our voice - congregation agudas achimfeb 04, 2016 · hanukkah and purim are considered the two...

“Our Voice”

February 2017 Shevat/Adar 5777

Here at Agudas, we want to hear from you! Every other month Rabbi Abraham takes a few of your questions and answers them here in the Kolenu. Please e-mail your questions anonymously to [email protected]. Dear Rabbi, I see you taking steps back and bowing all the time on the Bimah, especially during the Amidah. Can you explain what you’re doing? --Curious About The Amidah

Dear Curious About The Amidah, There are a number of gestures or motions in our prayer and in due time we will address them all. However, with the Amidah specifically, we always begin the prayer taking three steps backward and then three steps forward, and at the end of the Amidah, we take three steps backward, bow to the left side, then to the right side, and then straight before taking three steps forward again. The reason for this is that the Amidah is a prayer where we have private time between each of us individually and God. Since we treat God as a King, we begin the prayer by taking three steps backward to be humble, and then three steps forward to approach God as our King, just as Abraham “approached” and Elijah “approached.” At the end, instead of simply walking away, we take three steps backward, to take leave of the King, bow in all directions, and then walk back toward the rest of the service.

Another more modern explanation for the “steps” and bowing in the Amidah is that since we are heading into a world with just us and God, when we take three steps backward, we are taking them out of our current world and then three steps forward into the world with God. At the end of the prayer, we are taking three steps out of God’s world, bowing to God to thank God for that moment, and then taking three steps back into the regular everyday world. Dear Rabbi, I’m excited that Purim is coming. However, I was perplexed to learn that God’s name is not mentioned at all in the Book of Esther! Why is this? --God on Purim Dear God on Purim, You are correct that God’s name is not mentioned in the Book of Esther. As I mentioned last time,

Hanukkah and Purim are considered the two most minor holidays in Judaism, and this is one of the reasons why. If God isn’t specifically involved, it cannot be considered a major holiday. There is a sense in the Purim story that while Esther was saving the Jews, she was probably driven by God. This is an example that shows that each of us can help to control our own destiny. Rather than having to wait to hear a voice from God, we can look around in our world today and act as Esther by assisting those around us and bring justice to our contemporary society.

Dear Rabbi, I’m confused! I know that we sometimes begin the Amidah together and then continue silently versus other times when we do the entire Amidah silently and then it’s repeated. However, I’ve noticed at minyan and on Shabbat that when it’s the Shacharit (morning) Amidah, you’ll say the prayers with the person leading, but when it’s the Musaf (additional) Amidah you (Rabbi) stay silent, respond to the blessings and then start your own silent Amidah over again. Can you explain what’s going on here? --Confused About Amidah

Dear Confused About Amidah, You are correct in your observations. When we do not do a silent Amidah followed by a repetition, it is called a “hechi Kedushah.” This means that we begin with the first two prayers in the Amidah (Avot (Forefathers), Gevurot (Powers of God), and Kedushah (Holiness of God)), and then continue silently. The concept for this comes from the Shulchan Aruch Ora Chayim 232.1 where we are told that if need be, we can abridge our Amidah by doing a shortened one (hechi Kedushah). Where your confusion comes in is that we are also told in the Shulchan Aruch that from the Barchu through the Amidah in Shacharit, (the morning prayers), is considered one continuous prayer. Because of this rule, if we do a hechi Kedushah for Shararit, we must do the beginning part of the prayer with the shaliach tzibur, the prayer leader. However, when a hechi Kedushah is done during any other service, Musaf, Mincha, etc., we are not obligated to begin the prayer with the leader, and therefore it is customary to not pray with the leader, say “Amen” to his or her blessings and then go back and start the Amidah over from the start after the Kedushah. This is why you will see me do this on the bimah on Shabbat in this manner.

By Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham

mailto:[email protected]

.

Kol Shira: The Voice of Song ………………………………

By Hazzan Jeremy Lipton

In less than two weeks our annual Agudas Achim IPRS Shabbaton will take place at Camp Young Judea in Wimberly. I always look forward to this time of year, as I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to have meaningful communications and one-on-one Shabbat experiences during the array of activities that are scheduled during the three-day retreat. It is here where the seeds for genuine relationships are planted and nurtured, as these young members of our vibrant congregation and Jewish community will soon embrace their roles as our future leaders. Temporarily removed from their lives (and from mine) will be the seemingly unending distractions of cell phones, tablets and computers, with text messages, emails, Tweets, Facebook posts, Instagram and Snapchat messages. And, those "appendages" that we attach to ourselves daily—earbuds, headphones and Bluetooth microphones—are temporarily silenced, no longer a barrier that prevents us from sharing common experiences and interactive conversations with those standing physically beside us. Shabbaton is a time to live Shabbat, to breathe Shabbat and to be Shabbat! We carefully craft this liberating Shabbat experience for our children as an opportunity for them to not only talk the talk of Jewish engagement and practice, but for them to walk the walk of, in the words of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel (one of the leading Jewish theologians and philosophers of the 20th century), being on an “island in time.” As Conservative Jews who live in a largely secular society, and one that is religiously observant compared to other faiths, it is very easy for us to be consumed by our surrounding environment. Many times our communal path of least resistance is to assimilate rather than look toward our own traditions for stability and meaning. The added pressures and compelling commercial charms and materialism can also draw us away from our higher purpose. An opportunity to experience Heschel's Shabbat "island in time" is to be a part of our past, present and future, to be a part of the continuum of Jewish life, and to reflect on our God given surroundings: family, community and choices that bring about Tikkun Olam, the repair and rejuvenation of the world in which we live.

Of course, most of our students think that they will travel to CYJ for a fun shul weekend...and, of course, they WILL! We will sing together, learn together, dance together, participate in sports activities together, eat together, daven together, study Torah together, and work cooperatively together—we will have a singular, communal Shabbat together, along with the added bonus this year of joining together with students from our sister congregation, Agudas Achim in Austin! It is through our sharing of common experiences that our students, faculty, parents and we, the clergy, will be able to create our sacred "island in time" and all that it can become. Who wants to go on the Shabbaton with us this year?? B'shalom, Hazzan Jeremy Lipton

The Island in Time

Friday, February 3 6:15pm Friday Night With Friends Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Oneg Shabbat 4/5 grade Shabbat and Dinner Saturday, February 4 Parsha Bo 9:00am Shabbat Service 11:00am Bim Bam Shabbat & Mini Minyan Kiddush Luncheon Friday, February 10 6:15pm Friday Night With Friends Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Oneg Shabbat Saturday, February 11 Parsha Beshallach 9:00am Shabbat Service 11:00am Bim Bam Shabbat & Mini Minyan Kiddush Luncheon Tu B’Shevat Friday, February 17 6:15pm Friday Night With Friends Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Oneg Shabbat Saturday, February 18 Parsha Yitro 9:00am Shabbat Service 11:00am Bim Bam Shabbat & Mini Minyan Kiddush Luncheon Friday, February 24 6:15pm Friday Night With Friends Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Oneg Shabbat Simcha Shabbat 7:45pm Kabbalat Shabbat en Espanol and Family Dinner Saturday, February 25 Parsha Mishpatim 9:00am Shabbat Service 11:00am Bim Bam Shabbat & Mini Minyan Kiddush Luncheon

Sunday, February 5 World Wide Wrap

Agudas Achim 9-10:30 AM

The World Wide Wrap

unites men, women and children in prayer.

Breakfast following Sponsored by

Agudas Achim Men’s Club

Torah Study with Rabbi Abraham is in the Goldie and Joe Tills Library every Shabbat following Kiddush luncheon. Note: Torah Study will be led by Hazzan Lipton and Rabbi Platt when Rabbi Abraham is on the Israel trip Feb 16-28.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 5 Shevat Morning Minyan 7:30am

Pirke Avot 10:30am IPRS 4:15pm

Sex, War & Betrayal

7pm

Hebrew 1- 7pm

Hebrew 2 -8pm

Secrets of the Siddur

8pm

Intro to Judaism 8pm


Israel and the Jewish People- Schmooze in the News 12:30pm Brews & Schmooze

5pm

Big’z Burger Joint


Friday Night w/Friends

Kabbalat

Shabbat 6:15pm

4/5 Grade Shabbat &

Family Dinner

Candle Lighting 5:55pm

4 8 Shevat Shabbat Svc 9am

Bim Bam Shabbat/Mini

Minyan 11am

Torah Study 1:00pm

Bo

Havdalah 6:56pm

5 9 Shevat Morning Minyan 9am

World Wide Wrap 9am

IPRS 9am

Babies Bagels & Blocks

9:30am

Toddlers Toys & Torah

9:30am

Heart & Soul: Users Guide to Siddur Lev Shalem 11am


Adult B’nei Mitzvah 7pm


It’s a Mitzvah VI 11:30am



Sex, War & Betrayal

7pm

Hebrew 1- 7pm

Hebrew 2 -8pm


8pm



Simcha Social Club

Tu B’Shevat Seder

11:30am

Israel and the Jewish People- Schmooze in the News 12:30pm



Kabbalat

Shabbat 6:15pm


Shabbaton Weekend



Minyan 11am,

Torah Study 1:00pm

Beshallach

Tu B’Shevat

Havdalah 7:02pm

Shabbaton Weekend


Shabbaton Weekend


Adult B’nei Mitzvah 7pm Executive Board Meeting Board Meeting





Sex, War & Betrayal

7pm

Hebrew 1- 7pm

Hebrew 2 -8pm


8pm



Moonlight Supper Club

7 PM @ Scuzzi’s



Kabbalat

Shabbat 6:15pm




Minyan 11am

Torah Study 1:00pm

Yitro

Havdalah 7:07pm

19 23 Shevat Morning Minyan 7:30am IPRS 9am Sisterhood Tea 1:30pm Heart & Soul: Users Guide to Siddur Lev Shalem 11am







Sex, War & Betrayal

7pm

Hebrew 1- 7pm

Hebrew 2 -8pm


8pm



Club Agudas Achim at

the Rodeo 7 PM


Yad B’Yad Rodeo


Kabbalat

Shabbat 6:15pm

Simcha Shabbat

7:45pm Shabbat en

Espanol & Family

Dinner




Minyan 11am

Torah Study 1:00pm

Mishpatim

Havdalah 7:12pm


IPRS 9am

Heart & Soul: Users Guide to Siddur Lev Shalem 11am

27 1 Adar Morning Minyan 7:30am


28 2 Adar Morning Minyan 7:30am

It’s a Mitzvah VI 11:30am Sisterhood Board

Meeting

February 2017 Shevat/Adar 5777

From the President Rhonda Gurinsky

It is still surreal that I am Congregation Agudas Achim’s 2017-18 President. I was sitting in services on the last day of the year reflecting on my upcoming President posi-tion and following along with the Torah reading. I looked down and read in the haftorah in the Etz Hayim humash, “The angel who talked with me came back and woke me as a man is wakened from sleep. He said to me, “What do you see?” And I answered, “I see a lampstand all of gold, with a bowl above it. The lamps on it are seven in number, and the lamps above it have seven pipes; and by it are two olive trees, one on the right of the bowl and one on its left.” Zechariah 4:1- 3. I turned to Hazzen Lipton and said in a very excited stage whisper, “This is what I want to do, I want to be a lamp to our membership!” Together as a community we share core Jewish values, treasuring the crucial role of synagogue life weaving into our spiritual learning, raising children and nurturing our marriages, family relationships, and friend-ships. My husband Charlie is a 5th generation Past President with his Great, Great, Great Uncle Isaac being on the original Charter for Agudas and his father a dedicated Gabbai for many, many years. All my children Jennifer, Nathan, Rachel and Sylvan have had their baby naming’s, bris and Bnei’ Mitzvah’s at Agudas. Charlie organized the torah walk from the Agudas on Donaldson to the new building and Sylvan was the first Bris in the Chapel in 1997! We are looking forward to our darling granddaughter Caroline, (parents Jennifer & Reid and all of 6 months) to soon be a Heintz Preschool student and graduat-ing to the Inda Posner Religious School. At this moment there is no greater honor than to serve this dynamic congregation as your president. As you know I am receiving the helm from Barbie Scharf-Zeldes, who did a terrific job leading with strength and professionalism. It’s been wonderful to work on the board with Barbie over the past several years. What I value about Agudas is the potential for all of us to be difference

makers, to learn something new about our-selves, our Jewish practice and our potential on this earth, to form relationships, to reach out to others, especially those new to the community or those whose names you might not know, to get involved in Tikuun Olam, and above all to sustain Judaism at Agudas and beyond our walls. I would like to say how much I am looking forward to working in this new role with Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan Lipton. We have a proven track record of collaboration, mutual respect and direct communication. I have every expec-tation that this will continue, and I am truly honored to work with both. I also have the utmost confidence in and respect for our Executive Director, Linda Moad. Linda has worked hard to streamline the budget and get to know this congregation and communi-ty better, and it is wonderful to get to work with her and all the staff. I have an amazing Executive Board who have hit the ground running along with a Board of Trustees who are either chairing major events or working on committees. I can assure you that I am very capable of perceiving a objective view, I am direct in my opinions, just ask Charlie, and I invite direct, respectful, constructive communica-tion from others. My philosophy is like a Torah interpretation: you can view an event or challenges from a multiplicity of perspec-tives, and seek expertise in areas where you may not have it. Thank you again for allowing me to serve you as President of Congregation Agudas Achim. B’shalom, Rhonda Gurinsky

Meet Board Member, Treasurer, Mia Spigel. Mia was born in Montreal, Canada, but has lived in Texas for the majority of her life. She earned her BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin and is a licensed CPA. She and her husband Chad joined Congregation Agudas Achim in 2008 when work brought them to San Antonio. She was the Comptroller of Congregation Agudas Achim for five years, transitioned to sitting on the Finance Committee, and then served on the CAA Board in 2016. Mia currently works as the Business Intelligence and Reporting Specialist in Admissions at Trinity University, where her husband is on faculty in the Religion department. Mia and Chad recently celebrated 13 years of marriage. In her spare time, Mia enjoys hiking, playing with her dogs Wilco & Sukie, and cleaning out other people's closets.

Craig Berkowitch serves as Agudas’ Vice President of Education and said “While our congre-gation does many great things, one of the best features of our shul is our education pro-grams. I am eager to build on the solid foundation built by our congregants, clergy, teachers and staff. My family has been members of Agudas Achim since we moved from McLean, Virginia, to San Antonio in 2002. I deepened my involvement in 2009, and served as a member of the Board of Trustees, Vice President of Membership and Secretary of the Board. At the end of 2014, I took a hiatus from shul leadership to focus on a new career with a San Antonio-based company called ArchPoint, where I serve as Vice President of Operations. I have a deep passion for education, serving twice as chairman of the board of a local non-profit called City Year San Antonio, which brings 18-25 years olds from across the country to serve as tutors, mentors and role models in our city’s most at-risk schools to keep students in school and on-track to graduation. I am also a board member of the Rotary Club of San An-tonio. I grew up outside of Boston and earned degrees at American and Cornell Universities. I am married to Barb Bikoff and father to sons, Jonas (now a freshman at Purdue University) and Evan (a sophomore at Keystone School). “

Dr Michael A. Peck, Vice President of Finance I am very excited to begin serving as Vice President for Finance and Administration in 2017. My family and I first arrived in San Antonio in 2004 while I was in the US Air Force as a physician. I have since separated from the military but have remained in town as a Vascular Surgeon with a private group. We joined CAA in 2004 and have been members ever since. This will be my fifth year serving on the board of directors, having just finished three years as the treasurer. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to work with the current CAA board members and professional staff on behalf of the congregation. One project I am most excited about having be involved with is the enhanced giving campaign which has been very successful since it was re-launched three years ago. Outside of my professional and volunteer responsibilities, I enjoy travelling with my wife, Davora, and our three teenagers, Marci, Matthew and Danielle. I love to play tennis and run for fitness.

Continued next page

Octavio Viramontes, 2017 Vice President, Ritual. Moved from Mexico three years ago with his family and has been involved in different activities at Agudas ever since: As a Minyonair, ritual committee, love and kindness network, board member during 2016 and supporter of the youth committee among many tasks. As a Co-Promoter of the new Spanish service he was recognized by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism with the 2016 Shoshana S. Cardin Leadership Award and is constantly seeking ways to help this vibrant community.

His older kids are well involved as USY or KADIMA members that also enjoy volunteering opportuni-ties to serve their shul and live their Judaism at its fullest. Octavio and his wife Veronica are both Architects, they started a firm and a construction company in Mexico over 18 years ago and expand-ed it to our city. Well known entrepreneurs, part time college professors and big promoters of archi-tecture, culture, and meaningful living by coaching families, before coming to America. They were motivated to make their big move to San Antonio to raise their children in a healthy Jewish environ-ment and adopt American values. Octavio and his family are passionate about many things like: Arts, books, learning and teaching, gastronomy, sports, technology, but human relations and trans-forming to improve whatever is possible are among their top delights in life.

ESTHER LASKY MATA, Vice President of Membership I grew up in Mexico and moved from Mexico to New York City in 1984. I am a Food Science and Engineering mayor by trade and I currently work from home. I enjoy hiking, baking, scrapbooking and gardening. My wonderful husband Gerry and I recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary.

I have been a member of Congregation Agudas Achim since our move from Beaumont to San Antonio in 2004. My daughters Rebekah and Tammy attended our IPRS and were members of our USY group. Like some of you I have volunteered to help in IPRS by baking, chaperoning, substitute teaching and sending packages through our college connection committee. Most recently I have par-ticipated in our TKBBQ contest cooking with our Agudas friends for the last four years. Currently I am honored to serve a term on the Executive board as your membership VP. My goal is to work closely with our incredible clergy, board members and staff to make our congregation the place to belong.

Angela Behn and her sons, Josh and Evan, are familiar faces at Agudas. From teaching at Heintz Preschool and IPRS to reading Torah and participating in services, they have made Agudas their home. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Angela’s role models were her mother and grandmother. They taught her and her brother the values of dedication, strong work ethics, respect for others, and most importantly, a good name.

Anyone who knows Angela, is aware of her love for Judaism. She began attending Agudas when she placed Josh in the Yellow Birds HPS class during Dena Hoenig’s reign as director. Angela schlepped two (most of the time, four) hours daily to get Josh to school as well as volunteer in the community. They lived in the Hill Country and her dedication value was displayed for three years before moving to San Antonio in 2005. Both Josh and Evan are alumni of HPS and attended Eleanor Kolitz Academy until the day school’s transition to charter status.

She has taught her sons the values of Chesed and Kavod since birth and gets much nachas when people compliment them on their respectful and kind demeanor. Respect is a top priority, especially to the elderly. Her fondest memories are of Josh and Evan interacting with their great grandmother, Bubsie, and the residents at Golden Manor. The smiles brought to their faces was priceless as we celebrated Shabbat and Jewish holidays, and played games during our weekly visits.

Angela is thankful her sons value respect and takes pride on being their mother and setting a positive

example for them. She loves her 5am quiet coffee moments, reading and learning new things, taking

family trips, and giving a helping hand to others.

Connection Corner

Thursday February 2 from 5-8 PM @ Big’z Burger Joint in the Party Barn Meet your fellow congregants in a casual setting for a brew and a meal. Join your friends and meet new ones. Bring the kids and let them play. Everyone is welcome! No RSVP required. Come and join the group and be ready to schmooze. We get together rain or shine!

Thursday, February 9 @ 11:30 AM Tu B’ Shevat Seder with Rabbi Platt The Tu B’Shevat Seder is a festive meal featuring fruits in honor of the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat. You will taste of 5 species of food, learn the customs and take a beautiful Tu B’Shevat Haggadah home to keep. Simcha Social Club is complementary to those 65+and $5 to those under 65 and is a joint program of Congregation Agudas Achim and Golden Manor Jewish Senior Services.

Sunday, February 23 @ 7 PM Huey Lewis and the News at the Stock Show and Rodeo If you have not purchased your tickets, go to the Rodeo website. Tickets cover admission to the Rodeo grounds, Livestock Show, Horse Shows, Wildlife Expo, Rodeo and entertainer. Meet at the AT & T Center.

Scuzzi’s Italian Grill Thursday, Feb 16 @ 7 PM 4035 North Loop 1604 It’s Italian for this no host dinner. Join your friends and bring some-one new. Enjoy the evening in a casual atmosphere. Seating has been reserved for 30 people but there is room for more! To RSVP call the Agudas Achim office or email RSVP@ agudas-Achim.org by February 13. When you get to Scuzzi’s-Thank Mazi for all his help-See you there!

Marcus Scholarship Application is now open!

The Martin and Sarah Marcus Scholarship History

In memory of Martin and Sarah

Marcus, a college scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior

whose family is a member of Congregation Agudas Achim.

Martin and Sarah Marcus were

members of Congregation Agudas Achim from the time they married in

1936 until their deaths. Martin passed away in 1973 and Sarah in 2006. Both are buried in the Agudas

Achim Cemetery on Austin Highway.

Martin and Sarah were strong proponents of education and concerned with the welfare of young people everywhere. Sarah was particularly interested in the plight of the many orphans brought to

Israel after the second World War and worked tirelessly on their behalf.

As Sarah and Martin Marcus worked to insure that their own two children received good educations, this scholarship is established in their memory to aid another young person to achieve his/her goals

through education.

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to one or more graduating seniors who plan to enter a two or four year accredited

university, college or vocational school following their high school graduation.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES & CRITERIA

PROGRAM GUIDELINES & CRITERIA

Students must meet the following requirements in order to apply for this scholarship:

1. Student must be a graduating high school senior. 2. Student must have minimum grade point av-erage of 3.0 or its equivalent based on a 4.0 scale. 3. Student's parent(s) must have been mem-bers in good standing at Congregation Agudas Achim for at least six (6) years prior to the date of the application pursuant to the Congregation Agudas Achim Constitution Article IV, Section 5. (Exceptions may be made for families who moved to the San Antonio area within the most recent six (6) year period.) 4. Scholarship recipient agrees to be honored in the Kolenu and/or other Synagogue commu-nication. Possibly community News. Along with photo. 5. Complete all parts of the application: student & parent sections.

Applications and supporting documents must be submitted to Rabbi Ariel Platt, Director of

Congregational Learning by May 2nd of the stu-dent's senior year.

For information contact Rabbi Platt [email protected]

Sunday, February 5

9:30 AM –11 AM

B abies Bagels and Blocks Drop in and enjoy this purely social get-together of parents and babies ages 0-18 months.

Let the children play!

T oddlers Toys and Torah A parent and toddler program for children 18 months to 4 years old. Enjoy Stories, songs and lots of

interactive play. No RSVP is required for these FREE programs. Come by for a light bagel breakfast and connect with other families. These programs are held the first Sunday of every month thanks to the generous grant from The Jewish Federation of San Antonio.

Mazel Tov! To Sunny and Robert Goldberg on the birth of a grandson, Charles (Charlie) Gregory Kieso.

Mazel Tov! On the birth of Lily Sylvia O’Krent to

Lauren and Jason O’Krent.. Grandparents are Judy Franco

Garcia & Gabe Garcia, Linda & Mike O’Krent and Sharon & Mitch Polt.

Proud Great-grandmothers are Joyce Koch O’Krent, Elsa Franco and Beverly Polt

Thank you to Brad and Sherie Barenblat for the many

years of placing the menorah at the front of our Synagogue in celebration of Hanukkah!

Mazel Tov to Phyliss and Steve Cole , whose daughter

Wendy and son-in-law David Goldman, are being honored as recipients of the Young Israel of Houston Community

Leadership Award in recognition of their service to Young Israel and the Houston Jewish Community.

A Gala event will be held in their honour on February 26.

Kevin Epstein, has been appointed by the board chair of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio, to serve as the next chairperson of the Community Relations Council.

The Community Relations Council is a subsidiary of the Jewish Federation and operates as a convening body of the Jewish community. The chairperson generally serves two consecutive one-year terms, and his first term would

begin June 5, 2017.

Good News to share?

Send Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding, birth, graduation, accomplishments-

include picture (JPEGP). All things to Kvell about!

Let Sherri Samuels know! 210-479-0307 or s.samuels@agudas-

achim.org

Due date is the 10th of the month for the next month’s publication.

Sisterhood

Torah Fund cards are only $4 each. Two simple steps to order: Please make your payment to Sisterhood Torah Fund and send check to: Thelma Lettman, 3719 Litchfield, 78230. Call Barbara Rocklin at 210.776.7854 to order cards. Thank you for your support of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism’s Torah Fund.

TORAH FUND DONATIONS HAPPY BIRTHDAY Benita Ross by Sylvia Wilk IN MEMORY OF Yvette Alterman by Barbara & Ronnie Argo Mitzi Efron by Barbara & Ronnie Argo, Joan Fries, Jeannie & Butch Karren, Ellen & Mike Dubick, Gail & Mel Topp, Roselle Simon Lebo, Esta & Stan Zucker. Pearl Gossen Bill Epstein by Jean & Arnold Eisenstot, Tevia & Joel Friedman, Sheryd & David Jackson, Jean & Ron Schlesinger, Sylvia Wilk, Joanne & Don Zaike Shirley Kboudi by Esta & Stan Zucker, Jean & Harold Karren Leah Maze by Esta & Stan Zucker Linda Wilk by Babs Schnitzer, Joanne & Don Zaike, Jean & Harold Karren, Pearl Gossen THINKING OF YOU Shirley Kanter by Jean & Ron Schlesinger Gert Myers by Jean & Ron Schlesinger Joanne Zaike by Jean & Ron Schlesinger HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Barbara and Ronnie Argo by Sharon & Harry Abelow , Jean & Ron Schlesinger Riva and Terry Leavitt by Sylvia Wilk GET WELL Eddie Halfant by Barbara & Ronnie Argo, Sheryd & David Jackson, Jean & Ron Schlesinger, Esta & Stan Zucker Helen Isgur by Sheryd & David Jackson Reggie Wolfe by Marilyn & Jerry Karren, Suzan & Max Mendlovitz, Jean & Ron Schlesinger Joanne Zaike by Jean & Arnold Eisenstot, Judy & Eddie Halfant, Sheryd & David Jackson, Thelma Lettman, Susan & Max Mendlovitz

Games Day and Book Review

Save the date

MEMBER MOMENTS L O L

O F A

T T

S K

E

S

Hands

On

Hanukkah

USY

First Night of

Hanukkah at

Max & Louie’s

Men’s Club and

Jew Boys Night Out

For more pictures of events, visit our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/AgudasAchimSA/

February Anniversaries - Here’s to many more!

Simchas

Feb 1 Harry Abelow Lydia Hersh Helen Kerman Jacob Zuflacht Feb 2 Angela Aladjem Allison Alterman Halff James Gorelik Samuel Gorelik Ronald Isgur Sarah Lunenfeld Katherine Medeiros‑Orope-za Feb 3 Veronica Adberstein Tyson Tyler Feb 4 Molly Rosenblatt Feb 5 Benjamin Deschner Stanley Waghalter Feb 6 Rochelle Adelstein Alisha Gray Richard Miller Shawn Rosenzweig Christy Shelton

Feb 7 Eli Friedman Sharon Kaufman Rachel Kaufman Richard Shore Donald Zaike Feb 8 Lauren Abramson Sandra Kline Murray Shapiro Feb 9 Rosanne Atlas Michael Blaess Keng Chester Klimenty Grinshpan John Jonasz Denise Kanter Rueben Litofsky Laura Schnitzler Feb 10 Shoshana Axelrod Abigail Diamond Linda Ratner Feb 11 Tamera Baze Rachel Bernstein Mor Gal Or Feb 12 Daniela Davis

Feb 13 Gloria Cohen Feb 14 Julian Bretado Isidoro Korngold Margaret Pena Andrea Solomon Feb 15 Jennifer Craft Leanna Garb Adam Jonasz Michele Perry Feb 16 Nikki Boyar Rhonda Michel Feb 17 Shelley Baillargeon Steven Bankler Stephanie Goldberg Calvin Lemmon Elise Rosen Stanley Zucker Feb 18 Deborah Denker Bryce Hickey Baylor Kerr Bruce Stern Feb 19 Jonathan Bergmann Elizabeth Glazier

Joyce Leighton Daniel Mitzelman Feb 20 Stuart Bernstein Martin Halfant Madeline Miller Angela Sandlin Marilyn Sintes Arthur Solomon Feb 21 Mark Penner Gilad Rockstroh Davis Daniela Weingerz Feb 22 Freida Donzis Chery Greenberg Bonnie Wiedermann Feb 23 Samuel Goldberg Sarah Pearsall Feb 24 Burton Arnow Rachel Friedman Barry Harris Feb 25 Patricia Linn Joe Sasson Marilyn Cweren‑ Tolleson Feb 26 Nathan Kaufman

February Birthdays-To 120 and beyond!

Feb 5 Robert & Lauren Stanley Feb 6 Paul & Jody Reddy Feb 9 Jonathan Bergmann & Margaret Minkus Feb 11 Michael & Louise Beldon Paul & Joanne Rosenbaum

Feb 14 Eduardo & Sammi Raez Bernard & Sandy Shaenfield Feb 17 David & Lisa Abramson Feb 18 Jason & Jill Himmelstein Feb 19 Ryan & Ora Schwope

Feb 20 Artie & Maria Lesavoy Feb 22 Adam & Eileen Bowman Feb 26 Barry & Sara Harris Michael & Molly Sowry

RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In Honor of Rabbi Abraham by Davora & Michael Peck and Family for help with Danielle’s Bat

Mtizvah D’var Torah In Appreciation of Rabbi Abraham by Helaine & Ken Wolf for his preparing Gabe for his Bar Mitzvah In Loving Memory of Bill Epstein by Anita & David Kboudi

Beatrice Glick upon her Yahrtzeit by Carolyn & Howard Glick and family

Yvette Alterman Kalter by Martha & Eddie Serfaty

Frank Lefkowitz by Miriam & Morton Greenberg

Linda Wilk by Stanley Cohen & Stephen S. Cohen CANTOR’S DISCRETIONARY FUND In Honor of Hazzan Lipton by Davora & Michael Peck and Family for help in preparing

Danielle for her Bat Mitzvah Noah Brenman and family, Thank you for preparing me for my

Bar Mitzvah Helaine & Ken Wolf for preparing Gabe for his Bar Mitzvah

Judy & Eddie Halfant for all your care and concern during Eddie’s illness

In Loving Memory of Mitzi Efron by Florence & Bernard Kost, Emylin Brown, Marilyn

& Steve Behrendt, Benita & Michael Spector. Wendy & Lowell Rosenthal Beatrice Glick upon her Yahrtzeit by Carolyn & Howard Glick

and family Linda Wilk by Wendy & Lowell Rosenthal DIRECTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING DISCRETIONARY FUND ALEXANDER YOUTH FUND ALWAIS SCHOOL FUND DOROTHY CHASAN, MOTHER OF BARBARA CHASAN ENDOWMENT FUND HANNAH JEAN COHEN SCHOLORSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND ELAINE & IRVING FRANK EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT FUND BERTIE & SELIG FRANK HERITAGE AND ENDOWMENT FUND To send students and teachers to Israel to learn about their heritage GENERAL FUND In Loving Memory of Bessie Bankler upon her Yahrtzeit by Luise and Morris Bankler

Mitzi Efron by Amy Webberman, Marjorie & Joel Baseman,,Burlene & Bruce Bauman, Susan & Bradford Beldon, Louise & Michael Beldon, Barb Bikoff & Craig Berkowitch,, Beatrice Beilin, Patti & Neal Blauzvern, Jessica Brown, Sharon & Walter Charlip, Jill & Andy Deurmier, Mike Duehrig, Lester & Deedee Polunsky Dulitz, Carolyn & Cley Epsttein, Dorothy Frank, Beryl & Herm Greenberg, Michelle & Joel Greenberg & family, Elizabeth Clear Jones, Judy Penner, Becky & Don Russell, Mark & Sherri Samuels, Jane & David Williams, James & Barrett Woo, Barbie Scharf-Zeldes & Adam Zeldes

Bill Epstein by Barb Bikoff & Craig Berkowitch

Martin Kasson, upon his Yahrtzeit by Sherri & Mark Samuels

Cary Kavy by Beverly & Howard Feldman

Shirley Kboudi by Rita Newell

Chaim Levy by Emily Sparks & Ronnie Levy

Doris Linver upon her Yahrtzeit by Gladys Koranek

Leah Maze by Lester & Deedee Polunsky Dulitz, Dana Ehrlich, Beverly & Howard Feldman

Szaja Regenbaum by David Regenbaum

Clara Reich by Beverly & Howard Feldman

Ethel Sampler by Beatrice Beilin

Marsha Barath Schneider by Carol Loven

Linda Sigman by Barb Bikoff & Craig Berkowitch

Esther Vexler by Barbie Scharf-Zeldes & Adam Zeldes

Linda Wilk by Sonja Goldberg, Marcia & Mel Waldgeir, Barbie Scharf-Zeldes & Adam Zeldes

Given in Appreciation By Jim Schonberger GLADYS & MINNIE GREENBERG TRIBUTE FUND In loving Memory of Leah Maze, Mitzi Efron, Shirley Kboudi, Marsha Barath

Schneider and Joan Ross by Joan & Stuart Bernstein Speedy Recovery to Mark Maze by Joan & Stuart Bernstein HEINTZ PRESCHOOL FUND In Loving Memory of Phil Heintz,, Louis Heintz, Abe Lewis, Irene Heintz upon

their Yahrtzeits by Karen Heintz Leah Maze by Barbara & Jerry Friedson, Missy & Ronnie

Grantham, Stephanie Lebman Grantham In Appreciation of The teachers and children of Heintz Preschool by Rosie Castro SAM HYMAN PRAYERBOOK FUND RUTH RUTSTEIN POSNER AND NATHAN POSNER RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND In Memory of Mitzi Efron by Ahuva & Jacob Shweiki Nathan Posner upon his Yahrtzeit by Susan & Charlie Whipple Clara Reich by Diane Lifshen Bill Epstein by Sherie & Anatole Trakhtenbroit JACK AND KITTY KADISH MINYAN BREAKFAST FUND In Memory of Jack & Kitty Kadish by Karen & Lawrence Stillwell Betts Mitzi Efron by Gloria & Jim Cohen Arthur Schwartz upon his Yahrtzeit by Laura Schnitzler Speedy Recovery to Eddie Halfant, Joan Zaike, Reggie Wolfe by

Gloria & Jim Cohen Eddie Halfant by Suzan & Max Mendlovitz BERNARD AND SYLVIA KANTER FUND BOB KBOUDI CHILDREN’S BOOK FUND In Loving Memory of Syd Kboudi, Mitzi Efron, Esther Vexler, Clara Reich,

Linda Fisher by Sharon & Greg Yamin ANNA AND SAMUEL MEADOWS SCHOLARSHIP FUND MARTIN AND SARAH MARCUS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Loving Memory of Martin Lebo by Judy Marcus & Rich Epstein MEMORIAL GARDENS FUND In Loving Memory of Mitzi Miller Efron by Marilyn Agoos

Leah Maze by Elaine & Ed Lauterstein,

Linda Wilk by Linda & Marvin Aboloff MINYAN FUND In Honor of Mike Winakur by the Peck Family In Loving Memory of Mitzi Efron by Judy & Eddie Halfant

Sophie Shapiro by Ida Rose & Ed Shapiro

Contributions The congregation gratefully acknowledges the following contributions:

GERTRUDE MYERS FAMILY FUND

ONEG AND KIDDUSH FUND In Honor of Barbara & Ronald Argo on their 57th wedding anniversary

by Dorothy Jo & Bob Weiss Candy Gardner by Bernice Mazer

Kevin Epstein on his birthday by Lisa & Kevin Epstein

Randy Pulman for achieving 2016 Grand Champion at BBQ by Eileen & Robi Jalnos

Barbie Scharf-Zeldes for her leadership by Esther Lasky Mata & Gerry Mata

In Loving Memory of Mitzi Efron by Mary & Gordon Weiner & Family, Kim & David

Hauser, Kathy & Frank Davila, Anne, Bob, Alex, Jonathan & Lily Marcovich, Alissa Levey Baugh & George Baugh, Judy & Mike Kelne

Bill Epstein by Carolyn & Clayton Epstein, Mindy & Barry Spigel, Anne, Bob, Alex, Jonathan & Lily Marcovich, Esther Lasky-Mata & Gerry Mata, Helen Kerman, Sheryd & David Jackson

Zachary Kelne by Judy & Mike Kelne

Manuel Mata by Esther Lasky Mata & Gerry Mata,, Rebekah & Tammy Mata

Marsha Barath Schneider, by Esther Lasky-Mata & Gerry Mata

Joan Ross by Esther Jacobs

Esther Spitzer upon her Yahrtzeit by Marcia Weiner

Linda Wilk by Dorothy Joe & Bob Weiss, Lisa & Kevin Epstein

Charlie Wood by Jody & Paul Reddy A Speedy Recovery to Eddie Halfant by Esther Jacobs by Sheryd & David Jackson

Joanne Zaike by Sheryd & David Jackson, Susanne Jalnos

Stewart Alexander by Susanne Jalnos

Reggie Wolfe by Susanne Jalnos PALMETTO STREET HISTORICAL CEMETERY FUND A Donation from Luise & Morris Bankler JOSEPH AND PAULINE PREISSMAN FUND RUTH RUTSTEIN POSNER AND BARBARA & ERICA RUTSTEIN CAMP FUND JAKE AND MINNIE PULMAN BUILDING AND ENDOWMENT FUND In Loving Memory of Mitzi Efron by Roz Pullen

Joel Pullen and Alan Pullen by Reesa Pullen

Linda Wilk by Alamo Aircraft LTD, Roz Pullen RUTH, FELIX & SAM REIF BUILDING AND SECURITY FUND In Loving Memory of Sam Reif, Marvin Vexler, Sala Grynspan by Lala, Emily & Elea-

nor Gossen Mitzi Efron by Susanne Jalnos, Rhonda, Carl, Rebecca & Mat-

thew Jalnos In Honor of Eleanor Gossen upon her graduation by Fonda & Gary Gossen ROSS FAMILY KITCHEN IMPROVEMENT FUND In Loving Memory of Mitzi Efron by Kim & David Hauser

RABBI LOUIS SCHECHTER SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE FUND MAX & SERENE LOWY SCHMIDT SCHOLARSHIP FUND A. STILLMAN FUND SYNAGOGUE BEAUTIFICATION FUND SYNAGOGUE ENDOWMENT FUND GOLDIE AND JOE TILLS LIBRARY FUND In Honor of Ruth Lown upon her birthday by Debby & Irwin Zucker

Children’s birthdays by Barbara & Stanley Spigel In Loving Memory of Shirley Rosofsky upon her Yahrtzeit by Alice & John Troy,

Josh Troy Margot Adler, Pablo Siegal, William Epstein by Betty & Roger

Adler Linda Wilk by Lauara Schnitzler TORAH RESTORATION AND REPAIR FUND TOT SHABBAT PROGRAM USY PROGRAM ABRAHAM AND ROSE VEXLER YOM KIPPUR FLOWER FUND In Loving Memory of Alejandro Newman, Yvette Kalter, Esther Vexler, Mitzi Efron,

Cookie Donzis by Varda & Adam Ratner Esther Vexler by Marcia & Mel Waldgeir, Jana & Alan Wright

Esther Vexler, Bill Epstein by Michael Ozer & Patricia Kalmans WEINGART YOUTH CAMP AND TRAVEL FUND In Loving Memory of Bill Epstein, Clara Reich, Linda Wilk by Joan & Stuart Bernstein YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND

Yahrzeits ~ May their memory be for a blessing January 2017 Our sincere condolences to the Epstein Family on the loss of M. William “Bill” Epstein

Feb 1 Beatrice Aaron Freda Dzialoszynski Anne Goldberg Gustav Kahn James A. MacDougald Bruce Sorenson Carmen Villanueva Feb 2 Israel Davis Will Israel Rauch Joseph Slapper Feb 3 Jacob Halfant Harry Halpin Morris Krakow Feb 4 Abe Argo Aaron Block Abraham Blucher Minnie Davis Feb 5 William Alterman Nathan Lerer Edward Wilk Jake Zaike Feb 6 Sam Friedman Fannie Golden Clara Schwartz Goldman Samuel Grossman Helen Katzman Leonard Lehrman Feb 7 Howard Anderson Rebecca Barath Martin Epstein Dorothy Greenberg Yzchak Shweiki Anna Silberman Feb 8 Isadore Braunstein Harry Ginsburg Ralph Kasper Sally Cohen Lasky Ben Lyons Herman Nitishin Feb 9 Maxwell Bikoff Aaron Klemnes Phillip Stern

Feb 10 Renee Halpern Mary Leavitt Reuben Lubel Barney Polunsky Gloria Shteynberg Feb 11 Lisa Friedman Samuel Lerer Leon Sachnowitz Leo Stelzer Feb 12 Nathan Alterman Noan Weinstein Axelrod Simon Haar Rebecca Kelne Feb 13 Bart Goldberg Channah Goldberg Charles Goldberg Charles Kulick Carl Weil Feb 14 Melvin Carsman Hugo Scharlack Feb 15 Lea Weingart Feb 16 Pat Berger Meyer Cohen A.J. Bob Kboudi Benicio Marquez Rose Riesenberg Elizabeth Winakur Feb 17 Lawrence Abramowitz Adolph Spitzer Feb 18 Rose Frank David Lown Irene Pector Robert Schumaker Joanne Arnow Stillman Sarah Topp

Feb19 Cornelia Blonder Ellen Penner Efron Harry Kamen Josephine Levine Benjamin Rubin Feb 20 Simon Arch Eli Belinsky Mary Forbes Mollie Kline Feb 21 Frieda Rosenberg Goldberg Alex Halff Bessie Halpin Mox Kopelowitz Shirley Wiel Feb 22 Beverly Isaac William Segaloff Morris Shapiro Ruth Shapiro Feb 23 Andar Jonasz Howard Karren Sam Levine Ronnie Linn Esteban Perez Feb 24 Nathan Friedman Arthur Stiles Bernard Wolf Feb 25 Clara Blucher Toby Gossen Keefe Greenberg Lillian Nitishin Milton Ozer Feb 26 Melvin Kowalsky Samuel Wernick Leonard Winakur Feb 27 Ann Birnbaum Irwin Hill Max Simon Feb 28 Eva Eisenstot Abe Gans Morton Spigel Helen Stool

Call Sherri at 210.479.0307 for rate information to place an ad. We deliver to over 550 homes!

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

PERMIT NO. 57

Congregation Agudas Achim 16550 Huebner Road San Antonio, TX 78248

Service Times Daily Minyan 7:30am Monday - Friday ~ Vexler Chapel 9:00am Sunday ~ Vexler Chapel Evenings by contacting office

Shabbat Evening 6:15pm ~ Vexler Chapel

Shabbat Morning 9:00am ~ Alterman Salkind Louis Sanctuary or Vexler Chapel

Yahrzeits are read at EACH service. Babysitting provided for birth through 2nd grade at all

Shabbat Morning services.

Administration Office 210.479.0307 Fax - 210.479.0295

Heintz Preschool 210.479.0429

Inda Posner Religious School 210.479.2689 [email protected] www.agudas-achim.org

The Kolenu is published monthly. The deadline for all

submissions is the 24th day of each month two months prior to publication.

So, we want to hear from you! Yell a kvell to Sherri Samuels at 210.479.0307 or email to

[email protected].

Office Hours:

Monday -Tuesday

and Thursday

8:00am - 5:00pm.

Wednesday

9:00am - 6:00pm

Friday

8:00am - 4:00pm

$10.00 Donation listed in Kolenu and acknowledgement mailed to the recipient only. $18.00 Donation listed in Kolenu and acknowledgement mailed to the recipient and donor.

ONE honoree’s name per donation Donations received after the publication deadline will be published in the following Kolenu.

Donations made to the synagogue will be acknowledged as follows:

our voice - congregation agudas achimfeb 04, 2016 · hanukkah and purim are considered the two...

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