The Bulletin from Temple Beth Sholom, June 2007

Beth Sholom Bulletin June 2007-Sivan-Tammuz 5767 The Month of May in Pictures Photos Courtesy fo Ira Ellis Photography Rabbi The Hevre Kadisha... One of the most important groups in our congregation. Rabbi Felipe Goodman There is a strange law at (he beginning of The Torah Portion of Ernor. It provides that a Kohen must avoid all contact with tFie dead---except for those seven relatives who are closest to hirn---so that he does not become 'tame'. I le may attend to the needs of his father, his mother, his brother, his sister, his wife, his son or his daughter, but he may not attend to the funeral of anyone else?except for one more exception. The Text seems clear enough. The Kohen, who is involved with (he sacred service in (he sanctuary, must have no contact with the dead, because contact with the dead makes a person ritually impure. To this (Jay, I am sure that you know Kohanim who (Jo riot go to funerals for this reason, and I am sure that you know of the custom of washing one's hands when one leaves the cemetery or when one comes home after a visit to the cemetery. We do these things even though there is no longer a Temple in Jerusalem, and even though the whole concept of tumah does not really apply any more. Hie law in the Torah seems clear enough. But the Sages add one more category to the list of those for whom a Kohen may?in fact for whom a Kohen must- --become tame. They say that a Kohen must attend to the needs of a 'met mitzvah', even though, in the process of doing so, he will become tame himself. The example tJiat the Sages give is this: if the Kohen Gadol is on the way to the Temple in Jerusalem to perform the special sacrifice of the Day of Atonement, 2 the sacrifice for wJiich he has prepared himself for many days, the sacrifice on which the welfare of all the I louse of Israel depends?and on the way to the Holy Temple to carry out this sacred rite, he happens to come across a dead body lying in the street, he must personally tend to the body and arrange the funeral, even though that means that he will become ritually defiled in the process and will not lie able to carry out the rituals of Yorn Kippur! The Talmud says that they always had a back-up Kohen Gadol ready, so that in case this happened, someone else could lake over for him and carry out the rites of Yom Kippur. Who was most likely to be found lying on the street abandoned? Most likely, it would be a derelict, a drunk, a homeless fjerson. Upper and middle class people are not usually found lying dead in the street. And yet the Torah provides that tending to such a person has priority even over the Day of Atonement itself! This is the law of the met mitzvah. Now let me ask you: what is the reasoning behind this law? Why should the Kohen Gadol, the holiest leader of the Jewish people, at the time when he was on the way to carrying out the holiest sacrifice of the year, have to stop what lie was doing and attend to the burial of a derelict, of a bum? I think that the point that the Sages were making with this law of the met mitzvah is that every single human being, with no exceptions, is sacred and precious in life, and is sacred and precious in death. And since in death all of us are totally dependent on others, there is nothing at all that we can do for ourselves, it is a mitzvah of the highest order to care for the dead and to give them all the dignity and all the honor and all the attention that they deserve. Allow me to share with you an example of how the Jewish people practice this law in our time. There is no longer a Bet Hamikdash, there is no longer a Kohen Gadol, and yet the Jewish people still take very seriously the concept of 'kavod hamet', of the dignity and the honor and the care that the dead deserve. And I think that that is our glory. The first example is the story of the care t hat was given to the body of Dr. Liviu Librescu of Blacksburg, Virginia when he died. Do you remember the name of Liviu Librescu? If you don't, you should, lie was the professor at Virginia Tech, who, when a student went berserk and began going from classroom to classroom killing students, put his shoulder against the door of his classroom and kept it shut, so that the killer could not enter. Thanks to his quick action, his students were able to get to the windows and escape. His body was riddled with bullets, but, by his action, he was able to buy his students precious time and he saved their lives. Die whole world was touched by what he did. He was one of the very few heroes in that whole sad and sordid story. But very few people know the story of what happened after he died. The closest rabbi to Blacksburg went into action at once. He persuaded the medical examiner not to do an autopsy because that is against Jewish tradition, and he persuaded the j)olice to release the body as soon as possible, because Jews Jielieve that a body should be buried promptly, and this one had to be returned to Israel where his family lived. And then, he and a few of his friends, became shornrim, who stayed with the body all night, reciting Psalms and giving honor to the dead by keeping guard around his body. Cantor Hie rabbis drove north through the night,' with a police escort, and reached New York by early morning. They went to (lie Shomrey I laohomos Funeral Chapel in Brooklyn, where volunteers from the I levra Kadisha performed the tahara, and then wrapped his body in linen shrouds, and arranged for a funeral service. They removed as many of the bloodstains as they possibly could, and they washed the body carefully and with great reverence, as they do for every body that they rare for. Professor Librescu had no family in New York. But there were three hundred and fifty people at his funeral. Among them were students from the Rarnaz Day School in Manhattan and from the Yeshiva of Flatbush in Brooklyn. They left their work on short notice to come to the funeral, even though they did not know this man. They wanted to show respect. At the service, the strangers hugged Mrs. Librescu. They talked to her in English, in Hebrew, and in Rumanian. They treated her as if she was their relative. I think that she must have been stunned by the way this community of strangers reached out to her---but this is what it means to take care of a met mitzvah. After the service, members of the community carried the coffin, draped in a black cloth, to the SUV for the ride to JFK airport. Rabbi Motti Selig accompanied Mrs. Librescu on the {light back to Israel. And an honor guard stayed with the body until it was put on the place with reverence and with care. None of these people had ever met Professor Librescu. And, as far as 1 know, Professor Librescu was not a very observant Jew. But that did not matter. He was a met mitzvah---and therefore the Jewish community reached out to him and did whatever it had to do to show him the care arid the honor that he deserved. litis is one example of how the ancient mitzvah that is found in Parashat Emor is observed in our time. It caught the attention of the media because Professor Librescu was, at least for a short time, a celebrity. But the same thing is done every single day for many, many people. The ancient tradition of caring for the dead is very much alive in our time. In fact, the I levra Kadisha is starting to have a revival. For many years, the idea of a I levra Kadisha was almost unknown outside the Orthodox community. But now, these societies for the care of the dead are springing up all over the country, in fact we can feel extremely proud that within our congregat ion we have a group of extremely dedicated and devoted men and women who conform our own Hevre Kadisha. This makes me very proud and I think it is an honor to be a Rabbi in a congregation with such a tremendous group. I urge you to give a helping hand in this very important act of Gernulit Chesed (Loving kindness). If this story moved you as much as it moved me, please contact me as soon as possible if you would like to be counted among those in the I levre Kadisha of our congregation, not only could we use your help but this is a unique of helping those in need even when they can no longer help themselves. Cantor Daniel Friedman attends Cantors Assembly National Convention We are proud to announce that Cantor Daniel Friedman attended the 60th Annual Convention of the Cantors Assembly (CA) held, this year, in Los Angeles from May 6-10. The C\ is the largest professional organization of cantors in the world and over 250 cantors from throughout the United States, Israel and Canada were in attendance. Membership in the organization is highly coveted. Before being awarded CICA membership, Cantor Friedman had to pass a rigorous entrance examination, demonstrating his knowledge base in Judaism, as well as Ins artistic expertise in Liturgical music. Approximately 1500 cantors were killed during the I lolocaust and it was the Cantors Assembly that took on the daunting task of rebuilding the Cantorate. The theme of the 2007 Convention is "Today's Hazzan: A Coat of Many Colors. With that in mind, Cantor Friedman attended workshops and lectures the many roles cantor plays that of a "Shaliach Tzibur" (Prayer Leader), "Spiritual Leader," "Educator, "Musical Artist," and "Jewish Scholar" The Convention included a concert, On the Wings of Song, benefiting the Israel Air Force Memorial and I leritage Project and the Cantors Assembly Foundation. The concert featured members of the Cantors Assembly as well as special guest appearances by Theodore Bikel and Mike Burstyn. Another highlight of the Convention was the installation of Cantor Joseph Cole, cantor of Sinai Temple, Los Angeles' oldest and largest congregation, as the new President of the Cantors Assembly. On another note, in November of 2007, Theodore Bikel and HazzanAlbertoMizrahi will join Cantor Friedman in a Las Vegas concert benefiting Temple Beth Sholorn. Friedman Summertime, A Time for Building By Laura Sussman Executive Director Summertime at Temple Beth Sholom is usually a bit quieter than the rest of the year. I lowever, this summer will be an exception as building takes place in a number of During the summer, renovations will be taking place in our school wing. New classrooms will be created to accommodate our growing schools, and a new Scully Library will be built to provide a dignified and sophisticated space for adult reading, relaxation and study. We apologize in advance for any inconveniences the construction will present for people wishing to access the school area. Other types of building will also be taking place during the summer. A leadership retreat will take place in early June to develop Temple priorities for the year. Under the guidance of our new President, David Steinberg, and our newly elected Board and Officers, we'll be reviewing and restructuring many of our Temple committees. If you have an interest in getting more involved with the Temple by serving on a committee, now is a great time to do so. As our congregation grows, we are exploring options to accommodate seating for I ligh I loly Days services. Watch for your I ligh I loly Days packet, in the beginning of July, which will explain changes that I anticipate the Board adopting related to this issue. On a similar note, if you have been thinking of dedicating seats in the Sigesmund Sanctuary or in either of the Social I lalls, now is the time as there are only a limited number of scats still available for dedication. On a final note, 1 would like to congratulate our new Board and Officers and wish them great wisdom and energy as we move into our new year. Friedman Pavilion Update I lundreds of Temple and community members witnessed an historic event on May 6 as Temple Beth Sholom broke ground for the Abbie and David Friedman Multi-Generational Pavilion. Festivities included presentations by many Temple and community dignitaries, including Abbie Friedman, the naming donor for the Pavilion; Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, Clark County Commissioner, Susan Braeger State Controller, Kirn Wallin, representatives from the offices of 1 larry Reid, John Ensign, Jon Porter; Temple Beth Sholom President, Ed Seltzer; Jon Mitzmacher, Director of Education at Temple Beth Sholom, Rabbi Felipe Goodman and Cantor Daniel Friedman of Temple Bet h Sholom and Rabbi Jeremy Weiderhorn of Midbar Kodcsh Temple. Ron Kirsh served as the Master of Ceremonies. The program continued with children from the Temple's three schools, The Solomon Schechter Day School, The Sandra and Sandy Mallin Early Childhood Center and the Judy and Ronald Mack School of Religious Studies, singing and marching into the stage area carrying Torah scrolls in one hand and shovels in the other. Each of these schools will take advantage of the new facilities the Pavilion will provide. Donor Spotlight Jeff Michelman grew up in Oceanside, Long Island and was heavily involved in a Conservative synagogue with his family. I le has fond memories of Saturday mornings with his friends at Junior 4 Congregation, as well as growing up in a relatively Jewish neighborhood. Jeff moved to Las Vegas in 1995 as a retail manager. A year later, he found his calling as a mortgage broker, and hasn't looked back. This past year, Jeff opened a new office of Custom I lome Loans in the Southwest area of the Valley. Jeff has been on the Board of Directors of Temple Beth Sholom for the past two years. One of his responsibilities as a Board member was to coordinate the Singles Shabbat Onegs. Little did he know that he would meet his future wife, Dr. Limor Blockman, a therapist and marriage consultant, at one of the events. They are now happily married and celebrating t heir first anniversary. Jeff has served on a number committees at Temple Beth Sholom, including the Youth Committee, Men's Club, I BS Softball Team, the Ritual Committee and Chairman of the I ligh Holy Days Committee. Their 12 year old son, Jared, is well recognized at Temple as a regular Shabbat service and religious school attendee. Jeff and Limor plan to have a bigger family, so they contributed to the Capital Campaign in hopes that their children and others will benefit from it. According to Limor, "We met in this place for the first time, so we wanted to give back." For more information on making a gift to the Capital Campaign, please contact Laura Sussman, at 804-1333, ext. 133. Temple News Some Men's Club Musings Marlowe Mogill I lope this note finds you and yours well. Summer is really upon us. The year has flown hy. We have accomplished much, and we would have liked to accomplish more, but so it goes. Tiie meeting of the Men's Club for June 20th will be the last one until October. Why such a big break between now and then? Summertime, historically speaking, is a difficult season to plan anything other than trips and vacations and getting together with family and loved ones. Also, Rosh Hashanah begins on the eve of September 12th and Yorn Kippur is on September 22nd. Physically, TBS will be set up for the holidays. Null'said. But about the June meeting. Try not to miss this one. We'll have a speaker and many "guests." Who are the guests? We're keeping this a secret. A big surprise. You'll be getting notices about this meeting. It'll be a g<Kxl one. By the way, it is more than a little disconcerting that many, many of you did not, as of this writing, respond to our Yorn I lashoah candle appeal. Please look inward upon yourselves and remember the 6,000,000. A check made out to TBS Men's Club would be appreciated. Let our brothers and sisters in Israel stay well and safe. Keep them in your thoughts. Zei gesund! (Be well!) Marlowe mbn?)gi 11 @cox. net Women's League News I am totally amazed that June is already here and school and Women's League will be going on break for a little bit. The Women's League will not have any meetings during July, however, don't miss our installation for our new board on Friday, June 15th at services. Women's League will be sponsoring the Oneg. I would like to commend our wonderful ladies for making this past year one 1 will never forget. Our board members worked hard to accomplish many things and I personally feel that I have "just gotten my feet wet.' It really does take an entire year to begin to have the knowledge of what it takes to succeed. I would like to thank the past board for their commitment to the Women's League, our Temple, and their Judaism. It really has meant so much. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome my new board and to thank everyone for their n'shemah (spirit) and support. I am looking forward to a wonderful year ahead. I would like to thank everyone who participated in our May fundraisers by buying roses and attending our Mother's Day dinner followed by the wonderful Cantorial concert. These were both incredible events and if you were t here you can appreciate what I mean. Our upcoming Women's League general meeting on June 20th at 11:30am will be a brainstorming session for next year. Our new board is very excited about the upcoming year and we would appreciate your input to help us make this an incredible and successful year. Also my daughter Sarah will be sharing her experiences from her trip to Poland and Israel for t he March of t he Living. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for everything that has been accomplished to make sure that my beloved friend, Audrey Merkin, and the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust will not be forgotten. By creating a Scholarship in Audrey's memory, my daughter Sarah had the unbelievable experience of going on the March of the Living. She will be sharing her life changing experiences at services with us at a future date and also with the Women's league at our Wednesday, June 20th meeting at 11:30am. Both of us hope to inspire other kids and their parents to not miss this incredible opportunity. II you have any ideas for a fundraiser for next year to benefit the Audrey Merkin Memorial Scholarship Fund please let me know. I can tell all of you that when my daughter shared her experiences with me on a daily basis, my eyes filled with tears of happiness. I knew then why I had sent her and that my hopes and dreams had been fulfilled. The connection that she felt with her Jewish identity and the State of Israel is something that she could never have received in any other way. There are no words to describe how blessed I feel, especially as a Jewish mother, that Sarah now truly knows where she came from and where she is going- Thank you all for light ing her path to Jewish traditions and knowledge?for indeed knowledge is power; and believe me this is one Jewish girl who will "Never Forget!!" B'Shalom Kim Memar March of the Living For a lot of the journey that I have now gone through there are really no words for what I saw, did, and went through. It was truly life changing. Not only did it change my whole view on different countries, it truly made me realize not to take things for granted...not ything. The people that went through the Holocaust had absolutely nothing. We are so lucky to have all the things we do and we should be thankful for everything we have. We need to always remember that the past can repeat itself. Not only do people need to remember it for all those 10 million people; 6 million of them being Jews, but that t.hev were our people.. .people just like you and me. In the end our people are still living and we will always continue and we will remember, because we are still here and will be forever. B' Shalom Sarah Memar Education Yonina Schnec Assistant Religious School Jon IVlitzmacher Director of Kducation Solomon Schechter Day School of Las Vegas Solomon Schechter Celebrates Historic Groundbreaking On Sunday, May 6th, Temple Beth Sholom held its g r o u n dbreaking ceremony for the new Abbie and David Friedman Multigenerational Pavilion, the future home of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Las Vegas as we the Schechter Parent Organization s First Annual Lag B'Omer Kosher WingFest. Schechter Announces New Faculty Hires Solomon Schechter is thrilled to share that all teachers and specialists will be back next year in their current positions. With benchmarks and standards fully established, continuity of faculty is crucial to seeing those standards implemented to their fullest. The school believes that the art of teaching lies in the intersection between student, teacher, and curriculum. The greater the familiarity a teacher has with the curriculum the greater her ability to adapt and adjust it to maximize each student's academic potential?a key platform in the school's faculty, Schechter has the added challenge each year of bringing on new, excellent teachers as the school and its programming expands. The search for new teachers is among the school's most serious endeavors and Schechter is proud to tell you a little bit about who will be joining its faculty family next year: ? Pamela Fullerton recently received her Master 's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UNLV and has experience t e a c h i n g Fourth Grade Clark County. She joins Schechter as its Fourth Grade General S t u d i e s Teacher. ? Ronit Didio is an experienced Jewish Day School Teacher who is credentialed in the lal AM curriculum. She is looking forward to further training this summer and working with the current Jewish Studies Faculty. She joins the faculty as the Fourth Grade Jewish Studies Teacher. ? Lucy Johnston is a licensed Music Educator both in New Jersey and Nevada who has experience teaching music, band and orchestra. She joins as the school's new Music Teacher. Schechter Celebrates Lag B'Omer This year Solomon Schechter celebrated Lag B'Omer in the park. Students walked from school to a nearby park and spent the morning playing Israeli games and enjoying the fresh outdoors. Religious School & Midrasha In their bright orange T-shirts and kippot, the students of the Judy and Ronald Mack School of Religious Studies participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for t he new Multigenerational Pavilion by singing "Im lirzu, Ayn Zo Agaddah", (If you will it, it is no dream), a song based on the words of Theodore Herzl when he spoke at the Zionist Congress in 1897. It was a very moving moment to see our children, shovels and Torah scrolls in hand, repeat the inspiring words that point us to our future - that we can make things happen, and create a building in which Temple members of all ages can continue to learn and grow in Judaism. The children's t-shirts said, "And your children shall become builders..." They are the builders of our future. On May 22, students of Khali Zayin (Seventh Grade) did a beautiful job of leading the Erev Shavuot service. They sang songs for Shavuot, and their writings and artwork pertaining to their studies were on display in the foyer. Each graduate received a certificate and a gift, and those who chose to helped to lead a st udy session at the Tikkun Leil Shavuot together with rabbinic intern Benny Katz. We are very proud of the Religious School graduates, and we are looking forward to seeing them in the fall, when the new semester of Midrasha starts up! Mazel Tov to our own Kitah I lay student, Josh Ginsburg, who was a finalist in Education the Jews for Judaism Creative Writing contest 2006! Josh wrote an essay on "My Prayer for Israel", and we are all proud of him! Coming up on June 3rd, the Religious School will have its final session of the school year, and we will be having a special program including performances by each of the classes from Kitah Gan (K) through Kitah Vav (6). Students will receive certificates of promotion, and special awards will be given to the students with outstanding attendance for the school year. Please be with us beginning at 11:()() AM for the festivities. Adult Education Our I lebrew reading class for adults has come to an end for the school year, and many of our adult students asked for homework material so t hat they can hone their skills over the summer. We are looking forward to next year's courses of Hebrew reading for beginners, and depending on demand, we might offer a conversational Hebrew course. Rabbi Goodman's mini-course, Kosher Kabbalah, will take place over the course of four Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM, on June 5,7,12 & 14th. Ever wonder what "Kabbalah" really is? Explore the mysteries and myths surrounding Kabbalah with the Rabbi. Don't miss this great opportunity!! For more information about any of our educational programs, please call Ivy in the education office at 804-1333, extension 114. llie Sandra & Stanley Mallin Early ChMwod Center USY USY has had a great year full of fun events. We want to thank all teens who participated in our planned events and we are looking forward to what next year brings USY! We would like to recognize our graduating seniors and wish them good luck in their future endeavors. We will miss them! Eli Tredup, Jacki I Ionig, Melissa Kegan, Ashley Mitchell & Yoni Schwartz More information will follow regarding our end of the year events for both Kadima and USY... just get your bathing suits ready!!!! any What an amazing month for all of the children and t heir families at the Sandra and Stanley Mallin Early Childhood Center. We all gathered together to celebrate our wonderful mothers at a special Shabbat luncheon. Beautiful flowers, pink tablecloths, and unique centerpieces created by the children especially for this event adorned the tables where we enjoyed a fabulous chicken lunch. What a truly heartfelt and memorable event for our children and their moms. Several times a year our children are invited to participate in a fabulous program, L'Dor V'Dor. Seniors are brought to Temple Beth Sholom from Jennifer Zukowski Karly Childhood Director around the community to enjoy a delicious lunch as well as participate in an arts and crafts project with our children. Our pre - kindergarteners are thrilled each time they are asked to provide the entertainment for this program by singing a few songs from the bimah. What a lovely way to bring t ogether so many generations. As we come to the end of another spectacular school year, graduation is first and foremost on the minds of our pre-kindergarten children. I his year's theme is "It's A Small World". To prepare for this important event the children worked hard p r a c t i c i n g songs, both in Hebrew and in English, learning about their heritage, and working on their stage presence! Tears were abundant as our pre-kindergarteners waltzed across the stage in caps and gowns to "Pomp and Circumstance". I would like to thank all the parents, children, teachers and stall for a wonderful and unforgettable year for me as Temple Beth Sholom's Early Childhood Director. The love and caring which exudes from our preschool families is what makes our school such a special place to be in I .as Vegas. 7 J u n e Sivan-Tammuz 5767 S U N D A Y M O N D A Y TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 17 Sivan y j 18 Sivan i ^ 19 Sivan u 20 Sivan 21 Sivan Bereavement Group 10 am Wfomen's League Boaid Meeting 10:00 am / Last Day of School Mncha/Vkariv 6:00 pm MnchaMariv 6:00 pm Mncha/Maariv 6:00 pm Mncha/Vkanv 6:00 pm 10 24 Sivan ^ ^ 25 Sivan ] 26 Sivan ^ 27 Sivan ^ 28 Sivan Bereavement Group 10 am Mncha/Vkariv 6:00 pm Mncha/IVfeariv 6:00 pm Mncha/Nfaariv 6:00 pm Mncha/Mkariv 6:00 pm 17 1 Tammuz /^v 2 Tammuz 1 O 1 ^ ^ 3 Tammuz 2 0 21 Camden Staretz Bar Mtzvah Bereavement Group 10 am Wbmen's League General Nfceting 11:30 am Summer Camp Begins MnchaMariv 6:00 pm Mncha/Vbanv 6:00 pm Mncha/Maariv 6:00 pm 24 8 Tammuz 2 5 /""X lOTammuz 26 Bereavement Group 10 am f * ^ r~J 11 Tammuz r ^ ^ 12 Tammuz Mncha/JVbariv 6:00 pm Mncha/Nfeariv 6:00 pm MnchaMariv 6:00 pm Mncha/lVfeariv 6:00 pm Calendar F R I D A Y S A T U R D A Y Special Events Kosher Kabbalah Class June 5, 7, 12 & 14th, 6:30-8:30 p m Explore the mysteries and myths surrounding Kabbalah with Rabbi Goodman. For mote hifonnation contact Yonina ext 122 Women's League Installation Friday, June 15,2007, 7:30 PM Come see the installation of the 2007-2008 Board of Directors of the Women's League. ^ Registration Underway for Kamp KTon Ton y ^ M f e Camp begins on Monday, June 18 For more information, please contact the ^ P O N r O N preschool at ext 116. . A | The Sandra and Stanley IVfeDin Early Childhood 1 . j K H Center &Sotomon Schechter Day School of 15 Sivan 16 Sivan A Shabbat Ha Neshama with TBS Ruach Ensemble Samantha Gage Bat Mtzvah light candles at 7:34 pm Bcha'abtecha ^ v 22 Sivan O 9 23 Sivan Vinessa Homreich Bat Mtzvah light candles at 7:39 pm Shelach 1 5 16 30 Sivan Women's League Installation 7:30 pm light candles at 7:42 pm Korach 6 Tammuz 23 7 Tammuz Shane Haddad Bar Mtzvah light candles at 7:44 pm Chukat 2 9 ? 30 14 Tammuz light candles at 7:44 pm Balak B'nai Mitzvah Samantha Gage will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, June 2, 2007. Samantha is a sixth grade student on the high honor roll at The Meadows School. She is an optional level competitive gymnast which consumes much of her time. Notwithstanding the required 20 hours of gymnastics training which she completes each week, Samantha dedicated herself to working hard to complete her Bat Mitzvah education and is eagerly looking forward to being called to the Torah. For her mitzvah project, Samantha has organized a drive to collect wish list items for and make a donation to Street Teens, a volunteer based, non-profit organization dedicated to assisting homeless, abandoned and at risk youth ages 12-21 in our Las Vegas community. Through this mitzvah, Samantha hopes that other youth will benefit at this special time of joy and happiness in her life. Vanessa Hornreich will be called to the Torah on June 9th. She was born in Los /Vngeles, California. She moved to Mexico City where she lived for 9 years. Vanessa attended the Colegio Israelite Mexico where she studied Hebrew, Yiddish and Religious Studies together with her regular curriculum. She also participates in various activities including Choir, Scouts & Rikudim - she danced in 5 Aviv Festivals. Vanessa's family moved to Las Vegas in April 2006. She now attends Fertitta Middle School and is in the 71'' grade. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Vanessa is pursuing her interest in helping future generations by attending the after school childcare program and assisting them in their daily activities. We are all very proud of her accomplishments and her hard work. Camden S. Weisz will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah on June 18, 2007, Parshat Hukkat at Temple Beth Sholom. Camden is a fascinating young man with many talents and interests. He is a world traveler with a passion for music, world history and theater. As Camden is ushered into adulthood, he will be surrounded by his community of family and friends, including his sisters Brook and Kira, and cousins Alie and Magen. Camden, Mazal tov on your journey of becoming a Bar Mitzvah! Slifine Nathan Haddad, son of Robert 6c Bonnie Haddad of Las Vegas will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, June 23, 2007. His grandparents are Nathan and Louise Schoor of Las Vegas and the late George Haddad and Genny Robillard. Shane attends Hyde Park Middle School, where he is in the Academy of Mathematics and Science, and is a member of the Panther Chapter of the National Junior Honor ? ? Society. He is also the Symphonic Band where he recently went to Boston, Massachusetts to compete. For the past five years he has competed in the K*Bot World Championships where he has won a regional championship. His other hobbies k include; playing trombone, listening to music, and doing numerous things with computers. For his mitzvah project, Shane assisted in a holiday gift drive raising money, gift cards and giving 60 bicycle