Emanuelhouston.org
1500 Sunset Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77005
An adventure of the spirit
March 8, 2016 / Adar I 28, 5776
Volume 70 Number 12
From Rabbi Hayon
Spring Series of Welcome Events for
Rabbi Hayon Announced
I have just returned from spending a week with at
the annual convention of the Central Conference of
By the time this Temple
Bulletin hits your email in-
American Rabbis, the professional organization to
box or mailbox, our Congregation will have launched
which Emanu El's rabbis – and all Reform rabbis in
North America and our affiliates around the world –
a second series of
Meet & Greet events with Rabbi Hayon,
belong. This year, our convention was held in Israel,
who is eager to meet you and engage in meaningful
and the gathering gave me and all of my rabbinical
conversation, worship, and study. To accomplish this,
colleagues the chance to strengthen our relationship
members of our Congregation who have not already
with the Jewish state, to hear from the country's top
had a chance to do so, can sign up for an opportunity
experts in politics and diplomacy, and to have many
to meet Rabbi Hayon in small informal gatherings.
moving experiences of prayer and study. I hope to
These "Welcoming Events" will include refreshments,
have many more opportunities to share what I learned
time to schmooze and a brief text study and conversa-
with you over the weeks ahead.
tion about Emanu El. Saturday evening events will
include a Havdallah service.
This scheduled series includes a ‘family friendly'
gathering which features activities for children and
Meet & Greets in areas of town that were not part of
the initial series (i.e. Memorial and Sugar Land). In
addition, an invitation to a ‘New Member'-specific
Meet & Greet was sent to all those who have joined our
Congregation during the last fiscal year.
These events are designed for groups of 35 or fewer
individuals. All events are open to the congregation,
but are limited in space. To sign-up for an event, follow
the link on the Temple website, www.emanuelhouston.
org or by contacting the Temple at (713) 529-5771 or
Rabbi Hayon pictured in the West Bank during a recent trip to Israel to
emailing Jason Plotkin at
[email protected].
attend the Central Conference of American Rabbis Convention. Hayon is
the Vice President for Membership of the organization.
Upon registering, address information will be shared.
continued on page 2
continued on page 3
Purim & Pasta . . and Star Wars!
Join Congregation Emanu El as we celebrate ‘Purim & Pasta' on
Wednesday, March 23rd starting
with a 5:45 p.m. pasta dinner and continuing on at 6:30 p.m. with a Megillah reading and Emanu El's
famous Purim Schpiel, which this year will feature Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi and
all your favorite
Star Wars characters!
The pasta dinner is $5 with payment accepted via EmanuElHouston.org or at the door. The dinner is
free for those Helfman Religious Upper School students who have paid for dinners this school year.
The Megillah reading and schpiel are free and open to the community and will be followed by a
chance to nosh on some fantastic hamantashen!
continued from page 1
From Rabbi Hayon
One of the most interesting and engaging parts of
the convention was our opportunity for an up-close
6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday
reappraisal of Reform Judaism in Israel today. Much
Shabbat P'kudei, Exodus 38:21 – 40:38
has changed over the past decade. We have a great deal
Friday, March 11th
to be proud of, but a number of challenges still face us
6:00 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat, Proler Chapel
as we move forward together.
It must be stated that Reform Judaism in Israel bears
Saturday, March 12th
little resemblance to what it was a generation ago, when
10:30 a.m., Morning Service, Proler Chapel
it was viewed (not incorrectly, by the way) by Israelis as
having been imported by – and only appreciated by –
Shabbat Vayikra, Leviticus 1:1-5:26
expat Americans seeking to replicate their home congre-
Friday, March 18th
gational experiences. Now, however, Reform Judaism
6:00 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat, Proler Chapel
has become an authentically Israeli phenomenon:
6:00 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat, Barish Sanctuary
Reform synagogues dot the map of the entire country,
B'not Mitzvah of Daisy Serebrin, daughter of
Lisa Brooks and Frank Serebrin & Dina Owers,
and there are now around 100 inspiring native-born
daughter of Illa Owers
Israeli Reform rabbis serving the movement, with about
ten more being ordained each year. Most significantly,
Saturday, March 19th
perhaps, today nearly a third of Israelis have a positive
10:30 a.m., Morning Service, Proler Chapel
impression of Reform Judaism – thanks in large part
10:30 a.m., Morning Service, Barish Sanctuary
to the work we have made to defend the rights of non-
B'not Mitzvah of Daisy Serebrin & Dina Owers
Orthodox Israelis to practice their faith outside the
religious monopoly of the ultra-Orthodox movements
Shabbat Tzav, Leviticus 6:1-8:36
and the national Chief Rabbinate.
Friday, March 25th
And these gains have been great: There is now (limited)
6:00 p.m., Teen Shabbat, Youth Lounge
government funding for non-Orthodox synagogues,
6:00 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat, Proler Chapel
and we successfully petitioned the Supreme Court to
Saturday, March 26th
allow Reform rabbis to use state-funded community
10:30 a.m., Morning Service, Proler Chapel
mikva'ot (ritual baths) for use in our conversions. Most
recently, it was announced that an agreement had
Shabbat Sh'mini, Leviticus 9:1-11:47
been reached to create a space for non-Orthodox,
Friday, April 1st
mixed-gender prayer at the southern edge of the
6:00 p.m., Tot Shabbat, Oshman Multi-Purpose Room
Western Wall. While I personally feel that the specific
6:00 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat, Proler Chapel
terms of the deal are not worth celebrating (I plan to
Artist-in-Residence David Sanders
write more on this specific issue in the future), what is
6:00 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat, Barish Sanctuary
most important is the way the deal is to be implemented:
Bar Mitzvah of Joel Schoenberg, son of Michelle
for the first time, Reform rabbis and members of the
& Richard Schoenberg
Israel Religious Action Center (our movement's social
Saturday, April 2nd
justice arm in Israel) will be part of an official govern-
10:30 a.m., Morning Service, Proler Chapel
ment task force related to Israeli religious practice.
10:30 a.m., Morning Service, Barish Sanctuary
There are still many obstacles standing between
Bar Mitzvah of Joel Schoenberg
us and full acceptance of Reform Judaism in lsrael.
Orthodox members of the Knesset and the leadership
Reminder: All Friday night Shabbat services are video
of its ministries continue to insult Reform Jews (includ-
streamed on EmanuElHouston.org. Saturday morning
ing this past week, when a legislator went on the record
services featuring a B'nai Mitzvah are also streamed.
to call Reform Jews "mental patients") and the disparity
of resources between Orthodox and non-Orthodox
bodies remains dishearteningly wide. But our work
goes on, and our successes continue to accrue.
LIKE US ON
One of the most moving moments of this week's
convention for me came during our visit to the Knesset.
At the end of the testimonies delivered in our committee
session, all of us – close to 400 Reform rabbis and other
leaders of our movement's institutions – rose as one
to sing "HaTikvah." We were all moved by the words
of the Israeli National Anthem as we sang "Od lo avda
tikvateinu" – "our hope is not yet lost." That spiritual
Congregation Emanu El Bulletin (USPS 399‑430) is published semi‑monthly
optimism remained with me for the entirety of my
by Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset, Houston, Texas 77005. Periodical
time in Israel, and I am eager to share it with you as we
paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Congregation
Emanu El Bulletin, 1500 Sunset, Houston, Texas 77005.
continue our powerful spiritual work together.
continued from page 1
Spring Series of Welcome Events
OUR TEMPLE FAMILY
SCHEDULED WELCOMING EVENTS:
—————— IN THE COMMUNITY ——————
Bobbi and Vic Samuels were recognized with the
Wednesday, March 9th – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Hosted
Alice Graham Baker Award by Neighborhood Centers
by Barbara & Mark Brookner (Bellaire)
at their ‘Heart of Gold' Celebration. This award recog-
nized the Samuels' lifetime of work and community
Wednesday, March 30th – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Hosted
service that continues to impact the lives of countless
by Phyllis & Steven Segal (West U)
neighbors for generations to come.
Sunday, April 3rd – 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Hosted by
Jessica Segal & Danny Miller (West U/Family Friendly)
Evan Maxwell Lichman, son of Rachael & Barry
Wednesday, April 27th – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Hosted
Lichman; grandson of Carolyn Altman & Keith
by Linda & David Barish (Memorial/Tanglewood)
Solomon, Alan & Ronnie Lichman, Julie & Steve
Thursday, April 28th – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Hosted by
Rachael & Barry Lichman (Heights)
Aiden Reece Meyer, son of Geraldine Daumerie &
Wesley Mayer; grandson of Lynn Mayer & Ron Harris,
Saturday, April 30th – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Hosted by
Jacqueline & Michel Daumerie; great-grandson of
Sue Baum and Kathy & Stephen Parven (Meyerland)
Wednesday, May 11th – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Hosted by
Rebecca Ann Saban, daughter of Beth & Guillaume
Susan & Richard Speer (Sugar Land)
Saban; granddaughter of Caroline & Edward Kuntz,
Mr. & Mrs. Maixent Saban
Thursday, May 12th – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., Hosted by
Helen & Andy Spector (Tanglewood)
Hazel Esther Tenenbaum, daughter of Lisa &
Alan Tenenbaum; granddaughter of Donna & Phillip
Tenenbaum, Paula & Ben Schwartz
Madeline Lexi Racusin, daughter of Amanda &
Philip Racusin; granddaughter of Jill & Barry Racusin,
Linda & Gary Swindle; great-granddaughter of Marvin
Marjorie Kamin, mother of Lulu Kamin; great-
grandmother of Leslie Winston Lauren Oeschel; sister
of Louis Solomon; sister-in-law of Max Kamin
Melvin Lewis, husband of Marion Lewis; father of
Arlene Lewis & John Banks, Brenda & Chuck Weiser;
grandfather of Sean and Harold Weiser; brother-in-law
of Betty Aronowitz and Estelle Jucker
Food Truck Havdalah on Saturday,
Samuel Luks, husband of Emily Luks; father of
April 16th
Joel Luks & Glenn Dubin, Samek Luks, Nicole Luks
Clarfield & Lawrence Clarfield; grandfather of Evan,
Join us for an inspiring yet short-and-sweet havdalah
Max, Neely and Ash Clarfield
service on Saturday, April 16th at 4:30 p.m.
followed by food, fun and socializing outside Congre-
Esther Shelby, mother of Nancy & Alan Shelby,
gation Emanu El! This event is tentatively scheduled to
Laura & Bruce Shelby and Susan Shelby; grandmother
feature The Lunchbox Food Truck, as well as Mahalo
of Madeline & Russell Shelby, Amanda Lee Shelby
Munchies and a dessert truck called Custom Confections.
Noble & Randall Noble, Riley Shelby and Jaron Shelby;
There'll also be arts and crafts, ‘Minute to Win It' games
great grandmother of Mila Shelby and Brayden Noble.
and some inflatables.
Barbara Sklar, mother of Peggy Sklar, Patty Sklar
In addition, this will be your last chance to purchase
& Sam Polsky, Mina & John Sklar, Pam & John
raffle tickets for Helfman's annual raffle, see page 6 and
Derbyshire; grandmother of David, Rachel and
best of all, a winner will be announced! Come join us
Benjamin Sklar, Jeffrey, Michael and Alex Derbyshire;
in a fun atmosphere for the entire family!
sister of Joanne & Marshall Nurenberg
Second Night Seder Registration Now
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Open; Reserve Your Spot Today!
FOR ADULTS
Congregation Emanu El will host its 3rd Annual
Brotherhood Hosting
Second Night Seder in Feld Hall on Saturday, April
Torah @ Sunrise with Rabbi Hayon
23rd at 6:00 p.m. For a second straight year, the
The Brotherhood is excited to announce Torah @ Sunrise.
Seder will be catered by Canopy Restaurant.
Come and join the men of Congregation Emanu El for
Invitations for this event can be found on page 5 with
breakfast as we have an opportunity to eat, schmooze
payment accepted via the mail or on the Emanu El
and study a little bit of text with Rabbi Oren Hayon on
website. Please designate whether any member of your
the subject, Fathers, Sons, Husbands and Brothers: What
dinner party is Gluten-free or a Vegetarian so that we
Jewish Text Says about Jewish Men and our Families. This
can properly serve you.
series continues Tuesday, March 15th at 7:00 a.m.
New this year – the Seder can be an expensive
at Corner Bakery (2615 Southwest Fwy). Additional
event to attend for members of our Congregation. To
sessions will be held on Tuesdays, April 19th and
assist the clergy team in helping families and individuals
May 17th – also at 7:00 a.m.
take part that may not be able to afford to otherwise or
may be new to our community, guests will have an
opportunity to submit a donation alongside registration.
David Sanders Performs
If you are interested in making a contribution to this
At Congregation Emanu El
effort so all are welcome at the Seder table or if you
have any other questions regarding the Passover Seder,
Cantor Perman is looking forward
to welcoming a talented composer,
please contact Jason Plotkin at (713) 535-6414.
musician, and friend to Congrega-
tion Emanu El the weekend of April
1st-3rd.
David Sanders is a gifted professor
of sound technology and broadcasting
Classic Connections
at Montclair State University in Mont-
clair, New Jersey. He is also a musician
at one of the most dynamic congregations in New York
City called Rom'mu. David has composed some out-
In your 50s or 60s? Wanting to take part in a social
standing contemporary Jewish melodies including, Song
group for people that is open to all regardless if you
for Darfur, which was published in the URJ Social Action
are single, married or partnered? Here's a glimpse of
Songbook.
David and vocalist Melissa Schaffer will be our guest
musical artists in the Proler Chapel along with some
fine musicians during 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat
Classic Connections Goes to the
services on Friday, April 1st. On Saturday, April
Second Night Seder – Saturday,
2nd at 8:00 p.m., David and Melissa will join with
April 23rd at 6:00 p.m.
Cantor Perman in a musical performance featuring
original melodies and a musical pastiche of familiar
Please indicate on your registration for the Second
songs that will touch the soul and leave you singing.
Night Seder that you would like to sit with Classic
That performance will include Havdallah. Finally,
David and Melissa will be present in the Helfman
Connections! We're arranging a table or tables for the
Religious School on Sunday, April 3rd, sharing their
Seder so that our group can enjoy this special holiday
musical talents with our young people.
David has shared his music at every congregation
Cantor Perman has served over the past 19 years, as
Shabbat Dinner
well as many more throughout the country.
with Cantor Perman in
For more information, contact Cantor Perman at
May – Friday, May 20th at 7:15 p.m.
[email protected] or (713) 529-5771,
Join Classic Connections for a Shabbat dinner follow-
Annual Meeting to Be Held Sunday,
ing a Kabbalat Shabbat service that features the Shabba-
April 10th
tones. Our special guest is Cantor Perman, who will
be presenting on ‘Jewish Broadway' after dinner and
Our Congregation will come together on Sunday,
before dessert. The cost is $11 per person and your
April 10th at 4:00 p.m. for our Annual Meeting in
spot can be reserved at www.EmanuElHouston.org or
the Proler Chapel. The agenda for the meeting includes
by sending a check to Congregation Emanu El, attn:
the approval of the 2016-17 operating budget, in addition
to an election of the Officers and Trustees.
Jason Plotkin, 1500 Sunset Blvd, Houston, Texas 77005.
Information on the budget, the coming year's slate of
For more information, contact Classic Connections at
candidates for the Board of Trustees, babysitting and a
post-meeting dinner will be shared in future communi-
cations to all Congregants.
4
Rabbi Oren Hayon
Rabbi Pamela Silk
Cantor Mark Perman
An adventure of the spirit
for Congregation Emanu El's
Second N ight Seder
Saturday, April 23, 2016, 6:00 p.m.
Kindly RSVP By Thursday, April 14, 2016
Reserve your spot online at emanuelhouston.org or by returning the form below to:
Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Blvd, Houston, Texas 77005
r Individual Seating
Members: Adults ($35 each) Non-Members: Adults ($40 each)
Number of children 10 & under ($18 each)
r Family Table of 10 – $360
Name on Table _ Number of Tables
r Dietary Information (please indicate the number in your party)
Vegetarian Gluten-Free
r In my absence or in addition to my reservation, I (we) would like to donate $ to allow our Seder
to be accessible to those in need of financial assistance or are new to our community.
Payment Information:
Address City/State/Zip _
r Enclosed is my check for $ , made payable to Congregation Emanu El.
r Please charge my ticket(s) / table(s) to:
r Visa r MasterCard r American Express Amount $
Cardholder Name _ Expiration _
Card Number _ Security Code
If available, I (we) wish to be seated with:
Charlie Rothschild of WUPJ To Present
At March 11th Oneg Shabbat
Charlie Rothschild, Secretary of
the World Union for Progressive
Judaism (WUPJ) will be visiting
Emanu El for Shabbat services
and making a presentation at the
Oneg Shabbat on Friday, March
11th. Rothschild will be delivering
greetings from Congregations
around the world and to thank
Emanu El for its contributions
Crowds Stream in for Record-Setting
to support Progressive & Reform
Chicken Soup Cookoff
Judaism worldwide.
The Oneg is sponsored by Meyer Menchen.
A record crowd streamed into the 13th Congregation
Rothschild resides in Los Altos, Calif. where he is an
Emanu El Chicken Soup Cookoff on Sunday, February
active member of the North American Advisory Board
21st. The Cookoff was sponsored by the Congregation's
for the World Union. In these roles, Rothschild helps
Brotherhood Men's Club.
oversee the management and strategic direction of
More than 40 restaurants took part in the event,
the World Union as it expands Liberal and Progressive
which raised over $10,000 for the Houston Food Bank
Judaism throughout the world. He has visited and
and Emergency Aid Coalition.
consulted with congregations in Europe, Israel, South
Mark's won the "Traditional Soup" category with
America and Australia.
runner-ups Houston City Club and Ruggles Green. The
Rothschild believes the best way to understand the
top spot in the "International" competition went to
amazing worldwide Progressive Movement is to visit
Randalls' for their Afghan-inspired entry followed by
local congregations whenever and wherever we travel
H-Town Treats and Hungry's. The first place "Creative"
internationally, as well as domestically.
soup was Oceannaire with South Shore Harbor Resort
In addition to his duties with the WUPJ, Rothschild
and The Grove rounding out the top three.
is also heavily involved in the Union for Reform
Throughout the day, attendees had an opportunity
Judaism (URJ), the congregational arm of the North
to vote on the "People's Choice" Award. First-time
American Reform Movement. He has been a board
entrant Jonathan's The Rub ultimately won the crown.
member, an executive committee member, an officer
Following the day of community and competition,
and a key lay leader in the URJ for over 25 years in
the restaurants all donated their remaining soup
whichever community he was living. He has served
which was picked up the next day by Second Servings
as President of a small 25-family congregation
of Houston, which was able to ‘rescue' enough soup
near Toronto, Ontario, and more recently served as
to feed 400 homeless individuals in the Houston
President of one of the largest congregations in the San
Francisco Bay Area, Congregation Beth Am.
The bi-annual Chicken Soup Cookoff will return on
The visit from Rothschild is open to the community
February 25, 2018 with hopes of raising even more
and the presentation will begin shortly after everyone
monies for the Houston Food Bank and Emergency Aid
has an opportunity to get a bite to eat at the Oneg.
Helfman Religious School News
How would you like to win the latest iPad Air 2 or an Apple Watch or a $50 Amazon gift card?
Helfman's Religious School Community Committee is sponsoring a raffle to help update our tech-
nology in the religious school classrooms. Using the latest and greatest equipment, such as projectors,
iPads and computers not only helps our teachers present material better, but it makes learning fun!
Tickets are $10 each or 6 for $50. Five chances to win. Grand Prize is iPad Air 2 128 GB worth $700.
Additionally, two Apple Watches will be given away as 2nd & 3rd prize and two $50 Amazon gift cards
will go to the lucky 4th & 5th place winners!
Drawing will be held at the Food Truck Havdallah on Saturday, April 16th (need not be present to
win). Don't miss out on the opportunity to support our religious school! Please log on to emanuelhouston.org
to purchase tickets or contact Gail Shapiro in the school at (713) 529-5771, ext. 261.
The more tickets sold, the more technology can be put in the classrooms. Alternatively, if you would
like to consider making a donation to purchase one of the many electronic devices needed, we welcome
all donations. Please contact Gail Shapiro for list of items needed.
Thank you for your support!
Sisterhood chefs Anne Joachim, Rita
Wilkenfeld and Inez Taylor helped prepare
a soup entry from the Sisterhood for the
Chicken Soup Cookoff.
Ron Nodler and Brotherhood
President Lewis Kalmans led a
group of volunteers that helped
load restaurants into Feld Hall.
Mark's American Cuisine
won the ‘Traditional' Soup
category at this year's
Chicken Soup Cookoff.
Sisterhood News & Happenings
Join Sisterhood's Culinary Adventure
Check your mailbox for your invitation and make your reservation for Sisterhood's annual fundraiser scheduled
for Wednesday, April 13th. This year's event, A Jewish Foodies' Guide to the World, will feature Tina Wasserman,
an award-winning cookbook author and nationally recognized food columnist. In her cookbook, Entrée to Judaism,
A Culinary Exploration of the Jewish Diaspora, Tina leads a culinary journey around the world and across the ages. A
delicious luncheon, incorporating Tina's recipes, will follow her presentation. An over-the-top raffle will offer some
spectacular prizes including a Lagos silver and turquoise necklace and ring from Loggins Jewelers with a retail
value over $3,000.
It's not too late to become a Patron, which includes an invitation to a private reception with Tina and eligibility
in a special drawing valued over $1,000. The winner will receive two nights at the luxurious Windsor Court Hotel
in New Orleans and dinner for two in the hotel's top-rated restaurant, The Grill Room.
To register for yourself and your guests and to purchase raffle tickets, go to www.emanuelhouston.org and click
on the Sisterhood Quick Link and then Sisterhood Fund Raiser or return your invitation response card with your
check or credit card payment to: Congregation Emanu El Sisterhood, 1500 Sunset Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77005.
We have numerous volunteer opportunities for any Sisterhood member interested in working on this very
worthwhile event. We'd love to have you join the fun. Call the Sisterhood office at (713) 529-5771, ext. 233 or email
We are collecting non-perishable, Kosher food and personal items for Houston's Jewish Family Service, which we
will use to create our centerpieces for the event. Please drop your donations in the designated bin in the Temple's
Rotunda, or send a check to help purchase these items to the Sisterhood office.
Sisterhood began collecting food and toiletries in January, which will be distributed by the JFS to many who
are in need in our community, whether it be for emergency disaster relief necessities or the senior clients of JFS.
For any questions regarding the donation drives, contact Lisa Brooks, project chair at [email protected], or by
calling the Sisterhood office. Your participation in these projects that will have such a positive impact for those in
our community most in need is greatly appreciated.
Thank you to all who have already donated and we look forward to dining with you!
Next Sisterhood Book Review: Flowers in Blood by Gay Courter
Please join us on Thursday, April 14th at 12:30 p.m. as Ellen Grabois reviews Gay Courter's
Flowers in Blood. Beautiful Dinah Sassoon, daughter of an affluent opium trader who is a pillar
of Calcutta's tightly-knit Jewish community, sees her privileged future destroyed when her
mother is mysteriously murdered. This tragic event leaves Dinah dishonored and virtually
unmarriageable . . until Edwin Salem, offering unconditional love, sparks her indomitable
spirit and passionate ambition. Exotic and richly textured, Flowers in the Blood brings to life
a nineteenth-century, Jewish community in India.
All book reviews are open to the community and includes refreshment.
Emanu El Young Professionals Heading to Houston Jewish Film Festival
Emanu El's Young Professionals are partnering with Get Cultured and the Houston Jewish
Film Festival to participate in a screening of Atomic Falafel at Sundance Cinemas, 510 Texas
Avenue on Thursday, March 10th at 7:30 p.m.
Purchases are $10 in advance and can be made online at http://www.brownpapertickets.
com/event/2500842. Space is limited to just 85 people with cash accepted at the door if space
This hilarious satire has everything: intelligence and military personnel who sit around a sandbox planning war
maneuvers while an assistant removes ever larger missiles from her purse; two teenaged girls, Israeli and Iranian,
who spill their respective country's valuable secrets on Facebook while trying to prevent a nuclear crisis; and the
hottest falafel truck operator in the Middle East.
Young Professionals: Dinner After Dark
Join Emanu El's Young Professionals for ‘Dinner After Dark' on Friday, March 18th at 7:30 p.m. at GUAD,
2925 Southwest Freeway, following 6:00 p.m. Shabbat services at the Temple.
Dinner After Dark is joining forces with Young Professionals to bring monthly programming for anyone in their
20s-30s-and-40s for an adults only night out. Open to singles and couples (but not kiddos!). Please RSVP to Kristina
at [email protected] or (713) 529-5771, ext. 262.
Welcome Our Newest Members
We are pleased to welcome the newest members to our congregational family. Please be sure to
introduce yourself to our newcomers as they become a part of our community.
Laura and Etai Funk, daughters Sivan and Daisy
Emily and Graham Segal, daughters Devyn and Maeve
Gail and Jason Paul, son Heath
New members will be shared in the Temple Bulletin once a month. Know someone interested in
becoming a part of our community? New to town? Or looking to find a way to connect with Emanu
El? Contact Kristina Boshernitzan at (713) 529-5771, ext. 262 or [email protected].
Chai and Young Adult Members, questions about renewing your membership dues at standard rates?
Wondering what dues abatements or Rabbi's Circle are? Contact Kristina to answer all your questions
and more! (713) 529-5771, ext. 262 or [email protected]
ACH Payment Coming, Effective May 1st
Congregation Emanu El is pleased to announce that effective May 1st, members can pay their
Temple annual dues and fees through the use of ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments.
In contrast to a credit or debit card payments, there are no fees associated with ACH payments. The
amount and frequency of each withdrawal or debit is determined by payee. ACH payments can be
structured so that your account balance is paid off in equal monthly installments. Withdrawals can be
made from either a checking or savings account.
To take advantage of this new, secure payment method, please complete the ACH form that will be
mailed in late April to all Congregants or you can get a jump on the transition to ACH by going to
Congregation Seeks to Update Email Information for Members
Did you know the Congregation sends out an email on Wednesday mornings detailing the up-
coming activities? That when a family requests, a death notice is sent to the Congregation? That the
Emanu El Bulletin can be received via email? Or how about emails with special advisories in case
inclement weather cancels a synagogue event?
If you are missing out on these e-mails and want to add your information or make sure your infor-
mation is current with the synagogue, contact Bethany Boucher at [email protected]
or (713) 529-5771. We can update your email address!
Help Us Remain Connected With Our College Students
Purim is almost here! The Sisterhood is preparing to send care packages to our Emanu El students away at
college. If you would like to make sure we include your son or daughter (or you!), please send name(s), email
address(es) and mailing address(es) to Alisha Klapholz: [email protected].
Updating your college students' information will also make sure they receive the Temple Bulletin and get
invited to events on their campuses or in Houston specific to college students.
EMANU EL SCRAPBOOK
Coach Herman Boone Visits
Coach Herman Boone – the real life
coach portrayed by Denzel Washington in
the movie Remember the Titans – visited
Emanu El in February as part of the
Speaker Series. He's pictured above taking
part in a ‘Question & Answer' with Rabbi
Houston Rabbinic Association Hosts Tikkun Olam Project at Emanu El
The Houston Rabbinic Association rotates its meetings amongst the synagogues in the Houston area. In
February, Emanu El hosted the meeting which also featured a Tikkun Olam project as the visiting Rabbis
joined their colleagues from Emanu El to make over 250 sandwiches for Kids Meals.
Helfman Religious School's
Upper School Meets
Our Religious School headed to
ReelAbilities Houston to see a film
entitled Henry O and met the film's
namesake Enrique "Henry" Oliu.
The film was about Enrique being
blind since birth, but that didn't stop
him from making his major league
baseball dream come true – being
a color commentator for Florida's
Tampa Bay Rays.
We appreciate the thoughtfulness of those who remember and honor their friends and loved ones through their generous contributions.
ABLON FUND FOR THE
Gayle Schnurr's Birthday
CREATIVE ARTS
Samuel Luks
Esther Shelby
Elyssa Schnurr's Birthday
Esther Shelby
Jan Pasternak & Reneé Tappe
Ruby Sondock's Induction as a
Marjorie Kamin
Texas Legal Legend
Susan & Dr. Ed Septimus
The Speedy Recovery of
FREDELL LACK EICHHORN
RABBI KAHN SOCIAL JUSTICE
Dick Plumb
DEBBIE JOY MARGOLIS
CANTORS MUSIC FUND
GLIGOR SPECIAL FUND
Gladys Schnurr's Birthday
The Speedy Recovery of
The Speedy Recovery of
Dolores Wilkenfeld
The Bat Mitzvah of Nicole Sax
Jerald Kaplan
Don Harris
Mallory Robinson
Cyndy Freeman Sax
Susan & Dr. Ed Septimus
DOLORES & BUDDY WILKENFELD In Memory of
COMMUNICATION FUND
Henia & Ben Friedberger
Esther Shelby
Michael Camberg
Gloria & Ben Tobor
The Birth of Evan Lichman
Ernie Meyerson
Dolores Wilkenfeld
HAROLD REINGOLD
RABBI ROY WALTER LEGACY
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND
FUND FOR CREATIVE &
EDWARD WAYNE HUNGER FUND In Memory of
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
RIVA BURSTEN CARING
A Donation
Rachel Bersin
CONGREGATION FUND
Jeanette & Philip Getz
Sue Ann & Ed Bersin
Rabbi Roy Walter
Pauline & Alfred Meyerson
Sara Astrich's Retirement
ENDOWMENT FUND
JASON & DAVID MARCUS
Aaron Feldstein &
Pat & Aaron Fradkin
PLAYSPACE FUND
Tammy Feldstein
Esther Shelby
Rici & Harold Miller
Leslie & Mark Kaufman
Ruby Sondock's
Florence Loeb
Induction as a Texas
Mack Michael Martin
FARB COMMUNITY SERVICE
Legal Legend
Ernie Meyerson
& Selma Bradspies
Eileen Cersonsky
Rici & Harold Miller
Pat & Aaron Fradkin
Ruby Sondock's Induction as a
Yetta Lee Green
RABBIS' GOOD WORKS FUND
SOL & HELEN LAUFMAN, BILL
Texas Legal Legend
A Donation
LAUFMAN, SHIRLEY LAUFMAN
Sylvia & Aubrey Farb
Rose Sandler & Shelley Sandler
Becky Proler & Gretchen
GETZ COLLEGE FUND
The Best Music Teacher –
Houston Symphony
Gladys Schnurr's Birthday
Ernie Meyerson
Esther Shelby
Rabbi Samantha Kahn
Jeanette & Philip Getz
Benjamin Krizeman
Sam Feldt
Rabbi Pamela Silk
SISTERHOOD FUND
Esther Shelby
Dianne & Ellis Tudzin
Sylvia & Aubrey Farb
Gay Yellen & Donald Reiser
The Speedy Recovery of
Esther Shelby
Ernie Meyerson
Fannie Weil
Hilda Kaplan
Dolores Wilkenfeld
Emily & Albert Stein
Marcia Shainock
Hana Freeman Pomerantz
Milton Yellen
Sheila & Jerry Kaplan
TEMPLE FUND
Cyndy Freeman Sax
Gay Yellen & Donald Reiser
A Donation
Karen & Jeff Basen-Engquist
FARB TZEDAKAH CANS
JEAN & JULIAN GOLDBERG
Terry Collman
Congregation Emanu El Board
A Donation
CHILDREN'S CREATIVE ARTS
Ruthe & Marty Berman
Robert Gold
Sheila & Jerry Kaplan
Bernice Feld's Birthday
Ted Roggen's Birthday
Doris Krakower
Barbara & Raymond Kalmans
Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Berk
The Birth of Carol & Larry
Judy & Allan Lazor
Samuel Luks
Fradkin's Great Grandchild
Gail & Lawrence Levinson
Barbara Shair
Sara Speer Selber
Gloria Pepper & Bernard Katz
Becky Proler & Gretchen
Jerry Robinson
The Speedy Recovery of
Sondra & Marvin Ross
Nicci & Harvey Arsham
Cheri Grogin
JULIA KAPLAN RELIGIOUS
Esther Shelby
Punkin & Walter Hecht
June & Julian Silverblatt
SCHOOL ENRICHMENT FUND
Rita Blumenfeld
Margie Kamin
Joy & Joe Kaplan
Harry Halpin
Beverly & Howard Robinson
Hedy & Jeff Wolpa
Alice Small & Terry Seitz
Ernie Meyerson
Reid & Madeline Taibel
KAGAN RUDY CHAPEL
Sara Speer Selber
Punkin & Walter Hecht
Bernice Schnurr
ENDOWMENT FUND
Claudia & Joel Selzer
Beverly & Howard Robinson
Barbara Sklar
Esther Shelby
Rose & Aaron Lewis
Lawrence Kagan's Birthday
Claudia & Joel Selzer
Sylvia & Morris Lichtenstein
Punkin & Walter Hecht
Mr. & Mrs. Gary S. Glesby
Marion & Melvin Lewis
Anita & Morton Seline
RICKY SCHNURR CAMPERSHIP
FLORENCE & BEN BLUM
LILLIAN PASTERNAK MITZVAH In Honor of
LEADERSHIP FUND
Gladys, Gayle & Elyssa
Becky & Joe Williams
Schnurr's Birthdays
Doris Solomon & Yale
Ruby Sondock's induction as a
Sara Astrich's Retirement
Freedline
Texas Legal Legend
Shel Vedlitz
Rose Sandler & Sherry &
Dr. James Solomon
The Speedy Recovery of
Ira Shepard
1500 Sunset Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77005
An adventure of the spirit
This Bulletin is being printed on recycled paper.
Congregation Emanu El
Helfman High School Graduation on
Phone: (713) 529-5771
Fax: (713) 529-0703
Friday, April 29th
The whole Congregation and community is invited to take
part as our Helfman Religious School class of seniors celebrates
Associate Rabbi . . . . . . Pamela B. Silk
graduation during Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday, April
Assistant Rabbi . . . . . Samantha O. Kahn
29th at 6:00 p.m. in the Barish Sanctuary.
Rabbi Emeritus . . . . . . . Roy A. WalterCantor . . . . . . . . Mark J. PermanExecutive Director . . . . Steven FriedmanProgram Director . . . . . . Jason PlotkinReligious School Director . . Marna MeyerEarly Childhood Director . . . . Paula Katz
President . . . . . . . Rebecca LunstrothSenior Vice President . . Jeff Basen‑EngquistVice President . . . . . . . . Stuart GaylorVice President . . . . . . Rodney RothVice President . . . . . . . Gail StalarowVice President . . . . . . . Rachael ToborTreasurer . . . . . . . . Richard SchechterSecretary . . . . . . . . Elyse KalmansHonorary President . . . . . . Garey MarksBrotherhood President . . . . Lewis KalmansSisterhood President . . . . Diane Puschett
Follow Emanu El on Facebook
TEFTY President . . . . . . . Marisa Papell
Source: https://emanuelhouston.org/sites/default/files/uploaded_documents/vol_70-12_mar8-2016_final.pdf
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Women's Health West Policy and Law Reform Scan This scan is provided to inform the WHW strategic planning process. It outlines key policy documents, legislative reforms and the external policy environment that relate to women's health, safety and wellbeing. © Women's Health West International Context International Gender Equality In November 2015, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) held a 16-day international conference in Istanbul to end men's violence against women. Official representatives from more than 40 countries vowed to take a zero tolerance approach and immediate action to end the global epidemic of violence against women. They agreed to greater investment in gender equality, to share data on violence against women and to strengthen existing laws to protect women. The conference was held 20 years after the landmark Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which was adopted by 189 countries in 1995 and set the most progressive agenda for advancing women's rights. Since the conference, the Executive Directors of UN Women and UNFPA launched the Essential Services Package, a toolkit of guidelines, services and best practice to support women and girls subjected to violence. This resource can be found here: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau selects a 50-50 cabinet (2015) In November newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his cabinet which for the first time in Canadian history is made up of 15 men and 15 women. When asked at a press conference why he chose a gender balanced cabinet, the self-declared feminist's answer was brief: "Because it's 2015". The new gender division comes on top of existing cabinet-making criteria for regional, linguistic and ethnic representation, including the practice of selecting at least one minister from each of the country's 10 provinces. Trudeau's cabinet also includes a former Afghanistan refugee as the minister of democratic institutions, a para-Olympic swimmer from Vancouver in the sports ministry and an Aboriginal lawyer as minister of justice and attorney general. More details about Trudeau's cabinet can be found her Nepal's first female Prime Minister (2015) Nepal has elected a long-time women's rights campaigner as the country's first female president, as the Himalayan nation pushes for more gender equity in politics and civic life. Bidhya Devi Bhandari, the 54-year-old deputy leader of Nepal's Communist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist-Leninist, had lobbied actively for the new constitution to require that either the president or vice-president be a woman. Bidhya Devi Bhandari said her election by the Parliament marked a first step towards assuring these constitutional guarantees of equality are fulfilled. The constitution now requires that one-third of the country's legislators be women, and that women be included in all government committees. Bidhya Devi Bhandari has also promised to actively champion the rights of minority groups and women in Nepal. Global Ambassador for Women and Girls Former Democrats leader Natasha Stott Despoja has been appointed to this position by Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop. This follows her appointment as founding chair of the Foundation to prevent Violence against Women and their Children. The minister sees ‘one of the best ways to achieve peace and security and…achieve stronger communities and societies is to empower the women and the girls in your populations'. Further information can be found at: Trans Pacific Partnership negotiations (2013) Australia is currently participating in the final stages of negotiations for the Trans Pacific Partnership; an agreement to regulate free trade in the Asia-Pacific region. While the details of the agreement are yet to be released, a draft of the intellectual property chapter was leaked in November 2013. United States draft proposals for expanded patent protection have led many academics and public health professions to question what the agreement might mean for timely access to affordable medicines. In response, a motion was passed in the senate calling for early release of the draft text and greater public scrutiny of the agreement. The following areas of concern were raised in the letter presented to the federal Minister for Health by 44 prominent academics in public health and health sciences: