THE FEBRUARY 2020/ VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 Temple Chronicle · 2020-02-11 · Announcements THE TEMPLE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 2020 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 PAGE 2 The Rabbi Speaks continued... Worship

Dear Friends:

In December, along with eight other Temple leaders, I traveled to the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Biennial Convention in Chicago. Permit me to focus on one important aspect of what we learned and experienced there.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, URJ President, emphasized an exciting reality: The fastest-growing demographic of American Jews, and especially of young American Jews, are Jews of color. Rabbi Jacobs urged us all not only to welcome, but to celebrate, the presence of Jews of color in our midst.

We know how that process works. Congregation B’nai Israel, like most Reform congregations, began by tolerating the presence of gay and lesbian Jews—and later, transgender Jews and those who identify as queer. Moving beyond tolerance—after all, that word suggests a decision to live with diversity we would just as soon ignore—we became welcoming. Over time, we embraced these members, and we came to see that “they” are in fact “us:” our own family members, our friends, and leaders of our community. To be sure, neither the tolerance nor the welcoming nor the embrace has been total or unanimous, and no progress is without steps backwards. Ultimately, we began to celebrate the diverse sexual orientations and gender identities of our members, guests, and those who would seek to join us as Jews. We hold Pride Shabbat annually, and we celebrate same-sex weddings, to cite two examples. It’s no accident that a sizable percentage of our newest Jews identify as LGBTQ.

Looking around Congregation B’nai Israel on a Friday night or holy day, one does not see many Jews of color. Looking around our Religious School on a Sunday morning, though, our community includes Jews of European, Asian, African, and Latin American ancestries. Our Jewish children are growing up in a multiethnic Jewish environment, and we are teaching them to see and to celebrate those differences.

At the Biennial, Rabbi Jacobs and his team did not demonstrate this priority with words alone. Evan Traylor, who grew up in Oklahoma City and at URJ Greene Family and Kutz Camps, and in NFTY—which he served as Texas-Oklahoma, and then North American, President—gave the sermon to some 5,000 at the Biennial’s Friday night Shabbat

FEBRUARY 2020/ VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1

C O N G R E G A T I O N B ’ N A I I S R A E LTemple ChronicleT H E

THE RABBI SPEAKS

RABBI BARRY BLOCK

Temple B'nai Israel Newsletter, Volume 20, Issue 1,February 2020, published monthly by Temple B'nai Israel

3700 N. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock, AR 72212

Worship at a Glance

...continued on next page

...continued on next page

Saturday, February 1Torah Study, led by Rabbi Block, at 9:30 am

Shabbat Service, led by Rabbi Block, at 11:00 am

Friday, February 7 Oneg Shabbat 5:45 – 6:15 pm

Mishkan T’filah Service, led by LaFTY and Rabbi Block for NFTY-Southern Region

Winter Kallah, at 6:15 pmMusic: Elizabeth Cohen

Oneg Shabbat Sponsor: SisterhoodSecurity Sponsor: Amanda, Martin and Teddy Ferguson

Saturday, February 8NFTY So. Kallah Shabbat Service, at 9:00 amTorah Study, led by Rabbi Block, at 9:30 am

Shabbat Service, led by Rabbi Block, at 11:00 am

Friday, February 14Oneg Shabbat 5:45 – 6:15 pm

UPB-Sinai Edition Service, led by Rabbi Block, at 6:15 pmSermon: “Hiding our Jewish Identity”

Music: Young@ark: Jana Cohen, Jonathan Dranoff, Cheryl Streiff, and Perry Young

Candles & Kiddush: Betty and David Rosen, in celebration of their anniversary

Reader: Catherine Norwood, in celebration of her birthdayOneg Shabbat Sponsor: Sisterhood

Security Sponsor: Laurie Arnold


Shabbat Service, led by Rabbi Block, at 11:00am90th birthday blessing of Aniko Diamant


All-Music, All-Debbie Shabbat Service, led by the Stars of David Band, the Shechinotes, and Rabbi Block

Candles: Eileen Hamilton, in celebration of her birthdayKiddush: Ellyn Polsky, in celebration of her birthday

Oneg Shabbat Sponsor: Sisterhood

Announcements THE TEMPLE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 2020VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 PAGE 2

Worship at a Glance continued...The Rabbi Speaks continued...

service. He spoke movingly of his African American and Jewish-American heritage, offering a message of hope from his family’s story of struggle and success. Our entire North American Jewish community is blessed that Evan plans to enter rabbinical school at HUC-JIR this summer.

As always, not all steps are forward. Marra Gad, a featured speaker at the Biennial and author of The Color of Love: A Story of a Mixed-Race Jewish Girl, was among several Jews of color who reported bad experiences at this Biennial. Jews of color are often asked when they converted to Judaism—as if all are converts, which is far from the case. As a rabbi, I am often asked how or when a Jew of color “became Jewish,” as if the question were especially relevant or appropriate about a Jew with dark skin but not one of apparently European descent. More than once, Gad and others were asked to clean up spills. Despite Gad’s bright orange “presenter” badge, and the clear “attendee” badges that others wore, these Jews were perceived by their fellow Jews to be present as convention staff, most likely custodial workers.

No Jew of color has ever reported an experience like that to me at Congregation B’nai Israel. I am not naive enough to think that no such thing has ever happened here, though. I am also grateful to the parents of Jewish children of color who have raised our consciousness when necessary from time to time.

Let us move quickly beyond tolerance, and even beyond welcoming, to embracing and celebrating the Jews of color who are part of us.

Faithfully,

Rabbi Barry H. Block

Al Barron Book Club

Sunday, February 16, 20203:00 pm -Temple Library

“Antisemitism: Here and Now” by Deborah E. Lipstadt


Shabbat Services, led by Rabbi Block, at 11:00 am


Mishkan T’filah Service led by Rabbi Block, at 6:15 pmConfirmation Class Members Lilah Goldman, Dylan Nodelman,

Louis Reagler, Tillie Reagler, David Ronnel, and Sydney Shemper will present the talks they delivered in the offices of Senators Boozman

and Cotton and Rep. Hill on January 13 as part of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism’s L’taken Social Justice Seminar.

Music: The MazelTonics: Emily Adams, Richard Estelita, Charlie Friedman, Meg Marion, and Josiah Wheeler

Reader: Colten Pilgreen, in celebration of his birthdayOneg Shabbat Sponsor: Sisterhood


Shabbat Services, led by Rabbi Block, at 11:00 am

PEGGY KRAMERMother Luke Kramer (and Ellen Korenblat);

grandmother of Henry Kramer and Tess Kramer

LARRY BENTLEYHusband of Debbie Bentley,

stepfather of Duse Sonnier and Becky Mobly, and step-grandfatherof Roxy Sonnier, Max and Benny Mobly

RITA LEVYWife of Morris Levy

Congregation B'nai Israel and Jewish Federation of Arkansas Invite You:

Coffee, Cake and ConversationTuesday, February 11, 2020 at 11:30 am

Congregation B'nai Israel Library

Judge Audrey Evans will speak on theElaine Massacre and the Memorial established

in Helena in 2019 to commemorate it.

Contact Jewish Federation of Arkansas social worker Kelsey Dugger at [email protected] or call the Federation office at

501-663-3571, if you would like a ride to the event.

Coffee Cake, and Conversation is sponsoredby Congregation B'nai Israel and Jewish Federation of Arkansas.

All are welcome.You bring lunch; we provide dessert and coffee.

President's Message THE TEMPLE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 2020VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 PAGE 3

President's MessageSecurity is a priority for your Board of Trustees, Security Committee, Rabbi Block, and Eileen Hamilton. We often discuss steps we should prudently take to assure that our members and guests are safe when we come to Temple to worship and to learn, to celebrate and to mourn.

Tragically, security measures are not optional these days. Shootings in churches are painful reminders that Jews are not uniquely vulnerable. Still, ADL, which keeps records on antisemitic incidents, tells us American antisemitism rose dramatically in 2017, and that 2018 was worse. The massacre at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in October, 2018 was the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. The statistics for 2019 aren’t out yet, but we know they won’t be good: The year ended with an epidemic of violence affecting primarily ultra-Orthodox Jews in New York.

For many years, we have had an off-duty police officer present whenever Religious School is in session and when we have particularly large gatherings. Since the Pittsburgh mass murder, we have engaged those officers every Friday night. I am so pleased with the off-duty Little Rock Police Department officers whom Eileen Hamilton has most recently engaged on our behalf to provide our security.

Our Temple budget was never intended, and is not able, to afford this weekly security on Friday nights. Your Board of Trustees has resolved that we must continue providing that security, come what may, but we are most conscious of the cost. At the same time, we are discussing legitimate concerns about security on Saturday mornings.

In short, Congregation B’nai Israel needs your security sponsorship donations. Our members have been most generous for more than a year, since the first Shabbat after Pittsburgh, with different volunteer donors taking a turn at paying for our security. Every Friday night from November, 2018 through January, 2020 has been covered, as were the High Holy Days. Now, though, we are in need of sponsors.

Your Board of Trustees and the Security Committee have placed a priority on security at the Temple. We need to know that you, our members, are our partners, as we explore ways to extend our security measures on Saturday mornings.

Please help your Board of Trustees, and together we’ll all do our part to keep Congregation B’nai Israel safe and secure.

Thank you,

Carol Pfeifer ParhamPresident

Adult Learning at Congregation B’nai Israel presents the continuation of a series based on:

The Sacred Exchange:Creating a Jewish Money Ethic

Edited by Rabbi Mary L. ZamoreWith an Essay by Rabbi Barry H. Block

Sunday Mornings, 9:30-11amTemple Library

• February 2 Crafting a Personal Jewish Approach to Your Finances

• February 9 Money and the Jewish Life Cycle Including discussion of Rabbi Block’s essay, “Marriage, Money, and Mussar”

• February 16 Money and Social Justice

• February 23 Jewish Philanthropy and Israel

• March 1 Jewish Institutions and Money

To obtain the book at the special discounted price of $16, as well as a specific syllabus detailing the articles to be addressed at each session,

please contact Keila at 501-225-9700 or [email protected]. The book is also available directly from CCAR Press online or any online book seller.

Save the Date and Calling all Actors!

Hangin’ with the Kings of England…Arkansas: A Hog Wild Purim Shpiel!!

March 10, 2020

An All British Music Invasion because, hey, these Kings are from England. A caveat: there will be a Tom Petty song because we

always have one, and he wore puffy shirts like the British.

If you’d like to join the crazy cast, please contact director Rebekah Scallet at (847) 924-7959.


Tours February

Christ Episcopal ChurchLakewood United Methodist Church

MarchCabot United Methodist Church

From the Administrator Eileen Hamilton

“We have always done it that way!” The answer from hell. It’s as bad as your parents yelling the answer “Because I said so!” It was a big discussion at the URJ Biennial in Chicago and how congregations will move forward into the 2020’s with new and fresh ideas. There is the adage – “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I couldn’t agree more when things really work, but I tend to favor change when something needs a tune up. What is the right way to go about change and when does a Temple know it’s time? The session I attended addressed a ‘litmus test’ of sorts to ask the important questions about when it’s time to let a program go, when it’s ready to die, or when it can come back renewed. Harsh as it sounds, there are times when saying goodbye is a good thing. It opens the door for what can be…

As we move into new processes for membership record keeping and billing, ways of communication to our members, systems and operations, and progressive and contemporary discussions, we need to challenge ourselves to see what can be. What is good and unique and special to B’nai Israel, and what can be gained and gleaned for presenting something new. It’s hard to adapt sometimes. Again, we need to challenge ourselves.

As you read your Chronicle and see the ‘same old’ or see something new and fresh, ask yourself the same question – does this interest me? And if not, ask yourself why. Enjoy all the activities of the past, participate in the present, and create and mold the future. It’s all our responsibilities, together, to keep us engaged. And most importantly, come forward and suggest something you would like to see, hear, learn, experience, and even foster for our future.

THANK YOU!Our “Gelt Together” Fundraiser

was a golden success!

We exceeded our goal of

$10,000!We appreciate your generous gifts!

Special thanks to event co-chairsJan Alman and Janet Korenblat

-Carol Pfeifer Parham, President

LEAVE A LEGACY CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL

�e purpose of the Congregation B’nai Israel Legacy Society is to secure the future of our Reform Jewish congregation. Legacy gi�s are deferred gi�s that will bene�t Temple B’nai Israel by sustaining our congregation for future generations. No gi� is too small and every gi� is a testament to your Jewish heritage.

Legacy gi�s might include:• A bequest in your will• A portion or all of an existing life insurance policy• A portion or all of an IRA or 401k• A portion or all of an annuity• A portion or all of a charitable trust• Or some other deferred commitment

Legacy donors become members of the Congregation B’nai Israel Legacy Society. If you would like more information on making a legacy gi�, please leave your name with the Temple o�ce (225-9700) and a volunteer will contact you.

Tot in the RockShabbat experienceFriday, February 21 at 5:45 pm

Join other families for Oneg Shabbat. Kabbalat Shabbat and

blessings at the service, followed by family dinner and fun for kids PK (and under) up to 2nd grade. Family paper bag skit fun – good

laughs and creativity for all.

To sponsor the dinner, please call Eileen at the Temple Office.

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Vote for marriage equality in Israel in the World Zionist

Congress Election.

THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT DOES NOT

RECOGNIZE NON-ORTHODOX MARRIAGES.

ISRAEL BY THE NUMBERS

20% ORTHODOX JEWSIN ISRAEL

100%JEWISHMARRIAGES INISRAELCONTROLLED BYORTHODOX CHIEFRABBINATE

Learn more about the importance of your vote by visiting arza.org.

January 21 – March 11, 2020

#VoteReformWZC

World Zionist Congress Election

We will have volunteers with laptops available to help you vote on Friday nights at Oneg Shabbat and on Sunday mornings at Religious School throughout the voting period, but you can also do so on your own at home by following the links at ARZA.org. �ere is a nominal cost to vote, charged by the World Zionist Congress, to defray the cost of the election ($7.50).

Questions or more information? Contact Congregation B’nai Israel’s World Zionist Congress election captain, Justice Annabelle Imber Tuck, [email protected], or Rabbi Block, [email protected].

JEWISH FEDERATION OF ARKANSAS PRESENTS

Cocktail Attire | Kosher Dietary Laws Observed*Tikkun Olam is Hebrew for Repairing the World.

The Jane B. Mendel Tikkun Olam Awards were established through the generosity of the TRG Foundation to honor outstanding volunteers in the Jewish community.

Saturday, February 29, 7:00 pmRobinson Center, 426 W. Markham, Little Rock

ALSO CELEBRATING THE 2019-2020 JANE B. MENDEL TIKKUN OLAM AWARD WINNERS

Donna KirkwoodAti’day

Michael KupermanCongregation Agudath Achim

Eugene Krupitsky Congregation B’nai Israel

Carol VellaCongregation Etz Chaim

Dorian StuberHendrix Hillel

Harry Ehrenberg Jr.Jewish Federation of Arkansas

Jerry CohenLubavitch of Arkansas

Bill FeldmanTemple Shalom

Tony AcreUnited Hebrew Congregation

Toby Klein University of Arkansas Hillel

Betty ForshbergHouse of Israel

7:00 PMRECEPTIONHors d’oeuvres

OPEN BAR: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

7:30 PMDINNER WITH WINE

8:30 PMPROGRAM

Tikkun Olam Awards and Grand Honoree Presentation

For reservations, please contact the Jewish Federation office at 501-663-3571.

Temple Funds THE TEMPLE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 2020VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 PAGE 7

IN MEMORY OF:Jerome Averbuch Bonnie and Sam NickolSophie Ceitlin Bonnie and Sam NickolPeggy Kramer Anne and Larry MillerDorothy Riemer Bonnie and Sam Nickol

IN HONOR OF:Carol Mendel Judy and John SeligMarilyn Weinstein’s birthday Sallye Mann Toos and Art PfeiferMary Lou Cohn’s special birthday Miriam and Leonard HassonBev Wittenberg’s birthday Sallye Mann

GENERAL DONATIONS: Abbey Shoemaker Eric Siegel Denny and Gary Ticker

THE ENDOWMENT FUND

IN HONOR OF:Rabbi Block for his meaningful prayer to the US House of Representatives Bonnie and Sam NickolRabbi Block Anonymous

IN MEMORY OF:Barbara Stern Jerry SternRita Levy Morris LevyNaomi Zottoli Alyce and Jack Zottoli

IN CELEBRATION OF:Their Marriage Sarah Brady Stack and Jason Frisbie

THE RABBI'SDISCRETIONARY FUND

JANET AND ARNOLD L. MAYERSON LEADERSHIP

DEVELOPMENT FUND

IN MEMORY OF:Janet and Arnold Mayersohn Betsy and Arnie Mayersohn

IN MEMORY OF:Eugene H. Wirges Kayleigh Wirges and Merrick FaganPeggy Kramer Jane and Bob Goff

LOIS G. STERNLIBRARY FUND

DR. WILMA DINERMEMORIAL FUND

FOR JEWISH EDUCATION

IN MEMORY OF:Joyce Arick, and Shara & Williams Adams Emily Adams and Carmen ArickNaomi Zottoli Emily Adams and Carmen Arick

IN HONOR OF:Birthdays of Debbie and Brad Diner Hardy Winburn

EUGENE M. PFEIFER JR. & FAY S. PFEIFER COMMUNITY

OUTREACH FUND

IN MEMORY OF:Peter Phillips Linda and Gene Pfeifer

IN MEMORY OF:Larry Bentley Bobbye and Rabbi Gene LevyCorky Schroeder Ellyn PolskyDorothy Riemer Bobbye and Rabbi Gene Levy Naomi Zottoli Bobbye and Rabbi Gene Levy

IN HONOR OF: Special Birthday of Terri Moore Bobbye and Rabbi Gene Levy Special Birthday of Beth Miller Bobbye and Rabbi Gene LevySpecial Birthday of Ruth Itzkowitz Bobbye and Rabbi Gene Levy Birth of Theodore Emile Marks Bobbye and Rabbi Gene LevyChuck Kokes for his kindness and craftsmanship Ellyn Polsky

WISHING A SPEEDY RECOVERY TO: Rickie Lockwood Bobbye and Rabbi Gene Levy

BOBBYE & RABBI GENE LEVY CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS &

YOUTH FUND

CONGREGATION B'NAI ISRAEL

CEMETERY FUND

IN HONOR OF:High Holy Days Mark Gross

Please support our generous sponsors

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ALINE AND LOUIS SALINGER MEMORIAL

LANDSCAPE FUND

IN HONOR OF: Mac Lyons Great-grandchildren in Dallas

OLA & MERVIN LEIBSMEMORIAL RELIGIOUS

SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Jackie Leibs Bendorf and Jerry Bendorf

IN APPRECIATION OF:Bernie Bevill Van Gates

ONEG FUND

YahrzeitsYAHRZEITS: FEBRUARY 2020

FEBRUARY 7Fran AbtsGittel AdlerBetty Lasker AlexanderDorothy G. AxelrothHarry BreslerAlbert K. CohenEdith L. FleisigJean GailliardAlan HirschBirdie L. LaskerBernice Marx LionLilah Ann Sewall MulkeyLaura ReiferW. E. RogersShirley SchumannWilliam A. SternEva Wol�

FEBRUARY 14L. Julian AlexanderJoyce ArickDelia G. BloomAdolph BluthenthalCharles Herrman DanteCharles FleisigMax GreenbaumMabel Feld GrundfestSam GrundfestJohn Eric KernerLeo LanskyEugene P. LevyChester E. MillerMilton RichardDorothy Blass StorthzHulda D. �alheimerCarla Smith WebbArthur WeissBessie WellerDonald Spradlin Wise

FEBRUARY 21Henry Stephan AbowitzNatalie Loeb AlexanderDon-Neil BrotmanNat M. CohenAnnah CohenKimberly DanielsCarrie L. DoschChai Rachel EpsteinHattie Jean FalkRhoda Lowenberg GilbertAugusta Finger GoldmanRobert HestermannJ. HeymanLilian Cohen HortonRuth HortonJean LachmannHattie Sickles LevyHeloise Kaufman PfeiferIrene Bott PfeiferVivian Brooks RosenLouis C. SalingerMorris B. SandersLevi StorthzFreda Grano� �omasJean WalterFaye Block WeinsteinStella F. Weisman

FEBRUARY 28 Alice Lasker BackSadie C. BauduyNoland Blass, Sr.Flora L. CohenHarold F. EpsteinHoward FeinsteinRachel FrankMax GoldIsadore GoodmanMimi Back LoebJoseph LyonsDaniel P. OttenheimerDaniel OttenheimerClara Goldenblank Ra�Henry RephanDorothy Cone Sherman

THE TEMPLE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 2020VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 PAGE 8

Temple Funds continued...

GENERAL DONATION:Faye and Jack Marks

IN APPRECIATION OF:Rabbi Block, Meg Marion and David Bauman Mary Lou Cohn

GENERAL FUND

Emily Adams and Carmen ArickJan and Larry AlmanShelly BaronDebbie BradyTrudy and Jerry Jacobson

PRESIDENT’S FUND

IN MEMORY OF:Larry Bentley Ellyn Polsky and Howard Bresnik

MEMORIAL FUND FOREDUCATION & YOUTH

IN MEMORY OF:Larry Bentley Muriel Lederman and Brian StorrieHerbert J. Garon Kathy and David BaumanEleanor and Carl Gross Mark Gross

VOGEL CARING ANDSHARING FUND

SISTERHOOD LEGACYENDOWMENT FUND (SLEF)

IN MEMORY OF:Naomi Zottoli Esther Gordon Ellyn Polsky and Howard Bresnik Nancy and Steve Rousseau

YAHRZEIT FUND

IN MEMORY OF:Eli Abramson Leslie SingerBlanche and Sol Alman Martha and Charles Alman Jan, Larry and Sydney AlmanElsie Axler and Martin Greenberg Lynn and Bruce GreenbergTed Baer Milt BaerSherrill Bernstein Tina and Nathan BernsteinRaymond V. Biondo, M.D. Mary BiondoCaleen Estelita Richard EstelitaStanley Falk AnonymousIrma Frankel Susan and Mike SchmitzMark Greenberg and Lauren Weintraub Lynn and Bruce GreenbergSylvia Shore Herstein Eleanor WolffAriel Barak Imber Annabelle Imber TuckDavid Jacobs Jonathan JacobsJustin Komiss Patty and Herb MonosonHarry S. Lasker, Jr. Harriet L. Katz and FamilyHarvey Luber Elaine LuberSalene Lyons Mac LyonsRenee Miller Beth and Harvey MillerHyman Reifer Judy and Ken ReiferMartin David Rosen Betty and David RosenElsa Klein Rosenthal Susan and Byron Rosenthal KantrowAnnette Joseph Sanders Sandra and Hollis PruittAnnette J. Sanders Sue and Keith MaddisonMarguerite Selz Nan SelzAlvin Weil Strauss, Sr. Tracye and Larry TownleyAlvin Weil Strauss, Jr. Tracye and Larry Townley Susan Weintraub Weber Amy, Adam Claire and Harlow Fenster

IN HONOR OF: High Holy Days Mark Gross

BAUMAN MUSIC FUND

NFTY So. Winter Kallah Denny and Gary Ticker

YOUTH GROUP


Harrison Ford and Gene Wilder star as a taciturn gunslinger and a clueless immigrant rabbi traveling across the Wild West in the comic adventures of �e Frisco Kid. Ranked 87th out of 88 in his rabbinical class, Avram Belinski (Wilder--Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein) accepts a posting to Gold Rush-era San Francisco. Speaking little English but following a leading from God, the young rabbi sets out from Philadelphia for San Francisco, believing his destination to be a short walk. Along the way he befriends bank robber Tommy Lillard (Ford--Indiana Jones �lms, Star Wars �lms). Now, as this mismatched pair crosses the frontier, the Old West will never be the same.

SchmoozeramaGet social for a Pot luck dinner,

great movie, and discussion.

Saturday, February 15th, 6:00 pm

"�e Frisco Kid"

Bring a dish that serves 8. No RSVP is needed.Facilitated by Tim Kessler and Meg Marion

Questions?Contact Tim at 479-283-5923 or [email protected] Meg at 501-951-3345 or [email protected]

From the EducatorEileen Hamilton

When I began as a Jewish educator in New Orleans, we hosted a NFTY Southern Conclave that first year. We coordinated programming, housing, meals, social and all for over 225 teenagers from all over the region. It was a heavy lift, many times over. Charts, set ups, transportation, logistics, fundraising, creativity, and so much more went into each exhausting weekend. When it was all over, the word ‘exhausted’ was prevalent, but one word was better – EXHILIRATING! The anticipation, excitement, anxiety, and all the details leading up to the NFTY Southern Winter Kallah will all come together the minute the first visiting teen walks through the front door and one of our teens runs to greet their friends with open arms and a warm embrace. With all the planning, the real essence of the weekend is the friendships. Yes, we want the programming to be great; yet we all know that is the latent part of the Kallah. The experience is all about being with Jewish friends. Some have been friends from camp for a long time; and new friendships will be forged over the weekend too. What happens at the host homes is just as important as what happens at the General Assembly, during the programs, or even at services. The ‘being together’ factor is what makes all the difference. Taking this lesson seriously is an important part in choosing a college. At the URJ Biennial in Chicago, I attended a session about what college students are looking for from their congregations and their new Jewish communities away from home. While B’nai Israel can send messages of support, news, or even care packages to our college students, it’s most important to get connected on the campus. The first step is to ensure that campus life will offer Jewish opportunity. When choosing a college or university, encourage your child to look at schools with a significant Jewish population, with a Hillel or Jewish student club. Being away from home for the first time feels more comfortable when students can find a niche of those who have things in common. At the session, college students mentioned not feeling connected to Hillel, but definitely feeling connected to other Jews. Knowing others who want to celebrate holidays together is an important comfort. Joining a Fraternity or Sorority is also important to many upon entering college – so those campuses who have Jewish frats and sororities is also important to research before choosing a college.

B’nai Israel has a high percentage of youngsters who attend Jacobs Camp. We also have a ton of teens who are involved in youth group, go to Israel with NFTY, participate in NFTY So, and so many who serve as Madrichim in our religious school. We hope that this priority will extend into their college years and beyond to ensure a strong future of Reform Judaism.


LaFTY NewsJanuary has been a lot of work and a lot of play for LaFTY! We started the month out with a big due date! Early in the year, we decided that January 6th would be the first deadline for all first draft programs for Winter Kallah! All the programs were turned in on time! In January, LaFTY also had a meeting where we really began to bring our ideas for Kallah to reality. At the meeting, Hallie Pingle (Immediate Past-President) and David Ronnel (Religious and Cultural VP) presented their fun program for Kallah: “The Office Olympics”; Lilah Goldman (Social Action VP) and Louis Reagler (Programming VP) presented their social action program about the Special Olympics. Big “Thank You” to Dream Street for working with Lilah and Louis on that meaningful program! Another very important part of the meeting was the delicious taco lunch kindly provided by Barry Goldman and Donna Kirkwood!

During Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend, LaFTY held a lock-in at the Temple to run all the programs that had been written for Kallah, make decorations for the event, and have special bonding time. All the programs ran smoothly (eventually) and the decorations came out looking stunning. LaFTY can not be more excited for NFTY SO Winter Kallah!

- Daniel Block, LaFTY President 5779-5780

NfTY Southern Kallah “Olympics in the Rock”.

February 7 – 9, 2020.LAFTY is hosting the region for the weekend.Join NFTY So. for services on Friday evening.

If you want to get involved, please let us know by calling Eileen at the Temple office.

LAFTY Sponsored Purim Carnival

March 8:

11:00 am – Megillah reading 11:30 am – 2 pm – Purim Carnivallunch, games, music, cake walk and more.

GET READY FOR LAFTY PURIM CARNIVAL

March 8

Purim Carnival planning is beginning soon by our Freshman Committee.

Keep your eyes out for new additions to the carnival to the usual fun: Cake Walk, prizes, crafts,

lunch and more.

Arm bands will be available for all day play for kids of all ages

$36.00 – unlimited games and attractions.

PURIM CARNIVAL STARTS WITH THE MEGILLAH READING ON MARCH 8 AT 10:45 AM.

Come in costume. Stay for lunch. Play tons of games.

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE TO HELP SUPPORT LAFTY AND NFTY SO. SCHOLARSHIPS

By becoming a sponsor, you ensure our teens a chance to participate even more fully in the regional events.

Please sponsor by sending a check made out to LaFTY by March 1 to the Temple office or call Eileen directly.

Queen Esther's Heroes: $360.00 sponsors the food booth

or one special attraction.

Mordechai's Mensches: $180.00 sponsors one game booth.

Queen Vashti's Supporters:$108.00 sponsors one craft station.

LaFTY Lovers: $72.00 sponsors JustDance

Carnival Barkers: $36.00 general sponsor


Please support our generous sponsors

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Protecting and Caring forFine Interior Fabrics, Carpeting, and Rugs.

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Religious School &Con�rmation Class:

February 2: Religious School February 9: Religious SchoolFebruary 12: Con�rmation ClassFebruary 16: No Religous SchoolFebruary 23: Religious School

Con�rmation ClassL’Taken Speeches

Friday, February 28

5:45 pm for Oneg Shabbat6:15 pm services and speeches

Our students will present their lobbying speeches onReproductive Rights, Climate Change, and Disabilities.

Members of the Con�rmation Class of 5780/2020, Rabbi Block, and Eileen Hamilton meet with Senator John Boozman in his o�ce on January

13. �e class, as part of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism’s L’taken Social Justice Seminar, also met with Senator Tom Cotton, and

Representatives, Bruce Westerman and French Hill.

Mazel Tovto Toos and Art Pfeifer, on the engagement of their granddaughter, PaigeLasley, to Eric Schankerman.

to Becky and Jay Marks on their new grandson, Theodore Emile Marks, and to Leon Marks, who welcomes a new great-grandson.

to Tom Sharp on the arrival of his first grandchild, Ruby Elizabeth Sharp, born to Sarah and Thomas Sharp.

to Vella and Mitchel Brown, on their wedding. Also to Mitchel’s parents, Aliza and Jeff Brown.

to Sarah Brady Stack and Jason Frisbie, on their wedding.

THANK YOU TO OUR OFFICE VOLUNTEERS:

Aniko Diamant Esther Gordon

Congregation B’nai Israel

3700 Rodney Parham • Little Rock, AR 72212(501) 225-9700

http://bnai-israel.shorturl.com

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

THE TEMPLE CHRONICLEEUGENE H. LEVY, RabbiSHERI SIMON, Educator/AdministratorDAVID BAUMAN, PresidentKENNON GOLDSHOLL, Executive V.P.JACK GRUNDFEST, Admn. V.P.MAC LYONS, TreasurerJO LAWTON, Secretary

Non-Pro�tOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDLittle Rock, AR

Permit No. 1306

www.bnai-israel.us

BARRY BLOCK, RabbiLEAH ELENZWEIG, PresidentDAVID BAUMAN, Executive V.P.JANET KORENBLAT, Admin. V.P.PATRICK IFRAH, TreasurerCARMEN ARICK, SecretaryJACK GRUNDFEST, Immediate Past PresidentELLYN POLSKY, Director of Lifelong LearningSHAE SIMONEAU, Administrator

3700 Rodney Parham • Little Rock, AR 72212-2437(501) 225-9700

www.bnai-israel.us

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

ENCLOSED IS MY GIFT OF $_______________________________ DONATED: In honor of ______ Anniversary Speedy Recovery In loving memory of ______ Birthday Wedding Bar/Bat Mitzvah FOR: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________PLEASE SEND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO: _____________________________________________________________FROM: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________PLEASE APPLY THE DONATION TO: ___________________________________________________________________ Endowment Fund Sustaining Fund Storthz Religious School Fund Arnold & Janet Mayersohn Leadership Fund Cemetery Fund Memorial Fund for Education & Youth Grundfest Israel Fund Bauman Music Fund Pfeifer Community Outreach Fund Vogel Caring & Sharing Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Memorial Fund for Prayerbooks Children’s Library Fund Salinger Landscape Fund

Meir Chayim Temple Camp Scholarship FundMulkey Sacred Music Fund

General Fund Lois G. Stern Library Fund

Rabbi Eugene & Bobbye Levy Fund for

Pfeifer-Isacson Youth Scholarship Fund Harvey Luber Fund Camp Scholarship & Youth

ADDED INSTRUCTIONS: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL3700 Rodney Parham RoadLittle Rock, AR 72212-2498

and light to the soul.”

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE IN MAKING DONATIONS

Hallie Cohen Miller Archive Fund

Ola & Mervin Leibs MemorialReligious School Scholarship Fund Dr. Wilma Diner Memorial Fund

for Jewish Education Kimbrely Carol Jordan Memorial Fund

BARRY BLOCK, RabbiCAROL PARHAM, PresidentAMANDA FERGUSON, Executive V.P.RICHARD ESTELITA, Admin. V.P.JANET KORENBLAT, TreasurerJAN ALMAN, SecretaryCARMEN ARICK, Immediate Past PresidentEILEEN HAMILTON, Director of Administration, Education, and Youth EngagementELLYN J. POLSKY, Director of Lifelong Learning, Emerita

3700 N. Rodney Parham • Little Rock, AR 72212-2437

Documents

THE FEBRUARY 2020/ VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 Temple Chronicle · 2020-02-11 · Announcements THE TEMPLE CHRONICLE FEBRUARY 2020 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 1 PAGE 2 The Rabbi Speaks continued... Worship