Commentator - The Vision for Our Future AN INSIDER'S LOOK AT OUR NEW HOME Can be found on pages 24 and 25 - Temple Beth Am
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Commentator Adar II – Nisan 5779
April 2019
The Vision for Our Future
AN INSIDER’S LOOK AT OUR NEW HOME
Can be found on pages 24 and 25
tbam.org/beyondthecurve
Family. Community. Excellence.
april 2019 Shabbat Services
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019 Torah Portion – Passover
In This Issue 1 Nisan
6:00 p.m.
Rosh Chodesh Nisan
Pre-Neg
Exodus 12:37-42 & 13:3-10
Haftarah Joshua 5:2 – 6:1
6:30 p.m. Shabbat Services
Talmud Torah Award FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2019
Shabbat Services 2
22 Nisan 7th day Passover
Second Night Seder/ SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019 10:30 a.m. Last day Passover Service
9:00 a.m. Torah Study with Yizkor
Talmud Torah 3
10:30 a.m. Morning Minyan 6:00 p.m. Pre-Neg
From Strength to Strength 4 1:00 p.m. Shabbat Pray & Picnic 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Services
President’s Message 6 Torah Portion – Tazria SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019
Membership 8/9 Leviticus 12:1 – 13:59 9:00 a.m. Torah Study
Haftarah II Kings 4:42 – 5:19 10:30 a.m. Morning Minyan
Youth Engagement Religious 5:30 p.m. Bar Mitzvah of Jacob Biondo
School 10/11 FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
8 Nisan Torah Portion
Day School 12 6:00 p.m. Day School 1st grade Ahare Mot – Deuteronomy
New Members 12 Shabbat Service -- Auditorium Leviticus 16:1-18
6:00 p.m. Pre-Neg Haftarah Ezekiel 22:1-19
Clergy’s Corner 13 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Services
Programming 14-16
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019
Brotherhood 17 9:00 a.m. Torah Study
10:30 a.m. Morning Minyan
B’nai Mitzvah 18
10:30 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Sara Gelrud
Miami Jews 19 5:30 p.m. Bat Mitzvah of
Bailey Rose Fefferman
Tikkun Olam 20
Talmud Torah 21 Torah Portion – Metzora
Leviticus 14:1 – 15:33
Our Jewish Heritage 22 Haftarah II Kings 7:3 – 20
Beyond the Curve 23-25
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019
I’m Jewish Because 26 15 Nisan Erev Pesach, 1st Seder this evening
Recovery 27 5:00 p.m. Abbreviated Kabbalat Shabbat
Service
In This House 28
Sisterhood 29
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2019
9:00 a.m. Torah Study
Chavurah 30 10:30 a.m. First day Passover Service
5:30 p.m. Passover 2nd night
TBAM Camp 31
Community Seder
In Loving Memory 32
Caring for the Caregiver 33
our advertisers for april
EWM Real Estate......................................... 33 Smile Miami.................................................. 42
Mazel Tov 35
Israel Bonds................................................... 34 Buchwald Jewelers...................................... 43
Current of Life 35 Fare to Remember Catering...................... 34 Chef David Schwadron............................... 43
Rebecca Lenard, Pediatric Dentist........... 34 Friendship Circle.......................................... 43
We Give 36 BHS/Lindsay Rubens, Real Estate............ 35 Cemetery Plots............................................. 44
Moskowitz Law Firm.................................. 35 Polestar Pilates............................................. 44
Bridge 39
Paradise Properties...................................... 37 TLC Family Care.......................................... 44
Professional Directory 40 JoAnna’s Marketplace................................ 38 Williamson Cadillac.................................... 45
Professional Directory Listings................ 40 Accessible Home Health Care.................. 45
Tracey Spiegelman, Realtor....................... 41 The Palace ..................................................... 46
Rita Diaz, Estate Sales................................. 41 California Closets........................................ 47
BHS/Amy Hollub, Real Estate.................. 42 Lexus............................................................... 48
A
WE CONGRATULATE
JON KISLAK
WEEK-
Recipient of the 2019
Dr. Lenore Kipper
Talmud Torah Award
END AND WE WELCOME
Artist and Scholar
OF SOUL
in Residence
Deborah
Sacks Mintz
for a special Shabbat filled
with learning and song
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019 and Register today at
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019 www.tbam.org/soulweekend
For more info, see page 21
SEC ON D NIG HT PA SSO VER COM MU NIT Y SED ER
SAT UR DAY, AP RIL 20 TH
5:45 PM SHA RP
How do you connect to your Judaism?
Join us for a family-friendly celebration as we explore our own
Jewish identity through the framework of the Passover seder.
Register today at www.tbam.org/passover
Page 3
Commentator April 2019 • Page 4
From Strength to Strength
Rabbi Jeremy Barras
jbarras@tbam.org
Beyond The Curve
The cover of this month’s Commentator is so very intriguing! It Interestingly enough, once the Holy Temple was constructed, any
is an image of our future, of what is possible when we all work additional contributions were kept in a certain fund known as
together and recognize that Temple Beth Am is growing, that “bedek habayit.” All contributions that were made beyond what
Judaism in America continues to evolve, and that we have the was necessary for construction were collected and then dispersed to
capacity and the foresight to advance beyond the curve in order stonecutters, carpenters and laborers who would routinely rebuild
to ensure that we remain the thriving Jewish community we have and reconstruct various sections of the Holy Temple.
always been here in South Dade.
The Israelites knew that the Tabernacle was temporary, but the
There is much to be excited about as we prepare for construction. Holy Temple was meant to last and sustain Judaism forever.
From the state-of-the-art new facilities for our Day School and Therefore, once it was built, it was required that construction
Religious School, to the many new options that will await our remain constant so that the Temple would continue to meet the
multiple youth groups; from the “Downtown Beth Am” Welcome needs of the evolving and growing Jewish community.
Center that will become the hub of activity on campus, to everyone
who will benefit from the myriad ways our new envisioned campus History does repeat itself! This is a moment in our history where
will respond to the everchanging American Jewish landscape. the work that was so generously completed to one half of the
campus will now reach to the other half of the campus. And as it
At the end of the Book of Exodus, there existed a problem that is completed, it will enhance every single aspect of the Beth Am
no capital campaign since has ever experienced. When Moses community.
asked the people to voluntarily offer their contributions to
the construction of the Tabernacle, they brought gifts in such This will not be the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, but it will be
extraordinary numbers that Moses had to tell them to stop. extradorinary. This will be exactly what Temple Beth Am needs to
Halevai! One might have thought that Moses might keep the march on boldly into the future.
overflow gifts for an endowment to ensure that repairs and
replacements could be made for the Tabernacle. However, this is I am so excited for you to learn about every detail as we...together,
not what happened. take the next step in the story of the Jewish people here in our
community.
Moses knew that the Tabernacle was a temporary structure that
the Israelites would assemble and reassemble as they journeyed
through the wilderness. He also knew that when they arrived to Rabbi Jeremy Barras
the Land of Israel, it would be replaced by a permanent structure,
the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
Lunch ’n Learn
with Special Guest Herb Keinon of The Jerusalem Post
Tuesday, April 2 • 12:00 p.m., Adult Reading Room, Chapel
Israeli Elections 2019: The End of the Netanyahi Era
Herb Keinon, the Diplomatic Correspondent for The Jerusalem Post has been at the paper for the last 33 years. He took over the
diplomatic beat in August 2000, just after the failed Camp David summit, and just before the outbreak of the Palestinian violence in
September of that year. Keinon is responsible for covering the prime minister and the foreign minister, often traveling with the Prime
Minister on his trips abroad. As such, Keinon has up-close knowledge and an intimate perspective of the country’s political, diplomatic
and strategic challenges – from Hamas to Hezbollah, Lapid to Likud. During his years at the Post, Keinon has covered a wide variety of
different beats, including Jerusalem, immigration and absorption, religious parties, the ultra-Orthodox, and the settlements. Keinon has
lectured widely in Israel, the US, Europe and Australia on the political and diplomatic situation in Israel, and appears on a variety of
radio and television programs around the world as a guest commentator on the subject.
Lunch is provided; please RSVP online at tbam.org/lunchandlearn.
Presented by
Page 5
Commentator April 2019 • Page 6
M e s s a g e
from the
president
Daniela Zanzuri-Beiner
dzanzuri@tbam.org
This is my final Commentator article of my presidency. Next Luncheon. Abbe is retiring from our Executive Committee,
month, our new president, Stuart Ratzan, takes the lead as but has promised to work on a number of events that are being
Temple Beth Am, always mindful of its heritage, history and planned for the fall.
foundation, moves toward the future with the beginnings of
a new campus, new management and new personnel. It is an Michelle Weber, VP of Membership brought her legal skills
exciting time of transition. Beth Am will always be a “Home updating the membership portion of our policies and procedures.
for our Heritage,” and I hope that I have helped to cement
some of that foundation while laying important groundwork Susan Lampen, VP of Programming; Susan’s passion for mean-
for the future. ingful and insightful programming is a blessing for our communi-
ty and she shares this love of community with her daughter, Kate
I have not served alone. Management team meets every Lampen-Sachar who sits with her on our general board. Talk
Monday morning to discuss, review and assess the challenges about L’dor Vador!
of running an institution that is home to over 1500 families.
Rabbi Barras, Bob Hersh, Steve Solomon, and Stuart Tracey Spiegelman, VP of Religious Practices, loves our institu-
Ratzan and I thankfully, always seem to create a cohesive tion and is a perfect match for her portfolio. Tracy has graciously
plan of action to present to our Board. There is a part of me agreed to lead our Cantorial Search as we prepare for Cantor
that will miss those Monday morning meetings, although I Nelson’s retirement in a few years.
am sure Ed will be very happy to have me back at the office.
The Honorable David Young, VP of Tikkun Olam, always has
I have been blessed with a caring, intelligent board. Every- a smile on his face as he makes sure that we all do our share to
one brought their own strengths and insight to the table and “Repair the World.”
posed insightful and challenging questions, while searching
for meaningful solutions to our concerns. I want to thank, in Dan Farkas, VP of Youth and Education, understands the impor-
no particular order: tance of Jewish youth groups and meaningful Jewish education.
Both his daughters, Remy and Mackenzie, have been President
Dan Koffsky, VP of Administration. Dan serves not only on of BAFTY.
our Executive Board, but also on our Steering and Building
Committee as we prepare our campus for the future. Robert Behar, our Recording Secretary, ensures our minutes
are accurate and Corresponding Secretary, the Honorable Alan
Howard Wolofsky, VP of Branding and Communication. Fine, brings us institutional knowledge while making sure that
Howard has enhanced our meetings with institutional knowl- there is a Board member present at every B’nai Mitzvah.
edge, as well as the ability to point out the “not-so-obvious”
and worked with our Development Team to ensure that our Last, but by no means least, is our Temple Counsel, Josh Kaye.
Beyond the Curve materials were the best that they could be. I am so grateful for his dedicated service. He has always given
expert advice and wisdom to our leadership and staff.
Jeff Marcus, our VP of Day School, attended not just Exec-
utive Board Meetings, but also Day School Board Meetings, Finally, I cannot find the words to express my gratitude and ap-
acting as liaison. preciation to Bill Grossman, Adrian Dubow and Lily Servi-
ansky. Bill has always been a phone call away, offering advice
Richard Siegel, VP of Development, has not only agreed to when I needed to process through a problem. Adrian has been
co-chair our Capital Campaign, but also helped me form a there offering support, a guiding hand, a clarity as to the duties
task force that would update our by-laws. We now have a of this role, and the camaraderie of a true friend. As we delve
template that offers us a more efficient and modern gover- deeper into the development phase of our Campus Expansion,
nance structure for TBAM while harmonizing the By-Laws Lily, who I subsequently asked to lead our Steering Committee,
with the size and scope of the organization and the manner generously calls to share her knowledge, expertise and wisdom as
in which things work in practice. to how to move forward.
Abbe Liebling, VP of Events and Engagements worked on They say it takes a village. Beth Am is a wonderful Village and I
our annual Double Play fundraiser and our Women of Valor have been blessed with an incredible lay support system and pro-
fessional staff. I will miss my daily chats with our Executive Being a part of the Atideynu group has allowed me to see Beth
Director Bob Hersh. My car will have to learn to not detour Am with new eyes. It’s helped me to piece together and see the
at Beth Am’s driveway, which is located between home and significance of seemingly unrelated parts of the Temple, to see their
office. I will miss saying hi to Rita, Andrea, Miselie, connection and also the way history as well as our past Temple
Michelle, Donna, Sebastian, Sharon, Tamara, Anita, leaders influenced our congregation’s history. I’ve learned about
Darlene, Marsha, and everyone on the first floor. I will miss Judaism and also about the others in my group, strengthened
popping into Rabbi Barras’ office to discuss an issue or get friendships and started new ones too. I honestly didn’t know what
some quick words of Talmudic wisdom while saying hello to to expect in the beginning; I was nervous that I wouldn’t have the
the rest of our Clergy and their staff. “right” answers or offer as much insight as the others. What I real-
ized however, through this process, is that it’s not about that at all.
I finish my presidency during a time of great transition. As Atideynu is all about strengthening our individual ties to Beth Am
you know, many of our professional staff are retiring. Bob by making meaningful connections between the past, the present
Hersh is retiring at the end of the year, but we have an and the future. It’s about seeing the big picture, it’s the missing
excellent task force in place, led by Past President Joe pieces to the puzzle. It’s the Why.
Jacoby, and two more past presidents, Bobby Schatzman
and Adrian Dubow. Cristina Krislav Jimenez, Robert Thank you for two wonderful years and allowing me to be your
Behar, Shelley Jacoby, Stuart Ratzan, Dr. Tony President. I look forward to being part of this community for
Ciminero and I round out the committee. Together, we many more years to come.
all have a deep understanding of the skillset that a new
executive director will need to make sure our construction Warmly,
process is smooth while our temple continues to run
efficiently.
Daniela Zanzuri Beiner
Dr. Deborah Starr retires in June of 2020. The Search
committee, led by Roman Krislav and Adrian Dubow, has
already hired the search firm Atid, and with their committee
will ensure that we find the right candidate to help navigate
these next few years of construction, while maintaining the
high standards for a secular and Jewish education.
I often compare life to being on a sailboat. There are times
our sailboat is sailing smoothly across the lake and times
the lake may be choppy and the winds are gusting and other
times there is a downright storm. Our Beth Am lake may
appear choppy as we experience changes and transitions.
Although our buildings and staff will change over the next
few years, they will remain part of our collective memory
and the history of our wonderful community. And, we are
on board to create new memories. We have a great future
and a new generation of Jewish leaders and Jewish children
with whom to look forward. And, in case you are won- Compassionate Visits by Clergy
dering, all our plaques, stained glass windows, artwork and We want to be there with you because we are here for you.
photos have been catalogued by Michelle Kramer to hold Rabbi Barras, Cantor Nelson, Rabbi Kempler, Rabbi Aklepi
on to those collective memories. Michelle and her task force and Rabbi Greengrass areyour Clergy. Due to hospital privacy
have met with Dr. Lenore Kipper as we determine which of policies we are unable to inquire about congregants. Please call
her many archives need to be digitized to add to our library the clergy office to tell us when we may visit you or a loved one.
of Beth Am history.
Mindy Robbin, mrobbin@tbam.org or 786.364.9446.
One of my proudest accomplishments these past two years
has been revitalizing the Atideynu (leadership group) of
Temple Beth Am. We established a series of classes that
address the historical elements of Beth Am, Reform Judaism,
Governance, Finance, and the role of board members. It has
been very important to me that we develop a pipeline of
strong leaders, both lay and professional, who collaborate.
I have enjoyed working with an inspiring group of newer
members who I believe will be the future leaders of Beth Am.
Jessica Moskowitz, who co-chairs PATIO and is a member
of our group, sent me the following e-mail:
Page 7
April 2019 • Page 8
Membership
Rita Diaz
Membership Director
rdiaz@tbam.org
Temple Beth Am
Passover at Milam’s in Pinecrest
Monday, April 15 • 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Stop by Milam’s Market at 11701 South Dixie Highway to say hello to us, try samples
of kosher-for-Passover wines and taste different matzah.
We are happy to bring Passover to a new market in our neighborhood,
reach out to new friends, and showcase our incredible Temple all at the same time!
For information call Rita Diaz 305.667.6667, ext.107.
How ‘Bout Shabbat
Welcoming An Exotic Live Animal Show
Friday, May 31, 6:00 p.m.
Hessel Youth Building
Musical Shabbat Service with Rabbi Rachel Greengrass and
Cantorial Soloist Jackie Berney, followed by a delicious
catered dinner, wine bar, and an incredible live Exotic Animal
show featured by Michael and Janet Poggi and their
array of animals. This is an educational, interactive evening
of fun with exotic and farm animal friends. The children will
have direct contact with rabbits, pocket monkeys, owl monkeys,
fainting goats and many more. All ages will enjoy this show
and have the opportunity to take photographs.
Adults $25.00 • 7-13 $13.00 • Under 6 $6.00
RSVP required: Sebastian in the Membership Department
305.667.6667 ext. 190 or sromero@tbam.org
www.tbam.org/animal
L’Dor V ador
From generation to generation!
From generation to generation, we learn from the past to create a future.
Friday, May 10
Join us for a special Shabbat honoring our many multi-generational
families that have been committed to Temple Beth Am through the
years. We are hosting a special pre-neg in your honor
featuring our L’Dor Vador martinis and scrumptious lite bites.
Mingle with your community and see old friends.
All ages welcome and encouraged to be a part
of this special evening.
5:30–6:30 p.m. – Pre-neg Chapel
6:30-7:45 p.m. – Shabbat Service
Please let us know how many in your family will be attending!
Call or email Darlene in the Membership Department,
305.667.6667 ext. 115 or dcruz@tbam.org
Page 9
Commentator April 2019 • Page 10
Tamara Donnenfeld
Director of Lifelong Learning
tdonnenfeld@tbam.org
What Are Our Values Behind Teen Engagement?
Temple Beth Am Youth Engagement is committed to furthering to the present, to validate Jewish values, enhance their lives and
Jewish teens involved in Jewish life by providing meaning and improve the world.
quality Jewish teen experiences.
“It Takes a Kehillah [Community] to Make a Mensch,” and
With this in mind, our department distanced itself from a “one Temple Beth Am actively contributes to the development of our
size fits all” model to one with multiples points of entry with teens’ Jewish identity by offering myriad opportunities, whether
flexible engagement structures. they are weekly, monthly, seasonal or interest-based.
Anyone who knows a teenager today realizes almost immediately Over the last five years, the department has evolved and
how busy they are, what pressures they face, and what stresses expanded, offering now almost personalized entry points to
they endure. Beyond their school work, our teens are interested experience Jewish living. Our fellowships spread out from
in activities that offer them a chance to learn and develop becoming a Torah Scholar under the guidance of Rabbi Barras,
new skills and, additionally, spaces that give them a respite the Interfaith Dialogue Internship with Rabbi Greengrass,
from the pressures of adolescent life. Thus playing basketball the Israel Advocacy Fellowship with Rabbi Aklepi and our
or doing gymnastics serve as vessels to become better in that highly regarded Social Justice Teen Fellowship. Bafty K2, 34,
discipline and also to “clear their head,” which by no means are 56, 78 and the high school group have grown in numbers and
mutually exclusive. These activities provide them with joy and have engaged more children/teens than ever, offering them
nourishment, friendships, relaxation and stimulation. leadership opportunities as well as a safe and brave space for
social and intellectual involvement.
So while it is true that teens want to succeed in life, it is
important to recognize that teens nowadays seek happiness. The Shevet Achim and Rosh Chodesh monthly groups, Monday
Thus, friendships, music and humor, for example, are some of the Night CHAI, Confirmation, the Madrichim program and the
things for which teenagers yearn. new 8th and 9th grade Israel Track, are some of the department
contributions that bring JOY, add VALUE, celebrate DIVERSITY
Added value is an intrinsic aspect of our teen programming. and bring RELEVANCE to our teens.
When we spoke with teens, they expressed that only Jewish
programming which would offer value in their lives would attract Explore your Jewish journey at Beth Am. There is something
and retain them. Academic success and college preparation are for EVERYONE.
teens’ biggest concerns. How will a program add to my resumé?
How will I set myself apart from the rest? What will make me
stand out from the rest of the applicants? Therefore, value for Tamara
many teens equates to activities that strengthen their resumes
and improve college applications. Fellowships, internships,
learning tangible skills, community service, leadership
opportunities, or high-level achievement in sports are all
experiences that teens believe help in this area.
The majority of Jewish teens today are Universalist by nature. 2019-2020
Instead of asking whether a program/activity is “good for the
Jews,” they are more likely to consider whether it “is good for EARLY BIRD ENROLLMENT
all people.” Our teens value diversity and inclusivity; they may
affiliate with one or many tribes, whether based on race, religion,
BEGINS APRIL 1, 2019
gender, sexual orientation, hobby, sport, or other factors.
Learning Jewish texts, finding meaning in centuries-old www.tbam.org/yers
documents and its current applications, brings relevance to the
learner. Teens welcome this form of wisdom to connect the pastErica Golden
Youth Engagement Director
egolden@tbam.org
Over Presidents Day weekend, I was ecstatic to head to Dallas, We are very proud of Jordan Schmidt who, along with
Texas for NFTY Convention 2019, a gathering of over 600 Jewish songwriting partner and band member Jacob Fishman,
teens from all over the country coming together to have fun being won the Anselm Rothschild Memorial Song Competition
Jewish, learn about social action, meet other teens from all over the and represented BAFTY in such an awesome way on the
country, and have the time of their lives! Throughout the weekend, national level! As you can see, our teens are so passionate
I made connections with people from all over the US who I am still about BAFTY, other youth engagement opportunities here
talking to after convention. at Temple Beth Am and broader NFTY events. I, along with
the teens, invite everyone to continue trying out our youth
Throughout the weekend, I, along with many other teens, were programs from BAFTY to fellowships to Madrichim and
given the chance to be leaders, whether that be through song, more!
by teaching a workshop, or speaking to all of NFTY Convention.
NFTY believes that teens should be recognized and lifted up as
leaders in this world in their own way, that they should express
themselves and lead others to be just as expressive as they are. As
one such leader of song, I’m so thankful that BAFTY, our statewide
NFTY region, NFTY-STR, and NFTY as a whole give me and others
my age the chance to learn the amazing skills of leadership and the
space to just have a great time.
Even though NFTY Convention only happens every two years, that
doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun! BAFTY, our Temple
Beth Am youth group meets every Monday from 5:45-6:45 p.m. and
has lots of fun events off campus too. Our statewide region, NFTY-
STR, has four events every school year for teens in high school
and one event for those in middle school. It is so much fun and I
definitely encourage you to put yourself out there and head to an
event! If you would like more information feel free to email our
BAFTY advisor Erica Golden at egolden@tbam.org, or email me at
jlschmidt1224@gmail.com.
CALENDAR
NFTY has given me a community I can be a part of where I can Wednesday April 3
embrace my Jewish identity in a fun yet meaningful way. At NFTY BAFTY 34 (3:15-3:45 p.m. in the café!)
Convention, I experienced this on a whole new level with teens Friday, April 5
from all over the country. Despite our geographical differences, and 3rd & 4th Grade Everything But the Sleepover
maybe never meeting each other before, we came together as one
(5:00-10:30 p.m.)
community and had the time of our lives being Jewish teens.
Saturday, April 6
Jordan Schmidt BAFTY goes to Top Golf!
Sunday, April 7
BAFTY 6-8 Outing
Friday April 12-Sunday April 14
LLTI
(Wellington, FL)
Wednesday, April 17
BAFTY 5 (3:15-3:45 p.m. in the café!)
Sunday April 28
BAFTY K-2 Happy Birthday Israel!
(12:00-1:00 p.m. in the Chapel)
Page 11Commentator April 2019 • Page 12
day school
Jennifer Carey, M.A.
Technology & Innovation
Director
Hello Temple Beth Am community! and ensure our system’s ability to stay secure and forward
agile. All these projects make certain that our network and
Even though I have been at TBAM for eight months, I realize machines operate effectively, efficiently, and securely.
that I am still a new (or even unknown) face to many of you.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am the inaugural Technology In addition to these planned projects and upgrades, the temple
and Innovation Director for the Day School (although my is currently performing an internal audit on its systems and
role has already expanded to include many other facets of the databases, looking to move some of our content to the cloud.
synagogue). I have been an educator for nearly two decades, As an organization, we want to guarantee that our network
serving as a teacher and administrator for elementary, middle, and data remain safe and secure while remaining accessible
and high school students as well as teaching in higher ed. to those who need it. We want to warrant that your data and
Prior to coming to TBAM, I was the Director of Educational information continue to be secure and private.
Technology and Director of Special Projects at the Ransom
Everglades School for five years. If all of this “tech speak” just made your eyes gloss over, I
apologize (I’m just so excited about all that the community
While my role may be primarily situated in the day school, has accomplished and plans to do). What this all means for
I have responsibilities and projects that span the entirety of you (and you may have already noticed) is that you now
our community. In fact, while my office may be somewhat have easily accessible and reliable wireless connectivity
invisible, we have been quite busy launching and completing when you are at Temple Beth Am as a congregant, parent,
myriad projects to benefit the Temple Beth Am community and/or employee. If you have a student in the day and/or
as a whole. Last summer, we installed a new wireless religious schools, it means that your child has access to tools
infrastructure throughout the temple. We also more than and resources that enhance their learning by allowing for
doubled our bandwidth (from 100mbs to 250mbs). We greater collaboration and creation, as well as empowering
launched new devices in both the elementary and religious them to operate within and master multiple modalities, all
schools as well as in a number of offices and meetings rooms. crucial for existing and emerging jobs in the 21st century. By
For both the religious and elementary schools, we have rolled incorporating both long- and short- term planning on these
out the new iPad 6 which allows for speedier processing and projects, we can ensure the financial sustainability of the
a better user experience for our teachers and students. We are organization and our community.
also piloting G-Suite for education in the 3rd and 4th grades
(and will adopt this platform in the Fall of 2019). Thank you again for the warm welcome that I have received
here. I look forward to getting to know the community
Additionally, there are a number of projects currently in better and engaging one on one with congregants, parents,
process. In March, we began updating our wired network and employees. If you are on the campus, please stop by to
infrastructure (the LAN) by replacing our firewall and learn more about what exciting thing we have planned going
upgrading our network switches and (over the summer) we forward.
will be rolling out an enterprise operating system upgrade
ensuring that all of our computers are running Windows
10. This will shore up the security of our existing network, Jennifer Carey, M.A.
iron out some network traffic hiccups we have experienced,
New Members
*Jose & Yanet Behar, Gabriella and Daniel
Howard & Cheryl Ettelman
Matt & Jessica Rieger
*Brian Shapiro & Annette Shapiro, Ian, Amy-Grace and Ellie
Joseph & Vanesa Stone and Emilia
*returning members
This list reflects renewals through February 22, 2019.Clergy Corner
Rabbi Judith Kempler
jkempler@tbam.org
The Ten Plagues: A Second Look
The Many Meanings Behind the Ten Plagues
As a child, I have vivid memories of reciting, singing, and ultimate destruction. But, this is only one way to view the
even re-enacting the Ten Plagues. I remember stern warnings grouping of the plagues.
from my grandfather never to lick my pinkie after dipping
it into the sticky cup of grape juice and removing a drop to A second reading groups them based on threes. As Rabbi
represent each of the plagues! As a parent of young children, Nachum Sarna points out, the first two plagues-blood and
I now own three sets of “ten Plagues finger puppets.” At frogs-are each accompanied by a warning, whereas the third
our most recent seders in 2018, our family broke from a plague-lice is not. This pattern repeats itself for the next two
traditional recitation of the Ten Plagues to enact a Ten sets of three: the fourth plague, swarming creatures and the
Plagues candy creation contest, giving each child a plate of fifth plague, pestilence, come with a warning with the sixth
gummy and chocolate candies with which to recreate their plague, boils, does not. Pharaoh receives a warning before the
“favorite” plague. seventh plague, hail and the eighth plague, locusts, but not
before the ninth plague, darkness.
For the Jewish people the recitation of the Ten Plagues that
God inflicted upon the Egyptians is an essential feature of A third reading is to group the plagues into two groups of
the Exodus story and a “peak moment” in the Passover seder five. The Haggadah alludes to this division in a midrash on
itself. While the recitation of the Ten Plagues can often be Deuteronomy 26:5-8.
seen as a simple straightforward listing of punishments,
a second (or even third) look at the plagues reveals some With a strong hand–this is pestilence...And with an
interesting complexity and leave open new possibilities outstretched arm–this is the sword. The phrase “strong hand”
for creative and meaning-laden readings of the text. The is associated with pestilence because the Torah describes
Haggadah suggests various groupings for the plagues the fifth plague as the work of God’s hand. The phrase, “an
themselves two by two, three by three and five by five-each outstretched arm” is seen as an allusion to God’s sword, an
of these groupings sheds light on different possible themes. image that is made clear in a similar verse in Chronicles With
Let’s review a few of these ideas. a drawn sword in his hand stretched over. What is interesting
here is that the images of pestilence and sword (presumably
The first time the Haggadah refers to the plagues directly, it each representing five of the ten plagues) is that these images
read them into the verse from Deuteronomy 28:6, the verse were mentioned in Exodus 5:3 as punishments for defiance
that concludes the core text of the maggid section. against God’s will. When Moses and Aaron approach
Pharaoh for the first time in Chapter 5, to ask permission
And Adonai brought us out from Egypt with a strong hand to worship in the desert, Pharaoh rebuffs them stating that
and with an outstretched arm and with great terror and with he does not recognize the God of the Israelites. In response,
signs and portents.” (Deuteronomy 26:8) Moses and Aaron state: Let us go pray, a three days journey
into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to Adonai our God,
Our Haggadah suggests the following reading: With a strong lest God hits us with pestilence or sword...(Exodus 5:3) Here,
hand–two; with an outstretched arm–two; and with great “pestilence” and “sword” serve as groupings for the plagues
terror-two; and with signs-two. And with portents–two. that God brings at a later time.
These are the Ten Plagues that the Holy One Blessed Be He,
brought upon the Egyptians in Egypt. So, why are any of these groupings important? Perhaps it
is worth considering for a moment how rich our Haggadah
Notice the plurality of the words “signs” and “portents.” This truly is with layers of meaning. These types of readings
midrash comes to teach us that God afflicted the Egyptians (*besides being fun for us to discover) expand the possibilities
with pairs of plagues. The pairing of the plagues: one and of messages and teachings that await us at the seder table.
two, three and four, five and six, seven and eight, nine and Please feel free to share your favorite teachings with us as we
ten, makes sense: blood and frogs both involve water; lice prepare to lead our own seders this coming Passover!
and swarming creature both arrives in hordes; pestilence and
boils both are both diseases; hail and locusts both destroy
crops; darkness and death of the first-born both represent
Page 13Commentator April 2019 • Page 14
programming
Andrea LeVine
Program Director
alevine@tbam.org
Courageous Community Conversations:
Unpacking Privilege and Bias
Thursdays • 7:00 p.m. • Adult Reading Room
Death Over Donuts We invite you to join us for this three part series in which
we will create a space to speak frankly about race, and about
our own unconscious biases. Presented in partnership with
South Florida People of Color, and Women’s March Miami.
Join Rabbi Judy Kempler as we explore Jewish perspectives These interactive workshops will build upon each other
on loss, ritual practices connected to mourning, so as to dive deep into how to address these issues in our
and coping through a Jewish lens. community, and how we can begin to make positive change.
Classes are on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m., Meeting Room 2.
4/4 – Death and Dying in Jewish Texts: The Basic Basics
4/11 – Mourning Noon & Night: How Do We Honor the April 25: The Science of Bias
Dead After Ritual Periods have Ended? May 2: Deconstructing Stereotypes
4/18 – The Invisible Loss: Miscarriage, Pregnancy Loss, and Prejudices
and Stillbirth
May 9: Moving to Allyship
All sessions free of charge (donuts are on the house!), but All sessions free, but please
please RSVP to Mindy Robbin at mrobbin@tbam.org. RSVP at www.tbam.org/courageous.
Reading Join us as we celebrate the publication of
with the Rabbis Moral Resistance and Spiritual Authority:
Mondays Our Jewish Obligation to Social Justice
11:30 a.m. Featuring an essay by
Meeting Room 3 Rabbi Rachel Greengrass
Wednesday, April 24 • 7:00 p.m., Chapel
Bring a lunch and join Rabbis
Greengrass and Kempler for
the next installment of their This guidebook for Jewish action on key political and
weekly book club! We are social justice issues in modern American society features essays
thrilled to read and discuss from 30 rabbis and Jewish leaders on a number of social justice topics.
Moral Resistance and These range from issues such as environmental justice, reproductive rights,
Spiritual Authority: Our Jewish
LGBTQ equality, gun violence, as well as reflections on a global vision of
Obligation to Social Justice. This
Jewish social justice, the power of community organizing, and how to partner
new book contains a
collection of essays from rabbis with other faith communities to facilitate social change.
around the country, including
our very own In addition to our very own Rabbi Greengrass, we welcome fellow contributor
Rabbi Rachel Greengrass! Rabbi Adam Miller. Together, they will guide us through this social justice
roadmap as we continue to reflect on how we can repair the world
To purchase a book ($15), individually and as a Jewish community.
contact Janice Baisman at
jbaisman@tbam.org. www.tbam.org/moralresistanceWorld-Class Care
In Your Neighborhood
Meet our experts and join us
for a VIP tour of our facility.
Thursday, April 25
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Miami Cancer Institute
Room 3N110
8900 North Kendall Drive
Complimentary Valet
In partnership with
The program is free but reservations are required. Please
email MCIEvents@BaptistHealth.net or call 786-527-7680.
TEMPLE BETH AM COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS:
Dance, jive, and have the time of your life at our 3rd annual spring musical production!
MAY 15TH at 7:00 PM | MAY 18TH at 8:00 PM | MAY 19TH at 2:00 PM
Tickets available at $25 for each of performance in the Auditorium, Hessel Family Youth Complex.
PLUS: Join us Saturday night for a dinner package featuring a delicious Greek cuisine from Chef Aaron Dreilinger!
Purchase tickets now at www.tbam.org/mammamia
Page 15Commentator
Sunday Salon
Join us at 10:00 a.m. in the
Adult Reading Room
April 7 - Vic Perillo
The Lambert Chronicles
Vic Perillo will introduce us to his drama based on the collection of notes,
a personal daily diary, and dossiers kept and collected by Major Warren
Lambert, U.S. Army and Dachau War Crime Trial Judge. Throughout his-
tory when tragedies occurred, there were those who warned and predicted
such events long before they happened. In every situation, these voices were silenced, stifled
and ignored. Warren Lambert was one of those voices.
April 14 - Marsha Cohen
Jews News
Once again, we are delighted to welcome Dr. Marsha Cohen, an independent
scholar, news analyst, and writer here in Miami, who specializes in the role
of religion in politics and world affairs. She will be presenting the most
up-to-the-minute details on current events that we will all look forward to
discussing.
April 28 - Bernita King
The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend
The Gulf States are central to America’s national security interests and those
of our allies, especially Israel’s. Since 1995, the American Jewish Committee
has made periodic visits to these countries for meetings with government and
business leaders, military officers, journalists, policy analysts, U.S. and other
diplomats, and members of the small Jewish communities which remain. At a critical time in
the pursuit of security and stability in the region, with Iran-backed Shia militants and Sunni
extremists posing common threats to pragmatic Gulf States and Israel, Bernita King accom-
panied a small group of AJC leaders to three of these states: Oman, Bahrain and the United
Arab Emirates. She will be sharing what she learned.
Thursday, April 18
2:00 p.m.
Adult Reading Room
The Women’s Balcony
An accident during a bar mitzvah celebration
leads to a rift between the men and women in a
devout community in Jerusalem in this rousing,
good-hearted comedy. Awash with Jerusalem’s
distinctive glow, The Women’s Balcony comedy/
drama is a warm, poignant portrait of a modern
community struggling to balance protocol with
practical, progressive values–at once rebellious
and respectful in spirit.
Adult Reading Room Library events are coordinated by Etta Gold, Congregational Librarian.
Contact Etta at egold@tbam.org or 786-264-6543.The Men’s Seder
a BROTHERHOOD SEDER FOR THE GUYS!
Sunday, April 21st, 5:00 pm
...plus the wit and wisdom of Rabbi Jeremy Barras
Among the Featuring a special Haggadah
Four Questions... reviewing contemporary men’s issues
Why is it that no matter how old I get,
I still don’t understand women?
Why is it so important to me that
I still be able to perform at the
same level I did as a young man?
We’ll explore the
Ten Plagues...
Q Hair Loss Q Relationship Issues
Q Weight Gain Q Family Conflict
Q Sports Injuries Q Low T
Q Golf Frustrations Q Honey-do lists
(putter doesn’t work) Q Being a
Q Job Loss Miami sports fan
Cost for The Men’s Seder
Only $36.00
per person
Information and
Online Registration at
tbam.org/menssederCommentator April 2019 • Page 18
Mazel Tov Bnai Mitzvah
Sara Gelrud
April 13, 2019
Sara is a 7th grade Honor student at Gulliver Academy. She is an excellent student, caring friend, and
wonderful sister and daughter. Sara is passionate about dance and enjoys spending time with her family
and friends. Her parents, Andres and Karina, and her brother, Jacob, are proud of her and excited to
celebrate her special day soon.
Bailey Rose Fefferman
April 13, 2019
Bailey Rose is a 7th grade Honor student at Riviera. She loves to knit, play basketball, rock climb and
make funny videos. She enjoys 6 Points Sci-Tech, her Jewish science camp. She dreams of becoming a
geologist. Her family Hagit, Greg, Chloe, and Joey, proudly watched as she read from the Torah at
the Wall in Jerusalem this past summer. We are looking forward to her reading from the Torah, as we
celebrate her becoming a Bat Mitzvah this April.
Jacob Biondo
April 27, 2019
Jacob is a 7th grade Honor student at Palmetto Middle School, and a proud graduate of Temple Beth Am
Day School. He is funny, compassionate, and extremely considerate to his friends and his younger brother,
Harrison. Jacob loves playing basketball, watching movies, traveling to new places, and spending time
with his friends and family. His parents, Brandon and Rebekah, are very proud of him and look forward
to celebrating his bar mitzvah.MIAMI JEWS GIVE BACK SHABBOS RIDE
at RedBike Studios
We continue our monthly partner- Saturday, April 13
ship with Repair the World Miami
serving meals to the homeless at 12:30 p.m.
Chapman Partnership 1399 SW 1st Ave
Spend your Shabbat breaking a
sweat with a full-body, high-inten-
sity, rhythm-based cardio workout!
Join us for a Saturday spin
at RedBike in Brickell.
FOLLOW US ON
FACEBOOK
& INSTAGRAM
TO STAY UP TO DATE!
SHABBAT
SUPPER CLUB
POP UP SHABBAT
Shabbat dinner hosted at
Meet us in Brickell for trendy your home – we provide
food, great people, and an open
the goods, you invite your
bar. Unwind with us and shake
off the stress of the work week! friends and enjoy.
Monday, April 22
Page 19Commentator April 2019 • Page 20
tikkun olam
Join us for PRIDE on April 7!
Did you know that Temple Beth Am was the first Jewish congregation to host a booth at Gay Pride?
Did you know that over the years, we have aligned with other Miami Jewish congregations as well as people
of all faiths to create an interfaith worship service accompanied
by an interfaith float that is celebrated along the parade path?
Join us for our 11th year at Pride as we celebrate and affirm that all are made in God’s image.
Interested?
Contact Rabbi Greengrass
rgreengrass@tbam.org
Mimouna
with the Syrian Supper Club
April 27
6:30 p.m.
The end of Passover is celebrated
widely by indulging in gloriously
leavened foods like pizza, bread
and cookies. But in Morocco,
Israel, and most communities,
there’s an actual holiday for that,
called Mimouna. Mimouna is not
only a feast, but a symbolic and
spiritual event that marks the
beginning of spring–a time full of
hope for wealth and abundance in
the coming year.
Muslims took part in the cele-
bration too, bringing milk and
honey, hametz flours and couscous
to their Jewish neighbors. Entire
communities would come together,
wishing for mutual productivity
and prosperity for the coming
year.
Join us as we celebrate with the
Syrian Supper Club! Syrian refu-
gee families who have been relo-
cated to South Florida are teaming
up with a fundraising group that
uses home-cooked meals to help
them financially and socially as
they adapt. The refugee women
take turns cooking homemade
Syrian delights.
www.tbam.org/syriansupperclubA WEEKEND
WE CONGRATULATE
OF SOUL Temple Beth Am invites you for a special
JON KISLAK
Shabbat filled with learning and song
Featuring Artist and Scholar in Residence
Recipient of the 2019
Deborah Sacks Mintz
Dr. Lenore Kipper Talmud Torah Award
JON KISLAK REFLECTS ON HIS TIME AT TEMPLE BETH AM:
I grew up at Temple Beth Am and celebrated life’s
milestones here, including religious school, bar
mitzvah, and confirmation. In addition, all four of my
children attended the day school. I have seen Beth
Am grow from the founding families to the flourishing
community we have today. I am confident in the future.
Temple Beth Am has provided me the opportunity
to continue my Jewish learning. I joined a TBAM A transformative prayer leader, musician, and educator, Deborah Sacks
chavurah over 30 years ago, and our group continues Mintz has served innovative institutions around the country as a teacher
to celebrate simchas together. of Torah and communal Jewish music. As the Community Singing
Consultant of Hadar’s Rising Song Institute, Deborah serves as a resource
I look forward to Saturday mornings. Torah provides to communities across North America and beyond who seek to deepen
us with the wisdom of our ancestors; study helps me their practice of empowered song and connective prayer. In addition to
apply Jewish values to my daily life. composing new Jewish music and teaching nation-wide, Deborah can be
found regularly performing and recording with a myriad of musicians
This community has given me so many and ensembles, including current and past collaborations with top Jewish
opportunities to learn and grow. I feel lucky to call artists such as Joey Weisenberg, Josh Warshawsky, Noah Aronson, Elana
Arian, and Nava Tehila. A Wexner Graduate Fellow, Deborah is pursuing
Temple Beth Am home.”
rabbinical ordination at the Jewish Theological Seminary, and holds degrees
in music and religious anthropology from the University of Michigan.
We welcome Deborah as she shares
her voice with us all weekend:
FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019
6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Service Honoring Jon Kislak
7:45 p.m. Festive Shabbat Dinner featuring Guest Scholar
Deborah Sacks Mintz
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019
10:30 a.m. Deborah joins our minyan community as she leads
us in song and worship with Rabbi Jaime Aklepi
1:00 p.m. Shabbat Pray & Picnic for our young families with
Deborah and Rabbi Judith Kempler
Register today at www.tbam.org/soulweekend
Page 21Commentator April 2019 • Page 22
By Dr. Lenore C. Kipper, RJE, Judaic Studies Director, Emerita
All Israel (the Jewish People) is responsible for one another
(Kol Yisrael arevim zeh la-zeh)
The 20th century has seen many challenges and changes for the Jewish followed. She actually was raised as an American. Her father wanted
People in Europe, the United States, North Africa and the land of Eretz her to go to work when she was high school age, but she insisted on
Yisrael. These events have brought forth leadership in many areas to continuing her education, and in fact, she became a teacher. She left
be responsible for the welfare of Jews everywhere. The three most Milwaukee to join one of her married sisters in Denver where she
significant historical events of the Holocaust, the establishment of the met Morris Meyerson. Soon, they were married. She met David ben
Modern State of Israel, and the rise of the American Jewish community Gurion and Yitzchak ben Zvi while they were traveling around the U.S.
have been intertwined like a Havdalah candle. I have introduced you to recruit volunteers for the kibbutz movement. She became an ardent
to the important roles of some of the visionary leaders. This month we Zionist, and she and Morris made Aliyah to Israel in 1921. They settled
continue to learn about two more leaders who have served the Jewish in kibbutz Merhavya, but after a while, moved to Jerusalem. Soon she
People with great distinction. became active in the Labor Party movement and was given a position
of leadership in Tel Aviv. She was sent back to the U.S. to be an emis-
ABBA EBAN, 1915-2002 sary to the Pioneer Women Zionist Organization. When she returned
Born Aubrey Solomon Eban in Cape Town, South Africa in 1915, to Israel (Palestine at that time) she became part of the leadership of
moved to England with his family and was brought up in a comfortable the Histadrut, the Labor Union Organization. She now was on her way
home in London, receiving a classical education. He was greatly influ- to becoming an integral person of the Jewish Agency and the political
enced by his grandfather who taught him biblical literature, Talmud leadership of the future Jewish nation.
and modern Hebrew. He studied the classics at Cambridge University After the U.N. Partition vote in Nov. 1947, David Ben Gurion and the
from 1938 to 1940, where he was a research fellow and lecturer in Jewish Agency knew they would need the help of American Jews with
Arabic. He already was establishing a reputation for his mastery of the coming of war with the Arab nations. He sent Golda on the mis-
eloquence, rhetoric, persuasive public speaking, and his fluency in sion to get political support and financial support from the American
multiple languages. Jewish Community. She had charisma and passion, and she was able
Eban had become a Zionist as early as 1935. He enlisted in the British to achieve her goal. When she returned, Ben Gurion gave her another
army in 1940 and was trained in intelligence. He became a major and challenging assignment to dress as an Arab woman and meet with
served in Cairo in 1941. Eban acted as liason between British special King Abdullah of Jordan to try to persuade him not to attack Israel and
operations and the Jewish resistance fighters in Jerusalem. When the engage in negotiations. But he refused.
war ended Eban returned to Jerusalem. This was the beginning of his In 1949 she became the first woman elected to the K’nesset. She
dedication and devotion to the establishment of a Jewish nation. He became minister of Labor and was responsible for finding jobs and
was appointed to the Jewish Agency in 1946 to represent the Jewish housing for the 700,000 Jewish immigrants that came from Arab
People at the United Nations. His powerful speeches at the United Na- countries. In 1956 she was appointed foreign minister. By 1967 she
tions on behalf of the creation of a Jewish nation, and his relationships was ready to step aside from political leadership, but the Labor party
with American Jews and President Truman contributed to the vote to chose her to be the head of the party and after they won the election,
establish the nation of Israel. At age 34, in 1949, he was appointed Is- she became Prime Minister. What a journey, from Kiev, Milwaukee,
rael’s ambassador to the United Nations for ten years, and at the same Denver, Kibbutz, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv! She played a significant role of
time ambassador to the United States. leadership in the early years of statehood, and was a woman leader
Abba Eban served in many roles in Israel, under several prime minis- among many strong men who commanded respect not only in Israel
ters. He served in the K’nesset until 1988, but he is most remembered but in many countries.
for being the voice and defender of Israel to the world, especially Despite her lifetime of dedication, the Yom Kippur War of 1973, she,
during times of crisis. After he left politics he wrote many outstanding along with Moshe Dayan, were criticized for the lack of preparedness
books on Jewish history, on Israel and his own autobiography. His fa- for the surprise Arab attack. This ended her political career, but not her
mous work on “Heritage: Civilization and the Jews” was also produced influence. When Sadat of Egypt came to Jerusalem to start negotia-
as a TV series and is still available today. tions for a peace treaty, he wanted to meet Golda. They sat side by
From his autobiography: side, former enemies from 1973 war, ready to say “ No More War.”
“My main satisfaction is that many people across the world may have That treaty of 1979 still holds today.
learned from me that the Jewish story, with its culmination in Israel’s What was Golda’s secret for success? She possessed a mixture of cour-
statehood, is a brave and noble adventure… My hope is that the Jewish age, strength, passion and authenticity. When Golda died at the age of
People will be enabled by its experience of freedom to rise beyond the 80 in 1978, before the Peace Treaty with Egypt was signed, almost all
suffering of the past and the frustrations of history into the assertion it its the world mourned because she personified the Israeli spirit, the mod-
unique spirituality.” ern miracle, and a significant woman head of state in modern history!
GOLDA MEIR, 1898-1978 L’Shalom,
Born near Kiev, Ukraine, Golda Mabovitz Meyerson came from a poor
family that lived in fear of the Russian pogroms that were spreading Lenore
in the country. Her father, a carpenter, left for the U.S. and settled
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Golda, her two sisters, and her motherA MESSAGE FROM OUR CAMPAIGN CHAIR S, S TUART R ATZ AN AND RICHARD SIEGEL Temple Beth Am is strong and stable. We are the largest reform Temple in Florida. Our mission statement emphasizes that “Temple Beth Am embraces Jewish life through lifelong learning, spiritual growth and community engagement.” To adhere to our mission, we must be committed to our success every day. As our community in transition, we must take advantage of this opportunity to not only stay ahead of the curve but see beyond it. IT ’ S ABOUT FAMILIE S Stuart’s Journey My Beth Am journey began in Ceil Coonin’s 3rd grade class. My childhood here shaped who I am. It is why I care so much about Jewish education and giving back to a community that has done much for me and as importantly, my family. I have witnessed first-hand L’dorV’dor. How students become parents and parents become members...and then, members become leaders. Our sustainability and growth depend on this commitment to create a state-of-the-art Jewish education center. Mycki and I have watched our children grow and flourish here. From Day School students, to B’nai Mitzvot, and of course as basketball players. Like all of us, the impact and love we give and receive from being a part of this community is life altering and enormously gratifying. That’s why I am honored to be incoming President and Chair this historic effort. COMMITMENT Rich’s Journey Like many of you, my Temple Beth Am journey began in the Day School, where my then one and three-year old daughters started school shortly after we relocated to Miami. As they grew, so did our relationship with the Temple, which continues to play a significant role in our life. My family and I volunteer not as an obligation, but so that we can in a small way repay Beth Am for the immeasurable impact it has had on our lives. That’s why Chairing this historic effort is so meaningful. When asked to participate, I did not hesitate. How could anyone say no to a community that has done so much for me, my family and generations of families fortunate to call Temple Beth Am their Jewish home. It is now up to each one of us to demonstrate that same vision, determination, and commitment of our predecessors so that Temple Beth Am continues to be recognized as the leading educational, recreational, and spiritual hub for generations. E XCELLENCE Temple Beth Am is committed to excellence. We never settle, we lead. As Passover approaches, we remember the story of freedom from bondage… it started with a new beginning for our people, a renaissance of thought and ideas. The Beyond the Curve Capital Campaign is also about a new beginning based on tradition. So please, answer our call with Hineni, (Here I Stand) to create a better tomorrow for our Jewish home. Thank you. For more information, please contact Ilana Gilat, Development Director at 786.364.9429 or igilat@tbam.org www.tbam.org/beyondthecurve Page 23
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