Temple Beth-El

BulletinVol. 22, No. 5 May 1, 2019 — 26 Nisan 5779

211 Belknap Place | San Antonio, Texas 78212 | 210-733-9135 | temple@beth-elsa.org

Were You Confirmed at Temple Beth-El?If you were confirmed at Temple

Beth-El in the past, we will honor you at Confirmation Services on Saturday, May 18, at 7:00 pm. We will be honor-ing all past confirmands, as well as a special honor for confirmands who are celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2019.

Please let us know you will be there to be honored by emailing Geri Gregory at geri@beth-elsa.org or calling 210-733-9135 ext. 120.

Join us on this joyous occasion as we celebrate and worship with

The Confirmation Class of 5779and honor their commitment to their Jewish studies.

Saturday, May eighteenth at seven o’clock in the evening

A reception will follow the service hosted by the parents of the confirmands in honor of their children.

David Joseph AlexanderZachary Ramiel Berg

Hayden Ross EichelbaumMaya Aviva Epstein

Jose Eduardo Fernandez-ReyJames Sayre Goldblatt

Daniel Harry Halff

Mia Sage HockersmithJoshua Leon Kabbe

Arlette Sophia Lomeli-AzoubelIsaac Harold Nathan

Max Nathan RosenbloomJeremy Mitchell SchurBenjamin Lewis Sutin

May 11 | details page 10

Temple Beth-El

Annual MeetingMay 5 | 10:30 am | details page 7

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The Rabbi SpeaksShabbat Nosh on Friday Nights

If you have been able to attend ser-vices over the last few months, then you have noticed that we have been experimenting with a Shabbat Nosh before services instead of an Oneg Shabbat reception afterwards. Begin-ning at 5:45 pm each Friday evening, we have begun with motzi followed by refreshments including wine and iced tea, and both sweet and savory snacks. At 6:25 pm we have shared in kiddush and sung as we walked into

the Wulfe Sanctuary together. Our goal has primarily been to create connections with congregants and visitors before services—making everyone feel welcome.

During the months of January, February and March we solicited feedback about our pre-worship experiment and received plenty of constructive criticism, warmly positive comments and negative comments as well. We’ve made changes to how we do blessings and where we gather. (We are now in the Barshop Auditorium instead of the Stahl Gal-lery.) We’ve also added an opportunity to linger and share in additional refreshments after services in addition to the pre-service Shabbat Nosh.

At the beginning of April, the Religious Practices Committee met once again to discuss our Shabbat Nosh experiment and have made the determination to keep it in place with the following additional adjustments: We will still begin Shabbat Nosh promptly at 5:45 pm with motzi. People are encouraged to come anytime from 5:45 pm on to share in pre-service snacks. We also plan to place a ‘blessings table’ at the entrance of the Barshop Auditorium with tea candles, glasses of grape juice, challah and blessing cards for those who would like to do personal blessings before joining the Nosh. A Temple staff member will be on hand to assist. At 6:25 pm we will sing our Shabbat Nigun as we make our way into the Wulfe Sanctuary. Blessings for candles and Kiddush will occur at the beginning of ser-vices and we will share in an additional motzi at the end of services for those who missed the motzi at 5:45 pm. We will continue to offer additional refreshments in the Barshop Auditorium after services for those who would like to linger. We are also interested in receiving feedback about these additional adjustments to Shabbat Nosh. Please feel free to email temple@beth-elsa.org. Your comments will be forward-ed to the Religious Practices Committee Chair, Harry Levy, Temple President, Jim Halff, and our clergy team.

For over 145 years our congregation has thrived by em-bracing the need to thoughtfully make adjustments to our Jewish lives. This has involved moving our physical space but also adapting sacred rituals, religious garb, our social positions and much more. The chain of Jewish tradition has remained resilient because of its built-in flexibility and we as a congregation will always continue to evolve and grow in ways large and small. I look forward to celebrating Shab-bat with you in the weeks and months to come and sharing in a sacred conversation over a glass of wine or iced tea before we walk into Shabbat services together.

Rabbi Mara Nathan

Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day is May 1

Two Temple Members Honored

Temple member Gerd Miller was honored by the Texas Holocaust and Genocide Commission (THGC) for his service and help in liberating Dachau, Ebensee, and Mauthausen concentration camps. Mr. Miller is also featured in the THGC’s traveling exhibit entitled The Texas Liberator: Witness to the Holocaust that was created in partnership with Texas Tech University.

Temple member Adam Berg, son of Jessica and Ryan Berg, received an honorary medal from the Texas Liberators Project, on behalf of his great grandfather, Lee Berg, one of the first liberators of Dachau Concentration Camp.

May 2019 Page 3

Friday, May 36:30 pm Shabbat Worship Servicewith Kol Simchah

Saturday, May 410:30 am Shabbat Morning Worship10:30 am Chant and MeditationTorah Portion: Achrei Mot

Friday, May 106:30 pm Shabbat Worship Servicewith Temple Beth-El BandBar Mitzvah of Marco Lomeli-Azoubel

Saturday, May 1110:30 am Shabbat Morning WorshipBar Mitzvah of Marco Lomeli-AzoubelTorah Portion: Kedoshim

Friday, May 17 6:30 pm Shabbat Worship ServiceGrade 3 participation6:30 pm Lay Led Worship Service

Saturday, May 1810:30 am Shabbat Morning WorshipHank Lipsitt will read Torah10:30 am Chanting and Meditation ServiceTorah Portion: Emor

Friday, May 246:30 pm Shabbat Worship ServiceWorship Works: AleinuB’nai Mitzvah of Charles Weiner and

Michael Weiner

Saturday, May 2510:30 am Shabbat Morning WorshipB’nai Mitzvah of Charles Weiner and

Michael WeinerTorah Portion: Behar

Friday, May 316:30 pm Shabbat Worship Service

Saturday, June 110:30 am Shabbat Morning Worship10:30 am Chant and MeditationTorah Portion: Bechukotai

Shabbat Services

Shabbat NoshMay 10 Rebeca Aronson in honor of her grandson, Marco Lomeli-Azoubel’s Bar MitzvahMay 24 Joseph Weiner in honor of Charles David and Michael Daniel Weiner’s B’nai MitzvahMay 3, 17 & 31 Temple Beth-El Sisterhood

B’nai Mitzvahwe congratulate those

called to the Torah in May

May 10-11 Marco Wallace Lomeli-Azoubel, son of Noemi Sophia Azoubel and Raul Lomeli-Azoubel, grandson of Berthila Lomeli and Raul Lomeli Sr., and Rebeca Aronson and the late David Azoubel.

May 24-25 Charles David and Michael Daniel Weiner, sons of Ellen and Dr. Marc Weiner, grandsons of Sylvia Bronstein, and the late Myer Bronstein and May and Charles Weiner.

Bulletin DeadlineThe deadline for the June/July Temple Bulletin

will be Friday, May 10, at 12:00 pm. All articles and photos must be submitted by that time.

Articles and photos may be submitted via email to geri@beth-elsa.org. Articles may not exceed 250 words.

TBE30s40s50sMay 16 | 6:00–9:00 pm

Say HELLO to summer at The Luxury103 E Jones Avenue

RSVP to jessicab@lmfj.com

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Shabbat Lunch ChavurahSaturday, May 4 | 11:45 am Social Action Lunch & Learn

on Public Education with panelists Al Kauffman, Morgan Craven, and Marisa Bono.

This is a potluck! Bring a side or dessert to share! See page 11 for further information.

Those 60 and older are free for this lunch; those under 60 are only $10. RSVP for the lunch to http://tinyurl.com/tbe5-4 or 210-733-9135 ext. 126.

Saturday, June 1 | 11:45 am See the Movie, Beau Jest

Join us to see the 2008 film, Beau Jest, a light-hearted comedy about a Jewish girl who falls in love with a non-Jewish boy. But first, lunch!

Those 60 and older are free for this lunch; those under 60 are only $10. RSVP for the lunch to https://tinyurl.com/tbelc or 210-733-9135 ext. 126.

Thanks to San Antonio Jewish Senior Services for making these events possible.

Good Deeds Day 2019!This year our Temple Beth-El community participated

in International Good Deeds Day on April 7. Together vol-unteers worked at the San Antonio Food Bank, the Temple Beth-El garden, the Humane Society, Adante Senior Living, Haven for Hope, and The DoSeum. It was an excellent day for community service!

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@TBE20s30sMay 3 | 8:15 pm | After Hours: Part I

Embers Wood Fire Grill & Bar9818 W I10, 78230

After enjoying services at 6:30 pm where some San Antonio Hillel seniors will receive a special blessing, they and other students from Hillel will join us for After Hours! We are going to kick back and enjoy an evening of so-cializing, delicious food, and cold drinks. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more information on this event.

May 9 | 6:30 pm | Torah on Tap: Connecting the Holiness Code to 2019

Candlelight Coffeehouse3011 N St. Mary’s Street, 78212

***As a reminder, this is an event that is open to the entire congregation and community!***

Jason Miller-Goodman, TBE20s30s chairperson and TBE congregant, will facilitate a conversation on ways to connect the Holiness Code to 2019. Check out our Facebook for more information about this event! Are you interested in a topic related to Torah? Let us know! We would love to have you lead a conversation about it. Do you want to lead a conversation but have no idea where to start? No worries! We can get you a list of topics that have been discussed and possible ideas for future events. Rabbi Yergin works with anyone who wants to lead a Torah on Tap to help organize their thoughts and ideas around different texts.

May 31 | 8:15 pm | After Hours: Part 2 Salsalito Cantina

14535 Nacogdoches Road, 78247After Hours will take us to the Northeast location of

the Salsalito Cantina. Their food always features fresh and high-quality ingredients in order to make their dish-es great! Our After Hours events are a great opportunity to hang out, meet new people, and enjoy great food, all while unwinding after a long week.

June 14 | 8:15 pm | Pride Shabbat After Hours Burgerteca

June’s After Hours will take us to one of San An-tonio’s culinary heroes’ newest establishments. Bur-gerteca offers some delicious and unique takes on this all-American meal with a Mexican twist! Come to ser-vices in the Wulfe Sanctuary which will begin at 6:30 pm with a small nosh beforehand at 5:45 pm. 

June 22 | 7:00 pm | Dessert and Discussion Location TBD

It is that time of year when we solicit feedback from TBE20s30s from the past year’s events. In addition, we are asking for advice and ideas on how we can bring

more program-ming that YOU want. Join us on June 22 to con-tribute to the con-versation. It will be a dessert pot-luck and BYOB. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more informa-tion as we get closer.

Temple Beth-El Bulletin (USPS 016328) is published the first of every month, except July, by Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212-5896. Application to Mail at Periodicals postage rates is paid at San Antonio, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212-5896.

We note with sorrow the passing of our members…

Elyse Galikwife of Richard Galik

The Congregation extends its sincere condolences to the families of…

Joan Lainecousin of Lynn (and Rabbi Sam) Stahl and Lois

Cohodas

Arthur “Art” Smithfather of Cindy (and Bobby) Berman

“May their souls be bound up in the bonds of eternal life.”

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(for families with children ages 3 and under)Join us Sundays, May 5 and 19

9:30 am–12:00 pm In the Barshop Auditorium

Balls, Books, Bubbles and Fun!

For further information, contact Tory at tory@beth-elsa.org or 210-733-9135 ext. 158

All are invited to join the

TBE60s+ SinglesEmbassy Mini-Golf and Max & Louie’s

Thursday, May 23 | Beginning at 5:30 pm

Join us for fun & food with friends and friends you haven’t met yet!

RSVPs are a MUST to geri@beth-elsa.org or 210-733-9135 ext. 120.

TBE50s+All those age 50 or over are invited to a No-Host Shabbat Dinner at

Koi Kawa2503 Broadway, 78215

(210) 444-0277

Friday, May 17 | after Shabbat Services(approximately 7:45 pm)

RSVPs are a MUST to http://tinyurl.com/tbe-sasix. Seating is limited!

Adult Education with Rachel Stern

Temple Beth-El promotes life-long learning and therefore offers learn-ing opportunities for every stage of life. In addition to exceptional youth educational opportunities, Temple Beth-El also offers a robust adult education program. One example of adult learning is our monthly Sunday morning series taught by Rachel Stern. Rachel holds master’s de-grees in both Jewish Education and Jewish Non Profit Management and

has been in Jewish education for over 20 years. Rachel currently serves as the Chief Learning and Engagement Officer for Shalom Austin.

The Sunday classes focus on a yearly theme and explore a multitude of angles. This year the theme is “How Reform Changes Everything.” The class draws a diverse crowd and while there is great learning, the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable to ensure learners of all levels feel welcome and included. Some participants are parents of religious school students inspired to learn with their chil-dren, while others are exploring Judaism for themselves. Some participants attend all of the sessions, while others come for the specific topics of their interest. Everyone is welcome and everyone becomes part of the unique class-room community that Temple has fostered. You will leave with new ideas to think about and happy that you took this time for yourself.

The final class for this session will meet on

Sunday, May 5 | 9:30–11:00 am

A Light Unto the Nations How Reform Jews have created an ethos of social activism in the modern age.

May 2019 Page 7

Bendiner Library Bagels and Books ClubThursday, May 16 | 7:00 pm

The Bendiner Library Bagels and Books Club will discuss The Magnificent Esme Wells: A Novel by Adrienne Sharp. The discussion will be held at a Temple member’s private residence in Castle Hills. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to https://tinyurl.com/tbebb2 to receive the address. 

From the nationally bestselling author of The True Memoirs of Little K, a

deeply felt and historically detailed novel of family, loss, and love, told by an irrepressible young girl—the daughter of a two-bit gangster and a movie showgirl—growing up in golden-age Hollywood and Las Vegas in its early days. The book is available on Amazon at http://tinyurl.com/EsmeWells. 

Esme Silver has always taken care of her charming ne’er-do-well father, Ike Silver, a small-time crook with dreams of making it big with Bugsy Siegel. Devoted to her daddy, Esme is often his “date” at the racetrack, where she amiably fetches the hot dogs while keeping an eye to the ground for any cast-off tickets that may be winners.

In awe of her mother, Dina Wells, Esme is more than happy to be the foil who gets the beautiful Dina into meet-ings and screen tests with some of Hollywood’s greats. When Ike gets an opportunity to move to Vegas—and, in what could at last be his big break, to help the man she knows as “Benny” open the Flamingo Hotel—life takes an unexpected turn for Esme. A stunner like her mother, the young girl catches the attention of Nate Stein, one of the Strip’s most powerful men.

Narrated by the twenty-year-old Esme, The Magnifi-cent Esme Wells moves between pre–WWII Hollywood and

postwar Las Vegas—a golden age when Jewish gangsters and movie moguls were often indistinguishable in looks and behavior. Esme’s voice—sharp, observant, and with a quiet, mordant wit—chronicles the rise and fall and further fall of her complicated parents, as well as her own painful reckoning with love and life. A coming-of-age story with a tinge of noir, and a tale that illuminates the promise and perils of the American dream and its dreamers,  The Magnificent Esme Wells is immersive, moving, and compelling.

Join the Temple’s Book Chavurah!

One of Temple Beth-El’s newest Chavurot is the TBE Book Chavurah. It is intended for adults who love to read and then dis-cuss books together. It is open to everyone!

Tuesday, June 25 | 7:00 pm

The Museum of Extraordinary Things, by Alice Hoffman

If you are interested in being on the notification list for this group, or just would like further information, contact Geri Gregory at 210-733-9135 ext. 120, or geri@beth-elsa.org.

Temple Beth-El Annual MeetingSunday, May 5 beginning at 10:30 am

All congregants are encouraged to attend our annual meeting. Join us as we share priorities for the upcoming year, thank outgoing Officers and Trustees, elect a new slate of Board members, adopt our annual budget, and more. Copies of the pro-posed budget are available upon request by contacting Rabbi Alan Berlin, Executive Director, at aberlin@beth-elsa.org.

Our Nominating and Leadership Development Committee, chaired by Richard Planto, is honored to bring forward the following members for consideration. We are grateful to the committee for bringing forth this outstanding slate of diverse, committed, and enthusiastic leaders for our Board of Trustees which will be voted upon by the congregation:

Officers

Jim Halff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PresidentDr. Amy Benedikt . . . . Senior Vice President Bregger Garrison . . . . . . . . . . Vice PresidentRobin Kressbach . . . . . . . . . . Vice President Debbie Roos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice PresidentJean Kolovson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TreasurerTrent Boarnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Secretary David Adelman . . . . . . .Immediate Past Pres.

Trustee 2018-2020Jessica BergCalla Pfeifer-CamposJerry Gerson Jeff GoldblattMarsha KrassnerRoger OjedaClay RichmondMichael RosenbergMarla Russell

Trustees 2019-2021Jim BarshopAliza CantuBarry ChasnoffDeAnne Cuellar-CintronMark EichelbaumJason Miller-GoodmanLauri JacobsonDavid RubensteinRuthie Wurzburg

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Richmond Family to be Honored by JFS

Jewish Family Service is hosting their annual fundraiser on Sunday, May 19 at 10:00 am at The Campus of the San Antonio Jewish Community.

This year’s event, called an Inspiration Brunch, honors two amazing and committed families: Ilene and Stephen Kramer & Temple member Barbara and *Lew Richmond and Family (*of blessed memory). Both are members of the community who, through their contributions of time and treasure, inspire others to support JFS and the vital services provided to the residents of San Antonio, Bexar, and surrounding counties.

The event will feature a kosher brunch menu and Keynote Speaker Brian Cuban. Brian Cuban is an attorney, author, and mental health awareness and recovery advocate. He is the author of the best-selling book, The Addicted Lawyer, Tales of The Bar, Booze Blow & Redemption. He has spoken at conferences, non-profit events, colleges and universities across the United States and in Canada. He also writes extensively on these subjects. His columns have appeared on CNN.com, The Huffington Post, The New York Times, and in online and print newspapers around the world.

Tickets to the event are $60 and can be purchased online at www.jfs-sa.org/inspiration.

June 7 is Volunteer Shabbat & Potluck Dinner

Join us at Shabbat Services at 6:30 pm on Friday, June 7, as we honor some of our Temple volunteers, give out President’s Volunteer Service Awards, and enjoy a Potluck Dinner afterwards!

There is a $10 per person charge to offset the cost of entrée and beverages, which Temple will provide, and all are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. RSVP & pay on-line at https://tinyurl.com/volunteertbe or call Dollie Closna at 210-733-9135 ext. 120.

Rosh Hodesh Sunday, May 5 | 7:00 pm

Thank you to Cheryl Levinson for hosting our April Rosh Hodesh gathering and for providing a

lovely nosh. We had an in-teresting discussion about Miriam and her role as a leader. On Sunday, May 5 we will meet at Temple Beth-El at 7:00 pm. Rabbi Yergin and Cantor Berlin will lead a discussion about Rebecca. We will also gather feedback about this year’s Rosh Hodesh gath-erings and talk about plans for next year.

Please plan to join us and RSVP to https://tinyurl.com/tbe-rhodesh.

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Summer Day Camp is Right Around the Corner!

It’s that time of year again when Temple Beth-El is gearing up for summer camp. Now in its eleventh year, CreativKids will once again serve the children of Temple’s neighborhood. 100% of the children in the area receive free meals during the school year, and summer is difficult for many of them because they do not have the same access to meals. CreativKids partners with the San Antonio Food Bank to provide breakfast and lunch, and in between meals, the camp counselors lead activities that are both educational and fun. Camp is run completely on grants and donations and depends heavily on volunteers. It is the only camp downtown offered at no cost to the families attend-ing. If you have something to offer, please take a look at https://tinyurl.com/creativkids2019, where you can sign up to volunteer and/or purchase an item from our Amazon wish list at https://tinyurl.com/creativkids-amazon.

Additionally this year, Temple member Zoe Nasits has chosen CreativKids as her bat mitzvah project and has set up a GoFundMe page at http://zachnasits.com/campforkids where, for each dollar raised, Zoe is offering time to volun-teer at camp. Please support her and, in the process, this fabulous camp!

Camp is in session from June 10-July 26 this year. Thank you for all you do, and please come visit CreativKids, so that you can get a first-hand look at the good going on right here at Temple! If you have any questions or sugges-tions, please email Kathi Kardon at kardon595@gmail.com or Robyn Rosen at snr711@aol.com.

In the Temple FamilyWe congratulate those celebrating life’s joyous occasions…

Marcy Cato, whose son, Barry, became engaged to Jenna Baker.We congratulate those who have achieved something extra-special…

Cory Palmer, who received the Gold Medallion Award from Lincoln Property Company, its most prestigious award for employees that most exhibit and uphold the standard of excellence and commitment to the company’s core values.

Roy Kamin, who, with the GR8 Band played their 4th year music show inside the HEB Alon Center store featuring songs of Passover and Israel at the event called “Taste of Passover.” They are the only live music ever to appear in this store.

Bernadette Caspary, who won a bronze medal play-ing Scrabble in the Texas Senior Games of San Antonio.We congratulate those celebrating milestone birthdays in May…

Claudia Bankler, Joan Baskin, Elizabeth Cetera, Ben Cohen, Benay Croft, Linny Feiner, Alvin Frieden, Lesha Gachman-Carlson, Gilles Ghez, Sam Goldstone, Robin Gurovitsch, Joe Harris, Al Kauffman, Valentina Korman, Harry Kovner, Eric Levi, Polly Livingston, Lee Rosenberg, Jennie Schoenbaum, Josh Shterenberg, Maxine Smolins, Harris Sterling, and Marisa Tawil.

We wish a hearty Mazal Tov to Miriam Grossman, who will be 100 in May!

We congratulate those celebrating milestone anniversaries in May…

20 Years: Jen and Mark Eichelbaum

25 Years: Cantor Julie and Rabbi Alan Berlin Jordana Markman-Epstein and Matt Epstein

30 Years: Jeanne and Dr. Gregg Gurwitz Drs. Catherine Spezia and Michael Lindner

40 Years: Barbara Baruch and John Ackerman Dr. Madeleine Reichert Zachary and Bob Zachary

50 Years: Maggie and Gary Wicha

NEFESHNeighbors Elevating Faith, Education, Service, & Hope

In coordination with National Mental Health month, our NEFESH theme for May is Mental Health & Wellness!

We have a variety of opportunities for you to get involved and learn more about this NEFESH theme!

1. Come get a tour of the SA Clubhouse on May 8 at 7:00 pm. The SA Clubhouse is an organization that focuses on health, wellness, and recovery by providing work, relationship building, resourc-es for individuals with mental health diagnoses. RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/maynefesh.

2. Catch up on all things May NEFESH by following at https://tinyurl.com/tbemay.

3. Lastly, here are the 5 things you can be doing to better your mental health today (Mental Health America):

1. Track gratitude, achievement, or unwind with journaling.

2. Try something new—even if it’s scary. 3. Color away the stress by using a coloring book

or doodling. 4. Disconnect from technology, even if it’s for a day. 5. Take 15-30 minutes and take a walk outside.

If you have any questions, contact Ross Halfant at ross@beth-elsa.org or 210-733-9135 ext. 110.

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Youth CornerLet’s say goodbye to

this school year in style with our awesome youth events at Temple Beth-El!

May 5: All Youth End of the Year Party (12:00 – 1:00 pm) What’s a better way to say good-bye to the year then with a HUGE PARTY! All ages are

invited for this one of a kind event? Play XBOX on the big screen, make your own pillowcase, and enjoy delicious food! This event is at Temple Beth-El and free for all students grades K-12.

May 19: SAFTY Elections (12:00 – 2:00 pm) All students grades 8-12 are invited to elect the next SAFTY board! Running for SAFTY board is a great way to be involved and make the youth programs the best they can be. This event is at Temple Beth-El and free for all students grades 8-12.

May 24-25: Jason Mesches Shabbat Jason Mesches, an award-winning singer, song-writer and PJ Library musician, will lead a young family Shabbat service at 5:45 pm at Temple Beth-El on Friday, May 24. Temple will also host a Young Family Concert starring Mesches on Saturday, May 25 at 4:00 pm. We’ll sing, dance, play instruments, and share in the joy of Jewish music and food together. This event is open to all member of the San Antonio community and is free of charge.

May 31: SAFTY Shabbat (6:30 pm) our annual tradition of having SAFTY members lead Shabbat for the congregation continues this year. Join us as we bless the Class of 2019 and give out our special Greene Family Camper gifts for this upcoming Summer. Last year there were special treats from Steel City Pops…what will this year’s treat be? Come and find out.

Don’t forget to keep our May 11 Grown-Up Trivia Night on your calendar. It’ll be a great chance to have fun, meet new peo-ple, and raise money for TBE Youth Programs! Register yourself or a team at https://bethelsa.formstack.com/forms/trivia.

I want to offer a big congratulations and Mazel Tov to SAFTY President Jonathan Kress-bach on his election to the 2019-2020 NFTY-TOR Regional Board. Jonathan will serve as the Programming Vice President. Jonathan contin-ues the tradition of SAFTY members assuming regional leadership roles and we are all so proud of him. Way to go, Jonathan!

Joel Swedlove

PJ Library’sJason Mesches to Perform

Friday, May 24 | 5:45 pm Young Family Shabbat

Saturday, May 25 | 4:00 pm Young Family Concert

“Weaving together clever rhymes, beautiful arrangements, and a sincere love for Jewish values, Jason takes his little listeners on a journey through Shab-bat,” boasts a review of Jason Meches’ 2016 album, The Nosh Pit.

Temple Beth-El is excited to share Jason’s Shabbat journey with the San Antonio Jewish community Memorial Day weekend. Mesches, an award-winning singer, songwriter and PJ Library musi-cian, will lead a young family Shabbat service at 5:45 pm on Friday, May 24.

Temple will also host a Young Family Concert starring Mes-ches on Saturday, May 25 at 4:00 pm. We’ll sing, dance, play instruments, and share in the joy of Jewish music and food together.

This event is open to all member of the San Antonio com-munity and is free of charge. To RSVP, contact Joel Swedlove, joel@beth-elsa.org or 210-733-9135 x151.

Flex your mental muscles at Temple Beth-El’s Annual Trivia Night!

Saturday, May 11 | 7:00 pm

This special event is a great chance to show off your trivia skills and support TBE’s Youth programs.

Teams of 8 will compete for prizes and the ability to call themselves TBE’s Trivia Masters!

Cost is $120 per team, or $15 per person (don’t worry, if you don’t have a full team we’ll make sure you’re put on a good one)! The cost includes pop culture trivia, light snacks, grown-up drinks, and a guaranteed laugh.

Come on out and show once and for all you’ve got what it takes! Register online at https://bethelsa.formstack.com/forms/trivia.

May 2019 Page 11

Social Action Lunch & LearnSaturday, May 4 | 11:45 am

The Social Action Committee (SAC) will host a Spring Forum and Potluck Lunch on Saturday, May 4 at 11:45 am, immediately following services.

This theme of the Spring Forum is the state’s public education system. Specifically, we will focus on local and statewide issues surrounding education finance reform. At this date, speakers include:

Temple member Al Kauffman, currently a law professor at St. Mary’s University. Al previously served as legal coun-sel for the Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund (MALDEF), during which time he successfully litigated the landmark 1984 Edgewood ISD case before the Texas Supreme Court.

Morgan Craven, International Development Research Association’s (IDRA) Director of Policy. She supports the integration and coordination of national and state policy reform efforts impacting the education of all students, with special emphasis on minority, low-income, English learner and recent immigrant populations. At the state level, she spearheads IDRA’s critical work in education policy, includ-ing school finance, accountability, testing, private vouch-ers, teacher quality, and EL matters.

Marisa Bono, Southwest Regional Counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, who was named by Mayor Ron Nirenberg as his Chief of Policy. A legal powerhouse who has led statewide cases involving educational equity, immigration and political access, Bono advises the mayor and oversee the imple-mentation of his policy agenda, with an emphasis on a range of issues, including public safety, ethics reform, transportation, housing and more.

Temple will provide chicken and beverages; members are asked to bring side dishes and desserts. Please make your reservation online at http://tinyurl.com/tbe5-4 or by calling Dollie Closna at 210-733-9135 ext. 126. The fee for lunch is $10 for those 59 years of age and younger. All those 60 and older are free of charge. Waivers due to financial need will be honored, if requested.

We will also have a collection bin in the Barshop Auditorium for participants to make donations to Edison High School. See box at right for a list of items.

Edison High School Needs Our Help!

Through the Neighborhood Faith Convening, Temple Beth-El has “adopted” Edison High School, a school in the Temple vicinity, in order to help students in this SAISD school. 100% of the students who attend Edison High School qualify for free breakfasts and lunches, so the need is great.

Please consider including Edison High School in your year-end giving. The following is a list of needs:

• In particular need at this time of year – prom dresses and men’s suits• Boys

– Khaki or black trousers/shorts assorted sizes (young men and men’s sizes; waist 28 thru 42)

– Polos, black or white, small, medium, large, x-large • Girls

– Khaki or Black trousers/shorts assorted sizes (0 thru 16)

– Polos, black or white, small, medium, large, x-large• School Supplies – spirals, compositions, pens/ pencils, markers, binders (various sizes), backpacks, note book paper, etc.• Donations for incentives (gift cards in small increments)• Scholarship Funds Donation

If you have any questions, contact Geri Gregory at 210-733-9135 ext. 120 or geri@beth-elsa.org.

Don’t forget – May 4 is Election Day for the

San Antonio Mayoral Race!Check out the Temple website or follow http://tinyurl.

com/tbevote for all you need to know about voting in this election.

Our last civic engagement campaign was a success, so let’s keep up the momentum! Let us know you voted or plan to vote by pledging here: http://tinyurl.com/tbemayoral.

After you’ve voted (and pledged!) don’t forget to share your selfie along with the hashtag #TBEMitzVotes and #ReformJewsVote, so that we can show you off on our Temple social media accounts. You can also send in your photo to Ross via email at ross@beth-elsa.org.

We Remember Our Deceased Veterans

According to the Department of Veterans Administration, Memorial Day began three years after the end of the Civil War as Decoration Day, a day for decorating the graves of Civil War dead with flowers. May 30 was probably initially selected because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. Tradition says that all Americans pause where ever they are at 3:00 pm local time on Memorial Day to remember and honor all those who died in service to the nation. The members of Jewish War Veterans Post 753 want to remind you to remember to observe a moment of silence at 3:00 pm this Memorial Day (Monday, May 27, 2019) to honor all deceased military veterans.

Page 12 Temple Beth-El Bulletin

Sisterhood NewsMcNay Classic Car Tour

Thursday, May 9 | 5:30–9:00 pm

Join Sisterhood at the McNay Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels, Thursday, May 9, for a tour of classic Cars and Postwar Paintings. Our very own Sisterhood member, Irene Burns, is a docent at the McNay and she is happy to give us a tour of this special exhibit. The exhibit fee is $10 for non-members, and free for McNay members; and the entrance fee is free on Thursdays from 4:00-9:00 pm. Enjoy food trucks on the lawn, if you wish, before the tour begins. Feel free to bring your spouse, significant other, or a date. This will be a fun way of getting to know each other, and everyone will enjoy the classic cars. The tour will begin at 7:00 pm. Arrive around 5:30 pm to have plenty of time to enjoy your food truck dinner and the beautiful lawn. Go to https://tinyurl.com/tbes-mcnay to register. The deadline is May 3.

Please note: the main entrance off New Braunfels is temporarily closed for construction. Follow the blue signs to turn shortly before the entrance. This will lead you around to the front of the museum.

Or Tamid Installation and Awards Brunch June 2 | 11:00 am

Mark your calendar and make a reservation to attend the sisterhood brunch Sunday, June 2 at 11:00 am at Mag-giano’s Little Italy, 17603 I10 West.

Amy Strickland will be honored as a Sisterhood Or Tamid for her continuous and consistent support and ser-vice to Sisterhood. The program also includes installation of officers.

The menu features Italian brunch food served family style. Gather your friends or come alone and make new connections. Sisterhood membership is not required. The charge is $36 per person (Sarah level). To show apprecia-tion for the service and support provided to the Temple and its members by our Sisterhood, sign up as a Miriam level donor at $54 per person or Leah level at $72 per person.

A Uniongram is a greeting card that represents that a donation has been made to the WRJ YES Fund. The grants made by this fund strengthen Reform Judaism worldwide, directly benefitting rabbis and cantors, the clergy cam-puses and Jewish youth. Whether attending the luncheon or not, please consider purchasing a Uniongram to honor Or Tamid Amy Strickland, one of the officers completing service or being installed, or (with address provided) any

individual you wish to recognize, minimum donation is $18.To make brunch reservations, honor Amy with a

Uniongram, and/or purchase a Uniongram or Goldengram, visit https://tinyurl.com/ortamid or contact Dollie Closna at 210-733-9135 ext. 126. The reservation deadline is Monday, May 29.

Officers and Directors 2019—2020The following slate was elected at the April general

membership meeting:

OfficersPresident Fran CohenVice President Leah BullockVice President Linda HarrisVice President Robin KressbachVice President Irene BurnsVice President Shannon SeglinRecording Secretary Patricia MarcusCorresponding Secretary Mina LopezTreasurer Barbara MossFinancial Secretary Mary Anne BarnettHistorian Ashley FriedbergParliamentarian Kay SteinPast President Shirley Swanson

Directors 2018-2020 Directors 2019-2021Kristin Epstein Amy StricklandCheryl Levinson Lori StockstielChantel Nasits Hannah MargolisSuzie RaufmanMary Weiner

I want to express my thanks, appreciation, and grati-tude to all those who have served over the last year and are coming off the board:

Rhonda Grimm Iris LiebermanJanie Kolman Harriet PinanskyMarsha Penner Tory RichmondSusan Butler Susan RosenbergFelice Feldman Marla RussellMichele Krapf Miranda SutinNatalie Levine

Thank you so much for bringing your unique talents to the board and volunteering your time to our Sisterhood!

— Shirley Swanson

Save the Date – San Antonio Pride ParadeIn coordination with the

NEFESH (Neighbors Elevating Faith, Education, Service, and Hope) the June theme is LGBTQIA+ Inequality. We will be volunteering AND march-ing in the 2019 San Antonio Pride Festival & Parade!

Who? Everyone in the com-munity is invited to volunteer and march with us!

Where? The Pride Festival is at Crockett Park (1300 N. Main Ave) and the march begins at the inter-section of Dewey Place & N. Main.

When? Volunteering will be Saturday, June 29 before the parade. Afterward, we will be marching in the Pride Parade, which starts at 9:00 pm.

Why? Temple Beth-El sup-ports our LGBTQIA+ members and community. During Pride, we get an opportunity to recognize the achieve-ments and impact that LGBTQIA+ people have made on the world..

If you have any questions, please contact Ross Halfant at ross@beth-elsa.org or 210-733-9135 ext. 110.

The Temple Beth-El

Women’s Seder

ק”ק

Page 14 Temple Beth-El Bulletin

RABBI NATHAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN APPRECIATION Texas Lutheran University and Dr. Norman BeckIN HONOR OF Mindi Alterman and Dr. Glenn HalffIN HONOR OF THE BAR MITZVAH OFSolomon Sterling Nathan Dr. Yair Gazitt Bill Goodman Marsha Krassner and Dr. David Spener Harriet and Sam Neuman Charlotte and Robert PollockIN HONOR OF THE BIRTHDAY OFGail Gurwitz Leslie and Dr. Jonathan TramerIN MEMORY OFRichard S. Beldner Robyn and Scott RosenRosi Langbaum Guido LangbaumRuben LaungbaumSemen Pelts and in appreciation Rita and Yakov Paltiyevich

RABBI YERGIN’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN MEMORY OFElyse Ruth Galik and Richard Galik in appreciation Marsha Krassner and Dr. David SpenerRosi Langbaum Guido LangbaumRuben LangbaumStanley Spigel Ellen and Robert Weiss

RABBI STAHL’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN MEMORY OFJack Alter Emily and Rob Kaufman

CANTOR BERLIN’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN MEMORY OFLiana Ljuba Epstein Barenblat Sylvia and Dr. Hugh WolffRosi Langbaum Guido LangbaumRuben Langbaum

BETSY & LEE ROSENBERG GREENE FAMILY CAMP CAMPERSHIP FUNDIN HONOR OF THE BAR MITZVAH OFSolomon Sterling Nathan Betsy and Lee Rosenberg

BROTHERHOOD YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIN MEMORY OFJordon Alexander Feiner Linny Feiner

FINE ARTS FUNDIN MEMORY OFSelma Weiner Tina and Brian Weiner

GENERAL OPERATING FUND OF TEMPLE BETH-ELIN APPRECIATION OFRichard Planto chairing the Danna and Jim Halff Nominating Committee IN MEMORY OFLabe Golden Claire GoldenTed NyeLiana Ljuba Epstein Barenblat The Humphrey FamilyElsa Weiss Anna RadoMike WeissStephen JalnosCONTRIBUTIONS Diane and George Forman Laura Castillo

HELEN JACOBSON YOUTH EDUCATION FUNDCONTRIBUTION Joan and Donald Plotnick

JACK AND ESTELLE KAUFMAN COMMUNITY OUTREACH FUNDIN MEMORY OFDorothy Kaufman Emily and Rob Kaufman

JACOBSON GARDEN FUNDIN HONOR OF THE BIRTHDAY OFGail Gurwitz Marge and Al MillerIN MEMORY OFLiana Ljuba Epstein Barenblat KAY AND DENNIS STEIN KITCHEN FUNDIN HONOR OF THE 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OFJill and Stephen Marks Charlotte and Robert PollockKIMMELMAN FUNDIN HONOR OF THE BIRTHDAY OFGayle Alterman Sally HalffLANDSMAN FAMILY RELIEF FUNDIN MEMORY OFMissy Berler Carol and Nicholas BrandIN HONOR OF THE 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OFJill and Stephen Marks Elaine and Steve KovnerLEONARD & SHIRLEY STERLING MEMORIAL LIBRARY FUND FOR THE BENDINER LIBRARYIN HONOR OF THE BAR MITZVAH OFSolomon Sterling Nathan Marlene ReynoldsOSIAS AND BEULAH WOLF “FEED THE HUNGRY” FUNDIN MEMORY OFIrving Goldman Harriet and David WolfCONTRIBUTION Joel Collins

PURIM HUNGER DRIVE Maylene Dickerson RABBI SAMUEL STAHL LECTURESHIP FUNDIN MEMORY OFMildred Feiner Linny FeinerSISTERHOOD FUNDIN HONOR OFAmy Strickland receiving the Ruthie Chafetz Sisterhood Or Tamid AwardSUMMER CAMP FUNDIN MEMORY OFFay Betty Forland Ellie and Dr. Marvin ForlandCONTRIBUTION Drs. Susan Gershenhorn and James Lazarus

We Gratefully Acknowledge the Contributions of Our Members and Friends

Contributions received in the Temple office by Thursday, May 9 will appear in the June/July Temple Bulletin. Contributions received after May 9 will appear in the August Temple Bulletin. Contributions are welcome to any of our funds at any time. For a list of Temple funds and their descriptions, go to the Temple website at http://www.beth-elsa.org/Funds. You may also make a contribution online at http://www.beth-elsa.org/Donations.

Recovery ChavurahThe Temple Beth-El Recovery Chavurah is hosting

three get togethers to chat in a small private group setting about anything relating to addiction and re-covery. If you are struggling or have a friend or family member who is, you are welcome to join us at this confidential meeting. If you just have a few questions, we are a good resource to help you find the answers. We do not keep rosters or share information with the Temple. The next dates are all on Sundays from 9:30 to 11:00 am at a member’s private residence.

Sundays: June 2, July 14, August TBD 9:30–11:00 am

For the private address of the event, contact jimbisgrateful@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!

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June/July Bulletin Deadline: May 10, at 12:00 pm

May 2019 – Nisan/Iyar 5779

Temple Telephone: 210-733-9135 FAX: 210-737-8946 Email: temple@beth-elsa.org

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5:45 pm Jason Mesches – Young Family Shabbat6:30 pm Shabbat Worship Service Worship Works: Aleinu B’nai Mitzvah of Charles Weiner and Michael Weiner

9:00 am Shabbat Torah Study 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Worship B’nai Mitzvah of Charles Weiner and Michael Weiner4:00 pm Jason Mesches – Young Family Concert

12:00 pm Bulletin Deadline6:30 pm Shabbat Worship Service with Temple Beth-El Band Bar Mitzvah of Marco Lomeli-Azoubel

9:00 am Shabbat Torah Study 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Worship Bar Mitzvah of Marco Lomeli-Azoubel7:00 pm Trivia Night

9:30 am Religious School9:30 am Sunday Funday9:30 am Adult Learning with Rachel Stern10:30 am Annual Meeting12:30 pm HFLA-SA Community Picinic7:00 pm Rosh Hodesh meeting

9:00 am Shabbat Torah Study 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Worship10:30 am Chant and Meditation12:00 pm Shabbat Lunch Chavurah & Advocacy for Social Action Potluck

6:30 pm Shabbat Worship Service Grade 3 participation6:30 pm Lay Led Worship Service7:45 pm TBE50+ — Dinner at Koi Kawa

9:00 am Shabbat Torah Study 10:30 am Shabbat Morning Worship10:30 am Chanting and Meditation Service7:00 pm Confirmation Service

Mother’s DayNO Religious School

4:30 pm Hebrew School at JCC7:00 pm Board Meeting

4:30 pm Hebrew School7:00 pm NEFESH SA Clubhouse Tour

4:30 pm Hebrew School at JCC

4:30 pm Hebrew School at TBE

9:30 am Religious School9:30 am Sunday Funday9:30 am Pancake Breakfast10:00 am JFS Fundraiser at JCC12:00 pm SAFTY Elections

Lag BaOmer5:30 pm TBE60s+ Singles at Embassy Mini-Golf & Max & Loui’s

6:30 pm Shabbat Worship Service8:15 pm TBE20s30s After Hours

5:30 pm Sisterhood McNay Classic Car Tour and Post War Paintings6:30 pm TBE20s30s Torah on Tap

6:30 pm Shabbat Worship Service w/ Kol Simchah8:15 pm TBE20s30s – After Hours -Pt. 1

Keep the Temple InformedWe rely on our Temple members, their friends and family to let us know when someone is hospitalized or suffering any illness or bereavement, or would just enjoy a call or visit from the clergy or a member of the congregation. The clergy would also like to hear good news, such as celebrating a birth or other simchah. In order to better serve the congregation, please share this information with our clergy by calling Iris Berman-Smith at 210-733-9135 ext. 106. The patient or immediate family is often not able to make this call, so please let us hear from you.

4:30 pm Hebrew School at TBE7:00 pm Community Yom Hashoah Program at Congregation Agudas Achim

Yom HaShoah

7:00 pm Bagels and Books7:00 pm TBE30s40s50s— The Luxury

Memorial DayTemple Closed

Mission Statement of Congregation Beth-ElThe mission of Temple Beth-El, the historic heart of Reform Judaism in San Antonio, is to provide a sacred framework that inspires people to cultivate their Jewish lives.

Address ServiceRequested

TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL

OfficersJim Halff, President

Amy Benedikt, M.D., Senior Vice PresidentAliza Cantu, Vice President

Russell Davis, Vice PresidentRobin Kressbach, Vice President

Jean Kolovson, TreasurerTrent Boarnet, Secretary

AuxiliariesAndy Kabbe, Brotherhood President

Shirley Swanson, Sisterhood PresidentJonathan Kressbach, SAFTY President

RabbisMara S. Nathan, Senior RabbiMarina Yergin, Assistant RabbiDr. Samuel M. Stahl, Emeritus

CantorJulie Berlin

Professional StaffRabbi Alan Berlin, Executive Director

Leah Apothaker, Director of Congregational Learning

Joel Swedlove, Director of Youth Programs & Informal Education

Iris Berman-Smith, Clergy & Cemetery Administrator

Michael Ringel, Controller Geri Gregory, Member Services Coordinator

Tory Richmond, Membership Director Michael D. Kung, Facilities Manager

211 Belknap PlaceSan Antonio, Texas 78212

210-733-9135

PERIODICAL

Tikkun Leyl Shavuot – A Shavuot Evening StudySaturday, June 8 | 7:30 pm – after Shavuot Service

Join Rabbi Marina Yergin for a dairy dinner, a short film, and discussion!

Featuring the film, The TribeThe Tribe is an unorthodox, unauthorized, history of the

Jewish people and the Barbie doll…in about 18 minutes.What can the most successful doll on the planet show

us about being Jewish today? Narrated by Peter Coyote, the film mixes old school narration with a new school visual style. The Tribe weaves together archival footage, graphics, animation, Barbie dioramas, and slam poetry to take au-diences on an electric ride through the complex history of both the Barbie doll and the Jewish people—from Biblical times to present day. By tracing Barbie’s history, the film sheds light on the questions: What does it mean to be an American Jew today? What does it mean to be a member of any tribe in the 21st Century? The first documentary to

reach #1 on iTunes, The Tribe premiered at Sundance in 2006, has won 17 awards, and is used in hundreds of Jewish and educational institutions around the world.

To learn more about the film, visit www.tribethefilm.com. A dairy dinner will be served, and the cost is $15.00 per

person. Please reserve your spot online at https://tinyurl.com/tbesha or call Dollie Closna at 210-733-9135 ext. 126.

Shavuot ServicesSaturday, June 8 | 6:30 pm

Erev Shavuot ServiceRabbis Nathan and Yergin and Cantor Berlin will officiate.

Sunday, June 9 | 10:30 am Morning of Shavuot Festival ServiceRabbis Nathan and Yergin and Cantor Berlin will officiate. The service will include a brief Yizkor-Memorial ritual.