Sisterhood Garage Sale – July 15^th and 22^nd

The Sisterhood’s annual garage sale will be held on Sunday, July 15^th and Sunday, July 22^nd here at CSH.  If you have items you would like to donate to the sale, those may be dropped off at the synagogue during normal office hours Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  

There will also be additional times scheduled in the near future to accommodate those who cannot drop-off items during office hours.

More information will be forthcoming in these announcements and The Shofar Online at http://cshshofar.blogspot.com/.

If you have questions, please contact Lori Pizutti at Lori.L.Pizzuti@gmail.com or Cathy Leonard at celeonard@verizon.net.

The Co-President's Report

We are both very excited to be the co-presidents of Congregation Shaar Hashalom.  We are meeting with the our synagogue committees and our synagogue families to discuss ideas for activities, Shabbat Services and fundraising to name a few.

Perhaps, you think that synagogues run themselves. However, that is not the case, and many people volunteer many hours to help see that it runs smoothly. Did you know that there are many studies that show a link between volunteering and increased feelings of self-worth? Some of our committees include fundraising, education, social action, membership, ritual and facilities. Come and join one of these committees or the many other activities at our synagogue and share your expertise with your congregation,.

Our board meetings are held on every third Thursday of the month at 7pm and are open to all members.

We are looking forward to meeting and talking to each one of you in the coming months and are eager to learn your ideas about what our synagogue can do for you and your family.  Feel free to email or call us to share your ideas and please tell us which committee of our synagogue you would like to participate.  

Sandy Ostrosky  

sandyostrosky@gmail.com

281-794-4172  

Debbie Angel  

debbie.m.angel@sbcglobal.net  

281-996-5971

Membership Report

As many of you have noticed, CSH has many more young families at our services and in our schools.  We are so excited to be a growing congregation once again.  Please make sure you to welcome and visit with these new members when you see them at services.  And, also, we hope that these young families will join us in leadership and volunteer roles at our synagogue.  We need you!!

What a wonderful Musical Shabbat, “Shabbat Alive!” over 100 of us experienced on April  27^th.  Many of our congregation families shared their time and talents in baking for the special Oneg that night.  I want to thank each & everyone who provided the special treats for that night.  All those attending our first Shabbat Alive unanimously voted to continue to  make Shabbat the special  holiday we can enjoy together.  With that in mind, please mark your calendar for Friday, June 8^th, for our next musical Shabbat.  I will ,again, be asking for volunteers to help with the Oneg Shabbat.

Congregation Shaar Hashalom will once again welcome Jennifer Rolnick on June the 8^th, as well as our fellow members who participated in this wonderful Shabbat.  A special ‘Todah Rabah’ to our musicians:  Jennifer Rolnick, Lori Laird, Joe Buchanan and Craig Schweitzer.  Also included in the service were our guest vocalist Jennifer Rolnick, Rabbi Federow, Tammy & Shelby Allison, Carl Schwanke, Rex Hemme and Loren Paeglis.

If you weren’t there, you missed the melodies of the Beatles, Twist & Shout, as well as many other wonderful musical surprises.  Please  try to join us on Friday, June 8^th, at 7:00 P.M.  Any help with the Oneg will be greatly appreciated.

A special welcome to our CSH family to April and Joe Buchanan & their family and to Mike Rosen.  As we have mentioned in the past, you, as our members, are also a welcoming committee for any guests attending our services and programs.  Please introduce yourself and show them how wonderful congregation members we have at CSH.

See you on June 8^th

Risa Stein

Lori Pizzuti

Membership Trustees

Adult Education Report

Ancient Aliens

At 7:00 p.m. on May 31, 2012, we have Rabbi Federow speaking on the topic of "Ancient Aliens as the Source of Religion."  You may ask yourself, “What in the world is that about?”  Well, I will tell you: 

What is the source of religions on Planet Earth? Did space ships land on the earth with vastly superior technology and appear to we lowly human beings as gods? Was the thunder and lightning on Mount Sinai an alien version of Steven Spielberg/Cecil B. Demille special effects? How do we understand such descriptions found in our Bible? 

Please come to the class and join in the discussion! 

Crypto-Jewish Seminar:  August 19, 2012

Mari & David Barkhausen, Rabbi Federow and I are hard at work organizing Congregation Shaar Hashalom’s 3^rd Annual Crypto- Jewish seminar.  Thus far we have confirmed the following speakers/presenters:

• Marie-Theresa Hernández:  Associate Professor of World Cultures and Literatures Department of Modern and Classical Languages at the University of Houston.  She is also the Jewish Studies Initiative Committee chair.  For more information on Dr.  Hernández: check out the following links:  http://www.class.uh.edu/mcl/wcl/hernandez.html    Additionally, an article in the Jewish Herald-Voice:  http://jhvonline.com/jewish-studies-program-set-to-begin-at-uh-p12039-96.htm

• Mr. Bennett Greenspan:  President and CEO of Family Tree DNA   An entrepreneur and life-long genealogy enthusiast, Mr. Greenspan founded Family Tree DNA in 1999, turning - dare we say - a hobby into a full-time vocation. Together with Max Blankfeld, they founded in 1997 GoCollege.com a website for college-bound students which survived the .COM implosion.

• Gabriela Bohm:  Independent filmmaker/founder of Bohm Productions, whose productions explore cultural identity through inspirational stories from the present and past.  She will be presenting a workshop on her movie- The Longing:  The Forgotten Jews of South America.  Gabriela is an award-winning documentary film director and offers workshops on identity and empathy based on her documentary.  The Longing:  The Forgotten Jews of South America, set in Ecuador, chronicles the story of five people attempting to regain their Jewish heritage against the local Jewish community’s fierce opposition.  The Longing to Belong workshop focuses on marginalized crypto Jews and existing Jewish communities who reject them.  Participants will explore the complexities of Jewish identity in today’s world through a screening of the film, discussion and experiential exercises.  Bohm creates a nurturing, intellectual environment in which attendees can explore their personal, political and spiritual perspectives.  Together, they will reach new perspectives and compassion.  You can visit Ms. Bohm’s website for more information on the film and workshop:  http://www.bohmproductions.com/

• Dr. Ofelia Averack:  Will be sharing her own personal story about her return to Judaism with participants.  Dr. Averack graduated Valedictorian of her Medical School with an M.D. License in Mexico.  She served as an instructor of Microbiology and Human Physiology Department at her University.  Life Member and Founder of Hadassah she served at her local Hadassah Chapter at all capacities and positions.  She received the Hadassah National Leadership Award and was part of the Young Women Young Leaders in the Mission to Israel in 2001. 

• Rabbi Peter Tarlow:  Rabbi Tarlow is trying to change his schedule to make himself available for the seminar.  Peter Tarlow has been the rabbi at Texas A&M Hillel since 1983.  In that capacity he has worked with Jewish students and faculty, taught courses on Jewish ethics and has served as a chaplain for College Station PD.  He holds degrees in history, in Spanish and Hebrew literatures and in psychotherapy.  This will be Rabbi Tarlow’s third year with our seminar.  And, just a “shout out” to Rabbi Tarlow, last year we had a speaker cancel last minute and he was amazing enough to be able to fill their spot and speak for the entire time period.  We certainly appreciate all of his efforts!

Our next steps are to work on scheduling, travel, hotel arrangements, publicity and catering (box lunches, most likely) for the event.  If anyone has suggestions for arranging discounted travel and/or hotel accommodations we would appreciate the suggestions.  Just email or send me a Facebook message.  We hope to see you all at the seminar!

Respectfully submitted,

Lori Elaine Laird

Adult Education Trustee

Email:  Lori.lawyer@hotmail.com

Facebook:  Lori.Lawyer2

Sisterhood Schmooze

As our Sisterhood year winds down, we will be holding elections on the evening of Thursday, May 17^th, along with a banana split social.  Installation to follow next month.

We do have a couple of things happening in what is traditionally our “off time” this summer.  We will soon begin work on our summer garage sale, which at this point will be held in August.  In light of last year’s success, we will again hold it on two consecutive Sundays.  And we are planning to have a summer social again this year (which we managed to miss last year). More on these two items as they develop.    

Sheilla Goldberg and I just returned from Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Intra-Continental Region Conference in San Antonio earlier this month.  It’s always great meeting with other women from the region to exchange ideas (and commiserate on successes and failures).  This year, in addition to eight states, there were also delegates in attendance from our neighbors to the north and south, Canada and Mexico. It’s always a special treat to meet the ladies from above and below the USA.

We were privy to many sessions about such topics as developing programs, bolstering attendance and managing the many aspects of a successful Sisterhood, with a little fun thrown in too.

I hope you have a wonderful summer and keep in touch, as we have some great things happening in Sisterhood!

As always, big hugs,
Cathy Leonard

Sisterhood President
celeonard@verizon.net

Excerpts from CSH Weekly Happenings

Please welcome Kendra Gladwill as our new Secretary.  Kendra will be in our synagogue office Monday - Friday from 10-2.  Please call, email or come to the office to welcome her to CSH! 

• Friday/Saturday, Apr. 20/21, Services Friday, 7PM, Saturday, 9:30AM Torah Discussion, 10AM Service. Parsha Shmini, Oneg sponsored by Rex & Amira Hemme.
• Friday, April 27, 7PM, Shabbat Alive Service with vocalists and instruments; Featuring Jennifer Rolnick , Accepted as Cantorial Student Fall 2012 , Oneg following.
• Saturday, Apr. 28, Services Saturday, 9:30AM Torah Discussion, 10AM Service. Parsha Tazria-Metzora, Pot Luck Oneg.
• Friday/Saturday, May. 4/5, Teacher Appreciation at Family Service Friday, 7PM, Regular Saturday, 9:30AM Torah Discussion, 10AM Service. Parsha Achrei Mot-Kedoshim, Pot Luck Oneg.
• Sunday, May 6, 6PM, Men's Club Poker night, a fundraiser. Open to all Bar/Bat Mitzvah and above.
• Monday, May 7, Reservation Deadline for the CSH Men's Club Outing to see the Houston Astros play Cincinnati on June 3, 2012. Game starts at 1:05PM, only $26 per person. Check payment deadline, Monday, May 21, ticket pickup, May 27. Please e-mail Kurtis Matzkind at kmatzkind@astros.com to reserve your tickets. Pay by cash or check made out to “Shaar Hashalom Men's Club. The event is open to members and friends of Shaar Hashalom.
• Friday/Saturday, May 11/12, Services Friday, 7PM, Saturday, 9:30AM Torah Discussion, 10AM Service. Parsha Emor, Pot Luck Oneg.
• Sunday, May 13, 8;30, Men's Club serving breakfast to the ladies on Mother's day, prior to the Women-only fashion show.
• Thursday, May 17, Sisterhood Election and games. This is the postponed event from March 18.
• Friday/Saturday, May 18/19, Services Friday, 7PM, Saturday, 9:30AM Torah Discussion, 10AM Service. Parsha Behar-Bechukotai, Pot Luck Oneg.
• Sunday, May 20, 12:30, Congregational Picnic at Frankie Carter Park. Free food and drinks, volleyball, clown for youngsters, bingo, and schmoozing.
• Friday/Saturday, May 25/26, Services Friday, 7PM, Saturday, 9:30AM Torah Discussion, 10AM Service. Parsha Bamidbar, Pot Luck Oneg.
• Sunday, June 3, Shaar Hashalom outing to an Astros Baseball Game.
• June 13, Wednesday, is the annual Men’s Club membership dinner at Mediteraneo Restaurant.
  
  
  

  

  
  
  Carl O. Schwanke

Membership Report

Last month we reported two potential new members.  Today we’re very happy to officially welcome two new members:   the Buchanan family and new associate member, Mike Rosen.  The Buchanan’s have already been volunteering in various  aspects of CSH.  April has made delicious challah for our Onegs and both have worked at the Purim carnival along with their son, Nathan.

We are still hoping to receive your new letters for our Membership Packets.  The letters we have had in the past are from the President(s), the Rabbi, VP of Education, Sisterhood & Men’s Club.  Even if you have a letter in the current packet, perhaps you might think to reread  your current letters and make some updates.  Also included in each packet is a bit of information about Social Action activities and both CLUSY & Kadima letters inviting  our older students to join in their many activities.  If you are new to your office, please consider reading what is currently being sent in our packets & perhaps, consider re-writing your information.

Lori & I are looking forward to our special Musical Shabbat on Friday, April 27^th.  I am having members volunteer to bake and/or buy to make  a special Oneg that night.  April Buchanan is again making her delicious challahs.  Sisterhood is generously paying for the kitchen help that night.  Hopefully, these special Shabbat services will continue more often throughout the year.  And bring more of our members back to attending Shabbat services once again.

Lori Pizzuti

Risa Stein

Co-Membership Trustees

Education Report

Chai Y’all! 

My name is Nancy Weiss, and I am the new Education Vice President at CSH. I held this position on the board of directors several years ago and am excited to be able to help the school once again. Although I do not have any children in the school anymore, my sons aged 22 and 19 were students at CSH since we moved here from Chicago in 2001. I am a pediatric occupational therapist in Clear Lake so still have many young children in my life. I am very much looking forward to working again with our fantastic School Director, Katy Izygon, and to putting together a new Education Committee. Please consider serving with me.

Important news:

First, a big TODAH RABAH to all the parents who came out and participated at the Pesach school celebration with their children. It was a lot of fun for all ages, and it makes such an impact on your kids to have you by their side. We look forward to more and more family events to share.

On April 25 at 6:00pm, during school time, we will be celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. There will be games, Israeli food and presentations to the students about Israel. Please make sure they come to school and learn about this very important holiday!

Teacher Appreciation will be held at the family services Friday May 4^th at 7:00pm. Please come with your children and give a well-deserved thank you to their teachers who work so hard to give your children the best Jewish education they can.

Early bird School Registration is beginning held from Sunday May 6^th through May 20^th. Forms will be available at the synagogue. Please remember that you must be in good standing financially in order to register your student. We need you to register early so we can count the number of children to plan for the coming school year.

The last day of school will be May 20^th. Immediately following school will be the Congregation Picnic at Frankie Carter Randolph Park in Friendswood. This is such a fun event, and it’s not just for the kids! We hope to see you there.

            

            Please mark your calendars for May 25^th and join us as we celebrate Shabbat with our Confirmation class leading the service. This is a very unique and moving service as our young adults confirm their commitment to Judaism. Let’s give them our support.

            And the last dates to announce include no school on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 13^th, and the first day of school for the new school year will be September 9^th. A full school calendar is being developed right now and will be available at the synagogue and on the CSH website very soon.

B’shalom, 

Nancy Weiss

Education VP

Second Night Seder - April 7th - Get Your Reservations In Today

Come and join in on the traditional lively evening, at CSH’s Annual Passover Second Night Seder, where there is something for everyone!

On Saturday evening, April 7^th; 6:00 p.m.; at Congregation Shaar Hashalom, 16020 El Camino Real (Clear Lake Area) Houston, Texas, 77062

You can find copies of the reservation forms on the website; on our Facebook page; and at www.simonsites.net. Please fill in the form and return it to CSH office with your payment to reserve your spot. We should receive your forms and payment by no later than March 26^th to make sure we have an appropriate count for arranging for food.

If you have a special seating request, where several families or groups would like to be seated together, please note so on your form and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Tables will seat up to 12 people.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Shalom,

Lori Pizzuti, Seder Chairperson

Email: lori.l.pizzuti@gmail.com

Co-Presidents' Message - March 2012

We are both very excited to be the co-presidents of Congregation Shaar Hashalom.  We are planning many activities for all our members .  

Currently, the new board members are meeting with their predecessors to become oriented in their positions . Others are getting ready in positions they have done before. Our board meetings will be held on the third Thursday of every month and are open to all members.

Perhaps, you think that synagogues run themselves. However, that is not the case, and many people volunteer many hours to help see that it runs smoothly. Did you know that there are many studies that show a link between volunteering and increased feelings of self-worth? Some of our committees include fundraising, education, social action, membership, ritual and facilities. Come and join one of these committees or the many other activities at our synagogue and share your expertise with your congregation.

Let us tell you a little about us. Sandy has been a member of the synagogue for over twenty five years, is married, and has two children, ages 24 and 21. Debbie also is a longtime member of the synagogue, having joined in 1991. She also has two children, ages 29 and 24. You might meet her son David at the synagogue. 

We are looking forward to meeting and talking to each one of you in the coming months and are eager to learn your ideas about what our synagogue can do for you and your family. Feel free to email or call us to share your ideas and please tell us which committee of our synagogue you would like to participate.

Sandy and Debbie


Sandy Ostrosky sandyostrosky@gmail.com or 832-569-2652
Debbie Angel debbie.m.angel@sbcglobal.net or 281-996-5971