The Bulletin of Temple Beth Sholom, December 2003

December 2003 Kislev-Tevet 5764 Vol. 3, No. 12 s k b s b b b . a INSIDE THIS ISSUE Torah Project Starts 2 President's Message 3 Executive Director's Message 4 Letter of Thanks 5 Warsaw Award/ New Board Member 6 Film Festival 7 Preschool 8 Donations 10 Men's Club 12 Women's League 13 New Member Bios 14 Under the Dome 16 Simacha Chavurah 17 Religious School 20 Calendar of Events 27 Schedule of Services 28 Temple Beth Sholom is a Conservative Congregation affiliated with T h e United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism TBS' GALA HAS "THE LUCK OF THE IRISH" The Black Tie evening promises to be full of fun and surprises. The party begins with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 PM. A silent auction will be held during the cocktail hour, where exciting gifts galore will be available for bidding. Gifts have been received from Neiman Marcus, Holland America Cruises, numerous restaurant and golf packages, and scores of other items from other stores. In addition, there will be a live auction, with prizes to be announced. Michael's friends and business associates will be among those acting as the evening's emcees. "We give very careful consideration to the person the Temple honors each year," said Mona Silverman, co-chair of the Gala. "Michael Gaughan's gen-erosity to our Temple and community is consistent, and we are so proud to honor him." Tickets may be purchased at Temple Office at $275 each. For more information, call Julie in the Temple Office at 804-1333 ext 103. Don't miss this year's gala, when Irish eyes smile on Temple Beth Sholom. On Sunday, January 11, 2004, Michael Gaughan will be honored as Temple Beth Sholom's Man of the Year. This is the first time we are honoring a person who is not a member of the Temple, but Michael's generosity and support for our temple could not go un-rewarded. i F I F Over the years he has provided the site for two Debbie Friedman concerts, had "Frank and Dean" entertain us at last year's gala, and has been a sponsor of the Jewish Film Festival for the last three years. His efforts for the Las Vegas Jewish community set the standard for ecumenism in the city. 2?To rah Project Begins TEARS AND CHEERS AS TBS TORAH PROJECT STARTS Torat Hayim stated its two year path to the creation of a new Torah scroll on Sunday, November 23. Hundreds of TBS members, family and friends gathered by the Warsaw Ghetto Remembrance Garden to witness the burial of a damaged Holocaust Torah and to recite the Kaddish. Immediately thereafter they entered to Sanctuary, and, with a mighty sound of the Shofar (blasted by Ed Kainen) the ceremony marking the project's commencement got underway. Ron Kirsh acted as host of the program throughout the morning. He spoke of the true "once in a lifetime" nature of the event taking place. Rabbi Goodman discussed the religious and spiritual sig-nificance of what TBS was doing and how its impact would be felt for years to come. Later Rabbi Goodman declared this to be the most important event in his rabbinate to date. He then introduced Rabbi Moshe Druin who is to be the Sofer (the scribe) who will actually write each word of the Safer Torah. The emotions then flowed freely. Each letter of the first seven words of Bereshet were written by congregants and community friends as Rabbi Druin wrote each letter with the selected person holding on to the quill with which the letters are written. The very first letter was written by Charles Salton - TBS's longest affiliated member. Next came the youngest child in the TBS Preschool, Brett Barish, who was startled by the flashing cameras perpetuating the moment, and he began to cry . He soon calmed down and was able to touch the quill as the Rabbi wrote. With each new let-ter shouts of "Mazel Tov" rose from throughout the audience, and on the Bima tears of joy flowed freely. All the living past presidents of TBS each wrote a letter, as did the staff of our schools (together with children representing each class), rabbis from other local congregations, leaders of Jewish secular organizations; all participated in this act of creation. Music was provided by Cantor Fried-man directing the Zimriya Youth Chorale in spirited songs throughout the ceremony. It is now the job of TBS to complete the scroll over the next two years and to raise the funds that will help secure the financial well-being of the shul into the future. Opportunities for giving are: Letters for Children $18 Words $180 Verses $360 Aliya $1800 Weekly Parsha $5400 First or Last Word in Torah $5400 First word in a Book $1800 Special Events in Torah $9000 The Days of Creation $5400 Selected Passages and Stories $5400 Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur/Holy Days $5400 Books of the Torah $36,000 Contact the Rabbi's office for more information. President's Message?3 REFLECTIONS Jeff Zucker As I write these words Thanksgiving is fast approaching. To my mind this particular holiday stands out above all of the other secular holidays. On a crass level this may be because it is a guaranteed four consecutive days off. However, I think that the key reason Thanksgiving is so special is the unusual nature of the holiday. As Rabbi Goodman once noted, Thanksgiving may be the only secular religious holiday in the world, when we take a break and try to look back on all the blessings of our lives. In a certain sense this fall secular holiday and the Jewish fall holy day of Yom Kippur make a perfect match. On one we look back to see what we can do better in the future and on the other we give thanks for all that we already have. On a personal level I have much to be thankful for and that includes, believe it or not, having the opportunity to be Presi-dent of Temple Beth Sholom. This doesn't mean that it's been a bed of roses. The jokes about synagogue presidents ring all too true. However, there is a lot more than that. There are times at TBS when we have so much going on that we almost trip over each other. In just the past few weeks we have seen a Bar Mitzvah, a Bat Mitzvah, three aufrufs, National Organ Do-nor Shabbat, a series of events with Shaare Zedek, the inauguration of our To-rah writing project, the JCC book fair and the Women's League Hanukkah Bazaar. All of these are in addition to such regular events as Men's Club and Women's League meetings, USY and Kadima events, and our various education pro-grams. We also can't forget the ongoing work of the Bikkur Cholim Committee and others who try to help our congregants and other members of the community through the harder times in their lives, nor should we ignore the response to emergencies, whether in Las Vegas or elsewhere, such as the recent collections for those who lost their homes in the California fires. These past few weeks are in fact a very good example of what we at TBS are about. We have celebrated simchas to-gether. We have comforted others in times of sorrow. We provide opportunities for growth as a Jew and human being. We have been active in supporting a wide range of community activities and organi-zations. While there is much more that we would like to do, there is much that we have accomplished and are continuing to accomplish. We at Temple Beth Sholom have done a lot of good for each other, our community and the Jewish community throughout the world. I am honored and thankful to be a part of it. December 2003 4?Executive Director's Message REACH OUT AND TOUCH SOMEONE By Robert Mirisch I am very proud of TBS. It is reaching out to the entire community. It is enriching Las Vegas by the exam pies it is setting in the humanitarian and cultural arenas. This past month makes my point. When the catastrophic fires broke out in Southern California, our members looked into their hearts and felt deep corr passion for the victims of that terrible conflagration. We responded in rapid fashion by gathering many items needed by the shelters where families, whose homes were burned out, went for fast relief. We sent diapers, toiletries, games, books for children and many, many other things. In addition we sent funds to the Jewish Community Disaster Relief Fund. The response was almost instantaneous. It was wonderful to see us marshal our membership in doing a mitzvah. Once the immediate need was satisfied in California, we sent an equal amount of items to our own Jewish Family Ser-vices. As Rabbi Goodman pointed out in last month's Bulletin, we constantly need to take care of our own people who need assis tance. It was more mitzvah. Culturally we are getting an amazing response to the "Peace Through Humor" art exhibition currently on display at TBS. We have had groups of children from both public and private school tour the exhibit. They really get into it. After spending time at the paint ings we have had discussions about the meaning of the art work, the artistic aspects of the work, and the students feelings about what life divided between war and peace must be like. Students came from Gilbert Magnet School, Von Tobel Middle School and Imprints school, (which so far has brought three groups of children). The teachers have shared with me the insights of their stu-dents. (See facing page.) These efforts are what we are all about. This is putting forth the soul of TBS for all to see. These are the acts of a good neighbor who shares with his community. Yasher koach TBS. Keep it up. Right: Boy Scouts and aids help unload TBS relief items. Below: Students ponder the meaning of War and Peace. Right: Imprint students are dazzled by the Las Vegas sun and the Israeli art at TBS. Letter of thanks?5 ? I want to personally thank you for inviting my class at Imprints Day School to participate in the viewing of "Peace Through Humor" at Temple Beth Shalom. My multi-aged class was very moved by the paintings done by the Israeli children. Without words they seemed to understand their drawings. They especially liked the ones that were "happy" and showed peaceful surroundings. These made them "feel goou". On the other hand, they immediately recognized the fear in some of the other work. Although you would expect children to be drawn to bright colors they understood the "loudness" they conveyed which frightened them. And "The Terrorist" looked as hateful as they imagined a terrorist to look. But what made the trip even more meaningful, was that it was in a temple. Since few of the children in the class are Jewish we needed to discuss where we were going. The discussion of church vs. synagogue vs. mosque, etc. led to an animated dialogue of how different we each are but how we all still get along and consider ourselves good friends. The children decided that they were all praying but in different "houses". As a Jew, it was exciting to see the children's reaction to being inside a temple, especially one as splendid as yours. This was a f i r s t time experience for a majority of the children and may be the only chance they will ever get so I thank you for inviting us. W B & M i W , - ? I t was a very meaningful experience. The children f e l t almost "selfish" to be allowed to know only peace. They could only relate what they saw in t he exhibit to their experience of 9/11/01. Finally they understand that they don't understand terrorism at all nor what it must be like to live with i t all the time. They are anxious to begin their project, wishing to share their intimate knowledge of peace. They all voiced their hope that they could help bring happiness to the Israeli students and join with them in their hope for peace in their homeland. Ilene Miller, teacher 'Little Expressions... Lasting impressions' Canyon Room (702) 270-2077 ? Fax (702) 914-7546 8185 Tamarus Street ? Los Vegas. Nevada 89123 wwv/imprintsdayscnool.com December 2003 6? Warsaw Ghetto Garden/ New Board Member GARDEN WINS TOURISM AWARD Once again the Warsaw Ghetto Remembrance Garden has been recognized for its importance to our community. On December 17 we will receive a 2003 Tourism Development Award from the Nevada Commission on Tourism. The award is being presented at a luncheon at Cae-sar's Palace. The Commission has determined that the Garden provides a significant addition to the cultural life of Las Vegas and is a place for tourists to visit. The award is being given in connection with the 20th Annual Governor's Conference on Tourism. Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt will be the presenter. NEW TBS BOARD MEMBER Staci Columbo has been elected to fill a vacancy on the Temple Beth Sholom Board of Directors. Ms. Colombo is corporate Vice- President of Marketing and Advertising for Station Casinos, Inc. She brings her expertise in these areas to the work of TBS and will help conceptualize and implement TBS plans for reaching and involving the Las Vegas Jewish community. In 2002 Ms. Co-lombo was recognized as one of the "Top 25 People to Watch in Gaming" by Global Gaming Magazine. Ms. Colombo has worked on a variety of projects for the syna-gogue including its Shavuot "Buffet of Torah" educational program and its new "Torat Hayim" program which is TBS' Torah writing project. She is the mother of two year old Noah. Jewish Film Festival ?7 TBS SPONSORS JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL . 7 F M 7 : " T ? TUV- II OVER 10IHTERNATIONAL H I - \v? ? ! ? H f I suND^-vtt rcsnvAL tmma a . ?? ? -S.L J JL J?^JLLM. O VIHSCt FILM FESTWA*. c ClUTfCS nuzf ? 10 ! ? - n T m * T ! Q N A L H I M A W A R D S INCLUDING; , AWARD if BEST FUST WORE A film by Radu Mihaileanu An unforgettable fable aboul ilic so;irch for a miracle. TBS is once more sponsoring a film at the Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival. The film this year represents a change of pace. The film is "Train of Life", a French language farce which won the 1999 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award as well as several other international honors. The film has never been shown in Las Vegas until now. To quote one reviewer: "Can three movies make up an entire genre? If they can, then "Train of Life" is the third and perhaps the best of the "Holocaust Comedy" genre (that admittedly isn't for everybody), after "Life Is Beauti-ful" (1998) and Jakob the Liar" (1999) "Train of Life" tells the audacious story of a village, led by village idiot Shlomo, that decides to evade the Nazis by building a train, disguising themselves as guards and prisoners, and de-porting themselves. But instead of traveling to a death camp, they'll be crossing the border to freedom. As directed by Radu Mihaileanu, "Train of Life" plays like a lively farce, full of fun and life, but at the same time tainted with the horror of reality. Yet there are virtually no gory images of Nazis or death camps. That terror hangs in the air. "Train of Life" is a delightful 'what if story that gives Us a little power over Them." Another review said: " With all the antic drollery and compassion of a Chelm story, "Train of Life" gaily seduces you into its fantasy life, then whacks you over the head with a finale that, intentionally or not, functions as a rebuke to the mad optimism of Benigni's pandering film ("Life Is Beautiful")." The Film Festival will run from January 15th through the 19th. 'Train of Life" will be shown on January 18th at 7 PM. Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased through the Temple Office. Come in or call Carol at 804-1333 and get your ticket on the "Train of Life." December 2003 8- Preschool Preschool Mitzvot Thanksgiving and Hanukkah are both times of giving for our preschool. Although a mitzvah is generally thought of as a good deed, it's Hebrew meaning is a commandment. There are 613 mitzvot in the Torah and performing the mitzvah of Tzedakah (giving charity) to the needy is one of the more important things we can get involved in. This season, our families are working hard toward this goal. We have organized a school-wide food drive for several Jewish families in our community. Our preschool families have joined together to help these families have a wonderful Thanksgiving. On December 18 at 5:30, The Early Childhood Center will be performing a special Hanukkah play "The Missing Candle". There will be beautiful music and singing as well as scrumptious latkes to devour following the performance. To help make this event extra-special we are asking our parents to bring a gift for someone less fortunate. Every year our preschool works in conjunction with Olive Crest, a foster home for abused children. At the entrance into our Hanukkah Festi- ^ val we are encouraging our families to bring an unwrapped gift for a spe- if f | | | cific child in need. The children's names and wishes will be advertised in j M r # the preschool lobby, so anyone can help a child in need of a holiday toy. We will give all these donations to Olive Crest and they will make these children extremely happy. What a wonderful way to help during this season of giving; what a wonderful mitzvah. axil i r. ?iJit Hebrew Specialist performs Havdalah service with the children Schepps plays in the kitchen Being 2 can be a lot of fun The classes learned the 7 days of creation Kids say the darnedest things?9 Kids draw the darnedest things. Drawings from, the Preschool hall.) "...and on the seventh day God rested." v - \L L V o eoo r ^ t i n q on his V 3 y r - / r ' GOD Slcepv^ o Y \ - t h e . C l o u d s . V \ JJJFJ 1 ( S o o ' s i n \ j t > u r h e a f / c S nfftjbVw wrt* a. blanUA- ard Villou) b e h i n d cJouds. i * i ^ . ? * . * \ i-.' ?wS!tkWmtg ? ? ??'f.S'i ? t 'AVv?.?.? ? O D I S ' R e ^ n g a t 4 - H e b e a e n . December 2003 Y c \ \ \ x \ I w // s . i i . i V < 10?Tributes, donations & from the heart EDUCATION FUND Speedy Recovery?Sid Chaplin Caryl & Jack Berg Edie Morein Ruth & Mel Wolzinger In memory of Lauren Frumes Paul Schmeir RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND In honor of: Birth of new grandson to Mr & Mrs. Lawrence Davis Natalie & Arthur Berger Sam Lewis' Bar Mitzvah Doreen Lewis & Brett Morgan An Aliyah Norman Marsh Mikveh Vivian Belsky Wonderful Sermon JoAnn & Earle Malkin CANTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND In honor of: Sam Lewis' Bar Mitzvah Doreen Lewis & Brett Morgan An Aliyah Norman Marsh Cantor & Kevyn's engagement Natalie & Arthur Berger Zina & Bennett Fishbain Dr. Leon & Faye Steinberg Harold L. Stralser Deanne Alterwitz Cantor & Kevyn?Mazal Tov & Best wishes for your future together Debbie Lederer Cantor & Kevyn's marriage Evelyn & Leon Goldstein Neal Klegerman Lynn & Arne Rosencrantz Cantor & Kevyn's Uf Ruf Dr. Joshua & Felice Saxe & Family fAHRZEIT/MEMQRIAL FUND n memory of: \nna Aprill Eunice & Albert Merkin Esther Bard Dorothy Klegerman )avid Benisty !ohra Benisty Miriam Sharp Abraham Blum Sylvia & Howard Schwartzer Vron Chozahinoff Barbara & Igal Chozahinoff 'etti Denker Ethel Stewart Sidney Eckhaus Linda & Len Eckhaus ack Frankenberg and fluriel Frankenberg Laura & Bob Frankenberg Louise Frush Dvorak Family Margaret Gershman Sheila & Jay Gershman Israel Gerther Lillian & Henry Kronberg John Gilbert Bonnie Berkowitz Evelyn Goldberg Ana Goldberg Marie Gordon Reba Saiger David A. Greenfield June Colodny. Mae Marmor Hager Mollie Weiss Memorial Fund Anna Hager Shirley Chaplin Sarah Harris Eve Harris & Family Florence Herman Rose Raphael Simon Herskovic Cathy Herskovic-Levy William Hessing Esther Hessing Gloria Kahn Kim, Fred, Alex & Sarah Memar Mildred Kahn Ambas. Chic Hecht Sidney Klein Judi, Roger, Alison & Seth Klein David Kornfeld Edith & Allan Bloomberg Oscar Bud Lauren Sheryl Honig Sally Lieberman Mr. & Mrs. S. Solowitz Mr. & Mrs. J. Chernikoff Mr. & Mrs. N. Yeager Mr. & Mrs. W. Winchell Mrs. Joan Pepper Ray Mr. & Mrs. J. Stubler Mr. & Mrs.W. Gehlhaus Mrs. Midge Cristadoro Mrs. Midge Blair Sally Harviel Bobbi Artz Elaine Kramer Milton Levy Carol & Joel Lubritz Ida Mintz Dr. Alan & Yoaheved Mintz Harold Mitler Eleanor Mitler Annie Leah Moskowitz Millicent Cohen Dave Oberne Hylda & Murray Leitner Esther Lala Powell Lillian & Henry Kronberg Mary Riabtzoff Reicin Charlotte & Sam Showel Helen E. Reiter re/77 Wilensky-Genzer & Bob Genzer Terri Seltzer Marci & Ed Seltzer Harry Singer Ellen & Michael Singer Jacob Soldovnick Albert A. Kulwin Phyllis Sotnick Carol Sotnick Mendel Spitzer Melita Vickter William Tagg Barbara Beckenstein Louis Tamaroff Betty Schwartz Ann Taylor Rema Gee Doralee Tessler Naomi & Art Sloan Nathan Wexler Daniel Wexler Julia Winner Dorothy Demby-Lasky Nina Zissman Ana Goldberg Oscar Zusel Nina & Leslie Boshes GENERAL FUND Abraham Falk Speedy Recovery?Sidney Chaplin Dr. Leon & Faye Steinberg In honor of: Judith Berdichevsk/s Birthday Oscar Berdichevsky Opening Ark at Rebekah Mastel's Bat Mitzvah June Colodny In memory of: Irving Goot Stephen & Joel Goot WARSAW REMEMBRANCE GARDEN In honor of: Lillian & Henry Kronberg?Heroes of volunteerism Ruthe Spector Good Luck - Myra Weiseman in your new home Lil & Ken Glicken In memory of: Roberta Barston's sister Lee Rose Raphael Lauren Frumes Doreen Lewis & Brett Morgan Ruth Singer Strunck's mother Lee Rose Raphael L'DQR V'DQR In honor of: The Berkovitz' new baby Ruth Goldfarb Flo Gordon's 80th Birthday Sue & Jack Grossman In memory of: Moishe Friedman Rosalie & Orin Lazer & Family Tributes, donations & from the heart?11 TORAH FUND Speedy Recovery: Gary Wassam Ruthe Spector In memory of: Marie O'Connell Ruthe Spector LIBRARY FUND In honor of: Ellen Scully's great granddaughter?Veronica Lauren Scully Estelle & Ed Devore HEATHER SAXE SCHOLARSHIP FUND In honor of: Cantor & Kevyn's Engagement Dr. Steven & Marcy Saxe & Family Good Luck to Dr. Steven & Marcy Saxe & Family in your new home Andrea, Richard, Drake & Scarlett Gordon Dr. Sheldon & Karen Schore In memory of: Jack Bernstein Dr. Joshua & Felice Saxe & Family Dr. Michael & llanit Saxe & Family Dr. Steven & Marcy Saxe & Family Torry Somers' mother Dr. Joshua & Felice Saxe & Family Dr. Michael & llanit Saxe & Family SfiirCey & Sidney Chop Cm Thank you for aCC your fieartfeCt wishes for Sidney's speedy recovery December 2003 12?Men's Club ? There are three forms of communication. Telephone... Telegraph...and Tell my wife" -Unsigned (if you knew my wife, you would understand) Don't knock it! This past month The Men's Club has been very busy getting the word out about all of the wonderful programs, events and good times that come with Men's Club membership. It is really great to see so many new faces and get the chance to interact with our brethren. Our Speaker's Forum is really taking off and as you know, on Wednesday, November 19lh, Bob Arum, President of Top Rank, Inc. and long time member of TBS was our guest speaker. Unfortunately at press time for this article, the event was just 2 days away so look for the "blow by blow" description of the evening in next months bulletin. And don't forget, Sunday, December 21s1 @9:00am in the main Social Hall the Men's Club will be sponsoring a Members Mixer where all members (and member's to be) are invited to come mix with fellow TBS'ers and tell us about your business, what you do, ex-change business cards, and share some good times with each other. For those paid (hint, hint) members, we will be compiling a booklet of all of the cards, business names, addresses and phone numbers which will be provided to all of the paid (there is that hint again) members. This is a great way for each of us to support each other and to learn what each of us does. So mark your calendars! Now, in closing, I want each of you to again read the quote above. Instead of telling your wife, give a Men's Club member a call and let us know is going on in your life (mitzvahs, travel, good books, great golf score) so we can share it with the other members! Warren Jay Stamm Publicity Chair 702-808-9499 TBS Men's Club The TBS Men's Club invites all new members who joined after November 1, 2003 to enjoy a complimentary one year membership in the men's club. For further information you can contact: Dr. Howard Kramer at: hxkramer@hotmail.com or Sam Showel at: samchar@cox.net Women's League?13 FOR CONSERVATIVE JUD AISM AT TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM FLORENCE FROST, PRESIDENT ..Hanukkah, also known as the festival of lights, is a commemoration of the Maccabean victory over the Hellenists who wish to stamp out our Jewish Religious Culture. Is this not happening today throughout the world? Two powerful women serve as reminders of our important role in the fight of survival. The legend of Judith who outwitted the enemy General Holofernes, by beguiling him. To achieve her purpose, she served him salty cheese during a drought, he became so thirsty that he quenched his thirst with a great deal of wine. Once he fell asleep, she took his sword and cut off his head, forcing his troops to flee in disgrace. Hannah and her seven sons, told in the book if Maccabees, that King Antiochus order her sons to take part in a Pagan Ritual. Empowered by their mother's convictions of Jewishness, they refused, resulting in their subsequent execution. In due course, Hannah herself chose a martyr's death. At this time of year, as we celebrate Hanukkah, we as Jewish women should rededi-cate ourselves to the teaching of Jewish values, education, and service. May we continue to serve as role models for future generations... Happy Hanukkah to all... Florence Frost ..Hanukkah Membership Meeting...Wednesday, December 17, 2003,11:30am-2:00pm Donation $5.00 December 2003 14?New Member Bios NEW MEMBER FAMILY BIOS EDITOR'S NOTE: Over the next few months we will be featuring short bios of our new members. We hope this will give everybody an opportunity to get to know them better; perhaps to find some common ground and help to make them more comfortable in their decision to affiliate with TBS. If you are a new member and don't see yourself included this month, look in future issue. We promise to try and include everyone we can get in touch with. EDUARDO FLORES: Eddie Flores is single, 30, and with a strong social conscience. He works for the Clark County Juvenile Probation Department as the Administrator of the Juvenile House Arrest Program. His commitment to helping children is motivat-ing him to become a Probation Officer and he is seeking to get his Masters Degree in Ethics and Public Policy at UNLV. He is po-litically active. He has been the Vice Chair of the Nevada/Hispanic Caucus and political director of a State Senate election cam-paign. He has become a regular attendee at the morning minyan and finds TBS "an ideal place to continue my Jewish studies." ANDREW BURSTEN: Andrew joins us from Washington D C. where he was the Comptroller of the Washington Opera Company Music plays a large part in Andy's life. He plays the viola and violin, and since his move to LV he has joined the Henderson Civic Symphony. I'm sure Cantor Friedman has some surprising ideas for Andy. He hasn't forgotten his accounting however, he's the Comptroller for the Las Vegas Catholic Charities, one of the largest not for profit organizations in the area. BERT and CAROL LEVY: Bert and Carol Levy are bi-coastal. In addition to living here (on and off for the past seven years) they maintain a home in - are you ready? - Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania. You might well ask "where is that?" we did. It's in the Pocono Mountains. New Yorkers originally, Bert and Carol have two son's in Gotham. One is a certified Registered Nurse and the other (who is newly engaged) is a restaurant manger and consultant. This is a couple who are busy in their retirement. Together they volunteer at Mountainview Hospital, work for SCORE (an organization that helps people with their business plans) and Bert has just qualified to read for people with visual impairments at KNPR. Carol helps out with the LV Philharmonic too. They have just joined one of TBS's new Chavurahs. Bert and Carol were brought to TBS by friends who already were members. That's the best way. STEPHEN and GAIL SLOTNICK: Not only are Steve and Gail new to TBS - they are new to LV. They moved from Framingham Mass four months ago. They have three adult children, Adam (married to Heather) lives in Van Nuys, California, and expect twins this coming April (they hit the jackpot!). Scott and Lainey live in Tarzana, Cal. - now you know why Steve and Gail moved West. Their daughter is a student at the University of West Virginia. Steve is working here for Southwest Airlines. Gail works at the Coach Store in the new outlet stores. They live around the corner from TBS and came here for services. They got that "warm fee ing" and joined. ERIC and HILDE MAYER: Ex-Long Islanders HARK! Eric and Hilde are your type; they harken from Syosset, New York. In addition to being that type, Eric is another type - typographer, that is. He immediately brought his years of experience to TBS and is a consultant to your "Bulletin." They are the proud parents of two sons and a daughter, and 8 grandchildren. Their daughter lives here in LV and introduced her parents to TBS. They have carried over their commitment to syna-gogue from Syosset (where at different times both served on the shul's Board) to TBS. Hilde is one of the recent volunteers at our Gift Shop. In addition to his newsletter efforts, Eric is a regular at the morning Minyan. Nice people you will enjoy knowing (as are, of course, all our members). ABE FALK: Abe is a man who served his country well. During WWII Abe flew 22 missions over Germany. He was a Bombardier in a B-17 Flying Fortress. He also flew 5 missions over the Netherlands dropping food to the civil ian population when the Nazis opened the dykes and tried to flood out the Dutch. Fifteen months ago Abe and his wife moved here from Inverrary, Florida, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale. He lives in the same retirement home as another of our members, Ralp Gabay, who brought Abe to Friday night services here. Besides playing poker a few times a week, Abe doesn't do too much. "Th> day after I retired," he said," I realized something about myself - I'm lazy." Enjoy your retirement, Abe, you've earned it. ARTHUR and CAROLINE KATZ: "The Pre-School has been great for our son," Arthur Katz tells us. "He's gained much self-confidence and is learning how to get on with other children. It's been wonderful." Sam is the Katz's three year old son. Sam's folks moved to LV in 1996 from the Windy City. Arthur is retired and Caroline is a dealer at the Excalibur. Their time is filled with taking care of Sam, the joy of their life. While Arthur says theirs is a "quiet" life, we know how quiet having a three year old is. Wei come to TBS, Katz family. New Member's Bios?15 SIDNEY and BERNADINE ZABEN: What does a woman do after teaching for 33 years in the New York City School system? Move to Las Vegas and shop. That's what Bernadine Zaben did and does, according to Sidney, with a chuckle in his voice. When he retired from American Express and she put in her time, almost 3 years ago, they came West and six months later one of their two sons followed them. While the Mrs. pursues her Jewish studies, plays Maj and visits the Fashion Show, Sidney roots on his favorite sports teams (which include the Baltimore Orioles for baseball and the Ravens and Redskins for football). Mrs. Zaben looked around for a shul that they would feel comfortable in, and they decided on TBS. We are glad they did. STACEY and RONEN TRAGERMAN: Family, family, family - TBS is truly the Tragerman's family synagogue. When Stacy and Ronen moved to LV 3 years ago, they came with family (Stacy's mother- Shirley Greenfield - and brother). TBS was their family's shul even before they arrived. Their cousins are Ron and Jackie Turshinsky. They have two daughters, Maya (3 "and be sure to add the V i ) and Charley (5 months old). Maya is a TBS Pre-Schooler. Charley could be called "a Pre-pre-Schooler." The Tragermaan's are extremely entrepreneurial- they sell Israeli beauty products, herbal packs, T-shirts and other products at several different LV retail outlets that they own. Stacy is a constant volunteer for L'Dor V'Dor. The Tragermans are doing their part to keep a family tradition going. ROSA WOLFF: "Dignity" and "elegance" define Rosa Wolff. After barely two months in Las Vegas, Rosa is already helping out the Mitzvah Mavens, has become a regular at Shabbat services and has made