, Shanna. As co-chair of the Rabbi Search committee, I had the privilege of many opportunities to get to know Rabbi Javier Cattapan. We chatted over the phone and Skype. We formally interviewed. I spoke with a number of his congregants over the phone and then hugged them in person when visiting Fort Wayne, Indiana. I saw Rabbi Cattapan “in action” on the bimah during Shabbat services – where I had to continually
remind myself that I wasn’t at Beth Torah, because it felt so much like Beth Torah.
I experienced Rabbi Cattapan’s enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of Torah during his Shabbat morning Torah study session. This gathering met in the comfort of his home (which they did regularly all-year round). Javier and Kris were veritable hosts and even made sure there were gluten-free, vegan pastries available just for me!
I watched Rabbi help a congregant with some paperwork, having nothing to do with the synagogue. He is known as the “techie Rabbi” – frequently helping members navigate their iPads as well as any other technical conundrums.
Mensch. Rabbi Cattapan is an absolute mensch. That is what I kept thinking and that is what I kept hearing from congregants. Javier exudes warmth, intelligence, and a wonderful sense of humor. It is just so easy to feel at ease in his presence.
I can’t wait for Matt and the entire Beth Torah community to have many, many, (did I say many?), opportunities to get to know, to hang out with and to learn from Rabbi Javier Cattapan. July is just the beginning!
Shanna Haun
Chavurah UpdateWe have been contacted by a member of B’nai Jehudah who has an interesting proposal. She would like to form a chavurah composed of singles aged 69 to 79 from both Reform congregations. (We are assuming that the age range has some flexibility.) Please contact us if you have any interest in such a group.
At the beginning of the school year, we will have a meeting to form new chavurah groups during Sunday School. Our goal is to accommodate the parents of school-age children. More information will follow. Susie & Jerry Klinock(913) [email protected]
Matt and Shanna Haun, Co-Presidents [email protected]
In Memorium
Ryan ChomynNephew of Ann Shepherd
Norman Reisman
Father of Felice Baumgarten
Chaya ShikMother of David Shik
Mazel Tov To:
Fran and Whitey Kuhn on the birth of their granddaughter,
Kinnen Francine Kuhn.
Cliff and Andrea Neuman on the engagement of their son Daniel Lee to
Lauren Nicole Gruenebaum.
OfficersCo-Presidents............................ Shanna and Matt HaunFirst Vice President…………………................Barry KatzVice President………………………...........Bonnie SwadeVice President……………………..........…Elisa WaldmanSecretary ................................................... SueAnn StromTreasurer ................................................. Mike GinsbergImmediate Past President........................ Linda Zappulla
Board of TrusteesBoyd Bolter Tom CohenJune Crane Todd DavissonMike Fine Amy KaneMiki Herman Bob Milgrim Frank Sterneck Genna Stowe BTTY President.................................... Rylee Hendrikse
StaffSenior Rabbi............................. Rabbi Javier CattapanFounding Rabbi ................ Mark H. Levin, D.D., D.H.L. Music Director..................................... Emily Tummons Director of Operations ...............................Laura Intfen Interim Director of Education ........... Marcia RittmasterProgram Coordinator .............................. Lezlie ZuckerDirector of Finance ......................... Todd Janvrin, CPA Office Manager..................................... Robin O’ BryanAdministrative Assistant.........................Sharon AltmanAdministrative Assistant ............................. Janet Peek Bookkeeper......................................................Barb KittCommunications Associate ........................ Sara Glass
BTTY Adviser: Alexa KittJYG Adviser: Zach Zwibelman
© Congregation Beth Torah, Overland Park, KS
Tekiah # 302 July 2016Congregation Beth Torah
(913) 498-2212 Fax: (913) 498-1071Email: [email protected] Website: www.beth-torah.org
Here You are Known, Accepted and SafeRabbi Mark H. Levin, DHL - Founding Rabbi “You know he sings opera,” came a comment from a smiling face. “I hear he speaks a lot of languages,” another said. “Nicest guy in the world; we’ll miss him here,” from a now former congregant in Fort Wayne. My phone rang late one night, right at bedtime; it was my good buddy, Rabbi John Friedman.
“Mark, gotta tell you a story.” “OK, John, shoot,” I said. “I was over at my former congregation today, and my successor stopped me. He said, ‘Aren’t you friends with Rabbi Mark Levin, in Kansas?’ ‘Sure,’ I said. ‘Well, he said, they just hired the best rabbi, terrific guy, best Hebraist in my class, my study partner. They got a really good rabbi. “Mark,’ John said, ‘I just figured I should let you know.’ ‘Yeah, John, thanks. I appreciate it.” That was the conversation. The Rabbi Search Committee, headed by Shanna Haun and Barry Katz, did a really good job, apparently. In my first Beth Torah sermon, 28 years ago this month, I said, “The Midrash Lekakh Tov says, ‘Kol hatkhalot kashot; All beginnings are difficult.’” It was true then, and it is true now. But how exciting to have the unprescribed future stretch out before us! What opportunity; what excitement; and what hopefulness! This is a time of infinite possibility. After a two year interim, Beth Torah launches a new beginning. Rabbi Cattapan needs the time to first get his feet wet in Kansas. He’ll want to learn about the people and the culture here, and hear how members see things at Beth Torah. I am very excited with the prospects. Rabbi Cattapan brings both a new vision and a new energy, appropriate for a very different time. When Beth Torah started, there wasn’t even an Internet, let alone Facebook, Twitter, and the prospect of electric and self-driving cars! Present reality has swerved from the past, and that requires a different dream. It will be exciting to watch it come to fruition. Kacy and I have been regular worship attenders these last two years in retirement. We happily anticipate continuing in the same fashion. But in addition, there’s a reason for the title of these comments, “ Here You are Known, Accepted and Safe.” Often people say to me, “Mark, you built a great community.” The truth is: I was simply a part of a great community. That community continues, but also requires the new image that even now people are envisioning. Beth Torah is not just programming, or education, or even worship. Beth Torah is people
building Jewish community together, particularly at critical moments in our lives. “All beginnings are difficult,” and yet they are the most memorable and energizing times of our lives when we commit to making ourselves part of the process. Beth Torah is people. I so look forward to being a part of the community of Jews that this new era will bring under Rabbi Cattapan’s capable leadership, a community dedicated to all of us caring for one another, being known, accepted and safe.
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Connections Laura Intfen, Director of [email protected]
By the time you get to this article, you have hopefully read Rabbi Cattapan’s article on the front page. If not, go read it. I’ll wait here.
He talks about a community full of vibrancy and compassion. When I read those words, they jumped off the page at me like arrows of direction on a sign on a highway. We have traveled together and worked hard to define ourselves, the “us” we want to be. And here it is. Here he is.
I want to be part of a community full of vibrancy and compassion. I want to share my life’s highs and lows with people that have those traits. The Rabbi Search Committee made lists of the characteristics of who our leader should be. The committee worked hard. It isn’t that we found Rabbi Cattapan, it is that we came together with him.
Who is he? He has his life story and he wants to hear yours. He will know your name. He will listen to you. He will laugh with you and raise a Kiddush cup at your life’s high moments and he will pray with you and connect with you at life’s low moments.
As a community, let’s not set him up for failure with expectations or set him up to disappoint with preconceived notions, in fact, let’s not set him up at all. Let’s greet him with vibrancy and compassion.
July 8th we welcome him to our bimah. There will be song; there will be prayer. There will be tradition and there will be innovation. And there will be a pot luck dinner. It is the first of many evenings praying with him and I hope to see you there.
Personally, I have had the pleasure of getting to work with Rabbi Cattapan quite a bit over the past few months as we prepare for his arrival. I will tell you that he is a collaborator, a thinker, a punster, a listener and a warm soul. He loves Torah, loves life and I have no doubt he will grow to love us as we will grow to love him.
Beth Torah, we are a community of vibrancy and compassion, and so boldly and with intertwined hands and open arms, we are ready. 3-2-1…..GO!
Rabbi IntegrationThe time is here! We are excited to welcome Rabbi Cattapan. Thank you to all our volunteers so far. Below, please see the updates from our committee leads:
Welcome Wagon: Ever move to a new home and appreciate the kindness and generosity of your new neighbors? Not only does it make you feel good, it also can provide you with some much needed relief. During Rabbi Cattapan and Kris’s first weeks and months in Kansas, we are ensuring that they are welcomed with Beth Torah’s signature warmth and kindness. Providing meals, help with unpacking, getting directions around town are just a few things we are helping with. Want to get involved? Please contact Phil Meltzer at [email protected] or Laura Intfen at [email protected]. –Phil Meltzer
Beth Torah Operational Engagement: Most of us have had the experience of starting a new job and being overwhelmed and anxious about all the things we don’t know about our new environment. The job of the Operational Engagement Sub committee (and all of us, actually) is to eliminate that for Rabbi Cattapan and get him feeling like a seasoned veteran as soon as possible.
Much of this will happen organically as he jumps into working with staff and carrying out his daily responsibilities. But key to Beth Torah’s success is the volunteers and committees that take on so much of the work to advance our mission.
So we will make sure that before too long he has engaged with all of our committees and key volunteers to facilitate the acclimation process. He will also receive a crash course in Beth Torah history through review of Board minutes and Tekiahs. And we know that when you get to meet him, he will be interested in hearing what you think is important for him to know. – Barry Katz
Community Connection: The Community Connection subcommittee is responsible for making sure that Rabbi Cattapan gets introduced to other key members of the Jewish community. This will include all the agency leaders, other rabbis and key leaders from other faith communities. The committee will allow him to quickly integrate in the Kansas City Jewish community and keep Beth Torah at the forefront of our community. – Don Goldman
Small Group Engagement: It is our explicit goal that all Congregation Beth Torah members have the opportunity to meet Rabbi Cattapan in a small group setting. It will allow members to get to learn more about Rabbi Cattapan, and for Rabbi Cattapan to learn more about you! If you are interested in hosting a small get-together, please contact Judith Evnen at [email protected] or Laura Intfen at [email protected].
We look forward to seeing you!
Karen Loggia, Integration [email protected]
Stay Connected at Beth Torah:
Visit our Website:www.beth-torah.org
Join us on Facebook:
Congregation Beth Torah
or Email us at: [email protected]
and we’ll send you the links!
Beth Torah Blood DriveWednesday, August 10th, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Book your appointment today at savealifenow.org, enter Sponsor Code: Beth Torah. For additional details contact Scott Franklin at (913) 645-1036 or [email protected]. Register to donate and receive a BUY ONE GET ONE FREE coupon from Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
Come and enjoy a lunch and learn with Rabbi Cattapan on Thursday, July 21st from noon to 1:30 p.m. Rabbi Cattapan will be exploring what discussion topics of interest you might have for Lunch with the Rabbi sessions that will be held throughout the year. Bring your own lunch or call the Beth Torah office by Wednesday morning, July 20th to order a Jimmy John’s lunch.
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The CBT 2016
Golf Classic
11:00 a.m. Registration Opens
11:00 a.m. -- end of tournament Silent Auction
11:00 a.m. -- end of tournament Putting Contest
11:00 a.m. -- 12:45 p.m. Boxed Lunch
12:45 p.m. Orientation “Round Up”
1:00 p.m. Shot Gun Scramble
Post Golf Awards Ceremony & Light Meal
Schedule of Events
• Hole Contests• Putting Contest• Team Prizes
Silent Auction and more:
Monday, August 15, 2016
8223 W 103rd St,
Overland Park, KS 66212
13th Annual Golf Classic
Join us at the 13th Annual Golf Classic. If you are
unable to play in the tour-nament, sponsorships are
greatly appreciated.
Beth Torah is dedicated to creating an
inclusive caring community and providing
opportunities for lifelong learning and
social justice involvement. The monies
raised through a sponsorship of our CBT
Golf Classic will help further our efforts to
contribute to our community in supporting
programs such as: Community Blood
Center, Harvesters BackSnack, reStart,
Thanksgiving & Christmas at Pleasant
Green Baptist Church and Kansas City area
food pantries.
Photographed from 2015 Beth Torah Golf Classic: congregants, Roger Sommi, Larry Krakow, Larry
Altman and Bob Flappan
GOLFERS & SPONSORS NEEDED!Contact Sharon Altman to Sign Up! [email protected]
For more information, click here to visit the Beth Torah Website, Beth Torah Golf Classic page, and
you can download the entire brochure!
Adult Education & Special ProgramsBringing Adult Education To YouStay-N-Play Board Games At Stay-N-Play following Services on Friday evening, July 15th, you can stay to play board games with our community. Bring your friends and any games you want to play or just come and learn some new games. This growing group is co-led by Stu Lewis and Andrea Zwibelman.
Lunch and LearnCome and enjoy a lunch and learn with Rabbi Cattapan on Thursday, July 21st from noon to 1:30 p.m. Rabbi Cattapan will be exploring what discussion topics of interest you might have for Lunch with the Rabbi sessions that will be held throughout the year. Bring your own lunch or call the Beth Torah office by Wednesday morning, July 20th to order a Jimmy John’s lunch.
Discussion on the Writings of the TorahJoin the community in discussion on Shabbat morning, 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. in the library.
Ray Davidson Yiddish CircleIf you haven’t yet visited the wonderful “Yiddish Circle for Learning” at Congregation Beth Torah, you’re missing a treat. Come to Beth Torah each Friday at noon until 1:30 p.m. Bring your lunch if you’d like.
Wisdom on WednesdaysIn July, the Wisdom on Wednesday crew will begin reading the Book of Jonah. Volunteers will be bringing a variety of commentaries to expand our understanding of this short but important writing, so the conversation should be rich. Everyone is welcome, regardless of your previous experience with Jonah (or with WoW!). Meet us in the Bride’s Room for lunch and schmoozing at noon, or come in when our hour of study begins at 12:30 p.m.
Shabbat Sponsorships:
July 8th: Nosh sponsored by Board of Trustees of Rabbi Cattapan’s first night on the bima.
July 15th: Nosh sponsored by Barbara and Jesus Gutierrez in honor of Barbara’s conversion two years ago.
Remember: you can always make a donation easily online in our Members Only section of www.beth-torah.org. And look for changes in this section this month as we add a special place for members
to view By-Laws, Policies and agendas and minutes of meetings of the Board of Trustees.
WHat celebrationS do YoU Have coming Up at betH toraH?
Spread the Joy:Sponsor a breakfast or some fancy shmancy creamers for our Sunday morning breakfasts.
purchase a leaf on our tree of life in the ulam.Sponsor a nosh for an erev Shabbat Friday night worship.
Contact the Beth Torah office to take an opportunity to spread the joy!
Please note that donations received this month will be listed in our August Tekaih. As always, thank you for your support.
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Religious SchoolWith one heading out and the other heading (back) in, Bridey Stangler and Marcia Rittmaster take a few minutes to tackle the big questions, reflect on the year and what lay ahead, and to share in the general euphoria that accompanies the arrival of Rabbi Javier Cattapan.
M: After spending your days (and nights) immersed in Jewish Education, how are you going to fill your time in Georgia when you aren’t creating giant Jewish Values/Jenga games and borrowing rocking chairs??
B: I figure I’ll spend most of my time making giant Jenga games just for fun, sitting in my rocking chair, and wondering what you’re up to, Marcia. Also, I’ll have a chance to get back to my art. I didn’t realize how much I missed it! But what about you, Marcia? What are you most excited for?
M: I am most excited to have the opportunity to make another small contribution to the educational lives of our Beth Torah school and to continue the work of “reinventing” that begins on the first day of Religious School, Sunday, September 11th. What did you enjoy the most this past year?
B: Aside from the obvious (wonderful people, wonderful community!) I have LOVED meeting so many interesting rabbinical candidates. I know it felt like our search dragged on, but here in the office, it was exciting to meet new people each and every time they came in. Without question, though, we picked the best one for the job, and luckily, he picked us too! It is a great sadness to me that I won’t have a chance to work with Rabbi Cattapan. Anyway, how is the school different from when you were here a couple of years ago?
M: Well, the school is certainly smaller. At one point I saw that as a difficulty. Now that I’ve gotten to learn more, get re-acquainted with faculty, parents and students, I see it as a wonderful opportunity to grow TOGETHER. We can do so much more to involve everyone rather than “departmentalizing”. Bridey, through your leadership and enthusiasm, there is a new spark of creativity and joy that I can feel every time I am around the school. I just hope I can sustain a small part of that! I’m excited to work with Rabbi Cattapan. When he was here for his visits, how did he interact with our students and families?
B: We offered Rabbi Cattapan the chance to do a few different things on the Sunday morning that school was in session. He could have met with the search committee, he could have toured the classrooms, or he could have joined the Men’s Group rehearsals. Instead, he asked to spend his time in the ulam, meeting families, sitting for long conversations with whoever wanted to speak with him, and letting out that wonderful booming laugh. He made each person feel heard and listened to. That Sunday morning sealed the deal for me – seeing him interact with our community made it clear just what a perfect fit he is. But you got to meet him, too. What does it seem like he’s most excited for when it comes to the school?
M: From our conversations, he seems to be the most excited to meet and interact with all of the students and their families. He wants to get to know everyone on a personal basis. It sounds like that’s what everyone saw when he visited! I also think he’ll smile from ear to ear and do a little happy dance (maybe in the privacy of his own office) when he discovers how lively our school is. What more could any rabbi ask for than that special energy of the ARJE Accredited Weiner Religious School? I’m hoping you can answer this burning question about Rabbi Cattapan - What is his favorite ice cream flavor? I’m hoping he likes Jamocha Almond Fudge! (Continued on page 9)
Marcia Rittmaster, Interim Director of [email protected]
BTTY Board & Cabinet 2016-2017
President: Rylee HendrikseProgramming & Social Action VP: Tess Gerson
Religious & Cultural VP: Blaire EllenbergSpecial Projects Coordinator: Sydney Kitt
Membership, Communications Visual VP: Max GatesJYG Liaison: Sam Reicher
Merchandise Coordinator: Megan GatesProgramming Associates: Nina Gale & Will Reicher
Babysitting Coordinator: Sam FinePresidential Consultant (Past President): Sarah Shaw
BTTY Adviser: Alexa KittFall Chavurah Adviser: Rachel BolterBTTY Chaperone: Zach Zwibelman
(Continued from page 8)
B: Oh man, Marcia, your guess is as good as mine! I’d say Jamocha Almond Fudge sounds right, but the good Rabbi would never pick an ice cream that couldn’t be served at the Weiner Religious School (alas – no nuts!) I’m going to bet on Mint Chocolate Chip, because he’s new and fresh, and bringing us into a sweet new era. Since we’re tackling the important issues, what do you think Rabbi Cattapan’s favorite song is? Is it a Jewish song? Or do you think he’s more of a Top-Hits kind of guy? I bet he’s a Demi Lovato fan.
M: I’m guessing it’s something Jewish. Maybe a classic, “Wherever You Go There’s Always Someone Jewish,” written by Rabbi Larry Milder. Sure hope so, it’s one of my all time faves!
B: I had an awesome idea for next year. What if we turn the WRS into a full-time school for wizards? What house do you think Rabbi Cattapan would be in? Or would he be more of a Dumbledore? M: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that idea (do you think the Board of Trustees will buy it?) He would for sure come from the House of Ravenclaw because they are known for their intelligence, knowledge and wit. (Cred goes to Miss Mikaela Rittmaster, eldest granddaughter for help with this question.) What do you hope is the mark you left on the Weiner Religious School?
B: All I can say is that I hope everyone had fun. I know full well that that isn’t the point of a religious SCHOOL, but as we re-discover our heart and identify a new path for our educational system, I think it would be a great success to think that the children of our community now associate RELIGIOUS SCHOOL with JOY.
M: Does a chicken coop fit into the neighborhood rules in your new home? If so, will you name a chicken after me?
B: Marcia, there is no higher honor than to have a chicken adopt your name. You have earned it, my friend.
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Did you know the Gift Shop has summer hours? Did you know the Gift Shop has a simcha registry? The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah is open for business even during the heat of summer. We are getting in new inventory all the time. Do you have a special gift idea? Come in or call the Gift Shop. The volunteer staff is always happy to help you find the perfect gift. If you are having trouble deciding what to get, give a gift card.
Your support by shopping in our Gift Shop allows our community to receive much needed funds.
Thus, our Gift Shop motto: “Where Shopping Turns into a Mitzvah”.
Shalom, Kelly and all our volunteers
The Gift Shop at Beth Torah
J CampJ Camp at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City
The Jewish Community Center has two summer day camp options. The Child Development Center (CDC) Camp provides activities for children 2 years to 5 years old, and J Camp is open to youth entering 1st through 8th grade. The day camp sessions are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.--4:00 p.m. from June 6th through August 5th. Extended care is available. Exciting summer activities include swimming, sports, drama, crafts, archery, tennis, field trips and special events. Barney Goodman Camp offers a variety of summer camp fun. Specialty camps include Sports, Theatre, Art, Dance, LEGO and Triathlon Camp. Youth do not have to be members of The J to attend, but we do have Member pricing and summer memberships. J Camp programming infuses Jewish values, the love of Israel and a sense of Jewish heritage in campers. In addition, the J Camp Shlichim (Israeli Emissaries) enrich the camp experience with Israeli cultural activities. Many of our staff were once campers at The J, so they understand the long-term impact of positive role models, fun activities and unbeatable Camp ruach (spirit). J Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association. Enrollment is underway. Find out more and enroll online at www.JcampKC.org or call (913) 327-8079.
Kelly SombergJ Camp Administrative Assistant - Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City
Gift Shop Summer Hours are: Monday 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.,
Wednesday and Friday 10:00 a.m. to noon or by appointment: call Kelly at (913) 498-1474.
Music Program Emily Tummons, Music [email protected]
This month we formally welcome our new spiritual leader, Rabbi Javier Cattapan, into our community. In this little music-related corner of the Tekiah newsletter, we’re going to reflect on this golden moment we have in Beth Torah’s timeline to invite Rabbi Cattapan to influence and color our next communal steps on our musical and liturgical path.
Throughout Beth Torah’s history, its members have remained firmly rooted in Jewish tradition, while also recognizing (like Reform Judaism itself does) that a Jewish practice that is totally frozen in time is an heirloom, not a living fountain. Beth Torah has always found a way, through its music, to introduce innovation while preserving tradition, to
embrace diversity while asserting commonality, to affirm beliefs without rejecting those who doubt, and sustain ancient and cherished melodies while welcoming new ones.
Year after year, those of us on the leadership team, those who shape the format, instrumentation, and flow of the prayer melodies, we all ask the same sorts of questions: How do we respect the needs of all of our congregants? How do we create an inclusive community, where everyone’s prayer needs can be honored? How do we make the old new, and make the new holy? It is not always so easy to accomplish.
Rabbi Cattapan has shared with us the ways in which he has guided his past communities to create their own “integrated liturgical identity,” as he phrased it. And he is the right person to become our primary prayer partner right now. He will help us rediscover which practices and customs we hold the most dear. He will walk beside us and inspire us to bravely explore new practices, new melodies, including some ladino ones!
A rabbi’s impact on the music of a temple is vast and deep. How much more, then, when that rabbi is also a trained and passionate musician. Our interim rabbi, Rabbi Shapiro, brought great change to the musical elements of our Shabbat and other holiday services, and our congregation responded well to his changes. We know that our new friend and leader Rabbi Cattapan will now also be urging us toward many changes in the coming months and years, and that is as it should be. Rabbi Cattapan has a vision for our community, and Beth Torah has expressed enthusiastic, full faith in him and his vision.
We are living in a wonderful place. At 6100 W 127th St, our sanctuary is filled with folks who keenly know the vital role that music plays in our collective Jewish lives. You may not all agree with one another as to how that music should sound or how that music should be “performed,” but most of us all agree that music is crucial to the prayer life of our congregation. And Rabbi Javier Cattapan couldn’t agree with that more.
We are also living in a wonderful time, a time of transition. A time of renewed burst of creative energy around Jewish music. Our Beth Torah musical heritage is so rich. With Rabbi Cattapan as a part of our family now, we in the music program believe that the future holds our richest musical moments yet.
JULY MUSIC EVENTS:
Shabbat Huddle: Friday, July 1, 5:45pm --6:15pm
1st High Holy Day Rehearsal (Adult Choir): Wednesday, July 6, 7pm
Welcome for Rabbi Cattapan: Friday, July 8, 6:30pm
New Moon Lab: Saturday, July 9, 7:30pm
1st High Holy Day Rehearsal (Men’s/Women’s Group): Wednesday, July 13, 7:30pm
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Friday, July 8thCome early for nosh 6:00 p.m. worship time 6:30 p.m. Be a part of Rabbi Cattapan’s first night on the bimah!
Dinner immediately following worship!
POTLUCK SHABBAT!at Beth Torah
What to Bring:
A-E Salad/Side
F-K Pasta/Chips
L-S Main Course
T-Z dessertFor Questions Contact:
Denise Pakula at [email protected] or
Kathleen Stone at [email protected]
Community EventsJuly 17th AUTHOR PROGRAM FOCUSED ON BOOK ABOUT WALT DISNEY’S MISSOURI ROOTSOn Sunday, July 17th at 2:00 p.m., join Robert Butler, co-author of the book “Walt Disney’s Missouri: The Roots of a Creative Genius” for a special presentation. Butlers will talk about one of Kansas City’s most famous residents. This is a free presentation co-sponsored by Jewish Family Services’ Help@Home program and The Jewish Community Center’s Heritage Center. The program will be held in the Heritage Center at the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W.115th St. in Overland Park. Although the program is free, reservations are requested by July 13th. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Deb Brown, (913) 327-8044. LINK: http://www.jfskc.org/services/older-adult-services/help-at-home/bob-butler/
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP AVAILABLEJewish Family Services hosts a Grief and Loss Support Group that meets the first and third Wednesday each month, 2-3:30 p.m. at Village Shalom. The support group is for individuals grieving from the death of a spousal partner or significant other. The group, which is free, provides the opportunity to address issues of loss and grief within a Jewish spiritual context, and in a warm and confidential environment. The group is co-facilitated by Rabbi Mark Levin and Roger Goldblatt, a licensed clinical social worker. To register for this support group or for more information, please contact Goldblatt at (913) 730-1422 or [email protected]: http://www.jfskc.org/services/mentalhealthservices/4191-2/
CAREEER SKILLS & CONNECTIONSCareer Skills & Connections (formerly known as Jewish Employment Services) offers a comprehensive array of services, including career coaching, career exploration, workshops, which cover the basic technical skills, peer support and job development. A total of nine workshops are offered every month. This format provides the benefit of group learning and gives clients all the tools needed in a condensed timeframe for a jumpstart on their job search. Individual coaching is still a key part of the program and strongly encouraged. Monday Morning Coffee Club and Getting Unstuck address the emotional impact of unemployment. For more information on specific programs, please contact [email protected] or call (913) 730-1449. LINK: http://www.jfskc.org/CSC
ONE CALL TO VOLUNTEER!Jewish Family Services has centralized its volunteer opportunities! JFS recruits new volunteers throughout the year – and we want you to sign up. YOU can make a difference in someone’s life by volunteering as little as once a month. All you need to do is send an Email to [email protected] or call (913) 730-1410. JFS has numerous volunteer opportunities in its various programs and services including older adult programs like JET Express and Help@Home, the food pantry and holiday projects. Give just a little and get so much in return. LINK: http://www.jfskc.org/volunteer/
WANTED: DRIVERS FOR JET EXPRESSA program of Jewish Family Services, JET Express provides rides for older adults who no longer drive, taking them to the places they need to go. Whether it’s to the doctor’s office, shopping, to synagogue or church, or to meet a group of friends for a social outing, JET Express is helping older adults stay independent longer, and the volunteers who help them feel like they make a difference in someone’s life. Because of increased demand, JET Express is looking for new volunteer drivers. Becoming a volunteer is convenient, flexible and rewarding. Volunteer drivers choose when, where and who they drive. Volunteer drivers choose how often they want to provide rides whether it’s once a month or every week. Volunteer requirements are minimal: you must be 21, have your own vehicle to drive and hold a valid driver’s license and have current auto insurance coverage. Drivers participate in a short training before they begin driving. If you’re interested in volunteering for JET Express, please call (913) 730-1410. LINK: http://www.jfskc.org/recruiting-drivers-for-jet-express/
Beth Torah members supporting one another through life’s health care challenges.
To make a referral or to volunteer, contact: Beth Torah (913) 498-2212 or Email:
CliCk here to see the JUlY Calendar on oUr
website: www.beth-torah.org
Please join us for our Potluck Shabbat, where we will join as a community to welcome Rabbi Javier Cattapan. Bring a dish to share. Don’t like cooking? Store bought is fine.
We hope to see you as we come together for prayer and a little fun.
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Saturday, August 20th, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Program [email protected]