The Bulletin of Temple Beth Sholom, April 2004

Temple Beth Sholom THE BULLETIN April 2004 Nisan-lyar 5764 Vol. 4, No. 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Rabbi's Message 2 Executive Director's Message 3 Summer Camp 4 People vs. Abraham/ Annual Meeting & Israeli Independence Day 5 Chaplin Lecture Series 6 WL Education Day Men's Club/ Art Auction 7 Preschool Director 8 Religious School 9 L'Dor V'Dor 10 Preschool 12 Donations 14 Under the Dome 16 Lecturer/Bar Mitzvah 17 Women's League Flyer 18 Passover Schedule 19 Calendar of Events 23 Schedule of Services 24 Temple Beth Sholom is a Conservative Congregation affiliated with The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Laura Sussman is already a familiar face at Temple Beth Sholom, where she and her family have been members for two years. "Temple Beth Sholom is a place where I truly feel at home," she affirms. "My goal is to help each and every one of our members experience this same feeling." Sussman has spent her entire career as a Jewish community professional. Before Las Ve-gas, Laura held a variety of key professional positions at the Jewish Community Center in Columbus, Ohio, for eighteen years. She earned Bachelor and Masters degrees from Ohio State University, as well as a Certificate of Jewish Study from the Hebrew University of Je-rusalem. According to Temple Beth Sholom President Jeff Zucker, "Our search committee, led by Gene Greenberg, considered a large number of applicants; looking for an individual with a solid history of successful nonprofit leadership and vision for the future. Laura had exactly what we were looking for, and will be a true asset to our synagogue." The JCC Board of Directors has assembled an executive search committee, and is working with JCC national consultants, to assist in an immediate search for a new Executive Director in Las Vegas. The Jewish Community Center has seen seven years of continuous double-digit growth under Laura's leadership. "Right now, we have strong lay leadership, a fiscally sound and balanced budget, and we continue to exceed our programming expectations. I am honored and proud to have been given the chance to work with JCC for so long," Sussman states. "The leaders, volunteers and staff are a committed group of individuals, all working to make Southern Nevada a great Jewish community. I'm confident that JCC is situated for continued growth and impact in the community." (continued on page 8) SUSSMAN TO BE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Laura served as Executive Director of the Las Vegas Jewish Community Center since April, 1997, when she was recruited to lead the JCC toward becoming a more full-service agency. According to Denise H. Abramow, President of the Jewish Community Center, "With Laura's leadership, JCC has grown to be a thriving center for Jewish activity in Las Vegas. While we will greatly miss her, we are pleased that she will remain an active leader in the Jewish community with her new post at Temple Beth Sholom. Her contribution has enabled JCC to reach more Jews in Southern Nevada than ever before, through our continually growing programs. The Jewish Com-munity Center is working with Laura and Temple Beth Sholom, to ensure a smooth and gradual transition for both organizations." Laura Sussman, the JCC's Executive Director, will be leaving that position effective June 1 to become the Executive Direc-tor of Temple Beth Sholom. 2?Rabbi's Message A Special Passover Appeal; Please Support Masorti (Conservative) Judaism in Israel. Pesah is a very special time, not only does it signal the beginning of Spring and the beginning of a new cycle of life, but it is also a very special moment of reflection and introspection. Every year when we sit down at our Seder Table, we recite one of the most profound and moving lines ever written in our Jewish tradition: "In every genera-tion every human being needs to view him or herself as if he or she was redeemed from slavery in Egypt". This line is beautiful because it stresses the collectiveness of the people of Israel through space and time. No matter where we live and who we are we become aware of every other single Jew from generation to generation who has ever struggled to be free. In every generation we remember God's promise of freedom and redemption. In every generation we must also remember our promise to care for each, other even when we live on the other side of the world. As I write this brief column our brothers and sisters in Israel struggle to become free of the horrible plague of Terrorism. Israel has endured what other countries could have not possibly endured, and it has certainly made a dent on the fabric of its society. Two years ago we came together to help raise funds for Magen David Adorn (the Israeli Red Magen David) because we thought it was important to make a statement of support and help in a time of tremendous need. This year I come to you with an equally important plea. Our own Conservative Movement in Israel is struggling to survive. Because of the many terrorist threats most of our early childhood centers throughout the country have had to increase their security measures. The budget of the Masorti (Conservative) Movement is being de-pleted of its resources, and unlike Orthodox Judaism in Israel, Conservative Judaism gets almost no help from the government. This represents an emergency situation because without our help vital security to our small children might not be provided, and many of our important educational and religious programs in Israel will cease to exist. It is important for us to help because an Israel that offers only right-wing Orthodoxy or the total absence of relig-ion as its only alternatives will come to resemble the American Jewish landscape less and less. The result of this absence of a religious "middle" will bring an increasing alienation of our American Jewish youth from Israel. It is important to help because security depends not only on military equipment and expertise, but also on identi-fication by its largely secularized population with Judaism and the importance of a Jewish state. Arab Anti- Semitism is less likely to create such identification than to wear it down; that indeed is part of the Arab strategy. It is important to help because Masorti continues (unlike Orthodoxy) to get no significant government support, and its ability to contribute to Israel's long-term security and to its connection to American Jewish Youth is thus largely in our hands. We are responsible for each other as Jews. This should be one of the most important messages that Pesah brings with it this year. Let us not let Terrorism win by abdicating our responsibility to support our own move-ment and its growth in Israel. If you are interested in being able to help please send your reply to this appeal directly to our Temple's office, we, in turn, will forward all of the proceeds of this appeal directly to the Masorti (Conservative) movement in Is-rael. If you would like to discuss special dedications or giving opportunities please don't hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience. Hag Sameach V' Kasher Rabbi Felipe Goodman Executive Director's Message?3 JUSTICE, JUSTICE SHALT THOU PURSUE By Robert Mirisch In the past year the United Way of Southern Nevada and the Nevada Community Foundation researched, had prepared and issued a Com-munity Assessment for Southern Nevada. The report is an in-depth appraisal of the communal needs for Clark County. It looks at what we have, what we don't have and makes recommendations. There are eye-opening revelations about this place in which we live. Com-plete reports are available at www.nevadacf.org or www.uwaysn.org. Among the greatest needs are a lack of affordable medical care, insufficient funding for quality teachers and school programs, traffic congestion, inability to find work and on and on - some 50 main need areas are identified. In addition, the report addresses the available public and private agencies and foundations available to help. The growth rate of our area makes it im-possible for these groups to keep pace with the problems. Micha tells us that "tikkun olum" is one of our very important objectives as Jews. Here at TBS we have given to victims of the California fires, we have provided some food to the JFSA Food Bank, we have given ambulances to Israel, we put a Safenest bin behind the shul (thank you Jesseca Zwerg) and we continue our great L'Dor V'Dor project, but beyond these we have not made concerted efforts to focus on the needs of the world outside of ourselves. The report suggests that there are many opportunities for us to make on-going contributions to the repair of our immediate world here in Las Vegas. Our undertakings need not be overwhelming. Consciousness of needs and acting on that awareness would suggest simple things we, individually and institutionally, could do for those less fortunate than ourselves. We throw away items that are no longer up to our standards, but which others would appreciate. There are organizations looking for shoes or eyeglasses we no longer need or want. There are people who lack transportation to medical appointments. There are schools which would love to be "adopted" by community members in order to ease class overcrowding or to free up teaching time by removing some of the teachers' load. There are books to be taped for people with hearing impairments. The opportunities are only limited by our own imaginations and our awareness. In our personal lives and in our business and pro-fessional lives we have means of reaching out to the less fortunate and easing a tiny bit of the burden. Chavurahs are excellent vehicles for working together for a greater good. More grandiose projects might include working with Habitat for Humanity, supporting a youth center, both in person or financially, or becoming a foster family. Need ideas? Have you ever read "Mitzvahs" by Danny Siegel, published by Town House Press? It's a great source of ideas of how small things make big differences. How about starting out with a Social Action Committee and going from there? Let Jeff Zucker know of your interest in helping form a structure through which TBS can help us reach out and touch some one. Oh, that reminds me, don't toss your outdated or unwanted cell phones. They can be utilized by others - if only we remember the others. :i tnnA 4?Summer Camp Temple Beth Sholom & JCC Offer Complete Camp Experiences A full continuum of summer Day Camp programming will be available on-site at Temple Beth Sholom for members of the synagogue as well as all members of the community. Regis-tration has officially begun for both camps. TBS: Kamp K'Ton Ton (Little Lit-tle) at Temple Beth Sholom has an exciting summer planned for campers 2-6 years of age! Four two week sessions from June 21st through August 13th, and one bonus week through August 20th will offer the youngest campers a fun filled summer. "Temple Beth Sholom's summer program is unique because we offer a camping experience to preschool children as young as 2," explained Jennifer Zukowski, Asst. Director of Early Childhood Education. "Our teachers are qualified, experienced and eager to be working with this young age group. They pro-vide a warm, loving environment to assure a memorable camp experience." Summer camp activities will include karate, cheer leading, creative movement, gymnastics, drama, music, sports and cooking. Of course there is the traditional Mini-Minyan with Cantor Daniel once a week, and a sit down shabbat lunch with homemade Matzo Ball Soup! Field trips are planned for K through 1st graders. They'll visit Circus Circus, the Dolphin Habitat, and the mini grand prix, as well as go hiking at Red Rock, and swim twice a week. The youngest campers will en-joy special visitors like ponies, a petting zoo, firemen and sto-rytellers. Camp hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 3:00 pm. Breakfast Club is available from 7:30 am-8:30 am, and Play-house is available from 7:30-8:30 am and 3-6 pm. Space is limited, and available on a first come, U first served basis. So call the Kamp K'Ton Ton office at 804.1333 x112 to register, and save a spot for the little camper in your life. JCC: Camp K'helah (community) is a day camp for children and teens in 1st through 10th grade. " We are so excited about this summer's program," says JCC Children and Camp Committee Chairperson, Dori Arin. "We have fantastic field trips and activities planned that will make this summer unforgettable." A variety of spe-cialty areas provide each camper with high quality instruction in martial arts, arts & crafts, sports, crazy science, Israeli culture and music. Campers will also enjoy incredible fields trips, including Bowl-ing, Guinness Book of Records, Madam Tussaud's, Roller- Skating, Rock Climbing, and Swimming. JCC veteran Camp Director, Matthew Horelick, is also very energized about this upcoming summer. "Everyday is jam-packed with creative, age-appropriate programming designed for campers to have fun in a safe and positive atmosphere," claims Horelick. "In addition, our new Middle School and High School programs will add a whole new dimension to our al-ready successful camp." This summer features a variety of Specialty Camps, including Art Classes for Kids, Mad Science, Major League Soccer Camps, Missoula Children's Theater, Rock Climbing, and a Teen Travel Camp. Camp K'helah also hosts Israeli counsel-ors? Shlichim?to be a part of our camp staff. This very spe-cial program, that utilizes post-army Israelis, adds an authentic taste of Israel to Camp K'helah. Camp K'helah provides 9 separate week-long sessions from June 21st -August 20th. Each week has a unique theme in-cluding Magical Mystery Week, Wacky Olympics Week, Wild Wild West Week, and Around the World. Camp runs from 9:00am-4:00pm, with before and after care available for a nominal fee. REGISTER NOW!! Space is lim-ited, and on a first come, first serve basis. There are special incentives for registering early. Contact the Jewish Community Center at 794-0090 or visit www.jccsn.org for more informa-tion. People vs Abraham/ Annual Meeting /IID - 5 ABRAHAM GETS DAY IN COURT On a beautiful mid-March Sunday over 500 people came to Temple Beth Sholom to study Torah and hear the case against Abraham for attempted murder. A strong case, based on the criminal laws of the State of Nevada, was presented by prosecutor (Judge) Michael Cherry. He showed intent and premeditation; he showed "malice aforethought," he produced the weapon allegedly used to threaten Isaac on Mt. Moriah, and he argued that Abraham's sentence should be 4000 years of community service. Noted defense attorney (Mayor) Oscar Goodman coun-tered by showing off an even bigger weapon and producing the rope with which the victim was allegedly bound. He demonstrated that the rope was in-sufficient to hold Isaac, who was a 37 year old man at the time of the incident. When the rope failed to encompass Hizzoner's waist Attorney Goodman loudly proclaimed, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit." He argued that the alleged sacri-fice couldn't have been other than an act agreed to by the son who could have stopped his 137 year old father if he had so wanted. But he didn't. And in the counsel's strongest argu-ment, Goodman challenged the entire jury pool by declaring," If you believe that the Father of our faith was a cold blooded man who would willingly try to kill his son, then you should take off your yarmulka and walk out of this courthouse. You must have faith in Abraham's faith." The jury (comprised of all in attendance) voted overwhelmingly to acquit. Judge Joseph Wapner presided over the proceedings which were co-sponsored by Temple Beth Sholom's Torat Hayim project and the University of Judaism. ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULED Temple Beth Sholom's Annual meeting will be held on May 10, beginning at 7 PM, in the Large Social Hall. President Jeff Zucker will present a review of the past year's activities and discuss future plans. Treasurer Teri Thienhaus will present a financial report. The chair of the Nominating Committee, TBS Secretary Audrey Merkin, will place the names of those members who are being proposed for three year terms on the Board of Directors. The following people are being named for a second term or first full term on the Board: Bob Fischer, Barbara Kenig and Morris Menasche. The Committee is proposing Josh Pianko and David Steinberg to fill two vacant places on the Board. ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION The entire Jewish community will be celebrating Israel Inde-pendence Day on Sunday, May 2. TBS will have two booths, one for all the synagogue programs and one for our youth activities. The event is taking place this year at the Bellagio Hotel, in the Grand Ballroom, from 11 AM to 4 PM. There will be rides and games, shopping, Israeli Art, music and dance and, of course, food. Representing TBS will be President Jeff Zucker, 1st VP Ed Seltzer and the new Direc-tor of the Pre-School, Debra Lazer-Dixon. David Frydman will be manning the Youth Booth. Join in with the rest of the Jewish community for another day for fun and communal spirit. 6?Chaplin Lecture Series/ WL Education Day Chanlin Lecture Series Scores C C U P For the second straight year the Shirley and Sidney Chaplin Lecture Series is bringing an interna-tionally known dignitary to Las Vegas and Temple Beth Sholom to educate, inform and provide the community with a unique perspective on world wide events. The series this year will highlight the events in the Middle East, as seen from the point of view of a man who is, without question, the American who has been closest to the attempts to achieve peace over the last decade. Ambas-sador Dennis Ross has been the US' man on the front lines in the quest by the past two admini-strations to craft an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. He will speak at TBS on Wednesday, April 21, at 7 PM. As in the past, the lecture is open to the entire community at no cost to those wishing to attend. Last year, the Chaplin series sponsored a remarkable lecture by journalist Charles Krauthammer. This year's address promises to be every bit as stimulating, incisive and exciting. We can expect to learn from a true expert, where things presently stand in the frustrating relationships between these parties, and where we can expect things to go from here - if anywhere. Who are the people who are really determining the present Palestinian positions? Is it Arafat ? Is it Hamas? (Or is it some other party of whom we are not even aware?) Does Amb. Ross foresee Sharon unilaterally pulling out of the West Bank, and if he does, what ramifications will result from this action? How will the United States' election impact the substance and timing of what will happen in the region for the rest of this year? Does the fence which Rabbi Goodman wrote about on his return from Is-rael really create an obstacle to peace? Is peace a realistic goal, and, in Amb. Ross' view, what are the circumstances which must exist before it can be achieved. His topic is: "Middle East Peace: The Role of the United States." Will he answer the questions posed above on April 21? Join us to hear what Dennis Ross has to say. Those who missed Mr. Krauthammer last year regretted that they didn't attend the Chaplin lecture. Don't miss this one. The Status of Private and Public Education in Las Vegas is just one of the topics that will be presented at the Third Annual Women's League Education Day Seminar on April 25, 2004. Here is an opportunity to get an insiders view of Las Vegas area public vs. private school options. Explore differences in curriculum, academic success, and fund-ing with expert Carolyn Goodman, Director of Meadows School and Augustin Orsi, Deputy Superintendent, Clark County School District. Three other Sessions including: Image and Beyond, The Body Mind and Health Connection Profiles of Courage-Jew/s/7 Migration to Las Vegas, and Trac-ing the Evolution of the Jewish Community Sisters Under the Veil-Jewish and Islamic Women Pre Registration is advised, see page 18 for more information. Men's Club I Art Auction ?7 OOOOl MEN'S CLUB HAPPENINGS March was a busy month again for the TBS Men's Club. On March 3, we helped sponsor author Fern Schumer Chapman discussing her book, "Motherland: Beyond the Holocaust: A Mother-Daughter Jour-ney to Reclaim the Past." Then on March 10, Oscar Goodman, our be-loved mayor and Temple member, spoke about everything exciting and controversial in Las Vegas (what isn't??). March 16 we co-sponsored Al-bert Einstein (alias: Len Barron) for an adult presentation. Two additional performances were geared to various age groups. Finally, on March 23, we gathered to assemble all the candles and boxes for the TBS Yom Hashoah mailing. Yom Hashoah is Monday, April 19. April will be a bit quieter for the Men's Club due to Passover April 5 through the 13. However, we do have some special offerings for your plate. Saturday, April 3 - TBS Men's Club Shabbat. All Men's Club members and their families are urged to participate!! Be sure to wear your red yarmulkes. Wednesday, April 14 - TBS Men's Club Meeting at 7 PM. General business and reports. Note the changed date for this month only. Also, please don't forget our future activities: May, 2004 - Start of the Men's Club Sponsored softball team. Men's Club members are encouraged to contact the Office or Jeff Michelman if they would like to play. There will be 14 local games, and this will be your chance to become famous. So far, we have quite a few talented players - so who knows what the season will bring??? Sunday, May 16 - Men's Club sponsored Temple-wide "51's" Baseball Outing. This will be an after-noon game at Cashman Field at Noon. The tickets will run $12 + tax and will be GREAT!! - behind home plate and under the awning!! Rabbi Goodman will throw the first pitch and will try to reach home plate this year (at least on the first bounce). ART AUCTION SAVE THE DATE May 2, 2004 Women's League will sponsor an art auction by Park West Art Gallery on Sunday, May 2nd. Approxi-mately 300-400 pieces will be on display ranging in value from $100 to $80,000. Artists repre-sented will be Chagall, Pe-ter Max, and Linda Lekinff just to name a few. Preview begins at 6:00 PM; auction starts at 7:00 PM. Open to the public, so tell friends and neighbors. $5 voluntary donation at the door. April 2004 8?Preschool Director LAZER-DIXON TO BE PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR Mrs. Debra Lazer-Dixon has been appointed to the position of Director of the Sandra and Stanley Mallin Early Childhood Center. Mrs. Lazer-Dixon is cur-rently working in the Preschool with Danielle Friefeld and Jennifer Zukowski, and will assume her job as Director at the beginning of summer camp, June 21,2004. Mrs. Lazer-Dixon along with her husband, Doug, and 4 year old daughter, Alyssa, moved here from Vancouver, Canada where she grew up. Debra made Aliyah after high school and she received her Bachelor of Educa-tion and teaching certificates in Elementary and Special Needs in Israel. After six years, Debra returned to Vancouver where she served with the JCC as the BBYO Director and taught Hebrew school. She obtained her Early Childhood certificate from Vancouver Community Col-lege, taught preschool at an Orthodox synagogue and ran summer camps for the community. Subsequently she worked for the City of Richmond as a before and after school care Coordinator over seeing the care of 120 children, ages 5-12 years, and then administered two child Care Centers in another city in the Vancouver area. Debra con-tinued to teach B'nai Mitzvah children at Temple Sholom in Vancouver for 5 years. Mrs. Lazer-Dixon is very committed to her family, community and Judaism, and hopes to continue in the same path in Las Vegas. Welcome! Sussman (cont'd from Page 1) As part of the transition, Laura will continue to oversee the JCC's largest program of the year, Camp K'helah: a nine-week summer day camp for first through ninth graders, to be held at Temple Beth Sholom and directed by veteran Camp Director, Matthew Horelick. Denise Abramow concluded, "While we are sorry to see Laura move to another opportunity, we are thankful for the strength and stability she has helped developed within our staff and leadership and are glad that she will remain a leader in our Jewish community." \ T / Religious School ?9 Jewish Education is for... Teachers too! Learning, studying, exploring.... and learning some more. I bet you think I'm talking about our religious school students. Right? Well, no. I'm actually referring to our educators! Recently, Temple Beth Sholom religious school teachers participated in two stimulating educational opportunities: ADL's "Confronting Anti-Semitism" and Cindy Fox's "Building a Community or Learners." Yes, Jewish educa-tion is for teachers too! On Sunday, February 22 and February 29, Temple Beth Sholom hosted the ADL's "Confronting Anti- Semitism" program. This specialized "train the trainer program" was open to volunteers from the greater Las Vegas Jewish community. Gary Levin (National Director of Traditional Education) and Cyn-thia Luria (Nevada Regional Director) presented an extensive workshop to build a cadre of facilitators armed with resources and ideas to lead future educational programs. The goal-to provide assistance to Jewish community members in developing effective strategies, taking appropriate action, and know-ing when and how to seek support and use community resources to combat anti-Semitism. Participants learned from each other as they explored dozens of topics including: how to identify and respond to anti-Semitism; the "pyramid of hate"; victim impact issues; methods of communication; how to create a supportive environment for all students; and existing community resources and organizations who can provide aid. Then on Sunday, March 14, a special workshop was presented to all of Beth Sholom's educators: "Building a Community of Learners" provided by Cindy Fox, a marketing and public relations consultant by day and our Midrashah and 6th grade teacher. The session explored ways to expand communica-tion, participation, and connection for students and families to build a "community of learners." Strate-gies shared included thinking more holistically about Jewish education by including families and a view of the whole community in the process of learning. New models of thinking about Jewish education were shared with ideas that included: 1) Inviting families to learn together both at home and side by side in the classroom; 2) Using all communications home to expand knowledge, even in the smallest ways such as by using Hebrew words with their translation and transliteration; 3) Welcoming congre-gants with special expertise and experience into the classroom; 4) Reinforcing concepts learned in the classroom with family thought questions for the Shabbat table at home, and many more. Participants in both educational programs agreed that the most powerful component of the workshops was the opportunity to learn from each other. FTQ (Family Thought Question): Ben Zoma said: Who is wise? One who learns from every person, as it is said in Torah,"from all my teachers I acquired understanding." What does this quote mean to you? Who does Ben Zoma see as a teacher? Who is a teacher to you in your life? B'Shalom Ayelet Blit PHOTO: L to R: Ayelet Blit (Religious School Director), Myreen Aschenbach, Sylvia Katz, Harry Sax, Cindy Fox at the ADL's seminar April 2004 10?L'Dor V'Dor L'Dor V'Dor Makes a Difference In the Lives of Homebound Seniors Temple Beth Sholom's Senior Outreach Program is a Joy to All On Tuesday, March 2, 2004, over 230 seniors gathered to celebrate Purim and enjoy lunch by Gustav Mauler, as guests socialized and were re-acquainted with their "L'Dor V'Dor Friends." Now in it's third year, the L'Dor V'Dor Program contin-ues to make a real difference in the lives of home-bound Seniors. A magnificent entertainment program, produced by Susan Lind Vex, included a talented group of per-formers who ranged in age from 8-65 years of age. Heidi Sarno Strauss, Evan and Hal Savar, Vince Folger, William Thompson, Jeannie Arin, Sarah Leiserowitz, Brianna Petersen, Samantha Thuna, and Brianna Kirsh were among the group that thrilled the attentive audience. "I wanted to produce a real L"DOR V'DOR pro-gram, using a group that spanned from generation to generation "explained Susan Vex, a Julliard trained professional musician and performer. A highlight of the show was Hal and Evan Savar, and Sarah Leiserowitz as "The Three Elvi" singing Blue Suede Shoes, each professing to be the "Real Elvis." L'Dor V'Dor is the only homebound seniors inter-active program of it's type in Las Vegas. Seniors who have lost their connection to the community as a result of immobility or a lack of financial re-sources are at risk for loneliness and depression," said program Founder Ruth Goldfarb. "Many of them are alone, and don't have family or friends to help" added L'Dor V'Dor Co-chair Jackie Turshinsky. Jeanne Arin, a devoted volunteer who helps with senior guests and also performed in the show summed it all up: "It's a big job... and it's a blessing to be able to do it." To all the volunteers who help make L'Dor V'Dor a continuing success, we thank you again, for mak-ing a difference in the loves of homebound sen-iors. Finding a Fountain of Youth in L'Dor VDor By Cindy Fox I admit it. I was feeling old, tired, and hassled. Yes, I had agreed to volunteer...but was feeling the pressures of a busy life. To make matters worse, it was one of those rare rainy days here in Las Vegas when I went to pick up my guests 30 min-utes away for the Purim L'dor V'dor luncheon hosted at Tem-ple Beth Sholom on March 2, 2004. Then I walked into the room. Amazing. Selfless. The prepara-tions overwhelming. The tables were set. Food prepared. An area was cleared for wheel chairs and walkers. Because of the rain, special carpets were rolled out to prevent slipping. Dozens of hosts and hostesses were at their stations ready to lend a hand, pour a cup of coffee, or find the right flavor hamentashen. Even the entertainers?provided by area talent including a number of children and teens who had taken the time from school to be there?were ready. A moving labor of love. The special souls in that room... carrying the joys and bur-dens of long lives... taught me a lesson on the fountain of youth... I found it that day in their laughter and smiles. L'dor va'dor nagid gadlecha! For generations and generations we praise God's greatness Photo: Guests register with Debbie Lederer and Debra Lazer-Dixon L'Dor V'Dor?11 Top: Ron "Raggedy Andy" Turshinsky and Mimi Katz Top: Liz Goodman and Rochelle Schneider Right: Guests enjoy lunch Above: Lois Jacobs 'innA Above: Rosalie Lazar, Irv Herman and the two Debs celebrate Purim 12- Preschool TBS'S EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER CELEBRATED NEVADA READING WEEK The preschool organized many reading activities geared to the preschooler's level to support our literacy curriculum. We kicked off the week by wearing crazy hats, and then celebrated Dr. Suess's Birthday by reading many of his famous stories. Haven't you heard of the ever popular "Green Eggs and Jam" ? Boy, this was a yummy treat cooked by the Kindergarten-ers. Parents were invited to join their classes to read their own favorites. The Lion's class even heard the story of The Three Little Pigs in Hungarian, and other stories in Japanese, and Hebrew. The chil-dren were so proud to have their families join us in this educational experience. Our finale of the week ended with Rabbi Goodman joining our school- wide Shabbat. He read his favorite book. Can you guess what it was? It was The Book of Esther! The children really en-joyed the part where they got to BOOO for Hamen. Preschool ?13 Purim was celebrated at the preschool! Groggers, masks, Mishloach Manot, and lots of Hamentashen were made in the preschool as the children learned about Purim. The children participated in many Judaic ex-periences to help them understand the holiday. Our tradi-tional Purim Parade was seen throughout the synagogue as classes showed off their Purim spirit! A