The Beth El Ner Tamid Web Site

Welcome to Beth El Ner Tamid. We are a fully egalitarian liberal Conservative congregation, one of the oldest synagogue communities in Milwaukee, located in beautiful Mequon, just 15 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, serving Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Sheboygan counties.

Under the spiritual leadership of Rabbi Tamar Crystal, we’ve created a caring community family whose goal is to marry BENT’s distinguished history with the vitality of modern Jewish life. We have a vibrant Religious School, lead by our principal, Debbie Intravaia, as well as a wide range of rituals and programs for all ages. We view music as central to everything we do, starting with an award-winning choir lead by Enid Bootzin-Berkovits, conductor of The Milwaukee Jewish Chorale.

We are a welcoming community with a motto of “Open Door, Open Heart”, welcoming individuals and families of all ages, including Interfaith families and those seeking a Jewish spiritual path. Our Lifelong Learning only begins with the children. Scheduled classes for all ages and special Family Education reflect our commitment to Jewish learning and participation on every level and at every age.

Other keys to our community are Sisterhood and Men’s Club, who are integrally involved in all aspects of the community. We also have a deep commitment to Social Action in our area and the inner city. Regularly meeting groups from the Sunday morning knitters circle who support those serving in the Israeli Army to the Thursday evening Mah Jongg nights recognize that the synagogue is a destination stop for all who wish to eat and kibbitz as well a pray and learn.

We invite you to join us for Shabbat and holidays, for weekday minyanim, for classes, for programs, for individual learning and for family experiences. Please check our constantly changing list below for some of the activities planned in the near future.

This page was last updated on 02/04/2012

Service times
Monday - 7:30AM
Thursday - 7:30AM
Friday - 7:30AM
Saturday & Yom Tov - 9:30AM
Secular Holidays - 9:00AM
Special minyans anytime by request. Call the office.

Upcoming events and programs. Updated weekly

Spring Personal Products Drive through February 29^th—The Social Action Committee is having a Spring Personal Products Drive to help Jewish clients of Jewish Family Services. Flyers listing all the products needed are throughout the synagogue. Please drop items off in the collection boxes outside the synagogue office. If you have any questions contact Barbara Simon at (414) 351-1010 or bsimon@wi.rr.com.

Thursday, February 2^nd, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm—Come to Mah Jongg Night at Beth El. Bring friends or we will find a table for you. The cost is only $1.00 per person. Yummy snacks are served. Please bring your Mah Jongg set if you have one. Everyone is welcome.

Saturday, February 4^th, at 9:30 am—Shabbat Shira - It is traditional to celebrate the parsha when we read The Song of the Sea with a special musical service. Please join us for this Shabbat of Song. (no musical instruments)

Sunday, February 5^th, at 9:30 am—Join the Beth El Men’s Club, Religious School and Rabbi Crystal for the World Wide Wrap as we celebrate the mitzvot of Tefillin. Following a short program, we will “Wrap” and share a minyan service. Afterwards, the Men’s Club will sponsor a light breakfast for everyone. This is a great opportunity to share with your fellow Men’s Club members, congregants and our Religious School. Please join us for a great program!

Monday, February 6^th, at 11:00 am—The Sisterhood will gather for their Perspectives Program. The guest speaker is our very own Rabbi Crystal. The monthly meeting will follow.

Monday, February 6^th, at 2:00 pm—Rabbi Crystal is teaching a class on “Jewish Values” for our Beth El members at Laurel Oaks. Classes will be on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. It is also open to Beth El members who live nearby and want to take advantage of a daytime class they can drive to in their immediate area. No registration is required. Just come and enjoy. Laurel Oaks is at 1700 W. Bender Rd. in Glendale. (Next class is February 20^th)

Monday, February 6^th, at 6:00 pm—The Men’s Club will hold their monthly ‘Beer & Bible.’ A great kosher dinner will be prepared by Chef Eugene, along with an insightful conversation with Rabbi Crystal.

Saturday, February 11^th, from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm—The Beth El Ner Tamid Men’s Club will host the Musical Memories Concert featuring, a Las Vegas Style Show, with musical performances by the great Tom Anthony Group. You don’t want to miss this! Tickets are $18.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door. This includes dessert and a soda. Mail your check to the Beth El Ner Tamid Synagogue office, 2909 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, WI 53092, attention Men’s Club. Make checks payable to the Beth El Ner Tamid Men’s Club Concert. Flyers/forms are in the foyer and on our website.

Sunday, February 12, at 12:15 pm – Tip ‘Em For Trees – Join us for bowling and a JNF Fundraiser at the Circle B. FREE for all children of Beth El ages 4 to 19. $9.00 for non-members and adults ages 20 and over. Activity includes one game of bowling, shoe rental, cheese pizza, soda and a snack. RSVP by February 9^th to Debbie Intravaia. Flyers are in the foyer.

Wednesday, February 15^th, at 6:00 pm – Join Rabbi Crystal for the Commandments Class at Beth El. St. Boniface will be joining us. Please call the office, at (262) 242-6900, if you need a ride.

Thursday, February 16^th—The Social Action Committee will be serving at St. Vincent de Paul. We are looking for cooks, bakers and servers. To volunteer, please contact Nancy Kellman at (262) 512-9119 or Barbara Simon at (414) 351-1010. If you are not able to donate your time, monetary donations are always welcome.

Friday, February 17^th—The Fifth Annual Chocolate Extravaganza! If you are a chocoholic or just have a sweet tooth, you don’t want to miss this Shabbat Service wit a delectable Kiddush to follow. The service is at 7:00 pm. The Chocolate Extravaganza will follow the service. Click here for more info.

Sunday, February 19^th – The Midwest Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs will be honoring our Men Clubs’ Man of the Year Honorees at Beth Hillel Congregation Bnai Emunah in Wilmette, IL. Beth El Ner Tamid’s Man of the Year is Howard Loeb. The cost to attend the brunch is $36.00 per person. Please send your check to Beth El care of the Men’s Club. For more information, please contact Rodney Ugent at rddugent@aol.com or (414) 351-4714.

Monday, February 20^th, at 2:00 pm—Rabbi Crystal is teaching a class on “Jewish Values” for our Beth El members at Laurel Oaks. Classes will be on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. It is also open to Beth El members who live nearby and want to take advantage of a daytime class they can drive to in their immediate area. No registration is required. Just come and enjoy. Laurel Oaks is at 1700 W. Bender Rd. in Glendale. (Next class is March 5^th)

Thursday, February 23^rd – Next up from KOACH – Exploring Contemporary Anti-Semitism – This program features, direct from Chicago, Lonnie Nasatir, Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League. It is co-sponsored by the Holocaust Education Resource Center. Beth El will host this event. Lunch &/or the program cost $8.00. Lunch is at noon. For reservations or information call Diane Sobel, KOACH Director, at (414) 967-8258.

Friday, February 24^th, at 6:15 pm – Join us for the Annual Sisterhood Shabbat Weekend. Amy Kazilsky will be our Scholar-in-Residence for the weekend. Tonight we will start off with a delicious chicken or portabella mushroom dinner. The cost is $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for children (12 and under). RSVP by Monday, February 20^th. Flyers/forms are in the foyer or click here. The Sisterhood Service will follow.

Saturday, February 25^th, at 9:30 am – Sisterhood Shabbat Weekend continues. Come for our Sisterhood Shabbat Service with a special Kiddush luncheon to follow. Everyone is welcome!

Special Announcements!

Coming soon. Beth El's photos on Flickr.

Saturday, February 11th. 7:30PM to 11:00PM. World-famous Tom Anthony group

On February 17th is our Chocolate Extravaganza!!! Click here.

February 24th and 25th. Our sisterhood Shabbat program with Amy Kazilsky, our scholar-in-residence.

February's Bulletin is now available here.

Rabbi's classes. Click here.

Service times Monday - 7:30AM Thursday - 7:30AM Friday - 7:30AM Saturday & Yom Tov - 9:30AM Secular Holidays - 9:00AM Special minyans anytime by request. Call the office.	Interested in becoming a member of Beth El? We'd love to have you. Contact our office or our membership committee	Our Sisterhood Boutique for all your Judaica needs. Sunday = 10:00 am to Noon Thursday = 4:00 pm to 6:00pm Or anytime by appointment. See our Boutique here.
Beth El on the front cover of the Jewish Chronicle	For sudden illness or emergency events contact Rabbi Crystal 24/7 at (262) 227-7087	Does anyone remember our old Sherman Blvd building? Click here for photos.
Men's Club activities and calendar of events	2011 Men's Club membership signup form	Sisterhood Activities and 2012 calendar
The weekly newsletter deadline is Tuesday to be included in Wednesdays publication Weekly eNewsletter archives	To make a contribution to one of our funds or for information about our tree of life or endowment fund, Please call the office.
	Scrip is available. Contact the office.
See our archives here. Photos Too!!	Look for us on	Please support our Synagogue. Use Goodsearch for all your searches.

Sisterhood Scholarship Program—Sisterhood will again be granting scholarships of up to $500.00 per applicant. Requirements are: 1. Recipient must be no more than 25 years old. 2. Recipient must be the child of a synagogue member, whose mother has been a dues paying member of Sisterhood for not less than one year. 3. Scholarship must be used for a Jewish camp or other venue for Jewish cause. 4. Scholarship must be used within the year granted. 5. Recipient must submit application by the deadline of midnight, March 31, 2012. Applications can be picked up in the Beth El office or by emailing Sheila Smith at sheilsmith@sbcglobal.net.

Entertainment Books are now available in the Beth El office. They make great presents for birthdays, anniversaries or thank-you gifts. It is the gift that keeps on giving plus you will be supporting our synagogue. The cost is only $35.00. Contact the Beth El office at (262) 242-6900 or Kevin Nashban at (414) 352-1242.

Yoga Classes are held at Beth El Ner Tamid with instructor Jan Halonen. Yoga is a great way to reduce stress, increase flexibility, build internal body strength and enhance the immune system. The cost is $11.00 per class. The time is Monday at 9:30 am. Call Jan Halonen at (414) 915-6377 for more information.

Earn a $50.00 Shopping Spree! Beth El Ner Tamid teens (13 to 19 years) can volunteer 50 hours at Beth El and get a $50.00 gift card. Buy clothes, gas, books or use it at your favorite coffee shop. Contact Debbie Intravaia at (920) 451-8654 or pasta963@att.net, or Donna Brown at (262) 242-6900 or donnabrown@wi.rr.com

Shop Sendik’s! Support BENT! Sendik’s Scrip is available at Beth El. Cards can be purchased for cash or check (no charges) in amounts of $50.00 or $100.00. They can either be picked up in the office or pre-ordered and pre-paid and mailed directly to you (Beth El will not be responsible for cards lost in the mail). Beth El makes 5% of all cards sold. For more information or to order cards, please call the office at (262) 242-6900.

Marcus Theater Certificates are available for purchase in the synagogue office. They make wonderful gifts and are a great way to support our synagogue! The certificates are available in the amounts of $5.00 and $10.00. For more information, please contact the office at (262) 242-6900.

Choir rehearsals are Wednesday Evenings at 7:30 pm. New choir members are welcome and all are invited. Enid Bootzin-Berkovits is our Choir Director. Please call the office first in case the class has been cancelled.

The Jewish Museum Milwaukee now has a vast array of archives from Beth El Ner Tamid. From almost all weekly and monthly bulletins we have ever published to photos of our synagogue buildings on Sherman Blvd and W. Garfield streets. Please visit the museum and ask to see the Beth El Ner Tamid archives. Chances are you'll recognize someone from photos taken long ago. Click here for a list of archived items.

Bar/Batmitsvahs, weddings, confirmations held at Beth El? We are looking for photos and articles from yesteryear to add to our collection at the Jewish Museum. If you have anything from years gone by, don't throw them away. Donate them to our growing archives for future generations to enjoy. Contact our webmaster for more information.

Marcus Gift Certificates - The holidays are almost here and Marcus Gift Certificates make a great gift, especially with all the new holiday movies coming out. These gift certificates can be purchased in the synagogue office and are available in $5.00 and $10.00 amounts. Come in and get some soon. Click here for more info.

Our Sisterhood events calendar is available. Please click here to see all our sisterhood events for 2011-2012.

Our Men's Club calendar has been published. Please click here for a list of events for the 2011-2012 calendar year.

Sponsoring a Kiddush is a wonderful way to celebrate a special event. Call the office or send an email to info@bethelnertamid.org.

MAKE A CONTRIBUTION to one of our funds. Contact Marge Kulakow by phone at: (414) 540-6630 or simply drop us an email at the Synagogue.

A leaf on the TREE OF LIFE is a gift that lasts forever. Contact Fred Meyer at (414) 351-4556 for more information.

Did you know... Our gift shop sells gift certificates!!! We have a huge selection of Judaica in our gift shop. Come and visit us on Sunday mornings or call our office for an appointment at your convenience.

Would you like to earn money for our Synagogue? Just go to www.goodsearch.com. Enter your charity as “Beth El Ner Tamid.” Click on verify (the yellow button) and start searching on our behalf. Add goodsearch to your toolbar. It’s simple; just follow the step by step instructions on the Goodsearch website. Plus, every time you search, we earn money. If you're already helping Beth El by using Good Search you can do more--painlessly. At the same site www.goodsearch.com you can click on GoodShop, shop at well-known internet stores like Amazon, LandsEnd, Ebay, etc., and we will get a percentage of the sale.