COM bulletin - Congregation of Moses

COM bulletin
CONGREGATION OF MOSES Kalamazoo, Michigan
Volume 5, Issue 6
June 1, 2013 Sivan - Tammuz 5773
INSIDE
GETTING TO
KNOW YOU
page 8
A VERY SPECIAL
BIRTHDAY
pages 12-13
SISTERHOOD
page 15
FILM FESTIVAL
WRAP-UP
pages 16-17
RELIGIOUS
SCHOOL
page 18
RABBI'S MESSAGE
page 21
HADASSAH
page 22
YAHRZEITS
page 23
SPECIAL
EVENTS
CALENDAR MEETING
June 5
CAMP KESHET
June 17-21
June 24-28
NAOMI VERNE
BAT MITZVAH
June 21-22
Dear COM members,
It is with great pride and honor that I serve as your new president for
the next two years.
As a small synagogue, we are facing many challenges ahead. With
the Board of Directors and its committees, the Executive Committee, Trustees, Sisterhood,
Men's Club, Rabbi and especially our dear members, we have all the elements for great
achievements.
This past May, our shul was bubbling with great activities: the Sisterhood Torah Fund
honoring Joyce Camhi as 2013 Woman of Achievement, the Men's Club Mother's Day
Brunch, Shavuot services and the dedication of our new, beautiful, light Torah, the Religious
School High School graduation, Religious School's end-of-the-year picnic, the B'nai B'rith
Scholar-Athlete Awards, Rachel Wolf 's Bat Mitzvah, and Shabbat services with beautiful
z'mirots (songs).
I am looking forward to a year of challenges, activities/events and fundraising for different
functions. On the calendar for this coming year: Naomi Verne's Bat Mitzvah, Camp Keshet,
our annual Summer BBQ and Talent Show and Rabbi Spivak's 25th Silver Anniversary
celebration, just to name a few wonderful events.
I treat COM with great care; this house of worship, learning and social gathering is like a
second home for me. When I first came to this community from Brasil, I felt embraced and
welcomed by so many z"l and present members and I hope to pass the same feelings around.
Our doors are always open; come, let's fill this shul with greatness, and you will feel at home.
Todah rabah to all of our members for your services in every capacity, for your loyal
dedication and for trusting me with this great honor: President of the Congregation of
Moses.
B'Shalom,
Tema Lando
President
President’s message
BREAKFAST
IS SERVED!
Details on page 11
www.congregationofmoses.org
VISIT US!
www.facebook.com/congregationofmoses

CONGREGATION OF MOSES 269.342.5463
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
always welcomes comments from
COM congregants and invites you
to attend its regular board meetings,
typically held the first Tuesday of
each month. Minutes of board
meetings are available upon request
from the synagogue office.
Executive Committee
President Tema Lando
388-3562 temazysla@chartermi.net
1st Vice President Beth Grode
598-1465 beth.grode@yahoo.com
2nd Vice President
Mike Koffron 270-8574
mkoffron@tetron.com
Treasurer Ed Goldenthal
383-3581 wingold@charter.net
Secretary Connie Bowman
383-3403 conniebowman18@gmail.com
Immediate Past President
Tamara Norman
tdnorman@sbcglobal.net
Past President Shirley Wise
375-0848 goldensmw@sbcglobal.net
Synagogue Staff
Rabbi Harvey Spivak
avocet68@aol.com
Religious School Principal
Susan Katz-Scheinker
comprincipal@congregationofmoses.org
Office Manager Shirley Mengel
comofficemgr@yahoo.com
ANNUAL
CALENDAR
MEETING
Wed., June 5,
at 7 p.m.
COM Sofen Room
All chairs of committees and
heads of organizations who
will be scheduling events
involving COM congregants
should plan to attend or
send a representative to
this meeting. We will meet
in a collegial atmosphere
with everyone having equal
opportunities to select
optimal dates for activities
and events. Please come
prepared with two to three
alternative dates/times for
major events. Thank you.
— Diane Fogel
COM Board Secretary
Building Manager Rod Anderson
combldmgr@yahoo.com
The COM bulletin is published
monthly by the Congregation of Moses for
the benefit of its members. The deadline
for submitting articles, photos and ads
is the third Monday of each month for
publication the following month. Please
send submissions to Cindy Beer,
editor, at cinbeer@aol.com.
PAGE 2

Shabbat service schedule
FRIDAY June 7
SATURDAY June 8
FRIDAY June 14
SATURDAY June 15
FRIDAY June 21
SATURDAY June 22
FRIDAY June 28
SATURDAY June 29
7:30 p.m.
Announcements: Jon Isley
9:30 a.m. Judy Davis & Al Rosenthal Special Anniversary Kiddush
Torah: Numbers 17:25-18:32 Al Rosenthal
Haftarah: I Samuel 11:14-12:22
Announcements: Ken Goodman
7:30 p.m.
Announcements: Beth Grode
9:30 a.m.
Torah: Numbers 21:11-22:1 Earl Norman
Haftarah: Judges 11:1-11:33 Ken Eisenberg
7:30 p.m. Oneg sponsored by Jenna and Richard Verne in honor of
their daughter Naomi’s Bat Mitzvah
Announcements: The Verne Family
9:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Jenna and Richard Verne
in honor of their daughter Naomi’s Bat Mitzvah
Torah: Numbers 23:27-25:9 Rabbi Spivak
Haftarah: Micah 5:6-6:8 Naomi Verne
Announcements: Tema Lando
7:30 p.m.
Announcements: Ed Goldenthal
9:30 a.m.
Torah: Numbers 28:16-30:1 Dave Rosenberg
Haftarah: I Kings 18:46-19:21 Rabbi Spivak
Candle lighting
JUNE 7
JUNE 14
JUNE 21
JUNE 28
8:58 p.m.
9:02 p.m.
9:04 p.m.
9:05 p.m.
Barucha for candle lighting
Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu melech
haolam asher kideshanu bemitsvotav
vetzivanu l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat
PAGE 3

June calendar
SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT
1
2 3 4
Board meeting
7:30 pm
5
Calendar
meeting 7 pm
6 7 8
Special
Anniversary
Kiddush —
Judy Davis
& Al Rosenthal
9 10 11
Hadassah
Board Meeting
10 am
12 13 14 15
16 17
Camp Keshet
9:30 am-2 pm
18
Camp Keshet
9:30 am-2 pm
19
Camp Keshet
9:30 am-2 pm
20
Camp Keshet
9:30 am-2 pm
21
Camp Keshet
9:30 am-2 pm
22
Naomi Verne
Bat Mitzvah
Bulletin and
monitor
deadline 5 pm
Hadassah Book
Club 7:30 pm
Executive
Committee
Meeting
7:30 pm
Naomi Verne
Bat Mitzvah
23 24
Camp Keshet
9:30 am-2 pm
25
Camp Keshet
9:30 am-2 pm
26
Camp Keshet
9:30 am-2 pm
27
Camp Keshet
9:30 am-2 pm
28
Camp Keshet
9:30 am-2 pm
29
30
Unveiling for
Stanley Besbris
11:30 am
PAGE 4

July calendar
SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT
1 2
Board meeting
7:30 pm
3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15
Bulletin and
monitor
deadline 5 pm
16 17 18
Executive
Committee
Meeting
7:30 pm
19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31
PAUL F. DAVIDOFF
ATTORNEY AT LAW
PAUL F. DAVIDOFF, P.C.
The Cornerstone Building
405 W. MICHIGAN AVE., SUITE 130
P.O. BOX 51066
KALAMAZOO, MI 49005-1066
Telephone: (269) 388-2100 Fax: (269) 388-5454
e-mail: pdavidoff@ameritech.net
PAGE 5

Mishpacha
MAZEL TOV TO . . .
Dave Rosenberg on the birth of his grandson, Samuel Joseph Grueling
Jon Isley on his “special” birthday
Tamara and Earl Norman on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Milo Norman
Joyce Camhi for receiving the Sisterhood Woman of Achievement Award
Sydney Angel, Rachel Torres and Sam Siegel on their graduation from the Marvin and Rosalie Okun Religious School
Laurie Richlin on her “special” birthday
Selma Price on her very special 90th birthday
Rachel Wolf on her Bat Mitzvah
Tema Lando on being elected President of COM
Joseph Dion, Ethan Rocklin and Ari Solomon on their graduation from high school
SPEEDY RECOVERY WISHES TO . . .
Marvin Okun
GENERAL FUND
Donations have been made to the following tzedaka funds
Mazel Tov to Dave Rosenberg on the birth of his grandson, Samuel Joseph Grueling.
Mazel Tov to Tamara and Earl Norman on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Milo Norman.
Mazel Tov to Joyce Camhi for receiving the Sisterhood Woman of Achievement Award.
Mazel Tov to Sydney Angel, Rachel Torres and Sam Siegel on their graduation from the Marvin and Rosalie Okun
Religious School.
Mazel Tov to Tema Lando on being elected President of COM.
Mazel Tov to Jon Isley and Laurie Richlin on their “special” birthdays.
Mazel Tov to Selma Price on her very special 90th birthday.
Mazel Tov to Rachel Wolf on her Bat Mitzvah.
Mazel Tov to Joseph Dion, Ethan Rocklin and Ari Solomon on their graduation from high school.
Wishing Marvin Okun a speedy and complete recovery.
Joanne & Mike Simon, Phil Horwich, Shirley Wise & Frank Szopo, Men’s Club
In honor of Uncle Marvin Okun’s birthday.
In loving memory of my grandfather, Morris Spivak.
Steve Brown
Harvey Spivak
RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In honor of Rabbi Spivak.
In loving memory of my dad, Jack Levene.
In loving memory of my mother-in-law, Diana Zheutlin.
In loving memory of my parents, Frieda and Morris Friedman.
In loving memory of my mother, Jean Grossman.
Anne Arbetter Fischell
Lori & Glenn Putman
Marilyn Zheutlin
Dona Satir
Leonard Lebowitz
PAGE 6

BUILDING FUND
Mazel Tov to Dave Rosenberg on the birth of his grandson, Samuel Joseph Grueling.
Mazel Tov to Joyce Camhi for receiving the Sisterhood Woman of Achievement Award.
Mazel Tov to Sydney Angel, Rachel Torres and Sam Siegel on their graduation from the Marvin and Rosalie Okun
Religious School.
Mazel Tov to Jon Isley and Laurie Richlin on their “special” birthdays.
Mazel Tov to Selma Price on her very special 90th birthday.
Mazel Tov to Rachel Wolf on her Bat Mitzvah.
Mazel Tov to Joseph Dion, Ethan Rocklin and Ari Solomon on their graduation from high school.
Wishing Marvin Okun a speedy and complete recovery.
Sallie & Ken Goodman, Tamara & Earl Norman
Mazel Tov to Tamara and Earl Norman on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Milo Norman.
Sallie & Ken Goodman, Maxine & Neal Berke
Mazel Tov to Tema Lando on being elected President of COM.
Tamara & Earl Norman, Sallie & Ken Goodman, Maxine & Neal Berke
Thank you, Tamara Norman, for your service as President of COM.
In loving memory of our parents, Jeanette and Louis Brown and Molly and Simon Okun.
In loving memory of my parents, Jack and Betty Levene.
In loving memory of my mother, Diana Zheutlin.
In loving memory of David Rose and Louis Rose.
Maxine & Neal Berke
Rosalie & Marvin Okun
Rae Lee & Mac Howard
Shirley Grekin & family
Jackie Rosenberg & Susan Rose
MARVIN AND ROSALIE OKUN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND
Happy birthday wishes to Marvin and Rosalie Okun.
In honor of Rabbi and Natalie Spivak’s 25th wedding anniversary.
Condolences to Marian Fisher on the passing of her son, Marc.
Barb Brown, Jane Greischar & Marda Brown
Rosalie & Marvin Okun
Mazel Tov to Dave Rosenberg on the birth of his grandson, Samuel Joseph Grueling.
Mazel Tov to Joyce Camhi for receiving the Sisterhood Woman of Achievement Award.
Mazel Tov to Sydney Angel, Rachel Torres and Sam Siegel on their graduation from the Marvin and Rosalie Okun
Religious School.
Mazel Tov to Tema Lando on being elected President of COM.
Mazel Tov to Jon Isley and Laurie Richlin on their “special” birthdays.
Mazel Tov to Selma Price on her very special 90th birthday.
Mazel Tov to Rachel Wolf on her Bat Mitzvah.
Mazel Tov to Joseph Dion, Ethan Rocklin and Ari Solomon on their graduation from high school.
Wishing Marvin Okun a speedy and complete recovery.
Judy & Lowell Seyburn, the Fischell Family
Mazel Tov to Tamara and Earl Norman on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Milo Norman.
The Fischell Family, Judy & Lowell Seyburn, the Angel Family, Carolyn & Brad Kennedy
Condolences to Raye and Larry Ziring on the passing of her sister, Leslie Sipes.
Judy & Lowell Seyburn
See page 9 for more Mishpacha
PAGE 7

homes. Their families enrolled them in public religious-
Zionist schools. After growing up just three miles apart,
unaware of each other, the two met in high school. Both
had strong affinity toward math and science, but their bond
resulted from their time together at the magnificent sandy
Tel-Aviv beach.
FEATURING
Pnina & Judah Ari-Gur
Pnina and Judah were born and raised in what
was “little Tel-Aviv” a couple of years after Israel’s
independence. The spirit of Zionism and idealism was
dominant. It was also a relatively short time after the end
of World War II, and the quiet trauma was felt in the air,
but was not much discussed. The economy was tough
in the young State. Food was rationed (each family had
a limited allocation), and both Pnina and Judah lived
with their respective families in communal apartments,
where each room accommodated a family of four, and the
“facilities” were shared by several families.
Both were raised by
devoted mothers, who were
widowed after the fathers
passed away at a young
age. The adults strived
to provide their children
(both Pnina and Judah
had an older sibling) with
normal childhood, free
from fear, the burden of
the Holocaust memories
and the financial hardship.
After-school activities
included piano and ballet
for Pnina, while Judah
excelled in competitive
sports, and both were also
“book worms.”
Both Pnina and Judah grew
up in traditional Jewish
Story by Pnina & Judah Ari-Gur
Photo by Carolyn Kennedy
In 1971, the couple married in Tel-Aviv and built their
home in their beloved city of Haifa, the city that is home
to the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. The union
between an Ashkenazi and Sephardi was very uncommon
at the time, but that did not deter them from going after
their heart’s calling. The couple’s two daughters were born
“between the books” while Judah and Pnina were pursuing
their engineering graduate work at the Technion. Busy as
they always were, family was always a priority. The family
traveled and spent time together.
After completing their doctoral degrees in Israel, Pnina
and Judah headed to the University of British Columbia in
Vancouver, Canada, for their post-doctoral research work.
The family also crisscrossed beautiful British Columbia.
After two years, the family returned to Haifa, where the
couple’s son was born.
In the fall of 1985, the family of five came to Kalamazoo,
where Pnina and Judah joined Western Michigan University
as engineering professors. The Ari-Gur household enjoyed
stimulating discussions around the dinner table, where the
children were active contributors to dialogs about world
affairs from a very young age. They also
shared household chores, and some of
the best dinners were skillfully prepared
by the couple’s oldest daughter.
The Ari-Gurs enjoy being part of the
Congregation of Moses family and
participating in services. Judah, who is
experienced in the art of chanting Torah,
helps Pnina master the art.
The years have passed, and in 2001
Pnina and Judah became grandparents
to Ayelet. Her siblings and cousins were
born in the following years, and little
Zuriel, their sixth grandchild, was born
just a couple of months ago. When the
Ari-Gurs are not hard at work, they
like to play tennis, bowl, spend time
with friends and read. They also enjoy
traveling to visit with their family and
far-away friends and touring the world.
PAGE 8

Mishpacha (continued from page 7)
MORT & JOYCE FISHER KITCHEN/ONEG/KIDDUSH FUND
In loving memory of my mother, Jean H. Morrison.
Elisabeth & Donald Thall
HERMAN AND ROSE FISHER LIBRARY FUND
Mazel Tov to Dave Rosenberg on the birth of his grandson, Samuel Joseph Grueling.
Mazel Tov to Tamara and Earl Norman on the birth of their grandson, Theodore Milo Norman.
Mazel Tov to Joyce Camhi for receiving the Sisterhood Woman of Achievement Award.
Mazel Tov to Sydney Angel, Rachel Torres and Sam Siegel on their graduation from the Marvin and Rosalie Okun
Religious School.
Mazel Tov to Tema Lando on being elected President of COM.
Mazel Tov to Jon Isley and Laurie Richlin on their “special” birthdays.
Mazel Tov to Selma Price on her very special 90th birthday.
Mazel Tov to Rachel Wolf on her Bat Mitzvah.
Mazel Tov to Joseph Dion, Ethan Rocklin and Ari Solomon on their graduation from high school.
Wishing Marvin Okun a speedy and complete recovery.
Marilyn & Art Feinberg
SAVE THE DATE!
Unveiling for
Stanley Besbris
June 30, 2013, 11:30 a.m.
Be sure to be in town and non-conflicted on
SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 5
This is important for you as a member of the
Congregation of Moses. You do not want to miss this!
Place October 5th on your calendar NOW!
Stay tuned . . .
Werner
PAGE 9

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES REPORT
The Synagogue celebrated the holiday of Shavuot with a special dedication of our new torah.
The purchase of this torah was made possible with funds from the Ida and Sadie Zimmerman
Fund. It is a beautiful torah and very light-weight, enabling more members to take part in
carrying or lifting the torah during services.
If you have looked ahead in your calendar you may have noticed that the High Holy Days
begin very early this year — to be exact, on Wednesday evening, September 4. Due to this
early date, the Religious Activities Committee will be mailing out High Holiday packets on
Wednesday, July 17.
Valerie Eisenberg
Religious Activities Committee Chair
2013-14 Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors has been installed for the year beginning June 2013 and ending May 2014.
Members of the Executive Committee for the year are:
PRESIDENT
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
TREASURER
SECRETARY
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
PAST PRESIDENT
TEMA LANDO 388-3562 temazysla@chartermi.net
BETH GRODE 598-1465 beth.grode@yahoo.com
MIKE KOFFRON 270-8574 mkoffron@tetron.com
ED GOLDENTHAL 383-3581 wingold@charter.net
CONNIE BOWMAN 383-3403 conniebowman18@gmail.com
TAMARA NORMAN tdnorman@sbcglobal.net
SHIRLEY WISE 375-0848 goldensmw@sbcglobal.net
Serving three-year board terms: Joyce Camhi, Maxine Berke, Bruce Patrick, Brad Hirschbein, Jill Ruterbusch
Serving two-year terms: Emily Hoffman, Arlen Rubin
Serving a one-year term: Beth Morrison, Effie Gelman
THANK YOU to everyone who
attended the COM Annual Meeting in May and
who participated in the election of officers.
Todah rabah to outgoing Executive Committee
and Board members for a job well done, and
congratulations to our new officers and Board
members for stepping up to fill these positions.
We wish you all the best!
PAGE 10

BREAKFAST IS SERVED!
COM TEENS PERFORM MORNING MITZVAH AT MINISTRY
by Beth Grode
On a Sunday morning in May, seven Congregation of Moses teens, assisted by four
parents, helped prepare and serve a special breakfast to the patrons of the Ministry
with Community in downtown Kalamazoo. All teens and parents felt this was a
very valuable and worthwhile way to spend their Sunday morning and went home
feeling good about doing something to help those who are less fortunate than
themselves. They are eager to return and help again.
Our duties included preparing the breakfast, setting the tables, serving patrons,
clearing the tables and washing dishes. Thanks to a generous donation from a
fellow COM congregant during the High Holiday Youth Food Drive, we will
be able to sponsor three breakfasts at the Ministry with Community. This first
breakfast consisted of waffles, scrambled eggs and bacon, which was a real treat for
the patrons considering breakfast usually consists of grits, cold cereal and toast.
Thank you to Blue Koffron, Matt and Jason Ruterbusch, Sam Siegel, Avi, Tamar and
Shoshana Grode, Liz Siegel, and Jill and Rudy Ruterbusch for taking the time to
help those in need.
We received a thank-you letter from Ministry with
Community saying our monetary gift as well as our
help in the kitchen “makes a difference in the lives of
our members (those we serve). Ongoing support from
community members like you is important because it
allows us to continue to live out our mission, which is to
help our members succeed in an atmosphere of dignity,
hope and unconditional acceptance."
Our second breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, June 9.
If you would like to help with this very important and
meaningful mitzvah, please contact me at beth.grode@
yahoo.com.
PAGE 11

90 A milestone birthday for Selma Price
By Marcia Kalb and Gloria Besbris
Long-time congregant Selma Price was feted more than once last month in celebration of her 90th birthday. Selma
turned 90 on May 23. Gloria Besbris and Sandy Rose organized a birthday luncheon in her honor on May 13 at
Friendship Village. Selma’s four children — Cheryl, Jeffrey, Andrew and Larry — and their spouses, children and
grandchildren celebrated with Selma on her special day. Selma had the opportunity to meet her new great- grandchildren
when the family convened in Kalamazoo.
Selma and Zachary Price arrived in Kalamazoo from New Jersey more than 40 years ago proving
that what the East Coast lost the Midwest gained. Zachary worked at Goodwill Industries and Selma
was instrumental in turning Gilmore’s Second Floor Sportswear Department into the place to go
for fashionable clothing. Selma cared for Zachary during an extended illness until his death and
felt supported by her many friends and members of the Congregation of Moses. These friends were
thrilled when she developed her friendship with our congregant Al Katz. Selma and Al enjoyed
several years of lovely companionship with one another.
When Selma moved from her home on Bronson Boulevard she was welcomed to the warm community at Friendship
Village where she participates in many activities. Besides being a bridge player, she enjoys her weekly mah jong games and
continues to be a stylish dresser. Rabbi Spivak, the Board, Trustees and the congregation wish Selma mazel tov and many
more happy, healthy birthdays!
PAGE 12

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY, SELMA PRICE!
by Werner Sichel
Ninety years ago a baby girl was born, and was she ever a cutie,
She didn't change all that much, and during her entire life she's been a beauty.
A beauty to look at but also a wonderful person to know,
A sparkling personality and always perfectly attired from head to toe.
The men found her attractive and the women were a bit jealous,
But Selma thought "the heck with the women, I have the fellows."
She had many good matches to choose among, and finally selected Zachary Price,
He was a good-looking guy and, above all, very nice.
They enjoyed life together and had four wonderful kids who they adored,
They did lots of fun things and never were bored.
Many years later Zachary became ill and after some time passed away,
So Selma had to find a new man with whom to play.
Al Katz and Selma made a lovely couple and had some very good years,
Filled with many nice trips, much laughter, and, of course, some tears.
In her later years she was again alone,
She made a good decision to sell her home.
She found a new home at Friendship Village where she lives very well,
And has made a good life for herself, which is easy to tell.
Selma's positive attitude always makes her a winner,
She enjoys her friends and all the amenities at Friendship Village, especially dinner.
There's a TV program that always reminds me of Selma, whether day or night,
It tells all of us what we already know: "The Price is Right."
Happy 90th birthday, Selma, you're still going strong,
And remember what I'm telling you, you can never be wrong.
You have the magic to always follow the bright light,
Because as we have already determined, "The Price is Right."
PAGE 13

NAOMI VERNE
JUNE 21-22
Naomi Lee Verne will become a Bat Mitzvah on June 21 and 22 at the Congregation of
Moses. The congregation became her spiritual home seven years ago when she moved to
Kalamazoo from Oak Park, a Western suburb of Chicago.
Bat
Mitzvah
For those of you not familiar with this bright, poised and inquisitive child: Naomi loves to
read. In fact, as you’re reading this, she probably just finished another book. This love of
books has done her well as she is heading into her final year at Maple Street Magnet School
for the Arts with high marks yet again.
For her tzedaka project, Naomi asked congregants to bring in various personal items,
including unused soap, deodorant, razors, small packaged food and more to assemble
Friend-In-Need Bags for members of the local homeless community. Nomi, as her friends
and family call her, will fill each bag with several items and then return the small bags to
the lobby of the synagogue for people to take and store in their cars in lieu of handing out
money to the homeless.
Nomi’s parents, Jennifer and Richard, are especially thankful for her Religious School
teachers and Rabbi Spivak for their help in strengthening her Jewish life during these
formative years. A special shout out is in order for Drill Sergeant Cathy Cheron for
whipping this young lady into Hebraic shape in time for her special day. Brother Eli and
little sister Miriam have been observing it all and they are officially on notice!
June celebrations
The Congregation of Moses wishes mazel tov and yom haledet sameach to our members who are celebrating anniversaries
and birthdays this month. If you would like to be included in our monthly recognition of birthdays and anniversaries, please
contact Joanne Simon at (269)324-6054 or jhsimon@charter.net.
BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES
6/1 Paul Krell
6/2 Ken Goodman
6/2 Marcia Kalb
6/7 Don Thall
6/7 Hannah Green
6/11 Chelsea Angel
6/12 Stacey Rocklin
6/12 Dona Icabone Satir
6/14 Evan Fischel
6/14 Jonathan Fischel
6/15 Larry Beer
6/15 Alfred Blum
6/16 Marvin Berkowitz
6/23 Alyssa Beer
6/25 Arlen Rubin
6/26 Joanne Krell
6/27 Simon Gelman
6/28 Phillip Horwich
6/29 Natalie Spivak
6/30 Rabbi Harvey Spivak
6/5 Sara & Marc Amy
6/13 Janet Heller & Michael Krischer
6/15 Tema & Robert Lando
6/20 Joanne & Michael Simon
6/20 Shirley & Pete Mengel
6/21 Tamara & Earl Norman
6/25 Cheryl & Jon Isley
6/25 Ria (Rachel) & Jake (Jacob) Smuszkovicz
6/26 Ken & Marian Fisher
6/29 Genia & Moritz Angel
PAGE 14

SISTERHOOD NEWS
Sisterhood recently held a successful Torah Fund dinner at the Congregation of Moses, where we honored our Woman
of Achievement for 2013, Joyce Camhi. Joyce was chosen for the honor for her wide-ranging contributions as former
co-principal of the Religious School and as chair of the Religious School Committee, as well as her willingness to always
pitch in with cooking and baking for many Sisterhood and synagogue events. Joyce is the go-to person when things need
to happen, and she's always happy to do it.
You can continue to support the Jewish Theological Seminary (all year long) by purchasing Torah Fund cards for $4
each. Choose from sympathy cards, get well cards and mazel tov cards. Just send a check payable to Jewish Theological
Seminary, or JTS, along with the name/address of the recipient, the type of card desired and how you would like the card
signed. Send to Emily Hoffman, 4002 Old Field Trail, Kalamazoo MI 49008. I can also sell them to you in person if you
phone or email me.
Emily Hoffman, Sisterhood President
emily.hoffman@wmich.edu
(269)779-9306
Rabbi Spivak and his wife, Natalie, join congregants and guests at the
Annual Torah Fund Dinner benefiting the Jewish Theological Seminary.
From left: Beth Grode, 2013 Woman of
Achievement Joyce Camhi and Tema Lando.
269
PAGE 15

Jewish Film Festival finishes on high note
The 2013 Southwest Michigan Jewish Film Festival
began with “The Other Son” on April 13 and finished
strong with “The Yellow Ticket” on April 21. With
each successive festival we have grown, not only with
the number of films we’ve been able to bring to this area,
but also with increased attendance and a broader range
of community support. First, we would like to thank the
Jewish Federation of Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan.
Beth Grode, Federation President, and the entire Federation
Board have been very supportive of the film festival since
its inception in 2009. We are fortunate to be under the
Federation’s “umbrella” of programs that strengthens
not only the Jewish community in this area, but also the
community at large.
We appreciate each and every dollar contributed to the
film festival. These generous contributions help us meet
our many expenses and bring unique films to our area.
Special thanks to our business sponsors: Child & Family
Psychological Services (Larry Beer, Ed.D., film sponsor),
Randall L. Brown and Associates (film sponsor),
Professional Life Coaching (Annie Fainsinger), Career
Momentum (Rhonda Messinger), Kenneth A. Goodman,
DDS, and Comprehensive
Women’s Health Center (Cathy
Cheron, M.D.). These local
community leaders chose to
support Jewish culture, and we
hope that you will thank them by
patronizing their businesses.
A special thank you to three
businesses that were new festival
partners this year, and who made
significant in-kind donations
that greatly benefited the film festival. First, the planning
committee was thrilled to work with Carolyn and
Brad Kennedy at LuckyDog Media. Their beautifully
designed brochure, flyer, program and emails helped us
to dramatically improve our publicity and marketing of
the film festival. Second was the Raddison Plaza Hotel
and Suites, which generously donated hotel rooms for the
two musicians who performed the score to “The Yellow
Ticket.” Also providing an in-kind donation was Mike
Siegel of MS Productions who lend his expertise to the
sound production of "The Yellow Ticket" at a discounted
rate. Again, we hope you will acknowledge our sponsors'
generosity by supporting these local businesses.
We are equally thankful for our individual sponsors. These
24 donors have been a key part of our success during
each of our three film festivals, and we could not have a
festival without their support. This year, special thanks go
to Anne Arbetter Fischell, Nancy Land, and Jeanne and
Marc Schupan, who generously sponsored three of our
films. Please see page 11 for a full list of sponsors.
If you have questions about the Jewish Film Festival,
please feel free to email Naomi Morse at michiganish@
yahoo.com. Thanks again to everyone who made this
year’s film festival successful. See you again in 2015!
The Southwest Michigan Jewish Film Festival
Planning Committee:
Naomi Morse, Chair
Annie Fainsinger
Pat Kirschner
Charlotte Marvin
Janet Nykaza
Jerry Robbins
Myral Robbins
Jill Ruterbusch
Liz Siegel
We’d like to take this opportunity to answer an often-asked question: How do we choose our films? We are pleased to be
part of Detroit’s Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival. By sharing the cost of licensing fees, shipping and insurance with
Detroit’s other sites, these costs are much more affordable for us. Staff and volunteers in Detroit screen more than 200 films
each year before they narrow their choices down to approximately 30 films for showing throughout Eastern Michigan.
In consultation with Detroit’s film festival director, we choose and preview approximately eight films each year, and these
are viewed by some members of the Southwest Michigan Jewish Film Festival Planning Committee. Our final choices are
made with certain criteria in mind. We choose films that have the most engaging stories, the broadest appeal, and are as
varied as possible. While we would love to show a comedy or family-friendly film at each festival, high-quality options are
not always available to us. Jewish film festivals throughout the country would like to show more kid-friendly films, but
unfortunately, good options are few and far between. We did show one film this year that was not part of Detroit’s lineup
(“The Yellow Ticket”), and the planning committee will evaluate if it is feasible to do this again in the future.
PAGE 16
FESTIVAL FILMS: HOW WE SELECT THEM

2013 JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL SPONSORS
BUSINESS SPONSORS
In-Kind Donations ($250-$1,500)
LuckyDog Media (Carolyn and Brad Kennedy)
Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites
MS Productions (Mike Siegel)
Executive Producer ($500)
Jewish Federation of Greater Kalamazoo and
SW Michigan
Child & Family Psychological Services (Larry
Beer, Ed.D.)
Randall L. Brown and Associates
Anonymous Donor Advised Fund at the
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Producer ($250)
Professional Life Coaching (Annie Fainsinger)
Studio Executive ($125)
Career Momentum (Rhonda Messinger)
Kenneth A. Goodman, DDS
Comprehensive Women's Health Center
(Cathy Cheron, M.D.)
INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS
Oscar Winner ($1,000)
Nancy Land
Best Director ($540)
Anne Arbetter Fischell and Family
Jeanne and Marc Schupan
Best Actor ($180)
Janet and Scott Nykaza
Lawrence and Raye Ziring
Anonymous donors
Alan Halpern
Best Supporting Actor ($108)
Tamara and Earl Norman
William Stein
Ellen and Henry Winter
Joshua Weiner
Janis and Michael Leinwand
Myral and Jerry Robbins
Best Screenwriter ($72)
Shirley Wise and Frank Szopo
Kenneth and Marian Fisher
Best Fans ($18-$54)
Judith Steere
Paul and Linda Wienir
Pat and Richard Kirschner
Peter Blickle and Jaimy Gordon
Nan and Edwin Goldenthal
Carolyn and Brad Kennedy
Harvey and Natalie Spivak
Sandi and Fred Kopelman
TL and Terrie Adamson
Celebrating Israel's 65th birthday
With April 16 marking the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, our community gathered the
following Sunday to celebrate Israel Independence Day at the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo. Beth Grode,
president of the Jewish Federation of Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan, which sponsored the event, estimated that 150
people turned out for the festivities.
The celebration followed the Kalamazoo Jewish Film Festival’s special presentation of "The Yellow Ticket." Beth, Jen Rubin
and Anne Fischell led attendees in a Prayer for Israel and a moving rendition of "Hatikva," Israel's national anthem. Plenty
of blue and white balloons and Israeli flags set a cheerful tone for a free Mediterranean dinner of falafel, Mujadara (rice,
lentils and caramelized onion), hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouli, fattoush salad and pita. Delicious desserts made by Liz
Siegel's and Beth Grode’s ELIZaBETHs Catering Company continued the blue-and-white theme.
As one Film Festival attendee wrote when asked for feedback on the experience: “One of the best parts was the community
. . . coming together . . . to participate in Jewish culture, Jewish life. What a good feeling to look around the theater and see
'my community' coming out for this event. Also, the whole experience of 'The Yellow Ticket' (great film, amazing music,
interesting discussion, and tasty food). . . . What a wonderful afternoon all around.”
PAGE 17

Marvin and Rosalie Okun
Religious School
May was a fun and busy month, and now summer
is officially here for the Rosalie & Marvin Okun
Religious School!
We began our summer break on Sunday, May 19, with
a fun picnic. Our wonderful families brought dishes to
share and the weather was beautiful. Thank you to Joyce
Camhi, Tamar Grode and Shoshana Grode for setting up
the festivities and bringing everything together.
Erev Shavuot was so much fun, and the Religious School
would like to thank Michelle Angel for baking delightful
cookies and Valerie Eisenberg for creating a fun Ice
Cream Sundae Bar.
Mazel tov again to Sydney Angel, Rachel Torres and Sam
Siegel and each of your families on your recent High
School graduation on May 10.
Camp Keshet is upon us. Two sessions are offered: June
17-21 and June 24-28. Camp runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2
p.m. each day with a fun-filled field trip offered each
session. The cost is $100/week or $180 for both weeks.
The registration deadline is June 1 — contact Beth Grode
at beth.grode@yahoo.com to register.
If you have CD players that you are not using, whatever
size, the Religious School will gladly make great use
of them. You can drop them off with Shirley in the
synagogue front office and she will make certain that
they find us.
Thank you to our wonderful teachers, Jennifer Rubin,
Tema Lando, Jamie Peters, Gillian Thommes and Erin
Kaplan, for leading our Religious School education this
calendar year. What a fun learning environment you
have all created.
Thank you also to our wonderful volunteers, Shoshana
Grode, Tamar Grode, Lexie Sittsamer and Zoe Marrich-
Simon, for all of your support and dedication this
calendar year. We hope to have you join us again.
I am honored to learn and grow with our Religious
School families.
B’Ahava,
Morah Susan/Susan Katz-Scheinker
Religious School Principal
Summertime . . .
and the givin' is easy
Graduations, Father's Day, baseball
season and barbecues . . . Why not give
grads and dads Scrip gift cards? Easy to
give, easy to use.
Playing baseball and needing some new
sliding shorts or a pair of cleats? We
get 8 percent back on every dollar you
spend at MC Sports.
It's barbecue season - why not get all
the fixins at Meijer? We get 3 percent
of each dollar you spend.
You can order using the form on the
following bulletin page. For a more
complete list of merchants, please go to
scrippro.com. All orders should be
placed through the synagogue office.
PAGE 18

SCRIP ORDER FORM
NAME:
Retailer/Denomination Qty Gross Amt
DATE:
PHONE:
EMAIL:
EASY TO ORDER:
1. Fill out the form.
2. Enclose a check payable to COM.
3. Drop off at Congregation of Moses.
QUESTIONS: Call Jill Ruterbusch 323-9161 or
COM office manager Shirley Mengel 342-5463
KALAMAZOOMERCHANTS
Visit scrippro.com for a complete list of merchants
SCRIPORDERFORM
COM benefits from every gift
card you purchase through Scrip!
NATIONALMERCHANTS
AMT %RETURN AMT %RETURN
AirZoo $15 4% Amazon.com $25/100 3%
Bacchus $10 7% Barnes&Noble $10/25 9%
BilbosPizza $10 8% Bigby $10/25 8%
Chocolatea $10 8% BPGas $50/100 2%
CoRageInnPizza $20 13% Cabela'sOuTiRers $25/100 11%
CourthouseBucks $10 9% CelebraVonCinemas $10 4%
DouglasandSonsPaint$25 4% D&W $25/100 2%
Erbellis $20 7% Groupon $25 7%
Gale'sHardware $10 9% HomeDepot $25/100 3%
Heilman'sNuts $10 6% iTunes $15/25 4%
LiRleChickShoes $25 8% Kohls $25/100 4%
MilleniumRestaurants $25/100 8% Land'sEnd $25/100 15%
EpicBistro LLBean $25/100 17%
FieldstoneGrill Macy's $25/100 10%
Martell's MarrioRHotels $50/100 8%
Union Meijer $25/100 3%
NeighborhoodCleaners $10 9% PaneraBread $10/25 9%
PuRer'sGolfandGames $5 25% Qdoba $25 7%
Sweetwaters $5 13% RedRobin $25 9%
TheoandStacy's $10 4% ShellGas $25/100 2%
TreatStreet $5 10% Speedway $25/100 2%
WaterStreetCoffee $25 13% Starbucks $10/25 7%
Talbots $25 9%
Target $25/100 2%
TJMaxx/Marshall's $25/100 7%
Walgreens $25/100 3%
Walmart/Sam'sClub $25/100 2.5% PAGE 19

Attention High School Seniors, College Students and Non-Traditional College Students
THE 2013 JERROLD M. RAFFEL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The purpose of the Jerrold M. Raffel Scholarship Fund is to strengthen the area of expertise in all areas of higher
education by giving financial assistance to a worthy college student who is a member or whose family is a member of the
Congregation of Moses and is attending an accredited institution of higher learning.
A. General Rules
1. The Jerrold M. Raffel Scholarship will be given to a college student who is a member or whose
family is a member of the Congregation of Moses.
2. The scholarship will be given to a college student attending any institution of higher learning.
3. The scholarship will be in the amount of $500.
4. The scholarship will be awarded annually in August.
5. The scholarship will be used within one year of date of issue.
B. Selection of Recipient
1. The application and guidelines may be obtained from the COM office.
2. Applications are due to the committee chairman, Fran Raffel, by August 1, 2013.
3. The Scholarship Committee shall be composed of a Chairman, selected by the Raffel Family and
three other members chosen by the Scholarship Chairman. The three committee members, not
the Chairman, will choose the recipient.
C. Obligations of the Recipient
1. Verification of enrollment submitted to the
Scholarship Chairman by the student.
2. The recipient must send a brief written report,
one page or less, to the Scholarship Chairman on the
proposed use of the scholarship. Do not include your
social security number.
D. Contributions and interest accrued to the Jerrold M.
Raffel Scholarship Fund finance the scholarship.
If you would like to apply for this scholarship, stop by the
synagogue office to pick up an application or contact
Shirley Mengel in the office at 342-5463.
We offer caring and comprehensive counseling
services for adults, teens and children of all ages
• individual, family, couples and group counseling
• psychological testing
• substance abuse evaluations
• 34 therapists in two locations
• most insurances accepted
Kalamazoo Office
(269) 372-4140
Director: Larry Beer, Ed.D.
Portage Office
(269) 321-8564
Director: Tim Howard, Ed.D.
www.childandfamilypsych.com
PAGE 20
More than 20 years of treating people right

Rabbi’s message
At board meetings throughout the year, I take a moment to say todah rabbah/thank you to individuals who have made
a particularly noteworthy contribution to synagogue life and to our mission as a place that nurtures the spiritual and
cultural values of an active Jewish community. It's called the Rabbi's Recognition Certificate.
Looking at the recipients of the Certificate during the past year gives you an appreciation of the ways in which members
use their personal talents and interests to benefit the community.
This past year the Recognition Certificates went to:
• Joyce Camhi, chair of Religious School Committee
• Bruce Stein, chair of FOC (building and facilities)
• Valerie Eisenberg. chair of Religious Activities Committee and High Holiday Services
• Joe Hirschfield, Shabbat service and poster display memorializing the Jews of Milevsko, where our Holocaust Torah
came from
• Cindy Beer, editor of our beautiful bulletin
• Sue Welbourne, years of service as Religious School principal and teacher
• Diane Fogel, board secretary and work on the communications, library, beautification and building renovation
committees as well as caring for the gardens on the synagogue grounds
• Gary Kushner and Rob Lando, years of leadership for the B'nai B'rith Scholar-Athlete Awards
Once again, a well-deserved thanks to each of these members!
Rabbi Harvey Spivak
Be part of the CONVERSATION OF THE CENTURY, a gathering of 21st Century
Jews and today's most innovative leaders, teachers and performers. This is a
conversation too important to miss . . .
This October 11-15 in Baltimore, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism will celebrate its Centennial with
The Conversation of the Century, an extraordinary event addressing vital questions about Jewish life right
now and in the future. This event is for anyone looking for personal inspiration and the tools to foster thriving
communities in a changing Jewish landscape.
The Centennial will begin with a joyous, engaging Shabbaton and continue with an essential conference
featuring brilliant presenters, workshops and performers. Come to Baltimore with big questions. Leave with fresh
ideas and great strategies to make them happen.
To see an up-to-date list of speakers, presentations and conversations and to register, go to www.uscj100.org.
PAGE 21

HADASSAH UPDATE
Hadassah Donor takes a sentimental journey
Chances Are, if you were among the 40 people who attended the Hadassah Donor on April 28, you had your fill of Yakety
Yak, without feeling too All Shook Up. We enjoyed a delicious buffet at the Kalamazoo Country Club before A Whole Lotta
Shakin’ Going On got started with the Lana Hawkins Trio. Before long the call went out Do You Want To Dance? and there
were numerous guests ready to Rock Around The Clock.
We Sincerely thank the Donor Committee of Charlotte Marvin, Gerry Tregerman, Shirley Weiss, Joyce Camhi, Marlene
Denenfeld and Sharon Wittenberg. And to our faithful members, Because of You we made a profit of $1,700.
TOP ROW, from left: Edgar and Rachel
Inselberg cut the rug; Charlotte Marvin’s
family (l-r) daughter Amy, husband Greg,
parents Jenny and Chuck Milller, daughter
Layla, Charlotte, and son Sam. MIDDLE
ROW: Ken and Sallie Goodman and
Pat Kirschner; Bassist Dennis Shubakof
crooning an Elvis song; welcome to Sharon
and Joel Wittenberg. AT RIGHT: Gerry
Tregerman, Shannon Dion, Shirley Wise,
Charlotte Marvin and Shirley Weiss. Great
job, ladies!
PAGE 22

Yahrzeits
June 7, 8, (30 Sivan – 6 Tammuz)
Ruthe Bernard* Arthur Paul Felix Izidor Freiwald*
Dorotha I. Goldstein* Israel Lookholder Miriam Roodin*
Sidney Seyburn*
Paula Strauss*
June 14, 15, (7 Tammuz – 13 Tammuz)
Marsha Abrams Siegfried Baum* Bernard Kurlan*
Pauline Kushner* Sadye Rosenbaum* Betty Ruden
Leah Schensul* Dorothy B. Slavin* Ruth Sofen*
Edith Stenesh
Siegfried Strauss*
June 21, 22, (14 Tammuz – 20 Tammuz)
Norman Brickman* Israel Israelson* Harry C. Kaufman*
Meyer H. Lebowitz* Louis Loeser* Charles Marks*
Sophie Miller* Edward Okun* Antoinette Price
Sara Rose* Irving Schensul* Elmer Steinberg*
June 28, 29, (21 Tammuz – 27 Tammuz)
Samuel Gottlieb* Esidore H. Graff* Norman Graff*
Robert Grekin* Louis E. Koss* Herman Benjamin Lando*
Yetta Marcus* Mollie Wolfe* Milton Wruble*
* Denotes a memorial plaque in the synagogue
WE LOVE GETTING PHOTOS FROM YOU!
If you enjoyed seeing all of the photos of COM members in this issue, you
might be interested to know that they were all submitted by congregants like
you. All photos are appreciated. So the next time you take photos of a COM or
Jewish community event, please consider sharing them with the congregation
by submitting them to the bulletin. Digital photos are best. Please email photos
(preferably as jpg attachments) and a few details (who-when-where-why) to
Cindy Beer, bulletin editor, at cinbeer@aol.com. Thank you!
PAGE 23

CONGREGATION OF MOSES
2501 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269)342-5463
PAGE 24