Temple B nai Abraham

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1 May, 2013 Temple B nai Abraham Temple B nai Abraham The Temple Shofar Sarah Seidel Sisterhood CHARLIE WEISS, PRESIDENT JULIE PFAU, RABBI RANDYE BLOOM, PRESIDENT Rabbi s Message Amidah Ketzurah Abbreviated Amidah: An Alternative to the Middle 13 Sections of the Weekday Amidah In my monthly articles about the Amidah, I realized that I had discussed the middle section of the version of the Amidah but had skipped over the procedure for the middle sections of the weekday version of the Amidah. Before addressing the concluding prayers of the Amidah, I want to circle back and touch on those middle 13 sections. Not everyone is familiar with the weekday version of the Amidah because many people only say the formal prayers when attending synagogue on. In our community, those who have attended a shiva minyan might have some exposure to the weekday version of the Amidah that appears in Kol Haneshamah: Prayers for a House of Mourning. On a regular weekday, the middle section contains 13 petitionary prayers beginning with 6 petitions that are of a more individual nature, continuing with 6 that are of a communal nature, and ending with a final petition that all of our prayers would be accepted. The more personal petitions include: a prayer for knowledge and understanding; teshuvah, return to God; selichah, forgiveness for our sins; redemption; healing; and a prayer for abundance. The selichah section includes the act of striking our chests as we do during the Al Chet and Ashamnu prayers on Yom Kippur. The communal petitions include: a prayer for return to Israel; restoration of justice; overcoming divisions; support for communal leaders; rebuilding Jerusalem; and salvation of the people Israel. All of these petitions sandwiched between the initial three sections and the three concluding sections can make for a more timeconsuming Amidah! The early rabbis discussed the possibility of saying a shortened Amidah in certain cases. One key discussion appears in the Babylonian Talmud (Berachot 28b): 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 School 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 Mishnah. Rabban Gamaliel says: every day one should say the eighteen benedictions. [At that time the Amidah was 18 sections, versus 19 in our time ] R. Joshua says: an abbreviated eighteen. R. Akiba says: if one knows it fluently one says the original eighteen, and if not an abbreviated eighteen. R. Eliezer says: if one makes one s prayers a fixed task, it is not a [genuine] supplication. R. Joshua says: if one is travelling in a dangerous place, one says a short prayer, saying: Save, O Lord, thy people the remnant of Israel; in every time of crisis may their requirements not be lost sight of by thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord, who hearkenest to prayer. If one is riding on an ass one dismounts and prays. If one is unable to dismount one should turn one s face [towards Jerusalem]; and if one cannot turn one s face one should concentrate one s thoughts on the Holy of Holies. If one is travelling in a ship or on a raft, one should concentrate one s thoughts on the Holy of Holies. Temple B nai Abraham 58 Crosswicks PO Box 245 Bordentown, NJ

2 One Rabbi permits an abbreviated version for those who are not fluent, another makes the exception in times of danger, and others address the challenges of prayer during travel. The implication of this is that Jews today who are not as fluent in these prayers may make a start toward a regular prayer practice without having to be overwhelmed by the full prayer. This exception applies to those who lack fluency, but R. Eliezer s comment seems to expand the rationale for saying an abbreviated version he argues that saying the same fixed prayers can virtually negate their value as prayer. There are many options for how to say an abbreviated Amidah. R. Joshua offers a two sentence alternative. A contemporary alternative written in both Hebrew and English by Rabbi Edward Feld is found on pages of the Reconstructionist siddur for weekdays: Open my eye, that it may look upon the goodness of your plan, and turn my knowledge into knowledge of your ways, my will into your will. May all that I do be like an offering received into your presence, and may you forgive me all I have done wrong. Enable me to see your light in all whom I encounter, and please heal the pain within my heart. For you are one who listens to the prayer of all who speak. Blessed are you, ETERNAL ONE, who hears all prayer. This poem/prayer weaves together themes and motifs of all 13 sections, enabling one to pray an abbreviated Amidah using the beginning and concluding three sections with this poem in place of the middle section of 13 petitions. To me, it is the central lines of this shortened Amidah that are particularly beautiful asking for the ability to see God s light in every person we encounter and ask for healing of our own hearts. Sisterhood Officers Sometimes seeing God s light in another person can be one of the most difficult challenges we can face. It is easier to do with those we love, but what about those who offend or annoy us? Seeing God s light in such a person isn t about excusing bad behavior; rather it is a matter of tempering our own responses to such behavior. Perhaps there is something lovely inside that person, something of God, but perhaps momentarily obscured to our vision, waiting to be discerned. That kind of discernment might require a great deal of extra effort, but it can be worth it! Praying for healing of our own pain can sometimes enable us to have a clearer vision to find the light in another person. And this prayer can also remind us that they too have a pain in their heart that is in need of healing, a pain that we might strive to approach with gentleness. In a way, the decision by the early rabbis to allow an abbreviated Amidah is a reflection of that kind of gentleness. Being harsh with ourselves for our inadequacies in prayer, or expecting ourselves to engage in lengthy formal prayers during times of danger, is truly counterproductive to the very purposes of prayer! Prayer is meant to bring out the best in us to connect us to God, to our communities, even to the very best within ourselves. This contemporary abbreviated Amidah can be a good starting place to do just that. Shalom, Rabbi Pfau Amidah Structure 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 Preceding Meditation: begins Adonai sifatay tiftach: Initial Section: 1. Avot v Imahot Ancestors 2. Gevurot God s Power 3. Kedushat HaShem/Kedushah God 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

On his own initiative, and as a representative of B nai Abraham, our interfaith partners, and Robbinsville s Pond Road Middle School, Jaden was recently honored by Molina Medicaid Solutions for his

Jaden was recognized at the 2 nd annual Community Champions Awards event May 2 for launching the King or Queen of the Sea food drive, collecting tuna for the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank.

3 Message from the President In our second-to-last newsletter of the year, I d like to take this opportunity to recognize and acknowledge several outstanding, selfless members of our congregation, and their Herculean accomplishments over this past year. Our sincerest thanks to each of you. First, with some bias, is my son Jaden. On his own initiative, and as a representative of B nai Abraham, our interfaith partners, and Robbinsville s Pond Road Middle School, Jaden was recently honored by Molina Medicaid Solutions for his volunteerism and service, and awarded a $1,000 grant (which he promptly donated to the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank). Jaden was recognized at the 2 nd annual Community Champions Awards event May 2 for launching the King or Queen of the Sea food drive, collecting tuna for the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank. Amazingly, this was a nationally recognized event that got a lot of press for the food bank, his public school, and our synagogue (look for the soon-to-bepublished article in the New Jersey Jewish News). Second, the amazing progress by Brian Epstein & Neil Nissim. Between the two of them and their tireless efforts, our synagogue has a new digital video & projector system, new speakers, new motion sensor lights in the parking lot, new hot water heaters in the kitchen & bathroom, and more! Last, and certainly not least, is the indescribable triumph of our new, firstever parking lot. I can t stress enough how much time and attention went into this process. This charge was spearheaded by Kim Aubry, and for an amazing accomplishment that will benefit congregants and students for decades to come, this year s Member of the Year Award goes to Kim. Thank you all, and congratulations. Sisterhood News & Announcements Temple Donations The next Sisterhood meeting will be held Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30. We hope to see you at the meeting. o Rabbi Julie Pfau will speak. o The Nominating Committee, Elaine Trackman, Eileen Gale, & Ellen Benowitz will present the slate of officers. o The offices are President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and two trustees. o If you are interested in serving on the Board, please contact a member of the Nominating Committee. The covered dish meeting is Monday, June 10 at 6:15. A list of assignments are included in this newsletter. Guests are welcome [$5.00]. There will also be a separate mailing in the next few weeks. If anyone is available to host the lunch following Sabbath services on June 15, please contact Randye immediately. Thanks so much. Hope to see you May 22 nd. Randye In memory of Sam Josephson from Rhoda & Henry Kessler, Barbara & Jeff Streisfeld, Jules & Sue Nissim, Jeff & Phoebe Nissim, Charyl & Sid Morginstin, Renee Harrison, and John & Ellen Wehrman. In memory of Madge Rosen from Karen & Neil Nissim, Joanne & Ted Lutz, Elaine & Jay Trackman, Phyllis & Is Kamer, Renee Harrison, and John & Ellen Wehrman In memory of Al Oran from Phyllis & Is Kamer and family In memory of Leo Shalinsky from Sheila Lamonsoff Get well to Charyl Morginstin from Phyllis & Is Kamer, Eileen Gale, Robin & Steve Affrime, and Marcy Schwartz & Rick Shain Happy Birthday to Charyl from Phyllis & Is Kamer, Eileen Gale, and Robin & Steve Affrime Happy Birthday to Rabbi Julie from Jay & Elaine Trackman Rejoicing with Bonnie Goldman & Rhea Goldman on their retirement from Phyllis & Is Kamer and Elaine & Jay Trackman Rejoicing with Jaden Weiss for his community honor service from Marcy Schwartz & Rick Shain Happy Anniversary to Rhoda and Henry Kessler from Phyllis and Is Kamer

4 Annual Covered Dish Dinner MONDAY, JUNE 10 th, 6:15 pm VERY IMPORTANT - YOU MATTER!! If you are unable to attend, are unhappy with the dish that you are assigned (we are open to other possibilities), or are bringing a guest [$5.00], please let us know. Call Randye [ ] or Marsha [ ]. Thank you. Please bring granola bars, tuna, or other items for food pantry. Please bring appropriate serving dish and utensils. Robin Affrime Kim Aubry Ellen Benowitz Anita Berson Randy Bloom Marsha Caldwell Phyllis Chudoff Shorn Coleman Marsha Dowshen Eileen Gale Mimi Geller Susan Giachetti Nina Glanz Bonnie Goldman Rhea Goldman Renee Harrison Faith Hupfl Phyllis Kamer Blintzes Corn bread Dessert of choice Ice, milk, etc. Pasta primavera Dairy lasagna Tuna salad Tabouli Devilled eggs Lemon squares Whitefish salad & crackers Anything chocolate Artichoke torte Cookies Sheila Lamonsoff Marlene Lavine Patricia Light-Tolomeo Shira Lowry Judy Margulies Yelena Uzlyaner Masoti Charyl Morginstin Karen Nissim Rita Nissim Linda Osman Betsy Ramos Marcia Rosen Susan Roth Marcy Schwartz Sandy Schwartzbird Elaine Trackman Ellen Wehrman Debby Weiss Chocolate strawberries Appetizer of choice Cheese & crackers Rugelach Seltzer Appetizer of choice Frittata Vegetables & hummus Veggie pizza Appetizer of choice Greek salad Rice dish Fruit salad Vegetable dish Main course with salmon Green salad Tikkun Olam / Social Action TBA continues to make meaningful contributions to hunger relief in our area, and YOU can be part of it! Here are ways to help: Donating boxes of granola bars or cans of tuna or chicken for our monthly contribution to grocery bags for motel residents. Any non-perishable food items are welcome for the St. Mary's Food Pantry, just place them in the baskets at the temple. We deliver hot meals prepared by the Friends Meeting in Crosswicks to the Pine Motel on the first Thurs. of every month. All of these efforts are interfaith collaborations with area worship centers. Together we can make a difference! A special recognition and thanks go to the Weiss family for their on-going support and dedication to this initiative. Jaden and Ethan Weiss have been constant members of the team, not only carrying and loading food but also kindly greeting residents of the motel with their wonderful smiles. Jaden recently was awarded both the Division 5 Spirit Award and the Overall Spirit Award for the "2012 Students Change Hunger" campaign for his outstanding commitment to hunger relief! Mazel tov!

5 Save the Date 2013 Oneg Hosts May16 TH May 19 th June 7 TH June 10 th June 12 th June 15 th June 21 st 1 ST Congregational Meeting, 7:30 pm National Museum of American Jewish History, Philadelphia, 10:00 am High School Graduate s Covered Dish by Sisterhood 2 nd Congregational Meeting, 7:30 pm Saturday morning service Member-of-the-Year Award May 22 nd June 10 th June 15 th June 28 th Sisterhood meeting - Rabbi Julie, Giachetti / Osman Sisterhood meeting and covered dish dinner, Dowshen / Bloom morning (Volunteers TBD) Erev Oneg for Member of the Year, Schwartz-Shain / Bloom Supermarket Gift Card Program It is always the season 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 Ave., Bordentown, NJ / (609) Your cards will be sent to you the same day. Yahrzeits for Winter 2013 Tot Friday evenings, 6:00 PM Coming Up: May 31 st & June 21 st Includes 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. Old Prayer Books & Kippot May 3 rd May 10 th May 17 th May 24 th May 31 st June 7 th June 14 th June 21 st June 28 th Gertrude Urken, sister of Henry Kessler Arlene Schwartz, mother of Phyllis Chudoff Ann Zeitz, mother of Carl Zeitz Bernard Greenblatt, father of Marcia Rosen Julia Affrime, mother of Steve Affrime Rita Hodes, aunt of Randye Bloom Joseph Harrison, father-in-law of Renee Harrison Jacob Mervish, father of Shyrl Kushner Harry Brewis, great grandfather of Brian Epstein George Groveman, father-in-law of Seena Groveman Genevive Maza, aunt of Sandra Cohen Robert Gale husband of Eileen Gale Bernard Fink, father of Mindy Fink Edith Trackman, mother of Jay Trackman Estelle Epstein, grandmother of Brian Epstein Claudette Fishmann, mother of Linda Osman Joan Sandusky, sister of Marcy Schwartz Bernard Speiser, husband of Arlene Speiser Marion Greenblatt, mother of Marcia Rosen Aaron Cohen, grandfather of Sandra Cohen Anna Harrison, mother-in-law of Renee Harrison Yettie Epstein, great grandmother of Brian Epstein Solomon Schaffer, father of Rhoda Kessler Joseph Josephson, father of Sam Josephson Jack Roth, father of Elaine Trackman Oscar Wasserman, father of Linda Bowker Julie Kwait, sister of Marcy Schwartz Sam Shain, father of Rick Shain Max Light, father of Patricia Light-Tolomeo Old prayer books, Tallesim, kippot, or other religious items that are no longer needed should be buried. Please place these items into the box (by the sanctuary stairs). Items will be brought to the local Chabad House for burial. $5 donations are appreciated. Siddur & Tallit Donations 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.

6 Monthly Calendar morning services begin at 10:00 a.m. (when there are B'nai Mitzvah, services begin at 9:30 a.m.) May, 2013 ~~ Iyyar / Sivan Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :00 p.m. Tot Congregational Meeting 7:30 pm 10:00 a.m. Morning Grabenstein B nai Mitzvah School Trip: National Museum of American Jewish History Philadelphia

Temple B nai Abraham

June / July, 2013 Temple B nai Abraham Temple B nai Abraham The Temple Shofar Sarah Seidel Sisterhood CHARLIE WEISS, PRESIDENT JULIE PFAU, RABBI RANDYE BLOOM, PRESIDENT Rabbi s Message Temple Officers