Baron Hirsch Plans Friday Night Dinner in Conjunction with OU Community Scholars Weekend

Baron Hirsch Congregation will be hosting a Family Friday Night Dinner on February 5.  The dinner is being held in combination with the Orthodox Union Community Scholars Weekend which will feature OU Executive Vice President, Rabbi Steven Weil as Scholar-in-Residence. 

“Spending Shabbat evening with family and friends is an important part of being a member of our community.  We are excited to have Rabbi Weil in Memphis and sharing a delicious meal with us” says Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Senior Rabbi of Baron Hirsch.

The evening will begin with Kabbalat Shabbat services at 5:00PM, followed by the dinner at 6:30PM.  Dinner guests will enjoy a delicious meal of gelfite fish, chicken soup, stuffed chicken breast, risotto, carrot kugel and more.  Additionally, there will be a special menu of baked chicken tenders, pasta and mixed vegetables, just for children.  Reservations for the dinner can be made by calling 683-7485.  The cost is $20 per adult and children 12 and under pay their age, due to limited seating those who want to attend the dinner are urged to reserve as soon as possible.

After the dinner, Rabbi Weil will speak at 7:45PM, no reservations are needed to hear Rabbi Weil speak.  For teens there will be a special Oneg at 7:45PM led by Rabbi Moshe Isenberg, Associate Regional Director of the Midwest NCSY.  Childcare will be provided during Rabbi Weil’s lecture. 

Baron Hirsch’s Friday Night Dinners are among the congregation’s more popular events.  Held several times throughout the year, people of all ages and backgrounds attend, and the entire social hall is filled with warmth and Shabbat spirit.  “I love having the ability to enjoy Shabbat with so many of my friends in such a relaxed and fun atmosphere,” stated one member following the last dinner.

For more information or to make dinner reservations contact the Baron Hirsch office at 683-7485. 

Shalach Manot Forms 2010

Introduction Letter
Shalach_Manot_Flyer_2010.pdf

Membership List
Shalach_Manot_Master_List_2010.pdf

Order Form
Shaloch_Manot_Order_Form_2010.pdf

David Cooper Elected President of Baron Hirsch

Baron Hirsch Congregation held its annual general membership meeting and elections on January 17, 2010.  The meeting, which was held in the Marsi Moss Social Hall of the congregation, began with a gala brunch.

Presiding over the meeting was Sidney Mendelson, who was completing two years of service as president of the Baron Hirsch.  Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Senior Rabbi of the congregation, presented the major annual awards.

In his opening remarks, Rabbi Finkelstein praised both the leadership and the membership for the tremendous efforts that have led to many successes, and the feeling of closeness which exists within the congregation.  In speaking about Mr. Mendelson, Rabbi Finkelstein stated, “For two years I cannot recall a time in which Sidney did not say ‘henaini – here I am’, and this call was always with passion, feelings, love and care for the shul at large and for each member in particular.”

Congregation member Mark Hayden received the Louis Turetsky Memorial Chesed Award.  In expressing his feelings about the special nature of Baron Hirsch, Mr. Hayden remarked, “We’re lucky here- we’ve got a fine clergy, great clerical staff, nice membership and a lot of cute kids. How could you not smile at that?” Mr. Hayden further stated that he is motivated to do things for the shul and community in order to give something back.  “Whether it is giving to a community or in this case giving back to our synagogue, just give something back to an institution that’s filled and enriched our lives,” Hayden urged.

Frank Udelsohn was the recipient of the Sam Abraham Memorial Award as the 2009 Member of the Year.  In accepting the award, Mr. Udelsohn mentioned how proud he was to receive the same award that his father, of blessed memory, received as president of Baron Hirsch back in 1977.  Furthermore, he stated, “I have been chosen from a group of many who volunteer on a daily basis for our great and wonderful shul.” Mr. Sidney Abraham, son of the late Sam Abraham, presented the award which carries his father’s name.

In his remarks on the state of the congregation, Mr. Mendelson reported on the growing involvement in many of the congregation’s classes and events.  “I am very proud to have had the honor in serving the Baron Hirsch Congregation over the last two years. The congregation has accomplished so much by working together thanks to our Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Shai Finkelstein,” stated Mr. Mendelson.  “We have grown in so many ways, which include membership, additional new classes, along with an increase in shul volunteers. I am proud of our new incoming president, David Cooper, along with the executive committee and Board of Trustees as I know under their leadership that Baron Hirsch will continue to prosper. I look forward in continuing to serve Baron Hirsch, which has become such an important part of my life, in the years to come.”

Sidney Goldstein, representing Goldstein & Associates P.C., gave the financial report to the membership.  Bernard Lipsey, chairman of the congregation’s nominating committee, presented the slate of officers and trustees for the approval of the membership.

David Cooper, who was elected president, is Executive Vice President of Cooper Companies.  He is the immediate past president of the Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South, and serves on many other boards throughout the community. 

Others elected to positions as officers were: Irvin Skopp - 1st Vice President/Gabbai Rishon; Pace Cooper - 2nd Vice President; Gary Makowsky – Vice president; Marty Belz - Vice President; Harold Wormser - Treasurer; Morris Thomas - Secretary; Elliot Wender - Gabbai Shaynee; Louis Safier – Assistant Gabbai, Eric Schubert – Assistant Gabbai and Gerald Ballin – Warden. 

Elected to the Board of Trustees for two-year terms were: Robert Cohen, Allen Exelbierd, Dr. Lauren Levinson, Neal Loskovitz, Lyda Parker, Emily Steinberg, Dr. Ellis Tavin, Sarah Thomas, Frank Udelsohn and Adrian Weissman.  Elected to the Board of Trustees for a one-year term were Lee Baum and Dr. Marc Silberberg.

Monday Night Guest Lecturer Series Continues at Baron Hirsch

Mr. Yossi Cohen, Judaic Studies Teacher at Memphis Jewish High School, will be the next speaker of the congregation’s popular Monday Night Guest Lecture Series, announced Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Senior Rabbi of Baron Hirsch and head of its Educational Institute.  Mr. Cohen will begin his series on Monday, February 1st at 7:00PM. 

The topic of the upcoming series is “Choice in the Book of Bereshit”.  The first lecture on February 1st will be entitled “The Choice between Isaac and Ishmael as Seen through the Torah, Art and Ancient Law.” On February 8th he will speak about “The Choice between Jacob and Esau as Seen through the Story.  Finally, on February 15th Mr. Cohen will conclude his series with “The Choice in Judah and Josef; from Judah to Judah HaMacca
Yossi Cohen is a graduate of the Har Etzion Hesder Yeshiva in Alon Shvut, Israel.  He received a B.Ed. in Bible and Talmud from Herzog College in Israel and a M.A. in Land of Israel studies and Archeology from Bar Ilan University in Israel.  Prior to arriving at Memphis Jewish High School, he taught at Bnei Akiva Yeshiva High School in Hashmonaim, Israel. 

Each month, the congregation invites a different guest lecturer to deliver a three week mini-series on a topic of their expertise.  Mr. Cohen will be leading the fourth series this year.  Over the past several months Baron Hirsch has welcomed other guest lecturers including, Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl, Dean of Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South, Rabbi Avi Goldberg, Rosh Kollel of Torah MiTzion Kollel of Memphis, AND Rabbi Uriel Lubetski, upper school principal of MHA/FYOS.  The class continues to bring in people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about a variety of topics.

All classes begin at 7:00PM and the series is open to all members of the community.  Classes take place in the Margolin Bet Midrash of the synagogue. For more information, please contact the Baron Hirsch office at 683-7485 or visit the synagogue website at http://www.baronhirsch.org

Renowned Author George Gilder to Speak at Baron Hirsch

Baron Hirsch Congregation is proud to announce George Gilder, the noted author of The Israel Test, will be speaking on Sunday, January 24th.  The event will take place in the Belz Sanctuary at Baron Hirsch at 7pm and the event is free and open to the public.  This special event is made possible by Barbara and Ira Lipman.  Baron Hirsch and Temple Israel have joined together to help promote this event and to extend its reach to all members of the community. 

George Gilder is the founder and publisher of Gilder Publishing, a technology research and consulting company, and co-founded the Discovery Institute, a leading think tank based in Seattle.  Mr. Gilder is also the most quoted living author in speeches given by former President Ronald Reagan.  He served as a speechwriter for former President Nixon.  George Gilder is the author of fifteen books, including the international best-seller, Wealth & Poverty. 

Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Senior Rabbi of Baron Hirsch spoke about the Mr. Gilder’s upcoming appearance.  “This is going to be an event that you will not want to miss.  To have such a noted author and thinker is a fantastic opportunity to learn and connect to our beloved homeland, the State of Israel.  The state of Israel brings all Jews together and it is only fitting that Baron Hirsch and Temple Israel, along with my friend and Senior Rabbi Micah Greenstein, join together in this endeavor.  As an Israeli I was pleased with Mr. Gilder’s accurate portrayal of the Israeli economy and inner strength.  I am very grateful for Barbara and Ira Lipman’s support in bringing Mr. Gilder to Baron Hirsch.”

Temple Israel’s Senior Rabbi Micah Greenstein also shared his excitement about the upcoming event.  “To be a Jew is a blessing and a gift, one which we often take for granted in America - especially when it comes to the sheer existence and miracle of the State of Israel.  In the acclaimed new book, “The Israel Test,” well-known writer and Episcopalian, George Gilder, reawakens the call every Jew and every American ought to hear.  How blessed Baron Hirsch and Temple Israel are to have Ira Lipman bring to Memphis for the entire community a speaker whose message is not to be missed; and how delighted I am to partner with Rabbi Shai Finkelstein and invite the entire community, on behalf of our two congregations, to this great event.”

In The Israel Test, Gilder makes the case for Israel, portraying a conflict of barbarism, envy and death against civilization, creativity and life.  Gilder reveals Israel as a leader of human civilization, technological progress, and scientific advance.  Tiny Israel stands behind only the United States in its contributions to the hi-tech economy.  Israel has become the world’s paramount example of the blessings of freedom.  And yet Israel is the most hated nation in the world today.  Why?  Israel is hated for her virtues, for her achievements; for all that she has done well.  Israel is hated, as the United States is hated, because Israel is successful, because Israel is free, and because Israel is good. 

For more information contact the Baron Hirsch office at (901) 683-7485.

OU Community Scholars Weekend

OU_Community_Weekend.pdf

Synaplex Shabbat Flyer

Synaplex_Shabbat_Flyer_1-16-10.pdf

George Gilder Event

George_Gilder_Flyer.pdf

Baron Hirsch to Honor Members at Annual Meeting

Baron Hirsch Congregation announced this week that Frank Udelsohn would be receiving the 2009 Sam Abraham Member of the Year Award, and that Mark Hayden would receive the 2009 Louis Turetsky Chesed Award.  The awards will be presented at the congregation’s annual general membership meeting and elections, which will take place on January 17, 2009.  The meeting, which will begin at 11:30AM, will be preceded by a brunch at 10:30AM.

In making the announcement, Congregation President Sidney Mendelson stated, “Our leadership is proud to be honoring two people who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and self sacrifice that are so important to a successful organization.  Both of these individuals give countless hours of their time both to the synagogue and to the Memphis community at large.”

Frank Udelsohn has been a member of the Board of Trustees for 4 years, and is currently President of the Baron Hirsch Men’s Club.  “Not a week goes by where Frank is not involved in some aspect of the shul,” observed Mr. Mendelson.  “Whether it is bringing siddurim and chairs to a shiva home or working on an upcoming event, Frank is always ready to give of his time to the congregation.” For many years, Frank has been active in coordinating singles programming at the shul, and has also been a volunteer for Camp Darom and other youth activities.  He and his wife, Bracha, have sponsored many youth activities, including the congregation’s High Holy Day youth programs and its popular Chol HaMoed Youth Day.

“Frank is a prime example of how one should feel towards their synagogue,” observed Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Senior Rabbi of Baron Hirsch.  “While he is an active member who regularly attends services, classes and other programs, he also realizes the need to give back however he can.  We are proud to honor Frank, and to have him and Bracha among our most active and committed volunteers.”

The Louis Turetsky Chesed Award is being presented to Mark Hayden.  Mark devotes a tremendous amount of time to activities both at Baron Hirsch and the community.  “Mark’s impact at Baron Hirsch has been tremendous,” stated David Fleischhacker, executive director of the congregation.  “He is always ready to help others who are in need, and is always available to lend a hand around the synagogue.”

Currently, Mark is a member of the Board of Trustees.  He is a regular volunteer who helps out at numerous events.  Mark is a favorite of the children of the congregation, whether he is popping popcorn for a youth event, or handing out candy to a smiling child on Shabbat.  In addition to the public events, he helps out in many ways that people never see.  Whether it is taking care of the plants around the synagogue or delivering directories to member’s houses, he is someone who can’t say no.  Mark also spends a lot of time visiting and calling people who are ill, or who need extra assistance or even just a friendly face. 

Rabbi Finkelstein will present the awards to all of the honorees.  Sidney Mendelson will deliver the State of the Synagogue address, and preside over the meeting.  While only members may participate in the elections of officers, anyone is welcome to attend the brunch and meeting.  The cost of the brunch is $15, and reservations may be made by contacting the synagogue office at 683-7485.

Baron Hirsch to Host Synaplex Shabbat Focusing on Environmental Issues

Baron Hirsch Congregation will be hosting a Synaplex Shabbat this Shabbat, January 16th.  This Shabbat will be the first of the month of Shevat, in which we celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the holiday we celebrate nature.  To correlate with Tu B’Shevat, the theme of the Synaplex Shabbat will be ways to lessen your impact on the environment and things you can do in your everyday life to be less wasteful and conserve.

Services begin at 8:30AM in the Belz Sanctuary with the popular Education Minyan beginning at 9:30AM.  The Education Minyan is led by Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Senior Rabbi of Baron Hirsch.  This special minyan is held once a month and is a combination service and class.  The service runs from 9:30AM until 10:20AM. Following the service, participants return to the main Shabbat minyan.

At 11:00AM, our Synaplex program will begin with Senior Rabbi Shai Finkelstein introducing environmental issues from a Torah point of view.  Rabbi Finkelstein stated “This issue of ‘going green’ and being responsible for our world is deeply rooted in our tradition.  Separation between products and materials are not a foreign concept in Orthodoxy.” Baron Hirsch Member Anne Reef will speak and share ideas about taking small steps around the home and little lifestyle practices in hopes that they will help us all make a positive difference.  Anne was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and she and her husband, Dr. Ellis Reef came to Memphis in 1988.  Ms. Reef has undergraduate and graduate degrees in English, Human Resources and English Literature.  She is currently completing work to receive her PhD in Textual Studies.  The majority of her literary research has focused on how the environment is portrayed in literature.  She cites living though a severe water shortage in South Africa as one of the defining moments in her life.  The water shortage caused households to be given only 10 gallons of water each day for all functions, including drinking water, bathing, laundry, cooking, gardening, etc. 

Following the presentation at 11:45AM, there will be a special Kiddush that celebrates the first environmentally friendly Kiddush at Baron Hirsch that will use only recyclable materials.  All members of the community are invited to attend this Synaplex Shabbat.