The Bulletin from Temple Beth Sholom, May 2007

Beth Sholom Bulletin Groundbreaking Festival to be held for the Abbi and David Friedman Multi-Generational Pavilion The entire community is invited to witness a historic event for Temple Beth Sholom; the Groundbreaking for the Abbie and David Friedman Multi-Generational Pavilion oil Sunday, May 6 at 11:()() AM. Vfay 2007- lyar-Sivan 5767 evening with our Cantor Daniel Friedman and sfx'otacular guests I lerschel and Judy Fox. Sunday, May 13th, 2007, 6:30 pm at Temple Beth Sholom. "A MUSICAL MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN" ?was how one reviewer described Herschel and Judy's performances. I lerschel and Judy have absolutely electrified audiences in and throughout North America. I hanks to many generous donors, the capital campaign for this project has surpassed the $6 million mark. At their March 26, 2007 meeting and armed with the current campaign information, a detailed set of building schematics, along with a plan to continue fundraising and to finance the construction, die Board of Directors voted to begin construction on this Pavilion project. (continued on page 5) TBS Annual Meeting and BBQ New Board Nominees Announced Temple Beth Sholom's Annual Meeting will be held at 6:30 PM on Monday, May 14 and will once again be partnered with a free BBQ for all congregants. During this meeting, the congregation will have an opportunity to thank the outgoing Board members and officers, elect Board members for open positions and hear from leadership about the challenges and accomplishments of the Temple over the past year. Nominees for this year's available Board positions include Ed Kainen, Sara Mason, Jeff Michelrnan, Steve Saxe and David Steinberg. While this program is free and open to all members in g(x>d standing, reservations are required. Please RSVP to Myrna in the Temple office at 804-1333, ext. 100, prior to May 7. Cantorial Concert May 13 lake a sumptuous serving of Yiddishkeit containing ample portions of Jewish humor, Cantorial and Chassidic Fare, add a dash of Broadway and American Nostalgia with a sprinkle of Yiddish culture and you've got a recipe for a delightful and unforgettable Herschel does comedy in the American show biz tradition, but his topics are Jewish Cultural, Family and religious life hilariously presented and leaving everyone with several good belly laughs. After beginning as a young cantor in Winnipeg, Canada, he traveled for many years in the Yiddish theatre as a singer/actor appearing with artists such as Jan Peerce, David Kusevilzsky, Molly Picon, Mickey Katz and many others. For the past 25 years, Herschel Fox has been the Cantor of Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, California, one of the congregations in the United States largest Conservative Judy was a major popular singer in the New York night club circuit for many years. She has opened for Rodney Dangerfield, appeared at New York's Copacabana and Riverboat Room, Cruises, Conventions, and was a favorite in the popular N.Y. Catskill I lotels. Jan Peerce called her "one of the greatest female cantors in the world." Judy is currently Cantor for the Synagogue For The Performing Arts in Los Angeles, Ca. I ler magnificent voice is spellbinding and truly unforgettable as she combines cantorial, Yiddish, and popular music. Herschel ic Judy bring you the fire of Jewish music plus American and Jewish humor, all performed with dignity and in good taste with Jewish warmth. Seeing them perform together makes you feel GOOD TO BE ALIVE! Don't miss their performance! There are very few young performers today who bring you the fire (continued on jiagc 8) Rabbi What we all can learn from a Biblical Skin Affliction. Rabbi Felipe Goodman I love reading and studying Sefer Vayikra, because it usually gives me insight into tilings that otherwise I would never learn, and though sometimes i( is hard to relate to the concepts that appear in the book it is important to keep in mind that they are more contemporary than we think. For example; What did biblical man know about the plague of "pimples & acne?" They, like other skin afflictions, probably fell under the category of "Tzara'at," an all-inclusive term for a variety of skin diseases including leprosy. Baruch Levine, in his commentary on the Book of Leviticus, notes that "all disease was regarded as a punishment from God for some wrongdoing " . In the case of Tzara'at, there was a tradition that it represented a punishment from God for the acts of malice such as Miriam's malicious criticism of Moses, reported in Numbers 12:1 -3." The term associated with malicious criticism is "La'shon I la Yah," evil speech or gossip. We are taught that in 1848 there was a cholera epidemic in Vilna. As usual in times of calamity, the Jews began to examine what sins of theirs might have brought this about. One man came to the great Rabbi Yisrael Salanter (father of the "Musar" movement) and told him that a certain person was violating the Torah law. Reb Yisrael said to him: A person with tzara'at was sent outside all three camps in the desert, because, as our Sages toll us, tzara'at comes from slandering others. The sin of slander does not consist of spreading lies about others, but seeking faults in others rather than in oneself. Thus the one who slanders is told: if you are so good at finding fault, go out of the camp, remain isolated by yourself, and search for your own faults and sins. In a similar commentary, Rabbi Salanter teaches, the reason a person who finds fault with others is committing a sin is because he should have used that time to find fault in himself. One who continuously finds fault with others, unconsciously constructs a wall around himself that no one, including himself, can penetrate. The "self" is projected on the lives of others. This sort of person masks his/her own issues by focusing on perceived faults in others. The price one pays for concentrating on the imperfections of others is loneliness. In ancient times, this loneliness was manifested not in existential or metaphysical terms, but in actual removal from the society he/she so scornc d. It is incumbent upon all of us to make sure that we concern ourselves with our actions rather than the actions of others. If we devoted as much time to self evaluation and criticism as the one we devote to judging others we would live in a much more pleasant world. As we immerse ourselves in the period of The Onier which counts the days between the responsibility of the new found freedom we were given on Pesach and the gift of Torah that we will receive on Shavuot, let us embody a true sense of introspection and self search that can only come with the true examination of our own heart and soul. AIPAC CONFERENCE On March 11, 2007 Rabbi and Liz Goodman led a group of 33 Temple Beth Sholom congregants to Washington DC to attend this year's AIPAC Policy Conference. Of the many seminars and lectures they attended one of the highlights for our congregation was visiting the office of our very own Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and joining wit h Rabbi Goodman as he hung a mezzuzah on Shelley's office door. All those who attended the conference have expressed the feeling of having attended a life changing event and encourage their friends and fellow congregants to attend the next conference in June 2008. Cantor President Cantor Daniel Friedman During the month of May you will all have the opportunity to be involved in an onslaught of activities here at our temple. Starting with the groundbreaking ceremony for our new building extension on Lag B'Omer, May 6th, that includes our Kosher Wing Fest and culminating with a Parlor Room Cantorial Concert at Red Rock Country Club May 20th Between these dates, we will offer a Mothers Day Cantorial Concert in our Main Sanctuary involving Cantors Herschel and Judy Fox and myself on May 13th. This exciting concert will be preceded by a Mothers Day Dinner hosted by the Women's League that includes a generaJ admission ticket to the Mothers Day Cantorial Concert later that same evening. Furthermore, starting Thursday evening May 3, I will begin a three week seminar titled "Around the Shabbat Table." This fun and informative class will be an interactive opportunity for us to learn and refresh our Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday evening) prayers over the candles, challah, wine and much more. I will be teaching niggunim and we will discuss the "why" of these prayers and how to bring meaning to your Shabbat experience. All of these activities are here for you to grab onto and join us as we join you in celebrating and enhancing our lives as Jews. Please avail yourself of this opportunity to learn, laugh and live your life more fully actualized by participating in our synagogue activities. All of these events are affordable. Some are even free of charge. I look forward to seeing you at all or some of these events during this merry month of May. L'shalom. A Fond Farewell Ed Seltzer, President Just two years ago, when I was selected to be Temple Beth Sholom's president, it would have been hard to imagine all that would happen during my term. Now, as the time arrives to turn over this position of great honor to a next generation of leaders, I invite you to join me in looking back over the last years, and looking forward toward the Temple's future. Before I became president, our Temple had gone through a cycle of creation and remarkable growth: building our wonderful facilities, adding the Holocaust Remembrance Garden, establishing our Solomon Schechter school and significantly growing the number of families in our congregation. These last two years might have been a moment to pause; a chance to reflect on my predecessors' accomplishments and enjoy what Temple Beth Sholom has become. But, we Las Vegans are not inclined _ to rest on our laurels, and the years I've been president have been busier and more productive than ever. That is not to say the years were easy. Marci and I have lost many nights sleep worrying about Temple matters, and how we were going to help accomplish the far-reaching goals our leadership has chosen. The important plans we have put in place will make meaningful changes for both our synagogue and for the community. The Friedman Pavilion we will soon build is multi-generational facility, created to serve everyone from our youngest students to seniors. Once completed, we will provide state-of-the-art classrooms and computer labs for our schools, screening rooms for movies and a gymnasium for all ages, almost unlimited space for social events and all the room we need for expanding our High Holiday services. None of that would have been possible without your help. Each and every one of you who contributed to the Temple's capital campaign, no matter the size of your contribution, should be proud to know you have been instrumental in making our new facilities possible. Nor would the things we are accomplishing be possible without (Continued on page 4) Executive Director (Continued from page 3) President's Message guidance, support and insight from Rabbi Felipe Goodman and Cantor Daniel Friedman, our Executive Director Laura Sussman, the faculty and teachers in our schools, and the wonderful staff of professionals we have working behind the scenes al our Temple every day. I sincerely thank them all for their great care: and cooperation helping us accomplish all the things we have over the last two years. And perhaps most of all, 1 would like to thank you ? the Board members, lay leaders, volunteers and 700 families who are the heart and soul of Temple Beth Sholom. I want to thank you for your trust, and the opportunity to have been your President. Over the last two years, together we have established a solid direction and format for the future: Beginning the process of building out our Temple's Summerlin campus, wilh architect Brad Friedmutter and Taylor Construction, and becoming a magnet for Jewish activities across the community, as Las Vegas grows. Now it is time lo focus on new issues and new outreach to our community; time for a new generation of leaders and young families to come to the fore, setting an agenda for (he community's and the synagogue's future. I look forward to helping them in any way 1 can, sharing our experiences and providing support as they take Temple 4 Beth Sholom forward. Again. Marci and I thank you for your trust, and my opportunity to have been your president. Know that we will always be available to do whatever we can for Temple Beth Sholom. Well-Deserved Thank Yous Laura Sussman, Executive Director As the Annual Meeting draws near, I like to take some time to reflect upon our past year, my work with the Board of Directors, and some of the changes I expect to see in the coming year. While 1 will share most of my thoughts at the Annual Meeting on May 14, I felt lliis would be a good opportunity to thank three people who will be stepping down from their current leadership positions. Barbara Kenig is completing her sixth year on the Board of Directors. During her tenure, Barbara has greatly enhanced the quality of our Temple's public relations. Barbara has developed strong relationships with a number of people in the media and successfully promoted virtually every major program the synagogue has held; keeping Temple Beth Sholom in the media and on people's mind. In her day job, Barbara runs In The Public Eye, a PR and media relations firm. While she has reached her term limit for Board participation, I hope we will continue to benefit from Barbara's expertise and involvement for many years to come. Jeff Zucker will also be ending his term as a member of the Board of Directors. 1 laving served since 2000, =JL Jeff has led the Temple through a great deal of growth. During Jeff's tenure, which included serving two years as President, Jeff saw the congregation, preschool and religious school grow and the functions of the synagogue become more professionally managed. In addition Jeff oversaw the development ofthe Solomon Schechter Day School, where he is currently serving as Chairman of the school. While the accomplishments of the Temple are too numerous to mention in this article, I strongly believe that as a result of Jeff's leadership, Temple Beth Sholom has continued to be one ofthe most prominent and influential congregations in our community. While ending his term as President, Ed Seltzer will remain on the Board of Directors as the Immediate Past President. I will have more to say about Ed's leadership at the Annual Meeting, but, in brief, I thank Ed for providing strength and guidance to the synagogue through a very difficult time of change. Whether it was bringing in consultants to work with our leadership to build a stronger Temple community, overseeing the revision of our Temple bylaws or helping to facilitate the development of (lie Friedman Multi-Generational Pavilion, Ed has served through two challenging, yet productive years. All of these leaders will be recognized at the Annual Meeting on May 14. I truly hope that, while their titles may be changing, they remain involved as leaders within Temple Beth Sholom. Donor Spotlight Jerry and Nancy Springberg Temple life lias always been important to Jerry and Nancy Springberg. In fact, (hey met at a singles dance at a temple in Lawrence, Long Island, New York and were married a year later. While growing up in Far Rockaway, New York, Jerry attended Yeshiva at the Hebrew Institute of Long Island, an experience that gave him a deep appreciation for Jewish education. After gradualing from NYU, Jerry went into the Army and served in Korea. Jerry and Nancy owned and operated their own business in New York. They moved with their three sons, Larry, David and Brian, to Lake Ilavasu City, Arizona in 1973. Th( ire, they founded Springberg McAndrew Financial, a financial planning and investment firm, which their son Brian now manages. Sons David and I3rian were Bar mitzvah at Temple Beth Sholom on Oakey in 1978 and 1982, as there was no synagogue in Lake 1 lavasu City until 1990. Jerry and Nancy were involved with building the Temple Beth Sholom in Lake I lavasu City and Jerry served as President of that Temple for two terms. They are still involved with that synagogue. Nancy and Jerry have three sons, Larry, David and Brian and six grandchildren, the youngest, Gavriella, is a regular at - _ Friday night Shabbat services. Jerry and Nancy moved to Las Vegas in 2003. Although retired, this couple remains very active. Jerry is a member of the Men's Club of TBS, enjoys playing Tennis and Coif and is currently taking piano lessons. Nancy is a member of Women's League and an active participant in Brandeis activities. In addition, they are involved with helping Israel directly by using www.Civus. com to combat erroneous anti-Israel anti- Jewish information that's disseminated even by some of our national US media. When asked about their gift, Jerry and Nancy stated, "The Temple is the center of our Jewish life. We have a son, daughter-in-law and a granddaughter who are also very involved with the Temple. We want to ensure that our granddaughter, Gavriella, will be able to take advantage of all the wonderful ways a Temple has impacted our lives." For more information on making a gift to the Capital Campaign, please contact Laura Sussman, at 8041333, ext. 133. (continued from front page) Groundbreaking Festival Construction will begin with the renovation of part of the current school wing, as well as a new home for the Scully Library, immediately after this school year ends. This initial construction, wliich will take place over the summer, will provide additional classroom space for our growing schools, as well as a more distinguished space for the Scully Library. Immediately after the High I loly Days, construction will begin on the Pavilion building. The Groundbreaking Festival on May 6 will provide the community with an opportunity to see the final plans for the Pavilion and celebrate the start of this multi-generational project, which will serve as the new home of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Las Vegas and the location for many programs for children as well as the adults of our community. Festivities will include participation by the school children of Temple Beth Sholom, community leaders and elected officials. In addition, the Solomon Schechter Day School of Las Vegas will be hosting the First Annual Kosher WingFest, sponsored by Wingstop, featuring kosher chicken wings. Popcorn, snocones and a variety of activities will be available for all who attend! Education Jon Mitzmachei Director of Education Shalom! Solomon Schechter Day School of Las Vegas The Solomon Schechter Day School of Las Vegas is proud to announce that it will host the national Solomon Schechter Day School Association conference on January 13-15, 2008. Elaine Cohen, Associate Director of the Education Department of United Synagogue, stated that, "The Professionals' Council of the Solomon Schechter Day School Association is very much looking forward to holding our biennial meeting in Las Vegas where we will be hosted by the newest school in our network of Jewish day schools. It will be exciting for all the professional leaders to observe the excellence and dynamism of the SSDS of Las Vegas and the community in which it plays an increasingly significant role." This event will present an opportunity for the SSDS-LV to showcase its achievements before the finest Jewish education has to offer. "This is an unexpected and tremendous honor," said SSDS-LV Head of School, Jon Mitzmacher, "for a school as new as ours to have a chance to host the national conference." Schechter First Grade Reads Original Stories @ Barnes & Noble First Craders at Solomon Schechter had a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their wnting achievements with a publishing party featuring original work which was held on Thursday, April 26th at 4:00 PM at the Barnes 6c Noble Crosswoods Commons (8915 West Charleston). Not only did the public hear how amazing Schechter's First Craders write and engage in public speaking, but it was also an opportunity for Schechter supporters to raise a little money for the school. A percentage of Barnes & Noble purchases that day benefited Schechter! Lag B'omer WingFest is Here! The Solomon Schechter Parent Oiganization is pleased to offer its first annual I .ag B'Omer Kosher WingFest this year as part of the groundbreaking activities for the new Abbie and David Friedman Multi-Generational Pavilion at: Temple Beth Sholom on Sunday, May 6th at 11:00 AVI Lance Graulich, Schechter parent, and owner of the Las Vegas area Wingstops, is going to come in with his crew and transform the meat kitchen at Temple Beth Sholom into a kosher Wingstop for the day! Wingstop's famous wings will be featured in original hot and mild. The school is housed at Temple Beth Sholom in Summerlin. For those families living in Southeast Las Vegas and Henderson, bus service is provided from Midbar Kodesh Temple in Green Valley. A second stop at 820 E. Warm Springs ic 215 in the Applebee's Shopping Center has been added. For a tour of the school and for information, please call 804-1333, ext. 114. Religious School April was a short month, but we managed to pack in two great programs. For Yom I laShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) we held a memorial service for the six million who perished. The students in Kitot Dalet - Zayin (47) gathered in the Warsaw Memorial along with our Midrasha students, and read selections from the book, I never scur another butterfly and lit six yellow memorial candles. On April 25th, the whole school participated in a special "Trip to Israel" in honor of Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). From Eilat to Haifa, they traveled our land of Israel, and participated in activities including Israeli dance, writing prayers to put into the Kotel, going through basic training in the Israeli army, and learning new Hebrew phrases in ulpan. At the end, we all enjoyed the delicious Israeli national food - falafel! Coming up on May 6th is the groundbreaking ceremony, and our Religious School students will be among the first to the shovel the dirt, symbolically beginning the construction of the Abbie and David Friedman Multi-Generational Pavilion. Midrasha On April 15th Midrasha students had a special learning session for Yom HaShoah with Jon Mitzmacher, and then joined the Religious School students for the lighting of the candles in memory of the six million Jews who perished at the hand of the Nazis. For Yom I Ia'Atzmaut, they came together to learn about Israel propaganda and uncovering the truth in the media. They learned ways to understand the news reports, and ways to stand up for Israel and advocate by knowing the whole story. Adult Education Cantor Friedman's mini-course, Around the Shabbat Table, will take place over the course of three Thursday evenings from 7:30-8:30 PM, on May 3, 10, and 17th. Come learn songs, melodies and other ways of making Shabbat evening dinner a special and meaningful celebration! Don't miss this great, opportunity!! For more information about any of our educational programs, please call Ivy in the Education office at 8041333, extension 114. USY Recently, 4th - 6th grade Kadima members met at Laser Quest for an afternoon of fun after Sunday School. All who came enjoyed three exciting games of laser tag. In addition, everyone had a great time playing video games and eating pizza. Education Jennifer Zukowski Early Childhood Director The Saniira fc Sundry Slallin Early ChMtuul friiirr - _ Jr. and Sr. USYers (7th -12th graders) had an amazing turnout at their All Teen Shabbat Dinner. Everyone first met at. Graziano'sPizza to enjoy pasta, breadsticks and salad. The teens then walked across the street to die park to participate in a unique Shahhat experience with Benny Katz, I BS Rabbinical Intern. Ibe teens shared good and bad moments from their past week using gummy bears and sour worms. The teens started listening to songs they would incorporate into their Shabbat service and everyone got to run down the grassy hill to welcome in Shabbat. In the month of April, four USY teens participated in the Regional SATO Shabbaton at Midbar Kodesh Temple. The teens were housed with other far West USYers and participated in many community service activities. On April 12th, USYers enjoyed seeing the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Summerlin Library. It was an incredible show full of talented actors! On April 18th, USYers raised money for a regional scholarship to help teens attend Regional Convention. All TBS members were invited to enjoy ice cream at Coldstone Creamery ? 25% of the sales were donated to TBS USY for the scholarship. Upcoming Events in May: *.Vlay 6th - Iron Chef Competition at Little Pastry Chefs (Jr. and Sr. USY) *May 18th - All Teen Shabbat Dinner with guest s[>caker Kate Griffin from I lillel. Early Childhood Education The children of the Sandra and Stanley Malliri Early Childhood Center s|)ent the past weeks preparing for Pesach. They enjoyed weekly sing-alongs during Mini-Minyan with Cantor Daniel where they learned such favorites as "Dayenu" and "Mali Nishtanah". Ibe teachers ensured that the children were surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Passover story. They filled every developmental area on their lesson plans with new and exciting activities to familiarize the children with all of the aspects of Passover beginning with Baby Moses and culminating with the trek through the Desert. This month of study concluded with our annual family Pesach Seder. Rabbi Goodman and Cantor Daniel led our children and families through the I lagaddah with colorful props and songs. Ibis fabulous feast was catered by the unsurpassed Chef Gustav Mauler. The Camp K'ton Ton Difference We are proud to host Camp K'ton Ton at Temple Beth Sholom. We are looking forward to another enjoyable and fantastic summer. We offer 3 two-week sessions and 1 bonus one-week session beginning June 18th through August 3. Each session is based on a different fun-filled theme and packed full of arts and crafts, water play, cooking, dancing, sports, special theme days, visitors, and Judaic activities. The older children have the wonderful opportunity to experience a different field trip twice a week in addition to swimming at the local pool. And of course, we all gather together on Fridays for our famous Shabbat lunch. At Camp K'ton Ton you do not have to worry about your child's safety or welfare. We take special pride in having our camp sessions lead by the same trained and experienced school staff that we use for our regular school year. We also supplement each class with a specially trained Counselor in Training (CIT). You have the choice of either full-day, half-day, or extended-day programs for your child. We offer Monday through Friday for all of our age-groups. We also offer the option of either a M, W, F or T/Th program in our Toddler and 2's classes. Enrollment is currently open. We accept children ages 18 months by March 1, 2007 up through those entering First Grade in the Fall. For more information please contact the Preschool office at extension #112. 7 Temple News (continued from from page) Cantorial Concert and flavor of Jewish music as well as American and Jewish humor. From concerts to cabarets, from traditional Yiddish and Cantorial, to Broadway and contemporary music I lerschel and Judy do it all wiih "good taste and warmth." Seeing them perform makes you feel good to be alive! lickets are $13.00 general admission, $36.00 reserved seating; $75.00 Cantors Circle (includes a private dessert reception with the Cantors). For best seats purchase your tickets today. Call Carol at 804-1333 ext. 104 to purchase your ticket or for more information. Please see the article later in the Bulletin for the Women's League Mothers' Day Dinner and participate in both activities! L'Dor V'Dor Temple Belli Sholom's senior outreach program ?L'Dor V'Dor is changing. It still brings together hundreds of homebound seniors to celebrate the Jewish Holidays and allows the seniors (o make new friends and to connect with the enerations. The change is youngergenuuuun^. . > ? it has a new Coordinator to make sure diese events continue lo improve and positively impact more lives. Shel Kolner has taken over as the L'Dor VDor Coordinator. Shel has been active in the Jewish Community for the eight years he has lived in Las Vegas, including volunteering at the L'Dor VDor events over the last year and a half. Shel is undertaking this new endeavor with great enthusiasm. Shel's duties include coordinating the different aspects of the program with all of the volunteer chairpeople and Temple staff, meeting 8 with outside facilities that house older adults, coordinating transportation for participants, publicizing the events and providing guidance to enhance t he L'Dor V'Dor program. The next event will focus on Shavuot. It will be held on May 15th and will include participation from the children of the Temple Beth Sholom schools. Volunteers are always welcome and are needed prior to and on the day of the event. If you have the time, we have the opportunity. Call Shel Kolner at 2284744 (Cell 334-8914) or contact Laura Sussman in the Temple office at 8041333, ext 100. Tikun Leil Shavuot at TBS (An Evening of Study on Shavuot) Join us for an exciting and enlightening likun Leil Shavuot beginning at 8:30 PM on Tuesday May 22. Participate in an evening of study with Rabbi Felipe Goodman, Rabbinic Intern Benny Katz, Director of Education, Jon Mitzmacher, and other Educators. As always, we'll have delicious dairy treats to enjoy throughout the evening. Please RSVP to Carol in the Clergy office at 804-1333, ext. 104 prior to May 18 to let us know you will be participating. Chavurah News By Nina Boshes, Chavurah Chairperson What do you get when you introduce 5 couples that don't know each other? A Chavurah! Mishpochat Chavarem was formed in 2000 when TBS moved to the new building. We were 5 couples that had one tiling in common: we all belonged to Temple Beth Sholom. We began meeting once a month either for a meeting or an activity. Two of the original couples moved away, and over the years we added more members. We now total 17 people. We collect dues, a nominal amount, and our focus is on having fun, but we are also very Tzedakah minded. Through the years we have helped at the Opportunity Village Magical Forrest on Christmas Eve, we give $500 twice a year to Jewish Family Services in the form of food gift cards, to help the less fortunate have f<x>d for Pesach and Rosh I lashanah. We have donated Chanukah gifts to needy families at TBS and to JFSA, and most recently we donated money to the Solomon Schechter Day School here at Temple Beth Sholom. We also have fun. We had a combined garage sale, and plan another next month. We have seen plays in St. George and Cedar City, Utah, visited California many times and have seen the Palm Springs Follies, plays in LA., the 1 lollywood Bowl, Pasadena, swap meets and Ilea markets. We were able to secure seats for the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna for July and are all looking forward to going. You can usually see many of us sitting together at Friday night services, and then at the Oneg. Of course with Las Vegas as our home, we never run out of entertainment and restaurant choices right here. We still plan a meeting and an activity, sometimes a simple get together for a game night. We have celebrated many life cycle events together, and truly care about each other. When asked what has contributed to out-success, the general feeling is that we all were looking to make new friends and were open to other people's suggestions, needs and feelings. The Chavurah filled t he need of strangers to come together Temple News and enjoy each others' company. We have all become close friends. Our name says it all - Mishpochat Chaverim ? Family of Friends. If you arc interested in highlighting your Chavurah, or would like information on joining a Chavurah, email me at norgeziint@earthlink.coni or call Myrna in the Temple office at 804-1333, ext. 100. Women's League News By Kim Memar, President 1 lope to see you at all of our May functions. Mother's Day Dinner in conjunction with the Cantorial Concert on May 13. Donor Luncheon To be held Sunday May 20, 2007, 11:30 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, this Gourmet Luncheon will be catered by Chef Michael Johnston. There w ill be a Fashion Show given by Talbots. The models for this show will be members of our