president’s message · focused intent - to prepare ourselves for the receiving of the ... back...

June, 2019Iyar - Sivan, 5779

SHABBAT YELADIM JUNE 7 (pg 6)

MEN’S CLUB SHAVUOT STUDY SESSION JUNE 8 (pg 5)

SISTERHOOD PLANNING MEETING (pg 3)

SISTERHOOD PRESIDENTS PUZZLE PAGE (pg 9)

MEN’S CLUB FATHER’S DAY CELEBRATION (pg 11)

SPARKS OF CONSOLATION JUNE 30 (pg 13)

1970 - Our sanctuary under construction

This year we are trying to highlight the construction and beauty of our building. Do you have pictures of the building you’d like to share?

Send them to the Shofar editor at [email protected] AND to the designer at [email protected].

THE SHOFAR TAKES A BREAK

Deadline for combined July-August issue is Monday, June 10. Next issue will be September. Be sure we have your summer submissions!

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEby Elynn Finston

They say that variety is the spice of life, and at no time in the Jewish calendar year is this more apt than at Shavuot. All around the country, congregations are preparing for the ultimate Jewish marathon, the Leil Tikkun, the all-night study and prayer session that ushers in the holiday. It’s the Jewish version of the “all-nighters” we used to pull way back when we were college students, only this has a Jewish purpose and focused intent - to prepare ourselves for the receiving of the the commandments.

Leil Tikkun traditions vary greatly form community to community. Last year Marty and I celebrated the holiday with our son in Park Slope, Brooklyn. There, the largest Re-form Temple, which serves as the hub for all things Jewish in the community, opened its doors for a night of study and socializing. Professors, Rabbis, educators and lay leaders came together from all over the metropolitan area to teach and learn with each other. There was something for everyone, from cre-ating your own new-age prayers, to arguing esoteric points of Talmud. It was clearly “the place to see and be seen.” I even had a chance to reconnect with some friends from my home-town in New Jersey! Yes, the Jewish community is that small.

In our own former community in Livermore, California, the minhag is to provide an annotated map of all congregations and Jewish organizations that are offering study sessions, meals and activities for the Shavuot holiday. Congregants are free to create their own journey as they wind their way through the East Bay, visiting those spots that piqued their curiosity. Great kudos was given to those who actually made it all the way through the list (this required a great deal of logistical savvy), and still made it back to their own home congregation in time for P’suke D’zimrah the next morning.

This year, it appears that the Jewish community in Albu-querque is taking a similar approach to the California model.

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THE SHOFAR A monthly publication of Congregation B’nai Israel

4401 Indian School Road NEAlbuquerque, NM 87110(505) 266-0155 / (505) 268-6136 (fax)[email protected]

Shofar StaffBryan Bobrick, EditorLayout by Caitlin Hecsh, Artistic Design & Print

Rabbi Arthur Flicker, Rabbi Emeritus

Professional StaffAnna Alexander, Office ManagerJoan Horowitz, Religious School Director

Executive Board of TrusteesPresident, Elynn FinstonPresident-Elect, Ellen SatzTreasurer, Alan ChodorowBudget & Finance, Tobias FlatowPast President, Wayne BobrickSisterhood President, Melissa DroletMen’s Club President, Jimmy Tran

Committee ChairsHistorian, Harvey BuchalterProgram, Amanda Cohen-BandyWays & Means, Madeline DunnEducation, Steve Diamond100th Anniversary, Sarah FlatowHouse, Security, Russell GoldsteinArts Judaica, Ellen LandisPublic Relations, Rachael LandauMembership, Beth StewartRitual, Daniel WaldParliamentarian, Esther TenenbaumNominating, Nori Yonack

SHOFAR ADVERTISING RATES:Business Card Ads: Per month: $30, 6 months pre-paid: $165 1 year pre-paid: $300

Quarter Page Ads: Per month: $606 months pre-paid: $330 or 1 year pre-paid: $600

SHOFAR SUBMISSIONS & DEADLINES:The deadline for submission of content is the tenth of the month for the following month’s publication. When the tenth falls on Shabbat the deadline is advanced to Sunday. Content and photos must be e-mailed to the Shofar editor at [email protected] AND to the designer at [email protected]. When sending photos, please be sure to include first and last names of the people in each photo. Photos should be 300 dpi resolution in color or black and white. Optimal photo size is 3”x5” or a close approximation. In addition to keeping congregants informed, The Shofar is used to connect with our inactive and shut-in members to help them know they are still part of the congregation; as a bridge of friendship to visitors and those interested in joining our congregation; and help members who have moved away keep in touch with friends back home. Letters to the editor in the form of debate, opinion, or responses that do not fit the purpose of The Shofar are not accepted. News and articles are welcome. The editor reserves the right to edit for grammar, style, length and content.

Minutes of monthly Board of Directors meetings are available in the synagogue office.

Each of the three congregations is offering a different opportunity to celebrate and study together and, if you plan it right, you can participate in all of the options being presented.

Here is what your night might look like if you were so inclined:

Begin with a dairy pot-luck dinner up at Pueblo Montaño Picnic Area and Trailhead in Albuquerque, starting at 6 pm. Attendees are asked to provide a dairy dish (salads, fruit, pastas, vegetables, fish etc.) to serve from 6 – 8 people. After dinner there will be activities, study sessions and services geared for people of all ages. This celebration is sponsored by Congregation Albert, and an RSVP to [email protected] , or phone call to 505-883-1818 is requested. Please let them know what you will be bring-ing to the pot luck. Drinks and desserts will be provided. For those who are interested, there are fliers on the table in our synagogue lobby, complete with a map and directions to the picnic area.

If you time it correctly, you can then head over to Nahalat Shalom. They will be offering a program from 8:00 -10:00 pm. There will be Havdalah, then ma’ariv services followed by some teaching sessions. The evening will conclude with a “Receiving the Torah” ceremony. The program is being coordinated by Rabbi Min Kantrowitz and Cantor Beth Cohen. Everyone is invited, and no RSVP is required.

Still going strong? Have those youth hormones kicked in? Then swing back home and complete the evening with the program planned by our Men’s Club and Programming Committee here at B’nai. They have organized a full evening of multi-generational activities beginning with dinner and services, followed by study sessions, games, activities and a “lock-in” (what we old folks used to call a “sleep-over”). We are anticipating participation not only from B’nai Israel congregants, but from Hillel students, our religious school families, and any other members of the community who care to have the ultimate all-night experience. You can find all the details in Jimmy Tran’s Men’s Club article in this issue.

There is no halachic mandate to stay up all night, but if you have never experienced this minhag before, now might be the time to step out of your comfort zone and test your limits. After all, this is one of the few times that you can legitimately fall asleep in class or during services, wake up, and keep going, without embarrassment. It’s all part of the total experience.

Of course, you can always just sample a little bit of what’s out there, and then go home to sleep in the comfort of your own bed. We hope that whatever you do, you will find your way back to B’nai Israel for morning services, beginning at 9:00 am. The reward is one of our famous kiddush lunches (blintzes anyone?). We have invited Congregation Albert to join us for services on Monday, June 10 for the second day of Shavuot, which the Reform movement does not typically observe.

Who says life has to be boring? Go forth and sample the richness of Jewish life in Albuquerque, one synagogue celebration at a time.

Hag Sameach!

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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CONDOLENCES TO:

TORAH GROUP

An informal, peer-led Torah study group meets on Tuesdays in the library from 5:30-6:30pm.

Annette DeBois and family on the loss of her mother, Sylvia Miller Nathanson.

Toby Arias and family on the loss of her husband, James Arias.

Give Sisterhood a Try! cbisisterhood.org

1920-2020

Con gationgre B'nai IsraelCel atingebr 100Years

1920-2020

Cel atingebr 100YearsCon gationgre B'nai Israel

PLANNING OUR 100TH:CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE REPORT

by Sarah Flatow and Beth Stewart

The first event of the centennial year, “The Launch” will take place December 29, the last night of Chanukah in conjunction with the Latke Party. Laurie and Harvey Ruskin are the chairs working with Jimmy Tran of the Men’s Club to create a fun family celebration with food, entertainment and anniver-sary chachkas galore. Information about signing up and other details will be coming soon, just mark your calendar and round up your extended family for a wonderful family and community evening.

Being budget time, we’re putting together expense and revenue budgets for the first half of the centennial year. This is a challenge, but we ‘re constantly running into incredibly generous people who contribute in many ways to make this dream a reality.

The Sponsorship package is being finalized. We are developing incentives and VIP rewards to make sure we take care of our big supportive sponsors.

We have hired the comedian Joel Chasnoff for the Gala. Check him out on YouTube. He is very funny and very energetic. He will be the key entertainer at the Gala as well as hosting the live auction.

The other events and activities of the centennial year are formulating and I receive regular updates. Again, the generosity of those participating is heart-warming and reminds me of what this is all about.

DON’T FORGET YOUR KEY CARD!

For the safety of our community, we keep Synagogue doors locked at all times, includ-ing Shabbat and special events. So remember to bring your key card when you come to shul. Families who need an additional key card may contact the office at 266-0155, and Anna will issue one to you (maximum total of two per family). There is a replacement fee of $20 for lost key cards.

This Week @ B’nai Israel, our weekly congregational email, is sent out every Thursday at 2:00 pm for the upcoming week.

Get your news or event on the Congregation B’nai Israel website and in This Week @ B’nai Israel by sending your ready-to-go email to [email protected] by 4:00 pm Tuesday afternoons.

General rules of thumb are: if you send it to the Shofar, send it to the Webmaster! If you send it to the Link, send it to the Webmaster!

THE WEEKLY BLAST

SISTERHOOD PLANNING MEETING

What types of programs would you like to have Sisterhood schedule for the year 2019-2020? Speakers? Musical – voice or instrumental? Hands on or instructional? Other? All Sisterhood members are invited to come to the Planning Meeting of the Sisterhood Board on Sunday, July 21 at the home of Chris Buchalter, 1615 Kit Carson Ave. SW.

The meeting will start at 10:00 a.m., we’ll break for a pot luck dairy lunch; then those present will resume planning the dates, times and programs for placement on the calendar.

Your ideas and suggestions will be most welcome. We want to present programs that appeal to a broad range of people. Members of Sisterhood are always welcome at Board meetings, but cannot vote.

If you would like to attend, please call Judy Pitkofsky, 994-2776 to be given directions to the Buchalter home, and to help us in planning the menu.

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Happy Birthday to:

Schmooze NewsWe continue to add

leaves and rocks to our Tree of Life. Let’s fill it up with many mitzvot and memories.

The following Rock was added:

In Memory of Louie Mejia-Huazo(“Louie”)

Pillar of Congregation B’nai IsraelAnd Friend of Sisterhood

CBI Sisterhood 2019

The following Leaf was added:

In Memory of Beloved SonLt Col David N Rosner USMC Ret

MomNancy Levick

Leaves are $60.00 and allow for 55 to 60 letters. Rocks at the bottom of the tree are avail-able and offer more space for well-wishes and memorials. Rocks are $500.00.

To purchase a leaf or rock please call Beth Stewart at 440-8986 or send an email to her at [email protected].

Your leaf or rock will be on the tree in about a week. Make your check out to B’nai Israel Sisterhood and mail to Beth Stewart, 5301 Calle Nuestra NW, Albuquerque, 87120

TREE OF LIFE

Happy Anniversary to:

MEMBERSHIP & BLUE BOOK

CORRECTIONS:

FROM OUR MAILBOX...

Photos submitted by Susan Shadoff:

Grandson Miles Cobb with his “ Saba” Neal Shadoff at Bnai Israel’s Passover seder.

6 year old granddaughter, Eleanor Cobb, studying the Haggadah.

Many thanks to my B'nai Israel friends and Sisterhood for your well wishes and kind thoughts during my recent health challenge. Your kind-ness helped me recover even faster and I look forward to seeing all of you at B'nai Israel very soon.

Fondly, Anita Klawsky

Allen BerlinJudy Sherman

Hannah ArletteBrian Stewart

Linden Bat AsherahBeth Fuld

Betty Osoff-HannaganRichard Friedman

Dawn StewartJane Flax

Ronni SparksAlan ChodorowStanley Berman

Barry AvnerMary V. Pratt

Marilyn ReinmanRebecca ReiterDaniel ClarkBerna Levine

Johnathan & Yaffa NiemczuraMitchell & Sandi TaylorWayne & Tania Bobrick

Rabbi Arthur & Linda FlickerDonald & Ellen Satz

Barry & Roberta Ramo

Address Change: Ellen Diamond, 8836 Estrada Ct. NE, 87122

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Photos courtesy of Sarah Egelman

B’NAI ISRAEL RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

A special Shabbat YeladimChildren’s Shabbat

featuringSusan

Shadoffon Guitar

Shabbat & Dinner

Friday, June 7Snacks at 5:45pm

Service at 6:00

Dinner at 6:30

Come and sing along with Susan

and her guitar

This service is oriented towards our youngest congregants,

but all all ages are welcome!

Service is followed by a kid-friendly meal.

Sponsored by Misha Sauceda-Halliday

Hebrew School students came together, led by the Confirmation class (with some help from the Hey class) to explore the themes and rituals of Pesach in a Seder workshop.

The school Seder workshop included fun games including a matzoh tower building competition made up of mixed age group teams. Here are, from L to R, Adina, EllaRose, Lila, and Paloma working on their tower.

In observance of Yom HaShoah, the 6th graders, 7th graders and Con-firmation class (8th through 10th graders) came together to learn about the Terezin Camp and the art and poetry produced by children there. The lesson included learning about the history of Terezin and how it was set up as a "model ghetto," reading poetry and creating butterflies to connect to the famous and deeply moving "I Never Saw Another Butterfly" poem.

Here are Noah, Milo and Adina working on their butterflies.

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Money contributed to this fund is used to pay for the cost of the food and its preparation for Kiddush Luncheons. If you choose to sponsor the Kiddush exclu-sively, the cost is $350 and your name will appear in the Friday/Saturday flyer.

If you want to remember a loved one’s yahrzeit, or honor someone, a minimum contribution of $50 is all that it takes.

To make a donation to the Kiddush fund, send in your information including the name and relationship and your check to 4401 Indian School NE, 87110, or you can go online to make your donation.

WE THANK OUR JUNE DONORS:

KIDDUSH FUND

Laurie & Harvie Ruskin for her dad, Joe WeidmanAnita Klawsky for her father, Abraham KshonzAnita Klawsky for her brother, Howard KshonzJennie Negin & Harold Folley for her aunt, Ide Negin StoneMelissa Larntz & William Hochheiser for his father, Irving HochheiserMelissa Larntz & William Hochheiser for his mother, Shirley HochheiserLynn Freedman for her mother, Charlotte FreedmanLynn Freedman for her father, Phillip Freedman

I AM A MEMBER BECAUSE...

“I am comfortable with a Conservative synagogue.” (Member, Synagogue Survey, April/May 2018)

“I want a connection to the Jewish community. I don’t know many Jews in

New Mexico and would like to. Also, I want to raise my son as a learned Jew.”

(Member, Synagogue Survey, April/May 2018)

“I value my Jewish identity and value a place to pray.”

(Member, Synagogue Survey, April/May 2018)

Save the Date!

Sunday, July 14, 2019 at 2pm

The membership committee is planning an

Ice Cream Social for members and perspective members

Won’t you join us?!

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SISTERHOOD NEWS:REACHING OUTby Melissa Drolet

SISTERHOOD’S GIFT SHOP NEWSby Judy Pitkofsky

June is the month of so many wonderful ac-tivities and events. Father’s Day is June 16, and our Judaica Shop has many attractive items to give fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, uncles and friends. Beautiful tallitot of different designs and colors are in stock as well as kippot, tallit clips, GI jewelry, books, car mezuzahs and Kiddush cups to mention a few.

Graduations are still going on, so you might want to consider jewelry of all types, books, outdoor and indoor mezuzahs and CD’s. The shop has many items that would make perfect wedding and shower gifts such as challah covers, trays and knives; Havdalah sets, hand washing ewers and bowls and candlesticks and decorative candles.

The shop is open from 9:00 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. If you need something special, call Judy Sherman, 292-3297.

TORAH FUNDby Susan Shadoff

The Torah Fund is a great place to make your donations. These donations assist the men and women who are studying to become Rabbis.

Donations are appreciated in any amounts, and will be noted in my monthly article.

Donations can be mailed to : Susan Shadoff, 6335 Cliffbrush Lane NE, Albuquerque , NM 87111. Or if it more convenient please go to: www.cbisisterhood.org and do this online.

Like many of you, I was sad when I learned that Rabbi Murray Ezring was unable to accept our offer to become

Interim Rabbi at Congregation B’nai Israel. But, perhaps like many of you as well, I have learned that every experience, even a seemingly unsuccessful experience, is a learning opportunity. I thor-

oughly enjoyed the weekend Rabbi Ezring spent with us, and I listened carefully to his sermons and to his answers to congregants’ questions. I took away many things, but one of my principal “take aways” was concerning ways to expand our congregation. Rabbi Ezring said, and I quote, “You can’t sit around waiting for them to come to you. You have to reach out to them.” So I have been thinking lately about all the ways Congregation B’nai Israel Sisterhood could reach out, and to whom.

Sisterhood has already been reaching out to the community at large through our collection drive for asylum seekers. Early in April we started to collect clothing, toiletry items, and money in the form of cash, checks, and gift cards for refugees from Central America. Originally we were just going to collect for a limited time, but the Sisterhood Board decided to continue our donation drive as an ongoing project, because there is a continuing need. Thank you to all of you who donated so generously. There are boxes in the lobby in which you may drop off donated clothing and toiletries. Please give cash, checks, and gift cards to Anna in the office.

Speaking of assistance to asylum seekers, Sisterhood’s work in this area has also brought us closer together with other organizations in the Albu-querque Jewish community. As you probably know, busloads of refugees are coming through Albuquerque every week. These people are legally seek-ing asylum in the United States. They are on their way to sponsor families throughout the country. The Jewish community of Albuquerque has been working together to help these asylum seekers. The Tikkun Olam Commit-tee of Congregation Albert is sponsoring one busload (approximately fifty individuals) about every three weeks. Members of Congregation Nahalat Shalom are providing meals for them. Our Sisterhood has contributed the clothing, toiletries, and funds we have collected. I recently spent several hours at Temple Albert helping to sort a mountain of donated clothing into bins by size. There are now forty bins of clothing available to refugees

SCENES FROM GAMES DAY

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As Congregation B’nai Israel moves towards celebrating their 100th anniversary, our monthly Shofar puzzles are taking a look back at presidents. This month our word search puzzle looks back on more of our beloved Sisterhood Presidents. Solution to the puzzle is on page 14. More to follow - and pay attention, there will be a quiz at the end of the year!

The Puzzle Page: Past Sisterhood Presidentsby Caitlin Hecsh

1951-53Rosalie Mendelsberg

1953-55Ann Rueckhaus

1955-57Myra Gasser

1957-58, 1970-71Margaret Yonack

1958-60Edith Friedman

1960-61Mildred Taylor

1961-63Ida Machtinger

1963-65Sylvia Berger

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Norma Ravel Norma Ravel Norma Ravel Norma Ravel Norma Ravel (of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)Term of Office: 1947-49

“The classrooms were refurnished withnew desks and chairs. Good cooperationfrom all.”

Ann Levick Ann Levick Ann Levick Ann Levick Ann Levick (of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)Term of Office: 1949-51

“This year we inaugurated themembership blue year book [Blue Book].Our committee arranged for carpetingand draperies in the Sanctuary.”

Rosalie Mendelsberg Rosalie Mendelsberg Rosalie Mendelsberg Rosalie Mendelsberg Rosalie Mendelsberg (of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)Term of Office: 1951-53

“““““The addition to the Synagogue wasrealized.”

Ann RueckhausAnn RueckhausAnn RueckhausAnn RueckhausAnn Rueckhaus (of Blessed Memory)of Blessed Memory)of Blessed Memory)of Blessed Memory)of Blessed Memory)Term of Office: 1953-55

“We inaugurated the Gold-DiggersDonor Program. The parking lot wasgraded.”

1965-66Mildred Rockman

1966-67, 1969-70Marilyn Reinman

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Norma Ravel Norma Ravel Norma Ravel Norma Ravel Norma Ravel (of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)Term of Office: 1947-49

“The classrooms were refurnished withnew desks and chairs. Good cooperationfrom all.”

Ann Levick Ann Levick Ann Levick Ann Levick Ann Levick (of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)Term of Office: 1949-51

“This year we inaugurated themembership blue year book [Blue Book].Our committee arranged for carpetingand draperies in the Sanctuary.”

Rosalie Mendelsberg Rosalie Mendelsberg Rosalie Mendelsberg Rosalie Mendelsberg Rosalie Mendelsberg (of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)Term of Office: 1951-53

“““““The addition to the Synagogue wasrealized.”

Ann RueckhausAnn RueckhausAnn RueckhausAnn RueckhausAnn Rueckhaus (of Blessed Memory)of Blessed Memory)of Blessed Memory)of Blessed Memory)of Blessed Memory)Term of Office: 1953-55

“We inaugurated the Gold-DiggersDonor Program. The parking lot wasgraded.”

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Myra Gasser Myra Gasser Myra Gasser Myra Gasser Myra Gasser Term of Office: 1955-57“We joined the National Women’s League and became affiliated

with the Southwest Region. This enabled our Sisterhood to takeadvantage of all their program materials and good ideas whichhelped us make our Sisterhood stronger.”

Myra recalls her presidency as a very busy time where Sisterhoodmembers were thoroughly involved in the everyday activities andalways pitched in when needed. Lots of time was spent in the kitchenfrom baking to preparing lunches for the junior congregation. Sheworked in the gift shop and served on numerous committees.

Growing up, her family life centered on B’nai Israel. Her motherwas Sisterhood president for four years when they were building theshul on Cedar and Coal. “My husband was president of the Synagoguewhen we started building the present building.”

Margaret Yonack Margaret Yonack Margaret Yonack Margaret Yonack Margaret Yonack Term of Office: 1957-58, 1970-71“During my first term, in 1957, we attend our first Regional

Conference with the Southwest branch of the National Women’sLeague held in Oklahoma City. We also held our first educationprogram for the Torah Fund. During my 1970-71 term, we movedinto the new building. Sisterhood raised $12,000 to furnish thekitchen.”

Margaret remembers that everyone worked together to cater allthe B’nai Mitzvahs. She recalls the great excitement of moving intothe new shul, which was also the same year the congregation hiredRabbi Isaac Celnik.

Edith Friedman Edith Friedman Edith Friedman Edith Friedman Edith Friedman (of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory) Term of Office: 1958-60“We celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Sisterhood; wecelebrated with a banquet and program.”

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Mildred TaylorMildred TaylorMildred TaylorMildred TaylorMildred Taylor (of Blessed Memory)of Blessed Memory)of Blessed Memory)of Blessed Memory)of Blessed Memory)Term of Office: 1960-61

“We recovered all of the seats in theSanctuary. We had a very successfulfinancial year.”

Ida Machtinger Ida Machtinger Ida Machtinger Ida Machtinger Ida Machtinger (of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)Term of Office: 1961-63

“The lights for the parking lot wereinstalled. Gold-Digger money wasdesignated to be allocated to theReligious School Fund.”

Sylvia Berger Sylvia Berger Sylvia Berger Sylvia Berger Sylvia Berger (of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)Term of Office: 1963-65

“The ‘Korned-Beef Korner’ at the StateFairgrounds during State Fair time wasa great financial success for five years.”

Mildred Rockman Mildred Rockman Mildred Rockman Mildred Rockman Mildred Rockman (of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)(of Blessed Memory)Term of Office: 1965-66

“B’nai Israel Sisterhood was transferredto Pacific Southwest Branch of Women’sLeague. We introduced the joint meetingwith Temple Albert Sisterhood.”

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“B’nai Israel Sisterhood was transferredto Pacific Southwest Branch of Women’sLeague. We introduced the joint meetingwith Temple Albert Sisterhood.”Y A M U K D O D T A Y T L D E N A A

I R R R A I E E M E L I N E N N D DK I R A A D T M I F N R A I N K R IE R E M N A E L L N E I I A H R M DE K S R A D E S D M A L M E A E B AH I S E C R A Y R A U D E C A G R MA L A Y R Y G R E A E B C R T R S AI D G D E E I A D I H M S R D E L CR M A R I L Y N R E I N M A N B E HI S R A I T R F O E V E O Y N A E TD N Y R R N H A C D T I R R M I L IH E M R G T H T K N A Y T I R V Y NY O C E I A T R M L D A O I D L S GM I L D R E D T A Y L O R N I Y Y EG R E B S L E D N E M E I L A S O RG S A D G N A I E F E E I N E C I MR S L E T I I R R N D M O E G E K DS U A H K C E U R N N A R O E L E D

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MEN’S CLUB NEWS: BUSY DAYSby Jimmy Tran, Men’s Club President

I want to take a moment to thank those of you who took the time to come celebrate all the fun-filled events of the Men’s Club over the past few weeks. We provided a wide array of events from the annual Pesadich BBQ to the Mother’s Day Brunch - and sandwiched in between was the first ever Men’s Club Weekend including the annual Men’s Club Shabbat when we were joined by the Religious School students (on Friday evening) and the Daveners Club (on Shabbat morning). I would like to formally thank Benny Sommerfeld, FMJC Western Region President, for joining us that weekend.

Needless to say, events like these require a small army of volunteer helpers to whom I am forever grateful. Without them to chop, scrub, peel, cut, sear, poke, skewer, wipe, etc., none of what you enjoyed could have happened. Like my dear friend RC would say, “You (Brian, Aren, Tobias, Bryan, Marty & Marty, Ezequel, Russell, Terry, Biff, John, Nathan, Bob, Benny, and Erin, Nori, & Beth), made me shine like a new penny.” My sincerest thanks for your wonderful support and service. Your mensch-hood is notable in this world and the next. I’ve asked a lot from each of you, and you’ve risen to the occasion. Todah Rabah. Thank you.

If you want more details about these events, please let me know, I’m happy to send to you our monthly updates. Pesach and Chag HaMatzot is a wonderful holiday. We’re thankful we were able to offer Made in Israel kosher for Passover beer (details can be found in our holiday guidebook). Thanks to our many sponsors, we were able to also publish the Pesach & Chag HaMatzot Holiday Guidebook, our third edition, in our attempt at “Involving Jewish Men in Jewish Life.”

For those who didn’t get a chance to come to the Men’s Club Weekend, let me take a moment to share a short snippet of my thoughts from my d’var Torah from that morning. This was a continuation of the discourse I shared in the last issue of the shofar. As you know, we read from Acharei Mot that morning. It was nothing shy of a miracle that we made it to Mt. Sinai. It began after the death of Aaron’s two sons, Nadab and Abihu. They died during the dedication of the Mishkan because they screwed up.

Often, when reading the Torah, we are left wondering what’s the point of all the offerings, laws, rules and regulations. The intriguing part about this parshat is that, at the end of it, we’re given some insights to the reasons and the intents. I believe that it gives us the answer to the age old question, “Why be a Jew?”

At the end of Chapter 18, we’re told that the “Land” expelled the people because they contaminated it with their misbehaviors, which were listed like an episode of “Family Gone Wild!”

We’re not given the whole answer until the next parshat when we’re instructed, “kedoshim tiheyu ki kadosh ani Adonai Eloheychem.” “You shall be holy for Holy am I, Your God”

We’re told to be holy (separate and distinct). The whole purpose of all the torot, chukim and mishpatim. Interestingly, this overall intention was declared months earlier in Sh’mot 19 right before we were given the Ten Commandments, which I talked about in my last shofar entry.

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coming through Albuquerque, much of it thanks to members of Congregation B’nai Israel. The sorting was a lot of work, but it was fun working with folks from so many different congregations throughout Albuquerque.

Reaching out to the community is extremely important, but perhaps our most important job as Sisterhood leaders is to reach out to our own Sisterhood membership. At our last Sisterhood Board meeting we brainstormed about how we could best do that. We are going to start to implement several ideas that will allow us to reach out to you, our members, more effectively. First, monthly summaries of the highlights of our Sisterhood Board meetings will be arriving in your e-mail inbox, courtesy of our Recording Secretary, Esther Shir. Please look over these summaries, and if you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to contact me. [My e-mail address is [email protected]; my cell phone number is (505) 980-1453.]

Secondly, we will be starting each Sisterhood event with a short (five minute) business meet-ing, to bring Sisterhood members up to speed on important Sisterhood news.

Third and lastly, I want to remind all Sis-terhood members that your input is welcome. Sisterhood Board meetings are open to all members. If you have some ideas for Sisterhood, if you want to see more of something or less of something, please let us know. The next board meeting will be a planning meeting for the 2019-2020 year at the home of Chris Buchalter on Sunday, July 21 at 10:00 am. You are welcome to attend, or just call or e-mail me with your ideas.

REACHING OUT


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Donations to the Congregation

PLEASE Send your donations to the Synagogue Office.

When making a donation for a yahrzeit, it is IMPORTANT to include your loved one’s name AND their relationship to you.

ADD A LOVED ONE TO THE YAHRZEIT LIST

YAHRZEIT INFORMATION FORM

1. Your name: __________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Name of Deceased: ____________________________________________________________________________________

3. How you are related to the deceased: _______________________________________________________________________

4. The date of death: Month:__________ Day:___________ Year:____________ (American Calendar or Jewish Calendar)

5. The time of death:_________________________________

(If after sundown, please let us know - not essential, but helpful as it may change the Jewish date of death)

If you would like to add the name of a loved one who has passed on, fill out the form below and send it in. If the death occurred after sundown, please include that information as well. Please email your information to us (please follow the format below) at: [email protected], or use the form below and mail it to: Congregation B’nai Israel, 4401 Indian School Road NE, 87110.

GENERAL FUNDDonations: -Larry Golden -Elizabeth Jones -Jack AzouzHappy Birthday toWayne Bobrick -Wille & Ralph PetersHappy Birthday to Larry Golden -Wille & Ralph PetersThank you to Sharon Levin & Crew for a lovely Passover Seder -Phyllis & Murray ElowitzThank you to Rabbi Flicker for a lovely Passover Seder -Phyllis & Murray ElowitzSpeedy Recovery to Beatrice Grandt -Tania & Wayne Bobrick -Nancy LevickSpeedy Recovery to Abby Garcia -Tania & Wayne Bobrick

Speedy Recovery to Marilyn Reinman -Tania & Wayne Bobrick -Anna Alexander -Phyllis & Murray Elowitz -Nancy LevickSpeedy Recovery To Wille Peters -Tania & Wayne Bobrick -Phyllis & Murray Elowitz -Nancy LevickSpeedy Recovery to Phil Pickman -Phyllis & Murray ElowitzIn Memory of Acy DeBois’ Mother -Tania & Wayne Bobrick -Lyn Sinowitz -Ellen Diamond -Anita KlawskyIn Memory Of Fernie Caplan -Wille & Ralph PetersIn Memory of Beverly Rogoff -Wille & Ralph PetersIn Memory of David Rosner -Wille & Ralph Peters

In Memory of Phyllis Davis -Wille & Ralph PetersIn Memory of Phillip Pitkofsky -Wille & Ralph PetersIn Memory of Louis Mejia-Huazo -Wille & Ralph Peters -Phyllis & Murray ElowitzIn Memory of Mariana Ahrens -Wille & Ralph Peters

Yahrzeiten:Parents, Erma & Myron Volk -Wille PetersDaughter, Susan Stolz -Judith PitkofskySister, Jeanette Frank -Judith PitkofskyFriend, Sidonie Stolz -Judith PitkofskyHusband, Sam Azouz -Lily AzouzFather, Sam Azouz -Jack Azouz

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND

Speedy Recovery to Harold Baskin -Moreen SiegelSpeedy Recovery to Wille Peters -Moreen SiegelIn Memory of Phyllis Davis -Rena Panush

GENERAL KIDDUSH FUND

Mazel Tov on birth of grandson, Liev Katz to Glynnis & David Katz -Moreen SiegelThank you to Amanda & Matthew Bandy for covering the expenses on the Lox Box Fundraiser

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Losing a loved one is traumatic. When a death is the result of suicide, the loss can feel even more devastating. We often turn to self-blame: How come I didn’t see it coming? What could I have done to intervene? If only I had been more present, perhaps I could have prevented this!

The truth of the matter is, once an individual crosses that line psychologically, there is likely little or nothing that you can do to prevent the suicide from happening. Still, coping with the loss can be debilitating. We feel ongoing remorse, distress and guilt. How to cope? We don’t have all the an-swers, but recent events in our own congregation have left many of us still reeling and finding it difficult to move forward.

Please join us for an insightful panel discussion of suicide prevention. The discussion will be led by Rabbi Min Kantrowitz, Robert Lewis and Major Kampuis. Rabbi Kantrowitz is known for her compassionate work with families experiencing loss, and has helped countless individuals cope with the bereavement process. She has been an active leader in the Albuquerque Jewish community, is a member of RAACA, and has worked with all of our congregations as a leader, advisor and teacher. She currently serves as the community rabbi of Albuquerque. Robert Lewis, LMFT, is a Psychotherapist with Healthy Families of Albuquerque. Trained in suicide prevention and intervention, he has many years experience in the mental health field working with diverse populations and age groups. He is a Bereavement Support Group Facilitator with the Children's Grief Center of New Mexico. Major Kampuis is the Chaplain for the NM Air National Guard 150th Special Operations Division. He is the Suicide Prevention Manager.

The Lew and Abby Harris Fund sponsors the Brunch. There is no charge, but an RSVP to the synagogue office,505-266-0155, will assure that there will be enough refreshments for all. Please spread the word, and invite anyone whom you feel can benefit from this frank discussion.

Shabbat Sparks presents:Sparks of Consolation

Sunday, June 30, 2019, 12:30pm

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JOIN THE B’NAI ISRAEL CHOIR!

The Congregation B’nai Israel choir is always looking for additional singers.

Don’t worry if you can’t read Hebrew - our music is phonetically transliterated. Ability to read music not required. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Israel. For more informa-tion, contact Diane Chodorow or Judy Sherman.

PHONE ETIQUETTE REMINDER

Please don’t forget to turn off your cell phones and beepers when you are in the synagogue or sanctuary during Shabbat and other holiday services.

Notes & Reminders

THE ANSWER IS . . .Solution to the puzzle on page 9

Y A M U K D O D T A Y T L D E N A AI R R R A I E E M E L I N E N N D DK I R A A D T M I F N R A I N K R IE R E M N A E L L N E I I A H R M DE K S R A D E S D M A L M E A E B AH I S E C R A Y R A U D E C A G R MA L A Y R Y G R E A E B C R T R S AI D G D E E I A D I H M S R D E L CR M A R I L Y N R E I N M A N B E HI S R A I T R F O E V E O Y N A E TD N Y R R N H A C D T I R R M I L IH E M R G T H T K N A Y T I R V Y NY O C E I A T R M L D A O I D L S GM I L D R E D T A Y L O R N I Y Y EG R E B S L E D N E M E I L A S O RG S A D G N A I E F E E I N E C I MR S L E T I I R R N D M O E G E K DS U A H K C E U R N N A R O E L E D

ROSALIEMENDELSBERGANNRUECKHAUSMYRAGASSERMARGARETYONACKEDITHFRIEDMANMILDREDTAYLORIDAMACHTINGERSYLVIABERGERMILDREDROCKMANMARILYNREINMAN

As a refresher, “Now if you harken to Me and keep My covenant, you shall be My special treasure among all nations, even though all the world is Mine.” Notice: it reads, “My covenant” and not “My mitzvot”.

It continues, “V’atem Tiheyu-Li mamlechet v’goy kohanim eleh.” “You will be to Me a king-dom of priests and a holy nation.”

I think this verse and the verse in Kedoshim together tells us: Don’t just be Jew-ish. Like being red-ish or blue-ish. Meaning: to be a Jew “to some extent.” It’s more than gefilte fish, latkes, matzah ball soup, or the holidays like Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur. Because that’s just being Jew-ish.

Instead, just Be a Jew! Which means: Be a Kohen to the nations—to the world. We certainly need that today. Let’s learn together how to do that. Being a kohen wasn’t meant as a special title for only the sons of Aaron Ha-Kohen-Mashiach-The Anointed. It was meant for those who serve as ONE and that’s for YOU.

UPCOMING 2019 EVENTS:

June 8: Tikkun Leil ShavuotJune 16: Father’s Day Picnic @Altura ParkJuly 3-6: FJMC biennial convention in TorontoLate July: Isotopes Baseball gameAugust(?): Biking Through the BosqueSeptember: Sukkah Building Tutorial Chanukkiah Building Contest beginsOctober: TBDNovember: Veterans Day BrunchDecember 29: Latkes Party & 100 Year Celebration Kickoff

MEN’S CLUB NEWS

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JUNE 2019Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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Morning Minyan Services: Mondays & Thursdays, 7:30 amTorah Study Group: Tuesdays, 5:30 - 6:30pm

Choir Practice: Wednesdays, 7:30 - 9pm Library: Closed until further notice

On Our Calendar. . .

Shabbat Yeladim - 5:45pm Candle Lighting - 8:07pm

Kabbalat Shabbat 6pmCandle Lighting 8:11pm

Kabbalat Shabbat 6pmCandle Lighting 8:13pm

Kabbalat Shabbat 6pm Candle Lighting 8:14pm

Shabbat Service 9:30am


Men’s Club Tikkun Leil Shavuot Study Session - 7pm




Shavuot Service 9amKiddush Luncheon to follow

Shavuot Service 9amKiddush Luncheon to follow

Roads Scholar Program Tour with Rabbi Min - 2:30pm

Father’s DayCommunity Picnicat Altura Park 2pm

Board Meeting -7pm

Shofar DeadlineShofar DeadlineShofar DeadlineShofar Deadline Shofar Deadline Shofar Deadline

Congregational Forum 2pm

Men’s CLub Meeting 7pm

Sparks of Consolation Brunch 12:20pm

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4401 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

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Hours are Sunday - Friday 9am to NoonOr call 266-0155 for a personal appointment. (Yes, we still do that!)

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