Cheshvan—a Bitter Month or a Better Month?

November 2015 Cheshvan-Kislev 5776 Volume 62 ? Number 9

Cheshvan--a Bitter Month or a Better Month?

By Ben Kreshtool

It's that time of the year again. The white Torah covers have been put away, the shofar is back on top of my bookcase, the sukkah has been taken down, the bamboo schach rolled up, and the yizkor lights are stored away for another year. The weather is beginning to change; the crispness in the air and the sometimes dreary clouds can mean only one thing...Cheshvan is here. Last month, we as a Jewish people experienced the marathon High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah. We ate apples and honey, we sounded the shofar, we fasted, we repented, we built our sukkah, we shook our lulavim and some of us turned our etrogim to jam. Now that everything has been put away, we enter the new month of Cheshvan. Cheshvan, or as it is known in the tradition as Marcheshvan, has the distinction of being the only Hebrew month which possesses no holidays, festivals or even any public fasts. It may seem like a rather lackluster way to follow the grandeur of the High Holy Days and it may even seem unfair to the month of Cheshvan that it is doomed to forever follow the excitement and joy of the festivals of Tishrei...or is it? Let us take a moment to look a little closer at Cheshvan and see whether it merits the status of mar, or bitter. The Book of Kings tells us that construction of the Holy Temple was completed in Cheshvan, and it will always retain that merit, for we learn that Cheshvan is destined to be repaid for the loss of a festival just as Kislev was granted one. In Israel,

Cheshvan has always been an important month. Special liturgical additions have been made in the Amidah to pray for rain, when we say mashiv haruach u'morid ha-gashem, we pray for rain in the land of Israel so that there will be a bountiful crop. The truth is that Cheshvan has a very great honor in our calendar. We here at Beth El are very fortunate to have a number of beautiful worship spaces in our building. In the Rubin Sanctuary, there are ten colorful stained glass windows above the bimah. In nine of those windows we see elements of the holidays throughout the year, and in one set of window panes we see nestled among the colors the black box of the tefillin and a siddur. Cheshvan has the honor to remind us that though it has no holidays, it has thirty days. On each one of those days Jews will get up, put on their tallit and tefillin, and welcome a new day with joy and gratitude for our lives, for our families, and for this world that God created. Marcheshvan is not the bitter month without holidays; it is Marcheshvan, the honored Mister Cheshvan, who will lead us into the rest of the year with a quiet dignity and grace that befits a month in our sacred calendar.

Beth El's Evening Book Club for Women AND Men

Join us on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, from 7:30 ? 9:00 p.m. in the Kolker Room as we discuss The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon by Richard Zimler. It will be reviewed by Beth El member Merle Setren. Snacks and coffee will be provided, but feel free to BYOB! For questions, please email Denise Franz at denise.franz@.

In This Issue:

Page 3: Weather Policies Page 5: Rabbi's Reflection Page 6: Light a Candle with Handel

The Beth El Family

In Memoriam

Babette Dalsheimer Mildred Shulbank Strutt

We mourn the passing of our members and extend sincere condolences to their families.

Our Deepest Sympathy to:

The Family of the late Babette Dalsheimer.

Marcia Lipman on the loss of her beloved mother, Marion Iskow.

Milton Moses on the loss of his beloved brother, Dr. Saul Moses.

Stephanie and Michael Ray on the loss of her beloved mother, Mary Frances Macon.

The Family of the late Mildred Shulbank Strutt.

Jeanne Wachter on the loss of her beloved sister, Freda Shuster Goldberg.

A Speedy Recovery to:

Rosalie Book

Linda Levine

Milestone Anniversaries:

Megan and Joshua Schermer on their 5th Mandy and Mason Barish on their 10th Deborah and Gary Bernstein on their

10th Lisa and Barry Reicher on their 10th Bonnie and Daniel Krosin on their 15th Deborah and Ned Greenberg on their

20th Lynne and John Palmer on their 20th Cyd Wolf and Germano Fabiani on

their 25th Linda and Wayne Yaffe on their 25th Stephanie and Richard Gold on their 30th Elise and Stuart Rubenstein on their 30th Susan and Richard Grilli on their 35th Arlene and Gerald Perloff on their 45th Arlene and Sheldon Bearman on their 50th

Our Heartiest Mazel Tov to:

Teri Akman and the late Bryan Akman and Gary Seidman and the late Shelley Seidman on the birth of their granddaughter, Bryn Spencer Akman; great grandparents are Marion and Alvin Akman.

Brian Barr on his marriage to Jamie Miliman; parents are Robin and Art Barr and grandparents are Molly and Milton Bereson.

Dawn and Andrew Berkowitz on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Abby Leah Berkowitz; grandparents are Karen and Alan Berkowitz.

Andrea and Ken Burkom on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Tyler Jeremy `TJ' Burkom.

Lisa Rosoff Ferrandi on the Bar Mitzvah of her son, Julian Harris Ferrandi.

Lisa Rosoff Ferrandi on her engagement to Neil J. Shochet; mother is Carolyn Shochet.

Meryl and Gilston Hutzler on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Phillip Lawrence Hutzler; grandparents are Karen and Alan Berkowitz.

Jennifer and Jon Krieger on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Alison Sara Krieger; grandparents are Sandra and David Gordon and Sharon Krieger.

Jane and Martin Rice on the marriage of her son, Eric, to Jennifer Winter; grandmother is June Sacks.

Lynn and Stephen Richmond on the engagement of their daughter, Samantha, to Alex Douganim; grandmother is Dr. Lee Richmond.

Zivah and Steven Ring on the marriage of their son, Adam, to Kaci Miller; grandmother is Rochelle Lipavsky.

Dr. Stanley and Caren Sack on the marriage of his son, David, to Kathleen Wilcox.

Dr. Kenneth and Faye Tilles on the birth of their grandson, Cody Samuel Lam.

Beth El Baby:

Rebecca Leah Kleid

June 7, 2015

Parents: Micah and Davina Kleid

Bar & Bat Mitzvah

Bat Mitzvah

Alison Sara Krieger, daughter of Jennifer and Jon Krieger, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on November 7, 2015.

Bar Mitzvah

Julian Harris Ferrandi, son of Lisa Ferrandi and Stephen Ferrandi, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 14, 2015.

Bat Mitzvah

Abby Leah Berkowitz, daughter of Dawn and Andrew Berkowitz, will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on November 28, 2015.

Bar Mitzvah

Phillip Lawrence Hutzler, son of Meryl and Gilston Hutzler, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on November 28, 2015.

Bar Mitzvah

Tyler Jeremy `TJ' Burkom, son of Andrea and Ken Burkom, will be called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on December 5, 2015.

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The Voice of Beth El Congregation

Schedule of Services

Friday, November 6 Morning Service Evening Service Candle lighting

8:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 4:40 p.m.

Saturday, November 7

Parsha of the Week ? Chaye Sarah

Morning Service

10:00 a.m.

Evening Service

5:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 12

Rosh Chodesh Kislev ? Day 1

Morning Service

7:45 a.m.

Evening Service

7:30 p.m.

Friday, November 13

Rosh Chodesh Kislev ? Day 2

Morning Service

7:45 a.m.

Evening Service

6:00 p.m.

Candle lighting

4:34 p.m.

Saturday, November 14

Parsha of the Week ? Toldot

Morning Service

10:00 a.m.

Evening Service

4:45 p.m.

Friday, November 20

Morning Service

8:00 a.m.

Evening Service

6:00 p.m.

Candle lighting

4:28 p.m.

Saturday, November 21

Parsha of the Week ? Vayetze

Morning Service

10:00 a.m.

Evening Service

4:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 26

Thanksgiving Day

Offices Closed

Morning Service

9:15 a.m.

Evening Service

5:30 p.m.

Friday, November 27

Morning Service

8:00 a.m.

Evening Service

6:00 p.m.

Candle lighting

4:25 p.m.

Saturday, November 28

Parsha of the Week ? Vayishlach

Morning Service

10:00 a.m.

Evening Service

4:30 p.m.

Healing Service

Saturday, November 21, at 9:00 a.m. Kreitzer Memorial Room

Morning

Monday ? Friday Rosh Chodesh Shabbat Sunday & Legal Holidays

8:00 a.m. 7:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

9:15 a.m.

Daily Schedule of Services

Evening

Monday ? Thursday7:30 p.m. Friday6:00 p.m. SaturdaySundown* Sunday & Legal Holidays5:30 p.m.

*Check website or call 410-580-2727

Weather Policies

Weather conditions in the winter are bound to cause closings and delays all over the city. For Beth El, we have implemented a plan of action to alert all members as quickly as possible of Beth El's status during harsh weather conditions. We will post emergency closings for the Beth El Schools on the Beth El Congregation website, Facebook, weather hotline, WJZ, and WBAL TV and radio.

Pauline Mash School for Early Childhood Education: ? We will post emergency closings due to inclement weather

by 5:30 a.m. for the day in question.

? We will send an email to all parents by 5:30 a.m. if we are opening late or closing. NO MESSAGE MEANS WE ARE OPEN.

? If inclement weather comes during the day, parents will be notified of an early closing.

Weekday: Berman-Lipavsky Religious School and Hebrew School in Your Neighborhood: ? We will post emergency closings due to inclement weather

by noon for the day in question.

Sunday: Berman-Lipavsky Religious School and Sunday School: ? We will post emergency closings due to inclement weather

by 8:00 a.m. for the day in question.

General Congregation: ? If it is felt that the roads are hazardous and there are

unsafe conditions, we will post an announcement at a minimum of three hours before a program is scheduled to start.

? We will post emergency closings on the website, our Facebook page and WJZ. WBAL will only show school closings.

Beth El Website: Weather Hotline: 410-580-5082

The Voice of Beth El Congregation

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Generations Campaign

Brenda Weil Mandel and Louis Frock

"Doing for others is the real purpose of life. It's a wonderful feeling to continue in the tradition of my parents and family to support worthy causes. Lou and I try to follow this principle, hoping to be a link in the chain to bring about a better world." - Brenda Weil Mandel

The Weil Mandel family has enjoyed a long and positive relationship with Beth El, which began when Julius Mandel and Tony Weil Mandel joined the synagogue in 1960. So began a long journey of support for and participation in synagogue activities and programs. Today, Brenda Weil Mandel and her husband Louis Frock are continuing the Mandel tradition of Tzedakah. Growing up, Brenda was a Beth El student from preschool through confirmation. Brenda and Louis were married in 1996 by Rabbi Mark Loeb and Cantor Saul Hammerman. Next fall, the couple's grandchildren will start their preschool education here.

The family's philanthropy is evident throughout the Beth El campus. Among the most notable are the dedication of the Weil-Mandel Lobby outside the Offit Auditorium and the Chanukkiah outside the building. When Brenda and Louis dedicated the congregation's Shabbat and Holiday prayer book in 2008, Lou noted that the "prayer book is something people are going to use constantly. We know they will be put to good use." Last year, the couple took great joy in dedicating the latest edition of the High Holiday Prayer Book. How fortunate we are as a congregation to have regularly updated prayer books!

The family also has long been involved in the development of Beth El Memorial Park. Brenda's mother, an architect, was instrumental in designing Beth El Memorial Park and the open-air chapel named

the Tony Weil Mandel Chapel to honor her memory. In September, Brenda and Lou dedicated a Holocaust Memorial sculpture, designed by renowned Israeli artist Yaacov Heller, in memory of their family members who perished in Auschwitz and Buchenwald and to honor those who survived. Members will be able to dedicate plaques on the sculpture with the names of their loved ones, those who perished and those who survived.

For the last several months, our members have enjoyed a magnificent array of well-tended flowers decorating the Beth El campus. Few know how they came about. With this article, the secret is out. In addition to providing the plantings, Brenda assiduously tends the gardens.

Brenda and Louis live by "the Jewish concept of "L'Dor Va' Dor." Brenda believes that is really what life is all about. She says, "We are adding a chapter to an unfinished story. We are on a journey, a connecting link between the generations. Our daughter Melisa and her husband, Jason, will be carrying on through their children, our grandchildren, Autumn and Savannah, our tradition of loyalty, dedication and commitment to Tikkun Olam, and to remembering the past so we can ensure a better future."

If you would like to donate to the Generations Campaign, please contact Ailene Sher at ailene@ or 410-580-5159.

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The Voice of Beth El Congregation

Rabbi's Reflection

We Remember

By: Rabbi Steven Schwartz

This is the text of comments made on September 20 at the Annual gone," we say, as we stand

Memorial Service.

together on this shore,

It is a long-standing practice to visit the graves of loved

looking out into the distance.

ones during the holiday season. In part, this speaks to the

But tradition teaches us that

memories we have of shared sacred time. On Rosh Hashanah, there is another shore, the

the family dinners and lunches, on Yom Kippur the break

farthest shore, beyond our

fasts, the time sitting together in shul, the conversations and vision, beyond our horizon.

dynamics and interactions that marked our family gatherings. And on that shore, at the very

It is only natural at this time of year to think of the people

instant that the great ship

we shared that time with. But also, the reflective mood of

disappears from our view,

the holiday season, the impulse to look inward and think

she can be seen by those who

about our own lives and characters, reminds us that so much are already there. On their

of who and what we are is formed through our relationships horizon she appears first as a

with others. Parents who raised us, imparting their values and tiny dot, moving in the waves,

giving whatever they could give so our lives could be better.

slowly but surely coming ever closer. At the very moment

Spouses we shared decades with, raised children with, made a when we say `she is gone,' those on that distant shore exclaim

home and a life with. Children who brought joy to our hearts. `here she comes. Let us welcome her in peace.' And those who

Siblings with

travel on the ship

whom we shared

know they will be

common bonds

welcomed home.

that connected us. Friends who helped us, cared for us, guided us, supported

At the very moment when we say `she is gone,' those on that distant shore exclaim `here she

comes. Let us welcome her in peace.'

As the shore comes into their view they see its white beaches, and beyond

us, laughed and

that a far green

cried with us.

country under a

In our season

swift sunrise.

of memory, we remember them all, and we come today to acknowledge again the pain of their loss, but also the continuing joy of their lives.

And there are moments when we are blessed with a clearer vision of that other shore, when we can look out to the horizon and see just a bit further, when the shore we stand

One of my favorite metaphors for understanding loss is the

on and the shore they've gone to come just a bit closer to one

image of a ship that leaves from the port. Those of us on this another. At those moments we feel a stronger presence, and in

shore watch the ship gently sail out to sea, its sails billowing

that presence a keener sense of absence.

in the wind. It takes a turn or two, but ultimately heads for the horizon, that point in the far distance where water and sky meet as one. She grows tinier and tinier, and then the moment comes when she reaches that distant blending, and suddenly she is gone, no longer visible to our eyes. "She is

And today is one of those moments. The holidays, the coming of fall, the turning of the leaves, the deep sense of moving time, the presence of our loved ones here in this hallowed space. We remember today, and in doing so we honor their lives in the beginning of a new year.

The Voice of Beth El Congregation

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Hanukkah

Light a Candle with Handel!

By Cantor Thom King

What comes to your mind when you hear the name "George Friedrich Handel"? Most of us immediately think of the Hallelujah Chorus from his great oratorio, "The Messiah." This time of year, performances of "The Messiah" pop up everywhere- at churches, at universities, and even at the Meyerhoff, making it very easy for us Jews to feel left out of the fun. But did you know that Handel also wrote an oratorio about Hanukkah? That's right! In 1746, while living in England, Handel hit upon the idea of composing an oratorio (like an opera, but without costumes and scenery) based on the story of the Maccabees. The oratorio was an enormous success, particularly among London's burgeoning Jewish population, and has remained one of his most popular works to this day.

On Sunday, December 6, at 4:00 p.m., the first night of Hanukkah, you are invited to "Light a Candle with Handel" as Beth El Congregation, in conjunction with Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church, presents a gala performance of "Judas Maccabaeus." Our performance will include a full professional orchestra, a chorus of 80 singers, professional soloists, a menorah lighting with our Children's Choir, and a special tribute to Cantor Saul Z. Hammerman z"l, in whose memory this concert is presented.

We are fortunate to have with us tenor Timothy Augustin starring in the role of Judah Maccabee. Tim is a regular performer with Washington's most respected musical organizations, including the National Symphony Orchestra, The National Chamber Orchestra, The Master Chorale of Washington, the Cathedral Choral Society, Masterworks Chorus, and many others. A regular with The Washington National Opera, his past productions include more than 20 roles and over 250 performances. Most recently, Tim performed the role of Ferrando in Cos? Fan Tutte with Baltimore Concert Opera and has sung numerous concerts and recitals in China, Canada, Mexico and Austria. I feel very blessed to share the bima of the Rubin Sanctuary with such a talented and exciting singer.

Conducting the performance will be Michael Britt, Music Director and Organist at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church and frequent guest organist at Beth El. Our own Bruce Eicher will be the evening's organist, and our chorus will be joined by members of the Pikesville High School Alumni Choir and members of the Baltimore Choral Arts Society.

In Psalms, we are invited to "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord." This year, on the first night of Hanukkah, we invite YOU to join us as we make a joyful noise with hundreds of our closest friends bringing the Hanukkah story to life through Handel's stirring music. Don't miss it!

Light a Candle with Handel Ticket Order Form Name__________________________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone__________________________________________ Cell Phone_________________________________ Email__________________________________________________________________________________________ Tickets ($18 each) ______________________________________ Amount Enclosed____________________________ Contact Yvonne at yvonne@ or 410-484.0411 for more information.

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The Voice of Beth El Congregation

SBisettehrhEolod

Affiliates

Sisterhood Luncheon Meetings

Monday, November 2, at 11:30 a.m. Featuring Doreen Bolger, former director of the Baltimore Museum of Art

Doreen Bolger, who retired this past June after 17 years as director of the BMA, is recognized for redefining the Museum's artistic focus and placing greater emphasis on its world-renowned collection. She was instrumental in initiating major traveling exhibitions, expanding educational programs, and eliminating general admission fees. Bolger will continue to advise the BMA as it moves through a transitional period seeking her successor.

Monday, December 7, at 11:30 a.m. Featuring Jayne Miller, chief investigative reporter with WBAL-TV

Jayne is well known in Baltimore through her 30-year tenure with WBAL-TV. She has been general assignment reporter, the Consumer Advocate with "11 on Your Side" and now the chief investigative reporter with the 11 Investigates I-Team.

Jayne has a reputation for breaking stories that otherwise may never be told. Her work has uncovered corrupt public officials and unethical practices in private business. She has raised issues of accountability and effectiveness in public policy. Over the years, Jayne's reporting has led to changes in legislation and regulations. In 2012, she received a national Edward R. Murrow Award for her investigative work about Maryland's Judiciary.

Coupon for December 7th Luncheon Meeting. RSVP by November 25, 2015. Name_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone__________________________________________ Cell Phone______________________________________

Email_______________________________________________________________________________________________

If you are NOT a subscription holder, send a $20 check made out to:

Beth El Sisterhood - Luncheons Attn: Marcia Boonshaft or Esther Harris 8101 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21208

Your check is your receipt. Subscription holders WHO WILL NOT ATTEND should notify either Marcia Boonshaft at 410-484-3112 or jmboonshaft@ or Esther Harris at 410-486-3177 or teach5ech@ to prevent over-ordering of the lunch. We regret that we are unable to seat walk-ins for the luncheon; however, all are welcome to attend the program which begins at 1:00 p.m.

Future Sisterhood Luncheon Dates & Programs

January 11, 2016 Rabbi Jessy Gross, Director, Charm City Tribe - Jewish Outreach

February 1, 2016 Barbara Blumberg, Antisemitism and the Supreme Court

March 7, 2016 Felicia Graber, Holocaust Survivor

May 23, 2016

Dr. Daniel Weiser, AmiciMusic, Gershwin's music, life, and Jewish connections

The Voice of Beth El Congregation

JudBaeitchaESl hop

The Havdalah ceremony is observed at the close of Shabbat after three stars appear in the sky. It enables us to note the difference between the Sabbath and the rest of the week. The celebration at home includes family and friends who focus on the wine, spices and light. The Sisterhood Judaica Shop has lovely Havdalah sets which include the braided candle, a Kiddush cup and a spice box filled with fragrant spices (besamim). You, too, can enjoy the delights of Havdalah at home with the special people in your life.

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Affiliates

Upcoming Sisterhood Trips

Theater J in Washington, DC

Sunday, January 24, 2016 10:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

We are headed to DC to see the play The Sisters Rosensweig by award-winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein. The Rosensweig sisters are as different as can be--a no-nonsense international banker, a kvelling mother of four and a bohemian worldtraveling journalist. When the three reunite at Sara's London home for her 54th birthday celebration, a barrage of suitors and unexpected revelations make for an interesting weekend. It is a heartfelt comedy about women grappling with their life choices. Registration date and cost of trip to be announced.

Call Linda Mondell at 410-486-1542 or Ellen Wiesenberger at 410-484-6411.

Save the Dates

Sunday, April 10: Washington DC, Arena Stage, All The Way

Thursday, June 9: Washington, DC; Tour the National Geographic Museum and the Textile Museum on the campus of George Washington University

More details will be forthcoming in The Voice, the Beth El website and flyers.

Jewish Theological Seminary

This benefactor's pin is offered to each sponsor who contributes $180 to JTS. This year's theme is Nat'ah Karem, a phrase from the prayer Eishet Chayel, a woman of valor, exemplifying today's hardworking, generous and family-oriented woman who "plants a vineyard by her own hard labors." Cards are available with a variety of themes for a contribution of $18. Contact Jane Krosin at 410-484-4218 or janiekinc@, Hilda Dopkin at 410-486-4453 or hildop@, or Gail Shugarman at 410-486-1661 for cards and more information.

Sisterhood Membership

At the present time, we are happy to announce 32 new sisterhood members and 27 courtesy members. At the first new member orientation held on August 30, our co-presidents greeted new members with a gift and the sisterhood directory. We welcome new referrals from relatives and friends inviting them to join Beth El Sisterhood. If you know of someone who would like to be part of our dynamic group, please contact Susan Hackerman, Membership Liaison, at 410-486-2523 or shacker1@.

Biblio

Biblio, our Sisterhood's book discussion group, meets monthly on Wednesdays at noon in the Kolker Room. All Beth El members and the community are cordially invited to participate. There is no fee for attending. Please bring a dairy lunch. Beth El supplies tea and coffee. Each month a volunteer hostess provides dessert.

Single Jewish Male Seeking Soul Mate by Letty Cottin Pogrebin will be reviewed by Sheila Derman on Wednesday, November 18. A New York love story, complicated by the legacies and modern tension of Jewish American and African American history, Single Jewish Male Seeking Soul Mate explores what happens when the heart runs into the reality of politics, history, and the weight of family promises. For a complete schedule of Biblio events, go to .

Federation of Jewish Women's Organizations of Maryland Dinner Meeting

Thursday, November 12, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. Kosher Dinner - $20. Place to be announced.

Organizational "Know How": A Potpourri of Ideas

Presented by Community Leadership.

Please make your check out to Beth El Sisterhood, drop it off or send it to Beth El Congregation, and mark "Federation of Jewish Women's Organizations of Maryland" on the envelope. RSVP by November 5, 2015. For questions or further information call Sheila Derman at 410-486-8877 or Honey Litman at 410-486-8116.

The Federation of Jewish Women's Organizations of Maryland is an umbrella group of non-profit organizations and sisterhoods committed to leadership training, support of the Jewish community and advocacy of issues of major concern.

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The Voice of Beth El Congregation

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