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A Note from the President - Tom Douglass
Changes Come To Etz Chaim
Friends,
Summer is here! I hope all of you are doing your best to keep cool. As things were starting to heat up outside, we had a few great events and some changes to our Board of Directors during the months of May and June.
May gave us Zach Crowell’s Bar Mitzvah which was a wonderful family life cycle event. The momentum continued in June with another wonderful Bar Mitzvah for Jack Berger, as well as the baby naming for Chloe Wiede.
The events continued with our yearly Congregational meeting. We heard our year in review from Rabbi Jack and we discussed the many of the firsts that have happened this past year: the many Bar/Bat Mitzvahs we have seen, the losses we have had to endure and the relationships we have built. We discussed the current financial health of our Congregation and our plans for next year. We also gave special thanks and gratitude to our Board of Directors: Vice President — Ida Fineberg, Secretary — Carolyne Wendel, Treasurer — Ed Gelman, Religious School Director — Robyn Douglass, Membership Chair — Stan Kessler, Past President — Betsy Rosen and our At Large Members — Wynnie Hoodis, Jean Srour and Alan Perlman.
With a warm heart we said thank you to our Board members that had finished their term: Wynnie Hoodis, Jean Srour, Alan Perlman and Stan Kessler. All of them did so much to benefit our Congregation and each one added a special touch to the Board. Words cannot describe the gratitude I feel towards each of them and I sincerely hope that they will continue to be a vibrant part of CEC and that they will continue to help the Congregation grow. We also voted for and welcomed with great excitement our newest Board members: Donald Roufa, Rachel Marler and Michael Sterling.
As we continue to move through the summer we have two great events in the month of July. The Israeli Scouts will once again return to Bentonville from July 17-19. Thanks again to Tarnya Eshel for leading this event and organizing the shows and housing for the Scouts. We will also be celebrating a unique double Bar Mitzvah as Ryan and Jason Friedman are called to the Torah on July 25. As we move towards the end of summer we will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Michael Douglass as he is called to the Torah on Aug. 15.
In closing, I wish all of you a safe and happy summer and look forward to seeing all of you at our summer events.
L’ shalom,
Tom
Upcoming Events
July 17-19 —
Visit from the Israeli Scouts
July 24 —
Shabbat Service at 7:30 p.m.
July 25 —
Ryan and Jason Friedman’s Bar Mitzvah at 10 a.m.
Aug. 14 —
Shabbat Service at 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 15 —
Michael Douglass’ Bar Mitzvah at 10 a.m.
Aug. 18 — Book Club at Borders
Aug. 26 —
Youth Group at 7 p.m.
Let’s Remember
During services we remember loved ones who left us at this time of year. By reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish in their memory, their lives continue to inspire us.
July Yahrtzeits
Gerson Apt
Sara Buzik
Mary Gordon
August Yahrtzeits
Ada Fiterman
Judith Kraushaar
Angela Moraga
Reg Singer
Rosa Zeckel
Membership News
Everyone should be receiving their 2009-2010 Membership packets in the mail shortly. Regardless of when you join, each membership begins on July 1, 2009, and goes through June 30, 2010. We are asking each
member to fill out and return the Membership Information Form and the Commitment Dues Form.
We are updating all of our records and need all members and associate members to return both forms by Aug. 31, 2009. Please remember that Associate Membership is for people who reside more than 100 miles away or are current members of another Synagogue.
If you need to make any financial
arrangements, please contact our treasurer, Ed Gelman.
Simchas
Congregation Etz Chaim is thrilled to celebrate all of your simchas with you and your family. We want to make sure that your day is special and that
we don’t have any calendar conflicts that you may not be aware of. Please contact our president, Tom Douglass, to schedule all of your celebrations, events, etc.
From the Rabbi's Desk
So, I will have a 7½ hour layover in the Atlanta airport — any suggestions for light reading? On Independence Day, I will be flying out of America, and into, please G-d, Tel Aviv. Once there, I will be privileged to participate with 100 rabbis from across the Northern Hemisphere at the acclaimed Hartman Institute’s Rabbinic Enrichment Torah Study Program in Jerusalem. As I frantically prepare for, and contemplate my journey, it occurred to me to try to take each of you along.
When one moves to Israel to live there permanently, the process is called "making A-li-yah". Aliyah means "going up". If this sounds familiar, as in "having an A-li-yah" when coming forward to recite the Torah blessings when we read from the scroll, then you are right. But, what does it mean really, to "go up" to Israel?
It isn’t a physically higher location. Indeed, paradoxically, Israel is home to the lowest measured spot on earth — the Dead Sea! Our tradition has beautifully and symbolically correlated the act of transplantation to our biblical homeland as an experience that will result in attaining a higher spiritual plane. Why is this the case? First, let’s consider the role of Israel in the Torah. From Genesis through Deuteronomy, we are taken from the creation of the world through the establishment of a unified people whose fundamental relationship with the Creator is inextricably tied to entering the promised land. Still, why Israel?
Once more, the answer appears plainly in our sacred text. It is because that is where the essence of G-d dwells. We are specifically told exactly this numerous times. However, we are advised that Adonai stayed with us where the Torah was given — Mt. Sinai — which is not in Israel. Then the presence of G-d resided wherever the Tabernacle was taken — also not in Israel proper. Stated another way, the movement "up" is not directly related to a geographic location, but rather a spiritual place. As you aspire to understand the Almighty, and to live a life that mirrors the image of Adonai, your joyful soul, our own sliver of divinity, rises "up" to its Source. While it is true that going to Jerusalem often inspires us to be more mindful of our heritage’s foundational beliefs, all of us regardless of where we are are capable of climbing higher in our love and service to others. This is the trip I pray all of us will take part of for the remainder of the summer. It’s a natural time to ponder and then act upon the ascension to spiritual self improvement. We will reflect and worship for success on this path come the High Holy Days in September.
Yish-m’reim Oo-m’vo-reich A-do-nai B’a-lo-tam
May Adonai protect and bless us as we go up.
Etz Chaim Donations
Please consider Etz Chaim in your charitable giving.
Donations are tax deductible and can be made to thank or honor a friend or relative, remember loved ones and friends, celebrate a special occasion. Support Etz Chaim’s mission and commitment to growing a thriving Jewish Community in NWA or to leave a legacy. Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated and can be made to following funds:
• Building Fund
• General Fund
• Simcha Fund
• Torah/Siddur Fund
• Memorial
• Memorial Wall Fund
• Religious School Fund
• Arts Alive
• Rabbi Discretionary Fund
• Mark Yekelchik Scholarship Fund
Please send your donations to: Congregation Etz Chaim, PO Box 477, Bentonville, AR 72712
Prayer books can be donated to thank or honor a loved one, commemorate a Yahrtzeit, celebrate a birthday or anniversary and the list goes on. A bookplate will be inscribed with your message and placed inside the cover of a book. You can donate the Mishkan T’Filah Prayer Book or the Kol Hanoar Children’s Siddurim. Each book can be donated for $36.
Also include:
• which prayer book you are donating
• donated by:
• inscription for book plate
• please send acknowledgement to:
Recent Giving
Mark Yekelchik Fund
• A donation was made by Carol Novick in memory of Lillian Yekelchik.
Torah/Siddur Fund
• donation was made by Betsy, Marc, Josh and Alana Rosen in honor of the marriage of Julie Bluestein and Cory Kessler.
Federation Names New Executive Director
The Jewish Federation of Arkansas (JFAR) has named Suzanne Berkovits its executive director. The appointment of Berkovits, who will assume the post July 6, concluded a national search conducted in collaboration with New York-based United Jewish Communities Mandel Center for Leadership Excellence.
Berkovits has spent her professional career serving the Jewish community in her 18 years of service at Hadassah. In her new role, she will oversee all operations of JFAR which serves all Arkansas communities with a Jewish presence. The major centers of Jewish population are found in central Arkansas, including Little Rock and Hot Springs, as well as those of northwest Arkansas in the growing communities of Fayetteville and Bentonville.
Based in Florida, Berkovits was National Membership Director for Hadassah and was instrumental in achieving Hadassah membership, leadership and fundraising goals with special outreach to baby boomers. Her on-site campaign development resulted in increased fundraising
dollars, membership numbers and leadership while she partnered with volunteers and a Board of Directors. During the economic downturn, Berkovits was successful in designing and leading a national mission to Israel resulting in increased volunteer support and unexpected levels of increased giving. She has a bachelor’s degree in classical history from Indiana University.
Federation Elects New Board
The Jewish Federation of Arkansas announces the following new executive board members: Anne Miller, president; David Bauman, vice president; Sarah Mendel-Johnson, treasurer; Terri Cohen, secretary; and Bonnie Nickol, immediate past president. The following will serve on the federations board of directors: Martha Alman, Chris Barrier, Shelly Baron, Silvana Berlinski, Eti Biton, Charles Friedman, Bill Jacobson, Nancy Kahn, Eugene Krupitsky, Glenn Lowitz, Arlene Margolis, Arleen Marshall, Jeff Neuhauser, Steve Ronnel, Warwick Sabin, Marcia Safirstein, Phillip Spivey, and Valerie Steinberg.
Religious School News
Dear Parents,
I hope that you are all enjoying a relaxing start to your summer. Although it seems like the start to the next Religious School year is so far away, it will be here before we know it. You should all be receiving Religious School information in the next several days. Please fill out all the forms (even if you filled them out last year) and return them by July 31st so that I can get an accurate number of students and order all of the books. The first day of RS this year will be Sept. 13 — it is a little later this year due to Labor Day.
I’m looking forward to another great year and hope that we can add even more visits from special guests. Of course, the most important part of the Religious School is the wonderful volunteer teachers. The volunteer staff for next year is as follows: B’nai Mitzvah — Steve Crowell, 3rd/4th Grade — Ryan Malashock and Wynnie Hoodis, 1st Grade — Helene Carter and Carol Stuckey, Kindergarten — Shelley Levine and the Torah Tots will be led by the parents. I know that the year will be wonderful.
We will also be starting a new Youth Group led by Michelle and Ryan Malashock. The first meeting will be Wednesday, Aug. 26. All post Bar/Bat Mitzvah teens are invited to attend. This will be a great, fun way for your son/daughter to stay connected to the Temple.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions. If you have any ideas or would like to help with any programs, please let me know. If you are new to the Religious School and would like to receive information, please email me at robyntom91@cox.net.
Enjoy the summer!!
Sincerely,
Robyn Douglass
Youth Group To Meet
The first meeting of Etz Chaim’s new youth group will be at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the synagogue.
Michelle and Ryan Malashock will lead this new group for our youth who have completed their bar/bat mitzvahs. It will be a fun way for our youth to remain connected to the temple.
We hope to make this a monthly, fun activity.
The first meeting will be a game night and brainstorming session for future activities and meeting times. It will last approximately 90 minutes. To RSVP and for questions, e-mail Michelle at michelle.malashock@gmail.com.
Member Attends Education Conference
Ryan Malashock attended the annual education conference held by the Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, Miss. The conference, June 28-30, is called "Go and Teach" and is a workshop for religious school teachers for all age groups.
Ryan attended classes for new teachers and in additional brought back new curriculum for sixth and seventh grades. He also learned many new techniques that he hopes to use in his third- and fourth-grade class next year.
About 150 people from all over the region attended the conference, including a rabbi who remembered Ryan from his baby naming almost three decades ago.
Israeli Scout Caravan
The Israeli Scouts caravan will be visiting us again this year. They will arrive mid-morning Friday, July 17, and leave on Sunday, July 19, in the early morning.
A huge thank you goes out to Tarnya Eshel who will be will coordinating and organizing the events for the weekend, as well arranging housing for the Scouts.
If you would like to help with the planning and/or if you are able to "house" a Scout, please contact Tarnya at tarnyaeshel@aol.com or (479) 621-8980. The Jewish Federation of Arkansas is a sponsor for the program.
Israeli Scouts Schedule
Friday
Arrive Bentonville @ 11:00 AM- Luncheon TBD
1:30 p.m. Show at Boys & Girls Club of Bentonville
3:30-5:30 p.m. Host Family Reception Pool Party (Lost Springs or Congregants Home?)
5:30 p.m. Take your scout home for Shabbat
Saturday
8:30 a.m. Drop Scout off at Bentonville Square to set up for Performance
10 a.m. Performance Bentonville Framers Market
11:30-5:30 p.m. Free Time
5:30 p.m. Set up for show at NWACC (White Auditorium)
7-8:15 p.m. Show
Sunday
Time (TBD) Bagels and Goodbyes at Einstein’s
Mazel Tov!
• Paul and Carol Stuckey are pleased to announce the marriage of our daughter
Rachael Kathleen Stuckey to Andrew David Hall. They were married on May the 23rd in a civil service in a park in Bentonville. They are planning a Religious service to be held at Etz Chaim in the fall. Following Rachael’s summer internship in England they will reside in Jackson, MS, where they are both students.
• Congratulations to
Ellen and Stan Kessler on the marriage of their son, Cory, to Julie Bluestein.
• U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 2nd. Class
Harrison Paull, Cadet Squadron 18 Class of 2011, completed his three-week Summer Ops assignment at Elmendorf Air Force Base Alaska. Harrison flew several missions in C-17’s and he flew in one of Squadron 19’s F-15 Eagles. Pictures of Harrison in the F-15 over Denali National Park Alaska, and, after his flight with "his" F-15 in the background.
Moving Away
We want to say good-bye to Sam Steinberg who will be moving back to Atlanta. Sam was involved in many CEC events including building the Sukkah, the Israeli Scouts and Men’s Club dinners. We wish Sam much happiness and luck in his new endeavors.
Book Club to Meet in August
All women in Etz Chaim are invited to the next book group on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 7 pm in the Borders Coffee Shoppe. Michelle Malashock will lead us in a discussion of Devil in the Details by Jennifer Traig. The book may be ordered through Borders. Please e-mail Evie Adler at evieadler@yahoo.com by Aug. 17 if you plan to join us.