To all members of our Temple Beth Am

Community, it has been an honor to

serve in the role of President of Temple

Beth Am for these two years. As my term of

service concludes, and I pass the baton to my

indefatigable Executive VP, Avi Peretz, I want

to share my thoughts regarding our strengths

and purpose.

I have tried to teach my own family that carrying a Jewish torch

at times may seem like a burdensome obligation, but it provides our

greatest strength – individually and collectively. We grow stronger

personally and communally when we take on responsibilities of

Jewish leadership. I know that for me personally this has been

true, and I hope and sense that it has also been true for everyone

who has served with me and for the whole community.

I have learned about the power and depth of our community –

brimming with people of all ages who share their interests, talents,

intellects, commitments and resources.

I have learned about the intensity of bringing to life a purpose

that includes feeding, sustaining and growing diverse people’s

spiritual, communal and educational hungers.

I have learned that in the current era of one-size-does-not-

fit-all, that we at Temple Beth Am are ahead of many Jewish

communities in acknowledging and acting on that assumption.

I have learned that charitable dollars do not come easily, and

that financial resources must always be considered both precious

and powerful expressions of our communal values.

I have learned that the thriving future, while it rests squarely on

what came before, must keep sharply focused on what comes next.

I have learned, and I have written about, and I have spoken

about Joyful Flexibilty. The most important attitude that we all

need to bring to the next phase of our communal life which will

include some planned, and some unanticipated challenges given

the broad scope of the big construction project at hand.

I hope that all these lessons learned aren’t just mine! I hope

they are lessens that help all of us appreciate and acknowledge

the tremendous strength we gain as partners in this enterprise.

I humbly invite you to attend our Groundbreaking Gala on

Sunday evening, May 6, which honors myself and Karen Fried,

Vice President of Education. See the details in the next column

over. Your support and celebration are the key!

And with that – I wish you all a wonderful summer.

See you in Shul,Susan Hetsroni

FROM THE PRESIDENT

TEMPLE BETH AM AFFILIATED WITH THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM • VOL 18, NO. 3 • Iyyar/Sivan/Tamuz 5778 • May/June 2018

Voice of the People

OGV KUE

It’s Been an Honor

TEMPLE BETH AM1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

310.652.7354 • 310.652.2384 (fax)

SCHOOL PHONE LINE310.652.2002

School Fax: 310.360.0850betham@tbala.org

www.tbala.org

Temple Beth Am celebrates traditional and innovative Judaism

and inspires lifelong learning in a warm, embrac ing community.

Susan Hetsroni, President

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld, Senior Rabbi

Rabbi Ari Lucas, Associate Rabbi

Rabbi Hillary Chorny, Cantor

Sheryl Goldman, Executive Director

Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman, EdDDirector of Youth Learning & Engagement

Dr. Erica Rothblum, Head of School

Rabbi Joel E. Rembaum, Emeritus

Rabbi Harry Silverstein, Emeritus

KOL HA’AMCopy Editor Ellen L. Jacobs

Graphic Designer Jeff Baughman

Kol Ha’am (USPS 008-599) is published bi-monthly by Temple Beth Am,

1039 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507

Annual Membership Dues include $5.00 subscription

Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, California and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster – Send address changes to:Temple Beth Am,

1039 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507

Phone: 310.652.7353 • www.tbala.org

Kol HaRav“...count seven full weeks” - Leviticus 23:15

As we count up the days of the omer leading to Shavuot, I’m

counting down my days at Temple Beth Am. In this season

of counting, here are seven things (one for each week of the

omer), among the many, that I love about TBA and Los Angeles.

1) The Jacaranda Flowers - Before joining the Temple Beth

Am community, I had only visited Los Angeles once. Over the

past six years, LA has become our home. With God’s help, all

three of our children will have been born here and we’ve come

to appreciate the blessings of living in this city. Although at times it can feel like a

concrete jungle, around this time of year, the neighborhood explodes with purple

as the Jacaranda trees blossom. LA’s natural rhythms offer us an opportunity

to connect to the agricultural roots of our religious tradition. We pray for rain

on Sukkot and dew on Passover - just as the rainy season is beginning or ending.

Tu B’shvat always seems to come just as the first flowers are appearing on the trees.

I love that these rhythms which originated in the Land of Israel can be experienced

in the nature all around us.

2) “Our Little Anatevka” - that’s what Rabbi Shawn Fields-Meyer calls this lovely

neighborhood of Pico-Robertson. The kosher restaurants on Pico; the number of people

walking to dozens of area shuls on shabbat all greeting each other with a “Shabbat

Shalom” - this neighborhood makes a big city feel more personal and intimate.

3) “City of Stars” - Most of the Uber and Lyft drivers I’ve had in LA are people trying

to pay the bills while pursuing their passions for acting, writing, or performing. I love

that this town is filled with people who are creative and resilient. What’s true of the

culture of the city in general is also true of our synagogue culture. At TBA, there is

an openness to experimentation and innovation. That’s hard to do when our primary

task is to perpetuate a tradition that is over 3,000 years old. But we continue to

dream about what a synagogue, a school, and a Jewish community can look like and

we’re not afraid to fail in trying.

4) A Caring Community - In my six years as your rabbi, I have witnessed so many

beautiful acts of caring. People who gather in a hospital to make a minyan or pray for

someone’s healing; friends who support each other through divorce or the loss of a

loved one or celebrate a birth or a bar/bat mitzvah; strangers who meet and connect

over a bowl of vegetarian cholent; philanthropists who give tzedakkah generously

and out of passion for pursuing their values. I have felt so blessed to support you in

building a holy community that cares for all of its members.

5) A few of my favorite Programs - Tashlikh at the Santa Monica beach, Shabbaton

at Ramah Ojai, Simhat Torah morning, Shavuot Tikkun. If you haven’t been to one of

these, I highly recommend you try it. They’re a few of my favorite occasions when we

gather as a community to celebrate, learn, and connect.

6) The view from the window in Pilch Hall - Most days I get to pray while looking

out onto La Cienega Boulevard from the windows of Pilch Hall. I watch the seasons

change in the colors of the wild grass in the vacant lot across the way. This month

there’s graffiti, next month they’ve painted over it. The billboard is promoting a new

TV series. Often, during my prayers, my mind wanders and I think about all of the

people passing by in their cars - in a hurry to get somewhere or maybe to go home.

And then I offer a blessing of gratitude that I get to sit in the house of prayer and

serve this beloved community.

7) Each and every one of you - I love you and I thank you for giving me the privilege

and honor of serving as your rabbi.

Rabbi Ari Lucas

Kol Ha’am 2

3 Kol Ha’am

YOUTH LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT

Moving Traditionsfor 8th-12th

Graders: 2018-19 Boys and Girls

Groups Now Registering

This year, 10th, 9th and 8th graders participated in

Rosh Hodesh and Shevet Achim groups led by amazing group

leaders, Aviva Funke, Adam Sklar, Reut Sklar, Emily Holzman,

David Schnabel, Sara Greenfield and Zev Opos.

For rising 8th graders, there is no better

place than one of these Moving Traditions

groups for them to connect with friends, build

self-esteem, explore their Jewish identity

and develop their leadership skills. Our boys

and girls groups provide an opportunity for

teens to discuss, in a confidential setting,

critical issues in their lives as teens and

young women and men. These groups create

a critical link for girls and boys as they enter

their teen years; particularly because they

are guided by an amazing trained mentor

and role model who leads each group.

For more information about Moving

Traditions, the organization we partner

with for the curriculum and group leader

training, go to www.movingtradtions.org.

If you would like more information about

joining one of these groups for 2018-19 go to

www.tbala.org/movingtraditions or contact

Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman, EdD directly at

yhoffman@tbala.org.

These TBA Teens led our Community as our Teen Council and USY Cabinet:

Oryah Cohen Hodos

Gabriella Grunfeld

Hannah Friedman

Brianna Hacker

Josh Cohn

Tobey Lee

Judah Braman

Adinah Singer Frankes

Naomi Akram

Aliza Benor

Talia Eshtiaghpour

Miri Pottebaum

Noah Bassirat

Noa Wallock

Mira BerenbaumTBA Teen President

Jacob SerberFWUSY Executive Programming VP

Noa Kligfeld FWUSY Religious/

Education VP

Teen Leaders

Why We Do YLETo engage children, teens and their families in

dynamic Jewish experiences, in order to empower them as they embark on Jewish journeys

Register or Renew Your 7th-12th Grader’s TBA Teens Premier Membership for 2018-19

For Benefits, Registration Form and Pricing:

www.tbala.org/teens

Kol Ha’am 4

Over 300 TBA current and former members and guests

came together to bid a fond farewell to TBA’s historic

Sanctuary. Mike Cohn, chair of the Historic Preservation

Committee, and TBA President Susan Hetsroni presided

over the evening, which began with a musical havdallah. In

addition to a beautiful video presentation, memories were

shared by Ira & Helene Swartz (married at TBA in 1965) and

Marnie Stiglitz (married at TBA in 2012); Adrian Miller (Bat

Mitzvah, 1966) and Garrett Cooper (Bar Mitzvah, 2017);

Josh Rembaum (Pressman Academy Class of 1994) and

Jonah Tochner (Pressman Academy Class of 2016). Donald

Vanderweit also shared his memories from the balcony.

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld and Rabbi Joel Rembaum offered words

of Torah and inspiration, as the congregation approaches the

start of construction of a new Sanctuary that will become a

spiritual home for future generations of the community.

Celebrating 60 Years on the Red Carpet

For more information on how you can participate in the Campus Renovation and Expansion Campaign, contact Director of Advancement Hilary Hellman at hhellman@tbala.org.

Photos by Lee Salem Photography

Dale Schatz and Cantor Chorny

Front: Rabbi Adam Kligfeld, Mike Cohn, Rabbi Hillary Chorny; Back: Avi Peretz,

Sheryl Goldman, Susan Hestroni, Dr Erica Rothblum

Donald Vanderweit speaks from the Balcony

Garrett Cooper

Jonah Tochner

Rabbis Kligfeld and Rembaum

Sharing memories: Marnie Stiglitz, Ira and Helene Swartz,

Adrian Miller, Josh Rembaum

IN MEMORIAMWe mourn the passing of:

Miriam Elkins, mother of Joel, Jeremy, David and Jonathan

Helen Frankel, mother of Judy (Jeff) Gottesman

Haim Kaufman, father of Gadi (Sandra Frankel) Kaufman

Estella Martinez, mother of Jose Orlando

Lucia Muller, mother of Rick Muller

Moshe Pereg, father of David (Ellen Goldsmith Pereg) Pereg

Dean Prober, father of Erin (Cory) Charlupski

Sandra Shipow, mother of Pamela (Jay) Greenstein

Edith Stern, mother of Danny (Susan), Claude (Andrea) and Jackie (Howard)

Yochanan Vos, father of Dani (Jesse) Lainer-Vos.

Ruth Ziegler

Stella Blue PresserDaughter of Shelly and Rob Presser

Born on December 30, 2017Given the name Mazal Kahol

Yedidya Netzach BodensteinGrandson of Dale and Mark Bodenstein

Son of Tamar and Adam BodensteinBorn on March 26, 2018

Given the name Yedidya Netzach

Ruth Moed Abelow, Sousan Akhavan, Gertrude Altman, Zucky Altman, Harry P. Altman, John Altman, James Bales, Gertrude Bales, Sarah Baran, Rose Bard, William Bard, Julius Barry,

Leo Beller, Max Berger, Bernard Bernstein, Helen Bernstein, Jennie Bernstein, Paul Bidner, Jack Birns, Effie Blatsos, Herman Boren, Rena Boren, Herman Boren, Murray Brasky, Larry Braun, Rae Brooks,

Henry Brown, Isadore Irving Cantor, Jetty Chanania, Nettie Chelst, Abraham Cohen, Benjamin Cohen, Toby Cohen, Jack Colker, Marcy Colker Klein, Norman Coyne, Samuel Crane, Diane Drucker,

David Dvorak, Batya Eisen, Sara Sherman Feil, Eva Feinberg, Jerry Feinberg, Howard “Hymie” Feinberg, Myrna Feinberg, Benjamin Firestone, Lena Firestone, Milton Firestone, Esther Fisk, Rose Franklin, Yaffa Freundlich, George Ganzberg, Frieda Gerstel, Ida Ginsburg, Ralph Ginsburg, Riva Giterman,

Sam Glaser, Phyllis Goldberg, Milton Golden, Harvey Goldscheider, Jean Goldstein, Doris Greenberg, Paul Grossman, Ann Hacker, Irwin Harris, Michael Harris, Abraham Horowitz, Benjamin Hochman,

Cheryl Hoffman, Fay Hoffman, Zvi Izakson, Clara Kaplan, Ida Kaplan, Sarah Kleban, Marcy Colker Klein, Sylvia Kolodny, Hedy Korman, Robert Koshner, Akiva Kriger, Allen Kurnick, Edna Landres, Rose Lebovits,

David Leon, Mina Lerman, Ben Levins, Barnett Lubetkin, Dorothy Magid, Bencion Malicki, Moishe Malicki, William Malina, Jacques Mamann, Moshe Maroko, Maurice Miller, Daniel Moss, Max Nirenberg, Rose Ostrow,

Sabina Pelta, George Peters, Cecile Pogoda, Carl Prager, Harper Puziss, Norma Puziss, Max Rabin, Sara Rabin, Ernest Reizmann, David Richter, Tillie Richter, Oscar Rosenberg, Betty Roth, Samuel Rothman,

Bernard Ruben, Esther Samuel, Victor Samuel, Mark Savinskiy, Evan Schneider, William Schecter, Tauba Schuster, Manny Serber, Pearl Serber, Anna Shain, Joseph Shanfield, Henry Shershow,

Abraham Spiegel, Ellen Silk, Eli Silon, Aaron Silvera, Emma Silvera, Frances Silverberg, Warren Smith, Gertrude Soskin, Sara Spitzer, Margalit Surkin, Louis Vodovoz Akhtar Victory, Avram Wasserman,

Rivkah Weisdorf, Elaine Weiss, Masha Weissfeld, Paul Weissfeld, Albert Wolf, Paul Ziselman

OLIVIA ORBUCHDaughter of Iris and Laurence OrbuchMay 5, 2018 atBeth Jacob Congregation

Yahrzeit DonationsWe thank those who support the synagogue community

in memory of their loved ones named below:

5 Kol Ha’am

Our B’nei Mitzvah

DALIA BENORDaughter of

Sarah and Mark BenorMay 5, 2018 at

Camp Ramah, Ojai

Bris and Baby Namings

JONATHAN MANISon of Shiri and Joseph ManiMay 26, 2018 atAdat Yeshurun Congregation

TALI FREISHTAT Daughter of

Beth FreishtatMay 26, 2018

AVI LITVAKSon of Nina and Salvador LitvakJune 2, 2018

MICHAEL DUNNSon of

Keren and Leonard DunnJune 9, 2018

SOPHIA YASSINGERDaughter of Lisa and Mark YassingerJune 16, 2018

ESTHER BLUMDaughter of

Deborah and Warren BlumJune 23, 2018

ARIELLA HIRSCHHORNDaughter of Lilia and Gary HirschhornJune 30, 2018

Adi & Opher Benrimon

Kelsey McKinnon & Joshua Donfeld

Lauren & Abraham Langer

Suzanne & Zachary Marks

Alice Tivarovsky

Sharon & David Yadegaran

Welcome New Members To Our Temple Beth Am Family

ohtcv ohfurc (as of 4/1/18):

MAY/JUNE 2018 CALENDAR

MAYFriday - 6:15 p.m.KABBALAT SHABBAT FOLLOWED BYCOMMUNITY SHABBAT DINNERRSVP at www.tbala.org/communityshabbat

Sunday - 5:30 p.m.TBA/JPA GROUNDBREAKING GALAhonoring Karen Fried and Susan Hetsroni(see front cover for details)

Tuesday - 6:30 p.m.OPENING NIGHT: ART OF THE ACADEMY

SaturdayEREV SHAVUOT TIKKUN: A NIGHT OF TRANSFORMATIONTo be a Hebrew (Ivri/hrcg) means to be one who crosses over or transcends boundaries. This Shavuot experience a night of transformative Torah learning as we explore the ways we transcend, transmit, translate, transgress, and transform our tradition. Stay tuned for details!

SundaySHAVUOT – 1ST DAY9:30 a.m. Combined Service (Chapel)

MondaySHAVUOT – 2ND DAY9:15 a.m. Shir Hadash (Ballroom)9:30 a.m. Library Minyan (Chapel)Yizkor in both locations (approx. 11:00 a.m.)

Tuesday - 8:00 p.m.TBA ANNUAL MEETING (see back cover for details)

MondayMEMORIAL DAYTemple & School Offices Closed

Thursday - 6:00 p.m.BEIT MIDRASH NIGHT FOR FAMILIES PREPARING FOR BAR/BAT MITZVAHFor information contact Judy Alban at jalban@tbala.org

CLASSES OF THE REMBAUM INSTITUTE OF ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY PROGRAMMINGFor information and class sign-ups, visit www.tbala.org/rembaum, or email RembaumInstitute@tbala.org, or call Lia Mandelbaum at (310) 652-7354 x 215

HUMASH WITH RASHIWITH RABBI ADAM KLIGFELDWednesdays, 8:30 a.m. May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; June 6, 13

MINI SIDDUR CLASS WITH RABBI AVI HAVIVITuesday mornings for 20 min after minyan

LIBRARY MINYAN MISHNAH STUDYShabbat Mornings, 9:20 - 9:40 a.m.Rabbis, teachers, and other members of the Library Minyan will take turns teaching a weekly session in Mishnah on Makkot.

THE RISE AND FALL OF MOSES, SERVANT OF GOD WITH RABBI JOEL REMBAUMLast class of the series: Tuesday, May 1, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. We will explore the Torah accounts of Moses’ life’s journey, and, through a close reading of selections of the Torah text, gain insights into his persona, his relationship with his people, his relationship with God, and his impact on the generations that came after him. A reading knowledge of Hebrew is helpful, but not required, as Hebrew/English texts of the Torah will be used. RSVP to Cori Drasin at cdrasin@tbala.org

Kol Ha’am 6

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With much love and appreciation to the

Greenstein Family, Temple Beth Am is

pleased to announce the formation of a new

fund the Greensteins are dedicating in memory

of their beloved daughter and granddaughter,

Emily. The family wants to ensure that Emily’s

memory remain vibrant here in her Temple

Beth Am community, and have created a fund that will support

an annual program recognizing many of the areas of Jewish

life that were important to Emily. For this inaugural year, the

Fund will be sponsoring Torah Club’s End of Year Celebration

on Shabbat morning, June 9th in the Library Minyan. Emily

was a loyal Torah Club member, and with her beautiful voice,

was always eager to read Torah for the community. The

Greensteins extend their gratitude to Torah Club founder

Nina Golden for her love and encouragement of Emily, and to

the entire TBA community for their ongoing love and support

during Emily’s illness and continuing through these difficult

days. To make a donation to the Emily Greenstein Memorial

Fund, go to www.tbala.org/donate.

Announcing the establishment of theEmily Greenstein Memorial Fund

CONSTRUCTION IS HAPPENING!The Sanctuary renovation will

begin on May 1st.Please see page7 for location of all

Shabbat morning services.

Questions? Email construction@tbala.org

Saturday Morning ServicesMeditation Plus

9:15 a.m. Whiteman Conference Room

Shir Hadash9:15 a.m.

May 5 – 5th Grade Shabbat (Ballroom)May 12 - Combined with Beiteinu (Adelson Hall)

May 19 – No Shir Hadash; Hama’alot at 10:30 a.m.May 26 – Combined with Beiteinu (Ballroom)

June 2, 9, 16 – Dorff Nelson Chapel

Beiteinu9:15 a.m. KIDdush Club

9:45 a.m. Services in Pilch Hall unless otherwise notedMay 12 - Combined with Shir Hadash (Adelson)

May 26 – Combined with Shir Hadash (Ballroom)

Shir Hadash and Beiteinu will combine for most of the summer beginning

on June 23rd at 9:30 a.m. Services in the Ballroom

Library Minyan9:45 a.m.

Dorff Nelson Chapel unless otherwise notedJune 2, 9,16 Adelson Hall

Hama’alotMay 19

10:30 a.m. in Adelson Hall

The Rembaum Institute and Library Minyan present a post-Kiddush storytelling event

Saturday, May 5 in the ChapelStories Inspired by the DesertNot All Who Wander Are Lost

7 Kol Ha’am

MORNING MINYAN:

Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m.

Sunday & Federal Holidays: 8:00 a.m.

*Check our website for special holiday morning and evening minyan times

Daily Minyan Times

FRIDAY NIGHTS6:15 p.m. in May6:30 p.m. in June (early start time June 8 at 6:00 p.m.)

Saturday: 90 minutes before the end of Shabbat

EVENING MINYANSunday – ThursdaysMay 1-17 7:00 p.m.May 20 7:40 p.m. ShavuotMay 21 at 8:00 p.m. ShavuotMay 22-31 7:00 p.mJune 7:00 p.m.

JUNEFriday - 6:00 p.m.TEEN BANQUETRSVP at www.tbala.org/teens

Friday - 6:00 p.m.SHABBAT SOVEV AND BOARD INSTALLATION, followed by Community Shabbat Dinner and Farewell to Rabbi Lucas (see back cover for details)

Sunday - 10:00 a.m. – NoonJUMP-4-SYRIAN-CHILDRENDetails to follow!

TuesdayPRESSMAN ACADEMY 8TH GRADE GRADUATION

WednesdayLAST DAY OF SCHOOL

MondayCAMP KESHET BEGINS (THROUGH JULY 27) Register at www.tbala.org/camp

12

May 4 7:21 p.m.

May 11 7:26 p.m.

May 18 7:31 p.m.

May 19 8:36 p.m. (Erev Shavuot)

May 20 8:36 p.m.

May 25 7:36 p.m.

June 1 7:41 p.m.

June 8 7:45 p.m.

June 15 7:47 p.m.

June 22 7:49 p.m.

June 29 7:50 p.m.

May 5 Emor

May 12 Behar-Bechukotai

May 19 Bamidbar

May 24 Naso

June 2 Beha’alotcha

June 9 Shelach

June 16 Korach

June 23 Chukat

June 30 Balak

Torah PortionCandle Lighting

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Kol Ha’am 8

Pressman Academy Day School

We are still accepting applications for the

2018-2019 school year. The Day School

offers academic excellence balanced with social,

emotional, and spiritual learning for children in

Kindergarten through Grade Eight. You can find

the application at www.pressmanacademy.org.

Please contact Lesley Bloom at (310) 652-7354,

ext. 227 or lbloom@pressmanacademy.org with

any questions about the application or admissions

process.

Since Torah Club was founded in 2012, over 80

members have participated in the program. Each

year, we look for motivated 6th - 12th graders who

want to improve and refine their Torah reading skills,

giving them opportunities to serve the community

by leyning in Beitenu and Library Minyan. Frequently,

Torah Club members also help lead davening and read haftarah. We are

currently working on a partnership with Camp Ramah in Ojai to bring expanded

Torah reading support to all campers, and to give Torah Club members who

are already reading at camp expanded opportunities to mentor others. This

year, our 6th annual end-of-year celebration will take place in Library Minyan

on June 9. We will be recognizing all of our members, saying goodbye to our

second class of graduating seniors, and honoring the memory of Torah Club

member Emily Greenstein z”l who left us all too soon. If you would like to

support Torah Club, you may do so here: www.tbala.org/prayer/torahclub.

For further information about Torah Club, please contact founder and

coordinator Nina Golden at ninagg@sbcglobal.net.

CELEBRATING 6 YEARS OF TORAH CLUB

9 Kol Ha’am

HAGGADAH SLAM 2018If you were not at our inaugural Haggadah Slam on March 20th, you should have been! Members of B’nai David-Judea and Ikar joined Beth

Am folks for a tremendous night of learning and singing as we prepared ourselves and our communities for Pesah. Rabbis Kligfeld, Brous

and Kanefsky shared short bursts of material to open the program, material that were shared in such a way that they could be brought by

the participants to enhance and add meaning to their own s’darim. Break-out sessions led by lay leaders (including our own Sue Hetsroni)

focused on how to make one’s seder be more interactive and educational, while a session led by Rabbi Chorny and Rabbanit Alissa Thomas-

Newborn added yet more textual and substantive depth to the upcoming holiday. Interspersed throughout was moving and harmonic music,

led by Hillel Tigay, who is both the hazan at Ikar as well as a B’nei Mitzvah tutor at TBA for decades. People left energized and uplifted, and

we hope that this iteration in our long and growing partnership with BDJ and Ikar will yield many future such occasions to be together and

to learn together.

On March 22, Temple Beth Am hosted the Los Angeles

Jews for Refugees Assembly, organized by a planning

committee with representatives from twelve local synagogues

and Jewish organizations with support from the convener

of the event, HIAS. Thirty synagogues and organizations co-

sponsored the event, and over 150 people attended. The

event began with a marketplace that included an installation

portraying the refugee crisis, information booths hosted by

ten refugee-related organizations, and vegan Syrian food

catered by a former refugee family affiliated with the Miry’s

List New Arrival Supper Club. The marketplace was followed

by a program of twelve speakers, including Rabbi Kligfeld,

Mark Hetfield of HIAS, former refugees settled in the LA area,

local politicians, and representatives of Miry’s List, Save the

Syrian Children, and Jewish World Watch. More information is

available at JewsForRefugees.org.

Photos by Shlomit Levy Bard, courtesy of HIAS

On March 11, in preparation for Passover, the Temple Beth Am

Refugee Taskforce hosted an “Outstretched Arm: Stories, Teachings,

and Answering Questions About Today’s Refugee Crisis.” The event began

with a teaching by Aryeh Cohen, Rabbi-in-Residence of Bend the Arc, on

how Jewish law and values relate to current refugee and immigration

issues. After a musical interlude by Dale Schatz, the musical specialist

for the JLC, five refugees and Dreamers from the Democratic Republic of

Congo, El Salvador, Iraq, Mexico, and Turkey shared their stories of leaving

difficult and dangerous conditions in their countries of origin and seeking

refuge in Southern California. Speakers were recruited with the help of

event cosponsors CLUE, JFS-San Diego, the Pacifica Institute, and Tiyya.

Following the speaker program, attendees enjoyed a meal, featuring dishes

from the speakers’ countries prepared by members of the Taskforce, with the speakers and representatives from the event cosponsors,

providing opportunity to ask more questions about their experiences.

Photo courtesy of Husam Salman of JFS-SD.

2nd Annual Global Freedom Forum: An Outstretched Arm

Temple Beth Am Hosts Los Angeles Jewsfor Refugees Assembly

Kol Ha’am 10

GENERAL FUND IN HONOR OFIn appreciation to all those who Mimi & Howard Landresworked on the Purim baskets and to those who sponsored them.Temple Beth Am Edward Miles-ArnoldJoel Grossman Rina CarmelLori Tessel’s Birthday Karmi MonsherPesah Alice Tivarovsky

IN MEMORY OF Helen Frankel Jennifer LowSol Hoberman Ellen & David BraunEvan Schneider Manya Weber & Don BeierSandra Shipow Marlisse & Gary BachrachYochanan Vos Susan Laemmle & John Antignas

BILL STRICK MEMORIAL HELPING HAND FUNDIN MEMORY OFEstella Martinez Vivian & Ron Alberts

CAMPUS RENOVATION & EXPANSION PROJECTIN HONOR OFNoa Berrin on the occasion of Grandparents Day Deanna & Giorgio BerrinOur Grandchildren: Josh, Jonah, Zoe Aftergood, Michelle & David JacobNoah, Ethan & Ryan Weissman

IN MEMORY OFStefan Gerber Ariana & Matt ShaneRoman Wagner Dafna & Scott Taryle

PRESSMAN ACADEMY DAY SCHOOLIN HONOR OFLori Tessel’s Birthday Ted Cofsky Elliot Tessel’s reading of the Torah on Shabbat Mishpatim Ted Cofsky

IN MEMORY OFRoman Wagner Tamar & Yechiel Rosenfeld

JPA SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY FUNDIN HONOR OFAbbey Bachrach Tova & David Greenbaum, Roxanne Jasper, Martha Nodal

IN MEMORY OFHannelore Sylvia Porjes Marlisse & Gary Bachrach

PRESSMAN ACADEMY ECCIN HONOR OFAnn Istrin’s Birthday Joyce & Donn DelsonThe Stiglitz Family Jane Stiglitz

IN MEMORY OFAdele Samuel Hacker’s brother Leo Niza & Ernie Hacker

JEWISH LEARNING COMMUNITY PILCH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDON THE OCCASION OFPurim Esther Silon

PRESSMAN ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIN HONOR OFEitan & Gabriel Paster Connie & Mark GoldbergDeena Messinger, Max & Isaac Messinger Nancy & Stuart Messinger

YOUTH DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIPSIN HONOR OFEzra Rosenthal’s Bar Mitzvah Nina & Rabbi Yaacov Rone

IN MEMORY OFEstella Martinez Judy Alban

PRAYERBOOK FUNDIN HONOR OFMarvin Greenstein’s 90th Birthday Myrna & Howard SingerMaayan Mazar’s Bat Mitzvah Yael Lerman & Michai Mazar

MARCY COLKER KLEIN/BARRY SHAPIRO MEMORIAL FUNDIN MEMORY OFLouis Vodovoz’s yahrzeit Leona Sperling

DVORAK CHESED MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR OF Rabbi Lucas—Mazal Tov! Bainvoll & Dvorak Families

IN MEMORY OFEvan Schneider on his yahrzeit Natalie Roberts

CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIN HONOR OFThe birth of the Bodenstein’s grandson Frankie Meppen

TORAH CLUB IN HONOR OFEitan Ferd’s Bar Mitzvah Nina Golden & Jason RosenbaumShai Bernat- Kunin‘s Bar Mitzvah Nina Golden & Jason Rosenbaum Torah Club Edward Miles-Arnold

RABBI KLIGFELD’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN HONOR OFBirth of granddaughter Valentina Ezyda Stella EzrosRabbi Kligfeld, in appreciation for the unveiling Sally SharoneTBA’s new interns Steven GanzbergKate Misher’s bat mitzvah Jennifer and Ross MisherCori and Larry Drasin’s daughter’s engagement Natalie RobertsIn thanks to Rabbi Kligfeld Kathy Lebovic

IN MEMORY OFGeorge Ganzberg Steven GanzbergInga Jensen Tove SunshineJulius Barry Michael BarryHelen Frankel Jody GottesmanLeonard Kathy Lebovic

RABBI HOFFMAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN HONOR OFEitan Ferd’s Bar Mitzvah Monica & Gabriel Kramer

RABBI LUCAS’ DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN HONOR OFOur daughter’s baby naming Michele and Sam BahremandMary Ellen Garcia’s birthday Judy KrigerRabbi Lucas Mark and Hilary Wolf

IN MEMORY OFSabina Pelta Esther Pilch

RABBI CHORNY’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN MEMORY OFHelen Frankel Jody Gottesman

DR. ERICA ROTHBLUM’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN MEMORY OFBarbara Silverstone Sari Edber

LIBRARY MINYAN FUNDIN HONOR OFTorah Club Avi & Wanda PerezAbe Berman Darrin LitskyBirthday of Don Beier Don & Manya Beier, Dov & Vered HopenstandSandra Lepson’s hard work Allan & Laraine KokinLay leaders of Library Minyan Dianne ShershowAnniversary of Avi & Wanda Peretz and Wanda’s birthday Avi & Wanda PeretzServices at Library Minyan Nomi Roth ElbertRachel Schlossberg Roizen Rachel Green15th Anniversary of Bob & Diane Roosth Bob & Diane RoosthBirthday of John Antignas John Antignas & Susan LaemmleBirthday of Lori Tessel Ted Cofsky

IN MEMORY OFMother of Tove Sunshine, Inga Jensen John Antignas & Susan Laemmle, Judy & Louis Miller, Ira Moskatel & Barbara SchochetHelen Frankel John Antignas & Susan LaemmleMother of Debbie Rich Debbie RichLeah Gottesman, mother of Jeff Gottesman Jeff & Judy GottesmanEdith Milrad & Helen Klitzky Arlene & Steve Klitzky

Continued on page 11

Temple Beth Am Gratefully Acknowledges Donations through April 2, 2018

11 Kol Ha’am

SISTERHOOD DONATIONSTo place a Sisterhood Tribute, contact Marlene Glaserat (310) 550-1738 or email: hagesq@aol.com

MAZAL TOV!Audrey Cohn Elaine Gross Happy Special Birthday!

SPEEDY RECOVERYTobie Schwimmer Marlene and Harvey Glaser Tami and Marv Greenstein

CONDOLENCESRenne Dvorak Bainvoll Agnes and Semyon Emert Loss of Aunt, Bushka TrachtenbergFryda Dvorak Agnes and Semyon Emert Loss of Sister, Bushka TrachtenbergJeremy Greenstein and Family Marlene and Harvey Glaser Loss of Grandmother, Sandra ShipowPam Greenstein and Family Gabriela and Elie Litov Loss of Mother, Sandra ShipowSandy Spector and Family Leona Sperling Loss of MotherTove Sunshine and Family Agnes and Semyon Emert Loss of Mother, Inga Jensen Janet Metson Urman and Family Agnes and Semyon Emert Loss of Father, Bates F. Metson, MD

TORAH FUND SPECIAL TRIBUTESSandra Braun Rosanne KeynanBushka Trachtenberg Renne Dvorak BainvollSandra Braun and Rosana Chermisqui Dorit CooperHoward Pilch Mallory LeeRose Pilch’s 100th Birthday Arlette LumerRachel Marder Bonnie LeibNorma Arbit Beryl ArbitCindy Levey Richard LeveyTorah Fund Committee Members Helen WachsAgnes Emert Marcia Haber KamineAlexis Molly Silverstein’s Bat Mitzvah Kay SilversteinMaxwell Hillary Salter Janet SalterColette Kassin Segal, Past President Diane Roosth

The Temple Beth Am and Pressman Academy

community has a new and improved TBA/Pressman

Social Action Committee! This committee is a synthesis of

the many groups and projects relating around tikkun olam,

social action, and social justice in the community. Our goals

include coordinating the many ventures to avoid conflict

and facilitate cooperation, and catalyzing increased

participation in our efforts, and communicating to both

membership and the outside community our contributions

to society.

In addition to forming the committee, there is a new

Social Action webpage under the Get Involved menu

line. www.tbala.org/socialaction. Committees include

Jewish World Watch, One LA, the Refugee Taskforce, and

the Pressman Academy Hesed Committee. Annual TBA

volunteer events include the Giving Spirit and Operation

PB&J. TBA-supported volunteer opportunities in the outside

community include Imagine LA and Reading Partners.

We also have a new Social Action Calendar on the

webpage, where you can find upcoming TBA/Pressman

social action events, and a mailing list that you can join to

receive more frequent updates.

Events in February-April included: The Big Fill Donation

Drive for Save the Syrian Children; Operation PB&J during

Purim; a One LA Immigration Conference at Temple

Emanuel; two One LA Housing and Homelessness events

at Temple Beth Am and Temple Isaiah; the Global Freedom

Forum connecting Passover to today’s refugee crisis; the

LA Jews for Refugees Assembly, and the Jewish World

Watch Walk to End Genocide.

In May, the committee will organize a donation drive for

Shavuot, and in June, the Committee will be supporting

Ariella Hirschhorn’s event to raise funds for Save the

Syrian Children.

There are many ways for TBA members to contribute

toward Tikkun Olam – join us!

Todah Rabbah!The success of our Mishloah

Manot program is a result of

our dedicated community. This

year we had many new volunteers,

along with ones who come back

every year, who helped assemble,

pack and deliver 1,000 gifts for

delivery to all our temple families.

This huge undertaking would not

be possible without all of you!

However, we have two volunteers

who have truly helped us Spring into Purim: Angel Schneider,

whose creativity is top notch, with no detail too small; and Pam

Levine, who after so many years, knows the ins and outs of our

city so well our routing gets better each year..

Special thanks also to our webmaster Reyna Zack who

handles so much behind the scenes, and to Ariana Shane, TBA’s

membership coordinator, who has organized and helped plan

this creative endeavor for so many years.

Donations Continued from page 10

Temple Beth Amand Pressman have

a new, unif ied Social Action Committee!

Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, California and additional mailing offices.

Kol Ha’am (USPS 008-599)Temple Beth Am1039 S. La Cienega Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507

TBA Annual MeetingTuesday, May 22, 2018

6:00 p.m. - Pasta Dinner followed by Congregational meeting and elections of Officers and Board members

for the 2018 - 2019 year.

For TBA Members Only! No charge, but PLEASE reserve your place at www.tbala.org/annualmeeting

Slate of Officers & Board of Trustees

Off icersAvi Peretz, President

Stuart Tochner, Executive VPDon Snyder, Budget & Finance VP

Jennifer Elad, Education VPAaron Aftergood, House & Grounds VP

Joel Cooper, Membership VPLarry Braman, Personnel VP

Jacqui Jacobs, Programming VPJosh Kaplan, Resource Development VP

Stuart Weiss, Ritual VPDanielle Mark, YLE VP

Mark Samuel, VP At-LargeBen Reder, Recording Secretary

Board of Trustees

Michael Becker, Melissa Berenbaum, Wendy Binder, Bob Braun, Christy Chaloff, Jo Ann Colker Arison, Elyssa Elbaz, Danit Ferd, Karen Fried, Samantha Garelick, Monica Kramer, Gabriela Litov, Sal Litvak, Jennifer Low, Eric Maman, Aaron Marzwell, Michael Reinis, Jana Richland, Alana Rotter,

Sonia Rubin, Larry Rosenstein, Scott Taryle, Lori Tessel