The Bulletin from Temple Beth Sholom, December 2008

^ emple Beth Sholom Bulletin y C ^ r December 2008 *^Ujj Temple Beth Sholom Names Gustav Mauler as Exclusive Caterer The Board of Directors of Temple Beth Sholom is pleased to announce an agreement with Gustav International - a restaurant, hospitality management and consulting firm - as Temple Beth Sholom's exclusive caterer. All future Temple Shabbat dinners, dessert receptions and special events will now feature exciting gast ronomic creations by one of America's top chefs. B'nei Mitzvah families, as well as those planning weddings and other special occasions, will be offered a choice of menus and pricing to meet their individual needs. Marketing our outstanding facilities to the public in conjunction with f<x>d prepared by a renowned chef, will give Temple Beth Sholom a consistent revenue stream that can help keep dues affordable and fund a variety of ongoing programs. One of only fifty-lour "Certified Master Chefs" by the American Culinary Federation, Gustav Mauler is a graduate of the Innkeeper School of Vienna and holds an honorary Doctorate of Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales University. He is a member of the Chaine de Rotisseurs Gourmet Society, the Order of the Golden Torque and was twice named Nevada's Restaurateur of the Year. Formerly the Corporate Senior Vice President of Food and Beverage for Mirage Resorts, Inc., Gustav has set up approximately 50 restaurants including OXO, Sazio and Spiedini (at the J.W. Marriott Hotel). We welcome and look forward to our association with Master Chef Gustav Mauler. Audrey Merkin Scholarship Fund The Audrey Merkin Scholarship Fund is pleased and proud to announce a generous donation of $2500 by the Men's Club / Warsaw Ghetto Memorial Garden in memory of Men's Club Past President, Irwin Goldberg. Irwin, along with I lenry Kronberg and Mark Scheiner, was a driving force behind the development of the Garden. This donation will help a worthy teenager participate in the March of the Living in April of 2009. We also acknowledge the generous gift made by Women's League towards these scholarships. Solomon Schechter Day School Partners with Alexander Dawson School for Hebrew Program to Benefit Dawson and Solomon Schechter Middle School Students IAS VEGAS (October 15, 2008) -- The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain announces an exciting partnership with The Solomon Schechter Day School of I >as Vegas. Beginning with the 2009-10 school year, Dawson will add Hebrew to its Middle School World Language program, which currently includes Spanish, I.atin, French and Mandarin. The Solomon Schechter Day School will provide highly-qualified I lebrew teachers for the language courses at Dawson. This partnership will also allow Solomon Schechter graduates to enter Dawson beginning in sixth grade. These students will receive their secular education at Dawson, while continuing to take I lebrew and Jewish studies at Schechter. The benefit of this partnership is that it allows Solomon Schechter students to continue to receive the highest quality secular studies and extra curricular activities at Alexander Dawson, while continuing their Jewish education at Solomon Schechter. "While each student will be required to complete Dawson's admission assessments, we expect Solomon Schechter students to transition well into Dawson," says I leadmaster Michael Imperi. "Our schools share similar philosophies of education, utilize some of the same curriculum programs, are both associated with Pacific Northwest Association of Independent Schools (PNAIS) and have a strong belief in community engagement." This partnership represents a powerful example of what can happen when schools work together. In the field of Jewish day school education, this kind of relationship is unprecedented. The relationship formed between Dawson and Schechter will likely be watched and emulated by many, as the cost of middle and high school expansions for Jewish day schools continues to rise. Jonathan Mitzmacher, I lead of Schechter Day School, notes, "By offering quality Hebrew as part of the regular school day, (lie partnership between Dawson and Schechter solves one of the most difficult challenges facing both I lebrew and Jewish day schools nationwide - how to make sure students continue to receive quality secular and Jewish education during the middle school years and beyond." continued on page 14 Rabbi's Message Temple Beth Sholom Israel Mission May 5-13, 2009 Rabbi Goodman As many of you know 1 was recently in Israel. I know it sounds like a cliche but every time I visit Israel I come back fully energized and with renewed spiritual strength. My most recent trip was unlike any other trip I have taken before. This time it was much less about sight seeing than it was about understanding the present political and security situation of our homeland. I was also fortunate to participate in meetings and discussions with distinguished [M)litical leaders and Rabbis from all different streams of Judaism as to what the future holds in store for us in Israel regarding religious pluralism. Many of you were at I BS when I spoke al>out the impact that the visit to the southern city of Sderot had in my Hfe and how it had impacted my Jewish Identity. At the request of many of our members we are going on a very similar mission to Israel as a congregation from May 5 to May 13, 2008. Phis will be a mission of particular importance because we are timing it to go immediately after The AIR\C Policy Conference in Washington D.C. Many of us go to The Policy Conference year after year and are left with an immense desire to put our words into action and visit Israel right away. This year it can be done! Join me in rediscovering Israel from a very different perspective; we will focus not only on the land but also on its p**>ple and the challenges tliat we face together. We will meet with Members of The Knesset, Rabbis of all streams of Judaism, intellectuals and some really remarkable people. If you have always wanted to go to Israel not only to see the sights but also to understand its context, this is a mission for you! Please let us know if you art; coming. There has never been a better time to show our support and our love for our 1 lomeland and our People. "My Brother's Keeper" Tuesday, 5 May - USA Departure Wednesday, 6 May - When You Come Into the Land (Dev. 26:1) Arrival in Israel. Proceed to Tel Aviv for hotel check-in. Welcome dinner at Maganda. (Yemenite) Overnight: Tel Aviv Thursday, 7 May - Northern Communities Travel north, along Israel's coast Spend some time this morning in Kiryat Bialik with Rabbi Mauricio Baiter visiting some of the projects supported by Kchila I lamasortit I lakravot, including an Arab pre-school in Acco. Proceed to Acco to walk t hrough the Old City and enjoy a humus lunch at the best Humus restaurant in Israel. Visit Acco's unique Tunisian Synagogue, which is completely decorated with mosaics depicting stories from Jewish history and traditional texts. Continue to the town of Mitzpeh I lila to visit with the family of Cilad Shalit. I lotel check-in and dinner. Overnight: I laifa Friday, 8 May - Jerusalem of Old Visit Kibbutz Nir Fliyahu for a presentation on how the kibbutzim are dealing wit h the changing world, meet The Mead Council for The Kibbutz Takkam Organization. Possible briefing on the security fence. Participate in a special seminar on Arab Jewish coexistence at the Givat 1 laviva seminar center including home hospitality in the Israeli Arab village. Continue south for the ascent to Jerusalem. Caze upon the Temple Mount from the Tayelet, as did Abraham when he prepared to sacrifice Isaac; take in the breathtaking view. Hotel check-in to prepare for Shabbat. Kabhalat Shabbat at Robinson's Arch or one of the many special Synagogues in Jerusalem. Festive Shabbat dinner at the hotel. Overnight: Jerusalem Shabbat, 9 May - Shabbat in Jerusalem Parashat Emor Shabbat services at a choice of neighborhood synagogues (suggestions, walking instructions to be provided) Shabbat lunch buffet at the hotel. Shabbat late afternoon walking tour to fascinating Jerusalem neighborh<xxJs near your hotel. I Iavdalah and Text Study with Rabbi Goodman. Free evening in Jerusalem. Overnight: Jerusalem Sunday, 10 May - Israel Issues lake part in a study session at the Conservative Yeshiva led by one of Rabbi Goodman's teachers. Meet with Rabbi Benny l^ui at the Institute for S<xial Justice. Briefing wit h AIPAC's Israel Office. The view from The Left ... Meetings with Rabbis for I luman Rights, and Shalom Achshav (Peace Now). Free time for dinner (on one's own). Evening: In tlie Kotel Tunnels (This tour, very rarely done at night, it is an unbelievable experience), walk alongside the Western Wall's massive foundation stones. Overnight: Jerusalem 2 Asst. Rabbi's Message Monday, 11 May - In the Footsteps of Prophets and Patriarchs Tour the city of Efrat with Rabbi Barry Schlessinger. Visit the site of the ancient fortress of I lerodian, built by I lerod and used by Jewish fighting forces throughout the ages: also the site of an ancient synagogue and King I lerod's newly discovered tomb. The view from the right...Tour Tekoa, where religious and non-religious Jews have built a community together in the West Bank; enjoy home hospitality there (coffee and cake). Visit the hilltop caravan community (settlement) of Tekoa Dalct and meet with residents. Free time for dinner (on one's own) in Jerusalem. Evening: Attend a basketball game or another unusual "Only in Israel" activity (if available; not included in tour price). Overnight: Jerusalem Tuesday, 12 May - Lag B'Omer in Sderot Travel to the Negev Desert. Meet with Mayor Amram Mitzna (former mayor of I laifa) in Yeruham to hear about dramatic changes in this poor development town. Travel to Sderot to tour the city. Visit, study and have lunch at the I lesder Yeshiva. lake part in a program at Israel Seminars at Kibbutz Alumim. Visit key points around Gaza Border. Return to Jerusalem for final packing. Farewell dinner at Olive and Fish (meat). Depart for the airport. Wednesday, 13 May - A Temporary Departure "Land Only" $2395.00 double occupancy $550.00 single supplement Third person over 18 in triple room: subtract $210 Dan Panorama 1 Iotel, Tel Aviv and I laifa; Dan Boutique or Dan Panorama, Jerusalem In order to use miles, upgrades, etc, Air is NOT included in the price. Participants are responsible for their own air reservations which can also be made through ITC Fours or independently. For any questions regarding the mission. (702) 804-1333 xl04. Assistant Rabbi Message Rabbi Adam Watstein " l ake care that the doors of your house are not shut when you sit down to eat and drink.'1 Ruth Rabah 1:4 This verse crept into my mind over and over as I sat with my family awaiting Thanksgiving dinner. Our guests had not yet arrived, but the smell of turkey and brisket was already flowing from the kitchen. In an effort to distract ourselves from thoughts of the upcoming feast, some of us picked up a newspaper or a magazine, while others watched the television. I sat on the couch flipping through the Boston Globe and half-listening to CNN, and between the paper and the television, only one story seemed to be being told: The Economy. Here I was, about to gorge myself on food and drink while hundreds of thousands of people...not in a distant country, but here in the United States...were combating poverty and unemployment. What was once a day that marked the beginning of the December shopping blitz had become, for many families, an acute reminder of how drastic things can change in a year. And the only phrase that came to mind was, " Fake care that the doors of your house are not shut when you sit down to eat and drink." The statement is not only about food and drink, nor is it only about keeping the "doors of your house" open. The statement is a general challenge to always be mindful of those who have less; to always be prepared to share that which you have and others do not. And (hough I have always been aware of this fundamental Jewish value, I felt, for the first time, an overwhelming sense of urgency to act. Before I sat down to write this bulletin article, 1 searched the Internet for local reactions to the economic situation in Las Vegas and noticed a recurring phrase article after article: "We are doing what we can. At this point we are trying to survive." To read such a reaction once would have been alarming enough, but it appeared over and over and over again. While many of us have felt the pains of the recession, few in our community have beenreduced to phrases like "trying to survive." At first, I thought these testimonies were, hyperbole. People have a tendency to exaggerate. But the more I researched, the more concerned I became. I Iere is the most startling statistic I came across: ?146 schools in l^as Vegas have been identified as at risk, meaning 65% or more of their students are qualified for t he federal free or reduced lunch program. Assistant Rabbi's Message This statistic was given to me directly by Beverly Mason, Assistant Director of the CCSD Community Partnership program. Please read it again. Friends, we are obligated as Jews to take care that the doors of our house are not shut, to be mindful of those in our community that do not have the basic necessities required to survive. We are talking, for example, about growing numbers of children without enough to eat, without warm clothes, without toiletries. In accordance with the principles of our tradition, Temple Beth Sholom has created a Social Action Committee dedicated to creating and implementing programs that will address the most acute needs of those in our community. Listed below are just two examples of programs that will be launched in the coming months. Please join us. For more information, contact Rabbi Adam Watstein, rabbiadam@ bethsholomlv.org , or Heide Gibson, heidelynn@hotniail.com. Family Promise Heide Gibson Family Promise is a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping homeless families together and providing the tools and mentoring needed to transition from homelessness to stability and independence. IBS will be joining the 20+ congregations across the valley already committed to Family Promise. For one week at a time, at least 4 times a year, I BS will provide shelter and daily meals for 4-5 Family Promise families. The families will arrive at TBS each evening at approximately 5:30 PM and will be provided a warm dinner, companionship, and a good night's sleep. They will also be provided a sack lunch for the next day, breakfast each morning, and will leave to begin their day at approximately 6:45 AM. As you can imagine, this endeavor will require lots of enthusiasm and participat ion from I BS members. If you are interested in learning more about Family Promise and/or volunteering with us, please contact the I BS Social Action Committee. We would love to hear from you. KIDS4KIDS Our vision for the kids4kids program is to provide TBS youth the invaluable experience of hands-on community service. One area of focus is to work with the United Way and the CCSD Community Partnership Program. I BS has been paired with one of the 146 at-risk schools mentioned above. Our religious school students will have several opportunities over the coining months to spearhead projects that will benefit the students of this at-risk school (some of which have already begun). In addition, our older students will have an opportunity to meet with and mentor younger students from our partnership school. Stay tuned for details concerning upcoming programs. [ V S7 Family Promise of Us Vegas President's Message Dr. David Steinberg The last time that I spoke at a Bar Mitzvah, other than giving away the standard gifts, I spoke to my own kids. This time I'm not going to talk about Starbucks coffee or the unique Starbucks language they've trained us to speak, nor am I going to speak about wine and not enough time. What I would like to sf>eak about today is what I've learned in the 39 years since my last Bar Mitzvah. I would like to let you in on some of my "Davidisnis''. Many of you have likely figured out many of these "isms in far shorter time than it has taken me. In any case, here are (hose that I've come to learn and live by in the 39 years since my Bar Mitzvah: 1. Many of you have heard me say it, but there are No secrets. Not only are there no secrets from God, but there certainly are no secrets from other humans. First of all, let's 1m; clear. People love to listen to secrets only slightly less than they love telling secrets. If there are no secrets, it is clear if you lie or try to deceive others you will get caught. I laving no secrets certainly makes any relationship you ever get involved with much simpler. No secrets make you potentially a better leader. Certainly if John Edwards and Eliot Spitzer believed there were no secrets they could have learned an important life lesson before hurting those so near and dear to them. If anyone missed the ultimate picture of hurt, disgust and disdain, Google Eliot Spitzer's picture and find the one of his wife, Silda by his side during the press conference when lie confessed his lies. I ,<x)k at Silda's face as she chose to stand Welcome to Family Promise of Las Vegas 4 President's Message by him. The picture tells many stories. A wife's decision to stand by her husband whose acts disgust her. A leader and vigilante whose holier than thou attitude made him an example and ultimately a mockery. The biggest question in my mind is how he explained his lies to his three teenage daughters. 2. Everyone loves surprises. Now, in the simplest terms, you can think of how people love receiving (lowers or a gift when they least expect it. And perhaps on a more philosophical level, surprises are outcomes that are not expected but are positive or hopeful. This leads me to the most important part of a surprise, which is hope. I lope is the most valuable part of any surprise. This is something I've learned as a physician. Everyone, but especially patients, need Hope in most cases as much or more than the drugs that doctors prescribe. Part of my job is not only interpreting tests but explaining those test results to patients. I remember very well a Christinas Eve many years ago now when I had just done a biopsy on a young woman who was pregnant. She had brought her 3 kids to the office with her since she could not afford a babysitter. I was explaining the results of her biopsy. She listened anxiously, desperately wanting to know the facts and how the results would affect her and her unborn child. At that moment I had 2 jobs: my job as a DOCTOR to explain the biopsy results as candidly and as honestly as possible. I lowever, my even more important job as a HUMAN BEING to frame those results without spoiling her chance for a surprise or hope. Without the chance of a surprise or hope how would she weather the difficult course of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation? Years later she came back to me and told me that that evening was perhaps the darkest evening of her life; yet knowing that she had a chance for a surprise and hope allowed her to go back to her family and go forward with treatment and pray for a surprise and to live for die promise of hope. 3. Do not compare yourself to others. All you will do is strain your neck. This is a simple one. There are people that are richer than you, poorer than you, handsomer than you, stupider than you, smarter than you, able to davcn better than you, but in the end they are not you. Remembering that saves you a lot of time because it helps you begin to understand that you are unique and that trying to compare yourself to others is never a good comparison. 4. Number 4 (which is really a corollary to 3) is, happiness starts with knowing and liking who you are. When you really start to know yourself you understand your limitations and your abilities and when you begin to like those limitations and enjoy those abilities or disabilities, you become happier. I wish that I was a great skier or could make a basket from half court, but I am who I am! I can't walk up the side of a mountain as quickly as my wife yet I love the view of her walking in front of tne. I love sitting in synagogue and reading the Torah and the Torah Commentary. I'm philosophical and spiritual, intensely loyal, fairly sarcastic and a very frustrated comic. Am I in evolution? Perhaps, but certainly not one of my 'isms, but one of my father's 'isms, "is that people never change." And, if you speak with my parents, they will tell you that I'm perhaps not very much different now than I was when I was young. Nonetheless, knowing who you are and liking who you are is the start of your personal happiness. 5. Laugh as much as possible, especially at yourself. This one is a proven medical fact. Norman Cousins years ago, found in a book "Laughter is the Best Medicine" that people who laughed who were seriously ill did better than people who didn't laugh. This is not only true when you are ill, but also when you feel you are ill-fated or ill-adept at dealing with life or what life has dealt you. Don't take yourself too seriously. It could always be worse; and certainly could always be better, it is what it is. Smile, knowing that as seemingly hopeless as things may be at some point, laughter will certainly help you tolerate any situation. 6. Don't rush to red lights. I like this one because I see it all the time. People pass me as fast as they can go when they are driving only to get to a red light and have to stop abruptly. Not only does it waste gas and put excess wear and tear on your car, but what's the point of it? It's pointless. Anymore than 1 see people pushing the elevator or crosswalk button 30 or 40 times. I have to admit I've done it many times as well. I guess the meaning to me in this one is life has its own rhythm and speed, rather than you thinking that by getting to the red light sooner it's going to change any quicker. It will not. The fact is that you don't control many things. Don't waste your time trying to effect change on things that you don't control. This obviously has lots of meanings whether knowing that you need to age gracefully or that the end of the school day is not going to come any quicker if you look at your watch every 5 seconds. Learn to understand that every time lias a season and life is very much a journey rather than simply a set of goals. You should enjoy all the seasons of your life and all the time between the red lights rather than rushing and waiting. 7. I lonesty and kindness are contagious. This is really part of our Jewish tradition. To act rather than 5 Education Yoiiina Schnee Assistant Director of Religious School &c Adult Education Jon Mitzmacher Director of Education Solomon Schechter Announces 2009 Gala Honorees Solomon Schechter is proud to announce that it will be honoring D'vorre and I lal Ober at its annual Wine lasting & Chinese Auction Gala. I lead of School, Jon Mitzmacher said, "This year we are proud to have an opportunity to honor the memory of I)'vorre and Mai Ober at our event. Hal was a founding member of our school's board and D'vorre was a spirited volunteer. Their passion for education contributed greatly to our sch(X)Ps successful founding. We an; humbled to have the chance to acknowledge them in this way. ' [lie event is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st at Temple Beth Sholom. Proceeds from the event go to the Sidney Chaplin Scholarship Fund. For more information, please contact Schechter at (702) 804-1333, ext. 114 or email info@ssds-lv.org. Solomon Schechter Holds Mock Presidential Debate The Fifth Grade class at Solomon Schechter held a mock Presidential Debate on October 29th. The debate featured the candidates, their running mates, spouses, members of the news media and even Joe the Plumber! The class has been engaged in serious research and study this entire school year of the presidential campaign. Focus groups wen' conducted, campaign materials produced, and the entire school voted on Flection Day. Faeh student researched his/her role and the debate featured the candidates' own words. Parents were invited and everyone marveled at the students' performances. Religious School Before I give an update on the Religious School, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the congregants, clergy and staff here at Temple Beth Sholom on behalf of myself and my sons, Yonatan, Raphael and Gavriel. Since David passed away so suddenly, our world has been turned upside down and sideways, and we have begun the continuous process of healing and adjusting without our loving husband and father. The outpouring of love, support and help from all of you has been amazing, and it has shown us that TBS is a community that truly cares and steps in where there is need. We only arrived here 2 years ago from New York, not knowing a soul in Las Vegas and Temple Beth Sholom has become a family to us. I really don't know how we could have survived the shock of these past two months without your love and support. Shabbaton - we are already preparing for the Spring Shabbaton, which will take place the weekend of April 24-26, 2009. In reviewing all of the surveys we've received, we are happy to find that the majority of feedback was positive. Thanks to comments from parents and students alike, we will be making some changes and improvements in the program, and it is sure to be just as fantastic, if not better than the first one! A BIG thank you to the Women's League for preparing and providing us with the delicious meals for our first Shabbatonl Our I lebrew program is progressing remarkably well, and it is amazing how much can be accomplished in a 40 minute lesson. In their small groups, students are receiving the individual attention that they need to make progress with their Hebrew reading skills, and they are learning more than ever about the I lebrew language. For most of our Religious School families, this has changed the afternoon Religious School experience into a more positive and productive one. Every other Sunday, our students participate in either Art or Drama and they are finding new ways to apply what they learn in class through personal expression. We are glad to have Iris Fieldman on our staff to create engaging and educational drama classes for the students. Some students also created Jewish Superheroes in the .Arts rotation, with our very own assistant Alyson Keizer, who has a special passion and talent for teaching. This year, we also have a great team of 8th and 9th grade Midrasha students, who are learning to be leaders in the classrooms, and acting as role models for our younger students. Iliey work alongside the teachers to make sure that our Sunday morning program runs smoothly and efficiently. We are grateful to have such a fantastic Midrasha team! On Friday, December 12th, our Kitah Vav (Sixth Grade) students will be led much of the Kabbalal Skabbat Service. They are sure to impress us all with their Tefillah skills, and their wise insights into the Torah portion. Adult Education Read Hebrew America was held on November 23rd, and participants were treated to a crash course in reading I lebrew, learning to read in just a few hours! Ongoing classes include the 6 Education Rabbi's Parashat /lashavuah, as well as Intro to Judaism, Schechter Parent University and Beginning Hebrew. Be sure to watch for new classes coming in the Spring! USY USY has been busy with events during the months of October and November! Jr. and Sr. USY participated in the I Iaunted Sukkah event with MKTUSY. Before heading out to Bonnie Screams, the teens met up in a Sukkah and did Havdalah together. Once at Bonnie Screams, the teens rode a haunted train, went into several different haunted houses, walked on a haunted trail and even saw a magic show. Even though many were scared, it was a great event! Jr. and Sr. USY continued to enjoy Sukkol with Rabbi Goodman. All of the teens were invited to hang out and dine in the Rabbi's Sukkah. The food and I he company were fabulous! In November, Jr. and Sr. USY went cosmic bowling with MKT LSY. Over 30 teens filled up five bowling lanes and were serious competitors! The teens had a blast hanging out with their friends, eating a ton of pizza, and bowling the night away. After wards they were treated to delicious Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Kadima enjoyed their day at the movies and saw the hilarious movie, Madagascar Escape 2 Africa, at the Red Rock Movie Theaters. The 4th ? 6th graders watched it and ate tons of popcorn and candy ? yum! Jr. and Sr. USY also enjoyed their day at the movies by being in the VIP Movie room at Red Rock movie theaters and watch the new 007 James Bond film. It is always an amazing experience to be treated like a VIP! USY is looking forward to their mitzvah project in December (a food drive for the Three Square Food program for kids in schools) and making latkes and cookies at Little Pastry Chefs. If you are interested in joining USY or coming to our next event, please contact, Lauren Frydman at 327- 5858 or email tbsusyinlv@ginail.com. Preschool News By Jennifer Zukowski NAEYC Conference Early in the month of November, a select group of our Preschool staff was given the opportunity to travel to Dallas, Texas to participate in an outstanding Early Childhood Conference sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Thousands of courses are offered every year concerning every imaginable aspect of early childhood education. Our teachers returned from this conference brimming with new ideas and enthusiasm that they couldn't wait to share with the rest of our staff, children, and families. Thanksgiving Each Thanksgiving the preschool students adopt several families from Jewish Family Services in order to provide them with food and table decorations to make their Thanksgiving holiday a little more special. This fabulous project helps to teach the children about the mitzvot of ha'akhalat re'evim (feeding the hungry), tikkiui olam (repairing the world), andgemilut hasadim (acts of loving-kindness). In addition to helping others prepare for Thanksgiving, we celebrate each year in our own special way by sharing in a joyous Thanksgiving Feast with our friends and families. Master Chef Custav Mauler caters this delicious event. The smells of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy help to bring in the Thanksgiving holiday. Hanukkah Hanukkah celebrates the Festival of Lights and what a joyous occasion it is. All of our classes really get into the holiday season, whether it's through cooking latkes, making hanukkiyot, acting out the story of Judah and the Maccabees, comparing and contrasting doughnuts with sufganiyot, making their very own candles, or counting gelt. The rooms and hallways become infused with the holiday spirit. Winter Camp Wondering what to do with your preschool children over the Winter Break while school is out? Bring them to our fabulous Winter Camp! Your child will have the opportunity to learn and play with the same quality staff we employ during the school year. All kinds of fun games and winter themes will be explored during camp, including a super fun New Year pizza party celebration. If you have any questions regarding enrollment in our program, please contact the Early Education Department of Temple Beth Sholom at (702) 804- 1333, ext. 112. Temple Beth Sholom Preschool accepts children ages 18 months through pre-Kindergarten. 7 Temple News Women's League News By Debbie Miner ?I I'm going to apologize ahead of time if anyone minds that I use writing part of this article as a tool for some personal healing. I lost an angel with a special heart