Hop on Board by Ray Weiss

Transcription

1 January Tevet-4 Shevat Volume 25 Issue 1 Torah Times Together we honor G-d and Torah, Promote Spiritual Growth, and Strengthen Our Community Special Points of Interest: Chanukah Memories by Ray Weiss Chanukah is a time of giving and receiving. But ultimately, the greatest gifts are those that last a lifetime, memories that define who we become and what we pass on to our children and grandchildren. Among the most cherished are those experienced during Chanukah. Here are several from our congregants: Lea Moskowitz: My grandmother s potato latkes. I used to hand grate them, and somehow as hard as I tried, they never tasted as good as the memory of hers... Still to this day. Alan Kisseloff: My entire family would get together one Friday night during Chanukah at my grandmother s house in Brooklyn. There were aunts, uncles, grandparents and all my cousins. I watched our family grow over the years. We opened gifts by age. Before I knew it, I went from first to tenth. We continued the tradition, rotating it from house to house until Brielle Goldberg, now 17: When I used to go to Temple Israel, and I was 5 or 6, we dressed up as dreidels in cardboard cutouts and danced in a show. There were a lot of kids as dreidels. I wore a purple dreidel. Asher Ravede (as told to Jim, his father): When he was in first grade, the teacher had a stuffed bear, Berry the Bear. And the kids got to take him home for a weekend. Asher got the bear over winter break and Chanukah. And at services at the temple, Asher got to bring the bear with him. Chuck Weisman: When I was a kid my parents gave me my Chanukah gelt (the chocolate in the gold wrapping), when I had no money. I always looked for it. Now I pass it on to my 3-year-old grandson. Picture Review pg. 2 CBT Co-President s Message pg. 3 Book Club pg. 7 Rabbi s Reminders pg. 14 Inside this issue: Co-Presidents Message Ritual Committee Report-N/A 3 3 Announcements 4 Calendar 5 Birthday Bio 6 Men s Club 6 Sisterhood Report 7 The CBT Men s Clubsponsored casino cruise on Thursday, Jan. 19, is sure to be a great way to spend a day whether you re looking to hit it big or simply relax big time a few miles offshore. Participants will leave the temple by bus at 8:45 a.m., board the boat at Port Canaveral at 11 a.m., and return home by 6 p.m., said Chuck Weisman, a club member who helped organize the trip. The cost is $25 and everyone will receive a buffet lunch and a money voucher for slot machines. There also will be entertainment, bingo and food on the drive down. If you want to have a little fun and lunch, come on down, Weisman said. If you re not a gambler, you can take a boat ride and enjoy the music and entertainment. Weisman said the trip is being done in connection with the Greater Daytona Beach Senior Softball League, where he plays. Hop on Board by Ray Weiss All money collected will go to the temple s Men s Club. Call the temple office to make reservations. Jewish Federation Report Religious School Report Ada K. Siegel Committee Report Sisterhood Report 9 Birthdays and Anniversaries 10 Thank You 11

2 Page 2 Torah Times ACTIVITIES AT CBT Photo Gallery Bruce Bruce the Hanukkah Moose Read by Rabbi Kane Learning about Hanukkah Ada K. Siegel Committee Folk Dancing Event

3 Co-President s Message by Alan S. Kisseloff and Charles Moskowitz Page 3 December was another exciting month for our congregation as we celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of Joshua Liebman. Josh led the services on Friday evening and Saturday morning. He chanted his Torah portion and Haftorah beautifully. It was especially nice to see his grandfather Nat, Martha s parents and the other members of his family in attendance. We only wish that his grandmother Lois could have been there as well. While I was doing some work in the sanctuary I noted a very pleasant aroma emanating from our kitchen area. Lo and behold Lea Moskowitz and Carin Rothberg were making the magical meatloaf we have been promised for our annual Chanukah dinner on December 30 th. I was thinking that if it tastes as good as it smells we are in for a real treat. I was right, don t all of you who attended agree? January is here and your attendance at services makes Congregation B nai Torah the most family orientated synagogue in this area. Let's keep it that way. One last reminder that if you want to honor a loved one with a memorial plaque or a leaf on our Tree of Life please send in your payment before our prices increase after the first of the year. Not only is it a great way to honor a deceased loved one or a special occasion, it helps to fund our synagogue. We hope that everyone had a happy Chanukah and New Year. As always we look forward to seeing you at Friday and Saturday services. Chag Sameach! Alan and Charlie Yahrzeits: Herman Wohl by Bertha Wohl Herman Wohl by Martin Wohl Florence Bittman by Charles Flavio Richard Singer by Harvey Singer Carmen Singer by Harvey Singer Alick Abramson by Norman Feldman Shirley Dunitz by Diane Landau Muriel Berns by Bonnie Berns Max Richman by Evelyn Holt Cecelia Reines by Evelyn Holt Ritual Committee Report by Debra Rodensky This month we celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of Josh Liebman. Congratulations, Josh. We're so very proud of you! We also had not one, but two Chanukah celebrations. Our community Chanukah celebration on December 18th and a Chanukah Dinner on December 30th. A good time was had by all as we retold the story of the Maccabees, sang some songs, and ate delicious Chanukah food. Chanukah actually began on December 24th, Rosh Chodesh for the month of Kislev began on December 1st. Rosh Chodesh for the month of Tevet began on December 30th. JOSHUA

4 Page 4 January Schedule Please note: Temple Office will be closed Friday, Jan. 6 and Monday, Jan. 9 Sat Jan 7 12:30 pm Biblical Hebrew Class Sun Jan 8 10:00 am Religious School Sun Jan 8 2:00 pm Ada Siegel Committee Presents: The movie-the Chosen Sat Jan 14 Lunch and Torah Study Sun Jan 15 3:00 pm Lunch and Concert Trip to Palm Coast (see page 14 ) Thu Jan 19 11:00 am Casino Cruise sponsored by Men s Club (see page 6) Thu Jan 19 7:00 pm Board Meeting Fri Jan 20 6:00 pm Kid and Tot Shabbat * Sat Jan 21 12:30 pm Biblical Hebrew Class Sun Jan 22 10:00 am Religious School including Brittany s Class Thu Jan 26 11:00 am Sisterhood Mah Jongg Tournament* (see page 7) Fri Jan 27 7:30 pm Community Shabbat Service at Temple Beth-el (No services Friday night at CBT) Sat Jan 28 Lunch and Torah Study * Requires RSVP to (386) or cbt@cfl.rr.com COMMUNITY SHABBAT Friday, January 27, :30 pm at TEMPLE BETH-EL Sermon by Rabbi Kane No Services at CBT on Friday, January 27

5 3 Tevet- 4 Shevat 5777 January Tevet 8 Religious School 10 am Congregation B nai Torah Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Ada Siegel Movie Presentation 2 pm 10 Tevet 15 Lunch and Concert-trip to Palm Coast 3 pm 17 Tevet 22 Religious School including Brittany s Class 10 am 24 Tevet 29 2 Shevat 2 4 Tevet 9 OFFICE CLOSED 11 Tevet Tevet Tevet 30 3 Shevat 3 5 Tevet Tevet Tevet Tevet 31 4 Shevat 4 6 Tevet Tevet Tevet Tevet 5 7 Tevet Tevet 19 Casino Cruise *11 am Board Meeting 7 pm 21 Tevet 26 Sisterhood Mah Jongg Tournament 11 am * 28 Tevet 6 OFFICE CLOSED 8 Tevet Tevet 20 Kid and Tot Shabbat * 6 pm 22 Tevet 27 Community Shabbat at Temple Beth-el 7:30 pm 29 Tevet 7 Biblical Hebrew Class 12:30 pm 9 Tevet 14 Lunch and Torah Study 16 Tevet 21 Biblical Hebrew Class 12:30 pm 23 Tevet 28 Lunch and Torah Study 1 Shevat

6 Page 6 Men s Club News Torah CASINO CRUISE Sponsored by the Men s Club ALL ARE INVITED!!! For more information about the club, call President Eric Liebman at , Ari Morse at or Howard Silverstein at President: Eric Liebman Vice-President/Social Chairman: Ari Morse Treasurer: Howard Silverstein Community Service Chairman: Jerry Epstein Birthday Bio by Carole Miller Harvey Singer-Birthday Jan 20 Harvey attended Boston Latin School, a combined Junior and Senior High School and then Middlebury College in Vermont. After his junior year he transferred to MIT where he received a Master s Degree in Mechanical Engineering in He earned his PhD from University of Southern California in Harvey s younger sister, Barbara, is married to Brian Greenberg and they reside in Melbourne, FL. Harvey s younger brother, Richard is deceased. Harvey and his first wife, Jo Ann had three children; Mitchell, who lives in Oviedo, Ken, who lives in Jacksonville and Marci who lives in St. Petersburg. There are 7 grandchildren. Jo Ann passed away in July of Harvey and his present wife Barbara (formerly Cohen) whose husband Paul passed away in September of 2008 married in November of 2009 and have 8 children and 16 grandchildren between them. They have a second home in Sapphire, North Carolina, which they often visit. They travel frequently and have been to 7 continents. Their favorite mode of travel is cruising. After being employed by Procter & Gamble for 28 years Harvey retired to Ormond Beach in July Temple activities Harvey has participated in are: a Past President of Congregation B nai Torah, chaired the Ritual Committee, chaired the Building & Grounds committee. The property where we now hold our services was purchased when he was President and he was a leader in the Capital Campaign. HARVEY SINGER (...continued on page 7)

7 Page 7 Sisterhood News by Barbara Goldstein Let me wish everyone a Very Happy and Healthy Don't forget, Thursday, January 26th is our Annual Mah Jongg Tournament. For information on getting an application to play in the Tournament just give Semareva Macomber a call at Torah Times As you know, I took a "spill" in November and did real damage to my polio (right) leg - it buckled on me and my leg went under me, breaking the femur in two places. Had surgery and am in a rehab center for the next month or so. Sooooo, unfortunately, other Sisterhood activities have been put on hold. That's it for now, Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Barbara Goldstein Call Sema or the office for a registration form. Mail checks to: Sema Friedman-Macomber 108 Deer Lake Circle Ormond Beach, FL Birthday Bio continued from page 6 Living his life for 24 years in Massachusetts, 14 years in California, 21 years in Ohio, and 18 years in Florida Harvey sure does get around. My take on Harvey Singer. a good husband and parent/grandparent, a gentleman, and a friend. Did you know of some of the talented authors who are your fellow members? Bob Kamholtz has written, and had published many articles. He is now in the throes of writing fictional novels. Bob's late wife, Barbara, kept a written journals describing their travels around the world. Religious chairperson, Debra Rodensky, is a published novelist. Larry Cooperman has had a text book published on How To Run a One Man Library. Alan Kisseloff's brother, Jeff Kisseloff, has written and published books. Are you one of these talented people who are hiding in anonymity? With Bob's help we thought your writing talents might be discovered. How about jotting down some of the ways you Book Report by Bobbie Gordon celebrated the holidays. Good idea for us to know how you did and also have an inkling of your younger years. Type or write to me with your recollections and let's see what happens. Bobbie Gordon

8 Page 8 Torah Times Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties 470 Andalusia Avenue-Ormond Beach, Florida (386) Dear Congregants: By the time you read this, the Federation is proud that for the Holidays we helped over 550 families receive turkeys and all the sides. Children received toys from the Margarita Ball and from Dr. Spertus's office party. Gift cards were given by Temple Beth Shalom and Temple Beth-el and Temple Bethel's pre-school which was appreciated by those we call the forgotten children. Chanukah and Christmas fell on the same week and we helped all faiths receive food and gifts. We thank Rabbi Kane for spearheading the turkey appeal with Southern Stone Communication for a match of $3,000. Bless you Rabbi Kane. You outdid yourself. Our Senior Chanukah luncheon was a great success. One hundred and nine elderly dined on brisket, latkes, etc. complete with entertainment from many sources. The Goldovitz's, Rabbi Karen Allen, Rabbi Rose Erbele, Rabbi Zev Sonnenstein, Henry Orlowski, dance teams, and the children of Temple Beth-el's pre school and grade school made for a great entertainment afternoon. We thank all the volunteers and donors who made this Chanukah party so special. We especially want to thank Jonathon Rotstein for paying a large portion of the cost for this event and we thank the donors for helping our needy Jewish families have a cheerful Chanukah with food and gifts for their children. Our major gift dinner sponsored and hosted by Larry and Andrea Frank was a magical evening. The mentalist Sydney Friedman outdid himself and again wowed the donors. He was just amazing. Everyone who attended couldn't get over him. We also honored Barbara and Buzzy Glickstein, wishing Buzzy better health. Barbara and Buzzy for many years sponsored the Pace Setter's dinner. For the Jerry Doliner Food Bank we were very pleased that L. Dale Lemerand stepped up to the plate to give us a match of $10,000. These funds will help us continue to purchase food through half of the 2017 year. Make certain that you attend the Community Wide Shabbat held at Temple Beth-el on Friday January 27th at 7:30 p.m. The Oneg Shabbat is a special one and we are pleased that again Lynne Ritter will be the chairperson. This is when most of the Temples come together to pray as one. Federation is always pleased to sponsor this event. The Jewish Federation will sponsor Tot Shabbots at various Temples and the first one was held at Congregation B'Nai Torah. Also we will again have special events for young families as we did recently at Centennial Park. The PJ Library is sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Harold Heaster which is a special gift of a book every month for young children. Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year and we certainly hope that everyone had a Happy & Joyous Holiday Season. Executive Director, Gloria Max Co-Presidents, Marvin Miller Steve Unatin Chanukah Festival by Helen Farb What a fun day! Princess Elsa from Frozen wowed the children. They sat in her lap and sang and danced with her. She was very gracious. CBT had a great display. Thanks to Mike, Karen and Ana Chuven for setting up and running the activities. Thanks to Zandra Dattel for also helping. We had a dreidel game where the children played the game with Ana and received a free dreidel and some chocolate gelt. They also had a menorah craft to decorate. The Chuvens were relieved by Grace, Hallie, and Alannah Silverstein. Lea Moskowitz set up her gift shop and gave away filled doughnuts the rabbi had gotten for all to enjoy. Then two Minions (movie characters) came and the children sang and danced with them. I played Chanukah Bingo. At 3 pm we practiced the songs we were going to perform with Rabbi Zev, Rabbi Kane and Dov Brenner (on guitar). Asher and Shoshona Ravede, Bennett and Sophia Morse, Ana Chuven, and Alannah, Grace, and Hallie Silverstein did a fantastic job performing. Rabbi Kane was a fabulous leader and spinner (in the Dreidel song). It was cool to see Micah and Kaida Dattels' picture in the "News Journal" article about the Festival. Thanks to the City of Daytona for having this event every year. Micah and Kaida Dattel (with Elsa) from DBNJ

9 Page 9 Volume 25 Issue 1 Ada K. Siegel Culture and Education Committee Report by Dr. Marvin Lewis By coincidence, we will be treated to a discussion of two masterpieces by Chaim Potok. The movie, The Chosen, based on the book by Potok, tells the story of the friendship between two boys, one modern orthodox and the other, an adherent of Hasidism. It represents one of the first attempts to discuss Hasidism in the modern era. It will be shown at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary on Sunday, Jan 8. the book on Asher Lev. He died at the age of 73 of a malignancy. The movie-the Chosen Sunday, Jan 8 2:00 pm A month later, on Feb 5th, Evelyn Ladau will discuss the book, My Name is Asher Lev, by the same author. This was a winner of the National Jewish Book Award. It relates the story of a young man who becomes a gifted artist and his struggle for acceptance by his parents and the Hasidic Community in which he was raised. Chaim Potok was raised in a Hasidic community, ordained to be a conservative Rabbi and received a Ph.D. in philosophy. He had artistic talent but this was not encouraged by his parents which is clearly demonstrated in Book Review Sunday, Feb 5 2:00 pm Religious School News by Helen Farb HAPPY CHANUKAH!! We celebrated Chanukah on Sunday, December 4th with lots of activities. Rabbi Kane read the story Bruce the Moose (one of his favorites.) Rabbi Rose taught the children the Chanukah songs we sang for the Daytona Chanukah Festival at Schnebly Center on Sunday, Dec. 18th. With the aid of Cathy Michaels, all the students helped make homemade applesauce which we served with latkes. Rabbi Rose also helped all the children make their own jelly doughnuts. Brittany Kisseloff and Brielle Goldberg played games, sang songs and did crafts with the youngest children. The older children made cards for many of our ill members, who were also given a dreidel and gelt. Rabbi Kane was also able to get a Bounce House. All the children got a Chanukah gift bag to take home. Sydney Nussbaum, our assistant, was an invaluable helper. Our Kid and Tot Shabbat on Dec. 9th was sponsored by Saralee Morrissey, who stepped in for me because of my husband's illness. Thanks go to Saralee and to all of those who helped her. Mazel Tov to Josh Liebman and his family on his Bar Mitzvah. S S U C N H D O A O Y L SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES IN JANUARY Jan 8-10 am Jan am including Brittany s Class NEXT KID AND TOT SHABBAT January 20th at 6:00 pm

10 Page 10 5 Dr. Philip Shapiro 9 Bob Kamholtz 13 Douglas Lasky 13 Nat Liebman 14 Kim Williams 15 Ivy Evans 19 Norah Banfi 20 Harvey Singer 21 Ray Weiss Torah Times January Birthdays and Anniversaries 24 Kimberly Selis 28 Sarah Liebman MISSED IN LAST MONTH S TORAH TIMES: Lily Wohl-Birthday Dec 19th 13 Allison and Howard Silverstein 14 Kimberly and Scott Selis 15 Esther and Ari Morse Updates We are continually updating our Yahrzeit and birthday/ anniversary database. Please contact the office if you have any additions or changes that need to be made to your family s information. Thank You Birthday and Anniversary Donations Happy Birthday TO Sydney Willette FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz Happy Birthday TO Michael Sznapstajler FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz Happy Birthday TO Evelyn Holt FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, Caryl Shalett, Bertha Wohl, Carin and Ed Rothberg, Eileen and George Selis and Barbara and Harvey Singer Happy Birthday TO Adrienne Cooperman FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, Barbara and Harvey Singer and Caryl Shalett Happy Birthday TO Eileen Selis FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, Roberta and Norman Feldman, Caryl Shalett, Barbara and Harvey Singer, Bertha Wohl, Barbara Goldstein, and Carin and Ed Rothberg Happy Birthday TO Adrienne Offenberg FROM Barbara and Harvey Singer, and Lea and Charlie Moskowitz Happy Birthday TO Dr. Mark Rubin FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, Barbara and Harvey Singer, Bertha Wohl and Caryl Shalett Happy Birthday TO Lois Golden FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz and Barbara and Harvey Singer Happy Birthday TO Dianne Rohald FROM Caryl Shalett, Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, Barbara and Harvey Singer and Bertha Wohl Happy Birthday TO David Herstein FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz Happy Anniversary TO Sema and Alvin Friedman-Macomber FROM Roberta and Norman Feldman, Caryl Shalett, Barbara and Harvey Singer, Barbara Goldstein, Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, Bertha Wohl, Carin and Ed Rothberg, and Sherry Armstrong Happy Anniversary TO Dr. Philip and Marsha Shapiro FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz and Barbara and Harvey Singer Happy Anniversary TO Dr. Michael and Violette Diamond FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz Happy Anniversary TO Dr. Stan and Diane Beitscher FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, and Barbara and Harvey Singer Happy Anniversary TO Roberta and Norman Feldman FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, Barbara and Harvey Singer, Caryl Shalett, Bertha Wohl, Carin and Ed Rothberg and Barbara Goldstein Happy Anniversary TO Lisa and Jim Ravede F ROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, Barbara and Harvey Singer Happy Anniversary TO Dr. Alan and Jill Goldsmith FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, Barbara and Harvey Singer and Caryl Shalett Happy Anniversary TO Manette and Harry Lasris FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, Barbara and Harvey Singer Happy Anniversary TO Sue and Irv Abel FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, Barbara and Harvey Singer, and Bertha Wohl Happy Anniversary TO Robin and Ira Freedman FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, and Barbara and Harvey Singer Happy Anniversary TO Nat and Lois Liebman FROM Lea and Charlie Moskowitz, Barbara and Harvey Singer and Caryl Shalett

11 Page 11 Volume 25 Issue 1 Mazel Tov to Bari and Stuart Amols on the marriage of their son. Congratulations to the happy couple, David and Shannon. From, Robin, Ira, Brian and Sara Freedman MAZEL TOV! Mazel Tov to Scott and Kimberly Selis on the birth of their first grandchild and to Eileen and George Selis on the birth of their first great-grandchild. Nancy Faye Jagodinski 7 lbs. 14 oz was born December 13th (Eileen s birthday) Congratulations to parents, Dani and Denny Mazel Tov! To Eileen and George Selis & Kimberly and Scott Selis & Dani and Denny Jagodinski From, Robin, Ira, Brian and Sara Freedman Mazel Tov! To Lea and Charlie Moskowitz on their new home! From, Rob and Sue Goldberg Mazel Tov! To Rita Pender for the Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah of her greatgrandchildren From Eileen and George Selis Mazel Tov! To Eileen and George Selis & Kimberly and Scott Selis from Barbara and Harvey Singer, Barbara Goldstein, Sue and Rob Goldberg, Sherry Armstrong, and Lorna and Cholly Beck Thank you for all the donations in honor of our Anniversary. Robin and Ira Freedman An Anniversary donation was made in honor of Dr. & Mrs. Philip Shapiro s anniversary

12 Page 12 Torah Times OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Co-Presidents: Alan S. Kisseloff and Charles Moskowitz Co-Vice Presidents: Sherry Armstrong and Cholly Beck Co-Treasurers: Harry Lasris and Barbara Singer Secretary: Sue Abel Sisterhood President: Barbara Goldstein Men s Club President: Eric Liebman Religious School Co-Chairs: Helen Farb and Evan Sherman Congregation B nai Torah 401/403 N. Nova Road Ormond Beach, FL Phone: cbt@cfl.rr.com Office Hours: Monday Friday 10:00 AM 2:00 PM Immediate Past President: Saralee Morrissey Previous Past Presidents: Bari Amols, Dr. Charles Stein,Norman Feldman and Harvey Singer Two Year Board of Directors: Mike Chuven, Howard Silverstein, Rita Pender, Ken Haberman, and Ray Weiss One Year Board of Directors: Jesse Acosta, Debra Rodensky, Scott Selis, Jill Goldsmith, and Michael Sznapstajler

13 Page 13 Volume 25 Issue 1 Please Support Our Wonderful Advertisers Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology Diseases and Surgery of the Eye Millennium Medical Park 1545 Hand Ave. Suite B-3, Ormond Beach, FL 7 Old Kings Road, Palm Coast, FL Main Phone (386) * Fax (386) eye-docs@juno.com Unconditionally Guaranteed Non-Medical Care:At home or a facility. Hourly, 24 hours or live-in Screened Bonded Insured Alzheimer s Certified Caregivers FREE ASSESSMENT/CONSULTATION Call 24/7: (386) Barbara Singer, We are Comfort Keepers cohenpm@aol.com HCS# & HHA Gift Shop News Do you need a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Birthday, Anniversary, Get Well, Shower, Wedding, or Graduation gift? The Gift Shop can make your shopping easy with a large selection of unique items with prices that are affordable. If you need a special item we have catalogs! Just call or stop by the office Monday - Friday, 10 am to 2 pm and Peggy will be happy to help you.

14 Page 14 Rabbi s Reminders: N. Nova Rd Ormond Beach, FL Postage Required Biblical Hebrew Classes 12:30 pm -1st and 3rd Saturdays Lunch and Torah Study 12:30 pm -2nd and 4th Saturdays Religious School Classes- Jan 8 and Jan 22 Jan 22 includes Brittany s Class 10 am Phone: Fax: cbt@cfl.rr.com We re on the web: mybnaitorah.com MAILING LABEL: Sun-Jan 8 Ada Siegel Committee- Movie Event at 2 pm Jan 15 Lunch and Concert in Palm Coast 3 pm Jan 20 Kid and Tot Shabbat 6 pm Jan 27-Community Shabbat at Temple Beth-el 7:30 pm Contact Lea Moskowitz or Rita Pender to sponsor an Oneg or Kiddush in honor of your special event. A Note from Rabbi Kane. This Chanukah many people received the book and figure called Mensch on a Bench. The story involves a man named Moshe who is in fact the Mensch of the story. He gets involved in all sorts of good deeds and acts of faith. One of the reasons that Mensch on a Bench is popular is that it fulfills our need for playfulness because after all the words mensch and bench rhyme and that s fun. Also, it appeals to us to have a Mensch on a Bench and not in a fancy house or in a fancy car or doing anything fancy. Moshe the Mensch takes a look at the things that he can help in the world and he tries to help them. A little bit of food for the hungry, a little bit of fun for the children, and surprising acts of kindness many of which he arranges anonymously. As you may be aware, Chanukah extends all the way through the beginning of the secular year. One custom that American society has copied from the Jewish calendar is the idea of focusing on self improvement at the beginning of the year. Chanukah is a holiday of lights in the darkness and whether that darkness is in a relationship, in a neighborhood, or in a congregation, we can all take an example from Moshe the Mensch. So as the Festival of Lights comes to a close, let s go sit on a bench and think of how many ways each of us can add loving- kindness, add menschiness to our lives. CALL to RSVP for this great trip!