April 2012 - AJ Software

36 Pages·2012·7.83 MB·English

Connect. At Beth Am.
April 2012 Nisan - Iyar 5772
r a e v
H K
a e s H e r
The Connection
Message from the Rabbi
Rabbi David Kornberg, Senior Rabbi
One of the things I love most about Conservative Judaism is our historic ability to
look at the world around us, adapt, and do so while looking through the lens of
traditional Judaism. The truth is that without an ability to adapt to new realities, and
new technologies, Judaism would have never survived. Throughout the last century
Conservative Jews have pushed themselves to find ways to express the love and value
they find in Jewish tradition all the while living in, and interacting with, the “outside
world.”
The laws of kashrut have ever been an area of conversation, for they represent both
a commitment to a traditional way of life as well as a barrier between the Jewish and
non-Jewish worlds. For some, that structure and framework provides a great deal of
meaning. For others, keeping kosher does not fit within their “modern” world view.
The Conservative Movement has always held the laws of kashrut to be a fundamental
way of practicing Judaism and connecting with our tradition; however, we have also looked to find ways, when
possible, to bridge the gap between the ancient and modern worlds. While there are many places in which we
have done so, the most prominent example of this is in regard to the question of kosher wine.
There are two traditional issues one must address to ensure that wine is suitable to drink. The first is the possibility
that something is in the wine that would render it unfit for Jews. Examples of this would be animal products or
dairy products that could directly affect the kosher status of the wine. The second issue is the rabbinic prohibition
of drinking wine that may have been made or used for idolatrous purposes. In order to protect Jews from
unwittingly violating the Torah’s prohibition on idolatry, the rabbis of the Talmud prohibited the use of any wine
that was not made by Jews. Certainly today, in the modern world, the second issue is by far easiest to address.
We are not concerned that the wine we are drinking has been produced or is being used for idolatrous purposes.
Even if we were to argue that some wine is used in Christian rites, the wine that is being used is not available for
public consumption and is being produced by the Church specifically for that purpose.
The more challenging question is that of ingredients that may have come from a nonkosher source. On the surface,
one may ask why this is even an issue. Isn’t wine merely grapes, water, and yeast? The truth is that most modern
wineries do use certain additives in their process of clarifying the wine, and some of these additives may, in fact,
have animal origins. In an extensive Responsa written by Rabbi Eliot Dorff in 1985, he methodically addresses
this issue. In short, any clarifying agent is not intended to flavor, nor remain in the wine, and any unintentional
residue that may be left does not affect the kosher status of the wine. This opinion is based on those of a number
of other rabbis from the Middle Ages who argue the very same thing. The exception to this is that some European
winemakers still use beef blood as a clarifying agent. This is not something that is allowed in the United States,
and so Rabbi Dorff’s Responsa refers only to domestic wine, not wine produced anywhere else in the world.
What does this mean for us today? With the two main concerns addressed, Rabbi Dorff argues that any domestic
wine can be considered to be kosher, and therefore drinkable by Jews observing the laws of kashrut. He does,
however, include a couple of caveats in his opinion. First of all, only kosher wine should be used for ritual purposes
such as kiddush and lifecycle events. Second, he urges each community to think about how to be the most
inclusive and ensure that people are not left without the ability to participate in synagogue functions, no matter
what their level of kashrut.
At Beth Am we have always taken the most stringent position possible, requiring that any wines served here
have a kosher certification symbol. However, given the realities of this community, as well as the fact that most
Conservative synagogues allow the use of noncertified wines, I have changed our policy, and we will now allow the
use of any domestic wine at the synagogue. Of course, only certified kosher wine will be served for kiddush, life
cycle events, and all cooking must be done with certified wine so that everyone, no matter their level of kashrut,
will be able to eat here. But in terms of wine served to drink, families will now be able to choose from the many
domestic wines available to us in this day and age.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to be in touch with me, and I will be happy to explain in
more depth.
Rabbi David Kornberg
Rabbi David Kornberg
Senior Rabbi
[email protected]
Congregation Beth Am 2 April 2012 | Nisan - Iyar, 5772
A Message from the Beth Am President
Gary Frost, CBA President
On February 28, we held our Winter Town Hall Meeting from 7:00 – 8:30 PM. You may remember
at the High Holy Days, we introduced the idea of holding several Town Hall meetings during the
year to allow for a conversation about the important matters facing Beth Am. The Board’s purpose
in holding these meetings is to gather feedback on topics which impact us all. Transparency is
a critical factor in our attempt to reach productive solutions to our problems.
For those not attending, let me summarize our meeting. Clearly the issues facing Beth Am
are shared throughout the Conservative Movement, mainly membership and finances. It was
reported that as of 2/28/12 we had:
• 541 active member units
• 42 new families have joined Beth Am
• 23 families have resigned
• 60 member units were removed from the rolls after a year or two of no response from them about their Beth Am
membership.
There was a large and successful new-member event, at Jobi Halper’s home organized by the Membership Committee.
There is also an Ambassador Program designed to pair new members with existing members. They share Shabbat
dinners and other family activities. Town Hall participants were informed that a number of new Havurot have been
created for families with pre-school students. In addition, a Havurah for members who are 60+ is in the works.
Russell Silberstein, Treasurer, reported on the Board’s efforts to refinance the Beth Am mortgage. The refinance
would go a long way to getting us out of the monthly cash flow problem the congregation currently experiences. The
prospects for this being successfully negotiated in the next three months are very high. In addition, he told members
that the Budget Committee and Board were engaged in setting the 2012-2013 budget which is voted on at the May
31 congregation-wide meeting.
I raised with the Town Hall participants the need for Beth Am to establish a culture of annual giving. Synagogues
throughout the country engage in such practices as a way of meeting their financial needs in providing for
membership.
I also spoke about the long list of unanticipated repairs and expenses which cannot be put off, the most serious of
which is a badly leaking roof with an extremely high cost for repair. Currently the roof is being worked on.
The Board will come back to this matter of giving at a later date with a plan to move ahead. As part of this issue, the
fund-raising which takes place annually will be different this year. There will not be an annual gala. We are taking a
year off from this event. Rather a set of other activities will be offered as a way to raise funds and offer our members
some new community experiences. You will hear about them in the coming months. The idea of end-of-year tax
opportunities for giving was offered as an idea from a congregant.
Michael Goodman, Board member and former President, is heading the Board’s efforts on Special Considerations.
There will be a new form which will be required of anyone requesting special consideration. The form and a detailed
cover letter will be distributed shortly. The main message was that the number of congregants receiving a reduction in
their membership dues has grown considerably in the past few years. As a result, our operating budget has suffered
a significant decline. With approximately 40% of our members in this category, Michael’s message is to ask everyone
to place a high priority on maintaining Beth Am, helping us meet our financial obligations to the talented staff, clergy,
and continuing to provide vital services to our community.
Lori Good reported on the establishment of a Heritage Council to tap the experience, wisdom, and education of our
past Presidents and Founders. The council will meet next quarter, chaired by Lori. Members will provide insight and
ideas for keeping Beth Am a vibrant center of Jewish life. Steve Hochberg reported that the search for an Executive
Director continues. A candidate, Ilana Delaney, was meeting with the Board and then with Congregants on Sunday,
March 4. We heard wonderful Purim Carnival predictions from Rabbi Earne. Rabbi Kornberg reported that there are
four Eskolot in place: Jewish Arts and Culture; Interfaith, Cigar and Study; and Wine Tasting. These will continue to
grow and prosper due to the interests of their members. A small number attended but everyone was engaged, asked
good questions, and offered excellent ideas. Please come and participate – we need your energy. I hope to see you
at our next meeting.
Shalom,
Gary J.Frost
Gary J. Frost
CBA President • [email protected]
Congregation Beth Am 3 April 2012 | Nisan - Iyar, 5772
Return by Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Mekhirat Hametz
Selling your Hametz
I the undersigned, fully empower and permit
Rabbi Kornberg to act in my place and stead,
and on my behalf to sell all hametz possessed by
me, knowingly or unknowingly as defined by the
Torah and Rabbinic Law (e.g. hametz, possible
The Removal of Hametz
hametz, and all kinds of hametz mixtures).
One of the most significant observances related to Pesah involves
Also hametz that tends to harden and adhere
the removal of hametz from our homes. This commemorates the
to inside surfaces of pans, pots, or cooking
fact that the Jews leaving Egypt were in a hurry and did not have
utensils, the utensils themselves, and all kinds
time to let their bread rise. It is also a symbolic way of removing
of live animals and pets that have been eating
the “puffiness” (arrogance, pride) from our souls.
hametz and mixtures thereof.
Hametz includes anything made from the five major grains (wheat,
rye, barley, oats and spelt) that has not been completely cooked Rabbi Kornberg is also empowered to lease all
within 18 minutes after coming into contact with water. Orthodox places wherein the hametz owned by me may
Jews of Ashkenazic background also avoid rice, corn, peanuts, be found, particularly at the address/es listed
and legumes (beans) as if they were hametz. All of these items are
below, and elsewhere.
commonly used to make bread, thus use of them was prohibited
to avoid any confusion. Such additional items are referred to as Rabbi Kornberg has full right to appoint any agent
“kitniyot.”
or substitute in his stead and said substitute
shall have full right to sell and lease as provided
We may not eat hametz during Pesah; we may not even own it or
derive benefit from it. We may not even feed it to our pets or cattle. herein.
All hametz, including utensils used to cook hametz, must either
Rabbi Kornberg also has full power and right to
be disposed of or sold to a non-Jew. (They can be repurchased
act as he deems fit and proper in accordance
after the holiday.) Pets’ diets must be changed for the holiday, or
the pets must be sold to a non-Jew. (Like the food and utensils, with all the details of the Bill of Sale used in
the pets can be repurchased after the holiday ends.) From the the transaction to sell all my hametz, hametz
Gentile’s perspective, the purchase functions much like the buying mixtures, etc., as provided herein. This power is
and selling of futures on the stock market; even though he does
in conformity with all Torah, Rabbinic and Civil
not take physical posession of the goods, his temporary legal
laws.
ownership of those goods is very real and potentially profitable.
Click here for a printable form
The process of cleaning the home of all hametz in preparation
Address(es) where hametz is found:
for Pesah is an enormous task. To do it right, you must prepare
for several weeks and spend several days scrubbing everything
________________________________
down, going over the edges of your stove and fridge with toothpicks
and Q-Tips, covering all surfaces with foil or shelf-liner, etc., etc., ________________________________
etc. After the cleaning is completed, the morning before the seder, ________________________________
a formal search of the house for hametz is undertaken, and any
________________________________
remaining hametz is burned.
________________________________
The grain product we eat during Pesah is called matzah. Matzah is
________________________________
unleavened bread, made simply from flour and water and cooked
________________________________
very quickly. This is the bread that the Jews made for their flight
from Egypt. We have come up with many inventive ways to use
Signature: _____________________________
matzah: it is available in a variety of textures for cooking; matzah
flour (finely ground for cakes and cookies), matzah meal (coarsely
Printed Name:__________________________
ground, used as a bread crumb substitute), matzah farfel (little
chunks, a noodle or bread cube substitute), and full sized matzahs
Phone:_______________________________
(about 10 inches square, a bread substitute).
Congregation Beth Am 4 April 2012 | Nisan - Iyar, 5772
Pesah Services & Schedule
Thursday, April 5, 2012 Search for Hametz
Minyan @ 5:45 pm

Friday, April 6, 2012 Erev Pesah • 1st Seder
Office closes at 1:00 pm
Burning of the Hametz
No Shabbat Service Tonight

Saturday, April 7, 2012 1st Day - 2nd Night Pesah
Shabbat & Pesah Service @ 9:00 am
2nd Night Passover Seder & Dinner at CBA @ 6:45 pm

Sunday, April 8, 2012 2nd Day Pesah
Pesah Service @ 9:30 am
No Minyan @ 10:30 am

Friday, April 13, 2012 7th Day Pesah
Office Closed
Pesah Service @ 9:30 am
Traditional Shabbat Service @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 14, 2012 8th Day Pesah
Shabbat, Pesah & Yizkor Service @ 9:00 am
No Minyan
Beth Am Preschool Pesah / Spring Break:
Monday, April 2, 2012 - Friday, April 13, 2012 • Preschool resumes on Monday, April 16, 2012
Jewish Learning Center Pesah / Spring Break:
Sunday, April 1, 2012 - Sunday, April 15, 2012 • JLC resumes on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
SABRA Pesah / Spring Break:
Monday, April 9, 2012 - Monday, April 16, 2012 • SABRA resumes on Monday, April 23, 2012
Congregation Beth Am 5 April 2012 | Nisan - Iyar, 5772
Beth Am and Beth El jointly Present
Second Night
Passover Seder
at Congregation Beth Am
5050 Del Mar Heights Road | San Diego, CA 92130
Saturday, April 7, 2012
6:45 pm
Join Rabbi Matthew Earne for a
traditional, interactive, fun and
meaningful kosher L’Pesah family
seder.
Adult CBA & CBE members: $39
Non-members: $45
Youth CBA & CBE members (4 - 12 yrs) $23
Non-members: $29
Children 3 and under - No charge
Make your reservations early ... seating is limited.
CONGREGATION
Paid Reservations Due by:
Paid Reservation Due by:
Friday, MMoanrdcahy ,3 A0p,r i2l 20,1 2201 b2y b yN Noooonn.
RSVP [email protected] or 858.481.8454
BETH AM
Connect. At Beth Am.
SHILLMAN FAMILY SPeAkeR SeRIeS
A lecture series sponsored by Dr. Bob & Mao Shillman
Clifford D. May
How a Nuclear Iran Would Change the World
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 • 7:00pm
$10 per person | $25 for series (3 lectures)
Clifford D. May, a veteran news reporter and foreign
correspondent, is the President of the Foundation for
Defense of Democracies, a policy institute focusing on
terrorism created immediately following the 9/11 attacks on
the United States.
In 2006, Clifford D. May was appointed as Advisor to the
Iraq Study Group of the United States Institute of Peace,
an independent nonpartisan national institution funded by
Congress. Mr. May also received a two-year appointment
to the bipartisan Advisory Committee on Democracy
Promotion reporting to Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice.
Please join us on April 18th as Mr. May will discuss the profound and far-reaching
challenges facing a world with a nuclear Iran.
Next Lecture....
Zuhdi Jasser, M.D.
The Threat Posed to America by Political Islam
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 • 7:00pm
For information or to RSVP contact Beth Am at
858.481.8454 or [email protected].
5050 Del Mar Heights Road | San Diego, CA 92130 | www.betham.com | 858.481.8454
Have you ever thought about a trip to
Israel ?
• Worried about planning it yourself?
• Want to go with FUN people?
Why not join Congregation Beth Am’s
Family Israel Tour this summer?
Congregation Beth Am’s Family Israel Tour
is scheduled from:
June 24 - July 4, 2012
Optional Prague pre-tour: June 20 - 24, 2012.
Israel:
N T , s H r ,
eve zedeK Haar aNegev egioN
g H , K l , J ,
olaN eigHTs ibbuTz ife erusalem
K J r , d s , m ,
ayaK oN THe ordaN iver ead ea asada
a d , y v ,
rcHaeological ig ad acHem
a , ...
Nd mucH mucH more
Prague:
P c , c b , o g ,
rague asTle Harles ridge ld JewisH HeTTo
T , r , c s P , a
ereziN oudNice elebraTe HabbaT iN rague Nd
, ...
mucH mucH more
Don’t miss out on this wonderful
opportunity to experience Israel with
your Beth Am family!
i :
TiNerary aNd aPPlicaTioN
. . / 2012.
www israelTours com rKorNberg PHP or
r K
clicK Here To email abbi orNberg
Congregation Beth Am 8 April 2012 | Nisan - Iyar, 5772
Family Megillah Reading
T
hank you To our
!
sponsors
Adopt A Family Foundation
Alper Family
Borts Family
Breziner Group and
Century 21 Award
Camp Jaycee
Camp JCA Shalom
Camp Mountain Chai
Camp Ramah
CBA Meat Club
CBA Men’s Club
CBA Women’s Connection
Chabad Hebrew Day
Cohen Family
DJ Noah Levinson
Elisheva Edelson
& the CBA Choir
Gail Faber
Frost/Fredin Family
Geppeto’s
Glazier Family
Golden Family
Herman Family
Hillel - San Diego
Hillel - San Marcos
Jimbo’s
JW Tumbles
Koepcke Family
Love To Dance Inc.
Mannor Family
Melton Program
Music Together
Peyton Vincent, La Jolla DJs
Perlmutter Purchasing
Power
Ralph’s Del Mar Highlands
Stuart Rubenstein, M.D.
Sampson California Realty
San Diego Jewish Academy
Serenity Spa at the Hilton
Garden Inn
Siegel Family
Speigelman Family
Soille Hebrew Day
Village Mill
Young Adult Division of
Jewish Federation