GATEWAYS - January 2021

GATEWAYS
CONGREGATION SHAAREY TIKVAH BEACHWOOD, OH ESTABLISHED 1940
January 2021 u
TEVET/SHEVAT 5781
Happy New Year!
Tu B'Shevat is the Jewish
'New Year for Trees'

Professional Leadership
Lay Leadership
Executive Committee
President
Josh Gordon
Executive Vice President
Jessi Shapiro
RABBI
Scott B. Roland
rabbi@shaareytikvah.org
CANTOR
Beth Schlossberg
beth.schlossberg@gmail.com
CANTOR EMERITUS
Gary D. Paller
gdpal@sbcglobal.net
Vice Presidents
Deborah Coleman
Ruth Hatchuel
Secretary
Irit Rawraway
President
Staff
Assistant Secretary
Isaac Kirstein
Treasurer
Jeff Cohen
Assistant Treasurer
Leslie Sobel
President
Josh Gordon
cstpresident@
shaareytikvah.org
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Martha Sivertson
martha@shaareytikvah.org
DIRECTOR OF
CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING
Rabbi Rachel Brown
rbrown@shaareytikvah.org
Board Members
Rachael Parkin
Jamie Stadlin
Alyson Fieldman
Joel Gabelman
Beth Kuritzky
Gabe Tannenbaum
Representatives
Men’s Club - Richard Friedman
Sisterhood - Shirley Edelman
OFFICE MANAGER
Debbie Rosen
debbie@shaareytikvah.org
MAINTENANCE MANAGER
Frank George
We are an egalitarian Conservative congregation whose members are
passionate about Judaism. By combining meaningful and joyful worship,
serious Jewish learning and compelling Shabbat and holiday experiences,
we create a vibrant spiritual community.
Gateways is a monthly publication of: Congregation Shaarey Tikvah
26811 Fairmount Boulevard Beachwood, Ohio 44122
www,shaareytikvah.org
Past Presidents
Henry Marsh *
Oscar Stadtler *
Marv Engelberg
Henry Gruen *
Stuart Sharpe
Howard Bochnek
Alan Leff *
David Hutt
Rick Kodish
David Leavitt
Sharon Fagin
Roberta Kaplan
Amy Einhorn **
Leslie Sobel **
Jeff Epstein **
* Of Blessed Memory
** Exec. Committee
2

A Message from Rabbi Scott Roland
A New Year, Hebrew or Gregorian, brings along
opportunities to be hopeful and to reflect. I believe
this to be true, even and especially as we greet
2021. We certainly could not have predicted that this
past year would unfold as it did. Of course, this past
year introduced us to loss and grief beyond what any
of us expected. However, to say that it was completely
without merit would also be misguided. In truth,
2020 was no different from any other year. The Holy
One renewed the works of creation each and every
day. The sun rose and set. Life began and ended.
“There was evening and there was morning...”
I do not say this to downplay the particular tragedies
and challenges of 2020. They certainly felt
extraordinary. However, even with vaccines and other
changes on the horizon, we can expect that this year
will still carry loss and grief. Such is also the way of
the world. How are we to respond to such a fact?
The Talmud, (BT Makkot 24b) recounts the story of
four rabbis who found themselves atop Mt. Scopus
looking upon the destroyed Temple Mount. While all
of the other rabbis began crying and rending their
garments, Rabbi Akiva laughed. In that moment,
Rabbi Akiva reflected upon the prophecy of Isaiah
regarding the destruction on Jerusalem and
Zechariah’s prophecy about the rebuilding of
Jerusalem. While three of the sages chose to focus
on the destruction, Rabbi Akiva saw the destruction
as the proof that better days were coming. If Isaiah’s
prophecy was true, why shouldn’t Zacharia’s be
true?
With this story, Rabbi Akiva is lauded for his
optimism. I wonder if we can aim to be like Rabbi
Akiva this year. In the face of loss and grief, let us
choose hope, kindness, and love. In that light, I’d like
to offer the following prayer for us to reflect upon as
we begin this new year. It was written by Alden
Solovy, my favorite modern liturgical poet:
Rabbi Scott B. Roland
A New Year Begins
Every moment a new year begins.
Something lost.
Something gained.
Every day, a new challenge.
Every hour, a new choice.
Every second, a new chance.
G-d of Old,
In this moment, a baby will be born,
And a child will die.
In this moment, lovers will marry,
And others will split.
In this moment, someone will hear
That their medical treatments succeeded,
And others will be told
To prepare to die.
Every moment a new year begins.
Something lost.
Something gained.
Let me love gently in the morning
And ferociously at night.
Let me dance wildly at dawn
And slowly at dusk.
At midnight, let me sing quietly,
And at midday I will croon, full voice.
I will breathe in a soul of compassion
And breathe out a soul of peace.
Creator of All,
Every moment a new year begins.
The flow of fresh light from heaven
Touches our hearts.
Something lost.
Something gained.
Let it be for blessing.
Let it be for healing.
Let it be for shelter.
Let it be for wisdom and strength.
Let us be, in this moment,
Your messengers of kindness on earth.
Ken yehi ratzon, may this be God’s will and our own,
3

A Message from our President, Josh Gordon
Dear CST family,
I am writing this article in the waning hours of Chanukah. To be sure, it was a Chanukah unlike any
other. The challenges of this year aside, I found this particular Chanukah to be more meaningful than
any I can remember. The perspective demanded by the miracle of Chanukah is honored by taking
moments to celebrate light and hope in our daily lives. In the case of CST, that light and hope comes
from within. Our Sisterhood, Men’s Club, lay leadership, community members, and professional staff
provided so many moments for connection and contribution. Every night of Chanukah between 50-
100 of us gathered to light our candles together. The brightness from those moments will lead us into
the new year.
I am excited to find continued ways to connect. In the months to come we will have more learning
opportunities, more opportunities to connect through music, more opportunities to connect through
prayer. It has been a long time since we gathered together without the fear of pandemic looming over
us. As we move from 2020 to 2021, I am more confident than ever that hope is on the way.
Moreover, as we navigate these times together I hope you will join with me in delighting in the
brightness that comes from within our beloved CST community.
In Service,
Josh
Upcoming Community Events
Case Western Reserve University's Siegal Lifelong Learning is hosting the following remote learning
opportunities.
TIME FOR 24
Study themes and structure in each of the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) with scholars, writers, educators,
and public
intellectuals from across the country and around the world. Sign up for individual weeks or the full program.
Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 16 through May 13 (no class during Passover) from 12:30 –
1:30 p.m. ET. For details and registration log onto: https://case.edu/lifelonglearning/lectures/time-24
ISRAELI SPEAKER SERIES
Enjoy this monthly speaker series with well-known Israeli authors, journalists, and television and film writers including
Yehonatan Indursky, Ron Leshem, Emuna Elon and more. The first lecture is a conversation with Eyal
Rob, From Hava Nagila to Sticker Song - Game Changing Songs in Israel's Society on January 5 at 11 a.m. ET.
For details and registration log onto: https://case.edu/lifelonglearning/lectures/israeli-speaker-series
The first lecture is a conversation with Eyal Rob, From Hava Nagila to Sticker Song - Game Changing Songs in
Israel's Society on January 5 at 11 a.m. ET. For details and registration log onto: https://case.edu/
lifelonglearning/lectures/israeli-speaker-series
4

What’s Happening at CST
NEW in January:
Schmoozing with
Rabbi Scott
Be on the lookout for details on
Schmoozing with Rabbi Scott
in the upcoming January
Weekly E-mails
PURIM is coming…
It’s never too early to start planning your Purim costume!
Our CST Purim celebration will be Thursday, February 25, 2021
Stay tuned for more information!
Clothes and Food Drive Thank you!
Thank you to all who donated so generously to the
Mt Pleasant (Cleveland) Community Food Drive on December 13th.
The items received will make a big difference to those in need,
and provide some warm clothing to many children.
Special Thanks to Luisa Aviv and Laurie Billowitz for organizing this event!
If you weren’t able to drop off your items and/or checks on December 13th, feel free to contact
Laurie Billowitz at 216-292-6001 or MitchellCo17@aol.com
to make arrangements to drop off items at her home.
Mazel Tov to the Mintzer Family
on their new arrival!
Lilah Collins Mintzer
born December 11th
6 pounds, 9 ounces
20 inches long
Please join us in wishing Mazal Tov
to the entire family:
Proud parents - Sam & Cassie Mintzer
Grandparents - Barry and Karen Mintzer
Great-Grandmother - Leanne Leavitt
Uncle, Aunt and Cousin - Rabbi Josh, Katie and
Leora Foster
Mazel Tov to the Foster Family
on their new arrival!
We are excited to welcome to the
world Baby Boy Foster!
Please join us in wishing Mazal Tov
to the entire family:
Proud parents - Rabbi Josh and Katie Foster
Adorable big sister - Leora Foster
Grandparents - Barry & Karen Mintzer
Grandparents - Linda & David Foster
Great-Grandmother - Leanne Leavitt
Uncle, Aunt and Cousin - Sam, Cassie & Lilah Mintzer
5

A Message from Martha Sivertson, Executive Director
A New Year? Have we recognized the opportunities from the Old Year?
Last night I listened to an episode of one of my favorite podcasts, Hidden Brain. The host, Shankar
Vedantam, according to the website, “links research from psychology and neurobiology with findings from
economics, anthropology, and sociology, among other fields. The goal of Hidden Brain isn't merely to
entertain, but to give you insights to apply at work, at home and throughout your life.”
This particular episode, Minimizing Pain, Maximizing Joy, talks about Stoicism and how to apply it to the
most frustrating situations in life. There is still a lot to learn from those ancient Greeks! You can “google”
Stoicism so I will not bother you with all the details. The main message I gleaned was, in these troubled
times, see the opportunity in challenging situations.
We are all in a foggy state about just what, exactly, happened in 2020 and, as much as many of us would
like to forget the whole darn thing, we do need to come to grips with it. Thinking stoically, what
opportunities were revealed? My short list would include:
1) I learned just a little more technology. I admit, when Rabbi Roland had his Zoom Talmud classes
back in 2018-19, I just thought it was “magic”. Now I know that a $13 camera attached to my
monitor brings me to new worlds.
2) I have not really been cooking or baking any more than I used to, but I do help my husband chop
vegetables most nights with a glass of wine in hand.
3) My stack of New Yorker magazines has gone down, bringing me into the 2010’s. They had been in
the 1990’s.
4) Food shopping is much more purposeful. I still go to the grocery store in-person but strictly stick to
the list now. Why the receipt is still the same is discouraging.
5) In doing some deep cleaning, I uncovered craft projects I started many years ago. I am taking the
opportunity to throw them away, guilt-free
Basically, though, I am not using these pandemic times to dwell on anything negative. The Hidden Brain
episode uses the example of a broken pipe where water is the problem, not the pipe. Fix the pipe. Clean
up the mess. Move on. We’ve got a New Year to tackle!
Martha
6

Chanukah Happenings
Special Thanks to Irit Rawraway
for coordinating our First Zoom
CST Community Chanukah Candle Lightings,
and to ALL of the families that hosted and
participated this year.
Seeing all of the candles and smiling faces
helped make this Chanukah one filled with
love, light and warmth!
The Roland Family Hosted Night 2
The Fieldman Family kicked off Chanukah on the first
night with a wonderful skit! (and matching pajamas)
The Schneider Family hosted Night 4
Noah Goldberg got his Chanukah cards
out early this year!
The Kuritzky Family hosted Night 5
7

Sisterhood Corner
Happy 2021 to us all!
May 2021 find us healthy and safe as each of us is more than ready to turn the 2020 page! We’ll thank
a few members who stepped up to enhance our community shared experiences in
December and we will introduce some of our exciting January plans - still on Zoom.
Flavor Boosters Who knew that a realtor, Joel Gabelman, would have such
wonderful hidden talent in the kitchen? Joel, with his great enthusiasm, took
us on a short flavor tour, as he provided ideas and tips for dishes and sandwiches-making
enhancements to enrich our cooking options and helped us
overcome the COVID monotony that is now month 10. Thank you to Joel as
well as to Ashley Gabelman, the skilled videographer.
Chanukah Eight fun, intriguing and joyful candle lighting ceremonies were
coordinated by Sisterhood and hosted by eight different families. Each family opened their warm home
and shared their special experiences with the CST family on zoom. A huge shout out to the
participating hosts: Fieldmans, Rolands, Burgin/Hutts, Schneiders, Kuritzkys, Shapiros (family of 4),
Plotkins and Fish! We certainly had enough (oil) joy to last 8 days .
Xmas Eve Game Night Although we couldn’t meet for Chinese food and go to the movies this year, Zoom
enables us to still get together, laugh, play old and new games, be challenged and laugh some more
with other congregants. Thanks to all that participated!
Upcoming Events:
Tues, January 5 th at 4:30: CSTea Time/ Happy hour - A casual chat among friends
Sun, January 10 th at 7:30: Ted Talk’-2021 Twist on Short stories Night’ (details next page)
Tues, January 19 th at 7:30: ‘Flexing our Resilience Muscles through a Jewish Lens’
with Cheryl Gordon (details on next page)
With warm wishes for a great and healthy 2021!
Your Sisterhood co-presidents,
Irit Rawraway…..gingit4@aol.com
Sheryl Golden….sheryl@psmr91.com
8

January Sisterhood Events
TED TALK: This is what happens when you reply to spam email
Date - Sunday, January 10 , 2021
Time - 7:30 PM
Sisterhood presents a 2021 twist on our traditional, ‘SHORT STORIES NIGHT’ for men &
women. Watch a ten minute relevant and thought-provoking ‘TED Talk’ presentation at your
leisure and join Luisa Aviv and Sharon Fagin who will engage us in a discussion. It’s quite
humorous and entertaining. Or is it?
Ted Talk Link:
https://www.ted.com/talks/james_veitch_this_is_what_happens_when_you_reply_to_spam_email/up-next
A direct link will also be provided in upcoming CST weekly emails.
RSVP to Irit Rawraway gingit4@aol.com by Sunday Jan 10 th at 2 PM to get the zoom link
Flexing our Resilience Muscles through a Jewish Lens,
with Cheryl Gordon
Date - Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Time - 7:30 PM
If you yearn to nourish your Jewish soul, you’re not alone. Judaism has some surprising answers and
accessible tools. Let’s begin to reclaim them for our own well-being. In this class. Cheryl Gordon will
share some Jewish practices that can help us feel more grounded, more connected and better able to
find resilience in this challenging time.
RSVP to Irit Rawraway gingit4@aol.com by Tues Jan 19 at 2 PM to get the zoom link
Our Own Cheryl Gordon Bio:
Cheryl Gordon, M.A.T., MSJS, has enjoyed a varied career, first as a Spanish teacher, then as owner of an international
training firm, and, ultimately, as a Jewish communal professional and educator. She has written
much innovative curriculum and has mentored many Judaics teachers, both professional and avocational.
Born in Chicago and a proud Jewish wife, mother and grandma, Cheryl lived in Texas for many years and
now is a happy resident of Beachwood, OH, where she teaches the popular ZOOM class "Something Newish
about Being Jewish” for NCJW/Cleveland and chairs Hello Israel. She is an instructor for Partners in Torah and
often presents to many diverse audiences. Cheryl also serves on the board of Mandel Jewish Day School.
Most importantly, Cheryl is the “First Mother” at CST, since Josh Gordon is president
9

January Donations (as of December 18th)
ADULT EDUCATION FUND
In memory of:
DON BERMAN: Diane
Burgin & David Hutt
GENERAL FUND
In honor of:
CARSON TOMPKINS & ERIN
STONE COWLEY ON THE
CELEBRATION OF THEIR
WEDDING: Gussie & David
Singer, Barry & Karen
Mintzer
BIRTHDAYS OF:
DEBORAH SWISSHELM,
BRIAN AMKRAUT, RUTH
HATCHUEL, JANET
MITCHELL, CARI
IMMERMAN, NEAL
SHAPERO,
JERRY JACOBS, NORMAN
GORDON, LEONA GREEN,
STUART HEINBACH:
Roberta & Gary Kaplan
In memory of:
DONALD (DON) BERMAN:
Leanne Leavitt, Alice
Schubach, Roberta & Gary
Kaplan, Linda Blumenthal,
Milly Soroky, Roslyn &
Myron Pollock, Mel &
Marilyn Weinberg
CLIVE SINOFF: Neil
Berkowitz, Janice & Selwyn
Marcus, Richard Friedman,
Richard Belkind, Heidi
Solomon, Jacqueline
Freedman, Shirley & Neal
Hoffman, Sharon & Bennett
Fagin, Nancy & Adam Levin
ROBERT TOLIN: Diane &
Joel Adelman
SUSAN GREENBERG:
Louise & Joel Freilich
In appreciation of:
DAVID HUTT’S GUIDANCE
AND WISDOM: Adam &
Nancy Levin
GRUEN ENTRANCE
GARDEN FUND
In loving memory of:
MARION GRUEN:
Morry & Sallee Silverman,
Sharon & Bob Desatnik,
Shirley & Neil Hoffman, Rita
Shtull, Mel & Marilyn
Weinberg, Irit & Rene
Rawraway
SUSAN GREENBERG &
CLIVE SINOFF: Irit & Rene
Rawraway
KARSH KAPLAN MUSIC
FUND
In appreciation of:
ALL WHO HOSTED ONE OF
THE 8 NIGHTS OF CST
CHANUKAH CANDLE
LIGHTINGS: Irit & Rene
Rawraway
KOHN/SILVER
WHOLESOME KITCHEN
FUND
In memory of:
NOAH MARKS WHO LOVED,
TO CREATE YUMMY FOOD:
Nikki Marks
In appreciation of:
JOEL GABELMAN FOR THE
GREAT COOKING DEMO:
Irit & Rene Rawraway
SHERMAN LEAVITT
BENEVOLENT FUND
In memory of:
CLIVE SINOFF: Barry &
Karen Mintzer
In honor of:
MAZEL TOV TO SAM &
CASSIE MINTZER , KAREN &
BARRY MINTZER AND
LEANNE LEAVITT ON THE
BIRTH OF LILAH: Roberta &
Gary Kaplan, Marty Kohn &
Marcia Silver, Irit & Rene
Rawraway, Shirley & Neal
Hoffman, Deborah
Swisshelm
HENRY MARGOLIS
SECURITY FUND
In honor of:
BIRTHDAY WISHES TO
SAMANTHA STRUVER,
MAZEL TOV TO THE
MINTZER AND LEAVITT
FAMILIES ON THE BIRTH OF
LILAH: Maxine Margolis
In memory of:
CLIVE SINOFF & ANNETTE
SZABO: Maxine Margolis
MEN’S CLUB:
In appreciation of:
THE MEN’S CLUB FOR THE
WONDERFUL CLEVELAND
SCAVENGER HUNT:
Gussie & David Singer
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY
FUND
In memory of:
DONALD BERMAN: Pam
Richards & Sandra
Buzney, Diane Loveman,
ANNETTE SZABO:
Roberta & Gary Kaplan,
Leona Green & Marvin
Engelberg, Alice Schubach,
Marty Kohn & Marcia Silver,
Marc Davis & Nancy Turak,
Helen Orloff, Tamara
Schuman, Linda Whitman,
Richard Belkind, Pam &
Steve Weisman, Louise &
Joel Freilich, Amy & David
Pollack, Adrienne & Mel
Wasserman, Sara
Wasserman, Deborah
Swisshelm
BOB SCHUBACH: Diane
Loveman
In honor of:
THE BIRTH OF RABBI JOSH
& KATIE FOSTER’S NEW
BABY BOY: Roberta & Gary
Kaplan
JUDY ROSENBERG FUND
In honor of:
MITCHELL SCHNEIDER
BEING NAMED ONE OF
CJN’S 18 DIFFERENCE
MAKERS,
LAURIE MITCHELL’S
SPEEDY RECOVERY, THE
BIRTH OF SAM & CASSIE
MINTZER’S BABY GIRL:
Leona Green
In memory of:
DON BERMAN, CLIVE
SINOFF: Leona Green
SCHUBACH HOLOCAUST
EDUCATION FUND
In loving memory of:
BOB SCHUBACH:
Arlene Lombardy, Debbie
Swisshelm, Reva & Aaron
Leizman, Adam & Nancy
Levin, Paul & Barbara
Goodman, Max Heppner,
Mary Jo Oneill, Allen
Goodman, Jeff & Arielle
Cohen, Ellen Vendeland,
Leanne Leavitt, Keith &
Sally Sherwin, The
Bender-Gama Family, Karen
& Barry Mintzer, Laura &
Michael Jaffe, Milly Soroky,
Sanford & Elaine Jaffe, Joel
& Sharon Peerless, Sharon
& Bob Desatnik, The
Hinegardner Family,
Richard Belkind, Richard
Friedman, Linda
Blumenthal, Audrey
Heller, Warren Sklar, Shirley
& Neil Hoffman, Mel &
Marilyn Weinberg, Irit &
Rene Rawraway
BOB SCHUBACH, DINA
HATCHUEL, MARION
GRUEN, EVELYN FAGIN, TED
ARON: Fern & Joel Simkoff
MANIA HORN: Roberta &
Gary Kaplan
10

January Donations, continued (as of December 18th)
SISTERHOOD
In honor of:
MAZAL TOV TO LEANNE
LEAVITT ON THE BIRTH OF
LILAH & JOSH AND KATIE’S
NEW BABY BOY: Roberta &
Gary Kaplan
In memory of:
DR. CLIVE SINOFF: Laurie &
Aaron Billowitz
JOSH STONE PLAY
STATION FUND
In memory of:
JOSH STONE & HANNAH
RATH: Barbara Lang
MANIA HORN, CLIVE SINOFF,
DON BERMAN: Roz & Pete
Stone
In honor of:
MAZEL TOV TO SAM &
CASSIE MINTZER, LEANNE
LEAVITT, BARRY & KAREN
MINTZER ON THE BIRTH OF
LILAH: Roz & Pete Stone
WERTHEIM FUND FOR
HOLOCAUST EDUCATION
In memory of:
GOLDIE HERSTIG & YALE
MANDEL: Shirley & Neil
Hoffman
ZIMMERMAN SOCIAL HALL
FUND
In memory of:
JUSTIN ZIMMERMAN &
MATHILDA ROHRBACH:
Sandi & Burt Zucker
YAHRZEIT DONATIONS
In memory of:
MARCIA BACHRACH: Rena &
Stephen Wertheim
LOTTIE & JERRY BIGELSON:
Diana Pearson
FAYE COHEN: Diane & Joel
Adelman
JEROME S. FISH: Brynna
Fish
LOUIS FOSSBERG: Estelle
Phinick
EDITH GOLDMAN: Irit &
Rene Rawraway
PHILLIP GOODMAN: Alice
Schubach
ALIZA HATCHUEL: Ruth
Hatchuel
BRIAN HIRSCHSOHN: Ruth
Hatchuel, Marc & Robbie
Hirschsohn
JERMAN JACOBSOHN: Gale
& Jim Jacobsohn
HELEN KLEIN: Judy & David
Klein
ANNE LICHTSTERN: Marty &
Elaine Liston
FLORENCE MAIER:
Howard Maier
RABBI IRVING MILLER:
Gayle Silver
DOV MILNER: Irit & Rene
Rawraway
AL NASH: Mel & Marilyn
Weinberg
Sue &
SOL E. PODOLSKY: Leona
Green
ARTHUR ROLAND: Mark &
Sibyl Roland
MELVYN SILVER: Rachel
Browner
MARCUS SILVERMAN: Alan
Silverman
PHILLIP SPESER: Mildred
Soroky
LILLIAN WEINBERG: Mel &
Marilyn Weinberg
FANNY WERTHEIM: Rena &
Stephen Wertheim
JANE & WALTER WERTHEIM:
Rena & Stephen Wertheim
JUSTIN ZIMMERMAN: Joan
Wittenberg
Sending our Condolences to:
Diane & Joel Adelman on the loss of
their brother-in-law
Robert Tolin
May 25, 1933 - November 26, 2020
Pauline Horn
In Memory of her mother in law
Mania Horn
January 7, 1920 - November 30, 2020
11

A Message from Rabbi Rachel Brown, Director of Congregational Learning
In December we started a New Program: Jewish@Home. During these times when we can’t come to the shul for
services, Shabbat meals, or for other social gatherings, Jewish@Home aims to bring Judaism to your house.
Starting this past month and once a week for the rest of the school year, we will put together and deliver a
kosher challah, grape juice, Shabbat candles, and perhaps one or two other treats, along with a fact sheet
about that Hebrew month. These deliveries are for anyone with children ages 0-17 in their households.
In December, in anticipation of Shabbat and Chanukah, each Jewish@Home gift bag contained challah, grape
juice, and Shabbat candles; Chanukah-themed plates, napkins, and cups to use for Latkes and Laughs (see
below); dreidels; chocolate Chanukah gelt; a platter for latkes (or other Hanukah food); recipes for latkes and
sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts); and a fact-sheet about Kislev (the Hebrew month during which Chanukah falls).
It was a pleasure to put these bags together, especially after getting a lot of positive feedback from families
regarding these deliveries in the past.
Thank you to the volunteers who helped put together and deliver Jewish@Home gift bags for Chanukah:
Jessi Shapiro, Arielle Cohen, Nate Cohen, Arielle Cohen, Beth Kurtizky, Debbie Rosen, Hannah Plotkin,
Rick Kodish, Sharon and Ben Fagin.
Future deliveries of Jewish@Home are planned for January 22, February 26, March 19, April 9, May 21 and
June 25. If you live with a child age 0-17, or if you would like to help with putting the bags together or delivering,
please let me know: rbrown@shaareytikvah.org
On Sunday, December 13, we had a lovely gathering over Zoom: Latkes and Laughs with Deena Nyer
Mendlowitz. During our time together, Deena led us through an hour of games, cooking-show commentary,
information about Chanukah, lighting Chanukah candles, and eating fried food. Each participant was a contestant
on our Latkes and Laughs cooking show – collectively, we made latkes and sufganiyot. Contestants (we)
were encouraged to also make pakoras (Indian Chanukah food), eggrolls, and anything breaded, really.
Thank you to the households who participated, to Deena for hosting, and to the Retreat Institute of the Jewish
Education Center of Cleveland for funding us.
We are starting back up our CST Teen Hangouts in January! Teenagers (aged 13 to 19) are welcome to join this
informal hangout over Zoom. During each half hour hangout, led by our Youth Advisor Jasz Joseph, teens will
talk about subjects of interest to them.
CST Teen Hangout will be on the 2 nd and 4 th Sunday of the month from 4:00-4:30 PM, starting on Sunday,
January 10. Zoom information will be available in January.
For more information, please contact: rbrown@shaareytikvah.org
12

Upcoming Family and Child Programming
La-bri’ut: To Our Health and Wellness for students in K-6 th grade!
Five Wednesdays, from January 5 through February 3, from 4:30-5:00 PM
Students in K-6 th grade are invited to join us for an interactive, creative, values-based program called La-bri’ut:
To Our Health and Wellness.
This program includes ½ hour per week of online class time over Zoom, and weekly activities or challenges that
students complete on their own.
Activities for students in K-3 rd grade are “box based” – that is, each student will receive a box of materials that
they can use to complete hands-on activities. For students in 4 th -6 th grade, students complete engaging weekly
challenges.
This program gives students tools and the language to cultivate resilience and to gain strategies for better
managing the challenges that life can throw their way, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
La-bri’ut is offered in 5-week modules. Our first module is called “G’vurah” and explores “strength” – physical
strength and power, and mental and emotional strength.
One parent’s comment about this program was “anything that gives my children tools to identify what they are
feeling and words to describe those feelings is well worth it.” It happens that this is exactly what La-bri’ut: To
Our Health and Wellness does.
Online sessions are taught by our own Holly Sukol.
For more information or to sign up, please be in touch with Rabbi Rachel Brown at rbrown@shaareytikvah.org
or by text/phone at 216-245-5039.
*******************************************************************************
Photos from the Latkes & Laughs Event with Deena Nyer Mendlowitz:
13

Men’s Club Moments
Welcome to a New Year and, hopefully, a safer and healthier one. That being said, your Men’s Club ended its
year on a very positive note. With an attendance of 19 people, our latest adventure was held on December
13 th as a ZOOM event entitled: Manufacturing Cleveland’s Future: MAGNET and “America Works” with Guest
Speakers Matt Fieldman and Ethan Karp. They spoke on the need for INGENUITY, INNOVATION and TRANS-
FORMATION for the future in NE Ohio and the nation, and the demand for Skilled Training in manufacturing.
This is YOUR Men’s Club, and we need YOU.
Get involved, and stay involved. Join us.
Best Regards, Joe Rettman, Men’s Club President, jarettman@gmail.com
Wine on the Vine - The New FJMC Initiative
The FJMC has just launched a perfect new initiative called Wine on the Vine (WOTV). What
makes WOTV perfect for the FJMC is that it is a 21st century program strongly supporting Israel.
Specifically, WOTV brings us closer to the land of Israel by supporting their emerging wine industry and by underwriting
several Israeli youth cultural programs, yet is environmentally sustainable
Since the 1920’s, Jews have helped Israel by planting trees so that the barren hillsides could, once again, become
rich and fertile. Now the FJMC has taken this type of proactive Israeli support to the next level with Wine on the
Vine. Commemorate a simcha, graduation, bris or someone’s passing or send a thank you by planting a vine in
Israel. We now have the opportunity to plant vines in someone’s name in an established Israel winery. By planting
vines you become part of an ancient tradition of wine making. Enjoy the fruit of our vines during our lifetime, when
we drink the delicious kosher Israeli wine.
It’s simple. To purchase a vine, go to https://www.fjmcwine.org (for $18.00 a vine), select your winery, let us know
who you would like to honor and finally select your club. Your selected club will receive credit for the sale and
receive $3/vine sold.
The feedback from our regions and clubs has been overwhelmingly positive and we need your participation to
make WOTV work. What better way can you support Israel at the same time you support your club and the
FJMC.
CST Men’s Club in cooperation with BJ’s Men’s Club
Comedy Night:
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum
Saturday Night, February 13, 2021
7:30 - 9:30 PM
Headliners include: Ali Kobert (New York), Katie Klein and T.J. Shanoff, The Shalom Collaboration (Chicago)
and Mark Klein (Louisville)
Register for $18/screen. (Link to be provided soon)
Proceeds from registration, sponsorships and your private donations during the event to benefit
Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Cleveland Kosher Food Pantry, or your own local food bank/pantry.
Let’s help those in need during this pandemic!
14

CST Racial Justice Book Club
The CST Racial Justice Learning Group
Last summer, a group of CST Congregants got together to try to
process the pain they were witnessing across the country (and
world) and to try to understand how to live into their values of
building a just society. They were looking for a place where they
could learn and make progress in their conception of racial
injustice.
They ended up creating a learning group coordinated by Lora Cover, Rachel Hutt, and Trysa Shulman.
For five Sundays, they read articles, watched videos and listened to podcasts. They then came together
to learn, reflect, practice, mess up and practice again.
Reflections from three participants:
“How wonderful it was that fellow congregants stepped forward with a thoughtful, open, supportive vehicle
for an honest, closer examination of these highly publicized incidents of violence against people
of color. In a Jewish context, with a well-chosen sequence of materials to review and consider, and
most importantly with a group of fellow congregants with whom I felt “safe,” I was able to explore the
issues in some depth, to do some important self-examination, and to begin to gain a new understanding
of pervasive racism in our society.” - David Hutt
“This experience connected me to individuals within CST, and offered me greater awareness and insight
toward people of color, including our children, who are both black. The homework assignments
were thought-provoking, offered knowledge, and provoked a powerful emotional reaction from me that
I was not expecting. As a result of the Racial Justice group, I have explored children’s books that offer
more diversity, positive messages about being black, and videos that feature black storytellers for our
children.” - Beth Kuritzky
“I had just finished reading White Fragility by Robin D’Angelo and all I wanted to talk about was what I
had learned and the ongoing racial issues facing our country. The invitation for the Shaarey Tikvah Racial
Justice learning group came just at the right time, and I knew that this would be a group where it
would be safe to continue my learning… Thank you so very much to Lora, Trysa and Rachel for their
hard work in preparing for and organizing this group and for their excellent facilitation skills that helped
make this group so successful.” - Sharon Spitz Fagin, Ph.D.
Re-grouping as the Racial Justice Book Club
Trysa Shulman has started a monthly Book Club. This will be an opportunity for continued learning and
self-reflection. The group is open to all Shaarey Tikvah members. Their first meeting was Sunday,
December 20, where they discussed Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson will be
discussed on Sunday, January 31 at 3pm. All meetings will take place via Zoom.
Questions about joining the Book Club should go to Trysa at tshulmanshy@gmail.com.
15

Please join us (virtually) for weekly Shabbat Services
Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/955142707
Saturday morning Shabbat 9:30 am via Livestream:
http://www.shaareytikvah.org/pray/livestream/
Contact the office for the Password to the Live Stream
Saturday night Havdalah Services on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/121196610
(For Kabbalat Shabbat and Havdalah services, please refer to times on back calendar)
January Milestone Birthdays
Jocelyn Eskanazi
Barbara Boroff
Rita Shtull
Kelly Rubanenko
January Milestone Anniversaries
David & Gussie Singer (10 years)
16

New Member Spotlight - Welcome our new members!
Jay & Soraya Leberman - Joined November 2020
Soraya is a professional French chef and
graduate of the French Culinary Institute.
Jay is a Jewish educator and the new
Head of School of Mandel JDS.
Please welcome Jay & Soraya
to our CST family!
Hi everyone!
Romy Larson - Joined December 2020
My name is Romy Larson and I'm so excited to be joining Shaarey Tikvah! You may recognize me from some
socially distant Shabbat mornings we've had the past few months, or from Rabbi Roland's Midweek Mishnah
class. I've decided to finally make our relationship official and join this wonderful community!
A little about me: I'm currently in my last semester of college at CSU, and (b'ezrat Hashem) I will be graduating
in the spring with my degree in Special Education with a focus in Autism Spectrum Disorder. I'm hoping
once I graduate to make the long and arduous journey across the Cuyahoga River and relocate from North
Olmsted (slightly west of the Rocky Mountains) to a town closer to the thriving Jewish community we have in
Cleveland.
In my free time, I love hiking and spending time relaxing in the
beautiful Metroparks of northeast Ohio, taking road trips to Amish
country or other wonderful destinations within a day's drive,
attending a musical downtown at Playhouse Square, or enjoying
cozy rainy days by reading one of the dozens and dozens of books
I've collected and haven't quite gotten around to yet. My favorite
Jewish holiday is Shavuot because it has it all- ice cream, Torah,
and pulling an all-nighter with your friends (how could it be more
perfect?). I'm praying that soon it will be safe to celebrate together
so that we can once again experience the simcha of sharing
Shabbat and the chaggim!
I've already felt so welcomed and accepted in all my
interactions with this congregation so far, and I know the
kindness and hospitality of everyone who calls Shaarey Tikvah home. I look forward to meeting you!
17

JANUARY YAHRZEITS
Jan 2—Jan 8
Eva Beckerman *
Sam Berry *
Shirley Brick
Rachel Cozen
Emery Daniel *
Hilda Eisenberg *
Sadie Gladstone
Max Goldsmith *
Fred Goodman *
Esther Hausman *
Martin Hutt *
Emilia Keller *
Arnold Levy *
Anne Lichtstern
Morry Malcmacher
Moses Marcovitch *
Bernard Portnoy
Sally Roland
Esther Rosenberg
Gustav Schubach *
Ruth Scolnick
Rosa Shartenberg *
William Silverman
Celia Sobel
Paul Wertheimer *
Jan 9—Jan 15
Meta Allmayer *
Hilda Bertman *
Harry Boardman *
Maxwell Browner
Herman Davis
Arnold Falleder *
Abraham Freund *
Sydney Greenberg
Sadie Grossman
Ruth Hoffer
Flora Kane *
Rose Katz Roland
Herbert Kraus *
Benjamin Lavin *
Florence Maier
Fran Massel
Diane Morrison *
Rae Paller
Albert Rosenberg
Arthur Rubin
Bertha Starkman
Max Sunshine *
Ida Tisch *
Ernest Wallach *
Edna Yaffe *
Henry Young
Jan 16—Jan 22
Max Bardon *
Arthur Baum *
Salomon Berg *
Eric Faerber *
Rita Fersky
Inge Frank
Pessa Galperin
Chaim Zvi Hennenberg *
Perel Hennenberg *
Isaac Kohen *
Anna Kramer *
Rosa Lenschitzki
Rose Madorsky-Klug
Karola Maringer
Max Ottenheimer *
Leo Paller
Joseph Price
Joseph Rothschild *
Susan Rubenstein *
Bertha Scherer *
Bella Seldner *
Estelle Senser
Martin SIlver
Helen Stone
Armin Walder
Jan 23—Jan 29
Arlene Albin
Rebecca Attenson *
Gustav Carter *
Abraham Chenchinsky
Gloria Bryskier Coleman
Evelyn Fishman
Greta Furst *
George Havas
Anne Kane *
Bettina Klaar
Simon Krutowsky *
Inge Kurtz
Louis Lewinsohn *
Minna Lewinsohn *
Sam Madorsky
Bertha Neif
Mollie Rein *
Leatrice White Schwartz
Ruth Schwartz *
Lanny Roy Silver
Arnold Soroky
Bernard Wiesenthal *
William D. Wolff *
Bertha Cohen Zoole
* indicates memorial nameplate
May God comfort the
mourners among all those
who mourn in
Zion and Jerusalem.
18

In Memoriam
In Memory of Donald Berman
April 17, 1939 - November 26, 2020
Thank you to Rabbi Roland, Cantor Gary and our Shaarey Tikvah family who have given us support during our time of
loss. Your texts, phone calls, visits, cards and more have helped to ease the loss. The miracle of Zoom allowed us to
be with family and friends not only in the states but in Israel and Japan to share memories of Don and recited the words
of our tradition.
Don's life was one of civil service. He served his country as a Marine. He walked a postal route for 31 years. While a
postal employee, he joined and later became president of the Jewish Civil Service Employees of Northeastern
Ohio. This led to his work with Branch 40 Letter Carriers as shop steward and on the credit union audit committee,
then as president of the Retirees of Branch 40. His last role, becoming an auxiliary policeman for the city of Mayfield
Heights, was the one he always said was the most rewarding to him.
Shaarey Tikvah has been our home for over fifty years and where Don shared his
woodworking creations.
Sharlet, Lisa and Zachary
Remember your deceased loved ones by purchasing a memorial nameplate
to be added to the Memorial Boards in the Sanctuary.
Also, adding a Simcha Leaf to the plaque in the hallway is a beautiful way
to celebrate a birth, B’nai Mitzvah or Milestone Birthday/Anniversary!
Contact Martha to reserve a spot or to purchase a plaque
In Memory of Clive Sinoff
May 23, 1950 - December 6, 2020
Dr. Clive L. Sinoff was the beloved husband of Aletta
and loving father of Leon J. Sinoff (Lyndsey Maynor) and
Alan M. Sinoff.
Dear brother of Dr.
Gary Sinoff.
In Memory of Annette Szabo
April 13, 1922 - December 13, 2020
Annette was 98 years young. She will be mourned
by her family: Andrew Szabo, Edward Szabo and
Robert Szabo; and grandchildren, Colette
Gramszlo (daughter of Andrew Szabo and Susan
Long), Elizabeth Szabo (daughter of Edward and
Diane Szabo) and Jackelyn Lee (daughter of
Robert Szabo).
In Memory of Susan Greenberg
April 18, 1957 - December 15, 2020
Susan is survived by her loving husband
Ron Hudson, her daughters Lanna Cary
(David) and Annie Justmann, and her
grandchildren, Wyatt and Violet Cary.
The family looks forward to an in-person,
open-air celebration of Susan‘s life
19

NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CLEVELAND, OHIO
PERMIT NO. 2978
January 2021
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
** See Page 16 for link to Shabbat Live Stream
Services and Zoom links for Kabbalat Shabbat and
Havdalah Services
1
4 pm Shabbat
Services—Zoom
2
9:30 am Shabbat
Services Live Streamed
5:45 pm Havdalah-Zoom
3 4 5
4:30 CSTea
Time/Happy Hour
Hour
6
10 am Midweek
Mishnah
7
9 pm The Rebbe’s
Tisch
8
4 pm Shabbat
Services—Zoom
9
9:30 am Shabbat
Services Live Streamed
5:50 pm Havdalah-Zoom
10
7:30 pm Sisterhood
TED Talk
4pm Teen Hangout
11 12
7:30 Exec
Committee
Meeting
13 Rosh Hodesh
10 am Midweek
Mishnah
14
9 pm The Rebbe’s
Tisch
15
4 pm Shabbat
Services—Zoom
16
9:30 am Shabbat
Services Live Streamed
6:00 pm Havdalah-Zoom
17 18 19
7:30 pm
Sisterhood
Speaker
20
10 am Midweek
Mishnah
21
9 pm The Rebbe’s
Tisch
22
4 pm Shabbat
Services—Zoom
23
9:30 am Shabbat
Services Live Streamed
6:00 pm Havdalah-Zoom
24
4pm Teen Hangout
25 26
7:30 Board
Meeting
27
10 am Midweek
Mishnah
28 Tu B’Shevat
9 pm The Rebbe’s
Tisch
29
4 pm Shabbat
Services—Zoom
30
9:30 am Shabbat
Services Live Streamed
6:10 pm Havdalah-Zoom
31 3 pm Racial
Justice Book Club
20