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TRANSCRIPT
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION2
FROM OUR RABBI howard siegel
“thou shalt Not take God’s Name in Vain!” Jews have cometo understand this commandment as referring to the use ofGod’s actual name. In Hebrew the name is spelled “Yud” “Hay”“Vav” “Hay”, but pronounced “Adonai”. “Adonai” is not God’sname, but a descriptive salutation meaning “My Lord”. We arecareful not to pronounce God’s name even in prayer.
What might be the consequence of actually attempting a pro-nunciation of God’s name? Will the earth open up and swallowthe offender or might he/she be struck by a lightning bolt? Intruth, I believe we would all survive the moment, albeit with atinge of guilt. So, why not pronounce God’s name?
Just maybe this commandment comes to teach that the Godof Israel is the God of all people. No single religious group isendowed with a personal knowledge of God’s name or with theexclusive right to use it. The 17th century Jewish philosopherBaruch Spinoza taught, “God didn’t create the universe; God isthe universe.”
The holiday of Shavuot (beginning on the evening of June 11,2016) celebrates the revelation of God on Mt. Sinai, the receivingof Torah, and the Jewish people’s commitment to One God. Itcomes to remind us of our unique place within God’s universe,a universe embracing all humanity.
If you could manage to attend one Tuesday a month it wouldbe greatly appreciated so that those saying Kaddish would be assured of being able to.
Please call the office, 604-271-6262, to let us know whichTuesday you will be able to attend each month. Service beginssharply at 7:30 am. Breakfast follows the service.
we need yourCAN YOU SPARE 30 MINUTES ONCE A MONTH?
WheN a Death occurs…Call the synagogue office at 604-271-6262.
After business hours contact Rabbi Siegel at 778-323-6455 orFrancie Steen at 604-272-7871. On Shabbat or Yom Tov contactFrancie.
Please Note…
In respect of Shabbat and on Holy Days, kindly refrain from usingcellular phones, cameras, or any other electronic equipment,applauding, or chewing gum in the synagogue.THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 7:30 PM
at Beth Tikvah
3BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION
On the holiday of Shavuot we read Megillat Ruth. The storyof an outsider, who chose to stay with her mother-in-law
after being widowed. The Moabite, who adopted the Jewish Godand the Israelites as her people. The convert, who went on tobecome the matriarch of the Davidic dynasty and the Messianiclineage.
Shavuot is not just an account of how the Jewish peoplereceived the Ten Commandments. It’s an extraordinary tale ofaccepting others into your community. Whether a convert likeRuth, an interfaith couple, a newly arrived family, or justthose less affiliated with the community – the key is to wel-come them into our midst and, like Ruth, give them reason tostay.
So, this Shavuot, I urge you that anytime there is an unfamiliarface next to you, please help us make them feel welcome atour Synagogue.
We have partnered with the Jewish Federation’s GesherProgram for our Shavuot event, in an initiative to welcomeJewish newcomers into our community. We hope you can joinus! There will be lots to do, including a kids scavenger hunt,making flower crowns (an Israeli Shavuot tradition), PJ storytime for the kids, Shavuot and Shabbat musical performances,and, of course, a delicious dairy meal. There is really somethingfor everyone, and we hope you’ll feel welcome. For moredetails please see the front cover.
rsVP today for shavuot on the Kibbutz (front cover) and also shavuot - Milk and honey program (below):604.271.6262 or btikvah.ca
HOFIT’S CORNER hofit Indyk
l’chaim – to your healthBeth Tikvah has a wonderful tradition of offering someschnapps for a l’chaim after services on Shabbat. We are inneed of donations of either a bottle of Rye Whiskey or Scotch.
Please feel free to bring a bottle in to the office (no we won’tdrink it!) and we will put it away for the Shabbatot!! Manythanks.
SUMMER HOURS: MONDAY, JULY 4 TO WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31 MONDAY – FRIDAY: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION4
As I’ve been doing my homework, getting everything readyfor this edition of the Chai Lights, I’ve been reading about
Shavuot. What are we celebrating? How are we celebrating?How many different reasons for celebrating? It struck me thatwe observe and do so very many things in our lives withoutthinking, without questioning and/or reasoning.
When I think of Shavuot, I think of receiving the Torah atMount Sinai. I had never connected Shavuot with commemo-rating the time when the first fruits were harvested; I nevermade a connection with the time between Pesach (beingfreed from bondage) and Shavuot (being given the Torah, thusredeeming us spiritually from our bondage to idolatry). I
never thought about serving dairy on Shavuot, only that Ido….
So, how many more customs do we follow and never reallythink about. Being Jewish is a way of life. Sometimes it’s goodto think about what we’re doing…it makes the observancethat much better!
I look forward to seeing you at one or all of our special programs.Feel free to email or call if you have questions or would like toregister. As you know, Beth Tikvah is open all summer. Feelfree to stop by your “home” and see us.
OFFICE NEWS & VIEWS Francie steen
Shabbat Candle Lighting HavdallahSaturday, July 2 10:12 pmSaturday, July 9 10:08 pmSaturday, July 16 10:00 pmSaturday, July 23 9:51 pmSaturday, July 30 9:40 pm
Saturday, August 6 9:27 pmSaturday, August 13 9:14 pmSaturday, August 20 8:59 pmSaturday, August 27 8:44 pm
Saturday, Sept. 3 8:39 pmSaturday, Sept. 10 8:23 pmSaturday, Sept. 17 8:07 pmSaturday, Sept. 24 7:52 pm
Friday, July 1 9:03 pmFriday, July 8 9:00 pmFriday, July 15 8:54 pmFriday, July 22 8:47 pmFriday, July 29 8:38 pm
Friday, Aug. 5 8:27 pmFriday, Aug.12 8:15 pmFriday, Aug. 19 8:02 pmFriday, Aug. 26 7:48 pm
Friday, Sept. 2 7:34 pmFriday, Sept. 9 7:19 pmFriday, Sept. 16 7:04 pmFriday, Sept. 23 6:49 pmFriday, Sept. 30 6:34 pm
Baruch atah adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat.Praised are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe whose mitzvot add holiness to our lives and who gave us the mitzvah to kindleShabbat light.
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION 5
another amazing Year at Beth tikvah hebrewschool
It's hard to believe that another year of Hebrew school haspassed. It is such a joy to welcome excited students from
grades K through 7 every Sunday. Their enthusiasm and smilesclearly show that Beth Tikvah and Camp Solomon Shechtershare the concept that Judaism and joy are indeed one. OnSunday I meet with the K’s - grade 3 and began the day with(tfillot). The participation, singing, dancing and ruach (spirit)is wonderful to see. Rabbi Siegal leads with grades 4 -7. Theylearn the Schacharit (morning) service complete with tallisand tefillin. Then off to class we all go. The creative teachingstyles of the Beth Tikvah staff ensures an environment of loveof learning.
The students in grades 4 and 5 attend Tuesdays from 4 - 6 PM.Although tired after a long day at public school the amountaccomplished is amazing. The students have all become adeptin leading the Mincha (afternoon) service, and tackling sub-jects that include the Bible, values and ethics and of courseHebrew and the Jewish holidays. It is a heart warming sight.
And what could be better than a game of Jewpardy both onSundays and Tuesdays to see the Hebrew school students leavewith smiles on their faces and song in their hearts.
Much thanks go to our principal Rabbi Siegel and staff: K:Sylvia Miles with aid Jamie Powell; 1 & 2: Hadas Shapira; 3:Esther Karasenty; 4 - 7: Marilyn Berger with aid David Urist. OnSaturday morning Ronit Siegel trained the Bar and BatMitzvot.
This year we were pleased to welcome Tomer Tetro our shinshinit(Israeli gap school program) who added love, enthusiasm andknowledge about the State of Israel. We wish her mazal andsafety as she joins Israeli army next year. We are sad thatMorah Esther is not available to teach with us next year. Wewill miss her. We are pleased to note that Naomi Ben Yehudawill rejoin us in September.
If you are looking for a fabulous Hebrew school experience foryour child, registration is open for classes in September at allgrade levels.
HEBREW SCHOOL Marilyn Berger
126 golfers, joined by 65 more dinner guests, were treated toan amazing day and evening at the annual Beth Tikvah andRJDS Charity Golf Tournament, May 30.
Spectacular weather and great conditions highlighted a dayof golf that included many traditional, as well as a few newtreats and activities along the course.
When the rounds of 18 were completed, the kosher dinnerevent, which featured a large silent auction as usual, also hada new twist to it this year.
Facilitated by MC Shane Foxman, a celebrity sports panelthat included former BC Lions star Angus Reid and former
Canucks assistant general manager Laurence Gilman, enter-tained the crowd with fun, candid stories and athlete anticsand perspectives.
The event, which has been going on for many years now,raises significant funds for the two host organizations. It alsobenefits the Canucks Autism Network (CAN), whose presenceincluded 7 year old Grady Robinson, outshining many of theadults on the course.
The community rallied together with a long list of sponsorslead by Keil Investment Group, Intercare Corporate Group,Zeidler BKDI, Clark Builders and Morton Holdings.
TOURNAMENT WAS A HOLE IN ONE!
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION6
ISHA L’ISHA - WOMAN TO WOMAN linda steiner
WOMAN TO WOMAN
ISHA L ISHA
Isha L’Isha –Woman to Woman: Linda Stein, Coordinator; Lois Powell, Board RepresentativeVicki Northy (Gift shop); Stacey Szeplabi (Treasurer)
the Danish Girl discussion was great! We had 8 womenattend the book discussion on May 19th in the Beth TikvahLibrary.We are enjoying the company and opportunities to
read and talk about the books. Hope you can join us for ournext discussion.
harem Midwife by Roberta Rich Thursday July 7
Isha l’Isha Book club
the next Isha l’Isha Book club
will be meeting on
thursday, July 77:00 - 8:30 pm
at Beth tikvah
Please join us as the author, roBerta rIch,
will be joining us for our discussion.
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION 7
KADIMA Mattaya Parker
Hi everyone! Kadima had an amazing time eating falafel (with authenticfrench fries in them!) and learning some very useful krav maga with Alex our
instructor! Everyone had a great time and those of us leading the event greatlyenjoyed watching the Kadimaniks take pride in Israel! Thank you to Tomer, Lianand Ophir, our Israeli Shinshiniot (Israeli emissaries) who help lead the programand teach us about Israel.
Until next time…
NEWS AND VIEWS Marilyn Berger
The News and Views group has literally solved all of theworld’s problems. If only the world leaders could be the flies
on the wall there would be no wars, Israel and her neighbourswould be best friends, ISIS would no longer exist, the UnitedStates would have qualified leaders running for office, and ofcourse, Canada would continue to be the best country in theworld to live in. These are but a few of the topics that we have
covered this year. I want to thank the dedicated regulars, wel-come newcomers, and of course, Stacey for providing us withyummy lunches. News and Views will resume in the fall so watchthe news, read the papers and come prepared to discuss all thathas transpired over the summer. As ever, everyone, no matterage or stage is welcome to join in.
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION8
the JeWIsh FooD BaNK is looking for strong men or women who are able to help us unload and load our foodsupplies twice a month on Thursday mornings. The times would be either 7:00am-8:00am or 11:00am-11:30am. If you areable to come please email Shelley Ail at [email protected]. Thank you.
Have you ever looked in your food cupboard/pantry/fridgeand didn’t find anything interesting to eat?
Or, if you’re cooking lunch or dinner, you can’t decide what toserve?
So, to me, at least, it’s so very difficult to imagine someone nothaving that choice – not having the food to choose from. Butstatistics show that within our very own Jewish communitywe have just that – people who don’t have the privilege ofdeciding what to eat when they are hungry.
Jewish Women’s International created the Jewish Food Bankmany years ago and then came Project Isaiah. Project Isaiahis the collecting of non-perishable food usually between RoshHashanah and Yom Kippur. All the food collected goes to theJewish Food Bank and sustains it for a while. Unfortunatelythe statistics are getting worse and the food is not lasting longenough.
Three years ago a small group decided to make a differenceand created Project Sustenance, an additional food drive tosupplement the food for the Jewish Food Bank. On Sunday,
May 15th, Project Sustenance held a one day food drive inconjunction with Festival Ha’Rikud. It had a Kosher BBQ withall food items donated and all profits going to the Jewish FoodBank. It also gave an opportunity for people from all of theLower Mainland to bring non-perishable food. Additionally,most of the Jewish Day Schools have also taken part ownershipof this food drive and are collecting food for the Jewish FoodBank.
You may realize that the Food Baskets on our Bema for YomTov are full of non-perishable food for the Jewish Food Bank aswell as more money donated for that cause. Beth Tikvah cares!
My dream is that one day we will not need the Jewish FoodBank or the food drive for it…but it is just a dream. Until thatday comes, I hope we all can give just a little bit more, so thatone of the recipients can make the choice of what to make fordinner!
PROJECT SUSTENANCE…MAY 15, 2016A Food Drivefor the JewishFood Bankby Francie Steen
PROJECT
SUSTENANCEHELPING TO FIGHT HUNGER 365 DAYAYA S A YEAR
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION 9
On May 19 Beth Tikvah was pleased to welcome StanGreenspan, 1st Vice President of the Federation of Jewish
Men’s Clubs, or FJMC. Stan is slated to become the interna-tional President next year. FJMC is the only men’s organizationaffiliated with the Conservative/Masorti Movement. They arecomprised of about 270 Men’s Clubs with membership ofapproximately 25,000 men!
Stan was quite engaging (and funny)as he spoke to a group ofinterested congregants, generating a lot of enthusiasm. Heprovided a wealth of information regarding the advantagesof affiliating with FJMC. The leadership of FJMC is always atthe ready to render their expertise, support and assistancein establishing a new chapter.
Although a men’s club is centred around the needs and interestsof the men of a congregation, there are other key elementsof involvement as stated on the FJMC website. A Men’s Clubcan:• Support Congregational Youth Financially and throughPrograms
• Strengthen and enhance Jewish Observance both at theSynagogue and at Home• Increase involvement in the Jewish community• Work on and Expand Projects to Support the Congregation• Create Ruach and Comraderie• Set a Positive Example for Our Children• Provide Social and Recreational Activities and Events• Enhance an Understanding of World Jewry and It’sProblems
The possibilities are limitless!
The Beth Tikvah Men’s Club can be open to all men ages 19-99 in the Jewish community. We are looking forward toestablishing a Beth Tikvah Men’s Club which will strengthenthe bonds of the men of our congregation and benefit every-one in our community.
Stayed tuned for more information…men, get ready toman-up!
OK GUYS…IT’S TIME TO MAN-UP!
Tomer, our Shinshinit (Israeli Emissary) who came toVancouver for a gap year to volunteer in our Jewishcommunity, is now leaving to go help out at camp!We will truly miss your smile, energy, and passionfor Israel. Our Hebrew School kids have learned atremendous amount about Israel and it is all thanksto you!
GooD BYe toMer, We WIll MIss You!GOOD
BYE
Tomer was part of the Jewish Federation Shinshinim Program, and Beth Tikvah willbe involved in this program next year as well. Stay tuned to meet next year’s Shinshinstarting in September.
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION 11
You shall count for yourselves – from the day after theShabbat from the day when you bring the Omar of the
waving – seven Shabbatot, they shall be complete. Until theday after the seventh Sabbath, you shall count fiftydays…You shall convoke on this very day …there shall be aholy convocation for yourselves…you shall do no laboriouswork, it is an external decree in your dwelling places for yourgeneration – Leviticus 21:15-16:21
Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, is the second of the threemajor festivals with both historical and agricultural signifi-cance (the other two are Pesach and Sukkot). Agriculturally, itcommemorates the time when the first fruits were harvestedand brought to the Temple, and is known as Hag ha-Bikkurim(the Festival of the First Fruits). Historically, it celebrates thegiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and is also known as HagMatan Torateinu (the Festival of the Giving of Our Torah).
The period from Passover to Shavuot is a time of great antici-pation. We count each of the days from the second day ofPassover to the day before Shavuot, 49 days or 7 full weeks,hence the name of the festival. The counting reminds us of theimportant connection between Passover and Shavuot:
Passover freed us physically from bondage, but the giving ofthe Torah on Shavuot redeemed us spiritually from ourbondage to idolatry and immorality. Shavuot is also known asPentecost, because it falls on the 50th day; however, Shavuothas no particular similarity to the Christian holiday of Pentecost,which occurs 50 days after their spring holiday.
It is noteworthy that the holiday is called the time of the givingof the Torah, rather than the time of the receiving of the Torah.The sages point out that we are constantly in the process ofreceiving the Torah, that we receive it every day, but it wasfirst given at this time. Thus it is the giving, not the receiving,that makes this holiday significant.
Shavuot is not tied to a particular calendar date, but to acounting from Passover. Because the length of the monthsused to be variable, determined by observation and there aretwo new moons between Passover and Shavuot, Shavuotcould occur on the 5th or 6th of Sivan. However, now that wehave a mathematically determined calendar, and the monthsbetween Passover and Shavuot do not change length on themathematical calendar, Shavuot is always on the 6th of Sivan(the 6th and 7th outside of Israel).
SHAVUOT
Prep Time: 7 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Chill Time: none Yield: 6 serving
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.2. In a large bowl, whisk together half and half and eggs. 3. Add salt, nutmeg, pepper, flour, and cheddar andhavarti cheeses. Mix well.4. Pour into piecrust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. 5. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until firm in center whenpressed lightly with finger.
Tip:This is a basic light and fluffy cheese quiche recipe. Itlends itself easily to variations. Try sautéing an onion orsliced mushrooms, or adding broccoli, spinach, or evensome red peppers for taste and color. Use your imagina-tion and have fun!
CHEESE QUICHE By Jamie Geller
1 cup half and half4 eggs⅛ teaspoon salt⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon pepper2 tablespoons flour½ cup shredded cheddar
cheese
½ cup shredded havarticheese
1 (9-inch) frozen deep-dishpiecrust
½ cup shredded mozzarellacheese
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION12
Although everyone agrees that the food of choice forShavuot is cheese, most typically blintzes, or a Sephardic
equivalent such as burekas, there are differences of opinion(some quite charming) as to as to why it is a custom.
Some derive the practice directly from scripture, saying we eatdairy to symbolize the “land flowing with milk and honey”(Exodus 3:8) promised to the Israelites, or that “milk andhoney are under your tongue” (Song of Songs 4:11). Thesepassages, along with “The precepts of the Lord are…sweeterthan honey” (Psalm 19:9-11) also indicate we should eathoney, which is customary in some communities.
A sage discovered that the initials of the four Hebrew words inNumbers 28:26, which describe the sacrificial meal offering onShavuot, spell mei halav (from milk), suggesting that dairy foodis the acceptable dinner for the festival. At Sinai, the Israeliteswere considered to be as innocent as newborns, whose food is milk.
Those of kabbalistic [mystical] bent equate the numerical valueof the word halav, 40 (‘het’=8, ‘lamed’=30, ‘vet’=2), with thenumber of days Moses spent on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten
Commandments and other teachings (Exodus 24:18). Otherslook to the mountain itself, which is termed in Psalms mountof gavnunim (68:15), meaning many peaks. They connect thatdescription with the Hebrew word g’vinah, meaning cheese.
Scholars who trace all Jewish customs and rituals to practicescommon among various ethnic groups claim that spring harvestfestivals characteristically featured dairy dishes, perhaps becausecheese was produced during that season.
There is also support for the custom based on the spiritualdevelopment among the Israelites in the wake of Sinai. Afterthe Torah was given, they were obligated to follow its laws,including those governing dietary practice. As they returned tothe camp from Revelation, they could not eat the previouslyprepared meat, which had not been done according to thelaws of kashrut [dietary restrictions]. Since butchering andcooking fresh meat would take too long for the tired, hungryIsraelites, they took the dairy food that was readily available.Symbolizing modesty, the dairy was also seen as appropriatefor the occasion of receiving the Torah, which should alwaysbe approached with humility.
WHY DAIRY ON SHAVUOT?Excerpted from Celebrate! The Complete Jewish Holiday Handbook.
Reprinted with permission from Jason Aronson Inc.
MoNDaY NIGhtsMonday night is when Beth Tikvah runs its premier bridgegame. This is an ACBL sanctioned duplicate bridge game,with masterpoints awarded, entry fee $8. Our director is BryanMaksymetz, who has helped represent Canada in internationaltournaments, and is currently coach of Canada’s Junior BridgeTeam. If you want to brush up on your bridge skills before play-ing in this game, please contact Larry Meyer at 604- 271-8692.If enough people are interested, Bryan will be happy to offerbridge lessons.
thursDaY NIGhtsThursday night is when Beth Tikvah runs its casual duplicatebridge game. This is not a sanctioned bridge game, there is noofficial director, no masterpoints are awarded, entry fee $2.
Both games start at 7pm. More information about bridge gamesat Beth Tikvah can be found at:www.bethtikvahbridge.wordpress.com
BRIDGE NIGHT AT BETH TIKVAH
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION 13
Batter 4 eggs ¼ cup sugar 1/2 cup milk 1 package vanilla sugar 1/2 cup water pinch of salt1 cup flour 1 tbsp oil
cheese FIllING I 4 ounces cream cheese juice of ½ lemon 4 Tbsps. honey or maple syrup 1 egg yolk 1/2 pound farmer cheese
cheese FIllING II 1 pound cottage cheese, strained 2 tbps sugar 1 tsp vanilla sugar2 egg yolks ¼ cup raisins (optional) 2 Tbsps. flour
use: 7 inch skillet YIelDs: 12 blintzes
CLASSIC CHEESE BLINTZES
Batter: In a large mixer bowl combine eggs, milk, water andblend well. Gradually add flour, then both sugars, salt and oil.Beat well until there are no lumps in the batter.
FIllING I: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and beat well. Orcombine all the ingredients in a blender container and blenduntil smooth.
FIllING II: Combine all ingredients, except raisins, in a bowland beat well. Or all the ingredients can be combined in ablender container and blended until smooth. Then addraisins.
to asseMBle crePes:1. Prepare batter and filling of your choice. Using a papertowel or basting brush, apply a thin coating of oil to a 7 inchskillet. Place skillet over medium heat until skillet is hot butnot smoking.2. Ladle approximately 1/3 cup of batter into the skillet. Tiltpan to swirl the batter so it covers the bottom of the skillet.
3. Fry on one side until small air bubbles form, and top is set.Bottom should be golden brown. When done, carefully loosenedges of crepe and slip out of skillet onto a plate.4. Repeat the above procedure until all the batter is used.Grease the skillet as needed.5. Turn each crepe so that golden brown side is up. Place 3tablespoons of filling on one edge in a 2 1/2 inch long by 1-inch wide mound.6. Roll once to cover filling. Fold the sides into the center andcontinue rolling until completely closed.7. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet and place each crepeseam side down in the skillet and fry 2 minutes on each side,turning once.
VarIatIoN: Whole wheat pastry flour can be used instead ofwhite flour.
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION14
The Seventeenth of Tammuz is a Jewish fast day commem-orating the breach of the walls of Jerusalem before the
destruction of the Second Temple. It falls on the 17th day ofthe Hebrew month of Tammuz and marks the beginning ofthe three-week mourning period leading up to Tisha B'Av.
This day also commemorates the destruction of the TwinTablets of the Ten Commandments. The Seventeenth of Tammuz
occurs forty days after the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.Moses ascended Mount Sinai on Shavuot and remained therefor forty days. The Children of Israel made the Golden Calf onthe afternoon of the sixteenth of Tammuz when it seemedthat Moses was not coming down when promised. Mosesdescended the next day (forty days by his count), saw thatthe Israelites were violating many of the laws he had receivedfrom God, and smashed the tablets.
SEVENTEENTH OF TAMMUZ
Tisha B'Av (lit. "the ninth of Av") is an annual fastday in Judaism which commemorates the anniversary of a
number of disasters in Jewish history, primarily the destruc-tion of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.
Tisha B'Av is regarded as the saddest day in the Jewish calendarand it is thus believed to be a day which is destined fortragedy. Tisha B'Av falls in July or August in the Westerncalendar. The observance of the day includes five prohibitions,most notable of which is a 25-hour fast.
The Book of Lamentations, which mourns the destruction ofJerusalem is read in the synagogue, followed by the recitationof kinnot, liturgical dirges that lament the loss of the Templeand Jerusalem. As the day has become associated withremembrance of other major calamities which have befallenthe Jewish people, some kinnot also recall events such as themurder of the Ten Martyrs, massacres in numerous medievalJewish communities during the Crusades and the Holocaust.
TISHA B’AV
We would like to remind our members and guests to be mindful during our shabbat services of: * please refrain from wearing any fragrances (many people are allergic to them). We are a scent-free zone.
* turn off all cell phones and any other electrical devices * as we would like to celebrate shabbat as a community we ask that you wait to have the Kiddush and hamotze
recited before partaking of the Kiddush lunch* always wear a kippah and tallit when participating in our shabbat service * no applauding during shabbat services
this helps us in our aim to make shabbat a pleasant and memorable experience for all.
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION 15
YAHRZEITS Light candles the night before
16 Ziggy Tebin17 Jack Calderon17 Gerald Levey17 Anne Rosenberg17 Abe Uretsky18 Sara Gechman20 Celia Rubenstein20 Zvi Sandomirsky21 Mary Corbin21 Barney Imerman21 Samuel Melamed21 Jack Singer23 Michael Cohen23 Frieda Garfinkel23 Ruhama Obadia26 Maury Wiss28 Sarah Uretsky29 Mark Ail29 Dorothy Bleet29 Lou Garfinkel30 Varda Elharar30 Sam Rittberg31 Leon Dobbs31 Abraham Kanee31 Albert Ravvin
26 Paul Nicholas Poullos27 Bernice Braverman28 Melville Kahn28 Martin Kruger30 Morris Gechman
sePteMBer1 Orit Gilbert1 Baruch Kolet2 Anne Becker2 Alan Buckwold2 Irving Levin2 David Mainster4 Robert Hurov4 Clara Lever4 Rose Nitikman5 Susan Horowitz5 Shifra Segal6 Dorothy Freedman6 Maurice Klein6 Rose Wolinsky7 Sylvia Gelfer8 Nathan Arnold8 Hans Philipp8 Earl Stone
auGust2 Dena Sures3 William Zacks4 Pauline Feldstein4 Lise Kafka4 Ettie Wiss6 Alice Grodsky6 Ruth Levy7 Minnie Donner8 Ted Borovoy9 Simon Becker9 Morris Lank11 Ruth Steen12 Moris Possin14 Heran Harry Schreiber15 Amelia Silverman16 Leo Steinhardt18 Myra Gutman20 Rachel Behrmann20 Max Levenstein22 Steven Lithwick23 William Gelmon25 Rachel Chinkis26 Doris Braverman26 Gladys Kramer
JulY2 Abraham Grossman2 Joe Siegenberg2 Mayer Wolf3 George Fishman3 Jack Mintzberg4 Charles Gavsie5 Cheryl Medoff5 Hilda Wizenberg6 Shirley Gafinowitz7 Herman Flax7 Harry Perles8 Jack Braude9 Jean Cohen9 Isaac Piha9 Mark Stein12 Charles Tarnow14 Rosina Glen-Leary14 Doris Parker15 Ruth Crystal15 Israel Goldstein16 Yaacov Calderon16 Fanny Slezas
9 Chaya Laya Gutman10 Boris Plotkin12 Kalman Levenstein12 Ethel Yelizarov13 David Hazon13 Eva Posternack14 Jan Ament14 David Slater14 Abraham Sonberg15 Lily Packer18 Coleman Rubin18 Riva Segal19 Lola Hammer21 Alice Goldman21 Frances Kucharsky22 Rita Milavsky24 Samuel Toker24 Eva Zbar26 Ken Epstein27 Vera Pasto28 Murray Barrett29 Norman Kucharsky30 Elsbeth Kaufmann
Please remember the Jewish Food Bank when youshop.Canned vegetables, soups, fish & juice, whole grain pasta,
rice & cereals, dried fruits, cooking oil, peanut butter,baby food & diapers.No outdated or pre opened products please.
DO A MITZVAH…JEWISH FOOD BANK…DO A MITZVAH…JEWISH FOOD BANK
September 1 Yom Tov September 15November 30 Chanukah December 9February 10 Purim February 23
March 14 Pesach March 27June 7 Summer June 20
BULLETIN SCHEDULEPlease submit all information to the office before the deadlines.
suBMIssIoNs eDItoN DIstrIButIoN suBMIssIoNs eDItoN DIstrIButIoN
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION16
JulY BIrthDaYsDonna MoscovitzJeremy BraudeMarvyn GrodskySheryl GeirholmDarin KrygierSam KriklerSandra DratwaJeff GelferDawn HurwitzBobbi Gutman
Julie DeryRochelle MossDora SchweberTrevor HurwitzLinda SteinerPhilip SteinerRabbi Howard SiegelMichael GalAnne AlpersteinCarolyn GavsieLotti Smith
auGust BIrthDaYsJeanna GavsieRachel GrudmanRuth FreedmanJoy DobbsMark FreedmanEric BernalAndrea BrownstoneMickey KeilDeborah SilvermanShael Smith
MaryJane BrownTrudy HarowitzShuli Ben-MosheDoreen GrossmanStacey SzeplabiOlga FriedmanRyan BergerLisa EhrlichReva HenriquesTova WolinskyMurray Landa
Saul YoussiemFrancie SteenBrian KramerSara LevineEzra ShankenAlex ObadiaPerry EhrlichDina SchweberDavid ZacksLolita Cofman
MAZEL TOV TO OUR MEMBERS
JulY aNNIVersarIesSheldon & Debbie NiderJulian & Maureen CollisBarry & Carmen
KirshenblattAlan & Jeanine SlaterIan & Elena FelgarCharlie & Claire HammerColin & Janice Lazarus
Rabbi Howard Siegel &Ellen Lefkowitz
Barry & Karen CorrinJeff & Linda RothbergMichael & Rachel Grudman
auGust aNNIVersarIesMichael & Anne HazonDavid & Judy Tarnow
Alan & Pauline MarchantRon Rozen & Lucie
Levy-SpackMel & Daria MiossRobert & Gabriela MoutalLeonard & Linda ShaneMartin & Debra DavisMichael & Reesa PawerAbe & Doreen GrossmanDanny & Valerie Zack
Erez & Laurie HarelMark & Samara DavidAdam & Taly OstenJack & Cindy BehrmannAlex & Leah JacksonArthur & MarilynWeinstein
Marshall & MarilynBerger
Alan & Barbara Glasser
Stan & Vivian GarfinkelHarold & Carol BravermanGary & Arlene NitikmanRobert & Rowena BridsonAron & Bobbi GutmanMona Mendel & Eric
BernalPhilip & Linda SteinerIgor Mintsis & Julia LevitBill & Debby Altow
The Board of Directors, together with the Congregation, wish to thank our Kiddush Luncheon Sponsors for April and May.The Kiddush luncheons are an integral part of Beth Tikvah’s Jewish life and it truly has made a difference to our congre-gants and guests here at the synagogue.MeMBers Who hosteD a KIDDush luNcheoN, MaNY thaNKs…Roy Freedman & Caryl Kochen, in memory of StanleyFreedman and Norman & Ruby Gutkin
An Anonymous Shul Goer
Isha l’Isha
to hoNour the MeMorY oF a Dear oNe…If you wish to honour the memory of a dear one, a most fitting, traditional and dignifiedremembrance is through a Yahrzeit Plaque and Light. Each Yahrzeit Plaque, bearing the name and yahrzeit date, is mounted on the bronzetablet in the Foyer. It is lit on the Shabbat of the week of the yahrzeit and on the four festivals during the year when Yizkor is recited.
Call Francie, 604-271-6262 to order a plaque.
17BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION
BoarD oF DIrectors FuNDPerry & Marilyn Ehrlich
Congratulations on Mandy & Alex’smarriage
Patti AkninIn memory of your father, Aron
Perry EhrlichIn memory of your aunt, Rose
Victor & Louisa WeizmannCongratulations on Cynthia & Egle’smarriage
Jerry AdlerIn memory of your mother, Naomi
Linda ShaneWishing you a speedy recovery
Max & Cyndi MintzbergCongratulations on the birth of yourGranddaughter
Jeff & Iowna WachtelCongratulations on the birth of yourGranddaughter
David SorinWishing you a speedy recovery
David & Melinda NewmanCongratulations on the birth of yourgrandson, Joey
Carla WaldmanWishing you a speedy recovery
Michael FeldmanIn memory of your sister, Pamela
Otto FarkasIn memory of your wife, Rose
Melinda NewmanIn memory of your mother, Rose
Beth tIKVah KIDDush FuND Melinda Newman & Family
In memory of your mother, grandmother & great grandmother,Rose
Harvey & Dvora Mendelzys
BerGer/MushKat FaMIlY YouthscholarshIP FuNDArthur Ross
Mazel Tov on your 75th BirthdayMarshall & Marilyn
Sandy WolinskyMazel Tov on your special Birthday
Marshall & Marilyn
Melinda Newman & FamilyIn memory of your mother, grandmother & great grandmother,Rose
Marshall & Marilyn Berger
caMP soloMoN schechter BorIs coheN MeMorIal FuND Victor & Louisa Weizmann & Family
Mazel Tov on Cynthia & Egle’s marriageTamar Cohen & Miichael Gal
Heny ParitzkyIn memory of your husband, Avraham
Tamar Cohen & Michael Gal
Noah YelIZaroV MeMorIal FuNDPatti Aknin & Family
In memory of your father, grandfather& great grandfather, Aron
Michael & Lori Yelizarov & Family
Michael Moshevich & FamilyIn memory of your father, Roman
Michael & Lori Yelizarov
BuIlDING FuNDSi & MaryJane Brown
In memory of your sister-in-law, Terri Smolar
Larry & Tyla Meyer
Victor Weizmann & FamilyIn memory of your sister, Jacqueline
Caryl Kochen & Roy FreedmanSi & MaryJane Brown
Victor Weizmann & FamilyWe were shocked & saddened to hearof the passing of your dear sister,Jacqueline. May God rest her soul inpeace & grant you the strength to bearher loss.
Uri & Naomi Kolet
Dvora Mendelzys, Richard Goldberg& Families
In memory of your mother, grandmother & great grandmother,Helen
Caryl Kochen & Roy Freedman
Hedda MejuckIn memory of your husband, Frank
Mort & Barbara David & Family
In support of one another…
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION18
Judy Coblin & FamilyIn memory of your husband, father
& grandfather, DavidMort & Barbara David & Family
Kenn Coblin & FamilyIn memory of your brother, David
Mort & Barbara David & Family
Harold Mejuck & FamilyIn memory of your brother, Frank
Mort & Barbara David & Family
Patti Aknin & FamilyIn memory of your father, grandfather& great grandfather, Aron
Michael & Reesa Pawer & FamilyThe Jordan/Lithwick FamilyRobert & Thea RosenstockPerry & Marilyn Ehrlich & FamilyBev RossoffAllen & Sandy WolinskyDavid & Cathy GoldenIssy & FrancieCharlie & Claire Hammer & Family Ephriam & Debbie RootmanRichie & Faye EliasMichael & Vicki NorthyAndi & FamilyJeff & Linda RothbergJeff, Iowna, Justin & Adam WachtelLarry & Wendy KahnPeter & Andrea BergerBoris, Janine, Brad & Gavin ChenkisAlan & Gale HitelmanThe Smolensky familyRon & Bev ImermanDonna FelgarSi & MaryJane BrownDavid & Grace Ehrlich
Patti Aknin & Family continuedCindy Rozen & Franco MommarellaEppy, Ellen & familyThe Nep Family
Lee CordovaMazel Tov on your 75th Birthday
Donna
David Freedman & FamilyIn memory of your grandmother& great grandmother, Thelma
Bev, Brayden & Samantha
Perry & Marilyn EhrlichIn memory of your aunt, Rose
The Aknin’s
David & Grace EhrlichIn memory of your sister, Rose
Ralph & Patti (Eichler) Aknin & Family
Philip & Iris DaysonBelated Mazel Tov on the birth of yourGrandson. Much happiness to all.
Sylvia Yasin
Bill AltowMazel Tov on your special Birthday
David & Sandi Crystal
Marilyn Jordan & FamilyIn memory of your mother & grandmother, Rose
Brian, Paula & FamilyLarry & Wendy KahnJeff & Linda RothbergIssy & FrancieThe Wachtel FamilySusy Siegel
Marilyn Jordan & Family continuedDavid & Cathy GoldenGary, Arlene & FamilyAndi & FamilyThe Aknin’sMichael & Vicki NorthyRichie & Faye EliasElliott Myers & Linda ThayerCindy Rozen & Franco MommarellaEppy, Ellen & FamilyGuillermo, Frida, Jenny, Jordan & JillThe Nep Family
Stephen Smolar & FamilyIn memory of your wife, Terri
Larry & Tyla Meyer
Jerry Adler & FamilyIn memory of your mother, grandmother & great grandmother,Naomi
Jeff & Linda RothbergLarry & Wendy Kahn & FamilyIssy & FrancieDavid & Melinda NewmanRobert & Thea RosenstockCharlie & Claire HammerThe Aknin FamilyThe Nep FamilyKen & Linda Glasner
David SorinWishing you a speedy recovery
Charlie & Claire
Avie & Anita Perel-PanarIn memory of your mother& grandmother, Frances
Robert & Thea RosenstockThe Aknin Family
In support of one another…
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION 19
Dorothy UllmanIn memory of your sister, Evelyn
Robert & Thea Rosenstock
Linda ShaneWishing you a speedy recovery
Charlie & Claire HammerHarvey & Barbara Halperin
Max & Cyndi MintzbergMazel Tov on the birth of yourGranddaughter
Elliott Myers & Linda Thayer
Michael FeldmanIn memory of your sister, Pamela
Bev & Family
The Judah FamilyWe were shocked & saddened to hearof the passing of your dear son, David.May God rest his soul in peace & grantyou the strength to bear his loss.
Uri & Naomi Kolet
Otto Farkas, Melinda Newman & FamilyIn memory of your wife, mother,grandmother & great grandmother,Rose
Bev Rossoff
Melinda Newman & FamilyIn memory of your mother, grandmother & great grandmother,Rose
2016 Beth Tikvah/RJDS Golf CommitteeRobert & Thea RosenstockArne & Deborah SilvermanIssy & FrancieBen, Heather & Robbie Baker
Melinda Newman & Family continuedJeff & Linda RothbergRuth SingerStan & Vivian GarfinkelArthur & Marilyn WeinsteinPerry & Marilyn EhrlichDonna FelgarAllan Seltzer, Mindy Zimmering & FamilyBrian & Paula Segal & FamilyStewart & Nanci Cohen
Otto FarkasIn memory of your wife, Rose
Arne & Deborah SilvermanIssy & Francie SteenSally Posternack
Michelle GradIn memory of your friend, RosalieDimant
Si & MaryJane
Tyla MeyerIn memory of your friend, RosalieDimant
Si & MaryJane
Bernice Neuwirth & FamilyIn memory of your daughter, Rosalie
Charlie & Claire Hammer
Paula VerhoevenHave a happy Birthday!
Ruth & Stan
Ephriam Gavrilovich & Debbie RootmanIn memory of your father, Grigory.May his memory be for a Blessing
Issy & Francie Steen
Marilyn HarrisIn memory of your husband, Bob
Charlie & Claire Hammer
Irma ShneiderWishing you a speedy recovery
Ruth & Stan
The Altow FamilyMazel Tov on Joey’s Bar Mitzvah
Shayla Feldstein
David & Melinda NewmanMazel Tov on the birth of your grandson, Joey
Issy & Francie
In support of one another…
DRIVERS WANTEDDo you want to do a mitzvah?Well, here’s your chance…We havesome elderly congregants whowould love to come to services butcan no longer drive. If you wouldlike to offer rides occasionally,please call the office and let usknow - 604.271.6262
Many thanks!
URGENT MESSAGEPrivacy regulations prevent hospitals
from identifying patients by religion orsynagogue affiliation. The only way our
rabbi and volunteers will know if amember of your family is in hospital is
if you tell us. Call Francie Steen at 604-271-6262 or
email: [email protected] emailing, please put “illness
notification” in the subject line.
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION20
Several years after my mother died, I had a startling—yetso obvious—realization. Never again would I hear anyone
murmur those sweet endearments that she reserved for me.And there were many, all in Yiddish: *Bossinca, Bossa Golda,mamala minus, mamashana, neshumela, mein kind. Curiousthat she chose Yiddish, as Hebrew was her mother tongueand English, her hard-won second language. But Yiddishformed the blocks of the secret language of mother anddaughter in our home.
The more I thought about this loss, the worse it made mefeel. Another never. As time passes, I continue to uncovermore wounds and each time think: Surely, I’m done now.
The currency of a loving relationship is the small intimatemoments that bond us. Sometimes expressions of love arenon-verbal: gently tucking a strand of hair behind yourdaughter’s ear, tenderly pressing cool lips to her feverishforehead, the symphony of flipping a blanket in the air untilit corrects itself and softly falls in perfect rhythm aroundher. Other times, we use language as verbal hugs, forgingand reinforcing our connections.
A language is about communication, and with my mothergone, isn’t our language dead? Whispering her sweet wordsof love to myself seems childish, at best, and somewhatpathetic, at worst. It would be akin to showing great delightin encountering myself when I see my reflection in the mirror.When I attempted to use some of these endearments withmy own daughter, they sounded less authentic in my voice, soI created my own pet names for her.
Certain possessions, photographs, anecdotes, and knowl-edge can be passed along, admired, and used—all pieces ofthe legacy we leave behind. My children have their grand-mother’s hand-made afghans and Shabbat candlesticks. Ihave shared my mother’s recipes (only gleaned through myfollowing her around the kitchen and making notes) and
taught my children how Grandma made them. When hersweet and sour meatballs are simmering on my stove, theirintoxicating aroma propels me on a magic carpet ride to mymother’s kitchen—my childhood actually—and that is precisely why I make them.
Am I bringing the past into the present or the present intothe past? No matter—the intermingling is where I feel com-fortable. But some experiences can’t be recreated; they arefirmly rooted in my youth and there they stay. I might notlike it, but I need to accept it.
Memories, sad or happy, can be painful—one kind tingedwith regret and recrimination, the other with yearning andloss. Yet, no one would—or should—burn that bridge to thepast. Retrieving memories is like diving for gold coins thatglitter in murky depths; recovering these precious nuggets caninvolve scraping up against the coral and injuring ourselves,but we do it. We just need to apply a balm.
For me, the balm is feeling grateful. My practice of gratitude isinconsistent; it is not my default mode, but I have improvedthrough practice. When I think about what I was given, I feelhumbled and joyful. I was blessed to have a mother who lovedlife, family, and, most certainly, me…all unconditionally.Some of these memories can be shared, and others remainmine alone—and I treasure them all.
*Bossinca and Bossa Golda – I was named after my maternalgrandmother, Batya Zahava. Her name in Yiddish is BossaGolda. Bossinca is a diminutive.
mamala minus and mamashana – The literal translationis my little mother and pretty motherrespectively. Theseendearments are commonly used for girls in one’s family.neshumela – means little soulmein kind – means my child
THE YIDDISH WORDS I MISSED AFTER MY MOTHER DIEDKveller - Belinda Brock
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION 21
CLASSIFIEDS
We would like to remind our members and guests to be mindful during our shabbat services of:
• fragrances (many people are allergic to them)• turning off ALL cell phones, pagers, and any other
electrical devices • as we would like to celebrate Shabbat as a community
we ask that you wait to have the Kiddush andHamotze recited before partaking of the Kiddush luncheon
• always wearing a kippah and tallit when participatingin our Shabbat service
• no applauding during Shabbat services
This helps us in our aim to make Shabbat a pleasant and memorable experience for all.
NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW
BETH TIKVAH KIDDUSH FUNDOur Board of Directors has created a new fund for
Beth Tikvah…the KIDDush FuND!The purpose is to enable people to donate as much as they would likeinto the fund, without having to fund the entire $250 each time. The
minimum donation for the Kiddush Fund is $36.
Donation Opportunities at Beth Tikvah…There are a number of ways for you to acknowledge important milestones inyour family life in our synagogue. We encourage you to share in your celebrations and your sorrows with a recognition opportunity.It can be as simple as a birthday wish, a new job, new home, your child’s forthcoming marriage or the loss of a loved one.Please call the Beth tikvah office (604.271.6262) for a full list of sponsorships
BETH TIKVAH CONGREGATION22
BoarD oF DIrectors
Beth tIKVah coNGreGatIoN9711 Geal road, richmond, Bc V7e 1r4
office: (604) 271-6262 • Fax: (604) 271-6270 • email: [email protected] • www.btikvah.caHOURS: Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 4:30pm; Friday: 9:00am – 3:00pm; SUMMER HOURS: Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Patti Aknin, in memory of her father, Aron Eichler
Perry Ehrlich, in memory of his aunt, Rose Jordan
Jerry Adler, in memory of his mother, Naomi Adler
Michael Feldman, in memory of his sister, Pamela Ward
Otto Farkas, in memory of his wife, Rose Farkas
Melinda Newman, in memory of her mother, Rose Farkas
MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of Beth Tikvah Congregation is to cultivate Conservative Judaism and enrich the Jewish identity, unity, continuity and heritage ofour supportive and caring community through Torah study, meaningful worship, acts of loving kindness, support for Israel and celebrationof Shabbat, Jewish Holy Days, Simchas and life cycle ceremonies.
OUR CONDOLENCES
PresidentPast President Jeff Rothberg Vice President FinanceVice President Programming Ryan BergerTreasurer Alan Marchant Secretary Allan SeltzerRitual Victor Weizmann
Hebrew School Mark DavidYouth Taly OstenAdult Education Robert UristTikkun Olam David NumerowHouse Harvey MendelzysSocial Programming Elena Felgar
Membership Melanie KierszenblatConstitution Miles AlpersteinIsha L’Isha Lois Powell
Chai Lights Editors Donna FelgarFrancie Steen
REFUAH SHLEMAH (GET WELL)
have we missed any of your important life cycle events. Please call us for the next issue.
Linda Shane David Sorin Carla Waldman
Perry & Marilyn Ehrlich, on the marriage of Mandy & Alex
Victor & Louisa Weismann, on the marriage of Cynthia &Egle
Max & Cyndi Mintzberg, on the birth of their
Granddaughter
Jeff & Iowna Wachtel, on the birth of their Granddaughter
David & Melinda Newman, on the birth of their grandson,Joey
MAZEL TOV