Temple B nai Abraham

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1 January, 2013 Temple B nai Abraham Temple B nai Abraham Charlie Weiss, President The Temple Shofar Julie Pfau, Rabbi Rabbi s Message Kedushat HaShem/Kedushah G-d s Holiness The Third Section of the Amidah The third section of the Amidah has a theme of holiness, and there are two different options for this section. The Kedushah is the version that is used when the Amidah is chanted out loud, and it requires the presence of a minyan. The Kedushah itself has variations depending on whether it is recited during a regular morning service versus a weekday services, or during a special service on or a holiday. Kedushat HaShem is the shortened version used when there is not a minyan or during evening prayer when the Amidah is prayed silently. The Kedushah is an interactive prayer in which the congregation joins in during some upbeat congregational melodies, and participates by chanting biblical quotations attributed to angelic beings the first and most famous of these is from Isaiah 6:3: Sarah Seidel Sisterhood Randye Bloom, President Temple Officers Temple B nai Abraham is affiliated with the Jewish Reconstructionist Movement Temple President Executive Vice President Financial Vice President Religious Vice President Religious Chair Membership Chair Building Chair Adult Education Chair Recording Secretary Sisterhood President Past President Charlie Weiss Linda Osman Michael Rosen Sid Morginstin Robin Affrime Kim Aubry Neil Nissim Brian Epstein Susan Giachetti Randye Bloom Betsy Ramos Kadosh kadosh kadosh, a donai tzeva ot melochol ha-aretz kevodo Holy holy holy is THE RULER of the Multitudes of Heaven! All the world is filled with divine glory! The word kadosh, holy, is repeated three times, and with each repetition of the word the davener (a term for the person praying) rises up on tiptoes in imitation of the angels. By thus raising our bodies higher, we embody the longing to raise ourselves toward G-d, or to raise ourselves to a higher level of holiness in imitation of G-d s holiness. Recited silently and privately by a lone davener, without fanfare or choreographed movements, the two Hebrew sentences (translated by four English sentences) contain depths of theological meaning that can sometimes be lost in its lengthier and more extravagant alternative. The complete and unchanging text of Kedushat HaShem is: Atah kadosh, v shimkha kadosh, u kedoshim b khol yom y halelukha sela. Baruch atah adonai, ha-el ha-kadosh. Despite the diverse and elaborate wordings and range of bodily movements associated with the communal recitation of the Kedushah prayer (far too numerous to discuss in one article), in many ways the power of Kedushat HaShem is in its simplicity. Holy are you. Your name is holy. And all holy beings hail you each day. Blessed are you, AWESOME ONE, the holy G-d.

2 In contrast with the melodious character of the Kedushah prayer, Kedushat HaShem feels more like a mantra, particularly in Hebrew. It is a short and unchanging text, giving it a stability and familiarity that makes it well-suited for use as a meditation on holiness. Chanted over and over, there is a repetition of words and sounds in the Hebrew that gives it a rhythmic feel that can add to a meditative state, allowing the davener to become lost in the rhythm and theme of the prayer without having to worry so much about stumbling over words or keeping up with changing melodies. The first line makes three distinct statements about holiness that G-d is holy, that G-d s name is holy, and that there are holy beings. The holy beings are the ones who acknowledge (and imitate) the holiness in the world, presumably including the davener in the moment of saying this and other prayers. But why the two different affirmations of G-d s holiness one for G-d and one for G-d s name? Some commentators suggest that the reference to G-d s name has to do with human perceptions of G-d. Since no human being can ever truly know G-d s full essential nature, we are left with the names that we attribute to G-d; in other words, the attributes that we choose to ascribe to G-d, many of which are based on human models, and all of which are limited by human conceptual frameworks. This prayer begins by affirming Holy are you, but this statement isn t enough we can t possibly relate to a transcendent holiness that is beyond human comprehension. So the prayer goes on to affirm Your name is holy, so that we can relate to an imminent, more accessible, version of holiness. Even if the attributes and descriptions we ascribe to G-d never truly identify the full true essence of the divine, they are still holy. They allow us a means of spiritual connection and a language for our experience that can enable us to share those experiences and form community. Next time you recite the Amidah silently, I invite you to spend some time with the mantra of Kedushat HaShem. As you become lost in the rhythm, ask yourself: What names, what attributes, do I ascribe to G-d? Focus on one, contemplate the question: What does this naming of the divine reveal about the holy? Then consider: How might I notice, experience, bless and imitate that expression of holiness as I live my daily life? Amidah Structure Preceding Meditation: Begins Adonai sifatay tiftach. Initial Section: 1. Avot v Imahot Ancestors 2. Gevurot G-d s Power 3. Kedushat HaShem/Kedushah G-d s Holiness Middle Section(s): 4. On : Kedushat HaYom Holiness of the Day [On weekdays: 13 blessings/petitions] Final Section: 5. Avodah Worship/Temple Service 6. Hoda ah/modim Thanksgiving 7. Birkat HaShalom Blessing for Peace Concluding Meditation: Ends with Oseh Shalom A Message from the President These past few months have been an era of progress and momentum for our synagogue. Through the tireless efforts of Kim Aubry, Brian Epstein, Neil Nissim, and many others, we have succeeded in some substantial, long overdue accomplishments: A new parking lot (in case you hadn t noticed), complete with landscape and a drivable curb. A new audio sound system to enhance the equipment we ve had since the 70s. A new set of hot water heaters for the kitchen & bathroom (due for installation in January). A new video and recording system and full-screen projector on the first floor. Improvements to the tenant s apartment next door, the electrical system, our Wi-Fi status, etc. These have been an incredibly monumental and even lifealtering set of building improvements especially the parking lot and driveway. I m sure it goes without saying these are all costs that require additional, out-ofthe-ordinary investments. I beseech each of our congregants to help where and how they can, as we and our children will all benefit from these advancements in quality, technology, and utility. Shalom, Thank you, Julie Pfau Rabbi Charlie Weiss President Temple B nai Abraham 58 Crosswicks PO Box 245 Bordentown, NJ

3 Sisterhood News & Announcements Sisterhood Officers Thank you to Karen Nissim for providing the creativity and expertise that resulted in beautiful centerpieces for our Thanksgiving tables. We greatly appreciate your willingness to present this annual program and are amazed at your ability to come up with wonderful and different ideas each year. The December 10 th Sisterhood meeting was productive and fun! We made almost fifty lunches for T.A.S.K. Thank you to Marcy Schwartz for organizing the effort and delivering the lunches to T.A.S.K. The gift exchange was really fun with a terrific range of gifts and the camaraderie of our members. Sisterhood President Vice President Treasurer/Fin. Secretary Recording Secretary Corresponding Secretary Trustees Randye Bloom Debby Weiss Marcy Schwartz Ellen Wehrman Patricia Light-Tolomeo Phyllis Chudoff Eileen Gail Susan Giachetti Elaine Trackman Best of luck to Shari & Paul Kantor as they move on to their next adventure. Blood drive: The inclement weather hurt the blood drive, but we still collected 16 viable pints with 19 people coming out to the drive. Special thanks to Rhea Goldman & Marsha Caldwell for making calls to potential donors and to the Temple community members who came out for the drive, including Robin Affrime, Kim Aubry, Bill Popko, Judy Margulies, Michael Scolaro, & Randye Bloom. Coming this winter - Sisterhood fundraiser: Recipes from the Kitchen of Lee Nissim, Sephardic cooking demonstration in honor of Lee, a Sunday afternoon at the Temple, $25.00 per person. Food Donations: NJ s food banks need your help more than ever! Please donate now at or drop off nonperishable goods, including granola bars, at the Temple. The next Sisterhood meeting is Wednesday, March 6th, at We will discuss The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman. We are giving you lots of notice so you can get this on your calendar and read the book. Rejoicing with Steve and Ellen Benowitz on his appointment to the Township Committee. We all wish you lots of luck. Rejoicing with Randye Bloom on her upcoming retirement from Elaine and Jay Trackman. Our heartfelt sympathy to the Popko family on the loss of Jill's father (November 11) and mother (December 15). You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sandy Scwartzberg s father, Aaron Schwartzberg, passed Sunday evening. The funeral will be held on Friday, Jan. 4th at 1pm at Goldstein's Funeral Home on 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, PA. He will be laid to rest at Montefiore Cemetery at 600 Church Rd., Jenkintown, PA after the service at the funeral home. Shiva will be held at Sandy s brother s home on Sunday night at 7pm. Fran Russ passed away last Sunday. She was a long standing member of Sisterhood. Her husband Dr. Elier Russ retired as a local podiatrist in town. Rejoicing with: Faye and Marc Josephson on the marriage of their daughter, from the Trackmans, Joanne and Ted Lutz on the birth of Cecilia born to Danny and Samantha Lutz from the Trackmans. In Memory Of: Gaetano Giachetti from Elaine & Jay Trackman, Eileen Gale, Robin & Steve Affrime and Randye Bloom & Mike Scolaro, Al Saias from Phoebe & Jeff Nissim, Dov Wisnia from Phoebe & Jeff Nissim. Get well Jay Trackman from Eileen Gale, Barbara & Jeff Streisfeld, Renee Harrison, Rhoda & Henry Kessler, Marcy Schwartz & Rick Shain and Phyllis & Is Kamer. In memory of Mindy Fink's beloved mother Miriam from Elaine & Jay Trackman, Marcy Schwartz & Rick Shain. Happy Birthday Mimi Geller from Phyllis and Is Kamer. Thank you, Randye Bloom President

4 Building Improvements The Long Awaited Parking Lot As you know the lot next to the Temple has been discussed for a parking lot for many years. But it wasn't just simply laying gravel where the grass was because the curbs had to be lowered also. Not necessarily an easy task but we were committed that it could be done and done cost effectively. Between the City, County and Russ Comisky of Comisky Masonry we were able to get a gravel parking lot, with new curbs and new sidewalks this past November. We have about 18 parking spots including handicap parking spots by the back door. Signs and lighting will go up very soon. Thank you to the Osman family for donating the bushes along one side and the Japanese maple tree by the sign. Thank you to Bordentown City for donating removal of the concrete and thank you to John Wehrman for guiding and encouraging us through the winding road of city and county government. We knew it would make a difference for our community, for services and High Holidays and especially our Hebrew parents who now can stop and come in to pick up their children or to meet with a teacher or the Rabbi. As the board member in charge of this project it was rewarding to watch it come to fruition thanks to a wonderful board and team of good people. Kim Aubry Membership Chair / Special Projects Committee 2013 Oneg Hosts January 18 th & 19 th Debby & Charlie Weiss to honor the Bar Mitzvah of their son Jaden February 8 Erev Oneg to Honor Sisterhood, Chudoff/Gale February 16 morning lunch, Aubry/Mitchell March 6 Sisterhood meeting, Book discussion, Ramos/Huplf March 8 Erev Oneg, Zeichner/Roth March 23 morning lunch, Stupak-Jasielewski/Weiskott April 20 morning lunch, Rosen/Rosen April 26 Erev Oneg, B. Goldman/R. Goldman May 22 Sisterhood meeting with Rabbi Julie, Giachetti/Osman June 10 Sisterhood meeting and covered dish dinner, Dowshen/Bloom June 15 morning lunch, Volunteers TBD June 28 Erev Oneg for Member of the Year, Schwartz-Shain/Bloom Supermarket Gift Card Program New Year s is a great time for sharing and giving. Please share with the Temple by purchasing your gift cards from Acme or ShopRite for your New Year s celebration. Please make checks payable to Temple B nai Abraham and send to: Marsha Dowshen 502 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown, NJ Or call (609) Your cards will be sent to you the same day. Tot The next Tot will be on Friday, January 11th at 6:00 p.m. and will include candle lighting, potluck dinner, story time, a theme-related craft and songs. If you need any additional information, or would like to volunteer to help clean up or set up, please contact Kami Knapp at: kami.knapp@googledoc.com Tot Program January 11 th April 12 th February 22 nd (Purim) May 31 st March 15 th (Passover) June 21 st

5 Yahrzeits for Winter 2013 December 28 Lawrence Bowker, husband of Linda, father of Jonathan Blanch Cantor, mother of Ray Cantor Eudell Rod, friend of Linda Bowker Evelyn Rothman, mother of Robin Affrime Bernard Zeichner, father of Stan Zeichner January 11 Julius Bloom, father of Randye Bloom Jacob Epstein, great uncle of Brian Epstein Jennie Groveman Minnie Gutstein Ida Josephson Minnie Kaufman, grandmother of Phyllis Busch Shyrle Kushner, wife of Sol Kushner Ethel Speiser, mother of Bernie Speiser Rose Wasserman, mother of Linda Bowker January 18 Harry Gutstein Joseph Schwartz, grandfather of Phyllis Chudoff January 25 Rose Goldberg, mother of Phyllis Kamer Morris Herzog, brother of Madge Rosen Morris Miller, father of Ilene & Roslyn Miller Jerry Urken February 8 Nathan Goldman Rose Kaiser, mother of Eileen Gale Max Kessler, father of Henry Kessler February 15 Selma Levitsky, great aunt of Brian Epstein February 22 Howard Brewis, great-grandfather of Brian Epstein Rose Klepner, mother of Len Klepner Morning Services Jan. 19 th (Jaden Weiss Bar Mitzvah) March 23 rd May 18 th (Josh & Lily Grabenstein B.M.) Siddur & Tallit Donations Feb. 16 th April 20 th June 15 th A new siddur (prayer book) can be purchased in honor of or in memory of someone for $35. A tallis (prayer shawl) can be purchased for $60. Please contact Sid Morginstin at sidmorgy@verizon.net. Memorial Plaques Plaques are available for $250. To order a plaque, send the following to Sid Morginstin, Plaque Chairman, PO Box 8101, Trenton, NJ or sidmorgy@verizon.net: English name of loved one, Hebrew name of loved one and date of death in the English calendar. Once the plaque has been put up, you will be billed. Plaques will not be moved from one board to the other. Old Prayer Books & Kippot Old prayer books, Tallesim, kippot, or other religious items that are no longer needed should be buried. I will place a box in the temple (by the stairs). Please place these items into the box. Before the summer, I will bring the box to the local Chabad House for burial. There is a charge for this service, which I will cover. However, a small (no more than $5) donation would be appreciated. Thanks, Sid. Temple Donations Madge Rosen - in memory of Jerry Rosen Len Klepner - in memory of Sidney Klepner Marsha & Joel Dowshen - in mem. of Abraham & Pauline Zackler Brian & Maribeth Epstein memory of Lillian Brewis Phyllis & Iz Kamer memory of Max Kamer Eileen Gale honor of Osmans for use of generator during storm Save the Date On April 6 th at 7:30 Temple B nai Abraham will be hosting a fundraiser. Folk singer, Denise Moser, will be playing her guitar and gracing us with her lovely voice. She has just finished her latest CD and the songs are very personal and sung with lilt and beauty. The evening will take place at the temple, 58 Crosswicks Street. The cost of admission is $20 per person. The entrance price includes dessert and beverages. We are looking for congregants to donate cakes and cookies that we can serve. If you are interested in hearing one of Denise s songs you can find her on YouTube under Denise Moser. The song is called: I Believe. She can also be accessed through her website: I hope you will join us for this event. Denise has a delightful voice and it is sure to be a fantastic evening. For more info contact: raffrime@gmail.com.

6 Monthly Calendar morning services begin at 10:00 a.m. (when there are B'nai Mitzvah, services begin at 9:30 a.m.) January 2013 ~ Tevet/Shevat 5773 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :30 p.m. Hebrew 5:31 p.m. 10 a.m. 6:42 p.m a.m. Sunday 10 a.m. Hebrew 4:30 p.m. Hebrew 4:24 p.m. 6 p.m. Tot 5:35 p.m :30 p.m. Hebrew 4:18 p.m. w/ Oneg (Weiss) 9:30 a.m. Bar Mitzvah (Jaden Weiss) 5:29 p.m a.m. Sunday 10 a.m. Hebrew 4:13 p.m. Tu B Shevat 5:25 p.m :11 p.m. 5:22 p.m.