Announcements

Friday, March 22, 2019 • 15 Adar II 5779
6:00pm Kulanu Purim Shabbat Experience
6:50pm Mincha/Maariv (Goldberger)
6:51pm Candle Lighting

Saturday, March 23, 2019 • 16 Adar II 5779 

Parashat Tzav Leviticus 6:1-8:36 pp. 613-625
Jeremiah 7:21–8:3; 9:22–23 pp. 627-629

Chai House Visit
9:00am Shabbat Morning Services (Crystal Ballroom)
10:15am Shabbat Discussion Group (Library)
10:15am Pre-Service Oneg Shabbat (Board Room)
10:45am Family Kehillah Services (Goldberger Chapel)
10:45am Tot Shabbat (Levenson Chapel)
12:00noon Kiddush (Fayer Ballroom)

12:30pm Daf Shevui (Library)
7:00pm Mincha/Maariv (Goldberger Chapel)
7:52pm Havdalah

The Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El Synagogue Center

The following people are assisting on Shabbat:
Marianne Sussman, Usher; Steve Young, Gabbai; Dorothy Fox, President's Chair; Robert Patchen, Vice President's Chair; Lynn Gruenstein and Jayne Peister, Greeters

Thank you to our Torah and Haftarah Readers: 
Tal Aizenberg, Jeffrey Lowin, Lea Gabbay (Haftarah)

MAZAL TOV, REFUAH SHLEIMAH, CONDOLENCES
Condolences to Marvin Chinitz and Lynn Chinitz Gruenstein on the loss of their sister Louise Abrams

Those marking a simcha, observing the loss of a loved one, or who is sick or recovering from an illness have delighted/comforted that their lifecycle event has inspired generosity. If you would like to make a donation to Beth El in honor or in memory, please click here.

MINYAN TIMES
Sunday 8:00 a.m. Shacharit; 7:00 p.m. Mincha/Maariv 
Monday 6:55 a.m. Shacharit; 7:00p.m. Mincha/Maariv
Tuesday 7:00 a.m. Shacharit; 7:00 p.m. Mincha/Maariv
Wednesday 7:00 a.m. Shacharit; 7:00 p.m. Mincha/Maariv
Thursday 6:55 a.m. Shacharit; 7:00 p.m. Mincha/Maariv
Friday 7:00 a.m. Shacharit; 7:00 p.m. Mincha/Maariv

A Word of Torah 
D'var Torah: D'var Torah: Good Intentions
Lisa Feld, Conservative Yeshiva & Hebrew College Rabbinical Student

There's an old saying that in theory, there's no difference between theory and practice, but in practice, there's a great deal of difference. For weeks, we've been hearing every last detail about the planning and construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the priests' clothing and the High Priest's special equipment, the different kinds of offerings. Now, in Parashat Tzav, we finally move from theory to practice as Moshe ordains Aharon and his sons as priests and they perform the first actual sacrifices in this new sanctuary. The parasha ends by telling us that Aharon and his sons did everything God had commanded, everything went smoothly, and we're off to the best possible start in this new stage of our relationship with God.

Or so it seems. Only a short chapter later, Aharon's sons will die for offering "strange fire" on the altar. However smoothly things might be going on the surface in Tzav, something underneath clearly isn't working right if the whole system of priestly sacrifices goes off the rails so quickly.

Because the text focuses only on what's going right, we have to step back and think about what's not being said if we want to unravel this mystery. We're told all the details of how one is supposed to offer a sacrifice except for one: do you need proper kavanah (intention) for that sacrifice to be accepted? And if so, what constitutes that kavanah?

In Tractate Zevachim, the rabbis of the Mishna claim that there are six different proper intentions one can have in offering a sacrifice: doing it for the sake of the offering, for the sake of the one who brings it, for the sake of God, for the sake of the altar fires, for smelling the aroma, for imagining how God will enjoy that aroma, or for the sake of the sin that a sin offering is supposed to atone for. But Rabbi Yosi says that even if you lack one of these kavanot, the sacrifice is still valid (BT Zevachim 4:6).

It's hard to summon deep kavanah every time I pray. When a prayer is new to me, I can get so focused on saying it correctly that I don't stop to think about the meaning of the words. When a prayer is familiar, I have a bad habit of praying from memory and then worrying if I absentmindedly skipped a phrase. I have to keep finding new ways into each prayer: visualizing the imagery of heavenly creatures praising God or God's nostrils flaring in anger if we forget the commandments, my memories of singing these same prayers with my dad as a child, or my hope that praying will kindle my awareness of the miracles of nature as I go through my day.

There is a legend of a shepherd who was almost illiterate. As he stood in the back of the synagogue, embarrassed by his lack of knowledge but longing for connection with God, he began reciting the aleph-bet, saying, "God, You know what's in my heart; can You please arrange these letters into the right words?" Overcome with emotion, he didn't realize his voice was getting louder and louder until the members of the congregation began shushing him, wanting to throw him out for distracting them. But the rabbi stopped them. "The passion of his prayers reached heaven when none of ours could."

But kavanah without the structure of prayer is also problematic, easily dissolving into inarticulate emotion. In his celebrated book Man's Quest for God, Abraham Joshua Heschel writes, "Prayer without kavanah is like a body without a soul...a body without a soul is a corpse, a soul without a body is a ghost." Neither can function alone.

And so we return to Aharon and his sons, nervous and excited in their new clothes, making their offerings for the first time, trying to do everything correctly, and our hearts ache because we know they can't sustain this bright new passion. All they can do, all we can do, is hope we can find some way to rekindle it with the right kind of fire every time we approach the altar.

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TRIVIA NIGHT! Saturday, March 23rd at 8:15 p.m. Sponsored by the Religious School Parent Organization. Come test your knowledge and win great prizes. Game played in teams of 6 - form your team in advance, or find one when you arrive. $25 per person, or $45 per couple. Admission cost includes desserts, beer and wine. RSVP today: www.bethelnr.org/trivianight2019 or contact Lisa Mandelker at lisagolda@aol.com with questions.

SISTERHOOD BAGELS AND BOOKS Monday, March 25, 9:30 a.m. We will discuss Ravelstein by Saul Bellow. Questions? Contact Arlene Salman at aesalman@aol.com or 914-235-2485.

HEALTH CARE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF WESTCHESTER AND NEW YORK STATE HEALTH CARE DISCUSSION Tuesday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m. Join the SMART group, Senior Mature Adults Retired Together, for the a discussion led by Madeline Zevon, on the passage of the New York Health bill, a single-payer bill that would cover every resident in New York State. Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn about an important New York Health bill. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Julie Rockowitz at 235-2700 ext. 256 or jrockowitz@bethelnr.org.

OPEN BEIT MIDRASH SCHOLAR Tuesday, March 26. The evening will begin with drinks and food at 7:30 p.m. followed by guest scholar Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman speaking on the topic Authentic Jewish Spirituality Even for People Who Think There Isn't Any at 8:00 p.m. Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman was ordained as a rabbi in 1969, received his Ph.D. in 1973, and has taught since then at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, in New York. For more information on our Open Beit Midrash go to bethelnr.org/openbeit.

ANNUAL GOLDYE JAMES TORAH FUND BRUNCH Sunday, March 31, 11:00 a..m. We will honor Rita Kaufman and Susan Morris for their combined 40+ years of dedication to Beth El Synagogue Center and Sisterhood. This event is being underwritten by Beth El Sisterhood. Your donations to Torah Fund help support the work of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism and the ongoing initiatives that benefit the institutions that produce the future clergy, educators, and lay leaders of the Conservative movement. Register at bethelnr.org/torahfund2019. Donations of $25 or more, payable to Torah Fund, will be gratefully accepted at the door. Questions, email Barbara Horowitz at barbara.w.horowitz@gmail.com or Vicki Fisher at vkfisher18@gmail.com.

SPECIAL NEEDS SEDER Wednesday, April 3 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. We will be joined by special needs residents of local group homes who will be guests of Beth El for the evening. Volunteers are needed for before, during and after the Seder, click here to participate. If you are unable to participate, financial donations are alway needed. Checks should be made payable to the Scher Chesed Community and mailed to Sandy Gruenberg at Beth El Synagogue Center. We are also collecting Passover foods for the group homes. For more information contact Seder co-chairs Ellen Gelboim (esgelboim@gmail.com) or Sandy Gruenberg (gamson36@gmail.com). This event is sponsored by Westchester Jewish Community Services and our Sylvia and Robert Scher Chesed Community.

BETH EL UNCORKED: A PASSOVER WINE TASTING AND SALE Thursday, April 4 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Our annual Passover wine tasting and sale will be followed by a special Passover themed Open Beit Midrash at 8:00 p.m. for two Passover teachings. One with Rabbi Ethan Linden and the other is with Nate Fisher and Rabbi Zach Sitkin on the topic “Making Passover Personal.” Sample different Passover wines and stock up before the holiday. Wine pickups will be at Beth El. This event is sponsored by the Beth El Israel Affairs Committee and the Grape Exchange. Please RSVP at bethelnr.org/2019PassoverWineTasting.

LEARN ABOUT ENCOUNTER Sunday, April 7, 10:00am - 12 noon Join Rabbi Schuck and Yona Shem Tov as they speak about Encounter. Rabbi Schuck will speak about his experience on Encounter as a participant and a facilitator. After discussing his own experience, Rabbi Schuck will be joined by Yona Shem Tov, the Executive Director of Encounter for an informational session about the December trip (December 2–5) that Encounter is offering our synagogue. This informational session is a great way to get answers to all of your questions about this incredible experience. For more information, please contact Rabbi David Schuck at dschuck@bethelnr.org. 

A LESSON WITH DR. JOSH KULP: THE USE OF MICROPHONES ON SHABBAT  Thursday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. As we prepare to install a new “kosher” microphone system in our renovated sanctuary, learn “The Twisted History of the Defining Difference Between Orthodox and Conservative Judaism” with the director and co-founder of the Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem.  Many of us have already had the pleasure of learning with this wonderful teacher and esteemed talmud scholar. Don’t miss this opportunity while Josh is in town! RSVP to Elise Richman at elisekrichman@gmail.com  Free and open to all.

LUNCH AND LEARN WITH SAM BLUSTIN April 13 after Shabbat services open to all. Is Your Suffering Dear To You?  A sacred community at its best is a place where we can bring our full selves: our joys and our sorrows, and our successes and our challenges. However, our communities often fall short of that ideal. Through a study of Berakhot 5b, we'll discuss how the rabbis attempt to build this sort of community, and how we might too.

WOMEN’S BEIT MIDRASH WITH DEBORAH SACKS MINTZ April 13 after Shabbat Services. Tahara and Tumah: Evolving Concepts of Purity and Impurity. In parashat Metzora, we explore the system of Tahara and Tumah, translated today as "purity" and "impurity". However, our ancient texts understood these concepts quite differently. Is it possible to explore, re-imagine, and reclaim these terms, and understand T'umah as not impurity, but heightened holiness?

BRIDGES TO CIVILITY WORKSHOP Sunday, April 28 from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. In the midst of destructive partisanship in America, we can do better! Join us in building a culture of productive dialogue on charged issues even in the face of strong differences. This workshop will be limited to 40 congregants and there must be a balance between participants who are left and right of center for this facilitation to be successful. Registration is strictly required and will be capped. Please RSVP at bethelnr.org/civility.  

SAVE THE DATE - SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE May 24-May 25 Dr. Tal Becker is a Senior Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem where he leads educational initiatives on Israel and the Jewish world. In this capacity, he is a leading member of the Institute's "Engaging Israel" series which is the premier educational program on Israel engagement in North America that is working to strengthen and re-imagine the relationship between Israel and World Jewry.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

SINGING AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Thursday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Hearts and voices come together with nigunim that reach for new heights and great depths, led by Rabbi Schuck and Jack Klebanow.

LIBEINU: HEART & SOUL SHABBAT Friday, April 12, at 6:30 p.m. Come and join us as we greet the Sabbath with beautiful song, quiet prayer and inspiring words of Torah. - Better yet, come at 6:15 p.m. and we’ll start by singing a few niggunim and enjoying some food and drinks too. Together we’ll be lifted up!
PLEASE NOTE: there will only be one service this evening; our regular Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Maariv service will join with Libeinu.​​​​​​​

NIGGUN HALEV Saturday, April 13 at 9:00 a.m. Special music-filled Shabbat morning service - come early and sing and pray together.

KAVANNAH: MINDFULNESS AND CONTEMPLATION (formerly the Contemplative Service) Saturday, April 20 at 10:45 a.m. Join one of our rabbis for an hour of mindfulness, meditation, intentional study, silence, singing and prayer. This time is a gift for yourself.

YOUTH AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

MIDDLE SCHOOL SHABBAT MORNING SICHA Saturday, March 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m.  Come learn about the sparks of Passover with Stephanie Lederman.  No need to RSVP - snacks included.  Questions? Contact Stephanie at  slederman@bethelnr.org

USY SHUL-IN Saturday, March 30 at 8:15 p.m. to Sunday, March 31 at 9:15 a.m. Open to all 8th-12th graders.  Spend the night at Beth El with your friends.  Games, Food, Friends, Fun times, Movies, and more!  Register by March 28: bethelnr.org/shul-in19.  Free for Beth El Members and open to all teens for $25.  $5 more at the door.  Questions? Contact Bekkah Gold: rgold@bethelnr.org.

RS MIDDLE SCHOOL BAKE SALE Sunday, March 31, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Support our Religious School Middle School class in their Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) Project - they are raising money for the Rabbi Discretionary Fund at Beth El in order to support those in need in our community.  Baked Goods are baked at Beth El or packaged from the grocery store and are Kosher & nut free.  

RUACH AND CHAVERIM MATZA BAKE Sunday, April 7. Ruach (Grades K-2) 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.. Chaverim (Grades 3-5) 12:00-1:15 pm. Groups will be baking their own matzah, creating their own charoset, and even having a grape juice tasting.  Pizza included.  RSVP by Friday, April 5: $10 per child. At the Door/Walk In: $15 per child. Register at bethelnr.org/matzah2019. Questions? Contact Stephanie: slederman@bethelnr.org.
PASSOVER LEARNING WITH RABBI SITKIN Sunday, April 7 (parallel programming for parents and children). While your children are at Ruach/Chaverim programming, come learn about Passover with Rabbi Zach Sitkin. 11:00 am-12:00 pm The Passover Seder 101: How to Engage your Kids. 12:00-1:00 pm The "Birth" of a Nation: A New Perspective on the Story of Passover. RSVP with your children: bethelnr.org/matzah2019.  All adults welcome.

KADIMA SHABBAT DINNER Friday, April 12, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Beth El. Join us for Shabbat services and dinner. Open to all 6th-8th Graders. Email Max kadima@bethelnr.org to register by Wednesday, April 10.

KADIMA & USY CHOCOLATE SEDER Thursday, April 18, 6:00p.m.-7:30 pm. Get in all the chametz you can, plus never ending chocolate with your Beth El friends.  End the night with Bedikat Chametz before Pesach begins. Chametz, Chocolate, Friends... Fun! Register by Wednesday, April 17. Free for 9th-12th Graders at Beth El.  $5 for 6th-8th Graders & non-members. At the Door Price: $5 more for everyone.  Register today at bethelnr.org/chocolateseder.

WHEREVER WE STAND, WE STAND WITH ISRAEL
Beth El's Israel Affairs Committee would like to share interesting and exciting news regarding the week's developments in business, culture, technology, agriculture, sports, and the environment in Israel. 
Israel is 13th Happiest Nation in UN World Happiness Report 2019
Israelis rake in medals at Special Olympic World Games

LIMMUD, LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, & COMMUNITY EVENTS

COME & DUNK YOUR GENTLY USED KICKS TO HELP SUPPORT KIDS WITH PEDIATRIC CANCER! For every pair of kicks a $1 is donated to pediatric cancer. A drop box is in the Beth El lobby now through April 8th. All sizes are welcome. NO CLEATS PLEASE! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Click here to learn more about The Max Cure Foundation.

INTERGENERATIONAL CHESS: WHAT'S YOUR NEXT MOVE? Ongoing on Wednesday afternoons at Solomon Schechter School in Hartsdale. Care about your brain fitness? Come learn to play chess with high school students and do something great for yourself! Transportation is available. For more information about this intergenerational Chess Program, contact Cippi Harte, Westchester Director for DOROT at pcharte@dorotusa.org or 914-573-8906.

WESTCHESTER GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE RELATIONS BREAKFAST Friday, March 29 at 7:45 am at Temple Israel Center. New York State Attorney General Letitia James will keynote. The event is co-sponsored by UJA-Federation and Westchester Jewish Council and there is no charge to attend.  Register at www.ujafedny.org/westchester-annual-legislative-breakfast.

2019 WESTCHESTER JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL Tuesday, April 2 through Wednesday, April 17, at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, New York. This year's Festival features 42 engaging, thought-provoking and entertaining new Jewish films, as well as an extraordinary array of top-notch speakers, and other programming. AJC is proud to be the lead sponsor of this Festival, the largest Jewish community event in the County - now in its 18th (chai) year! Click here for a full listing and to purchase tickets!

DEFINING ISRAEL: THE JEWISH STATE, DEMOCRACY, AND THE LAW by Simon Rabinovitch is the first book in any language devoted to the controversial efforts in Israel's parliament to pass a "nation-state law." We will read and discuss selections from this book together; participants will need to acquire their own copy of the book.  No previous knowledge is needed. This course will meet for 10 Wednesday morning sessions, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Beth El Synagogue Center: April 10 and 17, May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, June 5, 12 and 19.  Cost: $350, which includes all classes and audio recordings of all class sessions. Drop-ins are welcome; the drop-in rate is $35/class meeting.  With questions and to enroll, contact Rabbi Karp at rabbimollykarp@gmail.com. To learn more about Rabbi Karp, visit her website, www.rabbimollykarp.com.  

HOORAY FOR SCIENCE! Friday, April 5, from 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. at Schechter Westchester’s Lower School, 30 Dellwood Road, White Plains, NY 10605.  Join us for an exciting, fun, and free science experience for toddlers! RSVP and ask questions at: http://bit.ly/hoorayforscience

NEW CLASS: JEWISH SHORT STORIES IN ENGLISH Monday, April 29 - Monday, June 24, 10:00am-12:00pm “Jewish Literature” means many things to many people.  In this course, we will explore (in English) short stories originally written in Yiddish, Hebrew, and English. Limited to 10 - 20 students and led by an experienced instructor, Elenor Ehrenkranz, the course will encourage lively discussion of the content and its meanings. Cost: $220/person. 

NEW SPRING PROGRAMS: WJCS JEWISH SPIRITUAL HEALING CENTER Click this link for a listing of programs. 

ONGOING ITEMS

KALLAH: THE BETH EL RETREAT June 14-16, 2019 Registration is open now! Join our Beth El family and clergy for a fun weekend at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires for a multi-generational community weekend full of ruach and camaraderie. Visit  www.bethelnr.org/kallah to register.

SISTERHOOD TEA BAG FUNDRAISER We want to thank those who have already contributed to the Sisterhood Tea Bag Campaign to support our Shiva Fund.  For those of you who want to contribute, please note that this campaign, which funds important community support for our members will continue until early May.  Thanks again for the consistent generosity of this special congregation.

BETH EL DAY CAMP Sign your child up to experience the Best. Days. Ever. Welcoming children ages 2–8. Camp begins Thursday, June 27 through Wednesday, August 21 and is open on July 4 & 5. For more information and to register, visit www.betheldaycamp.org.

MISHEBERACH LIST Any name added to the Misheberach list will be automatically removed after one month. If someone needs it to remain for another month they must reach out again to one of the clergy. 

TORAH AND HAFTARAH READERS WANTED! If you are interested, please visit our online sign up sheet at bethelnr.org/torahsignup ​​​​​​If you have any questions, please contact Cantor Aqua at uaqua@bethelnr.org or Alan Kellman at alan@twoals.com.

SHABBAT DISCUSSION GROUP select Shabbatot 10:15 a.m. in the library with Jack Gruenberg. This group will be meeting March 23, April 6 and April 13.

TALMUD DAF SHEVUI STUDY SESSION every Shabbat at 12:30 p.m. in the library. New participants welcome.

ISRAELI FOLK DANCE WITH CANTOR AQUA Sundays, 10:00 a.m. Join us for great exercise and beautiful music. No experience required. For more information contact Cantor Aqua at uaqua@bethelnr.org.

EXERCISE CLASSES Wednesdays at 10:30am. Check the bulletin and online calendar for the schedule.

ZUMBA Sundays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $10 cash. It’s a fun exercise class, no prior experience necessary! Please contact Carrie Fox at csfox99@gmail.com for more information or to be added to the Zumba email list.

CARD ROOM meets weekly, 12:45 p.m. Canasta on Mondays; Mah Jongg on Tuesdays. Questions? Contact Arlene Salman at aesalman@aol.com or 914-235-2485.

* Please note, certain ongoing Beth El programs, initiatives, and items usually included in Shabbat Announcements, can be found at www.bethelnr.org/ongoing.

An archive of all of our "El" newsletter and Shabbat Announcements can be found at bethelnr.org/announcements.

Click here ​​​​​for our full calendar of programs.

Dear Beth El Congregants,
 
During the last three months, we have assembled an implementation leadership team, our Vision Action Team, to help facilitate the transition from the vision developed through Journey into a Beth El reality. The members of this team, co-chaired by Mark Silver and Nina Luban, are:   

Dana Asher
Marcia Assor
Rick Barlis
Paul Bernstein
Nate Fisher
Elissa Glickman
Bekkah Gold

Dori Graff
David Horowitz
Samantha Katzenberg
Allison Kellman
Ted Keltz
Erica Leventhal
Laura Lewis

Lisa Mandelker
Jayne Peister
Rabbi David Schuck
Mark Seidenfeld, ex officio
Steve Silverman
Rabbi Zach Sitkin
Abby Wise

The Vision Action Team will not work in isolation. Beth El officers, Board members, staff, and, by no means incidentally, YOU, our members, can and should be integrally involved.
 
Before action, however, comes careful planning. We are documenting a strategic plan that outlines the vision and suggests “broad stroke” strategies for achieving it. We plan to have this document for your review in May. At its inaugural meeting on April 7th, the Vision Action Team will be charged with the essential task of operational planning and its many attendant details.
 
We will provide you with implementation updates and, in the spirit of weaving together new ideas with the tried-and-true, we warmly, with growing excitement, extend an open invitation to each of you to join us as co-creators and co-owners. Please stay tuned for updates from Mark Silver and Nina Luban throughout the spring, as the implementation plan takes shape.
 
Last but not at all least, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who served on the Journey Planning and Journey Vision Teams with ideas, enthusiasm, and energy that have brought us to this point. And a very special thank you to Ellen and Graham Arad whose generous donation in memory of their parents, Lucille and Reuben Miller, and Phyllis and Menachem Arad, enabled Beth El to undertake the Journey process. 

Tuesday, March 19 — 12 Adar II 5779

AN EVENING WITH JIM MAISANO TONIGHT

Be Safe! Be Smart! Be Protected! Tonight, Tuesday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Beth El Synagogue Center presents An Evening with Jim Maisano, Director of the Westchester County Consumer Protection Department. He will speak on how to protect yourself from identity theft, common scams, and how to be smart consumer at home and away. Questions? For more information contact the Sisterhood at aesalman@aol.com or Beth El at 914.235.2700.

TRIVIA NIGHT 

Join us on Saturday, March 23 at 8:15 p.m. Come test your knowledge and win great prizes. Game played in teams of 6—form your team in advance, or find one when you arrive. Sponsored by the Religious School Parent Organization. $25 per person, or $45 per couple. Admission cost includes desserts, beer and wine. RSVP today at  bethelnr.org/trivianight2019 or contact Lisa Mandelker at lisagolda@aol.com with questions.

OPEN BEIT MIDRASH SCHOLAR

Please join us Tuesday, March 26 for our Open Beit Midrash
scholar visit. Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman will speak on the topic
“Authentic Jewish Spirituality Even for People Who Think There Isn't Any.”

We begin at 7:30 p.m. with drinks and food, followed by
learning promptly at 8:00 p.m.

For more information on our Open Beit Midrash and how to sponsor
an evening of learning, go to bethelnr.org/openbeit.

SISTERHOOD SAVE THE DATE

Sisterhood Shabbat
Join us for Sisterhood Shabbat on Saturday, March 30.

Torah Fund Brunch
Join the Sisterhood on Sunday, March 31, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. as they honor Rita Kaufman and Susan Morris in support of the Women's League for Conservative Judaism. All donations will help provide funds for the five seminaries that train our future clergy and educators. This event is being underwritten by Beth El Sisterhood. Donations of at least $25 payable to Torah Fund will be accepted at the door. Walk-ins welcome!

For more information and to RSVP go to bethelnr.org/torahfund2019. 

SPECIAL NEEDS SEDER 

It'll be here before you know it! Join us on Wednesday, April 3 from
5:30–7:30 p.m. for a unique Seder. We will be joined by special needs residents of local group homes who will be guests of Beth El for the evening. Volunteers are needed for before, during and after the Seder, click here to participate. If you are unable to participate, financial donations are alway needed. Checks should be made payable to the Scher Chesed Community and mailed to Sandy Gruenberg at Beth El Synagogue Center. We are also collecting Passover foods for the group homes. For more information contact Seder co-chairs Ellen Gelboim (esgelboim@gmail.com) or Sandy Gruenberg (gamson36@gmail.com). This event is sponsored by Westchester Jewish Community Services and our Sylvia and Robert Scher Chesed Community.

BETH EL UNCORKED: A PASSOVER WINE TASTING AND SALE

Join us Thursday, April 4 for our annual Passover wine tasting and sale. The event will be from 6:00–8:00 p.m. followed by a special Passover themed Open Beit Midrash at 8:00 p.m. for two Passover teachings. One with Rabbi Ethan Linden and the other is with Nate Fisher and Rabbi Zach Sitkin on the topic “Making Passover Personal.” 

Sample different Passover wines and stock up before the holiday.

Wine pickups will be at Beth El. This event is sponsored by the Beth El Israel Affairs Committee and the Grape Exchange.
Please RSVP at bethelnr.org/2019PassoverWineTasting.

LEARN ABOUT ENCOUNTER

Sunday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. in the Wiener Lounge, join Rabbi Schuck and Yona Shem Tov as they speak about Encounter. Rabbi Schuck will speak about his experience on Encounter as a participant and a facilitator. After discussing his own experience, Rabbi Schuck will be joined by Yona Shem Tov, the Executive Director of Encounter for an informational session about the December trip (December 2–5) that Encounter is offering our synagogue. This informational session is a great way to get answers to all of your questions about this incredible experience. For more information, please contact Rabbi David Schuck at dschuck@bethelnr.org. 

STUDY SESSIONS WITH SAM BLUSTIN

By now, many of you have had the chance to meet our Rabbinic Intern,

Sam Blustin. Sam has already done so much with our community and will be teaching at the Open Beit Midrash on Tuesday, April 9. 

Sam is eager to study with people who are interested. We are offering you the opportunity to study with Sam in a small group of your family, friends and neighbors in your home. If you would like host three study sessions and invite family and friends, Sam will come to your home and teach!  Please contact Rabbi Sitkin by email at zsitkin@bethelnr.org to host a study session. 

All Shabbat Announcements, Events and Notices are archived at bethelnr.org/announcements. 
​​​​​​​

Monday, March 18—11 Adar II 5779

PURIM PALOOZA
Celebrate Purim with Beth El at Purim Palooza this Wednesday, March 20 from 5:15–6:45 p.m. The theme this year is Spring Fling, wear a costume to fit the theme! Enjoy pizza, popcorn, bouncy castles, carnival games, face painting and prize bags. Advanced registration is $15 per child and $20 at the the door, includes one slice of pizza. Ages 2 and under free. Register now at bethelnr.org/purimpalooza19. 

MEGILLAH READINGS
Wednesday, March 20
6:45 p.m. | Mini Megillah for Young Families (Youth Lounge)
6:45 p.m. | Mincha (Fayer Ballroom)
7:15 p.m. | Teen-Led Community Reading (Fayer Ballroom)
9:15 p.m. | Hamentashen and snacks. New this year! The Beth El Brewery will open for those ages 21+ at 7:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Youth and Family Engagement at 914.235.2700 ext. 247.

LOOKING FOR "ACTS" FOR DURING THE MEGILLAH READING! 
Join us for Purim!!! We want YOU to perform songs, skits, dances, magic...

you name it, we want you to have a chance to perform it! We are seeking acts

for between Megillah chapters. This is your chance to perform on the Beth El Stage—plus, we have a band to back you up! Interested? Email Abby Wise at awise@bethelnr.org.

KULANU PURIM SHABBAT EXPERIENCE
Friday, March 22 at 6:00 p.m. Celebrate Purim and welcome Shabbat with Lori Weber and Elise Richman in an informal, family-friendly program designed to be accessible for children with special needs such as ASD and/or intellectual impairments. Sponsored by Keruv. All are welcome! For questions or to RSVP please email elisekrichman@gmail.com.  

Friday, March 15, 2019 • 8 Adar II 5779
4:30pm Cafe Shabbat
6:15pm Niggunim (Wiener Lounge)
6:30 Libeinu: Heart & Soul Shabbat including Mincha, Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv with BE Mitzvah Experience families (Weiner Lounge), followed by
BE Mitzvah Experience dinner
6:44pm Candle Lighting
Note:  There will not be a separate Mincha/Maariv service in the Goldberger

Saturday, March 16, 2019 • 9 Adar II 5779 

Parashat Vayikra / Shabbat Zachor 
Leviticus 1:5-26 pp. 585-605; Deuteronomy 25:17-19, pp. 1135-1136
I Samuel 15:2-34 pp. 1282-1285

Sam Blustin, Rabbinic Intern, Visit
9:00am Shabbat Morning Services (Crystal Ballroom)
9:45am Learners Service (Wiener Lounge)
10:15am Pre-Service Oneg Shabbat (Board Room)
10:45am Family Kehillah Services (Goldberger Chapel)
10:45am Tot Shabbat (Levenson Chapel)
12:00noon Kiddush (Fayer Ballroom)

12:30pm Daf Shevui (Library)
6:50pm Mincha/Maariv (Goldberger Chapel)
7:45pm Havdalah

The Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El Synagogue Center

The following people are assisting on Shabbat:
Michael Wechsler and Carla Stein, Ushers; Robyn Yairi, Gabbai; David Lacher, President's Chair; Lauren Freeman-Bosworth, Vice President's Chair; Jack Gruenberg and Susan Groner, Greeters

Thank you to our Torah and Haftarah Readers: 
Andrew Bosworth, Brian Bosworth, Randy Longman and Herman Steinberg  (Torah and Haftarah)

MAZAL TOV, REFUAH SHLEIMAH, CONDOLENCES
Mazal Tov to Dr. Jack Wertheimer on receiving The American Jewish Studies Celebrate 350 Award from The Jewish Book Council for: The New American Judaism: How Jews Practice Their Religion Today (Princeton University Press)

Condolences to Robin Kaphan on the loss of her husband, Mitchell Kaphan

Those marking a simcha, observing the loss of a loved one, or who is sick or recovering from an illness have delighted/comforted that their lifecycle event has inspired generosity. If you would like to make a donation to Beth El in honor or in memory, please click here.

MINYAN TIMES
Sunday 8:00 a.m. Shacharit; 6:50 p.m. Mincha/Maariv 
Monday 6:55 a.m. Shacharit; 6:50p.m. Mincha/Maariv
Tuesday 7:00 a.m. Shacharit; 6:50 p.m. Mincha/Maariv
Wednesday 7:00 a.m. Shacharit; 6:50 p.m. Mincha/Maariv
Thursday 6:30 a.m. Shacharit (Megillah Reading) ; 6:50 p.m. Mincha/Maariv
Friday 7:00 a.m. Shacharit; 6:50 p.m. Mincha/Maariv

A Word of Torah 
D'var Torah: Simple Gifts
Rabbi Mordechai Silverstein, Conservative Yeshiva Faculty

Sefer Vayikra opens with a survey of the voluntary/free-will sacrificial offerings. It begins with the largest, and seemingly most significant, offerings: bulls, sheep, and goats, continues with pigeons and doves, and finishes the survey with the mincha (grain) offering, seemingly the least impressive and least significant of the free-will offerings. It is easy to be unimpressed by the mincha offering, since it was the least expensive offering, and mostly brought by those with the least means.

Oddly, the wording used to introduce the mincha offering was unique among these sacrifices. All of the other offerings are introduced with the phrase: "Should any adam (person) from you bring an offering" (1:2). But with regard to the mincha offering, the Torah uses the language: "Should a nefesh (person) bring forward a grain offering" (2:1). Why the change from "adam" to "nefesh?"

While both mean "person," the word "nefesh" also means "self." The following midrash picks up on this, reading the change from "adam" to "nefesh" as emphasizing the "will" of the person making the offering. It is essential for God that the mincha offering be brought with the "right will." The midrash moves the discussion of this idea through a number of subjects, in the end, winding its way back to the significance of the mincha sacrifice:

Better is one who studies two orders (sedarim) of the Mishnah and is conversant in them than one who studies halachot (laws) and is not conversant in them out of a desire to be known as one adept in halachot... Better is one who gives Tzedakah from money that is his own, than the one who goes and robs others in order to give tzedakah just so that he might be called a charitable person...better is a handful [of the flour] of the mincha offering of a poor man than the finely ground incense offering of the congregation...it carries with it expiation while the later does not. (abridged and adapted from Vayikra Rabbah 3:1 Margoliot ed. pp. 54-59)

One might presume from the ordering of the sacrifices at the beginning of the Sefer Vayikra that bigger is better - the larger and more expensive the animal offered the greater its significance and potency. And this is, indeed, often true in the everyday human realm. Grand gestures are celebrated, while modest ones barely register. The goal is to make an impression. And indeed, without faith, what value is there in what goes unnoticed? If a tree falls in the forest, and no one is there to hear it, did it really make a sound?

According to the midrash, the mincha offering provides a sharp rebuke to this way of thinking, reminding us that God notices. And unlike the society around us, God values quality over quantity, quiet competence over an inflated resume, a modest gift of what is truly yours over a grand gift made with resources that are stolen or otherwise unearned. Ultimately, the Torah teaches us that an act's significance does not lie in the impression it makes on others, but on the impression it makes on you.

PURIM

PURIM PALOOZA Wednesday March 20, doors open at 5:15 p.m. Come celebrate with us - there will be a bouncy house, carnival games, and other fun Purim activities! Advanced Registration is $15 per child includes one slice of pizza. Additional tickets for pizza and popcorn will be for sale. Questions? Contact the Office of Youth and Family Engagement 914-235-2700 x247. Register at www.bethelnr.org/purimpalooza19.

MEGILLAH READINGS Wednesday, March 20
6:45 p.m. | Mini Megillah for Young Families (Youth Lounge)
6:45 p.m. | Mincha (Fayer Ballroom)
7:15 p.m. | Teen-Led Community Reading (Fayer Ballroom)
9:15 p.m. | Hamentashen & finger foods. New this year! The Beth El Brewery will open for those ages 21+ at 7:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Youth and Family Engagement at 914.235.2700 ext. 247.

LOOKING FOR "ACTS" FOR DURING THE MEGILLAH READING! We want YOU to perform songs, skits, dances, magic...you name it, we want you to have a chance to perform it! We are seeking acts for between Megillah chapters. This is your chance to perform on the Beth El Stage - plus, we have a band to back you up! Interested? Email Abby Wise at awise@bethelnr.org.

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BESC FEATURED ANNOUNCEMENTS
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LEARN WITH RABBINIC INTERN SAM BLUSTIN By now, many of you have had the chance to meet our Rabbinic Intern, Sam Blustin. Sam has already done so much with our community: he has delivered sermons and divrei Torah on Shabbat, he teaches and leads tefillah in our Religious School, was a prayer leader during our weekend with Joey Weisenberg, and he will teach at the Open Beit Midrash on March 12th and April 9th. Sam is eager to study with people who are interested. Studying Jewish texts together in an intimate setting is a wonderful way to engage with our vast canon. We are offering you the opportunity to study with Sam in a small group of your family, friends and neighbors in your home. If you would like to invite friends to your home and host three study sessions, Sam will come to your home and teach! To host a study session please contact Rabbi Sitkin by email: zsitkin@bethelnr.org

ANNUAL MINYAN BREAKFAST Sunday, March 17 following the 8:00 a.m. minyan. We will have breakfast and honor long-time Beth El member and Minyannaire Dr.Jay Lerman. Jay has been an integral part of our minyan and has been consistent in his attendance for over 20 years. In addition to honoring Jay, at the breakfast we will socialize with old and new friends over bagels and spreads and listen to our clergy speak.  We will then hand out Siddurim to our members who finished reciting Kaddish for their loved ones. We invite you to volunteer to help with our minyan to ensure its continuity. Please let Cantor Aqua know which day and time would work best for you by emailing him at uaqua@bethelnr.org.  

ENDING THE SILENCE: A MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS PROGRAM Sunday, March 17, at 12:00 p.m. Sponsored by Keruv. Come learn about symptoms of mental illness, how to recognize early warning signs, and how to access help in this acclaimed one-hour program.  NAMI Westchester will provide two simultaneous presentations, one for youth aged 11 to 18 years, and a second for parents and other adults.  All are welcome For questions or to RSVP email elisekrichman@gmail.com or nina.luban@gmail.com.

AN EVENING WITH JIM MAISANO - BE SAFE! BE SMART! BE PROTECTED! Tuesday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. Beth El Synagogue Center presents An Evening with Jim Maisano, Director of the Westchester County Consumer Protection Department. He will speak on how to protect yourself from identity theft, common scams, and how to be smart consumer at home and away. Questions? For more information contact the Sisterhood at aesalman@aol.com.

KULANU PURIM SHABBAT EXPERIENCE Friday evening, March 22 at 6:00 p.m. Celebrate Purim and welcome Shabbat with Lori Weber and Elise Richman in an informal, family-friendly program designed to be accessible for children with special needs such as ASD and/or intellectual impairments.  Sponsored by Keruv. All are welcome. For questions or to RSVP, email elisekrichman@gmail.com.  

TRIVIA NIGHT! Saturday, March 23rd at 8:15 p.m. Sponsored by the Religious School Parent Organization. Come test your knowledge and win great prizes. Game played in teams of 6 - form your team in advance, or find one when you arrive. $25 per person, or $45 per couple. Admission cost includes desserts, beer and wine. RSVP today: www.bethelnr.org/trivianight2019 or contact Lisa Mandelker at lisagolda@aol.com with questions.

AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE March 24-26, 2019, in Washington, D.C.  Buy your ticket through Beth El! We have a discounted rate of $399/person. For more information or with questions, contact Rabbi Sitkin at zsitkin@bethelnr.org.

OPEN BEIT MIDRASH SCHOLAR Tuesday, March 26. The evening will begin with drinks and food at 7:30 p.m. followed by guest scholar Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman speaking on the topic Authentic Jewish Spirituality Even for People Who Think There Isn't Any at 8:00 p.m. Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman was ordained as a rabbi in 1969, received his Ph.D. in 1973, and has taught since then at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, in New York. For more information on our Open Beit Midrash go to bethelnr.org/openbeit.

SINGING AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE Thursday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Hearts and voices come together with nigunim that reach for new heights and great depths, Led by Rabbi Schuck and Jack Klebanow.

SISTERHOOD’S ANNUAL GOLDYE JAMES TORAH FUND BRUNCH Sunday, March 31, 11:00 a.m. honoring Rita Kaufman and Susan Morris. This event is being underwritten by Sisterhood to support our efforts to raise funds for Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. Donations of $25 or more payable to Torah Fund will be gratefully accepted at the door, or mailed to Beth El Sisterhood. RSVP: bethelnr.org/torahfund2019. Questions? Contact Barbara Horowitz at barbara.w.horowitz@gmail.com or Vicki Fisher at vkfisher18@gmail.com

SPECIAL NEEDS SEDER Wednesday, April 3 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. We will be joined by special needs residents of local group homes who will be guests of Beth El for the evening. Volunteers are needed for before, during and after the Seder, click here to participate. If you are unable to participate, financial donations are alway needed. Checks should be made payable to the Scher Chesed Community and mailed to Sandy Gruenberg at Beth El Synagogue Center. We are also collecting Passover foods for the group homes. For more information contact Seder co-chairs Ellen Gelboim (esgelboim@gmail.com) or Sandy Gruenberg (gamson36@gmail.com). This event is sponsored by Westchester Jewish Community Services and our Sylvia and Robert Scher Chesed Community.

ENCOUNTER INFORMATIONAL MEETING Sunday, April 7, 10:00am - 12 noon Rabbi Schuck will speak about his experience on Encounter as a participant and a facilitator, meeting with Palestinians in the West Bank/Judea and Samaria and East Jerusalem in order to learn their diverse perspectives on the conflict and on Palestinian society and culture. After discussing his own experience, Rabbi Schuck will be joined by Yona Shem Tov, the Executive Director of Encounter (a nonpartisan educational organization enabling American Jews to explore some of the most complex questions about the conflict), for an informational session about
the December trip (Dec 2-5) that Encounter is offering our synagogue, which will include travel in the West Bank/Yehudah V’Shomron and East Jerusalem to meet with a diversity of Palestinian civil society leaders. For more information, click here to read an email to the congreation. 

NIGGUN HALEV Saturday, April 20 at 9:00 a.m. Special music-filled Shabbat morning service - come early and sing and pray together.

KAVANNAH: MINDFULNESS AND CONTEMPLATION (formerly the Contemplative Service) Saturday, April 20 at 10:45 a.m. Join one of our rabbis for an hour of mindfulness, meditation, intentional study, silence, singing and prayer. This time is a gift for yourself.

SAVE THE DATE - SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE May 24-May 25 Dr. Tal Becker is a Senior Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem where he leads educational initiatives on Israel and the Jewish world. In this capacity, he is a leading member of the Institute's "Engaging Israel" series which is the premier educational program on Israel engagement in North America that is working to strengthen and re-imagine the relationship between Israel and World Jewry.

WHEREVER WE STAND, WE STAND WITH ISRAEL
Beth El's Israel Affairs Committee would like to share interesting and exciting news regarding the week's developments in business, culture, technology, agriculture, sports, and the environment in Israel. 
Israel’s 10 most inspiring women
​​​​​​​12 Israeli shows to binge watch now that you’re done with ‘Shtisel’

LIMMUD, LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, & COMMUNITY EVENTS

COME & DUNK YOUR GENTLY USED KICKS TO HELP SUPPORT KIDS WITH PEDIATRIC CANCER! For every pair of kicks a $1 is donated to pediatric cancer. A drop box is in the Beth El lobby now through April 8th. All sizes are welcome. NO CLEATS PLEASE! THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Click here to learn more about The Max Cure Foundation.

WESTCHESTER GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE RELATIONS BREAKFAST Friday, March 29 at 7:45 am at Temple Israel Center. New York State Attorney General Letitia James will keynote. The event is co-sponsored by UJA-Federation and Westchester Jewish Council and there is no charge to attend.  Register at www.ujafedny.org/westchester-annual-legislative-breakfast.

2019 WESTCHESTER JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL Tuesday, April 2 through Wednesday, April 17, at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, New York. This year's Festival features 42 engaging, thought-provoking and entertaining new Jewish films, as well as an extraordinary array of top-notch speakers, and other programming. AJC is proud to be the lead sponsor of this Festival, the largest Jewish community event in the County - now in its 18th (chai) year! Click here for a full listing and to purchase tickets!

DEFINING ISRAEL: THE JEWISH STATE, DEMOCRACY, AND THE LAW by Simon Rabinovitch is the first book in any language devoted to the controversial efforts in Israel's parliament to pass a "nation-state law." We will read and discuss selections from this book together; participants will need to acquire their own copy of the book.  No previous knowledge is needed. This course will meet for 10 Wednesday morning sessions, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Beth El Synagogue Center: April 10 and 17, May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, June 5, 12 and 19.  Cost: $350, which includes all classes and audio recordings of all class sessions. Drop-ins are welcome; the drop-in rate is $35/class meeting.  With questions and to enroll, contact Rabbi Karp at rabbimollykarp@gmail.com. To learn more about Rabbi Karp, visit her website, www.rabbimollykarp.com.  

NEW SPRING PROGRAMS: WJCS JEWISH SPIRITUAL HEALING CENTER Click this link for a listing of programs. 

ONGOING ITEMS

SISTERHOOD TEA BAG FUNDRAISER We want to thank those who have already contributed to the Sisterhood Tea Bag Campaign to support our Shiva Fund.  For those of you who want to contribute, please note that this campaign, which funds important community support for our members will continue until early May.  Thanks again for the consistent generosity of this special congregation.

BETH EL DAY CAMP Sign your child up to experience the Best. Days. Ever. Welcoming children ages 2–8. Camp begins Thursday, June 27 through Wednesday, August 21 and is open on July 4 & 5. For more information and to register, visit www.betheldaycamp.org.

MISHEBERACH LIST Any name added to the Misheberach list will be automatically removed after one month. If someone needs it to remain for another month they must reach out again to one of the clergy. 

​​​​​​​HUG IVRI Beth El is gauging interest in forming a Hug Ivri (Hebrew Speakers club) for those fluent in Hebrew as well as those who would like to improve their conversational skills.  The plan is to meet once a month.  If you are interested in participating, please send an email to Mark Silver at msilver@bethelnr.org.

TORAH AND HAFTARAH READERS WANTED! If you are interested, please visit our online sign up sheet at bethelnr.org/torahsignup ​​​​​​If you have any questions, please contact Cantor Aqua at uaqua@bethelnr.org or Alan Kellman at alan@twoals.com.

TALMUD DAF SHEVUI STUDY SESSION every Shabbat at 12:30 p.m. in the library. New participants welcome.

ISRAELI FOLK DANCE WITH CANTOR AQUA Sundays, 10:00 a.m. Join us for great exercise and beautiful music. No experience required. For more information contact Cantor Aqua at uaqua@bethelnr.org.

EXERCISE CLASSES Wednesdays at 10:30am. Check the bulletin and online calendar for the schedule.

ZUMBA Sundays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $10 cash. It’s a fun exercise class, no prior experience necessary! Please contact Carrie Fox at csfox99@gmail.com for more information or to be added to the Zumba email list.

CARD ROOM meets weekly, 12:45 p.m. Canasta on Mondays; Mah Jongg on Tuesdays. Questions? Contact Arlene Salman at aesalman@aol.com or 914-235-2485.

* Please note, certain ongoing Beth El programs, initiatives, and items usually included in Shabbat Announcements, can be found at www.bethelnr.org/ongoing.

An archive of all of our "El" newsletter and Shabbat Announcements can be found at bethelnr.org/announcements.

Click here ​​​​​for our full calendar of programs.

Dear Beth El Families,

We wanted to thank you for your generous support of this year's 65th Annual Gala. Our honorees, Marjorie & Mark Seidenfeld, Jodi & Rob Scheinfeld and Ellen & Rick Barlis, felt an outpouring of love from the community and it was a financial success thanks to your participation! The Gala is one of only two fundraisers that Beth El does each year to generate a large part of our annual operating budget, which helps to provide the many social, educational and spiritual programs at Beth El. 

For those that were able to join us, it was wonderful to celebrate with you. For those of you who could not attend, we hope that you will join us next year. To everyone who supported the Gala, thank you! If you would still like to make a donation to the Gala in recognition of the honorees, visit www.bethelnr.org/donate or be in touch with Linda Newman, lnewman@bethelnr.org. It is not too late and every contribution helps!

With gratitude,

Shery & Howard Rosentstein
Gala Co-Chairs

Tuesday, March 12 — 5 Adar II 5779

STUDY SESSIONS WITH SAM BLUSTIN

By now, many of you have had the chance to meet our Rabbinic Intern, Sam Blustin. Sam has already done so much with our community and will be teaching at the Open Beit Midrash tonight, March 12 and Tuesday, April 9. 

Sam is eager to study with people who are interested. We are offering you the opportunity to study with Sam in a small group of your family, friends and neighbors in your home. If you would like host three study sessions and invite family and friends, Sam will come to your home and teach!  Please contact Rabbi Sitkin by email at zsitkin@bethelnr.org to host a study session. 

CAFE SHABBAT

Join us this Friday, March 15 from 5:15–6:45 p.m. 

Enjoy a musical Shabbat celebration followed by dinner for everyone, dessert, and a PJ Library snuggle story. This event is $15 per adult and free for children. Please RSVP at bethelnr.org/cafeshabbat2019.

ANNUAL MINYAN BREAKFAST

Join us on Sunday, March 17 at 9:00 a.m. for the Annual Minyan Breakfast honoring Jay Lerman. A native of Brooklyn, Lerman moved to New Rochelle upon his discharge from the US Air Force in 1975, and soon joined Beth El Synagogue along with his family. After the passing of his mother in 1992, Jay said Kaddish at the morning and evening services.  He found the members of the daily minyan to be warm and welcoming, and has continued attending the minyan ever since. With Cantor Uri Aqua’s guidance Jay learned to lead the 3 daily services and to read Torah. He and his wife Barbara feel fortunate to have a growing family. Mark and his wife Diana live outside of Boston with their son Joseph. Alicia, her husband Yoel and their two sons Benjamin and Jacob live in New Rochelle and are members of Beth El.

ENDING THE SILENCE: MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS PROGRAM

Join us on Sunday, March 17 at Noon as we learn about symptoms of

mental illness, how to recognize early warning signs, and how to access

help in this acclaimed one-hour program. NAMI Westchester will provide two simultaneous presentations, one for youth aged 11 to 18 years, and a second for parents and other adults. All are welcome! This event is sponsored by Keruv. For questions or to RSVP email elisekrichman@gmail.com

or nina.luban@gmail.com.

AN EVENING WITH JIM MAISANO

Be Safe! Be Smart! Be Protected! Tuesday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Beth El Synagogue Center presents An Evening with Jim Maisano, Director of the Westchester County Consumer Protection Department. He will speak on how to protect yourself from identity theft, common scams, and how to be smart consumer at home and away. Questions? For more information contact the Sisterhood at aesalman@aol.com or Beth El at 914.235.2700.

TRIVIA NIGHT 

Join us on Saturday, March 23 at 8:15 p.m. Come test your knowledge and win great prizes. Game played in teams of 6—form your team in advance, or find one when you arrive. Sponsored by the Religious School Parent Organization. $25 per person, or $45 per couple. Admission cost includes desserts, beer and wine. RSVP today at  bethelnr.org/trivianight2019 or contact Lisa Mandelker at lisagolda@aol.com with questions.

SPECIAL NEEDS SEDER 

It'll be here before you know it! Join us on Wednesday, April 3 from
5:30–7:30 p.m. for a unique Seder. We will be joined by special needs residents of local group homes who will be guests of Beth El for the evening. Volunteers are needed for before, during and after the Seder, click here to participate. If you are unable to participate, financial donations are alway needed. Checks should be made payable to the Scher Chesed Community and mailed to Sandy Gruenberg at Beth El Synagogue Center. We are also collecting Passover foods for the group homes. For more information contact Seder co-chairs Ellen Gelboim (esgelboim@gmail.com) or Sandy Gruenberg (gamson36@gmail.com). This event is sponsored by Westchester Jewish Community Services and our Sylvia and Robert Scher Chesed Community.

All Shabbat Announcements, Events and Notices are archived at bethelnr.org/announcements. 
​​​​​​​

Monday, March 11—4 Adar II 5779

THE HAMENTASHEN PROJECT AT BETH EL
Join The Hamentashen Project on Tuesday, March 12 from 1:00–2:30 p.m. and bake delectable Purim treats...apricot, chocolate, prune, and poppy for the members of the Bronx Jewish Community Council. Even if you don’t know how to bake hamentashen, we will teach you! Sampling is encouraged. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Julie Rockowitz at jrockowitz@bethelnr.org or 914.235.2700 ext. 256.  

PURIM PALOOZA
Celebrate Purim with Beth El at Purim Palooza on Wednesday, March 20 from 5:15–6:45 p.m. The theme this year is Spring Fling, wear a costume to fit the theme! Enjoy pizza, popcorn, bouncy castles, carnival games, face painting and prize bags. Advanced registration is $15 per child and $20 at the the door, includes one slice of pizza. Ages 2 and under free. Register now at bethelnr.org/purimpalooza19. 

MEGILLAH READINGS
Wednesday, March 20
6:45 p.m. | Mini Megillah for Young Families (Youth Lounge)
6:45 p.m. | Mincha (Fayer Ballroom)
7:15 p.m. | Teen-Led Community Reading (Fayer Ballroom)
9:15 p.m. | Hamentashen & finger foods. New this year! The Beth El Brewery will open for those ages 21+ at 7:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Youth and Family Engagement at 914.235.2700 ext. 247.

LOOKING FOR "ACTS" FOR DURING THE MEGILLAH READING! 
Join us for Purim!!! We want YOU to perform songs, skits, dances, magic...you name it, we want you to have a chance to perform it! We are seeking acts for between Megillah chapters. This is your chance to perform on the Beth El Stage - plus, we have a band to back you up! Interested? Email Abby Wise at awise@bethelnr.org.

KULANU PURIM SHABBAT EXPERIENCE
Friday, March 22 at 6:00 p.m. Celebrate Purim and welcome Shabbat with Lori Weber and Elise Richman in an informal, family-friendly program designed to be accessible for children with special needs such as ASD and/or intellectual impairments. Sponsored by Keruv. All are welcome. For questions or to RSVP please email elisekrichman@gmail.com.  

Friday, March 8, 2019 • 1 Adar II 5779
5:30pm Candle Lighting
5:30pm Mincha/Maariv (Goldberger Chapel)
5:45pm Chaverim Shabbat

Saturday, March 9, 2019 • 2 Adar II 5779 

Parashat Parashat Pekudei Exodus 38:21-40:38 pp. 564-572
I Kings 7:51-8:21 pp. 580-582

Chai House Visits
9:00am Niggun HaLev (Crystal Ballroom)
10:15am Pre-Service Oneg Shabbat (Board Room)
10:45am Family Kehillah Services (Goldberger Chapel)
10:45am Tot Shabbat (Levenson Chapel)
12:00noon Stand-up Kiddush (Upper Lobby)

12:30pm Daf Shevui (Library)
12:30pm Women's Beit Midrash with Deborah Sacks Mintz (Wiener)
5:40pm Mincha/Maariv (Goldberger Chapel)
6:37pm Havdalah
8:00pm 65th Annual Gala

The Stand-up Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El Synagogue Center in honor of our Gala honorees, Mark and Marjorie Seidenfeld, Ne'emanim Service Award Recipients Jodi and Rob Scheinfeld and Lapid Award Recipients Ellen and Rick Barlis.

The following people are assisting on Shabbat:
Lynette Goldberg and Brian Bosworth, Ushers; Lauren Freeman-Bosworth, Gabbai; Russ Fayer, President's Chair; Mark Silver, Vice President's Chair; Sandy Gruenberg and Dani Yairi, Greeters

Thank you to our Torah and Haftarah Readers: 
Cantor Aqua, Robert Patchen, Alan Greenberg (Torah and Haftarah)

MAZAL TOV, REFUAH SHLEIMAH, CONDOLENCES
Jane Berkowitz on the loss of her father, Charles Koty.

Those marking a simcha, observing the loss of a loved one, or who is sick or recovering from an illness have delighted/comforted that their lifecycle event has inspired generosity. If you would like to make a donation to Beth El in honor or in memory, please click here.

MINYAN TIMES
Sunday 8:00 a.m. Shacharit; 6:40 p.m. Mincha/Maariv 
Monday 6:55 a.m. Shacharit; 6:40p.m. Mincha/Maariv
Tuesday 7:00 a.m. Shacharit; 6:40 p.m. Mincha/Maariv
Wednesday 7:00 a.m. Shacharit; 6:40 p.m. Mincha/Maariv
Thursday 6:55 a.m. Shacharit; 6:40 p.m. Mincha/Maariv
Friday 7:00 a.m. Shacharit; 6:30 p.m. Libeinu with Mincha/Maariv (1 service)

A Word of Torah 
D'var Torah: The Cloud & The Glory
Dr. Shaiya Rothberg, Conservative Yeshiva Faculty

In our parashah we arrive at the dramatic conclusion of the Book of Exodus: The cloud of God's Glory covers the Mishkan from without, and the Glory of God fills it from within (Shemot 4:34). It is because God's Glory fills the tabernacle that we call it the Mishkan - dwelling place. It would have looked like a rectangular courtyard sounded by a fence and with a tent set up in the middle. It isn't hard to imagine a cloud cloaking the tent from above. But what about the Glory of God? It says that Moshe couldn't enter the tent not only because of the cloud, which obviously he could see, but also because of the presence of the Glory (Shemot 4:35). That suggests that Moshe knew that the Glory was there. But how did he know? Was the Glory like a luminescent gas? Or a bright light? Did it hum like high-voltage electric wires? Or perhaps it was a felt presence, like the presence of a person?

I can't imagine that only Moshe could see or feel the Glory of God. It must be that the rest of us, the people of Israel in the camp, also could feel that it was there. Our whole existence as a people, and the drama of the book of Exodus, leads up to this indwelling of God's Glory. Surely it felt like something to be in the vicinity of that presence. As I imagine it, when the cloud and Glory of God first manifested in the Mishkan among the Israelites - a moment captured forever in Shemot 40:34 - the atmosphere must have been electric.

The first thing that would have captured our attention, if we follow the Zohar's interpretation (2:149a), would be the unusual lighting. The Talmud teaches (Bavli Hagiga 12a) that on the first day of creation God created a primordial light

enabling a person to see from one side of the Earth to the other. But the light was too powerful for humans, and so God hid it away. Not completely away, adds the Zohar. God planted the primordial light like a seed and from it emerge life and abundance that animate all existence to this very day. The Zohar further teaches that in the moment captured in Shemot 40:34, the primordial light shone forth from the divine cloud cloaking the tent of meeting. It must have felt that you were standing at the center of the world, the continents and oceans of the planet stretched out before your eyes as the primordial light curved around the horizon.

In Shemot 40:34-35, the verb used to describe the Glory of God is not mila which means to fill but rather male which can mean to be full. The Zohar (1:67a) explains that's because the Glory of God inside the Mishkan was like the fullest of moons filled with the light of the sun. In another place, the Zohar (2:269a) teaches that a rucha kadisha - holy spirit - flowed out from the Glory and (following Isaiah 25:8) washed from the Earth all death and every tear. It follows that the Earth - whose four corners were revealed to the eyes of the Israelites because of the primordial light which issued from the cloud - was a world without shadow; pristine, like the first week of creation. For a moment, they saw the world as God intended it to be, abounding in light, life, color, movement, sexuality, creativity, rest, holiness and completion (as described in the first chapter of Bereshit).

Maybe if we put our minds to it when we hear the dramatic words of Shemot 40:34-35 this week, we can catch a glimpse of that vision. I think that the sages of the Zohar shared with us what they saw when they heard those words so that we might see it, too. It is at least worth giving the scene a few moments thought: It must have been a truly amazing thing to stand way back then in the desert around the Mishkan - God's dwelling place - when the cloud and the Glory first appeared.

We need your help!
We are calling on you to be co-owners of our future,
to support our building as a home, and to plan for financial affordability and sustainability.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 50/50 RAFFLE TICKETS!
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THE SILENT AUCTION IS NOW OPEN! 
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BESC FEATURED ANNOUNCEMENTS
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LEARN WITH RABBINIC INTERN SAM BLUSTIN By now, many of you have had the chance to meet our Rabbinic Intern, Sam Blustin. Sam has already done so much with our community: he has delivered sermons and divrei Torah on Shabbat, he teaches and leads tefillah in our Religious School, was a prayer leader during our weekend with Joey Weisenberg, and he will teach at the Open Beit Midrash on March 12th and April 9th. Sam is eager to study with people who are interested. Studying Jewish texts together in an intimate setting is a wonderful way to engage with our vast canon. We are offering you the opportunity to study with Sam in a small group of your family, friends and neighbors in your home. If you would like to invite friends to your home and host three study sessions, Sam will come to your home and teach! To host a study session please contact Rabbi Sitkin by email: zsitkin@bethelnr.org

WOMEN’S BEIT MIDRASH March 9 after Shabbat services. Join Deborah Sacks Mintz for Rebellion or Principles, Manipulation or Wisdom: Vashti in the Rabbinic Imagination. As Purim approaches, we'll explore Megillat Esther's secondary female character, Vashti - a woman without the glory of the heroine, nor the narrative expanse of the protagonist; yet in many ways, it is her action is the catalyst for the entire story. We'll study various midrashim that portray Vashti in a myriad of ways, some in stark opposition to one another.

MEMORY MINYAN Sunday, March 10 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Join us for a warm prayer and social experience for people with mild to mid-stage dementia and their caregivers. Enjoy being with family, friends and Hamentashen as we enjoy a social afternoon together. Please RSVP to Julie Rockowitz at 914-235-2700 ext. 256 or jrockowitz@bethelnr.org.

KERUV COMMITTEE "LET'S TALK ABOUT IT" Monday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Judy Schmeidler facilitated by Shari Baum, LMSW.  Our topic for the evening With the high rate of intermarriage, how can we encourage the importance of remembering the Holocaust to our family members who are Jewish and to those of other faiths. Open to All. Please RSVP to Elise Schepp@ LCMoocow@aol.com

PROJECT HOPE Tuesday, March 12, at 8:30 a.m. in Beth El’s Dairy Kitchen. Help prepare a meal for the HOPE Soup Kitchen. All are welcome!  For questions, contact Barbara Engelson, ble229@aol.com.

THE HEART OF COMEDY, STAGE, FILM & TV SMART EVENT This four-part seminar concludes on Tuesday March 12. Begins at 10:00 a.m. with coffee, schmooze and the newspaper, followed by a presentation from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Come to this free event to learn about the Jewish influence on the world of entertainment. Taught by Rabbi S. Hantman. Questions? Contact Julie Rockowitz at jrockowitz@bethelnr.org or 914.235.2700 ext. 256.

THE HAMENTASHEN PROJECT Tuesday, March 12 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Join the SMART group and bake delectable Purim treats… apricot, chocolate, prune, and poppy for the members of the Bronx Jewish Community Council. Even if you don’t know how to bake hamentashen, we will teach you! RSVP encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome! For more information and to RSVP, please contact Julie Rockowitz at jrockowitz@bethelnr.org or (914) 235-2700 ext. 256.

OPEN BEIT MIDRASH This week's event is Tuesday, March 12. Join us on alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays for an evening of non-judgmental, thoughtful conversation. Enjoy refreshments at 7:30 p.m. Learning begins at 8:00 p.m. For more information or to sponsor an evening of learning, visit bethelnr.org/openbeit, or contact Rabbi Sitkin at zsitkin@bethelnr.org.

LIBEINU: HEART & SOUL SHABBAT Friday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m. Come and join us as we greet the Sabbath with beautiful song, quiet prayer and inspiring words of Torah. - Better yet, come at 6:15 and we’ll start by singing a few niggunim and enjoying some food and drinks too. Together we’ll be lifted up!
PLEASE NOTE: there will only be one service this evening; our regular Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Maariv service will join with Libeinu.

ANNUAL MINYAN BREAKFAST Sunday, March 17 following the 8:00 a.m. minyan. We will have breakfast and honor long-time Beth El member and Minyannaire Dr.Jay Lerman. Jay has been an integral part of our minyan and has been consistent in his attendance for over 20 years. In addition to honoring Jay, at the breakfast we will socialize with old and new friends over bagels and spreads and listen to our clergy speak.  We will then hand out Siddurim to our members who finished reciting Kaddish for their loved ones. We invite you to volunteer to help with our minyan to ensure its continuity. Please let Cantor Aqua know which day and time would work best for you by emailing him at uaqua@bethelnr.org.  

ENDING THE SILENCE: A MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS PROGRAM Sunday, March 17, at 12:00 p.m. Sponsored by Keruv. Come learn about symptoms of mental illness, how to recognize early warning signs, and how to access help in this acclaimed one-hour program.  NAMI Westchester will provide two simultaneous presentations, one for youth aged 11 to 18 years, and a second for parents and other adults.  All are welcome For questions or to RSVP email elisekrichman@gmail.com or nina.luban@gmail.com

AN EVENING WITH JIM MAISANO - BE SAFE! BE SMART! BE PROTECTED! Tuesday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. Beth El Synagogue Center presents An Evening with Jim Maisano, Director of the Westchester County Consumer Protection Department. He will speak on how to protect yourself from identity theft, common scams, and how to be smart consumer at home and away. Questions? For more information contact the Sisterhood at aesalman@aol.com.

KULANU PURIM SHABBAT EXPERIENCE Friday evening, March 22 at 6:00 p.m. Celebrate Purim and welcome Shabbat with Lori Weber and Elise Richman in an informal, family-friendly program designed to be accessible for children with special needs such as ASD and/or intellectual impairments.  Sponsored by Keruv. All are welcome. For questions or to RSVP, email elisekrichman@gmail.com.  

TRIVIA NIGHT! Saturday, March 23rd at 8:15 p.m. Sponsored by the Religious School Parent Organization. Come test your knowledge and win great prizes. Game played in teams of 6 - form your team in advance, or find one when you arrive. $25 per person, or $45 per couple. Admission cost includes desserts, beer and wine. RSVP today: www.bethelnr.org/trivianight2019 or contact Lisa Mandelker at lisagolda@aol.com with questions.

AIPAC POLICY CONFERENCE March 24-26, 2019, in Washington, D.C.  Buy your ticket through Beth El! We have a discounted rate of $399/person. For more information or with questions, contact Rabbi Sitkin at zsitkin@bethelnr.org.

SISTERHOOD’S ANNUAL GOLDYE JAMES TORAH FUND BRUNCH Sunday, March 31, 11:00 a.m. honoring Rita Kaufman and Susan Morris. This event is being underwritten by Sisterhood to support our efforts to raise funds for Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. Donations of $25 or more payable to Torah Fund will be gratefully accepted at the door, or mailed to Beth El Sisterhood. RSVP: bethelnr.org/torahfund2019. Questions? Contact Barbara Horowitz at barbara.w.horowitz@gmail.com or Vicki Fisher at vkfisher18@gmail.com

SPECIAL NEEDS SEDER Wednesday, April 3 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. We will be joined by special needs residents of local group homes who will be guests of Beth El for the evening. Volunteers are needed for before, during and after the Seder, click here to participate. If you are unable to participate, financial donations are alway needed. Checks should be made payable to the Scher Chesed Community and mailed to Sandy Gruenberg at Beth El Synagogue Center. We are also collecting Passover foods for the group homes. For more information contact Seder co-chairs Ellen Gelboim (esgelboim@gmail.com) or Sandy Gruenberg (gamson36@gmail.com). This event is sponsored by Westchester Jewish Community Services and our Sylvia and Robert Scher Chesed Community.

PURIM

PURIM PALOOZA Wednesday March 20, doors open at 5:15 p.m. Come celebrate with us - there will be a bouncy house, carnival games, and other fun Purim activities! Advanced Registration is $15 per child includes one slice of pizza. Additional tickets for pizza and popcorn will be for sale. Questions? Contact the Office of Youth and Family Engagement 914-235-2700 x247. Register at www.bethelnr.org/purimpalooza19.

MEGILLAH READINGS Wednesday, March 20
6:45 p.m. | Mini Megillah for Young Families (Youth Lounge)
6:45 p.m. | Mincha (Fayer Ballroom)
7:15 p.m. | Teen-Led Community Reading (Fayer Ballroom)
9:15 p.m. | Hamentashen & finger foods. New this year! The Beth El Brewery will open for those ages 21+ at 7:30 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Youth and Family Engagement at 914.235.2700 ext. 247.

LOOKING FOR "ACTS" FOR DURING THE MEGILLAH READING! We want YOU to perform songs, skits, dances, magic...you name it, we want you to have a chance to perform it! We are seeking acts for between Megillah chapters. This is your chance to perform on the Beth El Stage - plus, we have a band to back you up! Interested? Email Abby Wise at awise@bethelnr.org.

WHEREVER WE STAND, WE STAND WITH ISRAEL
Beth El's Israel Affairs Committee would like to share interesting and exciting news regarding the week's developments in business, culture, technology, agriculture, sports, and the environment in Israel. 
Jerusalem hosts new female film festival
Israeli fashion industry celebrates 70 years of creativity

LIMMUD, LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, & COMMUNITY EVENTS

WOMEN’S INITIATIVE FOR JEWISH STUDIES Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 8:00 pm at Young Israel of New Rochelle. Dr. Gillian Steinberg, Faculty, English Department, SAR High School, will present "Poets' Use of Biblical Allusion."  The lecture, is free and open to women and men. Visit http://www.yinr.org/wijs to view the complete WIJS schedule or email wijs@yinr.org for more information or to be added to the mailing list.

WESTCHESTER GOVERNMENT LEGISLATIVE RELATIONS BREAKFAST Friday, March 29 at 7:45 am at Temple Israel Center. New York State Attorney General Letitia James will keynote. The event is co-sponsored by UJA-Federation and Westchester Jewish Council and there is no charge to attend.  Register at www.ujafedny.org/westchester-annual-legislative-breakfast.

2019 WESTCHESTER JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL April 2-17 at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville. TIckets can be purchased by clicking this link. This year's Festival will feature some 42 high quality and diverse films. We are pleased to announce that AJC Westchester/Fairfield will be sponsoring five special film screenings and post-screening discussions with high-level experts.

MASORTI SPRING MISSION TO ISRAEL May 17-May 23, 2019 A Masorti Foundation mission in Israel this spring to learn from -- and be inspired by -- the Masorti (Conservative) Movement. Meet dynamic Israeli rabbis and community activists who are building deeply-rooted Jewish religious life. For more information click here or contact Beth El and Foundational Board member Roz Kaufman. 

NEW SPRING PROGRAMS: WJCS JEWISH SPIRITUAL HEALING CENTER Click this link for a listing of programs. 

ONGOING ITEMS

MISHEBERACH LIST Any name added to the Misheberach list will be automatically removed after one month. If someone needs it to remain for another month they must reach out again to one of the clergy. 

​​​​​​​HUG IVRI Beth El is gauging interest in forming a Hug Ivri (Hebrew Speakers club) for those fluent in Hebrew as well as those who would like to improve their conversational skills.  The plan is to meet once a month.  If you are interested in participating, please send an email to Mark Silver at msilver@bethelnr.org.

BETH EL DAY CAMP Sign your child up to experience the Best. Days. Ever. Welcoming children ages 2–8. Camp begins Thursday, June 27 through Wednesday, August 21 and is open on July 4 & 5. For more information and to register, visit www.betheldaycamp.org.

TORAH AND HAFTARAH READERS WANTED! If you are interested, please visit our online sign up sheet at bethelnr.org/torahsignup ​​​​​​If you have any questions, please contact Cantor Aqua at uaqua@bethelnr.org or Alan Kellman at alan@twoals.com.

TALMUD DAF SHEVUI STUDY SESSION every Shabbat at 12:30 p.m. in the library. New participants welcome.

ISRAELI FOLK DANCE WITH CANTOR AQUA Sundays, 10:00 a.m. Join us for great exercise and beautiful music. No experience required. For more information contact Cantor Aqua at uaqua@bethelnr.org.

EXERCISE CLASSES Wednesdays at 10:30am. Check the bulletin and online calendar for the schedule.

ZUMBA Sundays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $10 cash. It’s a fun exercise class, no prior experience necessary! Upcoming class on 3/10. Class on 3/10 will be 10:30-11:30 am since it is the first day of DST and the morning after the Gala. Please contact Carrie Fox at csfox99@gmail.com for more information or to be added to the Zumba email list.

CARD ROOM meets weekly, 12:45 p.m. Canasta on Mondays; Mah Jongg on Tuesdays. Questions? Contact Arlene Salman at aesalman@aol.com or 914-235-2485.

* Please note, certain ongoing Beth El programs, initiatives, and items usually included in Shabbat Announcements, can be found at www.bethelnr.org/ongoing.

An archive of all of our "El" newsletter and Shabbat Announcements can be found at bethelnr.org/announcements.

Click here ​​​​​for our full calendar of programs.

Wednesday, March 6 — 29 Adar I 5779

STUDY SESSIONS WITH SAM BLUSTIN

By now, many of you have had the chance to meet our Rabbinic Intern, Sam Blustin. Sam has already done so much with our community and will be teaching at the Open Beit Midrash on March 12 and April 9. 

Sam is eager to study with people who are interested. We are offering you the opportunity to study with Sam in a small group of your family, friends and neighbors in your home. If you would like host three study sessions and invite family and friends, Sam will come to your home and teach!  Please contact Rabbi Sitkin by email at zsitkin@bethelnr.org to host a study session. 

65TH ANNUAL GALA THIS WEEKEND

Join us this Saturday, March 9 at 8:00 p.m. for Beth El's 65th Annual Gala

honoring Marjorie and Mark Seidenfeld. There is still time to purchase tickets by going to www.bethelnr.org/gala2019.

The Silent Auction is open! Click here to start bidding today! You can also purchase 50/50 raffle tickets on the gala site. Ticket sales are up to $11,000 which means you could win up to $5,500!

HONORING
Marjorie and Mark Seidenfeld, Gala Honorees
Jodi and Rob Scheinfeld, The President's Ne'emanim Service Award Recipients

Ellen and Rick Barlis, Lapid Award Recipients

ANNUAL MINYAN BREAKFAST

Join us on Sunday, March 17 at 9:00 a.m. for the Annual Minyan Breakfast honoring Jay Lerman. A native of Brooklyn, Lerman moved to New Rochelle upon his discharge from the US Air Force in 1975, and soon joined Beth El Synagogue along with his family. After the passing of his mother in 1992, Jay said Kaddish at the morning and evening services.  He found the members of the daily minyan to be warm and welcoming, and has continued attending the minyan ever since. With Cantor Uri Aqua’s guidance Jay learned to lead the 3 daily services and to read Torah. He and his wife Barbara feel fortunate to have a growing family. Mark and his wife Diana live outside of Boston with their son Joseph. Alicia, her husband Yoel and their two sons Benjamin and Jacob live in New Rochelle and are members of Beth El.

ENDING THE SILENCE: MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS PROGRAM

Join us on Sunday, March 17 at Noon as we learn about symptoms of

mental illness, how to recognize early warning signs, and how to access

help in this acclaimed one-hour program. NAMI Westchester will provide two simultaneous presentations, one for youth aged 11 to 18 years, and a second for parents and other adults. All are welcome! This event is sponsored by Keruv. For questions or to RSVP email elisekrichman@gmail.com

or nina.luban@gmail.com.

AN EVENING WITH JIM MAISANO

Be Safe! Be Smart! Be Protected! Tuesday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Beth El Synagogue Center presents An Evening with Jim Maisano, Director of the Westchester County Consumer Protection Department. He will speak on how to protect yourself from identity theft, common scams, and how to be smart consumer at home and away. Questions? For more information contact the Sisterhood at aesalman@aol.com  or Beth El at 914.235.2700.

TRIVIA NIGHT 

Join us on Saturday, March 23 at 8:15 p.m. Come test your knowledge and win great prizes. Game played in teams of 6—form your team in advance, or find one when you arrive. Sponsored by the Religious School Parent Organization. $25 per person, or $45 per couple. Admission cost includes desserts, beer and wine. RSVP today at  bethelnr.org/trivianight2019 or contact Lisa Mandelker at lisagolda@aol.com with questions.

CELEBRATE PURIM WITH BETH EL
For a detailed list of events visit bethelnr.org/purim2019.

Memory Minyan | Sunday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m.
The Hamentashen Project | Tuesday, March 12 at 1:00 p.m.
Purim Palooza | Wedensday, March 20 at 5:15 p.m.
Megillah Readings | Wednesday, March 20 beginning at 6:45 p.m. for the full schedule visit bethelnr.org/purimpalooza19.
Kulanu Purim Shabbat Experience | Friday, March 22 at 6:00 p.m.

LOOKING FOR "ACTS" FOR DURING THE MEGILLAH READING! 
Join us for Purim!!! We want YOU to perform songs, skits, dances, magic...you name it, we want you to have a chance to perform it! We are seeking acts for between Megillah chapters. This is your chance to perform on the Beth El Stage — plus, we have a band to back you up!

Interested? Email Abby Wise at awise@bethelnr.org.

All Shabbat Announcements, Events and Notices are archived at bethelnr.org/announcements. 
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