April 1, 2011 — 26 Adar II 5771

Vol. 14, No. 4

URL: http://www.beth-elsa.orgE-mail: temple@beth-elsa.org

Passover at a GlancePre-Passover: Tuesday, April 12

• Women’s Seder at 6:00 P.M. – see this page and page 5 for details and reservations.

Monday, April 18• Erev Passover – Home Seder Night.

Tuesday, April 19• Passover Festival Worship Service at 10:30 A.M.

in the Oppenheimer Chapel.• Community Seder at 6:00 P.M. – see page 4 for

details and reservations.• The Temple offices are closed.

Sunday, April 24• Men’s Seder at The Barn Door Restaurant at

6:00 P.M. See page 5 for details and reservations.

Monday, April 25• Last Day of Passover Festival Worship Service

at 10:30 A.M. in the Oppenheimer Chapel. Yizkor-Memorial prayers will be offered.

• The Temple offices are closed.

Passover is Here — Home Seder Night April 18

Home Seder night is Monday, April 18, and we wish everyone a happy and warm experience with friends and family.

Passover at Temple Beth-El is always filled with exciting opportunities for fun, learning, and sharing, and this year is no exception!

Please see the Passover Calendar (above right) and make plans to attend one or all of these events.

We wish you and yours a Happy Passover!

The Women’s Seder at Temple Beth-El is

an Event to Remember!Before Passover each year, women of all ages, 10 and up, look forward

to celebrating — being with friends, families, new acquaintances, and Rabbi Allison Bergman Vann, this time, for the last time. They experience the creative and spiritual nature of the Women’s Seder, sometimes laughing, sometimes crying, singing, and dancing to the music of Linda Kaufman, with Wendy Geisler, and Elaine Kovner.

This year, the Women’s Seder will be held on Tuesday, April 12, in the Temple’s Barshop Auditorium, beginning at 6:15 P.M. with Shalom and 6:30 P.M. sharp with the Seder. The theme is “Modah Ani – I am Grateful,” and as participants enjoy a delicious meal, they will explore the many ways we are grateful as Jewish women.

The cost is $26 for Temple members and $31 for non-Temple members. This year, 3% of each reservation will be donated to MAZON, a Jewish Re-sponse to Hunger. Babysitting will be provided, if arranged in advance. Call Marilyn Berkowitz at 481-2881 for further information.

Make your reservations early! The RSVP deadline is Sunday, April 10. Go to www.formspring.com/forms/bethelsa/womenseder to register and pay online. Join over 100 women to share in the blessing of freedom. Make this the year you try something new!

See box on page 5.

Page 2 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2011

The Rabbi SpeaksThe Future Is Bright

The Temple Bulletin arrives at the beginning of a new month in our secular calendar. However, our Hebrew months begin with a lunar new moon.

I recently had the opportunity to read sermons by members of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Class of 2011, who are applicants for our Assistant Rabbi position. One, speaking of the new moon, remarked that we welcome the new month when the sky has gone dark;

yet we know that the moon’s light will grow in the weeks to come.We find ourselves at a time of transition at Temple Beth-El.

We anticipate the tears of saying good-bye to our Rabbi of twelve years. Twelve times twelve months signifies a period of wholeness. We have reached a time to celebrate fulfillment with Rabbi Bergman Vann, to acknowledge who she is to us and what she has done for us, and to imagine what she may become as the light grows in the next phase of her rabbinate and of her life.

We, too, will see light grow to new wholeness when we welcome a new Rabbi into our midst.

At this moment, we are still searching. At this writing, Bill Goodman and I have returned from Los Angeles, deeply moved by our encounters with women and men who enter the rabbinate this year. These soon-to-be rabbis impressed us with maturity reflecting wisdom beyond their years. They bring deep knowledge of traditional text, and they also offer new skills that previous generations of Rabbis, including Rabbi Bergman Vann’s, Rabbi Berlin’s, Rabbi Stahl’s and my own did not know.

These young rabbis intuitively know how to reach out to a new generation through technologies that did not exist when I was in school. Many of us believe we have mastered our digital “toys,” but we are not “digital natives,” as Dr. Roxanne Henkin has taught us to call this younger generation.

The next generation of rabbis has been schooled in the techniques – and even more, in the mindset – of “community organizing.” Those words, most often applied to social justice work, have been reframed to enhance Torah study for learners of every age, to deepen conversations at the bedside of a congregant in the hospital, to reach out to congregants who feel distanced from the congregation and to deepen the attachment of those who

Please join us as we celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of our daughter

Hannah Michal BerlinFriday, May 20, at 6:15 P.M. – Services and Kiddush

Saturday, May 21, at 10:30 a.M. – Services and Kiddush Luncheon

RSVP for the Kiddush Luncheon in the Barshop auditoriumto Lisa Martinez by Monday, May 2

lisa@beth-elsa.org or (210) 733-9135 ext. 126

Cantor Julie & Rabbi Alan Berlin

are most deeply engaged already. We do not yet know what the new light

will look like. Right now we prepare to say good-bye to one who has brought us great light for twelve times twelve months. The new moon is rising, though, and it promises a great light.

Rabbi Barry H.D. Block

Big Birthday? Milestone Anniversary?

Joyous Occasion? Extra-Special Accomplishment?

If you wish to be blessed on the bimah to commemorate any of these moments,

please call Iris Berman-Smith at 733-9135, ext. 106, or iris@beth-elsa.org

to make arrangements.

“Opt In” to Continue Receiving the Temple Bulletin (in print)The Board of Trustees has approved a recommendation from

the Temple’s Communications Committee to develop an “Opt In” policy for the printed Temple Bulletin, thereby saving money on postage and printing costs, and minimizing paper use. Beginning with the August 2011 issue of the Temple Bulletin, members of the Temple will only receive a mailed version if we receive word to mail it. All others will have access to the online version, which is already in place, and which many find to be more convenient.

The online version of the Temple Bulletin is available at www.beth-elsa.org/be_bulletin.htm and is posted before the be-ginning of the month. A notification email is sent out once the bul-letin has been posted. Please note that weekly emails are also sent as a reminder for upcoming events, and for late-breaking news.

If you prefer to receive the Temple Bulletin in your mailbox, simply fill in the form below and mail it to the Temple, or call Geri Gregory at 733-9135, ext. 120, or email geri@beth-elsa.org. If you wish to help the Temple save money on postage and printing costs, and minimize paper use, do nothing. The online version of the Temple Bulletin is available at www.beth-elsa.org/be_bulletin.htm and is posted before the beginning of the month. A notification email is sent out when it is available to view. Please note that weekly emails are also sent as a reminder for upcoming events, and for late-breaking news. If the Temple does not have your email address, please send it to Geri Gregory at one of the contacts listed above.

I want to receive the Temple Bulletin in my mailbox!

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Please note: This policy will go into effect with the August issue of the Bulletin. We must receive word by

July 15 in order for you to remain on the mailing list.

Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2011 Page 3

Temple Beth-El Bulletin (USPS 016328) is published the first of every month, except July, by Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212-5896. Application to Mail at Periodicals postage rates is paid at San Antonio, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212-5896.

Friday, April 1, 6:30 P.M.In the Oppenheimer ChapelRabbi Bergman Vann will officiate with volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Dr. Susan Wynne, and will speak on, “Rosh Hodesh: The New Moon.”Candles: Dr. Nola Marx

In the Barshop AuditoriumCantor Berlin will officiate with Shlihei Tzibbur (worship leaders) Harry H. Levy, IV, Kathi Kardon, and Roman Vasquez, with accompaniment by the Temple Beth-El Band.

Friday, April 1, 7:00 P.M.In the Wulfe SanctuaryTOT ShabbatCaitlin Smith will officiate and songlead.Preceded by “Family Shabbat Dinner” at 6:15 P.M. (Please see the ad on p. 14 for further details)

Saturday, April 2, 10:30 A.M.In the Oppenheimer ChapelRabbi Bergman Vann and Cantor Berlin will officiate.Torah Portion: TazriaLeviticus 12:1-13:59

Friday, April 8, 6:30 P.M.In the Wulfe SanctuaryRabbi Bergman Vann will officiate with volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Greg Gonzalez, and will speak on, “Healing of Body and Mind.”Candles: Susan Roomberg and Jonathan Roomberg

In the Barshop AuditoriumCantor Berlin and Rabbi Alan Berlin will officiate with Rabbi Alan Berlin on guitar.

Saturday, April 9, 10:30 A.M.In the Wulfe SanctuaryRabbis Block and Bergman Vann and Cantor Berlin will officiate. Bar Mitzvah of Jonathan Edward Roomberg.Torah Portion: MetzoraLeviticus 14:1-15:33

Friday, April 15, 6:30 P.M.In the Oppenheimer ChapelRabbi Bergman and Cantor Berlin will officiate. Rabbi Bergman Vann will speak on, “The Stranger in Our Midst: Caring for the Other.”Candles: Cathy Rosenthal

In the Barshop AuditoriumRabbi Block will officiate with volunteer songleader, Michael Malinas.

Saturday, April 16, 6:30 P.M.In the Oppenheimer ChapelRabbi Bergman Vann will officiate with volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Rachel Walsh.Torah Portion: AhareiLeviticus 16:1-18:30

Friday, April 22, 6:30 P.M.Shabbat Hol Hamoed Pesach – The Sabbath during Passover

In the Wulfe SanctuaryRabbi Block and Cantor Berlin will officiate. Lynne Balbert, Greg Gonzalez, Reva Kaden, Janie Kolman, Lindsey Van de Kirk, Rachel Walsh, and Dr. Susan Wynne, along with Cantor Berlin, will present a “Sermon in Song: The Music of Classical Reform Judaism.” All those who have been Temple members continuously for 50 or more years, will be blessed. The Union Prayerbook will be used.Candles: Fran Neurock

In the Barshop AuditoriumShlihei Tzibbur (worship leaders) Sharon Miller, Ina Bushon, and Chris Brown will officiate with volunteer songleader, Michael Malinas.

Saturday, April 23, 10:30 A.M.In the Oppenheimer ChapelRabbi Block will officiate with volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Janie Kolman.Torah Portion: Hol ha-moed PesachExodus 33:12-34:26

Friday, April 29, 6:30 P.M.In the Wulfe SanctuaryRabbi Block and Cantor Berlin will officiate. Rabbi Block will speak on, “Judaism and Labor Unions.”Candles: Katie Cutler, Joy Cutler, Maxine Dalsemer, and Valerie Cutler

In the Barshop AuditoriumRabbi Bergman Vann will officiate with volunteer songleader, Elaine Kovner.

Saturday, April 30, 10:30 A.M.In the Wulfe SanctuaryRabbis Block and Bergman Vann and Cantor Berlin will officiate.Bat Mitzvah of Katie Gabrielle Cutler.Torah Portion: KedoshimLeviticus 19:1-20:27

B’nai MitzvahWe Congratulate Those Who Will be Called to the Torah

in AprilApril 8-9

Jonathan Edward Roomberg, son of Susan and Mark Roomberg and grandson of Barbara and the late Oscar Sjerven, the late Jack Kelly, and the late Flora and Stanley Roomberg.

April 29-30Katie Gabrielle Cutler, daughter of Joy and Peter Cutler and granddaughter of Maxine and the late Richard Dalsemer and Valerie and Jack Cutler.

Kiddush HostsThe congregation unites for one Kiddush in the Barshop Auditorium after both Shabbat Eve Services.

April 1: Rose Kamin, Rita Kaplan, and Temple Beth-El SisterhoodApril 8: Susan and Mark RoombergApril 15: Gayle and Ron Kipp, Eleanor “Bitsy” Komet, Michele and Alan Krapf, and Temple Beth-El SisterhoodApril 22: Marscha and Tommy Lauterstein, Darlene and Sidney Lestz, and Temple Beth-El SisterhoodApril 29: Joy and Peter Cutler

HOT Shabbat (Hands On Torah)

Enjoy activities on Fridays in April. All school-aged children through Grade 4 who attend the Barshop Auditorium Service (or Wulfe Sanctuary Service when there is only one Service) will leave the worship service, as the Torah service begins, for a kid-friendly program of storytelling and hands-on proj-ects, and rejoin their parents for the Kiddush at the end of the worship service.

Temple Beth-El Ombudsperson

If you have a question or concern about Temple policy, process, etc., and would like confidential

assistance in having your query answered, please call Marty Epner at 210-862-1500.

Page 4 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2011

Community SederTuesday, April 19, 6:00 P.M.

Hosted by Temple Beth-El Brotherhood, Co-Sponsored by the Shalom CommitteeDinner provided and cooked by the Ojeda Family with our thanks!

In the Barshop Auditorium

Rabbi Barry H. D. Block will lead the Seder, which is open to all. Especially welcome are those members of our Temple family who, for whatever reason, are unable to attend a home Seder service this year.

Seder items and dinner will be provided.

Transportation is available for seniors, provided at no charge by the Mildred K. and Albert C. Strum Memorial Senior Adult Fund of Temple Beth-El. To request transportation, please call Lisa Martinez at the Temple, 733-9135, ext. 126, by Monday, April 18, at 12:00 Noon.

Reservations are a MUST. The deadline is TUESDAY, April 12, at 12:00 NOON.

Yes! I / We wish to attend the Community Seder. In our party there are:

Member Adults, at $25.00 ea. Children, 12 and under, at $15.00 per person.

Non-member Adults, at $30.00 ea. Children, ages 2 and under, no charge.

Amount enclosed: $

Name(s):

Phone Number:

Please make check payable to Temple Beth-El and mail with form to: 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212. If you wish to pay by credit card, please call our Reservations Hotline at 733-9135, ext. 208.

Your Payment is Your Reservation, and MUST be received no later than Tuesday, April 12.

The theme of Passover is, “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” If the cost would prevent you or your family from attending the Seder, please call Rabbi Block at 733-9135, ext. 101. Complimentary or reduced admission will be provided without questions, and will be confidential.

Recommended Reform Passover ObservanceRecommended Reform Jewish practice includes refraining from eating bread and other

leavened products during the seven days of Passover.Ashkenazic Jews also do not eat rice, corn, and legumes (like peas, beans, etc.) during

Passover. However, Sephardic Jews do not forbid the eating of these foods. These prohibitions are optional for Reform Jews.

Give Leavened Items to PoorAll leavened products should be removed or put aside in the home before the holiday.

We ask all Temple members to consider giving their leavened products to the poor and needy by bringing them to the Temple before Passover begins. We shall arrange for them to be direct-ed to the San Antonio Food Bank, which coordinates all our local efforts to alleviate hunger.

Since Reform Jews observe a yom tov (major Jewish holiday) on both the first and seventh days of Passover, we urge your attendance at Passover services on these two days of sacred obligation.

One Seder RequiredThe Seder is conducted on the eve of the first yom tov of Passover, which is Monday,

April 18. This date is fixed and may not be changed for any reason whatsoever.A “Second Seder” on the second eve of the holiday is optional. However, our Community

Seder will be held on that second eve, which is Tuesday, April 19.Our congregation will hold its second annual Men’s Seder on the eve of the last yom tov

of Passover, which is Sunday, April 24, at 6:00 P.M., at the Barn Door Restaurant. See page 5 for reservations and further details.

The Women’s Seder, now in its eleventh year, will be hosted before Passover on Tuesday, April 12. See pages 2 or 5 for reservations and further details.

Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2011 Page 5

A creative Seder, written and led by Rabbi Barry Block, is open to all men of the congregation! The charge is $45 per person ($30 for vegetarian), which will include seder items, kosher wine, salad, dinner, kosher dessert and fruit, and tea and coffee. Please indicate below your choice of grilled chicken, trout, steak, or vegetarian.

_____ YES! I/We would love to come to Wine, Steak, and a Seder — The Men’s Seder!

Number of men attending:

Choice for Dinner entreé: Grilled Chicken Trout Steak Vegetarian

Name(s):______________________________________ Phone:

Please make check payable to Temple Beth-El and mail with form to: 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212.If you wish to pay by credit card, please call our Reservations Hotline at 733-9135, ext. 208.

Your Payment is Your Reservation, and MUST be received no later than Wednesday, April 20.

Haggadot For Sale in the Temple Office

Copies of A Passover Haggadah, published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and beautifully illustrated

by Leonard Baskin, are available to purchase for $14.95. Please see Lisa Martinez in the Administrative Wing of the Temple Office.

Don’t miss the third annual...

Wine, Steak, and a Seder – The Men’s SederSunday, April 24, 6:00 P.M.

at the Barn Door Restaurant • 8400 N. New Braunfels Avenue

Hametz Prohibited in Temple During Passover

Throughout Passover, beginning on Monday evening, April 18, and concluding on Monday evening, April 25, hametz (food forbidden during Passover) is not permitted on the Temple premises. Therefore, please do not bring any leavened items to the Temple, even for personal consumption, during this holiday.

Your cooperation with this policy is greatly appreciated.

Speakers:

Trent BoarnetAndy KabbeM.H. Levine

Save The Date!

SiSterhood Shabbat

Friday, May 13, 2011Installation of Officers

Shabbat DinnerFarewell to Rabbi Bergman Vann

and Teresa Parker

Watch your mail for further details.

Page 6 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2011

LUKE GLOSSERMANBrother of Philip Glosserman and

Terry ReicheckCousin of Temple member

Abbi Michelson

BURTON KOLOVSONFather of Phil Kolovson

IRVING MIDDLEMANFather of Ginger Sledge, Cheryl

Middleman, Georgia Middleman, and Jennifer Hatcher

Brother of Temple member Barry Middleman

ALFONSO ROSSI

Our condolences to...

Chris Brown, on the passing of her uncle, Clifford Templé.

“May their souls be bound upin the bonds of eternal life.”

COFR (CAPITAL AND OPERATIONS FUND FOR RESOURCES)

In memory of Phyllis Esther Rosenthal Saltzman by Cathy and Alan Rosenthal.

RABBI BARRY BLOCK’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

In honor of Bob Gurwitz receiving the Community and Justice Award by Marcy Cato.

In appreciation by Arquimedes Perez.In memory of Fred M. Siegel by Dr. Larry and

Susan Siegel.In memory of Charlotte Lee by Burton Barkin

and Celeste Swanson.In honor of the marriage of Barry Abrahamson

and Catherine Wisenberg and in appreciation by Dan and Sondra Karlebach and Alvin and Phyllis Breit.

RABBI ALLISON BERGMAN VANN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND

In appreciation by Arquimedes Perez.In appreciation by WM E. Looney, Jr.

RABBI STAHL’S DISCRETIONARY FUNDIn appreciation for the blessing of my home, by Iris

Rubin.In memory of Jeff Alan Wolff by Sondra and

Walter Wolff, Jr.

FINE ARTS FUNDIn memory of Dorothy Katz by Madelyn

Goldfein, Judith and Robert Jolton, and Tom and Lainie Kaufman.

GENERAL OPERATING FUND In memory of Charlotte Lee, Leonard Nisenson,

and Dorothy Katz by Norman Miller.In memory of Bernard Rose and Barney

Weinstein by Maxine Rose.

We Gratefully Acknowledge the Contributions of Our Members and Friends

Contributions received in the Temple office by by Monday, April 4, will appear in the May Temple Bulletin. Contributions received after April 4 will appear in the June-July Temple Bulletin. Contributions are welcome to any of our funds at any time. For a list of Temple funds and their descriptions, go to the

Temple website at www.beth-elsa.org/SpecialFunds.htm You may also make a contribution online at www.beth-elsa.org/Contributions.htm.

In memory of Alexander Freiman by Micheline and George Rotblut.

In memory of Arthur Panfeld by Shirley Blanks and Family.

In memory of Hilda Pomerantz by Marty and Melvin Buck, Penny and Barry Russman, and Stephen J. Moffett.

In honor of the birthday of Tommy F. Arcos by Jessica and Gilbert Casares.

In memory of Albert I. Shaenfield by Marion and Sidney Shaenfield.

JACK AND ESTELLE KAUFMAN COMMUNITY OUTREACH FUND

In memory of Jay Honigblum and Sam Weinstein by Tom and Lainie Kaufman.

KIMMELMAN FUNDFor the speedy recovery of Harold Vexler by

Cathy Adelman.

LANDSMAN FAMILY RELIEF FUNDIn memory of Dorothy Katz, Hilda Pomerantz,

Marvin Selig, and Gertrude Petrova, and in

honor of the birthdays of Marolyn Charles, Elinor Forland, Martha Landsman, Chickie Rose, and Leslie Tramer by Bonnie Reed and Stu Schlossberg.

In memory of Paul Markey and in honor of the birthday of Martha Landsman by Eleanor Bergmann.

In appreciation by Dottie Block.In honor of the birthday of Martha Landsman by

Hattie Lee Gleichenhaus.

SELIGMAN-WASHER MEMORIAL MUSICAL ARTS FUND

In memory of Abe Gerson by Mel and Marlene Eichelbaum.

OSIAS AND BEUALH WOLF “FEED THE HUNGRY” FUND

In memory of Abram Gerson by Cathy Adelman.In memory of George Goldman by Harriet and

David Wolf.

JEAN AND JESSE WULFE RELIGIOUS ENHANCEMENT FUND

In memory of Charlotte Lee by Sandy and Carl Wulfe.

In the Temple FamilyWe congratulate those celebrating life’s joyous occasions...

Dana and Bruce Hendin, on the birth of their twin grandchildren, Isabel and Logan, born to Courtney and Dave Newman, in Frisco, Texas. Dr. Allison and Chris Rodgers, on the birth of their daughter, Eliana Claire. Ellen Lang, on her marriage to Dwain Self. Congratulations also to Ellen’s children, Isaac Neuman and Eva Jane Neuman, and to her parents, Dottie and Gus Block and Steve and Christi Lang. Marilyn and Stanley Faye, on the birth of their granddaughter, Sydney Logan Dressel, born to Loren Faye and Ed Dressel, in Denver, Colorado.

Babette and Kenneth Margolis, on the birth of their grandson, Isaiah Harold White, born to Kimberly and Paul White, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Congratulations also to Isaiah’s great-grandmother, Betty Berns.

Lisa and Phillip Abramson, on the birth of their grandson, Owen Gabriel Abramson, born to Lynn and Joshua Abramson, in Syosset, New York. Congratulations also to Owen’s great-grandparents, Glenda Alter and Idelle and Dr. Norman Abramson.

We congratulate those celebrating milestone birthdays in April...

Hortense Lyman-Fein, Frieda Fischer, Patricia Fischer, Dr. David Golden, Bill Goodman, Bertha Greenfield, Sally Halff, Helen Jacobson, Bill Kaufman, Joyce Kaufmann, Dr. Eleanor “Bitsy” Komet, Nathan Kovner, Dr. Charles Lerner, Barbara Levine,

Natalie Levine, Kenneth Margolis, Fred Nordhauser, Maurice Simon, Goldye Stein, Dr. Stephen Stern, and Dr. Hugh Wolff.

We congratulate those celebrating milestone anniversaries in April...

5 Years: Angelia and Dr. Carl Berkowitz; Debbie Coben and George Jelinek; and Dr. Susan and Michael Rosenberg30 Years: Drs. Isabelle Bass and Peter Wald45 Years: Gail and Marvin Zimmerman63 Years: Marjorie and Bob Gernsbacher64 Years: Idelle and Dr. H. Norman Abramson

Our Newest Jews-by-Choice

We congratulate three individuals who converted to Judaism in a ritual conducted by our Rabbis and Cantor in the Wulfe Sanctuary on March 31. Listed with their Hebrew names in parentheses, they are: Euphrosyne “Frosty” Krul (Ariel Devorah), Arquimedes “Art” Perez (Ytizhak), and Jacob Diomedes Perez (Ya’akov). As always, we are grateful to our Temple Sisterhood, which generously provided a reception, following the ceremony.

Rabbi Bergman Vann will invite these new Jews-by-Choice to the bimah for a special public blessing during Shabbat services on April 8.

Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2011 Page 7

Candlelight Ball

S A F T Y ’ S 5 5 T h A n n i v e r S A r YA tribute to our pAst, present, And future leAders

Please join us on May 14 for this year’s Gala as we give special recognition to Dr. Melvin Cohen, Paulette Goodman, Larry Goodman,

Rabbi Allison Bergman Vann, and Charlie Vann.

The “Candlelight Ball” has been SAFTY’s long-standing tradition for saying goodbye to graduating seniors and ending the school year. How appropriate that we will

honor SAFTY’s 55th Anniversary with a Candlelight Ball on May 14!

Temple Beth-El Gala Sponsors*

Senior

JuniorJen & Mark Eichelbaum

Sophomore Pizza Hut • Rabbi Barry & Dr. Toni Dollinger Block

Dr. Melvin L. Cohen • Cox, Smith, & Matthews

FreshmanAlamo Aircraft, Ltd. • Belken Insurance • Marilyn & Gerald Dubinski

Frost Bank • Natalie and M.H. Levine • Methodist HospitalBetsy, Lee, Michael & Susan Rosenberg • Angela & Steve Rubin and Lesley & Robert Rubin

Rabbi Samuel & Lynn Stahl • Shirley & Michael Swanson

Awards SponsorJessica & Ryan Berg of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry

The archival photos in this spread are current Temple members (with the exception of Jane Lauterstein, z’l) who were members of SAFTY. Our profound thanks to Barbara (Beck) Moss, who was the SAFTY Historian in 1965, and created an

unbelievably comprehensive scrapbook where she listed the people in all photos.

Want to honor a current or past SAFTYite? Ads for the Tribute Book are available beginning at $250. Contact Jen and Mark Eichelbaum

jmeichelbaum@yahoo.com for further information.

The Fletcher Goodman Band

Browse and shop in our wonderful Silent Auction,

including items from Julian Gold, Massage Envy, The Little Gym of Stone Oak, Ideal Image, Massages by Dan Klein, Orange Leaf, Learning

Express, The Bagel Factory, Red Robin, San Antonio Spurs

Tickets, Kirby’s Steakhouse, Z Tejas,

Grimaldi’s, Maggiano’s, and much more!

Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a

gold and diamond Star of David pendant

or an IPad 2!

(details will be sent out with

the invitations)

Please join us on May 14 to celebrate SAFTY’s 55th Anniversary 7:00 p.m. — Cocktails and Silent Auction

7:45 p.m. — Havdallah8:00 p.m. — Seated Dinner and Program

9:00 p.m. — Entertainment by The Fletcher Goodman Band

Dennis Stein SAFTY Advisor “Aunt” Jane Lauterstein, z” l

Betsy (Lauterstein) Rosenberg

Don’t Miss this Fabulous Event — A Tremendous Value! Who Knew Supporting our Temple Could Be So Much Fun?Tickets are $100 per person — Sponsorship Levels are available starting at $250 (includes 1 ticket), Table Sponsorship Levels of $5k and $10k

Proceeds Benefit the General Fund of Temple Beth-El.

Rachelle (Dawson) Mann

Barbara (Beck) Moss Dr. Mel Cohen

Debbie (Brook) Kempler

Susan (Wulfe) Gindy

Roy Kamin

Dr. David Cohen

Phil Abramson

If you have any SAFTY memorabilia that you would be willing to share with us, please contact Jen and Mark Eichelbaum at jmeichelbaum@yahoo.com . The more memories, the better!

Chuck Jefferson

* as of print date

Allison Bergman vann and Charlie vann are excited to celebrate SAFTY’s milestone anniversary because it is thanks to SAFTY that they met! Both have had deep involvement in Temple Beth-El, Allison as our Associate Rabbi and Charlie as a teacher and youth professional.

It all began at Spring Kallah, a SAFTY regional event (NFTY-TOR) conducted at Greene Family Camp. Rabbi Bergman met an advisor, from Congregation Emanu-El in Houston, named Charlie Vann. They began dating, and a year later, became engaged—at Spring Kallah! They were married in December, 2001, surrounded by SAFTYites, who served as ushers for the occasion.

Rabbi Bergman Vann has been serving Temple Beth-El since 1999, first as Assistant Rabbi, and now as Associate Rabbi. Her dedication and rabbinic leadership in Jewish life has sparked many wonderful relationships. From her inspiring leadership of our congregation in worship to skillfully supporting congregants in sensitive life cycle events, Rabbi Allison has continued to make Temple Beth-El a warm and welcoming Jewish community.

Charlie Vann has worked at the Eleanor Kolitz Academy as a teacher. He also earned his Masters Degree in Educational Leader-ship at UTSA. Through his dedication to Jewish youth and his leadership of Temple Beth-El SAFTYites, Charlie has mentored many young people. Charlie is currently employed at the Levy Company.

Allison and Charlie are very proud of their wonderful family. Their son Isaac is four years old and their two dogs, Frankie and Zeke, are definite characters in the family.

This summer, Allison, Charlie, Isaac, Frankie and Zeke will move to Beachwood, Ohio, where Allison will begin serving Suburban Temple-Kol Ami as their Rabbi.

Mel Cohen is a lifelong member of Temple Beth-El and a native of San Antonio. His love and commitment to Temple was nurtured early in his life as his mother, Betty Cohen, was President of the Temple Sister-hood and the San Antonio Section of the Na-tional Council of Jewish Women. His father, Melvin D. Cohen, an engineer, was involved in the Temple’s building committee. His ma-ternal grandmother, Carrie Pfeiffer Brown, was a founding member of our NCJW, and Mamie Cohen, his paternal grandmother, was the first president of Temple Beth-Israel Sisterhood in Houston.

Mel attended Temple Beth-El pre-school and was consecrated and confirmed at Temple. He was an active member of SAFTY throughout high school and served two terms as its treasurer. As an Eagle Scout he earned both scouting’s Aleph Award and NerTamid award given to Jewish scouts.

Involved in our community, Mel served ten years on the Jewish Family Service board, including terms as secretary, vice-president and as JFS liaison to the Jewish Campus Board. He is a member of the Jewish Federation Legacy Society.

Dedication to Temple Beth-El has led Mel to serve on the TBE Board for four years and four years as an officer of the Board of Trustees as secretary and vice-president. He is active in Kol Simcha, the volunteer choir, during the High Holy Days. Mel’s devotion and involvement in the congregation includes the Shalom Committee, Religious Practices Committee and currently as chair of the Cemetery Committee. He is an active member of Temple Brotherhood and chairs the Founders’ Day and Brotherhood Shabbat Committees. He is also a charter member of the EitzChayim: Tree of Life Legacy Program.

Mel graduated valedictorian from MacArthur High School. He obtained a B.A. degree in Behavioral Science and graduated Summa cum laude from Rice University, and attended medical school at the University of Virginia. After seven years active duty as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army, he returned to San Antonio to complete his schooling. Mel has served his professional associations including the Bexar County Psychiatric Society, the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians and as a Fellow of the American PsychologicalAssociation. He has been honored by S.A. Scene Magazine and Texas Monthly as one of the top child psychiatrists in San Antonio and the State of Texas.

Paulette and Larry Goodman are truly two of a kind. Larry was born in San Antonio and Paulette in San Angelo, Texas. Celebrating 47 happy years together, their love was immediate and they married three weeks after meeting. The rest is a wonderful giving history.

The Goodmans have a long history of being involved with youth organizations and in Temple Beth-El, beginning with their four children Frank, Lowell, Andrew, and Laura who all live in San Antonio. They became active in Sunday School projects, BEST, and then SAFTY. Over numerous years, they hosted up to 50 SAFTYites for overnight retreats at their Canyon Lake home. Whether to chaperone or help plan an event or Purim Carnival, Paulette and Larry always had lots of kids stay at their home for conclaves, including Charlie Vann and our Rabbi, Barry Block. They were instrumental in starting youth soccer in San Antonio, they coached soccer, as well as built and maintained several soccer fields.

Since retiring from their Midas auto repair business 17 years ago, they have been full time volunteers. They started the Meals on Wheels program in San Antonio and worked on several Habitat for Human-ity projects, including managing the Temple Beth-El sheet rock crew for Mitzvah Day. They also managed the construction of last year’s Temple play house build which is now at the Sunshine Cottage.

As the preeminent volunteers, they work for American Red Cross and have been on 12 national disaster relief efforts around the country. They volunteer at Methodist Hospital, where Paulette works in the gift shop and Larry escorts patients. They also volunteer at Santa Rosa Hospital, where Paulette works an information desk, and Larry is known as Mr. Popcorn. They are Airport Ambassadors, where they meet and greet visitors to San Antonio. They also volunteer for San Antonio Sports, Roadrunners Running Club, Paseo del Rio, the National Park Service Trails and Rails Program, the Fiesta Commission and the Professional Tour Guide Association to name a few.

Paulette and Larry enjoy traveling, especially cruising, walking and being outdoors. They make an indelible positive impression on everyone they meet, and their greatest joy now is spending a lot of time with their family and seven grandchildren.

May 14, 2011See You There!

Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2011 Page 11

Calling all those who have been adult Temple members for 50 or more years:

Friday, April 22, is the Shabbat YOU Will be Honored!During 6:30 P.M. Sabbath Eve Services in the Wulfe Sanctuary, Rabbi Block will bless all those

who have been continuous adult members of the Temple since 1961 or before.

The Service for the evening will be from the Union Prayerbook. Special thanks to Temple Emanu-El, Dallas, for lending us the prayerbooks. A festive Kiddush Reception will follow in the Barshop Auditorium.

Idelle and Dr. H. Norman Abramson

Glenda AlterJanet AlynElsa BarshopAnn and Samuel BarshopEleanor BergmannArlene and Dr. James BerlerBetty BernsBayla and Harvey BiskinDottie and Gus BlockLoyce BoarnetDr. Howard BrittonFanny BrooksSophie BrownCharlotte BurnettMaxine CarrMarolyn and Herbert CharlesElliott CohenSarae CohenVerla Mae CohenSally CooperJane DreyfusMarilyn and Gerald

DubinskiFreddye and Edward Duchin

Bayla and Selig EidelbergSuzy FinesilverElla FischerFrieda FischerWilma and Kenneth FischerElaine GaleMarjorie and Bob

GernsbacherHattie Lee GleichenhausBetty and Arnold GoldClaire GoldenMadelyn GoldfeinRuth Jean and Arthur

GurwitzSally HalffFlorence HalpernJean and Bernard P. HarrisJewel HoffmanHelen JacobsonNat JeffersonJack KallisonYvette KalterRose KaminLinda and Herbert KarrenElaine “Dixie” KaufmanEstelle “Prissy” Kaufman

Lainie and Tom KaufmanRoxana and Jerry KelferBarbara and Dr. Herbert

KeyserRita KoplanJudy LachmanMarjorie LandeMartha LandsmanChristi and S. Stephen LangMarilyn LeboRoselle Simon LeboLia and Arthur LeftonRuth LernerEstela and Rene LevyBetty and Aaron LifshutzRose “Precious” MandelMarjorie MarksElinor and Gerald MazurAbigail MichelsonRos and Calvin MichelsonLouise MichelsonDorothy and Gerd MillerHarriet and Sam NeumanFrances and Dr. Isadore

NeurockEdith Weiss Newhouse

Susan OppenheimerMarian OppenheimerJudy and Seymour PalansMiriam PaletzShar and Louis PitlukBonnie PlaceRobert PolunskyAnn PomerantzKate BadashAnna RadoEileen RaffkindHelene and Arthur RiklinMartha and Jack RipsChickie and Leo RoseAlice RosensteinSandra and Stanley

RosenbergTina RosettIris RubinLorraine RubinsteinFern and Dr.Sydney SchifferJennie and Stanley Schoen-

baumMarilyn ShererGloria and Gerald SilberMaurice Simon

Rose SinkinWilliam SinkinMiriam SobleDoris SpectorHelen and Dr. Perry SteinEvelyn SternBeth and Leonard SternJoAnn and Herbert StierHelen StoolDeborah and David StrausJocelyn and Joe Straus, Jr.Esther and Harold VexlerJoan and Charles WayMartin WeissElaine WestheimerJane WiedermannJo Ann WigodskyHarriet and David WolfFelice and Ronald WolffSondra and Walter Wolff, Jr.Barbara Hammer WoodSandra and Carl WulfeBarbara and Leon C.

“Sonny” Wulfe, Jr.Ingeborg and Josef Zyskind

This list of all those who have been continuous adult members since 1961 or before, has been compiled according to the Temple’s computerized records. If you do not see your name here and you think it should be, please call Geri Gregory at the Temple office, 733-9135, ext. 120, or email geri@beth-elsa.org.

Landsman Fund Helps Japanese Earthquake Victims

A severe earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale devas-tated Japan in March. We have all seen the horrific news footage of the ensuing tsunami and nuclear disaster, and many organizations, including Temple Beth-El, are pitching in to help.

A generous grant has been sent from Temple Beth-El’s Landsman Family Relief Fund to the Jewish Federation of San Antonio’s Japan Disaster Relief Fund.

Our congregation can be grateful to Martha and the late Richard Landsman, for creating this fund, which allows our Temple family to respond to natural and human disasters throughout the world. Rabbi Block and Harriet “Missy” Berler approve all grants made from this Relief Fund. Donations to the Landsman Family Relief Fund are always welcome.

Electric Wheelchair Donated to the Temple

We are grateful to the family of Irving Middleman, z”l, who donated a motorized wheel-chair to the Temple in his memory. Irv had urged us to acquire an electric wheelchair for those who could not easily make the long walk to our wor-ship spaces. While we were unable to purchase one, we did institute the well-received announce-ment, “It’s a Long Walk to the Wulfe Sanctuary,” and offered regular wheelchairs for use because of Irv’s suggestion. We thank Irv’s family for giving us his gently-used electric wheelchair, thus allowing others to cruise the Stahl Gallery with ease and in comfort.

Habitat for Humanity Build Dates: April 3 & May 1

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a real difference — sign up today!

Temple Beth-El and Brotherhood will team with Agudas Achim’s Men’s Club to co-sponsor the build of a Habitat for Humanity House for a family in San Antonio. Habitat for Humanity is an international organization that builds affordable housing for families in need. This is the fourth year in a row for Temple’s participation. This project is underwritten in part by the generous support of the Gilbert and Ruth Lang Human Development Fund, Temple Beth-El’s Brotherhood, and congregants like you.

On April 3, activities will include roof decking, hanging wall sheathing, installing porch posts, and installing fascia. You must be at least 16 years old to volunteer on April 3. The activities slated for May 1, include siding, shingling, assembling cabinets and painting. You must be at least 14 years old to volunteer on May 1.

If you would like to volunteer or make a monetary donation to this project, please contact Mark Ingram at wmingram@gmail.com or (210) 884-2383.

Page 12 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2011

Educator’s Edition Making Miracles

Soon we will gather around tables to celebrate the Festival of Pesach and read of the many miracles performed by Adonai for our ancestors who were seek-

ing personal and religious freedom. For example, we have “fun” with the recitation of the plagues sent to convince Pharaoh to release the Jewish people. We sing a song filled with the unlikely antics of dogs, cats, and money called zuzzim, again to remind us of Adonai’s presence that sets the world into motion while protecting us from the unknown.

How often do we really think about the myriad of miracles in our modern lives? The miracle of finding that special friend or the birth of a child or recovering from the flu? The miracle of having freedom to worship Adonai according to our own belief system and the miracle of having a community who cares and supports you and celebrates your successes.

Why would an educator be concerned about miracles? In the context of educa-tion, miracles can happen everyday, in every classroom, at every event. Or not. Oftentimes we must be very deliberate in creating action plans that make miracles possible. Parents of children inherently know this but may not be cognizant of the action plan. We can not “make” our children Jewish unless we expose them to Judaism. Enrolling them in classes at Re-ligious School or Hebrew School starts the process, but it isn’t until the family “lives” Jewishly that the lessons become real and the Jewish memories are embedded into the identity of the child. THAT is the miracle – when the child becomes fully aware of the specialness of being Jewish, doing Jewish activities, and being a member of the Jew-ish People.

Yes, some miracles “just happen,” but others become real only when we are ac-tive participants. The Passover dinner will “appear” on the table after someone shops, chops, and cooks. The story of our freedom will be told after someone reads and dis-cusses the text. If you aren’t really paying attention, you might miss the miracle – that moment when everyone around the table is smiling; when someone hears something new in the old story, and it enriches the celebration; when finding the afikomen is especially difficult, and it becomes a new legend for those around the table.

TBE Youth CentralMarch was all about Purim for TBE Youth

Groups! Our youth had a blast putting on the Carnival, dunking ma’asehs, and eating as much cotton candy as they could get their hands on. Gesherites graduated into SAFTY and celebrated with a Magical Mystery Tour of San Antonio. In addition to welcoming its newest members, SAFTY also elected its new leadership board for 2011-2012! Officers will be announced in the May bulletin.

Here’s what’s coming up in April:

HAVERIM (Grades 4 and 5) Friday, April 1: Family Shabbat

Bring the whole family for a youth-group style Shabbat at Temple!

OLIM (Grades 6 and 7)Sunday April 17: Care-a-Thon

Stay after religious school for our spring social action project!

SAFTY (Grades 8-12)Saturday, April 2: SAFTY Elections

Sunday, April 3: J-SERVE at the JCC

April 29 - May 1: NFTY TOR Spring Kallah at Greene Family Camp

Visit www.nfty.org/tor to register.

SAFTYites: Stay tuned for info from Elena about SAFTY Schmoozes in the month of April.

Questions? Contact Elena Dufner, Youth Directorelena@beth-elsa.org, 733-9135 ext 121

The Seder becomes one of the sign posts that helps keep us on track and gives us points of reference to remember, to celebrate, and to plan for the future. Jewish memories are what sustain us as a People. The memories of the good times and the bad infuse our sense of identity.

So when the Passover Seder is finished, and all the dishes have been washed and the hag-gadot returned to their special cabinet, begin planning for your next miracle making. This month you and your extended family might choose to volunteer to help others in the San Antonio community. You might set aside time to attend a special educa-tional or cultural program with your children or your friends. Perhaps your miracle will happen when you reach out to the new member or visitor at Temple, and you both end up finding a special friend. Or maybe you will make a double portion of chicken soup and freeze half to share with someone who is stuck at home with a bad cold or the flu. The miracle may not be immediately evident, but if you take the time to be fully in the moment, I think you will feel a moment of great liberation. Hag Sameach Pesach.

Teresa Parker

Religious School CalendarClass sessions:

Sundays, April 3, 10 and 17 — 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon Note: no classes on Sunday, April 24Tuesday mid-week Hebrew classes — April 5, 12, and 26; 4:30 – 6:00 P.M. Note: no class Tuesday, April 19Wednesday mid-week Hebrew classes — April 6, 13, and 27; 4:30 – 6:00 P.M. Note: no class Wednesday, April 20AH-HAH class (3 year olds and their parents) — Sunday, April 17; 11:00 – 11:55 A.M.

Pre-K class (independent 4 year olds) — Sunday, April 17; 9:15 – 10:45 A.M. Grade 9/Pre-Confirmation — Sunday, April 3 – class at the JCC – National J-Serve volunteer day

Sunday, April 10 and 17 – classes at Temple; 10:30 A.M. – 12:00 Noon Grade 10/Confirmation — Sunday, April 3 – class at the JCC –

National J-Serve volunteer daySunday, April 10 and 17 – classes at Temple; 10:30 A.M. – 12:00 Noon

Special Programs in April:Sunday, April 3; 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Grades 8-12 will participate in J-Serve at the JCC campus. Teens will have an opportunity to choose between volunteer sites such as Any Baby

Can, San Antonio Parks and Recreation, the Martinez Street Women’s Center and others. Lunch and community service hours offered to all participants. To reserve your official t-shirt please contact Rachel Rustin at rustinr@JCC-SA.org or 302-6969.

Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2011 Page 13

Brotherhood is “On the Move!”In March, Brotherhood’s Annual meeting took place, and new

officers were elected. Andy Kabbe was elected President and Carl Brown, David Rubenstein and Tim Williamson elected as Vice Presidents. Dr. Willie Cantu and Daniel Laser were reelected as Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

In April, we look forward to the following events: Habitat Build Part A on April 3 (See page 11), Battle of the Flowers and Flambeau Parade on April 15 and 16, the Community Seder on April 19 (See page 4) and the Men’s Seder on April 24 (See page 5).

Come and be a part of our Temple/Brotherhood/Agudas Achim volunteers as we help assist a family in building a home that they would not otherwise ever be able to afford. If you have never helped before, you will be moved at the gratitude of these families.

The parades on April 15-16 are the two top money-makers for the Brotherhood and allow volunteers the opportunities to get out in the fresh air, be part of the parade atmosphere and get front row seats to both parades. It takes between 12-15 volunteers each day, so we are always looking for help.

The Brotherhood hosts both the Community Seder (April 19) and the Men’s Seder (April 24) during Pesach. This serves as an opportunity to be part of and join in our Temple Community. The Men’s Seder is held at the Barn Door and is a fabulous event. There are only 65 seats so make sure you make your reservations early.

Volunteering is such a large part of the Brotherhood tradition, and we look forward to seeing each and every one of you. By the way, you do not have to be male to volunteer!

Brotherhood Elects New President

Last month, the Temple Beth-El Brotherhood elected Temple member Andy Kabbe as President. His tenure began immediately upon succeeding Bruce Munch.

Andy is married to Evette, and they have three sons in Temple Religious School — Ethan (grade 5), Joshua (grade 2), and Matthew (JCC Pre-K). In March, Andy celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with a class of seven other adults.

He and his family moved from San Diego to San Antonio in the spring of 2009. Since the late 1990s, Andy has been very active in the URJ Brotherhood,

beginning at Temple Beth Sholom in Orange County, CA, and continuing for many years at Temple Solel in North County San Diego. He volunteered and attended the 2007 URJ Biennial in San Diego, spending time in the workshops for Men for Reform Judaism (MRJ).

Andy is a Business Development Manager for the San Antonio branch at MODIS, an information technology consulting and recruiting company.

In Andy’s own words, “I feel privileged to now serve as President of the Temple Beth-El Brotherhood. I look forward to building on the momentum and leadership that has led this large and active movement over the last eight decades. Given my activity in other URJ synagogues and regional events outside San Antonio, it’s important to note that our Brotherhood has a larger than usual membership and uniquely serves all ages of men at Temple Beth-El. All of us should be very proud of this fact. I want to make a special note and invitation to the men of Temple Beth-El to please attend the upcoming Men’s Seder on April 24. Reserve your seat soon!”

Linda Levy to Receive Sisterhood’s Highest Award

Temple Beth-El Sisterhood will present Linda Levy with its most distinguished honor, the Or Tamid award. Or Tamid, which means “everlasting light,” acknowl-edges Sisterhood members who exemplify continuous and consistent quality of service to the organization. Selection is made by the Honors Committee. Please join Sisterhood in honoring Linda by attending a luncheon buffet on Sunday, April 17, at La Fonda on Main, 2415 North Main Avenue, at 12:30 P.M.

Following her mother’s example as a lifelong Sisterhood member in her home-town of Springfield, IL, Linda joined the Sisterhood of Sinai Temple in Champaign, IL, in the late 1970s, where she served in several board positions and also as Sisterhood President for a two-year term. Linda moved to San Antonio in 1991 and joined Temple Beth-El. The creation of the Sisterhood choir became Linda’s entrée into Beth-El Sisterhood, and shortly thereaf-ter, Debbi Mandel invited her to become a Director on the Sisterhood board. She chaired several committees and was elected Vice-Pres-ident for the Advancement of Judaism and then President in 2003. Since finishing her term as President, Linda has remained active in Sisterhood and has served on the Executive Board as Past President/Chair of the Nominating Committee, Corresponding Secretary, and currently as Financial Secretary. Linda has represented Sisterhood at both regional and national meetings, including Biennials in Chicago, Boston and Minneapolis. She was honored to receive the President’s Award in 2003.

Linda has served on the Temple Beth-El Board of Directors and several Temple Committees, including the Religious School Com-mittee, the Library Committee, and the Religious Practices Commit-tee. In addition to the Sisterhood choir, Linda is an active member of Kol Simcha, the Temple’s volunteer choir.

Linda graduated from Smith College in Northampton, MA and earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois. After a career as a medical social worker, Linda returned to the University of Illinois for a second Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science. Linda is currently the Assistant Director for Branch Libraries and Database Services at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Last summer, she was selected for induction into the UTHSC’s Academy of Master Teachers, only the second librarian in the state to have received that honor.

She relaxes by swimming and exercising at the JCC, by read-ing, knitting, playing Sudoku, and watching the San Antonio Spurs. Whenever possible — even in the winter — Linda returns to her Midwest roots with her husband Daniel Laser, traveling to Chicago to see their son Adam and his wife Cristin and their daughter Mara and her husband James.

Make your reservation for the luncheon no later than April 10, by mailing your check to Kay Nell Bates, 8447 Shooting Quail, San Antonio, Texas, 78250, or register online at www.formstack.com/forms/bethelsa-ortamid by April 10, 2011. You may choose from the following categories, $20.00, $25.00 Mazel Tov or $36.00 L’Chaim. Those wishing to send a congratulatory UNIONGRAM ($5.00 each) or GOLDENGRAM ($18.00 each) to Linda may send a check to Courtney Silver, 1402 Blackbird Lane, San Antonio, Texas, 78248 by April 10, 2010, with their greeting. Both reservation and UNION-GRAM checks may be made payable to Temple Beth-El Sisterhood.

Bulletin DeadlineThe deadline for the May Temple Bulletin will be Thursday,

April 7, at 12:00 Noon. All articles and photos must be submitted by that time. Articles must not exceed 250 words. They may also be

submitted on a CD or by e-mail to geri@beth-elsa.org .

Page 14 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2011

New Books at The Bendiner Library

Jack Cooper has written Who Knew?! Unusual Stories in Jewish History, which is made up of many facts and historical information as well as biblical information. It tells stories about a resourceful people who have survived and grown through history.

The Chosen Folks: Jews on the Frontiers of Texas by Bryan Edward Stone says that Texas has one of the largest Jewish populations in the South and West. This book explores the whole evolution of the Jewish experience in Texas from the Spanish Inquisition in the late sixteenth century to the communities that began to grow as the frontier moved west. Through exciting narratives, this book brings to life many historical pioneers we all know.

The German Bride written by Joanna Hershon is a western set in New Mexico near the end of the 1800’s. Like many women who came to this country when the men needed a bride. Eva Frank made the trip from Germany to marry Abraham Shein. This book tells what life was like in frontier times.

The synagogue was one of the most central and different institu-tions of ancient Judaism which left its mark on Christianity and Islam. The Ancient Synagogue: the First Thousand Years by Lee I. Levine is an in-depth and complete history from the Hellenistic period to the end of late antiquity. The basic features are described and there are many pictures.

The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson has been chosen for the Booker Award. This story of three friends, two of whom are Jew-ish, and one isn’t sure, is set in London.The men are in a club called ASHamed for people ashamed of their Judaism. There are several odd things that happen to each of them throughout the book.

I hope to see you in the Bendiner Library soon. TheLibrary hours are Wednesdays, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.,

and Sundays during Religious School.

New Introduction to Judaism Section to Begin Saturday, April 9

New students will be welcomed to our Introduction to Judaism course beginning on Saturday, April 9, in the Block Conference Cen-ter of the Temple. Classes will be held from 9:00 to 10:15 A.M., every Saturday, except as announced. In the past, the course was offered in a fall or a spring semester, even though the conversion process was an entire year. Now, classes continue for an entire year.

All major facets of Jewish life are covered, including introduc-tory Hebrew. Rabbis Block and Bergman Vann are the principal instructors.

Course Open to AllThough all prospective converts to Judaism are required to

enroll in this course, the program is open to the entire congregation and community. The course is particularly appropriate for interfaith couples, whether or not the non-Jewish partner is seeking conversion. Many Jewish adults have found this course to be an excellent way to enhance their own Jewish education. Conversion candidates, who are married or engaged, or who have significant others, are required to attend the program together with their partners. There is no charge for the Introduction to Judaism course, though there is a charge for books, and conversion candidates may incur other expenses as part of the program.

To register, and for more information, please contact Iris Berman-Smith at the Temple office, 733-9135, ext. 106, or iris@beth-elsa.org. Registrants who may possibly be conversion candidates are asked to kindly indicate that fact to Iris.

Our Introduction to Judaism program has been dedicated in memory of Marjorie Green Patterson, by her family.

Family Shabbat April 1!Sit down at 6:15 P.M. with your entire family and enjoy a

good, hot Shabbat Dinner (not pizza)! At 7:00 P.M., children who are in Grades 1 through 4 will go to “HOT Shabbat,” and those families with children 5 and under will go to “TOT Shabbat!”

The cost for “Family Shabbat Dinner” is $12 for adults, and $7 for children 6 to 12, and children 5 and under are free; $35 maximum per family. Questions? Contact Elena Dufner, elena@beth-elsa.org. Reserve your spot using your credit card by calling the reservations hotline at 733-9135, ext. 208, or send

a check to the Temple, designating it for “Family Shabbat Dinner.”

Spend Shabbat Eve with your family, and get to know

other Jewish families!

Monday Movie Madness!Monday, April 11 • 7:00 P.M.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Park NorthSee a screening of Berlin 36

Made in 2009, this German movie depicts the true story of the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, when progressive U.S. citizens called for a U.S. boycott of the Olympics because German Jews were systematically kept out of the competition. In these games, American Jesse Owens won four gold med-als. Shown at some Jewish Film Festivals, this popular movie depicts the unlikely friendship between two German athletes – Gretel Bergmann, kept out of the Olympics, and Marie Ketteler, brought in to take Gretel’s place.

Seating is VERY limited! The cost is only $10 per person, payable in advance, by credit card to the Temple’s reserva-tions hotline, 733-9135, ext. 208, or by check to the Temple office, 211 Belknap Place, San Antonio, TX 78212.

Save the Date

Batter Up!A Congregational Trip to see The Missions Play Baseball!

Saturday, June 4, 7:05 P.M.Organized by Temple Beth-El Brotherhood.

Watch for further details in the May Temple Bulletin.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

NFTY TOR Spring at GFC, April 29 – May 1Kallah

26 Adar II 27 Adar II

28 Adar II 29 Adar II 1 Nissan

2 Nissan

4 Nissan 5 Nissan

6 Nissan 7 Nissan 8 Nissan

9 Nissan

11 Nissan

12 Nissan

13 Nissan 14 Nissan 15 Nissan 16 Nissan 18 Nissan 19 Nissan

20 Nissan 21 Nissan 22 Nissan

23 Nissan

25 Nissan

26 Nissan

10 Nissan

3 Nissan

17 Nissan

24 Nissan

4:30 PM Midweek Hebrew at the Temple.7:00 PM Adult Ed series, “Jews, Food & Spirituality: A Complex Relationship” with Brittany Power and Amy Strickland cooking Passover meal items using locally-grown and organic ingredients.7:00 PM Introduction to Judaism.

12:00 Noon May Temple Bulletin Deadline.4:30 PM Midweek Hebrew at the Jewish Community Campus.7:00 PM Board of Trustees Meeting.

8:00 AM Temple Habitat for Humanity Build.8:30 AM Boker Tov Café.9:00 AM Religious School.9:00 AM Grades 8 through 12 at J-Serve at the JCC.9:00 AM Sisterhood Knitz-vahteers.

8:30 AM Boker Tov Café.9:00 AM Religious School.9:15 AM Pre-K class.10:00 AM Confirmation class.10:30 AM Pre-Confirmation class. 11:00 AM AH-HAH class.12:00 Noon Olim “Stay and Play.”12:30 PM Sisterhood Or Tamid Luncheon honoring Linda Levy & Sisterhood Elections Meeting at La Fonda on Main.

PassoverNO Religious School.6:00 PM Men’s Seder at The Barn Door Restaurant.

May Bulletin Deadline:April 7, at 12:00 Noon

April 2011/Adar II — Nissan 5771 Temple Beth-El Monthly PlannerTemple Telephone: (210) 733-9135

FAX: (210) 737-8946 Email: temple@beth-elsa.org

First Day of PassoverThe Temple Offices are closed.10:30 AM Passover Festival Service in the Oppenheimer Chapel.NO Midweek Hebrew at the Jewish Community Campus.6:00 PM Community Seder.

First Night

of Passover

Home Seder Night

4:30 PM Midweek Hebrew at the Jewish Community Campus.

Last Day of PassoverThe Temple Offices are closed.10:30 AM Passover Yizkor Service in the Oppenheimer Chapel.

PassoverNO Midweek Hebrew at the Temple.NO Introduction to Judaism.

4:30 PM Midweek Hebrew at the Temple.7:00 PM Adult Ed series, “Jews, Food & Spirituality: A Complex Relationship” with Rabbi Block, who will discuss the book The Sacred Table: Creating A Jewish Food Ethic.

6:15 PM Kabbalat Shabbat.6:30 PM Oppenheimer Chapel Shabbat Service. Rabbi Bergman and Cantor Berlin will officiate. Rabbi Bergman Vann will speak on, “The Stranger in Our Midst: Caring for the Other.”6:30 PM Barshop Auditorium Shabbat Service. Rabbi Block will officiate with volunteer songleader, Michael Malinas.

9:00 AM Introduction to Judaism.9:15 AM Shabbat Torah Study with Rabbi Bergman Vann.10:30 AM Wulfe Sanctuary Shabbat Service. Rabbis Block and Bergman Vann and Cantor Berlin will officiate. Roomberg Bar Mitzvah.

6:15 PM Kabbalat Shabbat.6:30 PM Wulfe Sanctuary Shabbat Service. Rabbi Bergman Vann will officiate with volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Greg Gonzalez, and will speak on, “Healing of Body and Mind.” Jonathan Roomberg and his family will participate in the service.6:30 PM Barshop Auditorium Shabbat Service. Cantor Berlin and Rabbi Alan Berlin will officiate with Rabbi Alan Berlin on guitar.

12:00 Noon Brotherhood “First Friday Lunch” at Grady’s BBQ. 6:15 PM Kabbalat Shabbat.6:15 PM Family Shabbat Dinner.6:30 PM Oppenheimer Chapel Shabbat Service. Rabbi Bergman Vann will officiate with volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Dr. Susan Wynne, and will speak on, “Rosh Hodesh: The New Moon.”6:30 PM Barshop Auditorium Shabbat Service. Cantor Berlin will officiate with Shlihei Tzibbur (worship leaders) Harry H. Levy, IV, Kathi Kardon, and Roman Vasquez, with accompaniment by the Temple Beth-El Band.7:00 PM TOT Shabbat – Wulfe Sanctuary with Caitlin Smith.

9:00 AM Introduction to Judaism.9:15 AM Shabbat Torah Study with Rabbi Bergman Vann.10:30 AM Oppenheimer Chapel Shabbat Service. Rabbi Bergman Vann and Cantor Berlin will officiate.6:00 PM SAFTY Elections

8:30 AM Boker Tov Café.9:00 AM Religious School.9:00 AM B’nai Mitzvah Par-ents’ Havurah.10:00 AM Confirmation class.10:30 AM Pre-Confirmation class.10:30 AM Sisterhood Board Meeting.

4:30 PM Midweek Hebrew at the Jewish Community Campus.6:00 PM Women’s Seder.

4:30 PM Midweek Hebrew at the Temple.7:00 PM Adult Ed series, “Jews, Food & Spirituality: A Complex Relationship” with guest speak Mason Arnold, CEO and founder of Greenling.7:00 PM Introduction to Judaism.

9:00 AM Introduction to Judaism.9:15 AM Shabbat Torah Study with Rabbi Berg-man Vann.10:30 AM Oppenheimer Chapel Shabbat Service. Rabbi Bergman Vann will officiate with volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Rachel Walsh.

Passover6:15 PM Kabbalat Shabbat.6:30 PM Wulfe Sanctuary Shabbat Service. Rabbi Block and Cantor Berlin will officiate. Lynne Balbert, Greg Gonzalez, Reva Kaden, Janie Kolman, Lindsey Van de Kirk, Rachel Walsh, and Dr. Susan Wynne, along with Cantor Berlin, will present a “Sermon in Song: The Music of Classical Reform Judaism.” All those who have been Temple members continuously for 50 or more years, will be blessed. The Union Prayerbook will be used.6:30 PM Barshop Auditorium Shabbat Service. Shlihei Tzibbur (worship leaders) Sharon Miller, Ina Bushon, and Chris Brown will officiate with volunteer songleader, Michael Malinas.

6:15 PM Kabbalat Shabbat.6:30 PM Wulfe Sanctuary Shabbat Service. Rabbi Block and Cantor Berlin will officiate. Rabbi Block will speak on, “Judaism and Labor Unions.” Katie Cutler and her family will participate in the service.6:30 PM Barshop Auditorium Shabbat Service. Rabbi Bergman Vann will officiate with volunteer songleader, Elaine Kovner.

Passover9:15 AM Shabbat Torah Study with Rabbi Block.10:30 AM Oppenheimer Chapel Shabbat Service. Rabbi Block will officiate with volunteer Cantorial Soloist, Janie Kolman.10:30 AM Shabbat Ser-vice at Golden Estates with Cantor Julie Berlin.

9:00 AM Introduction to Judaism.9:15 AM Shabbat Torah Study with Rabbi Block.10:30 AM Wulfe Sanctuary Shabbat Service. Rabbis Block and Bergman Vann and Cantor Berlin will officiate. Cutler Bat Mitzvah.

7:00 PM Monday Movie Madness: Screening of Berlin 36 at Alamo Draft-house Park North Theater.

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Page 16 Temple Beth-El Bulletin – April 2011

Mission Statement of Congregation Beth-ElThe mission of Congregation Beth-El (also known as “Temple Beth-El”) is to

create a welcoming and vibrant house of God that inspires a community of Reform Jews committed to meaningful worship, spiritual growth, tikkun olam, and outreach within and beyond our congregation.

Temple Beth-El Bulletin211 Belknap PlaceSan Antonio, Texas 78212Phone 733-9135

RabbisBarry H. D. Block

Allison Bergman VannDr. Samuel M. Stahl, Emeritus

CantorJulie Berlin

Professional StaffTeresa Parker, RJE, Education DirectorRabbi Alan Berlin, Executive Director

Geri Gregory, Member Services CoordinatorIris Berman-Smith, Clergy & Cemetery Administrator

Elena Dufner, Youth Director

Michael D. Kung, Facilities ManagerMichael Ringel, ControllerJean White, Music Director

OfficersSteven A. Rubin, President

Bill Goodman, Senior Vice PresidentArlene Dryer, Vice PresidentElaine Kovner, Vice President

Michael Swanson, Vice PresidentAnne Kanter, Treasurer

Dr. Melvin L. Cohen, Recording Secretary

AuxiliariesAndy Kabbe, Brotherhood President

Ina Bushon, Sisterhood PresidentEsther Malinas, SAFTY President

Temple to Host Expert on Organic and Sustainable Eating

As part of our adult education series, “Jews, Food, and Spirituality: A Complex Relation-ship,” Temple is hosting the founder and CEO of Green-ling, Mason Arnold, to speak. All are wel-come to his presenta-

tion on Wednesday, April 13, at 7:00 P.M., at the Temple. There is no charge, but RSVPs are requested to 733-9135, ext. 120 or geri@beth-elsa.org. Please see details of the remain-ing sessions of the adult ed series to the left.

Mason Arnold has been an Organics pioneer and serial entrepreneur since gradu-ating from The University of Texas in 2001. Mason is founder and CEO of Greenling, the

first and largest viable grocery delivery service in Austin and San Antonio with a focus on sustainability through local and organic food. Greenling has won many awards for its technology, business model, and environmental stewardship including ‘Best Local Food Company’ by Austin Chronicle readers for four years run-ning. A longtime Organic activist, Mason drafted legislation to create the Organic Advisory Board to the Texas Depart-ment of Agriculture and remains active in public policy. In 2008, Mason formed the Organic Association of Texas, a legislative action and lobbying group for the Organic industry in Texas. Mason also helped bring the Slow Money movement to Austin and formed Slow Money Austin, an organization trying to facilitate the flow of capital to local food systems.

Adult Education Series Continues…Jews, Food, and Spirituality: A Complex Relationship

Many of us have remarked, “If Jews are gathered, there must be food!” The story of our food does not begin and end on our plate. Food is produced somewhere, by someone, under some circumstances. More and more people are asking not only, “Is this food good for my body?” but also, “Is this food good for the world?”

This adult education series is designed to raise questions and awareness about our relationship with food, physically, mentally, and spiritually. The diversity of presentations will provide much “food for thought!”

Wednesday, April 6 – Brittany Power and Amy Strickland will demonstrate how to cook for Passover using healthy and locally-grown ingredients.

Wednesday, April 13 – Mason Arnold, CEO and founder of Greenling (www.greenling.com) will be our guest speaker, and will discuss eating well, eating organic, eating locally, and how we can help heal the environment by doing so.

Wednesday, April 27 – Rabbi Barry Block will conclude the series with a discussion of the new book, The Sacred Table: Creating a Jewish Food Ethic, edited by Mary L. Zamore, and published by CCAR Press. All sessions will be held from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. There is no fee for attendance, but RSVPs are requested to elena@beth-elsa.org or 733-9135, ext. 208, so we will know how many to expect.

Let’s Continue the Discussion…Do you have more you want to say or discuss about Jews

and Food? Log onto the Temple Blog by going to the Temple’s homepage, www.beth-elsa.org, and clicking on “Temple Blog” in the list on the right-hand side of the page, or go directly to it, at http://underourdomeatbethel.blogspot.com/.”