MARCH/APRIL 2015 * ADAR/NISSAN/IYAR 5775
BAGHDAD TO BZBI—25 YEARS OF TORAH
CONCERT & TRIBUTE DINNER CELEBRATION
HONORING RABBI EZEKIEL N. MUSLEAH
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015
4:00 PM Concert with The Epichorus in BZBI’s Goldberg Sanctuary
6:00 Tribute Dinner at the Sonesta Hotel, 1800 Market Street
Rabbi Ezekiel Nissim Musleah was born in Calcutta, India, into a family that
emigrated there from Baghdad in 1820. After he graduated from the University
of Calcutta with a degree in philosophy, he traveled to America to study at the
Jewish Theological Seminary in New York. He was ordained as a rabbi in 1952
and immediately returned to India where he served as religious leader of his
native community for twelve years.
Rabbi Musleah served the Jewish community with excellence, but the community was dwindling as Jews left Calcutta to emigrate to other parts of the world.
He decided to pursue a more vibrant Jewish life in the United States and emigrated with his family in 1964. He has served as rabbi of Congregation Mikveh
Israel, the second oldest functioning Jewish congregation in the United States
and later became chairman of the Bet Din, or Jewish religious court, based in Philadelphia. Rabbi Musleah has written
many books on the Jewish community of Calcutta.
Married to Margaret Musleah (of Baghdadi rabbinic background), they have 3 daughters, eight grandchildren and one
great-grandson. We are proud to honor Rabbi Musleah for 25 years of service to the Beth Zion-Beth Israel community
as Shabbat Torah Reader.
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The Epichorus performs music of the Middle Eastern Jews - including music from Iraq and Syria - bringing those
traditions to life for a contemporary audience. The Epichorus will perform with a leading Indian vocalist, Priya
Darshini, creating a unique fusion that is an ideal fit for celebrating Rabbi Musleah’s role in our community
Ticket Information
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Keter Torah Sponsors: $1,000/2 tickets to the tribute dinner & 2 reserved tickets to the concert, prominent listing in invitation & program
Rimonnim Sponsors: $540/2 tickets to the tribute dinner & 2 reserved tickets to the concert, listing in the invitation & program
Tribute dinner tickets: $180 per person, includes 1 ticket, general seating at the concert
Concert tickets: $18 each or $10 for seniors and students (with ID), general seating at concert
Dietary laws observed. Invitation open to friends, family & neighbors
CELEBRATE PURIM AT BZBI
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 7 PM
LIVING WITH WHAT OUR CHILDREN
ARE LEARNING
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 5:15 PM
Join Rabbi Yosef Goldman and Neziner Hebrew School
Principal, Cindy Kushner, as they explore ways to enrich
your home with Jewish values that your child is learning
in Hebrew School. Early Childhood parents are also welcome.
HELP STAMP
OUT
HAMAN’S
NAME!!
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JOIN US TO HEAR OUR HILARIOUS
READING OF MEGILLAT ESTHER
Instead of groggers, bring a box of
breakfast cereal to the Megillah Reading
JOIN RABBI GOLDMAN’S
HEALING CIRCLE
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 6:30 PM
Use the cereal to drown out Haman’s name!
The Healing Circle welcomes all who are in need of healing—body, mind or spirit—caregivers and those with
loved ones in need of healing. If you would like to participate in this service, please contact Rabbi Goldman at
rabbigoldman@bzbi.org
Following the service, we will collect the boxes
which will be donated to Mercy Hospice—
a 48 bed residence on 13th Street
for single women and mothers with
young children
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TIKKUN OLAM
SUNDAY, MARCH 29TH, 6:00 PM AT
MERCY HOSPICE, 334 S. 13TH ST. PHILA.
Join BZBI members who will make bag lunches for distribution to day-services guests of Mercy Hospice. BZBI has
been affiliated with Mercy Hospice for some time now
and we are proud to be able to help homeless, or near
homeless women find shelter, receive three meals a day,
clothing, life skills classes, parenting education and goal
driven case management.
SIGN UP FOR
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO SHABBAS
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
Residents also receive housing opportunities, emotional
support and compassion.
TO HOST A DINNER OR BE A GUEST
CONTACT CARA LEVINSON AT
cblevinson@yahoo.com
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The Shofar . March/April 2015
SICHA (CONVERSATION)
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 7:00PM
SICHA (CONVERSATION)
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 7:00 pm
“BUSTED: A Tale of Corruption and
Betrayal In the City of Brotherly Love”
By Wendy Ruderman & Barbara Laker with
BZBI member, Steven Fried
“Becoming Un-Orthodox: Stories of
Ex-Hasidic Jews”
By Lynn Davidson
Leaving a religion is not merely a matter of
losing or rejecting faith. For many, it involves dramatic life changes. Davidson bases
her book on in-depth conversations with 40
ex-Hasidic individuals.
Two working mothers describe how they
unveiled one of the biggest corruption scandals in Philadelphia’s history. Before joining
the Philadelphia Daily News, Wendy Ruderman worked in several media outlets including the Philadelphia Inquirer, WHYYTV and the Associated Press. Barbara Laker has worked for
several newspapers including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
and The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. She joined the Philadelphia
Daily News in 1993.
Lynn Davidson is the Beren Distinguished Professor of Modern
Jewish Studies and Professor of Sociology at the University of
Kansas.
Cost: BZBI members $18, non-members $20, students with valid
ID $5. Register at www.bzbi.org.
BZBI member, Steven Fried is an award-winning investigative
journalist and essayist and an adjunct professor at Columbia
University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
Cost: $20, BZBI members $18, students with valid ID $5
Register for all Sichot at www.bzbi.org
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KABBALAT SHABBAT WITH
RABBI YOSEF GOLDMAN’S
MAROM BAND
AND CANTOR SHARON GRAINER
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 6:00 PM
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BZBI SHABBAT EXPERIENCE
KABBALAT SHABBAT SERVICE 6:00 PM
WITH DINNER TO FOLLOW
FRIDAY, MARCH 20
Enjoy the spirit of Shabbat with a musical Friday night followed
by a special oneg of wine and hors d’oeuvres. Meet upstairs in
the Kahaner Auditorium with soulful singing and percussion.
Add your voice to those of Rabbi Goldman and Cantor Grainer.
Join our BZBI community as we continue the BZBI Shabbat
Experience with a lively Kabbalat Shabbat service followed by a
delicious Shabbat dinner prepared in the BZBI kitchen. Enjoy
great food, social time with friends, old and new, z’mirot and
ruach, and a short program.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 9 AM
CELEBRATE THE NEW MONTH
WITH SONG & BRUNCH
Cost: $18 per adult
$12 per child,
$40 immediate family maximum
RSVP is required for dinner! Log on to www.bzbi.org or
contact Adam Engle at membership@bzib.org, 215-735-5148
‫ראש חודש אייר‬
ROSH HODESH IYAR
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BZBI CONTINUES TO CELEBRATE OUR
AUTHORS, SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 10 AM
Join us in prayer, dance, song and celebration in honor of the
new month, Rosh Hodesh Iyar. Cantor Sharon Grainer with
Rabbi Yosef Goldman and the Marom Band will offer a festive
musical Hallel experience in the Kahaner Auditorum. The service will be followed by a communal brunch. All are welcome
including children. There is no charge for this program. Registration is not necessary.
Join BZBI’s own, Rabbi Sue Levy Elwell, author of Chapters of
the Heart: Jewish Women Sharing the Torah of Their Lives. Rabbi
Elwell, along with other local contributors, will discuss this
unique collection of personal essays by leading feminists from
across the spectrum of Jewish life. Come join this interactive
panel discussion and book-signing. There is no charge for this
program.
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The Shofar . March/April 2015
ADULT EDUCATION AT BZBI
RABBI STONE’S
CLASS
THE TALMUD AS
LITERATURE
JEWISH THOUGHT & PSYCHOANALYSIS
SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 4:00 PM
FORGIVENESS IN JUDAISM AND
PSYCHOANALYSIS
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Six Thursday nights beginning April 23rd, 7-8:30pm
What exactly is the Talmud? Is it a code of laws? A commentary on the Mishnah? Can we approach it as literature? What
is the author’s or editor’s intent? Join Rabbi Stone and explore
with him this unusual approach to the Talmud.
Cost: $50, BZBI members: $25
Registration at www.bzbi.org
Are there those you feel unworthy of your forgiveness?
Do you want to be forgiven?
Join us for a discussion of forgiveness. Explore how our childhood hurts and resentment remain a part of who we are and have
an impact on our efforts to both forgive and be forgiven.
Join Professor Stephen Frosh from the
University of London on Forgiveness in
Judaism and Psychoanalysis as part of the
Jewish Thought and Psychoanalysis Lecture
Series.
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RABBI GOLDMAN’S CLASS
THE SHABBAT SPIRIT
Wednesdays, April 15 and May 13
7-8:30 pm
Explore the mystical writings of Hasidic
masters on the meaning of Shabbat and
its rituals. Join Rabbi Goldman for one
session or both. There is no charge but please register at
www.bzbi.org.
For information, to register, and to see an interview with Professor Frosh, visit
JewishThoughtandPsychoanalysis.com
Cost: $15, students with valid ID $5
NUREMBERG: REFLECTION & RESONANCE
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 4:00 PM
BZBI member, Sheri Rosenberg, presents the award-winning documentary, Nuremberg: Reflection & Resonance. This film features first-hand recollections by
prosecutors, translators and investigators at Nuremberg. Contemporary prosecutors and jurists reflect on Nuremberg’s legacy and influence on the modern
international tribunals currently investigating grave atrocity crimes such as those
in Rawanda and Darfur.
Sheri is the director of the Human Rights and Genocide Clinic and the Program
in Holocaust and Human Rights Studies at Cardozo School of Law. She has
worked in the area of civil rights and international human rights with a specific
focus on issues of discrimination, equality and genocide.
Remember!
We will be joined by TV Anchor, Roland Smith, who has more than 50 years of broadcast experience as an anchor,
reporter, documentary producer and writer. Discussion will focus on the international community’s successes and
failures in the continuing fight against genocide and other atrocity crimes, as well as its efforts to bring perpetrators
to justice.
Please join us for this critically acclaimed documentary. There is no charge. All are welcome.
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The Shofar . March/April 2015
PARENTS: WOULD YOU LIKE TO
LEARN HOW TO MAKE A
KVETCH-FREE PESACH?
PASSOVER HAGGADAH
SONGS
MAKING A
CHILD-FRIENDLY SEDER
SUNDAY, MARCH 15TH, 9:30 AM
Cantor Sharon Grainer
The 62 tracks on this CD are a collection of songs from
around the world to sing with your family and friends at
your Passover Seder Table!
An opportunity for families to learn about celebrating
Pesach with their children. Learn how to create projects
and ask questions. We will have a guest educator who
will present a model seder. Parents with their children
are welcome.
Cost: $10 per family/register at
www.bzbi.org
In addition to the CD you will receive:
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Transliterated song sheets
A synopsis of the structure and liturgy of The Haggadah;
the book containing the passages dealing with the theme
of the Exodus recited at the Passover seder.
Cantor Grainer’s PASSOVER HAGGADAH SONGS CD is
FREE and available in the Sisterhood Gift Shop along with
her CDs for Zemirot (including Birkat Hamazon/The Blessings After a Meal) and for BZBI Songs for Friday Night and
Saturday Morning Services. You can also contact Cantor
Grainer directly to order your CDs,
cantorgrainer@bzbi.org.
Donations to the BZBI Music Fund to cover costs of CDs and
supplies are always appreciated.
SISTERHOOD GIFT SHOP IS
READY FOR PESACH
First Seder is Friday, April 3rd
Shop early for the best selection!
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Seder plates & matza plates
Elijah & Miriam cups, Kiddush cups
Matza & afikomen covers, kipot
Candles & candlesticks, yahrzeit candles
Charming books & games for children
Kosher for Pesach wine & wine stoppers
SEFIRAT HA-OMER
THE COUNTING
OF THE OMER
This year we will be selling both a wide assortment of
wine and candy kosher for Passover that may be purchased at the Gift Shop—no pre-ordering of wine or
candy is necessary. Special orders welcome. Gift shop
hours will be posted outside the Temple office. Your purchase benefits the students of the
Neziner Hebrew School.
The Torah tells us that we are obligated to count the days
from Passover to Shavuot. This period is known as the
Counting of the Omer (a unit of measure). In Temple
times, on the second day of Passover, an omer of barley
was cut down and brought to the Temple as an offering.
This grain offering was referred to as the Omer.
Every night, from the second night of Passover to the
night before Shavuot, we recite a blessing and state the
count of the omer in both weeks and days. This counting
is intended to remind us of the link between Passover,
which commemorates the Exodus, and Shavuot, which
commemorates the giving of the Torah. In other words,
our redemption from slavery was not complete until we
received the Torah!
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The Shofar . March/April 2015
SIYYUM BEKHORIM
FAST OF THE FIRSTBORN
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES FOR
PASSOVER 2015—5775
“Ta’anit Bekhorim”
Friday, April 3
Siyyum Bekhorim 7:30 a.m.
Special service for the firstborn (see article opposite)
Erev Pesach: 1st Seder at home, no evening service
Saturday, April 4
Services 9:30 am
Passover 1st day, 2nd Seder, at home,
no evening service
Sunday, April 5
Services 9:00 am
Passover 2nd day, no evening service
‫וםינותב תינעת‬
Traditionally the first born son of every Jewish family is
required to fast on the day before Pesach as a remembrance of God’s mercy in sparing them from the final
terrible plague which killed the first born Egyptian sons.
However, early in Jewish history the custom developed
for those required to fast to be absolved of this obligation by attending a celebration following a unit of some
Jewish study (siyyum). Rabbi Stone will lead this service on Friday, April 3rd. Services are at 7:30 a.m. followed by a light breakfast.
Chol Hamoed Pesach (intermediary days)
Monday, April 6: 7:30 am & 5:30 pm
Tuesday, April 7: 7:30 am & 5:30 pm
Wednesday, April 8: 7:30 am & 5:30 pm
Thursday, April 9: 7:30 am & 5:30 pm
“Remember this day on which you went out of Egypt”
A Happy, Kosher & Sweet Pesach
to our entire BZBI Family
Concluding Days of Festival
SPECIAL NOTE
There will be no evening service, Fri. April 3 or
Sat. April 4 as these are Seder nights. No evening
service on Sat. April 11, the concluding day of the
festival. For a complete schedule of services during Passover, please see column at right
Friday, April 10
7th day of Pesach: 9:30 am & 6:00 pm
(Yizkor memorial at 7 pm service)
Saturday, April 11
8th Day of Passover: 9:30 a.m.
Yizkor Memorial Service (no evening service)
SELLING OF HAMETZ
It is a requirement of Jewish law that in order for a home to be considered kosher for Pesach, all hametz must be
removed, including utensils that have contained hametz. Pots, pans, dishes, silverware, etc., should be put in a
closet clearly marked and either locked or taped closed. You may also put aside until after Pesach, bulk quantities
of hametz foodstuffs which it is economically unfeasible to dispose of. In order to comply with the requirement of
Jewish law, these items must be sold—for a Jew may not even open them during Pesach. To facilitate this and to see
that it is done according to Jewish law, fill out the coupon below and return it to the Temple office.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------I, ______________________________________, hereby authorize Rabbi Ira F. Stone to act as my agent to sell any
hametz that may be in my possession, wherever it may be—at home, place of business or elsewhere—in accordance
with the requirements and provisions of Jewish law. A donation in any amount is required to make this a valid
transaction. (Note): It is customary to make a donation to the Passover League in exchange for selling your hametz.
This can be done through the Temple office. Simply include your check to the Passover League when you mail this
form to the Temple office. The Passover League distributes grants throughout the Philadelphia region to groups
that provide Seders to individuals who would otherwise not have the resources or ability to attend. The League also
provides Passover food for Jewish shut-ins and distributes boxes of Passover food to hospitalized Jewish veterans.
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The Shofar . March/April 2015
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES FOR
MARCH/APRIL 2015
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Note: Please check our Shabbat Bulletins and
E-Congregation for weekly announcements and
calendar updates
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March
Sun. Mar. 1: Purim Carnival 10 am
Mon. Mar. 2: School Committee 6 pm. Sisterhood
Board 6 pm
Tue. Mar. 3: Mussar with Rabbi Stone 7 pm
Wed. Mar. 4: Purim Megillah Reading 7 pm
Fri. Mar. 6: Kabbalat Shabbat with Marom Band 6 pm
Sat. Mar. 7: Goldman babynaming. Neziner Family
Shabbat
Sun. Mar. 8: Daylight Savings Time Begins
Tue. Mar. 10: Mussar with Rabbi Stone 7 pm
Wed. Mar. 11: Communications Committee 6 pm
Thur. Mar. 12: Board of Trustees meeting 7 pm
Fri. Mar. 13: Kabbalat Shabbat services begin at 7 pm.
Guess Who’s Coming to Shabbas in host homes
Sat. Mar. 14: Bat Mitzvah Margo Freedman 9:30 am
Sun. Mar. 15: Pesach Education for Families 9:30 am.
Sicha Author’s program “Busted” 7 pm
Tue. Mar. 17: Mussar with Rabbi Stone 7 pm
Wed. Mar. 18: Neziner Conversation with Rabbi Yosef
Goldman 5:15 pm
Fri. Mar. 20: BZBI Shabbat Experience Continued, 6
pm
Sat. Mar. 21: Bat Mitzvah Zoe Bailkin 9:30 am
Sun. Mar. 22: 10 am Book/Author event with Rabbi
Sue Levy Elwell
Tue. Mar. 24: Mussar with Rabbi Stone 7 pm
Wed. Mar. 25: Early Childhood Program 9 am.
Amerita Concert 8 pm
Thur. Mar. 26: Healing Circle with Rabbi Goldman
6:30 pm
Sat. Mar. 28: Israel Advocacy & Hot Lunch Kiddush
9:30 am
Sun. Mar. 29: 6 pm Tikkun Olam at Mercy Hospice
Tue. Mar. 31: Mussar with Rabbi Stone 7 pm
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April
Mon. Apr. 13: All school programs resume
Tue. Apr. 14: Mussar with Rabbi Stone 7 pm
Wed. Apr. 15: The Shabbat Spirit with Rabbi Goldman 7 pm
Thur. Apr. 16: Board of Trustees meeting 7 pm
Fri. Apr. 17: Kabbalat Shabbat with Marom Band 7
pm
Sat. Apr. 18: Neziner Hebrew School Confirmation
Sun. Apr. 19: Musical Rosh Hodesh celebration 9
am. Yom Hashoah program 4 pm
Tue. Apr. 21: Mussar with Rabbi Stone 7 pm
Thur. Apr. 23: Talmud as Literature with Rabbi
Stone 7 pm
Sat. Apr. 25: Bar Mitzvah Jerry Kalins 9:30 am.
Sun. Apr. 26: Jewish Thought & Psychoanalysis 4
pm
Tue. Apr. 28: Mussar with Rabbi Stone 7 pm. Book
Club, “An Officer and a Spy” TBA
Wed. Apr. 29: Amerita Concert 8 pm
Thur. Apr. 30: Talmud as Literature with Rabbi
Stone 7 pm
IMPORTANT NOTICE
BZBI BOARD OF TRUSTEES
A number of positions on the BZBI Board of Trustees
will be available in June 2015. In anticipation of the
Annual Meeting, a Nominating Committee is being
formed to nominate trustees of the congregation.
If you wish to recommend someone for the Committee’s
consideration, or if you yourself are interested in serving
the congregation in a position of leadership, please feel
free to contact me, Josh Levy, chair of the Nominating
Committee, at jlevy@ballinger-ae.com, or write to me in
care of the Temple office, templeoffice@bzbi.org.
April
Wed. Apr. 1: Neziner Hebrew School spring break begins. Early Childhood Pesach celebration 10:15 am.
Building Committee 6:30 pm
Thur. Apr. 2: All schools closed for spring break
Fri. Apr. 3: Erev Presach. Please refer to Schedule of
Services for Passover for complete information on service times during the holiday
Sun. Apr. 12: Sicha Author’s program “Becoming UnOrthodox” 7 pm
You may also contact Gregg Kanter, Chairman of the
Governance Committee at greggkanter@yahoo.com.
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The Shofar . March/April 2015
Shalom Friends,
Early Childhood Dates to Remember:
Purim Carnival - Sun. March 1, 10:00 to 12 noon
Purim Megillah Reading- March 4, 7 pm, Goldberg Sanctuary
Pesach Family Model Seder - Sun. March 15, 10:00am
Pesach Children's Seder and Celebration - Wed. April 1
The world is full of wondrous things,
to illuminate, instruct and inspire in
each of us the awareness and appreciation of life and of God. Here at Temple
Beth Zion-Beth Israel's Early Childhood Program there is a shared effort
to not only support a child's growth and development intellectually, physically, socially, and emotionally, but also to
build the children's connection to Jewish values, traditions,
spirituality and sense of justice. Jewish life is happening
here! It is expressed, explored and discovered in our classrooms and throughout our Temple. Enriched experiences
and exposure to the wheel of ideas and concepts during these
early years have a powerful and at times profound influence
on the children's ways of seeing and being, their attitudes
and the beliefs they construct. Acceptance, kindness, and
responsiveness coming from parents and significant others
are also important ingredients in the teacher-child relationship. We know that the love we give our children now during this crucial period of time will reach across the arc of
their development, contributing greatly to their impressions
and interpretations of a multitude of things, secular, psychological, philosophical, and ultimately religious.
NEWS FROM JEVS
(JEWISH EMPLOYMENT & VOCATIONAL SERVICE)
The LASKO COLLEGE PREP PRPGRAM for Jewish
high school juniors offers
 Paid summer internships
 FREE SAT class
 College guidance
 Financial aid & scholarship counseling, college
visits
 Mitzvah project & other social activities
 Support navigating the college process during the
senior year
For eligibility requirements and information, call 215854-1834 or email Peggy.Truitt@jevs.org
As we continue to reflect about children
we tend to think of them first as physical beings. At our school we implement
the "Learning Through Play" philosophy, a sensory model used to educate
young children during their early childhood years, because it is well-suited to
meet their individual needs and authentic interests. When you visit our classrooms you indeed observe the wonderful busyness of purposeful play; however, you also might sense the ebb and
flow of the energy and notice that there
is a natural rhythm beyond the schedule. Pauses in the flurry
of a child's energy can come from contemplating how to arrange the puzzle piece so as to fit it in the space only meant
for that shape, or when finding the exact point in which the
block tilts precisely so as to not fall, each outcome resulting
from a complex process of exploration and discovery. These
moments of success are both breath-holding and exhilarating
for the child, resulting in a sweet moment that builds confidence and competence. Missteps are of course as important
to the learning process as are the successes, and often provide deeper understandings and insight. The wise teacher
knows when to step into a child's world and scaffold at the
moment of readiness in all of the developmental domains.
Helping children make and celebrate the meaningful connections in their lives and in the astonishing world around them
is the purpose of Jewish education.
B' Shalom,
Cynthia Dubin
Director, Early Childhood Education
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JEVS is also offering Jewish college students
 A paid summer internship
 An opportunity to build your career aspirations
 How to cultivate a professional network
 Connection to Jewish nonprofit agencies
 How to improve leadership skills by mentoring
high school students
 Group activities including a mitzvah project
To apply for this program contact Peggy Truitt at the
above phone number or email.
Application deadline: April 27, 2015
Time Frame: June 19 through August 7, 2015
Qualifications: Jewish undergraduate college students
who will be a junior or senior in the Fall of 2015 and
expect to reside in the Greater Philadelphia region during summer 2015.
We thank everyone for their donations
to our Temple Funds
Donations in this newsletter were received by February 5th
Donations received after that date will appear in the next
issue of The Shofar
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The Shofar . March/April 2015
NEZINER HEBREW
SCHOOL
MARGO ISABELLA FREEDMAN
BAT MITZVAH
MARCH 14, 2015
PARASHAT VAYEKHEL/PEKUDEI
Margo Isabella Freedman, daughter
of Neal and Lindy Sue Freedman
and granddaughter of Herbert
Freedman, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday,
March 14th. Margo is in the 7th
grade at GAMP (Girard Academic
Music Program). She enjoys music,
computers and baking, and is active in sports. Margo has
been distributing boxes of food for the Jewish Relief
Agency and even went out during a snowstorm to make
sure those who are dependent on these boxes received
them.
Mazel Tov to our Gimel class students and their parents on the
occasion of their Consecration.
Consecration by definition is to
make something holy. We have updated the name of
the Consecration day to Chanukat Chinuch: Dedication
to Education. This wonderful milestone took place on
Shabbat morning, February 21st. The Neizner Hebrew School is helping our children to feel comfortable being in the synagogue and, eventually, reaching
a high level of competence in the liturgy. This is the
“official” beginning of the journey that will lead to
Bar/Bat Mitzvah and hopefully confirmation later on.
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ZOE RISA BAILKIN
BAT MITZVAH
MARCH 21, 2015
PARASHAT VAYIKRA
Zoe is a 7th grader at the J.R. Masterman
Middle School. She is the daughter of
Marc and Alyssa Bailkin and sister to Jordan. Zoe has been a part of the BZBI community since she was an infant. She loves
softball, basketball, musical theater and takes guitar lessons. Zoe enjoys reading, spending time with friends and
family and going to Rehoboth Beach every summer. She is
wonderful with young children and hopes to be a pediatric
physical therapist in the future. Her family and friends
look forward to celebrating this wonderful milestone in
Zoe’s life.
Azaria Levites-Cohen
(Arielle Levites & Craig Cohen)
Jacob Helderman
(Carrie Rosen & Alexander Helderman)
Rachel Katz
(Sharyn & Jonathan Katz)
Halle Levinson
(Cara Levinson)
Simone Levy
(Jennifer & Kenneth Levy)
Sidney Mandel
(Laura Weinbaum & Brett Mandel)
Livia Smollen, Benjamin Smollen
(Leah Kaplan & Jonathan Smollen)
Dora Ward
(Hara Jacobs & Clifford Ward)
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We will also celebrate our Confirmation class in April.
Congratulations to:
JERRY BENJAMIN KALINS
BAR MITZVAH
APRIL 25, 2015
PARASHAT TAZRIA/METZORA
Jerry was formerly a student at B’nai
Abraham, the Perelman Jewish Day
School and is now a 7th grader at Girard
Academic Music Program where he is
involved in student council, a cast member in Fiddler on
the Roof and is helping build the set for Shrek The Musical. Jerry also has perfect attendance throughout his
school life to date. When not in school he is playing baseball or basketball for Fairmount Sports Association. Jerry
spends his summers at Ramah in the Poconos where he has
made many close friends. For his mitzvah project Jerry
helps out at the Von Collin Field where he is learning the
importance of teamwork and being fair to one another.
Jerry’s mother, Dana Kalins, and Bubbi Marcia Abrams are
so very proud of him.
Molly Flanagan
(Deena & Michael Flanagan)
Diana Myers
(Suzanne Litke & Lisa Myers)
Tav Ohayon
(Isaac & Naomi Alter Ohayon)
I am bursting with pride in the accomplishments of
our wonderful students and their families. Mazel Tov!
Cindy Kushner,
Principal, Neziner Hebrew School
9
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The Shofar . March/April 2015
MEMORIAL FUND
TEMPLE FUND
RABBI’S FUND
IN MEMORY OF
LOIS SILVERMAN, MOTHER OF BEN
SILVERMAN...Debbie & Harris Devor, Marcy & Jeffrey
Mandell, Terri & Matt Whitehorn
HONORS & APPRECIATION
BIRTH OF ZOHAR LIEBA TO RABBI YOSEF GOLDMAN & RABBI ANNIE LEWIS...Donna & Michael
Rosenthal, Phyllis Kramer, Bev Cohen & Family, Arlene Fickler, Laurie Wagman, The BZBI Mincha Maariv
Minyan, Yudit & Julian Alkon, Estelle Fleischer, Barbara Spector, Sara & Adam Laver & Family, Zelda Litt,
Wendy Weiss & Greg Rowe
DR. ELIOT NIERMAN, RECIPIENT OF THE SYLVAN
EISMAN OUTSTANDING PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN AWARD...Karen & Tom Waldstein
HONORS & APPRECIATION
APPRECIATION TO RABBI STONE...Judith Shadden Torrance
HONOR OF EVIE ROSENZWEIG...Michael Danziger
GET WELL TO
SPEEDY RECOVERY TO RABBI STONE...Heidi
George, Rosalie Kurz & Joseph P. Klein, Marris &
Harold Kobb, Bev Cohen, Fruma Ludwig & Family,
Yudit & Julian Alkon, The Sisterhood of BZBI, BZBI
Mincha Maariv Minyan
IN MEMORY OF
LOIS SILVERMAN...The Fenyes Family
HELEN OSOKOW...The Weiss, Osokow, Smith &
Samuels Families
DAVID EINSTEIN...Lois & Lee Schwartz
PHILIP KENDALL...Carolyn Lindeheim, Suzanne BenMenachem & Family, Elaine & Martin Sussman, Toni
Alperin Goldberg, Jill & Eric Sussman & Family
ROBERT KAHN...Hope Comisky & Jeff Braff
ISADORE FICKLER & GRANDPARENTS...Arlene
Fickler
THERESA ELFMAN, MORRIS GOLDSTEIN, BURTON HOREN, ISADORE HOREN...Betsy Horen
ROSE P. BERNARD...Irene Katz
LEO ROBERTS...Carol & Marty Rosenblum
BERNICE & MILTON GARONZIK...Sara Garonzik
ROSALYN KLAUS...Nancy Klaus
IRVING WEINSTEIN...Anita Weinstein
JOSEPH ASHNER...Beverly Miller
DORIS COHEN...Carol Eicher
JACK & DORIS HABER...Gary Shiftan
JULIUS KAPLAN...Sharon, Alex & Max Kaplan
MARY WEINER...Carmela Weiner
PRISCILLA ROOT...Allen Root
BRUCE ZAKHEIM...Deborah Zakheim
RONALD KAPLAN...Carole Putter
JACOB KOFSKY...Gussie Segal
JULIUS MARKS...Suzanne Cohen
TED WEITZ...Arleen Weitz
MONROE AMPER...Debra & Jim Kahn
ELEANOR SANDS...Judy & Bud Newman
MARILYN BARG...Doug Barg
ANNA PECK...Betty Pechenick
SHIRLEY SAUL...Iris & Steven Berkowitz
MITCHELL LITT...Zelda Litt
MILTON & SYLVIA FEINSTEIN, SHEILA MORGAN,
ADELINE WARNICK...Rosaline Feinstein
MAURICE GOUTCHTAT...Nathalie Weinerman
DAVID FINKELMAN...Jan Finkelman
GERTRUDE HERMAN...Carole Putter
LARRY CHATZKEL...Rhonda Chatzkel
LILLIAN & BENJAMIN STILLMAN...Marcia Stillman
EDWARD WEINER...Carmela Weiner
CONDOLENCE TO MR. & MRS. LEE FEINSTEIN...Fannie Levine
MAURICE CABASSO...Andree Broudo
LOUIS KESSEL...Edward Kessel
PRAYERBOOK & BIBLE FUND
Books Dedicated
SABBATH & FESTIVAL SIDDUR IN MEMORY OF
MICKI STOLKER...Dr. Daniel & Beverly Goldberg
BIRTH OF GRANDCHILDREN TO RABBI MORT &
CARMIE LEVINE...Robin & Doug Barg, Selwyn &
Judith Shadden Torrance
BIRTHDAY OF RUTH SHRIER...Bev Cohen
MARRIAGE OF JOHANNAH LEBOW...Rosalie Kurz &
Joseph Klein, Yudit & Julian Alkon
MARRIAGE OF SUZANNE LITKE & LISA
MYERS...Rabbi Mort & Carmie Levine, Steve
Rothman & Janice Fisher, Sara & Adam Laver, Art
Fischman & Janet Margolies, BZBI Mincha Maariv
Minyan
BIRTH OF SOJI BROWN, GRANDAUGHTER OF
SALLY & ROBERT BROWN...Julie & Matt Stanley
BEST WISHES TO LIBBY SCHWARTZ & BZBI MINCHA MAARIV MINYAN...Toni Alperin Goldberg
HONOR OF SELMA FORSTATER RECEIVING AN
ALIYAH...BZBI Mincha Maariv Minyan
HONOR OF ENGAGEMENT OF GRANDDAUGHTER
OF SELMA FORSTATER...Yudit & Julian Alkon
HONOR OF LIBBY SCHWARTZ & THE BZBI MINCHA MAARIV MINYAN...Zelda Litt
IN HONOR OF H.P. BAKER, RACHEL GROSS &
ELLE BAKER...Zelda Litt
HONOR OF RABBI MORT LEVINE...Ruth Isaac Treatman & Jack Treatman
BIRTH OF SON, ORI, TO JOSH KLEIN & LISA VAUPEL...Donna & Michael Rosenthal
GET WELL TO
SPEEDY RECOVERY TO RABBI STONE...Josh &
Heidi Levy, Eileen Snyder, Arlene Fickler
IN MEMORY OF
ROBERT KAHN, FATHER OF JIM KAHN...Donna &
Michael Rosenthal, Arlene Fickler, Terri & Matt Whitehorn
ERNEST HANAU...Martha & Ron Kaplan, Rena &
Stanley Field, Florence Gartner
PHILIP KENDALL...BZBI Mincha Maariv Minyan,
Arlene Fickler, Marc & Amy Brownstein, Carol & Marty
Rosenblum, Paul & Susan Svigals, Nancy & Bobby
Gilbert
NAOMI KLEIN...Selwyn & Judith Shadden Torrance
IRVIN BOROWSKY...Selwyn & Judith Shadden Torrance, Rosalie Kurz & Joseph Klein
MICKI STOLKER...Laurie Wagman
DR. ROBERT MORRISON...Susan G. Schwartz
CANTOR’S FUND
HONORS & APPRECIATION
APPRECIATION TO CANTOR GRAINER...Debra &
Jim Kahn, Judith Shadden Torrance
MARRIAGE OF JOHANNAH LEBOW...Heidi George
DONATION...Avery, Blake, Nicole & Drew Morris
APPRECIATION TO CANTOR GRAINER FOR TU
B’SHEVAT SEDER...BZBI Mincha Maariv Minyan
NEZINER HEBREW SCHOOL
The students of the Neziner Hebrew School gratefully acknowledge a gift of plants for Tu B’Shevat
from Dr. Daniel & Beverly Goldberg in honor of
Danny’s birthday
HONORS & APPRECIATION
BIRTH OF ZOHAR (ZOE) LIEBA TO RABBI YOSEF
GOLDMAN & RABBI ANNIE LEWIS...The Sisterhood
of BZBI, Deena & Michael Flanagan
MARRIAGE OF SUZANNE LITKE & LISA
MYERS...Deena & Michael Flanagan
DONATION...Lala & Howard Stein
IN MEMORY OF
ALVIN PLUMER...Ruth Goldstein
MARY PLUMER...Sheila Perilstein
LINDA ROWE...Greg Rowe
ERNEST HANAU...BZBI Sisterhood, Becca & Michael Danziger, Bev Cohen, Phyllis Kramer, Sue Roe
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
HONORS & APPRECIATION
DONATION...Avery, Blake, Nicole & Drew Morris
BIRTH OF DAUGHTER TO RABBI YOSEF GOLDMAN & RABBI ANNIE LEWIS...Alyssa & Marc
Bailkin, Tracy Goodman, Cynthia Dubin
TIKKUN OLAM
HONORS & APPRECIATION
DONATION...Nina & Jonathan Grossberg
BIRTHDAY OF DAVID LERMAN...Martin Feigenbaum
TORAH RESTORATION FUND
HONORS & APPRECIATION
MARRIAGE OF SUZANNE LITKE & LISA
MYERS...Virginia Greene
HONOR OF JOSH GOLDSTEIN OF GOLDSTEIN’S
FUNERAL HOME ...Libby Schwartz
HONOR OF RABBI ELLIOT PERELSTEIN. FOR
KINDNESS TO OUR FAMILY...Libby Schwartz
10
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The Shofar . March/April 2015
The Floral Fund is used to
beautify the bimah in the
Goldberg Sanctuary every
Shabbat and holiday with fresh
flowers. Become a Floral Fund
Sponsor when you have an
occasion to celebrate or a yahrzeit to commemorate. Please call the Temple office, 215
-735-5148, at least a week before the occasion. You may also pick up a Floral Fund
Sponsor form in the flyer rack outside the
Temple office.
Jan.
10: Josh, Heidi, Wynne & Eli Levy in memory of Bert Rosen on her yahrzeit
Maurice Mitts in memory of his father, Arthur R. Mitts
Dr. Marianne Ruby Emmett in memory of
Sonia Ruby and in honor of Gary Emmett’s
birthday
24: Phyllis, Howard, Rebecca & Rachel
Fischer in memory of Nan & Joe Sobo, beloved parents and grandparents
Arleen Weitz in memory of her beloved
father, Ted Weitz
31: The Sisterhood of Beth Zion-Beth Israel
in honor of Sisterhood members past and
present. Because We Care Mitzvah Pantry
Basket by Hope Comisky & Jeff Braff &
Family in memory of Goldye Comisky
Feb.
7: Lin, Joseph & Jonathan Skale in memory
of our beloved husband and father, Stephen
H. Skale
14: Jan & Sam Weinstock cherishing memories of time with Harvey Lipschultz & Randy
Weinstock
21: Laurie Wagman in memory of Louis
Lyman. Renee Zuritsky in memory of
Goldie Stern
Mar.
7: The congregation of Beth ZionBeth Israel in honor of Neziner Family Shabbat and in honor of Rabbis Goldman &
Lewis on the birth of their daughter, Zohar
Lieba
14: Lindy Sue & Neal Freedman and Herbert Freedman in honor of the Bat Mitzvah
of their daughter and granddaughter, Margo
Freedman.
21: Alyssa & Marc Bailkin in honor of the
Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Zoe Bailkin
Apr.
25: Dana Kalins & Marcia Abrams in honor
of the Bar Mitzvah of their son and grandson,
Jerry Kalins
TOT SHABBAT
HONORS & APPRECIATION
DONATION...Avery, Blake, Nicole & Drew Morris
The Temple Mourns the
passing of BZBI members
GAIL HARARY MOZES NEZINER HEBREW
SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
HONORS & APPRECIATION
DONATION...Avery, Blake, Nicole & Drew Morris
Ernest Hanau
Micki Stolker
IN HONOR OF SUZY FELDMAN...Bonnie & Jay Eisner
BIRTH OF ZOHAR LIEBA, DAUGHTER OF RABBIS
GOLDMAN & LEWIS...Virginia Greene
and extends condolence to
their loved ones
IN MEMORY OF
ROBERT KAHN, FATHER OF JIM KAHN...Sandy &
Clare Kahn Mozes
OUR BZBI FAMILY
CHESHBON V’TIKKUN LEADERSHIP FUND
HONORS & APPRECIATION
BIRTH OF DAUGHTER TO RABBI YOSEF GOLDMAN & RABBI ANNIE LEWIS...Lisa Heller & Harry
Roth
MARRIAGE OF SUZANNE LITKE & LISAY
MYERS...Lisa Heller & Harry Roth
Condolence To
The Family of Micki Stolker
Sima Hanau on the passing of her beloved husband, Ernest
Jim Kahn on the passing of his father,
Robert Kahn
Donna Goldblum Haas (David) on the
passing of her father, Dr. Aaron Goldblum
IN MEMORY OF
ROBERT KAHN, FATHER OF JIM KAHN...Lisa Heller
& Harry Roth

Beth Zion-Beth Israel acknowledges a
generous contribution from Laurie Segal,
Larry Copeland and Derek Copeland
in appreciation to all those who helped with
Derek’s project to interview veterans
Adam Engle, Woody Goldberg,
Denine Gorniak, Virginia Greene, Tanya Hess,
Judy Kastenberg, Phyllis Kramer, Rabbi Mort
& Carmie Levine, Barbara Presseisen,
Colleen Puckett, Donna Rosenthal,
Elkan Siegal, Rob Zuritsky
Mazel Tov to
Rabbi Yosef Goldman & Rabbi Annie
Lewis on the birth of their daughter,
Zohar Lieba (Zoe) Lewis Goldman
Josh Klein & Lisa Vaupel on the birth
of their son, Ori
Yudit & Julian Alkon on the marriage
of their daughter, Miriam
Suzanne Litke & Lisa Myers on their
marriage
ZACHOR—REMEMBER!
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015
PHILADELPHIA’S ANNUAL
CITY-WIDE OBSERVANCE OF
YOM HASHOAH
A leaf on the BZBI Tree of Life has been dedicated in honor of the marriage of Lisa Myers &
Suzanne Litke by Kirsten & Jonathan Myers
1 TO 3 PM
AT THE
MONUMENT TO THE
SIX MILLION
JEWISH MARTYRS
16TH & BENJAMIN
FRANKLIN PARKWAY
11
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The Shofar . March/April 2015
Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel
300 S. 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Ira F. Stone, Rabbi
Yosef Goldman, Assistant Rabbi
Sharon Grainer, Cantor
Donna S. Rosenthal, Executive Director
Cynthia Dubin, Early Childhood Director
Cindy Kushner, Principal,
Neziner Hebrew School
Adam S. Engle, Dir. Member Services &
Programming
Arlene Fickler……….………………..….President
Daniel Eisenstadt…...………………Vice President
Colleen Puckett…..……...…………Vice President
Lisa Myers……. ...…………….………...Treasurer
David Miller………....…………….……...Secretary
CONTACT US
Synagogue Office………….……..….215-735-5148
Early Childhood Office……………..215-735-5142
Fax…………………………………..215-735-7838
E-mail……………….…….TempleOffice@bzbi.org
Website……………………………..WWW.BZBI.ORG
SHOFAR EDITOR
Phyllis Kramer
Affiliated with
United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism
DAILY SERVICE TIMES
MON-FRI: 7:45 A.M. & 5:30 P.M. (FRIDAY & SATURDAY EVENING SEE BELOW)
Shabbat Morning 9:30 A.M—Sunday Morning 9:00 A.M. (No Sunday evening minyan)
Fri. Candle Lighting
Mar 6:
5:39 pm
Mar 13:
6:47
Mar 20 :
6:54
Mar 27:
7:01
Apr 3:
Apr 10:
Apr 17:
Apr 24:
7:09
7:16
7:23
7:30
Fri. Service Time
6 pm
6 pm
6 pm
6 pm
No evening
6 pm (Yizkor)
6 pm
6 pm
Shabbat Mincha
Mar 7: 5:15 pm
Mar 14: 6:30
Mar 21: 6:30
Mar 28: 6:45
Parashat
Ki Tisa
Vayekhel/Pekudei
Vayikra
Tzav (Shabbat Hagadol)
Apr 4:
Apr 11:
Apr 18:
Apr 25:
Pesach 1st day
Pesach 8th day Yizkor
Shemini
Tazriya/Metzora
No evening
No evening
7:00
7:15
SPECIAL NOTE: DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEINGS SUN. MAR. 8. TURN CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR.
FRIDAY EVENING SERVICE TIME WILL REMAIN AT 6 PM UNTIL THE FIRST WEEKEND IN JULY (JULY 3RD) AT
WHICH TIME IT WILL CHANGE TO 7:00 PM. PLEASE SEE PAGE 6 FOR SERVICES DURING PASSOVER.