Ruth Abusch-Magder, Rabbi

Barbara Rothbeind, President

December 2022

 The past week in Moore County has been a challenge, caused by a major power outage affecting almost 40,000 people. Trying to navigate early December with no power – when the evenings are long, the cold penetrating, and the food in the refrigerator rapidly spoiling, can test one’s fortitude.

There is only one thing to ease the mind and warm the body – Chicken Soup! And for Jews it is a magic potion! It has been an icon of the Jewish table since medieval times when it ushered in the sabbath and introduced the wedding feast.

But the origins of what is considered a Jewish staple can be found in ancient Greece and China. The Greek variety evolved into a broth made with egg, lemon and often a little rice, which today is called avgolemono. According to “The Book of Jewish Food” by Claudia Roden, this version was probably brought to Greece by Sephardic Jews when they fled the Spanish Inquisition.

The Chinese actually made the first chicken noodle soup, but their interpretation included scallions and was seasoned with ginger. In that culture it was called “noodles in broth” rather than soup. And many, many decades later, the Campbell Soup Company cornered the market when they put it in a can!

Matzo balls were introduced in the 19^th century. During the industrial revolution, there was large scale production of matzo meal. The crumbs left over from matzo baking were used to make the balls. Jews began placing them in soup when they saw how popular dumplings were in European cuisine. Originally called kneydlekh, they were popular in German, Austrian and Alsatian recipes. While matzo ball soup was primarily an Ashkenazi dish, Sephardic Jews added their own twist that included chickpeas or saffron and dried lemon.

Perhaps no single culture can claim this traditional menu item as its own, but Jews maintain a particularly close relationship. Moses Maimonides, the 12^th century Jewish physician believed that boiled chicken soup played a role in curing leprosy and asthma and prescribed it to the weak and infirm. Studies at both the University of Nebraska Medical School and Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, concluded that this Jewish delicacy has anti-inflammatory effects on our bodies and helps lessen the symptoms of the common cold.

As we weather the storms of the season, the upheavals of the heart and the commotion in the world around us, our Jewish Penicillin is guaranteed to offer relief to those physical and emotional ailments – and it does not even require a prescription or have side effects. Whether you buy a jar of Manischewitz at the store, make it from a mix or start from scratch, it comforts body and soul. What could be better?

Marcey

13agree@gmail.com

Hanukkah comes just as the shortest days of winter set in. Coinciding with the beginning of cold weather, we can easily imagine our ancestors in the days before electricity, taking to bed soon after sunset to stay warm as they were limited ways of lighting their homes. For the ancients, these dark days, though cyclical, must have been part mystery, part burden. What a welcome break the celebration of Hanukkah with its candles must have been.

For those of you who experienced the blackout recently inflicted on Moore county, it is no stretch to imagine the challenges faced by our forbearers. Coming as it did in the colder days of December, you were without heat and light when most needed. As hours dragged on, there was no clarity of when electricity would return; for many, those hours turned into days.

Into the darkness and cold of winter, the lights of the Hanukkah candles are a symbol of resilience. They recall ancient times and our ability to move beyond the trials of a given moment and triumph over challenge. At Hanukkah, we remember two types of miracles. The first type of miracle is like the victory of the Maccabees, which came about through human endeavor. And the second type of miracle is like that of the oil, without an easy explanation.

There may come a time when we learn what caused the Moore county blackout, but its causes may also remain mysterious. I imagine it was challenging for many of you as you navigated the many challenges posed by the outage. Like our ancestors, you have been through a literal dark and cold time, shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. Whether it was just a few hours, a day, or the better part of a week, it was, without a doubt, a burden for most. 

Soon we will celebrate Hanukkah. It will be a time for recalling the miracles of the past and enjoying the traditions that make the season festive. But I suspect messages of bringing light into darkness and hope into times of uncertainty will resonate with greater immediacy and new understanding. May the weeks ahead be filled with the physical light and warmth of your homes, as well as the spiritual light of Hanukkah and its miracles.

Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder, Ph.D

(she/her)

Rabbi of the Sandhills Jewish Congregation

December 2022

If you are reading this, I am thankful that you have both power and internet.

I so wanted this message to be a “year in review”. I wanted the congregation to be reminded of all the wonderful things we have done this year as we continue to look beyond the pandemic years.

Well….

Let me first thank Wendel Kronis for being the best Chair of Building and Grounds. Please know that as soon as the power went out Wendel was on top of the situation. On Sunday morning I was in contact with our FBI liaison and was assured we were not in any immediate danger.

Many of you know Sgt. Jen Brady of the Moore County Sheriff’s Department. She is often our security at Temple. Sgt. Brady took it upon herself to drive by the Temple to make sure we were secure.

Please thank Wendel and Sgt. Brady next time you see them.

I also want to thank all the congregants who reached out and those who actually drove out to temple to make sure we were in good shape.

These are very concerning times and we are all aware that we can be potential targets of all types of terrorism. In light of this I ask everyone to continue to reach out to each other and make sure your neighbors are safe.

As we think about these recent events, we are reminded how important it is to celebrate our congregation's 20th Anniversary. This month we highlight our volunteers, past and present, at our Shabbat Service. All of our members have been volunteers. Please join us this Friday evening as we honor your participation in the growth of SJC-Beth Shalom.

Matthew and I wish everyone a Happy Hanukkah and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!!

Barbara Rothbeind

President SJC-Beth Shalom

December Events

Friday, December 16, 7:00 PM - Shabbat Services

Join Rabbi Ruth as she dedicates this Hanukkah Shabbat to the SJC-Beth Shalom volunteers. Oneg Shabbat to follow.

Services will be in person and on Zoom link below.

Topic: Shabbat Services

Time: Dec 16, 2022 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87330934070?pwd=K2xLUnI4RzNqL25KU3VUSmQ3WlNqZz09

Saturday, December 17,

2:00 PM - Cooking with Rabbi Ruth

The class will feature Patacones -Hanukkah food from Central America. Potato latkes are well known to Jews of European descent but around the Jewish world other fried foods are traditional for the holiday. Join Rabbi Ruth as she shares this easy and delicious recipe for patacones a plantain dish common throughout Central America. Much simpler than latkes but equally fun and festive, with their own sweet and savory twists.

Click here for Cooking with Rabbi Ruth flyer

4:30 PM - Annual Family Hanukkah Party

This is a potluck dinner, with desserts, latkes, and drinks provided. Celebration for the entire family.

Please RSVP in order to have the correct amount of food and right table set-ups.

Contact Mindy Fineman to RSVP or for additional information:

mfineman@nc.rr.com or 910-585-4031 Click here for Hanukkah flyer



Sunday, Dec 18, 10:00 AM - Brunch & Learn

Continuing our Central American theme from our cooking class, join Rabbi Ruth as we learn about Jewish life in the Caribbean. Our discussion will include some of the history of Jewish piracy and their connection to Hanukkah. Brunch & Learn will be at the Temple with bagels, cream cheese, juice and coffee. If you plan to attend and have other

brunch-like goodies to enhance our selection, please bring them along. Brunch & Learn replaces Torah Study for December.

Celebrating Our 20 Years

Honoring SJC-Beth Shalom Volunteers

The Jerusalem Talmud tells us that "Deeds of loving-kindness are equal in weight to all the commandments." It is with their love and kindness that our volunteers - both past and present - have allowed our congregation to reach this milestone. SJC volunteers have chaired committees, taught our children in religious school, planned social and religious events, and organized Oneg Shabbats, to name but a few ways they have offered support. They have gifted SJC-Beth Shalom with their time, their energy and their commitment. At our December Hanukkah Shabbat, there will be a special recognition as we thank them for that service.

Founding Members honored at November Shabbat Service

Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors

Update 

We were fortunate to receive a grant from CFJS to fund our Meals on Wheels for Seniors, monthly Transportation to Shabbat Services for Seniors, and Yoga for Seniors.  In November, the grant enabled us to deliver meals to three Temple families recovering from surgery.  We also provided transportation to Shabbat Services for three of our Temple members.  

Contact Susan Parry susanparry1118@gmail.com if you, or another Temple member, would benefit from these services.

Yoga for Seniors

January is Yoga for Seniors month at Sandhills Jewish Congregation. From funds provided by our grant from the Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors, yoga lessons that are free of charge will be available every Wednesday in January. The classes will be taught by Darie Davis who has been an instructor for 30 years. Both men and women are invited to participate in basic classes that allow you to manage your own level of activity. If you enjoy yoga, join fellow congregants in this class. If you are new to the practice, this is the perfect place to start.

Wednesdays, January 4, 11, 18, 25

Pinehurst Community Center, 210 Rattlesnake Trail, Pinehurst

11:00 AM (50 minutes)

RSVP: susanparry1118@gmail.com

• Wear comfortable clothes
• Bring your own mat (one can be provided if you don't have your own)
• Chairs available for a more comfortable practice
• Bring a towel

If you have any questions about the class please contact Darie: darlindavis@nc.rr.com

Book Club

The Book Club's next selection is A Broken Hallelujah: Rock and Roll, Redemption, And the Life of Leonard Cohen.

Whether you are haunted by Cohen's Hallelujah, or are just a fan of his music, this book will provide insights on the life of the Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, poet, and novelist. Written by Liel Leibovitz, it discusses Cohen's performing career, which began despite his crippling stage fright, and follows it to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Discussion of the book will take place on Sunday,

January 15, 2023, at the home of Fred and Marcey Katzman,

285 Sugar Gum Lane #40. Please RSVP to 13agree@gmail.com or 910-215-9242.

Member News

Congratulations to the Kottler Family

Randi and Bruce Kottler are excited to announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter Lani Skelley to Stone Yeatts. The wedding will take place on March 4, 2023, in Elkin, NC, officiated by Rabbi Libby Fischer of Greensboro. The couple reside in Riedsville, NC.

David Price Bar Mitzvah Project

Hi - this is David Price. As I continue to work towards my Bar Mitzvah this coming Spring, I have already started my Mitzvah Project. It is important to me to support my local community but also wanted to help those in need in other countries. So, instead of choosing one, I have decided my Mitzvah Project theme will be "Local and Global" and I will be raising money for two fantastic charities: The Food Bank of Eastern & Central NC here in Moore County and the Moving Windmills Project which is inspired by a real-life story that I read in the book The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind and helps provide clean energy to communities without power.

Please visit the links below for more information about these charities and to make a donation. All support is greatly appreciated, and 100% of all donations will be split evenly between the two charities.

As well, I am working to coordinate an SJC volunteer day at the Food Bank this Spring where we will help package meals for the eldery and kids through the BackPack Pals program. I will send out more details once that is finalized and look forward to seeing you all there!

Thank you for your consideration.

Click here for QR code

A Note of Thanks

A special shout out to temple member Mitch Puritz, store manager at the Ivey Lane Harris Teeter, for his hard work and generosity during the power outage. Harris Teeter was a refuge for many in the community during this trying time. Thank you, Mitch.

Birthday Congratulations

On December 25, 2022, Bob Sotsky turns 92 years old. As a new member, Bob generously volunteered to take phone messages for the congregation. Thank you, Bob, for that contribution and Happy Happy Birthday and Many Happy Returns from your

SJC-Beth Shalom family.

Cemetery Committee Update

The Cemetery Committee has arranged with Pinelawn Memorial Park for a continuation of discounted pricing for grave spaces and columbarium niches in the Jewish Garden area of the Park. Additionally, Powell Funeral Home, an affiliate of Pinelawn, has agreed to a discounted pre-need planning program for funeral expenses in order to ease the family concerns at the time of need. Interested Congregational members may contact Robert Nunnaley, Director of Pinelawn, directly at 910-692-6801 or 910-947-2224 or Karl Ecker, Chairman of the Cemetery Committee, at 910-295-6988.

We remember our loved ones during our December Shabbat Services

12/01 Evelynne Woloshin

12/01 Frances Katzman

12/01 Ruby O.Richman

12/01 Evelyn Survol

12/02 Mildred Stein

12/03 Aaron Katzman

12/04 Ida Friedman**

12/05 Mary K.Kohn

12/06 Selma Glick

12/07 Jack Greenstein* **

12/08 Deanna Simon

12/10 Barney Kronis**

12/10 Robert Garfinkel

12/10 Bernard Gottfried

12/11 Erwin Sessler

12/12 Renee Fromer

12/15 Marvin Schwartz* **

12/15 Mary Tuner

12/16 Edward Levin* **

12/17 Philip Strosberg

12/18 Alan Deutsch

12/20 Leo Sacher

12/21 Selma Nadler Schwartzbach

12/23 Nathan Rozycki

12/27 Irving Bernstein

12/28 Robert Ormond

Yahrzeits during the last year

Meryl Ross (12/2021)

Samuel Rothbeind (12/2021)

Stan Gelber (1/2022)

Arthur Gerstenfield (1/2022)

Karen Howell (2/2022)

Ron Kottler (5/2022)

Dr. Paul J. Carroll (5/2022)

Jill Fleisher (6/2022)

Seymour Sander (7/2022)

Michael Weisser (11/2022)

**Indicates Hebrew date

*Indicates Yahrzeit Donation

Thank you to those who made donations during the month of November

Please note that donations listed here are those that were received and processed by the end of the month listed. In order to guarantee inclusion on this list, please make sure that you send in your check by the 20th of the month. 

Donation Cards

• Harriet & Karl Ecker
• Marcey & Fred Katzman
• Wendel Kronis
• Kathy & George Poteat
• Shelly Rappaport

General Donations

• Betsy & David Auster
• Darie Davis, In celebration of SJC-Beth Shalom's 20th Anniversary
• Michelle & Manlio Goetzl
• Susan Jacoby
• Marcey & Fred Katzman
• Trudi & Alex Porter
• Mindy Fineman & Pete Sessler

Yahrzeit Donations

• Marcey & Fred Katzman, In Memory of Mary Packer
• Jackie & Bernie Rosenblum, In Memory of John Cockburn

Cantorial Fund

• Terry Canter
• Darie Davis
• Karen & Stan Kaplan
• Helen & Robert Kroll
• Pola & Arne Lipson
• Ronni & Morton Meltzer
• Susan & Tom Miles
• Trudi & Alex Porter
• Dev Sessler
• Yvonne Sovereign

Traditional Donation Card

Sending a donation card is one way to support SJC-Beth Shalom.  Our cards are $10.00, and that includes postage. Or buy a package of ten for $100.00. That way, you always have one in reserve.

Donation Card Packages

Members can now purchase packages of five cards (pictured below, slightly smaller size) for personal use. The cards are blank and sell for $25.00 for a 5 card package. Members will be able to write a personal message and send the cards themselves.

For more information contact

Bonnie Gillman: 910-420-2609 or bongee7@aol.com

Security Policy



For the protection of our members and guests, the Board has put in place the following security precautions:

-all members are asked to wear their name tags

-our doors will be locked at 7:15 so congregants are urged to arrive on time

-anyone arriving after 7:15 will have to knock until a congregant opens the door 

-when members see someone they do not recognize, reach out - to both make them feel 

 welcome and to be aware of unfamiliar faces in our building (unless a member's guest)

-Oneg hosts (one or two) are asked to be greeters, hand out prayer books, name tags

-one greeter is to remain in foyer until 7:15 when doors are locked and sit in the back

*Local Realtor Betsy Auster is affiliated with NextHome In The Pines. She has experience working with new construction, investment properties, and resales. Betsy will donate 5% of her commission from each referral or sale she receives from Temple members to SJC! Please give her a call at (609) 707-3047, or email her at betsy@nhpines.com.

NextHome In The Pines is at 105 Bradford Village Ct. , Southern Pines, NC 28387

*Companion Care Offered: Dottie Bevilacqua has over 20 years of experience and offers services for seniors including running errands and taking people to appointments.  She is available part or full time in the Pinehurst/Southern Pines area. Reach Dottie at 347-339-5167.

* Sue Deutsch has created a website that provides a single source for listings of events, happenings and activities in the area. Please visit www.ThePinesTimes.com and like The Pines Times on Facebook.  

* Members Susan and Tom Miles have relocated their company Belevation to Biscoe, NC. Manufacturers of direct to consumers support garments for expectant moms, Belevation can be accessed from its website belevation.com or Amazon, or you can like Belevation on Facebook.

* Marks Tax Professionals are now located at 169 Beverly Lane, Fresh Market Plaza, Southern Pines NC 28387. Phone is 910-585-6800. We have been providing a better tax experience in the Sandhills for over ten years. You worked hard to earn it, we help you keep it. Call or email for an appointment, markadel@taxgurusofpinehurst.com, or visit our website at www.taxgurusofpinehurst.com.

*Jennie Sessler is a stylist at Fantastic Sams (next to the Harris Teeter on 211). If you need a haircut stop in to see Jennie or call for an appointment: 910-420-1686

Board of Directors

• President: Barbara Rothbeind - barbara.rothbeind@gmail.com
• Vice President/Communications: Marcey Katzman - 13agree@gmail.com
• Secretary: Audrey Kessler - audhaykes@hotmail.com
• Treasurer: Kevin Price - pinehurstkp@gmail.com
• Immediate Past President: Bernie Rosenblum - bernie.rosenblum7@gmail.com
• President Emeritus: Lowell Simon - lsimon@nc.rr.com
• Building/Grounds: Wendel Kronis - wendelrama@aol.com
• Community Outreach: Paul Rogow - progow@outlook.com
• Education: Michelle Goetzl - mbgoetzl@gmail.com
• Membership: Amy Walters - aswalters101@gmail.com
• Religious Programs: Mindy Fineman - mfineman@nc.rr.com
• Social/Program: Bonnie Gillman - bongee7@aol.com
• Board Member at Large: Sharyn Korwin - sharynkorwin@gmail.com