Messages From The Mountain, October 2010

October 2010/ Tishrei—Heshvan 5771 Number 614
Temple Mount Sinai Shabbat Retreat in the Mountains of New Mexico

Friday, October 29 - Sunday, October 31, 2010
Join family and friends on a journey up to programming for children, teens, families, and
Sacramento, New Mexico, for Temple Mt. adults; Shabbat services; adventure activities;
Sinai’s annual Shabbat Retreat. Escape the Torah study; campfire and s’mores, and a
pressures of life in El Paso and enjoy a talent show.
peaceful Shabbat. We will stay at the beautiful Our theme for the weekend is “Leaving a
Sacramento Methodist Assembly Retreat & Positive Mark”. Our torah portion will be
Conference Center. This retreat is perfect for Chayei Sarah, and through Sarah’s family we
single adults, teens, couples, and families with will explore the idea of creating an ethical will.
children. We provide a variety of Please contact Alanna Bach at
programming appropriate for all types of abach@templemountsinai.com or 328-6062
participants. The faculty for the retreat will be with any questions. You will find a
Rabbi Larry Bach, Rabbi Jordana Chernow- registration form inside this newsletter. The
Reader, Stacy Berry, and Alanna Bach. registration is due by Friday, October 15. This
Retreat activities will include: family fun; adult retreat is open to everyone. Come and enjoy.
learning and social time; thematic
“A Safe Place for Everyone”

I am writing this column in the last days of the surreptitiously recorded him kissing another
fall festival season. The prescribed emotion is man, and posted the recordings on the internet
joy. Vesamachta bechagecha, vehayita ach sameach, to his Twitter feed. This story makes me sad,
“You shall rejoice in your festival; be entirely outraged, and ashamed.
joyful!” I’m doing my best, but it’s hard when I’m sad for a life cut short, and for all the other
the picture that stares at me from every screen people whose lives will be affected by what
is that Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi, happened. I’m outraged at the criminal act of
zichrono livracha. Clementi’s roommate and his friend, who
Clementi, of course, is the young man who seem to have at a minimum invaded his
jumped to his death from the George
Washington Bridge after his roommate (Continued on page 17)
Messages from the Mountain Page 2 October 2010/ Tishrei—Heshvan 5771
Worship Schedule October
October 8-9 October 29-30

Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Parashat Chayei Sara
Parashat Noach Friday, October 29
Friday, October 8 Candlelighting, 6:02 pm
Candlelighting, 6:25 pm Oneg Shabbat, 5:45 pm
Oneg Shabbat, 5:45 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:15 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:15 pm
Saturday, October 30
Saturday, October 9
Torah Study , 9:30 am
Torah Study, 9:30 am
Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30
Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 am
Havdalah, 7:31 pm
Havdalah, 7:53 pm
October 15-16
November 5-6
Parashat Lech-Lecha
Parashat Toldot
Friday, October 15
Friday, November 5
Candlelighting, 6:16 pm
Candlelighting, 5:56 pm
Oneg Shabbat, 5:45 pm
Oneg Shabbat, 5:45 pm
Torah Study, 9:30 am Saturday, November 6
Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 am Torah Study , 9:30 am
Havdalah, 7:45 pm Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30
Havdalah, 7:25 pm
October 22-23
November 12-13
Parashat Vayera
Friday, October 22 Parashat Vayetzei
Candlelighting, 6:09 pm Friday, November 12
Oneg Shabbat, 5:45 pm Candlelighting, 4:51 pm
Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6:15 pm Oneg Shabbat, 5:45 pm
Torah Study, 9:30 am Saturday, November 13
Shabbat Moring Service, 10:30 Torah Study , 9:30 am
Havdalah, 7:38 pm Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 am
Havdalah, 6:20 pm
October 2010/ Tishrei—Heshvan 5771 Page 3 Messages from the Mountain
October Birthdays
October 1 October 11 October 19 October 26
Marian Given Daniel Blumenfeld Harriet Geller Mona Goldberg
Charley Tennen Joani Schonberg Shelly Mansfield Gil Kimmelman
Mildred Marcus*
October 2 October 12 October 20 Lettie Velasco
Madeline Bass* Al Bleiberg Ben Bellman
Lee Nadler Chris Ponsford Vivian Blaugrund October 27
Lee Schwartz Mike Jaffee Hannah Blumenfeld
October 3 Elisa Gluck *
Lee Rosenthal* October 13 October 21 Sallie Gulbas
Karen Herman Meredith Heins Jacob Horn*
October 4 Anne Hollander* Sandy Nadler* Seth Krasne
Angela Feldt* Hayley Nadler
October 14 Elliot Rotwein October 28
October 5 Tom Given Cynthia Bass*
Raquel Aldama Bob May October 22 Benjamin Levin
Billy Burman* Sue Weiss Wendy Axelrod* Jenny Meyer
Joan Cherno* Tommy Goldfarb Jim Schwartz*
Nancy Heydemann October 15 Nanci Maddux
Michelle Tennen Marion Garmel October 29
Allison Given October 23 Ben Marcus
October 6 Howard Goldberg Sydney Goldberg
Susan Jaffee Dick Scherotter Andrew Goldberg October 30
Beverly Litt Darilyn Blumenfeld
October 7 October 16 Eric Colvard
Jon Sonnen Fran Fleischer* October 24 Ashley Eger
David Velasco Ellen Nazarian Jeanne Moye David Wolfe*
Lori Shapiro
October 8 October 25 October 31
Katelyn Ivey* October 17 Halle Lauterbach* Joan Eftis
Mark Peyton* Lisa Nadler* Sara Mansfield Bruce Gopin
Andrew Rosen* David Schecter Ethan Reiter
Susan Simon*
October 10 October 18 Janna Wallen*
Steve Feinberg Channi Fernandez
Sheldon Gopin Megan Harris
Steven Miner
October Anniversaries
October 2 October 5 October 18 October 24
Roberto & Reyna Assael* David & Shelly Mansfield Chet & Jan Frame Bob & Melanie Blumenfeld
Steve Rosenberg & Chloe
October 3 October 17 Perkins-Rosenberg* October 31
Michael & Hilary Dick & Jean Scherotter Debbi & Miguel Trejo Scott & Mandy Blumenfeld
Benjamin David & Tina Wolfe
Mazel Tov! Congratulations...

...to Debra & Michael Trejo, parents, and Tina & David Wolfe and Jan & Chet Frame, grandparents, on the
Bat Mitzvah of Katie Schmidt, which will be celebrated at our Shabbat Morning Service on October 2nd.
...to Tom Given, father, and Marian Given, grandmother, on the Bat Mitzvah of Allison Given, which will
be celebrated at our Shabbat Morning Service on October 2nd.
...to Mark and Tara Schrier, on the marriage of their daughter Erin Schrier to Matthew Sanford. The new
couple reside in San Diego, CA.
...to Drs. Louis & Laura Alpern on the marriage of their daughter Alana Alpern to Adam Brown on
October 9th. Grandfather is Phil Alpern.
...to Robin and Dick Krasne, parents, and Elaine and Bob Krasne and Marlene and Alan Levine,
grandparents, on the Bar Mitzvah of Seth Krasne, which will be celebrated in Austin on October 9th.
Hamakom Y’nachem—May God Bring Comfort...

...to Blanche Brown on the death of her husband, Robert Brown.
...to Ruth Braun on the death of her cousin, Ruth Robinson.
B’ruchim Haba’im—Welcome New Members!
Rick & Randi Cabrera

Michael & Melanie Alkov
Do you know someone who is new to town, new to Judaism, or interested in getting involved with a
synagogue? Please help them be in touch with Susan Jaffee at 532-5959 or
sjaffee@templemountsinai.com.
Leaves and Stones on the Temple’s Tree of Life

Do you know that you can honor or remember a loved one with a leaf or a stone on the
Tree of Life? This beautiful work of art is displayed on the wall in the foyer at Temple
just outside the Sanctuary.
For a minimum donation of $300 for a leaf or $3,000 for a stone, the brass will be
engraved according to your instructions and will remain on the Tree of Life forever.
Your donation becomes part of the Foundation Trust and benefits Temple Mount Sinai
in perpetuity.
For more information, contact Sally Parke at the Temple office at 532-5959.
Temple Mount Sinai Care Team

On August 31st, the Temple Mount Sinai thanked our volunteers for their dedication
Care Team, in conjunction with Interfaith and service. Rabbi Bach presented Joyce
Care Partners, held the annual Volunteer Jaffee and Mimi Lait with the Crown of
Appreciation Luncheon. Volunteers gath- Glorious Aging Award. Mimi and Joyce
ered at the home of Joyce Jaffee to celebrate served for many years as lay leadership in
another year of volunteerism. our Care Team program. They have been
Our Care Team members take time each wonderful examples to all of us in carrying
week with families who need friendly vis- out the commandment of Gemilut Chasadim,
its. From these visits, relationships grow deeds of loving kindness.
and develop into friendships. Both the vol- If you are interested in serving as a volun-
unteers and those who receive the visitors teer for our Care Team, please contact
benefit. Susan at 532-5959 or email her at sjaf-
Susan Hernandez and Gloria Lopez, from fee@templemountsinai.com.
Jewish Family and Children’s Service and
the Interfaith Care Partners Program,
from Rabbi Ken and Sue — A Letter “Home”

Dear Temple Family, Belarus last October enabled us to work
It has been more than seven years since with and bond with the Belarussian
we sold our El Paso home and moved – Jewish community. We hope to return and
first to San Diego and now to Salem, MA. help dedicate their new center, which
In the ensuing years, we’ve visited you represents all the hard work they engage
whenever special occasions and in every day to re-build their Jewish
celebrations permitted. We’ve stayed in community.
close telephone contact with a significant Last December 6, our daughter Amy
number of you - calls from us to you at married Scott Levingston. Amy and Scott
times of family transition or crisis, calls (one of his brothers is a Conservative
from you to us when our family rabbi) live in the Boston area about 50
experienced births and deaths, greeting minutes from us; they are expecting their
cards exchanging words of fondness – a first baby in late October. It is most
fondness that has not diminished. special to live near enough to see them
It remains a privilege to be able to speak and know how happy they are (and share
with you during the special moments of it all with Scott’s parents who live here as
your lives. Sue and I think of ourselves as well).
two additional sources of outreach for We oversaw our first convention as Exec-
Rabbi Larry and Alanna as they work so Veeps of NAORRR (National Assoc. of
diligently to enhance, enrich and deepen Retired Reform Rabbis) last January in
Temple life for you and your family. This Florida. We are enjoying this new
was especially true last summer when the responsibility very much and have met
Bachs were in Israel. We were able to terrific colleagues, wives and surviving
connect (though from a distance) with a spouses who come to the convention and
number of you who experienced some of with whom we stay in touch during the
life’s difficult moments. year. This January we will reconvene in
So, we continue to refer to you as our San Diego.
“Temple Family”, with Rabbi Bach’s Last February and March we traveled
blessing. May we retain that sense of through California and other points West,
‘mishpocha’ for many years to come. where we spent time with Daniel, along
In the past year, our lives have continued with other family and friends, vacationed
to unfold…Our month’s stay in Minsk, (Continued on page 7)
(Continued from page 6) Torah reading ends and begins on Simchat

in Hawaii, had two parties for the new Torah at the beginning of October. As the
bride and groom (Amy and Scott), attended reading cycle is renewed, we reaffirm that,
the Rabbinic conference in San Francisco, though Torah doesn’t change, each of us
visited El Paso, and missed much of the does. Since last fall, we’re all a year older,
snow in Boston. hopefully a year wiser: more patient, more
Grandchild number seven recently came peaceful, more challenged (and able) to
into our lives – yes, Jennifer and Jonathan make our world a better place, more
brought another beautiful baby into the hopeful about the future (because we ARE
world: Jessica Miriam, born on July 13th, Jews, we MUST BE optimists).
which just happens to be Jennifer’s 40th May the Jewish year 5771 be for all of us a
birthday. What a blessing and how time of Shalom and Love,
fortunate for us to live here and watch Rabbi Ken and Sue
these children grow. Joshua is 10, Juliana is
about to turn 9, Jillian is 7, Jeffrey is 5, Jared
is 3, Joel is 2 (so wonderful to share
grandparenting ‘naches’ with Jonathan’s
parents).
Our ‘highlights’, along with the every day
routines of life keep us busy and fulfilled.
We exercise, visit the kids, attend two
synagogues (Ken teaches and conducts
services on several Shabbat mornings each
month), support various activities in the
community, take short driving trips, and
are finding our way toward feeling
comfortable in our new community.
As we write this, we are looking forward to
a cruise from the very end of Yom Kippur
and over Sukkot. We will be sailing from
Boston to Bar Harbor, Nova Scotia, Sydney, A Big Thank You . . .
Have you noticed how beautiful the rose
Prince Edward Island, Quebec City and
gardens are? Bill Dahlberg and Cindy
Montreal. Sounds beautiful and we look (Louis) Cohen have been working hard all
forward to this new adventure. year so that we might enjoy the beauty from
This letter should reach you just as the all the roses. Thank you, Bill and Cindy.
Allison Given Bat Mitzvah

Allison R. Given, a 7th grade student at Lincoln Middle School,
was called to the Torah on October 2nd at Temple Mount Sinai.
Asked what this meant to her, Allison stated, “It meant
reaching a goal I set for myself a long time ago. It is an
opportunity to become more active at the Temple.”
Allison is the daughter of Tom Given and the late Geri Given,
and sister to Lindsey Given Moran. Her Grandmother is
Marian Given of El Paso.
For Allison’s Mitzvah project she is assisting the children at the
Sara McKnight Transitional Living Center.
She enjoys writing and listening to music on her iPod. She also
enjoys riding horses and hanging out with her friends. Allison
has two dogs, including a Labrador retriever name Jessie and a
poodle named Cece. After college, Allison hopes to travel
throughout England prior to starting her career. Mazel Tov!
Katie Schmidt Bat Mitzvah

Katie Schmidt, a 7th grade student at Hut Brown Mid-
dle School, was called to the Torah on October 2nd at
Temple Mount Sinai. Katie said that her Bat Mitzvah
means “taking a step further in my religious duties as a
Jew.”
Katie is the daughter of Debbi Trejo and Scott Schmidt,
and sister to Jacob Schmidt and Isabella Trejo. Her
Grandparents are Jan Wolfe and Chet Frame of El
Paso, Tina and David Wolfe of El Paso, and Dick and
Delores Schmidt of Lincoln, Nebraska.
For Katie’s Mitzvah project she is donating her time at
the Sara McKnight Transitional Living Center.
She enjoys photography, drawing and listening to mu-
sic. She also enjoys listening to opinions. Katie has
two Jack Russell terriers named Lola and Pecas.
Katie hopes to go to the University of Michigan and
become a psychiatrist. Mazel Tov!
Consecration, September 24
Nine new students were formally wel- front row. Rabbi began the Service, then
comed into our Religious School during Alanna, Marci, Monica and Grace led the
the Consecration Ceremony on Shabbat candle blessing. Rabbi spoke
Friday, September 24th. about the importance of a Jewish education
and parental involvement in that educa-
tion. Grace called up each student to the
Bima and handed them their Consecration
Certificate and David Kern handed each
student a miniature torah scroll and the
“Jewish Family Home Companion” book
for each child to share with their family.
The students stayed on the Bima and Rabbi
called on the parents to join their children
to bless them and give them special
Our new students prepared on September wishes. Rabbi proceeded with a special
12th and 19th for this very special mile- children’s blessing and then continued the
stone in their Jewish education by meeting Shabbat Service.
with their teachers Monica Escobar and
Shana Levin to create “I like Being Jewish
Because….” Torah cutouts, which they
wore during the ceremony. They met with
their music teacher, Cheyanne Micken-
berg, to learn the opening songs Bim Bam
and Shabbat Shalom, and they rehearsed
walking into the Sanctuary, sitting and
walking up to the Bima.
At 6:10 pm, these nine bright and beautiful
children lined up in the foyer by the Sanc-
tuary, very nicely dressed, kippot on, car-
nations in hand and Torah cutout on their
chest. Rabbi led the students into the Sanc-
tuary, singing Bim Bam and Shabbat Sha-
lom. The students took their seats in the
Religious School News

Religious School begins... "Kick Off" Cookout. Everyone enjoyed eating
On Sunday, August 29, we gathered in Krupp burgers, hotdogs, vegan burgers, and all the fix-
Chapel as Rabbi Bach led us in song and prayer, ings. The cookout was generously sponsored
immediately followed by a back-to-school wel- and deliciously prepared by MRJ.
We have a great Religious School program
planned, which includes the CHAI curriculum
(Torah, Avodah, and G’milut Chasadim les-
sons), Jewish Cooking, Art & Crafts, learning
coming assembly, introduction of our faculty

and an overview of the morning. Students ac-
companied their new Morim and Madrichim to
their classrooms. While in the classroom, teach-
ers gave the students an overview of the upcom-
ing curriculum, and together they created class- activities in our Computer Lab and lots more
room guidelines. interactive learning activities, for the 2010-2011
school year.
At 11:15 am, parents, grandparents and Board (Continued on page 11)

Members joined us for our First Day of School
(Continued from page 10) newly dedicated "Sandi Kern - It's A Girl
We are excited about the upcoming year and Thing" room and four sessions are hosted by
look forward to sharing our excitement with some of the girls’ parents. This is a time where
our students through our curriculum and pro- 7th & 8th grade girls can sit back, kick off their
grams. Parents and grandparents are welcome shoes and have fun being a Jewish girl in this
to visit, participate, volunteer or teach. fast paced world.
"It's A Guy Thing"
"7th and 8th Grade boys are in the kitchen with
Simon. 7th and 8th grade boys are in the kitchen, I
know, I know. 7th and 8th grade boys are in the
kitchen with Simon, learning how to make Kreplach.
Singing Fe Fi FeDi I O, Fe Fi FeDi I O I O. . . . "
September 19 was the first of four "Jews With
Cool Views" series of programs for our 7th &
8th grade boys. During these sessions, the boys
have an opportunity to build and strengthen
friendships with peers and at the same time
learn from "Cool Jews" (adult role models).
Ink Toner and Cartridges Religious School

Fundraiser
A special “thank you” to all of you who do-
nated your empty ink toners and cartridges
during the summer break. We collected 80 car-
tridges.
We are continuing this fundraiser to purchase
supplies for the Religious School. Office Depot
has a program where we can earn awards
worth $3.00 per cartridge, we are allowed to
bring in 20 cartridges per month and redeem
Rosh Hodesh - "It's A Girl Thing" the awards quarterly, equal to the amount of
purchases made at Office Depot by TMS.
This is a national program for Jewish teenage
girls. This program is offered at TMS to 7th Thank you for supporting our Religious School
and 8th grade girls. This is an experiential fundraiser.
group that is based on the Jewish tradition of
Rosh Hodesh, the celebration of the new moon.
These sessions are monthly, where teen girls
can expect to chat, think, discover, munch, cre-
ate and hang out with other Jewish girls of the
same age. Four of the sessions are held in our
Religious School Sukkot Celebration
Sukkot, also known as the “Feast of six directions: right, left, forward, up,
Booths or Tabernacles” or “Feast of In- down and to the rear.
gathering”, is one of three pilgrimage fes-
tivals mentioned in the Bible. Jews are
commanded to “Dwell” in booths during
the holiday. On Sunday, September 26,
our Religious School students had the op-
portunity to fulfill this commandment by
wandering (led by Morim and Mad-
richim) from their classroom to our beauti-
ful court yard Sukkah, where they sat on
the floor, joined Rabbi in saying the bless-
ings, and ate their fill of a variety of nuts,
raisins, cranberries, dried bananas, pome-
granates, a variety of fruit juices and much Sukkot is also called “The Time Of Joy”
more. and indeed our students enjoyed their les-
son in the Sukkah. Now, you enjoy the
pictures.
Torah directs us to use four species of

plants to celebrate the holiday; the lulav
(palm branch), the etrog (lemon-like cit-
ron), myrtle, and willow. Our students
participated in this Mitzvah by holding
the etrog in on hand and the other three
species in the other hand and bringing
them together to echo the blessing being
recited by Rabbi and waving them in all
Panim el Panim — Teens in Washington, DC

After two highly successful experiences with parts of the U. S. If you’d like to hear about
Panim, the Jewish Federation is once again the conference from one of the kids who pre-
providing subsidies for six teens to attend aviously attended, just ask. This year Rabbi
Panim seminar. For teens in grades 10-12, this
Chaya Oliver, the new Educational
opportunity is being funded by a special Fed-Director at Congregation B’nai Zion, will ac-
eration grant that was made possible through company the group. The $400 per student
the annual campaign gifts of many caring family share of the trip will be the approxi-
people. mate cost of airfare and ground transport be-
Since Panim was founded in 1988, more than tween El Paso and Panim in D.C. The Fed-
30,000 Jewish teens have experienced the eration will subsidize room, board, tuition
privilege of learning the inside workings of and chaperone expenses. We are grateful to
government through participation in inten- Rabbi Chaya for donating her time.
sive leadership seminars. The trip will take place January 16-18, 2011
During Panim el Panim, students learn about and registration is taking place right now.
government, advocacy, and the connection Departure will be about 6 am on Sunday, re-
between community service and activism turning at approximately 10:30 pm on Tues-
through a Jewish lens. This Washington, DC- day. Each participant will receive a letter of
based program is nationally recognized for attendance from the officials at Panim.
inspiring and educating Jewish youth to cre- For more information check out www. pa-
ate a lifetime of leadership and service. It’s nim.org or call the Jewish Federation at 584
not all work, however. There’s lots of time for 4437.
fun, exploring and meeting teens from other
Dessert and Discuss

Our B’nai Torah teens attended their first bolized by the Sukkah — can bring joy and
Dessert and Discuss session of the year on balance to our lives. One student com-
September 26. Thirteen students in grades 9- mented, “I’ve never thought about Sukkot
11 attended the session. We checked in about that way before...it’s really helpful!”
our summers and the beginning of our school The next Dessert and Discuss will be on Sun-
year, celebrated the fact that so many students day, October 10 from 6:30—8:00 pm. There
would be attending NFTY-SW Fall Kallah the will be another session on Sunday, October
coming weekend (watch this space next 24 as well. If you have any questions, please
month for a wrap-up of the Kallah), and then contact Elisa Gluck at Temple.
studied together. Our study focused on the
way in which spiritual discipline — as sym-
Lunch and Learn, October 12 at 11:45 am

Our next Lunch and Learn will be Tuesday, October 12 in Zielonka Hall at Temple. The session
will begin with lunch at 11:45 am, followed by study and conversation.
Rabbi Bach’s topic this month flows from a film, Out in the Silence, that will be shown in El Paso
on Monday, October 11 and Tuesday, October 12 (The Monday screening is at Trinity-First
United Methodist Church at 7 pm; the Tuesday Screening is at UTEP’s Union Cinema at 6 pm.
Both screenings are free, and the filmmakers will facilitate a discussion after each screening).
Out in the Silence captures the
remarkable chain of events that unfold
when the announcement of filmmaker
Joe Wilson’s wedding to another man
ignites a firestorm of controversy in his
small Pennsylvania hometown.
Drawn back by a plea for help from the
mother of a gay teen being tormented
at school, Wilson’s journey
dramatically illustrates the universal
challenges of being an outsider in a
conservative environment and the
transformation that is possible when
those who have long been constrained
by a traditional code of silence
summon the courage to break it.
Inspired by the screening, Rabbi Bach
will teach on the topic, “How Might a
Reform Jew Approach the Question
of Gay Marriage?” Apart from the
question of civil rights (on which, see
Rabbi Bach’s column in this issue of
“Messages”) for gays and lesbians is
the question of the possibility of a
religious marriage between two men or
two women. Through the lens of a
responsum of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, we’ll explore a complex and
emotionally-charged question.
Lunch is $10, and reservations may be made by calling the Temple office, or online. Your RSVP
helps us purchase food wisely — please let us know if you’ll be attending.
Rabbi Bach: A “Rabbi Without Borders”

CLAL’S RABBIS WITHOUT BORDERS The Rabbinic Fellows will gather four times over
SELECTS CLASS FOR ITS GROUND- the course of the year in New York City. The first
BREAKING FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM session, scheduled for October 18-19, 2010, will
New Initiative to Help Rabbis Make Jewish host Professor Barry Kosmin, the principal
Wisdom a Resource for All investigator of the 2001 American Religious
Identification survey. The survey revealed that
Rabbis Without Borders (RWB), the Center for
while many Jews do not feel connected to
Learning and Leadership’s (CLAL) new
traditional religious institutions, they still
initiative to help rabbis make Jewish wisdom
identify with being Jewish. Other sessions will
accessible to the wider American public, selected
feature a variety of leading thinkers, authors,
its second cohort of fellows for its competitive
and influential people from many different
rabbinic fellowship program. More than 80
fields. These experts will work with the Fellows
applications were received for the 22 spots. Of
to help them spot the trends and identify the
those selected, Rabbi Bach was picked for this
ways in which Americans find meaning in their
prestigious program.
lives.
“We are very excited by the amount of interest
The program is also developing several
generated by this program,” said Rabbi Rebecca
resources to help rabbis enhance their skills for
W. Sirbu, RWB Director. “Clearly rabbis
addressing a variety of audiences. From online
recognize the need to apply their skills in new
learning to one-on-one conversations,
ways to reach a wider audience, and make the
participants will work with CLAL faculty to
teachings and tools from Jewish wisdom more
develop methodologies that draw on the texts
accessible. This unique program offers that kind
and traditions in new ways. The goal is for these
of support, helping rabbis to better communicate
“spiritual innovators” to see their congregations
in both familiar and new venues, and to make
as more than just members of their school,
Jewish thought and practice a real resource for
community or institution.
the American public.”
Since CLAL began in 1974, its mission has been
The program, in its second year, is designed to
to help prepare the Jewish people for the
encourage rabbis to “think out of the box”, and
unprecedented freedom and openness of
create a network of interdenominational
America. Started by Rabbi Irving “Yitz”
religious leaders from across North America
Greenberg and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel,
who can make Jewish wisdom more available to
CLAL formed a network of rabbis capable of
people to enrich their lives. As the key
translating Jewish wisdom and practice into
conveyers of Jewish wisdom, rabbis, who can
useful idioms for contemporary life. RWB is the
disseminate the insights more easily, will not
next phase of this work.
only nurture better teachers and community
builders, but will create religious leaders with
unique tools to offer to the broader culture.
Gesher Starts Strong

Gesher (bridge in Hebrew) is a hands-on October 10th to explore “What’s Jewish
Jewish learning program run by Temple about Peanut Butter and Jelly” and Sunday,
Mount Sinai for children from birth through October 24th to learn “What’s Jewish about
four years and their parents. Throughout Vegetables”.
the year, children and parents explore Jew-
ish holidays and Jewish ethics through the
vehicle of play.
Our rich curriculum, designed by Marci
Karch, includes singing, movement, stories,
craft projects, snacks, and more. Gesher
meets at Temple in Schwartz Hall from 10 to
11 am approximately twice a month. There
is an $80 per family registration fee for this
program.
We hope your family will join us for a year

of Jewish fun and learning. Please contact
Marci Karch at marcikarch@hotmail.com or
585-7833 for complete registration informa-
tion.
During August and September the Gesher

class met to learn about Rosh Hashanah,
Yom Kippur, and Simchat Torah. The par-
ents and children blew shofarot, practiced
tashlich, listened to stories about forgive-
ness, danced with Torahs, and created
meaningful craft projects.
Our October classes will meet on Sunday,
(Continued from page 1) poorly-written initiative would actually take

privacy, and at worst, committed a hate crime. away benefits from all retired city
And I’m ashamed for the responsibility I bear employees!), there is no question in my mind
for Tyler’s death. “In a free society, some are that its passage would be yet another hurtful
guilty; all are responsible.” moment for gay and lesbian El Pasoans who
Gay teens are four times more likely than their have already had to endure a steady stream of
straight peers to commit suicide. Adolescence, angry judgments in nearly daily doses
tough enough to navigate under any through our local newspaper. I pray that my
circumstances, is particularly brutal for young hunch about this movement is true: that it is
men and women coming to terms with their noisy, and well-amplified by a sympathetic
sexuality in a society that bombards them press, but ultimately not representative of the
with messages proclaiming that they don’t views of most El Pasoans.
belong. The United States Senate’s failure to I write about this with an awareness that not
repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and the kids in everyone who will read this agrees with me,
the lunchroom telling hurtful jokes seem to be and I hasten to say that I am not telling
different enough, but to a gay kid, both anyone else how to vote in an election, God
phenomena share one message: “You are forbid! My sense is that my beliefs are fairly
worthless.” widely shared among our membership, but
I want our Temple to be a safe place for they are by no means universal. So, my request
everyone. I want it to be a place where all to each of you is that you vote your own
people, and certainly all children, know that conscience, on this and on every race on the
they possess infinite worth. That is, after all, ballot. My prayer is that you will be moved to
what it means to be created b’tzelem elohim, in see the “Traditional Family Values” ballot
the Image of God. initiative as an opportunity to send a much-
needed message to some very vulnerable
…
people: “you are not worthless.” As always, I
Among the things I plan to do to try to make welcome your comments. I plan to speak to
my community a bit more welcoming and this issue on Saturday morning, October 23.
affirming is to cast my vote in the November
B’shalom,
election against the “Traditional Family
Values” ballot initiative which intends to take Rabbi Bach
away health insurance from domestic partners
who are not legally married. Since the El Paso
The question of whether or not gay and lesbian
City Council voted 7-1 to extend that benefit, a relationships may be sanctified as “religious
vocal group of conservative evangelicals, both marriage” in Judaism is related, though not
Protestant and Catholic, has spent a great deal identical, with that of recognizing the civil
of time advocating for its repeal. While it rights of gays and lesbians. Rabbi Bach will
explore that question at “Lunch and Learn” on
remains to be seen if their ballot initiative has
October 12; see page 14 of this bulletin to learn
any legal standing at all (and whether the more about the session.
Women of Reform Judaism

The Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) at Tem- from Susie Novick, whose family founded The
ple Mount Sinai have been busy! Popular, about her own memories of the fam-
ily’s dry goods store. Jan Wolfe recalled, “I got
my first credit card at The Popular!” as many
other attendees echoed, “So did I!”
In October, we look forward to a Girls’ Night
Out on Tuesday, October 5 at 7:00 pm. To get
more information on this event, please contact
Alanna Bach at 328-6062 or abach@elp.rr.com.
Last month (August), we enjoyed each other’s

company and prepared some delicious casse-
roles, soups and desserts for expectant mothers
in our congregation as part of our New Baby
Meals service. These meals are provided to
new mothers for the first 4 Shabbaton to give
We would like to recognize our members that joined at
them tender, loving care just when they need it the Miriam and Ruth levels this year. Thank you for
most. This author knows from personal ex- your extra support. It is greatly appreciated.
perience exactly how wonderful those meals
Miriam Members ($90 membership level)
are – they come at the perfect time! Alanna Bach, Dori Fenenbock, Laura Goldman, Doris
Goodman, Susan Jaffee, Maria Klein, Elaine Krasne,
In September, we got together at the El Paso
Donna Leffman, Judy Leonard, Mimi Pittle, Erin
Museum of History for a tour of their new ex- Schoenfeld, Tania Schwartz, Kristine Shecter, and Sara
hibit, 50 Years of Fashion, led by docent-for-the Shiloff
-day (and exhibit co-sponsor) Cindy Graff
Ruth Members ($54 membership level)
Cohen. After learning about the rich history of Valerie Barnett, Leslie Beckoff, Barbara Berliner, Bon-
textiles and fashion in our city and marveling nie Colton, Marcia Dahlberg, Linda Fruithandler, Lori
at the gorgeous gowns, outfits and accessories Gaman, Leba Hirsch, Jody Klein, Rebecca Krasne, Kyta
Valdez-Levitt, Randee Mansfield, Shelly Mansfield,
in the exhibit, we walked across the street to Susan May, Becky Myers, Quyen Nguyen, Susie No-
the Doubletree Hotel for a delicious lunch in vick, Leslie Otis, Charlotte Ramenofsky, Jane Rosen,
their restaurant. During lunch, we heard more Ann Rothstein, Shari Schwartz, Anne F. Spier, Sue
Weiss, Janet Wechter, and Tina Wolfe
Men of Reform Judaism

Happy New Year! This is what is going on 526-8478, or scott.feldt@sbcglobal.net, for
with MRJ/Brotherhood at Temple. Our tickets and information. All tickets must be
World Series of Baseball Fundraiser is in turned in before the start of the World Se-
full swing! Get in the game and help sup- ries. MRJ hopes everyone had an easy fast,
port our Summer Campership Program, and a great start to the New Year. Join us
and Religious School! Tickets are 5 for $20, at Temple as we make it a special year for
and ticket sellers receive 5 tickets free for our youth and our community!!
every 100 tickets they sell! The winning
ticket pays $1000. Contact Scott Feldt at
Jewish War Veterans News

JWV had their first meeting of the year on to have been able to defend our rights and
Sunday September 19th. Our support of our Country. Our next meeting will
the Holocaust Museum continues, and we be October 17th. Contact Scott Feldt at 526
are researching ways to assist our fellow -8478, or Alan Goodman at 478-0718 for
Veterans through the V.A. We've lost more information!
some respected members, as well as
gained some new ones in the past
year. We all stop to take the time to thank
a Veteran for our freedom, and are proud
Albertson’s Cash-Back Fundraiser

Please remember to use your key tag each time you shop for groceries at Albertsons.
All you need to do is have the card scanned when you check out. Temple will earn 1%
of your shopping total each time you scan the card, at no additional cost to you.
If you need additional key tags, they are available in the Temple office.
Tributes from August 21 to September 20, 2010

Amelia G. Krohn Basic by Isabel Schnadig in honor of Frances
Judaism Collection in memory of Eduardo Assael Blumenthal's Birthday by Mark
by Michelle Assael Blumenthal
in honor of Amelia Krohn's
Special Birthday by David & in memory of Geri Given by in honor of Jennifer & Jason
Susie Novick, Matt & Elizabeth Debbi & Miguel Trejo Schwartz's marriage by Dick &
Krohn Marlene Fass
in memory of Jean Schecter &
Etta Solnick by David & Susan in honor of Mary Heins' Special
Schecter Birthday by Bob & Sara Shiloff
Campership Fund
in memory of Marilyn Leeser in memory of Anna Main by
speedy recovery to Barbara
by Arthur & Rhoberta Leeser Anne Hollander
Ettinger by Bud & Charlotte
Ramenofsky in memory of Miriam Talpis by in memory of Carole Feldberg
Ed & Lory Oppenheimer by Joe Feldberg
speedy recovery to Marian
Given by Bud & Charlotte in memory of Pauline Goldman in memory of Rae Stein by Sara
Ramenofsky by John & Gloria Lavis Mansfield
in memory of Vernon Carvajal in memory of Vivienne Corn

by Bill & Jessica Carvajal by Paul Raudenbush
Caring Community Fund
in appreciation of Temple speedy recovery to Barbara
Mount Sinai by Ellen Goodman Friedman/Bloom/Rothstein Ettinger by Eleanor Goodman
Outdoor Chapel
Cemetery Fund speedy recovery to Sid Gus & Rosalie Zimmerman
Kligman by Phil & Ann Rose Garden
in memory of Sidney Simon,
Rothstein in memory of Rosalie & Gus
Freida Simon & Harriet Simon
by Marion Garmel Zimmerman by Dorothy
Borschow
General Donations Fund
Oppenheimer Flower Fund in appreciation of Temple
Isadore Kahn Memorial Fund
in memory of Archie Goodman Mount Sinai by Douglas
Waters in honor of Uncle Buddy
by Evelyn Goodman
Dorfman's Special Birthday by
in memory of Bluma Hoffman appreciation of Temple Mount
Sinai by Gordon Mahon Jr. Scott & Susan Spier
by Larry & Joyce Anenberg
in memory of Constance in honor of Curtis Spier's
Special Birthday by Jim & Jon Heller High Holiday Fund
Simmons by Jim McCarthy
Anne Spier in memory of Jon Heller by
in memory of Edgar L.
Janna Wallen
Schnadig & Ruth Jean Schnadig
Krasne Discretionary Fund in appreciation of Rabbi Larry in honor of Katie Schmidt's

in honor of Marlene & Allen Bach by Miriam Ries & Pat Bat Mitzvah by Chet & Jan
Levine's Special Anniversary Pedersen Frame
by Marty & Bonnie Colton in appreciation of Rabbi Larry in memory of Edmund H.
in honor of Simon & Grace Bach by Wayne Resler, Jr. & Krohn by Amelia Krohn
Bir's Special Anniversary by Clara Resler in memory of Eduardo Assael
Marty & Bonnie Colton in appreciation of Rabbi Larry by Michelle Assael
in honor of Stewart Forbes' Bach by Sylvia Mirrop & in memory of Jesus Aldama
Special Birthday by Marty & Family by Raquel Aldama
Bonnie Colton in honor of Mary Heins' in memory of Sara Johanna
in honor of Susie May's Special Birthday by Judy Kaim by Fifi Heller-Kaim &
Special Birthday by Marty & Leonard Boris Kaim
Bonnie Colton in memory of Jeanette Riter by in memory of Steven Edward
in memory of Robert Brown Peter Shugart Stein by Charles & Betty Stein
by Bob & Elaine Krasne in memory of Lynne Persing in memory of Vernon Carvajal
in memory of Edith Krantz by by David Novick by Bill & Jessica Carvajal
Bob & Elaine Krasne in memory of our Parents by
D. F. Tavana
Tree Of Life Donation
Landscape Special Projects in memory of Vernon &
in memory of Rebecca Clayton
Fund Richard Carvajal by Bill &
by Naomi Meehan
Jessica Carvajal
in memory of Robert Brown
by Ruth Braun
Youth Fund
Special Oneg or Kiddush
in honor of Mary Heins'
MAZON Donation in appreciation of Temple
Special Birthday by Abe &
Mount Sinai by Vladik
in memory of Robert Brown Annette Goldberg
Kreinovich & Olga Kosheleva
by Charlie & Sue Zaltz in memory of Lindsay
in honor of Consecration Class
in memory of Jeanette Riter by Gronich's mother by Abe &
of 2010 by Terren & Maria
Charlie & Sue Zaltz Annette Goldberg
Klein
in honor of Helene Solomon's
Prayer Book Fund
Special Birthday by Edward &
In memory of Sanford Helene Solomon
Norman Belkin by Bernadine
in honor of Katie Schmidt &
Belkin
Allison Given becoming B’not
Mitzvah by Debbi & Miguel
Rabbi Bach's Discretionary Trejo
Fund in honor of Katie Schmidt's
in appreciation of Rabbi Larry Bat Mitzvah by David & Tina
Bach by Bob & Edi Brannon Wolfe
Yahrzeits for October 2010

October 1-2 Olga Bowman Sonia Katz Hymer Rosen
Joseph Davidson Joseph Bromberg Leslie Levy Harry Rubin
Mollie Feldt Richard Carvajal Doshie Martin Gertrude Rubinstein
Harry Feurberg Jerry Cohn John McGraw Sam Schill
Jerry Harris Tena Davidson Joseph L. Prensky
Ben Itzkovitz Sydney Dictor Emil Reisel November 5-6
Sylvia Kozak Isabel Freeman Max Riter Freida Albin
Mamie Feldt Krull Jane Friedman Bernard Rodsky Eddie Alperson
Alfred Levin Louis E. Given Hyman Rothstein Leo Anderson
Salomon Pollak Carol Irvin Cornelius Ryan John Crohn
Sophie Press Holderman Nell J. Schnadig Esther Goldberg
Bill Rodenhaber Moses Holland Bernard Schwartz Davidow
Celia Schecter Tom Johnson Phyllis Shecter Haim Ettinger
Samuel I. Schwartz Phyllis Kugler June Snow Nathan Feldt
Clara Stone Steve London Lena Strelitz Katherine Frank
Charlotte Weiss Sadie Mendeloff Lee Thomason Esther Freifeld
Julius Nagler Manuel Garciagodoy
October 8-9 Jules Novick October 29-30 Henry Gerofsky
Sam Borschow Georgie K. Schwartz Allegra Belbel Tarow Ty Hayashi
Morris Calisher Leah Shapiro Harriet Berry Irma Katz
Clara Frame Herbert A. Shecter Birdie Blaugrund Donald Stanley Klein
Mary Deborah Lillian Weiss Tama Bloom Jill Kreitman
Ghazzarosian Gail Corbat Fredenick McPhail
Robert W. October 22-23 Albert Bela Eger Herman Meyeroff
Hollingshead Ingeborg Arndt Joe Fink Adalaide M. Ratner
Lazar Kopilowitz Silvana Assael Max Freeman Nathan Rybak
Lillian Kopilowitz Samuel Balk Ray Friedman Mary Streim
Jeannette Lavis Gussie Vooles Berkun Norton Furman Luis Zork
Abraham J. Migdal Nathan Borschow Fred Goldman
Alexander Pollak William Bromberg Hyman Gopin
Marcel Raileanu Nettie Charles Harry Gottlieb
Rose Saltzman Gertrude Colton William Katz
Gary Scherotter Bernard V. Dargan Cherry Levitt
Ruth Jean Schnadig Irvin Duviner Percy Litowitz
Eva Feinberg Joseph Mansfield
October 15-16 Alice M Finger Jacob Rader Marcus
Evelyn Abrams Bertha Heins Jenny Marden
Samuel Shabatai Bir Jose Kachanovich Alfred Ratner
Retreat Registration Form
Temple Mount Sinai Shabbat Retreat at the Sacramento Methodist Assembly Retreat
Center located 30 miles SE of Cloudcroft (3 hour drive from El Paso) Friday, October 29
(4:00 pm arrival) through Sunday, October 31 (departure after brunch). Optional early
arrival – 1 pm Friday for a hike and challah baking
Join us for Shabbat worship, study, adventure, and meals in a beautiful mountain set-
ting. The programming includes: family fun, adult learning and social time, and special
kids-only and preteen/teen-only activities. Great camp facilities for hiking, campfires,
sports, and more. (check out the website: www.sacramentoassembly.org)
Two nights lodging in hotel-style rooms, five meals and snacks, and all programming
materials
• Single adult: $185 (TMS member)/ $220 (non-member of TMS)
• One adult and one child (12 and under), sharing a room: $205/ $240
• Two participants, sharing a room: $140 per person/ $165 per person
• Family of three or more, sharing a room: $350/$400
• MSTY participant (9th-12th grade), same-sex shared rooms and bathrooms: $98
• Children under 5 are free
Please send your registration to the Temple office (4408 North Stanton, 79902) along
with your check made payable to TMS. Space is limited, so sign up now.
Adult Name(s):
______________________________________________________________________
Children's Names and Ages:

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: ____________________ Cell Phone:___________________________
Email: ______________________________________________________________________
Cost: _________
This registration is due by October 15, 2010. For further information about the retreat,
please contact Alanna Bach 328-6062 or abach@templemountsinai.com.
Please contact Rabbi Bach for information regarding financial assistance.
NON-PROFIT
Temple Mount Sinai
ORGANIZATION
4408 North Stanton Street U.S. Postage
El Paso, TX 79902 PAID
EL Paso TX
Phone: 915-532-5959 Permit No. 1386
Fax: 915-533-0092
www.templemountsinai.com
Mailing Address
Staff
Rabbi ............................................................... Larry Bach
Rabbi Emeritus ............................................... Ken Weiss
Temple Mount Sinai is the
Administrator ................................................ Sally Parke
Administrative Assistant ....................Buddy Schwartz
Reform Jewish congregation
Religious School Director................................ Grace Bir
Outreach Director ........................................Susan Jaffee
serving El Paso, Texas.
Family Educator ......................................... Alanna Bach
Bulletin Editor ............................................ Mark Schrier We are a congregation of
Building Manager .............................. Frank Hernandez
House Keeping ......................................Ramona Pinales supportive, caring and
Accompanist ........................................... Linda McClain
diverse people with a rich
Officers
David Kern ................................................................. President history.
Shari Schwartz ................................................. President-Elect
Marian Daross ....................................................Vice President
Greta Duran........................................................Vice President
Temple is a place for prayer,
Ellen Goodman ..................................................Vice President
David Leffman ...................................................Vice President ritual, spirituality, education,
Jon Sonnen ..........................................................Vice President
Stephanie Calvo ..........................................................Secretary wholeness and healing, social
Marcia Dahlberg ............................ Immediate Past President
action and celebration.
Trustees
Rick Amstater, Joyce Davidoff, Join us as we explore,
Scott Feldt, Lori Gaman, Susie Goldman,
Jack Heydemann, Maria Klein, Hal Marcus,
Susan May, David Novick, Debby Robalin,
through these elements of
Phil Rothstein, Mark Schrier, Jane Snow
sacred living, the richness of
Jewish faith and tradition.

Messages From The Mountain, October 2010

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Messages From The Mountain, October 2010

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October 2010/ Tishrei—Heshvan 5771 Number 614

Temple Mount Sinai Shabbat Retreat in the Mountains of New Mexico

“A Safe Place for Everyone”

Worship Schedule October

October 8-9 October 29-30

Mazel Tov! Congratulations...

Hamakom Y’nachem—May God Bring Comfort...

B’ruchim Haba’im—Welcome New Members!

Rick & Randi Cabrera

Leaves and Stones on the Temple’s Tree of Life

Temple Mount Sinai Care Team

from Rabbi Ken and Sue — A Letter “Home”

(Continued from page 6) Torah reading ends and begins on Simchat

Allison Given Bat Mitzvah

Katie Schmidt Bat Mitzvah

Religious School News

coming assembly, introduction of our faculty

At 11:15 am, parents, grandparents and Board (Continued on page 11)

Ink Toner and Cartridges Religious School

Religious School Sukkot Celebration

Torah directs us to use four species of

Panim el Panim — Teens in Washington, DC

Dessert and Discuss

Lunch and Learn, October 12 at 11:45 am

Rabbi Bach: A “Rabbi Without Borders”

Gesher Starts Strong

We hope your family will join us for a year

During August and September the Gesher

(Continued from page 1) poorly-written initiative would actually take

Women of Reform Judaism

Last month (August), we enjoyed each other’s

Men of Reform Judaism

Jewish War Veterans News

Albertson’s Cash-Back Fundraiser

Tributes from August 21 to September 20, 2010

in memory of Vernon Carvajal in memory of Vivienne Corn

Krasne Discretionary Fund in appreciation of Rabbi Larry in honor of Katie Schmidt's

Yahrzeits for October 2010

Children's Names and Ages:

Home Phone: ____________________ Cell Phone:___________________________

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Home Phone: Cell Phone:_______