July Aug Tekiah 2014

Congregation Beth Torah Monthly Newsletter

A Note from the Rabbi Rabbi Rick Shapiro

(Continued on page 2)

July/August 2014 • Issue 280•Tamuz/Av/Elul 5774

Dear Friends,

It is an honor and a privilege to have been selected to serve you for the next two years as your Interim Rabbi. I am looking forward to getting to know each of you and working with you as you plan for the future of the congregation. Your sense of congregational history, the presence of talented and dedicated leadership, and a deep and abiding commitment to the values and practices of Reform Judaism all bode well for the continuing vibrancy and vitality of Congregation Beth Torah.

In the coming months I want to help you understand exactly what an Interim Rabbi is and does that is different from a permanent, or installed, rabbi. Intentional interim ministry is a well-understood concept in the theory of the life of religious organizations, and its value has been recognized within various Protestant communities of faith for many years. Recently the Jewish community, and in particular the professional leadership and institutions of the Reform Movement, have begun to appreciate the potential value of this practice within the lives of our own congregations and rabbis.

The period of time after a rabbi leaves a congregation can be an important time in congregational life. Congregations, not unlike individuals, need time to mourn the loss of a partner, assess their personal identity, and consider what directions they would like their future to take.

Sadly, many congregations view the time between the departure of one rabbi and the arrival of another as unproductive or wasted time. Others fear the congregation will lose members or dollars. Still others are in a rush to find a new permanent rabbi as quickly as possible so things can return to normal.

The manner in which a congregation uses this time in between one rabbi and another will shape congregational growth, identity, and health for years to come. We know that the work that is done during this time by both the congregational leadership and membership will have a significant influence on whether the new rabbi and congregation will succeed in bonding and forming a sacred partnership dedicated to the accomplishment of the congregation’s mission. Those

A Thank You For The Blessings Of Change

The June 1st congregational celebration was a high point in my life. The celebration of my career, chaired by Shanna and Matt Haun, and the dedication of our new Torah scroll, chaired by Samantha Hammontree, were perhaps the finest events ever held for any rabbi in any congregation anywhere. The fact that part of the celebration was created to celebrate my career is so over-the-top wonderful that I cannot express my thanks sufficiently. However, I do want you to see what Rabbi Larry Hoffman, our speaker that evening, had to say in a letter to Matt and Shanna Haun:

“There is really no way for words to capture the magic of the celebration that you put together. I have been at any number of similar events, but none as singularly exceptional as this one. It was altogether an honor, privilege and pleasure – all three – to have been able to be part of this one. Mark is surely deserving of the best and that is exactly what he got. From the moment the place began to fill up until well into the evening when people simply did not want to leave, the entire Temple grounds were filled with joy, gratitude, and pride in what your community has become. Thank you for inviting me.”

God bless you all for all you have done for me. As of this writing, I have not yet had the opportunity to read the very kind Tribute Book or People of Beth Torah. The artwork has an honored place in my home library, and we will be making contributions to the Simchah Tree.

I will, of course, continue to attend Beth Torah. I’ll be teaching my Shabbat morning class each week we are in town, from 9:00 until 10:15 a.m., in the Sader-Shimkin Library/Chapel. If you would like to meet for pastoral counseling, please call on my cell phone: (913) 558-4111.

You are the most wonderful community. Thank you, from the deepest reaches of my soul.

Sincerely,Rabbi Mark Levin

Community Tisha B’AvMonday, August 4th, 8:30 p.m.

Congregation Beth Shalom. See page 15

www.beth-torah.org | Page 2

Torah Portion & HaftarahJuly 4/5 7 Tamuz BalakNum. 22:2-25:9Haftarah - Micah 5:6-6:8

July 11/12 14 Tamuz PinchasNum. 25:10-30:1Haftarah - I Kings 18:46-19:21

July 18/19 21 Tamuz MatotNum. 30:2-32:34Haftarah - Jeremiah 1:1-2:3

July 25/26 28 Tamuz Mas’eiNum. 33:1-36:13Haftarah - Jeremiah 2:4-28, 3:4, 4:1-2

August 1/2 6 Av D’varimDeut. 1:1-3:22Haftarah - Isaiah 1:1-27

August 8/9 13 Av Va’et’chananDeut. 3:23-7:11Haftarah - Isaiah 40:1-26

August 15/16 20 Av EikevDeut. 7:12-11:25Isaiah 49:14-51:13

August 22/23 27 Av R’eihDeut. 11:26-16:17Haftarah - Isaiah 54:11-55:5

August 29/30 4 Elul Shof’timDeut. 16:18-21:9Haftarah - Isaiah 51:12-52:12

Worshipcongregations which make wise use of their interim time tend to be more successful in attaining their goal of ongoing spiritual growth for its members and its community.

As your interim rabbi, it is my role to assist you in preparing for the engagement of a new permanent rabbi in such a way as to make the success of that new relationship much more likely. In that context, we will work together on a variety of tasks: reviewing the Congregation’s history and learning to extract its important lessons; identifying the Congregation’s core values and how they are expressed in its daily life; and imagining the many possible paths that you may tread in the years to come.

Of course, in addition to these interim-specific tasks, I will also be your rabbi. We will pray together and play together, celebrate together and mourn together, study together and learn together - in short, all of the things you expect from your rabbi. My wife, Lynn, and I will become part of your congregational family, something we are both eagerly looking forward to.

In the months ahead, I hope you will take advantage of one of the many opportunities to stop by the Temple and share some time with me. Whether it be Friday night or Saturday morning services, a class or a meeting, a social gathering or a few minutes in my office, I look forward to meeting and getting to know each of you. Together I know that we can chart a course for Beth Torah that honors its sacred past, cherishes its bright and lively present, and creatively imagines a vital and vibrant future.

Rabbi Rick Shapiro

(Continued from Page 1)

Notes From the TreasurerThe Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah

The Gift Shop at Congregation Beth Torah makes many contributions to our community. Our motto is “where shopping turns into a mitzvah” and that is, truly, how all the committee members and volunteers really feel. It is our mission to help support our community in many important ways.

Summer Hours: The Gift Shop will be open: Monday 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to noon, and Friday 10:00 a.m. to noon,

or by appointment- call Kelly Kaplan at (913) 498-1474.

In Jewish tradition, the Tree of Life connects Heaven and Earth with its branches reaching upward and its roots firmly planted in the earth. Our Torah is referred to as Eitz Chayim, our tree of life connecting God and man. The symbol of the Tree of Life

represents Congregation Beth Torah’s connection to God connection to our Torah.

Our Tree of Life was lovingly dedicated as a gift to our founding rabbi, Rabbi Mark H. Levin at his celebration ceremony, June 1,2014. This is a gift we will enjoy for many years. With your support, the purchase of leaves will help us firmly root our community in our synagogue. Leaves can be purchased to commemorate a mitzvah or simcha. Have you name of family name engraved on a leaf today.

To order a leaf, or for questions, call Laura at the Beth Torah office (913) 498-2212 or email her at [email protected]


Leadership Linda Zappulla, Board President

June was a big month for Beth Torah. June 1st we dedicated our new Torah scroll, and celebrated with Rabbi Levin. June 8th was the 7th Annual Joel’s Ride. In mid-June, the congregational trip to Israel was led by Aaron Nielsenshultz, who graciously stepped in for Rabbi Levin. June 30th is Rabbi Levin’s last day in his role as Rabbi, followed by July 1st, his first day in his new role of Founding Rabbi. July 1st marks the beginning of our fiscal year, the first official day on the job for Rabbi Rick Shapiro, and the first day for Todd Janvrin, our new Director of Finance. August 1st marks the first official day on the job for Emily Tummons, our new Music Director. (Rick and Emily, of course, have been working with us in unofficial and temporary capacities for many months.)

You have already seen the outreach from the new Nosh Committee - chaired by executive board member Bonnie Swade - which is well on the way to a plan and a process for continuing the warmth and ruach offered during our Shabbat Nosh. Executive board member Mike Ginsberg and BTTY President Margo Hellman are co-chairing the Baby Sitting Committee, and will be reaching out to our young people and their families. Many thanks to our executive board members, who have taken on these important committee roles, in addition to their ongoing support of Beth Torah activities. As school is out, and we are enjoying the low pressure summer schedule, please join me in giving Rabbi Shapiro, Todd and Emily a warm Beth Torah welcome. If you are in town, come to Rabbi Shapiro’s first Erev Shabbat worship on July 4th. See you there,Linda Zappulla

As we had discussed at the annual meeting, we intend to keep everyone informed of our financial condition. I intend to provide a more detailed presentation after our audit is complete, but I did not want to miss an opportunity to share where we are to date. We are trending about $32,000 short of a balanced budget, but before we start thinking that we are doing much better than we were, we have already started receiving our commitments from next year. This will temporarily pad our net income for this fiscal year, and will be missing from next year as we move forward. This does not concern me, because we will only spend within budget each month to allow for early income opportunities. The sale of the cell tower lease is moving forward and we have begun the second phase of that project. We anticipate closing on this deal in late July or early August. The team that we are working with has provided us a great deal of information and everyone is working together to make this a smooth process. We have filled our three open positions within the budget range (Music Director, Director of Finance and Director of Youth, Education and Engagement). As of August 1, 2014, we will be at full staff. The Nosh Committee has done an incredible job putting together the beginnings of a program that will be within budget and on point. They would appreciate any help that you would be willing to offer including shopping for the product, donating time for preparation, donating time for planning, and of course, donating food or money. This is our program and we can make it work. I personally want to thank Mike Ginsberg and Matt Haun for all their work in putting the budget together and planning the annual meeting as well as the rest of the Executive Committee and Board (including past presidents). Without their support this would not have been possible.

-Dan Davidson, Treasurer

Notes From the Treasurer


The June meeting of the Board of Trustees (held June 9th this year) is traditionally the ‘overlap’ month, where both outgoing and incoming board members attend. In July, we will have an all-day Board Retreat, to provide orientation for new board members, team development and integration of our board with key staff members in their respective new positions. We look back to ensure everyone has a common framework of understanding how Beth Torah came to be, and we look forward as we enter the process of planning for the future of Beth Torah. Board member Bob Milgrim, serving as Security Liaison for Beth Torah, met with a local representative from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has offered on-site training. Executive committee members Dan Davidson, Bonnie Swade and Linda Zappulla attended an all-day Active Shooter Workshop hosted by the Jewish Community Center and the National Protection and Programs Directorate Office of Infrastructure Protection within the DHS. Todd Janvrin joins us on July 1st, as Director of Finance, a new part-time position, providing financial oversight for the Congregation. Todd will oversee fund accounts, budget and payroll management, along with maintaining relationships with vendors and contractors. He comes to us from a long career in health care, where he served in financial and administrative roles. Recently he moved into the non-profit world, where he was Vice President of Practice Management at Kansas City CARE Clinic. Prior to that he worked at several medical practices, Ernst and Young, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. He has extensive experience in accounting work, financial and statistical reporting, budgeting, payroll and audit coordination. A hands-on executive, Todd will bring his professionalism along with a can-do attitude to his role at Beth Torah. Todd has a BBA in Accounting from the University of Iowa and is a Certified Public Accountant. Todd and his wife, Kathy, live in Overland Park. Their daughter lives in Maryland and their son lives in Texas. Please join us in welcoming Todd.

Due to Tekiah production dates, unaudited fiscal year-end statement will be provided in the September issue.

Notes from the Board of Trustees

Caring ConnectionsThe Caring Connection Team is here Are you or a family member facing a health care challenge? Do you have an upcoming surgery and not much support when you get home? Do you have a family member struggling with a chronic illness? DO YOU NEED A LITTLE EXTRA HELP? The Caring Connection Team is up and running and available to provide practical support like running errands, occasional transportation, a friendly visit or phone call, or relieving a family caregiver for a few hours. Your Beth Torah Community is part of your support network, along with your family and friends. Give us a call if we can be of help: Kelly Somberg, CCT Team Leader (913) 205-6411 or [email protected].

In Memoriam:

Laverne AmendUncle of Carol Frankel

Joseph Hyman Zusman

Uncle of Marlene Kahn

Lita DiamondMother of Denise Pakula

Robert Reis

Father of Barbara Schlosberg

Joyce LuschenMother of Jay Luschen


Volunteers Are Our Life-Blood

Since my first weeks at Beth Torah, I have heard stories about the early years of Beth Torah. I met people who had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Brookwood Middle School or the JCC. I have heard about how Sunday School worked in the early years. The theme

to these stories has been volunteerism. The trope was: “In those years, everyone pitched in. Everyone carried his own chair. Everyone volunteered. That was the culture, because it was necessary.” Since those days, volunteers have always been the life-blood of Beth Torah.

When you build up a staff, a faculty and a building and settle into them, after awhile, the culture to pitch in might decrease because it is perceived as no longer necessary; and perhaps it did decrease. I have only been at Beth Torah

for two years, so my own memory of how our Beth Torah culture works is limited. In this last year, I have seen the traditional volunteer culture re-energized. Volunteers have

been at the forefront, leading major moments in the life of Beth Torah, such as (but definitely NOT limited to): •ParticipatinginHighHolyDayandShabbatworship

•CompletingourNATEAccreditationprocess •PreparingandrunningourTorahWritingExperiencefromSukkottoShavuot •Celebratingour25thAnniversarycombinedwithMitzvahDayandourquarterlyBloodDrive

•Keepingour25+yearstreakofsupportandworkatreStartgoingduringseverewinterweather •StrengtheningourMusicProgramaswetransitiontoanewMusicDirector •EvaluatingandplanningfornewAdministrativeleadership •HonoringMarciaRittmasterandRabbiMarkLevinastheyretireandchangetheirrolesatBeth Torah after decades of service to our community

Volunteers are the life-blood running through the veins of Beth Torah.

In this Jewish year, 5774, a season of great change and transition, this traditional anthem has been playing in my ears: “Volunteers have always been the life-blood of Beth Torah.” As the faces on the bimah change, as the faces in the office change, as the faces on the Board of Trustees and the Faculty of the Weiner Religious School

change, our core culture remains.

Several decades ago, Rabbi Abraham Isaac ha-Kohen Kook coined a slogan that I can’t get out of my mind as I think about what is going on at Beth Torah. He wrote, “The old shall be renewed and the new shall be sanctified; together, they will become torches that illuminate Zion.” I see this process happening at

Beth Torah. Our old culture of volunteerism is being renewed, the new faces and programs are being made holy, and together these two elements are lighting up Beth Torah.

I have heard that the summer can be a quiet time or a “slow time” at Beth Torah. School is not in session, but our planning and preparing for a new school year and a new Jewish year kicks into high gear. With new

members of our staff beginning their work on July 1st and August 1st, don’t be a stranger. Come for 15 minutes on a Friday night and be with your community. Stop by the office and introduce yourself. Get ready for a great 5775! We are the community we need.

-Rabbi Rebecca Reice

Rabbi Rebecca Reice, Rabbi Educator [email protected]

Alice Capson on the birth of her granddaughter, Zadie Marie Garcia-Lipoff

Nanci and Steve Hirschorn on the birth of their grandson, Levi Caleb Alpert


ConnectionsThe view from the pew…There is always turnover in congregational membership. Some members move away, others leave the congregation for personal reasons. New members walk through the door, and members who have not connected to the community in the past suddenly find what they have been looking for here in our walls.

So for our worship leaders, the view from the bimah changes throughout the years. There is a core group that come for years and that is wonderful, but many of the faces that pass through our doors are not the same faces we saw years ago, and are not the faces we will see five years from now.

For us, in the pews, our view has not changed much. But now, the view from the pew is changing. Retirement and life changes have resulted in changes in worship leadership. With this change, something amazing has happened.

The amazing thing is, the more things changed, the more our community stayed the same. Members who were disconnected found connections. Our new Board of Trustees is peppered with long-term members, some who have served on the board years ago and have come back to serve the community again.

Our June 1st event was driven by a committee that had numerous volunteers who were looking, searching for a connector, and our new Torah, along with honoring Rabbi Levin, was that connector. It was palpable on the evening of June 1st. I heard congregants use the word “healing” and describe the event as “putting the heart in our community”. These comments were music to my ears and food for my soul.

Rabbi Rick Shapiro will be standing on our bimah. Emily Tummons will be singing with us as we pray in our pews. Aaron Nielsenshultz will be administering the education that powers future Jews in our community. Todd Janvrin will be administering to our financial health and well being. Cathy Nix is the face you will see when you walk in our office. Good people doing good work. Continuity? I’ll be here to greet you when you walk in the building, Rabbi Reice will be here to oversee our programming, Robin O’Bryan will be answering the phone, Sharon Altman will be making sure your donations are properly dispersed and Barbara Kitt will be keeping our books. Also, Rabbi Levin will be around to teach, counsel and make us smile with his great stories and writings.

The biggest constancy is you. Our community has grown stronger and leaders have sprouted from the garden of our pews to create a congregational landscape that is strong, full of Jewish values, forward thinking and supportive actions.

What is the view from your pew? Let me know what you think.

Laura Intfen, Director of Community [email protected]

High Holy Days are around the corner

Erev Rosh Hashanah is Wednesday evening, September 24th.Volunteers are needed for many parts of the worship service and to greet at the door.

Please contact Laura Intfen in the Beth Torah office or Email her at [email protected] to be a part of the community we need to make HHD 5775 a community experience.


Adult Education Offerings for July/August 2014Yiddish Circle - Yiddish Circle of Learning continues to grow into the summer months in the Bride’s Room at Beth Torah. Bring a lunch for an hour of learning time devoted to the Yiddish language and culture. Knowledge of Yiddish not a requisite for attending. Come learn and laugh with Ray Davidson each Friday at noon.

Wisdom on Wednesdays - Study sacred texts with other Beth Torah members on Wednesdays at noon in the Bride’s Room.

Discussion on the Writings of the Torah - Join the community in discussion on Shabbat morning, 9:00 to 10:15 a.m. in the library.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah - Have you ever considered taking part in an adult bar or bat mitzvah? We’ll be offering a year-long adult b’nai mitzvah course this year at Congregation Beth Torah, so now is your chance. The class meets for Hebrew instruction and classes on a range of Jewish education topics throughout the year, culminating in a group ceremony in the spring. Gather your friends and take part! The class costs $200, materials included. Please register through the Beth Torah office by August 29th.

Adult Hebrew - Ready to learn Hebrew? Join volunteer teacher Scott Strong-Wallace on Sundays after the start of religious school to learn to read Hebrew or to brush up on your skills. The cost is only $36 for the entire year, which includes all your materials and your textbook. Register by calling the Beth Torah office at (913) 498-2212. You can charge your credit card over the phone or send a check made out to Congregation Beth Torah with “Sunday Hebrew” in the memo line. Questions? Email Scott at [email protected]. Please register by August 29th.

Ready to improve your Hebrew? - Join volunteer teacher Scott Strong-Wallace on Wednesdays after the start of religious school to study Hebrew through learning texts from B’reishit/Genesis. This class is perfect for adults who can already read Hebrew and would like to improve their vocabulary. The cost is only $36 for the entire year, which includes all your materials and your textbook. Register by calling the Beth Torah office at (913) 498-2212. You can charge your credit card over the phone or send a check made out to Congregation Beth Torah with “Wednesday Hebrew” in the memo line. Questions? Email Scott at [email protected]. Please register by August 29th.

Kabbalah Shabbat - Join the Kabbalat Shabbat Study Group on 2nd Fridays, July 18th, and August 15th, at 5:30 p.m. in the Sader/Shimkin Library for a moving and personal way to welcome Shabbat. We’ll examine readings, recite poetry, explore guided meditations, sing songs, or light candles as a way to enhance your Shabbat experience. No for-knowledge of Kabbalah is necessary. This group is open to anyone who wishes to explore the mysticism found within our religion on a more intimate level, so please feel free to bring a friend.

Adult Education

Adult Education at Beth Torah:What interests you? What aspect of Jewish life and learning would you like to know more about? In our new Adult Education model, you get to pick a topic, a time, and a place for you and nine others to learn.

Here are some potential topics:

Coping with IllnessBullying

Judaism and American Foreign PolicyComparative Judaism

If you’d like to learn more or if you’re ready to schedule, call or Email Aaron (913) 498-2212 or [email protected]


Family Grade Level Socials

Our religious school families have been planning their own family socials in the last few months, getting together to do mitzvah projects or share dinner and play time. Perhaps you’re headed to the park after Sunday School—invite your children’s classmates; if you’re going to Shabbat services, arrange to go out to dinner or lunch with other families from your religious school grades. Aaron Nielsenshultz would be glad to help you arrange a casual get-together with friends or other families. Just let Aaron know what you’re thinking, and we can work together to create a no-stress get-together. Aaron can’t wait to hear from you!

Contact:[email protected]

or (913) 498-2212

Religious School Notes

Aaron Nielsenshultz, Director of Youth , Education, and [email protected]

Bringing Education to YouSummer is a special time in the life of any school. While the classrooms are quiet and the students (and faculty!) are resting and recuperating with vacations, camp, or downtime, the administrative side of the school remains at work. There are policies to be reviewed and rewritten, calendar dates to finalize, and lots of statistics and information to catch up on. We might not have

the energy of our Sunday morning NATE-Accredited Weiner Religious School, but there’s still plenty going on!

•SundaySchool resumesonSunday,September7th,andTAGresumesonWednesday, September 10th, so mark your calendars.•We’re looking for parent volunteers to participate in a year-long schoolprogram review. If you’d like to participate in this project, please let me know.• If you haven’t submitted your school registration forms, we need themback right away! If you have not received these forms, contact the Beth Torah office immediately. We are missing some information on a few registration forms and we are still waiting for the return of a signed Derek Eretz Contract from others. We must have complete paperwork before students can enter their class on the first day. Please respond to our requests for the missing paper -work. We don’t want anyone to miss out on the first day, so make sure your paperwork has been completed and returned to Beth Torah!•Youshouldlookforour2014-15ParentHandbookviaEmailandadditionalforms to return via snail mail in July.•TAGregistrationinformationshouldalsoarriveinJuly.

And as I noted last month, I’m eager to hear your thoughts on education--both adult and youth--at Congregation Beth Torah. I’ll be attending GUCI with our Beth Torah campers for the first two weeks of July, but I’ll be checking Email, so please don’t hesitate to send any questions or comments you might have.

“Our memory is our humanity.” -Elie WieselQuote contributed by Sheila Ginsberg

Poster by Bonnie Swade

Artist’s Statement: Our Memory is our Humanity is a quote that means to me that our memories are what make us human and grounded. Even though some of our memories may be better than others they all play a part of making us the people we are and the people we will become. As we age, our memories become even more special and important.

Meaningful Jewish Vision with Henri Goettel


Joel Winston Social Justice ProgramGoodwill Clothing DriveBeth Torah is partnering with Goodwill to collect clothes. There’s a donation barrel in the entryway to Beth Torah, so bring your gently-used clothing donations and drop them off in the bin. Donation receipts are available in the office.

Joel’s Ride thank yousWe had a great time at Joel’s Ride this year! With 125 riders and a beautiful morning, the day could not have been better. And of course, we couldn’t have done it without the help of so many volunteers! Thanks to:

Ellen Taylor, Robin Hendrikse, Bonnie and Mickey Swade, Marcia Rittmaster, Miki Herman, SueAnn Strom, Jeff and Ami Levin, Adam Levin, Janice and Sadye Hendler, Debbie and Oscar Chase, Hannah Luschen, Debbie Leonard, Liam Nielsenshultz, Julie Kaplan, Quentin and Samantha Hammontree, Braxton Hammontree, Mackenzie Hammontree, Callie Eaton, Sara Roth, Kelsey Nance, Sharon Altman, Andie Neuman, Julie Chesis, Jessica Earnshaw, Stacy Wright, Eva Steiner, Mike and Jill Fine, Sam Fine, Tim Fine, and Nancy Milgrim.

And an extra-special thanks to our amazing Joel’s Ride Committee, without whose tremendous efforts, the ride would not have been nearly as successful or fun: Kacy Levin, Jennifer Levinson, Jay Luschen, Keith Gates, Mitchel Krasnopolor,

Bob Milgrim, and Noah Dunker.

Blood Drive August 11th , 2:30 -7:30 p.m.Join our growing community of blood donor “regulars” and sign up today for our next quarterly Blood Drive. You could win a trip for four to Disney World!! To schedule your donation, log on to www.esavealifenow.org, (click on “Find a Drive” and sponsor code “bethtorah”) or call Jeff Altman (913-530-2687) or Sharon Altman (913-498-2212).

Rabbi Levin Food DriveCongregation Beth Torah sent Rabbi Levin out in style during the celebration on June 1st. To add to the great sense of that day, you donated more than 1,550 pounds of food for this food drive. How much food is that? Let’s put it this way: it took JFS six trips and three hours to process it all! Thank you for your generosity!

Thank you for your Donation!

Harvesters Backsnack Program Looks Ahead to Another Successful School Year

Beth Torah continues to participate in the Harvesters Backsnack Program and will be partnering with an elementary school starting again in September to distribute food packs to children in need. If you are able to join the Beth Torah Backsnack team, please contact Diane Balanoff at (913) 238-4276. You may contribute as little as one hour a month, or whatever fits into your schedule, and you will be making a difference in the lives of many children.


Youth Activities YOUTH GROUP NEWS:

Hi! I’m Margo Hellman! I’m going to be the President of BTTY for the 2014-2015 year. This is going to be a super great year for BTTY. Our board is as follows:

President-Margo HellmanProgramming Vice President-Katie Fine

Social Action Vice President-Jared BoehmReligious and Cultural Vice President-Liam Nielsenshultz

Membership Vice President-Corey MinkoffCommunications and Visuals Vice President-Billy Jacob

Special Projects Coordinator -Annica DavisFuture Leaders-Will Reicher, Oscar Chase and Blaire Ellenberg

JYG Liaison-Sarah Shaw

We are going to have board installations some time at the end of August and will start up monthly board meetings after that.

I’m beyond excited to be the head of this amazing board next year and I’m looking forward to an extremely successful year for BTTY.

-Margo Hellman

Thank You For Breakfast & Ice Cream

If you are a regular or occasional attendee at Beth Torah on Sunday mornings, you have surely enjoyed our delicious breakfast before family worship. Our Sunday morning culture is built around family worship and this schmooze-and-nosh time. On Wednesday evenings our TAG students are treated to ice cream, or an occasional special treat like hot chocolate and doughnuts. There is no charge for this breakfast each week or for the treats each Wednesday, but we do need and appreciate your sponsorship to continue to offer these treats!

For your sponsorship of only $60, we will list your name and any event or person you would like to honor on our sponsorship board for everyone to see. Even if you aren’t a religious school parent, we would still welcome your contributions! Just call the Beth Torah office and we will be happy to take your information.

Stay Connected!Visit our Website: www.beth-torah.org

Follow us on Twitter: @BethTorah

Join us on Facebook: Congregation Beth Torahhttp://on.fb.me/vQ8E5P

(or Email us at [email protected] and we will send you the links!)

PJ LibraryLooking for a way to make Fridays a little special? Why not come to PJ Library at Congregation Beth Torah! On the second Friday night of each month, from 5:50 p.m. to 6:10 p.m., we’ll share a PJ Library book and a craft or other fun project. You’ll get to hear a great story from the PJ Library collection, and you’ll finish just in time for Fam Jam, our Friday night family sing-along. Enjoy a snack at the nosh before worship, and you’ll still be able to get your kiddos home in time for bed. We’d love to see you on Friday, July 11th & August 8th.

PJ Library/Shalom Baby, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, is brought to you in partnership with Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. It is also generously supported by Jewish Community Foundation

Legacy Fund, Jewish Heritage Foundation and Menorah Legacy Foundation.

Just About 4Are you interested in helping with Just About 4 planning? Our committee will be meeting in August to start planning the next year. Let Aaron know if you’re interested in helping with this playgroup for young ones between three and five (or thereabouts).

Contact Aaron at [email protected].


June 1st - Culmination of Torah Writing Experienece & Celebration of Rabbi Mark Levin

Visit the Beth Torah Youtube Page to see the vidio montage from June 1st: www.youtube.com/user/BethTorahCong


Bar Mitzvah of Braden DavisBraden Davis, son of Jennifer Korn-Davis and Kevin Davis, will celebrate his bar mitzvah on Saturday, July 12th, at 10:30 a.m. during Shabbat Worship. Braden will be an eighth grader at Prairie Star Middle School. He enjoys playing electric guitar, camping, hiking, fishing and parkour. He is the grandson of Judy and Marv Korn of Overland Park and Karen Fladoos of Tucson, Arizona. The congregation is invited to join Braden and his family for worship and the Kiddush luncheon following services.

Bat Mitzvah of Talia ChaseTalia Faye Chase, daughter of Debbie and Jeff Chase, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, August 2nd, at Shabbat worship. Talia is an “A” student heading into the eight grade at Overland Trail Middle School. She loves animals, dancing, piano, books, movies, cooking and climbing trees. Talia is the sister of Oscar and the granddaughter of Diane and Arnold Balanoff; Maggie and the late Robert Chase. The congregation is welcome at the Kiddush luncheon following our community’s morning worship.

Bar Mitzvah of Zachary DeveneyZachary Deveney will become a Bar Mitzvah on August 16th. Zach is an 8th grader at California Trail Middle School and participates in football, lacrosse and taekwondo. Zach has a brother Matthew and is the son of Debbie Leonard and the late Bruce Deveney. Our family invites the congregation to a kiddush luncheon following the ceremony.

Bar Mitzvah of Braxton HammontreeBraxton Hammontre, son of Samantha and Quentin Hammontree, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah at Shabbat worship on Saturday, August 30, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Braxton is a seventh grade student at Prairie Star Middle School. He really enjoys playing basketball and football yet more than anything loves attending Camp Sabra in the summer! Braxton is a big brother to Mackenzie and grandson to Joni and Larry Weiner, Lynn and Rich Maxwell, and Rai and Chris Hammontree. The congregation is welcome at the Kiddush luncheon following our community’s morning worship.

CBT Music ProgramIt has been an incredible learning experience serving our congregation as the part-time, temporary music program coordinator. We set the goal of “keeping the lights on” in our music department, and I feel confident that with your support and participation, we did just that. We are on track for a meaningful High Holy Day season, we are going to welcome a talented, thoughtful and intentional new Music Director, and we have had the chance to see how we can worship together as a team. The support of Tim Intfen, Lezlie Zucker, Becky and Ron Sandhaus and Randy Deutsch cannot be emphasized enough. Most certainly I’ve learned a few things, now that I’ve had a chance to be on our board of trustees, chaired a couple of search committees and now as a staff person. Never underestimate how incredible is this community.

We are a loving, caring, connected and deeply committed group. We take care of each other as is evident every time I get on the bimah to help with worship. Your patience and voices have carried us through and forward to this next adventure. I’m still pinching myself that we’ve been so fortunate to find Emily Tummons. Prepare for the best, it is yet to come. Will see you all in the pews!

Judith Benson, Music Program Coordinator

Judith Benson, Music Program [email protected]

B’nai Mitzvah for the Months of July and August


Beth Torah General Fund In Memory Of:Esther Abe

Beth Torah General Fund

In Memory Of:Marjorie Blond Cohen Bart S. BlondLouis Goldstein Martin & Irene GoldsteinRose Feldman Kelly SombergHenriett Waxman Joe WaxmanMollie Rosenfeld Les & Amy RosenfeldChester Kaplan James & Kelly Kaplan FamilyWilliam Swearingin Jackie & Bob Gershon

In Honor Of:Rabbi Mark Levin Arthur Chaykin & Paulette Giarratana

Rabbi Shapiro Discretionary Fund Rabbi Transition Committee

Rabbi Levin Discretionary Fund Ron & Jo Ann Ginson Dr. Linda S. Khadavi

In Memory Of:Cathy Lowenstein Lon LowensteinRita Baellow Norman BaellowRose Anna Shaw Radine ShawFather, Fred Ellis Charlotte KesslerAshley Zack Linda ZackDenise Holsberger Jim KontrasFather, Isadore Shaffer Norman ShafferCarla Dozier Ruth BergerMother, Fannie Shnayerson Bernice DanielsRose Feldman Peter Ehrlich

In Honor Of:Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah John & Debbie Berkowitz

Contributions Rabbi’s Fund For Social Justice Projects

In Memory Of:Howard Novorr Janet & Robert BloomBea Wayne Glazer Patsy D. Shanberg Rudy Jaffe The Bruennig FamilyBill Swearingin Eva SteinerBeverly Banks Fran & Whitey Kuhn

Rabbi Reice Discretionary Fund In Honor Of:Aaron’s Bar Mitzvah John & Debbie Berkowitz

In Appreciation Of:Rabbi Reice’s service at Weiner Religious School Denise Ellenberg

CBT Fund For Families In Need Kambiz “Tom” Khadavi

In Memory Of:Denise Holsberger Brian, Christa, Olivia and Simon BalanoffTeresina Sanchez David A. SanchezLita Diamond Robin & Rod O’Bryan SueAnn StromRose Klinock Jerry & Susie KlinockSamuel Faiman Morris & Lynne Faiman

Weiner Religious School Fund In Honor Of:Marcia Rittmaster’s Retirement Denise Ellenberg Scott J. and Sara Tate Goldstein Stan & Norine Rosenblum

Hunger FundIn Memory Of:Rose Feldman Harriett & Ron JacobsonDenise Holsberger Jayne & Fred Baldwin The Peters FamilyFather-in-law, Colleph Shaw Radine Shaw

In Honor Of:Birth of my granddaughter, Zadie Marie Garcia-Lipoff Alice Capson

Birthday of Jim Holsberger Elaine HolsbergerSpeedy recovery of Mike Jacobs Radine Shaw

Joel’s Ride “Wheels for Meals” Daniel Flanigan Myra Rosenberg Litman John Lantos & Martha Montello Lonnie J. Shalton & Rita Leifhelm Polsinelli

In Honor Of:Speedy recovery of Kacy LevinSpeedy recovery of Stan Goldman Robin O’Bryan In Memory Of:Denise Holsberger The Nielsenshultz Family

Social Justice FundIn Memory Of:George Kaplan Alice KaplanAlice J. McEwen Terry McEwenPaul F. Pecora SueAnn Strom

CBT Camp Scholarship FundIn Memory Of:Denise Holsberger Debbie & Jay Kelly-Konovalske

In Honor Of:Marcia Rittmaster’s retirement Larry & Stephanie KatzifHannah Feldman’s confirmation Robin & Rod O’Bryan

Library FundIn Memory Of:Rose Feldman Carol Ducak

Dr. Milton L. Tate Torah FundIn Memory Of:George Kaplan Alice Kaplan

Choir FundIn Memory Of:Rose Feldman Gil & Marcia Charney

In Honor Of:Linda Sweenie, Glenn Philips & Jack Feldman The Congregation Beth Torah Choir

Youth Activities FundIn Honor Of:Marcia Rittmaster’s Retirement Denise Ellenberg


Brookridge Golf & Fitness

Want more information?Contact: Sharon at (913) 498-2212

[email protected]

Join us for the 11th Anniversary

CBT Golf Classic

Opportunities to Participate:

Monday, August 18, 2014

$1,500

$1,000

$1,000

$800

$600

$500

$200

$150

Putting Contest Sponsor Golf for Four, Signage at Location and Name Recognition in Program

Front-9 Sponsors Golf for Four, Signage at Location and Name Recognition in Program

Back-9 Sponsors Golf for Four, Signage at Location and Name Recognition in Program

Hole and Team Sponsor Golf for Four, Signage at Hole and Program Recognition

Host a Team of Four Sponsor Program Recognition

Beverage Cart Sponsor Signage on Beverage Cart and Program Recognition

Hole Sponsor Signage at Hole and Program Recognition

Individual Player Includes Green Fees, Meals, Refreshments on course, Gift Bag, Awards Ceremony and a Commemorative Gift.

CBTCLASSICPresented By: Village Shalom

Your InformationName:

Address:

Email:

Phone:Amount enclosed or to charge: $

Method of Payment

Check MasterCard Visa

Credit Card #

Exp. date Verification code

Signature

Discover


Happenings in the Community

Please join congregant Barb Mendelsohn for the 7th annual “Bowling with Barb” event, happening Sunday, July 13th, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Ward Parkway Lanes, 1523 West 89th St, KC, MO. Come hear the 1970’s band Joe Hot Rod & the Spark Plugs, featuring Beth Torah members Ron Altman, Jerry Fehr, Eric Morgenstern and Larry Myer along with Rabbi Scott White. For more information, contact Barb at [email protected].

Community Tisha B’Av ObservanceA community Tisha B’Av observance sponsored by the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City will take place on Monday evening, August 4th, at Congregation Beth Shalom, 14200 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park. Ma’ariv will begin at 8:30 p.m., followed by the reading of Eicha. This is a meaningful service with beautiful, mournful melodies, some engaging teaching, and a time for communal reflection on both painful times of our past and hope for our future. “Tisha B’Av (the fast day that is on the ninth of the Hebrew month of Av) commemorates more than simply the physical destruction of the two Temples,” states Rabbi David Glickman of Congregation Beth Shalom. “The sages teach that the Temple was destroyed by sinat chinam -- baseless hatred of one Jew toward another. By accepting this premise, one could say that baseless hatred was the root cause for the destruction of the Temple -- and all subsequent calamities that befell the Jewish people in the 2000 years since our exile from the Land of Israel. By multiple congregations, multiple rabbis and multiple types of Jews coming together to observe Tisha B’av, I truly feel that it is a bit of a “Tikkun” -- a “Repair” -- of the root of exile.”

The fast will end at 9:30 p.m., on Tuesday, August 5th. For further information, visit kcrabbis.org or contact Annette Fish, Rabbinical Association Administrator, [email protected], (913) 327-4622.

11th Annual Community Awareness Walk Suicide Awareness Survivor Support will hold its 11th Annual Remembrance Walk on Sunday, September 7th, at Loose Park, 51st and Wornall, Kansas City, Mo. The walk was started to help unite people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to a traumatic death such as suicide, homicide, fire or accident.

The Remembrance Walk begins with registration at 8:00 a.m. on September 7th. The walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by a dove release. Pre-registration is $25 and walk-up registration is $30. All participants will receive a T-shirt, bag, and other items. Matt Stewart, Fox 4, will again host the event. Proceeds help with suicide awareness, education, prevention and survivor support. Participants can register by going to the www.sass-mokan.com Website and follow the walk link. For more information about the Community Remembrance Walk visit the SASS Website or contact Mickey or Bonnie Swade at (913) 681-3050 or by Email at [email protected].

Day of Discovery - Explore the Joy of Jewish LearningMark your calendar for Sunday, August 24, 2014, an exciting, upcoming community program: “Day of Discovery – Explore the Joy of Jewish Learning in Kansas City.” This event will be held from 8:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the JCC. Participants will have an opportunity to learn, study, and discover some of the community’s finest Jewish educators, rabbis, and cantors, who will lead sessions on a wide range of topics. Registration for the event will begin in early August. A listing of classes and information related to the day can be found the end of July at: www.kcrabbis.org.

“Mitochondria are your cells’ powerhouses. Mitochondrial disease is the body’s inability to turn food

into energy needed to sustain life.”

Benefiting the Research to Fight Mitochondrial Disease


Safety at Beth TorahMy name is Bob Milgrim and I am one of the newer members of the Board of Trustees and Beth Torah’s Security Coordinator. I have been working with Laura Intfen to identify our immediate and longer term security issues and needs. A crime prevention officer from the Overland Park Police Department has toured our facility and we have implemented his immediate recommendations. I have formed a committee that will meet over the summer in order to develop specific procedures to address the remaining issues. I, along with other members of the Board and staff, have attended the Active Shooter Training presented by the US Department of Homeland Security. We look forward to sharing what we learned with other members of staff and congregation.

I am open to any suggestions or concerns that any members of the congregation might have. In the coming months I will advise the congregation of our committee’s suggestions. Please feel free to Email any of your ideas to [email protected].

The Nosh Challenge and How to Meet ItBy Bonnie Swade

As announced at the Annual Meeting, due to budgetary limitations, we are changing our approach to the food offered prior to our Friday night worship. The nosh we have enjoyed in recent years was the result of a generous donation that is no longer available. The current approach costs about $350 per week. The new budget has been reduced to about $75 per week.

So, we must adjust and, with everyone’s support, we will. I am chairing a new Hospitality Committee charged with figuring out how to preserve the “Nosh and Mingle” aspect of our Friday night service on an affordable and sustainable basis.

First, let me manage expectations. The nosh was never designed to be dinner, but to tide us over until dinner. Our committee is hard-working, but providing hot meals is more than we can take on with our limited funds and manpower. Rather, the menus under consideration will be created with things like cans of nuts, bags of chips, salsa, black beans, tuna, canned chicken, raisins, crackers, and pasta --items that can be stored in the Beth Torah kitchen and used as necessary.

Here is how you can help. The committee will plan out menus in advance and regularly announce the food items necessary for each menu. Knowing what we need, you’ll be able to add some of these items to your weekly shopping list and drop them off at Beth Torah. Cash donations are also welcome. Donations of $100 or more will be recognized on a designated Friday night with table signing and a thank you in the announcement sheet.

And, most importantly, we need donations of time. The key to pulling this off is logistics. We will need some volunteers to periodically pick up supplies from a downtown location. Then, we will need teams of two or three (or more if you want) to prepare the menu items for each Friday night. You provide the time (about 90 minutes) and we provide everything else (food, supplies, menus) that will allow your team to put it all together. It’s a fun and easy way to help preserve a great Beth Torah tradition.

This new program starts in July. The committee will be the volunteers for the first month, but we need help from the congregation to keep the program going forward. If you are willing to help, please contact me at (913) 681-3050, by Email: [email protected] or any other committee member: Irene Goldstein, Marlene Kahn, Linda Katz, Audrey Myers, Ellen Taylor, Cindy Shames, and Nancy Solomon.

We are the Community we need.


July 2014 Calendar

Sponsorships: July 5: Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Todd & Suzy Rein in honor of the b’nai mitzvah of their sons, Alex and Ethan Rein.


August 2014 Calendar

Sponsorships:August 1 & 2: Nosh, pulpit flowers and Kiddush luncheon are sponsored by Jeff and Debbie Chase in honor of the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Talia Chase. August 29 & 30: Nosh and Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Quentin and Samantha Hammontree in honor of the bar mitzvah of their son, Braxton Hammontree.



Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDShawnee Mission, KS

Permit No. 721

Congregation Beth Torah6100 W. 127th Street

Overland Park, Kansas 66209www.beth-torah.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Tekiah # 280, July/August 2014Congregation Beth Torah

(913) 498-2212 Fax: (913) 498-1071Email: [email protected]

Website: www.beth-torah.orgOfficersPresident................................................Linda Zappulla First Vice President...................................... Barry KatzVice President........................................ Mike GinsbergVice President............................................... Matt HaunSecretary ............................................... Bonnie SwadeTreasurer ................................................ Dan DavidsonImmediate Past President........................ Michelle ColeBoard of TrusteesJeff Altman Chuck Cantor Tom Cohen June CraneTodd Davisson Mike Fine Miki Herman Bob MilgrimDavid Spizman Frank Sterneck SueAnn Strom

BTTY President................................... Margo Hellman

StaffInterim Rabbi......................... Rabbi Rick Shapiro, D.D.Rabbi Educator ................ Rebecca R. Reice, M.A.J.E.Founding Rabbi ................ Mark H. Levin, D.H.L., D.D.Director of Community Connections ..........Laura IntfenDirector of Youth, Education, and Engage-ment............................................... Aaron NielsenshultzDirector of Finance .......................... Todd Janvrin, CPAOffice Manager....................................... Robin O’ BryanMusic Program Coordinator..................... Judith BensonAdministrative Assistant..........................Sharon AltmanBookkeeper.......................................................Barb Kitt

Beginning August 1st:Music Director ..................................... Emily Tummons

BTTY Adviser: Hannah MichelsonJYG Advisers: Rachel Bolter & Zach Zwibelman

© Congregation Beth Torah, Overland Park, KS

Hav

e a Heart Save a Life

Join us for the next Beth Torah,

and BIAV Blood Drive

Give Blood - The Ultimate Sustainable Resource

Monday, August 11th 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

37 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, yet only 7 percent performs this life-saving mitzvah. Be a 7 percenter and join your friends from Beth Torah and BIAV at Beth Torah’s next quarterly Blood Drive. Schedule your donation online today at www.esavealifenow.org (click on “find a drive” and sponsor code “bethtorah”), or call Scott Franklin at (913) 645-1036 or Email: [email protected].

Documents

July Aug Tekiah 2014