The Bulletin from Temple Beth Sholom, November 2008

t etnpte Beth Sho,om Bullet,- V ^ 1 r Fall-November 2008 x ^ H j j educational activity or a snow football game. The magic of the Shabbaton was that aspects of Judaism that are usually studied in textbooks cainc alive through experiential education. Other highlights from the Shabbaton included: 1) Unraveling the entire Torah 2) Singing Shabbat songs with DJ 3) Cabin bonding time 4) Jewish Values talent show 5) Late night snacks 6) Nature walks 7) Trust walk 8) Learning about Ethiopian Jews 9) THE SNOW!!!!! Perhaps the most telling highlight occurred right before I lavdalah. The staff asked students to share thoughts about the Shabbaton. The following were some responses: "This is the first opportunity I had to get to know everyone in my grade and not just the t wo people I sit next to on Sunday." -6th grader "I feel like I am coining home with a whole new group of friends" -7th grader "I learned why Judaism is important to me." -4 th grader "I never thought I would get into a snowball fight with my Jewish Values teacher!" -5th grader Shabbaton A Big Success By Rabbi Adam Watstein What do you get when you mix an unexpected snowstorm on Mt. Charleston with seventy-five 3rd-7th grade I BS religious school students? The answer is the first Shabbaton, or weekend retreat, in the history of TBS. After months of planning and preparation by Education Director Jon Mitzmacher and Religious School Director Yonina Schnee, the TBS religious school ventured into the mountains of Nevada for an unforgettable Shabbat experience over the weekend of October 10th. The motivation behind the initiat ive was to expose students to the richness of Shabbat in an environment that would be fun, energetic and spiritual, and that would ultimately contribute to a sense of community. I can say unequivocally that the Shabbaton was a tremendous success. We arrived at our destination just before Shabbat and were greeted by brisk winds and dropping temperatures. Children excitedly poured out of the buses and headed to their cabins unfazed. Despite my New England upbringing, 1 seemed to be the only one who was freezing! Within the hour, students and staff assembled at a central cabin (with heat!) where we lit the Shabbat candles and said the Shehecheyanu. We proceeded with Kabbalat Shabbat, with each grade leading a section, and it was among the most meaningful I have ever experienced. Even with my high hopes for the Shabbaton, I must admit that the level of participation and enthusiasm exceeded my expectations. Watching seventy-five children singing the melodies of Friday night, then exploding into a rousing Lecha Dodi, then quieting ? to a silence for the Shema, was overwhelming... but the weekend would get better. Six core Jewish values were emphasized throughout the Shabbaton: Shabbat, Tikkun Olam, Talmud Torah, Gemilut Hasadim, Israel, and Kavod. The staff succeeded in integrating these values into every aspect of the Shabbaton, whether it was a scheduled Rabbi's Message Rabbi's Message Rabbi Felipe Goodman The Hebrew words Lekh Lekha, which are the opening words of one of the most thought provoking Parashiot in The Torah, form a phrase that has been discussed for over 2000 years. It is filled with meaning; even if we have to dig deep in order to understand. This phrase can be translated many ways. For example: go forth, get you out, go by yourself. Literally, however, it might best be translated as "Go to yourself; go for yourself, fulfill yourself." Abraham is asked to perfect himself further; this move is for the sake of his spiritual advancement. Abraham was certainly successful in his going out, in his journey, for here we are today to testify on his behalf. He was the very first Jew, and we are his descendants. As Abraham did, so too we need to consider the consequences whenever we go forth, leave old ground and begin anew: we need to ask ourselves if our journey is for spiritual progress? We take many journeys in our lives: moving from one home to another; getting married; getting divorced; giving birth to a child; mourning a loved one who dies. Those journeys<do they refine us and prepare us for new levels? Or will they just lead us into the wilderness? Now there is nothing wrong with the wilderness-the Israelites wandered around their wilderness for 40 long and hot years. But there was a point to the wilderness-the point was that the Jews who had been slaves in Egypt, needed to die and to be replaced by a generation of free and independent Israelites, who would be able to conquer the Promised Land of Israel. "Lekh Lekha" literally means "go to you", "go for you". It would have been sufficient to say "Lekh," go. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 16b) suggests that this is an allusion to the reward that is in this for Avram... only if he goes, will he have children; only if he goes, will he become the "Avraham," the "Av hamon gadol" (father of many). Nahmanides (13th c.) says that while "lekh lekha" is a perfectly normal Hebrew idiom, it is God's way of saying: I will not do it for you; it is your task, and yours alone. Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (19th c.) interprets "lekha" as saying that Avram must go by himself, becoming a stranger and a wanderer in order to see the world more clearly. In the wilderness, God will be all he truly has. This seems to be true with many religious seekers, that there is certain loneliness for those who live on such a high plane. Have you ever been truly alone and unencumbered and able to "go into yourself?" I am told that when people meditate or do yoga, that is exactly what happens. For me, not a devotee of either one, it can be prayer, which sometimes pushes me inward, into myself. I often use the words of the prayers to serve almost as a mantra, allowing me to zone off to an other place, there to meditate and feel and be at one with God and the Universe. Most of the stories we tell about Abraham, in both the Torah and the Midrash, stress his role as an innovator. He goes by himself, accompanied only by his wife Sarai, who later is named Sarah. Abraham is the father of the Jewish people, the first monotheist. In the Torah we hear of his setting forth, leaving his homeland, his birthplace, and his father's house, to begin a new people. The Midrashim about Abraham tell of his intellectual discovery of the idea of one God. It is Abraham, the Midrash tells us, who understood that behind the sun, the moon and the stars, the wind and the storms, there is one power that unites all things into a coherent whole. The Midrash also tells us that Abraham's revolutionary ideas were not well received by his father Terach or his townspeople. It suggests that .Abraham left town not just because of God's call, but also because of the anger of his neighbors, and their resentment and fear of his new ideas. In at least one of the stories, he left just a day ahead of a lynch mob. These stories cast .Abraham as someone with whom we can identify, especially young people. His parents didn't understand him, he had his own ideas and he has to set out on his own journey to discover his own truths. But that isn't exactly the whole story in the Torah. At the very end of last week's Torah portion, Noah, we find this interesting passage: "Terach took his son Abram, his grandson Lot the son of Haran, and his daughter in law Sarai the wife of his son Abram, and they set out together from Ur of the Chaldeans for the land of Canaan; but when they had come as far as Haran, they settled there. The days of Terach came to 205 years and Terach died in Haran." From these verses we learn that Terach was actually leaving his hometown of Ur and heading to the Land of 2 Lamed Vavnick Society Canaan. Why was Terach heading out to Canaan? Why did he leave Ur, the city on the Tigris-Euphrates Rivers, in the settled heart of ancient Mesopotamia, in present day Syria? And what obstacle prevented him from completing the journey to his stated destination? He set out for the land of Canaan, but he settled in Haran, where he died. This short paragraph changes my perception of Abraham and his father. Perhaps Abraham learned more from Terach than we have previously imagined. The Midrash states that it was because of his idolatry that Terach could not complete his journey. He could not break entirely from his idol-worship, so he needed to stop and pray to the idols that he had brought with him. He became stuck in Haran, where he had stopped for a temporary rest. Terach couldn't go the distance, but he did succeed in transmitting to Abraham a passion for the journey. Abraham, who had already broken his father's idols in the idol-shop at home, was able to break through his father's limitations. His thoughts went off in new directions, but he was also building on what he had experienced as a child: a willingness to adventure, to leave the settled areas and head off to new places. Terach taught his son not to be afraid, and not to fear the unknown. Abraham learned his lesson well, and perhaps that is why God chose him to lead the Jewish People. There are all kinds of journeys in life, some of them physical, some emotional. More than once, an individual in the process of converting from the religion of their parents to Judaism has expressed to me that this conversion was in some way, part of their father or mother's legacy. This parent taught them to think for themselves, or modeled for them the search for a spiritual home, or told them never to settle for less than what they felt was truly right. In this way, their parent's teachings motivated them to go off in this new direction. I often like to discuss these issues with our students. Recently I asked them whether they thought they would grow up to be like their parents. Many insisted that when they grew up they would be nothing like their parents - - and every parent hopes that their child will have the opportunity to do and be things they themselves never could. But as young people grow older, those lines of continuity in their lives seem more important. In ways we do not, because we cannot, understand as teenagers, the teachings of our parents lay the groundwork for the journeys we ourselves undertake. Abraham learned from his father, and then he moved beyond his father. Terach taught his son to embrace the new and undiscovered territory, and that is just what Abraham did. God told him to go out on a journey, and in fact he went out on two journeys.<The first one physical, to a new land and the second one, internal, to a new personality, a new religion, a new way of life. Terach the father taught his son well, and .Abraham his son taught us well, may his lessons be ours as well, to teach to our children, and their children after us. Lamed Vavnick Society According to The Mystical Jewish Tradition there are 36 righteous people in the world known to no others whose unique purpose in life is to justify the role of humankind in the eyes of G-d. Their identity is unknown to each other. They sustain the world by helping those in need to avert crisis and pain. Through their efforts, always anonymously, they bring light to those whose lives seem to be engulfed by darkness. Neither the helper nor the one being helped ever knows the identity of the other. G-d preserves the world for the sake of these righteous and humble individuals even if and when the rest of humanity does not deserve G-d's salvation. Tradition tells us that if one should go missing or be taken from this world, they are immediately replaced so never to threaten the safety and balance of humankind. The Lamed Vavnick Society at Temple Beth Sholom has now been initiated. One of our children has developed a brain tumor and needs special attention to continue in religious school. Another congregant has no more resources and is about to lose their home. One of our long time members is unable to care for himself and now needs assistance. To help those who need the help, funds must be available and allocated quickly to alleviate the pain and provide immediate relief. Help pursue a righteous path of true Tzedaka and Tikun Olam. The cost to join the Society is $5,000 a year. Our Rabbi and Temple president will allocate the funds quickly and sensitively to those who need them the most in our community. Temple News Women's League News By Debbie Miner Judaism regards improving character as the goal of life. The midrash teaches us that the Torah's commandments were not given to mankind for any purpose other than to refine people (Genesis Kabbah 44:1). Based on these teachings, we as Jews should (in the very least) do good deeds often. We become good people not by thinking good thoughts, but by doing good deeds again and again until I hey become part of our nature. Maimonides teaches that it is better to give needy recipients one gold coin on a thousand different occasions than to give someone a thousand gold coins all at the same time, for "if he opens up his hand again and again, one thousand times, the trait of giving becomes part of him" (commentary on The Ethics of the Fathers, 3:19). I know of a man who has everything: fame, fortune, and a beautiful family. I've met many people who have money and social status as he has ? but no one has impressed me as this person has. I'm going to tell you of a personal experience of mine, which exemplifies the story above. About seven years ago, I walked into the Board Room of the Stardust I lotel and Casino - and situated around the table were this gentleman's wife, sister-in-law, and personal assistants. There were about seven people in total, all busy with phones to their ears. Hiis gentleman and his wife had just returned from Afghanistan - entertaining American troops, but entertaining and bringing happiness to these t housands of troops wasn't enough. Me had taken the names and phone numbers of their mothers, wives, and other loved ones in order to telephone and deliver messages of well being and love from the soldiers. Wayne Newton is truly a man who understands "giving to one on a thousand different occasions". I'll always remember this incredible demonstration of love and support Wayne and his family so unselfishly and willingly gave. We can all learn from them. Why does time seem to go by faster as we get older? We're definitely busier, which makes it more difficult to savor friendships. We are missing such an important part of life by not setting aside time for ourselves and each other as Jewish "sisters". For those of you who were not able to join us for our trip to Casa de Shenandoah, you missed such an enjoyable afternoon. Just opening the box lunch seemed like a gift, and a delicious one at that! We met new friends and enjoyed old ones as we got much needed exercise walking through the fairytale-like grounds. The cobblestone walkways, which we shared with beautiful peacocks, led us around serene lakes filled with families of ducks and graceful, black swans. The path then led us to a moat which houses penguins (who immediately crossed over through the water to playfully greet us). We walked through Wayne's stables, where we were privileged to intermingle with some of G-d's most incredible creatures of beauty, grace and strength. Some of us had to be dragged back onto the bus for the ride back. Once back, we all had the euphoric, satisfied feeling coming from an afternoon of fresh air, good friends and the magnificence of nature. The golden-doored mansion surrounded by picturesque statues and waterfalls was pretty impressive as well. Special thank you to Wayne and Kat hleen Newton, their assistant Suzanne, and their i n f o r m a t i v e hosts for m a k i n g this special a f t e r n o o n possible! Thank you also to Ira Kllis - who joined us and took this beautiful photo. Look for more Women's League functions to come and make sure you find the time to join us; you deserve it! Men's Club News By Jerry Springberg I am excited and look forward to the New Year with the intention of making the TBS Men's Club so attractive to our members and to all of the male members of Temple Beth Sholom that all of them will want to come to our meetings and serve on our committees. I am especially very t hankful for the immeasurable help by three Past Presidents: I larvey Gitel, Dr. I loward X. Kramer and Jerry Katz given to me. I hope to repay them by making them proud of our Men's Club. We also humbly thank Irwin Goldberg for all that he did for Temple Beth Sholom and the Men's Club by holding the annual Men's Club Shabbat in his honor. In addition to helping out the Temple whenever called upon, we will continue to recognize B'nai Mitzvah projects and Solomon Schechter students with cash awards at our monthly general meetings. Other past projects that will lie carried forward are the World Wide Wrap, Men's Club Shabbat, Morning Minyan, Sporting events, 1 loliday Ushers, Educational Programs, Purim Palooza, Chevra Kadisha, Yom I lashoah Candles 4 Temple News aii(J the Warsaw Memorial. This year I am excited about some additional new programs: ?"Hearing Men's Voices" (The Rabbi's Round Table) ?The Religious School Back-to- School Meet and Greet Barbeque ?Red Yarlmuka Dinner for our new members. ?Talit Dry Cleaning assistance ? Birthday and wedding anniversary celebrations at our monthly meetings (spouses are encouraged to attend for the anniversary celebrations) ?A special Past Men's Club President Recognition Dinner. ?2009 Federation Convention attendance by three of our Board members Regarding the Rabbi's Round I able, I am very pleased to report that our first session got two thumbs up by all participants. The topic was Intermarriage and Conservative Judaism, and we all shared some amazing thought provoking and introspective discussions. Although those of us among the male species aren't always comfortable talking about these subjects, it seemed effortless under the guidance and leadership of Rabbi Goodman. October 23 we hosted the second session, at which time we discuss "Body and Spirit - Men Staying I lealthy and Fit". At the Men's Club Back-to- School Barbeque for the Judy and Ronald Mack School of Religious Studies, students and parents were welcomed with all the typical BBQ fare, including hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, coleslaw, potato salad, and soda. Six dozen hamburgers and 12 dozen hot dogs were gobbled up so fast that hungry guests were intercepting the food before the Men's Club volunteers were able to deliver it from the grill to the serving table! It doesn't gel any better than that. My board is excited to welcome the 22 new members we've gotten so far (his year and those who have graciously volunteered for the various projects that we've put into place; we sure do need your help because without it we would not be able to function. We l(K)k forward to seeing all our members at our monthly meetings! L'DOR V'DOR - Making a Difference for Seniors By Shel Kolner Wow! We did it again! L'Dor V'Dor entertained 245 seniors from the Las Vegas valley on September 9, 2008, commemorating our 1 ligh I loly Days. They were treated to a couple of songs by the fifth graders from Solomon Schechter School and to music and dancing by the Backstage Revue. This, of course, was followed by a wonderful meal prepared by Gustav Mauler's team. What a way to start our 7th year! During the festivities we presented Gustav with a framed copy of the advertisement placed in the Israelite thanking him for the many years of dedicated service to L'Dor V'Dor. L'Dor V'Dor is the premiere outreach program in Southern Nevada and it does make a difference. We are the first and only temple to have such a program. To appreciate what we do, just spend a few minutes among our guests at one of our events. Many seniors have thanked me and I want to pass the thanks along to the 50 or so volunteers who work each time. If you know ofany senior who is homebound and could benefit from this opportunity to socialize with other people, please call the L'Dor V'Dor coordinator, Shel Kolner (702) 228-4744 or (702) 334-8914, or the Temple office (702) 804-1333 ext 100. We ll make sure they receive invitations to upcoming events. Volunteers are (he 'back-bone' of any organization and we are no exception. If you can spare a few minutes every other month, your help would be greatly appreciated, especially in the transportation area. Many of our guests live in their own homes but only get out when someone is able to take them. It takes about 3 hours of your day ? not a major amount of time. If you can afford this small amount of time on the day of the event. Call Lillian Radomsky at (702) 942-3251 or (702) 757-581-6544 for more details. We invite you to join (he camaraderie and see how good it feels to make a difference in the life of a homebound or facility bound senior by being part of the L'Dor V 'Dor Volunteer program. "Corners of Our Field" Huge Success The "Corners of Our Field" program begun this year at Temple Beth Sholom was a huge success. Thanks to (he generosity of our congregants, 2,351.5 pounds of food and non-perishable items from 260 bags were received and delivered to the Jewish Family Services organization for distribution to the needy. That's the equivalent of 3,135 individual meals! We want to thank I Ieide Gibson for her hard work on this project as well as thank Trader Joe's for donating the bags in which the food items were placed. Education Von ina Sell nee Assistant Director of Religions School ic Adult I.duration jjonTTitzmaeher Director of Kducation Solomon Schechter Day School of Las Vegas Opens 2008-2009 Solomon Schechter opened its fifth year of school on Monday, August 27, 2008 with a record 85 students in its Kindergarten through Fifth Grades. With the largest Kindergarten and First Grade classes ever, the Solomon Schechter Day School continues to grow at the fastest pace of any Jewish Day School in I^as Vegas. Conservative Jewish Day School education in Las Vegas - the partnership between Solomon Schechter, the Temple Beth Sholoni Preschool, and the Midbar Kodesh Temple Early Childhood Center - will educate over 300 students in 2008-2009. All three schools demonstrate that you do not have to sacrifice a high-quality Jewish and I lebrew educat ion in order to have the highest of quality secular education. With outstanding faculty, community support, and committed parents, the Solomon Schechter Day School's vision of students who are as equally literate in 1 lebrew as they are in English; as facile with a siddur as they are with a microscope; as comfortable discussing American politics as they are Israeli ? this vision is being realized. Schechter Parent Organization Hosts "Welcome Back Picnic" The Schechter Parent Organization held its annual "Welcome Back Picnic" on Sunday, September 7th in Paseos Park in Summerlin. The afternoon featured water play, face-painting, a bounce house and much, much more! The Schechter Parent Organization looks forward to offering Schechter parents even more opportunities to learn, celebrate, and create co m in u n i t y than ever before. Schechter Holds Back to School Night On September 16th, Schechter held its animal "Back to School" night. Parents had an opportunity in a relaxed environment to learn more about their children's teachers, classroom routines, curriculum and special projects. It was also an opportunity for parents to volunteer for committees and to register their credit cards on escrip.com (and you don't have to be a Schechter Parent to register). Thanks to the Parent Organization and the Schechter Committee for their help in organizing the evening. Religious School Thejudy and Ronald Mack School of Religious Studies has taken on a new look and a new atmosphere. We opened the doors on September 7th to a faculty brimming in enthusiasm and energy, and a crowd of students eager to see what the new school year would bring. We made many changes to the format, particularly for the students in 3rd ? 7th grades, and the changes have been welcomed with open arms. The Sunday program for 3rd - 7th grade students now consists of teachers who specialize in their subjects rotating through the grades in 30-minute peri<xJs, with the last [>erkxl being electives to cap off a day of experiential learning. Midrasha This year we welcome a great group) of Religious School graduates who are acting as classroom assistants on Sunday mornings. They will be great role models for our younger students, and they will also have monthly leadership) sessions that will teach them about taking on more responsibilities in the Jewish community. We are thrilled to have some of our graduates stay with us for this new program. USY USY kicks off the school year with a sweet start! USY Board Members met early August to discuss events for the upcoming year. Active members can expect a "Mysterious Maccabee" project in the spirit of I lannukah. an annual Kadima Vermonster, a I launted Sukkah event with MKT USY, a Sukkah I lop, and a Museum of Tolerance trip to LA. The annual "You Survived Your First Day of School!" event at Golden Spoon was a smashing success with over 50 teens in attendance. Kids of all ages between grades 4-12 showed up to enjoy their free frozen yogurt and mingle with their fellow cohorts. The teens and tots congregated to commiserate over the drudgery and anticipation of attending school and the obscene amount of homework they expected to receive. Although the perils of another exhausting year taunted them as the night drew to a close, the 1T3S members were able to conclude the 6 evening with a flavorful finish. TBS and MKT teens journeyed to the "I lappiest place on Earth" Labor Day weekend! USYers had a memorable time in Disneyland; strengthening bonds, developing friendships, and sharing an exciting experience with their USY family. The weary but stimulating drive allowed the USYers to grow on each other, as brothers and sisters jostled about, the hum and vibration of the bus a backdrop to all the sharing and planning going on about which ride to get on first. The ecstatic teens reminisced about earlier trips and tried to maintain their building enthusiasm with each recollection. Echoes of "are we there yet?"' reverberated off the walls of the bus. T he Disneyland turn-around trip left the USYers with an experience too enthralling to be forgotten. USY has been having a blast, and the fun isn't over yet! Any teen interested in Kadima, Jr. or Sr. USY should not hesitate to contact Lauren Frydman at tbsusyinlv@gmail.com or call (702) 327-5858 and join in on the merry making! Preschool News By Jennifer Zukowski Shanah Tovah to all of our friends and families here at Temple Beth Sholom! It is with much joy and pleasure that I watch as the children settle into their new environment. With pride I see them as they engage in many novel experiences with great confidence and enthusiasm. I invite you to please take a peek into our beautiful classrooms and down our decorative hallways and witness for yourself all the wonderful memories the children create each and every week. In preparation for our first Jewish holidays of the school year, Rosh I lashanah and Yom Kippur, the teachers have integrated the various symbols into every aspect of the classroom. Children excitedly examine how many apples tall they are; they read recipes for making apple sauce and apple pie; they compare and contrast apples with pomegranates, perform taste tests and graph the results of which is better sweet honey or sour lemons. They study honey bees and hypothesize on just how does that honey comb get built? The children anxiously await the Rabbi's visit to their classes to hear him blow the shofar, and to even try it for themselves. The story of Jonah and the Whale is excitedly retold again and again through puppets, stick figures and pictures they children have drawn themselves. "Shanah Tovah" has become a familiar refrain as the children greet each other and their teachers in the classroom. To make your child a part of this fabulous program, or for questions regarding enrollment, please contact the Early Education Department of Temple Beth Sholom at (702) 804 1333, ext. 112. Temple Beth Sholom Preschool accepts children ages 18 months through pre- Kindergarten. 7674 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Ste #150 Las Vegas, Nevada 89128 Liberty Realty 3875 S. Jones, Suite101 ? Las Vegas, NV 89103 www.rossumrealty.com ? e-mail: ps663@aol.com www.lasvcgas4seniors.com a 7 The Chesed Committee By Anita Lewy The members of the Chesed Committee: Irving I lerman, Debbie Miner, Paul Schmier, Ellen Ploesch, Elaine Steinberg and Priscilla Schwartz-I lodes, wish to honor the memory of cleigy/Cantor David Schnee, of Blessed Memory. Cantor Schnee was appointed by the Board of Rabbi's to visit Jewish patients in various hospitals and rehabilitation centers, to tend to their spiritual needs. I will always remember one of the patients I visit in various hospitals telling me "about a Cantor" who visited her, not only reciting prayers but saying the Mi she bcirach uvoteinu" to her. Rest in Peace Cantor David Schnee. Our Rabbi's, Cantor and the TBS family will lend their support to Yonina and the children. I lashem will watch over them. Oh yes, I will miss your little peck on my cheek every time we meet. Facilities Update What an exciting season it has been for Temple Beth Sholom's Maintenance Department! Preparing for the school year, religious school, and I ligh I loly Days are just a few of the projects we have been working diligently on. Tony Starman is an amazing asset to the running of our facilities .Always at work before his scheduled shift, Tony often times stays after to help out with whatever needs to be done. Pony is just one of the Back of House staff that is here to keep the Temple operations running smoothly. Whether it be picking up a hammer or cleaning up a spill, Tony is constantly moving around the Temple with a [>ositive attitude and great work ethic. Meet Our Board of Directors As a result of input from many congregants, the Bulletin will begin a series of articles explaining decisions by the Board as well as profiling its members. Our first profile is about Jerry Springberg, our Men's Club President. Jerry grew up in Ear Rockaway (Queens), NY and went to Yeshiva I ligh School. After graduating from New York University's School of Commerce, he went into the Army and served in Korea. Two years after returning home he met his future wife Nancy at a Temple dance and was married a year later. Jerry and Nancy have been married for 49 years and have six grandchildren. Two of his three sons had their Bar Mitzvah at Temple Bet h Sholom's Oakey Street location. Jerry founded what was to become one of the largest Investment Brokerage companies west of Phoenix, which is currently managed by his son Brian. As a result, Nancy and Jerry made a generous contribution to the Temple by endowing the I library of the new wing of The Friedman Pavilion. As Men's Club Vice president, Jerry managed the yout h program including the Schechter School and B'nai Mitzvah students. As President, he introduced the new program entitled Rabbi's Round Table which is al>out "1 Iearing Men's Voices" which has been very well received by our membership. In his spare time, Jerry is a member of the Siena Players and participates in their annual musical each December. Schwartz Judaica Shop By Lara Stone Don't forget to visit The Schwartz Judaica Gift Shop for your shopping needs. Throughout the year we stock wonderful Bar/Bat Mitzvah items, such as guest lxx)ks, tallitot, photo albums, and handmade beaded headcoverings. Never hesitate to ask us to place special orders for your celebratory needs. We have extended our hours into some late afternoons for your convenience and we still welc