Congregation Ahavas Sholom

Ahavas Sholom News

Rabbi'sMessage:

I sit in my new home in Columbus, Ohio, (that has a nice ring to it!) surrounded by boxes waiting to be unpacked. I consider the assignment that this article represents and the mishna in Tractate Berachos comes to mind. There, our sages recommend that, when a person arrives at a destination at the end of his day's journey, it is proper that he give thanks for the past and pray for the future, for the next stage of the journey.

And so, by way of preface, I wish to take this first occasion of appearing in print before the greater Columbus Jewish community publicly to express my thanks to the Almighty for all the wonderful kindnesses he has bestowed upon me and my family throughout my life until my arrival here in Columbus. I pray for the future: that these kindnesses continue; that, as I embark on the next stage of my service to the Jewish people, I merit the divine guidance necessary to properly lead and to teach. I also join my new community in beseeching God for a healthy, successful and peaceful new year.

Faced with the task of unpacking, I am reminded of the last time I saw these boxes. Atlanta, Georgia. The time is 2 a.m. early Monday morning. Boxes. Dozens of boxes packed, taped, some even labeled, and ready for the arrival of the 18-wheeler rig that was to arrive in just six hours. Suddenly, a voice inside of me accuses, rather loudly: "YOU DID NOT BACK UP YOUR FILES ON TO A DISK! Actually, you did not back up your files onto anything, did you?" Sermons, letters, snapfish photographs, years worth of information that I had neglected to back up, were stored away on a hard drive awaiting shipment to Columbus.

A vision floats through my mind's eye: a jack-knifed tractor-trailer, its contents strewn about the highway, knick-knacks, picture frames, a Fisher Price lawnmower, and, yes, the hard drive with all that it contained smashed into smithereens and scattered along I-75. The name "Feldman" can be seen on some of the boxes that have been ripped open by the "accident."

I become aware that I am hyperventilating. After a cold drink of water (vodka would have been acceptable), my breathing begins to ease. My rational mind notes that the odds of the aforementioned catastrophe occurring are miniscule. Then I thought: on the other hand, even bridges collapse unexpectedly.

I promptly made my way to the box that housed my cherished hard drive. I examined the writing on several boxes and there it was as clear as day written on the box "Computer Hard Drive". With great anticipation and care, I opened the box. Tears of joy trickled down my cheeks as I extracted the hard drive from its container with the care usually reserved for handling dynamite. The strains of Handel's Messiah play in my head.

By early Monday morning, the files were safely backed up, and the computer was returned to the appropriate box, ready for shipping.

In reflecting upon these events, I asked myself: Why did you wait until the last second to back up the files? You had plenty of time to protect your cherished files. Any answer or excuse fell short. There was no excuse. The files should have been backed up in preparation for the move. Waiting until the last second bordered on the irresponsible.

According to our sages, the month of Elul through the festival Yom Kippur are days known as yimai haratzon, or 'es ratzon, a time of goodwill, a period of time when the Almighty is easier to access and to approach than the rest of the year. The very letters of the name of the month Elul allude to the spiritual proximity to the Almighty at this time of year. The Hebrew letters of Elul-aleph, lamed, vav, lamed--are an acronym, among others, for the phrase in Shir HaShirim, the Song of Songs: "ani lidodi vidodi li"-- I am to my beloved and my beloved is to me.

Additionally, it was during the month of Elul 3000 years ago that Moses prayed to G-d for forgiveness for the Jewish people in the wake of the sin of the 'eiggel hazahav, the golden calf. It was during this time that G-d taught Moshe the formula for approaching G-d in the quest for forgiveness. The shlosh 'esrei midos, the thirteen attributes of mercy, that are expressed by Moshe, are the highlight of the month that affords us the ability to prepare ourselves specifically for the Days of Awe, the high holidays.

Perseverance in reviewing our conduct and attitudes during the past year, and preparation and planning for improvement in the year to come characterize the essence of the month of Elul. We ready ourselves for these special days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, the festivals that bracket the ten days during which we declare that G-d is Master of the universe and reflect upon the past year and decide that we will make greater efforts to achieve a meaningful connection with the Almighty.

To the extent we prepare ourselves for G-d's immanence during those holy days, we may anticipate his continued presence in our lives in the coming year.

Avrohom A. Feldman

Sisterhood News:
Our monthly Lunch-and-Learn has grown to over twenty members. I would like to thank Ilana Tuchman and Shanny Katzman from the Columbus Community Kollel for preparing thought-provoking topics. Details about each monthly Lunch-and-Learn will be in the weekly email announcements. This monthly event takes place in the Shul and is free to sisterhood members. Babysitting is available.

On the horizon we have some fun and interesting events scheduled. Hold the date of October 14 for an adult scavenger hunt. This fast-paced event will have some unusual twists. A family game night will happen on December 24, with board games and fun for the whole family. A holiday bazaar with gifts and great shopping is planned for later in the year.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to make all of these events happen.

Building Update:
We are very excited that an organized effort is now well underway to modify and construct the two existing buildings that together make up the Ahavas Sholom Synagogue.
It is reasonable to presume that the annex building, damaged by a recent fire, needed to be reconstructed. However, the project that has been undertaken will have as a goal to bring together the two buildings as one and to make changes to the combined building to better serve our members and our community. These planned changes range from an improved social hall and kitchen to new bathrooms and storage space for tables and chairs. Another important goal is to have more secure spaces for our youth: the younger children and the teens as well as having alternate services and learning programs.
The building committee members that have been chosen by the Ahavas Sholom board are all very competent for this responsibility and they are working very hard to plan a shul that will be a source of pride and spirit to its members.
As this is a project that touches all of our members as well as the community at large, we invite any and all suggestions and opinions. All requests will be given due attention.
There are also many different opportunities for families, individuals and companies to make contributions to this very worthwhile effort. We invite your generosity and we will be glad to discuss a number of different dedication and memorial possibilities.

Personals:

Mazel Tov to:
" Ellen & Sonny Romanoff and Ruth Gross on the birth of their granddaughter and great-granddaughter, Dvora, daughter of Marc & Dina Romanoff of Chicago
" Barbara & Marvin Vinar on the birth of their granddaughter, Lori, daughter of Michelle & Paul Schlanger of Las Vegas.
" Elaine & Harold Shindel on the birth of their grandson, Aharon Shlomo, son of Jenny & Uri Sinowitz of Jerusalem
" Rabbi Avi & Temima Feldman on the birth of their son, Shalom
" Rabbi Josh & Aliza Finegold on the birth of their son, Elazar
" Naomi & Moshe Eli Chinn on the birth of their daughter, Yael Tzipora. Mazel tov to the entire Chinn Family
" Eda & David Schottenstein on the upshernish of their son, Ari. Mazel tov to Ari's grandparents, Lea & Tuvia Schottenstein and to the entire family
" Ellen & Sonny Romanoff and Ruth Gross on the Bar Mitzvah of their first grandchild and great-grandchild, Yehuda Simcha Romanoff, son of Marc & Dina Romanoff of Chicago. Mazel tov to the entire family
" Rabbi Chaim & Chani Capland on the Bas Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Gitti Raksin
" Nely & Michael Gurovich on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Alex
" Rabbi Noach & Bitsy Burr on their daughter Sora becoming a Bas Mitzvah
" Yael & Yhezkel Levi on the high school graduation of their daughter, Tali from the Columbus School for Girls
" Lily & Eddie Friedman on the graduation of their son, Daniel from the University of Pennsylvania with a master's degree in Architecture
" Dr. Stuart & Lynn Shindel on Stuart completing his fellowship in laparoscopic surgery
" Dr. Sheldon & Marilyn Estreicher and Dr. Donna Estreicher on the engagement of Michael to Jackie Kornbluth, daughter of Dr. David & Joan Kornbluth, of Hollywood, FL
" Lily & Eddie Friedman on the engagement of their son, Robbie to Tali Fisher, daughter of Dr. Joe & Sara Fisher of Toronto
" Drs. Phil & Julie Weinerman on the marriage of their daughter, Rebecca to Raanan Lefkovitz
" Boots & Frank Nutis on the marriage of their granddaughter
" Thea & Pearson Press on the marriage of their grandson, Ari Weisfogel, son of Rochell & David Weisfogel, to Dvora Stein
" Sandra & Franklin Furman in honor of the marriage of Franklin's brother, Shelby to Jill
" Sylvia & Murray Ebner on their grandson, Julian Ebner, son of Mark & Nicole Ebner, winning the national championship for the fastest ice hockey shot in North America for players aged 12-13
" Rebbe Yehudah & Navah Lowy on Navah receiving the 2007-08 Jeff and Lori Lasday Jewish Educator of the Year Award from the Columbus Jewish Federation's Jewish Education and Identity Department
" Dr. Matt & Betty Goldish on Matt being appointed director of the Melton Center for Jewish studies at The Ohio State University
" Dr. Stuart Kingsley on being featured on the front page of The Columbus Dispatch (Weds., July 18) for his Optical Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

Condolences to:
" Samuel Katz and Family on the loss of Mrs. Alzhbeta Katz
" Barbara & Marvin Vinar, Judy & Ira Kahn, Sherri & Rick Cohen, Michelle & Paul Schlanger, Dina & Eli Cieplinski, Debbie & Barry Hellman and families on the loss of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mrs. Dorothy Kaufman
" Lily & Eddie Friedman and family on the loss of Lily's father, Max Moskowitz
" Diana & Joel Wolff and family on the loss of Joel's father, Walter Wolff
" Cathy & David Schwartz and family on the loss of Cathy's father
" The Family of Saul Schottenstein: husband of Sonia Modes Schottenstein; brother-in-law of Stuart & Tari Modes, Irving & Judie Modes, Geraldine Schottenstein Hoffman, Jean Schottenstein, Beverley Schottenstein; uncle of Tuvia & Lea Schottenstein and family; Bill Schottenstein and family, Chaya & Daniel Wuensch and family, Jay & Jeanie Schottenstein and family, Ann & Ari Deshe and family, Susie & Jonny Diamond and family, Lori Schottenstein, Bobby, Gary, Chuck & Randee Schottenstein; cousin of Sylvia & Murray Ebner and family, Sylvia Rosenberg and family, Rabbi Jonathan & Aviva Rosenberg and family, Frankie Schottenstein and family, Steve & Rhonda Schottenstein and family
" Dina Cherney-Liderman & Alex Liderman and family on the loss of Dina's father
" Esther Schwartz, Dr. Bruce & Nancy Kay and family, Rabbi Yaakov & Priva Schwartz and family, William & Suzanne Schwartz and family, Michael & Barbara Schwartz and family, Dr. Matt & Betty Goldish and family on the loss of their husband, father, grandfather and uncle, David Schwartz

Thank You to:
" The following who organized and volunteered to clean the basement, attic and garage of the Shul: Irving Baker, Michael Berenstein, Frank Nutis, Karan Tanenbaum, Patrick Wiesel and the teens
" Alex Rosen for supplying letters for the marquee board in the front of the Shul
" Buddy, Ruth, Andrew & Hannah Adler for donating siddurim commemorating the Yahrzeit of Buddy's mother, Irene Adler

Donations:

Kiddush:
" Enhanced by Lana Covel in appreciation of Natalie Berenstein, Bitsy Burr, Eliza Delman, Tova Hauser, Chaya Morris, Kathy Pollack, and Liba Shakarchi
" Drs. Phil & Julie Weinerman in honor of their son David's graduation from the Ohio State Medical School and in honor of their 30th wedding anniversary
" The friends of the Burr and Schramm families in appreciation to them for all they've done for the Shul and to wish them tzeischem l'shalom
" Rabbi David & Shulamit Ginsburg in honor of their son, Yeshayahu's siyum HaShas
" Lily & Eddie Friedman in honor of the engagement of their son, Robbie to Tali Fisher, daughter of Dr. Joe & Sara Fisher of Toronto
" Nely & Michael Gurovich in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Alex
" Dr. Sheldon Estreicher and Dr. Donna Estreicher in honor of the engagement of Michael to Jackie Kornbluth, daughter of Dr. David & Joan Kornbluth, of Hollywood, Florida
" Eda & David Schottenstein in honor of the upshernish of their son, Ari
" Lea & Tuvia Schottenstein & Eda & David Schottenstein in gratitude to Hashem and to the Shul

Shalosh Se'udos:
" The Shul wishing tzeischem l'shalom to Jason & Deena Ermine & family on their move to Baltimore
" The Shul wishing tzeischem l'shalom to David & Daniella Weinerman & family on their move to Cleveland
" Marc & Eric Schramm commemorating the Yahrzeit for their father, Yehoshua Yishayahu Elyakim ben Meir
" The Shul wishing tzeischem l'shalom to Dr. Stuart Kingsley and to Dr. Avi & Deena Stein and family
" The Shakarchi family in Hoda'ah to HaKadosh Baruch Hu on their wedding anniversary
" Susan Bonowitz & David Kaye in honor of the second birthday of their nephew
" The friends of Jerry Regosin wishing him tzeischem l'shalom on his move to Massachusetts
" Lana & Gary Covel in blessed memory of Gary's beloved mother, Bettie Rich Covel, commemorating her Yahrzeit
" Drs. Phil & Julie Weinerman in honor of the visit of Rebecca and Raanan and his parents, Earl and Rachel Lefkovitz, of Cleveland
" David Kaye in gratitude to Hashem for his family arriving safely in Israel
" Sanford Lefkowitz commemorating the yahrzeit for his father
" Barbara & Marvin Vinar in honor of the birth of their granddaughter Lori, to Michelle and Paul Schlanger, of Las Vegas

Youth Fund:
" Evelyn & Rocco D'Angelo in memory of Joel Wolff's father, Walter Wolff
" Jason & Deena Ermine
" Rabbi Baruch & Shoshana Weil
" Rabbi Yosef & Tova Hauser
" Dr. Matt & Betty Goldish
" Rabbi's Discretionary Fund:
" Elena Kuchik & Aaron Berkovich in memory of Anita Bright
" Shelley & Jack Levey in memory of Yaakov ben Yeruchem, Julian Levey
" Ellen & Sonny Romanoff commemorating the Yahrzeit of beloved father, Dovid Leib, Leon David Gross
" Ellen & Sonny Romanoff commemorating the Yahrzeit of beloved grandmother, Chaya Mirel Gross
" Ellen & Sonny Romanoff in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their first grandchild, Yehuda Simcha on Shabbos Nachamu
" Phillip Schneider in honor of the engagement of Michael Estreicher to Jackie Kornbluth, daughter of Dr. David & Joan Kornbluth, of Hollywood, Florida
" Dr. David & Joan Kornbluth in honor of the engagement of their daughter, Jackie to Michael Estreicher
" Larry Pollak in honor of the upshernish of Ari Schottenstein, son of Eda & David Schottenstein

Aliyah Fund:
" Irving Baker
" Yehuda Bitton
" Robby Block
" Michael Burr
" Gary Covel
" Edgar Karpovich
" Asher Kay
" Dr. Bruce Kay
" Raanan Lefkovitz
" Rabbi Ben-Zion Mellman
" Max Moskowitz
" Rabbi Yitzchak Pessin
" Yonah Pessin
" Larry Rabinovich
" Jerry Regosin
" Boris Ryabinky
" Alex Rosen
" Rabbi Shai Scherer
" Chaim Schramm
" Rabbi Yaakov Schwartz
" Joel Shafran
" Cantor Aaron Shifman
" Cantor Baruch Shifman
" Dr. Stuart Shindel
" Dr. Warren Sobol
" George Stiefel
" Stanley Tanzer
" Marvin Vinar
" Rabbi Yaakov Weinrach
" Patrick Wiesel

Prayer Book Fund:
" Ruth Gross and Melissa Gross in memory of beloved husband, father and grandfather, Leon D. Gross

Building Fund:
" Ruth Gross in memory of Mary Gross, beloved mother and grandmother

Library Fund:
" Shelley & Jack Levey in memory of Joel Wolff's father, Walter Wolff
" Shelley & Jack Levey in appreciation to: Sonny & Ellen Romanoff of "Sonny's International Pawn Shop & Convalescent Supply" for loaning a wheel chair for Shelley; Luda & Boris Ryabinky for the surprise (and delicious) breakfasts they brought over after Shelley's foot surgery; Bitsy Burr, Nancy Kay and Barbara & Shimon Dovid Abrams for helping arrange and provide meals; Elaine Shindel and Navah Lowy for being there whenever Shelley needed a ride; Dr. Judy Groner for all her help; Barbara & Shimon Dovid Abrams for always being there; Jon & Agi Hartstein for lending baby equipment for their grand-daughter, Ahuva and for all they do; David & Cathy Schwartz for lending baby equipment for their granddaughter, Ahuva and for all they do; Chaya Aviva Katz for providing the delicious Shabbos meal

Shul Fund:
" Susan & Alex Rosen and family in memory of Cathy Schwartz' father
" Faye & Ed Mellman in memory of Saul Schottenstein
" The Modes Family in memory of Saul Schottenstein
" The Modes Family in memory of Cathy Schwartz' father
" Karan & Paul Tanenbaum in memory of Joel Wolff's father, Walter Wolff
" Karan & Paul Tanenbaum in memory of Cathy Schwartz' father
" Barbara & Marvin Vinar in memory of Joel Wolff's father, Walter Wolff
" Phyllis Zierler in memory of grandfather, Barnett Swissman
" Beth & Ron Dolinger and Bari & Molly in memory of Joel Wolff's father, Walter Wolff
" Renee & Josh Seidemann in memory of Josh's mother, Ruth Seidemann
" Ruth Quinn commemorating the Yahrzeit of Leonard Quinn
" Susan & Alex Rosen commemorating the Yahrzeit of Yetta Rosen
" Ruth Quinn commemorating the Yahrzeit of beloved sister, Adeline Shar
" Ruth Quinn commemorating the Yahrzeits of beloved son, David Quinn, beloved brother, Dr. A.B. Thall and beloved mother-in-law, Rose Quinn
" Shirley & Aaron Yablok commemorating the Yahrzeit of Lillian Yablok
" Charlotte & Harold Nathans commemorating the Yahrzeit of Sarah Swartz
" Harry Bruce commemorating the Yahrzeit of his mother, Rose Berlinger
" Sonia Modes Schottenstein for the Yahrzeits of: Shlomo ben Menachem Mendel haKohein; Miriam bas Shlomo haKohein; Faiga bas Yitzchak Moshe haKohein; Chai Raizel bas Chaim Ber Yudel; Chaim Ber Yudel ben Reb Maier; Yosef ben Shlomo haKohein; Masha bas Dovid; Etel bas Chaim Ber Yudel; Chaim Mordechai ben Binyomin; Itsleh bas Avigdor; and Sarah Nechemya Gruenler bas Shlomo haKohein
" Melissa Gross & Matthew Gross in honor of Dr. Judy Groner wishing her a complete refuah shelaimah
" Rabbi Doniel & Esther Pransky in honor of Keenan Sobol's Bar Mitzvah
" Rabbi Doniel & Esther Pransky in honor of Noah Portman's Bar Mitzvah
" Dr. Tricia & Andrew Rosen-
" stein in honor of Rabbi Zvi & Chaya Aviva Katz' generosity for their kids; in honor of Rabbi Noach & Bitsy Burr's hospitality and kindness that they will miss; in honor of Keenan Sobol's Bar Mitzvah and in honor of Noah Portman's first aliyah
" Lew and Lena Dorman Fund
" Lillian & Carl Ganz
" Rabbi Chaim & Chaya Glazer
" Elaine & Stanley Tuchman
" Hal Miller
" Baila & Meyer Silverberg
" Bill Schottenstein
" Pat & David Gold
" Adelaide & Marvin Mentser
" Dr. Abe & Hannah Feigenbaum
" Cantor Baruch & Minna Shifman
" Rena & Harris Weisman
" Batya & Jon Goldberg in Hakaras Hatov for their daughter, Shoshana's first birthday and for their law school graduations
" The Berenstein Family in gratitude to Hashem
" Dr. Fred & Audrey Kapetansky in honor of Esther Geiger's Bas Mitzvah
" Leah & Boris Ryabinky wishing mazel tov to Kim & Steve Geiger on the Bas Mitzvah of their daughter, Esther; to Drs. David & Miriam Portman on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Noah; to Dr. Warren & Marlene Sobol on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Keenan; to Karan & Paul Tanenbaum, Rochell & David Weisfogel and Thea & Pearson Press on the graduations of Joy, Ari & Miriam; to Batya Goldberg on her graduation and to the Weinerman Family on David's graduation
" Lana & Gary Covel in honor of Keenan Sobol's Bar Mitzvah
" Sofiya & Edgar Karpovich in appreciation to Lana & Gary Covel
" Natalie Berenstein for Yizkor
" Sofiya & Edgar Karpovich for Yizkor
" Agi & Jon Hartstein in honor of the Co-Presidents, Dr. Warren Sobol and Yhezkel Levi, on their hard work on the rabbis search
" Drs. Phil & Julie Weinerman wishing a refuah shelaimah to Dr. Sheldon Estreicher and to Dr. Judy Groner
" Drs. Phil & Julie Weinerman wishing mazel tov to Lea & Tuvia Schottenstein on the birth of their granddaughter, Sara Esther, daughter of Aryeh & Raizy Schottenstein
" Drs. Phil & Julie Weinerman wishing mazel tov to Karan & Paul Tanenbaum on their daughter Joy's graduation from the University of Maryland
" Drs. Phil & Julie Weinerman wishing mazel tov to the parents of CTA high school graduates: Rabbi David & Shulmait Ginsburg for Yeshayahu, Rabbi Yosef & Tova Hauser for Meir, Dr. Bruce & Nancy Kay for Asher, and Dr. Abraham & Karen Mikalov for Natanielle
" Sandra & Franklin Furman in honor of the marriage of Franklin's brother Shelby to Jill
" Beth & Ron Dolinger in appreciation to Paul Tanenbaum
" Amy & David Weil in honor of Shimi Weil's Bar Mitzvah
" Rabbi Noach & Bitsy Burr in appreciation to the Shul
" Emma Mitsel wishing a refuah shelaimah to her grandson, Boruch ben Leah
" Jerry Regosin in gratitude to the Shul for the warm welcome always received
" Barbara & Marvin Vinar wishing a refuah shelaimah to David Schwartz; wishing mazel tov to Elaine & Harold Shindel on the birth of their grandson, son of Jenny & Uri Sinowitz in Israel; to Ellen & Sonny Romanoff and Mrs. Ruth Gross on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson and great-grandson, Yehuda Simcha Romanoff in Chicago; to Eda & David Schottenstein and Lea & Tuvia Schottenstein on the upshernish of their son and grandson, Ari
" Faye & Ed Mellman in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Yehuda Simcha Romanoff, son of Dina & Marc Romanoff, grandson of Ellen & Sonny Romanoff, and great-grandson of Ruth Gross
" Diane & Patrick Wiesel wishing mazel tov to Eda & David Schottenstein on the upshernish of their son, Ari
" Karan & Paul Tanenbaum in honor of Ellen Romanoff for writing a great article about Columbus, Ohio for Kashrus Magazine
" Faye & Ed Mellman in honor of the birth of a daughter to Michelle & Paul Schlanger, granddaughter of Barbara & Marvin Vinar
" Susan & Alex Rosen and family wishing mazel tov to: Barbara & Marvin Vinar on the birth of their granddaughter, Lori Schlanger; Elaine & Harold Shindel on the birth of their grandson; Rabbi Avi & Temima Feldman on the birth of their son, Shalom; Ellen & Sonny Romanoff on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Yehuda Romanoff; in appreciation to Jon Hartstein, Rabbis Baruch Weil, Yosef Hauser, Shimon David Abrams and David Ginsburg; and wishing a refuah shelaimah to Michael Berenstein's granddaughter, Aliza