December 2007 Shofar

From Our President:

 

Dear Friends,

 

Federation Shabbat Services will be held Friday, December 7th at Adas Kodesch.  Services will be at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7:00 p.m.  If you would like to attend, please contact Jewish Federation at 302-427-2100.  There will be no services at TBE Friday night.

I have heard so many wonderful comments from our service Friday evening November 16th.  I extend a hearty thank you to all who helped with the dinner, oneg and service. I have been told that it was a magical night with the participation of our Confirmation students, Choir, Klezmer band and guests from Temple Beth El in Philadelphia. Many have said that it truly felt as though our two families had joined.  I hope this becomes an annual event. 

As Thanksgiving is now over, and we prepare to celebrate Chanukah, let us not forget those in our community less fortunate.  The ‘People Helping People’ campaign is one of Temple Beth El’s most important activities.  The families listed in last month’s Shofar need our help.  Please double check the list to see if you can provide any of the requested items.  As noted, cash donations are accepted as well as donations of non-perishable food items.  Speaking of celebrating Chanukah, TBE held its Chanukah Bazaar on November 18th.  While I was unable to attend, I hear that it was a very nice event and was well attended.

Board Shabbat will be held December 14th.  Come out and show your support for not only the Temple Board, but Sisterhood and Men’s Club Boards.

It is my unpleasant task to tell you that our caterer, Elizabeth Brodt resigned effective November 19.  Her resignation is due to the lack of interest by our congregants to utilize our Temple Beth El catering services.  Sisterhood catering has always been considered as good as, if not better than, any outside catering service.  What is also disappointing is that for many years the proceeds from Sisterhood catering has provided a steady source of revenue to the operating budget of TBE.  Without this source of revenue, the finance committee will need to review alternate revenue sources.  

As a reminder, Temple Beth El’s constitution requires that the president appoint a nominating committee to be in place for January.  As such, anyone who would like to be a part of this process is urged to contact me as soon as possible.  Moreover, your participation on the Board of Directors is highly encouraged and an ideal opportunity for increased involvement in our community.

This month, I would like to continue profiling another two members of the Temple Board.  Both of these individuals are past presidents of the Temple Board:

Alice Hirsch, Past President of the Temple Board- Alice is also a former sisterhood President. She and her husband Jeff have been members of TBE since 1969.  Their two married sons, Rick and Scott went through our religious school program.  Alice grew up in Monsey, NY and received her Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and her Master’s degree from the U of D.  Alice retired from teaching in 2006.  Alice keeps busy reading, traveling, visiting her children and grandchildren, playing bridge, mah jongg, and attending the Academy of Lifelong Learning.

Allen Glasman, Member at Large- Allen is the only board member south of the

 C & D canal.  The Glasman family moved to Middletown, De from Hillsborough, NJ the end of June 2005.  Allen works for TA instruments, as a Service Support Specialist supporting TA’s world-wide service staff through training, documentation, and other support.  TA instruments are a world-wide leader in scientific instrumentation.  Allen is married to Ellen and has two children, Isabel and Noah.  The Glasman family joined TBE in August 2005.  Over time spent picking up Noah, Allen realized that he enjoyed coming to Shabbat services and enjoys the community atmosphere of TBE.  He likes the idea that it really is a collective group of people that makes the temple go. 

I remind you that if you have any ideas or suggestions please do not hesitate contacting me at or by phone (302-234-6529), or you may contact anyone of the other board members.

Best wishes to you and your families for a Happy Chanukah.

 

B’Shalom,

 

Jay Stellenberg

President, Board of Directors

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DISCOVERY GROUP

December 16

January 13

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TOT SHABBAT

December 14

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CONFIRMATION  SERVICE

Saturday, December 8th

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FAMILY SERVICE

Dalet - January 11th

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GIMMEL PARENT MEETING

Tuesday, January 15th

5:00 p.m.

 

“BLUE BOOKS”

 

Our 2007-08 Temple directory is finished.

If you would like a copy please stop by the office and pick one up.

 

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FEDERATION SHABBAT

Friday, December 7

AT ADAS KODESCH

 

 

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VOLUNTEERS

NEEDED TO HELP

AT MILLCROFT

ON CHRISTMAS

DAY

 

Millcroft Nursing Home needs volunteers to work at their front desk to answer the phone and greet visitors on Christmas day.  They need two people working two hour blocks starting at 9:00 - 11:30; 11:30 - 2:00; 2:00 - 4:30; 4:30 - 7:00.  If you can help out for a few hours please contact Mary Denney or Kathy Powers at 366-0160.

 

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SAVE THE DATE...

9th Annual

Temple Beth El Sisterhood BASKETFEST

Temple Beth El Social Hall

Adults Only

March 2, 2008

Doors Open at 1:30 PM

See next month’s Shofar for more details.

 

ADOPTION SERVICES NOW BEING OFFERED BY

Jewish Family Services of Delaware

 

Children’s Home Society & Family Services Co-hosts

International Adoption Information Meetings in Delaware

November 14, 2007

 

            Jewish Family Services of Delaware celebrates National Adoption Month by announcing its newest service, adoption home studies.  JFS is partnering with international adoption leader, Children’s Home Society & Family Services who provides adoption services and child welfare programs in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America.  Professional services offered through JFS are open to all members of the community, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or economic status.

            “We are thrilled to partner with CHSFS assuring that families will receive a full array of services for adoption from placement through home studies and support,” stated Dory Zatuchni, JFS Executive Director.   “JFS is introducing this service in response to requests from community members.  We are pleased that our staff member, Rachel Eidelman, LCSW, with more than 20 years of experience in this field is overseeing this service.”

            “I encourage anyone interested in adoption to take the opportunities presented during National Adoption Month to learn more about this rewarding way to complete their family’s picture,” says David Pilgrim, Vice President of Adoption Services at CHSFS and adoptive parent. “By giving a child without a family a stable, loving home you will make a world of difference in a child’s life and receive incredible joys in return.”

            JFS and CHSFS will be co-hosting their first international adoption information meeting to help prospective adoptive parents in Delaware learn about the international adoption process and program options, fees and eligibility.

            Jewish Family Services is proud to partner with Children’s Home Society & Family Services to educate the public on how to build a family through international adoption.

            The public is welcome to attend the free upcoming international adoption information meeting:

                       

When:             Monday, December 3, 2007 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where:            JFS Wilmington office -

                        99 Passmore Road, Wilm.

RSVP: Rachel Eidelman, LCSW at

 

                To interview Children’s Home Society & Family Services’ international adoption expert, Susan Orban, please contact Kristine Huson at (651) 757-0427 or via email at

 

ABOUT CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY & FAMILY SERVICES: Children’s Home Society & Family Services (CHSFS) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to helping children thrive and building, strengthening and sustaining individual, family and community life. CHSFS offers international adoption services in Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America. To learn more, log on to

 http://www.childrenshomeadopt.org.

 

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         KITCHEN

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

 

Thank you to everyone who has

volunteered their time to prepare our wonderful Onegs and Kiddushes this Fall.  We would like to extend a special thanks to those of you who gave your time and energy to prepare the special Onegs for the Confirmation A and B class services and our visitors from  Temple Beth El in Philadelphia.

            We still need 1 more person to help on Saturday, December 8th for the Confirmation class Shabbat and someone to work the Kiddush on Saturday,  December 23rd.

            Please call or e-mail Jody Brown or Renee Felder if you can help with either of these dates.

 

Dates available in January:

Friday, 1/4/08      - 1 worker

Saturday, 1/5/08 - 1 worker

                            

Friday, 1/11/08     - 4 or 5 workers

Dalet Class Service

Saturday 1/12/08 – 1 worker

 

Friday 1/18/08  -  2 workers

Saturday, 1/19/08 - 1 worker

 

Friday 1/25/08  – 4 or 5 workers

Gimmel A Class Service

Saturday 1/26/08 – 1 worker

 

Please contact either of us if you have any questions.                 

Renee: , (610)347-0518

Jody: , (302)521-1411

 

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Elana Friedman wrote this d’var torah for her Confirmation service. She is a sophomore at A.I. DuPont High School.

 

            This week’s parsha is from Genesis. Toldot, meaning line or story, is the story of how Jacob stole Esau’s birthright and blessing.

            Early in the parsha, Jacob is able to bargain for Esau’s birthright on his own by taking advantage of his brother’s hungry situation to steal the rights of the first born.  Later, it is Rebecca who plans the deception that results in taking Esau’s blessing of the firstborn without Isaac’s knowledge.  Jacob would have never taken this opportunity to grab the blessing if Rebecca hadn’t pushed him, just as Esau wouldn’t have missed out on his blessing if Isaac hadn’t sent him to hunt for his favorite food.  In these ways and many others, it was Rebecca and Isaac who placed their sons in their ultimate opposite expected roles.

            In the parsha, it says that Isaac loved Esau best because Esau, being an outdoorsman, was able to hunt the food that Isaac liked. By comparison there is never a reason given as to why Rebecca loved Jacob the most of her two sons. Rebecca’s love for Jacob was unconditional and allowed him to become any sort of person, including a leader of our people.  Isaac’s love only could limit Esau’s growth as a person.  By comparison, even when Isaac is ready to give Esau the blessing of the firstborn, Isaac tells Esau to bring him his favorite dish of venison before Esau can be blessed. 

            Rebecca knew that Jacob could handle the responsibility of the blessing because he wanted it.  Esau was just trying to please his father and hadn’t even respected his birthright since he let himself trade it to Jacob for a bowl of stew. This is why she was so eager to provide a plan for Jacob to receive the blessing. She also knew how Isaac perceived Esau and knew how to make Jacob seem like the Esau Isaac knew. Because Isaac only knew his son as a hunter, he was easily fooled. Isaac may have loved Esau, but he did not know him if he was able to be tricked so effortlessly by Rebecca and Jacob. Rebecca did know Jacob, because she loved him without any reason at all, and that is why she knew he had to be the one to receive Isaac’s blessing and become a father of our people. The point that Rebecca makes in the parsha Toldot is that only if you love someone unconditionally, you see their greatest potential.

 

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CHANUKAH BAZAAR

 

 

            Just wanted to send out hearty thanks to all of the wonderful people who helped make the Chanukah Bazaar such a wonderful success.  It takes many hearts and many hours to pull it all together.  It has become very meaningful for me to have the chance to work with such great people while having FUN!  The food was excellent (we really can do food!), the games were fun and the crafts were a big hit.  The kids really enjoyed the day!

            Thanks again to all of you and may we all have a Peaceful and Loving Holiday season with our families and friends.  More candles and gelt will be in the office next week, please stop by for your Chanukah needs.

 

                                    Andea Finestrauss

 

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Thanks to Mara Finestrauss, Beth Chajes, Nita Kaufman, Diana Mitchell, Rebecca Greenblatt, Rebecca Hannaford, Jessica Meyerson, and Matthew Hersh for volunteering at the Chanukah Bazaar craft tables.  We could not have done it without you!

                                    Marla Friedman

 

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RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

WINTER BREAK

 

Last day of Religious School will be on Tuesday, December 18th.  School will resume on Thursday, January 3rd.

 

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KUTZ HOME CHANUKAH FUN

 

            You don’t have to be a child to enjoy Chanukah. The Kutz Home Auxiliary will have a Chanukah party at the Kutz Home for the residents, the staff and guests on Sunday, December 9 from 2 – 4 p.m.  Join in the fun as we celebrate Chanukah with a bake sale, a raffle drawing ( tickets on sale at the event),potato latkes and delicious treats. The Adas Kodesh Klezmer Band will entertain again this year – they are back by popular request!

            Everyone is welcome  so bring the entire family and celebrate Chanukah. For more information you can e-mail Becky Rosen at .

 

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SAVE THE DATE FOR

SISTERHOOD’S

JANUARY MEETING...

January 6th

9:30 a.m.

Temple Social Hall

 

 Join us as David Berger,President of Progressive Fitness Coaching, talks about strategies to attain those fitness goals we promised ourselves in our New Year's Resolutions. Light refreshments served.

 

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TBE WINTER BREAK

OFFICE HOURS

 

The Temple office will be closed on:

Monday, December 24th

Tuesday, December 25th

Wednesday, December 26th

Monday, December 31st

Tuesday, January 1st

 

 

 

RELIGIOUS

SCHOOL

 

 

 

News from Kindergarten:

 

            We have had a wonderful first half of the school year so far in kindergarten. The children have gotten to know one another and truly enjoy each others company. We have learned much so far, including all of the fall and beginning winter holidays. We are becoming familiar with our synagogue and the Jewish community, and we are learning many bible stories as well.

            The children enjoy our music class with Mrs. Shertock on Sunday mornings. Playing together and snack time are also a big hit. If you ever see us walking in the halls, please wave hello. The kindergarten class wishes all of you a happy and healthy holiday season.

 

Shalom,

Randi Kelman, Kindergarten Teacher

Lisa Schonbach, Kindergarten Aide

 

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From Mrs. Romao's Hai Class...

 

In studying about the great 19th century scholar and teacher, Leopold Zunz, we learned that Zunz hoped to teach assimilated Jews to be proud of their Jewish tradition, not to be embarrassed by it. Students wrote letters to Mr. Zunz explaining aspects of modern Jewish life that are important to them.

 

Following are a few excerpts:

(I must add that I never fail to be in awe of these wonderful youngsters, who posess such insight and intelligence! ~~~Corey Romao)

...Having a Bat Mitzvah is a way to practice Judaism because it is a day that you form a special relationship with G-d and now you teach your traditions and ways to your children. Religious school is helping to cement my commitment to Judaism in the future, because in order to live a good full life, I must follow the ways of the Torah. Hebrew School helps me understand more thoroughly what to do as I get older. Reading of past history in class gets me familiar with my ancestors and how they followed the ways of Torah...Libby

...Religious school is helping a lot for my committment to Judaism. In religious school I am learning a lot of info and getting a better understanding of this wonderful religion. I am one year from becomming a Bar Mitzvah and I will continue practicing Judaism for the rest of my life. My family all practice Judaism and I plan on keeping the tradition. I love being Jewish. Zunz lived his whole life never giving up being Jewish. I plan on doing the same...Alex

...American Jews view Israel as our home. We do not live there, but Israel is our homeland. It is a place we feel we can go and feel welcome. We always want to do something good for Israel...With everything going on today, it is easy to forget about our religion, but religious school reminds us who we are and where we come from...Hannah

...In America, people are very open about their religion. American Jews view Israel as a sacred place. My religious school is helping by trying to enroll us in Teen Connection, BBYO and get me involved in the Jewish Community activities. Back in Zunz's time, his plans did not have such a large effect. But his memory triggered people to start trying out his ways. So the Jewish religion is strong and proud in this new world...Ethan

 

...Religious school is helping me commit to Judaism because it is telling me why being Jewish is so important. It is telling me this is what my ancestors did. I want to be Jewish because then you are unique. I am Jewish and I am glad, because I know more than my friends do and I don't care what other people say...Brooke

...Judaism is really important to me because it shows who I am. I would be a totally different person if I wasn't Jewish. At religious school I learn prayers, about our ancestors, and people who have made a difference in Judaism. When I'm here at hebrew school, I don't feel alone. There are not a lot of Jews at my school. I am very happy I'm a Jew, and I'm not scared to show it...Sarah

...Religious school helps cement your commitment to Judaism because you are showing that you love and respect G-d. It will help in the future because after you are a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, then you have made a commitment even bigger, that you should always remember. My family and friends practice Judaism in our own ways. Many Americans take Judaism in many different ways. It doesn't matter how you do - the fact that you believe and show your Judaism is good enough...Ruth

...I am going to tell you about how religious school cemented my commitment to Judaism. For one thing, it built up my conscience, so I'm not tempted to do anything bad. Also, I learned in religious school about Tikkun Olam, which is "repairing the world", and it is a great mitzvah to do this. I am now a vegetarian, and being a vegetarian can help the environment a lot, so I am doing Tikkun Olam...Daniel

...American Jews view Israel as their homeland. It's where their ancestors came from and it is also known as the Holy Land the to Jewish people. They think it's a welcoming country that has inspirational spirits in the air everyday of song and laughter. Religious schools of America are great for kids. It teaches them what they will need in the future. You learn Torah, about the history of the Jewish people and the prayers we say....Alyson

 

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PLEASE NOTE...

 

Aleph Family Dinner & Service date change from April 18 to April 11th.

 

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REMINDER

MARK YOUR CALENDARS...

 

Gimmel Parent Meeting

Tuesday, January 15th, 2008

 

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SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE

 

      The Sylvia & Isadore N. Silverman Scholarship Fund will be awarding its 19th annual scholarship to a deserving youth for a Jewish summer experience in camp or Israel.  Applications may be picked up at the Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth office, Washington Street Ext. and Torah Way, Wilmington, DE 19802, and should be returned by March 3, 2008.

      The Fund was established in 1989 in honor of the Silvermans’ 55th wedding anniversary,  by their four daughters and many friends.

 

  MARK YOUR CALENDARS

 

  Fri., Dec. 7 - Federation Shabbat

  Sat., Dec. 8 - Confirmation Service

  Sun., Dec. 9 - Men’s Club Breakfast

  Fri., Dec. 14 - Tot Shabbat - Board Shabbat

  Sun., Dec. 16 - Discovery Group

  Wed., Dec. 19 - Sisterhood Mystery Auction

  Tues., Dec. 25 - Men’s Club Movie

  Sun., Jan. 6 - Sisterhood Meeting

  Fri., Jan. 11 - Dalet Family Service

 

 

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NEWARK EMPOWERMENT CENTER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

 

            The Newark Empowerment Center is located in the Newark Methodist Church on Main Street in Newark, DE. The Center serves three primary functions:

w Offers daytime hospitality and survival services to Newark's chronically homeless

w Serves as a consultation and referral source to homeless clients trying to address their issues in a strategic manner

* It serves as a consultation and screening station for participating churches/temples (including Temple Beth El) who refer persons who contact them seeking financial assistance.

            Volunteers are needed on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from 1-4PM. Duties include signing in clients and offering hospitality in the way of "to go bags", hygiene kits and maybe a cup of coffee. A social worker is there at all times to screen the clients. Volunteers are just there to be hospitable and maybe to take some information from the clients to be given to the staff social worker.

                Anyone interested in volunteering please contact Arlene Johnson at  

 

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Do you remember the glass windows above the movable partitions between the social hall and the sanctuary?

Well, the windows will be opening again, only this time it will be beautified with etchings. If you would like to be on the committee to make decisions about this fundraiser or would like more information, please contact Linda Oster at 992-0111 or . Watch future Shofars for more information.

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Happy

Chanukah!

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BUSY DAYS FROM

SISTERHOOD

 

From our Sisterhood President...

 

Happy Chanukah. The Chanukah Bazaar was a big success. The food was good and everyone enjoyed themselves.  Kudos to Andrea Finestrauss-Judaica Shop maven & all the workers including the ever important Kitchen Crew & those who supervised the Crafts/Games. Sisterhood's next general meeting is the Mystery Auction/Cookie Exchange. This FUN & FUNDRAISING women's evening event is being held at Marla Norton's on December l9.   Please join us.

 

An additional blurb under FROM OUR SISTERHOOD PRESIDENT... Please be assured that Sisterhood CATERING is ready & available  for catering upcoming Bar/Bat mitzvah celebrations. Call the temple office for details.

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  Cookie X-Change & Mystery Auction

 at the home of Marla Norton

  Wednesday, December 19th

7:30 PM

Each woman brings two dozen cookies (homemade is preferred) and a "Mystery gift" (Keep your gift a secret please) valued at $15-$20.  Put the gift inside a gift bag (pr a grocery bag) and attach a small note to the outside giving a hint as to the contents of the bag. The various Sisterhood auctioneers read these notes to the gathering to entice bidding. After the auction segment is over, everyone enjoys exchanging their cookies. *note: New members need not bring any cookies to exchange. Please join us for this very fun evening! Directions will be in the lobby in the coming weeks.  RSVP (OPTIONAL) to Jackie Ettinger at