Whats NU?
news & updates from Temple Beth El
Temple Beth El is affiliated with the URJ (Union of Reform Judaism)
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February, 2021 | Shevat/Adar, 5781 |
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Due to Technical Difficulties:
Those who attended the latest International Film showing were disappointed with technical issues that created a very unsatisfying experience. TBE apologizes to all those who attended. Please attend the next film and be assured that technical issues will be handled.
Additionally, the last Lunch and Learn with the Rabbi was also technically challenged. The problem has been resolved, and again TBE apologizes for any disappointments.
Here is the opportunity! TBE is run by volunteers, and a few do it all. If you have some Zoom expertise please step forward and help with Zoom calls by hosting some of our programs or coaching some of our members. Just drop a note to TBE and raise your hand. We know you're out there. We need you!
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Randi and Alan Brooks are full time residents living in Bradenton.
Paul Francis and Lolli Zarlin are snowbirds who spend their winters on LongBoat Key. The rest of the year they live in Chicago.
B'ruchim HaBa'im. We are very happy that you are with us at Temple Beth El.
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Lunch and Learn - Tuesdays at noon. Join Rabbi Sternfield for some stimulating conversation via Zoom. The current theme for discussion is medical ethics and the Jewish perspective. Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 225 773 9491
Passcode: 2VhLtE
Torah Study with Rabbi Sternfield and Cantor Bard - Saturdays at 10:45 am.
Send a message to Rabbi Sternfield if you would like to be put on the study list. You will then get the Zoom link for the session.
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Meet the Author - February 9 at 7 pm
Shaunee Steiger, daughter of Temple members, Jean and Barry Steiger, will host a Zoom session to discuss her book Games We Played.
From an Amazon reviewer: "Rachael and Stephen were childhood friends, who played a seemingly innocent game of Prisoner. Many years later, their paths reconnect when Rachel, the target of social media threats and worse, returns to her childhood home and Stephen, now a skinhead, is dishonorably discharged from the military. Rachael realizes their games were not so innocent, and Stephen must question his former actions and beliefs. They both grapple with major family trauma as well. There are unexpected twists, and one comes away with a visceral realization of how damaging racism, prejudice and family trauma can be. Don't assume you will easily predict the positions and outcome! This novel holds surprises. Highly recommended."
Shawne will also answer questions about her writing in general and the creative process. Her book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and BookBub
Please RSVP for the Zoom link
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Aleph Bet - Thursdays at noon
Basic Hebrew class ongoing. Taught by Cantor Bard. Continues until the end of March. This will be the last week to join this series. Please RSVP for Zoom link
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Rosh Chodesh - Thursday, February 18 at 7 pm. A celebration of the new moon for the month of ADAR. Be happy! Sponsored by the Women of Beth El. Readings, poetry, prayers. Please RSVP for Zoom link
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International Film Night
Once a month International film and discussion following the movie. Reserve the date for Wednesday, February 24th at 7 pm. The featured film is Ida, an Oscar nominated foreign language film from Poland. It takes place in 1962, where Anna is about to take vows as a nun. She learns from her only relative that she is Jewish. Both women embark on a journey to discover their family story and where they belong.
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Purim Shabbat via YouTube - February 26
The service will include readings from the Megilah. Supply your own noisemakers and your own hamantashen. Your YouTube link will be sent to you.
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Coming in March
Judaica Art Demo - March date and time TBA via Zoom. Artist Donna Slawsky will demonstrate how to make a piece of mosaic art out of broken dishes and glass. Donna has been a mosaic artist for 10 years. She uses stained glass and broken china, all are recycled or re-purposed. She loves mosaics. She gets an indescribable feeling of joy when the pieces, colors, and materials gel to create a piece of art that "speaks" to her and to others. Watch her process and, with enough interest, she may even do an online class for us.
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TBE sends Birthday, Anniversary, Bar/Bat Mitzvah and other celebration "Simcha Grams" to members in honor of their special day. This is a great way to contribute to your Synagogue and to send your TBE family good wishes.
Names must be received at the office by the 20th of the month prior to the birthday, anniversary or special event. Include a note with your name(s), the name(s) of whom and what you are honoring and how you would like your signature on the card they will receive. The donation is $2.00 per name. In the memo area of your check write "simcha gram and mail to: Temple Beth El, Attention: Simcha Gram. 5150 Peridia Blvd. East, Bradenton, FL 34203.
If you wish to pay by credit card use the "DONATE" button below.
The card will be mailed to those individuals prior to their special day and your donation will be acknowledged in the newsletter. If we have somehow overlooked your Simcha or made an error in printing the date, please accept our apologies and call the temple office at 941-755-4900 so that we may update our records.
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From Your Editor:
I would love your feedback on our new "What's Nu/". If you want to see any other features or content, please let me know. You also can submit your own content. Please keep it short and relevant. I do reserve the right not to decline any article for inappropriate content or language. Deadlines are the 25th of the month. Send your comments or submissions here.
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Join hundreds of Reform Jewish women from throughout North America and around the world, hailing from dozens of different sisterhoods and communities, as we gather together – virtually – to learn, share, pray, connect, and demonstrate that we are stronger together.
The Fried Women's Conference from March 12-14, 2021, offers you opportunities to learn from amazing speakers, boost your spiritual side with inspiring worship services, and bring home innovative ideas to enhance your sisterhood. You can also sign up separately for a special event on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, with renowned glass and Judaica artist Gary Rosenthal.
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Mazal Tov to Maddy, Tully ( pictured above ) and Sophia( not pictured ) on the completion of three good semesters of Hebrew Learning and Jewish Studies with Cantor Bard..Kadimah ( Onward)! Our shared learning continues ...
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The Treasurer's Corner
Submitted by Howard Hammerman, Treasurer
Temple Beth El can now accept dues and other payments via direct transfer from your bank account to the Temple's. Please contact Howard for our routing and account numbers. This is a great way to pay your monthly dues. Pick the day of the month you prefer and the amount.
Federal taxes are due April 15. IRS will not start processing tax returns until February 12. To avoid delays in getting your refund, you should file electronically. Paper returns won't be processed until the end of April at the earliest.
Please remember our expenses continue even during a pandemic. We still must pay salaries to our clergy and rent to the church. If you are behind on your dues, please consider using your tax refund to catch up.
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Mitzvah Project: Sandwiches
Submitted by Ken Handelman, Men's Club President
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Security Committee Information Corner
Submitted by Gary Weinberg, Chair
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The Temple Beth El Men's Club is the sponsor of a Mitzvah Project designed to supply peanut butter
sandwiches to our neediest neighbors. The idea is to provide a food that is nonperishable and easily
transportable to people who in many cases are both hungry and homeless.
After making the sandwiches, we bring them to the Salvation Army in downtown Bradenton. They put out the word that the sandwiches are coming, and they deliver them directly to their clients.
We have been making these
sandwiches since the spring of 2020. We cycle them in every other Thursday. People in the community
have come to view these sandwiches as a resource that they can count on.
In many cases the sandwiches can be picked up in your home. We work to make the program safe for both contributors, and the people receiving the food. If this sounds like a project you might be interested in joining, please
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The Temple's “Security Preparedness
Committee” started in 2018.The comittee's mission is to provide
“Best Practices, governing physical and health related safety and security for our TBE Congregation, Staff and friends. Our SPC committee works with our local law enforcement, the Sarasota/Manatee County Jewish Federation, and other security sources, to ensure timely support and response to threats, both “man-made, and micro-biological.
We will be posting "Security" related information periodically for our TBE congregation in our newsletter.
We welcome any questions you might have which we will address and share.
Your TBE Security Preparedness Team: Security Committee Chair - Gary Weinberg, Security Committee Co-Chair - Neil Clark, Religious Programming - Kate Richmond, Security Committee Health Care Co-Chairs - Mitch Rubinstein and Barry Steiger
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PANDEMIC
A friend said:
“Hope this pandemic
Inspires you to create some poetry.”
Well it did!
I am inspired to contact
Lots of friends and acquaintances.
I am worried
About family and friends
I want them to keep safe and well.
I worry about
Those I cannot contact
Whose mail boxes are full, or don’t answer my e-mails.
I am worried
About the elderly and sick.
And though not sick, about myself.
I am worried
About those I cannot help
The homeless and veterans who suffer on the streets.
I worry about
The Nurses and Doctors
Who are separated from family by the work they do.
I am so grateful for
The First Responders, Doctors and Nurses
Who are giving up their lives to help others.
I am so greatful
For my family and friends who
Check on me often with love and inspiration.
I am hoping there is some being
Watching over us all.
Perhaps it is our time, but we do not know.
Written by Jean Ellis
April 2020
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Editor's Note: Please note that ads are not included this month. If you are a vendor, your payments will be adjusted. I apologize for any inconvenience. |
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Simchas - Send any Simcha announcement that you would like to see here to the editor. Photos are also accepted.
Mazel Tov to Susie Konokov on the birth of her great grandson, Jackson Alexander. Rabbi Sternfield and Cantor Bard officiated at the recent Bris.
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YARZHEITS THAT WILL BE OBSERVED AT FEBRUARY SHABBAT SERVICES
SERVICES February 5th & 6th
Susie Konicov IMO Werner Weinberg
Josh Leuchter IMO Joel Leuchter
SERVICES February 12th & 13th
Ruth Weiss IMO Ruth I Smith
Joe Roback IMO Gladys Roback
Loren Hoffman IMO Morris Hoffman
Jean Shames IMO Irving Shames
Susan Koff IMO Leon Schiffman
SERVICES February 19th & 20th
Lawrence Lieberman IMO Lillian Lieberman
David Klain IMO Benjamin Klain
Linda & Craig Hoffman IMO Gilbert Okun
Howard Hammerman IMO David Hammerman
SERVICES February 26th & 27th
Judy Rothauser IMO Eugene Rothauser
Jean Ellis IMO Montague Ellis
Ishmael Baal-Shem IMO Howard Drusinn
Marlena Johnsky IMO Marcella Johnsky
SERVICES March 5th & 6th
Robert Hadesman IMO Donald Hadesman
Pearl Friedman IMO Richard Scharfman
This is the only notification you will get for Shabbat yarzheits honoring your loved ones, so please save these dates.
It is traditional to light a Yahrzeit candle on the evening of observance. In addition, we urge you to attend services (while we are staying safe at home please observe through our YouTube service) to honor the memory of your beloved and of course to recite Mourner’s Kaddish on the Yahrzeit. May your memories of the departed always be a blessing.
We hope you will attend the service to commemorate your beloved. It is also customary to memorialize the departed by making a donation to the synagogue. To make a donation click the button below or mail your check to Temple Beth El, 5150 Peridia Blvd East, Bradenton 34203
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As part of the St. Petersburg Celebration of the Arts, The Florida Holocaust Museum in partnership with the S.S. St. Louis Legacy Project presents: A Refugee Story: The MS. St. Louis with Robert Krakow, Esq. and Eva Wiener.
Enjoy free, on-demand screening of the award-winning documentary film, “Complicit” – the untold story of why President Roosevelt and the State Department refused safe haven to Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis on the MS St. Louis.
Password: complicit
“Complicit” blends drama, survivor interviews, and actual footage to tell the story of the doomed MS St. Louis ship, which left Germany in an attempt to escape Nazi persecution and gain entry into the United States through Cuba. After weeks at sea pleading with the U.S., Canadian, and Cuban governments, the MS. St. Louis had no choice but to return to Europe, where it is estimated that over one quarter of her passengers perished in German concentration camps.
On February 4th at 6:30 p.m.:
Join The FHM for a free, virtual program, streaming on our FB Live, featuring “Complicit” creator and producer, Robert Krakow, Esquire, and surviving refugee passenger from the MS. St. Louis, Eva Wiener. Following the presentation, engage with Mr. Krakow and Ms. Eva Wiener during a live Q&A.
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