Meeting Minutes: August 30, 2004

Minutes of August 30, 2004 meeting at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton

Present: Linda Anton, Lee Batterman, Muriel Efron, Bob & Lorelei Ennis, Heidi Estrin, Jackie Fine, Etta Gold, Phyllis Gutmann, Charles Meyers, Arthur Quinn, Rabbi Paul Plotkin, Annette Rindner, Arlene Robert, Rabbi Tobias Rothenberg, Howard Rubin, Sara Schandelson, Stephanie Schoenberger, Edith Sherman, Alice Shook, Kathy Slutsky, Walter Spielman, Lee Wixman

Heidi Estrin called the meeting to order at 12:30pm.

The featured speaker was introduced, Rabbi Paul Plotkin of Temple Beth Am in Margate. Rabbi Plotkin is author of The Lord is My Shepherd... Why Do I Still Want? He spoke of the personal crisis that led to the book which contains reflections upon experiences. Rabbi Plotkin sold and signed copies of his book.

Heidi then spoke of Book Expo America in Chicago, a book trade convention, which she and Etta attended. Heidi and Etta also attended the AJL convention in Brooklyn, along with Alice Shook, Charles Meyers, and Lee Wixman. They visited historic sites including the New York Public Library and visited former SFAJL member Margot Berman who now resides in Battery Park. Alice Shook was a first-time attendee and encouraged other members to make an effort to attend convention if they have not in the past.

Charles Meyers then brought to the attention of the members that the Palm Beach County Library system has no plans of acknowledging the 350th anniversary of Jewish settlement in America. Suggestions were made on how to promote this event. Heidi will send a letter from the chapter and asked individual members to follow up and also write letters to the central library or their local branch.

Etta spoke of a project for children she is using to commemorate this anniversary. Each child writes the name, origin and year when the first relative emigrated to America, all written on a cardboard ship. The ships are placed along a timeline denoting significant periods of Jewish immigration.

Discussion followed of new books published. Lee Wixman recommended two books, Grave Endings by Rochelle Krish and The Outside World by Tova Mirvis. Heidi suggested several others (children's books): The Garden by Elsie Aidonff,Sammy Spider's First Sukkot by Sylvia Rouss,The Only One Club by Jane Naliboff,Miriam and Her Brother Moses by Jean Marzollo, an Ilan Ramon biography by Barbara Sofer, No Rules for Michael by Sylvia Rouss and Esther by Sharon McKay.

Future meetings will be November 15 at Temple Dor Dorim in Weston; January 20 at Alper JCC in Miami; and May 10 at Books and Books in Coral Gables. The meeting for March 9 is open and it is preferred that the venue be in Palm Beach County. Heidi also said she would like to increase membership, particularly in Broward County.

Lee Wixman announced that the Irene Levin-Wixman Memorial Library will be dedicated the first week in December at Temple Shaarei Shalom in Boynton Beach. The date will be determined later and the membership will be informed.

The meeting adjourned at 2:30pm.