Fellow Congregants,

As we enter the Spring holiday season, I want to remind you about a few upcoming events.  In addition, to the Purim
Carnival and the Purim Shpeil, we also have Majong and Poker at the Rabbi’s house.  Sisterhood will have their Women’s Seder a couple of weeks before our Community Seder.  And our “Myths About Estate Planning” series,
present free of charge by Martha Stulman, will continue.

Also, please contact our new Board member and Havurah Coordinator, Lori Garden if you’d like to become part of a Havurah.  Our Mitzvah Trustee, Cheryl Cogan, is looking for volunteers to help on the Mitzvah Brigade.  Some of the
areas of focus will be offering rides to services for those
unable to drive, visits to homes and health care facilities for those who are ill or injured, and buying groceries for those that are homebound.

With that, I am going to cut short my article this week and change things up a bit.  Instead of a long article, this month, I want to leave you with some famous quotes by influential Jewish leaders throughout history.  Just to make you think…

"History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely only after they have exhausted all other alternatives."  - Abba Eban

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."  - Albert Einstein

"To be or not to be is not a question of compromise. Either you be or you don't be."  - Golda Meir

“Humor is the weapon of unarmed people: it helps people who are oppressed to smile at the situation that pains them.”  - Simon Wiesenthal

“In Israel, in order to be a realist you must believe in
miracles.”  -David Ben-Gurion

“A wise man's question contains half the answer.”  - Solomon Ibn Gabirol ben

"A righteous man falls down seven times and gets up." – King Solomon

"I don't speak because I have the power to speak; I speak
because I don't have the power to remain silent" – Rabbi A.Y. Kook

"People often avoid making decisions out of fear of making a mistake. Actually the failure to make decisions is one of life's biggest mistakes." – Rabbi Noah Weinberg

“There are two things that are infinite, the universe and man's stupidity..... And I am not sure about the universe.” – Albert
Einstein
 
"If you are not a better person tomorrow than you are today, what need have you for a tomorrow?" – Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

“Wherever you may go, there you are.”  - Eddie Nathan

Happy Purim and I look forward to seeing you one of the many events at TBA this month.  Temple Beth Ami is the place to be!

Eddie Nathan, TBA President

 




 

 

Fellow Congregants,

Following our winter respite, we're all back to the grind of work and school.  Meanwhile, your synagogue is vibrant with activity.  

On Monday, January 26 we had our first in a series of workshops on the Myths of Estate Planning.  Martha Stulman, attorney and sister of our very own John Stulman, is offering this free series to inform and educate.  The series will continue on the last Monday of each month for next few months and it's open to the public.

On Saturday, January 31, Men's Club organized another Family Bowling Night.  Other Men's Club events coming up are Monthly Poker, Feb 22, and the TBA Annual Golf Tourney on March 8.  And don't forget to join your President for Lox and Bagels on Sunday, Feb 22 at 10am.  On the Sisterhood side of things, the annual Women's Retreat is this first weekend of February.  And, of course, planning is well under way for the Purim Carnival. 

Our regular weekly events continue with Tuesday Torah Study, Wednesday Adult Education, and Friday night services with Rabbi Mark and Cantor Kenny.  And I'm sure there will be plenty of discussion about this past week's Torah portion, B'shalach. 

B'shalach is an interesting portion which portrays what I like to refer to as the Yin and Yan of being human.  On the one hand, the Jewish people rejoice their escape from Egypt with Shirat HaYam, the "Song at the Sea".  On the other hand, they grumble about how they will survive in the desert.  G_d, of course provides mannah, but then they complain about the lack of water.  It's this cycle of happiness and gratitude, counterbalanced by ongoing fear and anxiety that, to a large extent, characterizes the 40 years of wandering in the Sinai.

B'shalach reminds me that the TBA community is here to share both the peaks and valleys of life with its members.  On the one hand, we provide a variety of events and activities to peak your interest and enthusiasm, as well as provide for educational and social outlets for all ages.  On the other hand, we're also here to support our community members when they need us.  In that spirit, we've created a new position on the Board called the Mitzvah Trustee, who will work closely with the Rabbi to ensure that we're meeting the needs of congregants who need some extra support.  

With that, please continue to participate, donate, organize, and assist!  We need you!  Shabbat Shalom!

Eddie Nathan

TBA President

 

As we close out 2014 and begin 2015, many of us will be thinking about the past year's events.  We think about our accomplishments, as well as those of our family members and friends.  We think of some special moments that made us particularly happy or proud.  And we think of memorable events which occurred in our community, our nation, and the world.

 

With regard to our nation and around the world, I can remember a few events that will stand out for me as particularly important or historical.  The year started with the Sochi Olympics.  A Malaysia Air plane disappeared with 200 passengers.  A new terror group called ISIS emerged as the threat in the Middle East.  2014 was a particularly difficult year in Israel, with a variety of incidents and military clashes with Hamas, both in Gaza and within its own borders.  An airplane was shot down over Ukraine with 298 passengers on board.  A European spacecraft landed on a comet.  And, most recently, the US has had a breakthrough in relations with Cuba.

On a more personal level, one reason this year was important to me is because it's the year I was selected to be the Temple Beth Ami president.  And, as president, I've seen the dedicated and selfless work of many congregants.  I want to personally thank all those who have committed their time and effort for the benefit of our synagogue community.  All of the TBA Board members, members of the Men's Club and Sisterhood, and the many members who have made generous donations of both money and time throughout the year and/or assisted with any of our TBA events.

I also want to give special recognition to a few of our members who truly go above and beyond.  Rick Kaufman and Jonathan Singerman were recently honored as the Pasha Award winners.  They are non-Board members who have done outstanding service for TBA.  The Stulman family was honored at the Rabbi's Vodka/Latka event as the Volunteer Family of the Year.  And, of course, the Watson's must be recognized for the Matching Donations Campaign.  All of these individuals and families demonstrate the attributes we need every member to aspire to.  They give their wisdom, they give their work, and they give their wealth.  And Temple Beth Ami would have a hard time surviving without them.

Perhaps, you will join me in making a New Year's resolution to be as generous with wisdom, work, and wealth as those mentioned in this article.  And, if you follow through on this resolution, I promise you that 2015 will a wonderful year for you and those around you.  Happy New Year!  



 

With heavy hearts, we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this coming weekend.  While we're thankful for all the freedoms and comforts we're afforded in this great nation, our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel are dealing with the aftermath of the Jerusalem attack.  So, I ask all of my TBA family to remember this and keep our Israeli brethren in your thoughts as you sit around the Thanksgiving table with family and friends.  Be thankful for what we have here in America, but remember the sacrifices that Jews in Israel make every day living in our homeland.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, and actually giving back, I want to share with the TBA community my strong desire to add a very important Board Trustee position to our synagogue's Board.  I believe very strongly that it's our obligation, as a Board, to provide leadership as it relates to Mitzvah.  Therefore, I've recommended a new Board Trustee position called Mitzvah Trustee.  This trustee will be responsible for leading a variety Mitzvah related activities.  Some examples are organizing TBA community initiatives to provide support to members who are sick, organize minions for shivahs, lead our Family Promise commitment, and any other initiatives that we can undertake as a congregation for the benefit of our members or the community.

Please contact me directly ([email protected]) if you're interested in the position or know someone who might be interested.  There no requirements regarding how long you've been a member of TBA.  In fact, we would welcome a new member willing to step up.  Participation on the Board is a wonderful way to give back to your synagogue.  This position, in particular, is much needed and will be truly appreciated by all.  

I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!  And I thank you again for allowing me to be your President!

 

What a wonderful time of year!  Our entire congregation plus many guests spent another year together during Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana at our “home away from home”…The Hyatt.   Under the direction of the Men’s Club, we built our sukkah at TBA and enjoyed a Sukkot service on Shabbat.  We also enjoyed the Rabbi’s sukkah for several social opportunities.  And, finally, we celebrated and danced as we unrolled and re-rolled our Torahs on Simchat Torah.

As we return to the beginning of the Torah, I’m reminded of some very important lessons that we learn in first few chapters of Genesis.  In the Adam and Eve story, we all know that Eve is tempted by the serpent and both Adam and Eve, eventually, eat an apple from the Tree of Life.  And we’re led to believe that G-d becomes angry because of their disobedience.

But I question whether this is the real message of the story.  Think about it.  G-d puts the Tree of Life in the middle of the Garden of Eden and says this is one thing they may not touch or enjoy.  Does G-d really think they will not be tempted to disobey, at some point? 

Later, Adam hides in the bushes and G-d asks, “Where are you?”  Does G-d really not know where Adam is hiding?  Does G-d really not know what Adam has done, when asking, “What have you done?”  Finally, when confronted by G-d, Adam points the finger at Eve saying that it was her fault.  And Eve blames the serpent.

I believe the real reason G-d is angry has nothing to do with disobedience.  It’s about taking responsibility for one’s own actions.  Yes, there are reasons we do certain things.  Yes, we sometimes make bad choices that can be explained by unfortunate circumstances or were motivated by the actions of another.  However, at the end of the day, we do make our own choices and it’s on us to own up and take responsibility for those choices…good or bad.

While you’re pondering the message of my article, please also take a look at the upcoming calendar of events at TBA.  There’s something for everyone!  And I look forward to seeing you at Movie Night, Bowling, softball, the Mystery Dinner, Family Promise, Torah study, or Shabbat services.  Remember that Temple Beth Ami is the place to be!

Shana Tova                   Shabbat Shalom                       Mazel Tov

Eddie Nathan
President

Shana Tova to all!  I wish you all health, happiness, and peace in the coming year!  Thanks to all who have helped to make the High Holidays a great success at TBA.  It really does take a village to make it all happen and I truly appreciate the efforts of those who take time away from their families to pitch in.

I want to take this opportunity to make an appeal to all of our members.  As I discussed in my Rosh Hashanah speech, Temple Beth Ami is healthy and moving in the right direction.  We are financially stable and membership is growing.  

However, it is extremely important for all to understand that we simply cannot afford to be complacent.  Membership dues do not come close to covering all of our expenses throughout the year.  So, we depend on the generosity of our members and visitors during the High Holidays and throughout the year to make up the difference between what we generate in dues and what we need to cover all expenses. 

Also, keep in mind that we are a small congregation with a small core group of volunteers.  With the programs and special events that we offer at TBA, there is an awful lot of work that must be done by volunteers to make it all happen.  The President cannot do it alone.  The Board cannot get it all done either.  We depend on every member to do their part and contribute in some way.

I am appealing to every member to contribute to the success of our synagogue community.  We need your wisdom.  We need your work.  And we need your wealth.  I can promise that whatever you give, the return will be much greater!

Thank you again for allowing me to be your President, and thank you for your continued commitment to making Temple Beth Ami the place to be!

SHANA TOVA!
Eddie Nathan
TBA President

 

Children have returned to school.  Parents have returned to a more regular schedule.  Summer vacations have concluded and now the Jewish holiday season is upon us.  It’s a time for reflection…a time to think about the past year and consider the coming year. 

This year it’s impossible to reflect on our own lives without considering what our brothers and sisters are enduring in the land of Israel.  As Hamas rains bombs on the people of Israel, killing children without remorse, we have the blessing of living in peace.   At the same time, the world continues to pressure the State of Israel to show restraint, while those who threaten them ignore all codes of civility, we have the blessing of living half a world away from the chaos. 

As a Jewish community, it’s important that we show support to our friends and family in our homeland during these trying times.  We can do this in a number of ways.  We can send money to support the war efforts.  We can attend meetings and gatherings to visibly show support.  We can send emails and letters to those we know, or don’t know, to remind them that we’re thinking of them and will continue to support them.  Most importantly, the Torah tells us to be better Jews and better people.  This is the strongest way to support our brethren in the land of Israel.

On a lighter note . . . have you noticed some improvements at the synagogue?  A new floor in the Oneg Room!  A new door exiting the sanctuary and new light bulbs in the sanctuary.  A new driveway by the entry gate.  I must send a huge THANK YOU to Rosemary Watson and Bill Schwartz for all of those amazing improvements!  Please be sure to let them know how much we appreciate their contributions.

I also want to recognize Francine Van Scoyoc for putting together a wonderful Open House.  We had many new faces come to visit and we added several new members to the TBA family.  Way to go, Francine!

Without the commitment and contributions of our many volunteers, TBA would not be the extraordinary community that it is.  Please help us continue to make TEMPLE BETH AMI THE PLACE TO BE!  Email me anytime and let me know how you can contribute.

[email protected]

Eddie Nathan

This is my first article as your new President.  I’m extremely humbled that this congregation and its Board has given me the opportunity to contribute in this way.  I’m looking forward to an enjoyable and productive year. 

The previous synagogue boards have effectively put our synagogue on the right path, both as a community center and as a fiscally sound organization.  I intend to work with our new Board to continue down that path.  Last month, the Rabbi talked about synagogue growth by both reaching out and reaching in.  This will be the focus of the 2014/15 TBA Board of Trustees.

We intend to reach out to the community on several levels, to share our traditions and beliefs, to help those in need, to partner and share with other faith based organizations, to connect with our vibrant local community, to provide information and education, and to share our amazing TBA community with other local Jewish people looking for a religious/spiritual, social, and educational home.

We also intend to reach in by providing more opportunities for participation in both religious and social events.  One of the reasons I have come to love TBA and taken such an active role is because of the warm and generous people that define the TBA community.  In order to continue to build and further strengthen this sense of community, we’ll come up with fun and exciting ideas that will attract more participation in our religious events, continue to improve our already successful social events, adapt as necessary to build on strong educational programs, and generate some new ideas that will connect in some way with more of our members.

To make anything happen at an organization like ours, we certainly need a strong and effective Board.  However, the Board cannot do it alone.  We need literally every member of TBA to contribute in some way.  As our immediate past president was fond of saying, “We all can contribute in one way or another.  Give us your work, give us your wisdom, or give us your wealth.”  The bottom line is we need each other to continue to make TBA great.  And the more you give to the organization, the more you’ll get out of it!

So, what I’m asking each and every member to do is this…do one more thing this year for our synagogue that you didn’t do last year.  I can promise you that if every TBA member commits to doing this, our congregation will show the kind of growth we can all be proud of.

I hope you’re all enjoying your Summer and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Eddie Nathan 
President

This is my last article as President and the first item on my article agenda is to thank the current board of trustees for their time and efforts during this last year. No one more than the President understands the time you have voluntarily donated to make Temple Beth Ami a better organization. On behalf of the entire congregation I wish to say thank you. We all appreciate your sacrifice.

I have been on the Board of Trustees since 2007. I am proud to say that many changes have been implemented in order to navigate some very turbulent waters during the last seven (7) years and we have all adapted quite well. All us that volunteered and served during this time stepped up to the plate and for the most part led by example. The board, as you may or may not know, is comprised of many different people who bring a varied skill set and personality traits to the table. More times than not we would disagree on many items, but in the end we all had one goal and only one mission in mind.

As 2013-2014 winds down, I am reminded of all that has gone on during the past year. A peaceful transition of leadership, Beach Havdalah, new member open houses, new staff additions with specific protocols, High Holidays, golf tournament, holiday services, Shabbat in the Park, Rabbi’s holiday readings at book stores, Tot Shabbats, Shabbat services every Friday night, Purim Carnival, 16 B’nai Mitzvahs, poker tournament, support of various programs such as Family Promise, SCV Food Pantry and a mud run to flood victims of the Philippines, monthly Eat for TBA’s, various Sisterhood and Men’s Club events, a large Passover Community Seder, Women’s Torah Study, Havurah  Social, successful start for a Teen Havurah program, and the continuation of a top notch religious school program.

So many things were accomplished and so many programs implemented. All this from such a small

congregation.  For all those that participated, assisted, volunteered and made this past year what it was, I thank you.

The next board is being handed a fiscally sound organization whose house is in relatively good order even though there is always room for improvement. The yield of the last seven years efforts is an organization that is stable, growing and thriving while others are not. More changes are still needed and are in store for sure, but we can all rest a little easier that we have weathered a fierce storm and survived it.

Now, it is time for me to step aside and hand the torch to next President. It’s been my pleasure and an honor to have served on the board over the years with some really stand up people and I wish nothing but fair winds and following seas for the incoming board of trustees.

Oh yes, the goal; the mission; I mentioned above, well, as you might have guessed, it was and shall remain, to always make sure the lights that are on the distance be those of Temple Beth Ami…

L’ Shalom,

John Stulman

President

Temple Beth Ami’s annual congregational meeting has been changed and is now Tuesday May 27th at 7 p.m.  Please mark your calendar, schedule the event in your smartphone or other device and attend this meeting.  I am of the opinion that if we don’t vote in elections and we don’t make time to attend important meetings then we have no standing to argue about the decisions that are made by our elected representatives.  After all, as I have said many times before, this is our shul and our community.  We need to make an effort to stay active and involved in it, or don’t be surprised if the lights are not on one day….

With that said, we are two months from ending the 2013-2014 fiscal year and we are closing out the year in a very positive way.  We have our annual poker tournament that Chaz Peretz and Mike Schoenwetter are promoting on May 3rd (it's not too late to sign up) and our Men’s Club led by Rich Tabach is promoting a “Comedy Night” on May 24th.  Rena Slabich, our Havarah coordinator is having another  Havurah Havdalah at her house on May 10th at 6 p.m. or all those persons looking to join a Havurah.  For more information please contact Cathy Syzfer, our synagogue administrator.  Additionally, our Sisterhood, led by Jennifer Ihrig along with its strong supporting members have stuff always going on and to see what they have scheduled please see http://www.templebethami.org/sisterhood-updates.html. 

As I was writing this article and reviewing the TBA website,  I was reminded that we all owe a big thank you to Greg Gelberg.  Greg, for as long as I can remember, has worked endless hours supporting our requirements as the TBA webmaster and he had done an outstanding job.  We all appreciate you Greg.

Wrapping up this article I want to remind you to vote for your next board of trustees, approve the budget for 2014-2015, attend the annual meeting and the board meetings and stay involved.  For a small congregation we sure have a lot going on.  There is something for everyone and if there is not, then step up and champion your idea.  More than likely there are other members that have the same interests as you.  The more we have going on means the more congregants that be involved and the net result will yield a stronger and more vibrant Temple Beth Ami community.

L’Shalom,

John Stulman

Temple Beth Ami

President