Newsletter from Temple Beth Sholom (Las Vegas, Nev.), April 1998

For 50 years, TBS has been dedicated to the practice and teaching of conservative Judaism in Las Vegas Future Home: Town Center Dr. & Havenwood Lane, Summerlin South Temple Beth Sholom children enjoying the Purim festivities. TBS Annual Passover Seder Join with family and friends at our catered Kosher Seder April 10 Services: 6:30 PM in the Sanctuary Seder: 7:00 PM Entratter Social Hall Seder conducted by our Cantor, Hazzan Simon Bergman. Paid reservations due by April 1 Seating is limited ? Members: $45 ? Non-Members: $60 ? Children 5-12 years: $25 ? Children under 5: Free 9th Edition April 1998 Nisan 5758 Sandy IVIallixi I must apologize for the brevity of this message, but the past month has been extraordinarily busy. Talk about activity, we had an outstanding Purim service, wonderful First Friday Young Family Shabbat and a great interview weekend with a prospective rabbinical candidate. During the High Holidays I referred to our congregation as a family, and how families rally around in time of need. Our congregational family is doing just that. My deepest appreciation to all the people that helped us shine last weekend. Sheryl and Stuart Honig, Marci and Rob Murdock, Marcy and Steve Saxe, Nancy and Ed Bernstein, Betsi and David Steinberg, Gene Green-berg, Elaine and Irv Steinberg, Kim Memar, Liz 01-bur, Barbara Kirsch and our entire Board of Directors. I was so proud to be a member of the Temple Beth Sholom and the Las Vegas communities. I also want to thank Maury Jones, Arlene Blut, Ruth Spector, Melanie Greenberg, Rose Raphael Doris Soroky, and Lauren Frumes for all their help in the office at this transitional time. I hope I did not forget anyone, if so, please let me know so I can thank you in the next bulletin. Please be part of our next interview weekend, so we can have your imput in the selection of our Rabbi. We will notify you of upcoming visits. Our Passover Seder, conducted by Cantor Bergman at the Temple, promises to be a warm and spiritual evening. Wishing you and your family a happy Passover whether you celebrate with us at the Temple or in your own home. Hineixti The Building Campaign has reached $4.5 Million page 2 Hazzan Simon Bergman When we think of Passover, we think of the warmth and the joy of the Seder. Passover is just around the corner and I'm sure we are all looking forward to this holiday, which will begin on Friday evening, April 10 with services beginning at 6 p.m. in our main Sanctuary, followed by the first Passover Seder. This year, our strictly Kosher Community Seder will be held at TBS social hall at 7 p.m. I will conduct the Seder, and I assure you it will start and end as scheduled. It will contain all the traditions and music that everyone in attendance has enjoyed in past years. The Seder brings family and friends together, not only to eat and to drink, but to share the story of the Exodus from Egyptian slavery. It is an opportunity for all of us to recite this exciting and dramatic story and to fulfill the mitzvah from the Torah, "to tell the Pesach story to your children." The two Seder nights are indeed different from all other nights of the year, because the foods we eat, the rituals and practices we perform, the prayers we offer and the songs we sing all make that exciting story come alive for us. Lois, our four daughters, Jodi, Alisa, Mandi and Stefanie, son-in-law Rabbi Yitzchok and grandson Yoseph Tzvi join me in wishing each of you a happy and kosher Passover. Elections Wednesday, May 13 - 7:00 PM Nominating Committee Recommendations 3 Year Term Ellis Landau Dr. Steven Leibowitz Sandy Mallin Terry Rabin Dr. Steve Saxe 1 Year Term Mark Scheiner April TBS Programs / Events Check your mail for the schedule of future rabbi interviews in April. 10th - TBS Annual Passover Seder Join with family and friends at our catered Kosher Seder Services: 6:30 PM in the Sanctuary Seder: 7:00 PM Entratter Social Hall Seder conducted by our Cantor, Hazzan Simon Bergman. 26th - Hilarious Yiddish Movies Sunday, April 26, 7 p.m. Maurey Pastor & TBS present "Yiddish Karaoke," a sing along of Yiddish lyrics, phonetically accompanied by Klezmer music. Presented on a large screen in Sanctuary. Also, "Catskills on Broadway", a laughable comedy movie. Coffee and cake. Admission $3.00 per person or two for $5.00. Tickets at office or purchase at door on day of the performance from 5-7 P.M. Mail your reservation or call TBS at 384-5070. Candle Lighting Times April 3 5:46 April 10 5:52 April 11 7:52 April 16 6:57 April 17 5:58 April 24 6:04 TBS Organization's Meet Call 384-5070 for more info All events are at TBS unless otherwise noted APRIL 1 - Sisterhood Board Meeting -10 AM 7 - Seniors Meeting -11 AM Meet for bagels, coffee, cards & fun 14 - Seniors Meeting -11 AM Meet for bagels, coffee, cards & fun 14 - USY Movie Night - 6:30-8:30 Danielle Pokroys home. Call for info. 19 - Support Israel at 50 Community Celebration at Sands Expo 21 - USY - 7-8:30 PM Lounge Night at TBS 26 - USY, Kadima, Religious School Join us for Jewish Appreciation Day at the Stars Baseball Game. Call 384-5070 for more info 28 - USY Board Meeting - 6:30 PM TBS April Service Schedule Daily Minyan is held in the Coblentz Chapel, Monday - Friday at 7:30 a.m., Sundays and Holidays at 9:00 a.m. Please join us for morning prayers and a light breakfast. Friday Services at 7:30 p.m. in M.I.S.H.A. Saturday services at 9:30 a.m. at TBS Passover Services Friday, April 10, 6:30 p.m. TBS Saturday, April 11, 9:30 a.m. TBS Saturday, April 11, 6:15 p.m. TBS Sunday, April 12, 9:30 a.m. TBS Friday, April 17, 9:30 a.m. TBS Friday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. M.I.S.H.A. Saturday, April 18, 9:30 a.m.TBS Saturday, Apr 18,11:00 a.m. Yizkor Service page 3 ORGANIZATION NEWS Be part of our Temple Family Sisterhood Fran Levien, President Sisterhood's election meeting will be held Wednesday, April 22, at 11:30 a.m. at The Palm Restaurant in the Forum Shops at Caesars. The charge is $18.00; your choice of Salmon Pasta Primavera or Eggplant Parmesan. Please mail your reservation with your check. We must know your choice in advance. For more info, call the Gift Shop at 388-4438. The work of the nominating committee is very vital to the future of Sisterhood; thank you to Adele Baratz and her committee for their hard work. We have a beautiful piece of needlepoint by Blanca Kohn that we hope to raffle at the Donor Luncheon, tickets are available at the Gift Shop. The Gift Shop is having a very special sale on selected items. We are open Sun. -Friday from 9 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Call 388-4438 for appointment. Don't forget to buy Scrip, this will gain you donor credits and you can be invited to our Annual Donor Luncheon. The Temple is in need of prayer books for Friday & Saturday services. Likrat Shabbats are $25 each, Silverman's are $30, and Chumashim are $36. You receive $7.00 donor credit for each book purchased. This is a great way to honor a Simcha or remember a loved one. If you inscribe a leaf for any occasion at a cost of $75, you will receive $60 donor credit. Call Trudy Katzman at 456-9705. Tributes are still $3 and it is all applied to donor credit. We have started accumulating rummage for a Spring Sale. We can store it at the Temple for you. Bring it in any weekday, put your name on the boxes, and our Maintenance staff will store it. On behalf of Sisterhood, I would like to thank Dawn Easley for her help and kindness. We wish her every success in the future. Len joins me in wishing you and yours a very Happy Passover. May your Seders, as well as the whole Passover week, be celebrated with family and friends and be a joyous and memorable experience. page 4 / Kadima and U.S.Y. Barbara Lukasiewicz, Youth Director TBS USY AND KADIMA ENJOY SPRING ACTIVITIES TBS youth groups are enjoying spring time activities. Recently, both groups attended Friday evening services with our guest Rabbi. April 14, we will meet in Summerlin and on April 21st at TBS. A Saturday evening event is planned for April 18th. Our youth groups will join the community at Israel Independence Day on April 19th at Sands Expo Center. USY and Kadima will head to the ballpark April 26th to enjoy an afternoon with the Stars. The game begins at l:05 p.m. and will give recognition to all Las Vegas Jewish organizations. Kadima will take a trip to the Lied Discovery Museum and Ultrazone. With all the terrific activities our youth groups enjoy...we invite you to join us if you are between 4th - 12th grades. Please phone the temple office at 384-5070 for more information. I Seniors Sheldon Raphael, President The Temple Beth Sholom Seniors are progressing in their sale of the Buffet Books. Our sales price is lower than any vendor in town. The books may be purchased by either sending a check for $6.50 per book, or by picking them up in the office. You will have made a fantastic purchase and aided a worthy cause at the same time. The meeting with Rabbi Jay Stein was an exhilarating experience. It was wonderful to meet a person with such vitality and spirit. The meeting was cordial and informative. Those who attended the conference departed with a great deal of knowledge and understanding. It is experiences like this that will help us to progress and build our new Temple. Things are progressing smoothly and in the not too distant future, our new Temple will be a reality. We all look forward to celebrating the High Holy Days in our new home. EDUCATION Learning is everything at TBS Nate Mack Religious School Susan Sinai, Education Administrator The Passover Seder is the world's foremost lesson plan. It teaches the meaning of Pesach and our freedom with vivid images whose taste, sound, smell, sight and touch help us remember freedom's struggle throughout life. On Sunday, March 29th the students in the Nate Mack Religious school participated in a Model Seder. The students enjoyed a guest appearance from a Passover character (thanks to Lois Bergman) and it was a unique Jewish experience for all who participated. Religious school will be closed from April 5th-12 for Spring break. Classes resume April 14th. On April 19, the 5th-7th graders will be visited by Gene Greenberg, who will speak to the "students about the Holocaust. The whole school will also join to commemorate Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day. The month then draws to a close April 26th, with a celebration of Israel's Independence Day and a fun field trip to Cashman Field. The Stars (our local AAA baseball team) will be playing a game and it is designated Jewish Appreciation Day. All those who are interested in attending the game may call TBS and ask for Barbara Lukasiewcz or myself. On behalf of the teaching staff, I wish you all a very happy and kosher Pesach. MAZEL TOV Shoshana Kunin-Leavitt celebrated her Bat Mitz-vah recently in Israel. It was a beautiful and moving ceremony that took place in a 2000 year old synagogue atop Massada. In addition to her parents, her sisters, grandmother and friends were present to enjoy this wonderful occasion. Shoshana did an exceptional job and all in attendance were so proud of her. Young Family Shabbat ^ Iris Marks, Co-Chairman \ "There has been a need in the community on how and when to start our youngest children in their Jewish education." said Temple President Sandy Mallin. "Parents are concerned with what to teach, how to approach it and when to begin. Thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of the Young Families Group, Sisterhood, Susan Sinai and support staff TBS's First Friday Young Family Shabbat has been providing direction." The program, TBS's Young Families Group, is geared toward families with children as young as two years. It is held prior to adult services at the Hebrew Academy in Summerlin on the first Friday of each month. It has been attracting roughly 100 people as it combines, songs, games and stories to teach Jewish tradition, ritual and philosophy. From what is the eternal light to what is this week's Torah portion, Temple School Administrator Susan Sinai has been able to simplify Judaism for the tiniest of tots. Older children and adults have also found the program stimulating and enjoy the pizza dinner following the program. Newly proposed handouts will also give parents follow-up for the rest of the month. The next First Friday is April 3, at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For reservations call 384-5070 by April 1. TBS Young Families Group meets monthly on Tuesdays following First Fridays. Interested parents are invited to attend the noon meetings held in the Temple Library. TBS Men's Club TBS Men's Club requests all its members to remember the six million who were lost in the Holocaust over 50 years ago. The special Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle you receive in the mail should be lit on the evening of April 22, the anniversary of the liberation of Jews imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps. Yom HaShoah candles are a highly visible symbol for keeping the flame alive. Their color recalls the badges Jews were forced to wear in Nazi-occupied Europe, but their flame inspires hope that we can yet make our world a tolerant place to live. TBS Men's Club encourages you to do your part. Light the candle, join hundreds of thousands of Jewish families across N. America. page 5 COMMUNITY ALERT Israel at 50 A Community Celebration bringing Israel to the Valley Sunday, April 19 th 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free Admission A community celebration of the 50th anniversary of the State of Israel's Independence will be held at Sands Expo Convention Center. Highlights include live performances, exhibits, Israeli food and much more! (Be sure to stop by the TBS tables and see drawings of our future Temple in Summerlin South and other surprises.) A concert with famous Israeli recording artist, Noa, and noted Israeli speaker, Natan Shiransky, will be held in the evening from 6-10PM at New York New York Hotel and Casino. For more information call the Jewish Federation of LV at 732-0556 Community Observance of Yom Hashoah Thursday, April 23, at 7 PM at TBS, in the Main Sanctuary, is our community-wide observance of Yom Hashoah. Participating in the service will be Community Clergy, Holocaust Survivors, children and grandchildren of survivors. The guest speaker, Dr. Michael Berenbaum, is President and CEO of the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, established by Steven Speilberg. There is no charge, and everyone's encouraged to attend. Welcome! We are happy to introduce to you the newest member of the TBS staff, Deborah Please give her a warm TBS welcome. Also, special thanks to Helene for her abundance of patience during this transition period. TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM GIFT SHOP 30% OFF CHANUKAH ITEMS & SELECTED MERCHANDISE YAHRZEIT TRIBUTES Donations in memory of our loved ones IN MEMORY OF: SIDNEY ABRAMS REBECCA ANTONOS SAMUEL BARRON MARY BARRON MO J. BERGER SAMUEL BEST IDA BERGER SAMUEL BERGER SAMUEL BEST DAVID BROWN BENJAMIN BROWN HELEN BARON HOWARD BARON ALEXANDER COBLENTZ EVA S. COLODNY PHIL DELMONT MAX DENKER FLORENCE DISHMAN KLAPICK CANTOR EPSTEIN JACK N. ESFORMES iaw i coipnMAN REMEMBERED BY: ROCHELLE CARROLL CELIA RUBIN PHYLLIS STARR ARTHUR BERGER SHIRLEY KRAVITZ IRVING P. BERGER JACK BEST GLORIA BROWN SEYMORE BROWN GLORIA BROWN SUSAN FELD THELMA COBLENTZ BERT COLODNY STEVE DELMONT ETHEL STEWART ARTHUR & BESSIE LEAH BENGART FLORA MASON SALLY VENGER IN MEMORY OF: SIMON J ACK GLAZER MARTIN HAGER HARRY HERZOG MORRIS HEIN MARCELLA H. BROWN BERNARD KATZENSTEIN ARON KRONBERG ANN KRONBERG EMANUEL KULWIN MOSES LEDERER ELSE LEWY LOUIS MALLIN ISADORE MARSH LOUIS MOLASKY NEDDO ORDMAN LOUIS RITZER SAM REICIN STUART REISMAN GERTRUDE ROTKER PETER SACHS LENA SOLL EILEEN SCHAFFER JENNIE SERETHER MAX SHOWEL ANNA SPIEGEL ELIZABETH STOLER RUTH STEINBERG JACK STRAUS FRIEDA SCHECTER LILLIAN SHAIKIN EVELYN TOMAR JACK TOSCHER PEARL VENGER HARRY WOLF PAUL ZWEIGBAUM REMEMBERED BY: BIRDIE WILLICK MOREY GLAZER SHIRLEY CHAPLIN SALI SPANDAU HELEN WEXLER ROSE RAPHAEL IRMA KATZENSTEIN HENRY KRONBERG ALBERT KULWIN HAROLD LEDERER ANAITA LEWY STANLEY MALLIN NORMAN MARS IRWIN MOLASKY HYMEN FARKOS SAM RITZER CHARLOTTE SHOWEL KAREN REISMAN MYRON ROTKER ANITA LEWY HYMEN FORKOS GERALD SCHAFFER GERALDINE TOSCHER SAMEL SHOWEL NATHAN SPIEGEL GERALDINE FISCHER NORMA WILENSKY FRAN GOLDBERG GLORA BRANSKY ELLIOT SHAIKIN SEENA BERNSTEIN ABE TOSCHER NORMAN VENGER EVELYN SHAFER ELINOR KOSLOW Certificate Authorizing the Sale of Chometz We,_, hereby authorize Temple Beth Sholom to dispose of all chometz that mey be in our possession, knowingly or unknowingly, wherever it may be - at home, in our place/s of business or elsewhere, in accordance with the requirements of Jewish Law as incorporated in the special contract of the sale of chometz for the year 1998-5758. Home Address:______ Business Address: _ Signature_Date_Signature:_Date:_ Your contribution to "The Temple Beth Sholom Passover Fund" is tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Building The Future... Temple Beth Sholom 2000 For More than 50 years, Temple Beth Sholom has been the center of Jewish life, culture, and spirituality in Las Vegas. We were the first Conservative Synagogue established in the city and we have enjoyed a wonderful and joyous history and reputation throughout the region. We have also succeeded in meeting the needs of our congregation by keeping up with the demands of the community and growing right along with it. From humble beginnings on Carson Street and Maryland Parkway, Temple Beth Sholom has gone through an evolutionary process that is about to reach a turning point as we reach the turn of the Century. We are in the midst of an unprecedented campaign to raise 8 million dollars to build the cornerstone of Jewish religious studies and education~our new Synagogue and Education Center in Summerlin South. "This has been at the forefront of our planning for more than six years," noted Sandy Mallin, Temple President. "The Board recognized early on that if our congregation and the Jewish community were to grow and prosper, then we must have a state-of-the-art facility. It must be more than convenient, it must have a magnetic attraction, with facilities that transcend the traditional notion of a House of Worship and actually encompass the Jewish lifestyle and experience." "If we want our children to experience this sense of community, we must all do our part." -Sheldon & Dr. Miriam Adelson "Temple Beth Sholom has been the center of my universe in Las Vegas. That's what I hope the new Temple can be for our present and new congregation _-Sharon Sigesmund "We need a strong, vibrant, and dynamic synagogue so that we can not only perpetuate what we've been doing, but see it grow and prosper." -Ron & Judith Mack View of social and sanctuary during high holiday services. "As it says in the Talmud, 'As my ancestors planted for me, so do I plant for my children'" she added. "The numbers of people who have worked, contributed and played a part in Temple Beth Sholom 2000 are extraordinary. We can't thank everyone enough for their dedication and commitment." To see this project through to completion will require the full commitment and dedication of the congregation, the Jewish community and the people of Las Vegas. The Capital Campaign is off to a great start as a result of the kindness and generosity of several key individuals. However, there's much more that has to be done. Throughout the coming year, we will keep you appraised of the progress of the campaign and chart of fundraising efforts. We welcome your help and commitment. On behalf of everyone associated with Temple Beth Sholom, we sincerely thank vou. Future Home - Summerlin South Temple Beth Sholom 1600 East Oakey Boulevard Las Vegas, Nevada 89104 (702) 384-5070 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 171 Las Vegas, NV. OFFICERS Sandra Mallin - President Rose Raphael - 1st Vice President Dr. Steven Saxe - Secretary Lawrence Brown - Treasurer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jerome L. Blut, Past President Elaine Steinberg Faye Steinberg Melanie Greenberg Joanne Stevens Maury Jones Jerome H. Turk Herb Kaufman Fran Levien, Sisterhood President Ellis Landau Jim Lukasiewicz Dr. Gary Markewich, Men's Club President Robert Murdock C. Terry Raben Sheldon Raphael, Seniors President Sharon E. Sigesmund, Honorary Member Rabbi Simon Bergman - Cantor Leo A. Wilner - Executive Director Emeritus Susan Sinai, Education Administrator A special thank you to our congregants and friends for their r generous donations to the various funds of Temple Beth Sholom TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM PROUDLY PRESENTS THE PATRONS OF THE BULLETIN Bert and June Colodny Dr. Alan and Suzanne Feld Richard and Andrea Gordon Henry and Lillian Kronberg Sheldon and Rose Raphael Irv and Elaine Steinberg Dr. Leon and Faye Steinberg