From Our President:
Dear Friends,
As fall begins, Temple Beth El once again becomes alive with activity. Our most high holy days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur have been celebrated and the Festival of Sukkot which is celebrated the fifth day after Yom Kippur has also been celebrated. Sukkot is quite a drastic transition, from one of the most solemn holidays in our year to one of the most joyous. Sukkot is so unreservedly joyful that it is commonly referred to in Jewish prayer and literature as the Season of our Rejoicing. Speaking of Sukkot, we had a proposal from Eddie Aaronson to rebuild our Sukkot as part of his Eagle Scout project. The board considered his proposal and approved it. However, due to timing this project will not be done until next summer.
This year we tried something new at TBE. We had a Family Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur service for folks of all ages. The service called Celebrate Creation was held on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. and was led by Miki Young, who has a Masters Degree in Jewish Studies from Gratz College. Miki is a prayer leader who creates and leads services to engage adults and children in the beauty of Judaism. I attended on Rosh Hashanah with my wife, daughter Rebecca, and three of my grandchildren. I was quite pleased with the number of families also in attendance. The energy level was very high and from what I saw and heard, everyone in attendance enjoyed the program and felt that it was worthwhile.
I am very pleased to tell you that after many years of discussion about the security of our members both inside the Temple and outside, a security system has been installed. We have installed external cameras to monitor the doors and parking lot. There is a monitor in the office and also a monitor in the kitchen. We have the ability to lock all doors and remotely open the front door from the office.
At Rosh Hashanah services, you had an opportunity to listen to the choir, under the direction of Susan Shertok. On October 4th you will have the opportunity to hear the Klezmer band, under the direction of Marcia Acero, play for Simchat Torah. Members of both the choir and Klezmer band are dedicated to doing the best they can and would appreciate your support. If you would like to become a member of either, please contact either Susan or Marcia.
If you have not yet had a chance, you should stop by to meet our new Director of Administration, Dee Aaronson or our Director of Education, Adina Mattes. Dee has office hours, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adina will be in the office Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and of course during religious school. The Rabbi has also indicated that his office hours will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. However, in all cases, you should call first.
Speaking of Dee and Adina, if you would like to donate any wall paintings or wall hangings for their office please contact either one of them to arrange to do so.
Last year, I began profiling members of our Board. I would like to begin this process with:
Tom Felder, Men’s Club President-
This is Tom’s first year as Men’s Club President. He and his wife Renee and their daughters Sarah and Monica and son Glenn, reside in Kennett Square. Tom converted to Judaism in 2003 and he says, “his Bar Mitzvah is imminent”. Tom has a PhD degree in Chemistry and works for the Dupont Company. Tom enjoys “playing the guitar, fretting over the Phillies, jogging, and driving the kids”.
I would like to depart from profiling Board members and take this opportunity to introduce you to our Event Planner, Elizabeth Brodt:
Elizabeth is President and owner of, Fleur de Lis Events, Inc. Elizabeth has planned many events, some of which were; Black tie galas
for the American Red Cross and YWCA which had over 600 and 300 people respectively. Elizabeth has been a catering manager and event planner for the Vicmead Hunt Club; she has chaired the Green Show, and has been a cooking instructor for Celebrity Kitchens. She is a student of flower arranging at Longwood Gardens and is a Gourmet Chef.
Temple Beth El is very lucky to have
Elizabeth as our Event planner. If you have a
Bar or Bat Mitzvah or any other event you
wish to hold at TBE you should not hesitate to
utilize Elizabeth’s knowledge and experience.
That together with our very beautiful social
hall will give you an event not to be forgotten.
We will hold our congregation
meeting on October 14th, during Men’s Club
breakfast. There are two items that will be
discussed, the 2007/08 budget and a
recommendation from the board as it pertains
to the Rabbi’s contract. The Rabbi’s contract
is set to automatically renew for another five
years unless he is notified by November 1 st.
The following is the Board’s
recommendation: The Board recommends that Temple
Beth El not allow the Rabbi’s contract
to automatically renew for another
five years; and recommends subject to
congregational input and approval a
shorter-term contract. I remind you that if you have any ideas
or suggestions, please do not hesitate
contacting any one of the board members.
B’Shalom, Jay Stellenberg, President, Board of Directors DISCOVERY GROUP October 14 November 4 ✡✡✡✡✡ SIMCHAT TORAH /
CONSECRATION SERVICE October 4 7:00 p.m. ✡✡✡✡✡ BBYO LEADING SERVICES October 19 & 20 (No Torah Service on Saturday) ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡
SUKKOT THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE Please bring your non-perishable food
items for our fall food drive. Leave your
items under the reception window in the
lobby. Please do not bring Passover items
- they are not appropriate for our
recipients. ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡
TEMPLE BETH EL STAFF E-MAIL ADDRESSES CONGREGATION
MEETING Sunday, October 14 9:30-11:30 a.m. Agenda: 1. Renewal of Rabbi’s contract. 2. 2007-2008 Budget. Please come and support the Temple Board &
be a part of the process while enjoying a
delicious breakfast provided by Men’s Club. ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ ADULT EDUCATION SPIRITUALITY, THEOLOGY, AND TORAH A muli-faceted adult education class in which
we discuss topics such as the weekly Torah
portion, the meaning of the holidays, Jewish
customs, theology, and spirituality. This class
will be offered by Rabbi Kaplan on Thursdays
at 7:15 p.m. beginning October 25th. If you
are interested please call or e-mail the office
to register. If you have questions about the
class, please contact Rabbi Kaplan. ✡✡✡✡✡ BEGINNING HEBREW Rabbi Kaplan will be offering a Beginning
Hebrew class on Tuesday evenings at 7:15
beginning October 30th. If you are interested
please call or e-mail the office to register. If
you have questions about the class, please
contact Rabbi Kaplan. MARK YOUR CALENDARS Thurs., Oct. 4 - Simchat Torah - “Roll out the Torah” Sun., Oct. 7 - Scott Mackler 5K Run Wed., Oct. 10 - Sisterhood New Member Wine & Cheese Get Together Fri., Nov. 2 - New Member Shabbat Sat., Nov. 3 - BBYO/Teen Connection Havdallah Sun., Nov. 11 - Men’s Club / Sisterhood
Breakfast Fri., Nov. 16 -Visit from Temple Beth El
in Philadelphia Sun., Nov. 18 - Chanukah Bazaar Mon., Nov. 19 - Women’sGathering at the JCC Tues., Nov. 20 - Interfaith Service ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ UPCOMING B’NAI MITZVOT October 6th - Tom Felder October 13th - Jarrod Bieber ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ BBYO WEEKLY CHALLAH SALE Newark BBYO will be offering fresh baked
challah as a fundraiser starting the 1st week of
October. Cost is $4.00 with checks payable to
BBYO. Pre-paid orders must be in by 2 p.m. on
Tuesdays and pick-up will be on Thursdays
11:00 - 2:00p.m. or 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. and Fridays
9:00 - 2:00. Monthly order forms will be
available in the Temple office. NEEDY FAMILY DRIVE Start checking your closets and basement for
items you can donate to our families this year.
There will be a complete list in the Shofar
next month with clothing sizes and wish lists.
Sy & Sydell Glassner, chairpeople, say that
they definitely need babies and children’s
clothing, furniture ( especially beds, cribs &
highchairs). You can start bringing these to
the temple anytime. ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ Mark you calendars now.... CHANUKAH BAZAAR Sunday, November 18th Food...Games...Prizes... Crafts... Wonderful new items in our Judaica Shop! Look for the flyer in next months Shofar for
pre-paid ticket forms. ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ CPR CLASS AT TEMPLE BETH EL Temple Beth El will be offering a CPR class
in November. If you are interested call or e-mail the Temple office. ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ EDUCATION COMMITTEE Temple Beth El's Education Committee
looks at issues that impact our Religious School
and discusses ways that we can make it the best
it can be. This year, we will be looking at how
we can help our new principal, Adina Mattes,
accomplish all of her goals and also how we can
enhance the learning environment as parents and
teachers work together to create a relevant
experience for all of our children. If you are interested in being on the
committee, please contact Ann Herman,
chairperson, or Adina Mattes in the temple
office. ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ SANCTUARY NEEDLEPOINT Our long awaited needlepoint is finished and
hanging in the sanctuary. I am sure everyone
will agree that this beautiful work of art was well
worth waiting for. We would like to thank the
talented ladies who worked on this project: Jennie Witkin - “Shabbat” Cindy Denemark - “Menorah with Jewish Stars” Terry Prager - “Rosh Hashanah” The late Rhoda Freeman - “Israel Independence Day” Laura Ventura & Allison Kaplan - “Beth El Quote (Ladder)” Aileen DeFroda - “Purim” Kathy Roth - “Passover” Cathy Amick - “Beth El Name w/Lions” Jane Altshuler - “Shavuot” Susan Bank - “Sukkot” Alice Hirsch - “Shema” Yetta Lasky - “Chanukah Amie Sweren - 4 burgandy corner squares Susan Ogintz - Top border Cindy Denemark - Right border Barbara Stapen - Bottom border Sue Levinson - Left border ,ntv kue Kol Haemet Prepared by: Edward Tucker Has Anyone Noticed?? Maybe it’s the lull before the storm.
Maybe it’s getting over the tough part. Or
maybe it’s the time to develop new strategies
and relationships and put a new set of
dynamics into play. What am I talking about? Israel. Have you noticed that the CNN.Com
e-mail daily reports on Israel have recently
focused on sports such as tennis and soccer?
Shaar Peer is up among the best, sometimes
losing and sometimes winning but importantly
putting Israel into a good light. And Israel is
often the locale for an important soccer game
or may have a soccer team in contention. I
have “Israel” on my watch list for news
bulletins from CNN.Com. The once or twice
daily hits have been more about sports than
causalities, rockets and conflicts. This is so
refreshing and such a change from an earlier
series of daily alerts about combat in
Lebanon, crises in Gaza and rockets raining
on Israeli kibbutzim. I could be naïve. I take this shift in
news topics to be good sign for Israel and the
region’s future. But this change is not a signal
to become complacent. I am hopeful that new
opportunities are occurring. In general I think that this current
quietude suggests a consolidation of good
forces. And I hope that this reflects a chance
to think about the future for Israel and where
people and nations need to be rather than
where they have been. It’s so much better to
live for the future than to die for the past. Has
anyone noticed? ALBERT EINSTEIN ACADEMY NEWS: Albert Einstein Academy To Hold Fall Info Nights You are invited to attend informational meetings
for prospective parents to learn about the
wonderful experience your family could have at
Albert Einstein Academy. There will be three
informational nights held this fall. The first one
will be held at our own members, Caryn & Mark
Rambo’s home on Monday, October 29th. The
second meeting will be held on November 1st at
the home of Laura & Tim Keller, the last
meeting will be held on November 6th at the
home of Mari & Dan Skovronsky. Other AEA
alumni, as well as Einstein parents,
administrators and teachers will be available to
discuss the school and answer questions at each
meeting. ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ ✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ RELIGIOUS SCHOOL News from Dalet History: One of the first things we talked about
this year is that we are all a part of Jewish
History. By studying our history, we can stand on
the shoulders of those who came before us, view
the past and learn from it, and help to build a
stronger and better world. Each student was
asked to think about what might be said about
him/her in a Jewish history textbook 100 years
from now - what roles they would like to play in
the story of the Jewish people. Following are just a few excerpts from
the responses. To view the entire "History Book"
come to Mrs. Romao's room. You will find it
fascinating and fantastic reading!! Emily...won the Nobel Peace Prize for
founding The International Religion Foundation
for Peace (IRFP). The foundation meets three
times a year and talks about land and how to
achieve peace. (Emily) At age 13, Shoshana...discovered her
farming ability and moved to Oregon, where she
farmed and raised money for kids without
Siddurs and Hebrew books. As an adult...she
found a way to make cars completely run on solar
panels..in hope that the world's ozone layer is
repairing itself. (Shoshana) In order to help the world be a better
place, it is the responsibility of every Jewish
parent to teach their children ethics and high
morals. It is important to make mistakes, because
when you make a mistake you learn from it. I
want my children to learn these values from my
Jewish history book. (Rebecca) One of the greater accomplishments in
the past 100 years was what Johanna Chajes has
done for the Jewish people. As an adult, Johanna
worked with Arab and Israeli children. She
showed them how, by working together, they
could change the future of their people....In the next
12 years, the 8-16 year old kids had grown into
young adults. The adults had changed the future and
solved the conflicts between their two countries.
Johanna had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
for being the start of this amazing change and
proving that kids can make a difference. (Johanna) Emma was a person who was famous for her
speech about how to help stop global warming. She
won many awards for it. The speech was..."Every
day we live our life in each and every complicated
way. But the tole on global warming may change
this earth any day. The way we can stop this could
be carpooling, recycling, using hybrid cars, and even
being vegetarian...if we do it little by little, it just
might help a huge amount. (Emma) Years from now, people will remember me
as a kind loving person...for teaching his kids how to
act and to be kind and curious to other people...and
for helping people do things they're stuck on such as
building things and helping friends on whatever they
are doing. (Kory) I will make the world a better place when I
grow up. It is my dream to one day help Jewish
children who suffer from serious illness...I will bring
shalom (peace) to families by helping their kids find
happiness. I also want to show the world that Jewish
people are great people. I have a Muslim friend that
like to play with everyday. I would like for people to
be able to come together and not hate each other.
(Morgan) Amanda loved being Jewish...As Amanda
grew up she collected money for the people who
needed it so they could use it. She also gave old
clothes that did not fit her anymore to those who
needed clothes to wear. Being Jewish was important
to Amanda for her whole life. She did what she
could to help everybody, but most of all, the Jews.
(Amanda) I would tell them to do good deeds like
volunteering, helping those who need it and do what
you think is right..To love your siblings and all your
family...To make this world a better place as an
adult, I'll do simple things like recycle and conserve
what I can. (Marshal) RELIGIOUS SCHOOL (Cont’d) About 100 years ago there was a Jewish girl
who was very busy...even with so much rush,
Bridget managed to keep her Jewish spirit. When
she grew up to have kids she raised them just
how she was raised. They went to services,
Hebrew school and observed all Jewish holidays.
(Bridget) I will try to make the world a better place,
especially places like Darfur and Israel... Also
places like Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, by
stopping a lot of the violence that is going on
there. (Ethan). ☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺ News from the Hai Class The Hai class will be sponsoring the 3rd Annual TBE Talent Show, which will be held on
Sunday, December 16 at 10:30am, during
religious school. This year, the students chose to
donate the money they collect to two charities
close to the hearts of our class community: The
M.S. Society and The American Diabetes
Association. There are two ways you can help. First,
come see us at our table during the Hanukkah
Bazaar and purchase raffle tickets. Second,
participate in, or come see, the talent show on
December 16th. The talent show is always a
special and fun event that everyone looks
forward to. Show off your talent - no matter what
you do - the congregation will love it! Members of the Hai class will be coming
to the classrooms soon to answer questions and
hand out entry forms. Please mark your calendars
for Sunday, December 16th. Have fun, see all the
talent our kids and parents possess, and fulfill the
mitzvah of Tikkun Olam. ☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺ RELIGIOUS SCHOOL SNACK CARDS $12.00 From BBYO.... The B'nai Brith Youth Organization
(BBYO) is a once in a lifetime experience for
Jewish teens. It is truly a place of belonging. The
BBYO chapter of Newark is working hard on
expanding and growing. We have already had a
fun pizza and bowling program and volunteered
at the Wilmington JCC Community Day.
Advisor: Dave Giattino
President: Stephanie Aaronson
✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡✡ Happy New Year MEN’S CLUB COME JOIN US FOR MEN'S CLUB BREAKFAST & CONGREGATION MEETING SUNDAY OCTOBER 14 9:30 AM From Our Men’s Club President... I'd like to thank all those who served as ushers for High Holiday services this year, this is a service
that separates you from your families during services, and I want to express my gratitude for a job
very well done. Also thanks to the cooking and serving team at our kickoff breakfast on September
23, the food was delicious as always, and a wonderful time was had by all. The annual Scott Mackler Run will be held this year on Sunday, October 7 at 12:30PM. Should you
choose to run, good luck, otherwise there is always a need for helpers with registration papers, food
preparation, course spotting, and crowd control, if you can help, arrive at TBE midmorning. The Men's Club breakfast on October 15 starts at 9:30AM. The annual TBE Congegation Meeting
will be held following breakfast. Please try to attend if you can. Our November 11th breakfast will be jointly hosted with Sisterhood. Our special guest that morning
will be a massage therapist. Look for more information in the November Shofar. We keep a collection box in the lobby for cell phones and ink jet cartridges, please bring in your old
stuff to benefit TBE. Thanks and best regards, Tom Felder ✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧ BUSY DAYS FROM SISTERHOOD Wednesday, October 10th 7:00 p.m. “Welcome to our New Member’s” Look for your invitation in the mail to our new member wine & cheese gathering. (Call the Temple office for more information) ◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆ FROM OUR SISTERHOOD PRESIDENT... Sisterhood's first general meeting was held Sunday morning September 9th in the TBE social hall.
It was great to get re-acquainted with members and welcome several new members. Many thanks
to Jacki Ettinger for arranging the Program and to Amy Rogers who gave an informative talk on
volunteering to earn "Donor". A big thank-you goes to Ann Herman and Alison Taub who were our
hostesses and provided a wonderful breakfast menu. ◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆ SAVE THE DATE... Sunday November 11th at 9:30 am Joint men's club and sisterhood breakfast A Certified Massage Therapist will be discussing "Benefits of Massage and Techniques". Look for more information in the November Shofar. ◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆ SISTERHOOD MEETINGS ✧ MEN’S CLUB BREAKFASTS October 10 – New Member Welcome ✧ October 14 - Congregation Meeting November 11 – Men’s Club & Sisterhood ✧ November 11 - Sisterhood & Mens Club December 19 – Cookie Exchange/Auction ✧ December 9 January 6 – Personal Trainer ✧ January 13 February 13 – Chinese Dinner w/ Men’s Club ✧ February 10 March 2 – Basketfest ✧ March 9 April 9 – Mystery Night ✧ April 13 May 14 – Donor Dinner ✧ May 11 - Mother’s Day Love To Shop? Is it time to update your wardrobe? Come to a Chico’s Wardrobe Party! Monday, November 5, 2007 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Powder Mill Square (Rte 52) 3846 Kennett Pike Greenville, DE Have fun shopping for women’s clothing and accessories while
helping Sisterhood raise money for Temple Beth El! Temple Beth El will receive 10% of the total bill on all purchases. RSVP to Trayce Bahar at 302-235-1449
Bring a friend and be sure to mention that you are with Temple Beth El upon arrival. Chico’s offers a 5% discount for Passport Members, and all Chico’s coupons will be honored. Directions From TBE: 1. Go southeast on Possum Park Road 2. Turn left onto Kirkwood Highway - go 6.21 miles 3. Merge onto Rte. 141 N. toward Fairfax 4. Merge onto Kennett Pike (Rte. 52 N) toward Greenville 5. End at 3846 Kennett Pike Greenville Total Distance 11.67 miles
Coming up on October 19-21, Newark
will be hosting the In Training convention. It is
a convention for new members (although all
Newark members can come) to see what the
region is like and learn and experience BBYO
with their peers. You can currently sign up on b-linked.org for the convention.
BBYO will be leading services on
October 20th. Please come, support, and enjoy
a new way of praying. Also, if any community
member would like to help out the chapter and
house a few responsible teenagers on that
weekend, please contact the advisors or the
president, Stephanie Aaronson, or call the TBE
office. Thank you!
Both their emails can be found at here.