Ruth Abusch-Magder, Rabbi

Barbara Rothbeind, President

 To Play or Not to Play - The dilemma for Jewish athletes. The decisions often revolve around baseball and the observance of Yom Kippur, because of the time of year that both occur. And the predicament has challenged ballplayers almost as long as they have played the game.

In 1934, Hank Greenberg played for the Detroit Tigers and was confronted with the decision during a key series with the New York Yankees. Detroit media sought the opinions of local rabbis to "help" him make the decision. While he played on Rosh Hashanah and his team won, he opted out for Yom Kippur. That day when Greenberg arrived at synagogue, the congregation stood and cheered. Not your usual High Holy Day behavior. The Detroit Free Press wished him a Happy New Year in Hebrew. That positive reaction from the media and fans alike probably impacted ballplayers of the future.

Perhaps the most famous example is the 1965 World Series when star pitcher Sandy Koufax sat out Game One. His Los Angeles Dodgers lost. He made up for it by winning Games Two, Five and Seven and leading his team to a World Series victory. Koufax also never played on the first day of Passover.

LA Dodger Shawn Green had to make those decisions in 2001 and 2004. A 2004 series with the NY Giants could determine whether his team would make it to the postseason. His presence was crucial, but he felt committed to his religion and did not play. “It’s something I feel is an important thing to do, partly as a representative of the Jewish community and as being a role model for Jewish kids…”

Throughout baseball’s history, the list is long of Jewish players who had to choose between participation in a game or a synagogue service. Some that chose to play probably wished they made a different decision. Take the 2019 postseason playoffs. Important games were on Yom Kippur. Three Jewish players, Alex Bergman of the Houston Astros, Joc Pederson of the LA Dodgers and Atlanta Braves’ Max Fried opted in for their games. Each game pivotal as to whether their teams would advance to the World Series. All three lost their games. Journalist Armin Rosen calls that the Koufax Curse. Or Karma.

But baseballer Ron Blomberg has the best Jewish story to tell. It has nothing to do with Jewish Holidays, but just being Jewish. Blomberg was drafted by the NY Yankees in 1967, and when he arrived at the stadium the scoreboard read “Welcome Ron Blomberg: the first Jewish New York Yankee.” It was then he realized he wasn’t only representing Judaism to his teammates, but to New York – and later the country. In 1973, the Yankees made him their first Designated Hitter. He proudly proclaimed himself the Designated Hebrew, with a Star of David on his hat and his bat to remind him of his roots.

This year the World Series begins October 28, so there is no conflict for ballplayers or armchair athletes. Like most, I always take pride when I watch a game and hear Jewish names or read about their successes and their dedication to their beliefs. As we observe the High Holidays this year, we can celebrate all those that brought stature to their profession and to their faith by the decisions they made.

Shana Tova

Marcey

13agree@gmail.com

Hachnasat Orchim, welcoming guests is a key value in Judaism. The first to welcome guests in the Torah were Abraham and Sarah. Recuperating after his brit milah, Abraham spies three travelers and invites the strangers into their home, not knowing that they are angels sent to bring news that soon Sarah will bear a long awaited son. Abraham cleans their feet and Sarah prepares food. There is an ancient rabbinic teaching that the pair went so far as to build a Sukkah for the guests.

Through the month of Elul and then during the High Holy Days we pray that our trespasses be forgiven. And just in case we do not merit consideration, we call on God to recall the good deeds of our ancestors and grant us consideration of the merit of all those who came before us. Time and again during the season of awe we rely on the goodness of those who came before us to carry us forward.

Then at Sukkot we return the favor. In contrast to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, this is a purely happy holiday and we celebrate by building a Sukkah. But we do not forget the ancestors whose merits have carried us to this joyous time, as the holiday of Sukkot is called. Instead, we like Abraham and Sarah, invite them in. 

There is a tradition of inviting Ushpizin, visitors, into the Sukkah. Unlike our living friends and family, Ushpizin are spiritual guests, individuals from the past whose spirits and memories are meant to join us in the joy of Sukkah. After all the worrying and repentance in which we relied on our ancestors for merits we turn around and invite them not to advocate for us but to join us in the celebration. 

It is traditional each night of Sukkot to add a new spiritual guest to our Sukkah list. It is as if we are returning the favor. We are thanking our ancestors for all they have done to speak up on our behalf and invite them to be part of our joyful living.

Even if we don’t personally build a Sukkah we can take time over Sukkot to invite our ancestors to metaphorically join us as the table. We can choose from among the great men or women who were our ancient forbearers or from the more recently departed. We can share stories of their good deeds and discuss the impact that they have had on our lives and in that way include them in the joy of the here and now. 

May the High Holy Day season bring us all renewal and joy.

Rabbi Ruth Abusch-Magder PhD.

(she/her)

Rabbi of the Sandhills Jewish Congregation

Jackson Springs, NC

High Holiday Newsletter September 2022 (5783)

Usually, the High Holidays stir up memories of the past but this year our congregation is ready to move forward and make new memories.

As we begin our 20 th Anniversary year, we welcome our new Rabbi, Ruth Abusch-Magder. As a part of our special anniversary celebrations, Cantor Erik Contzius will be joining us along with our musical accompanist and cellist for Kol Nidre. This year our services will be extra special, therefore, we will be live streaming. Everyone will be able to enjoy the spirit of the High Holidays without any distractions.

We strive to move forward as we come out of the dark years of the pandemic. Although there have been many challenges we have persevered as a community.

Changes have been implemented so that we can continue to worship as we have done for well over five thousand years. In addition to our beautiful sanctuary, we now have a lovely outdoor pavilion which we will put to much good use starting this Rosh Hashanah season. Also, this summer we have constructed a new emergency door in the front of the sanctuary.

So much has changed in such a short time and yet the constant of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur remain the same. We are foremost a community of Jews. We are committed to each other and to this community. We bring our own histories and memories together to form a new and hopefully stronger memory for our own children and grandchildren.

Once again, a heartfelt “thank you” and Yasher Koach to Rabbi Ruth, Cantor Contzius and all the generous volunteers who have stepped forward and enabled us to celebrate these High Holidays.

On behalf of Matthew and myself I wish everyone a sweet, healthy and prosperous New Year!! L’Shana Tovah!!

Shalom,

Barbara Rothbeind

President SJC-Beth Shalom

Meet Cantor Contzius

Sandhills Jewish Congregation – Beth Shalom is honored to welcome Cantor Erik Contzius to our pulpit for the High Holidays. 

He has served congregations in Omaha, Nebraska, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, New Rochelle and New Hyde Park, New York.  We are pleased that he is going to be part of our congregation for this year's High Holy Day services.

Cantor Contzius has performed classically all over the world, with more than two-dozen high-profile live performances, alongside numerous recorded works and original compositions. His resume also includes performances Off-Broadway and in regional theater.

His setting of Psalm 116 in Hebrew & Latin, premiered at the Vatican. Contzius’ musical template is an idyllic reflection of his relationship with the Divine. His original published compositions reflect a spiritual journey: The Travelers’ Prayer, Hineh Ma Tov, and Shalom Rav (all published by Transcontinental Music Publications), and And Hannah Prayed—which was selected for The Third International Festival of New Jewish Liturgical Music, sponsored by Shalshelet.

Cantor Contzius earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Rutgers College, then studied abroad at the University of York, England. He received his Master of Sacred Music degree from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, School of Sacred Music, studying in Israel and New York City.

He presently resides in Spokane, Washington with his wife, Monica Flaherty.

High Holiday Schedule

Rosh Hashanah

• Sunday, September 25, 7:00 PM - Erev Rosh Hashanah
• Monday, September 26, 9:00 AM - Rosh Hashanah Children's Service
• Monday, September 26, 10:00 AM- Rosh Hashanah Service
• Tuesday, September 27, 10:00 AM - Study and Prayer

Shabbat Weekend

• Friday, September 30, 7:00 PM -  Musical Shabbat Service with Special Sermon
• Saturday, October 1, 10:00 AM - Torah Study
• Sunday, October 2, Noon - Tashlich (information follows)

Yom Kippur

• Tuesday, October 4, 7:00 PM - Kol Nidre
• Wednesday, October 5 Schedule:

9:00 AM - Children's Service

          10:00 AM - Yom Kippur Service

5:00 PM - Yizkor Service

6:00 PM - Neilah Service

6:30 PM - Break the Fast (Reservations Required)

The congregation thanks the Hordes Foundation for their generous donation that helps defray the cost of the High Holiday Cantor and musicians.

High Holiday Information

Tashlich

Please join us on Sunday, October 2nd at 12 noon to cast away your sins from the past year into the waters of Lake Echo, Seven Lakes-North. The Tashlich service is a meaningful symbolic service. This ritual is wonderful for children, so we strongly encourage our families with children to attend. Please bring breadcrumbs to toss into the water. Following the service, our hosts will serve a light lunch of deli sandwiches and iced tea for a lakeside picnic. If the weather is nice you are also welcome to swim and kayak, so dress appropriately and bring a towel. Parents, please watch your children if they go in the water.

This event is hosted by Mindy Fineman and Pete Sessler. 

Their address is 112 Swan Run Ct. Seven Lakes. 

Please RSVP to Mindy at mfineman@nc.rr.com, or text 910-585-4031 or call 910-673-2640, so that your name can be given to the gate.

Directions to Tashlich (Fineman/Sessler home @ 7 Lakes)

Break Fast

Break the fast with other congregants and share a delicious dairy meal and good conversation. 

The dinner, immediately following the Yiskor Service, is catered by Leslie Philip of Thyme & Place Cafe.

Cost is $25 pp (kids 12 & under free)

If you plan on attending please RSVP to Mindy Fineman at mfineman@nc.rr.com or text 910-585-4031 and ALSO complete and mail in the form on this link with your check.  

 Click here for Reservation Form

Transportation to High Holiday Services

A grant from the Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors is providing an opportunity for SJC-Beth Shalom to offer transportation to Erev Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre services.

Please contact Marcey, 13agree@gmail.com or Barbara, barbara.rothbeind@gmail.com if you have any questions or to reserve a spot.

Member Participation at High Holiday Services

If you are interested in reading a passage in the prayer book for one of the High Holiday services, please reach out to Lowell Simon. This is a meaningful way to feel part of the High Holiday spirit. Please note, you do not need to read Hebrew to participate in the service.

Contact Lowell Simon: lsimon@nc.rr.com or 910-690-0948

Covid Protocols during the Holidays

It is strongly recommended that masks are warn during all indoor activities at the temple.

The following is a request from our president:

"Now that we are meeting more regularly and in large groups I ask that if you are not feeling well you stay home. Also, if you should fall ill soon after an event that you notify those to which you were in close contact. " 

The book selection is "Lot Six: A Memoir"

by playwright David Adjmi.

Book Club will meet This Afternoon at 3:00 PM at the home of Susan and Carter Parry. Dinner will follow the discussion at a restaurant to be decided at that time.

It's not too late - if you read the book, join the conversation.

RSVP to Susan: susanparry1118@gmail.com.

The Parry's address is 25 Deacons Lodge Lane, Pinehurst.

It's a gated community so your name needs to be given to the security guard before your arrival.

Member News

Nancy Oderkirk celebrates every New Year with a mitzvah project. This year she is

pleased to ride at BikeMS in honor of Darci Rosenblum, who was diagnosed with MS in 2018. As Nancy reports, Darci had participated in numerous charity events before her diagnosis, and adopted BikeMS soon thereafter. A recent accident has sidelined her for a while, but she hopes to be back on the bike soon. Darci says: "I’m grateful for all who support MS. I ride for everyone with this disease and my two daughters (Abbi + Maia)." Nancy will proudly ride for Darci this year, and her incomparable spirit! 

You can make donations to the MS Society in Darci's honor.  

click here for the link

Website Coordinator

"Calling all Techies"

Any member that can help coordinate with our web designer in updating the content on our website is urgently needed.  Please contact

Amy Walters ASAP

301-229-9656 or aswalters101@gmail.com.

Temple Activities

Cooking With Carol Returns to SJC Kitchen Sept. 20th

Carol Pierce is back in business! She is ready to share her skills in the kitchen. Her first recipe is honey cake, just in time for Rosh Hashanah. Mark your calendar:

Tuesday, September 20, 10:00 AM at SJC-Beth Shalom. The recipes will also be in the newsletter. And just to whet your appetite, below is a treat to try now, using local produce and perfect for this season.

Click here for recipe

Cemetery 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 September Shabbat Services

09/04 Florence Flaster 

09/04 Belle L. Silverman*

09/05 Maurice Brickman

09/06 Alice Kessler*

09/07 Richard Rothman

09/08 Meyer Katzman

09/09 Amy Lorber

09/10 Raymond Bassett

09/11 Don Pierce

09/12 Leonard Javer

09/12 Harold Richman

09/14 Seth Kolb, Sr.

09/14 Judith Lipson

09/15 Carl Loeb Kempner

09/16 Sallie Indianer

09/16 Dorothy Poteat

09/21 Lawrence Furie**

09/25 Morris Sorkin

09/26 Murray Daskal

98/28 Sidney Shachnow

09/29 Annette Rose Langfelder

09/30 Irving Rubin

**Indicates Hebrew date

*Indicates Yahrzeit Donation

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

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.

Cards

• Kathy & George Poteat

General Donations

• Emily & Allen Averbook
• Mark Brenner
• Darie Davis
• Leslie Fleisher
• Jennifer & David Furie
• Carol Pierce
• Mary Silverman

Yahrzeit Donations

• Alexa & Michael Ascher, In memory of Irving Ruben
• Marcey & Fred Katzman, In memory of Abraham Packer
• Pola & Arne Lipson, In memory of Sally Indianer, Morris Sorkin & Judith Lipson
• Susan & Tom Miles, Pre-Paid Yahrzeits
• Kathy & George Poteat, In Memory of Carl Loeb Kempner and Dorothy Poteat
• Wendy & Jim Gill, In Memory of Seymour Sander
• Sharon Sander, Melissa Lewis & Amy Thrasher, Yahrzeit Plaque - In Memory of Seymour Sander

Traditional Donation Card

There are many ways we can support our congregation and sending a special card can be one of them.  Whether it is a life-cycle event or a way to keep in touch, everyone loves to be remembered in this way. Our cards are $10.00 each, and that includes postage. Or buy a package of ten for $100.00. That way, you always have one in reserve.

Donation Card Packages

We are offering an addition to our $10.00 donation card. Packages of five cards (slightly smaller size) are now available for personal use. They sell for $25.00 for a 5 card package and members will be able to send the cards themselves. The cards are blank on the inside but the back recognizes the donation to SJC.

For more information contact

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

September

• Trusted Elections Tour

In an effort to educate voters on election security, The Carter Center, founded by former President Jimmy Carter has created a Trusted Elections Tour. North Carolina is one of four states the tour is visiting with a panel of local speakers, knowledgeable in election security. This is an effort to create healthy dialogue and build consensus . The Trusted Elections Tour will visit BPAC at Sandhills Community College on

Tuesday, September 27, 6:30 PM.

October

• "Harvest the Promise"      

An evening of food, music and fundraising featuring Moore County Chefs, Restaurants and Live and Silent Auctions to benefit Family Promise of Moore County, an

organization which SJC supports with volunteers who provide food and time with the families. 

Thursday, October 13, 6:00 PM, Fair Barn



• Women of the Pines Bake Sale

Women of the Pines is kicking off its 2022-2023 fundraising effort with its popular

Annual Bake Sale on Saturday, October 15 from 10:00 to 2:00 at the Sandhills Woman's Exchange, 15 Azalea Road in the Village.

In addition to delicious baked

goods, four unique gift-card collections will be raffled off. Each group contains a wealth of gift cards from local merchants, valued at over $400 per box.

Raffle tickets are $25 each. Credit cards will be accepted. No more than 50 tickets per tree will be sold

which greatly increases your odds of winning!

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.

* Gary Miljour is a local mortgage lender with American Financial Network in Pinehurst. If you are in need of mortgage financing to buy a home or need to discuss refinance options, please feel free to reach him at 480-251-0002(cell) or reach him online at www.garymiljour.com for a free consultation. Gary has been a mortgage lender for 15 years. (NMLS#207208)

* 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

* Thyme and Place Cafe - your go to community cafe - is where you can get great food and pastries, and also cater your unique events. Leslie Philip adds extra touches that make every occasion personal and special. On-site functions are being added so please check the website or social media. Thyme and Place Cafe, an intimate meeting place with a big heart. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM, 155 Hall Avenue, Southern Pines. 

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