Tributes
Description of Funds
Audrey Merkin Scholarship Fund
Long time Temple and Women’s League member, Audrey Merkin possessed great love and commitment to Temple Beth Sholom and its future. As a result the Audrey Merkin Scholarship Fund in her memory. The Women’s League of Temple Beth Sholom is honored to be administrators for this fund that enables one or more Jewish teenagers to participate in the annual March of the Living Program. Ten thousand students from all corners of the world spend the first week touring Poland and the concentration camps, and proceed to Israel for one week at which time they join in celebrating Israeli Independence Day. This is an incredible opportunity for us to ignite the Jewish neshemah (soul) in our children. In the words of Sarah Memar, our first recipient, “This was a life changing experience for me, one I will never forget.” It is through programs like these that we can pass on our legacy as Jews to our children and thereby preserve, promote, and perpetuate Conservative/Masorti Judaism now and for future generations. For more information about the scholarship please contact Carol Jeffries at the Temple at (702) 804-1333 ext. 104 orcjeffries@bethsholomlv.org
Chevra Kadisha Fund
The work of the Chevra Kadisha is most beautiful and full of meaning. Judaism is predicated on the belief in an after-life where men and women will receive their ultimate eternal reward after appearing before Him for their final judgment – their final Yom Kippur. A second accepted belief is that while the soul (neshamah) departs from the body upon death, it nevertheless remains nearby, fully aware of what transpires to the body and around it.
The task of the Chevra Kadisha, is to, with prayers and deep spiritual respect, care for the body, in its final washing and dressing process (tahara). It matters not whether the deceased had been a practicing Jew, whether he or she was Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, with or without affiliation. A Jew deserves a physical burial process echoing the magnificence and splendor of our culture and traditions.
Judy & Ronald Mack School of Religious Studies
The ideal Religious School graduate should have a deep internal sense of pride for all aspects of Judaism along with a feeling of connection to Jews worldwide, and a determination to maintain that connection throughout their life. The ideal RS graduate is siddur fluent and comfortable in a Conservative Shabbat service, and has an affinity for Hebrew as a spoken language. She can explain what the Jewish Holidays commemorate and is literate with our basic Biblical narrative. The ideal graduate understands why the State of Israel is central to Jewish people throughout the Diaspora, and knows the ancient as well as the modern history of the land of Israel. She knows the differences between the Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist streams of Judaism in terms of philosophy and practices. Whether it is expressed in their Religious practice, their social actions, living in and/or supporting Israel or contributing personally to their Jewish community, continuing to learn about their Jewish heritage, or all of these ways, our graduates will continue to participate in Jewish life, and create a Jewish environment for their offspring. Through education, culture, ethics and involvement, the ideal Religious School graduate sees leading their life in a Jewish way as the only way.
Heather Saxe Scholarship Fund
Heather Saxe was an active member of Temple Beth Sholom when it was located on Oakey for over 20 years. Heather and Larry Saxe’s three children all became professionals in the community. The importance of an education was something she instilled in all her children and grandchildren.
Heather’s strong spirit lives within her family and friends. Education was important to her and this award helps a child obtain such an important lesson – Jewish Heritage.
Lawrence A. Scully Library Fund
This fund was established by Ellen Scully to honor her late husband. Funds are used to purchase Judaic and historical books and items for the library.
L’Dor V’Dor Fund
This fund provides hot meals at Temple Beth Sholom for home bound seniors and those in assisted living facilities.
Sandra & Stanley Mallin Early Childhood Center
Temple Beth Sholom Preschool provides a safe and nurturing environment for children ages 18 months through pre-kindergarten encompassing both a secular and Judaic curriculum which focuses on learning through discovery.
At TBS Preschool we provide our students the opportunity to reach their potential by engaging them in age appropriate academics and socialization activities. We offer a curriculum which encourages a love of learning while respecting the individual needs of each child. Our highly trained staff is committed to developing strong minds and spirits while integrating both secular and Judaic studies in a fun atmosphere. Together with our families, we strive to build mutually caring and trusting relationships. Within these relationships, we will work to ensure that each child’s individual social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs are developed to the fullest. Our goal is for our preschool graduates to be prepared for the social and academic challenges of kindergarten and beyond.
Schnee Education Fund
This fund honors the memory of Cantor David Schnee who led daily minyan and taught numerous students the art of Torah reading and proper nusach. Funds will be used to pay for college education for his children.
Sidney Chaplin Scholarship
On March 1, 2007, the Solomon Schecter Day School of Las Vegas launched the Sidney Chaplin Memorial Scholarship Fund. Its namesake, Sidney Chaplin, was a leader in the Las Vegas community for more than thirty years. His role as Vice President/General Manager of Southern Wine and Spirits of America was that of leader and humanitarian.
Sidney was tremendously philanthropic, giving generously to Temple Beth Sholom, the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, and to causes and institutions that struck his heart and to individuals who touched his soul. He truly cared. Sidney lived by his own code for helping others, often anonymously, and at times publicly he set a philanthropic precedent.
The Sidney Chaplin Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships for children to attend the Solomon Schechter Day School, providing Jewish education in a rich environment with secular and Jewish academic excellence.