Bar-b-Que in the Sukkah

 

Well our 2017 BBQ in the Sukkah was a great event.  Coming together for this event, breaking bread together, and eating under the Sukkah are the obvious highlights - and this year was no different.  We served 62 people and made over $275 in profits for the Temple.  Special thanks to Ed and Miriam who prepare, cook, and host the event and an added thanks to Brian Silk who helped with preparations and cleanup.  We could not do it without you!



 

BEHIND THE HEADLINES - Final Words

For over 25 years I have written this column for VBI.  

 

One reader told me, " I don't agree with everything you write, but I always read your column."  Another recently told me, " I have kept every copy of your articles."  

Imagine that!  

 

Now I am  recovering from major surgery.  I've decided that my column and I will retire.

 

I wish all my readers a Happy and Healthy New Year!

                                                                                Selma  Alpert

President's Message - September 2017

L’Shana Tovah everyone,

 The Jewish new year has arrived and it’s amazing how fast the year has gone. The holiday period begins with a service called Selichot and it is held on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah. This year it will be on September 16^th. The service is not long and the choir will be singing. So come and join us as we usher in the new year. Prior to the service (which will be at 7:30 pm) we are having a dinner that will start at 6:15 pm. You just know that the dinner will be good with plenty of food. Check out the flyer in this newsletter and respond accordingly with your paid reservations to the office no later than September 10^th. Please don’t wait until the last minute. Now if the words you have just read seem familiar that’s because it’s almost verbatim to what I wrote in the last newsletter.

If you haven’t gotten your High Holy day tickets please contact the office right away. I won’t waste your time with all the hours of the services because they are on the tickets or posted on the VBI website. I look forward to seeing you at some or all of the services. A lot of work goes into preparing for the holidays and I hope you will enjoy your experience.

There is a change in the appeals this year. We will most likely still have three as in past years. However, we do not plan to have pledge cards on your seats when you come to services. Note that with your tickets there is a pledge card enclosed that you can fill out in the privacy of your home and either bring or send them to the office at your convenience. High Holy days are the one time each year that we ask you to think about Valley Beth Israel and what it has meant to you over the years. Please contribute to the synagogue as much as you are able. Every year it gets more difficult to balance our financial obligations. You know how difficult it is in your own situation but we deal with a lot of unknowns in what we budget; i.e., unexpected breakdowns and repairs, increases in utility rates, changes in numbers of members, etc. As I’ve said before I don’t want you to give until it hurts but at least give until it’s a little uncomfortable!

I am still looking for some of you to step up and join committees. There is much to be done and a little of your time each month will help us get projects done. It’s the beginning of the new year and I know there are many things that we can do at our synagogue to help bring in much needed funds. Valley Beth Israel needs you so please get involved.

I have one special thank you to make. My oldest daughter Amy volunteered to man the office while Judy was away for a nine day period at the end of August. She stepped in with little understanding of what needed to be done yet in addition to answering the phone she took reservations for High Holy day ticket, dinner reservations for the Selichot dinner, prepared the yahrzeit list for September and the Friday night flyer and many other things. The office did not skip a beat.  From the bottom of my heart, I thank her for the tremendous effort she put forth.

I hope to see you at the synagogue soon. Please be careful in the heat and drink plenty of water.
Ron
 
Ron Trachtenberg
VBI President

News of Our Congregants - September 2017

David McGarry was honored during a Friday night Shabbat service last month.  Rabbi Mark thanked David for his dedication and service to VBI from childhood to adulthood, and wished him well as he transitions to college and the world beyond.

 

We wish you well David!





A handful of our congregants have battled illness this summer.  We know some of you are doing much better and we are so glad for it.  We hope you all continue to improve and, please get well soon!

            Dottie Crystal

            Bud Seligson
 

            Ron Trachtenberg
 

            Flora Jean Weiss

 

Heartfelt condolences go to the family of NORMA NEIMAN.  Norma was a long time member of VBI, and she will be missed by all who knew her.

 

 

 

 

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Celebrations - September 2017

We have a lot to celebrate this month!
 

Mazel Tov to Elaine and Dan Rubinstein on the birth of their new granddaughter.  And congratulations to the proud parents:  Elaine and Dan's son, Ron Rubinstein and Dikla Ben Shoham.  Ron and Dikla - and their growing family - live in Finland. 
          

There is also much to celebrate for the Wolovitsch Family.  Mazel Tov Simon and Sophia on the wedding of their daughter Rebecca to her new husband Jason.  Rabbi Mark will officiate the service over Labor Day weekend.  Congratulations!

 

We love to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions too.  The first Friday of each month has a Shabbat service dedicated to celebrating our milestones!



Our next program will be this Friday, September 1, 2017.
Services begin at 7:30pm 

 

 If you will be celebrating a birthday or anniversary in the coming month, please let Judy Knigin know.  Likewise, we invite you to sponsor an Oneg Shabbat or Kiddush Luncheon. Judy can be reached in the Temple office at (818) 782-2281. 

Torah Fund - September 2017

 The 2017-2018 Torah Fund campaign is underway!   By now you should have received letters regarding your Torah Fund pledges.  Please return your pledge cards and checks as soon as possible after receiving your letters.   

The Torah Fund Mission is to give every person an opportunity to participate in preserving, promoting, and perpetuating Conservative/Masorti Judaism through active giving to the Torah Fund  campaign of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism in support of the various Jewish institutes.

Our current theme for 2017-2018 is Mah tovu.  Mah tovu, which means “how good”, is a phrase that originates  in the Torah as the basis of the opening prayer.    The full phrase is:  “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwellings, O Israel”.   It is a spontaneous exclamation of joy and appreciation, said when gazing at the nation of Israel, dwelling in peace and mutual respect.  

 

As we celebrate the beginning of the 100^th year for Women’s League and the end of the 75^th year of the Torah Fund campaign, we count our many blessings as individuals within our community.  We need your support more than ever in our Torah Fund campaign. 

Again, thank you for your continued support of Torah Fund.  

Bobbie Cohen 764-7952

Torah Fund V. P.