Calendar
September - October 2003
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Sun
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Mon
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Tue
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Wed
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Thu
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Fri
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Sat
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September
1
Labor Day
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Sep
2
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Sep
3
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Sep
4
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Sep
5
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Sep
6
Rosh Hashana + Tashlich
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Sep
7
Annual
Meeting
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Sep
8
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Sep
9
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Sep
10
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Sep
11
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Sep
12
Shabbat Chavrah
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Sep
13
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Sep
14
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Sep
15
Yom Kippur
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Sep
16
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Sep
17
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Sep
18
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Sep
19
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Sep
20
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Sep
21
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Sep
22
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Sep
23
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Sep
24
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Sep
25
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Sep
26
Rosh Hashana eve
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Sep
27
Rosh Hashana
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Sep 28
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Sep 29
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Sep 30
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Oct ober 1
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Oct 2
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Oct 3
Shabbat Tshuvah eve & Tashlich
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Oct 4
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Oct
5
Kol Nidre
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Oct
6
Yom
Kippur
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Oct
7
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Oct
8
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Oct
9
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Oct
10
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Oct
11
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Oct
12
Sukkot
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Oct
13
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Oct
14
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Oct
15
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Oct
16
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Oct
17
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Oct
18
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Oct 19
Simchat Torah
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Oct 20
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Oct 21
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Oct 22
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Oct 23
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Oct 24
Shabbat Eve
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Oct 25
Shabbat
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Oct 26
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Oct 27
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Oct 28
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Oct 29
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Oct 30
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Oct 31
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All our
High Holiday Services will be conducted at
The Kona Outdoor Circle
Educational Center
76-6280 Kuakini Highway,
Kailua-Kona
RABBI SUE LEVY
Rabbi Levy was ordained by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical
College in 1986. Before returning to school to study for the rabbinate she
was a hospital administrator and also trained as a cantor. She has served
congregations in Dover, Delaware; Duluth, Minnesota; and Houston, Texas. She
has also served as the Director of Rabbinic Placement for the Reconstructionist
Movement. She is a nationally ranked birder, and has guided birding trips
for people with disabilities in Minnesota and Texas in cooperation with the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In Houston, she is the facilitator of the
Jewish Recovery Network, a support group sponsored by Jewish Family Service
for people in recovery from addictions, and their families. She has two married
daughters and one precious grandson.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, at 6:30 pm, and
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, at 10:00 am KONA OUTDOOR CIRCLE
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 and 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, OCTOBER 3, at 6:00 pm
OHANA KEAUHOU BEACH HOTEL – KALANIKAI PAVILION
SHABBAT TSHUVAH (between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur) is the “Sabbath of
the (Re-) Turning.” A day of rest, contemplation and rejuvenation as is every
Sabbath. 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
Levy will lead us.
TASHLICH is the ceremony 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. We
will perform this sweet and meaningful ceremony at the water’s edge after
the evening service. A potluck supper will then follow. (There will be no
Saturday morning service this weekend.)
.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, at 6:00 pm
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, at 10:00 am KONA OUTDOOR CIRCLE
As the sun sets on Sunday 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 Sunday evening and continue until sundown Monday 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 God. The Yom Kippur service begins at 10:00 am.
There will be a break at around 1:00 pm and Rabbi Levy will remain to be
available for discussions.
At 4:00 pm we reconvene for YIZKOR (the Memorial Service). When you send
in your MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION / CONTRIBUTION FORM, please include the names
of family and friends you wish to have remembered so that Rabbi Levy 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 as 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. After the sun has set we will
break the fast together with light snacks hosted by the WaKoBeS and Lorraine
Highkin in memory of her granddaughter, Talia Miller.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, at 2:00 pm KUAIWI FARM, CAPTAIN COOK
SUKKOT begins on Friday evening, October 19, and continues for a full week.
We will celebrate the holiday on Sunday, October 12 starting at 2 pm at Kuaiwi
Farm in Captain Cook, the home of Una Greenaway, Leon Rosner and Helen Salzberg.
Call 328-8888 for directions. We will gather under the Sukkah with the traditional
lulav and esrog. Bring potluck to eat in the sukkah together.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, at 11:00 am KAMUELA YMCA
(at the former Waimea Town Hall across the driveway from the Kahilu Theatre)
We are planning Hawaii’s second island-wide SIMCHAT TORAH CELEBRATION in
Waimea. Everyone from East Hawaii, North Hawaii and West Hawaii is invited.
For the Simchat Torah service everyone attending will receive an aliyah and
we will be unrolling and re-rolling our beautiful Torah Scrolls. We’ll have
the opportunity to literally dance with the Torahs accompanied by music from
Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band. Bring the children! They’ll receive
aliyot as well as the adults. There will be a dessert potluck afterwards.
OTHER EVENTS:
There will be additional events for us while Rabbi Levy is here, including
discussion groups and educational events. To receive up-to-date news of these
and other events, be sure you’ve given us your e-mail address when you send
in your MEMBERSHIP / CONTRIBUTION FORM. Also keep your eye on the West Hawaii
Today KBS releases each Friday and visit our website at www.konabethshalom.org.
THE KONA BETH SHALOM ANNUAL MEETING
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7. FROM 2 – 4 PM
KONA OUTDOOR CIRCLE
The KBS Annual Meeting starts 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 members to 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 trustee’s terms
expire. Terms are for three years. The term of anyone elected or re-elected
now will expire in 5767, in September 2006. 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 Ader* 5764 (September 2003) 8. Barbara Lewis
5763 (September 2005)
2. Barry Blum 5762 (September 2004) 9. Erwin Myhre*
5764 (September 2003)
3. Morty Breier* 5764 (September 2003) 10. Alan Pollak*
5764 (September 2003)
4. Debera First 5764 (September 2004) 11. Bob Rhée
5762 (September 2004)
5. Joel Gimpel 5763 (September 2005) 12. Helen Salzberg
5762 (September 2004)
6. Una Greenaway 5763 (September 2005) 13. Sandy Wexler
5762 (September 2004)
7. Lorraine Highkin* 5764 (September 2003) 14. Michael Zola#
5763 (September 2005)
* 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 (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
THE KONA BETH SHALOM BOARD OF TRUSTEES
These have been the real movers and shakers in Kona this past year: Ruth
Ader Cawn, Barry Blum, Morty Breier, Carol Feldman, Debera First, Joel Gimpel,
Lorraine Highkin, Una Greenaway, Barbara Lewis, Erwin Myhre, Alan Pollak,
Janice Rabkin, Bob Rhée, Helen Salzberg, Renee Sebag, Sandy Wexler and Michael
Zola, all KBS Trustees during the past year. Mike Bernstone is also a mover
and shaker as our Treasurer but he’s not on the Board (his choice, not ours).
We thank the officers of our Board for doing so much, including Barry Blum
for preparing agendas, chairing the Board meetings, and hosting most of the
Board meetings with the assistance of his wife, Gloria; Joel Gimpel for recording
and publishing Board meeting minutes; Michael Bernstone and Ruth Ader for
minding our treasury so carefully; and Morty Breier as Vice-President. 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, Kelli Pollak, Les Rabkin, Leon
Rosner and Jacques Sebag. 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?
LAST FALL we had the pleasure of having Rabbi Mark Shapiro lead our High
Holiday Services. Rabbi Shapiro and his wife, Hanna, were with us for several
weeks. Rabbi Shapiro was assisted in the choral department by members of his
family and also by Dr. Michael Kroll of Laupahoehoe. Joel Gimpel provided
beautiful violin accompaniment and Alan Pollak led the children’s program
during services. Rabbi Shapiro stayed here to lead the Sukkot service at the
home of Jan Rae & Joel Gimpel. Carl Burkhalter and Joel Gimpel built the
sukkah using palm fronds provided by Ken Love who also donated some remarkable
fruit (including a Hawaiian etrog!). One week later Rabbi Shapiro led us in
our first island-wide Simchat Torah celebration at the Waimea Town Hall accompanied
by Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band.
The KBS Annual Meeting took place on October 13, 2002 at the Old Airport
State Park in Kailua-Kona and was followed by a potluck meal.
We decided then to create a Chavurah to have Friday evening services on
the second Friday evening of each month. Marty Kelemen volunteered his home
and Barbara Lewis volunteered to lead services for the first get-together
in November. Phillida Alcantar, Sandy Wexler and Elyses Burkhalter have since
hosted the gatherings. Starting in February with small but spirited groups
of 6-9, these have now become regular events at Sandy’s home with informal
services led by Barbara Lewis, melodies and songs, and great potlucks.
IN THE WINTER we celebrated Chanukah with a huge party at the Keauhou Beach
Resort with accompaniment by Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band and the
performance of an original play by Debera First. Barry Blum emceed the program.
The WaKoBeS (Wahines of Kona Beth Shalom) and AlteKaKoBeS (Kanes of KBS) hosted
this second night of Chanukah celebration with community candle lighting,
stories, traditional songs, dancing and a potluck supper. There were dreydls
to play with, Chanukah gelt (foil-wrapped chocolate coins) and children’s
games. Everyone was invited to bring a menorah, latkes and potluck.
Bill Weza returned from Micronesia to take the position of Food & Beverage
Manager at the Keauhou Beach Hotel. Bill was a truly gracious host when KBS
met at the Kona Serf Hotel for Shabbat services, and we all welcomed his return
to Kona.
Jeanne Blum, Barry’s mom, celebrated yet another birthday (don’t ask) on
New Year’s Day. Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band performed for the party
at the Regency Hualalai, where Jeanne now lives.
Ruth Bernstone resigned as Trustee and Treasurer due to personal reasons.
She did offer to train someone to take her place, and that someone turned
out to be her husband, Mike Bernstone. The Board expressed sorrow at her
decision and great appreciation for the excellent job she’s done as KBS Treasurer
during the last five years.
Janice Rabkin left Kona (and her positions as Trustee) to join her husband
Les who was teaching in the Department of Psychology at the University of
Kosovo, Yugoslavia, in a program sponsored by the Jewish Joint Distribution
Committee.
Helen & Erwin Myhre ran a garage sale at their home that took in well
over $1000 for the KBS Tzedaka Fund.
We elected Sandy Wexler to the Board of Trustees. Several months later we
also elected Carol Feldman to our Board.
Karen & Morty Breier completed the revisions to The Shaloha Cookbook’s
new Millennium Edition. They received the first 30 copies from the mainland
printer in time for Chanukah. Fern Kane donated the funds to for this new
edition in honor of her Bat Mitzvah in February 2001. All proceeds from sales
of the Cookbook go to KBS’ Building Fund. In January, Karen received an enquiry
from Alex Witchell, a food writer for the New York Times. When Ms. Witchell
arrived on January 23, Karen and Morty showed her KBS’ special places on the
island, and then at their home served Karen’s special gravlox to her. The
results were presented to the entire world in the Food and Wine Section of
the Feb 5, 2003, edition of The New York Times. This cheery and informative
story was reproduced in many local newspapers throughout the United States
resulting in orders galore for the Shaloha Cookbook as well as for Kona’s
Traveling Jewish Wedding Band’s new “Shaloha Oy” CD release.
In January we had a folk dance program after Friday evening services led
by Mira Korach, who ran Mira’s Kabalah Café at the San Francisco Jewish Community
Center for many years. Mira also helped out at the Purim celebration at the
Kona Outdoor Circle.
We celebrated Tu B’Shvat with a Seder at Una Greenaway & Leon Rosner’s
(and Helen Salzberg’s) Kuaiwi Farm. Their two resident guest workers, Stephanie
Pell and Levi Stolove, led portions of the Seder and we planted several trees
for the occasion.
The KBS website: www.konabethshalom.org, designed by Morty Breier, went
on line and helped introduce many visitors to our congregation.
IN THE SPRING we celebrated Purim with a fine party at the Kona Outdoor
Circle. Barry Blum read from the Megillah as everyone listening sounded their
graggors (provided by Renee Sebag). Tony Franken donated prizes for the best
costumes. The WaKoBeS prepared the hamentashen and Mira Korach helped lead
folk dancing to music by members of Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band.
Barry Blum and Michael Zola again co-hosted our annual Passover Seder at
the Keauhou Beach Hotel, attended by more than 100 people. Members of Kona’s
Traveling Jewish Wedding Band provided musical entertainment, and the WaKoBeS
handled decorations. Ruth Ader, Lorraine Highkin and Jan Rae worked with the
hotel staff to ensure that the meal was delicious.
Beverly Lewyn, one of CNN’s researchers from Atlanta, Georgia, invited KBS
to join her and her family at the Four Seasons Resort in order to celebrate
Shavuot. Renee Sebag made arrangements for KBS and we all gathered in one
of the ballrooms for a marvelous evening. We conducted a brief Shabbat evening
service and then a Shavuot observance. Sandy Wexler, Lorraine Highkin and
Ruth Ader assisted Renee with the arrangements and we had wonderful dairy
treats to enjoy. Bev then told us about the book that she wrote based on her
father-in-law’s experiences during the Holocaust. Bert Lewyn actually lived
right in Berlin during the war where he survived as a result of several major
miracles. The book is called “On the Run in Nazi Berlin,” and is available
at Borders and Amazon.com.
In July the congregation celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of Jason Kawalsky. Jason
is from Dallas, Texas and his family came from as far away as South Africa
and Australia for this joyous event. Two weeks later, Dante, the Magid of
Texas (Dan Gordon), told stories for us at services and we celebrated the
Bat Mitzvah of Rose Puett with the largest attendance at any of our monthly
Shabbat services.
Joel Gimpel announced that he would be a candidate for election to the County
Council from the Eighth District in the November 2004 election.
Dr. Joshua Green announced that he would be the Democratic candidate for
State Representative from the Sixth District in the November 2004 election.
HEBREW AND TORAH STUDY (HATS)
Spring is traditionally a time of blossoming and this past year that is
exactly what KBS experienced with our children’s education program, Hebrew
and Torah Study (HATS, as named by the children). We began in March with
classes at a parent’s home and then moved to Hualalai Academy where we meet
on Monday afternoons. We appreciate Felicity Johnson’s generosity in making
the Hualalai Academy available to us. Each week, Ziggy Livnat, an artist
from Israel, teaches Hebrew language. Neil Soicher, who chants Torah for
many of our Shabbat services and has a traditional Jewish upbringing and
education, joins Ziggy every other week to teach Torah study and reading.
The students’ ages range from eight to 14 years.
On July 26, our first HATS student, Rose Puett, celebrated her Bat Mitzvah
with over 80 people in attendance! We were all proud of not only Rose, but
also Ziggy, Neil, Sharona Lomberg and all those who have supported and contributed
to the Jewish education of our children!
The success of HATS has inspired KBS to expand the school this fall to children
age eight and older, and to adults. We will now offer two classes: 1) Learn
to read Hebrew, and 2) Study of the Torah. Also available, if a student wishes,
is to prepare for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Intergenerational classes will be conducted, pairing an adult with an adolescent
(where desired) to enhance each of their educational experiences. Audiotape
and/or CD support for Hebrew language will also be provided. The 14-year-old
graduates of the HATS program will join adults in Torah study.
We ask for your help in getting this message out to all the Jewish families
on the Big Island who have children ages eight and above. One of KBS’ main
goals is to enable these youngsters to have a positive and informative exposure
to Judaism to enrich their lives and to develop into responsible, caring,
thoughtful adults who are proud of their Jewish heritage. An informational
meeting and initial class was conducted on August 25, at Hualalai Academy.
Please join us. All faiths and levels of knowledge are welcome. Scholarships
are available.
Thanks to everyone who served with me on our Education Committee: Carol
Feldman, Sandy Wexler, Alan Pollak, Marilyn Anderson, Ruth Ader, Barry Blum,
Debbie Rizzi and to our wonderful teachers, Neil Soicher and Zvika “Ziggy”
Livnat.
Peace, love, health and happiness to you all in this New Year,
Debera First and the Education Committee
MORE ON EDUCATION FOR ADULTS
We are exploring the possibility of starting an adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah
preparation class to be held at the Regency at Hualalai in Kailua-Kona. If
you might be interested in joining this class, please contact Sandy Wexler
at wexlersandra@hotmail.com or call her at 325-8684.
SPIRIT CENTER
As our congregation has grown and our activities increased, our Board has
considered the need for a permanent home. Accordingly, the Board named Ruth
Ader, Joel Gimpel, Una Greenaway, Lorraine Highkin and Alan Pollak to meet
with representatives of the New Thought Community and Kona Pacific Institute
(the “Waldorf School”) to explore the possibility of joining with those organizations
to construct a “Spiritcenter.” Morty Breier, KBS vice-president and former
president of New Thought, prepared the initial design of the building, which
could be used for services, meetings, classes and other community events.
The three organizations have formed a Joint Spiritcenter Committee and are
examining the issues associated with the project.
WaKoBeS
In addition to assuring that we always have challot after the Shabbat services,
the WaKoBeS (Wahines of Kona Beth Shalom) meet during the year to plan the
meal functions for Rosh Hashanah, break-the-fast after Yom Kippur, Simchat
Torah, Sukkot, Purim and Pesach.
If you’re interested in doing valuable work with your sisters in this Jewish
community, join us! Call Jan Rae at 325-4991 or Ruth Ader at 325-0008.
Shaloha,
Jan Rae and Ruth Ader
MAHALO AND TODAH RABAH
Our Sabbath services are remarkable events. Sabbath is a gift from HaShem
to us, and we do appreciate that gift. The good people of Kona Beth Shalom
make Sabbath observance a true work of art each month. Consider this. There
are not a whole lot of people on the planet who can read Torah. There are
even fewer in Hawaii. And yet there has not been a KBS Shabbat in recent memory
when we failed to have someone present who read Torah! This is truly remarkable.
We deeply appreciate Barbara Lewis, Rutika Gaber, Priscilla Kostinar, Sharona
Lomberg, Jacques Sebag, Neil Soicher and Judi Steinman who have read Torah
for us this past year.
Marshall Blann, Gloria Blum, Joel Gimpel, Una Greenaway, Lorraine Highkin,
Janice Rabkin, Alan Pollak, Sandy Wexler, Renee Sebag, Rabbi Lee Diamond and
Morty Breier have educated and inspired us with their interpretations of
each Torah portion. Lorraine Highkin, Helen Myhre, Ruth Bernstone, Karen Breier,
Una Greenaway and Jerry Klaz have baked or brought nourishing loaves of Challah
to every one of our gatherings.
Morty Breier prepares each week’s display ad in West Hawaii Today, and
Barry Blum prepares each month’s newspaper releases. Erwin Myhre lovingly
brings our cherished Torah scroll to every Saturday morning service. He also
brings the candlesticks, the wine goblet and the Manischewitz, and not only
that, he gathers the names and addresses of all the visitors. Joel Gimpel’s
violin accompaniment to our prayers enriches every service. This past year,
Julie Sebag provided violin accompaniment at services when Joel was unable
to attend. Julie and her brother Robert Sebag also performed lovely violin
and cello duets after many of our services. Karen Breier unfalteringly calls
out the page numbers for the transliterations of the prayers. When she’s away,
Jan Rae picks up those reins. And everyone else who says “Amen” completes
the mitzvah! Thanks to all. Thanks to HaShem.
To Morty Breier, for his magnificent contributions as KBS resident artist,
for his designs of our bookmark, our contribution cards, the proposed Spirit
Center, the KBS website, for the artistry of his humor and for his wit and
conscience.
To Jan Rae, for sending the cards of appreciation and condolence.
To Alan Pollak, for getting us together for minyan when visitors or kama‘ainas
need to recite Kaddish, for his work with KAHEA this past year, and for leading
the Friday evening service when Barry was unavailable.
To Alan Pollak, Leon Rosner, and Victor Greenspan for the work they have
been doing to complete and protect the beautiful Aron HaKodesh designed for
us by Morty Breier and.built by Joe Rosner
To Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band, including Matt Binder, Gloria &
Barry Blum, Morty Breier, Roslyn Cohen, Joel Gimpel, Jamilla Hannaford, Jonathan
Marmelzat, Ahti Mohala and Judy & Orrin Olson for their generosity and
talent playing for so many of KBS’ simchas.
To the owners and staff of the Ohana Keauhou Beach Resort, 78-6740 Alii
Drive, six miles from downtown Kailua-Kona, for all their support and assistance
this past year, in particular to Bill Weza and Melissa Hinkley. We appreciate
their hospitality for the many Congregation functions they have hosted.
To Karen Breier, Alan Pollak, Morty Breier and Barry Blum for leading prayers
that begin all our Board meetings:
To Erwin Myhre who helped Bob Rhée move into the Regency at Hualalai.
To Erwin Myhre and Vic Greenspan for building the ramp at Joel Gimpel’s
home for him to use during his recovery.
To Rev. Alan Stoker, pastor of the Hale Ewah Baptist Church that meets at
the Kona Outdoor Circle on Sunday evenings. They graciously allowed us to
use the Outdoor Circle on Sunday evening for our Kol Nidre service and moved
their own Sunday service elsewhere.
To Gloria & Barry Blum and Jan Rae & Joel Gimpel who have hosted
the monthly KBS Board meetings at their homes.
To Janice Rabkin, Una Greenaway and Alan Pollak who filled in for Joel Gimpel
as Secretary when needed.
To Karen Breier for managing the Shaloha Cookbook sales so diligently, and
now to Gloria Blum who is filling in for Karen.
MAZEL TOV AND YASHER KOACH
Y Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band on the release of their first
CD “Shaloha Oy,” featuring Gloria & Barry Blum, Matt Binder, Morty Breier,
Roz Cohen, Joel Gimpel, Jonathan Marmelzat, Ahti Mohala, Judy & Orrin
Olsen and Clark Welsh. (It’s available at Mele Kai Music and Borders.)
Y Karen & Morty Breier, grandparents again.
Y Joel Gimpel & Jan Rae, grandparents again.
TZEDAKA
As a result of Debbie Rizzi inviting Kona Beth Shalom to assist in sponsoring
a child at the Hualalai Academy we received this information from Debbie:
Aloha,
I wanted to share with you this update on the child that KBS helped
pay the tuition for at Hualalai Academy.
Yesterday, we received her first report card. When we first enrolled
her at Hualalai, she showed me her report card from the Intermediate School.
Basically, she was barely passing math and science and was doing fair in her
other subjects. When we discussed math, science or basically anything, she
told me that she really was not good at any of those things.
Well- yesterday's report card begged to differ. She received an A-in
math, and then a B+ in Science and English, and a B in her second science
course, therefore getting a 3.25 GPA. It is not just the grades she is receiving
though. Her confidence in herself has grown tremendously and I see her as
truly happy within herself. We even discussed colleges yesterday. I think
she is well on her way to being the wonderful person she has the potential
to be.
So, thank you… She is such a blessing and so are you for helping her.
Aloha,
Once again I want to share with you this news.
We have just received her final report card for the year. As I told
you previously she was not doing well at the Intermediate School. This trimester
she received 5 A's and one B. What a difference a new environment makes! She
was just informed by Kamehameha Schools that she is first on their waiting
list for the ninth grade. If one child decides not to go, she gets to go.
She also received a President's Award for Academic Excellence.
This is so incredible. Less than one year ago she was in an abusive
situation barely passing school, on the road to failure. Now she is in a
secure environment, doing excellent in school, and on her road to wherever
she believes she can go.
Thanks to people like you who helped us to help her succeed. God bless
you all for this. Words cannot express mine and her foster family's extreme
gratitude for your help. Really - from the bottom of my heart, please thank
the congregation for helping us to help her. I wish there were no children
in situations like this but thank God we were able to help this one.
Shalom and Aloha,
Debbie Rizzi
P.S. We are all done with paying her tuition for the year, thanks to people
like you who were so generous.
MESSAGE FROM ISRAEL
Shalom and Aloha!!!
I am a local girl from Kailua-Kona, the Big Island. I have been in Israel
the last two years and after making aliyah (immigration) I have volunteered
in the Israeli Army. I have been in the IDF for the last five months and loving
every moment, now being to relate to the people like no one else can unless
you go through this experience as well. I am stationed with a combat unit
called Nachal. I work as a connection between their officer and the soldiers,
doing things that need to get done, being there for the boys; saying Happy
Birthday, listening and giving morale and support as they go in and out of
the territories.
I am writing the Jewish communities in Hawaii to ask for any support
they can offer to these amazing boys in my unit. They cannot comprehend that
I would leave my family and a paradise of a home to come to Israel and join
their Army. But what an amazing country Israel is and a peace from God I have
for being here. So I want to prove to them that there are Jews out there from
across the world, my beautiful home, that will support them. I know, as they
are about to go into Hebron this coming week, they would love letters of
support and Aloha from the children or those in the congregation. Any token
of support you feel led to give would mean the world to them and raise their
morale. You can contact me with any questions or ideas at hollyaller@hotmail.com,
or send letters or something that needs to be sent to:
Holly Aller 7069578
Nachal, Pluga Rovait 932
03541, IDF
ISRAEL
Shalom and Aloha and Thank You for any support you can offer,
Holly
AND A LOCAL REQUEST
Beryl Forman is looking to connect with a family during the Holidays: “I
am not going to be home for the Jewish Holidays and would really like to find
a family that is willing to take me in. As well, I would like to find people
my age. Would you be able to help me out? 22yrs old, recent graduate of Indiana
University, raised in New Jersey, and now am interning in the marketing department
of KMC in Hawaii Volcano National Park... and I'm a lot of fun.”
GET WELL SOON
CONTINUE TO GET WELL
R’FUAH SHELEIMA
Morty Breier
Joel Gimpel
Ellen Kimiatek, Joel Gimpel’s sister
Leona Salzano, Jan Rae’s mother
Rani Merens, Jan Rae’s sister
Mildred Sigler
IN MEMORIAM
SEYMOUR LEWIS
Forever the optimist, Seymour Lewis passed away in Sacramento on August
27, 2002. He arrived in Sacramento in 1940 and never let go of his dreams
for a better world for all people. Dr. Lewis founded the Zionist Organization
of America District in Sacramento. He was the second President of the Jewish
Federation of the Sacramento Region. He was instrumental in raising funds
to rescue Jews from Nazi Europe and for Israel both before and after statehood.
He led services at Folsom Prison for Jewish inmates. He foresaw the need for
education for Jewish youth in the greater Sacramento area as early as 1980
and was an active member of congregations of B'nai Israel and Mosaic Law
Synagogue. He was the first spiritual leader of Congregation Kona Beth Shalom.
TEUNISSE RABIN
Teunisse passed away on September 9, 2002. A thirty-year-resident of Kona,
she was an artist, arts administrator, teacher, tireless youth advocate and
activist and was a founding member and executive director of SKEA (South Kona
Education Association). Teunisse was the devoted mother of Miriam, Peter and
Eric, and the beloved wife of Arnie Rabin.
ABE BRIGHTMAN
Ruth Bernstone's father, Abe Brightman, 84 years old, passed away on November
3, 2002, following a long illness. He was a very active, athletic man before
he became ill, and always loved life to the fullest. His outgoing personality
and willingness to help his neighbors made him a well-known fixture in his
Florida community. A self-taught and self-made man, he loved to travel, dance
and listen to classical music, especially opera. He was always there for his
family and is truly missed
BOB FELDMAN
Bob was one of the creators of Kona Beth Shalom’s Virtual Library project.
Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, he died suddenly and unexpectedly on April
12, 2003. An engineer in the field of military aeronautics he was part of
the design team of the Stealth Bomber before moving to Hawaii. Bob was beloved
by his wife of 18 years, Carol, and by his two children, five grandchildren,
two stepchildren and five step-grandchildren.
BOB SALZBERG
Robert Salzberg passed away on May 7, 2003. He was born in Germany where
he was trained to be a baker. Robert was a champion track & field star
in his city. He was fortunate to leave there in 1937 and come to the U.S.
He settled in NYC with an uncle. He met Helen, his wife of 62 years, there.
They were married in 1941. After living in California for 37 years, they moved
to Kona in 1982 to be with their daughter and granddaughters. He was recruited
immediately upon moving here to bake the ceremonial challah, which he did
faithfully for 16 years. Robert spent the last 20 years of his life as a
coffee farmer and world traveler.
AL BEER
Al Beer was on his way home from attending shiva for a friend in northern
Israel on June 11, 2003 when a suicide bomber brought an abrupt end to his
life in Jerusalem. Al came to Kona from Cleveland where, much to his surprise,
he reconnected to his Jewishness. He assisted in many of KBS’ activities and
ultimately decided to make aliyah to Israel. His death sent "absolute shock"
through the Orthodox Union Israel Center where he volunteered and had attended
lectures for approximately one year. “Often wearing Hawaiian shirts, Beer
looked more like a tourist than a volunteer,” one of his Israeli friends
fondly recalled, adding that "he would always brighten everything up, he
always had stories. He had a religious soul and knew a lot about everything.”
INNI L. VARGA FRADENBURG
Jan Fradenburg’s mother was born in Pest, Hungary in 1916. She later lived
in London during the Blitz having emigrated there at the age of 21. The 11th
of 14 children, she lost most her family in the Holocaust. She traveled widely
after marrying William who was in the Foreign Service. Inni died on July 12,
2003 in Alexandria Virginia where she was an active member of Beth El Hebrew
Congregation, a congregation founded in 1859.
JIM COLLIER
Although Jim wasn’t sure he was Jewish, having been adopted and not knowing
his birth parents’ religion, he felt a connection to KBS and attended holiday
services on several occasions. He was also a good friend to many members of
the congregation, and requested Jewish services following his passing. Jim
succumbed on August 5, 2003 to ALS (“Lou Gehrig’s disease”) and we said Kaddish
at a special memorial service.
MAY THEIR MEMORIES ALWAYS BE A BLESSING
FOR THEIR FRIENDS, THEIR FAMILIES, AND FOR ALL OF US.
A PUR VERTER FROM THE CONGREGATION’S PRESIDENT
This has been perhaps the most challenging year even as it has been one
of the most rewarding years for our community. The “In Memoriam” section
of this newsletter is too full with the names of my friends. These people
were, what I like to call, “movers and shakers.” They were active contributors
to their communities and to this congregation. They were individuals who shaped
us all. In my role as president I have the pleasure of leading many of our
Shabbat and holiday services; I have the responsibility of preparing newspaper
releases and conducting meetings; and I have the thrill of greeting many
visitors in person or in the mail as a representative of Kona’s Jewish community.
But I also have the sad privilege of conducting memorial services. I know
it’s a mitzvah, but it’s not my favorite thing.
The two most exciting events of this past year were the completions of the
Millennium Edition of the Shaloha Cookbook and of Kona’s Traveling Jewish
Wedding Band’s CD “Shaloha Oy.” And both were heralded to the world when Karen
& Morty Breier were interviewed by Alex Witchell of the New York Times
last January followed by Ms. Witchell’s full page story about us in the Times’
Food & Wine Section on February 5, 2003. What magic that event brought
to us all! We even received an enquiry from a major U.S. cookbook publisher,
and when she decided (regrettably) not to publish us, she still sent a generous
donation to our congregation.
I have felt enormously gratified to see our children’s education program
get off the ground so richly. HATS (Hebrew and Torah Studies) is meant to
continue and enlarge the wonderful work begun years ago by Sharona Lomberg
and her KAHEA program. I well recall walking along the shore at Honokohau
National Park with Alan Pollak as we shared our dreams of what such a program
might be like. We formed the Education Committee to move the project along.
How to find the students? Where to find the teachers? Neil Soicher volunteered
to teach. Ziggy Livnat showed up at Friday evening services to become our
other teacher. Debra First took upon herself the responsibility to create
some structure and organization. Then it began, and it starts again this season!
Bringing the children into our Jewish community may be one of our most important
acts, the activity that ensures our continuity not only as a congregation
in Hawaii, but as a living presence on this planet.
Speaking of the rest of the planet, there is still work to be done, tikkun
olam, to repair the world. As you must have noticed over the years, I have
generally chosen to focus locally rather than internationally, not because
international events are less important but because of that adage from the
60’s that “all politics are local.” I pray that as we continue to get our
own house in order, we thereby help to get the house of Klal Yisrael into
order as well. This is not to disregard the need for us to support the goal
of a just and lasting peace in Israel. I have been as frustrated as anyone
as I watch leaders make decisions that seem to lead to continuing violence
and the opposite of any peaceful solution. As simple as it sounds, the words
of Joseph & Nathan still seem to be the best and the only answer: “From
you I receive, to you I give, together we share, from this we live.”
Shaloha,
Barry Blum
A PUR VERTER FUN DER ANDERER DENANDE, THE CONGREGATION’S VICE PRESIDENT
Well, I gave it a good run, crowned with these last fourteen years of my
life here on the Kona coast of Hawaii. The medical profession has diagnosed
me as having malignant cancer, with a limited future. Karen tells me, its
up to me to prove them wrong, which she and I and all our friends, family
and good wishers encourage. I started chemotherapy in August, which will be
a five or six-week course to slow the cancer's spread. All the warnings of
difficult side effects, have, so far, not materialized and my time is spent
enjoying our life here at the Dome Home in the Sky.
So a certain bittersweet sadness creeps over my worldview as the horizon
line no longer stretches out before me. I try to fully appreciate each day,
to meditate regularly, to breath deeply, to enjoy the Hawaiian surrounds,
to soak in our hot tub, to read of deep things. My love for Karen grows steadily
as I'm cared for by this silver haired beauty who sooths me with her selfless
and adoring presence. Our love is indeed the crown jewel on what has been
for me a fascinating and adventurous life.
I also take heart in our community and all the wonderful people who've offered
to help, who express their love and who wish us well. We've all become dear
to each other, friends from Kona Beth Shalom, from New Thought Center, from
the Cutting Edge Symposium, from the Traveling Jewish Wedding Band and other
musicians and music lovers, from our Gavin Harrison meditation sanga, from
our Koloko neighborhood and from all the West Hawaii souls we've had the pleasure
of coming in contact with. What a rich fabric we've all woven over the years
and what great camaraderie and love we've fostered.
And of course my family and older Connecticut and New York friends offer
me great consolation. Nicole, Damien and Max all came out together to visit
Karen and I while I was at Queen's Medial Center in Honolulu undergoing tests
and some surgery. There was never more love, tenderness, empathy and compassion
as was present for both Karen and I during these difficult times. How hard
it is to see your father, the guy who always came through, weak and in pain.
Their continued concern, understanding and support infuse us daily with new
reasons to battle on. They're all scheduling additional visits here and I
look forward to great big hugs and much affection.
I answer email intermittently but would love to hear from you if you'd like
to write. We also enjoy visits by friends and family and have a schedule of
people coming from the mainland to talk and love and laugh and give us their
good wishes. Since there are times when I'm not feeling well, Karen is our
household "gate-keeper", so please make arrangements through her.
About a year and a half ago I put down the writing of my illustrated memoirs,
called INNER JOURNEYS - OUTER WORLDS, having completed the chapter that dealt
with my Connecticut life breaking apart. I've recently started writing the
last chapters, covering my life here in Hawaii and my great love affair with
Karen. I hope to have the energy focus and will to be able to leave behind
this story of Morty's life as a legacy to friends and family. It will be a
400 page document and I'll print up a hundred copies for distribution to those
of you who might want a copy.
I'm not too sure about sending this message out to my world. As you all
know, I'm a talkative person and I do enjoy communicating. I'm sorry that
the content of this communication bears sad news. I would love your prayers,
good wishes, healing energies and heartfelt compassion, and appreciate all
the help I can get in this mortal battle. Having said that, I also would
love your humor, your irreverence and your lightness of soul, to keep the
seriousness from being the main melody at this time of my life.
Love to you all
Shaloha,
Morty Breier
We look forward to 5764being 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.
If you have new ideas, share them with us.
Send in your MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION / CONTRIBUTION FORM now.
WE ARE NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT YOU!
CONGREGATION
KONA BETH SHALOM
Membership Application / Contribution Form
5764 (Sep. 2003 - Sep. 2004)
Your name:
Name of Spouse or Partner:
Children under 18, with names and dates of birth:
Address:___________________________________________ e-mail:
Town:_________________________________ State:___________ Zip:
Home phone:_________________ Work phone:___ ___________ Fax:
PLEASE PRINT ALL ABOVE CLEARLY
Membership Contribution: Suggested non-member Contribution:
* Sustaining Membership $360 Children under 18 complementary
* Family Membership $250 * High Holiday Services only $50 per
person
* Single Membership $150 * High Holiday Services (Kama'aina) $25
per person
At Yizkor, please remember the following persons:
* Yizkor Contribution $18 (or any amount): $ _________
* Hebrew and Torah Studies (HATS)
Children’s Hebrew Education Program: $ _________
* Building Fund Contribution: $ _________
TOTAL ENCLOSED: $ _________
Please make your check payable to Congregation Kona Beth Shalom and mail
it along with this Application to:
Michael Bernstone
68-3840 Lua Kula St. #E 204
Waikoloa, HI 96738
No one will be turned away from Services for inability to pay.
Please call Barry Blum (322-6004) or Joel Gimpel (325-4991) if you have
any questions.
