February 2012 - Beth El Synagogue

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
S H O F A R
FEBRUARY 2012 • Shevat/Adar 5772
WE SHALL GO FORWARD WITH OUR YOUNG AND WITH OUR OLD
In this Issue:
The Marriage
Amendment Act . . . . . . . .pg 2
Adult Learning
Opportunities . . . . . . . . .pg 3
How Beth El Helped
Change the World . . . . .pg 4
Beth El Synagogue’s
“Inspiring Minds” Series
proudly presents
USY News . . . . . . . . . . .pg 6
Register for
Gloria Steinem . . . . . . .pg 9
Women’s League . . . . . .pg 9
Mishloah Manot
Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg 10
Bethelders head to
Diamond Joe’s . . . . . . . .pg 14
April 17, 2012 7:15 p.m.
Beth El Synagogue
For more information or to order tickets TODAY, go to
www.bethelsynagogue.org/gloria or see page 9.
Partnership opportunities are available.
Tickets are $20 in advance
($25 at the door)
Doors Open at 7:30 p.m.
Order online at
www.besyn.org/coffeehouse

notable times
Candle Lighting ,urb ,eksv
February 3 . . . . . . . . .5:05 p.m.
February 10 . . . . . . . .5:15 p.m.
February 17 . . . . . . . .5:25 p.m.
February 24 . . . . . . . .5:35 p.m.
Havdalah vkscv
February 4 . . . . . . . . .6:07 p.m.
February 11 . . . . . . . .6:17 p.m.
February 18 . . . . . . . .6:27 p.m.
February 25 . . . . . . . .6:37 p.m.
Services ,ukhp,
Friday Evening ,ca crg
Kabbalat Shabbat . . . .5:45 p.m.
Shabbat ,ca
Shaharit . . . . . . . . . . . . .9:00 a.m.
Minha . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4:30 p.m.
Sunday & National Holiday
Minyan
9:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Daily Minyan ihbn
7:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Beth El Choir
leads Friday night
services at Knollwood on:
Feb 10, Mar 9,
Apr 20 and May 11
Located on the Sholom Home West Campus
Family and friends of Knollwood
residents are encouraged
to attend.
general
information
Beth El Synagogue
5224 W. 26th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55416-1901
952-873-7300
FAX: 952-873-7301
www.bethelsynagogue.org
Office Hours
Mon-Thurs....9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Fridays..........9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Sundays........9:00 a.m.-Noon
Aleph Preschool:
952-873-7320
Youth Dept:
952-873-7330
2 a
a view from the bimah
The Marriage Amendment Act
by Rabbi Alexander Davis
In the Torah’s description
of creation, over
and over we are told
that God’s creation is
good. On the first day, God separated
light and darkness and called the light
“good.” With the formation of plants and
animals and humans, God looked out over
all that was created and declared it
“good.” For all the goodness, there was
one thing that was “not good”- human
loneliness. God said, “it is not good for a
person to be alone; I will make a helpmate
for him.” Companionship is a basic
human desire. The Torah is not talking
about just any friendship. It is speaking
of a relationship so intimate that your
companion feels like your other half (or in
my case, my “better half”). That is why
the passage continues by describing the
companion fashioned for Adam as formed
from his ribs. Eve literally completed
Adam.
The desire for companionship is shared
by all people regardless of their sexual
orientation. If we look closely, we’ll
notice that the Torah does not say, “it is
not good for Adam to be alone” but rather
“for a human being (adam, in Hebrew)”
to be alone. Only after this recognition
was the as-of-yet-gendered human separated
into male and female.
This essential truth was the underlying
value (though not the halakhic or legal
justification) of the Conservative movement’s
decision to normalize the status of
gay and lesbian Jews in the Jewish community.
A 2006 decision of the
Committee of Jewish Law and Standards
states, “we consider stable, committed,
Jewish relationships to be as necessary
and beneficial for homosexuals and their
families as they are for heterosexuals.”
This value also guides my thinking on a
question before our State known as the
Marriage Amendment Act.
dniadn
The Marriage Amendment Act seeks a constitutional
amendment to define marriage as the
union of a man and a woman. I oppose such
an amendment for I believe that as Jews we
are called upon to affirm the dignity and
oppose the discrimination of all people--
including gays and lesbians.
Besides being unnecessary and redundant (the
legislature has already passed laws defining
marriage), besides sending the wrong message
about Minnesota as a welcoming State
for all people, besides the dangerous increase
in anti-gay violence sparked by the rhetoric of
some marriage amendment proponents,
besides all of those things and more, from a
Jewish perspective, the Marriage Amendment
Act strikes at the very heart of k’vod habriot
(human dignity). In the words of the Law
Committee’s teshuvah, for gays and lesbians,
“it is impossible to ensure an internal state of
dignity as long as their social status is one of
utter humiliation. They have, in effect, been
told to walk alone, while the great majority of
people are expected to walk in pairs and as
families. In such a context, where is the dignity
of homosexuals? How can we hide from
their humiliation?”
I believe that those who favor the amendment
are thinking, caring and ethical people. I also
understand the discomfort and concerns they
feel. And yet, given our people’s history, it is
hard for me to believe that proponents want to
see gays and lesbians become second class
citizens. But that is exactly what this bill
would do. It would put our children, our
neighbors, our classmates, our co-workers on
the back of the marriage bus. For this reason,
the Minnesota Rabbinical Assembly, the
organization representing the majority of
Minnesota rabbis, has passed a resolution
opposing the marriage amendment act.
Rabbis Abelson and Olitzky and I endorsed
this resolution which follows a similar resolution
passed by the JCRC.
Continued on Page 10

synagogue news
Purim Purim Purim!
Purim Carnival
Don’t miss loads of fun for the whole family!
Enjoy games, drawings, food, friends,
and so much more! 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Free and open to everyone!
Brought to you by the Beth El USY
Hamantashen Time!
Come help "Make and Bake" Hamantashen
every Sunday morning in the months of
January and February from 9:15-Noon
in the Beth El Kitchen. EVERYONE IS
WELCOME! We put the "fun" fundraiser!
Any questions contact Linda Tell at
952-938-7177 or
LRNTELL@gmail.com.
Purim
Extravaganza
March 7, 2012 • 13 Adar 5772
Begins with 5:45 p.m. Minha/Ma’ariv,
followed by 6:45 p.m. Havdallah & Megillah
Reading and Extravaganza at 8:00 p.m.
Join us again Thursday monring, March 8th
for our annual “Pretty Good Jokes”
Megillah Reading.
And for the
Young Jewish Adults ages 21-36
Cirque du Purim!
March 8th, 2012 @ 8:00 p.m.
Location TBD For more info, contact
Shana Cohen at 952-417-2351,
scohen@mplsfed.org or
Sarah Gruber at 612-578-1404,
sarahg987@hotmail.com
Farewell to Jessica Zehavi
It is with a mixture of emotions that we said ‘goodbye’ last
month to Jessica Zehavi. Jessica returned to her love of
programming and design for a local firm that develops and
maintains websites. For the last 5 Years, Jessica has been
Beth El’s Technology Director. Under her direction, we
upgraded and serviced our file server and computers,
installed new phone, fire protection and security systems
and of course, designed and managed our website. For Jessica, Beth El was
more than a job, it was a home. For us, Beth El was fortunate to have such a
highly skilled IT professional as part of our staff. We will miss her but wish
her only the best of luck in her new position. We are currently finalizing plans
for a new IT staff consultant who will ensure that Beth El’s technology needs
are met into the future.
Beth El Military Support Initiative
Over 3,000 MN National Guard soldiers and airmen are currently deployed
overseas. If you are interested in supporting the MN National Guard and their
families, a committee is being formed to explore a new Beth El Military Support
Initiative. Contact Cindy Amberger at cindy.amberger@gmail.com or 952-200-
1699 or Rachel Parnes at rachelparnes@comcast.net or 763-519-1370.
Mah Jongg
Learn or play Mah Jongg from and with the best, every 1st and 3rd Sunday of
the month. Join us next Sunday, January 22 at 12:00 p.m. at Beth El. Cost is
just $5 and includes lunch. For more information, contact Freada at 952-922-
6667 or Marcy at 763-559-4593.
Beth El Adult Learning Opportunities
• Pizza and Prayer Next studies: February 14th and 28th
Meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 6:15-7:30 p.m.
Facilitated by Rabbi Olitzky and Cantor Abrams. Dinner is $5. For
more information, contact Bruce Campbell at 612-418-1984 or
bmcampbell5150@gmail.com.
• Women’s League Study Group Next study: February 14th
Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Facilitated
by Rabbi Olitzky. Take an in-depth look at the Wives of the Rabbis of
the Talmud. All are welcome. Contact Carolyn Gerr at 952-938-1774
or carolyngerr@gmail.com for details.
• Nosh ‘n Drash Next studies: February 6th and 20th
Meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 11:30 a.m.-12:30.
Facilitated by Rabbi Olitzky. Lunch is $5. RSVP to Roger Rubin at
bikingdad@q.com. In the spirit of Jewish Disability Awareness Month,
Rabbi Olitzky’s February 6th Nosh and Drash will focus on Parashat
Yitro: God Gives Us the Strength to Be Able
• Siddur Hebrew Literacy
A new 10-week class with Cantor Art Shragg, is currently meeting on
Sunday mornings, from 10:15 - 11:15 a.m. (after minyan and minyan
breakfast). Examine the structure of the liturgy, both daily and Shabbat,
as well as build basic siddur hebrew vocabulary. For more information,
please contact Carol Weingart at 952-873-7313.
b 3

a message from our president `iypdn
How Beth El Synagogue Helped Change the World
by Gil Mann, Beth El President
“OMG! (Oh My God!)” I sat up in bed
and could barely believe my eyes. I was
reading the paper before going to sleep.
My clock read 2:00 a.m., (I stay up kinda
late.)
The headline from the Washington Post
said that the NIH (the National Institute of Health) was banning
almost all research involving Chimpanzees! I was pretty sure
Beth El was connected to this story.
Reading on, sure enough, just as I suspected, I found the name
Dr. Jeff Kahn, chair of the NIH funded study committee. I was so
excited and had no one to tell -- everyone I knew was asleep!
Jeff, his wife Orlee and their boys Ben and Danny have been
members of Beth El for about 15 years. Last summer, Jeff was
selected for a dream appointment, an endowed professorship at
the Berman Bioethics Institute at Johns Hopkins University.
And so, his family left Minneapolis and Beth El with sadness, but
also with excitement for his esteemed new position. Shortly
before leaving, Jeff told me he had been asked to chair this NIH
study committee on chimpanzee research.
He told me that he had seen Dr. Jane Goodall’s speech, “A
Reason For Hope,” at Beth El two years ago in our first Inspiring
Minds Lecture Series. He was so taken by her presentation that
he felt her appearing at a public forum for his committee in
Washington DC, would be invaluable. He had only a matter of
weeks before the forum.
As a result of her appearance at Beth El, he was able to speak
with Jane and arrange for her to present in DC via satellite videoconference
from England.
After reading the news in the paper, I was eager to speak with Jeff
and Jane to learn more details and I called them both. Jeff
explained to me that Congress had mandated a study on chimpanzee
research to “assess the scientific necessity of using
chimps in biomedical and behavioral research.” The committee
was formed by the prestigious Institute of Medicine (IOM) and
charged to make policy recommendations to the NIH.
The committee was made up of 15 people. Fourteen of these individuals
had backgrounds in science and medicine. Jeff was an
exception, as his expertise is bioethics. The committee felt that
there was an obvious ethical dimension to the question they were
investigating, even though an analysis of ethics was not part of
their charge from NIH. They felt so strongly about this, that they
chose Jeff to chair the committee.
The committee considered many bodies of data. One
was Jane Goodall’s world famous research of chimpanzees
in the wild. Jeff told me that when he heard
Jane’s presentation at Beth El, her mere presence was
almost akin to an aura. “She exuded a presence of
stature and credibility.” So much so, that he wanted his
committee to see and hear her.
He added that when she spoke at Beth El, he was
impressed by the size of the audience (over 1500 people)
and the respect and complete silence she commanded
as she spoke.
He experienced the same reaction to Jane when she
spoke before his committee on a large screen in a
forum open to the public. Jeff described her as bringing
a unique gravitas. He felt the committee was impressed
by her perspective and years of experience and
research in the field.
After considering data from many additional sources,
the committee concluded, “most current uses of chimpanzees
for biomedical research are unnecessary.”
They recognized the importance of saving human life
and did not rule out future research using chimpanzees,
but found, that there are just a few justifiable reasons to
use chimps for medical research today. He pointed out
that the European Union adopted a similar position
some years ago.
Jeff explained to me that today, and certainly into the
future, there are numerous effective ways to conduct
research that will protect and prolong human health
without the need to use chimpanzees. Policy recommendations
were established to guide any future
research using chimps that can be read on pages 6 & 7
at www.tinyurl.com/6phan43
He was most proud to say that the NIH Director accepted
and adopted the committee’s recommendations
almost immediately – a rare impact of such work.
I asked him what guided his personal thinking on this
question. He said that his philosophical training,
together with his Jewish values led to his acceptance of
the ethic, that humans have dominion over animals --
that the use of animals by humans is acceptable and
appropriate.
Continued on the next page
4 c

`iypdna message from our president
You are invited to
hear and see the
captivating video recording of
DR. JANE GOODALL’S
Inspiring Minds Lecture
“A REASON FOR HOPE”
First presented at Beth El in April 2009
Sunday February 26, 2012
10:30 a.m.
Beth El Synagogue
Photograph by Heather Damaske
Continued from previous page
However, he feels conflicted. That use must be “judicious
and humane,” he said. This is not black and white. For
example, for some time he told me, he has been troubled
by the relationship of humans to animals when he considers
eating. His reflections on the laws of kashrut and his
discomfort with the notion of mammals eating mammals,
lead him to believe that from a moral perspective, ideally
we should be vegetarians – though he is not.
He is further conflicted by the notion that animals attain a
higher moral status as their development brings them closer
to resembling humans. He told me for example, that
chimps looking into a mirror have the ability to recognize
themselves. Mice, dogs and most other animals do not seem
to have this human like capacity for self-reflection.
Jane Goodall has written about this capacity in great detail
and so I especially wanted to hear her thoughts about the
work of Jeff’s committee. She was most pleased that these
eminent scientists recognized the ethical concerns involved.
She believes that their recommendations were a big step in
the right direction. She hopes this will eventually lead to the
end of all invasive research using chimpanzees.
When I asked her what her reaction was to the ripple effect
of her speaking at Beth El, she told me that, “just like a rain
forest, there is an interconnection of all life. Wherever you
go, you can make significant connections. You just never
know what will be worthwhile unless you talk to people.”
Talking and listening. Teaching and learning. This is what
Judaism has been about from day one. At the core of Jewish
study has been the endless quest to answer the question:
“What is ethical behavior?”
I believe in this case, both Judaism and Beth El have contributed
ever so modestly toward making our world a bit
more of an ethical place. As I reflect on this, I am proud to
be Jewish and also proud to be able to say: I am a member
of Beth El Synagogue in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Please join us for our next installment of the Beth El
Inspiring Minds Speaker Series with Gloria Steinem
presenting “Feminism: The Longest Revolution,” on
April 17th at Beth El Synagogue. See page 9 for more
information or visit www.besyn.org/gloria.
d 5

education and youth xrepe jepig
From Bonding to Tzedakah, We Have It All
Mollie Feldman, Youth Director
The Youth Department kicked off the new year with
several successful events in January, including
Harry Potter Night, Winter Beach Party, and volunteering
opportunities at the Sholom Home.
February is full of events that offer a great chance
to continue (or begin!) your involvement with the Youth Department!
Keep these events on your calendar:
• FEB 3-5: USY Winter Shabbaton – Many of our USYers head
to Kansas City, MO for a regional convention with the other
chapters in EMTZA!
• FEB 7: Ladies Night Out (LNO), 6:30-8pm – Ever feel tired?
Stressed? Down? Come to the first ever BERUSY Ladies Night
for a break! LNO will repeat at other times during the year, so
don’t miss the first meeting. Grab your friends or come solo to
enjoy chocolate, relaxation time, and a chance to talk about girl
life and bond with the other ladies in our chapter.
• FEB 12: ‘You’re a Star’ Photo Shoot, 1:30-3:00pm – Pick
costumes, accessories, and wild outfits for yourself (or others!)
to wear in a professional photo shoot. This event is for Kadimah
and B’resheet (5-8th grade).
• FEB 12: USY goes to Dave & Busters, 4-7pm – USY heads to
the Dave & Buster’s in Maple Grove! This event will be more
than just the usual game playing though – don’t miss a specially
designed scavenger hunt throughout the arcade! Buses will
depart from Beth El at 4pm and return at 7pm. Cost is $25 per
person. This event is for 9-12th graders and is being chaired by
USYer Ari Pepper.
• FEB 25: SATO Battle of the Bands, 7-9:30pm – Good music
for a good cause! Come to this tzedakah concert with local bands,
your friends, and even your own opportunity to make some noise!
This event is open to 7-12th graders and is chaired by USYer
Caleb Hausman.
Looking Ahead...
• MAR 4: Save the date for the Purim Carnival!
• MAR 17: USY ‘Jack-pot Bingo.’ This event will be chaired by
USYer Sophia Temkin.
• MAR 18: Have fun with your friends and fulfill the requirements
of the TaRBuT Mitzvot Curriculum by sorting and shelving food at
STEP. This event is for 5-8th graders.
• MAR 23-25: Save the date for Kadimah Kinnus in Excelsior
Springs, MO. Don’t miss this opportunity for Kadimaniks to
experience a regional convention and transition into USY!
Check online at WWW.BESYN.ORG/BERUSY
for additional events and details!
Want information about volunteering with the
Youth Department? Contact Mollie Feldman:
mollie@bethelusy.org, (952)873-7330.
A Message from
the Director
Karen Burton,
Aleph Preschool Director
The Aleph Preschoolers have
been enjoying the unusually
warm winter weather, having fun outside while not
having to wear all their snow clothing.
The classrooms are busy as we continue to promote
learning and creativity through exploration, active
involvement and play.
This month we will enjoy our Musical Havdalah
and music classes with Laurie Herstig. along with
Hebrew classes with Dori Weinstein and weekly
hallah baking. The children look forward to taking
the hot hallahs home to share with their families for
Shabbat.
Open House It’s not too early to plan for next year.
Please join us on February 3, for our Musical
Shabbat and Aleph Preschool Open House, 9:30
a.m. in the Fiterman Chapel. Then you can visit and
observe our classrooms in action, tour our new
facility, meet our wonderful teachers and enjoy
treats from Caribou and Breadsmith. New families
that register on the day will receive a $50.00
Byerly’s gift card.
Pump It Up Do you have Cabin Fever? We’ve got
the cure! Young families come out and play at
Pump It Up, the Inflatable Party Zone on Sunday
February 12, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Cost is just $7.00
per child and parents can kibbitz for free. RSVP by
calling: 952-873-7320. We look forward to seeing
you there.
Fall Registration Registrations are open for the
new 2012/2013 school year. If you or anyone you
know may be interested, please call the Aleph
Preschool office at 952-873-7320.
Important 2012 TaRBuT Dates
February 18
NO Session-PRESIDENT’S DAY
March 31
Grandparents & Special People Day
April 14 & 24
NO Session-PASSOVER
May 12
Session #29 - Shabbat Hinukh
6 e

miigd xefgn life cycles
Anniversaries
Mazal Tov!
Harold & Ruth Atkin
February 9 . . . . . . . 65th
Dr. Mark Satz & Dr. Gail Bender-Satz
February 10 . . . . . .10th
Simon & Leah Temkin
February 11 . . . . . .20th
Ira & Malka Mandelbaum
February 12 . . . . . .40th
Richard & Helen Averbach
February 27 . . . . . .35th
Condolences to (members in bold)...
• Marc Meirovitz and family on the loss
of his mother, Sara Meirovitz.
• Fred Segal and family on the loss of his
mother, Helen Segal.
• Daniel, Joseph and Joshua Stern and
family on the loss of their mother, Linda
Stern.
• Sheryl Schochet and family on the loss
of her mother, Millie Orman.
• Alla Bunin and family on the loss of her
husband, Kiva Bunin.
Do you have a special
“Mazal Tov”?
A birth? An upcoming marriage?
A special award? We would love to
share this news with our Beth El
Family. If you would like this
published in the Shofar, please
contact Danelle Cunningham at
952-873-7307 or email
shofar@bethelsynagogue.org.
Attention Snowbirds
If you If you were unable to
attend the Beth El Sings CD
Release party and would like a
copy of the newly released CD,
please call Carol Weingart at
952-873-7313, or email cweingart@bethelsynagogue.org.
We'd be happy to mail you one so
you can enjoy listening and be
with us from afar.
Celebrating Bnai Mitzvah...
February 11 2012 • 18 Shevat 5772 • Yitro
SASHA LIAN HAUSMAN
irvt ktuna ,c vbha
Daughter of Christine & Seth Hausman
Honoring Sasha on her bat mitzvah, her grandparents, Adrienne & Allan Hausman
will be sponsoring the Kiddush and congregational Shabbat lunch.
Mitzvah Program: I enjoy helping others, especially participating inorganizations that help children. I have spent
several years volunteering with the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Stuff for Kids program, donating
and delivering snacks to Minneapolis' public school students. Last winter, I helped organize a mother-daughter
yoga event for Stuff for Kids, which raised money to purchase mats for the city's homeless kids. The mats provide
a soft place for these children to take a nap during the school day. Last summer, I hosted an afternoon with
my friends, purchasing and donating clothing, diapers, formula and toys for preschoolers staying at The Greater
Minneapolis Crisis Nursery. I plan to continue working with charities that assist children in need.
February 18, 2012 • 25 Shevat 5772 • Shabbat Shekalim • Mishpatim
LILY ALEXANDRA KIVENS
kjru ;xuh ,c vhkg lkhk
Daughter of Kim & Joe Kivens
Honoring Lily on her bat mitzvah, her parents will be sponsoring the Kiddush and
congregational Shabbat lunch.
Mitzvah Program: I observe mitzvot everyday by keeping kosher and throughout the year by packaging food for
the holidays, delivering Meals On Wheels and Highway Clean Up, along with my parents. In becoming a bat mitzvah
I wanted to do something more personal. I’ve been swimming for as long as I can remember, I am the happiest
in the water and I wanted to share that happiness. I collected swim gear and I’m donating it to my swim club
that holds yearly events with USA Swimming Make a Splash Foundation – a charity that gives underprivileged children
swim gear and lessons. Everyone should know how to swim.
February 25, 2012 • 2 Adar 5772 • T’rumah
MIRA DANIELLE WOLFE
vchr tsbgvu sus ,c hsus vrhvn
Daughter of Lisa and David Wolfe
Honoring Mira on her bat mitzvah, her parents will be sponsoring the Kiddush and
congregational Shabbat lunch.
Mitzvah Program: I have participated in many mitzvot. When I first visited the Sholom Home I wasn’t sure how
I was going to interact with the residents, but once I got there that fear went away. I loved making the resident’s
day brighter by visiting. It was fun helping them remember things from their past, or learning something new, like
playing bingo or “Jewpardy.” I plan to donate part of my bat mitzvah money to the Herzl Camp Scholarship Fund.
Herzl Camp is a big part of my life, and I couldn’t imagine not spending my summer there. Contributing will help
give kids who may not be able to afford camp an opportunity to attend.
March 3, 2012 • 9 Adar 5772 • Shabbat Zakhor • Tetzaveh
ADAM JOSHUA FITERMAN
vhbnu kthjh ic rutk ohhj
Son of Amy & Jack Fiterman
Honoring Adam on his bar mitzvah, his grandparents, Linda & Mike Fiterman will
be sponsoring the Kiddush and the congregational Shabbat lunch.
Mitzvah Program: Performing mitzvot, and giving tzedakah has always been a very important part of my upbringing.
There are two kinds of mitzvot, one between you and G-d, and the other between you and another human
being. My personal favorite mitzvah is keeping Shabbat. The other favorite mitzvah is sharing my time and love
for people in need, for example, PACT in Israel, the Orphanage Pizza Party, Feed My Starving Children, JFCS,
and supporting Jewish kids education. I promise to carry out these traditions of performing and giving from generation
to generation, L’dor v’ dor.
f 7

committees & affiliates
Learn more about Gemilat Hesed at
www.beysyn.org/acts-of-kindness
Pack Food for Feed My
Starving Children
Do you have a couple hours to
help with a critical need?
Please volunteer to pack meal
packets at Feed My Starving
Children in Chanhassen!
Packing will be done every
other month and all are welcome
to help (young children
recommended to be at least in
3rd grade and accompanied by
an adult). Food is then delivered to countries in need worldwide. For
more information or to volunteer, please contact Norma Kaplan at
skaplan6@comcast.net or 612-584-3099. The next opportunity to
pack food will be Tuesday, March 20, 6:00-7:30 pm., in Chanhassen.
Small Consumer Electronics Recycling Fundraiser
Donate your used hand-held electronics by bringing them to the Beth
El office during regular business hours. Your items are tax deductible
and will be recycled in accordance with EPA regulations or refurbished
by nonprofit Recycling Fundraiser (formerly EcoPhones). All proceeds
go directly to Beth El programs. The acceptable items are: cellular
phones, inkjet printer cartridges, laptop/notebook computers,
MP3 players, digital cameras, digital picture frames, and portable navigation
and GPS devices. For more information, contact Committee
Chair Mike Frisch at 952-933-3169.
Hey Bethelders!
Get ready for a
fabulous trip to
Las Vegas, Nevada!
Fly Delta Airlines to Las Vegas
and stay at the Imperial Palace
from February 27 to March 2.
A special discounted price is
limited to the first 25 to reserve
their spaces! Call Terry for
details at 952-224-7250.
Do you need
a hand?
We’re here!
Call our hotline at
952-873-7300 x 7350
Can you lend a hand?
We need you!
Contact Jo Ann Gruesner at
jgruesner@gmail.com
or call 952-873-7300 x 7350
SHABBAT TRANSPORTATION
SERVICE
Volunteers are needed to provide transportation
to Beth El from Knollwood Place.
If you are able to drive two Knollwood residents
to Shabbat Services once or twice a
month, please contact Margie Goldfine at
smmaahome@aol.com.
KNEAD A HAND!
We need volunteers to pick up and deliver daily
leftover baked goods from Seven Stars Coffee
Shop to local food shelves such as PRISM, located
in Golden Valley, Sabathani Community Center
in Minneapolis and The Greater Minneapolis
Crisis Nursery. If you would like to volunteer for
this mitzvah, even one day a month, contact
Jo Ann Gruesner at jgruesner@gmail.com.
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committees & affiliates
Women’s League News
Submitted by Karen Rubin, President
Women’s League has so much going on that I
don’t know where to start. On February 12th
from 1:00-4:00 p.m., we will be having a training
session with Linda Levine from Women’s League for
Conservative Judaism. This program is open to all Women’s
League members. I hope you will take advantage of this
opportunity.
Women’s League has started a study group. Rabbi Olitzky’s
discussions on the Wives of the Rabbis of the Talmud should
not be missed. Make sure to save the following dates: Feb. 14,
March13, April 10, May 8, June 12. We will be meeting from
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Phyllis Harris and Debbie Deutsch are hard at work planning
our first Vashti’s banquet. It is not too late to get in on the
planning fun. We would love your ideas and assistance.
Please plan to join us on Friday, March 23rd and Saturday
March 24th for Women’s League Shabbat. We will be having
a Friday night dinner, and everyone is welcome to join us. On
Saturday Judy Goldstein, Regional President for Women’s
League will be our guest speaker. Look for more information
in the March Shofar.
Hamentashen Soon to Be On
Its Way To Our Young Adults
Lihyot B’Kesher, the committee dedicated
to staying in touch with our college students and
young adults, will soon be making and mailing hamentashen
for them to receive in time for Purim. This holiday
treat will follow a recently mailed Starbucks card
that was sent to keep them warm as winter sets in.
Lihyot B’Kesher will wrap up the year by co-sponsoring
a dinner at Hillel on the University of Minnesota campus
this spring. Although many of our young adults
attend schools out-of-state, we know they have the
opportunity to enjoy Shabbat meals at their campus
Hillel. Beth El wants to do the same for both our students
at the University of Minnesota as well as those far
from home by providing a shabbat meal at our Hillel.
High school seniors are also invited to enjoy this complimentary
dinner and to get a taste of university life.
Details will be mailed this spring. If you are a senior in
high school and want to make sure you’re included,
please contact the Lihyot B'Kesher co-chair Marlee
Kaminsky marlee.kaminsky@gmail.com 952-449-9410
to be added to our mailing list.
Beth El Inspiring Minds Series presents
GLORIA STEINEM “Feminism: The Longest Revolution”
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 • Beth El Synagogue
Online registration available at www.besyn.org/gloria
or detach and mail this form to Beth El Synagogue Attn: Gloria, 5224 W 26th, St. Louis Park, MN 55416
h 9

10 i
Each Mishloah Manot box contains delicious
Hamentashen and a variety of treats
sure to please all ages for only
$10.00 per box.
Simply fill out the order form on the next page and mail with a check.
Please choose either to have the box sent to the recipient for an additional
$6.00 each or you can pick up you boxes at Beth El on Sunday, March 4th
during the Purim Carnival.
You can also order online through the Beth El website
at www.bethelsynagogue.org/mishloah-manot
Paid orders are due by Friday, February 24 th to ensure timely delivery.
Marriage Amendment Act
Continued from previous page
Where do we as a synagogue stand? At Beth
El, we strive to affirm resolutions of the
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
and the Rabbinical Assembly calling on us to
welcome gays and lesbians into our congregation.
We provide, for example, our gay
couples the same synagogue family membership
as we offer heterosexual couples. But
there is more we can do to be inclusive and
more to discuss. Therefore, I have asked our
board to take up this topic and I invite you to
share your thoughts with board members.
In March, I will be taking a much anticipated
four month sabbatical and leaving for Israel.
I will not, therefore, have the opportunity to
follow up with you on this topic as I would
like. But with the political campaign in full
swing, I did not want to leave this issue unaddressed
until I return this summer. Between
now and the beginning of March, I hope to
hear your thoughts on the matter. Feel free to
email or call me. If you are interested in getting
involved in this and other social justice
issues, contact Beth El congrgeants, Bruce
Hope, Jodi Wolk, Lynn Hvidsten or me
directly at 952-873-7300.
I know that there is not unanimity among
Beth El congregants on this topic. Indeed, I
expect some are uncomfortable that I am
addressing it at all. But as with Beth El’s
decision allowing women to fully participate
in synagogue life (i.e, to read from the Torah,
lead services, etc.), I believe that now is the
time to affirm the dignity of all people based
not only on gender but on sexual orientation.
There is much more that can and should be
said. But I will end with this final thought. In
December, Rabbi Greenberg, an openly gay,
Orthodox rabbi and former Stillman scholarin-resident,
performed a Jewish commitment
ceremony for two men. In reflecting on
the groundbreaking ceremony, Greenberg
wrote, “An externally imposed lifelong
exclusion from love and intimacy for tens of
thousands of people (in the Jewish community
alone) borders on religious irresponsibility,
if not cruelty. God is not cruel and
does not demand the impossible from anyone…
If it is “not good for the human to be
alone,” then some form of life trajectory that
includes love, intimacy and companionship
and even family building must be possible
for all of us.

ONLINE ordering available at www.bethelsynagogue.org/mishloah-manot
All paid orders must be received by Friday, February 24th to ensure timely delivery.
Please be sure to check whether you would like each box shipped for an additional $6.00 per box or
if you will be picking your order up at Beth El on Sunday, March 4th at the Purim Carnival.
Please mail this order form and check payable to Beth El Synagogue by February 24th to:
Mishloah Manot c/o Beth El at 5224 W 26th St, St. Louis Park, MN 55416.
Questions? Contact Carol Weingart at 952-873-7313.
`i11

tributes
zenexz
Beth El Endowments and Program Funds provide an important source of income, enabling Beth El to offer added services and programs
and to make improvements to the facility. You can honor or remember family members and friends or special events with contributions to any of
the Beth El Endowment Funds or Program Funds. Send donations to: Beth El Synagogue, 5224 West 26th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55416. Indicate the
fund to which you want to contribute, the purpose of the contribution, and to whom you would like an acknowledgement sent. A complete listing of funds
are available by calling the front desk at 952-873-7300 or donate online at www.bethelsynagogue.org (click on “Donate”) If you would like to establish
a new fund in your name or in the name of a loved one, please contact Marilyn Weisberg at Beth El, at 952-873-7303.
Beth El Gratefully Acknowledges the Following Contributions
This list reflects donations made to funds from December 1-December 31, 2011 Contributions received after December 31, 2011 will be listed in the
March 2012 issue of the Shofar. If you do not want your name listed, please include a note when you make your contribution.
Cantor Abrams Celebrate the Arts Fund
In Appreciation of Cantor Arthur and Judy Shragg and Family
In Appreciation of Cantor Audrey Abrams
Bruce & Marsha Campbell
In Memory of Christine Crockett
In Memory of Shirley Garber
Susan Rees
Cantor Abrams Discretionary Fund
In Appreciation of Rabbi Davis
Aaron & Jennifer Hage
In Memory of Gunther Stern
Brad & Diane Jolson
Greater Beth El
For Speedy Recovery of Pauline Ratner
Evelyn Balto
Happy Birthday to Darlene Braufman On Her Special Birthday
Teri, Mike, Allie & Matthew Greenstein
In Honor of Jodie and Jason Rein’s Son’s Bar Mitzvah
Martin and Cookie Goldberg
In Memory of Brenda Zucker
Matthew & Lauren Landau
In Memory of Dennis Hymanson
Deborah Armel
In Memory of Dora Kleiner
Morrie & Sally Kleiner
In Memory of Gunther Stern
Bayle Greenberg
Charlotte & Irving Nudell
Fred & Judith Baron
June & Neil Lapidus & the Partners of Lurie Besikof
In Memory of Helen Segal
Sandy & Deborah Selnick
In Memory of Lillian Benenson
Ed & Jane Zeman
Florence & Elias Eisenberg
Fred & Shirley Nassauer
Pokey Katz
Rick & Sande Ross
Sandy & Deborah Selnick
Mazel Tov On The Birth of Nathan Badzin
Jeffery & Jeanne Stein
Gunther and Ruth Stern 50th Anniversary Book Cart
In Memory of Gunny Stern
Joseph & Helen Abrahamson
Marilyn A. Sussman
Murray & May Shabsis
Reuven & Shereen Rahamim
Hannah Bialick Yom Shalaim Fund
In Memory of Brenda Zucker
Jeffrey & Robin Estrin
In Memory of Charlotte Diana Shapiro
Tristam & Sandra Hage
Ivan and Karen Brodsky Presidential Fund
In Memory of Brenda Zucker
Dr. Ivan & Karen Brodsky
Jeff & Lisa Gottstein Technology Fund
In Memory of Brenda Zucker
In Memory of Nancy Kaplan
Jeffrey & Lisa Gottstein
L’dor Vador Capital Campaign
In Memory of Harold Klane
Dr. Gary Goldish & Dr. Bonnie Bongard
Library Supplies Donation
In Memory of Gunther & Ruth Stern
Walter Stern
12 ai
Marilyn & Zorra Sussman Fund for Hearing Impaired
In Honor of Zorra and Marilyn Sussman’s Anniversary
Dr. Peter Bitterman & Cynthia Gross
Minyan Fund
In Memory of Lillian Benenson
Eugene & Sally Gittelson
Philip and Rivel Greenberg Family Fund for Holocaust Awareness
In Memory of Lillian Benenson
Bob Singer
Mazel Tov On Joe and Helen Abrahamson’s 65th Anniversary
Philip & Rivel Greenberg
Prayer Book/Sanctuary Fund
In Memory of Lillian Benenson
Harry & Shelley Jacobs
Rabbi Davis Discretionary Fund
In Appreciation of Rabbi Alexander Davis
Bruce & Marsha Campbell
In Appreciation of Rabbi Olitzky
Aaron & Jennifer Hage
Rabbi Olitzky Discretionary Fund
In Appreciation of Cantor Abrams
Aaron & Jennifer Hage
In Appreciation of Rabbi Avi S. Olitzky
Bruce & Marsha Campbell
Summer Pilgrim Experience in Israel Fund
Happy Birthday to Ms. Rona Sher On Her Very Special Birthday
Michael Davis & Jodi Lebewitz-Davis
The Judy Silverman Memorial Yad Hazakah Program Fund
In Appreciation of Marilyn Sussman
Bruce & Marsha Campbell
The Daryle Silver Aleph School Fund
In Memory of Leon Izek
Jeffrey & Eileen Silver
The David & Ida Bach General Scholarship Fund
For Speedy Recovery of Audrey Goldfarb
Howard & Wendy Bach
The Harry & Edith Ostrow General Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Delores Mass
Sheila Goldstein
The Herman & Mildred Jordani Special Needs Fund for Students with
Disabilities
In Memory of George Greenberg
Thomas & Margie Neiman
The Linda and David Estrin Youth Opportunity Fund
In Memory of Lillian Benenson
Dr. David & Linda Estrin
The Lou Ann & Leon Bongard Fund for Seniors
In Memory of Bertha Smith
In Memory of Harold Klane
Lou Ann Bongard
The Men’s Club
In Memory of Helen Segal
Jerry & Reva Bronstien
The Mr. & Mrs. Sol Sadoff General Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Lillian Benenson
Irving & Teresa Victor
The Nemerov-Lava General Scholarship Fund
In Honor of Shirley Rothstein’s 90th Birthday
Edith Lava
The Quentin Dachis Playground Fund
In Memory of Lillian Benenson
Anne Dachis
The Ralph Z. & Bess Yellen General Scholarship Fund
In Honor of the 55th Wedding Anniversary of Dr. & Mrs. D. Schwartz
In Memory of Ned Waldman
In Memory of Sherman Richter
Stuart & Dian Yellen
The Roberta Weber Congregational Nurse Fund
In Memory of Leon Izek
Mazel Tov On The Birth of Neil and Micki Kay’s Grandson
Philip & Chana Weber
The Sally & Sam Greenberg Herzl Camp Scholarship Fund
In Memory of Dennis Hymanson
Robert & Susan Ribnick
The Shirley R. Abelson Aleph School Fund
In Honor of The Birth of Gail and Steve Katz’s Grandson
Stephan & Anne Devitt
In Memory of Bertha Smith
Sherry Cook
In Memory of Brenda Zucker
Barbara Eiger
Bruce & Merrie Forstein
Bryan & Nina Badzin
David & Lana Brooks
Deborah Armel
Dr. H. Irving & Karen Katz
Jeff & Eloise Gershone
Robert & Andrea Oleisky
Stephan & Anne Devitt
Yarden & Jill Wolfe
In Memory of Dennis Hymanson
Robert & Andrea Oleisky
Mazel Tov To Aaron Burton On His Bar Mitzvah
Abbe Payton
In honor of the marriage of Mara & Michael Kogan
Rabbi Kassel Abelson
The Steven Gregory Rice Fund for the Physically and Mentally Challenged
In Memory of Sari Robins
Ruth & Morton Weisberg
The Torodor-Levy Family General Scholarship Fund
In Honor of The Bar Mitzvah of Sam Orloff
In Memory of Sara Meirovitz
Bill & Sharon Torodor
USY Scholarship Fund
In Honor of Darlene Braufman’s Special Birthday
In Honor of The Birth of Barney and Pauline Ratner’s Great Grandchildren
Nathan & Darlene Schwartz
Abelson-Aronson Endowment Fund
In honor of the 10th anniversary of Dr. Mark Satz & Dr. Gail Bender-Satz
In honor of the 20th anniversary of Simon & Leah Temkin
In honor of the 35th anniversary of Richard & Helen Averbach
In honor of the 40th anniversary of Ira & Malka Mandelbaum
In honor of the 65th anniversary of Harold & Ruth Atkin
In memory of Millie Orman
In memory of Yale M. Rutzick
In memory of Harold Klane
In memory of Lillian Bennenson
In memory of Linda Stern
In memory of Helen Segal
In memory of Sara Meirovitz
In memory of Bertha Smith
Rabbi Kassel Abelson
Rabbi Kassel Abelson USY Leadership Fund
In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Adam Friedman
In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Samuel Orloff
In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Cole Rein
In honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Taylor Rosenzweig
Rabbi Kassel Abelson

zenexz
tributes
Yahrzeit Contributions
In memory of:
Contributed by:
Michael Abramovitz
Lucille Abramovitz
Eugene Albersheim
Yaakov Levi & Leah Albersheim
Hyman Appleman
Sarahalee Magrisso
Barry & Carolyn Gerr
Ann Armel
Lee Mona Armel
Beatrice Atkin
Zola & Barbara Friedman
Jerome Averbach
Lowell (Butch) & Linda Bialick
Jacob Bearman
Fanny Widetzky
Hy Widetzky
Sid & Roz Bearman
Barbara Bigelow
Nancy Kremsdorf
Florence Engal
Max Engal
Leonard Resig
Sheldon & Helen Resig
Zelda Epstein
Shirleymae Lane
Harry Feldman
Sharon Levine
John Fink
Steven & Miriam (Mimi) Klane
Sally Friedman
Sally Forbes Friedman
Joseph Gantman
Eleanor Gantman
Harley & Ellen Greenberg
Randy Geller
David & Dana Beth Weisman
Richard Gittelson
Eugene & Sally Gittelson
Terry Goldberg
Marcia Goldberg Harris
Freida Goyhenberg
Zhan & Anna Berkovich
Sally Greenberg
Judge Myron Greenberg &
Shelley Kornblum
Harley & Ellen Greenberg
Philip & Rivel Greenberg
Joseph Gross
Dr. Peter Bitterman & Cynthia Gross
Peggy Gruber
Joshua & Pamela Gruber
Abe & Sara Harris
Mildred Ingber
Louis Kamenow
Sylvia Kamenow
Sondra Rebecca Kaplan
Steven & Norma Kaplan
Jacob Karsner
Bruce Karsner
Sam Koritz
Harold & Susan Koritz
Fay Kraines
Shirlee Bank
Beverly Kranzberg
Dr. David & Linda Estrin
Robert Kronick
Dr. Stuart & Sue Ellen Borken
Maurice Lava
Edith Lava
Dr. Neil & Diane Hoffman
Bernice Lee
Ellis S. & Riva Nolley
Reuben Leiderman
Harry & Shelley Jacobs
Bert London
Elaine Rothman
Daniel Marell
Michael & Ellyn Marell
Louis Milgrom
Aaron Milgrom & Dawn Baker
Benjamin Miller
Esther Burke
Anna Moses
Joseph & Frances Moses
Isidore Nemerov
Edith Lava
Ethel Phillips
Stanley & Harriet Phillips
Dora Resnick
Aaron Sasner
Dr. James & Marlene Bukstein
Minnie Rosen
Don & Helen Rosen
Sol Sadoff
Irving & Teresa Victor
Jeanette Schwartz
Clare Schwartz
Hy Selnick
Sandy & Deborah Selnick
Anna Shieldkraut
Harley & Ellen Greenberg
Anna Silverman
Stanley & Marsha Finkelstein
Sam Silverman
Robert & Eunice Burk
Orlin Silverman
Abe Sperling
Frieda Sperling
Sally Sperling
Phyllis Sperling
Nathan Sussman
David Sussman
Harry Vermes
Arthur & Sandra Lavintman
Herbert Walder
Fred Walder
James & Susan Walder
Phillip Waller
Bruce & Janice Waller
Samuel Weisberg
Stanley & Laura Smith
Ida Wolf
Libby Rothman
Malka Wolf
Susan Okrent
Bela Kowalski
Jacob Kowalski
Mark Kowalski
Harry Zouber
Minnie Zouber
Norton Zouber
Ronald Zouber
Jack & Sylvia Zouber
xeaivacommunity
Jewish Pops Concert Brightens February Thanks
to the Twin Cities Jewish Chorale
The cold, dark days of winter will relent on Sunday afternoon,
February 26, 2012, when the Twin Cities Jewish
Chorale will present its “Jewish Pops Concert.” The
Chorale will perform tunes from the heyday of Yiddish
stage and radio productions. They’ll indulge a little
Gershwin. They’ll treat the audience to Broadway show
tunes by Bernstein and Bock. They’ll sing a rarely performed,
and uniquely Jewish, piece by Kurt Weill. The
Chorale will also welcome to the stage the winner of its
Young Artist Solo Competition, open to junior and senior
high school students across the Twin Cities. With their
Young Artist Soloist, the Jewish Pops Concert musicians
will range in age from 16 to 85, with every generation in
between. The Twin Cities Jewish Chorale’s “Jewish Pops
Concert” will be performed Sunday afternoon, February
26, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. at the fully accessible Adath
Jeshurun synagogue, located at 10500 Hillside Lane West
in Minnetonka. Tickets cost $15 regular admission, $10
for seniors and students; they can be purchased online at
twincitiesjewishchorale.org or at the door.
For more information about the Twin Cities Jewish
Chorale, visit www.twincitiesjewishchorale.org.
HMJDS Open House for Prospective Families
The Amos & Celia Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School
will hold an Open house on Monday, February 6th from 9:30-
11:30 a.m. at the Barry Family Campus (4330 Cedar Lake
Road).
• Learn about our integrated full-day K-8 Program
• Observe in classrooms
• Tour facilities
• Talk to administrators, faculty, and parents
• Open mid-program; with no Hebrew experience required
• Private meetings and tours are always available
RSVP to Abbe Payton, Admissions & Outreach Director at
apayton@hmjds.org or 952-381-3566. For more information,
visit www.hmjds.org or call 952-381-3500.
Laughing and Yoga—What better therapy?!
Beth El and Adath Jeshurun are joining together to bring you
Laughing Yoga! No need for a mat and no age limit! Join us
and bring your friends to Beth El on Tuesday, February 7 at
10:30 a.m. for Laughing Yoga and a short movie. Cost is just
$13 to attend. RSVP by January 24th to Rita Cook at 952-546-
6458, or Bobby Nemer at 952-938-8941.
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14 ci

Rabbi
Alexander Davis
Assistant Rabbi
Avi S. Olitzky
Rabbi Emeritus
Kassel E. Abelson
Cantor
Audrey Abrams
Cantor Emeritus
Neil Newman
Executive Director
Linda Goldberg
Finance Director
Jerry Frick
Education Director
Mary Baumgarten
Marketing & Communications Director
Danelle Cunningham
Youth Director
Mollie Feldman
Aleph Preschool Director
Karen Burton
President, Beth El Synagogue
Gil Mann
President, Women's League
Karen Rubin
President, Beth El Rishon USY
Brandon Klugman
President, Bethelders
Freada Golden
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
5224 W. 26th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55416-1901
DATED MATERIAL
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #1998
TWIN CITIES, MN
Don’t miss the
Cure your
Cabin Fever at
Bring the whole family
and your friends too!
OPEN TO EVERYONE!
Sunday, March 4th
12:00 to 3:00 p.m. FREE!
Sponsored by Beth El USY
Sunday, February 12th
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $7 per person.
RSVP to 952-873-7320
Sponsored by
Aleph Preschool
And don’t miss the
PURIM EXTRAVAGANZA
Wednesday, March 7th!
See page 3 for details