Interview with Bee Shaine

Q: Where did you grow up?  And/or tell us about your family.

Bee: I grew in South Philadelphia, PA and became the fourth child to my parents, Rebecca and Charles Feldstein. My Pop was was a great guy with a dry sense of humor : emigrated  to the United States at the end of the 19 th Century, leaving my mom with 3 children in Russia while he pursued the American dream. I believe he sent for them seven years later. He settled in New York, and later moved to South Philadelphia where I was born and later my sister Mae 5 1/2 years later. As the siblings were growing so was he, in a different way.   When my father became a widower, with 5 children ages 6 to 20, we siblings stuck together.  My sister Elizabeth ( we call her Betty) was stricken but luckily for her and us she survived. Minerva at 18 years of age became the mistress of the house; cooking and cleaning and taking care of everyone.  By this time, we were living in a brand new house in a brand new neighborhood and Pop bought a brand new car: a Jewett Sedan. Brother Bill helped and moved with his wife to the Shenandoah, Pennsylvania mountains.  I got a job as a Bookkeeper.  My father remarried after, and I did have a good stepmother.  I have a wonderful daughter- Vera, and she works for the Dade-County Public School System.  I have 8 wonderful grandchildren.

Q: How long have you lived in Miami?

Bee: I arrived in Miami Beach in 1952. My first home was in the 41st Stree area, in the "Fashionable Fifties."


Q: We are very fortunate that you decided to join our congregation.  What drew you to Emanu-El?

Bee: I have lived in Miami Beach and have seen the growth of Temple Emanu-El for many years.  After attending the services several times Rachel Newman insisted that I  join the Temple, so I joined. 

Q: What's your favorite activity or aspect of the congregation?

Bee: Temple Emanu-El has been a place for worship for over 70 years.  Even people on vacation have enjoyed the privilege of praying and seeking spiritual fulfillment at TE.  TE reflects the importance of American Judaism over the years, and is the legacy of Rabbi Dr. Irving Lehrman. I love to be one of the congregants, meet interesting people and I enjoy listening to Cantor Mordecai's singing and chanting.  I also miss Rabbi Rose.  

Q: Do you have a favorite Temple Emanu-El moment or memory?

Bee: Yes! When the Ark is opened and I see the Torah scrolls held in it, I feel a spiritual connection.

Q: Which Jewish holiday do you find most meaningful?

Bee: I find Yom Kippur the holiest day of the year very meaningful. It makes me feel my Jewishness and I like it. I also like Pesach when we have an opportunity to gather around with family, friends and the community.  My family welcomes guests to our Pesach Seders.  I get a kick out of watching the kids search for the Afi Komen, excited about the reward.

Q: What do you consider a special or well-used piece of Judaica
(Jewish materials/objects) you have at home?

Bee: I have a painting that a friend of mine gave me and I have it until now. I also find something very special about the Kiddush cup that I purchased for my grandson on his 21st birthday.


Q: What is an area of Jewish learning you'd like to explore more?

Bee:  I would like to learn to speak Hebrew fluently; but it's too hard for me now. I would love to become more active, but I am learning more and more everyday about computers.

Q: Do you have a Jewish figure or role-model whom you admire
(contemporary or past)?

Bee: The wonderful Golda Meir, because she was fearless and sought peace for all people.  

Q: Where do you like to spend your free time?

Bee: I enjoy knitting and making Kippas. I started knitting when my husband passed away, and was encouraged by my daughter to do it. I am glad I can play bingo, I play Scrabble when I can get a partner, and I write for my family, my grandson, and I email my friends and family wishing them a "Good Shabbos."  I did enjoy photography as a hobby- but not anymore. I am a frequent concert attendant- every decade has something new.

Q: What's something that most people don't know about you?

Bee: I worked 50 years in the Murry Sheldon Insurance Co. They kept me, because according to them, I have good speech and typing skills in addition to a good attitude.   I also love games, dancing, and watching the news on PBS with my favorite anchor.  

Q: Any special talents or interesting trivia?

Bee: I have always enjoyed writing. However, back in the day, my father wanted me to be a bookkeeper.

Q: Your favorite food or beverage?

Bee: Anything that agrees with me now.

Q: What idea or wish do you have for the congregation/community?

Bee: I am not smart enough to have any ideas for the Temple Emanu-El community that would come to fruition. I will leave that up to the experts. 
               
Q: Any personal addition to this interview?

Bee: I've been asked many times "What is my secret of living so long:"?  This "old lady" has no answer but lucky enough to be at the "right place at the right time" plus the good genes that she was fortunate to inherit. Did Divine Providence help? Maybe?

Thank you,Bee!

 

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