Rabbi David Spey of Temple Bat Yam leads discussion hosted at Brinkley Morgan law firm

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, will host a brown bag “Lunch and Learn” group discussion at the law offices of Brinkley Morgan in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Each month Rabbi David Spey will lead a discussion on a Jewish issue and how it relates to modern society.

WHEN: May 9, 2012 at 12:00 noon

WHERE:

Brinkley Morgan

200 East Las Olas Blvd.

Suite 1900

Fort Lauderdale

PRICE: Free.  Please bring a brown bag lunch.

FOR RESERVATIONS: Reservations required. To reserve a spot, please call the Temple Bat Yam office at (954) 928- 0410 or email info@templebatyam.org

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that caters to all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.  For more information, please visit www.TempleBatYam.org.

Since 1975, Brinkley Morgan has provided a proactive and innovative approach to law for its clients. The 20-attorney law firm offers a full range of services including corporate and business law, real estate, family law and commercial litigation, as well as probate, tax, estate planning, administrative law, employment law and immigration law. For more information, please visit www.BrinkleyMorgan.com.

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WHAT: Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites the community to a musical Havdalah on the Beach sunset service.  A BBQ sponsored by TBY’s Brotherhood will begin at 4:30 p.m.

WHEN:

Saturday, May 5 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

BBQ begins at 4:30 p.m.

Havdalah service begins at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: The pavilion on Pompano Beach north of Atlantic Blvd.

PRICE:            All are welcome to attend this service.

RSVP: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email templebatyam@aol.com.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that welcomes all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.

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Shabbat service in May recognizes National Police Week

FORT LAUDERDALE – Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, recognizes National Police Week by inviting all current and retired law enforcement officers from any agency to attend Friday night worship services on Friday, May 4 at 8 p.m. to commemorate law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

“Our congregation appreciates the efforts of all law enforcement officers in assuring our well-being and protecting our lives and property,” said Len Weiselberg, president of Temple Bat Yam. “We wish to recognize these efforts by honoring those officers who sacrificed all in performing their duties.”

Rabbi David Spey will provide religious insight and prayers for the deceased officers and for the protection of current officers. Additionally, representatives of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and the Broward Sheriff’s Office will address the congregation. Refreshments will be served following the service.

“During National Police Week, we find it especially important to acknowledge the sacrifices that police officers make to protect and better our community,” said Rabbi Spey. “We keep our fallen officers in our prayers and pray for the protection of those currently in the field.”

This event is free and open to the public. Temple Bat Yam is located at 5151 NE 14th Terrace in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org or call 954-928-0410. 

WHAT: The Sisterhood of Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites women to learn the fundamentals of investing in a one-hour class. A certified financial advisor will explain the basics of financial planning and answer questions. The April topic is “Greece? QE2? Federal Reserve? Budget Deficits? Current Events Explained in Plain English.”

WHEN:  Monday, April 23 at 7 p.m.

WHERE: Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

PRICE:  All are welcome to attend this class.

FOR RESERVATIONS: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email info@templebatyam.org.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that welcomes all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.

Dinner and Concert

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites local active adults to join Club 50 for its April evening activity.  Guests will enjoy dinner at Nick’s Italian Restaurant, followed by a classy keyboard performance reminiscent of the old Fort Lauderdale style by Richard Williams at the Temple.

Temple Bat Yam’s Club 50 is a social group for active adults in East Fort Lauderdale and others who want to be part of this warm and welcoming Temple family. The club meets six Sundays a year for dinner at local restaurants followed by a brief meeting or entertainment back at the synagogue. Membership in Club 50 is open to the community.

WHEN:  Sunday, April 15 at 5:15 p.m. at Nick’s Italian Restaurant, immediately followed by a concert at Temple Bat Yam.

WHERE: Nick’s Italian Restaurant

3496 North Ocean Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the event or to make a reservation, please call the Temple office at 954-972-5465 by April 12.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that embraces all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.  For more information, please visit the Temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org.

The ticket price is $160 per person ($75 dollars for youth, ages 12-20, accompanied by a parent or guardian).

You may pay online with a credit card.  Please note the following instructions: first, enter the amount of your donation and click “Update Total” before typing your credit card information.  Also, on the review page, click on ”Message to Seller” and type “2012 TBY Gala” so that the Temple can correctly credit your donation. Thank you.

For more information please contact the Temple office at 954-928-0410 or send an email to info@templebatyam.org

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for Temple members and non-members.  TBY invites the community to attend the adult education classes offered in February by the synagogue.

• Introduction to Judaism: In this discussion-based course, Rabbi Spey will lead an exploration of the basics of Jewish history, literature, belief and practice.  This class is designed for anyone wishing to enrich their understanding of Judaism from an adult perspective, those considering joining the Jewish people through the process of conversion and couples, including those in interfaith relationships, desiring to deepen their understanding and enhance the Jewish components of their family life.  It is $25 for members and $75 for non-members to attend the 17-session series.  Classes are Tuesdays, February 7, 14, and 28 at 7 p.m.  For more information and registration please contact the Temple office at 954-928-0410.

• Bible Study: Rabbi Spey will lead a weekly discussion based upon the traditional texts of Jewish tradition.  The class will study rabbinic texts including Midrash, Mishnah and Talmud from an ethical, moral, theological and social perspective.  There is no charge for the Bible study classes, but students may need to purchase books.  Registration is not required.  Discussions are Tuesdays, February 7, 14 and 28 at 10 a.m.

WHERE:

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email Info@TempleBatYam.org.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that caters to all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.

Rabbi David Spey of Temple Bat Yam leads discussion hosted at Brinkley Morgan law firm

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, will host a brown bag “Lunch and Learn” group discussion at the law offices of Brinkley Morgan in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Each month Rabbi David Spey will lead a discussion on a Jewish issue and how it relates to modern society. The February topic is reproductive rights and bioethics.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 8 at 12:15 p.m.

WHERE:

Brinkley Morgan

200 East Las Olas Blvd.

Suite 1900

Fort Lauderdale

PRICE: Free.  Please bring a brown bag lunch.

FOR RESERVATIONS: Reservations required. To reserve a spot, please call the Temple Bat Yam office at (954) 928- 0410 or email info@templebatyam.org

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that caters to all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.  For more information, please visit www.TempleBatYam.org.

Since 1975, Brinkley Morgan has provided a proactive and innovative approach to law for its clients. The 20-attorney law firm offers a full range of services including corporate and business law, real estate, family law and commercial litigation, as well as probate, tax, estate planning, administrative law, employment law and immigration law. For more information, please visit www.BrinkleyMorgan.com.

WHAT: The Sisterhood of Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites women to learn the fundamentals of investing in a one-hour class. A certified financial advisor will explain the basics of financial planning and answer questions. The February topic is “Generating Retirement Income.”

WHEN:  Monday, February 13 at 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

PRICE:  All are welcome to attend this class.

FOR RESERVATIONS: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email info@templebatyam.org.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that welcomes all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a Reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites the community to attend joyous and musical Sabbath services throughout February.  Light refreshments follow Friday evening services at the Temple.

WHEN: Fridays at 8 p.m.:                  February 3, 17 and 24

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.:                   February 4, 11, 18, 25

Friday at 7 p.m.:                                 February 10

Friday at 6:30 p.m.:                            February 24

NOTES: Services on Friday, February 3 will feature music for Shabbat performed by the Temple’s band, Dor L’Dor.

Students in fifth and sixth grades will conduct Shabbat services on Friday, February 10.

A Tot Shabbat for toddlers through second grade and their families will be held on Friday, February 24 beginning at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by an activity and snacks.  The brief service will conclude before the 8 p.m. service also on that night.

WHERE:

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email Info@TempleBatYam.org.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that caters to all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.

FORT LAUDERDALE – (January 20, 2012) – The King David String Ensemble will perform a Jewish Klezmer and Israeli music concert on Thursday, February 2 at 7 p.m. at Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale.

The ensemble is comprised of musicians originally from the former Soviet Union who also perform with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.

“We are thrilled to have an internationally renowned group such as the King David String Ensemble perform at Temple Bat Yam,” said Cantor Wendy Autenrieth, who also will be performing a song with the group.  “Music is an important part of our culture and we are proud to be able to share this experience with the community.”

This event is free and open to the public; however there is a $10 suggested donation. Temple Bat Yam is located at 5151 NE 14th Terrace in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org or call 954-928-0410.

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam (TBY), a Reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites the community to attend joyous and musical Sabbath services throughout January.  Light refreshments follow Friday evening services at the Temple.

WHEN: Fridays at 8 p.m.: January 6, 13 and 27

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.: January 7, 14, 21, 28

Friday at 7 p.m.: January 20

Friday at 6:30 p.m.: January 27

NOTES: A Tot Shabbat for toddlers through second grade and their families will be held on Friday, January 27 beginning at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by an activity and snacks.  The brief service will conclude before the 8 p.m. service also on that night.

WHERE: Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email Info@TempleBatYam.org.

Sisterhood of Temple Bat Yam to host symposium on “Making Positive Choices for End-of-Life Decisions”

FORT LAUDERDALE – (December 9, 2011) – Rock singer John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”  The community is invited to learn how to prepare for unexpected life-changing moments at the free symposium “Making Positive Choices for End-of-Life Decisions” on Sunday, January 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale.  This event is hosted by the temple’s Sisterhood.

“Many people try to avoid making end-of-life decision until it is absolutely necessary.  It is important to make these decisions while in good health and without the stress of illness or life’s unexpected turns,” said Coni Foster, Temple Bat Yam Sisterhood member and the event organizer.

A panel of five experts will present on guardianship, wills and trusts, medical choices, Jewish ethics, funeral arrangements and grieving.  Attendees will learn how to take immediate control of their lives and determine which choices, personal wishes and quality-of-life priorities they seek from their end-of-life decisions.  There will be a question and answer session following each speaker.

“It is through events like this that Temple Bat Yam is becoming more than a place of worship, but a community center inviting personal, professional and spiritual development,” said Rabbi David Spey.

The panel of experts includes:

• Naomi Behar Smith, Esq. has been practicing guardianship law since 1989 and has been involved in more than 1,500 guardianship cases, and she has extensive experience with wills and trusts.
• Dr. Marc G. Kaprow, DO, FACOI is the associate medical director for Vitas Innovative Hospice in Broward County and a team physician for Vitas Palliative Care Solutions, providing healthcare that alleviates and relieves suffering.  He also is a member of the ethics committee at Memorial Hospital West.
• Rabbi David Spey joined Temple Bat Yam in July 2010 and has nearly 10 years of experience as a congregational leader and spiritual advisor to families faced with illness or loss.
• Mark Weissman, a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and current Vice Mayor of Parkland, owns and operates Savino-Weissman Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Margate and has been in the funeral industry for nearly 40 years.
• Mary A. Watson, RN, CHTP is a Certified Healing Touch Practitioner, Reiki Master, Certified Medical Intuitive and Quantum Healer Practitioner who works at Hospice by the Sea as Nurse Educator for Broward County, instructing nurses, social workers and CNA s on how to be better caregivers for their clients through heart-centered care.  She also volunteers at Leeza’s Place in Pembroke Pines, offering support to caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s.

Temple Bat Yam is located at 5151 NE 14th Terrace in Fort Lauderdale.  For more information, please call 954-928-0410.

Dinner and a Concert

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites local active adults to join Club 50 for its December evening activity.  Guests will enjoy dinner at U.S. Steakhouse Bar & Grill, a restaurant offering all-American favorites and regional specialties, followed by a performance at the Temple by singer and RCA recording artist Jimmy Chapel.

Chapel sings some of the greatest hits ever recorded by Frank Sinatra and Neil Diamond, as well as Broadway classics and more. He has performed throughout the United States and Europe, including performances with Don Rickels, Mel Torme, Carol Lawrence, Rita Moreno, Nipsey Russell and Michele Lee.

Temple Bat Yam’s Club 50 is a social group for active adults in East Fort Lauderdale and others who want to be part of this warm and welcoming Temple family. The club meets six Sundays a year for dinner at local restaurants followed by a brief meeting or entertainment back at the synagogue. Membership in Club 50 is open to the community.

WHEN:  Sunday, December 11

5:15 p.m. – Dinner at U.S. Steakhouse Bar & Grill

7:30 p.m. – Singer Jimmy Chapel will perform at Temple Bat Yam

WHERE:

U.S. Steakhouse Bar & Grill

1208 N. Ocean Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the event and for price, please call the Temple office at 954-972-5465.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that embraces all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.  For more information, please visit the Temple’s website at http://TempleBatYam.org.

WHAT: Temple Bat Yam, a reform synagogue in East Fort Lauderdale, invites the community to attend a thought-provoking book review and discussion about the novel Wherever You Go by award-winning author Joan Leegant. This timely novel weaves together the lives of three Americans living in Israel who face the attractions and dangers of Jewish extremism and its threat to the modern, democratic state. Refreshments will be served.  This event is hosted by the Temple Bat Yam Sisterhood.

WHEN:  Thursday, December 15 at 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Temple Bat Yam

5151 NE 14th Terrace

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

PRICE: Free and open to the public.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the temple’s website at TempleBatYam.org, call 954-928-0410 or email Info@TempleBatYam.org.

ABOUT: A vibrant reform synagogue that caters to all who wish to celebrate Jewish life, Temple Bat Yam (TBY) in East Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to exploring and embracing Jewish heritage from a liberal perspective.  TBY encourages lifelong Jewish study through its educational programming for children, families and adults.  It also forges lifelong friendship and facilitates networking opportunities among members by hosting music, cultural and social programs, as well as being home to various civic and Jewish organizations.

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Question: When I buy chickens at the supermarket, I find that non-kosher chickens have fewer residual feathers in the skin than the kosher chickens.  Why?

Answer: For an animal to be considered kosher, it must be handled according to traditional Jewish law from before it is slaughtered until it is consumed.  First, the animal must come from a species that is considered fit, kasher, for Jewish consumption.  The living animal must be inspected, prior to slaughtering, to make sure that it is healthy and free from visible injuries and disease.  It must then be slaughtered in a ritually appropriate manner: a blessing recited, its larynx and esophagus cut with a perfect, nick free blade in one quick, smooth motion, and its blood, or life force, allowed to drain.  The animal is then examined for any internal defects, and residual blood is removed from the flesh through a process of purging, soaking, and salting.

In the case of fowl, the removal of the feathers usual precedes the process for the removal of residual blood.  A simple method for plucking feathers from fowl is to dip the slaughtered bird in boiling water for between 5 and 30 seconds to soak and loosen the feathers.  Any residual, fine feathers can be removed with an open flame like a lighter.  However, according to halachic authorities, overseeing the laws of kashrut, exposure of the fowl to a heat source prior to the removal of the residual blood, through the soaking and salting process, causes the residual blood to coagulate.  Coagulated blood can not be removed and the bird is then considered terayfa, not fit for Jewish consumption.  Therefore, kosher chickens must be plucked by means which do not expose the pre-salted birds to heat sources, which are perhaps less effective.

Please send your questions to the office or to asktherabbi@templebatyam.org.