Volume 160, Number 6 Tevet/Sh vat January 2019

Transcription

1 Volume 160, Number 6 Tevet/Sh vat January 2019 JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS A Homecoming Rabbi Prosnit invites us to attend a special Shabbat service in the temple s former home. Page 3. Reasons for Hope Rabbi Schultz describes what he learned on a visit to Israel and why there are reasons to be optimistic about the nation s future. Page 5. An Enduring Love Even though he is sometimes dismayed by the actions of its government, Ira Wise loves Israel. He explains why on Page 7. Honoring Rabbi Prosnit Please clip out the preliminary schedule of events planned to honor Rabbi Prosnit on his retirement. Page 16. High Holy Day Appeal A list of donors to the High Holy Day Appeal appears on Page 10. Also Inside Sharing Our Joy... P. 2 Bonim... P. 6 BIFTY... P. 6 Adult Learning... P. 8 Donations... P. 9 Shabbat Services... P. 15 A LASTING WAY TO HONOR RABBI PROSNIT Jeffrey Bender is quick to tell you that he is not a regular at religious services. But as the grandson of Holocaust victims, he has a deep commitment to his Jewish faith, and strong affection for Congregation B nai Israel. So he was receptive when Rabbi Prosnit and Sam Rosenberg approached him about donating to the Rabbi James Prosnit Legacy Fund, which has a goal of substantially adding to the synagogue s endowment and honoring the rabbi s 30 years of service. It s like planting a tree and making sure it will always be there, Jeffrey said. It was really a nice day for me. Nobody was twisting my arm. It s the kind of thing where I felt this is important. Jeff is one of the early donors to the fund, which has raised more than $825,000 to date. The temple s current endowment is $1.2 million. That is not considered very much for a 160-year-old institution with a thriving congregation. The hope is to raise that figure closer to $3 million. The estimated $100,000 a year in income that would be generated by the endowment can be designated by the On Friday, Jan. 18, at 6 p.m. we will be celebrating our 160 th Anniversary, Shabbat Shirah (the Sabbath of Song) and Dr. Martin Luther King Weekend. Jim and Sam Board of Trustees and most typically is used, when needed, to support the synagogue s regular operations. That will have a major impact, Sam, a former president of the congregation, said. It will make the budget committee s life significantly easier. Each year, it s a struggle to meet the budget Rabbi Prosnit said that, as the first Rabbi at B nai Israel to retire from the post, he was looking for a way to honor his years of service and leave a legacy that will go forward. He added that it was easier for him to make requests for the Legacy Fund than to seek donations for the annual budget. Continued on page 4 A MOST SPECIAL SABBATH TRIFECTA site of the Temple s home from 1911 to 1958, now the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, at 1100 Park Avenue. See page 3 for additional information. But instead of welcoming Shabbat in our current building, we will be at the Carpooling is recommended. Contact the Temple office if you need a ride.

2 Sharing Our Joy Juda and Elaine Chetrit, in celebration of the birth of grandson, William John Laragh, son of Marci and Robert Laragh, brother of Eliana and Julia. Jerry and Dale Demner, in celebration of their 50 th Wedding Anniversary. Annette Schwarz Kaye and Rick Kaye, in celebration of the birth of granddaughter, Charlotte Sabina Kaye, daughter of Joshua Kaye and Megan Ridley-Kaye, sister of Benjamin Ridley Kaye. Richard and Rebecca Rosen, in celebration of the birth of granddaughter, Aviva Rose Eshel, daughter of Rachel and Mickey Eshel, and grandson Elijah Hudson Gombos, son of Julia and Dan Gombos, who was born in May. Jerry Pressman, in celebration of his 80th Birthday Welcome! 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. Richard & Melissa Johnson, Beren, Emma and Amelia Lockwood Road, Fairfield Marie-Dominique Boyce Fairfield Sincere Sympathy We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of: Elsbeth Zabin, wife of Joel Zabin Jon-Alec Chervin, son of Lori and Brad Chervin Ernest Michel, father of Ralph Michel Abraham Bass, father of Daniel Bass New Member Shabbat Please join us to welcome the newest members of our B nai Israel Community on Friday, January 25, at 6 p.m. Community Read As part of the Federation for Jewish Philanthropy s Common Threads Community Read of Rachel Kadish s The Weight of Ink, a book discussion led by Kelle Ruden will be held on Sunday, January 27, at 2 p.m. at the Temple. The novel won the 2017 National Jewish Book Award and tells the interwoven tale of two women of remarkable intellect set in London in the 1660 s and the early 2000s. Please reply to Stacy Kamisar, Program Director of The Federation for Jewish Philanthropy at skamisar@ jewishphilanthropyct.org to reserve a spot. Drive-in Movie BULLETIN BOARD Looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon? Join us for a Havurah and Bonim Drivein Movie on January 12 at 4:30 p.m. The kids will decorate a cool cardboard car, use their tickets to get snacks at our Bonim Concession Stand and then hop right in with their movie snacks (provided by us) and watch an age-appropriate movie. All you need to bring is your child and a blanket for their car to make it nice and cozy. Cost is $10 per family Learn About Jolson Jon Sonneborn, a Temple member and Al Jolson scholar, will share the real story of Jolson s rise from immigrant to the highest paid performer in America on January 12 at 5 p.m. at the temple. Separating the facts from the legend, Jon will share the real Jolson story, with special emphasis on Jolson s Judaism, his strong ties with the black community and the controversies over his use of blackface. This event is open to the community and is a part of Common Threads, a community-wide series exploring our diverse ancestry and heritage in our Upper Fairfield County Jewish Community. Mitzvah Morning Our January Mitzvah morning brings an opportunity to join our wider Bridgeport community by volunteering at area nonprofits. On Monday, January 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the University of Bridgeport will hold its annual Day of Service, providing volunteer experiences at area nonprofits. We do not have all the details yet, but in past years, free lunch and transportation to service sites have been provided, and service projects ran from 9:30 to 12:30 p.m. In addition, there has been a link to preregister for the community service project you would like to participate in. As soon as we have more information, we will pass on the details. Please put the date on your calendars and join us for a meaningful experience working together with others in our community. 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 Worshiping Again at the Original Park Avenue Temple The 160 th Anniversary of the Temple that we celebrate this year has taken a bit of a back seat due to the leadership transitions on which we have been focused. And that s too bad. Between my retirement this coming spring and Cantor Blum s the following year, the installation of Rabbi Schultz as the next senior rabbi and the likelihood of welcoming a new assistant rabbi and a new cantor in the not too distant future, we ve been focused on the more recent past and the future. Still, an anniversary of large round numbers is a good time to think about our history. Not many congregations date themselves prior to the Civil War. It is worth pausing to acknowledge B nai Israel s receipt of a charter from the City of Bridgeport in 1859 that started our congregational journey. A special service celebrating Shabbat Shirah (the Sabbath of Song), MLK Weekend and our 160th Anniversary. For the first 50 years, Rabbis and meeting places changed frequently. Our archives note several addresses; homes, rooms or storefronts in downtown Bridgeport. By the early 20 th century a more permanent home was sought. A lot was purchased on lower Park Avenue for $4,350 and one of the congregation s more prominent members, Leonard Asheim, became the architect for the new building. At a cost of $19, the building was completed and a dedication ceremony took place on March 12, According to a page one story in the Connecticut Farmer, A Hebrew House of Worship is Opened Christian and Hebrew Clergymen United in Dedication of Temple Devoted to Worship of Common God. That beautiful building filled with wood carvings and a cathedral like ceiling became the home to the Park Avenue Temple and served the congregation s needs for decades. Some of our older congregants still remember the building with great fondness. By the mid 1950 s, however, our membership had grown beyond the building s capacities, (High Holy Day services were even held at the Klein Memorial) and congregants were increasingly moving to the suburbs around Bridgeport. In 1958 we moved to our current location. But the building that was the centerpiece of Jewish life in Bridgeport for 50 years still exists and is now the spiritual home of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church led by the Rev. David Miller. In celebration of our rich history, Reverend Miller has invited us to return to the original Park Avenue Temple on Friday evening January 18 th at 6 p.m. for a very special service. We ll acknowledge the past and restate a commitment to the city that spawned us. How appropriate, too, that the day we selected is both Shabbat Shirah (Sabbath of Song) and the Sabbath of Martin Luther King Weekend. Cantor Blum has been working with the music director of NHMBC to add the voices of our adult choir to those of the church s musical forces. It promises to be a most special evening and we very much hope you ll join us. From June through November, B nai Israel initiated a nonpartisan effort to help residents of the greater Bridgeport area register to vote, followed by a Get Out the Vote phone campaign to all congregants. A summary of our activities follows: - 66 congregants were involved in voter registration activities, including training, registering REACHING OUT TO VOTERS voters, and our phone campaign voter registration cards were completed volunteers signed up for a voter registration shift. - More than 20 different community sites gave permission for voter registration - 24 congregants volunteered to call the nearly 700 B nai Israel members to ask them to vote. Debbie Goodman and Randy Dorfman chaired the effort. Judy Blumenthal, Barbara Edinberg and Jeff Schwartz Donation Item of the Month: Cans of soup and stew for Operation Hope. 3

4 HONORING RABBI PROSNIT From page 4 Sam said the fund s dual goals are to show appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit and to shore up the congregation financially. He added that the synagogue has not sought big donations in more than 15 years. If we had been asking for bequests for 50 years, we d be in much better shape today. People feel great about this place, he added, and they haven t been given the chance to make donations like this. Many of the larger donations have been made in the form of appreciated stocks and I.R.A. distributions, both of which offer significant tax benefits to the donor. Sam is happy to discuss the details of such gifts and arrange help with bequests. He can be reached at srosenberg@ cbibpt.org People appreciate the opportunity to honor Jim and benefit the synagogue. There are actually two endowments at B nai Israel. In Endowment A, the principal cannot be touched for any reason and, with this campaign, will reach a threshold that the interest and dividends can be used for the benefit of the congregation. Within this endowment, there is also a separate account investing in Israeli stocks and bonds, demonstrating the synagogue s financial support of Israel. The principal in Endowment B can be used if a super majority of the board approves it for an extraordinary, non-operating expense. But that has never been done. The response to the drive has been enthusiastic. People appreciate the opportunity to honor Jim and benefit the synagogue, Sam said. With other synagogues closing, Rabbi Prosnit added, I truly believe the most important thing to sustain Jewish life in Bridgeport is to support B nai Israel, and that s been true for a long time. Honoring Rabbi James Prosnit Twenty-Nine Years We greatly appreciate the generosity of the following congregants who honor Rabbi Prosnit by helping establish the Rabbi James Prosnit Legacy Fund. Rabbinic Circle Helen & Bob Natt Cleo & Jon Sonneborn L Chaim Circle Wendy & Jeffrey Bender Patti & Samuel Rosenberg Mindy & Jeffrey Siegel Susan & Rich Walden Simcha Circle Elaine Appellof & Jerry Saunders Carson & Robert Berkowitz Lisa & Jim Greenberg Ruth & Eric Gross Joanne & Richard Krantz Shari & Brian Nerreau Amy & Glenn Rich Patti & Matthew Wunder Mazel Tov Circle Alayne & Martin Burger Paula & Robert Herzlinger Wendy & Don Hyman Anne & Mark Kirsch Linda & Gene Koski Joanne & Neil Lippman Fran & Rob Morris Leslie & Joseph Varon Blessings Circle Toby & Emil Meshberg 4 Follow us on Instagram at Cbipt

5 From the Rabbi s Study/Rabbi Evan Schultz Reflections from the Other Side of Israel Eizeh tzevah yafa -- what a beautiful color! You don t often hear two members of the Israeli Knesset compliment one another s choice of shirt color, especially two politicians from different parties, but this is what makes Israel unique. I sat just a short time ago, in mid- November, with a group of nine rabbis from across New England, spending five intense days learning about the Israel that often does not make the headlines: the other side of Israel. For a brief 30 minutes, in between votes on the Knesset floor, we sat with two rising female MKs as they are called, or members of the Knesset, Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin, from the Zionist Union party, and Rachel Azaria, from the Kulanu party. One is in the majority coalition and one is not. They can disagree on the Knesset floor and then a moment later compliment one another s outfits and laugh like old friends. They offered our group a glimpse of hope for the Israeli political system, two centrists seeking to prevent partisan politics that they see sweeping through so many countries around the world. These two women carry a momentous task, not only trying to keep partisan politics off the Knesset floor, but also protecting the very identity of Israel, maintaining the nearly impossible balance of democracy and Jewish values on one hand, and the security and protection of Israel s citizens on the other. This seemed to be the thread that ran through our trip. I have returned from Israel with an increased sense of its complication and complexities. What does it mean to be a Jewish state and a democracy? How do Israel s leaders maintain that Jewishness and democracy while at the same time protect her citizens? What is Israel s identity? Rabbi Schutz, third from left, with other rabbis at the Western Wall. How can they go from being a startup nation to being an impact nation? What is their relationship to diaspora Jewry? How do they deal with a world increasingly hostile to Israel? How do they deal with existential threats like Iran and Hezbollah? How can they keep partisan politics out of their institutions? How, despite all of this, do they stay optimistic about their future? Regardless of such questions, many Israelis see reasons for optimism. To name just a few examples: We spent a day in Tel Aviv learning about the unbelievable innovations coming out of what s dubbed the Middle East s Silicon Valley. Machines that can transform humid air into drinking water and eyeglasses that can enable an individual with limited vision to read and recognize people in front of them, just to name a couple. I found hope when we visited the Follow us on Twitter We ll follow back! egalitarian section of the Western Wall known as Ezrat Yisrael, where we witnessed an Israeli liberal bar mitzvah service, with women reading Torah and men and women sitting together, just around the corner from the formal Western Wall, where traditionally such things would not occur. More and more Israelis are finding meaning in liberal expressions of Judaism in Israel than ever before. And finally, Rachel Azaria, the MK I spoke about earlier, shared with us that she found hope during the recent elections, where Aliza Bloch was elected mayor of the town of Beit Shemesh. What made her victory unique? She ran a campaign without any hate, without bashing the other candidate, without using fear to drive support. Little things like this bring hope to Israelis as they face such major and existential questions each and every day. Such is the daily life of our Israeli brothers and sisters. I was grateful to experience the other side of Israel and I hope over the course of the coming weeks and months to find opportunities for dialogue and discussion as we engage with Israel and the beautiful and complex tensions that make it such a unique and special place. 5

6 Bonim Buzz/Alexa Cohen, Early Childhood Director A JOYOUS CHANUKAH CELEBRATION Bonim Preschool held its annual Chanukah show on December 6. The kids were ecstatic to sing Chanukah songs with Cantor Blum on the bimah. Afterwards we hosted a potluck dinner for all the families that filled the Social Hall and lobby. It was such a joyful occasion. BIFTY Members of our BIFTY board were asked about why they come to BIFTY: What has been your favorite program so far? Family Feud Sleepover Candyland Lost in Time Start your new year off with BIFTY! We meet on Thursdays from 7:15-8:45 in the BIFTY Lounge. All 8th graders are now invited to attend programs! Our January programs are: Jan 10: Enjoy a winter wonderland with BIFTY Jan 17: Celebrate your birthday with BIFTY! Jan 24: Director at the Center for Food Equity and Economic Development at the Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, Michelle McCabe, is coming to BIFTY to speak about hunger and equity Jan 31: Do you have the best invention? Can you sell it to our judges? Come to Shark Tank and find out! What are you looking forward to? Survivor Shark Tank New members! Describe BIFTY in 5 words or less Jews R Cool B nai Israel Federation Temple Youth Super Duper Really Very Fun Fruit Snacks and Capri Suns Follow us on Facebook at BIFTY Follow us on Instagram at cbi.bifty advisor Marisa Underberger with any questions munderberger@cbibpt.org 6 We want you in the Bulletin! Send your news to Editor Jack Kadden at jkadden@cbibpt.org

7 From the Education Center/Ira J. Wise Yes, I am conflicted. Yes, I love Israel. Yes I am going (as often as I can). I love Israel. I hope you do too. There is not a but or an except that follows that statement. That is the thing about love. When you love someone, you love them. You love them even though you know they are not perfect. You love them even though they make you sometimes want to be in a different physical space when they are doing or saying something. You love them even when they do things that fly in the face of everything they have always said they believe in. You even love them when they choose to believe something else. I will not recap the news for you. The government of Israel has done a number of things that some of us wish they hadn t. By the way, some of us wish they had done it sooner and with greater impact that is the nature of family, we don t always agree. On college campuses and in the leadership of several movements that some of us have felt drawn to, there have been profound attacks on Israel and those who believe in her. Even some Jews have decided that the actions of the government make it impossible to support Israel at all. And there are certainly moments when I wish that many of those actions were different. And I still love Israel. I love Israelis. Not all of them, but I have a lot of friends and some family there. All of our shinshinim are there and I try to visit many of them whenever I visit. I love the fact that I can walk the streets of Jerusalem and feel like I am not a tourist, but in my second home. I love that I am finally starting to explore Tel Aviv. I love the stories of the building of the nation and have had the privilege to meet some of the non-famous people who helped to build it. And I love that I feel it is mine. It is family. And that means even when I am disappointed, I still love Israel. In our curriculum, and with the help of our teachers and the shinshinim, we are trying to help our students find that kind of connection. That is why our Kitah Hey (5 th grade) students have an ongoing relationship with their peers at the Nitzavim School in Rishon L Tzion south of Tel Aviv. And that is why we encourage our teenagers and adults to travel to Israel. For the past five summers I have chaperoned the NFTY L dor Vador trips on their first leg through Eastern Europe on their way to Israel. We explore a thousand years of Jewish life in Europe and the yearning those Jews had to return to Eretz Yisrael the land of Israel. We also explore the tragic end of most of those communities. Then I escort them to Israel as they begin a fourweek adventure, and hopefully turn their connection with Israel into a love affair. We need your help. Read the news. If, like many American Jews, you have avoided engaging in Israel because it is complicated and sometimes troubling, stop. Engage. Form an opinion that allows you to engage. I urge you not give up on Israel, but rise to the challenge of imagining a peaceful, complete Israel. And talk about it with your kids. We cannot make them love it if you don t. I hope you will note that I have not told you what opinions to have about Israel. That is not up to me. I just want you to engage and teach your children to engage. Because this is about family. I can remember signs that once said America. Love it or leave it. I hope that you will join me in loving Israel. Leaving it is unthinkable to me even from this side of the Atlantic. And talk to me or the rabbis about sending your child or your family to Israel. If not this summer then soon. L shalom, Ira J. Wise, D.J.R.E. Director of Education Torah Yoga with Al Dressler Consider a new experience for your Shabbat morning -- The Jew is in the Lotus: Hatha Yoga & Jewish Meditation for Beginners will be offered on Saturdays at 10:30 starting January 12th For this class, we will focus on specific Hebrew words and symbols from Jewish Meditations and Kabbalah. For example, the words Shalom, Hesed, Netzah and Chai as mantras and the symbols such as the Kabbalah Tree of Life, Hamsa, the number 18 and the Star of David for mandala visualization exercises. The instructor, Alan Dressler began practicing Hatha Yoga and Meditation in 1994 after a traumatic car accident. He started self-physical therapy to improve his health and began study from his mentor, Adeline Osuch. In 2008, Alan started teacher training and from 2008 to 2014, he taught Yoga at the Jewish Community Center in Bridgeport and the Jewish Home of Fairfield County. Since 2015, he has been helping teach at Merkaz. Like us on Facebook. Visit the Congregation B nai Israel page and join us online. 7

8 Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B nai Israel Adult Round Table Thursday, January 3 and February 7 at Noon Gloria Katz facilitates a discussion about current events for anyone who wants to go beyond the headlines. Join us the first Thursday of every month, and bring a sandwich, your opinion and an open mind. Seeking Everyday Holiness: A Community Mussar Program Mondays, 12:00-1:30 p.m. 10 Sessions:1/28, 2/11 & 25, 3/11 & 25, 4/8 & 29, 5/13, 6/3 & 17 Join with Rabbi Schultz for this ten-part course on the teachings of Mussar. Mussar is a treasury of techniques, teachings, and contemplative practices that offers immensely valuable guidance for the journey of our lives. The learnings and practices help individual souls pinpoint and then to break through the barriers that surround and obstruct the flow of inner light in their lives. The goal of Mussar practice is to release the light of holiness that lives within the soul. Cost: $95 (Covers cost of book and donation to the Mussar Institute.) Learn more about this course here: mussarinstitute.org/courses/seekingeveryday-holiness/ Practical Kabbalah: Elevating Consciousness Mondays at 7:00 p.m., January 28, February 4, 11 and 25 Kabbalah offers a uniquely integrated, holistic pathway to spiritual growth from practical change to deep wisdom and healing. For centuries, these ancient Jewish mysteries were withheld from even observant and committed Jews, and only recently made available outside these circles. We re now fortunate to be able to understand, practice and apply this powerful path in a modern context. Kabbalah teaches you to relate to the world from a stance of wholeness and balance. From this stance, we can understand, grow, transform, and repair internally and externally. Justin C. Beck returns as our teacher of Kabbalah. It is recommended to attend each session as we build on our accumulated knowledge and experience. However, if a session is missed there will be a brief review of the previous session each week. Sessions will alternate between B nai Israel and Congregation Beth El, 1200 Fairfield Woods Road: January 28 and February 11 at B nai Israel and February 4 and 25 at Beth El. Celebrating 160 years of B nai Israel - the ever changing landscape of Reform Judaism Fridays at Noon, February 1, 8, 15 and 22 In honor of our 160th anniversary as a congregation, Rabbi Schultz will take participants through the everchanging Jewish experience as manifested through our community. Specifically, we will look at Reform practice, theology, sacred space, music, and more. If you are curious how Reform Judaism has shifted over the past 160 years, this class is for you! Shabbat Dinner and Speaker: You are the Speaker! Friday, February 1. 5:30 p.m. Oneg 6:00 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat 7:15 p.m. Shabbat Dinner Let s welcome Shabbat. Let s break bread together. And instead of moving to the chapel for an informative talk by someone with something to say, let s sit with one another. Let s meet new people and relax with old friends. Let s sit down to eat and talk without an outside agenda. We might have a few ideas for conversations on the table, but we really want to just relax and have a Shabbat together. Dinner is $20.00 per person. Contact Chris@cbibpt.org or (203) for reservations. One Temple One Book: Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor Monday March 4 at 7:00 p.m. Join Rabbi Prosnit in a discussion on author Yossi Klein Halevi s latest book An honest and forthright attempt to reach across the divide to Palestinians who share his homeland. Klein Halevi argues that the road to peace is understanding the two conflicting narratives and eventually splitting the land into two states for two peoples. However, he is sober and fearful and confesses I remain in limbo, affirming a two-state solution while clinging to the status quo. And yet I cannot accept our current state of seemingly endless conflict as the definitive verdict on our relationship. Read it! You ll be glad you did. 8 Follow us on Instagram at Cbipt

9 NOVEMBER DONATIONS (Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.) Rabbi Prosnit Discretionary Fund Bonnie Alterman, in memory of Miriam and Ed Payess. Lori Berger, in memory of father, Lester Davis. Marilyn Bissell, in memory of David Ziller. Barbara and Mark Edinberg, in memory of Jon-Alec Chervin, son of Brad and Lori Chervin. Eloise Epstein, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of granddaughter, Zoe May Prosnit. Elaine and Bob Friedman, in memory of Adrienne Krassner, sister of Stan Lessler. Maxine Gross, thank you for your support. Debbie and Ken Hochhauser, in appreciation of Rabbi Prosnit. Carol Krim, in honor of Wendy Bloch. Helen and Len Krulewich, a donation. Shirley Jacob Lantz, Joel, Michael and Sam Jacob, in loving memory of Rabbi Jack Lantz and Rose Levi Halpert. Previn Patel, in honor of dear friend, Dr. Robert A. Sheiman, on his 80 th birthday. Gail, Ed, Dustin and Tamara Schriffert, in memory of loving father and grandfather, Harry Vineberg. Cleo and Jon Sonneborn, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of granddaughter, Zoe May Prosnit. Laura Sydney-Pulton, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of granddaughter, Zoe May Prosnit. Eileen and Howard Tolk, in loving memory of father, Maurice Velenchik. The Wasserlauf Family, in honor of Gavin Wasserlauf s Bar Mitzvah; in appreciation to Rabbi Prosnit. Karen Horn Weinberger, in memory of long-time congregant, Milton Horn. Rabbi Schultz Discretionary Fund Maxine, Stewart and Jenna Gross, in loving memory of mom/grandma, Jean Schafrank. Debbie and Ken Hochhauser, in appreciation of Rabbi Schultz. Steven and Charlene Monn, in honor of Noah s baby naming. Mr. & Mrs. Michael Newman, in honor of the Simchat Bat of Ava Olivia Newman. David Rahn (Alcons Audio), with thanks to Rabbi Schultz. Patti and Samuel Rosenberg, in appreciation of Rabbi Schultz meeting Sarah in Jerusalem. Ellen and Robert Sheiman, in memory of Nicole Brown, daughter of Rod Brown. Music Fund Nancy Brown, in loving memory of husband, Frederic Brown. Eloise Epstein, in honor of Cantor Sheri Blum. Lee and Jeffrey Forgosh, in memory of David Rutkin. Debbie and Ken Hochhauser, in appreciation of Cantor Blum. Brenda and Justin Kreuzer, in loving memory of our mothers, Juliet Furman and Virginia Kreuzer; and in appreciation to Cantor Blum. Judith and David Pressler, in loving memory of Max Farber and Esther Unger Farber, parents of Judith Pressler. Honey and Ken Sacks, in memory of David Rutkin. Sanford and Rosemarie Selcon, in memory of Adrienne Krassner, sister of Stan Lessler. Laura Sydney-Pulton, in memory of Jon-Alec Chervin, son of Brad and Lori Chervin. Eileen and Howard Tolk, in loving memory of stepmother and grandmother, Beulah Tolk. Ruth Twersky, in memory of Adrienne Krassner, sister of Stan Lessler. The Wasserlauf Family, in honor of Gavin Wasserlauf s Bar Mitzvah; in appreciation to Cantor Blum. Ken and Rita Weinstein, with gratitude for the honor of Ken and Sarah reading Torah on Yom Kippur. Enhancement Fund Henry and Marilyn Banach, in memory of Frances T. Cohn. Renée and Rick Beitman, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the marriage of Jake Prosnit to Jena Weinberg. Barbara Berkowitz, in memory of husband, Barry Berkowitz. Luise Mann Burger, in memory of Ernest Michel, father of Ralph Michel; in memory of Jon-Alec Chervin, son of Brad and Lori Chervin; in memory of Michael Charles Manasevit, brother of Sharon Harris and Bruce Manasevit. Eloise Epstein, in honor of the 60 th Donation Item of the Month: Cans of soup and stew for Operation Hope. anniversary of Congregation B nai Israel being in our current location on Park Avenue. Marcia and Stephen Falk, in honor of grandson, Jovi Mountain Falk, on his first birthday. Marvin Gelfand, in memory of Nathan and Cyril Gelfand. Ruth and Eric Gross, in honor of Elaine and Juda Chetrit, on the birth of grandson, William John Laragh. Carol Krim, in appreciation to Jerry Saunders, Liz Nigrosh and Jake Bogner. Beth Lazar, a donation from the sale of my art at the B nai Israel art exhibit. Ruth Madwed, in memory of father, Dr. Jacob Dolid; in honor of Bob Sussman s Mitzvah Heroism. Ellen Hyde Phillips, in memory of Adrienne Krassner, sister of Stan Lessler. Judith and David Pressler, in memory of Michael Charles Manasevit, brother of Sharon Harris. Bob and Twody Schless, in memory of Gunther Stile, father of Twody Schless. Shirlee Schwartz, in memory of Adrienne Krassner, sister of Stan Lessler. Eileen and Howard Tolk, in loving memory of mother, Justine Tolk. Helen Weinstein, in memory of husband, Albert Weinstein, M.D. Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education Fund Judi and David Beier, Mazel tov to Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of granddaughter, Zoe May Prosnit; in loving memory of beloved grandmother, Celia Brodowsky Mehl. George Markley, in honor of Hebrew Classes. Naomi Schaffer and Roger Jackson, in memory of Nicole Brown, daughter of Rod Brown; in memory of grandmother, Rosette Hershkovitz. Nursery School Enrichment Fund The Bakhash Family, in memory of Jon-Alec Chervin, son of Brad and Lori Chervin. Renée and Rick Beitman, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch, on the birth of granddaughter, Zoe May Prosnit. Nursery School Scholarship Fund Jon and Cleo Sonneborn, in memory of Adele Naugle, sister of Irving Silverman. 9

10 (Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing.) Frederic West, a donation. Joni and Michael Greenspan, in appreciation of Rabbi Arnold Sher, for his Lee & David Lester Kesher Fund Goldie Librach, with thanks to Michael Rabbi Martin Library Fund Dale and Jerry Demner, in memory of Jessie Demner, mother of Jerry Demner; in memory of Lorraine Hirsch, sister of Jerry Demner. participation in the Bat Mitzvah service of our granddaughter, Chloe Crist. Jan and Denny Magid, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Chloe Crist, granddaughter of Joni and Michael Greenspan. Sam and Ellen Rost, in memory of and Judy Blumenthal. BIFTY Greenwald Scholarship Fund Barbara and Bernie Berkowitz, in memory of Elsbeth Zabin, wife of Joel Zabin, mother of Josh Zabin. Prayer Book Fund Barbara Abraham, in fond memory of Irving Kern. Harold Epstein. Caren and Bill Schwartz, Jon & Emily, in memory of Jon-Alec Chervin, son of Judith and Stan Lessler, in loving memory of mother, Sophie R. Bretholtz. Brad and Lori Chervin. Mazon Judi and David Beier, in memory of Nicole Brown, daughter of Rod Brown. Beth Lazar, in loving memory of greataunt, Esther Epstein, and aunt, Lea Lazar. Religious School Scholarship Fund The Wasserlauf Family, in honor of Gavin Wasserlauf s Bar Mitzvah; in appreciation to Ira Wise. Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action Fund Barbara Abraham, in honor of Bob Sussman on being our Mitzvah Hero. NOVEMBER DONATIONS Vision Loan Reduction Fund Ken and Rita Weinstein, in memory of Albert Weinstein. Jim Abraham Education Fund for Jewish Leadership Judy and Michael Katz, in honor of Rich and Becky Rosen, on the birth of granddaughter, Aviva Rose. Marjorie and Paul Krubiner, in loving memory of Jim Abraham, husband of Barbara Abraham High Holy Day Appeal Thank you to everyone. This is a continuation of the list from last month s bulletin. Pillar of Contribution Steve and Jill Elbaum Aline and Roy Friedman Susan and Richard Preminger Benefactor of Congregation Robert H. Ford Molli and Stephen Hourihan President s Circle Lilla Cooper Joni and Michael Greenspan Lawrence and Marcy Shinbaum Norman Solomon High Holdy Day Appeal Contribution Stacey and Duane Berlin Jacob Bogner Laura and Bruce Braverman Douglas and Kathryn Brown Lori and Brad Chervin Michael Connolly and Myra Shapiro Donna and Avie Goldstein Seth and Amy Gordon Maxine and Stewart Gross Janice and Bernie Jacobs Janice and Marc Katz Albert and Alida Kleban Judith and David Koch Marjorie and Paul Krubiner Karin Newman Ken and Nina Rabine Beverly Silverman Esther Spiegel Lori and Dan Underberger Marshall and Myra Watnick Sharon and Frederic West Judith Brav Sher Family Education Fund Elaine and Juda Chetrit, in memory of Jon-Alec Chervin, son of Brad and Lori Chervin, brother of Eliana. Arnold & Doris Tower Fund Stephen and Ellen Tower, in memory of Bitsy Tower. Brian Mendell Memorial Fund Marjorie and Paul Krubiner, in loving memory of Brian Mendell, son of Gary and Janet Mendell. Yakhani Caring Fund Barbara Abraham, in honor of, and with joy for, Elaine and Juda Chetrit, on the birth of grandson, William John Laragh; in memory of Jon-Alec Chervin, son of Brad and Lori Chervin. Barbara and Mark Edinberg, in memory of Nicole Brown, daughter of Rod Brown; in memory of Elsbeth Zabin, wife of Joel Zabin, mother of Josh Zabin. Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman, in honor of Elaine and Juda Chetrit, on the birth of grandson, William John Laragh. Judy and Michael Katz, in appreciation of, and with special thanks to, Andi Kern, Wendy Hyman and Barbara Abraham of the Chesed Committee. Marjorie and Paul Krubiner, in loving memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon. 10 What s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly . Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org.

11 Please Support Our Advertisers 3,200sq.ft of Creative Ballroom Space Sunday Brunch Dedicated Event Coordinator Attractive Rates for Your Next Event / Room Block! Call or for more details P: sales@westportinn.com Not Just a Law Firm. Your Law Firm. Appellate Bankruptcy Commercial Finance Common Interest Communities Corporate Elder Law & Long Term Care Planning Employment & Labor Land Use & Zoning Litigation Matrimonial & Family Municipal Personal Injury Physicians Practices Real Estate Securities Securities Arbitration Tax and Trusts & Estates Telecommunications & Utilities BRIDGEPORT DANBURY WESTPORT ORANGE (Gasoline) Roy Friedman Standard Companies President David Cohen Executive Vice-President Who said Jewish learning is just for your kids? Join one of our Adult Learning courses for free. Details on Page 8. 11

12 Please Support Our Advertisers The following members of the legal community join together in their support of the B nai Israel Bulletin: Ken Beck Eric Broder Douglas R. Brown Marcia Cohen Mark A. Kirsch Richard Krantz Andrew R. Lubin Daniel Schopick Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Begins at the Courtyard Shelton EVENTS UP TO 200 GUESTS CREATIVE CUISINE SPECIAL ROOM RATES Contact Event Planner Nicole Knapik at nknapik@waterfordhotelgroup.com or by calling (203) Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, CT sheltoncourtyard.com Hansen s Flower Shop Family Owned and Operated Since 1920 Shop 24/7 By Phone or Website Bar, Bat Mitzvahs and Weddings Our Specialty (203) Steven M. Soberman, M.D. Daniel S. Gottschall, M.D. Certified Mohalim Obstetrics & Gynecology Board Certified 3180 Main Street Bridgeport, CT Phone: (203) Do your teenagers think B nai Israel is just about Religious School? Encourage them to join the fun at BIFTY.

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. Robert D. Chessin Dr. David F. Bindelglass Dr. Alan M. Nelson Dr. Glenn M. Rich Dr. Lawrence Dinkes Dr. Kenneth Rabine Dr. George P. Kelly Dr. Howard B. Twersky Dr. Jeffrey Small Dr. Edward Portnay Dr. Michael Connolly Dr. Kenneth Kingsly Dr. Mark J. Hotchkiss Dr. Andrew Levi Dr. Jared Selter Dr. Geoffrey Gladstein Dr. Rachel E. Sheiman Dr. Brian King Dr. Abraham Fridman Dr. Katherine J. Pesce Dr. Nicholas Blondin Dr. Aaron Dommu Dr. Perry A. Wasserlauf We want you in the Bulletin! Send your news to Editor Jack Kadden at jkadden@cbibpt.org 13

14 Please Support Our Advertisers 55 Greens Farms Road Westport, CT (203) Eric J. Broder: Carole Topol Orland: Help is Just a Phone Call Away. Schoke Jewish Family Service s Home Companion Program offers carefully screened and trained aides for homebound seniors and loved ones recovering from illness. Contact Isrella Knopf, MSW for more information about our affordable rates at isrellak@ctjfs.org. Serving Stamford, Westport, Bridgeport, and Upper Fairfield County 4200 Park Avenue, Suite 300, Bridgeport, CT Phone: Recipient Agency of the Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County and the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien 14 Happy New Year 2019 from the management and staff of the Bulletin.

15 SUCCESSFULLY SPREADING THE GIFT OF LIGHT We are delighted (pun intended!) to report that this year s Gift of Light spread light and joy throughout our community! Gift of Light is our temple s annual Chanukah fundraiser that allows members of our community to send beautifully-wrapped hand-delivered Chanukah candles and greetings to one another. Each recipient receives one package of candles with greetings from every sender. the program offers us all a chance to participate in the joy of giving and serves as a powerful reminder of the gift of friendship and community. In addition, it raises much-needed funds for the temple. This year, Gift of Light took in $27,000, up $3,000 from last year Friday, January 4 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Vaera, Exod. 6:2-9:35 Haftarah Ezekiel 28:25-29:21 Saturday, January 5 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Havurah for Families with Young Children with special guests the Electric Sanctuary Band! 11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Ethan Berman, son of David and Jodi Berman Friday, January 11 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Bo, Exod. 10:1-13:16 Haftarah Jeremiah 46:13-28 Thank you to our awesome team of intrepid Gift of Light deliverers, who juggled boxes of candles and stacks of cards as they braved rainy streets in Fairfield, Westport, Wilton, Weston, Woodbridge, Bridgeport, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, Monroe, and Easton to deliver candles just in time for the first night of Chanukah! For many recipients, that one small gesture made their day because it reminded them that they are part of a community that cares. We thank those of you who participated in Gift of Light, whether by placing an order, helping to wrap candles, helping to organize routes and cards, and/or delivering candles. We can t wait to see you again next year! And for those of you who received candles this year but didn t participate Shabbat Service Schedule (Fridays at 6:00 p.m. where indicated, preceded by an Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m.) Saturday, January 12 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Nathaniel Oppenheim, son of Michael and Carolyn Oppenheim Friday, January 18 6:00 p.m. Service Shabbat Shira & MLK Shabbat at the Original Park Avenue Temple, 1100 Park Avenue (See Page 3.) Torah Portion Beshalach, Exod. 13:17-17:16 Haftarah Judges 4:4-5:31 Saturday, January 19 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Havurah for Families with Young Children in Gift of Light, please consider joining the fun next year! You ll be glad you did! (We have a whole year to tweak our Gift of Light program so that next year, it is even better than ever, so please, if you have any comments or suggestions related to Gift of Light, let us know by ing Marcia Cohen at mcohen@ cbibpt.org). 11:00 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Naomi Rosen, daughter of Adam Rosen and Emily Lehrman Friday, January 25 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Yitro, Exod. 18:1-20:23 Haftarah Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-6 Saturday, January 26 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Havurah for Families with Young Children 11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Skyler Helman, son of Michael Helman and Hahn Duong Donation Item of the Month: Cans of soup and stew for Operation Hope. 15

16 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 171 Fairfield, Conn. Congregation B nai Israel 2710 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT (203) Save the Dates from the Rabbi Prosnit Tribute Team As you all know by now, Rabbi Prosnit is retiring from Congregation B nai Israel in June We are planning to send him off in style with many occasions to honor him, celebrate and learn together. As described below, many events are scheduled, providing opportunities for everyone to participate. Please note them in your calendars now and plan to join us! March 1, 2019 Ask the Rabbis -- Do you have questions that you have always wanted to ask three generations of our rabbis but never had a chance... Well, then, this event is for you. No censoring of questions -- with Rabbis Sher, Prosnit and Schultz. After Shabbat services at 6 p.m. March 13-26, 2019 Rabbi Prosnit leads congregational trip to Israel. 60 congregants and members of our community join with Rabbi Prosnit and Wendy Bloch. This trip is currently sold out. April 12 and 13, 2019 Shabbat with our associate rabbis Rabbi Fred Greene and Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz (Shabbat services, dinner/breakfast, learning and discussion). May 3, 2019 Bonim Grandparents Shabbat Bonim celebrates grandparents and special guest Grandpa/Rabbi Jim. May 10, 2019 Junior Choir Shabbat honoring Rabbi Prosnit. TBD Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman learn from one of Rabbi Prosnit s favorite teachers, a scholar of the Reform Movement. May 19, :00 p.m. Sunday school barbeque honoring Rabbi Prosnit. May 31, :30 p.m Shabbat service featuring Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism and extended Kiddush. June 1, 2019 Shabbat morning service, breakfast and Torah study honoring Rabbi Prosnit. June 1, :00 p.m. Gala dinner celebrating Rabbi Prosnit. June tbd Sunday in the park with Jim the Temple goes to Citifield to root for one of his favorite teams. Events still in process of scheduling An event honoring Wendy Bloch. We hope you can join us at one or more of these events. Let s send him off in B nai Israel style. If you have any questions or want to participate on a committee for one of these events, please let Lynn know. Mindy and Luise