Fall 2011 J-Connections

anita kruse geila hocherman dennis prager & Joseph telushkin Jennifer griffin & greg myre


dennis prager&josepH telusHkin jennifer griffin& greg myre kostya kennedyizzeldin abuelaisH


marilyn berger judith brin ingber adina hoffman peter cole jay michaelsonsteven levy ellen rothberg john thorn alyson richman paula fredriksen


peter cole jay micHaelson steven levy bill megenHardtjoHn tHornalyson ricHman paula fredricksenadrienne coopercHarles foxsteven fenbergamy epHron


marilyn berger juditH brin ingber adina Hoffmanpeter cole jay micHaelsonsteven levyellen rotHbergjoHn tHorn alyson ricHmanpaula fredriksen


david bezmozgis marc ostrofsky meir shalev craig parks aubrey davisellen leventhallisa sheinbaum marc agronin alick isaacs gerald steinacher haley tanner


marc ostrofskymeir shalevcraig parksaubrey davisellen leventhallisa sheinbaummarc agronin


aubrey davis ellen leventHal lisa sHeinbaum marc agronin alick isaacsgerald steinacHerHaley tanner


meir shalev marc ostrofskycraig parks aubrey davis ellen leventhal lisa sheinbaum marc agronin


bill megenHardt anita kruse amy epHron dennis prager & josepH telusHkin


geila HocHerman dennis prager aubrey davis jennifer griffin& greg myrekostya kennedy


amy ephron ellen rothberg meir shalev amy ephron anita kruse geila hocherman dennis prager


jay micHaelson steven levy cHarles fox gerald steinacHer alyson ricHman paula fredriksen


steven fenberg joHn tHorn rabbi josepH telusHkin juditH brin ingber project trio ellen leventHal

greg myrekostya kennedyizzeldin abuelaishdavid bezmozgis


david bezmozgismarc ostrofskymeir sHalevcraig parks


project trio adrienne coopercharles fox steven fenberg alicK isaacs


amy ephron anita kruse ellen rothberg bill megenhardtjohn thorn


adrienne cooper cHarles fox steven fenberg project trio


marilyn berger judith brin ingberadina hoffman peter cole


marilyn berger juditH brin ingber adina Hoffman peter cole jay micHaelson

alick isaacs gerald steinacher haley tanner


marilyn bergerjuditH brin ingberadina Hoffman




greg myre kostya kennedyizzeldin abuelaish


telushkin geila hocherman


izzeldin abuelaishdavid bezmozgis


JosePh telushkin Jennifer griffin



adrienne cooPer charles fox

adrienne cooPer charles foxdennis Prager&JosePh telushkin

HAPPENINGS AT THE EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF HOUSTON

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION

on

th

e c

ov

er

InsideConnections

39th

jewish book& arts fair

39thannual


ENGAGING ISRAEL

MEALS ON WHEELS

CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL

2012 JCC MACCABI GAMES® & ARTSFEST®

JEWISH BOOK & ARTS FAIR

ERJCC PHILANTHROPY

orth American Jewry is at a crossroads in its relationship with Israel. Unlike the sentiment through

the 1990s, when the global Jewish community was predominantly pro-Israel, today many North American Jews are either apathetic or pessimistic about the Jewish State. Recognizing this shift, the Shalom Hartman Institute has authored a new program entitled Engaging Israel: Foundations for a New Relationship, designed to help North American Jewry develop a new relationship with Israel that is very different from that of our parents and grandparents. The Engaging Israel project attempts to construct a new narrative and language for establishing this

very day the Evelyn Ruben-stein JCC makes mo-ments into memories. Toddlers light

their first Shabbat candles. A shy thespian belts out a solo. A young athlete dunks a basket. A teen serves a meal to a homeless person. A family wiggles to a new song. Young adults meet at a concert. A senior paints a fond memory. All of this happens in a single week at the Milton Levit Family Campus. Any of these memories sound like yours? There is one simple ingredient to the recipe for making moments into memories. People. People volunteer their time to help select inspiring authors for the Jewish Book & Arts Fair and to deliver Meals on Wheels to homebound

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covenant between Israel and world Jewry, a narrative responding to the central dilemmas that are increasingly causing alienation among Jews. Currently focused on two core issues, why Jews need a Jewish state today and whether this state can be a moral and democratic one, this project

endeavors to define a covenant that will enable Jews to put both the aspirations and the difficulties they experience with Israel on the table. In this manner, a relationship can be created that does not demand

blind acceptance but rather calls for a commitment to participate in a conversation that will contribute to the nation that each Jew believes Israel ought to be. The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, in partnership with Congregation Beth Yeshurun,

the Jewish Federation and other Jewish agencies across Houston, will be offering this course to our

community beginning on Monday, October 10. Each two-hour session will include a video presentation by Rabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman, followed by an interview with an Engaging Is-rael team member or leading expert on

RESPONDING TO THE CENTRAL

DILEMMAS THAT ARE INCREASINGLY

CAUSING ALIENATION AMONG JEWS

seniors. Volunteers work with staff to assess the needs of the community and seed initiatives like infant care to support working parents. “I volunteer with JCC Maccabi,” said Jordan Dubin, past participant and ERJCC Board Member, “because the event allows teens the opportunity to con-nect athletically, socially and Jewishly.” People, the individuals and families whose names grace our build-ings and programs, have been the foundation of philanthropic support that have inspired many memory making moments. Ten percent of the ERJCC budget, $1.5m, comes from individuals, foundations and corporations. People that support the Patrons of the Arts help fund stimulating lectures and concerts. People that dance at the Children’s Scholarship Ball give children a jump start with an early childhood educa-tion. Many companies and founda-tions support the ERJCC because they appreciate the quality programs

and services extended to the entire Houston community. “Our company supports Houston arts and culture organizations because communities thrive when rich, cultural resources are readily available and accessible to residence,” said the JPMorgan Chase Foundation. People join the Continuity Society, with a gift of $10,000 or more an-nually, to support ongoing initiatives. Lastly, it is people who join the Legacy Society and make a provision in their estate to leave a gift to the ERJCC so that the next generation can make moments into memories. If you are one of the people that volunteers your time and philanthropy, THANK YOU. If you would like to learn more, visit the Support the ERJCC tab on our website or contact Debbie Diamond, Director of Development, at [email protected] or 713.729.3200 ext. 3114.

the issue at hand. Following the video, the session will continue with an interactive, text-based learning session led by either Rabbi Steven Morgen of Congregation Beth Yeshurun or Jonathan Fass of the Center for Jewish Living and Learning. Participants will also receive a textbook, developed especially for the course, which includes materials to study the Jewish connection to Israel from biblical times to the present day. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact Naomi Barancik at [email protected] or by phone at 713.729.3200, ext. 3288. You can also register online at erjc-chouston.org. The fee for participation is $60, which includes the textbook.

HOW DO YOUENGAGE WITHISRAEL?

MAKING MOMENTS INTO MEMORIES

The ERJCC impacts individuals and families of all ages and abilities. We have invested our time, brainpower and philanthropy here because this is the Jewish agency in Houston that enriches thousands of lives each week.

—Ann & Stephen KaufmanMembers of the Continuity and Legacy Societies

Individuals, Corporations and Foundations are the Key Ingredient to the ERJCC’s Philanthropic Success

he Campaign Committee of the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Com-munity Center of Houston’s Bertha Alyce

Early Childhood Center announces the launch of The Giving Tree annual fund campaign. The committee hopes to raise $36,000, which will enable the school to purchase a much-needed indoor playscape, a math curriculum to complement the current program and touch-screen technology

The ERJCC offers Winter Break Camps for members ages 2 – 13. Winter Break Camps include opportunities for your children to take part in Gymnastics Camp, Tennis Camp or our popular “Happy Days” Camp. Winter Break Camps are also group-oriented, with low staff-to-camper ratios determined by the activity and age of the children. The ERJCC offers AM/PM Care (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM) options for most of the camps.

The Winter Break camps include two weeks, December 19 - 23 and December 26 - 30. Registration begins November 28. Registration will be accepted after December 6 on a space-available basis only, so be sure to register early.

TPLANTING SEEDS FOR THE FUTURE

components. Leading the Annual Fund campaign are co-chairs Jessica Leif and Dinorah Zanger. “BAC is a place which allows our families and children to develop and grow.” said Leif, mother of 5-year-old Alex and 2-year-old Owen. Expanding education for the children and laying the foundation for their future is the driving force behind this campaign. The Commit-tee created this Annual Fund for BAC in 2010 to help raise funds to raise the bar of excellence at this preschool. Last year, over 140 parents, grand-parents, alumni and staff joined

together to help bridge the $2,000 gap between what tuition covers and what it actually cost to run the program. Other campaign leaders include: Grandparent Chairs, Cindy and David Lipshutz; Faculty Campaign Chair, Leslie Slatko; Class Captain Campaign Chair, Dawn Johnson and Alumni Chair, Abi Rappaport. To make a contribution to The Giving Tree Annual Fund, please visit erjcchouston.org/givingtree or call Michelle Rathers at 713.729.3200 ext. 3212.

the giving tree

Kids and CampKids and Camp

ShowBiz is a musical review featuring vignettes and musical numbers from some of your favorite shows. We are pleased to have directors Laura Yosowitz and Melissa McGill joining us for another great performance.

Yosowitz and McGill are the same directors who instructed our Performing Arts Camp (PAC) this summer. They also wrote ShowBiz and have worked with the students on choreography, staging and many other aspects of theatrics.

McGill is also instructing some of our theater and dance classes for younger children and is excited to be part of the theater program. When asked about her experience at the ERJCC, Melissa responded “After working with the campers at Performing Arts Camp, I am really excited for the opportunity to work with the JCCS theater program.”

Yosowitz is also a seasoned veteran when it comes to theater, and when asked about the ERJCC’s youth theater program stated, “It has been a very rewarding experience working with the J and the actors in this show. They have stepped up to the challenge, and it should be an exciting show for everyone.”

Join us at the ERJCC for performances in the Kaplan Theatre, I W Marks Theatre Center on December 8, 10 and 11. Tickets can be purchased in the Children and Camping office or by calling 713.729.3200 ext. 3247.

Kids Nite Out (KNO) is a great social experience for all children in grades Kinder-garten through 5th. Parents can rest assured that your child(ren) are supervised at the ERJCC with activities such as arts and crafts, movies, sports and gymnas-tics. Activities vary at each event, and advanced registration is requested. KNO takes place on Saturday evenings from 6:30 - 10:30 PM

Save the dates for the Fall 2011 - Oct 22, Nov 5 & 19, Dec 3 & 17Fees in Advance: $18 for one child/ $28 for twoFees at The Door: $28 for one/$38 for twoRegister online at erjcchouston.org/kidsniteout.

Thanksgiving Break Camp will be at the ERJCC Weingarten Building on Wednesday, November 23 from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (AM Care option available.) Kindergartners through 5th graders are invited to take trip back in time at the George Ranch Historical Park. We will travel back over a hundred ago and experience pioneer life in 1830s Pre-Revolution Texas through exciting demonstrations and hands-on activities. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore life over 175 years ago!

When it comes to kids, the ERJCC is one stop-shopping for fun and enriching extracurricular programs. Whether it’s afterschool, a Saturday night or a school holiday, we have your children covered.

ShowBiz “A MUSICAL”

Winter Break Camps

Thanksgiving Camp

Kids Nite Out

For more information, please contact Gillian Richter, Children’s Program Coordinator, at 713-729-3200 ext. 3256 or [email protected].

BERTHA ALYCE CENTER ANNUAL GIVING FUNDIn Honor of Drayden & Bren Johnson – Dawn and Lance Johnson

EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON FUNDIn Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Rubenstein – Veda Mae and Morris Glesby

GERALD RAUCH MEMORIAL FUNDIn Honor of Norman Bock’s Birthday – Lila RauchIn Honor of Bernard Fuch’s Birthday – Lila RauchIn Honor of Veda Mae Glesby’s Birthday – Anita and Arthur KotlenIn Honor of Molly Ann Kaplan’s Birthday – Lila RauchIn Honor of Dr. Archie Leder’s Birthday – Lila RauchIn Honor of Bobby Rauch’s Birthday – Lila RauchIn Honor of Lila Rauch’s Birthday – Anita and Arthur KotlenIn Honor of Lila Rauch’s Birthday – Robin, Aron, Pam, Andrew, Braden & Zachary Susman

HARRIS WEINGARTEN OUTDOOR TENNIS CENTER FUNDIn Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Sheldon Oster’s 50th Wedding Anniversary – Emily & Albert Stein

HARRY K. SMITH MEALS ON WHEELS FUNDIn Memory of Shirleen Agress – Arlene & Allen LockshinIn Memory of Bobby Axelrad – Arlene & Allen LockshinIn Memory of Louis Getz – Arlene & Allen LockshinIn Memory of Jack Helfman – Arlene & Allen LockshinIn Memory of Sidney Krakower – Arlene & Allen LockshinIn Honor of Norma Siegel’s 80th Birthday – Sue and Harry Rosenzweig

IRVIN KAPLAN CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIn Honor of Clair & Donald Daum’s Birthdays – Edith S. Lewis

JERRY WISCHE LEADERHSIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FUNDIn Honor of the Birthday of Ruth Brodsky – Nancy & Steve LernerIn Honor of Marc Gessner’s Special Birthday – Mitzi Shure & Jerry Wische In Honor of Stanley Rosenblatt’s outstanding profes-sional contributions to the JCC – Mitzi Shure & Jerry WischeIn Honor of the Birthday of Jerry Wische – Nancy & Steve Lerner

JERRY WISCHE STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARD FUNDIn Honor of the Birthday of Bobby Lapin – Ruth White BrodskyIn Honor of the Birthday of Nancy Lerner – Ruth White BrodskyIn Honor of the Birthday of Steve Maislin – Ruth White BrodskyIn Honor of the Birthday of Jerry Wische – Ruth White Brodsky

JEWISH ARTS AND CULTURE FUNDIn Loving Memory of Albert Lidji – Laurie & Alfredo Gutierrez

MACCABI 2012 GAMES FUNDIn Honor of Coach Marty Applebaum – Debra and Sheldon BootinIn Honor of Coach Jordan Dubin – Debra and Sheldon Bootin

MARILYN LANDSBERG STEINER PRE-SCHOOL FUNDIn Memory of Anna Weber – Shirley and Sonny LandsbergIn Honor of Sandy Burke’s Speedy Recovery – Jackie and Marvin CooperIn Honor of Sandy Burke’s Speedy Recovery – Craig Eskanos & FamilyIn Honor of Sandy Burke’s Speedy Recovery – Marci & Barton Rivkin

MIKE GROSSMAN/JUDY RICHKER MACCABI SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIn Memory of Robin Perlo Berry and Jerry Berry – Michael & Vicky Richker In Honor of Marc Gessner’s Birthday – Michael & Vicky RichkerIn Memory of Louis Getz – Michael & Vicky RichkerIn Honor of Sandy & Bob Hill’s 50th Wedding Anniversary – Michael & Vicky RichkerIn Honor of Cousin Lillian Horovitz – Michael & Vicky RichkerIn Memory of Albert S. Krovetz – Michael & Vicky RichkerIn Memory of Fannie Phillips Leon – Michael & Vicky RichkerIn Memory of Emelina Ortega – Michael & Vicky RichkerIn Memory of Florence Stein – Michael & Vicky RichkerIn Memory of Merilee Gerstenhaber Weiner – Michael & Vicky RichkerIn Honor of Frida Wilson’s Birthday – Michael & Vicky Richker

NANCY LERNER SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIn Honor of Kelly Gale Amen for always making the world extraordinarily beautiful – Nancy & Steve Lerner In Honor of the Birthday of Stephen Maislin – Nancy & Steve LernerIn Honor of Mary Michieli Rollins and her magnificent garden – Nancy & Steve Lerner

OLIVER LAPIN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR FUNDIn Honor of the Birthday of Bobby Lapin – Nancy & Steve Lerner

PATRON OF THE ARTS FUNDIn Honor of Edith Zinn’s Retirement – Midge Wische

RAYMOND PLOTKIN JCC MACCABI TENNIS SCHOLARSHIP FUNDIn Memory of Raymond Plotkin – Phyllis & Steve BlancIn Honor of Justin Golden’s Bar Mitzvah – Gary GoldenIn Honor of Justin Golden’s Bar Mitzvah – Eleanor & Charles LevineIn Honor of Justin Golden’s Bar Mitzvah – Elaine & Ronnie Plotkin

RUTH W. BRODSKY FUNDIn honor of Ruth Brodsky’s 91st Birthday – Bernton Family Fund of the Community Foundation of Collier County

STARS PROGRAMIn Honor of Joan Kaplan’s 75th Birthday – Linda & Jerry Rubenstein

Tributes We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our many individual, corporate and foundation donors whose generous ongoing support helps the ERJCC continue to be a vital community asset.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS!

OCTOBER 30 OCTOBER 31 NOVEMBER 1 NOVEMBER 2 NOVEMBER 3 NOVEMBER 4

9:30 AM – 3:00 PM OLIVER LAPIN FAMILY DAY

2:00 PM FILMAmos Oz: The Nature of Dreams

4:30 PM Marc Agronin How We Age: A Doctor’s Journey into the Heart of Growing Old

7:30 PM Alick Isaacs A Prophetic Peace: Judaism, Religion, and Politics

11:00 AM Steven Fenberg Unprecedented Power

2:00 PM FILMAnita

4:30 PM CONCERTAdrienne Cooper Enchanted: A New Generation of Yiddish Song

7:30 PM CLOSING NIGHT Charles Fox Killing Me Softly: My Life in Music

10:00 AM Marilyn BergerThis is a Soul: An American Doctor’s Remarkable Mission in Ethiopiaat Congregation Beth Yeshurun4525 Beechnut St.

6:15 PM Judith Brin Ingber Seeing Israeli and Jewish Dance

8:00 PM Adina Hoffman & Peter Cole Sacred Trash: The Lost and Found World of the Cairo Geniza

6:15 PM Jay Michaelson God vs. Gay? The Religious Case for Equality

7:30 PMINSIDE THE AUTHORS STUDIO Steven Levy In The Plex6:30 PMReception in the Bookstore

8:00 PM John Thorn Baseball in the Garden of Eden: The Secret History of the Early Gameat Temple Sinai 13875 Brimhurst Dr.

12:30 PM MELTON LUNCH & LEARN Paula FredriksenAugustine and the Jews: A Christian Defense of Jews and Judaism at Merfish Teen Center9000 S. Rice Blvd.

6:15 PM Alyson Richman The Lost Wife

8:00 PM Amy Ephron Loose Diamonds and Other Things I’ve Lost (and Found) Along the Way

8:00 PM FILMLa Rafle (The Roundup)

8:00 PM CONCERT PROJECT Trio

1:00 PM FILMSholem Aleichem: Laughing in the Darkness

6:15 PM Gerald Steinacher Nazis on the Run: How Hitler’s Henchmen Fled Justice

7:30 PM Judith Brin Ingber Seeing Israeli and Jewish Dance at Temple Beth Tikvah12411 Park Shadows Trail

8:00 PM COMMUNITY READHaley Tanner Vaclav & Lena7:30 PM Reception for Community Read participants

6:15 PM Kostya Kennedy 56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number in Sports

8:00 PM Izzeldin Abuelaish I Shall Not Hate: A Doctor’s Journey on the Road to Peace & Human Dignity

6:15 PM Marc Ostrofsky Get Rich Click: The Ultimate Guide to Making Money on the Internet

8:00 PM Meir Shalev Beginnings: Reflections on the Bible’s Intriguing Firsts

8:00 PM David Bezmozgis The Free World

NOVEMBER 5

NOVEMBER 6 NOVEMBER 7 NOVEMBER 8 NOVEMBER 9 NOVEMBER 10 NOVEMBER 11 NOVEMBER 12

NOVEMBER 13

10:00 AM Bookstore opens

11:30 AM - 3:00 PM Kosher Chili Cookoff

2:00 PM FILMGrace Paley: Collected Shorts

4:30 PM Geila HochermanKosher Revolution: New Techniques & Great Recipes for Unlimited Kosher Cooking

7:30 PM OPENING NIGHT free event

Dennis Prager & Rabbi Joseph Telushkin The Nine Questions People Ask about Judaism

6:15 PM LOCAL LITERATI free event

8:00 PM Jennifer Griffin & Greg Myre This Burning Land: Lessons from the Front Lines of the Transformed Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

sunday saturdayfridaytHursdayWednesdaytuesdaymonday

advance ticketpurchase recommendedsave money on Programs

Buy a Book & Arts Fair Series Pass for Admission to all Programs

$50 ERJCC Member/$70 Public

$10 Discount for Seniors/Students on Series Passes

$2 Discount for Seniors/Students on Single Tickets

onlineerjcchouston.org

in personVisit the ERJCC Information Desk or the Box Office 30 minutes prior to the start of a program

by phone713.551.7255

Unless otherwise specified, Book & Arts Fair programs take place at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center Joe Weingarten Building Milton Levit Family Campus, 5601 S. Braeswood

TWOTHOUSANDELEVENCALENDAR

Official Hotel of the ERJCC

Underwritten by the Eleanor and Frank Freed Foundation Supported by the ERJCC Patrons of the Arts

STOLBUN/SPIWAK RESTRICTED FUNDIn Honor of Alana Spiwak & Sam Stolbun – Martha & Donald Freedman

TRIBUTE FUNDIn Honor of Art Kotlen’s 90th Birthday – Milton & Lee Levit FamilyIn Honor of Howard Loerser’s 60th Birthday – Matt & Elizabeth KrohnIn Honor of Lila Rauch’s Birthday – Milton & Lee Levit FamilyIn Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Zinn – Veda Mae & Morris Glesby

................................................................................The Senior Adult Shabbat Dinner Program is underwritten in memory of Paul Lipnick, who was active in ERJCC senior adult activities, by Janet and Elton Lipnick, David Lipnick and Amy & Myles Kelman.

.............................................................................................PLEASE NOTE: Names and organizations listed in this newsletter reflect donations received by October 1, 2011. Great care has been exercised to ensure the proper recognition of our donors. If an error or omission does occur, we apologize and hope you will bring it to our attention. Please address all corrections with the Develop-ment Office, 713.729.3200, ext. 3212 or [email protected].

Limmud Conference at the University of Warwick, Coventry, England

A Carnival of Jewish Learning, A Festival of the Mind and Spirit

Dec 23 – 29, 2011

The ERJCC is organizing a community-wide trip to the Limmud conference at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England. Limmud is a conference for people of all ages and every perspective, from all over the UK and around the world, hundreds of presenters, a thousand conversations on every subject of interest to Jews - text study, music, theatre, literature, debate and politics - all wrapped up in a week of community, warmth, laughter, passion, excitement and discovery. The conference attracts over 2,000 participants for close to a 1,000 sessions over a five-day period.

For more information about participating in

a coordinated trip, please contact Jonathan

Fass at [email protected].

Synagogue Architecture: Art Objects and Sacred Spaces

Thursday, Dec 15 • 7:30 PM$10 Member / $15 Public Lecture by: Morton Levy, FAIA

Join us for a lecture and slide presentation on the architecture of synagogues through the centuries, beginning with the pre-synagogue sacred spaces of the Bible and concluding with the contemporary, and sometimes eclectic, synagogue design of Mexico, Europe, Israel, and the US. The lecture will also explore the archaeological remains of the earliest synagogues of the ancient Near East, a review of the surviving synagogues of pre-war Europe and the unique Jewish folk art of the wooden synagogues of Poland.

Morton Levy, a native Houstonian, leads a highly respected long-time Houston architectural practice. Included in his extensive portfolio are the design of six Houston area synagogues and eight renovation/expansion projects for the ERJCC. In recent years he has been an active speaker and author on the subject of architecture for religion.

Community ReadVaclav & Lena by Haley Tanner

Monday, Nov 7 8:00 PM

Vaclav & Lena is the story of two 10-year-old emigrants from radically different worlds. Torn apart suddenly by a traumatic event, Vaclav and Lena reunite several years later when Lena turns to the one friend she can count on to help her fulfill her dreams. Vivid, universally resonant, and highly original, Vaclav & Lena will establish Haley Tanner as one of our most exciting literary talents.

Join the community in sharing this reading experience, engaging with one another through programs and discussions, and culminating in Tanner’s presentation at the 39th Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair Monday, November 7 at 8:00 PM. Check erjcchouston.org for opportunities to interact with the author and other Community Read Participants.

Purchase your copy of the Community Read book, Vaclav & Lena, at Essence, the ERJCC Gift Shop or at the 39th Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair, and enjoy:

FREE entry to Vaclav & Lena author, Haley Tanner, speaking Monday, Nov. 7, Invitation to pre-talk reception with Haley Tanner, Priority standing in Tanner’s book-signing line after the program, FREE entry to The Free World author, David Bezmozgis, speaking Wednesday, Nov. 2, Option to purchase The Free World by David Bezmozgis at $18 (30% off)

out of this

at thefor reading

go

UPCOMING CJLL EVENTS

OLIVER LAPIN FAMILY DAY

▼

12:30 – 1:30 PM • All AgesLunch and Learn Michele Perchonok and special appearance byNASA Astronaut Greg Chamitoff

2:00 – 3:00 PM • Ages 3 – 6Aubrey Davis

Kishka for Koppel • Book + Activity

2:00 – 3:00 PM • Ages 6 – 9Anita Kruse and Lisa Sheinbaum

Purple Song • Book + Music

9:30 – 10:20 AM • Ages 6 – 9Ellen Leventhal, Ellen Rothberg and Bill Megenhardt

Bully in the Barnyard • Book + Activity

10:30 – 11:20 AM • Ages 3 – 9

Craig Parks • CONCERT

10:30 – 11:20 AM • Ages 3 – 6Anita Kruse and Lisa Sheinbaum

Purple Song • Book + Music

11:30 AM – 12:20 PM • Ages 3 – 6Aubrey Davis

Kishka for Koppel • Book + Activity

11:30 AM – 12:20 PM • Ages 6 – 9Ellen Leventhal, Ellen Rothberg and Bill Megenhardt

Bully in the Barnyard • Book + Activity

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 • 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

ALL FAMILY EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE CRAIG PARKS CONCERT

Oliver Lapin Family Day is endowed in loving memory of Oliver Lapin by his family

The Craig Parks concert is underwritten by the Barbara and Mark Paull Families and the Goldye M. and Samuel W. Spain Children’s Performing Arts Fund

PROJECT Trio

Saturday, Nov 12 8:00 PMFree to Book Fair Series Ticket Holders$18 Member / $25 Public

Downbeat Magazine describes PROJECT Trio as “packed with musicianship, joy and surprise!” Greg Pattillo (flute), Peter Seymour (bass) and Erik Stephenson (cello) burst onto the scene with their landmark videos right out of the internet generation, making an impact on audiences of all ages. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, these three virtuosic composer/performers complete PROJECT Trio, a passionate, high energy chamber music ensemble that blends their classical training with an eclectic taste in musical styles. PROJECT Trio will present master classes and workshops in area schools and universities and a concert at the Jewish Book & Arts Fair.

Underwritten by The Maurice Amado Music FoundationPurchase tickets at jcchouston.org/music

VOLUNTEERSLend a Helping Hand

More than 2,000 volunteers are needed to help plan and facilitate the

2012 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest August 5 - 10, 2012. All kinds of

skills are needed, from coaching to food service. Help make these events

memorable for the teens and our Houston community.

We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds from throughout the Houston area.

Volunteers do not need to be Jewish. Whether one can commit a substantial or limited

amount of time, we need volunteer organizers before the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest

arrive, as well as volunteers to help orchestrate the events once they have begun.

To find out more about volunteering, contact

Alan Lipman at 713.551.7233 or [email protected].

Become a Coach Become a Volunteer

We need all kinds of volunteers!

Become a Host Family Become a Sponsor

Are you ready to be a Volunteer? Yes? Then visit jccmaccabihouston.org and complete the registration form today!

If you are registering as a Volunteer, you MUST register with the Houston Delegation ONLY

2012 JCC Maccabi Games® & ArtsFest®

AUGUST 5 – 10, 2012

Recognize special lifecycle events with a tribute to support a program or fund at the ERJCC. A gift can be made for a birthday, anniversary, promotion, sympathy, holiday, graduation, wedding, new baby, bar/bat mitzvah and more. Visit the Support the ERJCC tab on our

website or call the Development Office at

713.729.3200 ext. 3212.

s part of the ERJCC’s Jewish Social Action Month,

Community Meals/Meals on Wheels is gearing up for its Fourth Annual ‘A Soup and A Sandwich’ food drive beginning October 1. The event culminates with participation in the Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff, to be held on Sunday, October 30. A $3,250 portion of last year’s cook-off proceeds supported over 750 meals to a diverse population of eligible, frail, homebound elderly in our commu-nity. More than a ton of canned and other dry goods were collected during the 2010 food drive which filled the pantries of over 74 households. Community Meals predicts continued growth of service needs, surpassing last year’s delivery of over 124,000 meals. Bright spots include the 40% increase in kosher meal service. Designated funding from the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston helps meet this need. Overall service growth is at 9%. “Our current primary challenges are our tightening budget and fewer full-time volunteers,” said Community Meals Director Timothy Stewart. A full-time volunteer is defined as one that commits to delivering at least one route once weekly throughout the year. Of the rotating roster of over 180 com-mitted Meals volunteers, fewer than 100 currently deliver a weekly route. “As appreciative as we are for all the time given us by individuals and families, the fewer full-time volunteers we have increases our frequency of use of the ERJCC drivers, thus incurring increased costs, “ Stewart added.

fter a hugely successful gala and silent auc-tion last February that raised

$450,000 for children’s scholarships, Elizabeth Cohen and Mark Toubin take the lead as co-chairs for the 22nd Annual Children’s Scholarship Ball on Saturday, March 3, 2012. As always, the Ball will feature dinner, dancing and an extensive silent auction that is sure to be a highlight of the evening. The evening will honor Douglas L. Foshee with the El Paso Corporation, Ken Simon with Locke

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These increased labor and trans-portation expenses take food from clients, as more meals could be served with more volunteers. Community Meals feels the pinch its community partners are feeling. Projected funding for the next year has been cut 5 - 15% or more in many areas. Funding cuts offset speed of response to clients, thus increasing wait list periods as more participants must wait longer for service.

“Meals on Wheels is probably the most important day-to-day mitzvah that we perform. Keeping homebound seniors fed and having social contact via the Meals on Wheels program is essential. We are grateful to all our volunteers who help us perform this daily mitzvah,” said Gayle Rockoff, Senior Associate Executive Director.

Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP and community leader Bobbi Samuels for their commitment to children in our community. Helping with the event will be Honorary Chairs Michael Feinberg with KIPP Academy, Marc Watts with the Friedkin Group of Houston and community leader Ann Kaufman. Fundraising efforts put forth in their honor will benefit the Irvin Kaplan Children’s Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to hundreds of families who want to enrich their children’s lives with programs at the ERJCC. For questions contact Melissa Gordon, Director of Special Events at 713.729.3200 ext. 3202 or [email protected].

Meals on Wheels is

probably the most

important day-to-

day mitzvah that we

perform. Keeping

homebound seniors

fed and having social

contact via the Meals

on Wheels program

is essential. We are

grateful to all our

volunteers who help

us perform this daily

mitzvah.

Since 1989, Meals on Wheels has been subsidized by the Harris County Area Agency on Aging with federal Title III and Community Develop-ment Block Grant funding secured by the Older American Act of 1965. Other primary funders include the United Way of Greater Houston, the Jewish Federation and the Texas State Department of Agriculture’s Texas Feeding Texans home-delivered meal grant program. Kosher meals

are provided by Nosher Catering and supervised by the Houston Kashrut Association. “Please consider joining your neighbors in participating in this year’s food drive and chili cook off,” said Stewart. To deliver routes or donate, please call 713.595.8178. For more information on the cookoff, please visit houstonchilicookoff.org.

Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff is on Sunday, October 30. Portions of the proceeds support ERJCC Meals On Wheels program.

Jewish Social Action MonthThis Year... It’s going to be HOT

Children’s Scholarship Ball

S A T U R D A Y

MARCH 3, 2012H O N O R I N G

BENEFITING THE IRVIN KAPLAN CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHP FUND

22nd Annual

Douglas L. Foshee

& K e n S i m o nB o b b i S a m u e l s

For more information, contact Melissa Gordon713.729.3200 ext. 3202 or [email protected]

he ERJCC will transform next summer when it becomes the host site of the 2012 JCC Maccabi

Games® and ArtsFest® when more than a thousand teenagers converge in our community to compete in the annual Olympic-style teen sport event and art performance August 5 - 10, 2012. This won’t be a new feat to conquer for Houston. 2012 will be the fifth time the ERJCC has hosted the JCC Maccabi Games, but this will be Houston’s first time to host JCC Maccabi ArtsFest. “We have a considerable amount of experience doing this and it’s a great way to share Texas hospitality with participating teens, coaches and families who will be coming here from around the state, country and world,” said Mindy Levinson, 2012 JCC Maccabi Co-Chair. The JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest have become a worldwide tradition and the largest gathering of Jewish teens known. The ERJCC expects 1600 teens to participate in the Games and ArtsFest, of which 400 will be from Houston. This will be a massive undertaking for volunteers in the community as 600 host families, 2000 volunteers and 1100 additional attendees will be required. JCC Maccabi Supervisor Alan Lipman says a lot still needs to

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happen before the Games and ArtsFest can begin. “There are so many big prepara-tions being made right now, from securing our competition venues to finding host homes for our participants. It will take more than a thousand volunteers to make this all a success,” said Lipman. “So many of us

in the community have been counting down the days to when Maccabi returns. Even some of our constables have been checking in from time to time to find out when the kids will return.” “Everyone benefits from the 2012 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest coming back to Houston, especially our own teens. The ERJCC has developed year-round cultural and ath-letic programming that has provided the foundation for engaging teens in commitment to Jewish life and com-munal leadership,” said Andy Bursten, 2012 JCC Maccabi Co-Chair. The JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest are like the Olympics for Jewish teens, designed to inspire Jewish teens through a dynamic combination of athletic competitions

and arts workshops, performances and exhibitions. Alongside the event, the teens participate in community service and social activities. All events are designed to strengthen the participants’ bonds to their Jewish heritage, community and Israel. During the event, the JCC Maccabi athletes and artists will take

time out from the event to volunteer in the Houston community in a day of caring and sharing. The goal is to keep in the spirit of Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) and the Jewish tradition of Tzedakah, which helps the participants increase their understanding of Jewish responsibility toward self, family and community through service in Jewish as well as secular settings. The JCC Maccabi movement began in 1895 when the first all-Jewish sports club was formed in Constantinople (now Istanbul) Turkey. The first North American JCC Maccabi Games were held in 1982, offering Jewish teens a unique athletic and cultural experience. Due to over-whelming interest, regional games were added in 1985 to augment the

biennial Continental Games. In 2007, the JCC Maccabi Games celebrated 25 years of gold-medal summers. More than 5,000 teens ranging from 13 to 16 years of age participate in the JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest each summer, and more than 120,000 athletes from around the world have participated throughout the past 25 years. The event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Center Association of North America, Maccabi World Union, Maccabi Canada and Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel. Make no mistake, the 2012 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest in Houston will be an unforgettable experience for every participant, from athletes and artists, to volunteers, coaches, host families and supporters like you. The ERJCC invites you to support this unique social, cultural and life shaping experience, which promotes healthy competition in a manner that fosters Jewish values and Tikkun Olam. For information on how you can become a volunteer, host family or make a donation to the 2012 JCC Maccabi Games and ArtsFest, visit jccmaccabihouston.org or contact Alan Lipman at 713.551.7233.

Your opportunity to get involved with JCC Maccabi Games® & ArtsFest®

e are still looking for volunteer coaches and coordinators for the 2012 JCC

Maccabi Games® & ArtsFest that are coming to Houston next summer! These are just a few of the many volunteers that we will need for the event when we host August 5-10, 2012. Coaches and coordinators work in conjunction with the Delegation

The ERJCC has developed year-round cultural

and athletic programming that has provided the

foundation for engaging teens in commitment to

Jewish life and communal leadership.

2012HOUSTONHOSTS IN Co-Chairs: Mindy Levinson and Andy Bursten

WANTS YOUT E A M H O U S T O N

2012 JCC Maccabi Games® & ArtsFest®Heads to recruit and select their team. For sports they schedule practices to prepare their team for the competition. For arts, they will assist with auditions. These volunteers are also the team chaperones during the week of the event. For more information, contact Lenny Dubin, Delegation Head at [email protected] or Debbie Kaplan, Delegation Head, at [email protected]. Coaches must be 21 years and over. An application is available at erjcchouston.org. Application deadline is October 28.

Baseball, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Softball, Bowling, Tennis, Dance, Swimming and Table Tennis

Rock, Jazz Ensemble, Photography, Acting/Improv, Fashion/Costume Design, Dance, Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Musical Theater, Vocal Music,Culinary

COACHES & ATHLETES NEEDED FOR:

COORDINATORS & ARTISTS NEEDED FORELIGIBILTY FOR ATHLETES

ELIGIBILTY FOR ARTISTS

Must be 12 – 16 years old by July 13, 2012.12 year olds can only participate in individual sports. Sports subject to change.

Must be entering 8 – 12th grade. Specialties subject to change.

Athlete Tryouts and Artists Auditions start January 8. Visit jccmaccabihouston.org for schedule listings.

SAVE THE DATE2012 JCC Maccabi Games® & ArtsFest®

KICKOFF EVENT Sunday, December 4



























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marilyn berger juditH brin ingber adina Hoffman peter cole jay micHaelson
















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adrienne cooPer charles foxdennis Prager&JosePh telushkin

HAPPENINGS AT THE EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF HOUSTON

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE JCC ASSOCIATION

on

th

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over

InsideConnections

39th


39thannual


ENGAGING ISRAEL

MEALS ON WHEELS

CHILDREN’S SCHOLARSHIP BALL

2012 JCC MACCABI GAMES & ARTSFEST

JEWISH BOOK & ARTS FAIR

ERJCC PHILANTHROPY

20

11Calendar EventsdOctober10 Engaging Israel begins16 Community-Wide Sukkot Celebration (free)22 Kids Nite Out23 Local Literati Workshop for Aspiring Authors28 Active Adults Shabbat Dinner30 39th Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair opens

30 Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff

November4-6 Harris J. Weingarten 2011 Tennis Tournament5 Kids Nite Out6 Oliver Lapin Family Day7 Community Read Vaclav & Lena12 Concert: PROJECT Trio12 Tween Sports & Games Night13 39th Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair closes19 Kids Nite Out23 Thanksgiving Camp23 Gobble Gala

December3 Kids Nite Out4 JCC Maccabi Games® and ArtsFest® Kickoff Event8,10,11 ShowBiz “A Musical”11 Go Wild at the J!16 Active Adults Shabbat Dinner17 Kids Nite Out24 Bagel Ball24 Tween Open Gym Night25 The Gizmo Guys Comedy Jugglers & Hanukkah Fun19-30 Winter Break Camp

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WANTS YOUT E A M H O U S T O N

Become a CoachBecome a VolunteerBecome a Host FamilyBecome a Sponsor

We need all kinds of volunteers!

For more information contact Alan Lipman at 713.551.7233 or [email protected]

We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds

from the Houston area. Volunteers do not need to

be Jewish. Whether one can commit a substantial or

limited amount of time, we need volunteer organizers

before the event as well as volunteers to help

orchestrate the events once they have begun. details inside

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Compass for your CauseDo you bank with BBVA Compass? Attach this organization code

to your accounts and the ERJCC will receive a contribution! 88008

—Mark Montgomery, Houston City President for BBVA Compass

BBVA Compass seeks to make a difference in the lives of our customers and the communities we serve. This is why we support the ERJCC Golf Tournament and the professional develop-ment of preschool teachers at the ERJCC. We also encourage our employees to volunteer for the causes that touch their hearts.”

“

Documents

Fall 2011 J-Connections