Madison Jewish Center

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1 Our 87 th Year JANUARY 2018 TEVET/SH VAT 5778 Madison Jewish Center SCHEDULE OF SERVICES FOR JANUARY 2018 Friday January 5 Candle Lighting 4:25 pm Service 7:30 pm SHABBAT SHABOOM 7:00pm Saturday January 6 Services 9:00 am Jr. Congregation 10:30 am Weekly Portion: SH MOT Exodus 3:1-4:17 HAFTARAH: Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23 RABBI S STUDY SESSION Friday January 12 Candle Lighting 4:32 pm Saturday January 13 Services 9:00 am Jr. Congregation 10:30 am BIRKAT hahodesh Weekly Portion: VA EIRA Exod. 7:8-8:15 HAFTARAH: Ezekiel 28:25-29:21 RABBI S SERMON Friday January 19 Candle Lighting 4:40 pm Service 7:30 pm BIRTHDAY/ANNIVERSARY SHABBAT SPEAKER: BELLA BENDERS Saturday January 20 Services 9:00 am Jr. Congregation 10:30 am Weekly Portion: BO Exodus 11:4-12:28 HAFTARAH: Jeremiah 46:13-28 ASK THE RABBI Friday January 26 Candle Lighting 4:48 pm EARLY Services 7:00 pm TU B SH VAT SEDER ONEG TO FOLLOW WITH THE MADISON YOUTH CHORUS Saturday January 27 Services 9:00 am Jr. Congregation 10:30am SHABBAT SHIRAH Weekly Portion: B SHALLAH Exodus 14:15-16:10 HAFTARAH: Judges 4:4-5:31 RABBI S QUIZ

2 Page Two Madison Jewish Center MESSAGE ARTICLE JANUARY 2018 Rabbi Shae J. Kane D.D. In 2018, Tu B Sh vat, the birthday of the trees, begins at sundown on Tuesday, January 30 and ends at sundown on Wednesday, January 31. Tu B Sh vat the birthday of all fruit trees, is a minor festival. The name is Hebrew for the 15th of the Hebrew month of B Sh vat. In ancient times, Tu B Sh vat was merely a date on the calendar that helped Jewish farmers establish exactly when they should bring their fourth-year produce of fruit from recently planted trees to the Temple as first-fruit offerings. The Tu B Sh vat Seder In the 16th century, the Kabbalists (mystics) of Tzfat (the city of Safed) in the Land of Israel created a new ritual to celebrate Tu B Sh vat called the Feast of Fruits. Modeled on the Passover Seder, participants would read selections from the Hebrew Bible and Rabbinic literature, and would eat fruits and nuts traditionally associated with the land of Israel. The Kabbalists also gave a prominent place to almonds in the Tu B Sh vat seder, since the almond trees were believed to be the first of all trees in Israel to blossom. Carob became another popular fruit to eat on Tu B Sh vat, since it could survive the long trip from Israel to Jewish communities in Europe. Participants in the kabbalistic seder would also drink four cups of wine: white wine (to symbolize winter), white with some red (a harbinger of the coming of spring); red with some white (early spring) and finally all red (spring and summer). Complete with biblical and rabbinic readings, these kabbalists produced a Tu B Sh vat Haggadah in 1753 called Pri Etz Hadar or Fruit of the Goodly Tree. The early Zionists seized upon Tu B Sh vat as an opportunity to celebrate their tree-planting in their efforts to restore the ecology of ancient Israel and as a symbol of renewed growth and flowering of the Jewish people returning to their ancestral homeland.

3 madisonjc.org Page Three In modern times, Tu B Sh vat continues to be an opportunity for planting trees in Israel and elsewhere, wherever Jews live. Many American and European Jews observe Tu B Sh vat by contributing money to the Jewish National Fund, an organization devoted to reforesting Israel (the purchase of trees in JNF forests is also customary to commemorate a celebration such as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah). Environmentalism and Tu B Sh vat For environmentalists, Tu B Sh vat is an ancient and authentic Jewish connection to contemporary ecological issues. The holiday is viewed as an appropriate occasion to educate ourselves about their tradition s advocacy of responsible stewardship of God s creation, manifested in ecological activism. Tu B Sh vat is an opportunity to raise awareness about and to care for the environment through the teaching of Jewish sources celebrating nature. It is also a day to focus on the environmental sensitivity of the Jewish tradition by planting trees wherever Jews may live. The Tu B Sh vat Seder has increased in popularity in recent years. Celebrated as a congregational event, the modern Tu B Sh vat Seder is multipurpose. While retaining some kabbalistic elements and still very much a ritual that connects participant to the land of Israel the seder today is often imbued with an ecological message as well. We here at Madison Jewish Center will be celebrating our own Tu B Sh vat Seder on Friday night January 26, Following an early Service at 7:00pm our Hebrew School Students will help lead us in a Tu B Sh vat Seder at the Oneg Shabbat. Join us in our newly renovated social hall and share in the warmth of our celebration.

4 Page Four Madison Jewish Center President s Message January 2018 Shalom Everyone! I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy Secular New Year! There have been many wonderful events in the past month. Please try to join us soon, and see for yourself the new programs that have resulted in a rise in attendance at services. All of our Friday Night initiatives have been successful. The Speaker Series has been informative, interesting, and thought provoking. December s Shabbat Shaboom was a cozy service infused with music, instruments and of course pajamas. Everyone enjoyed our Vodka and Latke Dance, our Hanukkiah Lighting, and our Annual Hanukkah Dinner, followed by singing of holiday songs by our Hebrew School students. The renovations to our catering hall have been extensive. It is looking beautiful, with even more improvements to come. Feel free to contact our new caterer-the Vue to discuss any Simchas you may be planning in the future. The sparkling new dining room is called The Crystal Room. The Caterer has already done several of MJC s congregational events and just recently did a fabulous Bar Mitzvah for our own Sammy Streich. Other members have also booked parties in the coming year. Call Morris at Please plan to join us. We are a synagogue for all, and welcome your attendance. You will be warmed and inspired by our activities and our congregants. Love, Barbara

5 madisonjc.org Page Five Shalom Parents,. Wow --- it s already 2018! On behalf of the P.A., I would like to wish you all a very happy and healthy Our children, under the direction of Morah Kane, did a wonderful job at the Hanukkah dinner and concert last month. Thank you for giving us such a lovely evening! Next month we will be starting our annual Miss Chocolate Passover candy sale. It is important that all of our parents support our sales. Our sales provide us with money to have the Tzivos Hashem workshops, like the olive oil and dreidel workshops we just had, that the children love! We appreciate all of those who support us. We couldn t do it without you. We are also still selling gift cards online or you can pick up an order form in the office, whichever you prefer. Thank you for your support! Melanie Green The Parents Association

6 Page Six Madison Jewish Center KIDDUSH FUND SPONSORS Platinum Sponsors Bunny and Brian Bender Myra Lee and Albert Fleischman Ellen Green Terri and Joseph Harary Beverly and Seymour Hoffnung Helen and Warren Leibowitz Marlene and Paul Podell Randi and Bruce Herman Mady Kiner Marla & Matt Hesse Barbara and Barry Stein Regular Sponsors Monique and Richard Ander Jodie and Matthew Cohen Hannah Dreifus Ilene Karpas Cecile Kops Judy Posniack Andrew Menkes and Ruth Richards Ellen and Max Hamou Shelli and Ron Feldman Annual Kiddush Sponsors are needed for this year. Please be one of our sponsors. If you would like to be a sponsor, contact: Ellen Green (917) emg522@aol.com

7 madisonjc.org Page Seven MJC SOCIAL CLUB HAPPENINGS JANUARY 2018 Our annual vodka and latka celebration took place on Saturday evening, December 9 th in our beautiful new catering hall. Despite the inclement weather, it was well attended. Everyone had a great time. The latkes were tasty and the vodka drinks were delicious. There was a 60/40 raffle drawing and several other prizes as well. This event was in conjunction with Sisterhood. This year the Super Bowl party is on Sunday, February 4 th. It will be held at AOH together with the Knights of Pythias. Kosher food will be available. Watch for further information. Many exciting activities are in the works. Please mark your calendars and try to attend as many as you can. Wednesday, February 28 th, is our annual Purim celebration in conjunction with Sisterhood and PA. Our annual trip to Atlantic City is on Sunday, April 22 nd. Friday evening, May 11 th, is the annual Social Club Shabbat. We will be enjoying a traditional dinner before the service. An interesting and educational trip to the Spanish-Portuguese Synagogue is also being planned for a Sunday in June. Many interesting events are being discussed and planned for this year. Please let us know if you have any thoughts or ideas for future events. Every member of MJC is also a member of the Social Club. Please take advantage of the many opportunities to spend time with friends. Let s keep MJC as the center of Egalitarian Conservative Judaism in this part of Brooklyn. Check our website (madisonjc.org), watch for flyers, and check the Message for further information. Reservations for all activities can be made through our address (info@madisonjc.org). Happy secular New Year! Ilene Karpas Page Eight Madison Jewish Center

8 THE LATEST FROM SISTERHOOD JANUARY 2018 Last month Social Club partnered with Sisterhood for a pre-hanukkah celebration on December 9 th with a Latka and Vodka dance that was a lot of fun and a true team effort. We would like to express our appreciation to all who volunteered their time as well as donations to support this event and of course, to Ellen Green who chaired the committee. It was a truly outstanding evening! Thank you. On December 18 th Sisterhood honored those members who participated in the Tree of Life fundraiser for last year. We will again begin a new Tree of Life in this month s January Message. We want to thank the committee for their fine work developing this project, and the congregation for their ongoing support. The Tree of Life project has been a tremendous fundraiser for Sisterhood and Madison Jewish Center. Let s continue to see the tree grow by purchasing leaves for $10 a name. Sisterhood will resume the Maj and Mingle program on Sunday morning January 7 th. It is an excellent opportunity to get out and schmooze with members. We would like to thank Teresa for organizing the games and refreshments. The cost is only $5 per person. All are welcome. If you have further questions, please contact Teresa at tgottesmann24@optonline.net. Movie night will be held on Monday night, January 15 th at which time we will be showing the movie, The Zookeeper s Wife, based on the book by Diane Ackerman, at 7 PM. The cost is $5 per person with refreshments served. There will not be a meeting this month due to the length of the movie. Thank you, Rachel for obtaining the movie and Barbara Stein for donating the refreshments. Save the date Monday, February 26 th for our annual Health Night. The topic will be Breast Cancer Awareness with a guest speaker from the SHARE organization. On March 19 th, we are planning a Passover program with Rabbi and Arlene Kane leading us in song. The Torah Fund brunch is scheduled for Sunday, April 15 th with distinguished guest speaker Joe Dorinson discussing Jews and Sports. Also, please note, the Fashion Show is May 17 th so SAVE THE DATE!! Our sincere best wishes to everyone for a very Happy and Healthy secular New Year! Harriett Cohen and Shelli Feldman Sisterhood Co-Presidents madisonjc.org Page Nine

9 SAVE THE DATE Social Club Sunday, February 4 5:00pm Super Bowl Party at AOH Sisterhood Saturday, January 7 10:00am Maj & Mingle Monday, January 15 7:00pm Movie Night Parent s Association Friday, January 5 7:00pm Shabbat Shaboom Congregation Friday, January 19 7:30pm Speaker Series: Bella Benders Friday, January 26 7:00pm Services followed by Madison Youth Chorus and Tu B Sh vat Services THE MESSAGE Published 11 times a year * July/August * 1 issue Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 2989 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY * info@madisonjc.org Fax: Shae J. Kane D.D....Rabbi Leslie Rimer.....Cantor Barbara Stein....President Page Ten Sisterhood Presidents Harriett Cohen & Shelli Feldman MJC Social Club President Ellen Green P.A. President: Melanie Green Message Layout Bruce Herman Editorial Staff Rabbi Shae J. Kane D.D. Monique Ander Ellen Green Ilene Karpas Roy Alexander Bruce Herman Marlene Podell SERVICE SCHEDULE Friday Evening & Erev Yom Tov 7:30 PM Saturday Morning & Yom Tov Morning 9:00 AM Weekday Minyanim (Mon. & Thurs.)...6:45 AM Sunday Morning & Legal Holidays... 8:30 AM If you need a Minyan at any other time, please call the office and we will attempt to assemble one. TEMPLE OFFICE HOURS The Synagogue office will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Madison Jewish Center Friday from 9:00am -12 noon We are closed on all Jewish and legal holidays.

10 Page Ten CONDOLENCES Madison Jewish Center To: Jacob Koprak & family On the loss of his beloved wife Sara Koprak IN MEMORIAM We record with sorrow the passing of our esteemed member Sara Koprak May her soul be bound up in the bonds of eternal life Heartfelt sympathy is extended to her family YAHRZEIT DONATIONS FOR JANUARY 2018 HAVE BEEN MADE BY: Richard Ander Monique Ander Bella Benders Jeffrey Bernstein Jon Besunder Howard Cohen Ronald Diamant Selma Dolgov Fran Futterman Bruce Herman Susan Howard Arlene Kane Elaine Kaner Jane Kaplan Ilene Karpas Rita Kaufman Norton Klotz Judith Korcz Steven Lampert Francine Levine Ellen Messing Lois Mondschein Carolyn Nagourney Geri Newmark Edith Novikoff Paul Podell Selma Rovin Eileen Sadof Ilene Shapiro Steven Silverman Myrna Weinberg

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13 madisonjc.org Page Eleven Thank You I would like to take this time to thank you all at MJC for the donations and speedy recovery prayers offered for my recovery. And I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone Happy New Year. Sheila Voroba Your kind expression of sympathy and friendship will always remain in our memories. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. The Family of Fran Futterman Thank you to Judy Posniack, Ilene Karpas and Marlene Podell for a lovely luncheon. Ruth Siegel To Bruce Solomon, thanks for taking care of a personal issue for me. It was greatly appreciated. Sheila Goodman FROM THE BIKOR CHOLIM COMMITTEE Please contact us if you know of anyone who is ill, hospitalized, a shut-in, or in need of a phone call. We will get in touch with them and/or visit them. Irma: or Judy:

14 Page Twelve Madison Jewish Center R FUAH SH LEIMAH PRAYER DONATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR SPEEDY RECOVERY PRAYERS For: Shelli Feldman By: Marlene & Paul Podell Irina Makarovskaya Ellen Green Irma & Roy Alexander Bunny & Brian Bender Ruth Rosenberg Linda & Stephen Bell Sheila & Bert Goodman Monique & Richard Ander Bella Benders Irene Shapiro Judy Posniack Barbara & Barry Stein Terri & Joe Harary Ilene Karpas Irene & Frank Cimini For: Maria Carson By: Marlene & Paul Podell For: Dorothy Milstein By: Marlene & Paul Podell For: Ruth Rosenberg By: Howard Madans Mona & Glen Ayers

15 madisonjc.org Page Thirteen JANUARY 2018 Birthday List 3 Christina Kushner 15 Babs Dobbs 4 Lois Mondschein 16 Steven Green 9 Loretta Packer 16 Marla Hesse 12 Rita Kaufman 21 Debra Freedman 13 Ruth Rosenberg 23 Barbara Kowalski 15 Irma Alexander 29 Barbara Stein Anniversary List 13 Melanie & Jamie Gioia 16 Marla & Matthew Hesse 31 Jill & Steven Saltzman If we have misspelled a name, left something out, or have failed in any way to properly acknowledge anyone who should have been acknowledged, please forgive us. Please note that some names January not have not been included.

16 Page Fourteen Madison Jewish Center MEMORIAL FUND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS HAVE BEEN SENT To: Stuart Teicher A donation has been made in memory of your beloved father Ben Teicher By: Diane & Greg Posniack Ellen Green Irma & Roy Alexander To: Jacob Koprak & Family A donation has been made in memory of your beloved wife Sara Koprak By: Myra Lee & Albert Fleischman Ruth Rosenberg Linda & Stephen Bell Monique & Richard Ander Marlene & Paul Podell Irma & Roy Alexander Ellen Green Sheila & Bert Goodman Bunny & Brian Bender

17 madisonjc.org Page Fifteen Honor Fund-Mazal Tov & Best Wishes To: Fran Liebowitz & Family A donation has been made in honor of the B nai Mitzvahs of your grandsons Matt & Sam By: Shelli & Ronald Feldman Harriett & Stephen Cohen To: Rachel & Philip Brodkin A donation has been made in honor of the birth of your new grandchild Ryan Eli Shure By: Teresa & Mario Gottesmann To: Rachel & Jay Streich A donation has been made in honor of Sammy s Bar Mitzvah By: Sheila & Bert Goodman Irene & Frank Cimini Marlene & Paul Podell Ruth Rosenberg Linda & Stephen Bell Irma & Roy Alexander Monique & Richard Ander Ellen Green Irina Makarovskaya Bunny & Brian Bender Diane & Greg Posniack Bella Benders Ilene Karpas Randi & Bruce Herman

18 Page Sixteen Madison Jewish Center Online Gift Cards Are Now Available at M.J.C. through the Parents Association. It is Easy, Fast, and Available all year long! 1. Go to 2. Click on family signup and then click on create an account. 3. Next fill out all the necessary info and set up an account. 4. You will see join a nonprofit. Underneath will be a box marked enrollment code. Enter A3897D and then click on join. 5. Now you will be able to order your gift cards online through M.J.C. 6. All money for gift cards must be checks payable to M.J.C and sent to the office after you order your gift cards online. Please Label the envelope Attention: Melanie or Steven Green. 7. For those of you who are not comfortable ordering online we also have a printed list of gift cards that are available and a printed order form. These also get sent to the office with a check payable to M.J.C and marked attention Melanie or Steven Green. No gifts cards will be sent to us unless we send them a check first.

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20 JANUARY 2018 TEVET/SH VAT 5778 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Tevet 14 2 Tevet 15 3 Tevet 16 4 Tevet 17 5 Tevet 18 Candle Lighting 4:25pm Services 7:00pm Shabbat Shaboom 6 Tevet 19 Services 9am Jr. Cong. 10:30am 7 Tevet 20 Maj & Mingle 10am 8 Tevet 21 Exec. Bd Mtg 7:30pm 9 Tevet 22 Cong. Bd. Mtg. 8pm 10 Tevet Tevet Tevet 25 Candle Lighting 4:32pm Services 7:00pm 13 Tevet 26 Services 9am Jr. Cong. 10:30am 14 Tevet Tevet Tevet Sh vat 1 18 Sh vat 2 19 Sh vat 3 20 Sh vat 4 Sisterhood Movie Night 7pm Candle Lighting 4:40pm Services 7:30pm Birthday Anniversary Shabbat Speaker: Bella Benders Services 9am Jr. Cong. 10:30am 21 Sh vat 5 2 Sh vat 6 23 Sh vat 7 24 Sh vat 8 25 Sh vat 9 26 Sh vat Sh vat 11 Social Club Mtg. 7:30pm Candle Lighting 4:48pm Services 7:00pm Madison Youth Chorus TU B SHVAT SEDER ONEG Services 7:30am No Jr. Cong. 28 Sh vat Sh vat Sh vat Sh vat 15