TEMPLE BETH AM AFFILIATED WITH THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM • VOL 17, NO. 1 • Tevet/Sh’vat 5777 • January 2017

Voice of the People

OGV KUE

As 2016 slips away and 2017

arrives, there is so much

in our community to be excited

about.

As I write this, we had a few TBA

Shabbatot and Sunday events that

have inspired me to contemplate

the great blessings that make

Temple Beth Am extraordinary. Perhaps some of you

experienced some, all or more of these TBA moments –

I will share with you my cumulative list.

After Shabbat tefilot a few weeks ago, I found myself

marveling at the sheer energy of it all. There had been

a Shir Shabbat service in the sanctuary for our ECC

students and their families. That service had finished

and bubbled out of the sanctuary into the ballroom for

Shabbat lunch with all the fantastic energy that comes

with lots of young families and Shabbat enthusiasm.

The Shir Hadash service was a warm and embracing

experience held in Hersch Hall and Library Minyan was

its usual packed house. The Torah Club had expertly

led tefilot in Bait Tefilah and was just finishing with multi-

generational participants and lots of young people,

who, under Nina Golden’s tremendous leadership,

continue to hone their leyning and leading skills with

precision and pride. Added to this was a Mahar Shabbat program – for 2nd and 3rd graders. As I stood

in the lobby I really felt the vibrancy of our community.

And, that was just on Shabbat Morning.

On Sunday morning we held the Global Jewish Fair.

It was a packed event with people of all ages (see page

8!) Our own diverse and multicultural members shared

their stories, their Judaic artifacts, prepared cultural

foods - samples for everyone, with stories and recipes,

telling their stories of how their family made their way.

There was opportunity for lovely arts and crafts, and

there were musical performances. It was a morning

that covered all the senses – from the tastes and smells

of special foods from heritages around the world, the

creativity of the crafts, the sights of the Judaic artifacts,

and the sounds of the performances. Some of the tastes

were offered with costumes and flair from the culture

represented. There was something for everyone, and

it was very special. There was enthusiasm in everyone

attending and participating, talking, sharing, telling

family stories. The Global Jewish Fair was followed

FROM THE PRESIDENT

continued on page 9

TEMPLE BETH AM1039 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035

310.652.7354 • 310.652.2384 (fax)

To reach an operator,dial 310.652.7353

SCHOOL PHONE LINE310.652.2002

School Fax: 310.360.0850betham@tbala.org

www.tbala.org

Temple Beth Am celebrates traditional and innovative Judaism

and inspires lifelong learning in a warm, embracing community.

Susan Hetsroni, President

Rabbi Adam Kligfeld, Senior Rabbi

Rabbi Ari Lucas, Associate Rabbi

Rabbi Hillary Chorny, Cantor

Sheryl Goldman, Executive Director

Rabbi Yechiel Hoffman, EdDDirector of Youth Learning & Engagement

Dr. Erica Rothblum, Head of School

Rabbi Joel E. Rembaum, Emeritus

Rabbi Harry Silverstein, Emeritus

Rabbi Jacob Pressman z”l, Emeritus

KOL HA’AMCopy Editor Ellen L. Jacobs

Graphic Designer Jeff Baughman

Kol Ha’am (USPS 008-599) is published monthly except June/July & November/December

by Temple Beth Am, 1039 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507

Annual Membership Dues include $5.00 subscription

Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, California and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster – Send address changes to:Temple Beth Am,

1039 South La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507

Phone: 310.652.7353 • www.tbala.org

Kol HaRav The siddur is the battleground of Jewish theology. In its

pages, Jews who hold different ideas about God, Torah, and

revelation, attempt to canonize the words that they agree are a

suitable offering to their Creator. Each generation has grappled

with how to update the liturgy to reflect their theology and

aesthetic while remaining true to the traditions of their ancestors.

The Torah is our foundational text of narrative and law; the Talmud

is our oral tradition; great works of philosophy have shaped

our understanding of morality and core notions of Judaism; but the siddur is where

all these forces get processed into the kosher sausage of Jewish prayer - somehow

yielding poetry and song, imagery and praise that represent the best offerings of the

Jewish literary tradition..

Temple Beth Am is about to adopt a new Shabbat and festival siddur. Under the

leadership of Rabbi Chorny and TBA board member, Marnie Friedman Stiglitz, a group

of over 30 community members engaged in a vigorous process of reviewing the new

Conservative Siddur Lev Shalem and assessing its appropriateness for our community.

That group made an enthusiastic recommendation to the ritual committee which in

turn made an enthusiastic recommendation to the board of trustees which in turn

enthusiastically encouraged our clergy to adopt this new siddur.

In the coming months, Temple Beth Am will begin our transition to this new siddur.

Kicking off the process, we will have an opportunity to meet and learn with the senior

editor of Siddur Lev Shalem, Rabbi Ed Feld. This February 10-12, Rabbi Feld will join

our community as our Colker-Klein/Shapiro scholar-in-residence. He will discuss,

among other topics, the process of editing a siddur and some of the theological

and aesthetic choices that guided him and his team in the publication. More details

about Rabbi Feld’s visit will be forthcoming via e-mail. Please join in the learning and

celebration as we will have an opportunity to formally welcome our new siddurim into

the synagogue building that weekend. You can already dedicate a copy of our new

siddur for $40 each by going to this link:https://www.tbala.org/giving/donate Click

“I would like to designate my donation to a specific fund or department”; then check

the box to “Dedicate a Siddur”. All funds from siddur donations will help replenish the

Siddur Fund that we are using to purchase siddurim for the entire community.

After Rabbi Feld’s visit, Lev Shalem will be the official siddur of BAIT Tefillah and

Havah Narishah. Copies will be present in Shir Hadash alongside our trusty Sim

Shalom siddurim for a transition period of about six months. This overlap will allow

members and b’nei mitzvah to familiarize themselves with the new siddur while still

having access to the “old” one. Pages will be called from both siddurim until July 2017

when Shir Hadash will make the full transition over to Lev Shalem. Library Minyan is

undertaking a process to determine when and how to adopt Lev Shalem in that space.

During this transition process, our clergy will offer several opportunities to educate

about the new siddur and explore its features.

I welcome this siddur to our community with great excitement. It is traditional and

inclusive; thorough and accessible; pluralistic and principled. It reflects the collective

wisdom of some of the leading experts of our generation on prayer and spirituality.

I recognize that transitioning to a new siddur is an emotionally complex experience.

Many of us have attachments to our siddur. It has accompanied us at critical moments

in our lives - at a shiva, a bar/bat mitzvah, a holiday, or moment of personal prayer

or crisis. Its pages have absorbed tears of joy, sadness, hope, and anxiety. Some of us

have memorized the pagination (please rise for the amidah on page 156b). Prayer is a

constant tug-of-war between the routine (keva) and the revolutionary (kavanah). My

hope is that this new volume provides us the opportunity to stretch our minds and our

hearts so that we may be pushed to seek the One Who Spoke and the World Came

Into Being.

Rabbi Ari LucasKol Ha’am 2

3 Kol Ha’am

YOUTH LEARNING & ENGAGEMENT

For generations, Jewish educators have been hard at work

determining the best way for Jewish children to be literate in the

Hebrew language. There have been multiple debates internationally

on how to teach Hebrew, how often to teach Hebrew and in what

medium to teach Hebrew. Both complementary schools and Jewish

Day schools have continued to reflect and evaluate the right

methods for instruction so that the children of today can perpetuate

the language of the Jews and a common thread of the Jewish people

from around the world.

In the Jewish Learning Community we are constantly in pursuit

of providing children with the tools and accessibility to Hebrew and

Tefillah (prayers) in order to give them the confidence to continue to

carry on the language into future generations. All of our students

from Kitah Gan (kindergarten) through Kitah Vav (6th grade)

participate in a variety of approaches to study the Hebrew language

from week to week.

Tefillah has always been a significant part of the JLC. Each grade

level has a dedicated Tefillah curriculum that is woven through their

Judaic curriculum to introduce relevance to prayer and to make the

study of prayer meaningful. JLC teachers and our music specialist

practice reading, chanting, and the study of Tefillah with students

weekly. We express to students every time they attend the JLC,

the importance and value in prayer by having our younger grades

participate in skills based Tefillah rotations and our older students be

a part of their own daily Minyan.

At a young age we begin to instill these values by setting

expectations for Hebrew and finding ways to help kids fall in love with

the language. Students in our Kitah Bet (2nd grade) class participate

in a special weekly Hebrew Lab which sets up a foundational

knowledge of Hebrew and familiarizes students with common

phrases, words, and all of the letters of the Hebrew language. By the

end of the class, students will begin to read from the siddur and have

an understanding of where and how we use Hebrew in our religion

and tradition.

Since the fall of 2015, the JLC has instituted the popular and

innovative Hebrew curriculum, Hebrew Through Movement (HTM).

Once a week for 1st and 2nd grade and twice per week for 2nd

through 4th grade, students are instructed for a portion of their

class only in Hebrew. Using a variety of Hebrew nouns, adjectives,

and verbs, our Hebrew specialist uses phrases and commands to get

students moving and responding to the Hebrew language. Through

the use of movement, symbols and other props, JLC students begin

to gain an understanding and familiarity with the Hebrew language

and important words, blessings, and phrases to our tradition. HTM

is beginning to exemplify a deeper understanding of the Hebrew

language and students are becoming more and more familiar with

the language.

Students in 5th and 6th grade have dedicated Tefillah and Trope labs, and portions of their Sunday classes devoted to practicing

prayer and their Hebrew skills. These specialized labs and focused

times during their classes are used to help students become familiar

and confident as they move forward in their Jewish learning and

begin to study for their bar/bat mitzvah.

The JLC continues to evaluate and reflect in our methods for

teaching Hebrew and Tefillah and we are constantly amending and

adding to our program to help provide students with a passage to the

Hebrew language and the Jewish tradition. We are hopeful that with

the love and excitement devoted to this learning our students will

thrive and feel connected to this significant and timeless tradition of

the Jewish people.

Hebrew and Tefillah in the Jewish Learning CommunityBy Lisa Clumeck, JLC Director

Join your Temple Beth Am

community for a joyful, reflective,

and meaningful weekend at Camp

Ramah in Ojai, as we celebrate Shabbat & the Jewish Mother on Mother’s Day Weekend, May 12-14, 2017. Our Annual Shabbaton

is a special time each year when

hundreds of Temple Beth Am

families of all ages step back from

daily life and come together for a

weekend of learning, connection, and celebration at Camp Ramah. Registration opens January 16th, 2017 at:

www.tbala.org/Shabbaton. Early Bird Deadline is Tuesday, February

28th. With last year’s Shabbaton selling out, you don’t want to wait!

This November, TBA Teens joined together for a USY Encampment weekend. At Camp Ramah, they partook in learning and celebration as they explored the idea of instilling Jewish values in their everyday lives.

Kol Ha’am 4

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

– Dr. Seuss

By Seth Rosenzweig, Director of Development

2016 was a very difficult year for our community and for our

Development Department; losing eight Jeremiah Society

Members was sad and painful. I had deep admiration for

Marjorie Pressman, Harvey Rich, Harriet Waterman, Sid Moray,

Rita Brucker, Jerome Wasserman, Milt Berman and Howard

Pilch, all of whom left us this past year.

Shortly after I started working at Beth Am I received

a call from Marjorie Pressman; 10 minutes later

I knew the oral history of Beth Am. Anyone who ever

had a conversation with Margie knew she always

had advice to share. It always came from a place of

love and care. Over the next 5 years she would call

me periodically with some advice. I miss our phone

calls deeply.

Harvey Rich had a cheerful disposition that was

infectious. In my last conversation with Harvey

shared he was about to leave on a journey to attend

a reunion with the last remaining member of his Air

Force squadron. As he spoke of this reunion, he was

giddy as if he was a teenager stationed in Egypt again.

Harriet Waterman was defined by her love of

Judaism and her love of family. She kvelled at how

all her grandchildren had strong Jewish identities

and exemplified the Jewish values passed on by her

and Haroldz”l. Just prior to her passing, two of her

grandsons received recognition for their exemplary

service to the community.

Milt Berman was always happy to talk business.

About two years ago we sat in my office for an hour

discussing the importance of an IRA. His investments

always provided him with piece of mind knowing that

he would be able to take care of his dear wife, Ruth

and his family. He was also grateful that he was able

to donate the Required Minimum Distribution from

his IRA to Temple Beth Am.

Jerome Wasserman, was a man of great strength. He

always knew what he wanted and made sure people

understood him. Yet beyond that gruff exterior was

a teddy bear who was passionate about building

Jewish community and also would do anything for

his wife, Susan, and his family.

Sid Moray was one of the sweetest men I ever

met. Prior to his passing, Sid made the largest gift

he ever had to name our Beit Midrash Library in

memory of his late wife June. The love in which he

spoke of her passion for reading and dedicating this

library brought her essence back-to-life. Sid was full

of life and put his full heart into everything he did.

Rita Brucker was bubbly and vibrant. Every time

I saw her she was smiling and she could bring a smile

to anyone’s face. Shortly after Charliez”l passed, I

went over to Rita’s house to drop off a few items.

What was meant to be a quick visit ended up being

a 30-minute conversation where she shared how

much Beth Am meant to her and Charlie.

From the moment I began working at Beth Am,

there was this character, Howard Pilch. There are

many stories to share, but there is space for only

one. I had just completed interviewing Howard for

a video I was helping to produce and almost out the

door when he instructed Kathe to bar the door and

under no uncertain circumstances could I leave. He knew I had just

purchased a home and insisted that I take a bottle of wine as a house

warming gift. I can still taste that wine!

I am privileged to share that at our Community Gala on

May 21, 2017 we will be honoring Howard Pilch, posthumously,

with the Lou Colen Ma’ayan Legacy Award (details still to come).

One could read all of these stories and be sad, yet I am writing

with joy. I am happy that during my brief time at Beth Am I have

had the opportunity to interact with so many wonderful people

and that circle continues to grow each year. I know there are many

more stories that members of this community could share about

each of these individuals. Not only were these individuals generous

financially, but they poured their heart and soul into building Beth

Am and ensuring our Jewish future. We, as a community, have some

big shoes to fill both financially and with personality.

Idan LandaSon of Yael and Ronen Landa

Brother of AdiBorn on September 6, 2016

Given the name Erez

Emma Pearl DoronDaughter of Elana and Ori Doron

Granddaughter of Ann and Ollie IstrinBorn on October 24, 2016

Given the name Perel Ayden

Darren IroniSon of Melissa and Dennis IroniBrother of Matthew and Daniel

Born on November 18, 2016Given the name Menashe

Phineas Ayal SaigerGrandson of Norm and Irene Saiger

Son of Elizabeth and David SaigerBrother of Manya Saiger

Born on December 3, 2016Given the name Pinchas Ayal

Oren Ron Pagi

Granddaughter of Ahuva and Eyal RonDaughter of Dr. Reut & Gilad Pagi

Born on December 8, 2016Given the name Oren Ron

Daisy Fay Friedman

Daughter of Jodie Shapiro and Samuel Friedman

Born on December 12, 2016Given the name Devorah

Abraham Abramson, Anne Abramson, Samuel Arshawsky, Minnie Bally, Morris Barnes,Milton Bass, Vella Rumack Bass, Meir Blake, Sandra Bloom, Herman Blumenfeld,

Jacob Bohorodzaner, Allen Broudy, Lee Brunswick, Nathan Bunnage, Olga Chanania, Phyllis Chass, Louis Chazanov, Sam Cheslow, Gene Cofsky, Phyllis Colker, Helen Deutsch,

Asher Eshtiaghpour, Bessie Farkas, Rose Fine, Kathleen Firestone, Abraham Fishman, Rose Fox, Manuel Fredman, Alex Fried, Sam Friedman, Rena Ganzberg, Richard Gelman, Leon Gerson, Rita Gerson, Barry Gibbons, Donald Gillin, Sylvia Golden, Jeffrey Goldroyz,

Lev Goldroyz, Barney Gootkin, Julius Gordon, Theresa Greenblatt, Osna Guttman,David Hacker, Flora Haim, Jerry Harrison, William Hill-Horowicz, Harold Horowitz,

Sam Horwitz, Allon Iny, Louis Israel, Margalit Izakson, George Jacobs, Samuel Kamins, Judith Kaplan, Charles Katz, Mania Katz, Rose Katz, Sam Kleban, M. Kleinman,

Preston Kline, Celia Kravit, EdnaKulkin, Harry Kulkin, Sarah Langer, Jack Lasher, Helene Lebovic, Daniel Lefkowitz, Nathan Loober, Eva Lubetkin, Jerry Lubetkin,

Harry Mendelsohn, Toni Mendelsohn, Winston Millet, Steven Mintz, Bluma Moed,Elie Moed, Sam Morgenstein, Irving Moss, Louise K. Moss, Adele Nachwalter,

Rita Nellicks, Saada Ohayon, Yosef Ohayon, Paulo Parras, Sandra Patack, Charles Petlak, Charles Pilch, Molly Prager, Rea Pregler, Rosalia Reizmann, Marvin Resnick,

Ziporah Ritberg, Regina Ritter, Willaim Rockmaker, Irving Rosen, Walter Roth, Nancy Rubin, Moishe Sabovic, Rose Sabovic, Jennifer Sanders, William Satt,

William “Bud” Schur, Sadie Schwartz, Morris Schwartz, Mildred Shanfield, Edward Shapiro,Rebeka Silon, Bella Slobodetskaya, Raymond Snyder, Jeannette Somers, Ben Soskin,

Myrna Spiwak, Harry Stone, Walter Stroh, Sidney Stuttin, Harry A.Swartz, Nessie Swartz, Harriet Tasoff, Eliezer Vienfald, Sarah Vodovos, David Wagner, Selma Wagner,

Andrea Weaver, Louis Wolfe, Mary Wolfe, Davoud Younessi, Lynn Zeller, Helen Zisovic

7

ILONA EISENDaughter of Andrew & Stephanie EisenDecember 10, 2016

Yahrzeit DonationsWe thank those who support the synagogue community

in memory of their loved ones named below:

IN MEMORIAMWe mourn the passing of:

Rita Brucker, wife of Charlie z”l, Rita Brucker.

Alec Kiperstin, father of Jill (Gary) Linder.

Lisa Lifson, grandmother of TBA members Ilan (Natasha) Sharone

Tiby Fradin Rosenberg, mother of Alisa (David Cohen) Shudofsky

Gary Chaim Sinai, brother of Michelle (Steven) Ornstein.

Maureen Temkin, wife of Harvey, sister-in-law of Marshall, aunt of Bradley (Yana) Temkin.

Rodney E. Thompson, father of Rabbi Susan (Jeffrey) Leider.

Judy Wolf, sister of Judy Margolis, aunt of Ellen (Howard Horwitz) Margolis and Debbie (Jerry) Abeles.

5 Kol Ha’am

Our B’nei Mitzvah

Engagements and WeddingsMazal Tov to:

LEN KOROLSon of

Robert & Marina KorolDecember 17, 2016

ALEXANDRA HOFFMANDaughter of Russell & Nicole HoffmanDecember 17, 2016

JACOB BERNSTEINSon of

Jeannette BernsteinDecember 26, 2016

ELANIT SAFAEIDaughter of Eldad & Hengameh SafaeiJanuary 7, 2017

LENA BAGLEYDaughter of

David & Barbara BagleyJanuary 14, 2017

Bris and Baby Namings

Vivian and Ron Alberts on the engagement of their daughter, and to Lily Artenstein on the engagement of her granddaughter, Talia to Russell Yaffe!

Ayal Bainvoll and Rebecca Steinberger on their engagement! Ayal is the son of TBA members Renne and Efraim Bainvoll, grandson of Fryda and David z”l Dvorak and broth-er of Edon and Liat Bainvoll!

Cathy and Michael Barry on the engagement of their son, Jeffrey to Alexa Neibert!

Manya Beier on the engagement of her son, Evan to Jennifer April!

Bella and Howard Kapp on the engagement of their son Michael Kapp to Melanie Kanter!

JANUARY 2017 CALENDAR

Saturday - 7:30 p.m.

JEWISH FILM SERIES PRESENTS: “DOUGH”

See lower left column for details

Friday - 4:45 p.m.

SHABBAT SOVEV

followed by Community Shabbat Dinner at 6:00 p.m.

RSVP for dinner at www.tbala.org/communityshabbat

Sunday - 11:00 a.m.

MUSIC OF ISRAEL

Professor Mark Kligman returns to teach Music of

Israel, which begins as patriotic (Shirei Eretz Yisrael)

and develops as musical styles changed with Israeli

Rock and Muzika Mizrachit (Middle Eastern music).

Israeli culture is well reflected through music, this

talk will present the various forms of Israeli music and

how it connects to Israeli life.

Monday

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

Temple Offices & Schools are Closed

Thursday - 7:00 p.m.

JEWISH LA: YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND

TOMORROW

The president of the Jewish Historical Society,

Founder and President of the Breed Street Shul

Project Steve Sass, will be hosting a two-part series.

This first class is an overview of Jewish LA .

A Bus tour will follow on Sunday, February 5

(details to follow!)

Friday - 5:30 p.m.

SHIR KABBALAT SHABBAT

Families with young children (up to age 5) are invited

to this instrumental service with guitar, percussion

and other surprise instruments, followed by a

delicious community dinner.

RSVP at www.tbala.org/kabbalatshabbat

6:00 p.m. - TEEN KABBALAT SHABBAT & DINNER

RSVP to Reut Sklar at rsklar@tbala.org

7:00 p.m. - YABA SHABBAT DINNER ON CORNING

RSVP to yaba@tbala.org

Saturday- 8:00 p.m.

CONCERT: THE AMERICAN JEWISH CHORAL LANDSCAPEsee back cover for details

Saturday - 7:00 p.m.

PRESSMAN UNGALA

see cover for details

CLASSES OF THE REMBAUM INSTITUTE OF ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY PROGRAMMINGFor information and class sign-ups, visit www.tbala.org/classes, or email RembaumInstitute@tbala.org, or call Lia Mandelbaum at (310) 652-7354 x 215

HUMASH WITH RASHI WITH RABBI ADAM KLIGFELDWednesdays, January 4, 18, 25 at 8:30 a.m.Study Rashi’s original Hebrew commentary on the text of the Torah.

THE BOOK OF JEREMIAH WITH RABBI ARI LUCASThursdays, January 5, 12, 19, 26 at 8:30 a.m.Jeremiah lived through the destruction of the first temple and the beginning of the exile. He contends with theological issues that emerge from destruction – outrage at God, hope in return and rebuilding, criticism of the people of Israel. Join Rabbi Lucas as we study this Biblical text together in Hebrew and English. No prior knowledge necessary.

MINI SIDDUR CLASS WITH RABBI AVI HAVIVITuesday mornings for 20 min after minyan

LIBRARY MINYAN MISHNAH STUDYShabbat Mornings, 9:20 - 9:40 a.m.Rabbis, teachers, and other members of the Library Minyan will take turns teaching a weekly session in Mishnah on Tractate Avot.

SHALOM HARTMAN INSTITUTE: VISIONS FOR A SHARED SOCIETY; Synagogue collaborative lecture series co-sponsored by TBA.What are the core values of some of the “tribes” that comprise Israel today? How does a divided people build a shared society? What are the challenges and the possibilities for building a Jewish and Democratic Israel?

Sunday, January 22 at 3:00 p.m., Valley Beth ShalomMicah Goodman

7

Kol Ha’am 6

1619

20

28

13

15

21

Saturday Morning ServicesMeditation Plus

9:15 a.m. - Whiteman Conference Room

Shir Hadash9:15 a.m. – Sanctuary

BAIT Tefillah/Havah Narishah9:45 a.m. Pilch Hall

Library Minyan9:45 a.m. – Dorff Nelson Chapel

9:30 a.m. early start time on January 28 for Rosh Hodesh

Kadima ShabbatJanuary 2110:30 a.m.

Epic “Seussical” ShabbatJanuary 28

10:00 a.m. – Corning FieldFor Gesher/Kindergarten – 3rd graders and their families

January 6 4:40 p.m.

January 13 4:47 p.m.

January 20 4:53 p.m.

January 27 5:00 p.m.

January 7 Vayigash

January 14 Vayehi

January 21 Shemot

January 20 Va’era - Rosh Hodesh Shevat

7 Kol Ha’am

Torah Portion

Candle Lighting

MORNING MINYAN:

Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m.

Sunday & Federal Holidays: (including January 1 & 2): 8:00 a.m.

Rosh Hodesh & Hol Ha-Moed: 7:15 a.m.

Daily Minyan Times

FRIDAY NIGHTS

4:45 p.m.

Saturday: 90 minutes before the end of Shabbat

DAILY MINYAN - EVENING MINYAN

January 1 - 12 4:35 p.m.

January 15 - 26 4:45 p.m.

January 29-31 5:00 p.m.

For the 34th year, Temple Beth Am served

a delicious kosher turkey luncheon to over

400 seniors in the community on Thanksgiving

Day. Close to 150 volunteers (including children)

created centerpieces, set up and served our guests. We are so proud

to continue this annual tradition, which was founded by our former

Executive Director Bill Strick z”l. A very special thank you to Angel

and Alan Schneider for underwriting this program on behalf of our

community. We express appreciation to Michael Berlin, Karen Kass,

Susan Nemetz, Robert Ring and Audrey Cohn for their dedication and

commitment; we could not have done it without you! Thank you also

to our pianist, Warren Blum and to our violinist, Pressman Academy

alum Oren Saghian - what talent! We were also thrilled that our own

Cantor Hillary Chorny joined us and led the crowd in the anthems.

While we missed Amy Rabin this year, we are so grateful that TBA

staff members Shawn Gatewood, Sheryl Goldman, Lia Mandelbaum,

Ariana Shane, Reut Sklar, Ronna Sundy, Sharon Webb and Reyna

Zack stepped in to keep the tradition going.

It takes a village - and what a village we have!

GIVING THanks

Kol Ha’am 8

DAY SCHOOLWe are still accepting applications for the

2017-2018 school year. The Day School offers academic excellence balanced with social, emotional, and spiritual

learning for children in Gesher (transition) through Grade Eight. You can find the application online at

www.pressmanacademy.org. Please contact Lesley Bloom at 310-652-7354, ext. 227

or lbloom@pressmanacademy.org with any questions about the

application or admissions process.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER We are still accepting ECC applications for the 2017-18

school year! If your child will be two by next fall, it is time to apply. Go to www.pressmanacademy.org/eccapply

PRESSMAN ACADEMY ECC PARENT AND ME CLASSES

The Winter session of Parent and Me classes start in a few weeks. We have a variety of classes to choose from – our Grandparent

and Me class offers a fulfilling way for Grandparents to get involved with their grandchildren; our amazing Toddler Music class incorporates instruments, music and movement; our phenomenal new Musical Infant and Me class teaches you activities to expand your connection with your infant; and, of course, our wonderful

Shabbat class is a joyful celebration of Shabbat! Visit www.pressmanacademy.org/parentandmewinter

for the entire schedule and all the details.

If you have any questions or would like to tour the ECC please feel free to call Lesley at 310-652-7354 ext. 227 or

email her at eccadmissions@pressmanacademy.org.

On December 4, TBA held its first Global Jewish Fair. The fair was

a wonderful celebration of the natural multiplicity of Jewish

identity that exists within our richly diverse community at TBA.

Families and community members from all of TBA, came together to

celebrate learn, and share their history and culture. With a variety

of stations and different opportunities for immersive experiences,

children and adults participated in food tastings, listened to live

music, created their own kiddush cups and Hanukkah or Shabbos

candles, toured a ritual object museum, ate latkes accompanied by

a spice tasting, documented family history, and even shared family

recipes and food memories. The day continued with a special adult

learning lecture on Sephardic and Mizrahi music.

TBA Congregants and staff with connections to nine different

countries stood at their own stations, and served food and drinks,

shared artifacts and told personal stories. Esti Saul represented

Turkey, and served delicious Borekas and Dolma; Sonia Rubin

and Liora Petel showed us how making Moroccan tea is an art and

a skill; Fariba Matinfar and her daughter represented Iran, and

welcomed everyone with Basmati rice; Larry and Diane Herman

served Xima and Matapa, and shared about their amazing journey

of living in Maputo Mozambique, and helping rebuild and lead the

only local congregation; Michal Salkin and her twins served delicious

Hungarian Blintzes; Aaron Asher served Molokheya, the food his

Egyptian grandparents had cooked every week; Lara Krinsky cooked

the very yummy traditional South African dessert, Malva pudding;

Patrick Pardo served his Auntie Lourdes’ Shabbat dinner food,

Pancit, a Filipino noodle dish; and Michal Vaakil made two whole

delicious trays of Israeli salad. A special thank you to Mia Pardo for

her efforts in organizing these dynamic food stations and tastings.

The stage was never empty and the music brought everyone

together in a variety of ways! Stella Ezros brought in her

granddaughter’s Russian pre-school choir, Happy Notes; Jenni and

Aaron Asher, Kira Rappaport, and Rabbi Hillary Chorny played Ya

Shaifin El Malih - a Yemenite melody in Judeo-Arabic; and the day

wrapped with the popular and exciting Moshav Band. A special

thanks to Kira Rappaport for helping to organize all the music!

All in all, it was a lovely event that we hope will remain a tradition

at Temple Beth Am for years to come. If you missed it this year we

hope to see you next year!

GLOBAL JEWISH FAIR

9 Kol Ha’am

Dear Sisters and Friends,

Time moves quickly , we just welcomed 2017 as we said goodbye

to 2016. We are hopeful for good health, happiness and many

blessings in the New Year!

Looking for a change? Making new commitments? Setting new

goals? Treat yourself to a new YOU - become part of our TBA

Sisterhood! You will not find a warmer, more welcoming and

accepting group of women to learn, celebrate, and to schmooze

with - all that nourishes a Jewish soul. Last year we made personal

connections, met new friends, shared and learned from one another

and enhanced our spiritual values. TBA Sisterhood is the premier

women’s organization of our shul and we are doing great things by

bringing together Jewish women of all backgrounds while creating

life-long friendships. Our programs and events have spiritual and

educational dimensions.

As part of our Sisterhood mission to support Youth and educational

programs, we are proud to announce that in 2016 Sisterhood made

gifts to the following TBA programs: Pressman Academy’s Magen

Program, the Pressman Academy Middle School Musical, Camp

Ramah, TBA Youth Learning and Engagement, TBA USY and the

TBA Torah Club.

Together we will continue to grow and continue to make our

families, community and the world more connected with one

another. Everybody moves at a different pace, the pace we will take

this year will matter. A fresh start to making time with your family,

with your aging parents, your professional life, social commitments,

volunteering and leisure as you chose.

May this New Year gives you many wonderful moments to cherish.

No matter what your destination will be in 2017, may you reach it in

HEALTH, HAPPINESS and PEACE!

My family and I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful 2017!

B ‘ShalomStella EzrosSisterhood President

Upcoming events(locations provided along with RSVP):

Mahjong Night - January 18, 7:30 pm

Mystery Book Club - January 24: The One Man, by Andrew Gross

Novel Book Group: January 26, 7:30 pm: The Underground Railroadby Colson Whitehead.

Rosh Hodesh Shvat - A Women’s Gathering - January 29.

Update fromRefugee Committee

The Refugee Committee continues to work with various organizations to bring needed

relief to refugees both in the U.S. and in Berlin. Building on the success of Project Hope,

led by Tyson Roberts, where we collected and delivered furnishings and clothing to JFS in

San Diego, we are planning a Project Hope Part 2. We are working with a couple other

synagogues in our community to expand the donation pool and hopefully take a couple

trucks of donations to San Diego in February. Collection will begin in January and if you

have a place i.e. warehouse or storage unit we can store furniture until delivery, please let us

know. This program was very successful, had immediate impact on the refugee community

in San Diego and required a team of people to pull it off. If you would like to volunteer to

participate in Project Hope Part 2, please let us know.

We continue to work with IsraAid and our goal is to help the refugees who are still in

the shelters in Berlin. We are exploring creative ways to help them, including a project

through an on line service where we can send donations of much needed art and music

supplies directly to the shelter. We will keep you posted.

We are also working with HAIS and their welcoming committee by participating

in conference call briefings. These calls give us an opportunity to hear from other

institutions throughout the country about the work they are doing, their challenges and

their successes.

If you have any ideas you would like to share with our committee, please feel free to

contact us.

Jill Sperling Kathy Rosenblatt Tyson Roberts

sperling@pacbell.net kathy.rosenblatt@gmail.com tysonsahib@gmail.com

by a speaker on multi - ethnic Jewish music to a

packed house. The whole day was spectacular –

many kudos to Lia Mandelbaum, our Director of

Programming & Engagement, who dreamed up

the event, and Lisa Clumeck, our JLC Director.

Together they orchestrated a spectacular event.

Then came the next Shabbat. A beautiful Sovev

service for Kabbalat Shabbat, a community

dinner and interesting speaker from the Masorti

Movement in Israel. Shabbat morning was

another vibrant day in TBA. There was a beautiful

Bat Mitzvah in the sanctuary (Mazal Tov to Ilona

Eisen and her family). YLE held EPIC Superhero

Shabbat for families, along with a Kadima

Shabbat for 4th - 6th graders, under the inspired

leadership of our YLE director, Rabbi Yechiel

Hoffman and his team.

There is so much more than these events I

have mentioned, and when you layer the events

and opportunities with the conversations,

celebrations, tefilah, etc., you sense the richness of

the fabric of our TBA community and its blessings.

Best to all of our TBA families for 2017.

Warmly, Susan Hetsroni

FROM THE PRESIDENTcontinued from page 1

Kol Ha’am 10

GENERAL FUND IN HONOR OFAyal Bainvoll & Rebecca Steinberger’s engagement Susan & Ofer HetsroniElia Cohen’s engagement to Hila Emanuel Mimi & Howard LandresRabbi Ari Lucas Ron Galperin, Susan Pondfield & William MentlikThe birth of Rivka Glastein Angel & Alan SchneiderCharlotte Kornfeld’s complete & speedy recovery Mimi & Howard LandresCipra Nemeth & Scott Shulman Rosanne KeynanThe birth of Azalea Peters Angel & Alan SchneiderThe birth of Stellan Sebastian Rubin Angel & Alan SchneiderMark Samuel “The Iron Man” Rabbi Adam KligfeldBetty & Stuart Tochner Sharon WitlenJudy Weintraub Regina, Steven & Samantha Silver

IN MEMORY OFJaime Davidovich Angel & Alan SchneiderHerschel Elkins Melissa & Michael Berenbaum, Phyllis, Mitch & Yael MillerKaren Eisman Marnie & Steve StiglitzJulius Gordon Angel & Alan SchneiderCurtis Sherwyn Green Angel & Alan SchneiderRiesa Howard Angel & Alan SchneiderErnest “Jack” Lebovic Melissa & Michael Berenbaum, Jeanne Gardner, Anne Raiss Morton Margolis Lydia LevinNandor Markovic Rosanne KeynanTiby Fradin Rosenberg Susan Laemmle & John Antignas, Melissa & Michael Berenbaum, Pam, Amanda, Lianna & Eddie, Dina Hellerstein & Joshua Metzger, Angel & Alan SchneiderJerome Wasserman Shelby & Morton Jacobs, Susan & Marty Jannol, Tobie & Larry Schwimmer

DONATION Irving Szkolnik

BILL STRICK MEMORIAL HELPING HAND FUND IN HONOR OFSherri & Mike Cohn Debbie RichThe birth of Bella Kamin Debbie RichRabbi Harry Silverstein’s 90th birthday Goldie Altman, Marilyn & Irvin LaxinetaJill & Skip Sperling Lisa Feldman & Brian Greene

IN MEMORY OFJaime Davidovich Sherri & Mike CohnHerschel Elkins Debbie Rich, Carol S. Rosenberg, Allan TobinMaurice Goodman’s yahrzeit Bensimon FamilyTiby Fradin Rosenberg Sherri & Mike Cohn

WALTER J. COHEN MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR OFAnnette & Abe Berman’s 49th anniversary Roberta, David, Adina & Sam RosenbergThe birth of Adrienne Fifi Braun Roberta, David, Adina & Sam RosenbergAidan Dveirn’s bar Mitzvah Roberta, David, Adina & Sam Rosenberg

IN MEMORY OFElaine Stern Roberta, David, Adina & Sam Rosenberg

DAVID DVORAK CHESED FUND IN HONOR OFAyal Bainvoll & Rebecca Steinberger’s Sandra & Bob Braun, Michal & Jacob Vaakilengagement

ROBERT FRIEDMAN MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OFMorris Barnes’ yahrzeit Elaine & Larry FriedmanSam Friedman’s yahrzeit Elaine & Larry FriedmanSam Horwitz’ yahrzeit Elaine & Larry FriedmanZoe Maisel Elaine & Larry Friedman

MARCY COLKER KLEIN/BARRY SHAPIRO MEMORIAL FUND IN HONOR OFAyal Bainvoll & Rebecca Steinberger’s engagement Dvorah ColkerThe birth of Emma Pearl Doron Dvorah ColkerLAURA & SID KLEIN MEMORIAL FUND Sid Klein’s yahrzeit Abbey Klein, Stephen Klein

LAINER LIBRARY FUND IN HONOR OFMiriam Kramer Hannah & Marshall KramerEden Sweet’s Bat Mitzvah Hannah & Marshall Kramer

RABBI KLIGFELD’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN HONOR OFOpening the Ark on Yom Kippur Bella KappRabbi Kligfeld Enrique and Katalin MannheimRabbi Kligfeld Talia ResinAdam Weissman’s bar mitzvah Janet and David WeissmanOpening the Ark and Honor on Kol Nidre Rachmil HakmanA beautiful Shabbat experience Danny and Sylvia Krakauer

IN MEMORY OFShirley Weissberg Jack R. WeissbergHoward Pilch The Pilch, Samuel and Greenberg Families RABBI LUCAS’ DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN HONOR OFRabbi Lucas Morris BrillLeading Friday Sabbath services Norm GarrBAIT Tefillah 2.0 BJ and Elaine Elias

IN MEMORY OFHoward Pilch The Pilch, Samuel and Greenberg FamiliesMynne Garr Norm Garr RABBI CHORNY’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIN HONOR OFSukkoth Jacqueline Levian

IN MEMORY OFHoward Pilch The Pilch, Samuel and Greenberg FamiliesShirley Weissberg Jack R. Weissberg

RABBI MALKUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND IN MEMORY OFGary Chaim Sinai Sherri & Mike Cohn

PILCH SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN HONOR OFHarry Lumer’s Aliyah Arlette & Harry Lumer

IN MEMORY OFHoward Pilch Goldie Altman, Honey Kessler Amado, Selma & Peter Brothman, Audrey Cohn, Sherri, Mike, Rebecca & Josh Cohn, Stella Ezros, Linda & Robert Gersh, Miryam & Henry Jannol, Joanna Kasirer & Joshua Kaplan, Deanna & Eric Kripke, Gabriela & Elie Litov, Judith & Louis Miller, Beverly Mintz, Lillian & Stuart Raffel, Jennifer Lindsay Rubin, Esther Silon, Rebecca & Chip Unruh

PRAYER BOOK FUND IN HONOR OFRabbi Adm Kligfeld Angel & Alan SchneiderNatalie Roberts Ellen L. & Martin Jacobs

IN MEMORY OFHerschel Elkins Sandy & Mayer BrennerFaye Gelb Angel & Alan SchneiderNandor Markovic Sandy & Mayer BrennerTiby Fradin Rosenberg Sandy & Mayer Brenner

PRESSMAN ACADEMY DAY SCHOOL DONATION Ted Cofsky

PRESSMAN ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN HONOR OFThe birth of Emma Pearl Doron Sharon & Brad GrobThe birth of Poppy Henrietta Hammer Sharon & Brad GrobLori Harrison Port & David Horwich’s engagement Sharon & Brad GrobThe birth of Nomi Miriam Rothblum Benjamin ZelkowiczEvan Weber & Jennifer April’s engagement Sharon & Brad Grob

Temple Beth Am Gratefully Acknowledges Donations through December 5, 2016

11 Kol Ha’am

IN MEMORY OFHerschel Elkins Sharon & Brad GrobErnest “Jack” Lebovic Sharon & Brad GrobNandor Markovic Sharon & Brad GrobJonathan Messeloff Sherri & Mike CohnTiby Fradin Rosenberg Sharon & Brad Grob

CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN MEMORY OFOsna Guttman’s yahrzeit Hannah & Marshall KramerNandor Markovic Lisa Feldman & Brian Greene

DONATION Elliot Tessel

MITZI & NORMAN ROSENBLATT MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OFMax Gold’s yahrzeit Kathy Rosenblatt

DAILY MINYAN IN HONOR OFJeffrey Barry and Alexa Neibart’s engagement Kathy Lebovic

IN MEMORY OFRubin Birds’s yahrzeit Robert BirdTrudy Bird’s yahrzeit Robert BirdJeffrey Goldroyz’ yahrzeit Stella Ezros Goldroyz & FamilyLev Goldroyz’ yahrzeit Stella Ezros Goldroyz & FamilyErnest “Jack” Lebovic Pilch, Greenberg & Samuel FamiliesJoan Rich’s Yahrzeit Janet WeissmanBella Slobodetskaya’s yahrzeit Stella Ezros Goldroyz & Family

LIBRARY MINYAN FUNDIN HONOR OFAnniversary of Abe & Annette Berman Don & Manya Beier, Judy & Louis MillerGranddaughter of Sandra & Bob Braun Don & Manya Beier, Judy & Louis MillerEngagement of Lori Port to David Horwich Don & Manya BeierGrandson of Dianne Shershow Judy & Louis Miller Birthday of Rabbi Harry Silverstein Arthur & Susan Mishler, Irving & Joan WhiteNew baby of Erica & Daniel Rothblum Jonathan FriedmanLibrary Minyan Fund Ted Cofsky, Annette MajerowiczLarry Harris Rebecca T. BirnsHigh Holidays Dov & Vered HopenstandRobert Pflug as Hatan Torah Perry & Rena Horowitz, Allan & Laraine KokinRobert Pflug for enriching Lori Good Gloria Thurston’s funeral Henry Morgan as Hatan Breisheet Allan & Laraine KokinAliyah to the Torah Baruch LinkEngagement of Evan Weber to Jennifer April Don & Manya BeierOur new Granddaughter, Bella Miriam Kamin Jules Kamin & Cathie LippmanGranddaughter of Stan & Val Goldstein Jules Kamin & Cathie LippmanJosh Berenbaum’s 18th birthday Michael Berenbaum & Melissa PatackJackie Weiss’s birthday & becoming a US citizen Jerry Krautman & Jackie WeissRabbi Gail Labovitz David & Janet WeissmanSandra Lepson David & Janet WeissmanRabbi Avi Havivi David & Janet WeissmanBill Seligman David & Janet WeissmanJoel Grossman David & Janet Weissman

IN MEMORY OFHerschel Elkins memorial on Simchat Torah Mayer & Sandra BrennerHerschel Elkins Jules Kamin & Cathie Lippman, Allan & Laraine Kokin, Henry & Suzanne Morgen, Rachel SiskYartzeits of Adam Rich and Theodore Rich Deborah L.RichMy brother, John Elman Anthony ElmanMother of Alisa Shudofsky Karen T. Grey, Fran & Joel Grossman, Jules Kamin & Cathie LippmanYahrzeit of Abe Schlossberg’s mother Abe & Darlene SchlossbergMother of Francine Farkas Jules Kamin & Cathie LippmanYartzeit of Joel Grossman’s mother Fran & Joel Grossman

SISTERHOOD DONATIONS

To place a Sisterhood Tribute, contact Marlene Glaserat (310) 550-1738 or email: hagesq@aol.com

MAZEL TOV!Renee and Efraim Bainvoll Agnes and Semyon EmertAyal’s engagement to Rebecca Steinberger Gabriela and Elie Litov Cathy and Jeff Turkell Cathy and Michael Barry Agnes and Semyon Emert Jeffrey’s engagement to AlexaManya Beier and Family Gabriela and Elie Litov Evan’s engagement to Jennifer April Cathy and Jeff Turkell Sandra and Bob Braun Jessica and Mark Samuel Thank you for participating in the Alyn Ride in Israel, and for your Continuous tzedakah in helping others!Rosemary and Ishac Cohen Jessica and Mark Samuel Elia’s wedding in IsraelDvorah Colker Agnes and Semyon Emert Birth of Great Granddaughter, Poppy HenriettaJoann Colker-Arison & Teralis Arison Agnes and Semyon Emert Birth of Granddaughter, Poppy HenriettaElana and Ori Doron Jessica, Mark, Chason, Eleanor & Sienna Samuel Birth of Daughter, Emma PearlAnn and Ollie Istrin Agnes and Semyon Emert Birth of Granddaughter, Emma Pearl Jessica, Mark, Chason, Eleanor & Sienna SamuelArlette Lumer Jessica, Mark, Chason, Eleanor & Sienna Samuel Happy birthday!Michelle and Doran Menna Gabriela and Elie Litov Daughter Liat’s engagementRabbi Harry Silverstein Elaine and Richard Gross Happy 90th birthday!

SPEEDY RECOVERYStan Sperling Marlene and Harvey Glaser

CONDOLENCESDebbie Abeles and Family Darlene & Abe Schlossberg & FamilyLoss of Uncle, Morton MargolisMiriam Elkins and Family Tamara and Marvin Greenstein Loss of Husband, Father, Grandfather Richard and Elaine Gross And Great Grandfather, HerschelKathe Pilch and Family Shirley Ashkenas Loss of Husband, Son, Father and Elaine and Richard Gross Grandfather, Howard Pilch Darlene & Abe Schlossberg & Family Kathy Lebovic and Family Stella Ezros Loss of Father, Jack Lebovic Gabriela and Elie LitovRabbi Susan Leider and Family Shirley Ashkenas, Sharon, Erin & Sarah Loss of Father, Rodney E. Thompson Marlene and Harvey Glaser Cathy and Jeff Turkell Ellen Margolis-Horwitz and Family Agnes and Semyon Emert Loss of Father, Morton Margolis Darlene & Abe Schlossberg & FamilyJudith Margolis & Family Agnes and Semyon Emert Loss of Husband, Morton MargolisRobert Markovic and Family Agnes and Semyon Emert Loss of Father, NandorMichelle Ornstein and Family Agnes and Semyon Emert Loss of Brother, Gary Chaim SinaiKathe Pilch and Family Gabriela and Elie Litov Loss of Husband, Son, Father and Grandfather, HowardLilly Seltzer and Family Marlene and Harvey Glaser Loss of Sister IdaAlisa Shudofsky and Family Agnes and Semyon Emert Loss of Mother, Tiby Fradin RosenbergSusan Wasserman and Family Agnes and Semyon Emert Loss of Husband, Jerome Richard and Elaine GrossThe Wasserman Family Marlene and Harvey Glaser Loss of Husband, Father and Grandfather, Jerome

Donations (continued)

Periodicals Postage Paid at Los Angeles, California and additional mailing offices.

Kol Ha’am (USPS 008-599)Temple Beth Am1039 S. La Cienega Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90035-2507

is delighted to honor

THe Miller Familyfor building

Jewish education

The event will also recognize

Phil Liff-Grieff and Monise Neumann for professional achievement.

Join us at the Gala,Wednesday evening, January 18, 2017

For reservations and tributes, please contact Deborah Reissman, at 323-761-8637.

Request to be seated at a Temple Beth Am table!

www.bjela.org