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news & updates from Temple Beth El
Temple Beth El is affiliated with the URJ (Union of Reform Judaism)
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May, 2021 | Iyar/Sivan, 5781
Upcoming Events

Tuesdays at Noon: Lunch and Learn
Torah Study: Saturdays at 11:00 am
Authentic Jewish Folk Music: May 3 at 6:30 pm
May 5 - Next date for Salvation Army P&J Sandwich Donations
Shabbat: Friday, May 7 pm
Rosh Chodesh -  Monday, May 12. 6:30 pm.
Shabbat: Friday May 14, 7 pm. Happy Mothers Day
International Movie Night: Wednesday, May 19 at 8 pm.
Shabbat Friday, May 21 at 7 pm. Shavuot
May 29 - Bar Mitzvah of Sydne Hirschman

See event details below
Shalom Temple family and friends,

For those of you who attended our first in-person Shabbat service on April 23rd, I’m sure you had a very special feeling in your heart! It was a spectacular evening and was enjoyed by all.

Our Rabbi commented that it felt like the High Holy Days, and I think we would all agree. Special thanks go out to Rabbi Sternfield, Cantor Bard, and Joel Auerbach for all their hard work to keep all of us spiritually connected over the last 13 months. What an awesome job and we truly appreciate your commitment to Temple Beth El! We will continue to follow all recommended CDC guidelines including wearing masks, social distancing, and sanitizing at all Temple functions. Also, we will take reservations and limit the number of participants for our members only. Our kitchen remains closed until further notice and we will not be serving any food or drink until we know it is safe to do so. More information to follow.

On April 25th, Temple Beth El had its Annual Membership Meeting at 3:00 pm in our sanctuary. Our new Executive Board of Directors was voted in and will start in their new roles on June 1, 2021. Also, our members voted to approve TBE’s new fiscal budget for 2021/2022. Many thanks to everyone that participated.

I am excited to continue my role as President of Temple Beth El and look forward to working with the Board on some very ambitious goals. Our vision for the fiscal year 2021/2022 is to increase Temple Beth El visibility to our target market and grow our membership by using new creative tools, activities, and programs that retain our current members and attract the unaffiliated Reform Jewish population.

Since we are mostly a volunteer organization, I encourage everyone to please get involved in some way. Regardless of how insignificant it may seem to you, helping our Temple will benefit all of us. Please feel free to reach out to me or Helen Hammerman if you have any questions.

Just a reminder that the Manatee County Food Bank needs our help! Many unfortunate people find themselves struggling to buy food during the COVID 19 pandemic. If you can drop off some can goods at the Temple and leave them in the lobby, we will deliver the food items directly to them. If you would prefer to donate money, I am attaching the link for your convenience. https://securepayment.link/mealsonwheelsplus/  We certainly appreciate your help with our mitzvah projects. 

We can finally see some light and hope our current restrictions will end soon. If anyone needs help, please let us know. 

Ron Eiseman
News and Views
By Rabbi Michael Sternfield
Dear Friends,

As I sit down to compose this column, the news of the conviction of the conviction of Derek Chauvin is reverberating. Our nation is breathing a collective sign of relief that a different verdict likely would have ignited yet another paroxysm of violence.

That did not happen this time fortunately. Our nation is desperately in need of calm, accompanied by a long-delayed reckoning with our seemingly incurably deep-seated racism. Laws can be strengthened. Law enforcement officers can be held to greater accountability. Trials can and should be conducted more fairly and without bias. However, I am sorry to say that nothing will change until there is a change of heart. That is what should be the focus of our nation’s collective concerns. 

When I first became interested in the rabbinate, I had become involved in the nascent civil rights movement of the early 60’s. This was my first experience with Judaism in action. Many synagogues and churches had become actively involved in the movement. We felt inspired and hopeful, truly believing that “the times, they are a’changin.” The landmark Civil Rights Acts of 1963, championed by President Johnson outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin and eventually applied to sexual orientation as well. 

What has transpired since the 60’s has been sporadic at best. Certainly, much has changed in the schools and the workplace, in the public’s acceptance of greater opportunity for people of color. Many of us believed that the future would be better for people of all shades.

Still, periodically, we have had stark reminders of the vicious undercurrent that continues to prevent our nation from overcoming systemic racism. The Rodney King beating that fomented race riots, the O.J. Simpson case that polarized white and black America, the Watts riots of 1965, the explosion of violence that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968. These and dozens of other serious outbursts invariably were ignited by rage over injustice within the African American community, followed in turn by righteous indignation within the white community. And thus, the endless cycle continues to this very day. 

So here we are in the year 2021, 60 plus years since the beginning of the Civil Rights era. We must as ourselves how far America really has come. Definitely, there is reason to feel positive that justice has prevailed this time. But don’t you wonder what would have been the outcome of the trial had it not been for the existence of undeniable evidence: videos from police body cams and the cell phones of onlookers. Technology has made it more difficult to ignore the facts, thereby resulting in greater accountability. Likewise, hateful speech now has serious consequences because such behavior invariably is caught on camera. All this is needed and welcome, at least by most.

Shalom,
Rabbi Michael Sternfield
All Temple services will now be held in person following CDC COVID guidelines. You will need to wear a mask. Seating will be limited. Please RSVP where necessary.
9 Things You Didn't Know About Shavuot (Begins evening of May 16)

Shavuot is a Jewish celebration that gives thanks for the Torah. We Jews believe that the Torah was given to us as a guide for our lives. The Book of Ruth is traditionally read in the synagogue on Shavuot.

  • Shavuot is the holiday of Jewish paper-cutting
  • Israelis have water fights on Shavuot
  • Shavuot is Judaism’s only all-nighter
  • Ladino speakers recite a marriage contract on Shavuot
  • The figure most associated with the holiday wasn’t born Jewish
  • Shavuot is the only holiday where dairy foods are encouraged
  • Shavuot is the only holiday with no fixed date
  • The Reform movement holds confirmation ceremonies on Shavuot
  • Shavuot is the least-observed major Jewish holiday
So make that cheesecake and celebrate Shavuot!
To find out more, see My Jewish Learning.
Rosh Chodesh and Sacred Goosebumps
Submitted by Diana Tulley

As I excitedly opened the doors to join the ladies of the Shul for Rosh Chodesh, I unexpectedly welled with emotion at the realization of the privilege I was about to receive by gathering with my group of Jewish sisters to celebrate the new moon ushering in the month of Iyar.

Our meeting was filled with light, love, laughter and familiar camaraderie as we discussed the various themes of the new year of Iyar including Light and Healing. There was a special feeling of closeness as one might expect from a family reunion or special homecoming. Friends are beautiful but SISTERS ARE PRICELESS!

As we exited the building to view the "leading lady" new moon, we were slightly dismayed as she was stuck backstage behind billowing grayish black clouds in the night sky. As they say, "The show must go on" and we proceeded to gratefully enter into the Havadalah service, thus blessing the separation of the old month and the new month of Iyar.

Cantor DB's clear, sweet and somehow mystical voice pierced the balmy night air as she sang and chanted the blessings over the candle, wine and spices. Without warning, yet perfectly on cue, the clouds parted, like a stage curtain opening, revealing the splendor of our leading lady in all her grandeur. In a concert of gasps and goosebumps, we smiled at each other, the special kind of smile when words are not necessary and the moment is inscribed in a collective group soul. Clearly, "Baruch ata Adonai hamavdil bein kodesh l'hol" - Blessed are you Adonai, who distinguished between sacred and ordinary. For me, this was no ordinary meeting of the sisterhood. 

Call it a miracle? Call it a coincidence? Call it the power of a group of strong Jewish women, gathered in praise and blessings? I will forever remember this special Rosh Chodesh gathering. I will call it Sacred goosebumps.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Lunch and Learn - Tuesdays at noon. Join Rabbi Sternfield for some stimulating conversation via Zoom. The current theme for discussion is blended families and synagogue issues. Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 225 773 9491
Passcode: 2VhLtE
Torah Study with Rabbi Sternfield and Cantor Bard - Saturdays at 11 am at the Temple.
Send a message to Rabbi Sternfield if you would like to be put on the study list, and you will receive any pertinent study material.
Aleph Bet - Thursdays at 1 pm

Basic Hebrew class ongoing. Taught by Cantor Deborah Bard. This class will continue through May. You can still join if you have advanced beginning Hebrew reading skills. Brush up your reading and learn translation. Please RSVP for Zoom link
Rise Up and Sing! Exploring Authentic Jewish Folk Music - May 3 at 6:30 pm at the Temple

An interactive workshop led by Cantor Deborah Bard, we will listen and learn about the wonderful folk music from the three major Jewish cultures: Ashkenazi (Europe), Sephardic (Spain and Africa), and Mizrahi (Middle East). RSVP here.
Live and In Person - All Shabbat Service are now Live and In Person. Friday, May 7 at 7 pm.
Rosh Chodesh - Monday, May 12. 6:30  “Sivan“ Kabein et Emehcha - "Honoring our Mothers." We will share photos, stories and memories of our mothers and discuss the nuances of mother-daughter relationships.
Sponsored by the Women of Beth El and will include readings, poetry, and prayers. Please RSVP.
Shabbat: Friday May 14, 7 pm. Special Mothers Day Program.
Cantor Bard with pianist Lise Frank will present a musical program titled: "Songs my Mother Taught Me."
International Movie Night: Wednesday, May 19 at 8 pm. The movie is "Le Chambon" which tells the story of the Village of Le Chambon. A Truly astonishing story told in subtle understated fashion. During WWII, a French village located in the mountains begins to take in Jewish children and hide them, care for them and protect them. Led By Pastor Trocme, a pacifist, these villagers saved thousands of children at great cost. Some of the leaders died in the concentration camps 
Shabbat Friday, May 21 at 7 pm. Shavuot A Family Shabbat Program will be led by our students as we honor their commitment to Jewish Learning
Shabbat Friday, May 28 at 7 pm
Bar Mitzvah of Sydne Hirschman - Saturday, May 29 at 11 am. TBE members are invited by Zoom.
Mitzvah Mavens

Children's Book Drive

The Women of Beth EL, along with the Men's Club, are asking for donations of new books for Pre K thru 5th grade.as part of the IFC Book Drive. Our students are helping to sort each book based on the grade level, and wrapping each book for sending. Your generous donation will help benefit these children who need our help.
10,000 Sandwiches for the Salvation Army!

Ken Handelman, mitzvah organizer of the peanut butter sandwich project announced that we will have delivered 10,000 sandwiches to the Salvation Army by June. Temple Beth El Men’s Club working with the Salvation Army has been engaged in this ongoing Mitzvah Project. They deliver peanut butter sandwiches every other Thursday to the Salvation Army's 14th Street location. Kelly French our contact at the Salvation Army explains what they do with the sandwiches:

“Each evening, we serve dinner to about 200 individuals in the community, as well as clients who are in our shelter programs. While we always provide a hot meal, on the nights that we have your sandwiches, we are able to pass those out so people have either a late night snack or lunch the next day. When there are some left, we’ve been handing those out to clients before they head out to work in the morning so they have something for lunch.”

By taking the sandwiches to the Salvation Army, we are able to get the food where it is needed. If you are interested in participating in this program, send a message to Ken Handelman or text at 941-840-4132.

Donations to the Salvation Army can be made here
Tully shares thoughts about "Jewishness" and choosing to be Jewish with Rabbi Sternfield.
Signing Certificate of Conversion
The religious school children prepare a delivery to the Food Bank.
Simcha Grams

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 or send an email so that we may update our records.

Simcha Grams for May Birthdays:
May 1 - Neil Clark 14 - Amelia Clark
2 - Ronald Adelson 14 - Marvin Howard
6 - Carol Segal 21 - Rebecca Hadesman
8 - Marlena Johnsky 25 - Robin Eiseman
8 - Lionel Friedman 31 - Celia Strickler
9 - Daniel Breitberg
Also Jean Shames, Judie Littell, and Irv and Cindi Zamikoff
Simcha Grams for May Anniversaries:
4 - Eli and Nava Lerner
29 - Albert and Staci Rosenstein
April Donations

James Elsberg - Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Bonnie Krasik - Cantor's Discretionary Fund and Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
In memory of Helen Waldman, mother of Sandra Clark:
Judie Littell
Ken Handelman
Marvin and Marion Howard
Brian Weiss
Harold Millstein
Kate Richmond
Marlena Johnsky
Barry Schneider
Joseph Robeck
May Birthdays

1  Neil Clark
2  Ron Adelson
6 Carol Segal
8  Marlena Johnsky
8  Lionel Freedman
9 Dan Breitberg
14 Marv Howard
14 Amelia Clark
21 Rebecca Hadesman
25 Robin Eiseman
31 Celia Strickler
 
May Anniversaries
4 Eli & Neva Lerner
9 Stephanie & Cliff Peshek
29 Albert & Staci Rosenstein

May Yahrzeits

SERVICES April 30th & May 1st
Maggie Ozner remembers David Ozner
Joe & Iras Roback remember Lewis Lavine
SERVICE May 7th & 8th
Judie Littell remembers Bennett Levy
Marlena Johnsky remembers Daniel Johnsky
Jean Steiger remembers Paul Ostrov
SERVICE May 14th & 15th
Jean Ellis remembers Gerald Abowitz
Carol Segal remembers Bernard Albert Cohen
Jeanne Shames remembers Eunice Bruton
Linda & Craig Hoffman remember Art Samson
Bayla Kolton remembers Edward Kolton
Roger Danziger remembers Arthur Danziger
Loren Hoffman remembers Elsie Hoffman
Ruth Weiss remembers John B. Estrada
SERVICE May 21st & 22nd
Lois Gerber remembers Israel Gerber
Kate Richmond remembers Weed H. Richmond
Florence Shulman remembers May Shur
Sharon Carlson remembers Roberta Ger
SERVICE May 28th & 29th
Carol Segal remembers Jack Segal
Bernice Kipnes remembers Morris Chasen
SERVICES April 30th & May 1st
Maggie Ozner remembers David Ozner
Joe & Iras Roback remember Lewis Lavine
 (Continued next column)
(Continued)
SERVICE May 7th & 8th
Judie Littell remembers Bennett Levy
Marlena Johnsky remembers Daniel Johnsky
Jean Steiger remembers Paul Ostrov
SERVICE May 14th & 15th
Jean Ellis remembers Gerald Abowitz
Carol Segal remembers Bernard Albert Cohen
Jeanne Shames remembers Eunice Bruton
Linda & Craig Hoffman remember Art Samson
Bayla Kolton remembers Edward Kolton
Roger Danziger remembers Arthur Danziger
Loren Hoffman remembers Elsie Hoffman
Ruth Weiss remembers John B. Estrada
SERVICE May 21st & 22nd
Lois Gerber remembers Israel Gerber
Kate Richmond remembers Weed H. Richmond
Florence Shulman remembers May Shur
Sharon Carlson remembers Roberta Ger
SERVICE May 28th & 29th
Carol Segal remembers Jack Segal
Bernice Kipnes remembers Morris Chasen
This is the only notification you will get for the yarzheit of 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 below or mail your check to the temple at 5150 Peridia Blvd East, Bradenton 34203
Yahrzeit Donations:

Jean Ellis in memory of Morris Levy, Eve Pesk, Valerie Lippman, and Lynne Abowitz
Karen Knoell in memory of Roger Knoell
Bayla Kolton in memory of Ed Kolton
Karen Zale in memory of Eunice Bruton
Income Tax Returns
Florida and Other States
Call Howard Hammerman
410-726-4980
hmhtaxes@gmail.com