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Congregation RABBI’S MESSAGE Rabbi Stephen Listfield
Beth-El We, The People
The heart of Conservative Judaism More than any other religion of ancient This is why the social message has re-
VOLUME 59 ISSUE 10 times, Judaism stressed the idea of com- mained so strong in Judaism. We are a
June 2011 munity. Most religions concerned them- community in which we share a com-
Sivan 5771
selves with the individual's private fate, mon fate. If something happens to some
both in this world and especially in the Jews, we feel that it happened to all of
hereafter. Judaism's emphasis was on us.
the social body, the people, the commu-
The prophet Isaiah said that it is our
nity.
task to bring light to all mankind. We do
The personal relationship between a Jew not shut out the world in order to enjoy
and his/her Maker is, of course, never our little club. We have a mission to care
overlooked. But ultimately it is the peo- about the entire world. From those who
ple—our history, our relationship to the rely on the Alix Rubinger Kosher Food
world, our collective mission and re- Pantry in our synagogue building, to the
sponsibility—that dominates in the Bi- innocents who are ravaged by earth-
ble and its subsequent teachings. quake and tornado or murder and war,
we Jews care.
"Hear, O Israel, the Lord OUR God the
Lord is One." The central call of our Our social responsibility is taught by our
faith is not to have your own soul be religion. Yes, Congregation Beth-El con-
saved, nor to find your place of inner sists of each one of us. We can be proud
peace. No, the call is to "Israel," the of that fact. But as a community we are
Jewish people. Our affirmation is in the greater than the sum of our parts.
plural. Judaism is about us, not about
Therein lies our real strength.
me.
SHAVUOT
6-7 Sivan, June 8-9, 2011
Shavuot combines two major religious Shavuot is one of the shalosh regalim,
observances. First is meaning that it's a major
the grain harvest of biblical festival.
the early summer.
At Beth-El we shall have
Second is the giving
festive Yom Tov services
of the Torah on
on both Wednesday and
Mount Sinai seven
Thursday. The beautiful
weeks after the exo-
“Megillah of Ruth” will
dus from Egypt.
be chanted. One of the
In America today, we customs on this holiday is
emphasize the spiri- to eat dairy meals.
tual reason for the
The most important fea-
festival over the agri-
ture of Shavuot, though,
cultural reason. Matan
is to study the holy Torah
Torah (the giving of
with special enthusiasm.
the Torah) is the seminal event of Jewish
Shavuot is, after all, a very important
religion, namely the entering into a cove-
anniversary for the Jewish people...it's
nant between God and Israel, exempli-
the day we received the Torah.
fied by Israel’s acceptance of the moral
law.
Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Shabbat and Minyan Calendar Monthly Meetings
EXECUTIVE BOARD BOARD CONGREGATION
Weeknight Ma’ariv 8:00 p.m.
Sunday Morning Minyan 9:00 a.m. June 2, 2011 June 16, 2011 June 16, 2011
June 3-4 July 7, 2011 July 21, 2011
Candle Lighting 8:02 p.m. Meetings take place on Thursday following minyan at 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Hebrew School Graduation 7:00 p.m. Dates are subject to change.
and Services 8:00 p.m.
Saturday Morning 9:30 a.m.
Jr. Congregation 10:30 a.m.
Mincha/Ma’ariv 12:30 p.m. The editorial team of the Shofar wishes
Shabbat Ends 9:13 p.m. you a great summer.
June 10-11 We’ll be back in September.
Candle Lighting 8:06 p.m.
Kaballat Shabbat 8:00 p.m. Please send any news items to
Saturday Morning 9:30 a.m. shofar@beth-el-massapequa.org by August 10.
Jr. Congregation 10:30 a.m.
Mincha/Ma’ariv 12:30 p.m.
Shabbat Ends 9:17 p.m. Visit our Web site
June 17-18 www.beth-el-massapequa.org
Candle Lighting 8:09 p.m.
Installation Dinner 6:30 p.m. Beth-El E-Mail Addresses
office@beth-el-massapequa.org
Birthday & Anniversary Shabbat 8:00 p.m.
shofar@beth-el-massapequa.org
Saturday Morning 9:30 a.m.
Jr. Congregation 10:30 a.m. Send Us Your E-Mail Address
Mincha/Ma’ariv 12:30 p.m. Does the office have your e-mail address for important
Shabbat Ends 9:20 p.m. communications? Don’t miss out!
June 24-25
Candle Lighting 8:11 p.m. CONGREGATION BETH-EL
Kabbalat Shabbat 8:00 p.m. Rabbi
…
…
…
…
….Stephen Listfield
Saturday Morning 9:30 a.m. Presidium
…
…
…...Howard Belgrod, Harold Lefkowitz, Barbara Ringel
Jr. Congregation 10:30 a.m. Sisterhood
…
…
…..Rhoda Buchwald, Alice Scharf
Mincha/Ma’ariv 12:30 p.m. Youth Director
…...Andrea Moskowitz
Shabbat Ends 9:21 p.m.. USY President
….....Sandi Katz
Shofar
Chief Editor and Designer
…
….
….Ronni Mordechai-Strongin
Editor
…
…
…
…
…
…
…...
…
…
…..Fran Boiko
Copyeditors
…
…
…
…
…
….
…
…
…Jesse Cohen and Marc Miller
SHOFAR DEADLINE: All articles are due by the 10th of the month.
If you have any ideas, an interesting article or good news, e-mail it to
shofar@beth-el-massapequa.org
Submission of an article does not guarantee publication.
All submissions may be edited.
516.541.0740 • www.beth-el-massapequa.org • office@beth-el-massapequa.org
Page 2
Howard Belgrod
PRESIDENTS’ POST Harold Lefkowitz
Passing the Reins of Leadership Barbara Ringel
As our term of office draws to a close, our incoming lay with the current and future leadership to, once again, make
leaders are still left to address the many unanswered ques- Beth-El a place they want to be.
tions that will structure the future for Congregation Beth-El.
This year, under the leadership of Rabbi Stephen Listfield,
These past two plus years (thanks to our newly revised con-
we have learned how to listen to each other and work to-
stitution) were filled with a variety of emotions.
gether to address the issues that continue to face our syna-
The prospect of a possible con- gogue. While the task of selecting a
solidation led us to retake the “Our future depends on finding the permanent rabbi has not yet been
helm of the synagogue to provide concluded, the process of doing so
experience and leadership for the right person to lead us...The end has shown all of us that a very large
next chapter in Beth-El’s life- result, a permanent rabbi we can percentage of our congregants truly
cycle. The overwhelming defeat care about the process and want to
of the plans to form a larger syna- agree on, cannot be guaranteed have a voice in making sure the best
gogue in our community made us candidate is chosen.
realize that independence and a on a fixed timetable.”
Our future depends on finding the
solo voice in the Jewish move-
right person to lead us. It is widely agreed that we do not
ment in our little corner of Long Island was what our con-
want to make a hasty decision and we understand that some-
gregants wanted. We heard them and moved ahead with that
times the process can take longer than expected. The end
mandate.
result, a permanent rabbi we can agree on, cannot be guaran-
A decision to restructure the professional leadership of our teed on a fixed timetable. More hard work is still needed to
shul led to great debate and fostered many hard feelings make sure we find the right person to lead us. The Search
within the ranks of our members. The rhetoric of last spring Committee still has much work to do.
left much bitterness in the congregation and caused many to
It is our fervent hope that the incoming lay leaders of Con-
harbor hard feelings toward each other. Much of that anger
gregation Beth-El continue to receive your support as they
has dissipated and today Congregation Beth-El is in a better
move forward with the important work of building a strong
place.
future for our synagogue. May Helen Katz, Neil Geschwind
Collegiality has supplanted animosity and people have come and Steven Nachbar, and their entire team of officers and
together to study on Shabbat mornings, share Shabbat din- trustees, go from strength to strength as they take the reins
ners, and socialize at programs that have been successfully of our shul. We leave Congregation Beth-El in their very
planned and well attended. Many long-standing members capable hands.
stepped back into the day-to-day activities, reconnecting
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS CBE Tzedakah Boxes
FRIDAY, JUNE 17 for Building Restoration Fund
6:30 P.M. DINNER AND OPEN BAR
8:00 P.M. SERVICES Tzedakah boxes are now available in the office. We
ask each congregant to pick up a box and collect
FOLLOWED BY your change. Monies will be used to help restore our
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS building.
AND ONEG Our building needs a lot of work: new windows (help
to reduce our oil $ in the winter), lobby upgrade, and
bathroom and kitchen renovations, just to name a
R.S.V.P. for dinner by June 6 few. Please help.
$20 per person to attend dinner If you have any questions, please call Helen Katz at
631-226-3493.
Page 3
WITH HEARTFELT THANK$
We deeply appreciate and thank these members for your recent generosity.
ONEG OR KIDDUSH LUNCHEON Debbie & Glenn Ring
Evelyn & Ted Grossberg in honor of Ted’s 80th birthday Ellen & Bert Zipkin
and in honor of the conversion and naming of their grand- Robin & Ira Faber
daughter Sofia
Barbara & Harvey Wiener
Sidney Margolis in honor of his birthday, in memory of
Sandra Margolis’ birthday, and to thank the congregation Linda & Steven Abrams
for his Roast & Toast Phyllis & Fred Cohen
Joanne & Michael Schwartz
GENERAL FUND Roberta & Murray Ackerman
George Mann in appreciation Beryl Newman
Debbie & Glenn Ring in honor of Iris Astrof being Steven Hyman
Roasted & Toasted Toby Nachbar
Gary Klinger in memory of Esther Pasternak Adrienne & Allan Hausman
Resa & Arnold Hauptman in honor of the marriage of
Todd Hyman, son of Rivanna & Steven Hyman; in honor ALIX RUBINGER
of the bat mitzvah of Sarah Goklevent, daughter of Jody &
Metin Goklevent; in honor of a speedy recovery for Arthur KOSHER FOOD PANTRY
Zweibach; in honor of the graduations from high school of
their grandchildren Aaron Hauptman, Danya Jacobs & Phyllis & Fred Cohen
Dillon Tamer Sharon & Barry Shorten
Steve Hyman in honor of Iris and Sid Iris & Sam Astrof in honor of the Roast
Paula & Alfred Mindlin in honor of Iris and Sid Sid Margolis in honor of the Roast
And many thanks to all of you who donated groceries.
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND FOR
PASSOVER A donation to CBE can be made by check or online at
www.beth-el-massapequa.org/fundraising/synagogue-funds
Eve & Bruce Blaustein
Rhoda & Nathan Buchwald
Dedicate a Prayer Book: $36
A. Benoit Dedicate a Chumash: $100
Iris & Samuel Astrof
Jacqueline & Abraham Kirschman
Remember the Alix Rubinger
Elaine Schmukler Kosher Food Pantry
Rebekah & Marc Miller Many people in our area are struggling to
Norma & David Fischbein
make ends meet.
Rosemary & Stanley Gensler Please donate kosher dry and
Marilyn & Martin Schwartz
canned goods.
Lenore Kirschenbaum Items particularly needed: tuna, vegetables, fruit,
Resa & Arnold Hauptman peanut butter, rice, cereal, oil, sugar, flour, pasta
Cans should be small size (not industrial)
Lee & Irving Trelin
OR MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO
Sylvia & Jack Levinger CONGREGATION BETH-EL
DESIGNATED FOR THE FOOD PANTRY
Page 4
PROGRAMS & HAZAK SISTERHOOD HAPPENINGS
Barbara Cohen Rhoda Buchwald and Alice Scharf
PROGRAMS It is hard to believe we’ve completed a year of
On behalf of the program committee, I wonderful Sisterhood events– A Sunday brunch,
would like to thank Congregation Beth-El paid-up membership dinner, craft night, Tu
and Iris Astrof and Sid Margolis and their B’Shevat seder, book review, knit and crochet
families for attending and supporting our club, Sisterhood Shabbat, Evening of Leaning,
roast. (See the photo collage on page 7.) It “Books for Baltimore,” and learning with the
was a huge success and we had a wonderful rabbi.
time. More than 100 people attended and Our fundraisers were very successful, including
everyone looked smashing and had a great the New Year’s journal, vendor boutique, Bloom-
time schmoozing, laughing, eating and danc- ingdale’s “Shopping for Charity Day,” and shalach
ing. Who knew we had a dancing rabbi? mones.
Certificates and gifts were given to our hon- None of these events and ventures would have
orees. Several congregants and honorees’ occurred without the hard work of our Sisterhood
family members had a blast roasting Iris and Jeff Smoller and his members and the support of the Congregation.
Sid, and a birthday cake was on hand to daughter Alexa were Thank you and todah rabah to all.
wish Sid a very happy and healthy birthday. among those who
Thank you all for your support! And a very participated in Planting Day Congratulations to the new Sisterhood board. Wel-
special thank you to all members of the come to the new members and welcome back to
roast committee who each had a very special hand in making those continuing on. These are the Sisterhood offi-
this event successful. cers for the coming year.
Thank you to the following congregants who assisted in Co-Presidents ` Linda Abrams
planting day on May 22nd: Melody Nelson, Harvey Fleck, Edie Tishler
Iris Astrof, Arnie Hauptman, Alexa and Jeff Smoller, Scott Vice President, Membership Robin Faber
Findling and his children, Marty and Marilyn Schwartz, and
Glen and Jesse Cohen. Special kudos to Jesse for donating Co-Vice Presidents, Program Roberta Ackerman
his time to this day on a yearly basis. Fran Russo
On Friday, June 17 we will have a dinner and drinks night, Recording Secretary Bernice Slutzman
followed by services and installation of new officers. Join Corresponding Secretary Rivanna Hyman
us for a celebratory dinner and open bar and show your ap- Financial Secretary/Treasurer Carol Hirst
preciation for those who continue to step-up to serve Beth- Jewish Family Living Bernice Slutzman
El. $20 per person is due by June 6. Torah Fund Rivanna Hyman
Hospitality Rita Greenstein
Our committee is in the process of bringing an exercise class
to Congregation Beth-El during the summer and fall
months. We are very encouraged by the amount of participation and
support shown to Sisterhood this year and by the willingness
Finally, many thanks to Carol Hirst and Resa Hauptman for of so many members to take leadership roles. We wish the
taking over as co-chairs of programming. They are in the new board success in all its endeavors.
process of selecting programs for next year, so please let
them know what you are interested in. During the summer all of you will receive a flyer for Sister-
hood dues and another one for the New Year’s Journal.
HAZAK Please respond to them promptly, especially the one for the
journal. It is the only notification you will receive.
On June 21 and June 22, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.,
there will be another defensive driving course for $40 per We hope you all have a safe and enjoyable summer!
person. R.S.V.P. by June 17.
Please consider joining the Hazak committee to help plan
three events a year and have fun socializing with a great
group of people. Let Barbara Cohen know if you’re inter-
ested.
Page 5
Special Notes from Youth Education
our Members Howard Talsky
To Our Congregation Beth-El Family, Hebrew school graduation will be on
Thank you so much for the wonderful “Toast” and Friday, June 3rd at 7:00 p.m. Services will
“Roast” in our honor. Everything was perfect! The follow at 8:00 p.m. and will be led by our
committee did a fabulous job. It was wonderful having students. Please come and show your
so many people there. support.
The D.J. really got us moving. Lots of people were
dancing up a storm. The journal was absolutely
beautiful. The “roasters” and our M.C. Avrum did a
great job.
The raffle prizes, centerpieces, place cards, invitations,
picture board and plaques were creative and artistic. We Member Mazel Tov!
have amazing talent in our congregation.
Mazel Tov to:
We had a ball!
Thank you, Jody & Metin
Iris and Sid Goklevant on the bat
mitzvah of their
daughter, Sarah, on May
28th
Studying in Israel—Plant a Tree
I will be studying and doing Resa & Arnold Hauptman on the high school
community service in Israel graduations of their grandchildren: Aaron Hauptman
next year. I have registered will be attending Princeton University, Danya Jacobs
to participate with the Jew- will be attending Ithaca College and Dillon Tamer will
ish National Fund in plant- be attending Geneseo College.
ing trees in Israel.
Please go to
Glen Cohen, graduate of Massapequa High School
www.jnf.org/pyw, click on
find a participant, and type
my name, Sandi Katz, and Megan Cohen for acceptance into the Emory
please plant a tree. University Anthropology Honors Program
If you do not have access
to a computer, you can write out a check for $36 to “JNF”
Benjamin Mordechai-Strongin and happy trails on
and mail it to me at 510 Strong Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY
his summer journey around the country with USY
11757 and I will process it for you.
Wheels
Thank you in advance for all of your support. When I re-
turn from my studies I will give a davar torah about my ex-
perience to share with all of you. This space is for your good news.
Share it with all of us! Send it to:
Sandi Katz shofar@beth-el-massapequa.org
CBE USY President
Page 6
Roasting and Toasting Iris Astrof and Sid Margolis
Photos by Efrom Adler
also by Harold Lefkowitz and Jack Russo
Page 7
JUNE YAHRZEITS
The following members will be observing yahrzeit for their loved ones this month.
Please help them ensure there is a minyan so their prayers can be said.
1-2 11-12 Ann Miller 26-27
Nathan Buchwald Martin Schwartz Edith Tishler Gary Klinger
Trude Weiss Barry Shorten Ronald Klinger
20-21
2-3 12-13 Marvin Heitner 27-28
Morris Young Efrom Adler Ellyn Levine
21-22
Roslyn Dunkel Aaron Spector
4-5 Harold Lederman
Seymour Fuchs Harvey Reibel
Debbie Ring Gail Mukamal
Iris Astrof 13-14 28-29
23-24
Beatrice Silverman Harvey Wiener
6-7 Dorothy Abrams
Beryl Newman
Edwin Lobl 15-16
25-26 Ruth Weitman
Ronald Kopitowsky Libby Kornberg
Ellen Lefkowitz Allen Cohen
Leonard Ringel
9-10 Samuel Storch
29-30
Seymour Fuchs 17-18 Beryl Newman
Norman Hershkowitz
Barbara Ringel Michael Winnick Aaron Kott
Vikki Finkelman Audrey Raskin 30-July 1
19-20
Fran Liebow Shirley Hershkowitz
Alfred Mindlin
Rita Greenberg
misheberach
Order Personalized Yahrtzeit Candles
Refluah shelamah to
Michael Schwartz,
George Greenfield,
Roz Dunkel, Rachel
Grabovsky, Evelyn
Star, Marilyn Finger,
Fran Liebow, Arthur
Zweibach, Darlene
Raffo, Miriam
Mordechai and all
those who are ill. $5.00 each
May they only know health and happiness.
Get an order form from the office, find one in
R’fahainu Adonai vnaerafay, hosheaynu v’nevashayah key t’he-
the synagogue lobby or download it online.
lataynu atah. V’ha-ahlay r’fuah shlaymah l’chol macotaynu.
Please provide at least two weeks notice for
Please let us know if you or a loved one is ill and would personalization. You will be called by the
like it to go in the Shofar (full English names only). You office when your candle is ready for pick-up.
may also add the Hebrew name to the misheberach list
recited on Shabbat. Call the synagogue office at 516-
541-0740 or e-mail office@beth-el-massapequa.org.
Page 8
Payrushay HaParashah
COMMENTS ON THE TORAH READING
PARASHAT NASO brought to mark conclusion of the devotee’s term of conse-
June 4– 2 Sivan cration, which suggests that although the self-denial is car-
ried out with holy intent it is sinful in its own right.
Parashat Naso is the longest Torah portion: 176 verses.
(Could it be just a coincidence that the longest chapter in the The priestly blessing is prescribed as a primary duty of the
Hebrew Bible, Psalm 119, is also exactly 176 verses long? Or kohanim. The blessing is famous for its beauty as well as for
that the longest tractate in the Babylonian Talmud [Baba its versese of three words, then five, then seven words, con-
Batra] is also 176 pages long?) The census and accounting sisting of 15, then 20, then 25 consonants. The three verses
for the tribe of Levi continues, with specific treatment of the address six divine acts of favor, blessing, protection, shining,
Gershonite, Kohathite and Merarite clans. The sacred tasks graciousness, divine attention (lifting of God’s face), and
of each family grouping are assigned. God instructs Moses bestowing peace.
that the ritual purity of the camp is to be maintained by re- The parashah concludes with a lengthy and repetitive listing
moving people who contract impurity, as by a bodily dis- of the dedicatory gifts brought by the tribal princes at the
charge or contact with a corpse. The moral purity of the Is- consecration of the sanctuary, and with a description of
raelite camp is also addressed and a process for redressing God’s ongoing communication with Moses in the form of
personal offenses is prescribed, including confession, restitu- the divine voice emanating from the
tion and a ritual offering. cherubim atop the cover of the Ark.
The parashat continues with the ritual
for the sotah–the suspected adulteress. PARASHAT B’HA’ALOTEKHA
In the absence of actual proof or sub- June 11– 9 Sivan
stantive evidence, a married woman Parashat Beha’alotecha opens with
suspected by her husband of adultery God’s instructions to Moses and
is subjected to trial by ordeal, and Aaron about the menorah that lit the
compelled to drink bitter waters, in sanctuary. The discussion of light in
which dust from the sanctuary floor is the literal sense gives way to spiritual
dissolved. Also added to this potion illumination in the ritual for purifica-
are scrapings from a parchment on tion of the Levites, who —taking the
which a series of curses and adjura- place of Israel’s firstborn, it is re-
tions, recited by the priest during the peated—begin their divine service.
ordeal, have been inscribed. An offer- Levites are to serve when they are
ing of jealousy consisting of barley between the ages of 25 and 50.
flour is presented at the altar. The rit-
ual instructions provide that a woman guilty of unfaithful- The observance of Passover and par-
ness will become desperately ill in reaction to the potion, ticularly of the paschal offering is scheduled for twilight on
while an innocent wife will be unharmed. the 14th of the first month, which is the anniversary of the
Exodus from Egypt. A number of Israelites, debarred from
The extensive passage dealing with the sotah and the un- participation in the Paschal offering because of their ritual
seemly specter of wifely faithlessness is followed immedi- impurity on the prescribed date, protest their sacral disabil-
ately by a very different ritual, the vow of the nazirite, which ity. Moses relays their protest to God, who provides an in-
is an expression of extraordinary faith and devotion to God. novation in Passover law: Those who were impure or away
An Israelite man or woman may elect to undertake a tempo- from the community at the time appointed for the offering
rarily heightened state of personal consecration through a are to observe a compensatory, “second” Passover a month
vow of self-denial. The nazirite must refrain from wine or later.
other intoxicant, as well any other grape product. The nazir-
ite is to avoid ritual impurity contracted through contact The manifestation of God’s presence among the Israelites–
with a corpse, even in order to attend to the burial or divine cloud by day and fire by night–is the sign that indi-
mourning for a close relative (parent, sibling, etc.). Finally, cates to the Israelites the timing of their movements and
the nazirite’s hair is consecrated and must not be cut. Scrip- encampments in the wilderness. These movements also are
ture’s (and later Jewish tradition’s) ambivalence about the marked by sounding silver trumpets, which are used during
nazirite’s asceticism is reflected in the sin offering that is Continued on next page
Page 9
Payrushay HaParashah
Continued from page 9
battle and at communal celebrations, as well. The order of mons, each week constrained by the corresponding parasha,
the march through the wilderness is provided in detail. but parashat Korach always provides wonderful material for
Moses invites his father-in-law–here referred to as Hovav the preacher, because there is always dissension and conflict
(earlier, his name is given as Jethro or Jether or Reuel)–to in the Jewish community.”
accompany the Israelite camp. The invitation is declined.
The Torah’s prototypical dissenter, Korach, supported by
Chapter 10 concludes with a familiar two-verse “Song of the Dathan and Aviram, and leading a force of 250 men, incites
Ark.” These verses (“Vay’hi binsoa ha-Aron
… Uv’nucho yo- a rebellion against Moses, assailing his claim to unique lead-
mar
…”) are recited during the Torah service, both when the ership. A dismayed Moses challenges his detractors to a cul-
scroll is removed from the ark and when it is returned. The tic confrontation. Both the impudent rebels and Aaron are
couplet is set apart from its context in the Torah scroll by to bring offerings of incense on fire pans; Moses explains
inverted nuns, which serve as brackets. Rabbi Yehudah Ha- that “the man whom the Lord chooses, he shall be the holy
Nasi taught that these couplets are to be considered a dis- one.” After Korach gathers the community to witness the
crete biblical book! Indeed, their 85 letters provide the mini- decisive event, a frustrated God threatens to destroy the en-
mum number of intact characters that render a damaged tire nation. Moses intervenes, praying: “God, Source of the
scroll still sacred. breath of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be wrathful
with the whole community?” God relents, ordering Moses to
PARASHAT SHELAH-LEKHA instruct the Israelites to distance themselves from Korach’s
June 18–16 Sivan band. In accordance with Moses’ explicit warning, the earth
At God’s instruction, Moses dispatches 12 spies, each repre- opens up and swallows Korach, his ringleaders, and their
senting his tribe, into Canaan to reconnoiter and report back households; fire consumes the rebels offering the incense,
on the prospects of conquest: “See what kind of country it and the horrified and panicked community of Israel flees in
is. Are the people who dwell in it strong or weak, few or fear.
many?” They return bearing samples of the land’s fruit and Eleazar collects the fire pans that the rebels had used–
produce, but also with a pessimistic estimation of Israel’s unauthorized but now deemed sacred–“from among the
tactical prospects. They fearfully describe themselves as charred remains.” The pans are to be used to cover the altar,
mere “grasshoppers” compared to the “giants” indigenous as a reminder of the terrible consequences of this–or similar
to the Promised Land. –uprisings. Despite the vindication of Moses and the dire
Infected with the spies’ faithlessness, the Israelites tearfully fate of his detractors, the Israelite community begins to
lament their condition to Moses and Aaron. Only Joshua “murmur”–to complain against Moses and Aaron. This ill-
and Caleb, who were among the spies, deliver a positive re- advised sedition is met with further divine wrath: 14,700
port on their observations, but they are met with a violent Israelites perish in a punitive plague, which is curtailed by
public response. A disappointed and disheartened God Aaron’s expiatory intercession.
threatens to disown and destroy His chosen people, and to Further divine proof is offered to substantiate the leadership
begin anew with Moses. Moses (though he shares the Al- of Moses and Aaron. Twelve staffs are provided, each in-
mighty’s displeasure: “How much longer shall that wicked scribed with the name of a tribal chieftain; one staff is in-
community keep muttering against me?”) appeases God on scribed with Aaron’s name. Aaron’s staff miraculously
the nation’s behalf, securing His pardon for their iniquity sprouts, and it is placed beside the Ark as a reminder to
with a prayerful petition that we repeat each Yom Kippur other would-be rebels.
eve. God’s verdict is not one of absolute forgiveness. The
Following a fearful lament by the Israelites about the lethal
current generation of Israelites is condemned to die off in
power of God’s sanctuary, the Levites and priests are
the wilderness, which they will wander for 40 years (in rec-
charged specifically with all that pertains to the sacred pre-
ompense for the failed 40-day mission of the spies), and the
cincts and with the responsibility of keeping unauthorized
spies themselves, except Joshua and Caleb, die in a plague.
parties from compromising its sanctity. The sacerdotal mis-
PARASHAT KORAH - BIRKAT HAHODESH sion of the tribe of Levi is met with a number of perquisites:
June 25–23 Sivan sacrificial emoluments–“the best of the new oil, wine and
grain, the choice parts that Israelites present to the Lord”–
Rabbi Bunam of Pshyscha observed: “Rabbinic preachers as well as tithes, are assigned to the priests and the Levites.
select passages from the weekly Torah reading for their ser-
Page 10
TD Bank Fundraiser
Have you enrolled yet?
Have you told your neighbors about the program?
Affinity Membership Program
Open an account at TD Bank and they will make a contribution to Congregation Beth-El. TD Bank will
make an annual donation based on the average balance in all members’ accounts. Checking, savings,
money market, CD and retirement accounts are all included in the program.
If you are already a TD Bank customer, give them a call and ask to have your balances included as part
of Beth-El’s Affinity Membership Program. It only takes one call and the synagogue benefits! You do
not have to be a congregant to participate. Tell you friends, neighbors and relatives!
Call 516-541-1116 to become a member of the program.
Page 11
Sponsor Shabbat Lunch,
Friday Night Oneg or
Sunday Breakfast Minyan
Under Supervision of Rev Benyomim Mandel
Do you have an upcoming simcha? A
Smoked Fish Package birthday? An anniversary? Honoring a
loved one? Commemorate the event by
Whitefish Fillet Sliced Baked Salmon sponsoring a kiddush or oneg and
share your joy with the Beth-El family.
Sable Nova Lox
NEW!! Enjoy breakfast on Sunday
Egg Salad Tuna Salad
mornings. Sponsors welcome.
Herring in Wine Sauce
Cream Cheese Scallion Cream Cheese Get together with
Sliced Onions, Tomato and Cucumber friends and co-
sponsor an oneg
Assorted Bagels Challah Rolls Bialys
or kiddush.
$15.99 Per Person
Call the office for
516-809-7800 details at:
541-0740
2225 Jerusalem Avenue, Merrick
YOU MUST THINK OF THAT TIME NOW
We don’t like to think of it, nor do we like to talk
of it, but every man and woman must consider
the inevitable: death and burial. To procrastinate
is to burden loved ones with concerns one can
take care of now. To put off the purchase of
graves for tomorrow is to add costs at the time
of burial. Congregation Beth-El has purchased
cemetery grounds at Wellwood Cemetery in
Pinelawn, NY. The cost of an individual grave-
site is:
Members: $400 each
Parents of Members: $750 each
Others: $1,500 each
Payments can be made over a 3-month period. Contact the synagogue office 541-0740, Avrum Bloomstone
or Allan Hausman for further details.
Page 12
MICHAEL J. DAVIDSON, D.M.D MARK ROSEN
Family Dentistry
4770 Sunrise Highway MARK’S SPRINKLER SERVICE INC.
Massapequa Park, NY 11762 SERVICE, INSTALLATIONS, WINTERIZING
541-1831
37 Massapequa Ave.
Massapequa, N. Y. 11758 (516) 541-2182
Congregation Member
FRED SIMANOFF
MASSAPEQUA ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL ASSOCIATES, L.L.P.
RICHARD BERG, D.D.S.
KENNETH D. MORRIS, D.M.D.
BARRY D. BASS, D.D.S.
PETER SCHARFENBERGER, D.M.D. SIMON PASTON & SONS AGENCY, INC
JAMES F. DOLIN, D.D.S.
TRACEY J. ROSENBERG, D.D.S., M.D. 381 SUNRISE HIGHWAY, LYNBROOK, NY 11563
DAVID JURMAN, D.D.S., M.D.
4770 SUNRISE HIGHWAY 1181 OLD COUNTRY ROAD Phone: Fax: E-mail:
SUITE 201 SUITE 4 516-593-2220 516-593-2605 fred@paston.com
MASSAPEQUA PARK, NY 11762 PLAINVIEW, NY 11803 718-481-9000 516-593-2616
(516) 798-4143 (516) 822-7880 212-319-7310
(516) 798-4296 Fax (516) 822-5010 Fax
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
Every one of us
uses some of the
hundreds of prod-
The Identity Collection
ucts with the “Box
Tops” symbol on The Next Generation in Tallis Clasps
them every day! Buy a beautiful tallis clasp for yourself or
Please support gift it and a portion of the proceeds will
our Hebrew benefit CBE.
School by
depositing the box tops label in the collection Each piece, made of 100% sterling silver, is
hand pierced and is available in a flat or shiny
box in the front lobby.
finish. This is a great gift idea.
Our school will receive 10 cents for every The tallis clasps are offered to you at a special
price. The synagogue receives a percentage of
box top collected. each piece sold. (Price is dependant on amount
Go to www.boxtops4education.com for a of letters needed). The tallis clasp is on display
in the synagogue lobby.
complete list of participating products or
visit our lobby display. For orders and additional information, please
contact Sid Margolis at 826-0474.
Page 13
Need a Babysitter?
Advertise your business in the
Shofar
Prices quoted are for a full year (10 issues)
Teenagers who are available to babysit so that you
FOR PRINT-READY COPY. can join in all the activities Beth-El has to offer.
Business Card $136
*Beth Minowitz 18 516-795-4416
1/4 Page $225
*Ashley Finger 18 516-694-5315
1/2 Page $336
Courtney Ratner 15 516-799-1939
Full Page $450
Monthly rates are also available.
Please call the office @ 516-541-0740
for further information
OR
E-mail your ad to: congbethelny@aol.com
* available only during winter break & summer
SHOWCASE YOUR CHILD’S TORAH CARDS/TORAH FUND
BAR/BAT MITZVAH Life brings us simchas and sometimes sorrow,
Jewish customs always look ahead to tomorrow.
Inscribing your child's name in the Golden Book in the Whether it’s news of a birthday, anniversary
or bundle of joy, share the happiness with others
synagogue lobby is a wonderful way to let the Congrega- welcoming a girl or a boy.
tional family know of this special event. To honor your Torah cards are the perfect way
to wish a mazel tov or to brighten the day.
child in this meaningful way, send $3 to Sisterhood at least
ten days prior to your simcha. Just call Linda (796-2065) without delay!!
Call Rhoda Buchwald at 798-2581. Cards are $3.50 each or 6 for $18.
Gift Cards Available Year-Round
Instead of paying cash or credit for your purchases at the stores you frequent, order gift cards from us and Beth
-El will receive a percentage of your purchase from the vendor.
We have more than 85 participating stores. Your favorite is on the list!
Buy Beth-El gift cards for bar/bat mitzvah, birthday, graduation, engagement, wedding,
anniversary, new baby, etc.
Contact Helen Katz at 631.226.3493 or call the office for a list of stores and an order form or download them
from the fundraising section of our Web site.
www.beth-el-massapequa.org/fundraising/gift-cards
Page 14
CONGREGATION BETH-EL Nonprofit Org.
99 Jerusalem Avenue U.S Postage
Massapequa, NY 11758-3397 PAID
Massapequa, N.Y.
Permit #76
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
