CONGREGATION AMCHAH



2771 East Oakland Park Boulevard
 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33306 
(954) 561-2003

 

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   July / Aug / Sept 2002         www.congregationamchah.org      

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Calendar

SERVICES & HOLIDAYS:
Shabbos S’Lichos   Sukkos   Simchas Torah Yizkor  Saturdays 10 am
Sat.  Aug 31, 10 pm
Sat.  Sept 21, 10 am
Sat. Sept 28, 10 am
Sat. Sept 28, 10 am

HIGH HOLIDAYS:
Fri.  Sept 6 - 7:30pm
Sat. Sept 7 - 10:00am
Sun. Sept 15 - 7:30pm
Mon. Sept 16 - 10:00am
Mon. Sept 16 - 12:30pm
Mon. Sept 16 - 6:00pm 		 Erev Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah
Erev Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur
Yizkor
Neilah

EVENTS:
Aug 3, 10am
Aug 25, 7:30am
Aug 31, 10pm
Sept 16, 7:30pm
Sept 21, 12pm
Sept 28, 10am 		 Bar Mitzvah, Marc Knezevic
2nd Annual Golf Outing
S’Lichos Movie & Snacks
Break The Fast Dinner
Decorate the Sukkah Party
Simchas Torah Celebration

         
2002 Spring Picnic

As anticipated, this year’s picnic was once again a wonderful day of fun in the park.

Held on May 5th at Plantation Heritage Park, the day began with the grill flaming high with the delicious smell of Hebrew National hotdogs filling the air.  The picnic tables were filled with delicious foods and snacks, and the coolers overflowed with cold drinks.

The entire afternoon was filled with lots of sunshine, kites flying high, tugs-of-war, tree climbing, water balloon tossing, and lots of other fun. Check out the photos on the photo page and visit the website to see more.

 The picnic also included a successful fund raising raffle. Thank you Robyn, Marty and Shelly and Martin and Rebecca for donating such wonderful prizes.

 

 

 

 

 
S’Lichos Service & Movie

On Saturday August 31, at 10:00 pm, Congregation Amchah will be holding its S’Lichos service. The evening will begin with the viewing of a Jewish themed movie followed by a discussion & snacks, and then our traditional S’Lichos prayer service.

S’Lichos is the night the High Holy Day season begins. The S’Lichos service includes a time for self-examination, personal prayer, and confession. The word “S’lichos” means forgiveness.

The S’lichos prayers are a warm-up for "Teshuvah " (the process of repentance, or return to G-d or the G-dly way of life). The Torah tells us that no matter how far we stray or how many times we sin, G-d will wait for us to return to him through Teshuvah.

Rabbi Winer, along with other local Rabbis, was interviewed last year for his views on S’Lichos. The article ran in the Jewish Journal on Aug. 30, 2001, and can be viewed in its entirety on our website.

We look forward to seeing all of you at this year’s S’lichos movie and service.

Mazel Tov
to our Bar Mitzvahs
Jonathan Guariglia
         4/27/02       		 Jack Scott
6/29/02 

 

Congregation Amchah

Rabbi:  Larry Winer

  Associate Rabbi / Cantor:
Steven Cardonick

President:  Alec M. Messeroff

Vice President:  Marty Glazer, Editor

Secretary / Treasurer:  Becky Winer

Board Members:
Larry Toroker, Past President
Shelley Glazer, Editor
Eleanor Berman        Lucie Rousse
Lila Weisfeld          Ann Schary
Rebecca and Martin Barmack


2nd Annual Golf Outing

Our 2nd Annual Golf Outing will be held Sunday, Aug. 25 at the Delray Beach Golf Club. Last year’s event proved to be a very successful fundraiser and a lot of fun.

If you golf, please join us. Get some of your friends and bring a foursome. Please consider being a “hole sponsor”. For $100, a sign will be displayed throughout the day with an individual or business’s name. Sponsors will also be given recognition in upcoming newsletters.

Volunteers are welcomed, to help assist in running the event. Contact me at (561) 963-4355 for more info. For full details on the event, see the enclosed flyer or visit the website.

After a morning of golf, the event concludes with a delicious hot luncheon and lots of awards and prizes for everyone.  Please… per golf course requirements, we must receive your entry by Aug. 12, 2002.

I look forward to seeing you at the tee!
                                   - Barry Wattenberg

           Pg 1

 

President's Message

Shalom Fellow Congregants,

I hope that everyone is having a great summer, and enjoying time with their family and friends.

This summer marks an important milestone in our Shul’s growth.  For the first time in Congregation Amchah’s history, Shabbos services are being held continuously all year, with no summer hiatus.  Services are either led by Rabbi Cardonick, or are held as “lay” services run by all congregants in attendance. 

The plan was to test the idea for a few weeks, with the decision to continue based upon attendance. Well, with your support, the turnout has been excellent, and I am happy to announce that summer services will continue until our new season begins on Aug 3.

I am very pleased to announce that our Congregation will soon have a second Torah.  Through the generosity of Congregation Haverim of Olympia Fields, Illinois, their Torah and Ark are being donating to us.  It is truly a wonderful event in our growth, but sadly it comes at the cost of the closing of their Congregation.  In appreciation of this wonderful gift, we are proud to include all of their memorials at our Shul and in Yizkor remembrance services.  In addition, honorary membership is extended to their former members should they visit South Florida.  We are very grateful.

Wow…first summer services, and now a new Torah and Ark.  What great testament to our growth.  So, in keeping with the subject of growth, here’s a peek at what’s ahead…

- The initial stage of our membership drive geared towards existing congregants, proved very successful and has delivered us a good base on which to grow our membership. We will soon be contacting congregants who haven’t decided to become members in hopes to gain their support as well.  If you did not receive membership information, please contact the Shul, and it will be sent to you. 

- The next stage of our membership drive will focus on the surrounding communities of the Galt Ocean Mile and Coral Ridge.  We will be inviting residents in these communities to join us for services and have “Kiddish and Kibitz” with the Rabbi.  Your help is welcomed in running these events, and your attendance will go a long way in helping us welcome these potential members.

           

-  We are exploring the addition of a Hebrew School to our congregation.  This will allow us to provide lessons to our  children  prior to  their enrollment in our Bar/Bat Mitzvah study program.  The tuition will be priced very reasonably, basically to cover the cost.  More information will be forthcoming.

-  Lastly, once we have developed our membership base to a level at which we can financially support the next stage of growth, we will be looking to move into a larger facility, located more prominently in the community.  At that point, we will no longer be “The Best Kept Secret” in the South Florida Jewish community.

       Shalom,    
                     Alec Messeroff, President

Break The Fast

On Monday Sept. 16 at 7:30 PM after the Neilah Service, we will be holding our 2nd annual “Break The Fast Dinner”.
Due to overwhelming attendance at last year’s dinner, this year’s will be held at a location that can accommodate all who wish to attend.
The dinner will take place at Southpoint Condominium, 3410 Galt Ocean Drive, North Lounge, overlooking the ocean.
Pricing for adults is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Children are $10 for members and $15 for non-members.
The menu will consist of traditional bagels and lox, white fish, assorted salads and spreads, beverage, coffee and dessert.
Please make your reservations early; the cutoff date is Sept. 12th. Mail or bring the enclosed form to the Shul.

Ordination of
Rabbi Steven Cardonick
 
On Sunday May 19th our Cantor, Steven Cardonick was ordained as a Rabbi.  The ceremony, held in our sanctuary, included a court of three Rabbis (known as a “Bet Din”) who officiated. 

Rabbi Cardonick will now serve our synagogue as Associate Rabbi, as well as our Cantor.
We send a hearty Mazel Tov, to Rabbi Cardonick and his lovely Rebitzen, Olga.

              

Membership

We thank the following participating members for their support...
 
Rebecca & Martin Barmack, Rhonda Barmack, Ruth & Jeff Barnes, Eleanor & Al Berman, Susan Bilheimer, Liliyen & Herbert Chiltern, Fran & Charles Dunaief, Rhoda Feinberg, Steven Friedland, Rony & Jeff Ghelerter, Marty & Shelley Glazer, Ellen Glazer, Telma & Jeff Gordon, Irma Gould, Lisa Guariglia, Jack & Mary Harris, Erica Hartman, Steven Harwood, Sue Hazen, Barry Hollander, Jamie Huff, Ruth & Robert Kaplan, Joe Kaplan, Leslie Knezevic, Henrietta Knoll, Susan Kokus, Leah LaGrow, Dr. Elliot Levitch, Herlee Mahmet, Alec & Nancy Messeroff, Rhonda Newport, Londa & Everett Rashotsky, Dr. Marvin Rosenblatt, Lucie Rousse, Hal Schaefer, Anne & Ed Schary, Kim & Hal Schur, Stephen Shaw, Bud & Theresa Singer, Stan & Sara-Lee Sterling, Isabel Tabin, Larry Toroker, Peter Trachtenberg, Barry Wattenberg, Lila Weisfeld, Rene & Seth Wexler, Faun Whalen, Susan White, Yvonne Williams.

Internet Website

We have recently launched our Internet website www.congregationamchah.org. 

Our President, Alec Messeroff has spent long hours designing and creating a very informative and comprehensive site.

Visitors will find many pages of useful information, photographs, stories, articles, calendars, and even an online, full color version of this Shofar newsletter.

Viewers are treated to beautiful graphical presentations, while their favorite Judaic tunes play in the background. There is even a Services Schedule, complete with links to each week’s Torah Parsha. 

In addition to the webpage presentations, our website opens the door to greater communication through the use of email. Anyone in the world can easily contact the Shul with the click of his or her keyboard.

Please visit the site often. It is always in development, and will constantly have new things for you to see. Anyone with interest in helping with ongoing website development, search engine submission, or submission of content, please contact or email Alec at the Shul.

We look forward to seeing you online!

 

 

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Yizkor  - by your Editors

A memorial service, called Yizkor (meaning “remember”), is recited as part of the prayer service four times during the year. It is based on the Jewish belief in the eternity of the soul. Our tradition tells us that although souls can no longer do good deeds after death, they can gain merit through our good deeds and charity given on their behalf. Yizkor prayers are recited by all who have lost a parent, relative, or other loved one.
 
We conduct a Yizkor service four times during the year - following the Torah and Haftarah readings on Yom Kipper; on the last day of Passover; on the second day of Shavout; and on the eighth day of Sukkot (Shemini Atzeret).

The central part Yizkor service is a single paragraph beginning Yizkor elohim (may G-d remember.) Prayer books have individualized paragraphs to be recited for a deceased mother, father, male relative, female relative, extended family members and martyrs. They all follow the same pattern - the prayers ask G-d to remember the deceased because the one reciting it pledges to give charity on the deceased’s behalf. As reward for this charity, the person asks that the deceased’s soul be bound in the “Bond of Life” together with the souls of the forefathers and mothers and the other righteous people in the Garden of Eden. The pledge to charity is included because of the belief that an act of charity will contribute to redeeming a soul, and the prayer essentially asks G-d to take note of the charity and let it be a merit for the soul of the relative.

After the Congregation recites the Yizkor prayer quietly, the Rabbi or Cantor chants another prayer El malei rahamin (G-d, full of compassion). This prayer is said on behalf of all for whom Yizkor is said. This same prayer is recited at funerals and at the Synagogue during Yizkor services.

The Yizkor service concludes with a prayer called Av Harachamin, which offers prayer for the souls of all Jewish martyrs, as we remember those who were killed in the Holocaust, and in most recent times, those who perished last Sept. 11, here in the United States, and those who were murdered in Israel at the hands of terrorists.

A New Torah and Ark 

Traditionally, a synagogue has at least two Torahs.  Certain services during the year require the reading from two different Parshas of the Torah, and without two Torahs, this is difficult. 

           

A New Torah and Ark (cont'd.)

Rabbi Winer has discussed the desire of purchasing a 2nd Torah for some time now but unfortunately other expenses have taken precedence and the funds have not been available.

Well… today I am happy to tell you that the Rabbi’s desire has come true. Congregation Amchah will soon have a second Torah and a new Ark, through the generosity of Congregation Haverim of Olympia Fields, Illinois.

This Torah, with its origins traced to Czechoslovakia was brought to America and found its home at Congregation Haverim. Although, it comes to us at the cost of a Congregation’s closing, it will live on through its reading at our Shul.

A dedication ceremony for the Torah is tentatively planned for Sept. 28, 2002. Memorials and dedications are available for the Torah, the ark, a gartle, a yad, Torah crowns, and mantles.

Bring the Torah
to Florida Fund

We must get the Torah and the Ark to Florida. The Rabbi’s good friend Scott Booras has volunteered to drive a van from his home in Wisconsin, to Chicago to pick up the Ark, and to then drive it to us. We have made plans for the Rabbi’s brother Chuck to fly down with the Torah in his personal care, and to be here to present us with the Torah at the dedication ceremony.

We have begun a “Bring the Torah to Florida Fund” to help cover the expense. Any contributions, small or large are welcomed, and can be brought or mailed to the Shul. We would really like this to be a congregational effort, with everyone being able to take pride in his or her part in helping this dream come true.

Home Tzedakah boxes are available at the Shul. Even if it’s just the loose change you have lying around, it helps. Please lend your support. Also, we are looking for volunteers to join us, as we go to the airport to welcome the Torah’s arrival. Call the Shul for more information.
   

 
In Memory of Bernie Weisfeld
 
As they remember Bernie,
the Weisfeld family extends a
L'Shanah Tovah to the entire Congregation.
 
  Memorial Unveiling
July 7, 2002

  

              

Membership Committee

“Congregation Amchah is the Shul I have been searching for all of my life”. If you read the Jewish Journal article from Sept. 14, 2000 (go to our website), you will see those words spoken by me during an interview by the journal asking me questions about our synagogue.

I am not a “Shul Hopper”, in fact, I was with my Shul up north for 30 years, but something just was not right. I could not say what it was, but every time I had occasion to visit another Shul, I realized I was “shopping” for a place where I would feel more comfortable and fulfilled, more in agreement with the Shul’s philosophy.

When Al and I moved to Florida in 1999, we were again (this time out of necessity), looking for a spiritual home. Fate and circumstances brought us to Congregation Amchah. We love our Shul. A friend who recently attended our grandson’s Bar Mitzvah Service said afterwards, that for the first time in his life, he left a synagogue smiling.

I smile every time I am in Shul; and I thank G-d for somehow directing me to Congregation Amchah and Rabbi Winer. Our Shul is like a second home to my family and me. My husband and I have made some beautiful friendships here, as has our daughter and her children. Three generations happy with one Shul - a rarity.

Congregation Amchah is experiencing constant growth. We are open to all. We are hoping that more people choose to be a part of our Shul. We welcome new members and visitors, and we are sure you will find some degree of pleasure and fulfillment at either a Shabbat or Holiday Service, or at our celebrations and events.

Come visit us. We would love to meet and greet you. Come and see what we are all about. Who knows, you may find that we are the Shul you “have been searching for all of your life.”
          - Eleanor Berman, Chairperson

 

L’Shanah Tovah

A happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to you and your family from…

Rebecca & Martin Barmack
Eleanor & Al Berman
Rabbi Steven & Olga Cardonick
Marty & Shelley Glazer
Irma Gould
Lisa, Jonathan & Jessica Guariglia
Susan Kokus
Alec & Nancy Messeroff
Rhonda Newport
Lucie Rousse
Lila Weisfeld
Yvonne Williams
Rabbi Larry & Becky Winer

      Pg 3   

  

  

  

From the Rabbi’s Desk…

As you know, at this season I take time for both spiritual and intellectual preparation in anticipation of the coming High Holidays. For those of you who may also wish to prepare for the Days of Awe I might suggest the following as possible starting points.

First, set your alarm clock for a few minutes earlier than usual for some spiritual exercise. Perhaps a simple Mo-deh Ani L’fo-ne-chah and the Sh’ma for starters. Second, set aside time for study and contemplation.

Up until now I’ve never put together a “Rabbi Winer’s Official Reading List”, but then I thought, if Oprah can have a reading list, why not me, especially this time of year.

Upon further thought I realized that I did not want to simply have a list called “The Basic Jewish Bookshelf” or “Ten Books Every Jew Should Own.” I also did not want a list of coffee table or reference works that are beautiful as home decor but are not necessarily readable. No, what I wanted was a list of books that can be read from cover to cover. A book has to be interestingly written and informative to be on my list.

The books below will not make you a Judaic scholar, but I believe that they will give you a broader understanding of Judaism and “Yiddishkeit”. So, here’s my list by category:

THE TORAH: Yes, I actually think every Jew should read the Torah, particularly one with a good commentary such as the new Conservative Movement’s Etz 

Hayim, or the Orthodox Artscroll editions of Chumash or Tanach, or of course the Hertz edition Pentateuch and Haftorahs. This is the Chumash that I grew up with. The Hertz edition is the most archaic in its English translation, and its commentaries are based on the world of the 1930’s but I believe it still has great value. I would encourage you to purchase as many different editions as you can, study them all and decide for yourself which one’s commentary you like more. My guess is that you will find areas in some that you agree with and areas in others that you do not agree with.

JEWISH SPIRITUALITY:
For starters, I recommend Soul Judaism by Wayne Dosick, and Stalking Elijah by Roger Kamenetz. Next choice is The Way of Flame - A Guide to Jewish Meditation by Avram Davis. I also find great value in Toward a Meaningful Life, The Wisdom of the Rebbe, adapted by Simon Jacobson.

JUDAISM AND CHRISTIANITY:
Trude Weiss-Rosmarin's classic book, Judaism and Christianity, The Differences, defines the differences between the two faiths. This is one of the best discussions on the subject.

THE WORLD OF JUDAISM:
I recommend anything written by Joseph Telushkin, his Book of Jewish Values is one of my personal favorites.

THE JEWISH WAY OF LIFE:
I loved Harold Kushner's To Life! He makes Jewish customs, holidays and rituals take on new meaning. Also, The Jewish Home Advisor by A. Kolatch for a more “nuts and bolts” approach.

THE HOLOCAUST: The simple but powerful Night by Elie Wiesel is one of the best.

ISRAEL: James Michener's The Source is still the yardstick by which all others are measured. Don't be intimidated by its length, it’s a great story, well told. And, if you can find it, Leon Uris’ Exodus will take you back to the exciting days of Israel's founding.

ISSUES OF FAITH: Harold Kushner's classic When bad Things Happen to Good People helps us deal with suffering and loss without the need to blame G-d.

OUR EUROPEAN ROOTS: Anything by Chaim Potok. I would particularly recommend The Chosen and My Name is Asher Lev.

FOR READING IN BED: Short stories translated from the Yiddish by Sholom Aleichem, or I.B. Singer Aye, a Mechiah!

By no means is this a complete list. If you have a favorite not on my list let me know. As I have often said, we learn together.

I look forward to seeing you at shul during the coming High Holiday season. In the meantime, be well and may G-d bless you.

Warm wishes for a Healthy, Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year.

    - L’Shanah Tovah!
                            Rabbi Larry Winer

 

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Congregation Amchah - Donation and Dedication Opportunities

“Your Generosity Allows Us to Serve the Community as a Synagogue Serving All”

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                General Donations  

  • General Synagogue Fund

  • Rabbi’s Tzadakah Fund

  • Library Fund

  • Kiddush Fund

  • Flower Fund

  • Monthly Pledges

 
   Founder’s Level Annual Pledges  

  • KeterTorah

  • Chai

       

 $ 360 monthly
$ 180 monthly  

              

         Building Dedications  

  • Sanctuary                        

  • Rabbi’s Study                

 $ 36,000
$ 10,000  
       Sanctuary Dedications  

  • ARK                                  

  • Torah & Mantle

  • Cantor ‘s Podium

  • Torah Crown   

  • Stained Glass Panel (lg.)

  • Stained Glass Panel (sm.)

  • Sanctuary Chairs (10 )

 $ 18,000  
$ 12,000
$   7,200
$   3,600  
$   3,600 
$   1,800  
$      720  


Celebrate a Special Occasion by sponsoring a Kiddish

 Share your happiness by sponsoring a Kiddish after Services.  Honor a special occasion, a birthday, an anniversary, the birth of a child, a graduation, or any other life celebration in your life or the life of a family member or friend.

For further information, inquire at the Synagogue or call (954) 561-2003
  

 


 
Amchah Food Drive

 One of the basic concepts of Judaism is that of Tzadakah – doing that which is just and right.

We invite all to bring toiletries, canned goods and other non-perishable food items to the Synagogue for distribution to the homeless, the needy, and the hungry.

Please help us to help others !

 

The Tree of Life

Not only does the TREE OF LIFE enhance the beauty of our Shul, but also the purchase of a Leaf is a way to permanently commemorate a joyous occasion, or a special day in your life or the life of a family member or friend.

 Please consider the purchase of a Leaf or Stone on the Synagogue’s Tree Of Life.

Suggested Donation  
Leaf  $72.00      Stone $360.00

 

Memorial Plaques

A cast Bronze Plaque on our MEMORIAL TABLET is a dignified memorial for your loved ones who have passed on.

  Plaques are lit for a full week in observance of the Yahrzeit, and during all Yizkor Services.

Your loved one’s name is also memorialized at the Shabbos service preceding the Yahrzeit.

Suggested Donation  $180.00  
 

 


     I wish to make a donation to Congregation Amchah in the amount of $______________

     Type of Donation or Dedication:_____________________________________________

         In honor of        ____________________________________________

         In memory of     ____________________________________________

                         Name               _____________________________________

                         Address            _____________________________________

                         City, State, Zip _____________________________________

                         Phone (_____) ______________________________________
 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           



Congregation Amchah Photo Pages

              

Spring Picnic at Plantation Heritage Park - May 5, 2002
The Wexler family all came out for
the Spring Picnic.		 Nancy and Alec Messeroff with
everyone under the pavilion.

Toss those water balloons…
don’t get wet !



Everyone say
”CHEESECAKE”		 It wouldn’t be a picnic
without the kids.		 Rabbi Winer giving Sarah
a kite lesson.



Looks like the Rabbi’s team
is winning…TUG !		 Al Berman watches Shelley and Ellen
Glazer lawn bowling.		 The Whelan family relaxes
in the afternoon shade.