Past Events from our Rosh Hodesh Group

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Woman's Rosh Hodesh

Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007 at 7:00 pm

Join us for a polishing party at Beth El; it's your opportunity to shine! The synagogue's silver could use some loving elbow grease so you are invited to help make things sparkle again. RSVP by email or phone to co-hosts Cheryl Cooper, 391- 7514, or Ann Goldstein, 391- 1050.

Alternative Healing To Be Explored
During Rosh Hodesh Meeting

Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 7 pm

"Alternative Therapies for Pain Relief” will be explored during our March Women’s Rosh Hodesh meeting, planned for Thursday, March 22 at the home of Margo Riekes, 12917 Heavenly Drive. Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m., with the formal meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. Riekes’s co-hosts for the evening will be Joanie Jacobson and Patty Nogg.

Guest speaker Ardyne Solomon, a licensed massage therapist, will discuss and demonstrate a variety of non-traditional methods to tackle stress and alleviate problems such as migraines, plus neck and back problems. Reservations may be made by contacting Joanie at 554-0500 or ohjoan413@aol.com.

Clear the Clutter (And Your Mind!)
At Women’s Rosh Hodesh Meeting

Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 7 p.m.

Afraid to open your closet for fear of the avalanche that awaits you? Can’t part with ancient receipts, magazines and clothing? If this sounds like you, help is just around the corner, during our upcoming Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group meeting, “Clear the Clutter: You May Just Find Yourself!”

Planned for Tuesday, February 20 at 7 p.m., the get-together will be held at the home of Joye Wees, 12605 Lafayette Circle; Nancy Skid is serving as co-host.

Guest speaker during the meeting will be organizational consultant and owner of Life in Order, Meg Davies, who calls clutter “distractions from our true intentions,” and says she will focus on ways to simplify, organize and help to transform our everyday lives “from chaos into calm.” To RSVP, contact Joye at sjwees@gmail.com, or Nancy, at srskider@aol.com.

Put a Little ‘Spring’ In Your Step at
Next Rosh Hodesh Meeting

Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at 7:30 p.m

There may still be a chill in the air, but at our next Rosh Hodesh group meeting, all eyes will turn to Tu B’Shevat, spring and flower arranging.

Scheduled for Wednesday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m., the meeting will be held at Beth El; hosts Diane Axler Baum and Lea Grunkin will offer their thoughts about Tu B’Shevat, also known as “The Jewish Arbor Day.” Also during the evening, flower-arranging techniques will be demonstrated by Amy Blumenthal, owner of Blossom, a new floral shop, and Krista Endelman. Attendees wishing to create their own arrangements are encouraged to bring a vase (or a similar container), items such as wheat grasses, and fresh or silk flowers, and, if desired, fruits such as lemons or oranges, which may serve as foundations.

To RSVP, please e-mail Diane at Hypelady@aol.com, or call Lea during the evening, at 445-2809.

Share Laughter, Silly Moments At
Our Next Rosh Hodesh Meeting

Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 6 pm

A potluck dinner and a smorgasbord of hilarious “boy, was my face red” stories will keep everyone in stitches during our Women’s Rosh Hodesh group meeting on Wednesday, December 20. Aptly titled “Disasters in My Life that I Lived to Laugh About (or “Those Embarrassing Moments I Thought I'd Never Live Down”), the evening will be hosted by Ozzie Nogg and Susi Frydman-Levin, and will be held at the Wedgwood Town homes Clubhouse, 966 South 118th Plaza.

All those attending the 6 p.m. dinner are asked to pitch in by bringing any vegetarian dishes, salads, fruit, vegetarian cheeses, breads and desserts – “surprise us!” Ozzie said.

Anyone wishing to skip dinner and attend only the 7 p.m. program is welcome to do so, she added. Reservations may be made by contacting Ozzie at ozzienogg@cox.net, or Susi at susifrydman-levin@cox.net.

Directions to Wedgwood (the complex is just north of Pacific St. off 120th St): turn east onto Mayberry Plaza (near the sign with the Wedgwood sign); go to the top of the hill and turn right at the clubhouse.

Update Your Bookshelves at Our Next Rosh Hodesh Meeting!

Monday, November 27, 2006 at 7 p.m

Burying your nose in a good book will be even easier after attending our November Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group meeting, which will focus on upcoming Jewish Federation Book Month activities and book offerings.

Planned for Monday, November 27, 7 p.m. at the home of Donna Olesh, 1810 S. 109th St., the evening will be co-hosted by Emily Meyer. According to Donna, the meeting will include a presentation about Jewish Book Month programs taking place in November and December, and a used-book exchange (give away or loan). Be prepared to give a brief synopsis of the book and why you liked it, and go home with some new books to keep you company during the long winter nights ahead! To RSVP, contact Donna at 334-1462 or deolesh@cox.net.

Participants can bring Jewish or non-Jewish books and as many as they wish. They also they need to think about their all-time favorite book...Jewish or not.

Directions to Donna’s home: take 105th street from Pacific or Center. Go west on Shirley St. (away from Happy Hollow Club) to 109th Street. It is a ranch house on corner with red door. 1810 South 109th street

 

Election Process Focus of October Rosh Hodesh Meeting

Monday, October 23, 2006 at 7 pm

In the interest of sending a more informed electorate to the polls next month, our women’s Rosh Hodesh meeting, planned for 7 p.m. on Monday, October 23, will focus on a variety of timely election issues. Hosted by Sylvia Wagner and Phyllis Hoffman, the evening’s discussions will revolve around the election process, how we decide for whom to vote and which issues we support, what role political parties play, and why the electoral college matters to us in Nebraska. Individual candidates will not be discussed.

The meeting will be held at Sylvia’s home, 1349 S. 101st St., #106; RSVPs may be made by contacting her at 392-0600, or at sy@lady8.com. Join us for this educational get-together –we want you to enter the voting booth with a clear understanding of the issues - your informed vote is important!

Next Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group Meeting - ‘Women of Valor’

We all know special women who have significantly impacted our lives through their wisdom, guidance, love and support. We will pay tribute to these women – our own personal women of valor – during Beth El’s upcoming Women’s Rosh Hodesh meeting on Thursday, August 24, 2006 at the home of Ruth Goldenberg, 2307 N. 133rd Circle. Ruth’s daughter, Martha Lerner, will co-host the 7 p.m. get-together.

 The evening’s theme was inspired by the book "20th Century Women of Valor," authored by Ruth six years ago to recognize 22 unusual women she met during her annual trips to Israel. She chose 22 to signify the number of stanzas in the "Woman of Valor" prayer and 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet. (Thanks to Ruth’s generosity, 18 books have been donated to the Beth El Judaica Shop and are available for purchase.)

In addition, all meeting attendees will be invited to share their own stories of the women of valor in their lives, and, Ruth added, "if possible, bring them along to the meeting!"

To reserve your spot at the meeting, RSVP to Ruth at 505-9877, and plan to share a very special evening with the women of Beth El.

Women's Rosh Hodesh Group

Monday, June 26, 2006 dinner at 7 pm.

Barbecue and social evening at the home of Evie Mitchell, 1835 S. 139th Street. Kick-back, relax, enjoy while we relive our summers of past: sing-a-long, favorite family vacations, Jewish summer camp experiences and plan for the next program year of our group.

Please RSVP to Evie at evmit@cox.net or 333-7668 by Thursday, June 22 or earlier. When you RSVP, be sure to let her know if you need a vegetarian meal.

Save These Dates For Upcoming Women's Rosh Hodesh Group Meetings

Mark Wednesday, July 26 and Thursday, August 24 on your calendar, and plan to join us for our summertime Women's Rosh Hodesh Group get-togethers. Look for details in upcoming mid-month mailings, or contact Margie Gutnik in the synagogue office for more information.

 

Rosh Hodesh Group to Explore Full
Experience of 'Life Circle'

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

The Rosh Hodesh Group will explore ways to “Fully Experience the Circle of Life,” on Tuesday, May 30, at the home of Ann Goldstein, 9856 Devonshire Drive. Following coffee and snacks at 7:00 p.m., discussion of “Our Obligations and Opportunities” will get underway at 7:30.

Ann and co-host Cheryl Cooper decided on this month's topic to correspond
with Shavuot, the holiday during Sivan celebrating the giving of the Commandments. “We will take a broad look at the four stages of life: birth, adolescence, adulthood and death. Then we'll talk about ways Conservative
Judaism has evolved to permit women to enrich each stage of the journey,” Ann explained. Cheryl said she hopes to conclude with a meaningful look at possible ways for continuing education and for performing mitzvot, available to women at Beth El and throughout Jewish Omaha. Please RSVP to Cheryl at 850-4220 or to Ann at 391-1050.

 

Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group
to Explore Family Passover Traditions

Thursday, March 30, 2006 7pm

Passover traditions — the ones that have stood the test of time, as well as the ones that have faded away, will be the focus of our next Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group meeting, scheduled for Thursday, March 30, 7pm at the synagogue.

The evening will be begin with a video, Gefilte Fish, which depicts how our grandmothers and mothers prepared this holiday fare, according to Margo Riekes, who is hosting the meeting along with Jan Wayne. “We’ll look at Passover customs within our families, compare past and more modern celebrations, and share the traditions we’ve passed down and those we’ve given up,” Margo said.

We'll Have Fun, Fun, Fun
At Our February Rosh Hodesh Meeting!

Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at 7 p.m.

Fun things to do with kids and grandkids — that's what's in store for the next Rosh Chodesh meeting on Tuesday, February 28! And what better place to have fun than the JCC's Child Development Center? The fun will commence at the CDC at 7 p.m. and will be co-hosted by Joanie Jacobson and Andee Scioli.

I'm always looking for fun things to do with my son Jack, Andee said. For this meeting, Joanie and I wanted to do something that would attract women of all ages, especially young women, new brides or new moms.

Joanie added that "We'll share ideas, such as family activities, customs and traditions, and get ideas from some 'experts,' including early childhood specialist Patty Nogg, arts and crafts teacher extraordinaire Julie Phillips, Helen Epstein and Eadie Tsabari — two of the best teachers of Jewish children ever — and our new Saturday morning Tot Shabbat leader Esther Katz." All ideas shared during the evening will be compiled in a booklet and distributed to Beth El families with small children.

Shmoozing, sharing, learning and fun — all for the sake of our Jewish kids! Make your reservation today by contacting Andee or Joanie or 554-0500.

Don’t Miss Our Next Women’s Rosh Hodesh Meeting

Monday, January 30, 2006 7pm

We want you to weigh in with your views on the topic Everybody Has an Opinion: What Makes a Good Jew? at our next Women’s Rosh Hodesh meeting on Monday, January 30. The 7pm meeting will be held at the home of Sylvia Wagner, 1349 South 101st St.; Susan Paley is co-hosting the event. Please RSVP to Sylvia at 392-0600, or via e-mail. All Beth El women are invited to participate and share their thoughts – we’ll see you there!

Women's Rosh Hodesh Group
To Explore Importance Of Ethical Wills

Monday, December 5, 2005 at 7pm

We've all been told about the importance of writing legal wills, those which cover the distribution of our tangible estates after our deaths. But how many of us have ethical wills: documents which hold our advice to loved ones about living fulfilling, charitable and enriched lives?

Beth El's Women's Rosh Hodesh group will discuss the importance of capturing our emotional and spiritual legacies on paper, at its upcoming meeting at the synagogue. Social hour will begin at 7pm, followed by the 7:30pm meeting.

"Ethical wills can and should be written by all ages, from young to old," said Evie Mitchell, who will co-host the get-together along with Jan Wayne. "We invite every woman from Beth El to help us explore this interesting and compelling topic, and hope to inspire each attendee to create an invaluable gift — her wisdom and guidance — “that may be passed from generation to generation." To RSVP, contact Evie at 333-7668, or via e-mail.

Let's Get Acquainted
At Our Next Rosh Hodesh Meeting

Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 7pm

Our Women's Rosh Hodesh group will be "Breaking the Ice, Getting to Know Each Other," during its next get-together, scheduled for Thursday, November 10 at the synagogue.

Join us as we welcome the month of Chesvan by participating in a series of clever, fun and non-threatening exercises designed to encourage increased familiarity and communication among the women of Beth El. Donna Olesh and Margie Gutnik will serve as the evening's hosts; social hour will begin at 7pm, followed by the 7:30pm meeting.

"We often find ourselves in a situation where we've said to ourselves, 'I wonder who that is?" but we haven't felt comfortable making introductions," Margie said. "What is it that keeps us from doing so? Why do we feel uncomfortable breaking the ice with someone we don't know? Is it just human nature or just a difference in personalities? During our meeting, we'll be doing some fun exercises designed to help show that taking that first step toward saying hello doesn't have to be scary."

To RSVP, please contact Margie at 493-8168; or Donna at 334-1462.

Beth El Women's Rosh Hodesh Group

To Share Favorite Holiday Memories

Monday, October 10, 2005 at 7 pm

Looking back at High Holidays memories will be the focus of the next Beth El Women's Rosh Hodesh meeting, to be held Monday, October 10, at the home of Sylvia Jess. Jess's co-hosts for the evening event will be Rita Novak and Blanche Wise; social hour will begin at 7 p.m., and the formal meeting will follow at 7:30 p.m.

Participants are invited to share their Jewish holiday memories “from poignant, serious and sentimental to humorous recollections, all stories will be welcome as group members greet the new year with stories of holidays past. To RSVP, contact Jess at 556-0880 or Novak.

Learn "The Story Behind the Quilts"
at September Rosh Hodesh Meeting

Tuesday, September 6, 2005 at 7pm

We’ve marveled at their magnificence and applauded their creators: now, l learn The Story Behind the Quilts at our Tuesday, September 6 Women’s Rosh Hodesh meeting, to be held at the synagogue.

The forces behind "Living an Ageless Story," Beth El’s 75th anniversary quilt project, will be on hand to discuss the creative process which culminated in four beautiful quilts now on display in our synagogue social hall.

Presenters will include quilt project chairman Ellene Edelstein, and quilters Barbara Rennard, creator of Jacob’s Ladder, Julie Phillips, creator of Jerusalem of Gold, Ozzie Nogg and Susi Frydman-Levin, creators of Miriam and the Women, and Karin Levine, creator of Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors.

Social hour will begin at 7pm, and the formal meeting will follow at 7:30pm. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Susi at 932-6488.

Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group To Explore
Future of American Judaism

Monday, August 8, 2005 at 7pm

The month of Av will be welcomed by our Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh group on Monday, August 8 at the home of Joye Wees; Sherry Shapiro will serve as co-host. Social hour will begin at 7pm, with the formal meeting following at 7:30pm.

In addition to a discussion about the holiday of Tisha B’Av, which commemorates the destruction of the first and second Temples, the evening will focus on a recent B’nai B’rith Magazine article which speculated where American Judaism will be in 350 years, according to Wees. Everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to look down the road and share their hopes, dreams and concerns about our Jewish community, as well as discuss how far American Jews have progressed during the past 350 years.

Reservations are requested and may be made by contacting Wees (498-0812) or Shapiro.

June and July Rosh Hodesh Meetings
Promise to Whet Appetites
For Jewish Cooking and Scrapbooking

Our June and July Rosh Hodesh meetings will offer something for everyone who is interested in food and family (and who isn’t?), so be sure to save these dates – don’t miss either one of these fun-filled evenings!

Beyond Matzoh Balls

Wednesday, June 15, 2005 at 7 pm

A tasty Rosh Hodesh meeting will be served to the women of Beth El on Wednesday, June 15, with an evening of Jewish cooking at the home of Pam Friedlander, 1376 S. 137th Ave. "Beyond Matzoh Balls: Jewish Foods and Their Role in Our Lives," will begin with a 7 p.m. social hour, followed by the 7:30 p.m. meeting.

Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite Jewish recipes and cookbooks, Friedlander said, and can also look forward to sharing fond and funny cooking memories from days past and present. In addition, participants are welcome to prepare a special dish in advance and bring it to share with everyone at the meeting – this could turn into an all-out taste fest! (If you plan to bring food, please let Pam know prior to the meeting.) The evening will also be highlighted by a strudel-making demonstration by the host – it’s easy and delicious!

Reservations for the evening may be made by contacting Pam at 334-8773, or via e-mail.

L'dor v'Dor

Thursday, July 7, 2005 at 7 pm

Hosts Hollie Fineman and M’Lee Hasslinger have planned a terrific evening entitled L’Dor V’Dor (generation to generation), at Archiver’s scrapbooking store, located at the Village Pointe Shopping Center (168th and Dodge Streets). Attendees are encouraged to bring family photos (preferably multi-generational), to be used to create a scrapbook page, or to be grouped together and framed. Instruction will begin at 7 p.m., but participants are asked to arrive a bit earlier to have time to select the papers for their projects.

Space is limited, so be sure to RVSP as soon as possible to Hollie.

Israel's 57th Anniversary to be Feted
During Beth El Rosh Hodesh Meeting

Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 7pm

A celebration of Israel's 57th anniversary is on tap for the next Beth El Women's Rosh Hodesh group meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, at the synagogue. The 7 p.m. get-together will be highlighted by a discussion about Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism and organizer of the World Zionist Organization, according to Gilda Pieck, who is hosting the event along with Marcy Noodell. Attendees will also be treated to Israeli refreshments and desserts, she added.

During the meeting, attendees will be encouraged to share special memories about Israel, plus bring favorite mementos or a favorite book about Israel.

Reservations for the May 10 meeting may be made by contacting Pieck at 556-5592, or Noodell at 697-1262.

Stir Up Fond Holiday Memories

At Our April Rosh Hodesh Meeting!

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Our April Rosh Hodesh meeting on Wednesday, April 13, promises to be both appetizing and nostalgic, as hosts Patty Nogg and Judy Brookstein present "Cooking Up Passover Memories and Traditions." During the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to swap their favorite Pesach recipes — both traditional and newfangled — and to share their families’ holiday memories and traditions. In addition, Susi Frydman-Levin will demonstrate the art of making gefilte fish — a must at this time of year!

The 7pm get-together will be held at Patty’s house, 1435 N. 135th St. Reservations may be made by contacting either Patty at or Judy.

The hosts plan to compile Rosh Hodesh members’ recipes into a booklet and distribute them at during the evening; if you have a favorite Pesach recipe to contribute, please e-mail it (in recipe format) by April 6 to Patty.

A delightful evening rich in memories and Jewish cuisine is planned — don’t miss it!

Rosh Hodesh Group Discusses

Roth’s “The Plot Against America”

Our March Rosh Hodesh meeting will take a fascinating literary twist, as participants examine author Philip Roth’s most recent book, The Plot Against America, which offers a fictional account of life for American Jews had Charles Lindbergh — a known anti-Semite — won the 1940 presidential election.

The meeting, planned for Monday, March 14 at Beth El, is being hosted by Margie Gutnik and Carole Greenberg. Social hour will take place from 7pm to 7:30pm, and the book discussion will run from 7:30pm to 9pm.

According to Margie, this month’s theme was selected because “our Rosh Hodesh group has not yet read or discussed a book at any of our meetings. In addition to the format being a bit of a change from the typical presentation, Carole and I felt there was particular significance in examining the messages of this book as we begin Adar II, the month when we recall Purim and Haman’s plot against the Jews.”

She noted that “As Lindbergh as a social force was distinguished not solely by his isolationism but by his racist attitude toward Jews, Roth shows the pressure America's Jews felt of a genuine anti-Semitic threat.”

By presenting the book’s controversial and thought-provoking subject matter, both co-hosts hope to pique the interest and attention of the meeting’s attendees.

“I hope we will inspire people to think and examine the messages of this book in light of the world of today,” Margie said, adding that “Roth himself says, ‘History claims everybody, whether they know it or not and whether they like it or not. Are our lives our lives as Americans and as Jews as precarious as anyone else's? Are all the assurances of freedom provisional, even here in a 200-year-old democracy?’”

Reservations for the meeting may be made by contacting Margie at 493-8168 or Carole.

Women's Rosh Hodesh Group To Address Roles, Responsibilities Of Jewish Women

Our Beth El Women's Rosh Hodesh group will herald the month of Adar with an absorbing, thought-provoking Rosh Hodesh meeting focusing on the "Roles, Responsibilities and Risks" of Jewish women, from Esther to her modern-day counterparts.

The 7pm meeting on Wednesday, February 9, is being co-hosted by Sibby Wolfson and Susan Paley, and will be held at Sibby's home.

Because the festival of Purim is celebrated during Adar, the hosts decided to examine Esther -- the roles she played and the risks she took. The roles and risks of contemporary Jewish women will also be discussed, Sibby said, adding. "What are our roles as Jewish women - the hidden and revealed? What do we do publicly versus privately? When is it okay to think of ourselves, and when is it our responsibility to put the greater communal good ahead of our individual needs, as Esther did?

"Esther risked her life to save the Jewish people. What risks are we called upon as Jewish women to take, and do we take them, or do we hide ourselves?" Susan noted that "Esther's duality, the hidden vs. the revealed self, her role, its attendant responsibilities and the risks she undertook, are really a prototype for modern Jewish women living in a larger societal context. In studying her life, we learn more about ourselves."

Both hosts said they look forward to the February 9 get-together, and asked those wishing to attend to RSVP to Sibby at 697-0991, or via e-mail. "Spending an evening with thoughtful, intelligent Jewish women who've come together for the sheer joy of learning and helping each other to learn is about as special as it gets," Paley said. "We are honored to be a part of our synagogue's Rosh Hodesh group."

Spin a Colorful Yarn or Two
At Our January Rosh Hodesh Meeting

To honor the month of Shevat, our January Rosh Hodesh meeting co-hosts are encouraging the women of Beth El to “PLANT a new skill which will BLOSSOM into a knitted scarf, hat, purse or shawl,” and to “BRANCH out to friends, family and tzedakah!”

All are welcome to join together at Beth El on Tuesday, January 11 at 7pm, to share their creative talents and to knit tzedakah projects to be donated to the Stephen Center, said Ruthie Potash, who is co-hosting along with Helen Epstein, Phyllis Wasserman and Evie Mitchell.

“Share your creative talents with us, whatever they may be,” Ruthie said. “Bring a “creation” story, telling us about the way in which you learned a craft, or share a handmade project that has special meaning to you. Inspire us and rekindle fond memories for yourself.”

Novices will be introduced to the art of knitting, she said, adding that “those who already knit can help teach; those who want to learn will have lots of teachers to instruct them.”

All attendees are asked to bring #11 knitting needles to the meeting. Yarn will be provided for tzedakah projects only, and the contribution of extra yarn will be welcome, she said. Those knitting personal items will need to supply their own materials, and all four co-hosts have offered to arrange for “yarn-shopping experiences” with those unsure of what to buy for the evening.

Reservations are needed, and may be made by contacting Helen, Evie Mitchell, Ruthie Potash, or Phyllis Wasserman.

Please let us know if you plan to attend. We hope to see you on the 11^th!

December Rosh Hodesh Group to Examine
and Celebrate the Festival of Lights

Join our Women’s Rosh Hodesh group on Monday, December 13, as we welcome the month of Tevet with a celebration of the Festival of Lights, at the home of Joye Wees, 12605 Lafayette Circle. Wees, along with co-host Diane Axler Baum, will lead “Giving New Relevance and Enthusiasm to the True Meaning of Hanukkah.” Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m., and the program will begin at 7:30 p.m.

During the evening, Dr. Ron Wolfson’s book, Hanukkah: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration will be examined, and a range of significant issues relating to Hanukkah will be addressed, Diane said, adding that “we will focus on Hanukkah within the context of what society calls 'the winter holiday season.'”

Joye noted that she and her co-host “hope to explore ways to help each other with the challenges faced by increasing numbers of us, regarding interfaith issues in our immediate or our extended families.”

Those attending are encouraged to bring a Hanukkah menorah and eight candles to participate in a beautiful ceremony marking the festival's seventh night.

Reservations are needed and may be made by contacting Diane at 496-7455, or via e-mail.

Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group

To Examine Story of Judith

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Cheese, Hanukkah and Courage” will be the theme for the Tuesday, November 16 Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh meeting, to be held at the home of Toby Schonfeld, 2239 N. 127th Circle. Schonfeld, along with Lena Bogomolni, will chair the get-together, which welcomes the month of Kislev. Refreshments will be served at 7pm; the program will follow at 7:30pm.

During the evening, courage, faithfulness and moral uncertainty will be discussed, using the story of Judith, which takes place during the month of Kislev, Schonfeld said.

“While Judith is normally heralded as an example of a faithful Jew who demonstrated courage during a time of strife, her story also exemplifies an important moral dilemma: can one commit one evil act to avoid a larger evil?” she asked. Attendees will address this quandary and apply it to current times, as well as why the book of Judith was not included in the canon of the Hebrew Bible, yet remains important for contemporary Jews. In addition, Schonfeld noted that “we will connect the story of Judith with Hanukkah, to demonstrate how women can also be role models for courage and bravery in light of certain defeat.”

Reservations are needed by November 12, and may be made by contacting Schonfeld at 861-1811 or via e-mail.

Join in on the "Lunar-cy" of
Our Beth El Women's Rosh Hodesh Group!

If you’ve been curious about our Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh group but thought it was too late to join in the fun, here’s your invitation to jump on the new-moon bandwagon! This dynamic, multi-generational group — created by and for the women of Beth El — is constantly changing, always looking to re-invent itself, ready to welcome new faces and new ideas.

Now embarking on its second year, the group looks forward to offering something for everyone during upcoming monthly get-togethers, from educational, thought-provoking topics to light-hearted, sentimental fare. Come to one, come to all: no matter the theme, you will make an invaluable connection and find yourself woven into the fabric that connects us spiritually as Jewish women.

Interested in hosting a meeting? Contact Dinah Raful at or Susi Frydman-Levin, and they’ll put you on the calendar! If you’re worried that your home can’t accommodate the group, your coffee pot isn’t large enough, or you’re unsure what topic to present, fret not: we’ll find a location, help with refreshments and suggest resources to assure a successful evening.

For more information about the Rosh Hodesh group, please call Beth El Program Director Harriet Einziger at 492-8550. Join our band of "lunartics" — you’ll be glad you did!

First Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh
Retreat Memorable

Our first-ever Women’s Rosh Hodesh retreat, “Renewing Our Spirits. . . Celebrating Ourselves,” was a memorable success, weaving together a lovely Shabbat celebration, poignant and entertaining presentations, and invaluable camaraderie among the 55 women who attended. Held at the Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City, the retreat connected women of every age and a variety of backgrounds, each bringing her own unique life experience. We thank all who attended, and we especially applaud the dedicated Rosh Hodesh Retreat committee, who, with great love and effort, created this unforgettable Shabbat for the women of Beth El.

Rosh Hodesh Group Shares
Rosh Hashanah Resolutions

Our women's Rosh Hodesh group will head downtown for its September 21 meeting at the home of Ozzie Nogg, 1323 Jackson Street. The 7:30pm meeting, co-hosted by Susi Frydman-Levin, will celebrate the month of Tishrei by discussing "Rosh Hashanah Resolutions" -- evaluating the past and setting goals for the upcoming year. For reservations, please contact Susi by e-mail or at 932-6488.

The One-Liners Will Be Flyin’
At Our August Rosh Hodesh Meeting!

Following the old adage that laughter is the best medicine, our women’s Rosh Hodesh group will welcome the month of Elul with a light-hearted evening discussing Jewish women humorists and comediennes on Wednesday, August 18. The 7pm meeting, hosted by Helen Epstein and Sherry Shapiro, will be held at Epstein’s home, 2223 N. 100th Street.

"Humor is a great way of coping with different issues in daily life," Epstein said. "We’re planning to discuss the role humor plays in our lives, and we’d love for participants to share quotes from their favorite Jewish comediennes and humorists."

She added that "we thought that after passing through the somber month of Av, it would be nice to offer something light and humorous. Elul is the month of heightened introspection, preparing us for the New Year; it doesn't hurt to have a little humor thrown into that introspection!"

Reservations are needed and may be made by contacting Epstein, or Shapiro.

Let’s Make Beautiful Music Together

"The Power of Music: Food for the Jewish Soul" will be the theme for our women’s upcoming Rosh Hodesh meeting in Beth El’s front courtyard on Monday, June 21, at 7pm.

Welcome the month of Tammuz with hosts Susi Frydman-Levin and Jill Belmont, as they explore the Judaism’s musical heritage, share favorite composers and songs, and of course … sing!

"Whether we sing, play an instrument or listen to the radio, music plays such an important role for all of us," Susi said. "Songs remind us of loved ones, take us back to special times in our lives, and have the power to fill us with joy or sadness. We hope everyone joining us will share their favorite songs with us: we’ll sing, we’ll talk, and we’ll enjoy a joyful, music-filled evening!"

Reservations for the get-together are needed by Wednesday, June 16, and may be made by e-mailing Susi or Jill.

Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group
To Study Personal Beliefs in God

The women’s Rosh Hodesh group of Beth El Synagogue will join together on Wednesday, May 19, to discuss "God and Me: My Perception of and Relationship with God." The get-together, hosted by Judy Tully and Caryl Greenberg, will be held at the Wedgewood Townhomes clubhouse, 117th and Mason Streets; refreshments will be served at 7pm; the program will begin at 7:30pm.

Tully said she hopes that prior to the meeting, participants will delve into the origins and evolution of their own personal beliefs. "It will be interesting to find out what each of us believes or doesn’t believe. We plan to look at the people or events in our lives that either changed or strengthened those beliefs."

Reservations are needed and may be made by calling Caryl Greenberg at 399-2088, or e-mailing Judy Tully at or Beth El's office.

Beth El Rosh Hodesh Group Addressed
"What Defines Each of Us as a Woman?"

The women of Beth El Synagogue came together for Rosh Hodesh Iyar, on Thursday, April 22, at the home of Sylvia Wagner. The evening’s theme, selected by Wagner and her co-host, Phyllis Hoffman, was "What Defines Each of Us as a Woman, and How Does That Help Us to Grow?"

Topics within the theme touched on a variety of motivating factors in people’s lives, taking risks and welcoming change, Hoffman said. "For this Rosh Hodesh, we encouraged those who came to bring a poem, article or special writing that has served as a particular influence in their lives," Hoffman said. "We discussed why we do what we do, and hopefully learned enough from each other to make healthy changes in our lives."

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At the beginning of each new month in the Hebrew calendar,
Beth El women are invited to special gathering.