Second Lansky Retreat a Huge Success

     Anshei Sphard Beth El Emeth Congregation held its second biennial Lansky Retreat over the weekend of June 14-16^th. According to its organizers and participants, it was a big success.

      The S.L. and Anna Sarah Lansky Scholar in Residence Fund was instituted in 1980 by the Lansky and Slutsky families in honor of their beloved patriarch and matriarch. Many outstanding and renowned speakers have been brought in through the years for the Lansky Shabbaton. After consultation with the family, it was decided to try the new format of a weekend retreat. "We were looking for something less formal, something to be fun and yet to uplift," said Bernice Banes, a member of the Lansky family.

This year’s retreat, attended by more than 100 people, was held in Paris Landing State Park. It focused on the beauty of Shabbat , its music and prayer. It included educational games for children and adults alike, in the form of game shows such as ‘Family Feud” and “The Weakest Link” with Joe “Regis” Roberts leaving everyone rolling with laughter as host. There was lots of singing and great food catered by Heart and Soul Catering but served by Esther Lubin and her wonderful committee. 

An Eruv was built to include a beautiful patio overlooking Kentucky Lake, and some programs were held outdoors. The Torah was read expertly by several congregants. 

There were programs for the children throughout the entire weekend run by the YASBEE Madrichim, the Israeli youth leaders of ASBEE, Yoav and Shimrit, who are serving the congregation and the JCC this summer as part of a Lemsky Grant of the Memphis Jewish Federation. 

Due to the passing of Rabbi Joel Finkelstein’s father in law, Mr. Irving Zuckerbrot, Rabbi Finkelstein and his family were not able to attend the retreat. As a result, several others were pressed into service to fill that void. 

Mr. Aryeh Aranoff, representing “Yachad” NCSY Summer Programs for the Developmentally Disabled, moderated a discussion on Joseph & His Brothers. Mrs Debby Weinstein led a lively discussion on “Korach & Our Own Personal Rebellions”. Cantor Aryeh Samberg, delivered a sermon, Antidote to Rebellion: Inner Peace, and provided Divrei Torah at each of the meals. 

Undoubtedly, the highlight was near the end of Shabbat, as everyone sat in a circle singing moving songs. Cantor Samberg then read a very moving and personal Dvar Torah sent by Rabbi Finkelstein from New York -written as he sat beside his ailing Father in Law. 

The Havdalla service was held outside on the patio in the dark overlooking Kentucky Lake as the new moon shone in the clear sky reminding us that just when times are darkest for the Jewish people, a renewal takes place. President Stuart Lazarov thanked the Lansky Family and all the volunteers who made such a wonderful Shabbat possible. 

Participants raved about the community feeling, the creation of a Jewish congregation in the middle of the woods. People enjoyed staying together, getting to know each other, and they enjoyed the beauty of the place and the tranquility of Shabbat. Esther Lubin said, "It was a joy to see what a great event it was. The spirit was terrific, the setting, a delight, and the program was well done." 

The next ASBEE Lansky Retreat will be in the spring of 2004, G-d willing. "In today’s society," said Rabbi Finkelstein, "it is so important to have some Jewish experiences which are total Jewish experiences. Being in Israel is an experience of the total Jewish society. Shabbat in a retreat setting is yet another holistic Jewish experience which every Jewish person should experience as part of a vibrant Jewish life. We are grateful to the Lansky family for the vision to see this through and to the participants for making it so memorable.”