Saturday, March 19. 7:00 pm Mincha Service 7:30 pm Queen Esther s Ice Cream Social 8:00 pm Megillah Reading Costume Parade for Adults and Children

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1 Temple Israel & JCC Tel: Fax: David J. Fine, PhD Rabbi Caitlin O. Bromberg, Cantor Rabbi Sharon Litwin, Education Director Denis Vogel President INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Rabbi s Message Page 2 Cantor s Message Page 3 President s Message Page 4 Education Message Jubilee Director s Milestones/Oneg & Kiddush/Hametz Form Page 5 Page 6 Circle of Honor Page 7 Music Committee Page 8 Adult Education Page 9 Ways & Means Page 10 B yachad/babysitting Page 11 Israel Action/Hadassh/ Hazak Save The Date Sunday, March 13 5:00 pm Page 12 Temple Talk March 2011 Adar I-Adar II 5771 SHABBAT ACROSS AMERICA Learn about Shabbat with Temple Israel Friday, March 4 6:30 pm Service 7:30 pm Dinner Blood Drive Sunday, March 6 8:45 am 2:00 pm Please contact Jerry Birenz or Nadine Genet to make your appointment. Temple Israel Family Service Friday, March 11 7:00 pm Families with children of all ages are encouraged to attend Those without children are also welcome! There will be lots of singing, ruach, stories, dancing and more! Jubilee Sunday, March 13, :00 pm Join us as we celebrate 50 years on Grove Street. There will be great food, good cheer, dancing and so much more. B nei Mitzvah Page 13 Men s Club Page 14 Sisterhood Paige 15 Youth Page 16 Photos Page 17 Donations Page 18 Giving Opportunities Page 19 Calendars Pages Advertising Back Cover Saturday, March 19 7:00 pm Mincha Service 7:30 pm Queen Esther s Ice Cream Social 8:00 pm Megillah Reading Costume Parade for Adults and Children Sunday, March 20 8:30 am Minyan/Megillah Reading 10:30 am 12:30 pm Purim Carnival

2 FROM THE RABBI S STUDY On Leading a Dozen Rabbis through Berlin Many of us are looking forward to the Temple Israel trip to Germany that will be held in early April. I would like to share here some reflections on another group that I just returned from leading, a group of just over a dozen Conservative rabbis who spent a week with me in Berlin. Organized in cooperation between the Rabbinical Assembly and Germany Close Up, a German organization that brings groups of young American Jews to Germany, this group was the culmination of many months of planning. Our vision was to bring rabbis to Germany where they could learn on site about the heritage of German Jewry, the way that Germany addresses and lives with its Nazi past, and the ways that the Holocaust is explained and taught in the German school system. Most of the rabbis who came had never been to Germany before, but most had visited concentration camps in Poland. The most striking part of our week was when we asked our tour leader at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp why he does what he does that is, lead tours on the most depressing of topics in the most depressing of places and he explained that he does it because his grandfather was in the SS. He had discovered this information when he grew up and decided that he had to devote his life to Holocaust education. He usually leads groups of German schoolchildren around the camp visiting a camp is generally a required school trip. What a different experience it was for him to lead a dozen rabbis around, and what an experience for us for me to speak with someone who had had direct contact with a perpetrator. My grandfather denied that he killed anyone when I confronted him, he told us, but it is not unlikely that he was not being truthful. The triple-negative locution that he used in response to us betrayed the tension and anger that he carries with him, even after his grandfather s passing. This one instant epitomized much of our visit, as an encounter with history and with tension. We visited memorials and museums, met with teachers and pastors, and engaged in dialogue where we went. We were also hosted by the Masorti (Conservative) community in Berlin, and were thrilled to see how Conservative Judaism is reaching out to immigrants to Germany from the former Soviet Union and providing a needed Jewish education, and in such a place of rebuilding and renewal. Engagement with the past, building towards the future, and living with tension were the central themes of our visit. Through an intensive four days of learning and experiencing, I am hopeful that the lessons we learned will inform the rabbinates of the attendees and add to the depth through which we teach the Holocaust and history in our congregations. 2

3 CANTOR CAITLIN BROMBERG Purim Return of the Light There are times when our Jewish Festivals connection to the cycles of the solar year are obvious Chanukah to the Winter Solstice, Pesach to the Spring Equinox, Shavuot and Sukkot to harvest times. The thread continues through the other festivals, although at times it is less obvious. The Festival of Purim, with its story of Esther, Mordecai and Haman, the traditions of masquerading and practical jokes, turning the tables on authority and temporary loosening of restrictions on social behavior what does that have to do with light and darkness, agriculture and nature? Oh, just EVERYTHING! In order to see the connection we have to imagine ourselves living without the benefit of our modern technology and food production industries. The late winter is a difficult time, maybe the most difficult time of the year for survival. Even though the intense darkness at midwinter is scary, we still have all the abundant food harvested and stored in the fall, we probably still have some fresh or preserved fruits and vegetables left. At this time of year, food stores are running out, the lack of fresh foods causes nutritional deficiencies, contagious illnesses become more dangerous because our immune systems are low. In low-technology societies, both child and elderly mortality are at their highest at this time of the year. The increasing light and perhaps brief periods of less intense cold and snow show a promise of spring, but there is still a lot of cold left before we re out of danger, and we can begin to plant gardens and restore our health. Irrational, superstitious fears are more common under these conditions, perhaps also because of deprivation and discomfort. It s easier to imagine evil forces at work. So no wonder that in Jewish culture, as well as every other human culture on the planet, but particularly northern Europe, a festival like Purim, Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, etc is celebrated at this time. The observances which follow these are ones of disciplined, intentional purification and deprivation for a spiritual purpose. The month of Lent, for example, which immediately follows the Mardi Gras-type celebrations and culminates in Easter and the month-long cleaning and eradication of chametz in preparation for the Pesach. It s as if the letting off steam of the late winter parties helps inspire and strengthen us for the last push that will get us all the way to the first harvests. Strength is critical in the summer in agricultural work the hardest-working season of the year. Rabbinic Judaism, as it was crafted by the sages of the Mishnah and Talmud, found ways to both honor these primal human experiences and to elevate them, by adding the historical and ethical dimension provided by texts such as Megillat Esther and the Exodus story. Thanks to February s Torah and Haftarah Readers! Cheryl Alterman, Daniel Butensky, Abe Davis, Chris Dobkins, Tamara Freeman, Sharyn Gallatin, Howard Gilman, Stephanie Gottesman, Carly Haber, Jake Haber, Lauren Kirshner, Jessie Kirshner, Dara Kotek, Rabbi Sharon Litwin, Adi Melamed, Elan Melamed, David Millman, Dan Mosenkis, Rebecca Rosenthal*, Emily Schreiber, Elaine Silverstein, Anne Wolf, Jeffrey Zachem Mazal Tov to Rebecca Rosenthal on her Bat Mitzvah February 5,

4 Tis the winter of my discontent. Not only have I been on the injured reserve list so I couldn t ski, but I watched our synagogue budget get tested by overstretching our snow plowing budget. I am ready for Spring. Purim this year coincides with the first day of Spring. Is there no better way to celebrate? We get to dress up in costumes, make noise, be silly and then go to a carnival. We have been blessed through these many years by the hard work of the Engel family to provide us with our Purim frivolity. Their contribution is just one of the many efforts that occur behind the scenes that make Temple Israel run smoothly. Purim also brings us the mitzvah of exchanging mischlot manot with the community. The school committee has worked extra hard to come up with something different and fun for this year. It is their major fundraiser for the year. (yes I know, every Temple Israel committee has a major fundraiser going on at one point or another during the year. This is the world of not for profit). Speaking of fundraisers, its time for the Ways and Means Jubilee function on March 13. Fifty years on Grove Street. Come celebrate with us. Let s ensure 50 more. There are many other exciting things to look forward to at Temple Israel. Those of you who like me will enjoy seeing me roasted at the Brandeis Men s Club Man of the Year brunch this year on April 3. Those of you who dislike me might enjoy the Roast even more. It is the culmination of Men s Club Shabbat when we all gather to appreciate the contribution of the Brandeis Men s Club to Temple Israel. Mmmmmmmm, roasted Denis for breakfast (with a schmear, not to mention a good bit of schmaltz.) B shalom Denis PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Torah Club It s time for the mid-year Torah Club report! We are having a lot of fun and learning a great deal in Torah Club. There are TEN regular participants in Torah Club on Tuesday nights who are all studying Torah trope and reading in Junior Congregation this year. Ranging from 5 th to 7 th grade, they are Mollie Bakal, Cole Caplan, Kimberley Caruso, Kenny Crane-Moscowitz, Josef Goldberg, Rebecca Manheimer, Craig Rosen, Matthew Shames, Vlad Vandalovsky and Jerry Vogel. Last year s members who are still reading Torah in Junior Congregation include Elliot Efrat, Allie Kaplan, Evan Klein and Cayla Whittaker. Junior Congregation Torah readers chant a minimum aliyah of three p sukim (sentences) from a Torah scroll in the Junior Congregation service. I want to thank and say Yasher Koach to Torah Club members who read Torah in January and February: Kimberley Caruso, Josef Goldberg, Allie Kaplan, Evan Klein, Jerry Vogel and Cayla Whittaker 4

5 EDUCATION DIRECTOR S MESSAGE When Adar enters, happiness increases Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B Simcha We have a lot of wonderful events happening in the Temple Israel Religious School during Adar from Purim celebrations to wonderful family workshops please make sure to mark your calendars accordingly! We already have so many volunteers signed up to help us with the Mishloah Manot and Purim Carnival. A very special thank you in advance to Miriam Bakal and committee for coordinating the Mishloah Manot this year and to David and Howard Engle for their continued amazing organization of the Purim Carnival. Purim Celebrations: 1. Purim Ice Cream Social & Megillah Reading (Don t forget your costume) Join us on Saturday, March 19 for a Purim Ice Cream Social at 7:30 pm followed by Megillah Reading at 8:30pm. *Attendance at Megillah Reading is required for all Kitah Alef through Kitah Hey students. Please check in with Rabbi Sharon to be counted for attendance. 2. THE PURIM CARNIVAL! Join us on Sunday, March 20 from 10:30-12:30 for a fun filled carnival. We ve got everything from carnival booths, games, prizes, blow ups, sand art, face painting, hot dogs and more! Tickets are 25 cents each (5/$1.00) and most booths are two-three tickets each. *The Purim Carnival takes the place of regularly scheduled Religious School classes. All students are required to attend this event! Please make sure to check in with your teachers that day to be counted for attendance. Calendar Update: March 5 Junior Congregation 10:30-12:00 in the Beit Midrash March 6 Kindergarten, 1 st and 2 nd Grade Family Workshop 9:30-11:30am March 6 Kitah Hey visits BCHSJS Attendance is required. March 13 Kitah Hey visits Prozdor March 13 Final Kehillah Program for Kitah Dalet March 14 and 16 Mishloah Manot Assembly March 19/20 Purim Festivities and Mishloah Manot delivery March 27 Aleph Siddur Ceremony Parent Workshop April 1 Bet/Gimmel Class Dinner 5

6 MILESTONES B NEI MITZVAH Rebecca Rosenthal, daughter of Dori & Rick Rosenthal We wish our Bat Mitzvah a lifetime of Torah, Mitzvot, and Gemilut Hasadim (Acts of Loving-kindness). DEATHS Rosalie Crane, mother of Jackie Crane Dorothy Fine, grandmother of Rabbi David Fine Selma Haber, aunt of Carla Vogel Jacob Kirshner, father of Eli Kirshner Tuve Mechanic, stepmother of Judy Glick May the families be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Oneg Shabbat March 4 March 11 March 18 March 25 Lorissa Lightman & Jeffrey Whittaker in honor of their daughter, Cayla, on the occasion of her bat mitzvah Tracy & Ben-Tzion Zur in honor of their son, Coby, on the occasion of his bar mitzvah OPEN FOR SPONSORSHIP Susan & Daniel Fishbein in honor of their son, Dylan, on the occasion of his bar mitzvah Kiddush Sponsors March 5 Lorissa Lightman & Jeffrey Whittaker in honor of their daughter, Cayla, on the occasion of her bat mitzvah March 12 March 19 March 26 ONEG/KIDDUSH SPONSORS Tracy & Ben-Tzion Zur in honor of their son, Coby, on the occasion of his bar mitzvah Carla & Richard Fels in honor of their 26th wedding anniversary Susan & Daniel Fishbein in honor of their son, Dylan, on the occasion of his bar mitzvah HAMETZ Mekhirat Hametz Authorization-5771/2011 We hereby authorize Rabbi David Fine to sell all hametz that may be in our possession, wherever it may be - at home, at our place of business, or elsewhere - in accordance with the requirements of Jewish law, as incorporated in the special contract for the sale of hametz. DATE: NAME: ADDRESS: SIGNATURE: 6

7 CIRCLE OF HONOR The Circle of Honor campaign is an ongoing campaign for operational support of the synagogue. The Circle of Honor: Ensures we can continue to welcome individuals and families at all levels of support. Enables us to provide our high quality and essential program and services. Provides long-term financial stability for the synagogue. Those listed in the Circle of Honor have pledged funds to the synagogue above dues and other fees for three consecutive years. Goodwill and Ways and Means support are included within the Circle of Honor pledge, at the various levels. Our Circle of Honor continues to grow. Please consider joining in support of Temple Israel. Call the office and a member of the Circle of Honor Committee will be more than happy to meet with you. Benefactor s Circle ($10,000) Sustainer s Circle ($7,500) Annual Listing on Lobby Plaque Annual Listing on Lobby Plaque Recognition in Temple Talk Recognition in Temple Talk 4 High Holiday Pew Seats 4 High Holiday Pew Seats 4 tickets to Ways & Means Dinner 4 tickets to Ways & Means Dinner Platinum Full Page Journal Ad Gold Full Page Journal Ad Year round reserved parking space High Holiday reserved parking space Patron s Circle ($5,000) Pillar s Circle ($3,600) Annual Listing on Lobby Plaque Annual Listing on Lobby Plaque Recognition in Temple Talk Recognition in Temple Talk 2 High Holiday Pew Seats 2 High Holiday Pew Seats 2 Tickets to Ways & Means Dinner 2 Tickets to Ways & Means Dinner Silver Full Page Journal Ad Half Page Ad Journal Sponsor s Circle ($1,800) Annual Listing on Lobby Plaque Recognition in Temple Talk 2 High Holiday Pew Seats 2 Tickets to Ways & Means Dinner Quarter Page Journal Ad TODAH RABBAH TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS Benefactor s Circle Beth & Freddie Kotek Tricia & Howard Schreiber Sustainer s Circle Sue Rubinoff Lenore & Neil Sherman Pillar s Circle Audrey Meyers & Scott Agins Shari & Manny Haber Rita & Robert Obeiter Sponsor s Circle Cheryl & Allan Alterman Anonymous Christine & Evan Dobkins The Fels Family Roberta & Charles Fleischman Tamara & Barry Freeman Sharyn & Alan Gallatin Susie & Shelly Goldstein Suzanne & Joshua Holden Debbie, Wayne & Jared Miller Peri & David Namerow Johanna & Michael Rosen Ellen & Allen Rubin Kurt Rosenberg Sisterhood of Temple Israel Carla & Denis Vogel 7

8 Dear Friends, MUSIC The warmth of beautiful and stirring music in shul has brought much needed respite from this year's frosty winter. The shul family thanks Cantor Caitlin Bromberg for her exquisite teaching and singing of Ladino and Shlomo Carlbach music at two recent Shabbatot. Cantor Caitlin is going to grace us once more during Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday, March 18 with the rich and lyrical heritage of German Jewish synagogue music. The third Open Mic welcomes a much-anticipated spring on Sunday, March 27, 3:00-5:00 pm. Great thanks go to Jo and Michael Rosen for spear-heading and producing these wonderful musical afternoons. Please contact Michael at mrosen5670@aol.com to reserve your time at the microphone. You can't find a more haimish or appreciative audience! Light refreshments are included. With love, Tamara R. Freeman, D.M.A. Music Chair Choir Conductor We are in the planning stages of Summer Music Fridays, when we usher in summer Shabbatot with special vocal and instrumental music before sundown. Do you love to sing? Do you play a musical instrument? All musicians of all ages are encouraged to contact me to share their talents as we welcome the sweetness and peace of summer Kabbalat Shabbatot. You can reach me at TamaraFreeman@verizon.net or at (201) Finally, it is not too early to think about participating in the High Holy Day Choir to usher in You do not have to read music to be part of Temple Israel's dynamic and dedicated choir. Each singer brings his/her unique spirit and connection to music. Come join this lyrical chaverah and be part of its friendship and beauty. Community Event I will be presenting a Holocaust music lecture recital on Sunday morning, March 27 from 10:30-12:00 at our shul. This program is the final installment of Rabbi Fine's lecture series on the history of Jews in Germany. I will play music of the ghettos and camps on my 1935 Joseph Bausch viola, itself a survivor of the Holocaust. I will also teach songs that provided tremendous hope and resistance for our people during World War II. This program is free and open to the public. Tamara R. Freeman. D.M.A. 8

9 ADULT EDUCATION Travel to Germany with Temple Israel & Rabbi Fine, April 3-10 Time is Running Out: Make Your Reservation Today! Contact Israel Tour Connection for complete information/registration: *German-Jewish Music with Cantor Caitlin Bromberg: Sunday, March 6 from 10:30 am-noon. * Holocaust Music Lecture Recital with Tamara Freeman, Sunday, March 27 from 10:30 am Noon Four Questions, Five Rabbis: Thinking Out of the Matzah Box Thursday, March 24, 7:30 pm, Temple Beth Sholom, Fair Lawn Rabbi Fine will share insights into Idolatry vs. Slavery in a stimulating evening of pre-pesach adult education. Also participating: Rabbi Ronald Roth, Fair Lawn Jewish Center; Rabbi Jonathan Woll, Progressive Havurah; Rabbi Neil Tow, Glen Rock Jewish Center; and Rabbi Baruch Zeilicovich, Temple Beth Sholom. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Call or March24@tbsfl.org Plus Tuesday Evening Talmud with Rabbi Fine at 8:00 pm: Tractate Sanhendrin in English translation. New students always welcome, and no prior knowledge required Music & Meaning with Cantor Caitlin Bromberg: Four session mini-course on how music and prayer combine to create spiritual meaning continues on Shabbat following Kiddush: Next Date: 4/16 Sunday Night at the Movies: March 6 at 7:00 pm will feature Among the Righteous, the fascinating, true lost stories of the Holocaust: Jewish survival, courage and betrayal on the Arabian Peninsula. Don t miss this PBS documentary by scholar Robert Satloff Jane Rosen Adult Ed Chair 9

10 WAYS AND MEANS JUBILEE MARCH MADNESS By the time you read this post, our tribute ad journal commemorating our Jubilee Anniversary on Grove Street will be at the printer, the delicious buffet dinner menu will be finalized, the bottles of different flavor vodkas will be ordered and the jazz ensemble that will entertain us in between DJ spins will have rehearsed many times over. So the only two things left for the event committee to do between now and March 13 is to wrap up the rest of the great gift items for our Silent Auction, that so far include: Gifts for your Stomach: Gourmet Dinners at Members Homes including a summer BBQ at the Rabbi s complete with vodka bar; Gift Certificates for ShopRite, Nellies, Natalie s, Bagelicious, Smoothie Shop and the Yum Yum Cafe Gifts for your Feet: Shoe Inn, Running Co Gift Certificates; Baby Crocs and Sox from Stacey and Joe s Shoes; and a Certificate for a Free Foot Exam Gifts to Entertain You: Passes to Clearview Cinemas, Gifts to Teach You or Your Children: Certificates for Challah Baking and Music Lessons; Tutoring and College Counseling Sessions; Westchester Walking Tours Gifts to Relax You: Lavender Neck Pillow; Vintage Wines; Vacations in Florida, Vermont, the Berkshires and the Catskills; boat ride on the Long Island sound with gourmet lunch Gifts to Help You Look Your Best: Biltmore Tux, Victor s Gift Certificates; Jeckyl and Hyde Gift The only thing for YOU to do is to Come to the Event and Enjoy!!!! Reminder: If you haven t yet bought your ticket, you can do so and still qualify for 2 chances for the ShopRite Gift Card if you get your check to the office by March 4. Affinity Accounts: Our synagogue receives free money from TD Bank and Boiling Springs Bank through their affinity programs. If you have accounts at either bank, please let us know. Last year we received $1, from TD Bank. The more accounts, the more money. We are 13 accounts shy from qualifying at Boiling Springs Bank. Please let us know whether you have an account there - or consider opening one, so we can qualify. Kings Supermarket in Ridgewood, NJ Starting in March, if you buy food at the Kings Market in Ridgewood, and drop your receipt in a special box marked with Temple Israel's name, Kings will donate 10% of what we collectively spend at Kings to our synagogue. Please consider shopping there for your food. Hey, folks, this is easier than scrip 10

11 B YACHAD Hi everyone! February was just way too short. It appears as though we scheduled half of our activities for the 29 th and 30 th, which gives us plenty to look forward to. But first, we d like to say Todah Rabbah G dolah to Erin, Matt, Helena and Michael (and Mookie) Lindenberg for hosting our Super Bowl party. Helena and Michael were consummate hosts despite having a 7:30 bedtime (the rest of us stayed up a bit later.) Our other event was originally going to be a Karaoke night, but we got a bit lazy and just went out to Blend to listen to a real band perform, dance, and try out their special martinis and caipirinhas. Enough about the past, though What s up for March? If the weather cooperates, we ll try to go snowtubing early in the month (followed by après-tube, of course.) If it doesn t cooperate, we ll think of something else cool to do. We ll also have another Shabbat Potluck at one of our members homes later in the month. And we still haven t abandoned the dream of a Karaoke night. We might even schedule another movie night in the Holden theater. You must join our list (see below) for updated event announcements! Now, some of you may be asking yourselves, who is B Yachad? We re loosely defined as being the fellowship group for the younger families, members and prospective members of the Temple Israel community. Basically, we re Gen X or Y people who want to get together and socialize, sometimes with and sometimes without the kids. For more information, to RSVP, or to be added to our list, contact Josh at (eve), (day), or Byachad-contact@synagogue.org. And be sure to check your for full details on upcoming events! Josh and Suzie Holden B Yachad people This section intentionally left blank Attention Babysitters: We (the editors) are creating a new updated list. If you would like to be on the babysitting list, please send in your name, age and telephone number to If you were on the list before, you have to send in your information again. 11

12 ISRAEL ACTION Zahal Shalom Program: Every year since 1993 the Zahal Shalom program has sponsored a delegation of ten disabled Israel war veterans to visit Bergen County and be hosted by local families for two weeks. The next delegation is due to arrive on May 15 and will be received at Temple Israel. A number of Temple Israel families have been hosts and found it to be a life-changing experience, an opportunity to develop very close relationships with Israelis who demonstrate an incredible will to overcome their disabilities and lead a normal, productive life. At the end of the two weeks, during which the veterans visit sites in the New York area and Washington D.C., the hosts and veterans develop bonds resembling an extended family. Local families who never dreamed of visiting Israel have been inspired to go time and again. If you are interested to become better acquainted with this amazing program please contact Richard Schnaittacher at or rss@aetrex.com HADASSAH HADASSAH, the largest international women s Zionist organization is running a special membership offer in celebration of their centennial year. The life membership, (for women), and associate membership, (for men), is being offered at a reduced price of $100 from the original price of $360. This offer is available through December 31, Make yourself, your spouse, children, or grandchildren members at this incredible price. The local chapter for this area is the Northwest Bergen Chapter of Hadassah. Those who make a commitment to join are welcome to attend a free Israeli Wine Tasting party in Wyckoff, NJ on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 8:30 PM. Please contact Susie Goldstein for further information at or susieg70@aol.com HAZAK The Senior Arm Of Temple Israel Join us on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 as Cantor Caitlin Bromberg joins us to discuss La Rosa Enflorece - The Legacy of the Sephardic Jews in Song and Story. Lunch is $5.00 per person for members and $7.00 per person for non members. RSVP to Sonia & Ionel We hope you can join us. 12

13 This section intentionally left blank BNEI MITZVAH 13

14 B randeis M en s C lub BRANDEIS MEN S CLUB Murder Mystery Mayhem! bmc@synagogue.org Who Dun It?? 14

15 Vashti s Feast SISTERHOOD Join us on Wednesday, March 16, at 7:45 pm for Temple Israel s first ever Vashti s Feast. Banish the late-winter blues and get ready for Purim with a very special evening of fun and frivolity Belly dancing, massages, story telling, yummy Middle Eastern treats (and wine and chocolate). Come in costume hip scarves, harem pants, lots of beads and bangles. It all adds up to Sisterhood s first annual Vashti s Feast, an evening entertainment extravaganza. Bring your friends--this will be a fun evening. Vashti s Feast is co-sponsored by the Sisterhood of the Fair Lawn Jewish Center and is free to members of either shul, $10 for nonmembers. Upcoming events In May, Waltraud Unger will present a very special nutrition program, co-sponsored by Men s Club. We will round out the year with a membership meeting and Ladies Night Out in June and the annual Pool Party in July. Sisterhood Book Group will meet on Sunday, March 27 at 7:00 pm. The book will be The Finkler Question, by Howard Jacobson. We will meet at the home of Carol Schuler, 463 Wastena (corner of North Monroe), in Ridgewood. Gift Shop News: All merchandise is 20% off the retail cost. Remember that with each purchase, you are making a contribution to our synagogue. We have mezzuzot, tallitot, necklaces, earrings and other bnai mitzvah gifts and a variety of items of Judaica too numerous to list that make appropriate gifts for many occasions. The inventory will be in stock this fall. If the gift shop is closed, please contact Laura Brody at (201) or lwbrody@aol.com to make a purchase or arrange to browse our selection. Linda Van Grover continues to handle tallitot sales. A new selection is available in our gift shop, and Linda will be happy to assist you with selection, whether it is in stock or needs to be custom- ordered. Call Linda at (201) or vangrover@aol.com 15

16 YOUTH HAPPENINGS Many thanks to all those that participated in the Youth Shabbat Service on February 12. You made the Temple Israel community proud by showing the breadth of your knowledge! Dan Unger El Al had an amazing time at our Shabbaton in February. We created creative rap songs to some of our favorite Shabbat prayers, we studied a little and played a lot. We made Israel out of Ice Cream and we played Gaga in the Social Hall. It was so much fun. In March we will go MONSTER GOLFING! Please join us for our field trip to Monster Golf on Midland Avenue in Paramus. We will leave Temple Israel at 12:45 on March 6, and return at 2:45. We are looking for a few chaperones to help with driving. Looking forward to golfing and to our April event, a popular return of the Chocolate Seder on April 3 at 12:45-2:15. Spring is on its way and I couldn't be happier for the sunshine that's to come. Kadima had a great February. The Shabbaton Overnight was a lot of fun for the kids and me. Our events this month are going to be a lot of fun as well. Sunday, March 13 will be 80 s Movie Daythere will be popcorn, drinks, other snacks, contests and prizes. Lounge Night will be Wednesday, March 23. As always, details and reminders will follow. Looking forward to seeing all of you there. Any questions, me at fhilman78@yahoo.com Morah Felicia 16

17 PHOTOS Brandeis Men s Club Ski Trip

18 Temple Israel Operating Fund Jeanette Berman in honor of Rabbi Fine and the German Jewish history course Susie & Shelly Goldstein in memory of Harvey Brandenburg, brother of Ira Brandenburg June & Barry Kaplan in memory of Selma Haber, aunt of Carla Vogel Beth & Freddie Kotek in honor of Marcia Minuskin and Jeffrey Zonenshine on the engagement of their daughter Sarah to Matt Green Beth & Freddie Kotek in memory of Esther Fleischman, mother of Chuck Fleischman Sharon & Dan Mosenkis in memory of Harvey Brandenburg, brother of Ira Brandenburg Linda Paige in memory of Harvey Brandenburg, brother of Ira Brandenburg Carla & Denis Vogel in memory of Dana Marcus Carla & Denis Vogel in memory of Esther Fleischman, mother of Chuck Fleischman Amsterdam Family Endowment Fund Susan Amsterdam in honor of Temple Israel s Jubilee Susan Amsterdam in memory of her husband, Marvin J. Amsterdam & his many years of involvement in Temple Israel Barry H. Glick Chesed Endowment Fund Judy Glick to wish Chuck Adrian a speedy recovery Judy Glick in honor of Rosalind & Donald Horowitz on the birth of their granddaughter, Sara Tova Horowitz Judy Glick in honor of Shelia Hutchinson on the occasion of her achieving a great milestone Max Aaron Strachman Memorial Library Endowment Risa & Robert Rohrberger in memory of Frances Roberson-Beasley Religious School Enrichment Fund Lois Rowitt in honor of our children DONATIONS We thank all of our donors: Chumash Etz Hayim Howard & Tricia Schreiber in memory of Harriet Eiseman, long-time member Rabbi s Discretionary Fund Linda & Abe Davis in memory of Esther Fleischman, mother of Chuck Fleischman Rita & Robert Obeiter in honor of Rebecca Rosenthal s bat mitzvah Cantor s Discretionary Fund Fred Holden in memory of his wife, Roberta Holden Rita & Robert Obeiter in honor of Rebecca Rosenthal s bat mitzvah Bequests To Temple Israel You can make an enduring gift to Temple Israel through your will as a bequest. A bequest is perhaps the simplest form of planned giving to arrange, and Temple Israel can be named as one of your beneficiaries. A bequest could involve cash, stocks, real estate or other property and is usually a percentage of the residue of your estate, which is given after your family needs are cared for. You may designate that your bequest be used for a particular purpose, and you may indicate whether it is for current needs or endowment. Because a bequest is revocable, there is no immediate income tax deduction, but your gift will be deductible from your taxable estate. Please consult with an attorney when writing your will in order for your wishes to be clearly articulated. 18

19 Donations & Dedications OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING While Judaism itself can thrive without reference to finances, a community of Jews who are committed to the purpose of the synagogue learning, worship, and fellowship does need financial resources to help each other and themselves. Most of us recognize our obligation to maintain membership in Temple Israel and to support it by payment of annual dues. However, dues alone do not cover all of our costs. There is a continuing need for donations to help assure the synagogue s strength and development. We encourage any and all donations to Temple Israel. The following are suggested giving opportunities in which the funds are used to support all aspects of synagogue life: Temple Israel Operating Fund any amount Tributes $5 DEDICATION OPPORTUNITIES Siddur Sim Shalom for Weekdays $54 Mahzor Lev Shalem For Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur $64 Chumash Etz Hayim $118 Simcha Terrace Paver $118 Memorial Plaque $540 Large Memorial Tablet $54,000 The following are suggested giving opportunities in which the funds are used to support specific areas of synagogue life: Temple Israel Chai Campaign Fund any amount Funds the major capital improvements from our synagogue building renovation Religious School Enrichment Fund any amount Funds religious school enrichment programs & materials Endowment Funds $25,000 to establish a fund; $18 donation to established funds Each Fund has a specific purpose. Consult column on the right Kiddush Club Funds the kiddush when there is no regular kiddush sponsor $144 Rabbi s Discretionary Fund any amount Funds charitable purposes, at the discretion of the Rabbi Cantor s Discretionary Fund any amount Funds charitable purposes, at the discretion of the Cantor Contribution Form Name: Address: Enclosed is my contribution of $ to Checks for General Donations or Dedications should be made payable to Temple Israel. Checks for an Endowment or Discretionary Fund should be made payable to the specific Fund. This contribution is in honor of or in memory of Endowment Funds TEMPLE ISRAEL GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To fund maintenance and/or capital improvement projects to Temple Israel properties. AMSTERDAM FAMILY ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To provide siddurim to Temple Israel religious school students. DONALD FELLOWS HOLOCAUST EDUCATION MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To fund the education program portion of the Annual Holocaust Remembrance. PHYLLIS ANN ZWEIG FRIEDMAN ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To provide scholarship to a Temple Israel high school student to attend an Israel/Eastern Europe educational program. BARRY H. GLICK CHESED ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To fund both the cost of a professional motivational speaker who will inspire attendees to perform acts of lovingkindness AND the Chesed forum which will follow the talk. DAVID & SARA GOODMAN ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To fund supplemental Jewish experiences for Jewish youth. DAVID & SALLY KIRSCH SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To provide scholarship to a religious school graduating student for continuing Jewish religious education. ALEXANDER & SOPHIE PURITZ MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To fund the Temple Israel Annual Hanukkah Party, which shall include the distribution of silver dollars to all students. MAX AARON STRACHMAN MEMORIAL LIBRARY ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To purchase educational materials for the library as well as fund library related educational events. WILLIAM & RHODA TOONKEL JEWISH MUSIC ENDOWMENT FUND PURPOSE: To promote Jewish musical education for the Temple Israel religious school, as well as other musical and cultural experiences for Temple Israel and Jewish Community Center. 19

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22 Temple Israel & Jewish Community Center 475 Grove Street Ridgewood, New Jersey Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PARAMUS, NJ Permit No. 887 TEMPLE ISRAEL BUSINESS SPONSORS 22