Newsletters

Still a die-hard Chicago White Sox fan, the Rabbi reports that his golf game is on the rocks despite the present of brand new clubs last year. If you will be visiting Hong Kong, you can be part of Rabbi Shapiro’s congregation where he will be the rabbi during the month of March 2002.



The Kona Beth Shalom Annual Meeting

Sunday, September 9, starting at 2 pm

Old Airport Park, Pavilion #3

At the (northern) end of the Old Airport, just before the end of the runway, there is a double pavilion (#3), near the restrooms. The KBS Annual Meeting starts there at 2 pm. The Board of Trustees meeting follows (at about 2:45 pm). Everyone is invited. Then comes the picnic and music.

We get together at this time to consider how we want our Congregation to move along in the coming year. We elect our Board of Trustees, and our Board will then elect our Officers. If you have suggestions or if you are interested in joining our Board, call Barry Blum (322-6004) and be sure to come to the meeting.

Our present Board is shown below, with the dates that the positions expire. The term of any Trustee elected or re-elected now will expire in 5765, in September 2004. New nominations will be accepted at this meeting. The maximum number of Board members is eighteen (not including the immediate past president).

                                                                        Name of Trustee           Term expires Name of Trustee        Term expires

                              1.                                                       Ruth Bernstone                *5762 (September 2001)               8.                              Barbara Lewis                                5763 (September 2002)

                              2.                                                       Barry Blum                       *5762 (September 2001)               9.                              Erwin Myhre                                   5764 (September 2003)

                                3.                                                     Morty Breier                     5764 (September 2003)                 10.                                Janice Rabkin                              5764 (September 2004)

                                4.                                                     Ruth Ader Cawn            5764 (September 2003)   11.          Bob Rhée                                *5762 (September 2001)

                                5.                                                     Debera First                    5764 (September 2004)   12.          Helen Salzberg                 *5762 (September 2001)

                                6.                                                     Joel Gimpel                       5763 (September 2002)                 13.          Ed Sigler                      5763 (September 2002)

                                7.                                                     Lorraine Highkin             5764 (September 2003)                 14.                                Michael Zola                                5763 (September 2002)

                                   * Term is ending now. Trustee is standing for reelection                           (immediate past president)



This is also a time to have a picnic and connect with friends. Bring drinks and a dish as potluck to share for the barbecue (no pork or shellfish please). Kosher hot dogs, buns and all the trimmings will be provided. Bring your musical instruments and be prepared to sing and dance. Kona's Traveling Jewish Wedding Band will be playing for the simcha.

Monday, September 17, at 6:30 pm, and

Tuesday, September 18, at 10 am

keauhou beach hotel – kahalu‘u ballroom

Rosh Hashana marks the time when we Jews begin our annual process of renewal. We hear the sound of the shofar announcing the birthday of the world. We can use this special time to renew and revitalize our connections with our families and friends. New Years Resolutions have a special meaning for us as we seek inspiration for the coming years and also use the ten “Days of Awe” from Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur to ask forgiveness from people we may have offended. The greeting at this time is: L'shana tovah tikateivu (May you be written into the Book of Life).

Friday, September 21,at 6 pm, Kalanikai Pavilion and

Saturday, September 22, at 10 am, Secret Garden

Shabbat Tshuvah (between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur) is the “Sabbath of the (Re-) Turning.” As is every Sabbath, it is a day of rest, contemplation and rejuvenation. This particular Shabbat can be the awesome time to return and reconnect to our heritage and to the gifts we were given and have only to claim. Rabbi Shapiro will lead us on both Friday evening and Saturday morning. There will be a potluck supper after Friday night services. On Saturday morning we will also celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Ed Sigler. He recently turned 90 years old. It's never too late! A special kiddush with bagels and lox will be provided.

Tashlich is the service conducted at the water’s edge when we throw bits of bread or lint into the ocean as a symbolic act of casting sins away. After the Saturday morning Shabbat Service we will walk to the ocean to perform this simple but meaningful ceremony.

Wednesday, September 26, at 6 pm

Thursday, September 27, at 10 am

keauhou beach hotel - kahalu‘u ballroom

As the sun sets on Wednesday evening we chant the Kol Nidre, a prayer written in ancient Aramaic containing a formula that asks God's forgiveness for any oaths or vows we have made to God that we have failed to keep. Our greeting changes to L'shana tovah tikateivu ve teichateimu or Gemar chatima tovah (May you be sealed into the Book of Life) because tradition tells us that we have until sundown on Yom Kippur before the Book of Life is finally sealed for the coming year.

Yom Kippur is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. We start fasting at sundown on Wednesday evening and continue until sundown Thursday to enable us to remain focused and free of distraction. We own up to our behaviors of the past year and we think about commitments we made, not just to others, but also to ourselves and to our God. The Yom Kippur service begins at 10 am. There will be a break at around 1 pm and Rabbi Shapiro will remain to be available for discussions.

At 4 pm we reconvene for Yizkor (the Memorial Service). When you send in your Membership Application / Contribution Form, please include the names of family or friends you wish to have remembered so that Rabbi Shapiro can recite their names at this time. Many people like to observe the tradition of donating tzedaka (charity) in the name of their loved ones.

Neilah is the concluding service for Yom Kippur. We in Hawaii have a profound responsibility at this time; our congregations are the last on the planet to perform this service before the Book of Life is sealed for another year. We get to put in the last word, so to speak. When the sun has set, we will break the fast together with light snacks hosted by the WaKoBeS (Wahines of Kona Beth Shalom) and Lorraine Highkin in memory of her granddaughter, Talia Miller.

Friday, September 28, at 6 pm, Kalanikai Pavilion

Saturday, September 29, at 10 am, Secret Garden, keauhou beach hotel

KBS will resume end-of-the-month Shabbat Services to continue throughout the year on the last full weekend of each month. Volunteers in our community conduct the different portions of these services. We’re always looking for new people to share their knowledge with us at these events.

On Friday evening, September 28, Rabbi Shapiro will lead the Shabbat Service and then after the potluck he will lead us in the discussion technique he developed called “Searchers.” This method enables people to bond through prayer and sharing, discuss a short text from the Bible and apply it to their lives. He shared this technique with us last year and we’re looking forward to another fascinating session this year

Sukkot begins on Monday evening, October 1, and continues for a full week. Shmini Atzeret starts one week later and Simchat Torah begins on Tuesday evening, October 9, continuing through the next day. At the time this Newsletter goes to press, we have not yet firmed up plans for these holidays, so keep your eye on the West Hawaii Today KBS release on Fridays. To receive up-to-date news of this and other events, be sure you’ve given us your e-mail address when you send in your Membership / Contribution Form.

The Kona Beth Shalom Board of Trustees

It has always seemed quite remarkable that our small congregation has been able to get so many things done for so many people each year. The reason this is possible is that one particular group of folks, KBS’s Board of Trustees, gets together every month and not only plans these events, but makes them happen. Ruth Bernstone, Barry Blum, Morty Breier, Ruth Ader Cawn, Joel Gimpel, Lorraine Highkin, Barbara Lewis, Erwin Myhre, Bob Rhée, Helen Salzberg, Rosemary Sevilla, Ed Sigler and Michael Zola were the Board members at the start of 5761. Because Rosemary Sevilla was on the mainland for most of the year and couldn’t attend Board meetings, the Board declared the position vacant and expressed deep appreciation for her contributions to the congregation and community. This past February, Debra First joined the Board and in July, Janice Rabkin was also elected.

We thank the officers of our Board for doing so much, including Barry Blum for preparing agendas and chairing the Board meetings, Joel Gimpel for recording and publishing Board meeting minutes, Ruth Bernstone and Ruth Ader for being co-treasurers, Ruth Bernstone for doing our financial reports, and Morty Breier as Vice-President for filling in where required. We extend to all of them our warmest appreciation as we do to the spouses of all our trustees: Sherrill Cawn, Michael Bernstone, Gloria Blum, Karen Breier, Jan Rae (Gimpel), Harry Highkin, Helen Myhre, Harriet Rhée, Bob Salzberg, Helen Sigler, Susanne Zola and Les Rabkin. This congregation could not be what it is today if it were not for everything that all these folks contributed.

the Year in Review.    Do you remember?

A moving and informative Art Show entitled “Biblical Heroines,” by Holit Bat-Edit, was presented on September 9, in Hilo.

The WaKoBeS and KAHEA co-sponsored the performance of Gloria Blum’s musical radio play, “The Trial of Sarah” as a prelude to the High Holy Days. The play, with Mikel Estrin’s music orchestrated by Jonathan Marmelzat, was presented at the Kona Outdoor Circle on September 24, to a packed house.

KBS members were invited to celebrate Succoth at the home of Dr. Michael & Sandra Kroll, in Lapahoehoe on October 15.

Our first Art, Antique & Craft Fair was conducted on October 21at the Keauhou Shopping Center, thanks to the hard work of Erwyn Myhre and Carolyn Blann. By all standards, including community participation, enjoyment of the process and money raised for the congregation, the event was a great success. Kona’s Travelling Jewish Wedding Band provided musical entertainment.

In October, Joan and Jerry Shapiro provided a generous donation to KBS earmarked for the KBS Library. As we do not yet have a building in which to house our library, this donation inspired us to start a virtual library. Members with their own Jewish libraries have already (and are still asked to) provided lists of their books. The names of these books will be displayed on the KBS web site being designed by Marc “Bernie” Bernstone, son of Michael & Ruth Bernstone. Persons wishing to read or borrow these books will then be able to contact those members. Bob Feldman, Morty Breier, Ruth Bernstone and Barry Blum have been developing this project, and we received another contribution in January from Mr. & Mrs. Paul Widem to help finance the work. The web site, www.konabethshalom.org, will include a History and Description of KBS, Services and Events, Membership and Donations, President's Page, Virtual Jewish Library, WaKoBeS, AlteKaKoBeS, Shaloha Cookbook, Shadchen Page, Drushes, Annual Newsletter, Links, and more.

On October 22 we conducted our Annual Membership Meeting at the Aston Keauhou Beach Resort. The members voted to amend our bylaws to permit non-Jewish spouses and life partners of members to join as family members and to allow all members all of the rights, privileges and obligations of membership, including the right to vote, hold office and serve on the Board.

In November, Kona’s 2^nd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service was conducted at the Hongwongi Mission in Kealakekua. Barry & Gloria Blum provided a presentation on behalf of KBS. Morty Breier presented on behalf of the New Thought Center.

In December, KBS and KAHEA jointly hosted what may have been the largest gathering of Jews ever seen in Kona when we conducted our annual Chanukah Party at the Aston Keauhou Beach Hotel. The WaKoBeS sponsored this event, and were assisted by Lorraine Highkin, Gloria Blum, Ruth Glatt, Ruth Ader, Erwin & Helen Myhre, Karen Breier and many more. Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band provided the music as everyone danced the hora! Jacqui Marlin and Holit Bat-Edit read the Chanukah story; the children played with dreydles, there were latkes galore (though maybe not enough), and other treats. See Karen’s WaKoBeS Report (below) for more details.

Rabbi Jack Frankel of San Francisco led the Shabbat morning service on December 23. Elyse Silverberg, the president of Kehillat Beijing, visited us for that service and shared some of her experiences with us from the People’s Republic of China, and what it’s like to run a Jewish congregation there (sounded similar to here). Her husband manufactures sportswear. In case you’re wondering about the models in the photos showing off that sportswear at Wal-Mart, they’re the members of Kehillat Beijing.

The New Millennium started most auspiciously with the wedding of Una Greenaway & Leon Rosner on January 1at their home and coffee farm. Dr. Barry Blum & Gloria Blum officiated, Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band entertained, and everyone agreed that it was an absolutely beautiful day, in every way.

At our Friday evening Shabbat Service in February, Debera First introduced us to an upcoming course on Kabbalah, and the program started formally under KAHEA’s auspices on February 23. Debera will resume these classes in October. Call her at 327-1333 for details.

We celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of Fern Kane at our February 24, Shabbat Service. Fern read her portion from the Torah in Hebrew, and her husband, Larry, explained it (in English). Jacques Sebag assisted with additional reading, Kawika Sebag read the Haftorah portion, and Morty Breier presented Fern with a carved koa-wood plaque from the congregation. At the reception hosted by Fern and Larry, Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band and Julie and Robert Sebag provided musical entertainment. Fern graciously presented the congregation with a donation to underwrite the cost of printing the next edition of KBS’s Shaloha Cookbook, to be edited again by Karen Breier.

That was also the first occasion when we used our new Aron HaKodesh for Saturday morning services. Here’s the story:

In 1985, when we acquired our Torah Scroll from the Jewish Federation we needed an Ark (Aron Kodesh) to store and display the scroll. The Jewish Congregation of Maui loaned us their old Ark. Among the folks who put it into shape was our congregation’s cabinet-maker-in-chief, Joe Rosner.

This Ark served us well over the years but it was beginning to show its age. Two years ago, we asked Morty Breier to prepare a design for a new Aron Kodesh. Because the Ark would have to be moved in and out of whatever area we used as our Sanctuary we thought that the new design should be more easily transportable, somewhat like the original Ark of the Covenant that was carried in and out of ancient synagogues.

For last year’s High Holidays, Erwyn Myhre lined the Ark with velvet cloth. Earlier this year, Morty Breier and Joe Rosner completed plans for the new Aron Kodesh. Joe then built the new Aron Kodesh for us incorporating the old Ark. Koa-wood used for the project was donated by Morton Bassan. The beautifully carved Tablets of the Law were removed and placed on the doors of the new Ark. The top half of the new Aron was first used at our December 2000 services. In February, the top and the bottom were put together for Fern Kane’s Bat Mitzvah. In May, Morty added carved plaques with KBS’ logo onto the bottom cabinet doors. We expect that the final touches on the Ark, including wooden railings and finials, will be in place in time for this year’s High Holidays. It is already a masterpiece!

The main funding for this project was bequeathed to Kona Beth Shalom by a man who had been part of Kona’s Jewish Community for many years but who wished to remain anonymous.

In March, Debera First and her mother, Florence Mandel, donated new Gates of Prayer Siddurim to the Congregation in honor of the first birthday of Leo Schlesinger, Debera’s grandson and Florence’s great grandson.

The KBS Men’s Club, dubbed the “AlteKaKoBeS” held its first meeting on April 2. “Alte” means in this case, sage or wise. “Ka” refers to “kane” (men). “KoBeS” refers to Kona Beth Shalom. The group’s purposes and objectives include the promotion of fellowship and service to the congregation and community. The group is prepared to meet again at any time, as soon as they find a reason to do so.

On April 7, we conducted our Community Seder at the Aston Keauhou Beach Hotel. As in years past, Barry Blum and Michael Zola teamed up to conduct the service. The evening was a great success thanks in a large part to the meticulous preparations for the event by Ruth Ader, Lorraine Highkin, Jan Rae, Karen Breier, Mark Cohen, Erwin & Helen Myhre, and Michael Zola’s office staff, Gwen and Lee. Joel Gimpel, Mikel Estrin, Gloria Blum and Barry Blum provided special music.

On May 23, The Varieties of Jewish Experience Series collaborated with the Cutting Edge Symposium to present an evening with Rabbi Gideon Yehuda Sorokin of Tiburon, California and Cantor Vladimir Zeev Zagotsky at the Holuakoa Café in Holualoa. The rabbi spoke about the current situation in Israel regarding Jewish-Arab relations. Cantor Zagotsky offered a concert of music in Hebrew, Russian, English and Italian. Judy Olson, Joel Gimpel, Barry Blum and Matt Binder, of Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band, accompanied him.

WaKoBeS Report

Another great year for the WaKoBeS! We started the year with our High Holiday wonderful, round raisin challahs baked by Ruth Ader and Ruth Bernstone. Helen Myhre and Lois-ellin Datta supplied challas for the rest of the Services. Elyse Burkhalter and Jan Fradenburg prepared the apples and honey for the traditional treat after the Shabbat Services. Our "Break the Fast" after Yom Kippur was again hosted by the WaKoBeS and Lorraine Highkin in loving memory of her granddaughter, with lots and lots of lox and bagels and all the trimmings. Ruth Bernstone baked four honey cakes. Other goodies were prepared by Gloria Blum, Jan Rae and even Marshall Blann.

Our Chanukah Party was attended by close to 200 people (we were prepared for 125). We are grateful to KAHEA for the decorations. Ruth Glatt and Ruth Ader were there early to put them up when the steady stream of guests started arriving. Holit Bat-Edit and Jacqui Marlin presented the Chanukah story while all the candles were glowing. Lorraine, Jan Rae and I kept the food moving on and off the tables while the talented Gloria and The Traveling Jewish Wedding Band entertained and the children spun the dreidles. It got a little hectic but we learned a few valuable lessons and gained much wisdom for future Chanukah parties. Please join us this year for another fun event.

We made a donation to KAHEA to help them purchase some much-needed bookshelves and a small computer table. KAHEA invited the WaKoBeS to a breakfast reception of yummy treats and to their Hebrew and Torah classes. It was a sweet and informative morning. Thanks to Sharona Lomberg and all of the KAHEA ladies. Holit Bat-Edit has been successful in her showings of her project of "Biblical Heroines" sculpture, video and CD ROM. Way to go, Holit!

Thanks to WaKoBeS hosts, Ruth Ader, Una Greenaway, Jan Rae and The Dome Home (my home) for hosting our meetings this past year. A special thanks to Lois-ellin Datta for writing our informative and exciting newsletters.

A big thank you to all of the challah queens and a king: Ruth Ader, Ruth Bernstone, Helen Myhre, Lois-ellin Datta, Renee Sebag, Una Greenaway, me, Lorraine's freezer supply and to Jerry Klaz. It's this kind of participation that makes us such a haimish congregation.

I would like to thank all the WaKoBeS for contributing their time, energy and love so that we can continue to support KBS activities and our sister WaKoBeS. It has been a joyful experience to serve as the WaKoBeS president for the past five years. I wish the best to my newly elected successor, Una Greenaway Rosner.

Shaloha,

Karen Breier

Other News

We learned from Erwyn Myhre that Tony Franken is eager to carry articles that were to be offered at the KBS Antique Show, at his new store, Tropical Trading (tel: 326-9775). Located at 74-5599 Luhia, #F6, Kailua-Kona, below and behind Emma’s Flowers and Sound Wave Music in the old industrial area, the store is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. Besides antiques and collectibles, Tropical Trading will be able to carry other items for us such as candles, mezzuzot, menorahs and other Judaica. Stop by and visit when you’re in the neighborhood.

Would you believe there are Jews up in North Hawaii? In fact there are many! This past Spring Sarah Nealy, Alan Axelrod, Karen Rosen and Nina Perrell organized a Passover Seder that was attended by over 50 people. They are planning a Kohala Chanukah Festival for Sunday, December 9, which will include Chanukah music, latkes, music and Israeli dancing. If you want more information about Jewish activities in North Hawaii call Sarah Nealy at 889-6337 or Alan Axelrod at 889-5587.

If you’ve attended any recent performances by Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band, you may have noticed a new guitarist, Matt Binder. Matt and his wife, Lynn Beittel, moved here from the Bay Area last year having worked as journalists and videographers for the Bay Area Holocaust Oral History Project. They are available to produce Oral Histories for families and individuals here in Kona. They have already done some lovely video of the Band and of couples married by Barry and Gloria. If you would like further information about this opportunity, contact Matt at 322-3992 (mattbinder@aol.com).

Mazel Tov

Mazel Tov to Holit Bat-Edit on the impending release of her CD ROM displaying her work on Biblical Heroines, for sale to universities and others with interest in women’s and Biblical studies. It contains fascinating textual information, illustrations, photographs and music. If you would like to purchase your own CD ROM, you may contact Holit at 982-6144.

Mazel Tov to Bob and Helen Salzberg who celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary on March 14;

to Lorraine Highkin on the birth of her grandson, Theo (Tal Chaim), on June 27;

to Morty & Karen Breier on the birth of their granddaughter, Lillian Breier

and on the wedding of Morty’s son, Damien Breier, to Hilary;

to Jacqui Marlin on the marriage of her daughter, Rinah Tikvah Smith, to Danny Ka`anā`anā Yamamoto Jr;

to Stephanie Nelson and Bill Brooks on the occasion of their wedding.

Get well soon

Rebecca Weisser, trustee emeritus, is recovering from a recent fracture. She’s doing well in Portland, Oregon.

Ed Sigler had surgery and therapy afterwards and is regaining strength every day.

Jan Rae Gimpel is just about fully recovered from thyroid treatments and is feeling herself again.

Jerry Shapiro had a big surprise when he learned that he needed heart surgery. Everything went well and he is recovering quickly back home on Maui.

In Memorium

Barry Saunders underwent his second kidney transplant last year. Despite what seemed like initial success, the transplant failed and he passed away in Berkeley, California on November 16, 2000. Leon Rosner and many of Barry’s other friends organized a Farewell Celebration for him on November 26, 2000 at Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park where we recalled his unique contributions to our lives.

Dorothy Wirth, Alexandra Bernstein’s mother, passed away on July 20, 2001.

May the memories of these friends and parents always be a blessing

for their friends, their children and for all of us.

Mahalo and Todah Rabah

Mahalo to the owners and staff of the Keauhou Beach Hotel for all their support and assistance this past year. We appreciate Craig Hawkins who was Food and Beverage Director for most of the year and has since moved on. Dee Coughlan, Catering and Conference Manager, is still there and continues to be most helpful to us. We look forward to working with Tom Russo, their new Food & Beverage Manager.

When one of us cannot do something, there is always someone else who comes forward to take care and fill the bill. Joel Gimpel is our Secretary, but when called, Morty Breier, Carolyn Parrish, Ruth Ader, Lorraine Highkin and Barbara Lewis have filled in.

Where there’s a need, HaShem provides! Someone always shows up who can read Torah for our Shabbat Services. We now have a whole crew that has and can read Torah for us including Barbara Lewis, Sharona Lomberg, Rutika Gaber, Jacques Sebag, Mark Cohen and Becky Rabkin.

Each month we hear a new interpretation of one of the world’s oldest stories. Whenever we read Torah, there is a volunteer who explains that week’s portion to us. We call this a “Drush” (sometimes “d’rash”), derived from “midrash,” meaning legend. Volunteers this year have included Morty Breier, Joel Gimpel, Gloria Blum, Larry Kane and Ruth Bernstone.

It is Erwin Myhre who faithfully brings our Torah from his home to Services every month. Erwin is the man to thank for making certain that we have enough kosher wine on hand for our kiddushim, and for recording the names and addresses of our guests. He also sends out our mailings. Of course, Erwin couldn’t do all of this without the able assistance of his wife, Helen, who is also our congregation’s official photographer. Erwin & Helen recently donated a lovely guitar to the Congregation. Jonathan Marmelzat then used it to accompany Joel Gimpel, our sacred violinist, at July’s Shabbat Service.

Karen Breier takes care of our paper products for the potlucks and holiday celebrations. The WaKoBeS arrange to have fresh baked challahs at all our Shabbat and Holiday Services. Karen’s report is above. Morty Breier creates the beautiful graphics for our ads, stationary and thank you note cards, and sends in the information for the West Hawaii Today display ads every week. Barry Blum writes the monthly newspaper releases. Gloria Blum graciously provides hospitality for the monthly KBS Board of Trustees meetings.

Jan Rae Gimpel sends our congregation’s Thank You, Get Well, Sympathy and Congratulations Cards throughout the year, so we give Jan a big “Thank You” for all those expressions of appreciation.

Ruth Glatt donated two sterling silver candlesticks to the Congregation that we use for many ceremonial occasions. Jerry Klaz traveled to the mainland and located a silver Kiddush cup and tray for the congregation that we use for every Shabbat and holiday celebration. Jerry has also become the regular “bearer of bread” when he brings us delicious those rye breads and challahs from Los Angeles.

Cantor Leo Fettman sent us a lovely greeting accompanied by a signed copy of his book, “Shoah,” which will be placed into KBS’s library.

Rabbi Shapiro and his family will be staying at the home of Larry & Fern Kane during their visit to Kona.

A Pur Verter from the Congregation’s President

It appears to me that Jewish life on the Big Island is thriving. Attendance at Shabbat Services increased over the year, including members and kama‘ainas as well as visitors. I noted with satisfaction that attendance at our Community Seder was lower this year than last. I attribute this to there being more Seders on our island, a sure sign of the health of the Jewish community on Hawaii. Up in North Hawaii, Jewish communal activity is increasing, and we’re looking forward to having some KBS events up there during the coming year. Gloria and I have had the pleasure of going over to Hilo more often this year and connecting with the community there, and Kona has been enriched by frequent visits from Hilo’s Jewish kama‘ainas.

That’s the good news. The not so good news continues to come to us from Israel, where peace seems to be eluding everyone. Earlier this year, we had a vigorous exchange of ideas among our own members plus former members and friends both here and abroad. E-mail was the medium of exchange and passions ran high. We learned a lot from our friends from these exchanges but no Messiah appeared with The Answer (unless there was an answer that we didn’t hear). I believe that the answer can be found but it will first require a softening of perspective. This past year brought us a hardening of perspectives, from all sides. Almost everyone got to be right; “See, I told you so, you can’t trust them; See, unless we give in on this point there never will be a just peace; See how miserable we can make life for you; See, see, see…?” That’s the epitaph on the Jewish Mother’s grave: “See!” The trouble with that attitude is no one looks beyond their own immediate perspective. Thus, no one sees anything.

I have the devout belief that problems can be resolved. In fact, that’s what I do for a living. A most difficult problem is created when individuals care less for their own well-being than do their caregivers. The child who hurts herself repeatedly despite the best efforts of her parents or friends who care deeply about her, or the patient who continues to do harmful things to himself despite the best advice and treatment by his doctor, are the classic examples. It’s a terrible situation because there is a healthful or beneficial path that is obvious to the authority figure, but the child or patient ignores it. When there are independent nations or communities or tribes involved and not just one child or one patient, and there is no recognized authority figure such as a parent or doctor, the challenge to solve a problem becomes monumental. Witness the ongoing fighting in Northern Ireland, the battles between India and Pakistan, and the tribal wars in sub-Sahara Africa.

Ultimately, it stops mattering who is right and who is wrong. The battle takes on a life of its own and generations grow up who need to fight to give their lives meaning. It’s at such times that finding a solution demands that we move out of ordinary dimensions to see solutions from new perspectives. Come to think of it, maybe that’s what we mean when we say that the solution requires the arrival of The Messiah.

Surely, now is the time we need that new perspective or dimension or paradigm. If we might find guidance from our own liturgy, we could refer to the way we are advised to recite the “Shema.” The prayer expresses the central belief of Jews and Moslems that God is One. We are advised to recite the prayer loudly enough for us to hear our own voices, but not so loudly as to drown out the voices of those around us. After all, the admonition is to Hear. Maybe, if we spent a year when all sides of the dispute listened and heard but expressed no opinions, committed no acts, made no declarations, we could come closer to a universally acceptable solution.

Shaloha,

Barry Blum

From the Congregation’s Vice President

NOCH MER VERTER FUN MOISHEH BREIER, DER ANDERE DENANDA

As a community we’re doing well. We have fun, we enjoy each other’s company, we serve as a nucleus for matters Jewish. We are aging gracefully with infusions of new blood coming in to rejuvenate us. Our Gan-Eden visibly surrounds us during services and even at Board meetings. We are grateful for being alive and kicking in this wonderful paradise a long way from the woes of the world. We hope that we deserve such outstanding rewards.

Dr. Barry Blum’s services match the sweetness of life here on the Big Island. A gentle man, patient and superbly accommodating, he guides us through our Friday night and Saturday morning services with wit and wisdom. I’m proud to be his friend, to attend his services and to serve on the Board of Trustees under his firm and fair direction. We and our wives had the pleasure of spending a week together on remote Midway Atoll, some 2.5 hours by jet west north-west of Oahu, with about 800,000 Gooney Birds.

I’m sorry that the rest of the world has gone and is going a little mad for my taste, what with Bush in our White House, Sharon in Israel’s Knesset and Arafat in the Palestinian Kafir, each turning back all the hard-earned compromises that a maturing humanity had forged. I’m sure we get the leaders we deserve, but please, HaShem, help make them into leaders we need. Tikkun olam should be our mandate, heal the world, make it more whole, bring its parts together, bind its wounds, assuage its anger and bend its hatreds to love. Global justice, compassion and cooperation, the hallmarks of spiritual wisdom, ours and others, are required.

We can forget that these things need our attention. I agree with the saying: “Think globally and act locally.” That’s not only what our discussions are all about, but more importantly, that’s about how we treat one another, how we treat our spouses and children, how we treat our neighbors and members of our Kona community, how we treat the aina.

I’m grateful for another year as your vice president, the Jewish joke teller at most simchas, the Kona Yiddish maven, your graphic artist, and one of your active drush givers. Thanks for allowing me these enjoyable roles to play. Thanks for your friendship.

Shaloha,

Morty Breier

We look forward to 5762 being a good year for all of us.

On behalf of all the members of Congregation Kona Beth Shalom,

we wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year --- L'Shana Tovah Tikateivu!!!

That's the news, folks. This is the story of your Congregation, Kona Beth Shalom.

If you like what you read here, then join us for the coming year.

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Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
						Sep 1
Sep 2	Sep 3 Labor Day	Sep 4	Sep 5	Sep 6	Sep 7	Sep 8
Sep 9 KBS Annual Meeting + Picnic	Sep 10	Sep 11	Sep 12	Sep 13	Sep 14	Sep 15
Sep 16	Sep 17 Rosh Hashana eve	Sep 18 Rosh Hashana	Sep 19	Sep 20	Sep 21 Shabbat Tshuvah eve	Sep 22 Shabbat Tshuvah + Tashlich
Sep 23	Sep 24	Sep 25	Sep 26 Kol Nidre	Sep 27 Yom Kippur	Sep 28 Shabbat eve + “Searchers”	Sep 29 Shabbat
Sep 30

In the Kahalu‘u Ballroom. Kiddush with apples and honey follows

In the Kahalu‘u Ballroom. Kiddush follows

Tashlich to follow at the ocean’s edge 1 pm

In the Secret Garden. Kiddush follows

September 2001

Rabbi Mark Shapiro

The Kona Beth Shalom Annual Meeting

Sunday, September 9, starting at 2 pm

Old Airport Park, Pavilion #3

Monday, September 17, at 6:30 pm, and

Tuesday, September 18, at 10 am

keauhou beach hotel – kahalu‘u ballroom

Friday, September 21,at 6 pm, Kalanikai Pavilion and

Saturday, September 22, at 10 am, Secret Garden

Wednesday, September 26, at 6 pm

Thursday, September 27, at 10 am

keauhou beach hotel - kahalu‘u ballroom

Friday, September 28, at 6 pm, Kalanikai Pavilion

Saturday, September 29, at 10 am, Secret Garden, keauhou beach hotel

The Kona Beth Shalom Board of Trustees

the Year in Review. Do you remember?

WaKoBeS Report

Other News

Mazel Tov

to Stephanie Nelson and Bill Brooks on the occasion of their wedding.

Get well soon

In Memorium

Mahalo and Todah Rabah

When one of us cannot do something, there is always someone else who comes forward to take care and fill the bill. Joel Gimpel is our Secretary, but when called, Morty Breier, Carolyn Parrish, Ruth Ader, Lorraine Highkin and Barbara Lewis have filled in.

A Pur Verter from the Congregation’s President

From the Congregation’s Vice President

In the Kahalu‘u Ballroom. Kiddush with apples and honey follows

In the Kahalu‘u Ballroom. Kiddush follows

Tashlich to follow at the ocean’s edge 1 pm

In the Secret Garden. Kiddush follows

September 2001

Rabbi Mark Shapiro

The Kona Beth Shalom Annual Meeting

Sunday, September 9, starting at 2 pm

Old Airport Park, Pavilion #3

Monday, September 17, at 6:30 pm, and

Tuesday, September 18, at 10 am

keauhou beach hotel – kahalu‘u ballroom

Friday, September 21, at 6 pm, Kalanikai Pavilion and

Saturday, September 22, at 10 am, Secret Garden

Wednesday, September 26, at 6 pm

Thursday, September 27, at 10 am

keauhou beach hotel - kahalu‘u ballroom

Friday, September 28, at 6 pm, Kalanikai Pavilion

Saturday, September 29, at 10 am, Secret Garden, keauhou beach hotel

The Kona Beth Shalom Board of Trustees

the Year in Review. Do you remember?

WaKoBeS Report

Other News

Mazel Tov

to Stephanie Nelson and Bill Brooks on the occasion of their wedding.

Get well soon

In Memorium

Mahalo and Todah Rabah

When one of us cannot do something, there is always someone else who comes forward to take care and fill the bill. Joel Gimpel is our Secretary, but when called, Morty Breier, Carolyn Parrish, Ruth Ader, Lorraine Highkin and Barbara Lewis have filled in.

A Pur Verter from the Congregation’s President

From the Congregation’s Vice President

Friday, September 21,at 6 pm, Kalanikai Pavilion and