Celebrate Sukkot, Simchat Torah

Transcription

1 Volume 159, Number 3 Tishrei/Cheshvan 5778 October 2017 October Highlights Finding Refuge Sukkot brings an especially timely message this year. Rabbi Prosnit explains why the sukkah offers lessons on refugees and natural disasters, on Page 3. Come to the Biennial Take part in a unique, powerful Jewish experience. Join B nai Israel s delegation at the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial 2017 this December in Boston. Find out how on Page 4. Set Course for Israel One of the greatest life lessons you can give your teenager is a master class on living in Israel. Ira Wise offers some great options, on Page 7. A Powerful Performance Join us toward the end of October for a performance of the powerful musical Freedom Song, a unique and thoughtprovoking production (pictured above). See the details on Page 16. Also Inside: Bulletin Board...P.2 Rabbi Schultz...P.5 BIFTY...P.6 Adult Learning...P.8 Shabbat Services...P.15 Celebrate Sukkot, Simchat Torah We just marked Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, but that does not end the holiday period at B nai Israel. Join us as we celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah, with events for all ages. Sukkot Wednesday, October 4 Join us starting at 5:00 p.m. to celebrate Sukkot, as well as the consecration of our new Religious School students. At 5:00 p.m., we will decorate B nai Israel s sukkah, and have dinner together at 5:30 p.m. Then, at 6:00 p.m., we will join together for a Sukkot service and consecration ceremony in the Sanctuary. For dinner, a main dish will be provided, but we ask families with last names beginning with letters A-M to bring a nut-free appetizer or side dish and N-Z families to bring a nut-free dessert. To join us, please RSVP to Chris in the Temple office at (203) or chris@cbibpt.org, and please note you are RSVP ing for the Sukkot Family Marking 30 Years of Bonim Join us for a special Shabbat service on Friday, October 6, as we celebrate 30 years of Bonim Preschool. Festivities start with the Oneg at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Shabbat service at 6:00 p.m. A dinner marking three decades of preschool education at B nai Israel follows the service. The celebration also will honor Gail Weinstein for her longtime service to Bonim. Congregation B nai Israel opened Bonim Dinner. Adults, please join us at 7:15 p.m. for dinner preceding a talk by Nili Bresler. During a festival when Jews worldwide remember the period of our wanderings as refugees, we are excited to welcome Bresler, the Communications Officer of Natan International Humanitarian Aid, an Israeli non-profit organization currently devoting its efforts to helping refugees fleeing the conflict in the Middle East. A multi-ethnic, multifaith and multicultural organization, Natan has been providing disaster relief worldwide for more than 13 years. These days, Israeli Arabs and Jews have united to come to the aid of the refugees. Join us for dinner following services in (or near) the sukkah and/or for the presentation following dinner, around 8:15 p.m. To make reservations for dinner, at $20 per person, contact Chris in the Temple office at (203) or chris@cbibpt.org. Please note Continued on Page 5 in 1987 to support children in their earliest years of Jewish learning and to educate parents through their children s activities. Over the past three decades, Bonim has grown into a comprehensive early childhood education program, offering a warm and nurturing environment for children to learn. To find out more about the service and the dinner, contact Alexa Cohen at (203) or acohen@cbibpt.org.

2 Welcome! A warm welcome to our newest members. We look forward to their participation in our many programs and hope their affiliation will not only enrich their lives, but that of our congregation. David Kraft, and Benjamin Fenimore Road, Mamaroneck David Cohen & Kendra Falkenstein, Nathaniel and Alexandra North Street, Easton Brian & Alison Jasgur, Eli and Noa Louis Street, Trumbull Aaron & Hilary Dommu, Josie and Eli Alma Drive, Fairfield Bruce Kahn & Shari Greenblatt, Olivia and Solomon Unquowa Road, Fairfield Joshua & Jennifer Shelov, Owen, Emma and Andrew Brooklawn Terrace, Fairfield Bennett and Sarah Goss, Charlotte and Lylah Puritan Road, Trumbull Sharing Our Joy Joanne and Steven Kant, in celebration of the birth of grandson, Ethan Benjamin Blanaru, son of Lisa Kant and Daniel Blanaru. Ilse Levi, in celebration of her 95 th Birthday! Esther Spiegel, in celebration of her 95 th Birthday! Sincere Sympathy We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of: Selma Rand, aunt of Jill Dachman Blood Drive a Success We just held the most successful blood drive in several years, collecting more than 45 donations of blood. Thank you to all of you who helped, and particularly to: Steve Field Donor Randy Dorfman Volunteer/ sign-in Lynn Lynch for invaluable help Johnny Flores setting up/taking down The next drive will take place November 1. Watch Hashavua for details. Please consider donating again or for the first time. Stay Connected in College The Congregation B nai Israel College Committee serves to remind students who are members of the congregation that even while they are away at school, they remain integral parts of our community. Several times a year we send students care packages with small gifts and letters from our rabbis to help them remain engaged with our congregation. Parents of college students, if you would like your child included, please send us the student s full name and current college mailing address, even if you have provided this information in a prior year. You can send your information to Chris in the temple office at chris@cbibpt.org. Get Medicare Assistance Jerry Demner is a Choices Volunteer Counselor who provides free Medicare advice to seniors and their caregivers. He served as a Medicare Part D counselor in New York from 2004 to 2011, when he moved to Fairfield. In Connecticut, he has been affiliated with the Southwest Connecticut Agency for the Aging since He is certified Bulletin Board by Connecticut and SHIP (State Health Insurance Plans) as an unpaid volunteer to do this work. Everyone on Medicare is required to have a drug plan that is considered a credible Part D plan. Everyone s plan should be reviewed annually, as premiums and drugs included in the program constantly change. Insurance companies negotiate individually with each pharmaceutical company for each drug they cover. Surprises are the rule, not the exception. There is an open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 that permits you to change your plan and possibly save a significant amount of money. There are also other options that are available during this enrollment period. They have to do with Part C Advantage Plans and Traditional Medicare. A credible plan can be associated with a drug plan attached to a health plan as part of a retirement package. If there is any question, you should contact the plan administrator and determine if the plan is CREDIBLE To PART D. If the plan is not credible, the individual is subject to penalties. The penalty will be added to the premium of the Part D Plan for the rest of the person s life. Contact Jerry with any questions at medicarehelper@optimum.net or approach him any Friday evening or Saturday morning when he is at the Temple for services. It takes between 45 minutes to a little over an hour to help each person. He will be happy to arrange a mutually convenient appointment. Since he is a volunteer, there is no charge for this service; he wants to help you navigate through this complex process. 2 What s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly . Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org.

3 From the Rabbi s Desk/Rabbi James Prosnit Sukkot Once Again, A Reminder That We Were Refugees One of the central mitzvot of the festival of Sukkot is Ushpizin the idea of welcoming guests into our sukkah. A tradition evolved that in each sukkah we symbolically welcome Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David. Why these seven? Because if we follow the biblical text, at one point in each of their lives they were refugees. Each had to leave his home in search of security and safety, due to famine and weather conditions, due to threat of violence, due to the promise of opportunity in a new land. Not much has changed since biblical times, and this Sukkot is an especially good time to focus on the needs of the most recent refugees and immigrants who have left their homes for pretty much the exact same reason. As a congregation, we ll have several opportunities in the coming month to both learn and act. On the first evening of Sukkot, Wednesday, October 4, at 7:15 p.m. (6:45 p.m. if you d like to have dinner in the sukkah see P.1 for more details), please join us to meet Nili Bresler (niece of Bobby Bresler), who is involved with an organization in Israel called Natan. Nili grew up in Bridgeport, but has been living in Israel for many years. She heads Natan s Communication and Training team and has a powerful story to tell about her work not only in Israel, but most recently on the islands of Lesbos and Chios in Greece, where Natan has been providing assistance to those who fled war-torn Syria. They re also involved in numerous other regions, providing disaster relief in countries devastated by earthquakes, such as Nepal and Haiti. Closer to home, we have begun some initiatives with IICONN, the International Building a transitory sukkah was meant to be more than just a fun week of camping out. The sukkah was a physical reminder of forces of nature and the vulnerability that is part of all life. Institute of Connecticut. Several of our congregants have expressed an eagerness to volunteer and engage with this organization that provides services to refugees and immigrants being settled in the Bridgeport area. We met with Claudia Connor, the director of IICONN, and came away impressed by all they do and heartbroken that they can t do more. She mentioned that last year they planned for 160 refugee families to be entering the Bridgeport area, but because of the current policies of our government, they only had two in July and none in August. Not much has changed since biblical times, and this Sukkot is an especially good time to focus on the needs of the most recent refugees and immigrants who have left their homes for pretty much the exact same reason as our ancestors. At any time, but especially on the festival of Sukkot, how painful this is when we consider how little our nation is doing for the millions of refugees left vulnerable around the world. We can t do it all, but to do so little is an affront to our country s core values and Judaism s central teachings. We learned, however, that there is still plenty of work to do and partnerships are possible, both for interested individuals in the congregation (mentors, ESL tutors, legal help) as well as some group programs. If you are interested in being involved, please contact me at jprosnit@ cbibpt.org and stay tuned for more details. And finally, I write this with images of the devastation that Hurricanes Harvey and Irma brought to Houston, east Texas, Florida and the Caribbean. The staggering numbers of evacuees and the misery and displacement caused by flooding hurts all of our hearts. As you read this a month later, we pray that dry land has returned to that region and are reminded that our ongoing financial contributions will still be needed to restore shattered lives. Building a transitory sukkah was meant to be more than just a fun week of camping out. The sukkah was a physical reminder of forces of nature and the vulnerability that is part of all life. Presumably after a week in the rain and wind, the haves would count their blessings and come to realize that many in God s world live in a precarious booth not just for seven days, but all year long. May such solidarity awaken us to the multiple needs that exist globally and here at home, and may the festival this year especially inspire us to corrective actions. Donation Item of the Month: Bags of Beans and Rice for St. John s. 3

4 URJ Biennial: Register By October 10 Get a unique, powerful Jewish experience. Register by October 10 and help make B nai Israel s presence known this December at the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial 2017 in Boston. The Biennial, slated for December 6-10 at the Hynes Convention Center, is the largest Jewish gathering in North America. More than, 5,000 attendees will come together to worship, learn, sing, build community, and shape the future of the Reform Movement. Get recharged with learning sessions, networking opportunities, plenaries, worship, and entertainment all tailored to inspire and empower lay leaders, clergy, and synagogue professionals. Choose from more than 140 sessions designed to provide congregational leaders with tools to enhance their effectiveness, and to highlight innovations in Jewish spiritual life. Presenters include experts in academia, the private sector, Reform Movement institutions and congregations. It is also a chance to show support for B nai Israel congregant Luise Burger, who will serve as the Biennial chair. For more information on the URJ Biennial 2017 and to register, go to www. urj.org/biennial. Register by October 10 to receive a discounted price and to help B nai Israel achieve delegation status. TH Please join us for a special shabbat service and dinner to celebrate Bonim Preschool s 30th Anniversary and to honor Gail Weinstein Friday, October 6th at 5:30PM Congregation B nai Israel 2710 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT Our celebration will begin with an oneg at 5:30pm, followed by Kabbalat Shabbat services and dinner. To find out more about the cost for dinner or to make a reservation, contact Alexa Cohen at (203) or acohen@cbibpt.org We know that many of you share a deep concern for those affected by the recent major hurricanes. Hurricane Harvey swamped the Greater Houston area, and shortly thereafter Hurricane Irma caused havoc across Florida. There are many who have been evacuated from their homes and are in Help Those Impacted by Hurricanes need of basic supplies and shelter. One of the best ways to support those who have been displaced or affected by Harvey and Irma is through tzedakah donations. Two organizations we recommend are: Jewish Federations of North America jewishfederations.org/ Union for Reform Judaism Contribute to support Hurricane Harvey evacuation housing at URJ Greene Family Camp via 4 Follow us on Instagram at Cbibpt

5 From the Rabbi s Study/Rabbi Evan Schultz The Sukkah is the Fall Bitter Herbs Every year when I turn to build our family sukkah, I try to think about our ancestors who wandered in the desert and lived in these very booths. Our ancestors, without the aid of modern-day tools, were sometimes required to set up and take down their sukkot regularly as they wandered through the desert. Sukkot, like the festival of Passover, is designed to have us not only learn about the narrative of our ancestors, but to experience it as well. Thus, when I take out the frame of the sukkah and the lattice roof, the lights and the table that we gather around for our meals, I want to experience just a little bit of what our ancestors did when they set up their sukkot in the desert. As I attach the bolts that connect the walls, I too am pushed to think about the moral imperatives associated with the building of the sukkah: that all do not live in the comfort of a permanent home, that there are those around the world forced to move from place to place for safety, in hopes of finding their modern-day Promised Land, that each of us with our hands has the ability to build and create anew for the most vulnerable. The reason for building and dwelling in booths is similar to the reason we eat bitter herbs, matzah and salt water during the festival of Passover. The 12 th century scholar Maimonides writes in his Guide for the Perplexed that the two festivals, Passover ant the Feast of Rabbi Schultz leads Bonim preschoolers in song in the temple sukkah. The sukkah holds lessons for all ages, including an unexpected connection to Passover. Tabernacles (Sukkot), imply also the teaching of certain truths and moral lessons. Passover teaches us to remember the miracles which God wrought in Egypt, and to perpetuate their memory; the Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of the miracles wrought in the wilderness. We eat, therefore, unleavened bread and bitters herbs on Passover in memory of what has happened to us, and leave [on Sukkot] our houses in order to dwell in tabernacles, as inhabitants of deserts do that are in want of comfort. We shall thereby remember that this has been our condition Just as we eat the bitter herbs and matzah, Sukkot is our means of experiencing the lives of our ancestors and gleaning from that our moral obligation to act in the world. If the bitter herbs and matzah prompt us to work to free those who are still enslaved, the building and dwelling in our sukkot prompts us to welcome in those who wander, those who seek shelter, and those who seek refuge. I hope you ll join us at the synagogue or build a sukkah in your yard to engage in this powerful mitzvah. you are RSVP ing for the Nili Bresler dinner. Simchat Torah SUKKOT From Page 1 Wednesday, October 11 We welcome families at 5:30 p.m. in the Social Hall for a pizza dinner and tiny Torah making. At 6:00 p.m. we will come together for our service, and celebrate with singing, marching and flag waving. All students with a bar or bat mitzvah in the upcoming year will have the opportunity to stand by their Torah portions in the unfurled scroll. Thursday, October 12 Join us at 10:00 a.m. for Simchat Torah Yizkor services, followed by a Festival Brunch. Please RSVP to Chris in the Temple office at (203) or chris@cbibpt.org if you will be attending the brunch. Follow us on Twitter We ll follow back! 5

6 October Events BIFTY Thank you to everyone who donated to the Yom Kippur Food Drive! BIFTY meets every Thursday from 7:15 p.m.to 8:45 p.m. in the BIFTY Lounge on the second floor of the Religious School wing. We look forward to seeing you there! Here are some October Highlights: October 12 Remember your first day of school as a kid when you played name games and colored pictures for the bulletin board? Join us to relive those days! October 19 Test your Israel Trivia in our interactive Jeopardy game! October 26 Celebrate Challahween like you never have before! Follow us on BIFTY Follow us on cbi.bifty Do you have questions? advisor Marisa Underberger at munderberger@ cbibpt.org. BIFTY teens gather in the food court of the Trumbull mall to refuel after having fun at the annual Mall Hunt. BIFTY Names Officers for BIFTY, the Temple youth group, elected its leadership for the year. Here are the new officers: Presidents: Max Fink and Jenna Rosenstein Programming VP: Melanie DelAngelo Religious and Cultural VP: Jessica Becker and Alex Weisman Social Action VP: Matt Hochberg and Hannah Mallon Communications VP: Henry Szuchman Membership VP: Noah Giglietti NFTY Rep: Sophie Lipset Leave a Lasting Legacy and Help B nai Israel We need you for the Congregation B nai Israel Buy a Brick Campaign. Make a lasting impression on our community by purchasing an engraved brick that will help beautify our synagogue and energize our congregation. You can choose the bricks that best fit your legacy: 4 inches x 8 inches, $118 Three lines, 20 characters per line 8 inches by 8 inches, $ Eight lines, 20 characters per line You also can enhance the experience: Brick Certificate, $18.00 Souvenir replica brick with your 4 x 8 purchase, $36 Souvenir replica brick with your 8 x 8 purchase, $54 Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Our Buy a Brick Campaign website is now live at conbi. Alternatively, you can download the order form and drop it off at the Temple office with your payment. For more information about the campaign, please contact Kristen Carley at kgcarley@ cbibpt.org. 6 We want you in the Bulletin! Send your news to editor Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org.

7 From the Education Center/Ira J. Wise Breathing the Air of the Promised Land If you have a teen or preteen child or grandchild, I want to plant a seed in your mind. That seed is Israel. As most of you know, each year we have two Israeli 18-year-olds who defer their military service and come live in our community. When I sit down with the new Shinshinim (a nickname that comes from Shanat Sherut a year of service which is what they are doing), I explain that if I could, I would run a pipe from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv all the way to Bridgeport; I would connect to the ventilation system in our temple and pump the air of Israel into B nai Israel, so we could all breath it in metaphorically. I explain that their job is to make that happen through the teaching and activities they bring to us. They do an amazing job. And you should invite Yuval and/or Ofek into your home for dinner one night, or to hang out on the weekend. Or to live with you for three or four months. The thing is, they cannot really bring the air of Israel. Nothing is as good as going there and breathing it, experiencing the sights, sounds, tastes and the people living a normal life in the Jewish state. So I want you to begin thinking and talking now with your child or grandchild about going there for a visit. I escort one of our NFTY summer trips on the first leg of their Israel trip as they begin in Eastern Europe. They have an amazing time. I will be happy to connect your teen with one of the many who have gone to Israel Nothing is as good as going to Israel and breathing it, experiencing the sights, sounds, tastes and the people living a normal life in the Jewish state. Experiential learning takes on a new meaning for Heller High School and NFTY in Israel participants. with NFTY. We also have Heller High School. It is an actual semester of high school in the Judean hills. Both of my sons attended during their sophomore years. Max Fink, the seventh (by my count) B nai Israel participant, returned from his semester in June. Let me share his words: For the past four months I have been living a world away... the students of NFTY Heller High are housed in a guest house that is part of Kibbutz Tzuba. Many members have jobs in the community that makes everything seem so close. A woman I sit near during lunch was sitting near me during a memorial service, and has sold me pita and hummus in the market. The same person who has served me chicken at dinner was in front of me in the line of the ice cream shop, just yesterday. This huge sense of community is only possible in Israel, on the kibbutzim. Another participant, from Chicago, gives five reasons why her experience has changed her for the better: 1) A stronger Jewish identity; 2) Meeting some of her Like Us on Facebook. Visit the Congregation B nai Israel page and join us online. closest friends; 3) Becoming more selfdirected; 4) Establishing a connection to Israel; and 5) Prepared for the future. (You can read her explanation of these points at Students at Heller High take the same academic classes they would have taken here at Warde, Trumbull, Ludlowe, Barlow, etc. They send the syllabi from their local teachers, and Heller makes sure the same learning goals are met. And then they add Jewish history and Hebrew Ulpan. And when the history class has the opportunity to visit the site of something they are learning, they get on the bus! Most students earn more academic credits than they would have staying in the United States. So visit and click on the Trips button to learn more about Heller High and NFTY in Israel programs. Call me or one of our rabbis to talk about it. And start planning and saving. There are generous scholarships, but it is a sizeable expense. And it is worth every penny and then some. L shalom, Ira J. Wise, D.J.R.E. Director of Education 7

8 Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B nai Israel Refugees From Our Past, to the Worldwide Present Shabbat Sukkot Guest Speaker Nili Bresler (Niece of Bobbie Bresler) Friday, October 6 6:00 p.m. Erev Sukkot and Consecration Service 6:45 p.m. Adult Sukkot Dinner 7:15 p.m. Nili Bresler During a festival when Jews worldwide remember the period of our wanderings as refugees, join Nili Bresler, Communications Officer of Natan International Humanitarian Aid, an Israeli non-profit organization currently devoting its efforts to helping refugees fleeing the conflict in the Middle East. A multi-ethnic, multi-faith and multicultural organization, Natan has been providing disaster relief worldwide for over 13 years. These days, Israeli Arabs and Jews have united to come to the aid of the refugees. Join us for dinner following services in (or near) the Sukkah and/or for the presentation following around 7:15 p.m. To make a reservation for dinner, contact Chris in the Temple office at (203) or chris@cbibpt.org. Life Stories Lifelong Learning: Fridays October, 13, 20 and 27 at noon Join author and playwright Carol Mack as she leads a writing workshop similar to one she has taught for many years at NYU. It is for all levels of writers and focuses on creating fiction out of moments, details and people from life stories by using imagination to build character, plot, dialogue, point of view and finding your unique voice. The workshop will include writing exercises. To learn more about Carol Mack, go to Real-Life Jewish Parenting and Grandparenting Mondays, October 16, 23, 30 and November 6 at 7:00 p.m. Doesn t raising children who feel connected to their own Jewishness seem difficult? They are growing up in a world their parents may (and grandparents certainly could) only imagine. Join Temple Educator Ira Wise as we explore ways of helping our children and grandchildren choose to make these connections and find authentic meaning in being Jewish. It is not as difficult as we may think, but being deliberate will help! And as the adults, we do not have to speak from a place of firm knowledge which is good, because many of us are still working out our own beliefs! This is for parents and grandparents of children and grandchildren of all ages! Origins of the Jewish State: 100 Years after the Balfour Declaration Friday, October 27 5:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Services 7:15 p.m. Dinner (RSVP, see below) 8:15 p.m. Dr. Ellen Umansky Dr. Ellen Umansky is our guide on a journey through time as we examine the impact of a short note on our world today. In 1917, Lord Balfour, the British Foreign Secretary sent a note to Lord Walter Rothschild, a leader of the British Jewish community. It would only take him three tweets to send it today. It began: His Majesty s government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people Dr. Ellen Umansky is a professor and the director of the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies at Fairfield University. Her research and writing largely focuses on late 19th-20th century Jewish history and thought in the United States and England, with a particular interest in lay religious leadership, liberal Judaism, and Jewish women s spirituality. Please reserve your place for dinner no later than Tuesday, October 24, by contacting Chris Rocha in the Temple office at or Chris@cbibpt.org. Why do Jews Answer Questions with Another Question? Lifelong Learning: Fridays November 3, 10, 17, December 1, 8 and 15 at Noon Contemporary Jews descend from a long line of questioners. Join Rabbinic Intern Stephanie Crawley for this fourto five-week course exploring the Jewish inclination towards questioning. We will look at some of the most important questions in Jewish text and tradition, the role of the question as a tool for learning or subversion, and dive into some questions of our own. And You Shall Teach Them Diligently To Your Children: Yad Vashem and How We View The Shoah Mondays, November 13 and 20, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Scott Verchin has been teaching Shoah (Holocaust) to our teens for five years. His primary focus has been on the heroes, fighters and rescuers. This past summer Scott went to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Memorial Center in Jerusalem, for a weeklong seminar for Jewish teachers like him. There he was presented with new approaches to understanding and teaching the meaning and significance of the Shoah to his students. For two nights, we have asked Scott to share what he learned and how he is applying it to his teaching. Scott s trip and this class were made possible in part by a grant from the Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County. 8 Leave a lasting legacy; participate in the Buy a Brick Campaign. See details in the Bulletin Board on Page 6.

9 Donations Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing. Rabbi Prosnit Discretionary Fund Donations in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon, were made by: Randy Dorfman Barbara and Mark Edinberg Jack Kadden Annette and Rick Kaye Beth Lazar George and Chris Markley Sandi Michaelson Nancy and Jeff Oberman Nancy Brown, in memory of Yale Hirshberg, brother of Gloria Katz. Andrea and Dennis Feinberg, in memory of Robert Lesser, father of Stanton and Jill Lesser. Jack and Sandy Germain, in memory of Deena Coplin. Adam Giglietti, in appreciation of Claire Baker, for helping me prepare for my Bar Mitzvah. Joanne and Steven Kant, in honor of the birth of grandson, Ethan Benjamin Blanaru, son of Lisa Kant and Daniel Blanaru. Annette Schwarz Kaye and Rick Kaye, in honor of Rabbi James Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the engagement of son, Jake Prosnit, to Jenna Weinberg. Carol Krim, in memory of parents, Dorothy and Abe Mirsky, and Ida and Sam Krim. Beth Lazar, in memory of Evelyn Ruskin, mother of Daniel Ruskin. Aleksey and Raisa Ledvich, in memory of mother, Emilia Ledvich; in memory of grandmother, Adel Dovolskaya. Karin Newman, in memory of Helen Appleton, mother of Liz Nigrosh. Judy and David Pressler & Midge s Family, in appreciation for conducting our Aunt Midge Vas Nunes unveiling. Previn Patel and Beverly Lewis, in honor of the birth of Genevieve Sheiman, granddaughter of Robert and Ellen Sheiman, and in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Yehuda. Beth and Randy Reich and Family, in memory of mother and grandmother, (203) The Bulletin of Congregation B nai Israel is published every month except July. James Prosnit, D.D.... Rabbi Evan Schultz... Rabbi Arnold I. Sher, D.D.... Rabbi Emeritus Sheri E. Blum, D.M.... Cantor Ramon Gilbert, D.M.... Cantor Emeritus Ira J. Wise, D.J.R.E.... Temple Educator Robert H. Gillette, R.J.E... Educator Emeritus Alexa Cohen... Early Childhood Director Officers Michael Blumenthal... President Shari Nerreau... 1st Vice President Jill Elbaum... Vice President Jim Greenberg... Vice President Larry Levine... Vice President Jerry Saunders... Treasurer Perry Molinoff... Assistant Treasurer Susan Walden... Secretary Joe Varon... Financial Secretary Samuel J. Rosenberg... Immediate Past President Affiliates Marisa Underberger... BIFTY Advisor/Youth Engagement Specialist Max Fink & Jenna Rosenstein... BIFTY Co-Presidents Scott L. Smith... Bulletin Editor Congregation B nai Israel, founded in 1858, seeks to be a vibrant Reform synagogue dedicated to the perpetuation of Jewish life and values within the framework of contemporary American Judaism. We are a gateway to Judaism for all. The Congregation B nai Israel Bulletin publishes monthly 11 times a year (except July). To submit an article, announcement or ad to the Bulletin, please contact Editor Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org. Submissions are due by the first day of the month preceding the publication month. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length or style. Donation Item of the Month: Bags of Beans and Rice for St. John s. Vivienne Zimmer Goldstein. Honey and Ken Sacks, in memory of Dr. Milton Cooper, husband of Lilla Cooper. Laurie and Daniel Schopick, in honor of Rabbi James Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the engagement of son, Jake Prosnit, to Jenna Weinberg. Rhea Spiegel, in honor of my mother Esther Spiegel s 95 th birthday. Gail and Peter Weinstein, in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit for a meaningful naming service for granddaughter, Alexa Eve; in memory of mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother, Edith; in memory of uncle, Jerry. Rabbi Schultz Discretionary Fund Donations in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon, were made by: Annette and Rick Kaye Ellen and Robert Sheiman Nancy and Jeff Oberman Anne and Mark Kirsch, in memory of father and grandfather, Victor Kirsch. Beth and Randy Reich and Family, in memory of mother and grandmother, Beatrice Reich Burchman. Alex and Rachel Rubin, in appreciation of Rabbi Schultz performing our wedding ceremony. Music Fund Donations in memory of Helen Appleton, mother of Liz Nigrosh, were made by: Barbara Abraham Elaine and Juda Chetrit Barbara and Mark Edinberg Linda, Mike, Jill and Danielle Epstein Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman Ruth and Eric Gross Annette and Rick Kaye Lisa Knicos Beth Lazar Karin Newman Ellen Hyde Phillips Caren and Bill Schwartz Elaine and Marc Silverman Jonathan and Cleo Sonneborn The Weisman/Silberman Family Judi and David Beier, Mazel Tov to Sue Walden on beautiful Torah Chanting. Continued on the next page 9

10 DONATIONS From Page 9 Jeff and Wendy Bender, a donation sponsoring the cello for Kol Nidre. Eric and Lisa Broder, in memory of Joan Broder; in appreciation to Cantor Blum. Andrea and Dennis Feinberg, in memory of father, Harold Kay. Annette and Rick Kaye, in honor of the birth of Felicity Maya Herman, daughter of Ali & Marc Herman, granddaughter of Randye Kaye. Beth Lazar, in appreciation of Mark Edinberg, Anne Kirsch and Liz Nigrosh, for sharing their musical talents with B nai Israel; wishing good health and happiness to Cantor Blum on her special birthday. Aleksey and Raisa Ledvich, in memory of uncle, Yuri Sotnik. Ilse Levi, in memory of Yale Hirshberg, brother of Gloria Katz. David and Judith Pressler, in loving memory of Joseph Pressler, Jonathan Pressler and Max Farber. Ellen and Robert Sheiman, wishing Perry Wasserlauf continued good health. Jonathan and Cleo Sonneborn, in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon; in special appreciation to Mark Edinberg for his musical contributions; in honor of Mark and Barbara Edinberg, on the marriage of son, Joel, to Rachel Blumenthal. Gail and Peter Weinstein, in honor of Sheri s special birthday. Enhancement Fund Donations in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon, were made by: Laurie & Dan Aladjem Jim and Lisa Greenberg Janet Jurow The Kalmans Family Jerry Saunders and Elaine Appellof Esther Spiegel Donations in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross were made by: Jim and Lisa Greenberg Bob and Paula Herzlinger Mr. and Mrs. Hiller Twody and Bob Schless Edie Baum, in loving memory of mother, Rose Holtzman. Barbara Berkowitz, in memory of mother, Evelyn Toss. Jim and Lisa Greenberg, in memory of Helen Appleton, mother of Liz Nigrosh. Bob and Paula Herzlinger, in memory of Leah Herzlinger, mother of Bob Herzlinger; in memory of David Rosenberg, father of Paula Herzlinger; in memory of Sylvia Rosenberg, mother of Paula Herzlinger. Janet Jurow, in memory of Helen Appleton, mother of Liz Nigrosh. Sheila Kaminsky, in memory of Yale Hirshberg, brother of Gloria Katz. Myrna Kaufman, in memory of father, Robert Newman. David and Louise Linsky, a donation. Nora Mayerson, in loving memory of father, Harry L. Silverman. Judy Rankell, in memory of Fannie Eisenberg. Paul and Bernice Rosch, in memory of father, Meyer Rosch. Caren and Bill Schwartz, in memory of Alvin Yerkes, father of Susan Preminger. Howard Selznick, in appreciation to Congregation B nai Israel. Esther Spiegel, in memory of Yale Hirshberg, brother of Gloria Katz; in memory of Evelyn Ruskin, mother of Daniel Ruskin. Elinor Taylor, in memory of parents, Lillian and Larry Ribak. Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education Fund Donations in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon, were made by: Barbara Abraham Lisa Knicos Becky and Rich Rosen Naomi Schaffer and Roger Jackson Caren and Bill Schwartz Judi and David Beier, in memory of Yale Hirshberg, brother of Gloria Katz. Elaine and Juda Chetrit, in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Andrea and Dennis Feinberg, in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Joan and Richard Kalmans, in memory of Helen Appleton, mother of Liz Nigrosh. Nursery School Scholarship Fund Linda Liefland and Jon Orleans, in memory of Helen Appleton, mother of Liz Nigrosh. David Polansky, in memory of Derek Solomon, father of Kerrith Rosenbaum. Gail and Peter Weinstein, in honor of Carol and Steve Wolfson s grandson, Liam, on his Bar Mitzvah; in honor of Rosanne and Steve Ain s grandson, Jonah, on his Bar Mitzvah; in honor of Bob Kresse s special birthday. 10 We want you in the Bulletin! Send your news to editor Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org. Rabbi Martin Library Fund The Feinberg Family, in memory of Gene Memoli. Prayer Book Fund Gloria Katz, in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon. George and Chris Markley, in memory of Alvin Yerkes, father of Susan Preminger. Mazon Beth Lazar, in loving memory of Ruben Weisbein. Ellen and Robert Sheiman, in memory of Evelyn Ruskin, mother of Daniel Ruskin. Religious School Scholarship Fund Lisa Knicos, in memory of Lucky, beloved cat of Sherry Portnoy. Religious School Enrichment Fund Elaine and Juda Chetrit, in memory of Alvin Yerkes, father of Susan Preminger; in memory of Evelyn Ruskin, mother of Daniel Ruskin. Ilse Levi, in memory of Evelyn Ruskin, mother of Daniel Ruskin. Andrea and Ethan Macnow, in loving memory of Evelyn Ruskin, mother of Daniel Ruskin. Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action Fund Donations in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon, were made by: Judi and David Beier Elaine and Juda Chetrit Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman Ruth and Eric Gross Ilse Levi Ellen Hyde Phillips Laurie and Daniel Schopick Susan Bauchner, in memory of father, Arnold Kaplan. Bari Dworken, in memory of Helen Appleton, mother of Liz Nigrosh; in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Continued on Page 15

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13 Please Support Our Advertisers The following members of the medical community join together in their support of the B nai Israel Bulletin: Dr. Andrea Hagani Dr. Howard B. Twersky Dr. Geoffrey Gladstein Dr. Robert D. Chessin Dr. Martha Yepes Small Dr. Rachel E. Sheiman Dr. David F. Bindelglass Dr. Edward Portnay Dr. Brian King Dr. Alan M. Nelson Dr. Michael Connolly Dr. Abraham Fridman Dr. Glenn M. Rich Dr. Kenneth Kingsly Dr. Katherine J. Pesce Dr. Lawrence Dinkes Dr. Mark J. Hotchkiss Dr. Nicholas Blondin Dr. Kenneth Rabine Dr. Andrew Levi Dr. George P. Kelly Dr. Jared Selter What s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly . Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org. 13

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15 Friday, October 6 5:30 p.m. Mishpacha Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Hol Ha Moed Sukkot, Exod. 33:12-34:26 Haftarah Ezekiel 38:18-39:7 Saturday, October 7 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 11:00 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Samantha Renzulli, daughter of Scott and Laurie Renzulli Friday, October 13 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Bereshit, Gen. 1:1-6:8 Haftarah Isaiah 42:5-43:10 Shabbat Service Schedule (Fridays at 6:00 p.m. where indicated, preceded by an Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m.) Saturday, October 14 8:00 a.m. Service 8:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Tory Beck, son of Pamela and Mitchell R. Beck 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 11:00 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Emma Cornfeldt, daughter of Jeremy and Alison Cornfeldt Friday, October 20 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Noah, Gen. 6:9-11:32 Haftarah Isaiah 54:1-55:5 Saturday, October 21 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 11:00 a.m. B nai Mitzvah of Alexy Berson, son of Yury and Marcie Berson, and Zachary Fogelman, son of Noel and Jodi Fogelman Friday, October 27 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Lech L cha, Gen. 12:1-17:27 Haftarah Isaiah 40:27-41:16 Saturday, October 28 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 11:00 a.m. B nai Mitzvah of Adam Giglietti, son of Robert and Stacy Giglietti, and Margot Pitchenik, daughter of Daniel Pitchenik and Laurie Israel DONATIONS... From Page 10 The Feinberg Family, in memory of Evelyn Levy. Judith and Stanley Lessler, in memory of brother, Robert Bretholtz. Laurie and Daniel Schopick, in memory of Helen Appleton, mother of Liz Nigrosh. Serena and Arnie Sher, in honor of Judy and Robert Zeisler s 20 th anniversary. Elaine and Marc Silverman, in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Jonathan and Cleo Sonneborn, in special appreciation of George Markley s inspirational service on August 18. Etz Chaim Living Torah Fund Judi and David Beier, Mazel Tov to Rich Walden on a special round of golf From the Blues. Vision Loan Reduction Fund Patti and Samuel Rosenberg, in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon; in memory of Alvin Yerkes, father of Susan Preminger. Robert and Ellen Sheiman, in memory of father, Sidney Sheiman. Jim Abraham Education Fund for Jewish Leadership Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman, in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Paula and Bob Herzlinger, in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon. Lee & David Lester Kesher Fund Lee Lester, in memory of Joyce Gilbert, wife of Cantor Ramon Gilbert; in loving memory of son, David Lester, devoted mother, Rose Lavitsky, and devoted brother, Nelson Lovett. Arnold & Doris Tower Fund Ellen and Steve Tower, in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon. Habitat for Humanity Donations in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon, were made by: Bari Dworken Paula and Bob Herzlinger Amy and Jeff Pressman Donation Item of the Month: Bags of Beans and Rice for St. John s. Join Us For Shabbat About Town Join us on Friday, November 10, for Shabbat about Town, as we gather as neighbors, friends and temple members in small groups to enjoy Friday night dinner at home. The cornerstone of Shabbat about Town is to connect with new and old friends, (ideally in our neighborhoods) in the comfort of homes to enjoy each other s company and Shabbat dinner together. Everyone is welcome to take part in this special and fun evening of community, either as a guest or a host. We are in need of help in planning this first and hopefully recurring event. To help, host, participate or to get more information, please reach out to Shari Nerreau at snerreau@cbibpt.org. 15

16 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 171 Fairfield, Conn. Congregation B nai Israel 2710 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT See a Powerful Theatrical Experience Join us at the Temple on Sunday, October 29, at 4:00 p.m. for a special presentation of the powerful musical Freedom Song. The play was developed by residents, staff and alumni of Beit T Shuvah, The Los Angeles-based program is the only Jewish-oriented addiction recovery program in the United States. It is run by Rabbi Mark Borovitz, who has spoken several times at B nai Israel. According to the Beit T Shuvah website, Freedom Song is a transformative musical that will shatter the myth of Jews being immune to addiction. By interweaving a Passover Seder with personal stories of addiction, Freedom Song poses one stark question: What are you a slave to? FREEDOMsong ONE FAMILY S STRUGGLE WITH ADDICTION. ONE NATION S PATH TO RECOVERY. The cast of Freedom Song is not a cast of actors; they are actual addicts in recovery that have broken off the shackles of drugs, alcohol, gambling, and other destructive behaviors. To learn more about the production, visit Admission is free, and all are welcome. The performance is made possible by the generous donation of the Brian Mendell Memorial Fund. Cast members perform during a recent performance of Freedom Song.