October CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL A Family of Families. Torah Study 11:00am Please come and join us RABBI S MESSAGE

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CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL A Family of Families October 2017 CALENDAR OF RELIGIOUS SERVICES >> Friday, October 6 Sukkot & Celebration 6pm @ JCC Potluck Dinner to Follow Saturday, October 7 @ 9:00 am

October 28 @ 9:00 am Torah Study Saturdays @ 11:00am Please come and join us In the Talmud we are told that when we die and go to heaven, and are to be judged, we will be asked a series of questions

1 CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL A Family of Families October 2017 CALENDAR OF RELIGIOUS SERVICES >> Friday, October 6 Sukkot & Celebration JCC Potluck Dinner to Follow Saturday, October 9:00 am Friday, October 13 Simchat 6:30 pm *Followed by Family Dinner Saturday, October 9:00 am Friday, October 6:30 pm Saturday, October 9:00 am Friday, October 6:30 pm Saturday, October 9:00 am Torah Study 11:00am Please come and join us In the Talmud we are told that when we die and go to heaven, and are to be judged, we will be asked a series of questions about how we lived our lives. But why wait till we die to ask these important questions? Why wait till we are no longer able to change anything to consider how we live our lives and how we might face our ultimate judgement? Three of these questions are particularly interesting to consider while we have the time to do so. Nasata v natata be-emunah? Did you deal with people honestly? This is often translated as Did you deal honestly in business? which might seem like an odd question to open with as you stand before G-d in judgement! But it really means did you deal honestly, in a way that is trustworthy and with integrity in your daily dealings. Not just the business of business but the mundane business of life, how you deal with others in the daily interactions of a regular day rather than in the grand gestures of a special occasion. Integrity is often described as what you do when no one is watching. But here it may be better understood as how you act regardless of who is watching: whether you like a person or you don t, whether you know them or you don t, whether you will benefit or not, or even if it will disadvantage you. Tzipita lishuah? Did you hope for salvation? But being honest with yourself isn t always enough. Having integrity often means realizing that you will not always get the results you want, that things will not always turn out your way even if you did the right thing in the right way. And so we are asked whether we hoped for salvation. Hoping for salvation is pretty standard in religious life. But in Judaism the question is not about achieving a personal place in heaven but about bringing about a better world and working diligently towards that goal. And the essential point here is hope. In a world that often seems so hopeless our tradition asks us if we made sure to maintain hope. Despite generations of persecution and oppression we have maintained hope. Despite all that has befallen us in our history we have always looked towards a better future believing that hope would eventually win out. Indeed the Israeli national anthem, Hatikvah, means the Hope reflecting the fact that despite years of exile in which the idea of a national homeland was only a distant idea, eventually because that hope was kept alive, it became a reality. Havanta davar mitoch davar? Did you understand one thing from another? This is a seemingly simple question but one that may be the ultimate question in many ways. This question is really about our priorities in life. Did we spend our time understanding the difference between what was important and what wasn t what was significant and what was petty, what made a difference to the world and what was merely self-serving? We all recently experienced an event that put our priorities into perspective Hurricane Harvey. Facing the might and sheer power of nature, and seeing the devastation left in its wake, a lot of what we think is important comes into perspective. When we think of what we experienced and what people whose homes were destroyed and livelihoods wiped out experienced, it focuses us on what truly matters in life in a way that our normal comfortable existence obscures. How much of what seemed so important the day before, that we spent so much time and energy on before, seemed irrelevant and petty in the face of the hurricane? On Yom Kippur each year we are faced with a similar idea. Here we stand trembling and afraid awed by the sheer power of the day. We are reminded on this day to distinguish one thing from another, to put our priorities in order and to go forward in life with both integrity and hope. (Edited from 2017 Yom Kippur sermon) RABBI S MESSAGE Rabbi Ilan Emanuel

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL 4402 Saratoga Blvd Telephone:361.857.8181 Fax: 361.857.8227 Email: congregation@bethisraelcc.com Website: bethisraelcc.

Executive Board President Jim Gold First Vice President Rikki Schmitchel Second Vice President Mike Trimyer Secretary Leslie Levy Treasurer Greg Marks Past President Chris Adler Sisterhood

2 CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL 4402 Saratoga Blvd Telephone: Fax: Website: bethisraelcc.com Rabbis Ilan Emanuel, Rabbi Rabbi Kenneth Roseman, Rabbi Emeritus Staff Debbie Bustillo, Office Administrator Manuela Sela, Religious School Director Leslie Green, Shabbat Dinner Coordinator CBI Executive Board President Jim Gold First Vice President Rikki Schmitchel Second Vice President Mike Trimyer Secretary Leslie Levy Treasurer Greg Marks Past President Chris Adler Sisterhood Representative Odelia Rios Committee Chairs Adult Education David Jacobs Cemetery Robert Adler Carl Kuehn, Gary Blum Ritual Committee Andrew Sheinberg Membership Social Action Dues Committee Building Grounds Fine Arts Suzy Hilliard Linda Snider Ann Engel Jim Gold Mike Trimyer Rikki Schmitchel Laurie Mintz Mike Trimyer CBI PRESIDENT S MESSAGE As I write this article fall has arrived, the High Holidays will soon be over, and hopefully people impacted by Hurricane Harvey are beginning to recover and heal from this devastating event. I want to thank everyone who reached out to help our fellow congregants, the greater Coastal Bend communities, and our fellow Jews in Houston, Galveston and now Puerto Rico. Through your generous financial support and actual physical effort of helping people in Port Aransas clean-up, we individually and collectively experienced the heartbreak of disaster and the true joy of Tekkun Olam. As we begin 5718 we should all be proud of our vast array of programs and services designed to meet the diverse needs of our membership. I am reminded of the fact that each of us connects with CBI in our own way based on our religious history and current needs. Here are some examples of what we provide: Friday Reform Services, Saturday Traditional Services, Torah Study, Havdalah at the Hooks, Sisterhood Food Fest, all life cycle events, Sisterhood, Brotherhood, 2 nd night Seder, Rabbinic pastoral services, food and clothing for the homeless, Mitzvah meals and support for the homebound and many more events and services. Most importantly we are building the future of our heritage by providing our young people with knowledge and experiences that will motivate them now and in the future to continue our proud 2000 year commitment to Judaism. Although individual participation in these programs and services varies greatly, it is critical to understand they are available when people want to connect with CBI in a way that resonates with their needs. In order to provide all these services, programs, and maintain our beautiful building it takes people and financial resources. CBI like most congregations has reached a point where your generous dues are not enough to cover our operating expenses and we need more people to help operate and expand our current programs and services to better serve our community. We are fortunate to have generous individuals who are able and willing to support CBI at higher levels which allows all of our members access to every congregation activity and service. We also have individuals who dedicate a great deal of time helping us run our programs and services and we have many that do both. To all of you, the Congregation owes our deepest gratitude and thanks. During the High Holidays, we take the time to personally reflect and decide how we can renew our commitments to improve ourselves, our families, and the world in general. As you do this I recognize that each of has a different commitment as to how we practice Judaism and how we can make the world better. CBI offers many ways for our members to connect with CBI and fulfill their spiritual, educational, and social needs. I ask you to consider giving to the High Holiday Appeal and/or volunteer to participate on a CBI Committee or special project as part of your commitment to CBI in I am not asking that you give more than you can afford in either money or time but perhaps, on reflection, you can find a way to give a little more your contribution will be greatly appreciated. I am very excited about the new year and about the future of our Family of Families. L Shanah Tovah Jim Gold, CBI President Page 2

3 Corpus Christi Community Religious School Manuela Sela, Director Shana Tova! We had a wonderful me the first couple of weeks at school. We started our first day with a school wide ac vity provided by our ISJL Fellow Rachel Katz. Our conforma on class students went out to the Island for Mitzvah day and helped cleaning. Sunday, October 1 st we are building and decora ng the Sukkah at the JCC. It starts at 9.00 am please let your child volunteer. On Friday, October 6 th there will be a Shabbat service/ pot luck dinner at the JCC to celebrate Sukkot. Bring a nice dish to share. Enjoy your holidays. Shana Tova Manuela Sela religious school director. October building the Sukkah and decorate the am at the JCC 6 Shabbat/ Sukkot celebra JCC Pot luck dinner 6.00 pm 8 Hebrew and religious school / Presenta on GFC 15 Hebrew and religious school Hebrew and religious school /22 Fall conclave in Houston, TX. Hosted by Houston Congrega on for reformed Judaism. NYFTY TOR event (9 12 graders). Kids stay in congregant s homes. 29 Hebrew and religious school Family Shabbat Dinner Shalom Y'all, It was wonderful seeing everyone at our September Family Shabbat Dinner! Now that the High Holidays are behind us, please mark your calendar for our next Family Dinner on Friday, October 13 th, when we will be celebra ng SIMCHAS TORAH!! Don't miss this special shabbat service where we roll out the torah and the en re congrega on gets to hold it!! Services begin at 6:30 pm with dinner to follow. A BIG THANK YOU to Sue Williams and Venita Crow for helping me prepare dinner last month. We had a great me in the kitchen and the extra hands were greatly appreciated! Leslie Green Family Shabbat Dinner Coordinator Phone: (804) clu erqueen2758@gmail.com Page 3

4 CBI Sisterhood News Shana Tova to everyone, I hope you all had wonderful holidays! First and foremost, we'd like to say Thank you to Laura Hausman and Sal Loeb for organizing our beau ful and delicious Rosh Hashanah Oneg! As September goes by we are already looking forward to October. We will start building the Sukkah on October 1 st at 9.00 am at the JCC. Please, feel free to come by and help us build and decorate the Sukkah! On Friday, October 6 th we will be gathering together and having a Pot luck Shabbat service/ dinner at 6.00 pm. at the JCC. Please bring a nice dish to share. Invita ons are being prepared to be sent out. Also, don't forget to mark you calendar for our Annual Food Fest November 11th & 12th! All your me and efforts are greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing everyone in the next coming events! Shana Tova, Manuela Sela and Odelia Rios Sisterhood Co Presidents Free Birthright Trip to Israel for Youth Jewish youth ages have a wonderful opportunity to visit Israel FREE under the URJ Kesher Birthright Israel program. In order to par cipate you must apply by going to Kesher is an official provider of Birthright Israel funded trips. Our programs are 10 days, free, and with no strings a ached. Eligible par cipants are Jewish, ages Kesher is a project of Reform Judaism and open to all. Travel with us to experience the iconic adventures of Birthright Israel on a tour designed for socially conscious travelers. Led by a team of top educators, you ll discover the beauty of Israel while exploring its complex socio poli cal landscape. Along the way, you ll consider all perspec ves, challenge assump ons and bond with extraordinary new friends. Perfect for anyone wan ng to connect to Israel as a society, not just a des na on. Page 4

hours, the CBI Sisterhood's Judaica Shop will be open for sales

5 JEWISH FOOD FEST BULLETIN Coming to you soon! Judaica Shop Hours for October In addition to the normal Sunday hours, the CBI Sisterhood's Judaica Shop will be open for sales from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, October 10 th & Tuesday, October 24 th. Page 5

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7 PERPETUAL YAHRZEITS Sabbath of October 6th *Gitla Chasin *Cecelia Cohen *Joseph Cohn *Harry Ginsberg *Elka Hausman *Irene Hausman Bela Kannengiesser *Arnold Kolpack *Shosha Kraut *Draga Kurzner *Flora Landy *Ruth Lehrman *Julia Obrembski *Fannie White *Chaya Zelinsky Sabbath of October 13th *Fanny Alexander *Rose Axelrad *Abram Bobys *Seraphine Bornstein *Bessie Feldman *Sylvan Grossman Sylvia Hytner Leonard Jacobs *Irene Krams Tarbo Lashinsky *Molly Marks *Chana Melamed *Hirsh Melamed *Shirley Mintz *Natalie Moskowitz Sophie Rocklin *Hyman Stillman *Louis Tanenbaum Julius Union *Morris Veenik Abraham Weissman *Blanche Frank *Gerald Hausman *David Hirsch *Leo Horowitz *Abe Klein *Freda Mandelstamm Sue Marks *Charles Nieman *Fred Rosenberg Samuel Sheinberg *Blanche Sheiness *Ruth Sikora *George Solka *Jechiel Tepper *Sherrie Waldman *Sam Weisman Mary Weissman Gloria Wolfson *Sylvan Wolfson Sabbath of October 27th *Ida Appel Joe Bornstein *Jacob Engel *Ethel Goodman *Helen Goodman Janet Hurst *Leopold Kannengiesser *Nathan Lakin *Morris Liedeker, Sr. *Meyer Mayerson *Ruben Melamed Fannie Podolsky Berney Rothschild Leon Rubin *Irvin Samuels *Joseph Silver *Irvin Simon *Bertha Willensky Sabbath of November 3rd *Eli Berman *Edward Birnberg *Hyman Bloom Marie Finkel Carl Gogel *Janet Goldstein *Eva Goltzman *Louis Goodman George Gorsuch *Hattie Gunst *Joe Katz *Isaac Lasky *Louis Leshin *Gregory Makrow *Isadore Mayerson *Morris Pearlman *Miriam Seldin *Bette Solovey *Lewis Weil *Ruth Weil *Isaac Weisman Sabbath of October 20th *Sol Black Arthur Bussey *Herman Caplan Rose Eisenberg *Sam Evainier Page 7

8 The Congregation thanks you for the following contributions Yahrzeit Donations Grossman Flower Fund Annette & Mel Klein Toby Katz Ezekial Katz Rosa Katz Minnie Gordon Pearl Lieberman Annette & James Cottingham Ann & David Engel High Holiday Appeal Donation From Chris & Robert Adler Lois & Gary Blum Kenneth & Phyllis Roseman Adler Camp Scholarship Fund Willy Kuehn Suzy & John Hilliard Mille Zalim General Fund Carol & Don Feferman Susan & Bill Martin Rikki & Robert Schmitchel Leslie & Carl Levy Pamela Dixon Frost Annette & James Cottingham David & Ann Engel Helene Harris Chris & Carl Kuehn Iris & Barry Karas Harold & Karen Kane Dolly Rucker Carole Zanetti Allan & Gail Gilbert Marlene Super Sue Williams Rona & L. A. Train Linda & Marvin Snider Cheryl Zane Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Kane Nelda Garcia Randall Berry David S. Engel Leslie & Carl Levy Willy Kuehn Clara Braslau Recovery of From Maury Wolfson Leslie & Carl Levy Peter Steiner Dr. Ronald & Roslyn Ferrell Elizabeth & Jerry Susser David & Joan Jacobs Rikki & Robert Schmitchel Nina Shannon Beth Misamore Don t forget. You can remember a friend or relative with a minimum contribution of $5.00 to one of our many funds. These funds support camp scholarships, education, cemeteries, fine arts, library, & building improvements, to name a few. An acknowledgement card will be sent to the honored person or family. Please make checks payable to CBI and specify the fund. Call the CBI office with any questions. Page 8

9 The Congregation thanks you for the following contributions Hurricane Harvey Fund Donation From Mitzvah Fund In Honor of From Diana & Michael Stillman Carolyn & David Nelson Heather and David Loeb for their Kindness during Hurricane Harvey Nina Shannon Marilyn Samwick Lawrence Weiss Venita Crow David & Meredith Ryan Richard & Ginger Harris Helene Harris Willy Kuehn David S. Engel Susan & Bill Martin Ginger & Richard Harris Iris & Andy Lehrman Chris & Carl Kuehn David & Ann Engel Chris & Carl Kuehn Offenberg Library Fund Elizabeth & Jerry Susser Rebecca Blum Lois & Gary Blum Mike Trimyer Carmen Rosales Jim Gold Ray Falk Adult Education Fund Hilda & Charles Schechter Mira Emanuel Willy Kuehn David S. Engel Robert & Rikki Schmitchel Suzy & John Hilliard Toby Shor Lois & Gary Blum Barb & Chip Schwamb Rona Train Leadership Fund Laurie Buchalter Lawrence Kohn George Sterns Laser Family Social Action Fund Clara Braslau David S. Engel Harvey Grossman Willy Kuehn Rona & LA Train Donation From Daniel Laser Recovery of From Maury Wolfson Rona & LA Train Don t forget. You can remember a friend or relative with a minimum contribution of $5.00 to one of our many funds. These funds support camp scholarships, education, cemeteries, fine arts, library, & building improvements, to name a few. An acknowledgement card will be sent to the honored person or family. Please make checks payable to CBI and specify the fund. Call the CBI office with any questions. Page 9

October 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Sukkah Building & Decora ng 9am @ JCC 2 3 4 5 Sukkot *Office Closed 6 Shabbat / Sukkot Celebra on & Potluck Dinner 6:00 pm @ JCC Light Candles at: 6:52 PM 7

Closed Family Dinner Light Candles at: 6:44 PM 15 Hebrew School 9am 10:15am Religious School 10:30am 12:30pm 16 17 18 19 20 6:30 pm Light Candles at: 6:37 PM 21 9:00 am 22 Hebrew School 9am 10:15am

10 October 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Sukkah Building & Decora ng JCC Sukkot *Office Closed 6 Shabbat / Sukkot Celebra on & Potluck Dinner 6:00 JCC Light Candles at: 6:52 PM 7 9:00 am 8 Hebrew School 9am 10:15am Religious School 10:30am 12:30pm GFC Presenta on 9 10 Judaica Shop OPEN 9am 1pm Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah 9:00 am *Office 6:30 pm Simchat Torah Closed Family Dinner Light Candles at: 6:44 PM 15 Hebrew School 9am 10:15am Religious School 10:30am 12:30pm :30 pm Light Candles at: 6:37 PM 21 9:00 am 22 Hebrew School 9am 10:15am Religious School 10:30am 12:30pm Judaica Shop OPEN 9am 1pm :30 pm Light Candles at: 6:31 PM 28 9:00 am 29 Hebrew School 9am 10:15am Religious School 10:30am 12:30pm Nov :30 pm Light Candles at: 6:26 PM 4 9:00 am

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12 Join us for Family Dinner on Friday, October 13 th, when we will be celebra ng SIMCHAS TORAH!! Don't miss this special Shabbat service where we roll out the Torah and the en re congrega on gets to hold it!! Services begin at 6:30 pm with dinner to follow.

13 CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL 4402 SARATOGA CORPUS CHRISTI, TX CBI Sisterhood Gift Shop *Judaica Exchange * Donate your previously loved and gently used Judaica, get a tax donation receipt, then come to the Gift Shop to browse and buy! Judaica Shop Hours for October In addition to the normal Sunday hours, the CBI Sisterhood's Judaica Shop will be open for sales from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Tuesday, October 10 th and Tuesday, October 24 th. Stop by and browse the new items or just pick up necessities such as Shabbat or yahrzeit candles and Bar/Bat Mitzvah cards!

October 2015 RABBI S MESSAGE. CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL A Family of Families. Torah Study 11:00am Please come and join us

October 2015 RABBI S MESSAGE. CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL A Family of Families. Torah Study 11:00am Please come and join us CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL A Family of Families October 2015 CALENDAR OF RELIGIOUS SERVICES >> Friday, October 2 Simchat Torah Celebration @ 6:00 pm Family Dinner to Follow Saturday, October 3 @ 9:00am Friday,