The Shofar בס''ד. From the. desk of. Rabbi Pearl. December Fri. Dec. 2/Kislev 2 Light candles, 4:10 p.m. Services, 8 p.m.

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1 The Shofar December 2016 Vol. 88 Issue 12 (Published Monthly) Congregation B nai Israel : A Traditional Conservative Synagogue 45 Twombly Ave., Staten Island, NY Tel: (718) Fax: (718) Rabbi Pinchas Pearl , , lamdan453@gmail.com Office@sicbi.com, web site: sicbi.com. Facebook:Congregation B nai Israel, NY Preschool and UPK , cbiacademy123@gmail.com בס''ד Fri. Dec. 2/Kislev 2 Light candles, 4:10 p.m. Services, 8 p.m. Sat. Dec. 3/Kislev 3 Rabbi s class, 8:40 a.m. Services, 9:20 a.m. Fri. Dec. 9/Kislev 9 Light candles, 4:10 p.m. Services, 8 p.m. Sat. Dec. 10/Kislev 10 Rabbi s class, 8:40 a.m. Services,9:20 a.m. Fri. Dec. 16/Kislev 16 Light candles, 4:12 p.m.. Chanukah dinner, see p. 8 Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Services, 8 p.m. December 2016 Sat. Dec. 17/Kislev 17 Rabbi s class, 8:40 a.m. Services, 9:20 a.m Fri. Dec. 23/Kislev 23 Light candles, 4:15 p.m. Services, 8 p.m. Sat. Dec. 24/Kislev 24 Rabbi s class, 8:40 a.m. Services, 9:20 p.m. Light first Chanukah Candle after 5:24 p.m., See p. 4 Fri. Dec. 30/Tevet 1 Light candles, 4:20 p.m.. Services, 8 p.m. Sat. Dec. 31/Tevet 2 Rabbi s class, 8:40 a.m. Services, 9:20 a.m. Other dates to keep in mind (see also article on page 4) Dec. 4, Sunday Rabbi s study session, 10 a.m. Dec. 6, Tuesday Book Club, Miriam s Key, 7 p.m. Ritual committee, 8 p.m. Dec. 7, Wednesday Israeli dancing, 7:30 p.m. See p. 4 Dec. 10, Rabbi Linkovsky memorial concert, 8 p.m. See p. 9 Dec. 11, Sunday Rabbi s study session, 10 a.m. Sisterhood meeting, 11 a.m. Dec. 14, Wednesday Israeli dancing, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 18, Sunday-Annual meeting, 10 a.m. See p. 6. Dec. 20, Tuesday--Finance committee, 7:15 p.m. Board of Trustees, 8 p.m. Dec. 21, Wednesday-Israeli dancing, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Saturday, movie night, To Be Or Not To Be, 7:30 p.m. See p. 7 Dec. 28, Wednesday-Israeli dancing, 7:30 p.m. All Sunday study sessions are preceded by services at 9:15 a.m. 2 From the desk of Rabbi Pearl I am writing this article after spending the day attending a conference entitled Never is Now under the auspices of the Anti-Defamation League. The title was taken from the old Jewish Defense League slogan Never Again and was meant to communicate the urgency of the issues American Jews now face. This very interesting program discussed various aspects of rising anti-semitism in our nation, especially in the wake of the recent election. Many of our congregants have expressed fears as to the future of the American Jewish community. These fears are shared by Jews from across the country who came to New York to attend, learn and discuss. For me, the most interesting session was one in which two individuals, one a former skinhead, and one a former Islamic fundamentalist terrorist recently released from prison, discussed their involvement in extremist groups and their personal journeys away from that horrific world. There was, of course, an aspect to their talks that gave the audience a view into a secret world that we all have heard about, but probably never have had an opportunity to discuss with a participant.. But more importantly, for me as a Jew and a rabbi, it gave me a unique view of how a person who has fallen very far away from what most of us would consider decent behavior and acceptable society, can, through personal decision and sacrifice, work back to a normal, sane and moral life. Their stories were both a warning and an inspiration. The former Islamic terrorist comes from a family that is descended from President John Adams. Yet he could be lured into a world of hatred for all America stands for, and then extricate himself from that same horrible world. Surely we can extricate ourselves from the pitfalls that we stumble into during our life s journey.well. Continued on page 2 December 2016 The SHOFAR 1

2 OFFICERS OF CONGREGATION B NAI ISRAEL RABBI Pinchas N. Pearl Chairman of the Board of Trustees President Executive Vice President First VP Second VP Third VP Treasurer Financial Secretary Recording Secretary Sisterhood President Editor Marvin Cooper Charles Greinsky Barry Kashubo Roger Lader Marvin Cooper Kevin Brosnick Laurie Raps Susan Finkelstein Norman A. Kanter Zoya Khalfin Norman A. Kanter There are several ways you can remember a loved one or commemorate a special occasion. Here are some ideas: Bar/Bat Mitzvah Synagogue office: (718) Cemetery Dr. Selman Berger (718) Chumash ($75) Synagogue office: (718) Siddurs ($36) Synagogue office (718) Hebrew School Synagogue office: (718) Kiddush Synagogue office: (718) Memorial Plaques Scott Diamond: (917) Baby Naming Synagogue office: (718) Reserve a date Synagogue office: (718) Tree of Life Synagogue office: (718) Tree in Israel ( Synagogue office: (718) Rabbi s message (continued) That same message will be repeated for us later this month when, on Saturday night, December 24, we kindle the first light of Chanukah. Most of the world will comment on the fact that this happy festival coincides with a major Christian holiday. I am more intrigued with the message of redemption Chanukah contains for all of us. The pitfalls the Jews of the first Chanukah faced were the lure of assimilation, the demand that we cast aside our faith and traditions, and become part of a foreign and alien culture, demanded from us because we were a small minority. The inspiration of Chanukah is that our ancestors resisted this demand, and fought with the weapons of spirit, faith and military bravery, to defend our right to live as the Torah teaches. The Hellenizers of that time were cultural and religious terrorists, and the Maccabees, with Ha Shem s help, did not allow themselves to be terrorized. We honor their courage with the lights that we kindle, and festivities that make the holiday so special America is facing challenging times. Terror, hatred, intolerance confront us in ways we have not seen for a long time. The story of Chanukah teaches us our response. May we, with calm courage, faith in G-d s love and support,, and fidelity to the Torah, face down the terror and hatred of today, as our ancestors did long ago. In doing so, we rekindle lights of freedom, tolerance and bravery for all Jews and all mankind. Happy Chanukah! Shalom, Pinchas N. Pearl Rabbi President s message As we begin the start of the last month of the year (Where did it go to?), are you prepared for the winter? While we have gone through many past ones, it never hurts to review steps that should be taken. First, is yourself. Have you had your flu shot? This is a no-cost way to prevent severe illness. While you are at it, you might want to check that all your medications are current. This is particularly important if you are going to be away for the winter. Speaking of which, for the snowbirds among you, have a great winter, but don t forget to arrange for snow removal and to cut off mail, utilities, and newspapers... It is also a good idea to have someone check your house periodically to make sure all is well. For the rest of us, there are a number of items needing attention. For the house owners among us, windows and doors need to be checked and winterized, sprinklers systems need to be turned off, decks need to be inspected for splintering, decay, or insect damage, the heating system needs to be inspected, and air filters need to be replaced as necessary. Gutters, roof, and drains should be checked for leaks and cleared. The above suggestions are not complete, by any means, but you get the idea. We need to be working on the ounce of prevention being worth more than a pound of cure theory. So, make sure all is in order, stay warm, and have a great winter! Yours in fellowship, Charles Greinsky President. TEL: (718) PAYLESSGLATT@GMAIL.COM DAVID PAYLESS GLATT KOSHER MEATS, INC. 77 RICHMOND HILL ROAD STATEN ISLAND NY WHY PAY MORE WHEN YOU CAN PAY- LESS! UNDER THE VAAD OF STATEN island December 2016 The SHOFAR 2

3 Exclusive CATERING BY KAPLAN 45 Twombly Avenue MEL AND STACIE KAPLAN (718) (718) *Celebrate In Style* * Bar/Bat Mitzvahs * Weddings *Baby Namings *Bris *Non-Profit Organizations *Under strict rabbinical supervision December 2016 The SHOFAR 3

4 Celebrate Chanukah light candles! The first candle of Chanukah is lit on Saturday,, Dec. 24, after 5:24 p.m. One candle is added to the menorah each night The first night, only the shammus, the candle that lights the others, and the first candle are lit. An additional candle is added each night until the eighth night when all the candles are lit. On Friday, the Chanukah candles are lit before the Shabbos candles. Candles should be added from right to left (like Hebrew writing) and the newest candle should be lit first. While holding the shammus, the following blessings are said: Barukh atah (name of G-D), Eloheinu melekh haolam, asher kidishanu b mitzvotav v tzivanu l had lik neir shel Chanukah (respond Amen) Blessed are you o Lord our G-D, sovereign of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to light the lights of Chanukah (respond Amen) Barukh atah (name of G-D), Eloheinu melekh haolam, she-asah nisim la aovteinu bayamim heheim baziman hazeh (respond Amen) Blessed are you o Lord our G-D, sovereign of the universe, who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time. (respond Amen) On the first night, add the following blessing. Barukh atah (name of G-D), Eloheinu melekh haolam, shehecheyanu v kiyimanu v higi yanu laz man hazeh (respond Amen) Blessed are you o Lord our G-D, sovereign of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this day. (respond Amen) Remember, while synagogue attendance is very important, religious observance begins in the home. Israeli dancing comes to C.B.I. An Israeli dancing group will start on Dec. 7 starting at 7:30 p.m. and continue for ten weeks.. Israeli dancing is great exercise for both the body and mind. Moreover, it is lots of fun, spiritually uplifting, and a wonderful way to connect to our roots and the land of Israel. This class is perfect for those who have never done Israeli dancing and for those who would like to review the dances. Basic steps will be taught and, each week, a new dance will be introduced. The cost is $50 in advance for all ten sessions, or $8 a class for members and $10 for nonmembers. If you are interested, please call Sandy Levy, at , to register. After the ten-week session, a decision will be made on whether to continue, based on the level of participation.. More pledges redeemed More and more members and nonmembers are fulfilling their obligation to redeem the pledges made during the High Holidays. Since our last issue, the following persons have heeded the call and have redeemed them Elaine and Peter Albert, Heli Apelbuam, Michelle and Kevin Brosnick, Nancy and Joel Cohen, Sophia and Alvin Cohen, Brenda-Ness and Marvin Cooper, Ana and Mark Cramer, Joanne and Alvin Davis, Tatyana and Timor Fanshteyn, Rosalie and Marc Gold, Marian and Arthur Goldberg, Bette and Dr. Steven Goldstein, Ilene and Charles Greinsky, Tatyana and Vlad Gutt, Zoya and Marat Khalfin, Ella and David Kharab, Roger Lader, Ella Ligay, Sharon and Joel Pekuly, Lillian Phillips, Bonnie and Scott Rosner, Caryn and Howard Schwartz, Diane and Harris Schwartz, Helen and Dr. Stuart Suss, Anna and Lenny Valdberg, Dorian and Avram Yugrakh, and Inna and Dmitry Zbarsky These funds will keep our synagogue opeating during the next few months when our heating costs increase, and contributions tend to fall off. If you have not acted, please do so now. In addition to relieving yourself of a moral obligation, you will get a tax deduction for Forthcoming events Please list the following events on your calendar as you will not want to miss them. Adult Education Our Sunday series The History of Anti- Semitism continues December 4 at 10 a.m. Please join us for a discussion of a topic that dominates the news today, and a light breakfast Book Club Meeting Our book club will meet on Tuesday, December 6, at 7 p.m.to discuss the moving Holocaust novel, Sarah s Key... Please come. The more people, the livelier the discussion. Chanukah A special Chanukah presentation and dinner are planned for the dinner on Dec. 16. See the flyer on page 8 to make your reservations. Please join us for Menorah lighting at 6:30 p.m., followed by Chanukah festivities, on Dec. 24, There will be a movie, To Be Or Not To Be, starring Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft., to set the proper Chanukah mood. Delicious refreshments will be served. Details are on page 7. Israeli dancing We are starting an exciting new program of Israeli dancing. This activity is stimulating both physically and mentally. Please take advantage of it. Details are on this page.. December 2016 The SHOFAR 4

5 Yahrzeits This Month Yahrzeits start on the evening before the date given. For additions or corrections to this list, please contact Scott Diamond at (917) ), or If you need to say kaddish for a yahrzeit, please call the office two weeks before and we will try to arrange a minyan. It would be helpful to bring a few family members and friends to the service to make sure of a minyan as it is not always possible to arrange one from our congregants. The names of the departed will be read at the Friday evening service preceding their yahrzeit. It is appropriate for members of their families to be present and recite kaddish that service, as well. It is also customary to make a donation in memory of the departed one. Dec. 2/Kislev 2 Jeane Epstein, mother-in-law of Al Marin Irene Schwartz, mother of Harris Schwartz Selma Rosenblum, mother of Laurie Raps Dec. 4/Kislev 4 Roslyn Zeitlin, sister of Flo Weiss Dec. 6/Kislev 6 Jack Goretsky, father of Jay Goretsky Bertha Perlin, mother of Roger Lader Dec. 8/Kislev 8 Sonya Rosenfeld, grandmother of Mrs. Papirov Dec. 9/Kislev 9 David Brownstein, father of Cheryl Guterman Dec. 11/Kislev 11 Genia Fisch, mother of Leo Fisch Dec. 12/Kislev 12 Fay Frey, mother of Steven Frey Morris Kirsch, relative of Larry Kirsch Leo Ziegler, father of Gladys Graham Dec. 13/Kislev 13 Frances Cohen Baumback, mother of Florence Kalvo Harold Hoff, uncle of Diane Schwartz Dec. 15/Kislev 15 Gladys Streger, uncle of Roberta Sapolsky Dec. 16/Kislev 16 Abraham Goldberg, father-in-law of Roger Lader Dec. 17/Kislev 17 Harold Hollander, father of Carol Kruh Dec. 18/Kislev 18 Edith Helicher, mother of Bonnie Aricero Toby Weinstein, mother of Gail Schwartz Ruth Sandick, mother of Ilene Greinsky Dec. 20/Kislev 20 Bernard X Cohen, father of Rae Ganzman Dec. 21/Kislev 21 Gail Siskind, sister of Arnold Dunn Samuel Zeitlin, father of Flo Wiess Dec. 22/Kislev 22 David Fabian, father of Myra Presworsky Sylvia Held, mother of June David Seymour Smolowitz, father of Larry Smolowitz Dec. 23/Kislev 23 Elsie Berger, mother of Helene Katz Irving Cohen, father of Joel Cohen Alan Weisberg, husband of Judy Weisberg Dec. 24/Kislev 24 Aaron Berger, father of Helene Katz William Hirsch, husband of Gloria Hirsch Dec. 25/Kislev 25 Phyllis Resnick, mother of Coby Forin and sister of Gary Gordon Dec. 26/Kislev 2 6 Morris Dambowic, father of Doris Weintraub Dec, 27/Kislev 27 Dorothy Bale, mother of Rhoda Jaslow Dec. 28/Kislev 28 Marion Pearlberg, mother of Andrea Weiser Jack Springer, father of Sandy Levy Dec. 29/Kislev 29 Elliot Sklar, brother of Ira Sklar Lenore Levine, wife of Norman Levine Dec. 30/Tevet 1 Roselle Graham, mother of Joel Graham Emmanuel Goldklang, father of Lillian Phillips December 2016 The SHOFAR 5

6 l C,B.I. is filled with the sound of music Voices were raised in song and laughter at our first karaoke night. A number of attendees, urged on by our irrepressible emcee, Barry Kashubo, who encouraged the audience to participate. In addition to the music, everyone enjoyed the refreshments, which included a chocolate fondue and several flavors of ice cream. Our thanks to the chairperson, Janice Rappaport, and her crew, who made this fun evening possible. Besides Barry, they included: Nancy Cohen, Susan and Richard Finkelstein, Barbara Kanter, Sandy Levy, Laurie Raps, Barbara Smith, and, once again, our rabbi, who always seems to be there when an extra pair of hands is needed. Once again, our people were there While most of the work for the High Holiday season took place last month, there was one task that remained, taking down the succah. Fortunately, unlike the Sunday when it was erected, the day it came down was bright. That, however, did not lessen the amount of effort needed to dismantle it. Our thanks to the crew who handled this job with efficiency and dispatch: Marvin Cooper, Scott Diamond, Mel Fox, Gene Graber, Norman A. Kanter, Barry Kashubo, Marat Khalfin, and Jack Tabak. In addition, once again, a very special thanks to Rabbi Pearl. Thank you for your contribution Contributions received after November 15 will be acknowledged in the January issue..if there is no reason given for the contribution, it is for the general purposes of the synagogue. Flora and Miron Berenshteyn in memory of Chaim ben Israel The Bloom and Sims families in memory of Sheldon Bloom Ana and Mark Cramer in memory of Max Besen Estelle and Arnold Dunn in memory of Shirely Dunn Rita and Marty Eisenberg in memory of Yetta Sohn Bette and Dr. Steven Goldstein in memory of Morris Kettner Charles Kudler in memory of Harry Kudler Norman Levine for sponsoring a Kiddush in memory of his wife, Lenore Judy and Paul Rosen in memory of Jenny Zuness Doris Wasser in memory of Lillian Eidlin, Annual meeting The annual Congregational meeting will take place on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. At that time, a vote will be taken on the five members who are up for reelection for a term ending, December 31, 2019, and there will be a discussion of the current position of our synagogue. The nominees are: Marvin Cooper, Marty Eisenberg, Mel Fox, Sharon Pekuly, and Judy Rogers. News About our Members Welcome to our new families, Faina and Borislav Rogovaya, and their children, Dennis, Max, and Veronica, and Karen and Oleg Kosubevsky, and their children, Aiden and Sophie. We wish a speedy recovery to Michael Pekuly, son of Sharon and Joel Pekuly Handyman available Our custodian, Eduardo, is available to do odd jobs around the house, including, but not limited to, cleaning, electrical work, carpentry, plumbing, etc. He has been with C.B.I. for five years and has proven his skills time and time again.. To use his services, call Barry Kashubo, (347) Preschool news This past month, the Pre-K For All class learned more about themselves and the people around them. This All About Us unit provided an opportunity for the children to explore, learn about, and embrace what makes them important and unique. A strong sense of self supports children's success in prekindergarten and lays the groundwork for realizing their potential throughout their school and life experiences. The Two and Three Year Old Class' thematic unit of study was Thanksgiving, Family, and Friends. Both classes enjoyed a mock Thanksgiving feast as a culminating activity. Our annual raffle drive ends on Friday, December 23, Please continue to sell raffle tickets and thanks to all who have participated in this important fund-raising activity.. As you celebrate the Festival of Lights, may your home be bright with happiness and filled with and love. Best wishes at Chanukah. The C.B.I. Academy Preschool Faculty Just for the fun of it As Chanukah approached., a small village outside of Budapest was worried that they would not have any latkes (potato pancakes) because they had run out of flour. Their rabbi, Rudolph, was called upon to help solve the problem. He said, Don t worry, you can use matzoh meal instead of flour, and the latkes will be just as delicious. His wife looks at him and says, Rudi, do you really think it ll work. Of course, he replies,, Everyone knows that Rudolph the rab knows grain, dear. December 2016 The SHOFAR 6

7 Candle lighting at Chanukah and Movie Night Bring your children and friends for a fun-filled time at Congregation B nai Israel 45 Twombly Avenue SI NY (Bay Terrace) Saturday, December 24, 2016 At 7:30 PM MOVIE: To Be Or Not To Be Refreshments: ice cream, popcorn, fruit, etc. Adults: suggested donation $5, Children: free **** ***If you want to participate in our Chanukah Grab Bag, bring a $10.00 gift (generic). Please office@sicbi.com if you will be coming, so we can plan appropriately. December 2016 The SHOFAR 7

8 CBI and its Hebrew School invite you to join us to celebrate Shabbat & Chanukah Dinner, Friday, December 6:30 pm and Shabbat 8:00 pm Share our pride in our children and how they are growing in their ability to participate in synagogue and holiday ritual. Celebrate Shabbat! Celebrate Chanukah! Please return the dinner order form before December 12 to: Congregation B nai Israel 45 Twombly Ave Staten Island, N.Y Dinner Buffet Menu Roast Chicken, Chopped Liver, Potato Latkes, Vegetables, Noodle Pudding, and Jelly Donuts! # Free for children currently attending CBI Hebrew School $22.00 per adult. $ $10.00 per child (ages 5-12) $ NAME: Total: $ PHONE: December 2016 The SHOFAR 8

9 RABBI & CANTOR SAMUEL LINKOVSKY z l 10th YAHRTZEIT MEMORIAL TRIBUTE and JAZZ CONCERT Congregation Temple Emanu El 984 Post Avenue Staten Island, New York Saturday, December 10, PM Refreshments will be served Rachel Linkovsky, a graduate of The New School, College of Performing Arts, School of Jazz with a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts, Jazz & Contemporary Music, and her band will perform a jazz concer at this memorial tribute to commemorate the 10th Yahrtzeit of her beloved father, Rabbi/Cantor Samuel Linkovsky z l. * Benefactors. $36 (Includes one concert ticket and Cantor Linkovsky s z l CD) * Patrons.. $25 * General Admission $18 advance / $23 at the door * Children under 12 Free RSVP by DECEMBER 2nd TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT REFRESHMENTS For tickets contact Alla Linkovsky (718) December 2016 The SHOFAR 9

10 December 2016 The SHOFAR 10