the Shofar Reawakening to Life

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1 the Shofar Inside this issue: From the Rabbi 1 Tikkun Olam Tag Sale 2 Mazel Tov 2 President s Message Library Booknotes 3 3 Birthdays 4 A Touch of Broadway Ma aser Sheni 6 Calendar 7 Special Thanks 7 Advertising 8 5 Reawakening to Life T here is music to the Jewish liturgical tradition. As in music there is fixity to it and there are also variations. Have you ever heard Variations on a Theme of Haydn by Johannes Brahms? One is able to follow the musical theme even though it is being adapted and evolved by another musician. Being in the non Orthodox stream of American Judaism, our congregation approaches liturgy through options. One very famous b racha (blessing) in the amidah reads in Orthodox, Conservative and some Reform traditions, Blessed are you, YHVH, who resurrects the dead. Now, you might think that this does not sound very Jewish given the role that resurrection plays in other faith traditions. In fact, Reconstructionists and some Reform Jews change this blessing. Instead of the meaning, giving life to the dead, the Hebrew instead reads michayyei ha col, who gives life to all. Its changed meaning offers nothing to the original meaning. I go back and forth between these two chatimot, these two blessing endings. For now, I am mining the metaphorical richness of michayyei ha meitim, who resurrects the dead, understanding dead not as the physically inert state that comes from the absence of life. Rather, I understand it as being about our being alive while simultaneously deadened to life. Our modern lives create any number of conditions that allow this deadening to take hold. Too much work. Too many family activities. Too little sleep. Too much pressure. Too much of what sucks life out of us from Rabbi Novak and leaves us depleted. My understanding of this condition is why I am again embracing the traditional b racha. It reminds me each time I encounter it that I am a living person who sometimes feels less than fully alive. I need God s support when I feel bowled over by life whether it is just in that moment or an extended period. Encountering this b racha as I do allows me to engage with my relationship with God in that very moment with the hope that this reawakening will invigorate me to life. Rabbi Novak will be invigorating his being and will be away from Manchester from July 5th through July 17th. Rabbinic coverage will be provided in his absence. High Holy Days ummer has a way of flying by like no S other season. Before we know it, it will be time for the High Holy Days. The schedule of services for this year is below. Erev Rosh Hashanah: Friday, September 18 at 8:00 pm Rosh Hashanah: Saturday, September 19 at 8:30 am and Sunday, September 20 at 8:30 am Kol Nidre: Sunday, September 27 at 6:30 pm Yom Kippur: Monday, September 28 at 9:00 am Please call the office to volunteer your help in preparing for these special days.

2 Page 2 srael Congregation has about 230 I member families of diverse Jewish backgrounds, both full time and part time residents of southern Vermont. We provide weekly Shabbat and holiday services, a religious school, adult education, life cycle events, and cultural and social programming in a warm and welcoming environment. An integral part of Jewish life in the Northshire for more than 70 years, Israel Congregation has been at its current location on Rte 7A, 1.2 miles north of Rte 11/30, since Our building is ADA accessible. David Novak, Rabbi Michael Cohen, Rabbi Emeritus Karen Dreiblatt, Administrator Board of Directors Morton Bunis, President John Sobel, Vice President Arnold Katz, Vice President Stan Lisman, Treasurer Merrily Lewis, Corresponding Secretary Cathy Kimmel, Recording Secretary Marlene Skulnik, Immediate Past President Directors: Mark Aronowitz, Mindy Bloom, Barry Brown, Sandy Castelbaum, Ed Glazer, Sandra Koffman, Georgette Levis, Merrily Lewis, Gary Marmer, Jodi Stark, Rob Zeif Shofar Editorial Board: Doris Bass, Karen Dreiblatt, Marlene Skulnik, Laurie Sullivan, Cheryl Ullman Kabbalat Shabbat Service: 6:30 pm, Friday (followed by Congregational Dinner) Shabbat Service: 9:30 am, Saturday Religious School: 3:50 pm to 6:15 pm, Wednesday Office Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday Thursday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Friday Telephone: office@israelcongregationvt.org Website: Tikkun Olam TAG SALE 2009 DROP OFF TIMES Sunday August 2: 9:00am - noon Sunday, August 23: 9:00am - noon Monday, August 24: 9:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday, August 25: 9:00am - 5:00pm SALE Sunday August 30, 9:00am to 3:00pm Please, no major appliances, console tvs, tires, mattresses, underwear, or swimsuits. Clothing should be unstained, without holes, washed and /or cleaned. Bind shoes with rubber bands or laced together, with size marked on the bottom. Clothes should be on hangers where practical. All help is greatly appreciated. Volunteers are needed during the week prior to the sale and on sale day. Contact Cathy Kimmel at to volunteer. We are in need of clothes racks for the sale. If you have some that we may borrow, please contact Karen in the synagogue office at office@icmvt.org or Mazel Tov - Ruth & Ken Friedman on their 40th anniversary Carrie & Robert Cole on the birth of their daughter Anita & Morty Bunis on their 54th anniversary Sandy & Martin Castelbaum on their 50th anniversary Maddie Zeif on receiving several school awards, including the prestigious President s Award for Educational Excellence, based on her superior grade point average and academic achievement, initiative, integrity, intellectual depth, leadership qualities and exceptional judgment, as well as teacher recommendations. Do you have a simcha? Have your children or grandchildren won an award, accomplished a praiseworthy achievement, or excelled in some other way? We want to share your mazel, so let us know what is going on by contacting Karen in our office by the 15th of each month. Karen can be reached at office@icmvt.org or

3 President s Perspective A fter completing my first year as President of Israel Congregation, I felt it was time to do a little bit of self evaluation, not for the purpose of encouraging any critics I may have, but rather for the purpose of enhancing and improving the special community that we all enjoy at ICM. The areas of particular interest which will provide the focus for our efforts in the coming year include the expansion of new membership efforts and retention of existing membership as well as the expansion of program activity which will attract and hold members. This past year has seen a number of families terminate their memberships by virtue, primarily, of relocation to areas where more moderate climates or the cost of living present fewer challenges. While the resultant decrease in our membership rolls has a direct impact on our revenues, it also diminishes our community in terms of friendships and associations. While such reductions in our synagogue population are inevitable, we must emphasize the corollary that as old members leave, we must maintain and expand our numbers through increased efforts to retain existing membership and to attract new members. Consistent with this goal, I have asked Cathy Kimmel, who serves as our Recording Secretary to organize and lead our effort as Chair of our Membership Committee. I believe that her prior performance and experience make her uniquely qualified to lead this effort and I look forward to significant accomplishments under her direction. Part of the life blood of a synagogue involves the programming which provides intellectual as well as social stimulation for the membership. While the past year has seen several new events at ICM, I believe that we have lots of room to fill up our synagogue calendar with programming that will appeal to a broad range of member interests. To help accomplish this goal, I have appointed Doris Bass and Libby Harris, two stalwarts of ICM whose dedication and ingenuity in fashioning programs for us has been inspiring and exciting, to cochair the programming efforts for the coming year. They will be assisted by Sandy Castelbaum, a newly elected member of the Board, whose outstanding organizational skills have already been demonstrated. But retaining and expanding membership or pro Page 3 viding stimulating synagogue programs are not ends in themselves. The ultimate objective is the strengthening of our relationships within our synagogue community. As Rabbi Niles Goldstein has observed in his new shul blog, many of us belong to lots of different kinds of communities, each with its own set of requirements, expectations and benefits. But what does it mean to be a member of a synagogue community? Is it just about paying our dues and tuition so that our kids can have a bar or bat mitzvah? Is it so that we will have a place to go for the High Holy Days? Do we want the security of having a rabbi on call in the event of a family emergency? Ultimately, is belonging to a synagogue little more than a commercial enterprise like Sam s Club or COSTCO, where we shop for whatever is on our list of needs? For some of us, I suspect, it is. How many of us place active synagogue participation on a spiritual or communal level high on our long list of priorities? How many of us just go through some of the motions? It is our right, of course, to do as much or as little as we want or with which we are comfortable, but isn t it a far more mature and authentic way of belonging to a synagogue community to see it as more than just a place where our own needs can be met, but as a place where we can also provide for the needs of others? For isn t that what our community is all about? The Chance to Work Morty Bunis I n these difficult financial times, lets do our best to help each other. If you have work to offer, or if you are looking for work, please let Rabbi Novak know. Bikur Cholim Bikur Cholim, or visiting the sick, is one of the many mitzvot we are commanded to perform. Do you know someone who is ill and would appreciate a visit from Rabbi Novak? Please call the office at to let Rabbi Novak know so that he may plan a visit. We rely on you to keep us informed and appreciate your help.

4 Page 4 BOOKNOTES SUMMER IS HERE. Young adults (and adults) are you looking for some summer reading? The ICM library may have something for you! Did you know that we have specific labels on our books that will let young adult readers know about books in our library that are appropriate and might be of interest to them? These books are marked with a green and blue sticker that says Young Adult. These books are suitable for adults and young adults. Below are descriptions of a few of our fiction books. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak This is the story of a young foster girl living outside of Munich in Nazi Germany who discovers something she can t resist books. Soon she is stealing books wherever they are to be found. Other People s Houses by Lore Segal In this story a 10 year old girl leaves Vienna, Austria on a train that transports hundreds of children to safety in England during WWII. For the next seven years of her life she lives in other people s houses and the story is her insightful and witty depiction of life in these houses. The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey: A Graphic Novel of Jewish Wisdom and Wit in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin Rabbi Harvey travels west in search of adventure. He outwits a ruthless gang that has been ruling a small town in Colorado and is asked to stay on as Rabbi. His adventures continue in this book and in the sequel Rabbi Harvey Rides Again: A Graphic Novel of Jewish Folktales Let Loose in the Wild West Gimpel the Fool by Isaac Bashevis Singer Maybe you prefer short stories. This book contains eleven stories about Poland s Jewish Ghettos before World War II. Isaac Bashevis Singer, a native of Poland, was one of the great storytellers of the twentieth century. Happy Summer Reading! Alison Hill 97 Tammuz 10 Nissan 6 Iyar Av 5769/April 5769/July 2009 Slate Valley Museum W hether you are looking for an escape from the rain or a cool option for a hot summer day, the Slate Valley Museum in Granville, NY just might be the perfect answer. This little gem of a museum has many wonderful exhibits, including: From Pack Peddlers to Professionals: Jewish Life in the Slate Valley, 1840 Present; an ongoing exhibit I m Right, You re Right, He s Right, Too: Multiple Perspectives in Jewish Humor and Folklore; a free lecture on July 19 at 1:30 pm. Immigration Study Tour: Ellis Island, Museum at Eldridge Street, Lower East Side Tenement Museum; a 3 day trip to New York City October For more information, check the museum website, or call Books-To-Go M ark Skinner Library, Manchester s Public Library is pleased to offer Books to Go, a home delivery service of books, audiobooks, magazines, and movies to homebound library customers who reside in Manchester. The program will deliver to private residences as well as independent living and nursing home facilities. The library is looking for volunteers who are eager to assist Manchester residents in finding satisfying library materials and delivering them right to their door. Residents who are dealing with a short term or long term incapacity may request specific titles or subjects at any time or can have the volunteer select materials for them based on their personal interests. To sign up as a volunteer, to receive delivery service or to get more information about Books to Go, contact Cindy Waters at Happy Birthday to Religious School Students... Ethan Hart, July 17 Sarah Marcus, July 20

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6 Page 6 Ma aser Sheni T he Torah required three tithes of the Israelites. The first, Ma asher Rishon, was given to the Temple priests. The second, Ma aser Sheni, supported the general community, benefiting both giver and receiver. The third, Ma aser Shlishi, provided funds for the poor. Our congregants participate in the mitzvah of Ma aser Sheni by contributing to funds that benefit the synagogue and its members. Thank you for your donations! GENERAL FUND Sandy & Martin Castelbaum in memory of David & Mathilda Castelbaum Maddie & John Sobel in memory of Jesse Sobel Fran & Mark Aronowitz in honor of Irene Glazer s special birthday Marion & Justin Mueller in memory of Otto Haber Anthony Stein Carmel Furtado in honor of Sasha & Arnie Katz anniversary Alice Mintzer & Ross Sandler Micki & Stan Lisman Cathy & Saul Kimmel Micki & Bob Horowitz RABBI S DISCRETIONARY FUND Susan Cole Ruth & Stanley Gilbert in honor of Ruth & Ken Friedman s 40th anniversary Ina & Al Rubin in memory of Helene Laufer and Morris Lederman Phyllis & Arthur Angstreich Ilse Fuchs Sandy & Martin Castelbaum in honor of Sasha & Arnie Katz 45th anniversary and Anita & Morty Bunis 54th anniversary SHABBAT DINNER FUND Cathy & Saul Kimmel in honor of Irene Glazer s birthday and the special anniversaries of Ruthie & Norm Ellenbogen and Ina & Mark Katz Micki & Bob Horowitz Carmel Furtado Jackie & Bob Borella in honor of Sasha & Arnie Katz anniversary Karen & Michael Dreiblatt in honor of Sasha & Arnie Katz anniversary Sasha & Arnie Katz in honor of Ruth & Ken Friedman s anniversary David Grupper Phyllis & Arthur Angstreich MERKADO LIBRARY FUND Carmel Furtado in honor of Ruth & Ken Friedman s anniversary Janet Kleinberg & Harvey Flaxman in honor of Sasha & Arnie Katz vow renewal and Ruth & Ken Friedman s anniversary MICKI & BOB HOROWITZ CHILDREN S EDUCATION FUND Phyllis & Arthur Angstreich Loni Bader in memory of Sylvia & Abraham Einhorn Franci & Tom Carieri in honor of the graduations of Beth Sobel and Jeff Sobel from graduate school TIKKUN OLAM Vicki & Stephen Green in honor of Rachel Eisemann becoming a Bat Mitzvah Roberta & Al Michaels in honor of Sasha & Arnie Katz anniversary PETER JANNKE MAINTANENCE ENDOWMENT Judith & Michael Adler ADULT EDUCATION Micki & Stan Lisman in honor of Paul Ross for advice & counsel during health problems MARILYN GLATT LINGLEY FUND Marilyn & Edgar Rice in honor of the marriage of Sabrina, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Les Dunier

7 Save the Date: August 7 A very special Shabbat Service has been planned for Friday, August 7 at 7:30 pm when we will host an installation ceremony for our rabbi, David Novak. The ceremony will feature guest speakers and musical interludes and will be followed by a sumptuous dessert oneg. We hope you will make a point of attending and joining us in making this an evening to remember for Rabbi Novak and for our Israel Congregation community. For more information, please contact Irene and Ed Glazer at nygnts@aol.com or Address? Have you been receiving our weekly Refrigerator Page? If not, we may not have your current address. Please send your address to office@icmvt.org. July 3 July 3 JULY Calendar Of Events Office Closed for Independence Day Holiday Page 7 6:30 pm Friday Evening Shabbat Worship; Mishkan Tʹfilah July 4 9:30 am Shabbat Worship, Parashat Chukat Balak July 4 Doris Bass will be our Torah reader 6:00 pm Annual Fourth of July Barbecue July 5 Rabbi Novak will be on vacation through July 17 July 10 6:30 pm Friday Evening Shabbat Worship, Kol haneshamah, July 11 9:30 am led by Eric Dreiblatt and followed by our Community Pot Luck Dinner Shabbat Worship, Parashat Pinhas, led by Rabbi Michael Cohen in memory of Alfred Cohen July 19 11:00 am Ellen Kalinsky Memorial Garden Dedication July 29 7:30 pm Tisha bʹav Observance July 30 Followed by our Community Pot Luck Dinner July 17 6:30 pm Friday Evening Shabbat Worship, Mishkan Tʹfilah July 18 9:30 am Followed by our Community Pot Luck Dinner Shabbat Worship, Parashat Matot Masei July 24 6:30 pm Friday Evening Shabbat Worship, Kol haneshamah, July 25 9:30 am Followed by our Community Pot Luck Dinner Shabbat Worship, Parashat Devarim and Shabbat Hazon July 28 7:00 pm Assisted Loving: True Tales of Double Dating With My Dad, Bob Morris at Northshire Bookstore Tisha bʹav Sponsor a Shabbat Dinner W e encourage members to support our communal Shabbat Dinner by sponsoring a dinner in honor of a life cycle event, achievement, anniversary, birthday, or for any other simcha. The cost to sponsor a dinner is $180. This amount will cover the food, serving, and clean up expenses regularly provided by the synagogue. Attendees will still be expected to augment the meal by bringing a potluck dish. A sheet of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Shabbat Dinner sponsorship is available from the office and a sign up sheet is posted on our bulletin board. Open Dates for sponsoring a Shabbat Dinner: July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and August 14, 28 Special Thanks Sasha & Arnie Katz for sponsoring Shabbat Dinner on June 5 Marisa & Allan Eisemann for sponsoring a Shabbat dessert reception on June 12 and lunch on June 13 Bettina & Gordon Abrams for sponsoring Shabbat Dinner on June 19 and lunch on June 20 Susan Cole for all of the time and energy she puts into maintaining our beautiful gardens Michael Dreiblatt for giving the d var Torah on May 28 Michael Dreiblatt, Danielle Levine and Yuval Sela for chaperoning our Religious School Sleepover

8 Page 8 O ur newsletter goes to more than 400 households in eight states! You can place ads of any size, from business cards to whole pages. For rates, contact the office at Do you own or operate a business? Are you a craftsman? An artist? Advertise with us! We reach more than 400 households in states far beyond Vermont. Call Karen for rates and information

9 Page 9 69 Union Street P.O. Box 147 Manchester, VT (802) Board Certified Plastic Surgeon David M. Metzner, M.D. Dedicated to the Artistry of Aesthetic Surgery Hanukkah stamps are available at all post offices and can be used all year long. The Tree of Life on the wall in our Social Hall is adorned with leaves that commemorate events in the lives of our congregants. To inscribe your family event or Simcha call Karen in the synagogue office at

10 PO Box 1050 Manchester Center, Vermont