Monthly e-newsletter - September 2016
 
This month's issue of The Voice highlights several ways we continue to build and support our community.  We hear from our Board of Directors' President, Ginny Rosenberg, connect with Cantor Mary Rebecca Thomas, highlight our Building, Property & Grounds Committee, and meet Pam Linker, our Membership Administrator. We also welcome 33 new members, remember Mark Bernstein and get a glimpse into what our LIBERTY teens have been up to.
 
Our monthly e-news is dedicated to illustrating how we build community and provides opportunities for us to reflect on how we connect to each other and make a difference in the lives of others.  If you have a suggestion for an article, are enjoying The Voice or have any constructive feedback, please contact our executive director. If you are looking for specific event information, please visit our website calendar.

HIGH HOLY DAY CENTRAL
High Holy Days are a time for our entire congregation to come together in contemplation and celebration. The rich liturgy, soaring music, and inspiring sermons help congregants to reflect on the year gone by, and strengthen the spirit for the year to come. 

Visit out  2016 High Holy Day Information page to see service times, request childcare and special accommodations, purchase chopped liver and contribute to the  Yizkor Remembrances (deadline 9/12/16).   To reserve lulav and etrog sets, contact our  Discovered Traditions gift shop.

High Holy Day tickets will be mailed the first week of September to those who submitted their 2016-17 annual sacred gift pledge.

SACRED GIVING
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Sacred Giving: Almost there!
Thanks to those of you who have already submitted your membership renewal.  We are almost near the 80% mark!  If you have not renewed yet, for your convenience,  make your pledge online!
FUEL FOR ELUL 
Click the picture above to register for Fuel for Elul activities, including TBE Family Cookout
with Havdalah and Shofar Blowing!

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
The Tickets are Never Sold Out by Ginny Rosenberg
. . . TBE welcomes everyone to participate in worship, study and tikkun olam. Those who make their Sacred Gift become partners in our community. If we are a family, and TBE is our home, then it is incumbent upon all of us to act as gracious hosts to guests and to each other. I see examples of this whenever I am at Temple: the smiles and hugs when we greet each other at Shabbat, the purchases at Discovered Traditions that support our school, the staff and volunteers at the reception desk, and the hours of meetings chaired by dedicated lay leaders who want to make TBE even better.

We welcome everyone who enters our sanctuary during the High Holidays, too. "The tickets are never sold out," says the slogan that advertises tickets to NBA games. This applies to us, too. If you have pledged your Sacred Gift, your tickets should be arriving in your mailbox soon. If you want to worship with us but are not a congregant, please call the office to purchase tickets. Students and those in active military service are given tickets at no cost. Virtually all seats are on a first-come, first-served basis.

For the coming new year, I challenge every congregant to add one more Temple activity to their calendar. Being a partner in this Temple community means getting involved.  
CLERGY CONNECTION

Fuel for Elul - Preparing for the High Holy Days by Cantor Mary Rebecca Thomas 

Elul is back to school shopping. Elul is the letter you get from the dentist reminding you to schedule your next cleaning and x-rays. Elul is that chapter in the healthy eating book that gives you the grocery list and tells you to clean out your cabinets. Elul is a warning shot across the bow, reminding you of the gravity of what is at hand.

Elul is the 30 day month that directly precedes the High Holy Days. Elul culminates in the first of Tishrei - Rosh Hashanah - The Birthday of the World, a microcosm of the miracle of life. The sages of our tradition gave us the gift of Elul as a time for sacred preparation for Rosh Hashanah.

Elul is a period of cheshbon hanefesh - soul accounting. We are to take stock of our innermost thoughts, desires, motivators, longings and compare them to our reality. We are to check in on the way we treat others, what we are doing to improve our world and ourselves. We are to connect deeply with the person we have always imagined we would be.
In This Issue
Important Request
from our Clergy:
Do you know a congregant who is in the hospital?
PLEASE TELL US!

Patient privacy laws make it difficult for us to request information.

Our clergy greatly values the opportunity to visit, but can only do so if they know.
Please call the Temple Clergy Office at 704-749-3043 and share any information you have. Thank you!
ATTENTION PARENTS:  Register your children today!
Religious School begins on September 11th! We have programs for children in grades K-7.

Boker B'yachad- a parent/child experience for grown-ups and their 4-year-olds (or 5-year-olds not yet in kindergarten), begins on September 25th. 

Hebrew High is the place to be on Wednesday nights for your 8-12 graders. Classes begin September 14th. 
Last month's most popular question:
Q) Where can I find a list of recent donations to our various funds and endowments?

A) Check out the   Contributions page in the Giving section of our website.

Have a question? 
Get Involved:
Youth Groups
Life Events : 
WELCOME TO TEMPLE BETH EL!
During July and August, we had 33 new members join our temple family.  We provide a warm welcome to:
  • Bryan, Laura, Olivia, James and Julian Adelman
  • Matthew, Megan, Maggie and Madeline Allen
  • Dani, Jessica, Jaden, Lillie and Nicholas Auslander
  • Ethan and Jennifer Begun
  • Nicolas and Jessica Dohy
  • David, Erica, Noah, Jack, Ben, and Paige Ellenbogen
  • William, Amanda, Lila and Jackson Gardner
  • Andrew, Jaime, Sam and Zachary Gonedes
  • Nicholas, Monica and Owen Heath
  • Stephen, Jill, Remi and Kiefer Katsoulis
  • Eric King and Rachel Gleason
  • Rabbi Dusty Klass
  • Rabbi Asher Knight, Rabbi Ana Bonnheim, Micah and Jonas Knight
  • Bonnie, Madelyn and Charlotte Kunkel
  • Maksim, Yadira, Savanna and Charlie Kutsak
  • Sheldon and Lois Lang
  • Molly Leff
  • Joshua, Danielle and Paige Leibner
  • Alyssa Lepow
  • Jonathan, Amy, Andrew and Jenna Lester
  • Fernando, Emily, Daniel and Sofia Lopez
  • Cameron and Bethany Markey
  • Paul, Rachel and Grant Pomerleau
  • Baer and Lynn Rambach
  • Rory Reis and Gabriela Rowinsky
  • Jeffrey, Robin, Logan and Brandon Rothberg
  • Harry, Rebekah, Penelope and Georgia Rubenstein
  • Linda Schwartz
  • Jordan and Joana Shane
  • Steve and Teri Siegel
  • Sam Swire
  • Mitchell Taylor and Cameron Rachels
  • Sherry Yudell
COMMUNICATIONS
#TBECLT - One congregation, Many platforms.
Whether an active member of Sisterhood, Brotherhood, The Porch, or S.P.I.C.E., or a new participant in LIBERTY, most of us have something in common- we share our events, thoughts and photos on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.

It is important that our congregational family can share our thoughts and experiences across all of these social media platforms. So, we are asking everyone to use the hashtag, #TBECLT as a part of all of your posts that relate to your life around TBE:
  • Sharing pictures from a Bat Mitzvah party for a TBE congregant on Instagram? Use #TBECLT in the caption.
  • Posting an event on The Porch's Facebook page? Use #TBECLT in the post.
  • Tweeting about the great lecture you just heard at TBE? Use #TBECLT to let everyone know where you heard it.
  • Sharing pictures from your Seder? Use #TBECLT in their descriptions.

If our entire congregational family will adopt the use of #TBECLT, we can all easily share our experiences with each other.  

LEADERSHIP
BUILDING A BETTER TBE: Building, Property & Grounds Committee
Left to right Standing:  John Small, Howard Seidler, Ben Benson, Al Moldof
Seated :  Ross Levin, Stefan Pienkny, Bob Cooper, Phyllis Berlin, Don Liss
Not pictured:  Steve Russak, Bruce Bleiman
 
The BP&G Committee ensures TBE is planning properly to have the infrastructure it needs to grow and thrive. On face value it might not seem like an exciting job, but the members are committed and passionate about their work. We asked them why they joined :

John Small, chair: I'm dedicated to the Temple and service. I'm very happy with the progress we've made, especially implementation of asset management, but also development of a well-organized committee that includes professionals who all are committed to the well-being of our physical facilities. 
 
Bruce Bleiman: I'm honored to give back to our community in areas where I can have a positive impact and bring value to others. With John's encouragement, I realized that having been a TBE member since 1987 it was, well, time for me to step up.
CURRENT 
PROJECT:
SKYLIGHTS IN THE BLUMENTHAL SANCTUARY BEING REPLACED.
 
Al Moldof: I believe donating my expertise in the financial area of real estate property management and building construction is a way to bring joy to the Lord.
 
Bob Cooper: I am there because the committee needed the unique perspective of a forensic mechanical engineer and I needed a forum in which to give that perspective.
 
Stefan Pienkny: I care very much for the survival and well being of the Jewish people. Temples and synagogues are a vital part of the Jewish connection. As a practicing architect for over 40 years, I have much to contribute of my expertise to the improvement and maintenance of Temple Beth El which enriches so much my Jewish life.
 
Ross Levin: I volunteer as part of contributing to make the Temple a great place!
 
Don Liss:  As an Architect, retired from a career that spanned almost 40 years, as a life long builder and craftsman in my personal life, I am extremely gratified by the opportunity to share my time, knowledge and experience in caring for and improving Temple Beth El.
LIBERTY: The Next Generation of Leaders
Earlier this month, seven LIBERTY leaders attended the NFTY-SAR LLTI (Liz Leadership Training Institute) for a convention full of learning, praying, teaching and fun. This included elective sessions where they were able to learn about a variety of topics related to running programs and a youth group. We are so pleased to have such a vibrant group of young leaders at TBE.  
Parents:  Did you miss the recent Youth Group email?   Click here for important dates.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Remembering Mark Bernstein
Thanks to Rick Glaser for compiling this commemoration of beloved congregant and civic leader, Mark Bernstein, who passed away in April 2015.
 
We rarely have the opportunity to marvel at and celebrate
the life and accomplishments of a man to whom we, as
the Charlotte Jewish community, owe so much. On May
Mark Bernstein of the Foundation of the Charlotte Jewish Community presents Gov. Jim Martin with a book, "The Jews of Charlotte" by Morris Speizman at a dedication ceremony for Shalom Park in September 1986.
Photo by Wes Bobbitt of The Charlotte Observer
5, 2016, at a Memorial Service held for Mark R. Bernstein by the Mecklenburg County Bar Association, at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, we had such a distinct pleasure. Mark's son-in-law, Alan Kronovet and his long time law firm partner, Hank Hankins, spoke of Mark, a past president of Temple Beth El, and of Mark's legal and civic contributions. What follows are, in part, some of the remarks Alan and Hank made about this remarkable man:

Mark was driven not only professionally, but civically. He was a leader that left a lasting impact on Charlotte through his work in cultural and the arts, philanthropy and the Jewish community. He was a public servant who worked with Governor Jim Hunt and other politicians to improve Charlotte and North Carolina for the betterment of its citizens. During his life and since his death, Mark was recognized as a humble leader and visionary. On May 4, 2015 a Charlotte Observer editorial remembering Mark noted that "his leadership was instrumental and transformative" for the city.   Read more>>
Create Your Jewish Legacy.
TBE thanks all individuals and families who have planned to leave gifts to TBE through our Create a Jewish Legacy (CJL) program. To learn more about the program, visit www.charlottejewishlegacy.org .
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Pam Linker
It takes a great deal of coordination and organization to ensure everyone has their High Holy Day tickets. That's a big part of Membership Administrator Pam Linker's job. Pam has been with TBE longer than any other current employee. Get to know Pam better!
  • What do you like most about your job? I love the people I work with and our congregants. People ask me if I'm Jewish, I tell them no but I work with the most amazing and caring people that I know. I wouldn't want to work anywhere else.
  • What are you looking forward to? Getting to know our new clergy.
  • How do you serve? I keep our membership records updated, make sure our office equipment is in good working condition, coordinate High Holy Day tickets and parking, and anything else I can do to make our congregants feel at home when they come to Temple.
  • Who is your favorite author or songwriter? (author) Nicholas Sparks,(songwriter) Mark Lowry.
  • What is your favorite TV show? Lassie, my Dad made me stop watching it because I cried every time but I loved it.
  • How do you spend your free time? I spend lots of time with my two grandchildren. My hobbies are knitting, crocheting and organizing - I know that is a weird hobby but I like it.
  • How long have you lived in the Charlotte area? I'm a native
  • When did you start working at TBE? September 1992.
Thanks, Pam, for all your hard work. Happy Anniversary!
SOCIAL ACTION & JUSTICE
Many ways to help Sterling Elementary School 
Is your new year's resolution to help make Charlotte better? Sterling Elementary in Pineville needs you!  There are many ways to help TBE's adopted school where you have a few hours of spare time or much more:
  • Tutor a struggling reader
  • Mentor a child
  • Assist a classroom teacher
  • Prepare and organize materials for the art teacher
  • Assist the PE teacher
  • Work with ESL students
During September, we will be collecting school supplies in the blue bin near the Temple front doors. As you are shopping for your children, please consider buying extra for the kids at Sterling.  Teachers are always asking for:
  • Pencils, pencils and more pencils
  • Erasers
  • Filler paper
  • Crayons and colored pencils
  • Tissues, ziplock bags and paper towels
A little goes a long way at Sterling Elementary School. Contact  Kim Wilkoff  to learn more.
TBE's CROP Walk Team webpage is up and running.  
Join us Sunday, Oct. 16!
Join the team and walk with us, or support your favorite team/walker with a donation.
Augustine Literacy Project: Tutors Needed
The Augustine Literacy Project (ALP), which provides free, one-on-one instruction in reading, writing and spelling to struggling low-income students, will include Sterling Elementary School in its program this fall! Augustine tutors meet with students twice a week using a sequenced, multi-sensory, systematic approach to teaching reading, writing and spelling. There are several Temple members who are current ALP tutors and ALP is hoping to recruit more to be placed at Sterling Elementary.

The fall training classes are September 12-16, 20 & 22, and October 17-21, 25 & 27. For more information from a tutor's perspective, email Erin Ashendorf.
TBE in the Charlotte Jewish News 
Did you see TBE in the Charlotte Jewish News? This month featured Reflections from TBE (page 11) and "Teshuvah - Change is Possible" by Rabbi Knight (page 29). If you didn't get a chance to read it, check it out online.
DISCOVERED TRADITIONS - Have a Posh Rosh Hashanah
Discovered Traditions has everything you need to celebrate the New Year, including s hofars from Israel in large and small sizes,  apple and honey sets, k iddush cups, candlesticks, challah boards and more!  

Shown is a magnificent Israeli Shofar in a handcrafted holder by Gary Rosenthal along with two of Gary Rosenthal's Honey Dishes.
 
See our beautiful selections  10:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday, and before Friday night services. Like us on Facebook !

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS: SHALOM PARK AND BEYOND
Moving Homeless Veterans Into Housing
The Jewish War Veterans organization is assisting the Veterans Administration and Community Link in moving homeless veterans into housing.   Most of the veterans do not have basic necessities such as pots, pans towels, bed sheets, and paper goods needed for setting up a household as many of them come off the streets or shelters.   Please contact the temple office or Sera Callif for a list of new and gently-used items needed.  Donations can be brought to temple where they will be collected and delivered to the appropriate organization.
JCRC FALL LECTURE: "The High Price of Jewish Statehood"  
undefinedThe Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte's Community Relations Council (JCRC) welcomes, Dr. Daniel Gordis, to Charlotte on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 7:00 pm in the Sam Lerner Center for Cultural Arts at Shalom Park. Gordis will discuss "The high price of Jewish statehood. Is Israel really worth the cost?" To learn more: www.jewishcharlotte.org.