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Our current newsletter...
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2026 - #25
The End of Year Issue
Upcoming Events
Nov 6, Friday 6 PM - Shabbat & a Show; Bob O Leader & Cantor
Nov 13 , Friday 6 PM - Rabbi Padorr followed by dinner)
Nov 14, Saturday 9:30 AM - Adult Study with Rabbi Padorr & lunch
Nov 21 Friday 6 PM - Shabbat; ?? Leader. Steve Cantor
Nov 28, Friday - NO SERVICES - Thanksgiving weekend
Dec 4, Friday 6 PM - Shabbat & Hanukkah 8th candle; ?? Leader, ?? Cantor
Dec 11, Friday 6 PM - Shabbat & Hanukkah 1st candle; ?? Leader, ?? Cantor
Dec 18, Friday 6 PM - Shabbat; ?? Leader. ?? Cantor
Dec 25, Friday - Serving at the Open Door Food Kitchen
Dec 25, Friday - NO SERVICES - Christmas weekend
Jan 1, Friday - NO SERVICES - New Years weekend
Jan 8, Friday - Shabbat & a Show; ?? Leader; ?? Cantor
Help us fill this list
SHABBAT SERVICE LEADERS NEEDED & APPRECIATED
Starting in 2027, In addition to our Rabbinic leadership, a dedicated group of our members have each committed to leading a service about 3 times during the coming year on a rotating schedule.
If you would like to give it a try on the bima - whether as service leader, cantor, sermon, or any combination - then
EMAIL office @beit-echad.net,
Here's What's Inside
Page 2 - President Steve's view - “ Never let your memories be greater than your dreams"— Jeffrey Katzenberg'
AnkanvasflectioaintinuBert
A Blank Canvas for the New Year
The High Holidays, the holiest days of the Jewish calendar, invites us to pause, reflect, and begin again. We look honestly at the past year - at our actions, words, and thoughts - while also looking ahead with hope toward the people we can become. Imagine standing before a blank canvas: clean, white, and untouched.
You hold the brush, and the possialed in the Book of Life for a year of blessing and goodness.
Steven Rosenak, O.D. President
Page 3 - Reflections — Welcoming the New Year 5787 in pictures
RH1
Teshuvah, Tefillah, and Tzedakah
"repentance, prayer, and charity"
Rosh Hashanah
"Recognizing the Birth of Humanity"
Shir l'Shabbat Shuvah
"Music in Shabbat of Return"
Kol Nidrei
"All Our vows"
Ne'ilah
"Sealed in the Book of Life"
Sukkot
"Celebrating with Lulav & Etrog"
Simchat Torah
"Joy in the Torah"
shabbat shuvah
kn
ne'ila
sukkot
simchat
Food Drive
"Tzedakah"
food drive
Page 4 - Sisterhood - “"ith all the scratches, pop." — Brené Brown
The BE Sisterhood:
Heart, Strength, & Support
From Our Sisterhood President
4th Quarter Business Meeting
As we approach the High Holy Days, we are given the beautiful opportunity to reflect—not only on the year behind us, but on how we want to enter the year ahead.
When I think about our Sisterhood, I think about the heart of Beit Echad. So much of what makes our little community feel like a family happens because of Sisterhood. We prepare the meals, set the tables, celebrate the happy moments, reach out during the difficult ones, support our community, and make sure that when people walk through our doors, they feel welcomed and cared for.
But a Sisterhood is more than what we do. It is about showing up for one another.
It doesn't take a huge commitment. Sometimes it is bringing a dish, helping set a table, making a phone call, attending a meeting, offering a new idea—or simply being there. Every person brings something different, and every person matters.
As we begin 5787, my hope is that we continue to strengthen our Sisterhood by making the effort to be together. Come when you can. Participate in whatever way you can. Bring your ideas, your laughter, your helping hands—and most importantly, bring yourself.
Because Sisterhood isn't just a group within Beit Echad. We help create the warmth, the caring and the sense of family that make Beit Echad home.
To all of our Sisterhood women, thank you for everything you have given this past year. May the year ahead bring each of you and your families health, happiness, peace and many reasons to celebrate together.
L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu. May we all be written for a good and sweet year.
With love and Bivracha,
Sandy
The giving never stops ...
to others & of ourselves
At our second and third quarter business meetings, the Beit Echad Sisterhood made charitable distributions to Second Harvest, Community Missions, Voices of Courage, Friends of the Free Clinic, The Center, Jewish War Veterans-KC, YMCA–Women’s Abuse Shelter, Bartlett Center, and Parkinson’s (foundation).
Our sisterhood circle plans the Rabbi Shabbat dinners throughout the year, but as we enter the High Holyday season, it is MEAL PREP ON STEROIDS! Planning has begun for the following HHD season meals - 7 meal events! over 6 weeks:
the Rosh Hashanah dessert reception on Friday, Sept 11th;
the Shabbat Shuvah Rabbi Dinner on Friday, September 18th;
the Shabbat Shuvah Shir l'Shabbat luncheon on Saturday, September 19th;
the Break-the-Fast meal following Yom Kippur on Monday, September 21st;
the Sukkot meal: Pizza in the Sukkah-hut on Friday, September 25th;
The Shabbat Rabbi dinner on Friday, October 23rd;
If you can help on any of these meals/dates by bringing a side or dessert or beverage, or by setting up or cleaning up, any support is appreciated. Those who regularly contribute and work on these events greatly appreciate any support.
In addition to reimbursing for expenses, contributions go towards the sisterhood benevolent fund and charitable giving.
The next Sisterhood meeting will be held: Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Page 5 - Board Action! - "You are not what you think; you are not what you say; you are what you do " — Peter Dunne
THE BOARD MET: On August 12th, the regular meeting of the board met for 2-1/2 hours and discussed security, personnel, facility, and operational issues.
TREASURER'S REPORT: About half of our annual expenses have been covered by dues and other donations. Our investment account (established as protected reserves) continues to be growing favorably (under current market conditions) to potentially cover future budget shortfalls. Cleanup and corrections of banking authorizations was approved
WORSHIP: Several decisions were made with regard to the High Holy Days: Rosh Hashanah Service Changes - Because the first day of Rosh Hashanah is on Shabbat which would prevent the sounding of the Shofar, it will be observed as a day of Torah study as we hade done on the 2nd day for the past two years. The second day will be the full Rosh Hashanah service. Shabbat Shuvah & Shir l'Shabbat - It was affirmed that the Saturday morning of Shabbat Shuvah will be a Shir l'Shabbat style service with funding approved for guest Cantor Anna Jaffe and guest musicians from Kansas City. Security - Funding was approved for uniformed security on the evenings of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rabbi Padorr's contract for 2027 - Discussions continued regarding the form of Rabbi Padorr's contract for 2027. Time for making a decision is urgent and is expected by the HHDs. Sukkot Lulav & Etrog - a Lulav & Etrog will be ordered immediately fin time for our Sukkot service on September 25th. Simchat Torah - will be observed with Shabbat on Oct 2nd. Bob O will organize and lead the service. Shabbat and a Show will be canceled for October due to the many other activities ahead of it.
FACILITY: Artwork - Posters provided by Rick S have been considered for display an will be framed and displayed along the back hallway. Keys - Additional keys were cut and distributed to facilitate easier access when needed. Door Sign - The design of a front door sign is being worked on and will eventually be implemented. Security - The interior door handle was changed to a locking style. Extra batteries were approved for the new exterior cameras.
MEDIA: Newsletter - The newsletter will be produced bi-monthly or monthly at the editor's discretion. September and October will be a combined edition due to the number of activities these months. Facebook - Janet E will coordinate access with Hans. KC Chronicle - We will provide the paper with photos and articles related to BE and the local Jewish community.
SISTERHOOD: Plans are developing for all the meal events during the HHD period. Rosh Hashanah will be a dessert reception; Shabbat Shuvah will be a Rabbi dinner and luncheon; Yom Kippur will have a break fast, Sukkot meal will be a "Pizza in the Sukkah Hut"; there will be no Simchat Torah meal.
OTHER BUSINESS: Discussion was held with regard to member interactions and appropriate conduct at BE.
Page 6 - Chanukah - What you need to know ... and what you didn't know
Bet You Didn't Know This ...
1 Candle (+) or 8 Candles (-)
As is well-known, on the first eve of Chanukah, we traditionally will light one candle, 2 on the second, and so on until all the candles are lit on the eighth and final night.
But did you know that there was actually rabbinical disagreement advocating the lighting of all eight candles on the FIRST eve?
The House of Rabbi Shammai opined that eight candles should be lit on the first night, seven on the second night, and so on down to one on the last night (because the miracle was greatest on the first day). The House of Rabbi Hillel argued in favor of starting with one candle and lighting an additional one every night, up to eight on the eighth night (because the miracle grew in greatness each day). Jewish law adopted the position of Hillel, so that is now why we increase the number each day.
See the accompanying article regarding the significance of the Hebrew Spelling
It's generally well-known that it is derived from the root word "חנו", meaning "to dedicate". However, another explanation given for the name חנוכה is ....
חנוכח נרות והלכה כבית הלל
translating to "Eight candles, and the halakha is according to the House of Hillel" (see related article about 1+ or 8-)
The B.E. Chanukah Party
Beit Echad will host its annual Chanukah party on Sunday December .....
When is Chanukah 2026?
The 8 days of Chanukah occur early in 2026 (well-before Christmas) from December 5 to 12. The first candle (see accompanying article) will be lit on Friday (Shabbat) December 4th, and 8th candle on Friday (Shabbat) December 11th.
Hebrew Defines the Word
Aside from making it impossible to have one English spelling, the Hebrew letters that spell Chanukah have several meanings ...
Page 4 - Gmar Chatimah Tovah "A good sealing."
It's Not a Sprint; It's a Marathon and also a Relay
You don't have to feel like you're expected to do it all.
Pick the parts and experience those that are most significant to you,
Come and go; sit and stand as is comfortable for you.
Yom Kippur is our opportunity to atone for the sins we have committed against Gd. Over the past month we have had an opportunity to review our past year and request forgiveness against our fellow man. As we progress through the 24+ hours of Yom Kippur, we still have an opportunity for forgiveness until our book is sealed and the gates close.
Several times throughout the day we will recite a list of sins. As a community we will ask forgiveness for committing these sins - even if not by ourself - but forgiveness on behalf of others and our community.
In addition to the opening Kol Nidrei service, we will have a morning service encapsuling many different prayer sections, an afternoon torah study exploring the book of Jonah, a closing service as sunset approaches, and break our fast together after the day concludes
Yom Kippur
"Our Atonement (At-one-ment) With Gd"
Yom Kippur Morning: Monday, Sept. 21, 9:30 AM
Yom Kippur Eve/Kol Nidrei: Sunday, Sept 20, 7 PM
. . . Studying the Book of Jonah & Transitioning to Concluding Services
As we return at 5PM we immediately hold a short Torah service, followed by the focus to this section: discussing and studying Haftarah Yonah: The Book of Jonah. Led by Rabbi Yonatan, we go through this familiar story to find deeper meaning.
Here are the key things to know:
Remember to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the hungry in our community
The afternoon service begins at 5 PM.
The focus & highlight will be discussion of the haftarah: Jonah.
Rabbi Rudnick will lead our service and discussion with assistance by Steve R, Bob O, and members of the congregation.
We will then transition into the concluding services.
. . . the Gates are closing . . . Ne'ilah . . . Havdalah . . . and Breaking the Fast
We move from the afternoon service to the early evening service (around 6:30 + or - ). One last chance to say confessional prayers as we are sealed in the Book of Life and a great Shofar blast is sounded by Rabbi Rudnick and Steve R in unison. With the conclusion of the closing service, we will have a short Havdalah service, separating the divine day of Yontif and the beginning of the weekday. We conclude the entire Holiday by breaking fast together with a dairy meal provided by the Beit Echad Sisterhood.
All vows . . .
Rabbi Rudnick, Rudnick, Steve R, and the congregation begin our long Yom Kippur day with the chanting and recitation of the Kol Nidrei prayer. We continue with our evening service and the first recitation of our confessional.
Here are the key things to know:
Remember to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the hungry in our community
Candle lighting followed by the chanting of Kol Nidrei starts at 7 PM.
Uniformed security is being provided.
Rabbi Rudnick will lead our service with assistance by Steve R, Bob O, and members of the congregation.
Traditional morning, Torah, Yizkor, and additional services
Following this morning service, there will be a break until we return for the afternoon service
Please join us as we wipe the slate clean and unite as a Beit Echad - One House.
. . . Ashamnu . . . Al Chet . . .Torah reading . . . Yizkor . . .
As the morning of Yom Kippur arrives, we face several distinct sections of prayer (t'filah,) focused on confession, remembrance, and spiritual return (t'shuvah).
As much as your attendance throughout the mornign and into the evening would be appreciated, we understand it is a long, difficult process that may require a break or personal evaluation of how to observe. Therefore, remember that as much as this is a marahton (not a sprint) it is also a relay where you can be comfortable passing up a section and let others proceed until you can join back in . Rabbi Rudnick continues to make these services meaningful, explaining and teaching along the way.
The service will conclude in early afternoon, when we will take a break until we return for the afternoon torah reading and haftarah study: Jonah.
Here are the key things to know:
Remember to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the hungry in our community
The morning service begins at 9:30 AM.
Rabbi Rudnick will begin with the morning prayer service (again, assisted by Steve R, Bob O, and members of the congregation).
Confessional prayers will be spread throughout the service, so there will be opportunities to participate even if you're late or need to leave.
In addition to appropriate prayers, there will be a troah service, Yizkor service, and special sections recalling martyrs and the ancient service of the High Priest.
The service will conclude in early afternoon, when we will take a break before returning in late afternoon for concluding services beginning at 5.
Following the service (when we take our break) Rabbi Rudnick willl be available for discussion or personal counseling
We hope you will take advantage and participate in the various moments of this Yom Kippur service as well as the remainder of the day.
Yom Kippur Afternoon: Monday, Sept. 21, 5 PM
Yom Kippur Evening: Monday, Sept. 21, 6:30 PM
Here are the key things to know:
Remember to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the hungry in our community
The concluding services begin right after our afternoon service at approximately 6:30 PM.
following the concluding Ne'ilah service, Steve and Rabbi Yonatan will sound the final Shofar blast together.
Havadalah with its blessings over fire, spice, and wine will separate and transition us from The holiday to our work week.
Everyone is encouraged to make reservations and break the fast together following services shortly after 8 PM.
It's a long day, following a long week since Rosh Hashanah and we hope you find value and meaning in the services we've prepared.
Page 5 - Chag Sukkot Sameach - "You shall dwell in booths for seven days..." — Leviticus 23:42
Sukkot & Shabbat
A special Shabbat celebration on the first night of Sukkot
What is a Sukkah?
A sukkah is a temporary hut built for the week-long festival. Due to our location, we cannot have an outdoor structure, but hope you will still enjoy the flavor of the holiday at our indoor sukkah. The tradition of eating meals in the sukkah with family and friends during Sukkot is a central part of the celebration.
Pizza in the Sukkah-hut emphasizes Beit Echad unity during this gathering, with pizza serving as a crowd-pleasing food for the occasion. Everyone will also have an opportunity to learn about and shake the lulav and etrog, the "4 species" which symbolize learning and good deeds
FRIDAY, Sept 25th, 6 PM
Bob & Steve lead followed by pizza
JOIN US IN THE SUKKAH
Our Shabbat service on September 25th will include a celebration of the holiday Sukkot
Before a shortened Shabbat service,
hold the lulav & etrog,
to offer special blessings
Then move to our sukkah
to recall the 40 years our ancestors lived in the desert
to hold the lulav & etrog, and offer special blessings
to enjoy Pizza in the Sukkah-hut
What are Lulav & Etrog?
The lulav & etrog are also known as the 4 species or "kinds" representing four types of Jews. Bringing them together represents our unity as a nation—despite our external differences. In this spirit of unity, we share them with our Jewish friends in the sukkah!
The etrog is a citron - similar to a lemon - that both bears fruit and has a pleasant smell. Etrog people are can-do, go-getters, who are both pleasant to be around and are high achievers.
The lulav is actually 3 different plants that are neatly and precisely bound together for convenient handling:
lulav - a palm branch - bears fruit, but has no aroma. This symbolizes the high-achieving person – but is unpleasant to be around.
hadassim - 3 myrtles - bear no fruit, but have a pleasant aroma. These are people who don’t contribute much in ways of achievements, but they’re happy, good-natured, and a pleasure to be around.
aravot - 2 willows - bear neither fruits nor have an aroma. This type of person doesn’t create anything and has an unpleasant character to go with it. Regardless of this, they are still part of our bundle.
During Sukkot, with a special blessing, the 4 kinds are held in a specific manner and shaken in all directions acknowledging the omnipresence of Gd.
Page 6 - Simchat Torah - ""Simchat Torah was born when Jews had lost everything else, but they never lost their capacity to rejoice." - Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
Yizkor, Simchat Torah, & Shabbat
A special Shabbat begins with memory, then celebrates the Torah cycle
FRIDAY, Oct 2nd, 6 PM
Bob O leads a combined service.
Remembering, then ...
"Right before we dance, we remember. Yizkor comes first — we stand with the names and faces we've lost, holding that quiet weight together. Then the scrolls come out, the same day, the same room, and we're dancing before the grief even has time to settle. That's the whole point, maybe: the Torah's called the Tree of Life because it holds both — the losing and the going on. We grieve, we roll it back to the beginning, we start again. One ritual, not two. Turns out that's just how the cycle works.
Rejoicing in the Torah
As the week of Sukkot ends, we remember our deceased; so too does the annual Torah reading cycle end ... then go on. With Shabbat also occurring at this time, we have an opportunity to remember, then celebrate both Shabbat and Simchat Torah together.
In addition to a slightly abbreviated Shabbat service, we will parade with our Torahs and include special prayers celebrating the conclusion of the annual Torah reading cycle - and its restart. Central to this part of the service will be a short Torah service when everyone gets an aliyah. Verses from the end of Deuteronomy and the beginning of Genesis are read, signifying the everlasting cycle and continuation of a never-ending Torah.
Page 8 - The Last Jewish Mobster - "Like the Golem summoned to guard the ghetto when no one else would, the Jewish mob fought antisemitism and served as protectors for pride rather than money."
Event Information from Jonathan Frieden, Ft. Leavenworth DRGL
Sunday, October 11 |10:00 AM
Kehilath Israel Synagogue
10501 Conser Street
Overland Park, KS 66212
FREE ADMISSION - COMMUNITY WELCOME
Reservations requested: mensclub@kisyn.org
Meet Myron Sugerman —
The Last Jewish Gangster
Join us for a fascinating morning with Myron Sugerman, master storyteller and author of The Chronicles of the Last Jewish Gangster: From Meyer to Myron.
Myron takes us inside a world few have experienced firsthand, sharing remarkable stories of the Jewish mob and its surprising role in American and Jewish history—from confronting American Nazis in the streets during the 1930s to helping secure desperately needed weapons for the defense of the newly - established State of Israel. He reveals the extraordinary connections between Jewish gangsters, Israel and the Mossad.
More than a mob story--Myron presents a story of Jewish courage, survival, patriotism and a remarkable chapter of history.
Page 9 - Simchas & other events- "Simcha in the Torah is never about individuals. It is always about something we share.” - Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
Safety Training by Secure Community Network
"Once dedicated to a cause, personal security is not the goal, and what happens personally does not matter." - MLK, Jr
On Sunday, August 30th, members of Beit Echad and our Jewish community celebrated the upcoming opening of Bell's new bakery, Bell's Bakehouse, at 1209 Frederick with a special ceremony as we set a mezuzah on the doorway.
Bell and her baking (and cooking) talents are well-known to all of us at Beit Echad where she has shared her talents on multiple occasions. Over the past years, she has catered and provided pop-up events in St. Joseph, and now has a permanent "brick and mortar" business. Bell specializes in fresh pastries and Mediterranean cuisine, aiming to bring sweet joy to the area. She still provides catering and packaged goods services to local businesses. Bell's Bakehouse emphasizes using quality ingredients in their handmade goods.
Remembering, Honoring, and Connecting
Tzedakah - an Aspect of our High Holy Days - Keep B.E. in Your Giving Plan
On Tuesday, August 25th, members of Beit Echad had its second meeting with the local representative of the Secure Community Network (SCN). Following our first meeting, BE implemented exterior cameras, an inner door lock, uniformed Shabbat security, and pre-registration for visitors. A special first aid and trauma recovery kit was also donated to BE by a member.
This meeting focused on a review of our actions taken thus far. It delved deeper into preparation for, and reaction to, threats.
SCN is a Jewish safety and security that works with synagogues to provide safety guidance and threat intelligence. SCN liaises with law enforcement and other organizations to provide best practices for Jewish communal security.
Celebrating Success - Blessing the Door
Bell's Bakehouse Mezuzah Setting
As we begin a new Jewish year - as well as at the end of the calendar year - many find it to be an appropriate time to make their financial contributions: dues ($25 or more per person), recognition of HHD Torah honors bestowed, specific support for security or other services, and additional contributions based on financial ability, personal desire, or other needs of B.E.
A common aspect of personal giving in synagogues is public recognition of a contribution. Often this is in the form of donation of items for the benefit of the synagogue with an acknowledgement insert, plate, or plaque:
HHD prayer books can have a dedication insert
BE is planning on stained glass shadow boxes with a dedication or acknowledgment plate,
A leaf added to the Tree of Life inscribed in honor, memory or recognition of an event or person.
Artwork, a memorial item, or facility item with appropriate acknowledgement plaque.
If you are interested in making one of these additional contributions, contact a member of the board, or email office @beit-echad .net.
Many parts of both B'nai Sholem and Adath Joseph, have found there way into - and been incorporated into - Beit Echad. They are now representative of who we, as Beit Echad, have become.
As we look around we see stained glass from B'nai Sholem incorporated into a custom built ark, Reform prayer books from Adath Joseph used for Shabbat and High Holy Day service, Conservative prayer books used for special holidays like Sukkot or Simchat Torah. And none of these are thought of as being anything other than "Beit Echad".
One item that holds a very visible place inside Beit Echad is the Tree of Life from Adath Joseph with its leaves representing many honors. As Beit Echad, we would like it to grow beyond just being from Adath Joseph ... to also becoming representative of Beit Echad and our One House community. Our first Leaf was added in memory of Sandy Smail.
We now invite you to make a contribution for your own leaf on OUR Tree of Life to help it grow. We suggest a $54 contribution for a leaf (representing 3 Chai), or two leaves for $100. Whether it's "In memory of...", "In honor of ...", "In recognition of ...", or whatever is important to you, we ask that you make the Tree of Life a true part of Beit Echad family.
It is (our) Tree of Life
Page 11 - Shabbat & a Show Returns- In these challenging times faced by Jewish communities we are prompted to ask questions about threats and our security.
Shabbat, and a Show
Friday, November 6, 6PM
A shortened Shabbat service, followed by a light meal and movie.
What happens when a beloved small-town rabbi is pushed to defend his community? In Guns & Moses (2024, PG, 1h 34m), a violent attack on a Jewish community in the high desert turns its gentle rabbi into an unlikely gunslinger.
Writer-director Salvadore Litvak uses this story to explore antisemitism, self-defense, and morality, asking when protecting your community justifies force and how fear and anger can be misdirected. In light of the October 7th attacks and rising antisemitism in the U.S., these questions feel especially timely.
Please note the film includes depictions of gun violence.
See a list of other movies under consideration at beit-echad.net/shabbat-and-a-show,
or offer your own suggestion by emailing office @ beit-echad .net
Guns and Moses
"When faith meets the fight, a rabbi unearths a truth more dangerous than hate itself."
Shabbat and a Show returns to explore a subject that some may deem controversial, but hopefully addresses knee-jerk reactions to not only it's title, but also the plot and subject matter.
THEN OUR NEXT
Shabbat, and a Show
(tentatively)
Friday, January 8, 6PM
Page 12 - The Open Door - “Poverty is a very complicated issue, but feeding a child isn't.” — Jeff Bridges
On Wednesday, August 19, 205 meals were prepared and served to our hungry by devoted members of our Jewish community and friends. Our daily number of meals served very rarely is below 200. When our team cooks, we always cook enough to serve 250 meals, always keeping in mind that many of our vulnerable depend on the meal they receive at the Open Door Food Kitchen as their only meal of the day.
As I am writing this on the afternoon of Thursday, August 20th, I have just returned home from a graveside funeral of one of our team members who passed on August 4th. Dan Ray Riley was a cherished employee for Allan and Mary Lou Ross and was considered a member of their family.
As all the members of our team who devote their third Wednesday to the Open Door are women, a strong presence is needed to lift and refill the food we serve. When you prep for 250, that's a lot of heavy lifting.
Dan was our strength. Dan was able to take off from work every month to volunteer his time and energy because that was Dan. Dan was a gentle man--kind, thoughtful and very caring. He always felt like he was letting us down when he couldn't help. Dan cared deeply about people and wanted to make a difference. We were lucky to have Dan as a volunteer, but even luckier to call him a friend. His kindness, his willingness to help and his gentle spirit will be missed by all of us who volunteered with him.
Thank you, Dan, for everything you did for the needy, for the ODFK and for all of us who had the privilege of knowing you. You will be missed. May Dan's memory forever be a blessing.
Wishing each of you a happy and healthy New Year.
Marsha Rosenthal
FROM THE OPEN DOOR FOOD KITCHEN
by Marsha Rosenthal
Page 10 - Nov/ Dec Torah readings - If we are to believe that the Torah was a human construction then doesn’t that undermine our belief in Gd and what the Torah says Gd wants?
Torah Readings For Nov & Dec
from hebcal.com
7 Nov. 2026 / 27 Cheshvan 5787
Parashat Chayei Sara 5787/ פָּרָשַׁת חַיֵּי שָֹרָה
Genesis 23:1-25:18
Chayyei Sarah (“The Life of Sarah”) opens as Sarah dies and Abraham buys the Cave of Machpelah to bury her. Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac. The servant meets Rebecca at a well, and Rebecca returns with the servant to marry Isaac. Abraham remarries, has more children, and dies at age 175.
14 November 2026 / 4 Kislev 5787
Parashat Toldot 5787 / פָּרָשַׁת תּוֹלְדוֹת
Genesis 25:19-28:9
Toldot (“Generations”) opens with the births of Isaac and Rebecca’s twins, Jacob and Esau. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob in exchange for soup. Isaac and Rebecca travel to Gerar, where Isaac makes a peace treaty with King Abimelech. Isaac gives Jacob the blessing meant for Esau, and Jacob runs away to his uncle Laban.
210 November 2026 / 11 Kislev 5787
Parashat Vayetzei 5787 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּצֵא
Genesis 28:10-32:3
Vayeitzei (“He Went Out”) opens as Jacob dreams about angels going up and down a ladder, and then continues on his journey toward the home of his uncle Laban. During years of indentured servitude, Jacob marries Laban’s daughters Leah and Rachel, bearing children with them and with their maidservants, Bilhah and Zilpah.
28 November 2026 / 18 Kislev 5787
Vayishlach 5787 פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּשְׁלַח
Genesis 32:4-36:43
Vayishlach (“He Sent”) follows Jacob and his family as Jacob wrestles with a man (commonly understood as an angel), is renamed Israel, and reconciles with his brother, Esau. Jacob’s daughter, Dina, is raped by a Hivite prince, and her brothers sack a city in response. Rachel dies as she gives birth to Jacob’s youngest child, Benjamin.
5 December 2026 / 24 Kislev 5787
Parashat Vayeshev 5787 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיֵּשֶׁב
Genesis 37:1-40:23; Numbers 7:1-17
Vayeshev (“He Settled”) begins the story of Joseph, describing his rivalry with his brothers, slavery in Egypt, and imprisonment after his master’s wife frames him in response to Joseph’s refusal of her advances. It also contains the story of Tamar, her husbands, and her father-in-law, Judah.
25 December 2026 / 16 Tevet 5787
Parashat Vayechi 5787 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיְחִי
Genesis 18:1-22:24
Vayechi (“He Lived”) is the final Torah portion in the Book of Genesis. It opens as Jacob prepares for his death, making his son Joseph swear to bury him in the Cave of Machpelah. Jacob blesses Joseph’s two sons and his own 12 sons and then dies. Jacob’s sons bury him. The portion ends with Joseph’s death.
12 December 2027 / 2 Tevet 5787
Parashat Miketz 5787 / פָּרָשַׁת מִקֵּץ
Genesis 41:1-44:17; Numbers 7:54-8:4
Mikketz (“After”) follows Joseph as he interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and rises to become second-in-command to Pharaoh. When Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt seeking food during a famine, Joseph accuses them of spying. He insists that they return with their youngest brother, Benjamin, and later plants a goblet in Benjamin’s bag.
19 December 2026 / 9 Tevet 5787
Parashat Vayigash 5787 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּגַּשׁ
Genesis 44:18-47:27
Vayiggash (“He Approached”) opens as Judah pleads with Joseph not to keep Benjamin as a prisoner. Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers, crying and kissing them. The brothers bring Jacob from Canaan to Egypt, and Jacob and his children settle in Goshen. The portion ends as Joseph buys most of Egypt’s land in exchange for food
The Torah repeatedly quotes Gd, and the values of the Torah are supposed to be eternal. Trying to look at the values of today’s society or any other society throughout history and say that the modern values are correct - even though they contradict Torah values - undermines our belief that the Torah is a guide on divine values. Similarly, starting with today’s values and trying to fit the Torah to those values is also not valid.
We must consider that it is also possible that the values of a particular society - that contradict Torah values - are not moral. Certainly there have been societies throughout history that have had very barbaric values. Torah is our moral guide no matter what society we live in and those values are eternal!
2 January 2027 / 23 Tevet 5787
Parashat Shemot 5787 / פָּרָשַׁת שְׁמוֹת
Exodus 1:1-6:1
Shemot (“Names”) is the first Torah reading in the book of Exodus. It opens describing the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt. Moses is born, placed in a basket on the Nile, and adopted into Pharaoh’s household. Moses encounters God at a burning bush and begins his mission of demanding that Pharaoh let the Israelites go.
Page 15 - Yahrzeit - ”you should have a long life"
Nov 8-14, 2026/28 Cheshvan - 4 Kislev 5787
Fanny Adler – Sept 9th… 27 Elul 5722/Sept 26, 1962^°
Max Alex – Sept 10th…28 Elul/Sept 27, 1962^
Morris Berger -- Sept 6, 1927*
Marcia Del Stein Block -- Sept 8, 1996
Dr. George Callman – Sept 10th… 25 Elul 5738/Sept 28, 1978^
Lester Einbender – 7 Elul 5768/Sept 7, 2010^°
Nate Eveloff -- Sept 6, 2005°
Sarah Fogel -- Sept 9°
James (Jim) B. Geller – 17 Elul/Sept 6, 2020^♡
Isadore F. Greenbaum -- Sept. 11, 1954*
Minnie Spear Hassenbusch -- Sept. 10, 1951*
Samuel Hassenbusch -- Sept 11*
Alaya Hirsh -- Sept 8, 2024°
David Hofheimer -- Sept 6, 1906*
Samuel N. Kaplan -- Sept 11, 1937*
Lena E. Kaufman -- Sept 6, 1961*
Joseph W. Leibowitz -- Sept 7, 1974*
Sophia Levy – Sept 12th…1 Tishrei^
Sarah Polsky – Sept 10th…28 Elul^
Shanie Yachie Rosenthal – Sept 11th…29 Elul^
Clara Froelich Rothstein -- Sept 6, 1943*
Eugene Silverman -- Sept 12, 1933*
Henry Weinstock – Sept 8th…26 Elul^
Elliot Zidell – 6 Elul/Sept 10, 2005^
YAHRZEIT -- Nov / Dec 2026
21 Cheshvan to 23 Tevet
Nov 15-21, 2026/5-11 Kislev 5787
Ruth WBirdie Apple -- Sept 19, 1955*
Nathan Aronson – Sept 13th…2 Tishrei^
Leo Burnstein – Sept 17th… 6 Tishrei/Sept 12, 1964^♡
Helen Droher -- Sept 14, 2001°
Rebecca Fine – Sept 15th… 4 Tishrei/Sept 18, 1955^
David Friedman – Sept 13th…2 Tishrei^
Libbie Zurow Hausman – Sept 17th… 6 Tishrei/Oct 9, 1986^
Mike Huffer – Sept 14th… 3 Tishrei/Sept 23, 2017^
Joseph Kalis -- Sept 14, 1929*
Sylvia Kaplan – Sept 13th… 2 Tishrei/Sept 27, 2014^
Rose Levy – Sept 17th…6 Tishrei^
Hattye E. Phillip – Sept 19, 1957*
Laser Smith – Sept 15th…4 Tishrei^
Sam Trilinsky – Sept 14th… 3 Tishrei/Sept 29, 1965^
Leo Young – Sept 16th…5 Tishrei^
Sarah Zurow – Sept 13th…2 Tishrei^
Nov 22-28 2026/12-18 Kislev 5787
Calvin Adler – Sept 24th… 13 Tishrei/Sept 30, 2001^
Frank Becker – Sept 23rd…12 Tishrei^
Molly Blanar – Sept 26th…15 Tishrei^
Ellsworth Block -- Sept 21, 1933*
Harry Brahinsky – Sept 21st…10 Tishrei^
Judy Glaser – Sept 23rd..12 Tishrei/Oct 5, 1987^
Flora Liebling Herman -- Sept 21, 1984*
Theodore M. Kranitz – 22 Tishrei/Sept 26, 2013^°
Maurice Isaac Lehman -- Sept 23, 1946*
Samuel M. Mund -- Sept 22, 1958*
Linda Rosenbleet -- Sept 21, 1942*
Haimie Yakie Rosenthal -- Sept 25, 1943°
Anna Silverglat – Sept 25th…14 Tishrei^
Louis Silverman -- Sept 25, 1966*
Gerald Smolly – Sept 24th… 13 Tishrei/Oct 10, 1992^
Florence Warshawsky -- Sept 21, 2018°
Nov 29-Dec 5, 2026/19-25 Kislev 5787
Farnol Adler – Sept 30th…18 Tishrei/Oct 14, 2003^
Abe Blanar – Sept 27th…16 Tishrei^
Nell Burnstein – 27 Tishrei/Oct 3, 2002^♡
Helmuth W. Dahlke –- Sept 27, 2025♡
Joseph Donsker -- Oct 3°
Jacob Eisen -- Oct 1, 1965*
Isadore Eveloff – Sept 29th…18 Tishrei^
David Feltenstein -- Sept 29, 1941*
Florence Freedman – Sept 28th…17 Tishrei^
Frieda L. Hofheimer -- Sept 30, 1968*
Theodore M. Kranitz – Oct 3rd… 22 Tishrei/Sept 26, 2013^°
Elsie Murphy – Oct 3rd…22 Tishrei^
Morton Netzorg -- Oct 2nd…21 Tishrei^
Dorathea Polsky – Sept 28th… Oct 12, 2022/17 Tishrei 5783°^
Hyman Rosenthal -- Oct 2, 1944*
Edith Rothstein -- Oct. 2, 2001°
Josephine Silverman -- Sept 29, 1943*
Yetta Skolnik – Sept 28th…17 Tishrei^
Anna Smolly – Sept 30th …19 Tishrei/Oct 20, 1997^
Aida Weinberg – Oct 2nd… 21 Tishrei/Oct 17, 1984^
Dec 6-12, 2026/26 Kislev - 2 Tevet 5787
Leon Block -- Oct. 4, 1983*
Nell Burnstein – Oct 8th… 27 Tishrei/Oct 3, 2002^♡
Ronald Chapman – Oct 6th… 25 Tishrei/Oct 19, 1995^
Ida Sarah Droher -- Oct. 6, 1933*
Ben Eveloff – Oct 8th…27 Tishrei^
Louis Goldberg – Oct 4th…23 Tishrei ^
Harriet Rosenthal Gross -- Oct. 7, 2000*
Kenneth M. Herman -- Oct. 5, 1958*
Esther T. Leibowitz -- Oct. 6, 1964*
Faye Litvak – Oct 6, 2025°♡
Mortimer Rosenthal – Oct 6th… 25 Tishrei/Oct 26, 1997^
Sam Segall – Oct 8th…27 Tishrei^
Ben Skolnik – Oct 8th …27 Tishrei^
Joseph M. Zidell – Oct 8th…27 Tishrei^
Dec 13-19, 2026/3-9 Tevet 5787
Samuel Burnett – Oct 12th…2 Cheshvan^
Harris Ettenson -- Oct. 12, 1917*
Gladys M. Friedman – Oct 12th…
1 Cheshvan/Oct. 24, 1995*^
Jack Friedman – Oct 13th…2 Cheshvan^
Harry Goldstein – Oct 17th…6 Cheshvan^
Sandy Polsky Hallowell – Oct 15th…
4 Cheshvan/Nov 2, 2011^
Carrie Fogel Heiten -- Oct. 15, 1996*
Rose M. Hirsch -- Oct. 15, 1990*
Lena H. Juda -- Oct. 11, 1967*
Sigmund Mayer -- Oct. 15°
Dorothea Polsky – 17 Tishrei 5783/Oct 12, 2022^°
Robie Strickland -- Oct. 12, 2018°
Raymond Zurow – Oct 12th…1 Cheshvan^
Please note: If you find an error , I ask your forgiveness. Please contact me at voshellbarbara @gmail .com so that the records can be corrected.
Thank you. Barbara
Dec 20-26, 2027/10-16 Tevet 5787
JHenry Apple -- Oct. 23, 1912*
Arnold J. Arst -- Oct. 22, 1958*
Sarah Weil August -- Oct. 22*
Lou Becker – Oct 18th…7 Cheshvan/Nov 11, 1986^
Gerald A. Bergman -- Oct. 18, 1969*
Lucille Blanar – Oct 20th… 9 Cheshvan/Oct 25, 2012^
Yetta Burnstein – Oct 18th…7 Cheshvan^
Jacob Butcher – Oct 18th…7 Cheshvan^
Marilyn Elaine (Farber) Cowan -- Oct 22, 2025♡
Gladys Friedman—Oct 24, 1995*
Meyer Gordon -- Oct. 21, 1950*
Kenneth Grayam – Oct 20th… 9 Cheshvan/Oct 18, 2018^
Samuel J. Hassenbusch -- Oct. 23, 1975*
Rose Kahn – Oct 19th…8 Cheshvan^
Tahmina Kahn -- Oct. 21, 2015°
Harry Keller --Oct. 18, 1978*
Sadye Lichtenstein Lewis -- Oct 22nd …
11 Cheshvan/Nov 9, 2008*^
Gerald Lieppman – Oct 23rd… 12 Cheshvan/Nov 10, 2008^
Solomon Lieppman -- Oct. 22, 1955*
Rose Litvak -- Oct. 20, 1979*
Joe Optican – Oct 24th… 13 Cheshvan 5719/Oct. 27, 1958*
Dr. Jack Saferstein – Oct 22nd… 11 Cheshvan/Nov 1, 1979^
Caroline Weil -- Oct. 24, 1908*
Dec 27-Jan 2 2027/17-23 Tevet 5787
Rabbi Louis Bernstein -- Oct. 31*
Irvin Burnstein – Oct 31st…20 Cheshvan^
Michael Irl Einbender – Oct 31st…
Nov. 13, 1976/20 Cheshvan*^
Ruben Goldman -- Oct. 26, 1935*
Allan Lowenberg -- Oct 26th…
Nov. 17, 2016/16 Cheshvan 5777*^
Sharon Fink Lund -- Oct. 31, 2025°
Martha Sara Heflin Moldaver. – Oct 28th…
17 Cheshvan 5785/Nov 18,2024♡
Joseph Mund -- Oct. 30, 1940*
Joseph Reicher -- Oct. 26, 1980*
Dave Rosen -- Oct. 28°
Dr. Irwin I. Rosenthal – Oct 25th…
14 Cheshvan 5750/Nov 12, 1989^*
Robert Rosenthal – Oct. 26, 2022/1 Cheshvan 5783°
Sadie Rubenstein -- Oct. 26°
Celia Sklar – Oct 29th…18 Cheshvan^
Bertha Lund Stahl -- Oct. 25, 1981*
Leah Stine – Oct 29th… 18 Cheshvan/Nov 19, 2017^
Pearl Toffler --Oct. 29°
Nov 1-7, 2026/21-27 Cheshvan 5787
Sheiva Braun -- Nov. 1, 1958*
Louis Dolginoff – Nov 5th… 25 Cheshvan/Nov 22, 1962^
Sam Droher --Nov 4, 1963*
Louis Esterkyn – Nov 6th…26 Cheshvan^
Sam Eveloff – Nov 1st…21 Cheshvan^
Herbert Gross – Nov 5th… Nov. 2, 2010/25 Cheshvan^*
Isadore I. Hassenbusch -- Nov. 4, 1968*
Herman Hess -- Nov. 7, 1959*
Edward (Eddie) M. Hirsch – Nov 1st...
Nov 7, 2001/21 Cheshvan ^°
Margaret “Peggy” Juda -- Nov. 1, 2002*
Donald Leibowitz WWII --Nov. 4, 1943*
Carrie Meyer --Nov. 4, 1915*
Ida Naidorf – Nov 4th… 24 Cheshvan^
Lee M. Nemzoff --Nov. 6, 1946*
Richard Optican – Nov 5th…
25 Cheshvan 5784/Nov 9, 2023^°
Julia Schneider -- Nov. 2, 2021°
Samuel Harry Silverman -- Nov. 5, 1918*
Eva Caroline Spear -- Nov. 5*
Michelle Wood – Nov 2022°♡
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