|
Rabbi Jerry Ram Cutler
Rabbi's Message
Valentine's Day
Many years ago....well, not THAT many, when Valentine's came around, no one in my school sent cards or notes with hastily drawn hearts on it accompanied with sweet nothings. That's because the school, Yeshiva Ohel Moshe on Bay Parkway in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, dismissed the holiday as 'goyish!" Of more significance was the fact that it was an all male school.
When I moved and was in 149 Jr. High School in the East NY section, Valentine cards were the rage on February 14. As I didn't have a girlfriend, I didn't have anyone to shower with an abundance of silly cards telling of my affection - not even a rose. And, if I did, chances are my father, the eminent Rabbi Abraham I. Cutler, would have disowned me had he found out. He needn't have worried, as I was a sheltered child and all I knew about girls was, they smelled pretty and had longer hair.
"One of the most universally accepted explanations of where the holiday was derived," stated Federation blogger Jenny Platt, "is the legend of a holy priest and 3rd-century romantic named Valentine, who continued to perform wedding ceremonies for young soldiers and their sweethearts even after the Roman emperor Claudius II forbid them to be betrothed. Valentine was imprisoned and sentenced for execution on February 14th, whereupon he penned a farewell letter to his own sweetheart and signed it, "From your Valentine."
"But," Ms. Platt continues, "in 1969, the Catholic Church removed Valentine's Day from its calendar as all they could historically corroborate about him was his burial date-February 14th. Thus, although it evokes the legend of a saint, Valentine's Day is not officially recognized as a religious holiday."
The Orthodox rabbis, as they did when I went to Ohel Moshe, strongly suggested that we not send cards, flowers, candy or any other form of celebratory issuance commemorating Valentine's Day. The more moderate rabbis allow an embrace of affection on that day, as do I. In fact, I encourage it because it is dedicated to love.' Now, what on earth can be wrong with exchanging words of like or love on a special day as opposed to the distrust and harangue that is infiltrating our world?
Ms Platt reminds us that Tu B'Av, held each year on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Av (this year falling on July 21st), is mentioned in the Talmud as a celebration at the beginning of the grape harvest, in which all the unmarried girls in Jerusalem would dress in white and dance in the vineyards awaiting male suitors.
To those of us who can't wait until the 21st of July to express our feelings, go for it on the 14th of February....and, once again on, Tu B'av. As a matter of fact, let's declare our expression of love every day of the year as I do with my wife and daughters and not wait for Hallmark to remind us to be civil towards each other.
To my dear congregants, I love you all very much, today, tomorrow and every day of the year - especially those of you I see at services during the year.
Rabbi Jake (sounds more romantic than 'Rabbi Jerry' doesn't it?)
Rabbi Jerry Ram Cutler
|
|
Next Service
Friday Night Shabbat Service will be
Friday, Feb. 7, 2014 8:00 PM
Shabbat Service
at
Temple Beth El
1317 Crescent Heights Blvd.
West Hollywood
(Corner Crescent Hts. & Fountain)
If you are celebrating a simcha (happy occasion) and want to honor or memorialize someone special, please consider contributing to the Shabbat Service and receive a blessing from Rabbi Jerry & Cantor Kathy.
|
|
|
Hollywood Temple Beth El
Here is a link to a beautiful 360degree panorama of HTBE
CLICK HERE
| |
|
| |
Learning Center 2014
| |
COMING SOON we are getting closer to finalizing our classes. We will be holding our adult classes for those interested in learning:
Yiddish
Hebrew
Jewish Customs and Traditions, Jewish History
Israel Old and New
Jewish contributions in music from Tin Pan Alley to Broadway
The Jew In Film
Kabalah
Israeli Dancing
Jewish themed plays over the years
Acting Classes
Chair Yoga
We are contacting lecturers and teachers for the aforementioned and other courses.
We will be starting with just a few classes to begin with. Your feedback will determine which classes will be given.
|
|
Arne's Corner
The administration will claim the agreement with Iran freezes and sets back the Iranian nuclear program. But even the NY Times acknowledges that "only some elements are frozen, and rollbacks in the agreement are relatively minor" and can easily be reversed. Furthermore, the "deal" means the U.S. would retreat from it's previous clear RED LINE - of requiring that Iran stop enrichment.
It allows Iran to move ever closer to nuclear weapons while getting significant sanctions relief.
It is Israel, not the great American superpower, that may well have to act to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions. And so, the democratically elected leader of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will have to weigh his choices, with the burden of history on his mind and the judgement of future generations in his thoughts.
Netanyahu understands this. History teaches us this lesson Unfortunately, as a last resort, it is Netanyahu that may have to act to stop the Iranian regime from getting nuclear weapons. If he does, then Israel will fight, and Israel will be right.
Arnold Charitan
President
| |
Your Thoughtfulness is Truly Appreciated
Bernd & Ann Labe sent a Get Well wish to Julie Gold
Norman Kantor sent Get Well wishes to Debbie Godliman and Mel Fischer; Happy Anniversary to Sherwyn & Edie Horwitz
|
|
February Birthdays
|
Sara Silver
|
2/2/2014
| |
Doris Felsen
|
2/4/2014
| |
Roger Lloyd Richman
|
2/6/2014
| |
Saul Turteltaub
|
2/8/2014
| |
Ruth Veprin
|
2/10/2014
| |
Rose Ourieff
|
2/12/2014
| |
Edward Kantor
|
2/14/2014
| |
Rhea Kimmel
|
2/16/2014
| |
Aaron Bush
|
2/19/2014
| |
Daniel Chesler
|
2/19/2014
| |
Eunice Brown
|
2/20/2014
| |
Joel Diamond
|
2/20/2014
| |
Barbara Lee Schulz
|
2/21/2014
| |
Dale G. Pressman
|
2/22/2014
|
|
|
February Anniversaries
|
|
Arthur & Gwen Hiller
|
2/14/2014
| |
Barry & Cindy Smith
|
2/14/2014
|
|
| Tribute Cards
A Thoughtful Remembrance
| |
  Take a look at the birthdays and anniversaries, if there is someone you would like to remember and honor, call the office and send out a tribute card this month. We all will appreciate it. Unfortunately, do to the high costs of printing and postage, we are only able to send out cards with a minimum donation of $18.00. We will be happy to post your tribute in Temple Talk no matter what you are able to donate.
|
January Oneg Sponsors
Thank you, Oneg Sponsors who help defray costs of Shabbat Service, hall rental,
food, and personnel.
Arnold & Gladys Charitan Annual Oneg Sponsor
Jerry & Julie Gold in Honor of her Birthday
Sherwyn & Edie Horwitz in Honor of their Anniversary
June Miller Annual Oneg Sponsor
If you are celebrating a simcha (happy occasion) and want to honor or memorialize someone special, please consider contributing to the Shabbat Service and receive a blessing from Rabbi Jerry and Cantor Kathy.
|
|
January Yahrzeits
Thank You for Your Donation and May You Be Comforted Among the
Mourners of Zion
| |
| Bennett, Lois | In memory of Sydney Bennett | | Berry, Joni & Maitland-Lewis, Stephen | In memory of Clara Davis | | Bovitz, Ralph & Cynthia | In memory of Anne Yasser | | Boykoff, Beatrice | In memory of Harry Boykoff | | Caan, Sophie | In memory of Arthur Caan | | Crestol, Sidney & Harriet | In memory of Louis Crestol &
Harry Chernin | | Crosby, Norm & Joanie | In memory of Jack Crosby | | Ellman, Stephen & Leslie | In memory of Doris Ellman
Cohen | | Foonberg, Jay & Lois | In memory of Hyman Foonberg | | Graff, Irene | In memory of Paul Graff | | Isaksen, Susan | In memory of Myer Hodes | | Kantor, Norman | In memory of Jennie Kantor &
Charlotte Kantor | | Kaplan, Minnie | In memory of Sanford Kaplan | | Koffman, Dolores(Dee) | In memory of Esther Portnoy | | Limond, Marilyn | In memory of Beth Carol
Gordon, Bernard Limond &
Lauretta Limond | | Michelson, Alice | In memory of Joel Russel
Michelson | | Miller, June | In memory of Ethel Rosenblatt | | Oseary, Joann & Yossi | In memory of Max Zaifert | | Persten, Barbara | In memory of Mattie Block | | Radow, Ann | In memory of Edward Radow | | Sefton, Warren & Lois | In memory of Bette Sefton,
Sarah Dee & Frances Sefton | | Sidaris, Arlene | In memory of Bertha Smilowitz | | Silver, Marilyn | In memory of Anthony Silver
and wonderful father of Michael | | Speer, Carole | In memory of Jack Trystman | | Stern, Nat & Elaine | In memory of Ida Stern, Louis
Deutsch & Tillie Deutsch | | |
|
|
View From The Pew
Rabbi Jerry Ram Cutler
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
You can pine away for Baldwin, Ford and Affleck, all of whom have played Tom Clancy's roguish and macho CIA operator...but, I'm here to tell you, pine no more as the vacated spot has been filled by the very capable, Chris Pine.
Pine actually grows into the role as the film progresses and before the end titles roll, he assumes Ryan's persona very well. Assisting him is his fianc�, Keira Knightley, a serendipitous and delicate touch to the franchise.
Kenneth Branagh does a very credible job directing the non-stop action and excels (of course) as a ruthless Russian Billionaire who sets his sights on destroying America's economy.
The fact that America can do the job by itself is a no brainer, but the drama and intensity of Ryan, ably assisted by his superior, a terrific Kevin Costner, would not have played out as well as it did as having Russia as the villain du jour.
"Shadow Recruit" like most of the movies of this genre, has the usual non-sensible coincidences and haphazard silliness to further the action. But, towards the end there is an unconscionable chance happening that spoiled the fun I was having until that moment.
Nevertheless, it kept my interest for a major part of the film especially since there wasn't any gratuitous sex or F-bombs. It was just a straight forward entertaining movie that doesn't take itself too seriously.
2 and � Bagels with a shmear out of 4
Herblock: The Black & The White
As a child, Herbert Block, a Chicago native, was a prodigy being accepted into the prestigious Chicago Art Institute at age 12. He won his first Pulitzer in 1942, then spent two years in the Army doing cartoons and press releases. Upon his discharge Block was hired as the chief editorial cartoonist for The Washington Post, working there until his death 55 years later.
Herblock: The Black and The White, loses some of its bite based on the real Herblock's speeches and writings with head shot interviews with celebrities and columnists with the same background but it makes up for it by showing history through Herblock's political and biting satirical drawings.
Herblock, in his late 80's, was still working four days a week, after 53 years of sitting at his desk and producing commentary and cartoons five times a week. He commented on everything from Boss Tweed's corrupt New York political machine to gun control. He was extremely hard on Senator Joe McCarthy trying as best he could to 'destroy' the psychotic megalomaniac. When everyone was intimidated and afraid to attack the disgruntled senator, Herblock weighed right in and depicted him as mean and dirty looking with sweat pouring from his twisted face. He was a very patriotic American attacking everything and everyone he thought, at one time or another, to be a bad influence on his country including Nixon, who called Herblock his nemesis, LBJ, Carter and Clinton.
The winner of four Pulitzer Prizes, he was the most feared political cartoonist of his day. He was against injustice, unfairness and fought for the poor, integration, gun control and civil liberties. Viet Nam, he wrote, marked the end of innocence.
Alan Mandel, as Herblock delivers the illustrator's words with ease, defiance and compassion, however, the many interviews, although very illuminating and praiseworthy were a bit long. Some of the personalities talking about Herblock's character and brilliance are Woodward and Bernstein, Jules Feiffer, Tom Brokaw, Jon Stuart, Louis Black, Ted Koppel and a host of others.
Herblock: The Black & The White premiers on HBO starting January 27. It is a documentary for all Americans.
3 � out of 4 Bagels
|
|
NEWS FROM 
| |
|
Recharging Gadgets Without Wires
| One does not usually associate high-tech with the alleviation of anxiety, but PowerMat Technologies co-founder Ran Poliakine claims that his venture does just that.
This Duracell PowerMat can charge three devices at once.
"Imagine a world in which you didn't have to worry about how and where to charge your mobile phones, laptops and tablets every time you left home," says the 46-year-old innovator with a degree in industrial design from Jerusalem's Bezalel Academy of Art and Design.
It is a world that is fast upon us, according to Poliakine and his business partner, Amir Ben-Shalom, 52, the scientist behind the technology that is already taking swaths of the United States by storm.
"Within a few short years, there will no longer be plugs, outlets and wires," says Poliakine, during an interview with ISRAEL21C at his offices in the Neve Ilan communications complex in Abu Gosh, just west of Jerusalem.
"You'll simply place your electronic devices on a table, and it will receive electricity from an embedded surface."
To read more: CLICK HERE
|
|
SAY GOODBYE TO SURGICAL STITCHES AND STAPLES
| |
If a new Israeli product from IonMed gets market approval, surgeons will have a revolutionary tool in their hands for scar-free incision closure.
Women giving birth by Caesarean section could be the first to benefit from a revolutionary Israeli invention for closing surgical incisions without stitches or staples. The technique also promises to leave patients less prone to infection and scarring. BioWeld1, a unique trademarked product from Israeli startup IonMed, welds surgical incisions using cold plasma.
Plasma is a gas in which a certain proportion of the particles are ionized. It has been shown to offer manifold benefits including tissue welding, control of bleeding, enhancement of tissue repair, disinfection and destruction of cancer cells. However, plasma has enjoyed a limited role in surgery due to the high temperatures it creates and resulting harmful effects on body tissue. IonMed's scientists found a way to make use of cold plasma as the power behind the BioWeld1.
The procedure takes a few minutes, seals the area completely, leaves minimal scarring or painful stitches, and does not require complex training.
"No one has done this before - and more than that, the platform of cold plasma is a technology that is not available in medicine yet," says Ronen Lam, IonMed's co-founder and vice president for business development. "We will probably be the first," he tells ISRAEL21c.
The company anticipates receiving the CE mark of approval in Europe by the end of the year. After closing its next financial round, IonMed would then look into beginning trials in Europe and in the United States toward getting approval of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and launching its next cold plasma-based product.
To read more, please CLICK HERE
|
|
|
|
|
|
Important Message
| |
Please note our new address for Friday Night Services:
Temple Beth El
1317 Crescent Heights Blvd.
West Hollywood
(Corner Crescent Hts. & Fountain)
|
|
Happy Valentine's Day
2014
|
Friday, February 7
8:00 PM
Temple Beth El
1317 Crescent Heights Blvd.
West Hollywood
(Corner Crescent Hts. & Fountain)
**********
Shabbat Candle Lighting Times
February
2/7 5:11pm
2/14 5:17pm
2/21 5:24pm
2/28 5:30pm
|
If you have a car that is in working condition, the
Temple would be happy to accept it as a donation and give you a tax deduction.
| | |
| |
Do you need a really good
Handy Man?
| Alex Armendariz
310-827-4316 is your answer! Alex who works with Creative Arts Temple setting up for every Shabbat as well as the High Holidays is honest, trustworthy, and an integral part of the CAT family. |
|
CANTOR KATHY ROBBINS' CD
"AN ISLAND IN TIME"
| |
Cantor Kathy has most generously donated her CD "An Island in Time" featuring Contemporary Music for the Eve of Shabbat to Creative Arts Temple.
The price is $18 and we receive 100% of the profits. We all come out winners!
For orders, please call our office at 310 470-3888 or email us at
|
 | |
Cantor Kathy Robbins
| |
Life Cycle Officiation
Baby Naming, Bris, Bar/
Bat Mitzvah, Funeral, Wedding
Music
Singer/Guitarist/Bandleader
Composer/Producer
*All Styles
*Occasions
*Venues...
Concerts, Dances, Private
Parties, Special Events,
Studio Recording
Cell: (760) 707-8112
Fax: (760) 918-9101
|
|
Now You Can Make Donations Online
Securely Through Paypal
| |
You now can make donations to the Oneg Shabbat Table, Order Tribute Cards, Remember A Yarzheit, Order a Plaque, or Make A Donation through your Temple Talk Email or on our website.
All you have to do is click on the link and choose what kind of donation you would like to make. Paypal is secure and safe. You can choose to use your credit card or through your bank. Once we receive your information, we will send you a confirmation email to let you know that we are in receipt of your donation.
|
| |
Creative Arts Temple Contact Info:
|
Creative Arts Temple
P.O. Box 241831
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: (310) 470-3888
Fax: (310) 470-2949
|
|
Share your Simcha with your Temple Family
| |
If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary,
engagement, or any other special occasion, please consider sharing this happy event with your Temple family by donating to the Oneg Shabbat and receive a blessing from the Rabbi and Cantor.
If you are unable to attend services that month, please consider making a donation anyway and we will gladly mention your name and occasion.
|
Creative Arts Temple and the Board | |
Sends Get Well Wishes and a
Speedy Recovery to:
|
Ted Blumenfeld
Sid Caesar
Bridget Drake
Marilyn Epstein
Robin Frontieri
Julie Gold
Stuart Glickman
Valerie Harper
Rocky Kalish
Steve Sheldon
|
|
Ralph's Community
Contribution
|
Enroll your Ralph's Card
If you haven't registered with Ralph's, please do so. You have to renew every year.
Just download and print this letter with the scan bar and take it with you the next time you go grocery shopping. Present it to the cashier as you check out and from that time on, you will be contributing to Creative Arts Temple. Or you can sign up directly on www.ralph's.com .
We hope you will sign up. It doesn't cost you a penny and Creative Arts Temple can use your support.For any questions, please contact the Temple Office at (310) 470-3888
|
|
Creative Arts Temple
Board of Directors
2014-5773 | |
President - Arne Charitan
Vice President - Fern Field Brooks
Secretary- Julie Gold
Treasurer- Jerry Gold
Board-
Deborah Barnhart
Malcolm & Barbara Marmorstein
Marty & Barri Smith
Executive Director: Jeff Cutler
Director Emeritus: Lois Bennett
Immediate Past President- Joann Roth Oseary
Past presidents:
Lou Milkowski
Arnold Charitan
Larry Crestol
Steve Ellman
Stuart Kricun
Norman G. Brooks*
Irving Dersh*
Max Guefen*
deceased *
Lifetime Members
Deborah Barnhardt
Lois Bennett
Joni Berry
Fern Field Brooks
Ross & Fern Bloom
Mitchell & Rochelle Blumenfeld
Ted Blumenfeld
Dorothy Frieband
Artie Butler
Jack & Roxanne Carter
Arnold & Gladys Charitan
Larry & Alexis Crestol
Sidney & Harriet Crestol
Jennifer Crestol
Steven Crestol
Norm & Joanie Crosby
Carol Jean Delmar
Allan & Harriet Diamond
Karel Guefen
Charlotte Heller
Eugene & Marsha Heller
Arthur & Gwen Hiller
Steven Kaplan
Arthur Kassel
Rhea Kimmel
Les & Laura Landau
Joseph & Shirley Leibowitz
Stephen Maitland-Lewis
Dr. Steve Matlin
Art Metrano
Joann & Yossi Oseary
Nolan & Patrice Porter
Harvey & Hope Schechter
Sharon Shaw
Ruth Veprin
Barbara Weinger
Michael & Lynn Zaifert
Call the Temple and find out how to become a Lifetime Member
|
| |
Advertising Space
| |
Please use Temple Talk to advertise your business, a rental you may have, an event, or if you just want to sell something. Our rates are the lowest in town and we reach a large part of the community.
Click here to download advertising rates |
 | |
Jewmor
| |
NEW SHUL INSTRUCTIONS -- soon to be?????
RABBI: "Will everyone please turn on their tablet, PC, iPad, smart phone, and Kindles to Art Scroll page 232. And please switch on your Bluetooth to download the sermon."
P-a-u-s-e...... "Now, Let us daven.
Open your Apps, BBM, Twitter and Facebook, and chat with God"
S-i-l-e-n-c-e .......
"As we schnorrer and accept charity, please have your credit and debit cards ready."
"You can log on to the Shul Wi-Fi using the password 'Hashem18.' The Shammes will circulate mobile card swipe machines among the congregants:
Those who prefer to make electronic fund transfers are directed to computers and laptops at the rear of the Shul.
Those who prefer to use iPads can open them.
Those who prefer telephone banking, take out your cell phones to transfer your contributions to the Shul account."
This week's shiur will be held on the various Facebook group pages where the usual group chatting takes place. Please log in and don't miss out.
Thursday's Talmud Torah study will be held live on Skype at 1900hrs GMT. Please don't miss out.
You can follow the Rabbi on Twitter this weekend for counseling and prayers.
|
|
|
