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Contents
*** denotes a new item listed
Highlights
General Beth El Information
Beth El Judaica Shop
BEPS (Beth El Preschool)
Culture Corner
Education
Library
Men’s Club
Nitzanim
Refuah Shleimah
Senior Caucus/Vatikkim
Services
Sisterhood / Zhava
Youth Activities
Community Notes
Congregation Beth El
8215 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-652-2606
Fax: 301-907-8559
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HIGHLIGHTS
AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE PREVIEW & DISCUSSION TONIGHT AT BETH EL
Everyone is invited to a cocktail reception and discussion with two of AIPAC’s senior lobbyists (and fellow congregants), Ester Kurz and David Gillette, this evening, Tuesday, January 31, at 7:00 pm at Beth El. There is no charge, but please RSVP to Deborah Adler at 202-583-4689 or dadler@aipac.org. Whether you’re already familiar with AIPAC or just curious and want to know more, this evening’s program will be highly informative.
We also believe that the AIPAC Policy Conference, to be held in Washington, DC, March 4–6, will be a unique experience from which we can all learn and gain strength in our support of Israel. We hope you will consider joining us and fellow Beth El congregants for three very empowering days. As Israel continues to be isolated from its neighbors and as Iran continues its illicit campaign to develop nuclear weapons that threaten the world, we can never take for granted the security and support that the US Congress provides for Israel. We are blessed to live in a country where our voices are not only heard, they are welcomed. And while we are fortunate to have that opportunity, we each have a responsibility to stand up and be counted. Our presence shows Congress that we care. Join us and over 10,000 pro-Israel activists from all 50 states at AIPAC’s Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., March 4–6. This year we are working to ensure that this is the largest Beth El delegation ever. Take a moment to view Rabbi Rudolph’s YouTube video and visit www.aipac.org/PC2012 to register for the Policy Conference.
We hope that you will join us!
Rabbi Bill Rudolph and Rabbi Greg Harris
SHABBAT SHIRAH - COMMUNAL SINGING WITH BETH EL'S MUSIC ENSEMBLES
Join Marak HaYom, Shir Atid, Ahavat Shir, and the Beth El community for an exciting Shabbat service on Friday, February 3, at 6:30 pm, celebrating the power of music. Led by Hazzan Klein, the evening will be filled with stirring melodies for communal singing and several songs led by our wonderful musical ensembles. Join us and rediscover the transformational power of music, prayer, and community.
WORLD WIDE WRAP
On Sunday, February 5, everyone is invited to World Wide Wrap, the annual program on tefillin organized by the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, beginning with morning minyan at 9:00 am, followed by the Men’s Club 9:30 am breakfast and a 10:00 am talk by Rabbi David Abramson. Assistance will be available at 8:45 am for those who would like to lay tefillin but need help with putting them on. A number of extra pairs of tefillin will also be available.
LEARN BASIC CPR
How often do we hear about a life being saved by a bystander who was able to perform CPR or the Heimlich? Join other Beth El members on Sunday, February 5, at 9:30 am, for a basic CPR course sponsored by the Sisterhood Social Action Committee; taught by congregant Michael Kay. Learn how to recognize cardiac conditions vs. stroke and what you can do to help (This is not a certification course.). Attendance is limited; RSVP at sisterhoodevent@bethelmc.org. This class is in memory of Robert Harris, father of Rabbi Greg Harris.
JUDITH VIORST, SHARING LIFE LESSONS
Help kick-off the new CE21 Age & Stage Program on Sunday, February 5, at 1:00 pm. Judith Viorst will be sharing her life lessons from childhood to retirement. Age and Stage is a program of CE21 for homogeneous groups of members to learn about the lifecycle issues relevant to their demographic through a Jewish lens. We are beginning with Empty Nesters as our first demographic. Immediately following the talk, Empty Nesters are invited to stay for a quick town hall style meeting to provide input to our empty nester task force on future programming. A selection of Judith Viorst’s books will be available for sale; cash or check only, please. Refreshments will be served. Free admission; RSVPs are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins will be welcome. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Geryl Baer at gbaer@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext. 352.
CONGREGATIONAL TU B’ SHEVAT SHABBAT DINNER
Join Minyan Chaverim to celebrate Tu B’Shevat and Shabbat with a festive evening on Friday, February 10, beginning with the Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6:30 pm, led by members of Minyan Chaverim, followed by dinner at 7:15 pm. Reservation forms are available in the lobby lucite holders and in the January Scroll. Please RSVP by Tuesday morning, February 7.
GENERAL BETH EL INFORMATION
MELODIES CLASS
Hazzan Klein will begin a monthly Shabbat melodies class, this Saturday, February 4, at 12:40 pm, featuring niggunim, zemirot, and new melodies for Shabbat. This is a great opportunity for all ages and abilities to learn new melodies, feel more comfortable with the service, and rediscover the joy of singing.
ADULT B’NAI MITZVAH
Join us at the main Sanctuary service on Saturday, February 18, at 9:30 am, for the “graduation” of our latest Adult B’nai Mitzvah class. These students have been engaged in an eighteen-month learning and community-building program. Watch for upcoming registration announcements for our next class, or contact Ricardo Munster at rmunster@bethelmc.org. This program is about learning and bonding, regardless of whether you had a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony as a child or not.
SUBMIT A PERSONAL STORY FOR THE APRIL SCROLL***
For the April Scroll, with the theme of “Passover, Liberty, and Freedom,” we invite you to submit personal stories (with photos, if available) about: fleeing oppression and persecution; your involvement in justice and civil rights movements; how you talk about freedom at your Passover seder. Articles should be no more than 500–600 words and may be edited for length and style. The deadline is Sunday, February 26. Send your short stories to Scroll@bethelmc.org.
INTERRELIGIOUS LEARNING INSTITUTE
Discover “Peace and Violence: Perspectives from the Sacred Texts of Jews, Christians, and Muslims.” Join Rabbi Rudolph and Rabbi Harris on Sunday, February 26, 10:15 am to 2:00 pm, as they host a panel of distinguished scholars: Medhi Aminrazavi, Professor of Philosophy and Religion and Director of the Middle Eastern Studies Program at the University of Mary Washington; Dr. Rosann Catalano, Associate Director of the Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies (Baltimore) as well as its Roman Catholic Scholar; and Robert Eisen, Professor of Religion and Judaic Studies at the George Washington University. The morning plenary discussion and refreshments will be followed by explorations of individual texts in a second plenary session in the afternoon. Free admission. RSVP to Ricardo Munster at rmunster@bethelmc.org.
BRISKET AND BEYOND
Check out Beth El’s new food blog, Brisket and Beyond. The link can be found on Beth El’s website and www.brisketandbeyondbethel.blogspot.com and is updated periodically. Try a new recipe for Shabbat and post comments!
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT BETH EL
BETH EL JUDAICA SHOP
New in the Beth El Judaica Shop! Purchase your own reusable Beth El bag with the Green Tikkun logo; $3.00 each or two for $5.00. As you are already aware, since January 1 there is now a five cent charge at all stores in Montgomery County if you want a plastic or paper bag.
Come in and see our newly designed store! Volunteer to work in the shop and receive a 10% discount on purchases you make during your shift. Contact Michelle Gips or Mindy Davis to volunteer, make an appointment, or for more information.
Shop Hours: Sundays 9:30 am to 12:30 pm; Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:00 to 6:15 pm.
BEPS (BETH EL PRESCHOOL)
SUPPORT BETH EL'S YOUNGEST MEMBERS - CONTRIBUTE TO THE BEPS BIG EVENT’S SILENT AUCTION! ***
Do you have a beach house you aren’t using for a week? Or maybe you're a Redskins, Caps, or Wizards season ticket holder? Do you design jewelry? Or perhaps you own a local business you want to promote to local families? Your donations are welcome! Planning is well underway for Beth El Preschool's annual fundraiser, The Big Event, which will take place on Sunday, March 11, at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Chevy Chase. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or have donations, please contact Amy Eisner.
CULTURE CORNER
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY/MARCH:
- Through February 19, at the DCJCC: “Locally Grown: Community Supported Art from Our Own Garden,” Theater J's new festival focusing on the thriving Washington DC playwright scene. For schedule and more information, visit www.theaterj.org.
- February 1–9, at the DCJCC, JCC of Greater Washington, Avalon Theater and other venues: REELabilities: Disabilities Film Festival featuring films about people with various disabilities. Films include “Warrior Champions,” on February 1; “Praying with Lior,” on February 5, “Ben X,” on February 2, and others. For more information, visit www.greaterdc.reelabilities.org.
- February 29- April 1, at Theater J: “New Jerusalem: the Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza,” – a retelling of the story of the 1656 interrogation of philosopher Baruch De Spinoza. This show was originally staged in 2010 and sold out during that run. For more information, visit www.theaterj.org.
EDUCATION
A TASTE OF TALMUD
This class, taught by Adjunct Rabbi David Abramson, meets every Tuesday morning year-round at approximately 8:15 am following morning minyan. All are welcome. There is no fee.
SAUL BENDIT INSTITUTE
The Beth El theme for the current year is Education. As you make your plans for what to do this spring, consider registering for a course in our Saul Bendit Adult Institute. Rabbi Rudolph will be teaching a course on Wednesday evenings in which six prominent guest speakers will discuss what they have learned through their professional careers. Classes start on Tuesday morning, March 13, and Wednesday evening, March 14. Early bird registration is available until March 3.
LIBRARY
LOOKING FOR A GOOD HOME FOR YOUR JEWISH BOOKS? ***
The library is collecting books for its book sale at the end of February. Through February 20, you may donate gently-used Jewish books to the library (no prayerbooks or encyclopedias, please). Before the sale, we will consider each book for addition to the library collection (hardcover children's books are especially prized). Please leave books in marked bags and boxes in the library. Receipts provided upon request. For more information, please contact Lois Zuckerman or Steve Levy.
READ ALONG WITH THE BETH EL BOOK CLUB! ***
Our next book is “Comedy in a Minor Key,” by Hans Keilson. A front page review in the New York Times Book Review in 2010 proclaimed this World War II novella a "masterpiece." We will discuss it on Sunday, March 18, from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm. All are welcome! Copies of the book are available in our library, the public library, and through local and online booksellers. For more information, please contact Marge London or Robin Jacobson.
PLEASE DO NOT MAKE YOUR NICE LIBRARIANS PLAY SHERLOCK HOLMES! ***
Two new books have vanished without a trace from the library: “Beginnings,” by Meir Shalev, and “Jerusalem,” by Simon Montefiore. The eager readers who borrowed these books may return them to the book drop; no questions asked. Please, everyone, do not remove books from the library without signing them out. There is a card in the back of each circulating book that you can sign and leave in the basket on the desk. On Shabbat, follow the instructions posted on the desk for clipping your membership card (kept in a card file on the library desk) to the book card and then leave the clipped cards in the basket.
MEN’S CLUB
COMMITTEE TO DEFEND AGAINST THE DELEGITIMIZATION OF ISRAEL***
Join the Committee to Defend Against the Delegitimization of Israel Within the U.N. when they meet on Thursday, February 2, at 7:00 pm, at Ohr Kodesh (8300 Meadowbrook Lane, Chevy Chase, MD), in advance the upcoming major event on March 25. For more information, contact Harvey Gershman.
HEARING MEN’S VOICES
All Beth El men are invited to participate in this monthly discussion group specifically for men. The next meeting is Thursday, February 2, at 8:30 pm, when Hazzan Klein and Ben Bronheim will lead a discussion about “Shabbat Shirah: The Liturgical Melodies That Move Us.”
WORLD WIDE WRAP – See details under Highlights above
NITZANIM
NITZANIM PURIM PARTY ***
Join Nitzanim for a Purim Party, on Sunday, February 26, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Celebrate this fun holiday with arts, crafts, and hamantaschen. For more information, contact Rochelle Fink.
NITZANIM KABBALAT SHABBAT ***
Wear your PJs for a relaxed welcoming of Shabbat, on Friday, March 2, at 6:30 pm, followed by a cookie oneg. Led by with Dan Goldman, fun for the whole family! Watch for more details in the coming weeks!
REFUAH SHLEIMAH
Refuah Shleimah: Have you ever found out about someone’s illness or surgery after the fact and, if you had known earlier, you would have sent a card, called, visited or helped them in some way? In keeping with the Jewish value of bikkur cholim (caring for the sick), Beth El has a weekly Refuah Shleimah (complete healing) list that is included in the weekly Tuesday listserv announcements and in the hard copy Shabbat announcements. Names will be included for the duration of the illness or for four weeks, whichever period is shorter. While we hope congregants will participate, we recognize that not everyone may want his/her name included. Therefore, we will accept names only from the person him/herself, or an immediate family member, and details of the illness will not be disclosed. To be included on the list, please contact the clergy or Ricardo Munster at rmunster@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext. 316.
Refuah Shleimah to Sam Saady (in Florida) and Jerry Wernick.
SENIOR CAUCUS - VATIKKIM
ROUNDTABLE WITH THE RABBI
Don’t miss Roundtable with the Rabbi on Wednesday, February 1, at 2:00 pm, to celebrate February birthdays with desserts, coffee, and an inspiring discussion led by Rabbi Rudolph.
BRIDGE
The greatest card game ever – all are welcome! Enjoy a friendly afternoon of bridge (almost) every Monday. The next game will be on Monday, February 6, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. No partner or RSVP is needed. This program is sponsored by Beth El’s Senior Caucus. For more information, contact Ricardo Munster at rmunster@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext. 316.
SENIOR CAUCUS - VATIKKIM LUNCHEON
Join the Senior Caucus and Vatikkim for their monthly luncheon on Thursday, February 16, at Noon. Following lunch, stay for the screening of “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz,” a wonderful Canadian comedy-drama film directed by Ted Kotcheff and starring Richard Dreyfuss. It is based on a novel of the same name by Mordecai Richler. Academy award nominee, the film won awards in the Berlin International Film Festival and was voted Film of the Year by the Canadian Film Awards. RSVP for lunch no later than Tuesday morning, February 14, to Ricardo Munster at rmunster@bethelmc.org or 301-652-8569, ext. 316. Program is free; begins after lunch, around 1:00 pm.
STRATHMORE – WPAS CONCERTS***
MURRAY PERAHIA
The Senior Caucus, in conjunction with the congregation, has reserved a block of tickets for the performance of world renowned pianist, Murray Perahia, on Sunday, March 18, at 4:00 pm. Tickets are $64 each for seating in the Promenade section at the Music Center at Strathmore. RSVP to Ricardo Munster by Wednesday, February 22, at 301-652-8569, ext. 316, or rmunster@bethelmc.org.
SERVICES
WEEKDAY MORNING MINYAN
In addition to evening minyan, Beth El's schedule of services includes a daily morning minyan, Monday through Friday at 7:30 am. Please consider attending services in the morning to assist with making a minyan. Torah is read on Monday and Thursday mornings. This is a good way to start your day! A light breakfast follows the service.
SHABBAT MINCHA, SEUDAH SHLISHIT, MA’ARIV, AND HAVDALAH***
Join us on Saturday, February 4, at 4:45 pm for this moving conclusion to Shabbat and welcoming of the new week.
WEEKDAY EVENING MINYAN
Weekly minyan assignments are e-mailed to congregants in alphabetical order over the course of the year to encourage attendance so that there will always be a minyan at Beth El. Please try to join us at 8:00 pm for 15 minutes during your assigned week. For February 5 through 9, assignments are for those families with surnames from Hirt to Jassie.
SISTERHOOD/ZHAVA
MAH JONGG NIGHT
Join us every Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm. Beginning and experienced players welcome! RSVP to Nancy Kay.
ZHAVA SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP
Join Zhava this Sunday, February 5, from 10:00 am to Noon, for a self-defense workshop. Defend Yourself, a local organization dedicated to teaching skills for stopping harassment, abuse and assault, will lead the workshop. The workshop will cover prevention and awareness (things you can do to prevent or avoid an attack or abuse), assertiveness and verbal self defense, and physical self-defense. Cost is $18; only limited space available. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Karen Auerbach or Sheryl Miller.
FRUCTIFICATION
Now that we have your attention, all Sisterhood and Zhava members are invited to a Tu B’Shevat seder on Wednesday, February 8, at 7:30 pm, at Beth El. On this “holiday of the trees,” join us as we taste and appreciate the wondrous yield of fruit-bearing tress, learn about fructification, and even drink four cups of wine. The seder will be led by Gail Fribush. Reservations are preferred, but not required. Admission is $5.00 per person, payable at the door, to cover the cost of food. To make your reservation or find out more, please write to Gail.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
2ND ANNUAL NATIONAL COLLEGIATE JEWISH A CAPPELLA COMPETITION***
All families, if you love the Maccabeats or “Glee” or just love contemporary Jewish music, don’t miss the 2nd Annual National Collegiate Jewish A Cappella Competition, on Saturday, February 25, at 7:30 pm, at Adas Israel Congregation. A Cappella choirs from all over the country will be competing. For more information and tickets, log on to www.kolhaolam.org.
SUMMER JOBS WITH THE BETH EL SUMMER CAMP ***
High schoolers looking for jobs this summer, the Beth El Summer Camp for preschoolers is hiring junior counselors! Camp is held in two sessions: June 18 to July 6, and July 9 to July 27, 9:15 am to 1:00 pm. Work one or both sessions. For more information or to apply, please email Stephanie Slater.
BONIM (K – 2nd GRADES)
- Yoga for Kids: Join an amazing afternoon of stretching and relaxing on Sunday, February 12, at 11:45 am, with some kid-friendly yoga at Beth El. Cost is $5. Please bring a dairy or parve nut-free lunch. RSVP to Sara at bonim@bethelmc.org.
MACHAR (3rd – 5th GRADES)
- Sunday Afternoon Skating: Spend a Sunday afternoon skating outside on Sunday, February 12, from 12:15 to 3:00 pm. Join Machar as we head to the brand new outdoor ice rink in Rockville for an afternoon of fun! Bus leaves Beth El at 12:15 pm. Cost is $15. RSVP to Mira at kahn.mira@gmail.com.
KADIMA (6th – 7th GRADES)
- Rock Climbing Party: Test your strength and courage on Sunday, February 5. We will meet at Beth El at 12:15 pm and head to Rockville. We will return to Beth El at 3:45 pm. Cost is $15. Please RSVP now to Jordan at kadima@bethelmc.org.
JR USY (8th GRADE)
- Our Annual 8th Grade Laser Tag Lock-in: We’ll meet at Beth El at 11:00 pm on Saturday, February 4, for snacks, then head to Shadowland for a private laser tag party from 12:30 am to 2:30 am. The place is all ours! We’ll head back to Beth El for movies, games, more snacks and, hopefully, some sleep. Cost will be $30 per person. Be sure to sign up now by emailing Adam at azeren@bethelmc.org.
USY (9th – 12 GRADES)
- Israel Party: Join us on Saturday, February 4, 7:00 to 9:30 pm, at Beth El. Eat some delicious Israeli food; learn how the Israeli army defends itself with a lesson on Krav Maga; and so much more! RSVP to Adam at azeren@bethelmc.org.
- Shabbaton at Beth Israel in Baltimore: Beth El Teens are invited to this amazing Shabbaton on Claire Sodden Memorial Weekend, February 10 – 11, for 36 hours of fun! Reality TV Theme, IceBreakers, great food, thematic discussion, a rockin’ Friday Service (really), Amazing Israel Race, and a winter wear tzedakah fashion show are among the weekend’s offerings. 28 teens have already noted that they are attending. Your teen can join us! Application found at: http://tinyurl.com/CSMW2012VisitorApplication or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/296863210356671/
- Overnight Trip to Great Wolf Lodge: Join more than 100 9th – 12th graders from Conservative synagogues across Maryland, Virginia, D.C., and North Carolina, on President’s Day Weekend, Sunday and Monday, February 19 and 20, for two days of fun in Williamsburg. We’ll spend all day Sunday at Virginia’s largest indoor water park that boasts 8 huge slides, 5 pools, a giant water fort, a lazy river, and more! Then we will all head to Historic Williamsburg for ghost tours by candlelight. After breakfast on Monday, we’ll head to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! to explore their “odditorium.” If you are interested in two days of non-stop fun with other Jewish teens, the USY Winter Escape to Williamsburg is for you! The deadline to register is February 1 (or until our buses fill up). You can easily register online at www.seaboardusy.org/williamsburg and pay by credit card (or you will have the option to print an invoice and mail in a check). If you prefer to complete and submit a paper application with a check, please email Adam at azeren@bethelmc.org.
YOUTH LOUNGE OPEN BEFORE RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Your kid(s) will be screaming to get to Religious School early! The Youth Lounge (downstairs, across from the Multi-Purpose Room) is open every Tuesday and Wednesday, from 3:45 pm to 4:15 pm for all students. We’ve got new Nintendo Wii Games, great snacks, an HDTV, DirecTV. No RSVP needed. We make sure they get to class on time!
COMMUNITY NOTES
COMMUNITY EREV SHIRA IN CELEBRATION OF TU B’SHEVAT***
If you love to sing, don’t miss this wonderful event on Saturday, February 11, from 8:00 to 10:00 pm at Sharre Tefila Congregation, 16620 Georgia Avenue, Olney, MD (between Emory Lane and Emory Church Road, on the west side/service road of Georgia Avenue; 1.5 miles north of the ICC). Group singing led by area musicians. Cost is $10 for reservations made by February 8, or $12 at the door. For more information, contact Lisa Arber at arberld@aol.com or visit www.ShaareTefila.org.
JSSA HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Do you want to help people during their most challenging days? Make a real difference in the life of a patient or family by volunteering your time and compassion. JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency), a non-sectarian community agency, is seeking volunteers over the age of 18 to help enhance the quality of life of individuals and families facing life-threatening or terminal illness. The next 20-hour training course is scheduled for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, March 4, 5, and 6, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at JSSA's Montrose Road office, 6123 Montrose Road, Rockville. Applications and interviews will be required for those interested in the volunteer training. No walk-ins accepted. For more information and to sign up for the course, please contact Amy Kaufman Goott, Manager of Volunteer Services for JSSA Hospice and Transitions, at 301-816-2650 or agoott@jssa.org, no later than 5 days prior to the start of the course.
ROUTES: A DAY OF JEWISH LEARNING***
From comedy to Kabbalah, global politics to playground politics, soul mates to soul searching, don’t miss 70 great conversations with inspiring speakers. What they say might surprise you! 7 hours; 70 Sessions. Re-fuel your think tank and join A Day of Jewish Learning, Sunday, March 11, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the University of Maryland, College Park, Munching Hall. General admission is $18 ($25 at the door); students (high school and undergraduate) are free with a valid student ID. Registration is now open at www.routeslearning.org, or call 240-283-6200 for more information.
HADASSAH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Everyone is invited to this special evening sponsored by Hadassah, in cooperation with the Embassy of Israel, on Thursday, March 15. Cocktail reception and musical program. For further information, please call 301-881-8203 or go to www.dc.hadassah.org.
TIMES ARE TOUGH
Sometimes a little help can make a very big difference. If you’re in a financial bind and are having trouble paying rent, tuition, or meeting other worthwhile expenses, an interest-free personal and/or student loan from the Hebrew Free Loan Association of Greater Washington for up to $10,000 might be the help you need. To find out if you qualify or for more information, contact HebrewFreeLoanGrWash@gmail.com, or call 301-770-4836.
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