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THIS SHABBAT
MAZAL TOV /CONDOLENCE
D'VAR TORAH
RABBI's RETIREMENT
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
LIMMUD ADULT EDUCATION
SENIORS PROGRAMS
YOUTH PROGRAMS
COMMUNITY EVENTS

ON BETH EL'S CALENDAR THIS COMING WEEK... 

Saturday, March 14
Welcoming Chai House Residents & Staff
Birthday Shabbat
9:00am Shabbat Morning Service
9:30am Shabbat SPACE
10:15am Pre-Service Oneg
10:45am Youth Services
1:00pm Daf Shevui
6:45pm Mincha/Maariv

Sunday, March 15

8:00am Shacharit

9:00am Men's Club Membership Meeting

9:30am Zumba

11:00am Sisterhood Torah Fund Brunch

1:00pm Kadima Good Deeds Day (6-7grades)

6:00pm Israeli Dancing

6:45pm Mincha/Maariv
 

Monday, March 16

6:55am Shacharit

9:30am Walking Club

12:45pm Canasta

6:45pm Mincha/Maariv

7:30pm Leaving Evelyn: A Play about Senior Moments

8:00pm Religious School Board Meeting

 

Tuesday, March 17

7:00am Shacharit
9:30am Retirees Club
12:45pm Mah Jongg
6:45pm Mincha/Maariv

Wednesday, March 18
7:00am Shacharit
10:30am Seniors Exercise and Discusion
11:45am Kasakove Play Date
6:45pm Mincha/Maariv
   
Thursday, March 19
Nursery School Closed- JEP Staff Development
6:55am Shacharit
10:00am WAJE: Talmud
10:00am WAJE: The Prophets
6:00pm Rosh Hodesh Girls
6:30pm Ulpan Beginners
6:45pm Mincha/Maariv
7:30pm Ulpan Intermed.
8:00pm Choir Rehearsal
8:30pm Ulpan Advanced

Friday, March 20
7:00am Shacharit
9:15am Passover Workshop 
10:30am Seniors Exercise
1:00pm Yiddish Vinkl
6:00pm Religious School Gimel (3rd) and Dalet (4th) Shabbat
6:45pm Mincha/Maariv
 
For more event information and/or a more detailed look at the Beth El Calendar, click here.

NEED A MI SHEBEIRACH PRAYER? LET US KNOW! 
Each Shabbat morning, our congregation recites a special Mi Shebeirach prayer aloud, praying for healing of both the body and spirit for those in our community who are ill. 

If you would like the community to keep you or a family member in mind, please send their name(s) in English and Hebrew (if you know it) to dlomurno@bethelnr.org, or call Debra at 914-235-2700, ext. 239. No one will be added without their permission.  Those who wish for a private Mi Shebeirach prayer should contact the clergy directly.

As we receive names, they will be listed here.

Mitchell Kaphan
Barney Troodler

We're Making Improvements...
Beth El is working hard to improve  communication with our members.  We welcome comments and suggestions as we work toward this goal.  Please email info@bethelnr.org
Useful Links
  SHABBAT ANNOUNCEMENTS  
Friday, March 13, 2015
22 Adar 5775 
Candle Lighting 6:41pm
Mincha/Maariv 6:45pm
 
Saturday Mincha/ Maariv 6 :45pm
Shabbat Ends 7:41pm
Parashat Vayakhel/Pekudei , pages 552-572

Saturday Morning, March 14

  

 

Main Sanctuary, 9:00am             Bat Mitzvah: Zoe Heller 

 

WELCOMING CHAI HOUSE RESIDENTS & STAFF

 

BIRTHDAY SHABBAT

 

BAR/BAT MITZVAH INSTITUTE, 8:50am

 

SHABBAT SPACE, 9:30 am - 1:00pm 

 

FAMILY KEHILLAH SERVICE, 10:45am, in the Goldberger Chapel (beginning with a pre-service Oneg at 10:15am, in the Board Room). This week's clergy visitor is Hazzan Jamie Gloth.


TORAH FOR TOTS, 10:45am (Wiener Lounge)

The following people are serving in these positions this Shabbat:
                         
President's Chair:              Dick Kaufman
Vice President's Chair:       Barbara Horowitz
Ushers:                            Carrie Fox, Rob Patchen
Greeters:                          Tracey Levy, Aaron Fleishaker
Gabbai:                            Susan Solow-Dubin

 

T his week's Kiddush is sponsored by Stephanie and Gary Heller in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter Zoe.

 

DAF SHEVUI, 1:00pm, a fter lunch in the Library.
MAZAL TOV 

Lynn and Jeffrey Lowin upon the marriage of their daughter Joanna to Mark Frank, son of David and Roberta Frank. 

Steven and Rachelle Stern upon the marriage of their daughter Sara to Mikhail Rubinshteyn, son of Grigory and Larisa Rubinshteyn

CONDOLENCES

Irwin S. Davison upon the loss of his mother, Gertrude Davison Weisbrod.

Marianne Sussman upon the loss of her sister Florence Rossard.

Those marking a simcha or observing the loss of a loved one have been delighted/comforted that their lifecycle event has inspired your generosity. If you would like to make a donation to Beth El in honor or in memory, please click here .
A WORD OF TORAH FROM RABBI SIRNER

This week we conclude the public reading of the second book of the Torah, the book of Shemot (Exodus). We read the two parashiyot known as Vayakhel and Pekudei. These readings deal nearly exclusively with the construction of the tabernacle and furnishings that our people carried with them in the desert period. It is clear that after the powerful experience of the Divine Presence at Sinai, the people need some tangible and physical reminder of God's presence. Years later, the the Tabernacle would be replaced by the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, and following its destruction, the synagogue has been next to be home, the key place of sacred convocation.

Commentators noted that the Torah reading opens with Moses gathering KOL, the entire community of Israel. This, they tell us, was to be a constant reminder that our definition of community must include all our members. To be loyal to our calling, the community must include the younger and older; weak and the strong; men and women and children. Every individual, whatever his/her station in life, has  a special place in the life of the community. Every person matters. In that spirit, we look constantly to assure that Beth El Synagogue Center values all of our people. May each of us endeavor to assure that our community includes ALL and is worthy of being called a sacred and holy community. Shabbat shalom.

RABBI SIRNER'S RETIREMENT CELEBRATIONS

 

SAVE THE DATES:

Wednesday, May 6: Panel Discussion in Honor of Rabbi Melvin Sirner 

The Condition of American Jewry - Current Patterns and Future Prospects, moderated by our own Prof. Jack Wertheimer. Panelists are Steven Bayme, Steven Cohen, and Alisa Kurshan.

 

Saturday, May 30: Special Shabbat Services and Kiddush luncheon

 

Sunday, May 31: Gala, honoring Rabbi Melvin and Lenore Sirner,

(more information on all events is in the February  Bulletin, page 5.)

If you are interested in serving on our Gala committee, please email sirnercelebration@bethelnr.org

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE CENTER ANNOUNCEMENTS


Click here to read our most recent E-vents  
for information about upcoming events and programs.

HAFTARAH READERS NEEDED for the April 5 (second day of Passover), April 10 (seventh day of Passover), and April 11 (eighth day). If you are interested, please contact Gary Salmo at gsalmo@aol.com.

PROPOSED SLATE OF OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES ANNOUNCED  
At the Board of Trustees meeting on March 9, the Nominating Committee presented the candidates for the offices and various terms. To read the announcment, please click here.

KANNER-KURZON MUSEUM: Thor Wickstrom exhibit is open. The artist is the brother-in-law of Carrie Fox. His exhibit has landscapes and cityscapes in oil and will be in the museum through March 29.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE NURSERY SCHOOL 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR. Register by March 15 to take advantage of the early- bird rate! Click here to enroll !  
UPCOMING EVENTS AT BETH EL SYNAGOGUE CENTER

MEN'S CLUB MEETING, SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 9:00am.

ZUMBA, SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 9:30am   Workout with friends for just $7 per class (cash, exact change if possible). Questions? E-mail Carrie Fox at  cfox@aya.yale.edu . N o R.S.V.P. Come ready for fun. 

SISTERHOOD TORAH FUND BRUNCH, SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 11:00am, honoring Marcia Assor and Joyce Goldklang, at Beth El. Couvert $42; catered by Classic Caterers. Please make your check payable to Beth El Sisterhood, and mail to Gaby Newfield, 87 Runyon Place, Scarsdale, New York 10583. Reservations required.   Questions? E-mail gabyn77@yahoo.com .

WALKING CLUB, EVERY MONDAY, 9:30am. Meet in front of Beth El. Contact Arlene Salman at 914-235-2485, or aesalman@aol.com for details. All are welcome. 

NEW ROCHELLE HADASSAH, MONDAY, MARCH 16 12:30pm, 
Blessed is the Match: The Life and Death of Hannah Senesh, at the Eastchester Public Library, 11 Oakridge Place. All are welcome.

LEAVING EVELYN, MONDAY, MARCH 16, 7:30pm Written by our own Kathy Kafer, this is a play about senior moments and more. Sponsored by Beth El's Men's Club, Sisterhood, Chesed, and Adult Programming, as well as WJCS Partners in Caring, generously funded by UJA-Federation of New York. Questions facilitated by Shari Baum, M.S.W. Light refreshments to follow. R.S.V.P. to Julie Rockowitz at jrockowitz@bethelnr.org appreciated, but not required. Questions? Call 914-235-2700, ext. 256.

JOIN THE RETIREES! TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 9:30am Coffee and a nosh, 10:00am Dr. Robert Ellis, professor of law at Manhattan College, will speak on Current Constitutional Issues, including non-traditional marriages and other controversial subjects being considered by the Supreme Court. On Tuesday, March 24, we will take a tour of Channel 12 Television, in Yonkers, leaving Beth El at 9:30am. R.S.V.P. in advance is a must. Reply to Julie Rockowitz at 914-235-2700, ext. 256, or jrockowitz@bethelnr.org.

KASAKOVE PLAYDATE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 11:45am-1:00pm, Bring a dairy lunch and enjoy playtime with friends and classmates. Questions? Call the Nursery School office at 914-235-2700, ext. 250. Next playdate: Wednesday, April 22, 4:00pm.

PARENT PASSOVER WORKSHOP, FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 9:15am
Why is this workshop different than all other workshops? Rabbi Josh Dorsch and Nursery School Director Ronnie Becher will offer a fun, interactive, and informative class, which is perfect for parents with young children. R.S.V.P. required. Childcare available. Contact the Nursery School office at nursery@bethelnr.org.

MINYAN BREAKFAST, SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 9:00am-10:00am

MARCH MADNESS! REGISTER TODAY FOR POKER & PAINT NITE, SUNDAY, MARCH 22 
Special price until March 18: Members $18 per person, community, $20 per person.
(Note: this event is geared to empty nesters).
  5:30pm, happy hour of sangria and margaritas; 6:00pm, receive step-by-step painting instruction from a professional artist. No experience is necessary! Also instructional poker is available, or we'll set up a game for you. At 7:15pm, we will enjoy a Mexican fiesta, catered by Carlos & Gabby's. Click here to register . Questions? Call Karen Rosenfeld at 914-261-9641.

SPECIAL NEEDS SEDER, MONDAY, MARCH 23, 5:30pm Volunteers are needed before, during, and after this unique event for residents of local group homes.  Click here to volunteerMonetary donations are also gratefully accepted, as well as donations of Passover foods that can go home with our guests. Contact Ellen Gelboim at esgelboim@gmail.com, or Sandy Gruenberg at gamson36@gmail.com.

ISRAEL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE, TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 7:30pm  All are welcome . For more information, please contact David Horowitz at  dbhlspc@aol.com .  

MITZVAH KNITTING, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 9:30am Help make hats and scarves for those in need. Questions? Contact Phyllis at pjf920@verizon.net.

BABY U, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, a series of learning opportunities for expectant parents and parents of babies in their first year. 10:00am, coffee and schmoozing; 10:30-11:15am workshop  by Rori Tamagna on Breastfeeding in the First Year. $20 ($15 for Beth El members). Open to the public. Visit  bethelnr.org/babyu  to register and read about our facilitator.

COLLEGE-AGE COMMITTEE PACKING, THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 7:30pm. Help us pack our Passover "care packages" for our students.

LORD & TAYLOR SPRING SHOPPING, FRIDAY, MARCH 27. Participate in this fundraiser by purchasing a ticket for $5. You will receive discount coupons good on merchandise purchased that day, or during the pre-sale up to several days prior. Tickets can be purchased from Sisterhood (Linda Resnick at cosa48@yahoo.com), the Nursery School (Alyssa Erber at acerber@gmail.com), or the office (Alise at 914-235-2700, ext. 223, or aliquorie@bethelnr.org).

ISRAEL AWARENESS SHABBAT, MARCH 28 Join us for Shabbat services focusing on our love and connection to Israel. A special Israeli Kiddush lunch will follow. 

NURSERY SCHOOL BOOK FAIR, MARCH 29 to APRIL 1  Fabulous selection of books geared to Nursery School children through 6th graders. Consider books to enrich your Passover seder, as gifts, and for your children. Questions? Contact the Nursery School at 914-235-2700, ext. 250, or nursery@bethelnr.org . Proceeds benefit the Nursery School.

SISTERHOOD BOOK CLUB, MONDAY, MARCH 30, 9:30am Join us for a discussion of Apprentice, by Maggie Anton. Questions? Contact Arlene Salman at 914-235-2485, or aesalman@aol.com.

PRE-PASSOVER PASTA PALOOZA, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Load up on pasta, and bring your unused, unopened hametz (or any other food) to Beth El. We will donate it to the H.O.P.E. Food Pantry. Visit www.bethelnr.org/pasta for information and registration. 

BETH EL KALLAH, FRIDAY, JUNE 12-SUNDAY, JUNE 14. We are returning to Camp Louemma! Registration is open! Early bird pricing if you sign up by April 17th! Visit www.bethelnr.org/kallah for information and to register. Questions? Contact chairs Lauren Freeman-Bosworth at laurenfreemanbosworth@gmail.com, or Talia Swartz Nagar at taliaswartz@gmail.com .
LIMMUD'S ADULT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 

 

ISRAELI DANCING, Sunday, March 15, 6:00pm, with Cantor Uri Aqua


W
AJE: Talmud, Thursday, March 19, 10:00am

 

WAJE: The Prophets: Second Isaiah and Ezekiel, with Rabbi Molly Karp, Thursday, March 19, 10:00am 

 

PARASHAT HASHAVUA, Thursday, March 19, 1:00pm,

with Rabbi Sirner, in the Library.

 

HEBREW ULPAN, Thursday, March 19, with Miri Ben Avi 

6:30pm Beginners; 7:30pm Intermediate; 8:30pm Advanced. Questions? Contact Miri at miriulpan@gmail.com or 914-602-1503.

 

CHOIR REHEARSAL, Thursday, March 19, 8:00pmwith Hazzan Ellen Miller Arad.

 

A MODERN UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE, Saturday, March 28, 8:30am. Join Rabbi David L. Blumenfeld, Ph.D. (Near Eastern Literature and Languages) for a discussion of "The Song of Songs." The most well-known love poem in history begins with these words,"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for your love is better than wine." Spring is here again and a new awakening of love is in the air. Things haven't changed much . . . "as time goes by.

 

TORAH ON TAP, Tuesday, March 31, 8:00pm, at Rockwells in Pelham. Torah means different things to different people. Participate in a guided conversation on Judaism, God, Torah, or Israel while socializing with a drink or two. Age 21+. R.S.V.P. to jdorsch@bethelnr.org.


TALMUD STUDY SESSION, EVERY SHABBAT, 1:00pm, in the library. Download the weekly study portion,  Daf Shevui. New participants welcome. We'll discuss a page (daf) of the Talmud.  Sign up at  www.conservativeyeshiva.org/category/daf-shevui .

FOR ADDITIONAL WAJE CLASSES, CHECK OUT THE 2014-2015 WAJE CATALOG. 
Click here to view.

All classes are at Beth El unless otherwise indicated.  For information, contact Rabbi Dorsch at jdorsch@bethelnr.org, or 914-235-2700, ext. 260.
SENIORS PROGRAMMING

Wednesday, March 18
Tai Chi with Norma, 10:30am
Speaker Sara Meyers, Esq., on How to Organize Your Affairs, 11:30am

Friday, March 20
Exercise with Cheryl, 10:30am
Speaker Art Zuckerman will give a Mystery Couch Tour, 11:00am

All classes are at Beth El unless otherwise indicated.  For further information, contact Cheryl Millman at nycha50@gmail.com.
YOUTH PROGRAMMING

Kadima (6th-8th Grade) Good Deeds Day,  Sunday, March 15, 1:00pm-2:30pm. 
Join us for an afternoon of chesed in honor of National Good Deeds Day.  We'll hang out with friends while working on many different projects to help others.

Rosh Hodesh It's a Girl's ThingThursday, March 19, 6:00pm - 8:00pm.  7th grade girls will gather to celebrate the new month of Nissan. Contact Bekkah Gold at   roshhodeshgirls@bethelnr.org  for details.

Ruach (K-2nd grade) Peter Pan DaySunday, March 22,  11:00am-12:15pm.  Join your friends and meet new people as we watch clips from the classic film and build our own forts.  Bring your favorite fort building supplies! Contact Carly Shapiro at   ruach@bethelnr.org  for details.

Chaverim (3rd-5th Grade) Mad Science DaySunday, March 22,  12:00pm-1:15pm.  Bubbling, oozing, foaming - science can make amazing things happen!  Join us as we experiment with household materials...who knows...something might even explode!  Contact Abby Marcus at  chaverim@bethelnr.org  for details.

Youth Community Parent Night OutSaturday, March 28, 8:30pm-10:30pm.  Parents of K-12th graders are invited for a casual meet up at Vintage 1891.  Swing by to say hi or stay for the night! Contact Jen Vegh at jvegh@bethelnr.org or 914-235-2700, ext. 247, for information.
COMMUNITY EVENTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS  
 
VOTE FOR MERCAZ SLATE #2  Take 5 minutes to help support progressive environmentalism in Israel, as well as Israeli government funding for the schools and institutions of the Conservative/Masorti Movement. Israel does not allow the pluralistic, egalitarian options that we take for granted. Our votes for MERCAZ Slate #2 can change the way we are represented in Israel. Votes send our message!  Take 5 mintues to impact Israel. Go to  votemercaz.org  and vote MERCAZ Slate #2. [$10 fee to the election company; $5 for those ages 18-30]. Please  have your family and friends do it too.  Our Judaism - Our Israel - Vote MERCAZ, Slate #2. If you prefer a paper ballot, please click here Follow us on Twitter   @VoteMercaz and like us on  Facebook

WJCS Connect to Care offers classes as listed below. All are at 845 North Broadway, White Plains 10603, unless otherwise indicated. In case of inclement weather, call 914-761-0600, ext. 170. R.S.V.P. to ConnectToCare@wjcs.com.
Monday, March 16, 12:00pm-1:00pm Jewish Mindfulness Meditation and Stress Reduction, with Ruth Rosenblum, LCSW, C2C Clinical Social Worker.  (also on Monday, March 23, 30)
Tuesday, March 17, 10:00am-11:45am, LinkedIn for Advanced Users. Prerequisite: LinkedIn for Beginners and Intermediate users. Presenter: Marc W. Halpert.
Wednesday, March 25, 12:00pm-1:30pm, Your Job Search, only Better (part 1 of 2). This innovaive program will discuss your individual search patterns and retool you with ideas for improvements. Brin in your advertisements, cover letters, and resumes and be prepared to share your stories. Limited to 7 participants. Presenter: Naomi Koller.
Thursday, March 26, Community Forum, 10:30am-12:30pm, What can you do to take control of your job search? Tips and strategies from the experts. At the Greenburgh Public Library, 300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford, NY 10523. Free for the community. Register by contacting Lenore Rosenbaum, 914-761-0600, ext. 308, or click here.
Tuesday, March 31, 10:00am-11:45am, LinkedIn for Beginner users. Presenter: Marc W. Halpert. 

WOMEN'S INITIATIVE FOR JEWISH STUDIES (JIJS) OFFERS PRESENTATION BY SHARON LIBERMAN MINTZ, TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 7:45pm, at Young Israel of New Rochelle, 1149 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10804. Ms. Mintz is the curator of Jewish art at The Jewish Theological Seminary and senior consultant at Sotheby's N.Y. She will speak on "Imagining Esther: The Art and History of Illustrated Megillot." Free, open to men and women.

WJCS Women-Helping-Women Workshops are free, and non-sectarian. Held at WJCS Headquarters, 845 N. Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603; 9:30am-11:30am. Registration required. Contact Lenore Rosenbaum, lrosenbaum@wjcs.com, or 914-761-0600, ext. 308.
Thursday, March 19,  Pause! It's Better than Counting to 10: Open the door to positivity and resilience, with Judy Garfinkel. 
Tuesday, March 24, The New Rules of Career Success: Job Search Strategies for Today's Workplace, with Laura Powers.
Tuesday, March 31, The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem and How tThey Work for You in Today's Job Market, with Ettie Shapiro. (self -acceptance, self-responsibiilty, living consciously, personal integrity, self-assertiveness, living purposefully)

WESTCHESTER MARCHING BAND LOOKING FOR MUSICIANS TO PERFORM AT CELEBRATE ISRAEL PARADE, SUNDAY, MAY 31 Take advantage of a complimentary membership in The Westchester Klezmer Program and perform with the band in the parade. For information, contact Kenny Green at kgreen@westchesterklez.org, or call 914-276-0497.

SUMMER 2015 SESSIONS AT JTS  Study Bible, Talmud, Jewish literature, Jewish education, Jewish thought, or Jewish history with world-renowned faculty and visiting professors. Morning, afternoon, and evening classes are available, convenient housing, option to take courses for credit. Click here to learn more or contact Eve Stern at 212-678-8966 or evstern@jtsaedu.