BETH TORAH TIMES Spring Edition 2019/2020

BETH TORAH TIMES
Spring Edition 2019/2020
Adar Bet– Nissan – Iyar - Sivan 5779
WWW.BTBRC.ORG

Leadership
MARIO ROJZMAN
Rabbi
EDWIN FARBER
Rabbi Emeritus
DR. MAX A. LIPSCHITZ Z”L
Founding Rabbi
GASTÓN BOGOMOLNI
Cantor
WAYNE KEIL
Chief Operating Officer
MARSHALL BALTUCH
Director of Development
GABRIELA RASCOVSKY
Religious School Director
Membership Director
Officers
MIKE SEGAL
RICH BERGER
Presidents
JILL KOCH
Executive Vice President
STEVEN SCHECK
Immediate Past President
HOWARD CHAFETZ
At Large VP
MICHELLE KABAK
Early Childhood Academy VP
MINDY KURKIN
Education VP
DAVID ROSEMBERG
Financial VP
JENI BUCHHOLZ
Youth & Camp Director
ANNE MANDELBAUM
Early Childhood Academy
Director
SHERRY KRUG
Administrative Assistant
TERI SMOLKEN
Controller
MARLA COHEN
BT2U Coordinator
ETTA EPSTEIN
Membership VP
ERIC BERGER
Operations VP
MARK MOYEL
Ritual VP
PHYLLIS SHEINMAN
Ways & Means VP
EDGARDO IMAR
Youth & Camp VP
STEVEN WILLINGER
Treasurer
ANDREA BECK
Secretary
In this issue
Messages 03
From our Rabbis, Cantor, Co-
Presidents, Director of Development,
Chief Operating Officer, Early
Childhood Academy Director &
Director of Membership
Lifecycles 14
B’nai Mitzvah 15
New Members and
Candle Lighting Times
/ Parashiot
Contributions & Yahrzeit
Donations
16
23
News 28
From Beth Torah Sisterhood, Scheck
Family Religious School and Youth
Groups.
2 BETH TORAH TIMES

A Message from Our Rabbi
Buenos Aires to Washington
DC to Miami and Back Again to
Washington DC - The Tale of a
Journey For Human Rights
We here at Beth Torah are lucky that we live in an environment and in a
country that is basically free from torture and torment. People in other
countries around the world are not so lucky, even in those places that are
considered “civilized.”
On Monday evening, February 25, 2019 we had the privilege to welcome to
Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus, Deborah Benchoam, from the Inter-American
Commission on Human Rights, DC at Georgetown University, who is a survivor
of torture and inhumane acts herself. Her story is an amazing one and
involves one of the most prominent figures in the Miami Political Arena in the
1970’s and 1980’s.
RABBI
MARIO ROJZMAN
After being incarcerated in Argentina, by the Junta, Deborah was helped by
my teacher, Rabbi Marshall Meyer z”l, a Human Rights Advocate, during the
most trying times in Argentina. We were given a firsthand account of how
he visited her in jail on a regular basis and how he brought her case to the
attention of Congressman Bill Lehman. The Congressman’s son, William
Lehman Jr., who was in attendance at the program, confirmed his father’s
commitment to this Human Rights Case, and to Human Rights Causes in
general. After negotiations with the Argentine Government, her release was
secured and Deborah travelled to Washington DC to live with the Lehmans.
Her travels would take her to Miami and then back to Washington for School.
She currently lives in Washington DC where she also works.
The almost 200 people who attended the program were able to travel this
Human Rights Journey as if they had been present as it happened.

A Message from Our Rabbi
It’s Deja Vu all over again!
The Book of Esther is certainly THE best-known book of the Bible
outside the Five Books of Moses and most likely the most beloved.
It is associated with one of the most popular holidays and occasions
costumes, parties, celebrations and noise making during the reading
with the popular Grogger. And now that we have chocolate filled
Hamantaschen I can include that treat amongst the best of all our
holiday special foods! Every child and adult know who Esther and
Mordechai is and that most hated of all Biblical villains Haman
[BOO!!!!] Yet this is a book that does not contain 1) the name of
God; 2) the land of Israel; 3) any reference to the Torah at all!!
So what kind of Biblical book is this? It’s a book about the Jewish
people and its survival. And our enemies don’t care about our
God, our land or our Torah. They care about destroying the Jewish
people. The very existence of the Jewish people to the anti-Semite
is just not tolerable. Listen to what Haman [GROGGER,GROGGER]
says even after being invited by Queen Esther to a special feast with
her and the King and having acquired great wealth, many sons and
the second most powerful position in the kingdom: “Yet all this
means nothing to me every time I see that Jew Mordechai stirring
in the palace gate.” He can’t have any happiness – any satisfaction
in life – knowing those Jews walk the face of the earth. That’s the
lesson of the Book of Esther – the first lesson in what anti-Semitism
(and all visceral hatreds) is. Haman – without mentioning the word
Jew – describes this people he intends to exterminate with these
words; “There is a certain people, scattered and dispersed among
the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws
are different from those of any other people and who do not obey
the king’s laws…” yes we are a scattered nation and yes we have
different laws and customs but it is not true that we do not obey
the ‘king’s’ laws. We are loyal citizens of every country in which
we dwell and Israel which is a Jewish state in a loyal member of
the international community adhering to international law (don’t
believe the lies that come out of the United Nations.). That is why
the attack on American Jews by Congresswoman Omar hit American
RABBI EMERITUS
EDWIN FARBER
Jews so hard. (You decide for yourself if
you believe that she didn’t understand
the hurt and anti-Semitism behind her
words.) She questioned our loyalty to this
country. She suggested that we had dual
loyalties. She talked about: “…the political
influence in this country that says it is Okay
to push for allegiance to a foreign country.”
American Jews - like most Americans
-support Israel not only because she is a
Jewish state because she is America’s ally;
because she is a democratic state offering
freedom of religion and speech to all her
civilians. She has Israeli Arabs and Druze
in the Knesset; on the Supreme Court
and in positions of authority and honor
throughout the country. She doesn’t attack
Cuban Americans for their special concern
about their country of origin or Americans
from Haiti or Poland or Somalia for
their special concern for their brethren
in those countries. Unable to believe
Continues on page 36
4 BETH TORAH TIMES

A Message from Our Cantor
Behind the mask -
A lesson from Purim
Back In the middle of February I had the chance to embark on a cruise with
my two children, Samuel and Emmanuelle. I had been on a cruise before
(for only 2 nights), but they had never experienced a cruise ship before.
Everything was new for all, the shape, the cabins, the food, the movement
of the ship, the sailing experience, the breeze, the timing, etc. The second
morning, during breakfast, we played two games; the first one was to
guess how many people were on the boat and the second one was to
guess how many pounds can a regular person gain during a 4 night cruise!
We learned that the ship held around 3500 passengers plus 1000 from the
crew, and that you can gain around 5-7 pounds on a 4 night cruise.
In addition to the nights of karaoke, we loved meeting people from
different parts of the world, including the cruise’s crew. I met people from
more than 30 countries in less than 3 days. On the 3rd morning, we had
the choice to have a sit down meal instead of buffet and to my surprise we
were seated with 4 other individuals at the same table. We did not know
what to expect, I guess it was unusual. My kids were a little shy at first
until I broke the silence asking the first question. First, we thought these
4 individuals were traveling altogether, but then we discovered that they
were 2 different sets of families. The bearded man with the woman seated
next to me were together and on the other side of the table were 2 male
seniors. We had a lovely conversation with the four of them while enjoying
a delicious breakfast. When we moved on to the next activity my kids and I
had a lovely chat about the experience.
My kids started to comment: “It is so interesting how you can create
a whole movie in your head about someone until you really get to ask
questions and then you realize that the script you built is totally different!
I thought that the 2 guys were a gay couple until they mentioned their
wives…” “…and I thought that the bearded man was the husband of the
woman until he clarified that she was his mom!” “…he is in the air force
and fixes helicopters and just came back from Afghanistan!” “And she
is a principal of a Middle School in Charlotte, NC…” “….and she grew up
in Venezuela! How? Her parents were Christian missionaries…” “The
other man was in Vietnam!” It was a Pandora box full of surprises and
the only simple thing we needed to do was to ask something to start the
CANTOR
GASTÓN BOGOMOLNI
conversation and get to know who
these individuals were.
The story of Purim has many hidden
aspects in it. 1) First of all, G-d is not
mentioned even once in the whole
Megillah, though His presence is
felt throughout the 10 chapters. 2)
Some suggest that the name Esther
comes from the Hebrew word “nistar”
(hidden), so not only Hashem is
hidden from the text, but also Esther
has something to hide: her identity.
Some historians allude to the masks
and costumes we wear during Purim
celebrations as a way to hide who we
really are and others get to guess, it
is a symbolism of Esther’s role in the
story. The narration doesn’t let us
see whether King Achashverosh ever
asked Esther about her origins. King
Achashverosh never gets to know that
her real name is Hadassah and that she
comes from a nice Jewish home, why?
He never asked either. She obviously
Continues on page 36
Spring Edition 2019/2020 l Adar Bet - Nissan - Iyar - Sivan 5779
5

A Message from Our Co-Presidents
Your Mission, If YOU choose
to accept it…
As we move into the second half of 5779, we want to reflect both on this
year’s accomplishments and to look at what is in front of us. Our MISSION,
simply stated, is that Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus be a “welcoming Jewish
community.”
We’ve increased our attendance at weekly Shabbat services, and newcomers
always tell us how they love our friendly atmosphere. We make sure we
welcome people and make them feel like part of our family.
MIKE SEGAL
Just in the past month, we have had an incredible array of activities for our
congregants. We sponsored two very well attended Scholar-In-Residence
weekends, with the Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary and the
President of Schechter Institute in Israel. We welcomed speakers at other
Friday night services. We enjoyed a superb cantors’ concert. Finally, thanks
to Rabbi Rojzman we watched the most incredible presentation of a human
rights story that tied together two great Jews, Congressman William Lehman
and Rabbi Marshall Meyer, and was told in person by Debora Benchoam,
whom both helped save from political prison in Argentina. Look through this
Torah Times and you will read stories of many important accomplishments by
our members. We are PROUD of all who donate their time and energy to our
shul, and we thank them. These “missions” were accomplished through the
wonderful partnership of our incredible clergy, our lay leaders and the superb
staff of Beth Torah.
As we celebrate Purim and Pesach, we need to think of the importance of ONE
person, and how any one of US can make a difference and change history.
The story of Esther centers around the “impossible mission” that she was
given by Mordecai to save the Jewish people when no one else could do it
and at the risk of her life. She worked with Mordecai to do the planning and
then executed (no pun intended) the plan to save our people. For Pesach,
we all know of the “impossible mission” that Moses was given. He partnered
with G-d and with his brother to assist in the deliverance of our people from
slavery.
RICHARD BERGER
Our mission is not nearly as impossible as those of our ancestors. As leaders
of Beth Torah we are asking all of YOU, our congregants, to be part of our
welcoming community. Participate in services, attend programs, be on
planning committees, send in ideas for new and exciting ways to engage all our
members. TOGETHER we can help complete this year’s mission to reach out
and include people who might not have been part of the mainstream of the
community. Continues on page 37
6 BETH TORAH TIMES

A Message from Our
Director of Development
Two Unique Travel
Experience with our
Rabbis in 2019
MARSHALL BALTUCH
MAY 19 – 29
OCTOBER 28 – NOVEMBER 4
Through the generosity of the Harold E. Simon Foundation,
Richard Simon and Jennifer Desarro, 34 participants will
travel with Rabbi Farber and Marshall Baltuch for an 8
night experience in Eretz Yisrael. The trip was planned
over a year ago to offer a heavily subsidized opportunity
to those families of a Mixed Marriage or Conversion and
those families who have never been to Israel or not for a
number of years.
A diversified group will visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem (including
Shabbat), Ein Gedi, the Dead Sea & Masada, and travel
to the North to visit the Golan Heights (with a Kibbutz
experience), Tzfat, Tiberias, Acco and points between. The
travelers will visit many sites and hear from educators on
Technology, Medicine and the Israeli borders…and have fun
too! A packed 8 days and nights and more than half will
extend their trip and travel together for an experience in
Petra before returning home.
Another unique travel opportunity with Gisela and
Rabbi Rojzman, is planned for Portugal and Spain
this year. Barbara & Rob Goldfarb and Anica & David
Shpilberg are spearheading this project.
An outstanding 5 Star program has been developed
for Lisbon, Sintra, Tomar, Porto, Madrid, Toledo and
Cordoba. Those who have traveled with Gisela and
Rabbi on one of the prior trips…Cruise to Bahamas,
Argentina, Shabbat in New York, another weekend
cruise to the Bahamas and The Vatican are really
looking forward to this amazing experience.
For further information and registration for either
fantastic Beth Torah travel experience contact Marshall
Baltuch mbaltuch@btbrc.org. Spaces for Israel are
almost “sold out” for May and for Portugal and Spain
will fill up very quickly.
We hope to have our Beth Torah students studying in Israel
an opportunity to visit with the group. Please let Marla
Cohen know how we can reach them in advance . Her
email is mcohen@btbrc.org.
Spring Edition 2019/2020 l Adar Bet - Nissan - Iyar - Sivan 5779
7

A Message from Our
Chief Operating Officer
WELCOME
Finding What Works
I am writing this article from a conference in West Palm Beach with the North
American Association of Synagogue Executives (NAASE), an organization
made up of synagogue directors who dedicate their time to exchanging
their experiences as leaders in synagogues through lectures, workshops,
and break-out sessions. Made up of dedicated professionals and providing
valuable information (regarding what), it was comforting to know that we
all seem to face many similar challenges, despite how seemingly different
our congregations are. However, this does not undermine our synagogue’s
unique qualities. I will let you in on the most popular differences between
Beth Torah and just about every synagogue that is here, and boy do they
want to know how we do it!
When I explain that our religious school is included with membership,
every single one of them looks at me with bewilderment. When I tell them
that we just had 400 people come together to bake hamantashen as a way
to fundraise in order to keep the Scheck Family Religious School free to
members, that’s when their jaws hit the floor! Seriously, people’s mouths
are literally open in amazement when I tell them what we are accomplishing.
They really wanted to pick my brain about how we did it and how we sustain
it.
Truth be told, every synagogue here is careful about how they wish to
express their culture through services and activities. Some have lavish
lunches on Shabbat, while others have invested in other projects that fit
their synagogue’s overarching goal. At the end of the day, however, all of
them want strong religious schools and are fascinated by what we have
accomplished with ours. Needless to say, it is difficult to stay humble in these
situations!
Often, it is easy to forget how small projects have transformed over the years
into beautiful accomplishments, but to not only watch our religious school
grow, but to see 400 people come out to support it, well, that’s beyond
WAYNE KEIL
impressive and is only one example of
how amazingly we have things running
at Beth Torah. There is always room
for improvement within organizations,
but it is necessary to not spend all of
our time focusing on what doesn’t
work yet. This mindset holds true in
life as well. Much of the time, we allow
ourselves to get caught up in what has
gone wrong, leading to a never-ending
down-spiral of negativity. Rather, let us
take the time to celebrate what we’ve
done right and what has been alive
for so long. In the most modest way, I
assure you that we are thriving in many
areas at Beth Torah and in our lives.
Best of all, they are easy to find, we just
have to allow ourselves to see them.
Wayne Keil
Chief Executive Officer
8 BETH TORAH TIMES

SCHECK FAMILY RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
FREE RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
INCLUDED WITH MEMBERSHIP
At Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus
JEWISH EDUCATION
IS A RIGHT NOT A PRIVILEDGE
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Contact Dr. Gaby Rascovsky
grascovsky@btbrc.org 305.932.2829 x 7821

A Message from Our
Suzy Fischer Early Childhood
Academy Director
BETH TORAH TIMES – SPRING 2019
SUZY FISCHER EARLY CHILDHOOD ACADEMY
OUR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM IS BLOOMING!!
OUR EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM IS BLOOMING!!!
ANNE MANDELBAUM
Shalom from the Suzy Fischer Early Childhood Academy where we are flourishing in so many wonderful
ways.
Most importantly, our children are growing and learning each and every day with the careful guidance and
exciting programming our school is famous for.
Our families are excited to return for another year, as our re-enrollment is at almost 100%, plus many new
families who will join us for the coming school year, and we will once again add on some additional
classrooms.
“Creating Jewish Memories” for our children and families is a highlight of our
program.
Each Friday we welcome Shabbat with our children and families as we create
memorable school home connections with our Shabbat take home Bags and
Boxes, filled with Shabbat gifts.
The holidays of PURIM and PASSOVER are always fun and meaningful whether
we are we dressing up for Purim, baking hamentaschen, making our own
Matzah or enjoying a Passover Seder!! Of course, our families are part of these
events as we pass on our traditions.
Our Playground Expansion is on its way…
Thank you to the KOOLAM Parent Group, whose fundraising
efforts have enabled us to purchase a new piece of playground
equipment to enhance our courtyard playground.
We cannot wait to see our children enjoying our new addition.
The teachers and staff of the Suzy Fischer Early Childhood Academy wish our families a Happy, Healthy
Passover.
10 BETH TORAH TIMES

A Message from Our
Membership Director
Dear Families,
By the time you received this issue many things have happened and will happen
at BT. We had experienced meaningful moments such as Mitzvah Day,
Monte Carlo Night, a superb Cantors’ Concert, the “Let’s keep Calm and Make
Hamantaschen” event and we are preparing for a Journey to Persia for Purim.
All activities are designed specially for you to enhance your personal, spriritual
and communal life.
Outcomes in the inter-personal and intra-personal realms are central to
the goals of Jewish life in shul and they are a result of experiences collected
through a short or long term
What does it mean to design an experience?
Let’s begin by defining the member experience as the sum of every interaction
a member has with the synagogue or any of its official or unofficial representatives,
whether that interaction is in person, on the website, on social
media, by mail, email, or by phone. (Aimee Close, 2018) Every such interaction
has the potential to positively or negatively impact the way a person feels
about the congregation and can influence how a person experiences the Shul.
What we are trying to do is to intentionally design a set of member experiences
across all touchpoints that addresses people’s needs, appeals to their
emotions, and exceeds their expectations. Every single touch point is an opportunity
to create something new. A new memory, a new experience, a new
moment to evoke and preserve in our heart or perhaps a new friend.
Here at Beth Torah a design focused approach is based on authentic curiosity
and empathic listening, followed by collaborative work from the committees
and engagement with our members to create a transformational synagogue
experience.
GABY RASCOVSKY
Believe it or not we are approaching the
last trimester of the year, and the year goes
round and round, another Purim, Pesach,
Yom HaShoah and Yom HaAtzmaut await us
and Pesach and Shavuot, await us. It is our
hope that you will continue being an active
part of the transformative experience called
Beth Torah Family, discover new experiences
that create new memories to “file” in your
emotional archives of your heart.
As always, please feel free to contact me at
grascovsky@btbrc.org or 305. 932.2829 x
7821 at any time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gaby Rascovsky
Membership and Religious School Director
Spring Edition 2019/2020 l Adar Bet - Nissan - Iyar - Sivan 5779
11

12 BETH TORAH TIMES

BETH TORAH
BENNY ROK CAMPUS
THE OUTSTANDING
VALUES OF MEMBERSHIP
CLERGY INTERACTION
COMPLIMENTARY (CLERGY PARTICIPATION IN
MEMBERS’ LIFE CYCLE EVENTS)
EARLY CHILDHOOD ACADEMY
Suzy Fischer Early Childhood Academy
$1,000 DISCOUNT (PER CHILD)
PRIORITY ENROLLMENT &
TUITION ASSISTANCE
SUMMER CAMP
Shirley Schreiber Family Camp Simcha
UP TO $500 DISCOUNT (PER CHILD)
PRIORITY ENROLLMENT
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS
FOR LOCAL, NATIONAL AND
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS (e.g. Camp
Ramah, High School in Israel, March of the
Living)
HIGH HOLIDAYS TICKETS
FREE ($360 VALUE PER PERSON)
Service choices in English and Spanish.
AFTER SCHOOL JEWISH
EDUCATION
FREE SCHECK FAMILY RELIGIOUS SCHHOL
DISCOUNT FOR KETTLER AND LEVY FAMILIES
YOUTH CONNECTION
GIFT OF ISRAEL
BT MATCH OF $100 (PER CHILD)
GMJF MATCH OF $100 (PER CHILD)
To be applied to any community based trip to
Israel including March of the Living and Birthright.
ADULT EDUCATION
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
Programs in English and Spanish.
JOIN OUR FAMILY NOW!
Info: Dr. Gaby Rascovsky
305-932-2829 ext 7821
Grascovsky@btbrc.org

Lifecycles
“Life is lived with people.” Rabbi Ed Farber
MAZAL TOV TO:
Sandra Bacman and Fernando Halac, on the
marriage of their daughter, Stefania to David
Heyman
Marisa and Daniel Halle, on the birth of their
granddaughter, Mia and Mazal Tov to the parents,
Magali and Joshua Orlinsky
Ilene and Jay Sosenko, on the birth of their
grandson, Ilan Chaim
Marcia and Charles Orvieto, on the marriage of their
daughter, Dr. Andrea Orvieto to Kevin Hirshorn
Geniene and Bob Shelley on their marriage
Sagette and Bryan Landman, on the birth of
their daughter, Charlotte and a Mazal Tov to the
grandparents, Abraham Landman and Tamara and
Sylvain Van Embden
Bette Joy Field, on the birth of her grandson, Daniel
Donald Kaufman
Gaby Rascovsky, Beth Torah’s Religious School
Director and Membership Director, was awarded her
PHD. We congratulate “Dr G “
Judge Caryn Canner Schwartz, on being recognized
on the floor of the US House of Representatives, on
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Tina and Myron Cohen, on the birth of their
granddaughter, Ayelet Maayan and to the proud
parents Jennifer and Daniel Cohen and their siblings
Betzalel, Noam and Tali
Marissa and Richard Feldman, on the birth of their
son, Ari Max Feldman and a special Mazal Tov to the
grandparents Karen, and Michael Matluck and the
Feldman family
Ivana and Yankel Schwartz, on the naming of their
daughter, Rebecca Greenfeld
Mazal Tov to Holli and Howard Greenfield, on the
marriage of their daughter, Samantha to Justin Lewis
14 BETH TORAH TIMES

CONDOLENCES TO:
Glenn and Adriana Gopman, Miles & Bruce (Sherry)
and Crystal (Ashok), Gregory, Alyssa, Jared (Cher) &
Danial (Alicia) and Ilan, Asha & Julius, in memory
of beloved mother, grandmother and great
grandmother, F. Scott “Scotty” Gopman
Phyllis and Steven Sheinman, and the entire Brilliant,
Kahn, and Sheinman Families, in memory of beloved
mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Linda
Brilliant
Sabrina and Ruben Patrich and Family, in memory of
beloved mother, Raquel Roitberg
Aimee Kasimow and Family, in memory of beloved
mother, Linda Marx
Dr Linda and Jerome Marks and Family, in memory
of beloved mother, Charlotte Grimson
Graciela and Daniel Cababie and Valeria and Ozzie
Schindler and Family, in memory of beloved mother
and grandmother, Yosefa Bat Tufik v’ Sara
Sandra and Eric Friedman, Marla and Michael
Cotzen, Julie and Andrew Rodman and Ryan, Ross,
Emily and Allie in memory of beloved mother,
grandmother and great grandmother, Myrtle
Friedman
Sandra and Eric Friedman and Carol Greener, on the
passing of their beloved aunt, Reva Labow
Susan and Marvin Tuchklaper, Jeffrey and Ayden
Tuchklaper, Etta and Melissa Epstein and Jessica and
Kevin Plotkin and Sally, in memory of beloved son,
brother, uncle, cousin and grandson, Daniel Eric
Tuchklaper
Ask Dr. Keruv
Q: Dear Dr. Keruv,
My daughter-in-law’s family is not Jewish. They
are coming to our Seder for the first time. They
have reciprocated by inviting me to their home on
Easter Sunday. I have never attended any of their
holiday celebrations and am totally uncomfortable
with Christmas and Easter. This year Easter Sunday
falls out during Passover. Since I observe Passover
I know there will be a problem with the dinner
menu. What do I do?
Matzah Mommy from Miami
A: Dear Matzah Mommy from Miami,
Since the in-laws are coming out of respect for your
traditions it should now be easier to attend theirs
for the sake of family harmony. You will make your
daughter-in-law and her family very happy if you
attend. Explain to your daughter-in-law that you
follow certain traditions and mitzvot and special
dietary laws for Passover. Tell her not to be insulted
but that you will prepare some Passover dishes
and will make enough for others to share. It is
very important that they know how important the
holiday of Passover is to you as a practicing Jew.
Dr.Keruv
This column will be printed in the Beth Torah
Times each edition.
If you have a question, please email
drkeruv@hotmail.com or
Mail to
Dr. Keruv
Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus
20350 NE 26th Avenue
N. Miami Beach, Fl. 33180
Spring Edition 2019/2020 l Adar Bet - Nissan - Iyar - Sivan 5779
15

Mazal Tov to our
B’nai Mitzvah
February 7 ARIEL GUGIG
Son of Jenny Tettner Gugig & Alfredo Gugig
March 15 SOPHIE TABB
Daughter of Michele & David
April 4 LUCA SERRAVITE
Son of Eugenia & Daniel
May 4 UZIEL SIMON ISMAN
Son of Gisela & Mariano
May 5 JOSHUA KRUTCHIK
Son of Stephanie & Scott z”l
May 18 EVAN SEIFER
Son of Rachel & David
May 27 ELI BOROJOVICH
Son of Ivanna & Diego
May 30 ALAN CLAIMAN
Son of Laura & Damian
June 4 MATTHEW GREENSPAN
Son of Janice & Mark
16 BETH TORAH TIMES

Candle lighting Times
for Shabbat and Parashiot
March 23 Tzav 7:15PM
March 30 Shemini/Shabbat Parah 7:18PM
April 6 Tazriya 7:21PM
April 13 Metzora/Shabbat Hagadol 7:25PM
April 19 1st night of Pesach 7:28PM
April 20 2nd night of Pesach 8:28PM
April 27 8th day of Pesach/Yizkor 7:32PM
May 4 Acharei Mot 7:35PM
May 11 Kedoshim 7:39PM
May 18 Emor 7:43PM
May 25 Behar 7:47PM
Welcome our New Members
Gena & Uri Strauss
Paola Chernomoletz & Alejandro Hoffman
Michelle Dempsey
Johana & Javier Rabinovich
Rosa & Benjamin Perelman
Robin Stein
Dana & Steven Marin
July & Roberto Knoll
Marlene & Craig Sirota
Daniela Moshon & Horacio Rosentgberg
Johanna Gallego & Alan Vaisberg
Esther & Ariel Bromberg
Steven Lubell
Daniela Sujoy & Luciano Harguindeguy

The
Shabbat
Event
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019 AT 6:30 PM
HONORING
ADRIANA & EDGAR HALAC
AMY DEAN & ALAN KLUGER
RONNA & MIKE SEGAL
OUR LEADERS OF DISTINCTION
MARCIA & JEFFREY FRANTZ
BARBARA & ROBERT GOLDFARB
ANICA & DAVID SHPILBERG
EVENT CHAIRS
AMY & HOWARD CHAFETZ
JOURNAL CHAIRS
ANA KARINA & JONATHAN POLITANO
HOST COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Ad Journal
OPPORTUNITIES
Event Sponsor........................... $25,000
includes 20 guests
Dinner Sponsor......................... $18,000
includes 16 guests
Ad Journal Sponsor................... $10,000
includes 14 guests
Platinum .................................. $3,600
includes 4 guests
Pearl ........................................ $2,500
includes 3 guests
Diamond ....................................$1,800
includes 2 guests
Program Sponsor....................... $5,000
Gold ......................................... $1,000
includes 6 guests
(all above double pages)
Silver Page ................................ $700 Half Page .................................. $300
Bronze Page ............................... $600 Quarter Page ............................. $180
Full Page ................................... $500 Eighth Page .............................. $100
AD SPECIFICATIONS: Page size is 5.5” wide X 8.5” tall. Text, photos and ads may be submitted via e-
mail to skrug@btbrc.org. Acceptable formats for composed ads and images are jpg, PDF, and tiff. If you
are submitting a text-only ad/tribute, we will typeset it for you.
For further information, call Sherry Krug at 305-932-2829 ext. 7807
DEADLINE FOR ADS IS MARCH 11
First $1,800 in ads receives 2 tickets to The Shabbat . Event Solicited by:
Total Amount due: $___________Check enclosed Please bill my ¨ Visa ¨ MasterCard ¨ Amex
Card # __________________________exp._____ Signature ___________________________
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Billing Address:
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Email:
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Please return this completed form, along with payment/payment information, to:
Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus, 20350 NE 26 Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33180

March 20, 2019
6-8pm
Beth Torah
Benny Rok Campus
Purim Quest
A Family Journey
Come in costume and embark on a Family Adventure at Beth
Torah Benny Rok Campus as we all travel back 2000 years and
the whole building turns into Shushan town!
Discover Persia, participate in a Royal Music Parade, make a mitzvah at Mordechai’s
Mishloach Manot & Matanot L’Evyonim, make your own gragger & masks, stay for the
Grand Finale for the surprise activity and our own BTBRC cool Purim video,
and finish with a delicious Ice Cream party!
Your Journey at Beth Torah’s
PURIM QUEST
Welcome to Persia!
By the Perez Chapel Door
Discover Persia
Lobby
Begin your
Purim Quest
Perez Chapel
PurimFinale
Deakter Balroom
Megillah Alive!
Deakter Balroom
Royal Parade
Perez Chapel
Ice Cream Party
Sukkah Patio
Mordechai’s Mishloach Manot
& Matanot L ’Evyonim
Lobby
(Persian Costume encouraged)
Followed by Traditional Megillah Reading at 8:15pm (Perez Chapel)
20 BETH TORAH TIMES

Purim Day
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019
Purim at BTBRC is not over yet!
ENJOY THE DAY OF PURIM
WITH MORE LEARNING!
7:30 AM
Shacharit & Traditional Megillah Reading
(Perez Chapel)
12:00-1:30 PM
Special Purim Lunch & Learn
with Rabbi Rojzman & Cantor Bogomolni
"Blotting Out Haman on Purim, Why and How we shake the Grogger"
"Megillat Esther, The Most Mystical Book in Jewish Literature"
Adult Price $18 - RSVP mcohen@btbrc.org
Spring Edition 2019/2020 l Adar Bet - Nissan - Iyar - Sivan 5779
21

1
CALLING ALL
SOCIAL ACTION VOLUNTEERS
CARTONS FOR A CAUSE
Help support our local Kosher Food Bank by participating
in our Spring Passover Event!
Reuse/Recycle your empty Amazon boxes by filling them up with these
KOSHER FOR PASSOVER items.
Gefilte fish
Mayonnaise
Applesauce
Cinnamon
Jelly/Jam
Cleaning Products
Canned tuna
Gluten Free Matzah
Oil
2
3
Bring filled boxes to the Kosher Food Bank and stay to help sort and stock
their shelves.
Can’t stay? Just bring your boxes and the Social Action Volunteers will empty
them and stock the shelves for you.
Kosher Food Bank
15455 West Dixie Highway, Bay R
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
We look forward to seeing you!
Sunday, April 14th
10:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m
If you have any questions you can call Gisela Rojzman 786.587.7900 or Helen Marcoshamer 786.556.3629
22 BETH TORAH TIMES

“...As my father planted for me before I was born,
so do I plant for those who willcome after me.”
- Talmud Ta’amit
Contributions &
Yahrzeit Donations
Beth Torah gratefully acknowledges
these gifts of Tzedakah, from
December 2018 to March 2019.
The Officers and Board of Directors, Professional and Office Staff join in expressing our
Mazal Tov or Condolences to the following families:
GENERAL FUND
Received from…
Judy and Joel Feinman in memory of David Dobin, beloved
brother of Judi and Bob Billig and Family
Alyne and Abbey Kaplan, in memory of beloved Murray Kaplan
Ramsey and Henry Pevsner, in memory of Marcia Baker
Eileen and Mel Zuckerman, in memory of beloved mother, Rose
Horowitz
Bernard Nissman, in memory of beloved Louis Nissman and
Gladys Rich
Harvey Friedman, in memory of beloved Florence Friedman
Maria Rojas, in honor of George Weisselberger’s mother
Ellen and Howard Sprechman, in memory of our beloved
daughter, Melanie Beth Sprechman
Burton Young, in memory of beloved wife, Sheila
Roni Laskin, in memory of beloved Jonathan Laskin
Gila Issenberg, in memory of beloved Bertha Boxer
Harry Zimmerman, in memory of beloved sister, Ruth Kazlow
and beloved father, William Zimmerman
Sandy Moskovitz, in memory of beloved mother, Sadye Klar,
Aunt Esther Weinman and Grandfather, Sam Weinman
Sandy Moskovitz, in memory of beloved Sarah Moskovitz and
Nathan Weinman
Feiga Rosell, in memory of beloved Malke Waserstein
Justine and Stanley Warmbrandt, in memory of beloved father,
Joseph Warmbrandt
Justine and Stanley Warmbrandt, in memory of beloved
mother, Lillian Warmbrandt
Robert Shelley, in memory of beloved father, Paul Shelley
Linda and Steve Steiner, in memory of beloved parents, Else
and Herman Steiner
Linda and Gil Drozdow, in memory of beloved grandfather,
David Neiman
Spring Edition 2019/2020 l Adar Bet - Nissan - Iyar - Sivan 5779
23

Lois Koppel,in memory of beloved husband, William
Perry Phillips, in memory of beloved Bronia Nedelman
Sebastian Sagranichne, in memory of beloved Pedro Pablo
Sagranichne
Charles Block, in memory of beloved wife, Lorraine
Cheryl and Ruben Kloda, in memory of beloved son, Stuart
Kloda
Sy Hammer, in memory of beloved Leonard Hammer
Sy Hammer, in memory of beloved Isadore Hammer
Perry Phillips, in memory of beloved Rudolph Phillips
Mirta Serebrinsky, in memory of beloved Esther Messer
Nina Marcovich, in memory of loving Bernice White
Debbie Friedman, in memory of beloved Morris Newman
Deborah Berkowitz, in memory of beloved mother, Carol
Tellerman
Diane and Sandy Weinstein in memory of beloved mother and
grandmother of Aimee Kasimow, Linda Marx, with our deepest
sympathy of your precious mother
Avra Glicksman, in memory of beloved mother, Judy Frank
Diane and Marcos Gorfinkel, in memory of beloved Leon
Gorfinkel and Morris Weintraub
Morris Deakter, a yahrzeit donation
Elsa Glucksberg, in memory of beloved Anna Meier
Amy Dean, in memory of beloved parents, George and Esther
Dean
Herbert Goldberg, in memory of beloved wife, Peggy Goldberg
Bob Shelley, in memory of beloved grandson, Joseph Isicoff
Sharon Lior, in memory of her beloved father, grandfather and
great grandfather, Berek Glucksberg
Karen and Michael Matluck, in memory of beloved father,
Harry Matluck
Etta Epstein, in memory of Linda Marx beloved mother of
Aimee Kasimow and Family
Raquel Feldman, in memory of beloved Szymon Paklak
Paula and Joel Levy, in memory of beloved Frieda Katz
Harvey Friedman, in memory of beloved Myer Friedman
Marcia and Joel Hochberg, in memory of Charlotte Grimson,
beloved mother of Linda Marks and Family
Marcia and Joel Hochberg, in memory of Irving Hyman relative
of Ellis Hyman and Family
Abraham Feldman, in memory of beloved Haica Feldman
Aileen and Eric Berger, in honor of Gisela and Rabbi Rojzman, to
thank them for inviting them to the Shabbat reunion dinner
Karen and Michael Matluck, in honor of the birth of their
grandson, Ari Max Feldman
Marjorie Rosenblat, in honor of Lenore Elias wishing you the
happiest birthday yet. Love Carol, Terri, Rose and Marge
Aventura City Commission, in honor of Geniene and Bob
Shelley’s Wedding
Marla and Jason Neufeld a general donation
Nina Marcovich, in honor of Judy and Rich Berger
IN MEMORY OF F SCOTT “SCOTTY” GOPMAN
BELOVED MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER AND GREAT
GRANDMOTHER OF GLENN AND ADRIANA
GOPMAN AND FAMILY
IN MEMORY OF RAQUEL ROITBERG, BELOVED
MOTHER OF SABRINA AND RUBEN PATRICH AND
FAMILY
IN MEMORY OF YOSEFA BAT TUFIK V’SARA,
BELOVED MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER OF
GRACIELA AND DANIEL CABABIE AND VALERIA
AND OZZIE SCHINDLER AND FAMILY
IN MEMORY OF MYRTLE FRIEDMAN, BELOVED
MOTHER, OF SANDRA AND ERIC FRIEDMAN,
GRANDMOTHER OF MARLA AND MICHAEL COTZEN
AND JULIE AND ANDREW RODMAN AND GREAT
GRANDMOTHER OF RYAN AND ROSS COTZEN AND
EMILY AND ALLIE RODMAN
IN MEMORY OF DANIEL ERIC TUCHKLAPER
BELOVED SON OF SUSAN AND MARVIN
TUCHKLAPER, BROTHER OF JEFFREY, UNCLE
OF AYDEN AND COUSIN OF ETTA AND MELISSA
EPSTEIN AND JESSICA AND KEVIN PLOTKIN AND
GRANDSON OF SALLY
Received from…
Gisela and Rabbi Mario Rojzman and Family
Laurie and Rabbi Ed Farber and Family
Marcela and Cantor Gaston Bogomolni and Family
Wayne Keil
Rochelle and Marshall Baltuch and Family
Ronna and Mike Segal and Family
Judy and Rich Berger and Family
Raquel and Michael Scheck and Family
24 BETH TORAH TIMES

The Beth Torah office staff Teri, Sherry, Marla, Lea, Veronica and
Catalina
Bette Joy Field
Etta Epstein
Helene and Stanley Sinclair
Randi and Jacob Benedek and Family
Nancy and Charles Benedek and Family
Donna Benedek and Family
Catherine and Brian Benedek
Lea and Alex Benedek
KETTLER & LEVY FAMILIES YOUTH CONNECTION
Received from…
Lenore Elias, in memory of beloved Leonard Elias
Annette Willis, in memory of beloved husband, Sheldon Willis
and beloved father, Abraham Sheingold
Karen Matluck, in memory of beloved father, Max Schmutter
(Mordechai ben Kalman)
Justine and Stanley Warmbrandt, in memory of beloved sister,
Amy Phyllis
Audre Niedenthal, in memory of my beloved grandfather, Sam
Horowitz
EVELYN and MONROE MITCHEL and FAMILY
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Received from…
Lois Danis, in memory of beloved husband, Alan
Bernard Nissman, in memory of beloved wife, Evelyn, and
beloved Irving Nissman
Evelyn and Monroe Mitchel, in memory of beloved mother,
Ann Mitchel, beloved brother, Charles Benjamin and beloved
grandmother, Pauline Benjamin
Susan Koslovsky, in memory of beloved mother, Gertrude
Greenberg
Bette Joy Field, in memory of beloved parents, Louis and Sade
Cooper
Eileen and Karen Nissman, in memory of beloved mother,
Evelyn Nissman
Bette Joy Field, in memory of beloved husband, Egon
BT2U
Received from…
Marjorie Epstein Aloni, in memory of beloved George Epstein
SCHECK FAMILY RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
Received from…
Samuel Kaplan, in memory of beloved Zalman Kaplan
Carole Fink, in memory of beloved father-in law, Bernard Fink
Samuel Kaplan, in memory of beloved Frieda Kaplan and Samuel
Potash
KIDDUSH FUND
Received from…
Judi and Joel Feinman, in memory of beloved mother, Fanchon
Feinman
Dora Katz, in memory of beloved husband, Jose
Sharon Blumberg, in memory of beloved son, Joel Andrew
Gellar
Victor Fleischman, in memory of beloved father, Abraham
Fleischman
Goldie Wigutow, in memory of beloved husband, Sol
Candace Brook, in memory of beloved nephew, Jacob Shifman
Harvey Issenberg, in memory of a family member
Joan Tobe, in memory of beloved husband, Barry
Feiga Rosell, in memory of beloved Boris Kalmanovich
SCHREIBER CAMP SIMCHA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Received from…
Carole Fink, in memory of beloved Father, Tully H Scheiner
Julie Berkowitz, in memory of beloved Cary Fishman
PHYLLIS & STEVE SHEINMAN CHARITABLE TRUST
FOR YOUTH EVENTS AND SUMMER ACTIVITIES
IN MEMORY OF LINDA BRILLIANT BELOVED
MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER AND GREAT
GRANDMOTHER OF PHYLLIS AND STEVEN
SHEINMAN, ENTIRE BRILLIANT, KAHN AND
SHEINMAN FAMILIES
Received from…
Gisela and Rabbi Mario Rojzman and Family
Laurie and Rabbi Ed Farber and Family
Marcela and Cantor Gaston Bogomolni and Family
Wayne Keil
Rochelle and Marshall Baltuch and Family
Ronna and Mike Segal and Family
Spring Edition 2019/2020 l Adar Bet - Nissan - Iyar - Sivan 5779
25

Judy and Rich Berger and Family
Raquel and Michael Scheck and Family
The Beth Torah office staff Teri, Sherry, Marla, Lea, Veronica and
Catalina
Bette Joy Field
Robin and Marc Lewin
Etta Epstein
Molly and Eugene Lipman
Aileen and Eric Berger
Ruth Axman
Vita and Daniel Hotte
Lisa Cohen
Robert Rosenberg
Amy and Marc Gittleman
Jodi and Larry Most
Arlene Keil
Marcia and Jeffrey Frantz
Diane Bellovin
Irit Daiksel
Abby Gorlick
Sylvia & Peter Dreyfuss
Karen Firestone
Irit Lederman
Melody Hertz
Marcia and Joel Hochberg
Robin Papkin
Sonya Lederer
SPANISH MAJZORIM FOR IAMIM NORAIM
Received from…
Victor Fleischman, in memory of beloved Elisa Fleischman
WARREN HENRY AUTO GROUP AND THE ZINN
FAMILY LEV SHALEM MACHZOR FUND
Received from…
Sharon Blumberg, in memory of beloved, Lawrence Blumberg
Sharon Blumberg, in memory of your beloved father, William E
Mackubin Jr
Joyce and Sy Charoff, a donation in memory of beloved family
member
Arlene Keil, in memory of beloved father, William Rabinowitz
LEV SHALEM FOR SHABBAT AND FESTIVALS
Received from…
Renee Lerman, in memory of beloved father, Josef Berger
Beatrice and Marcos Drobiner, in memory of beloved Esther
Itzkovits
Joyce and Sy Chadroff, in memory of beloved mother, Gussie
Eisenberg
EVA AND HELMUT WELLISCH ETZ HAYIM
CHUMASH FUND
Received from…
Bette Joy Field, in honor of the marriage of Commissioner Bob
and Geniene Shelley
Bette Joy Field, in honor of the birth of her grandson, Daniel
Donald Kaufman
SUZY FISCHER EARLY CHILDHOOD ACADEMY
Received from…
Tamara Wohl, in memory of beloved Paula Schacter and Simcha
Schacter
Tina and Myron Cohen, in memory of beloved mother, Clara
Glasberg
PATTI MINTZ CAMP RAMAH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Received from…
Shelly Lipson, in memory beloved father, Meyer Dorfman
KERI BROOKE HEIKEN COLLEGE OUTREACH FUND
Received from…
Harriet Hans, in memory of beloved son, Larry Hans
RABBI FARBER’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Received from…
Glenn Gopman in loving memory of his mother, Scotty Gopman
Robin and Larry Willis in loving memory of Robin’s Uncle Lloyd
on the occasion of the dedication of his Memorial Stone
Amit and Olga Ancikovsky in honor of their wedding
Elva Preper in loving memory of Roz Singer
RABBI ROJZMAN’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Received from…
Holly and Howard Greenfield, in honor of Samantha and Justin’s
wedding. Thank you,Rabbi
26 BETH TORAH TIMES

You may also send your tax-deductible donations to these other funds:
- SECURITY
- MIRIAM AND SEYMOUR FELDSTEIN LIKRAT SHABBAT FUND
- RABBI MAX A LIPSCHITZ YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
- MARSHALL BALTUCH USY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
- SUZANNE LIPSON ISRAEL PROGRAMS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
- DR. STUART KLODA CAMP RAMAH AND YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
- RUTH WAGNER SHAPIRO YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
- JENNY LERMAN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL FUND
- MORRIS STEIN MEMORIAL FUND
- DR. SHULAMIT KATZMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR JEWISH EDUCATION
Spring Edition 2019/2020 l Adar Bet - Nissan - Iyar - Sivan 5779
27

News from Sisterhood
Many things have been happening with Sisterhood,
since our last article. We want to thank Judy Feinman
for chairing our annual Game Day in February. There
were many Mah Jongg games going on, while other
women were learning how to play Bananagrams and
Apples to Apples. A fun time was had by all who
attended.
We have supported the Beth Torah community
through our donations to the Argentenor Concert,
Keep Calm and Bake Hamentashen and The Shabbat
Event, which will be coming up in April.
Sisterhood was very busy presenting Sisterhood
Shabbat on the weekend of March 9th. Yasher
Kocheich to all who participated. We were thrilled to
have Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields, Executive Director of
Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, give the
Shabbat sermons, as well as having Margie Miller,
President of WLCJ and Jill Tomar, past FL Region
President in attendance.
On Sunday, March 10th, we hosted the annual
Women’s League Board Meeting. Our guest speaker
was Shahar Azani, former Executive Director of
StandWithUs Northeast Region. StandWithUs offers
pro-Israel events and provides resources to become
empowered to educate others about Israel.
As we enter Adar II, we know that Purim is coming
soon and that means it is time to get your orders in for
Hamentashen! We have a variety of fillings for these
seasonal treats. Whether you like the traditional poppy
seed or love chocolate or guava, there are flavors for
all tastes! Send your orders in now! We thank Goldie
Wigutow for her dedication in ensuring that we get the
best Hamentashen in the area.
Just think, one month after Purim, Pesach will be here!
You will have the opportunity to place an order for Pesah
flowers in the near future. They are always a beautiful
addition to your Seder table or make a wonderful hostess
gift if you are invited to someone’s house.
Sisterhood’s next meeting will be held on April 7 and we
want you to think “Passover Outside the Matza Box”!
Stay tuned for the upcoming flyer and come experience
some new, non-traditional recipes and more!
Chag Sameach!
Judy Berger and Etta Birenbaum Epstein
Sisterhood Co-Presidents
28 BETH TORAH TIMES

News from the Scheck Family Religious School
Dear Families Shalom,
We hope this issue finds you well.
Incredibly we are approaching the end
of the year and we have experienced an
intense learning cycle filled with many
teaching-learning opportunities, for our
students and families. During the past
months every grade level had their own
Shabbat dinner attended with over 120
participants, hosted a Religious School
Havdalah, a grandparents and special
friends Shabbat and a memorable
multigenerational Hamantaschen
making in addition to the weekly
sessions.
Our educational program could
not be conducted without the
unconditional support of our families
and students that attend school
weekly, the tireless dedication of our
teachers, the invaluable work of our
parents in supporting each and every
learning opportunity for these “young
mentcheles” we are cultivating and, of
course, could not have been possible
without the support of the Beth
Torah leadership especially our V.P of
Education Mindy Kurkin. Kudos to all of
them.
In our Scheck Family Religious School
we often call our students our
“scholars”, because they are being
nurtured with the Jewish legacy, the
heritage to be transmitted to the
future, while interpreting, adapting
and growing in the challenging world of
modernity.
The notion of education as a vehicle for
growth in the interpersonal spheres,
how we interact with our students,
understand them, and manage
emotional experiences has a lengthy
history, education has long been about
more than what one knows, educational
goals extend to the type of person
one becomes as defined by one’s
social behaviors and the emotional
dynamics that help govern those
behaviors. The importance of the
socio- affective elements in our
curricula and programs not only
intends to enhance the content
learning but also as outcomes
inextricably related to Jewish life
and practices. The year is not over
yet. In the next few weeks we will
experience the Family Journey to
Persia as well as the commemoration
of Yom HaShoah, a Passover
Seder and the celebration of Yom
HaAtzmaut and the closing of the
year.
We truly believe that by providing
a balanced combination between
formal and informal learning
experience for students and families
we are preserving the legacy of the
Jewish people while educating our
children as the Young Mentcheles of
today and tomorrow.
Thank you all, for being partners
with us in the sacred task of Jewish
education knowing that at the
Scheck Family Religious School
Jewish education is a right and not a
privilege.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gaby Rascovsky & The Scheck
Family Religious School Team
Spring Edition 2019/2020 l Adar Bet - Nissan - Iyar - Sivan 5779
29

News from the YOUTH GROUP
USY & KADIMA
30 BETH TORAH TIMES

Spring Edition 2019/2020 l Adar Bet - Nissan - Iyar - Sivan 5779
31

WEDNESDAY
APRIL 24TH
3 PM – 5 PM
BETH TORAH
SPECIAL NEEDS
MITZVAH SEDER
MUSIC . SINGING . DANCING . GREAT KOSHER FOR PASSOVER FOOD
Source: www.jkidphilly.org
BETH TORAH BENNY ROK CAMPUS WELCOMES
A SPECIAL NEEDS ADULT POPULATION TO A SEDER
FUN - MEMORABLE - NO COST
AT BETH TORAH - 20350 NE 26TH AVE AND IVES DAIRY RD., MIAMI, FL 33180
CALL TO RESERVE A SEAT - (305) 932.2829 OR RICH BERGER AT RBERGER@BTBRC.ORG BY APRIL 10TH
32 BETH TORAH TIMES

Spring Edition 2019/2020 l Adar Bet - Nissan - Iyar - Sivan 5779
33

34 BETH TORAH TIMES

Spring Edition 2019/2020 l Adar Bet - Nissan - Iyar - Sivan 5779
35

Continued from Page 4
RABBI FARBER MESSAGE
that Americans and their representatives really could
support the Jewish state Omar said that support for
Israel is all about the “Benjamins” – the $100 bill which
has Benjamin Franklin on it. In other words, support for
Israel is being ‘bought’ by Jewish money!!
That recalls the classic anti-Semitic trope that Jews have
too much influence and power because of their wealth.
Many Mordechais and Esthers both from our Jewish
community and the American Gentile community
rose up with strong words of condemnation for these
ugly anti-Semitic words. That’s the other lesson of
the Megillah. You need fellow Jews in high places and
friends in the gentile community willing to stand up for
you in order to survive in this world. That there is anti-
Semitism even in this freest and most open country in
the world is disturbing but if you pay attention to the
Megillah you’ll know that there is always a Haman out
there. We grogger to remind ourselves to watch out for
Haman and shout him down as soon as he/she raises
his/her ugly head. After the murderous attack on the
synagogue in Pittsburgh and after the ugly anti-Semitic
remarks by a newly elected US Congresswoman we saw
a strong response in support of the Jewish community.
That is what is encouraging. There are always anti-
Semites but there aren’t always a Mordechai and
Esther and supportive non-Jews to come to the defense
of the Jewish community. In America, the answer
thus far is very positive and that is the reason we can
celebrate and enjoy the Purim holiday with confidence
but with a commitment to never let our guard down.
And we must be in the forefront of fighting Haman
like bigotry and hatred for other groups in this country
because what starts with the Jews never stops with the
Jews and what starts with other minorities never stops
only with them. Every minority group is subject to this
hatred and if we unite - guess what - we become the
majority fighting hatred and bigotry from wherever it
emanates in this blessed nation.
Continued from Page 5
CANTOR GASTON MESSAGE
got instructions from her uncle Mordechai to keep quiet
about her identity, but at the same time, the King never
asked anyway.
Sometimes in life, we prefer to make up our own
scripts and movies about people. Sometimes it might
seem better not to know. Whether it is a new face, old
acquaintances or relatives we tend to make up stories
about their lives and their backgrounds, but we barely
open up an honest and real conversation to get the
chance to know them. At least, I used to be very shy
about approaching new people and believe me that my
assumptions were always wrong! Our Beth Torah is a big
family of 750 family members, and yet we can’t tell that
we really know well our fellow congregants we see every
day at minyan or weekly on Shabbat. We sit next to each
other, we may study together on the myriad of classes
we offer, spend time together at community dinners or
our kids are Religious School classmates, and yet, we still
have no clue about what they do for a living or where
they hail from. Let’s take the chance to learn from the
Purim story and re-write the way we learn about each
other’s stories and backgrounds. Next time you are in the
presence of someone you see every day, take the time
to get to know them a little bit more in depth, you’ll be
surprise!
Chag Purim Sameach!
Cantor Gastón Bogomolni
LIKE US ON
facebook.com/beth.torah
Rabbi Ed Farber
36 BETH TORAH TIMES

Continued from Page 6
CO-PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
• We’ve undertaken a year-long program with USCJ
(United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism) to look at
ways to reach out to interfaith families in our community.
This initiative will include changes to our membership
application and processes as well as helping the non-Jewish
spouse feel a warmth coming from our community.
• Based on feedback from participants, our Purim
celebration this year will be a “Quest” with special stations
and “Shushan Village” ambiance all leading up to both a
Megillah reading and an ice cream social on Wednesday
night, March 20th. It will be special for adults and children
alike.
• Our inclusion initiative for Pesach will take place on
April 24th. We will be creating and hosting the first ever
Community Special Needs Mitzvah Seder from 3-5 PM here
at Beth Torah. This Seder, the brainstorm of one of our
congregants, Rabbi Geoffrey Botnick, will be designed for
those with physical or cognitive disabilities. We hope to help
each people feel the warmth of a Passover Seder designed
especially for them…with Passover food and music. It will
include participation from our clergy and BTBRC members
as well as the Jewish Federation, AJSE, and other Jewish
community organizations in Broward and Miami-Dade
counties. We are asking YOU to volunteer that day to be
a mentor/partner paired 1-1 with an attendee. Please
look for the flyers/notices about the Seder. Let’s show
the other organizations what Beth Torah stands for as the
leading synagogue in our community!
We hope that you enjoy and appreciate our services,
programs, our outreach, and our desire to be a special
Jewish community. Your thoughts help us create our
community spirit, so please send us (msegal@btbrc.
org or rberger@btbrc.org ) any suggestions you have for
programs or other ways to engage you, your family, or
our whole community in our mission to be a welcoming
Jewish family based on this teaching from Pirkei Avot
(Ethics of our Fathers):
On three things the world stands.
• On Torah [Jewish learning and values],
• On service [of G-d],
• And on acts of human kindness.
Chag Sameach…may we all find goodness in ourselves,
our family and our community.
B’shalom
Rich Berger, President
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taxes lunch and learn_Layout 1 3/11/19 10:23 a.m. Page 1
Lunch and Learn
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 12 noon to 2 p.m.
BETH TORAH BENNY ROK CAMPUS
Can a Donor Advised Fund lower my taxes?
The new tax law makes itemizing deductions less beneficial for many. A
Donor Advised Fund can address these limitations. It is like a charitable
investment account which allows a large contribution in one year to be
used to support charities of your choice for years into the future.
• tax deduction is immediate
• yearly contributions can be bunched into one year to increase
deductions above the threshhold for that year
• appreciated securities can be donated to avoid tax on gains
• funds contributed are invested and continue to
grow until granted to a charity
Beth Torah members and non-members $12
(price includes box lunch)
Please reserve and pay by May 24th
Participants will be contacted regarding choice of lunch prior to the event.
Vegetarian and gluten free options will be available.
To register online go to http://www.btbrc.org/organizer/culture-club/
Questions or help registering, call Beth Torah Culture Club
Program Coordinator Linda Finkin at 305-933-1001
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Being
first.
It’s in her
blood.
Tehila Brezinger
First Responder
We’re Israel’s emergency medical services organization,
Magen David Adom. Your gift will help our 25,000 EMTs
make Israel stronger and its future safer. Please give today.
Saving lives. It’s in our blood – and it’s in yours, too.
Save a life in Israel with a gift to support Magen David Adom.
Donate on AFMDA.org/give or call 561.835.0510
afmda.org
42 BETH TORAH TIMES

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ADDRESS
Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus
20350 NE 26th Ave,
North Miami Beach, FL 33180.
CONTACT
Email: info@btbrc.com
Main Office Phone: 305-932-2829
WWW.BTBRC.ORG i facebook.com/BETH.TORAH