This annual initiative goes well beyond providing candles and raising funds

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1 Volume 158, Number 5 Kislev/Tevet 5777 December 2016 December Highlights Gift of Remembrance A memorial gift to the temple can be more than a contribution; it can be a way to carry on the legacy and traditions of those we love. See Rabbi Prosnit s column on Page 3. What is a Miracle? Chanukah is a holiday for celebrating miracles. Yet, what really is a miracle to Jews? And can we find one in our lives? Rabbi Schultz explores on Page 5. Go, Cubs, Go! The Chicago Cubs last month won their first World Series title since Why could their victory yield a winning formula for B nai Israel? Ira Wise pitches in on Page 7. Multiple Mitzvahs December offers multiple chances to help those in need in our community. Consider joining us for a Mitzvah Morning and a Mitzvah Afternoon this month. Discover the details on Page 16. Also Inside BIFTY...P. 4 Adult Learning...P.6 Shabbat Services...P. 15 Give the Gift of Light Chanukah comes at the end of December this year, but you can already give a gift for yourself, the temple and our community. Our Gift of Light fundraiser is back, just in time to make sure we all have candles for Chanukah. The holiday begins Saturday, December 24. Now you can send beautifully packaged Chanukah candles to your family and friends at B nai Israel. Each box is hand-packaged and hand-delivered by a special team of Chanukah helpers. This annual initiative goes well beyond providing candles and raising funds for our temple. It helps expand and strengthen our community. Last year, 140 households ordered candles that reached over 400 households, raising more than $14,000 for the congregation. We want to continue growing that number, so please join us in spreading the light throughout the B nai Israel community. This is a fundraiser, but it s also a community connection raiser, if you will, organizer Marcia Cohen says. Each recipient will receive a single box of candles with personalized messages from every sender. Continued on Page 6 High Honor for Bonim Preschool Congregation B nai Israel is one of just 12 Reform congregations in North America selected to participate in the new Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Community of Practice dedicated to Full-time Early Education. The initiative gives our Bonim Preschool the opportunity to meet with leaders from congregations with common interests to share ideas and experiment with new strategies. Bonim also will have access to the URJ s professional staff and expert consultants, some of the most renowned thought leaders in their fields. We are so thrilled for Bonim Preschool Director Alexa Cohen, her team, and for our entire synagogue, Rabbi Evan Schultz said. The Communities of Practice is an exciting and dynamic new program of the Union for Reform Judaism. This is such an important opportunity for us to be a part of this 24-month conversation, as we seek to rethink what early childhood education can be here at B nai Israel. Mazel tov to Alexa and the Bonim staff on this acceptance! The 12 congregations will work together formally for two years to push the boundaries of existing congregational efforts. They will receive guidance from peers and advisors to experiment in their own communities, create congregational innovations, and garner skills that will Continued on page 4

2 INSPIRING SIGHT Congregants hold the Torah fully unfurled in the Sanctuary during Simchat Torah Sharing Our Joy Shana and Dan Greenwald, in honor of the birth of daughter, Lyla Mae Greenwald, sister of Nora. Bob and Judy Chessin, in honor of the birth of grandson, Parker Alden Susal, son of Anne Chessin and Michael Susal, brother of Emmett. Sincere Sympathy We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of: Peter Mack, husband of Carol Mack Joan Broder, mother of Eric Broder Gertrude Reisman Sara Brozgal, mother of Judie Koch, grandmother of Laurie Renzulli Welcome! A warm welcome to our newest members. We look forward to their participation in our many programs and hope their affiliation will not only enrich their lives, but that of our congregation. Jason and Rachael Levitt, Claire and Gabriel Driftwood Lane, Trumbull Save the Date for Laughs We will have a Super Ball at B nai Israel s next Comedy Night on Saturday, February 4 that is the Saturday night of Super Bowl Weekend. Watch for details in next month s Bulletin and Hashavua. If you would like to help with the event, please contact Stacy Giglietti at stacygigs@aol.com. Do You Work From Home? Join your fellow congregants who work from home for breakfast and a business networking/discussion session at the temple on Wednesday, December 6 at 7:30 a.m. Stay the hour, then go home to start your workday. RSVP to Lynn in the office by Wednesday, November 30 at llynch@cbibpt.org or (203) For more information, contact Larry Levine at llevine@cbibpt.org or Perry Molinoff at pmolinoff@cbibpt. org. Bulletin Board Stay Connected in College As our college students spread back out to all parts of the country after their winter break, we want to keep them connected to B nai Israel. To send them little holiday surprises and keep them connected with their temple friends, we would like their school address and address. Please send your information to Chris in the main office at crocha@cbibpt. org. Bulletin Submissions To submit an article, announcement or ad to the Bulletin, please contact Editor Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt. org. Submissions are due by the first day of the month preceding the publication month. We reserve the right to edit all submission. 2 What s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly . Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org.

3 From the Rabbi s Desk/Rabbi James Prosnit End of Year Giving and End of Life Giving As many of you have come to know, we send out letters reminding our congregants of an upcoming yahrzeit. We let you know that we will be reading a loved one s name at services on Shabbat; we encourage you to attend to mention the name themselves; and we even give an invitation for one person a service to share a brief reflection about the life of one who appears on the yahrzeit list. The letter we send also lets people know that a fitting way to honor a loved one is by making a memorial Tzedakah donation. Many people choose to do that, but a few over the years, while appreciative of the reminder, have questioned the ask. Isn t it a little tacky, they infer, to be requesting a donation at the same time you re reminding me of my mother s yahrzeit? And while I understand the point and the sensitivity, my actual response is that there is actually no better way to remember someone than by making a donation in their memory. From a Jewish point of view, Tzedakah, righteous giving, is a way to make memory tangible in the world. Giving money to synagogues, organizations and causes that were important to a loved one keeps their beliefs alive and active. Tzedakah Clipart Panda From a Jewish point of view, Tzedakah, righteous giving, is a way to make memory tangible in the world. connects the living and the dead in the work of tikkun olam, and enables us to become the person s hands, feet and voice even after their death. In Jewish folk tradition, it was even considered to be a way to help a loved one s soul move from a type of purgatory to Heaven. The Talmud recalls that Rabbi Judah used to say, Ten strong things have been created in the world. The rock of the mountain is hard, but iron cleaves it. Iron is hard but fire softens it. Fire is powerful, but water quenches it. Water is heavy, but clouds bear it. Clouds are thick, but wind scatters them. Wind is strong, but a body resists it. A body is strong, but fear crushes it. Fear is powerful, but wine banishes it. Wine is strong, but sleep works it off. Death is stronger than all, yet charity delivers from death. As it is written, Charity delivereth from Death. 1 As we move toward a time of year where for practical tax reasons we tend to open our wallets and consider support of noble causes, it is good to remember that there are other times of year when it is also important to support in the name of people we love the good works that they were involved in during their lives. While we may not need to be reminded of that, it is a time-honored sacred practice very much part of our tradition. (Endnotes) 1 Insights from Diamant, Anita; Saying Kaddish, Schocken Books B nai Israel volunteers assist at the Hough Avenue community garden in Bridgeport during the October Mitzvah Morning. Join our two Mitzvah events this month. See details on Page 16. Donation Item of the Month: Canned fruit, including low sugar, for the Salem Lutheran Church Food Pantry. 3

4 BIFTY Brightens Up the Week BIFTY Melanie DelAngelo and Zoe Lehrhaupt are the co-presidents of BIFTY. What has been your favorite event at BIFTY so far? MD: My favorite event so far has been Halloween: Escape the Room. Everyone was really into it and had so much fun. ZL: My favorite event was Chopped. It was a lot of fun to compete and eat. What are you looking forward to at BIFTY? MD: I m looking forward to new members coming to BIFTY in the future. It really is a lot of fun, and you ll make new friends. ZL: I m looking forward to the BIFTY sleepover in the winter. We always have so much fun and really bond with each other. December Events Join us on Thursday December 8, 15 and 22 from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. in the BIFTY Lounge. Also, follow us on Instagram at cbi.bifty or like us on Facebook at BIFTY BIFTY members chill out with this year s Young Israeli Emissaries in the BIFTY lounge in the temple. Why should you join BIFTY? MD: It is really fun and serves as a nice break from homework. Everyone who comes is also really nice and fun to be around. ZL: BIFTY gives you an opportunity to connect with people you wouldn t necessarily talk to outside of the youth group. It s also a fun way to take a break from the busy school week. If BIFTY were a Hanukkah item, what would it be? MD: BIFTY would be a present because it brightens up your day and it something to look forward to at the end of the week ZL: BIFTY would be the candles because it is a constant and positive light each week. It is so alive and enjoyable. Bonim... From Page 1 benefit all areas of congregational life. Across North America, people hunger for real connections. They want they need -- to be part of meaningful communities, URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs said. The URJ Communities of Practice will give Reform congregations opportunities to work together, take risks, explore new ideas, innovate and have unprecedented access to top experts. The Full-time Early Education Community of Practice will include an in-person meeting for the involved congregational staff and lay leadership at the URJ Biennial on December 6-10, 2017, in Boston. There also will be monthly virtual gatherings and e-learning opportunities. At the end, the results of these strategic experiments will be shared with congregations outside the Community of Practice and with the Reform Movement at large. URJ s Communities of Practice (CoP) inspire congregations to build the skills to experiment and innovate in areas of congregational life that are important to them. We connect congregational leaders to each other as well as to experts, valuable resources and learning opportunities. The cohort model allows congregations to engage with a group to experiment, lowering the risk and sharing learning, said Amy Asin, URJ Vice President of Strengthening Congregations. From the work of previous CoP cohorts, we know that the support available in belonging to a committed group focused on areas of interest encourages congregations to delve more deeply into their work and creates a longerterm commitment to build the skills for experimentation. The participants engaged in this sacred work will grapple with challenges and celebrate successes across the network. We also look forward to sharing what they learn and do with all URJ congregations. 4 Follow us on Instagram at Cbibpt.

5 From the Rabbi s Study/Rabbi Evan Schultz On the Topic of Miracles The month of December is upon us, which means we will soon be taking out our Chanukah candles, grating potatoes, spinning our dreidels, and singing songs of miracles. The topic of miracles, in Hebrew nisim, really only emerges in our discourse during the festival of Chanukah (Also during Purim, but not as much). Wherever we look during the Festival of Lights, we acknowledge the miracles God performed for our ancestors, the Maccabees. The words on the dreidel read, Nes Gadol Hayah Sham a great miracle happened there. As we light the Chanukah candles, we sing, She asah nisim l avoteinu who performed miracles for our ancestors, and in synagogue we often sing the melody Al hanisim for the miracles, the redemption, the mighty deeds, and the victories in the battle which You performed for our ancestors in those days, at this time. During Chanukah we re great about acknowledging these miracles, but how do we as Jews understand miracles? What s the Jewish definition of a miracle? The answer, of course, is complicated, because it would be a miracle if all the rabbis agreed on one definition of the term. Some rabbis argue that a miracle is something that deviates from the pattern of nature. The vial of oil lasting for eight During Chanukah we re great about acknowledging these miracles, but how do we as Jews understand miracles? What s the Jewish definition of a miracle? days instead of one would certainly be an example of this. Other rabbis, however, contend that something can be a miracle even if it falls within the pattern of nature, such as the Chanukah miracle of the small band of Maccabees defeating the great Assyrian army. There is a third understanding of miracles, shared through a story in the Babylonian Talmud, in tractate Brachot, page 54a. The story goes as follows: A man was passing through Ever Yemina (the south side of town) and a lion fell upon him. (A miracle happened for him) and he was saved from it. He came before Rava (his rabbi) who said to him, Every time you return there, you should bless, Blessed is the One who did a miracle for me in this place. Join the Chanukah Celebration Chanukah, oh Chanukah! Join us to celebrate the Festival of Lights during our special Shabbat service on Friday, December 16, featuring the Junior Choir performing all your favorite Chanukah songs. Festivities begin with the Oneg at 5:30 p.m., followed by the service at 6:00 p.m., followed by a dinner, including chicken, latkes and fun activities. The cost for dinner is $10 for adults and $8 for children. Families with last names A-M are asked to bring a nutfree salad or vegetable side dish, and N-Z to bring a nut-free dessert. To make a dinner reservation, or for more information, contact Chris in the Temple office at crocha@cbibpt.org or call the office at (203) And Mar, the son of Ravina, was passing through the valley of Aravot, and ran out of water. A miracle happened for him, and a spring was created for him, and he drank. And at a different time he was walking through the market of Machoza, and a crazed camel fell upon him. A nearby wall collapsed, and he hid in it. When he would return to Aravot, he would bless, Blessed is the One who did a miracle for me in Aravot and with the camel. And when he would return to the market of Machoza, he would bless, Blessed is the One who did a miracle for me with the camel and in Aravot. What do these stories have in common? It would seem that a miracle is about finding one s way through a traumatic moment or experience. Considering this definition, I would think many of us have experienced and lived this kind of miracle, of garnering strength and finding our way through a time of trauma or pain. And I find the vehicle for acknowledging this miracle so beautiful upon recognizing the miracle, the man develops a personal and private blessing to mark the moment. In this season of miracles, may we find strength and recognize the miracles in our lives, and craft a personal blessing and liturgy to mark that time and place in our lives. Support the Oneg Before each Shabbat service, the temple provides a small Oneg in the lobby. If you can volunteer to bring in small (nut-free) snacks and drinks on a Friday, please contact Naomi Schaffer at naomilev@ optonline.net. You can drop them off at any time that s convenient for you. Thank you! Follow us on Twitter We ll follow back! 5

6 Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B nai Israel Adult Roundtable Thursday, December 1 at 12:30 p.m. Gloria Katz facilitates a discussion about current events for anyone who wants to go beyond the headlines. Join us the first Thursday of every month, and bring a sandwich, your opinion and an open mind. An Evening with Ahmed Ebrahim: What is Islam? A Shabbat to Change the World on Friday, December 2 Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6:00 p.m., Dinner at 7:15 p.m., Speaker at 8:15 p.m. Join us for a special Shabbat dinner and discussion with Ahmed Ebrahim, Associate Professor of Accounting at Fairfield University and local Muslim lay leader. He is an active member of Tent of Abraham, our local interfaith group. He will share with us about the basics of Islam and address current issues and topics related to Islam. We hope you will join us! Reservations are required for dinner ($20.00 per person) no later than Wednesday, November 30. Please contact Chris@cbibpt.org or Who Were the Maccabees, Really? And What Would They Think of Us? Lifelong Learning, Fridays at Noon, December 2, 9 and 16 We light one candle for the Maccabee children with Peter Yarrow. We spin the dreidel emulating them. We talk about Chanukah as a fight for religious freedom on a par with Pesach or even the Civil Rights Movement. Join Temple Educator Ira Wise as we dig through the layers of history to discover what the real Maccabees were fighting for and perhaps shed new light on how we think about them and about ourselves. We will delve into Talmud, Josephus, the four Books of the Maccabees, and your own memories and family traditions. The Sin that Keeps on Sinning Anti- Semitism Then and Now Monday Midrasha, Mondays at 7:00 p.m., December 5, 12 and 19 From Blood Libels to BDS, Rabbi James Prosnit takes a three-part look into the changing forms of one of the world s lethal obsessions and most convenient hatreds. Rosh Hodesh Sunday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. In Jewish tradition, Rosh Hodesh, meaning head of the month, is a dedicated time for women to gather together. Each month, the women of B nai Israel take part in this ritual, coming together to share, learn, and develop deeper relationships. Everyone is welcome to join this warm, multigenerational community of women. Contact Student Rabbi Stephanie Crawley to learn more. A Chance to Make Hebrew a Priority Dates and Times TBD Speak our language! We will offer two different levels of Hebrew classes for adults. We will have a beginner s Aleph/Bet class (perhaps leading to an Adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration). For those with some Hebrew background, there will be a chance to learn some Modern Hebrew and enhance your conversational skills. Go beyond the basics for those with some reading ability, but are ready to probe biblical and prayer texts without translations. Details still are being finalized. Contact Rabbi Prosnit for more information at jprosnit@cbibpt.org. LIGHT... From Page 1 It s real easy and a nice way to send someone a shout-out, Cohen says, adding it is a great way to recognize friends, a new congregant, religious school teachers or someone who has done a nice deed for you, among others. Our online system makes placing an order fun and easy. Just click on the personalized link you receive via this month. If you have not received your link or need it again, please contact Cohen at mcohen@cbibpt.org or call the temple office at (203) You also can join our team to help wrap and deliver the candles. Delivery will take place on Sunday, December 18, and it is a great way to meet fellow congregants, says co-organizer Suzy Kamin. I gave them out in my neighborhood, and there were people I didn t even realize went to B nai Israel, Kamin says. Adds Cohen, It s a really fun thing to do to deliver candles. I can t tell you the number of s I get after delivery day that tell me what a fun experience it is. With your help, we can make this year s Gift of Light more successful than ever! 6 We want you in the Bulletin! Send your news to editor Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org.

7 From the Education Center/Ira J. Wise Asking the Right Questions This is the last baseball reference (this year). I promise. I am writing this the morning after the Chicago Cubs ended their 108 sojourn in the wilderness and won the World Series. This morning I received my update from ejewishphilanthropy.com (you should check out this site), and it had an interesting article, Measuring Good: Sabermetrics and Spiritual Insight, by Rabbi Maurice Harris. In the article, Rabbi Harris explains the arcane science of Sabermetrics and how Billy Beane of the Oakland Athletics (as described in the book and film, Moneyball ) and Theo Epstein (of the Red Sox and now the Cubs) used this new set of measuring tools to create championship teams. I will not go into the details, but you can find his article on my blog at Simply put, Sabermetrics looks at different baseball statistics than the experts had been using for nearly a century to evaluate players. By using these statistics, Beane and Epstein managed to hire players that other teams didn t value as highly. The point Rabbi Harris makes and I want to explore with you is that we might be able to improve our congregation, our families and our spiritual lives by using a different kind of measurement to determine whether or not we are successful. Chicago Cubs President Theo Epstein holds the World Series championship trophy on November 2, celebrating the team s first title since He says: Judaism is an optimistic yet realistic tradition. Every High Holy Days, we re reminded that by taking a moral inventory and doing teshuvah (repentance), we have the power to tip the evenly balanced scales towards the good. We re also taught that the world is profoundly broken, but that we collectively have the power to improve it. You have read in this space about our Religious School Vision Team s participation in the URJ s Community of Practice on Reimagining the Congregational School. In that process we have also started to look at the metrics we use to determine our success. We are having a discussion about which data will help us. We are beginning to ask: Did people deepen or make new connections amongst learners in the community? (Focusing on RELATIONSHIPS) Did coming together inspire experiences rooted in Jewish values? (Focusing on IMPACT) Did participants find the experience meaningful, thought provoking, inspiring? Did it help them make sense of their world? Connect with each other? (Focusing on MEANING) In the coming months, we hope to learn a lot about how we do things at B nai Israel and apply new measures and standards. I believe we will become stronger for it. And we don t have to wait till next year. L shalom, Ira J. Wise, D.J.R.E. Temple Educator Sabermetrics looks at different baseball statistics than the experts had been using for nearly a century to evaluate players. By using these statistics, (the Cubs) managed to hire players that other teams didn t value as highly. We might be able to improve our congregation, our families and our spiritual lives by using a different kind of measurement to determine whether or not we are successful. Like Us on Facebook. Visit the Congregation B nai Israel page and join us online. 7

8 Donations Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing. Rabbi Prosnit Discretionary Fund Donations in memory of Audrey Bloch, mother of Wendy Bloch, were made by: Gina, Andrew and Amelia Arnold Ilene and Steven Kandler Laura and Dudley Orr Laura Sydney and Ted Pulton Esther Spiegel Bonnie, Lauren, Jeff, Amy and Sydney Alterman, in memory of Cheryl Hochman. Susie Blumenfeld, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Emma Portnay, daughter of Debbie and Ted Portnay. Ann and Abe Breslow, Congratulations and Good Luck to Team Israel. Jon and Darcy Briks, in appreciation of Rabbi Prosnit; in honor of the bris of son, Adrian. Marcia Cohen and Mark Hotchkiss, with thanks and appreciation for all that Rabbi Prosnit did to make Emma s Bat Mitzvah wonderful. Jonathan Davis and Evelyn Rubak, in appreciation for Jack Davis Bar Mitzvah. Linda and Barry Diamond, in memory of Helen Weiner, mother of Randy Dorfman. Melissa and Ed Diamond, in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of granddaughter, Alexa Sheiman. Mark and Barbara Edinberg, in appreciation of Sylvie Neigher and Mindy Siegel. Bob Ford, in honor of Clergy Appreciation Day. Stacy and Rob Giglietti, in memory of stepfather, Bernie Lipin. Nancy Held and Garth Butterfield, in memory of Gloria Sacks, mother of Debbie Viens. Robert and Adele Josovitz, with thanks for leading the Memorial Service at Eintract Cemetery. Carol Krim, in honor of, and in memory of, Shimon Peres. Margaret Jacobs and George Rosenberg, in appreciation of Rosh Hashanah services. Shirley Jacob Lantz, Best wishes for the New Year to Rabbi Prosnit, Wendy and Family. Aleksey and Raisa Ledvich, in memory of grandfather, Eli Goldshteyn. Steven Levine, in memory of David Rosenstein, husband of Wendy Klein. Alice Madwed, in memory of Frieda Ente. Laura and Dudley Orr, in memory of Helen Weiner, mother of Randy Dorfman; in memory of Sylvia Washton, Nathan Washton and Fannie Winer. Suzanne Phillip and Steven Soberman, in memory of Wendy Rosenberg, sister of Jeff Warren. Virginia and Richard Post, in memory of Helen Weiner, mother of Randy Dorfman. Judith Rosenberg, in memory of Claire Rosenberg. Donna and Mark Stern, in honor of the wedding of our son, Trevor Stern, to Alyssa Beit. Debbie, Dan, Matthew and Jaime Viens, in memory of David Rosenstein, husband of Wendy Klein, father of Matt and Jenna. Karen, Michael and Alyssa Weinberger, and Martin and Anne Horn, in memory of Milton Horn. Gail and Peter Weinstein, in memory of sister and aunt, Susan Weinstein Shapiro. Dr. Norman and Marilyn S. Weinstein, in appreciation of Rabbi Prosnit. Rabbi Schultz Discretionary Fund Douglas and Kathryn Brown, thank you to Rabbi Schultz. Marcia Cohen and Mark Hotchkiss, with thanks and appreciation for all that Rabbi Schultz did to make Emma s Bat Mitzvah wonderful. Jonathan Davis and Evelyn Rubak, in appreciation for Jack Davis Bar Mitzvah. Bob Ford, in honor of Clergy Appreciation Day. Lisa and Sandy Glatt, thank you to Rabbi Schultz for a wonderful Rosh Hashanah Service for preschoolers. Jan and Bernie Jacobs, in memory of Hal Verchin, father of Scott Verchin. Liz and Gary Krebs, in memory of Harold Verchin, father of Scott Verchin. Carol Rachamkin, in memory of Gertrude Reisman. Miriam Roth, in honor of Stanley Roth s unveiling. Andrea Rudolph, with thanks and appreciation for the beautiful and inspiring Rosh Hashanah beach service. Laura Sydney and Ted Pulton, in memory of Adele Soalt, mother of Nina Soalt, in honor of the birth of Roie Miles Schultz, son of Rabbi Evan Schultz and Jenny Goldstein. Esther and Howard Weiner, in honor of the birth of Roie Miles Schultz, son of Rabbi Evan Schultz and Jenny Goldstein. Music Fund Barbara Abraham, in appreciation of Anne Kirsch, Liz Nigrosh and Wendy Berkowitz, for their contributions to the beauty and spirituality of the High Holy Day Services. Carol and Nate Barsky, in memory of Esther Roth, wife of Charles Roth. Judi and David Beier, in loving memory of beloved grandmother, Celia Brodowsky Mehl. Douglas and Kathryn Brown, thank you to Cantor Blum. Jonathan Davis and Evelyn Rubak, in appreciation for Jack Davis Bar Mitzvah. Bob Ford, in honor of Clergy Appreciation Day. Ilene Salzberg, in memory of beloved father, Louis Greenhut. Linda and Allan Smardin, in memory of Esther Roth, wife of Charles Roth. Laura Sydney and Ted Pulton, in honor of Amy and Michael Moorin, on the birth of granddaughter, Penelope Moore; in memory of mother, Lois Hedges. Enhancement Fund Susan and Stan Baron, in appreciation of a beautiful Yizkor service. Eloise Epstein, thank you for all of your kindness during the holidays. Nancy Held and Garth Butterfield, in memory of Adele Soalt, mother of Nina Soalt. Janet Jurow, in memory of Helen Weiner, mother of Randy Dorfman. Muggs Lefsetz, in memory of father, Louis Kaster. Stanley Lessler, in memory of David Lessler. Carol and Rick Offenbach, in honor of Elaine and Marc Silverman, on their granddaughter, Sasha Kudon, becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Julie, Steve, Justin and Kayla Pressman, in memory of Joan Broder, 8 Reach more than 700 families. Advertise in the Bulletin. Contact Scott L. Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org Continued on Page 9

9 Donations Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing. mother of Eric Broder. Bernice M. Rosch, in memory of my dear mother, Sophia Miller. Twody and Bob Schless, in memory of Gunther Stile, father of Twody Schless. The Solomon Family, in memory of David Rosenstein, son of Melvin and Cynthia Rosenstein, husband of Wendy Klein, father of Matt and Jenna. Jody Webber, in memory of parents, Lois and Benjamin Held. Ronni and Fred Zinn, in memory of father, Hank Silverman. Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education Fund Jill and Steve Elbaum and Family, in memory of David Rosenstein, husband of Wendy Klein, father of Matt and Jenna. Nancy Held and Garth Butterfield, in memory of Arthur Soalt, father of Nina Soalt. Suzanne Phillip and Steven Soberman, in memory of in memory of Rose Edelstein, mother of Ellen Dinkes. Nursery School Scholarship Fund Bob Ford, in memory of Jesse Goldbaum. Barbara Rifkin, in honor of Alexa Cohen. Laura Sydney and Ted Pulton, in honor of Gail and Peter Weinstein, on the birth of granddaughter, Alexa Weinstein. Gail and Peter Weinstein, mazel tov to Amy and Jonathan Kales, on Jack becoming a Bar Mitzvah; Congratulations to Cheryl Siegel on her special birthday. Mazon Carol and Nate Barsky, in memory of brother, Donald Quint, and sister, Gertrude Kelly. Beth Lazar, in loving memory of Ruben Weisbein; in loving memory of uncle, Fred Greenberg. Religious School Scholarship Fund Shari and Scott Pearlman, in honor of our daughter Lilly s consecration. Religious School Enrichment Fund Elaine and Juda Chetrit, in memory of Harold Verchin, father of Scott Verchin. Jonathan Davis and Evelyn Rubak, in appreciation for Jack Davis Bar Mitzvah. Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action Fund Barbara Abraham, in memory of Helen Weiner, mother of Randy Dorfman. Ellen and Larry Dinkes, in memory of Helen Weiner, mother of Randy Dorfman. Mark and Barbara Edinberg, in honor of Jon and Cleo Sonneborn, on the marriage of daughter, Jessica, to Chris Maltauro. Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman, in memory of Peter Mack, husband of Carol Mack. Deborah Goodman and David Abbey, in memory of Helen Weiner, mother of Randy Dorfman. Nancy Held and Garth Butterfield, in memory of Audrey Bloch, mother of Wendy Bloch. Stan and Judith Lessler, in memory of Audrey Bloch, mother of Wendy Bloch. Jan and Denny Magid, in honor of Serena and Rabbi Arnold Sher, on the Bar Mitzvah of grandson, Andrew Russell. Shari and Scott Pearlman, in memory of Louise and Steven Pearlman. Laura Sydney and Ted Pulton, in memory of David Rosenstein, husband of Wendy Klein, father of Matt and Jenna. John Warshawsky, in memory of David Rosenstein, husband of Wendy Klein, father of Matt and Jenna. Vision Loan Reduction Fund Kenneth and Rita Weinstein, in honor of Ryan and Ken reading Torah on Yom Kippur. Lee & David Lester Kesher Fund Lee Lester, in memory of David Lester, Rose Adel Lavitsky, Nelson Lovett, and Ruthie Lovett. (203) The Bulletin of Congregation B nai Israel is published every month except July. James Prosnit, D.D.... Rabbi Evan Schultz... Rabbi Arnold I. Sher, D.D.... Rabbi Emeritus Sheri E. Blum, D.M.... Cantor Ramon Gilbert, D.M.... Cantor Emeritus Ira J. Wise, D.J.R.E.... Temple Educator Robert H. Gillette, R.J.E... Educator Emeritus Alexa Cohen... Early Childhood Director Officers Michael Blumenthal... President Shari Nerreau... 1st Vice President Jill Elbaum... Vice President Jim Greenberg... Vice President Larry Levine... Vice President Jerry Saunders... Treasurer Perry Molinoff... Assistant Treasurer Susan Walden... Secretary Joe Varon... Financial Secretary Samuel J. Rosenberg... Immediate Past President Charles Fried Keshet Fund Denise Fried, congratulations to Luise and Ed Burger, on the engagement of son, Marc, to Adrienne Levi; in memory of Audrey Bloch, mother of Wendy Bloch. Gillette Judaic Enrichment Fund Suzanne Phillip and Steven Soberman, in memory of Audrey Bloch, mother of Wendy Bloch. Judith Brav Sher Family Education Fund Ilene and Steven Kandler, in honor of Luise and Ed Burger, on the engagement of son, Marc Rottman, to Adrienne Levi. Affiliates Marisa Underberger... BIFTY Advisor/Youth Engagement Specialist Melanie DelAngelo & Zoe Lehrhaupt... BIFTY co-presidents Scott L. Smith... Bulletin Editor Donation Item of the Month: Canned fruit, including low sugar, for the Salem Lutheran Church Food Pantry. 9

10 5777 High Holy Day Appeal Thank you to everyone who made a special donation for this High Holy Day season. Pillar of Congregation Barbara Abraham Judi and David Beier Lisa and Jim Greenberg Joy and David Herbst Bob and Helen Natt Jerry and Jane Pressman James Prosnit and Wendy Bloch Patti and Samuel Rosenberg Allan and Claire Shumofsky Mindy and Jeff Siegel Alice Siegel Jon and Cleo Sonneborn Richard and Susan Walden Ronni and Fred Zinn Benefactor of Congregation Marcia Cohen and Mark Hotchkiss Andy and Carol Lubin Karen and Peter Montagna Fran and Rob Morris Joseph and Leslie Varon President s Circle David Abbey and Deborah Goodman Jeffrey and Wendy Bender Garth Butterfield and Nancy Held Joni and Michael Greenspan Paula and Robert Herzlinger Steven and Susan Klein Linda and Gene Koski Barry and Judy Kramer Gerry and Harvey Levine Samuel Miller Mark Schiff Marc and Elaine Silverman Debbie and Dan Viens Peter and Gail Weinstein Debora and Michael Weisman High Holy Day Appeal Contribution Myra Adler Bonnie Alterman Andrew and Gina Arnold Joel and Sylvia Askinazi Claire L. Baker Linda and Brian Barlaam Carol and Nate Barsky Barbara Berkowitz Louise and Joseph Bobrow Samuel and Barbara Boyarsky Barbara Bresler Douglas and Kathryn Brown Marty and Alayne Burger Lisa and Yoav Burger Robert and Judith Chessin David and Alexa Cohen Lilla and Milton Cooper Jerome and Dale Demner Joanne and Tim Derwallis Linda and Barry Diamond Jennifer and Jonathan Dizney Randy Dorfman Mark and Barbara Edinberg Linda and Michael Epstein Andrea and Dennis Feinberg Gail and Gary Felberbaum Noel and Danielle Forma Laurie and Dean Gaugler Marvin and Joann Gelfand Stacy and Rob Giglietti Geoffrey Gladstein Jerry and Selma Gold Vladimir and Klara Goldshteyn Donna and Avie Goldstein Laurel and Hank Greenberg Liane May and Peter Greene Sara Laden and Jim Grutzmacher Bennett and Nancy Hersch Judith Hochstadt Sylvia and John Hodin Don and Wendy Hyman Roger Jackson Janice and Bernie Jacobs Anne Lampert and Michael Jacobson Milton Jacoby Janet Jurow Jack Kadden Myrna Kaufman Randye Kaye Andrea and Irv Kern Geoffrey and Melanie Kooris Debra and Jeremy Kortmansky Carol and Stephen Landsman Beth Lazar Aleksey and Raisa Ledvich Muriel Lefsetz Ilse Levi Marc and Joan Levy Monica and Michael Lightman Richard and Gail Lopatin Alice Madwed Ruth Madwed Ernest Malecki Muriel Mann George and Chris Markley Charlene and Allen Marx Nora Mayerson Judith and Michael Meshken Melissa and Perry Molinoff Alan and Joan Newman Linda Liefland & Jon Orleans Louis and Roberta Pabian Steven and Julie Pressman Judy Rankell Kelly and Glen Reznikoff Barbara Rifkin Bernice and Paul Rosch Julie and Howard Rosenbaum Edward and Winsome Rosenthal Debbie and David Ross Susan and George Roth Michelle and Joseph Salem Barbara and Gilbert Saltman Lee Salzberg Naomi Schaffer Twody and Rob Schless Jeffrey Schwartz Robert and Ellen Sheiman Rita and Dan Shichman Lawrence and Marcy Shinbaum William and Lorraine Smith Norman Solomon Rhea Spiegel Eric Stein and Dyann Ross Francine Stein Laura Sydney-Pulton Stephen and Ellen Tower Jonathan and Lauren Tropp Lois Wallman Ken and Cindy West Sharon and Frederic West Howard and Ondy Zuckerman 10 Learn something new join an Adult Learning class. See Page 6.

11 Please Support Our Advertisers JMG_Temple_AD_2x2_COLOR_FLAT.pdf 1 12/4/15 12:58 PM C M Y CM 3,200sq.ft of Creative Ballroom Space Sunday Brunch Dedicated Event Coordinator Attractive Rates for Your Next Event / Room Block! MY CY CMY Call or for more details K P: sales@westportinn.com Not Just a Law Firm. Your Law Firm. Appellate Bankruptcy Commercial Finance Common Interest Communities Corporate Elder Law & Long Term Care Planning Employment & Labor Land Use & Zoning Litigation BRIDGEPORT DANBURY Matrimonial & Family Municipal Personal Injury Physicians Practices Real Estate Securities Securities Arbitration Tax and Trusts & Estates Telecommunications & Utilities WESTPORT ORANGE Follow us on Instagram at Cbibpt. 11

12 Please Support Our Advertisers Your future. Our focus Dean H. Gaugler, CFP, CDFA Sr Vice President--Wealth Mgmt Wealth Advisor FDG Group UBS Financial Services Inc. 750 Washington Blvd 11th Floor Stamford, CT ubs.com/team/fdg Hansen s Flower Shop Family Owned and Operated Since 1920 UBS All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. D-UBS-330F090E Steven M. Soberman, M.D. Daniel S. Gottschall, M.D. Shop 24/7 By Phone or Website Bar, Bat Mitzvahs and Weddings Our Specialty (203) Success Tutoring LLC means successful learning Amy L. Kaplan Director Amy@SuccessTutoringLLC.com All Subjects ACT & SAT Prep Certified Mohalim Obstetrics & Gynecology Board Certified 3180 Main Street Bridgeport, CT Phone: (203) The financial community supports the B nai Israel Bulletin: Edward P. Burger, CPA Luise M. Burger, CPA Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Begins at the Courtyard Shelton EVENTS UP TO 200 GUESTS CREATIVE CUISINE SPECIAL ROOM RATES Contact Event Planner Nicole Knapik at nknapik@waterfordhotelgroup.com or by calling (203) Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, CT sheltoncourtyard.com The following members of the legal community join together in their support of the B nai Israel Bulletin: Ken Beck Eric Broder Marcia Cohen Irving J. Kern Mark A. Kirsch Richard Krantz Andrew R. Lubin George Markley Daniel Schopick Nancy Wechsler 12 What brought you to B nai Israel? Share your story. Send your One of Us story to Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org.

13 Please Support Our Advertisers GEORGE J. MARKLEY ATTORNEY AT LAW HERITAGE SQUARE #E POST ROAD FAIRFIELD, CONNECTICUT PHONE (203) FAX (203) The following members of the medical community join together in their support of the B nai Israel Bulletin: Dr. Andrea Hagani Dr. Robert D. Chessin Dr. David F. Bindelglass Dr. Alan M. Nelson Dr. Glenn M. Rich Dr. Michael Sonick Dr. Lawrence Dinkes Dr. Kenneth Rabine Dr. George P. Kelly Dr. Howard B. Twersky Dr. Martha Yepes Small Dr. Jeffrey D. Small Dr. Peter A. Small Dr. Edward Portnay Dr. Michael Connolly Dr. Kenneth Kingsly Dr. Mark J. Hotchkiss Dr. Andrew Levi Dr. Jared Selter Dr. Geoffrey Gladstein Dr. Rachel E. Sheiman Dr. Brian King Dr. Abraham Fridman Dr. Katherine J. Pesce Matthew DeTroy In-Home Piano Lessons Specializing in Jazz, Pop and Blues All ages. Beginners and beginning again are welcomed matthewdetroy@gmail.com Now scheduling for fall lessons starting the week of Sept 12th. What s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly . Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org. 13

14 Please Support Our Advertisers The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Campus on Park Avenue Celebrate Deliciously G&H Skilled Nursing (The Jewish Home) Goldstein Assisted Living Residences Kuriansky Family Residence 1-bedroom apartments Goldstein Rehabilitation Center Rosnick Fitness Center (The J) Friedman Home Care / Chaifetz Family Hospice Federation for Jewish Philanthropy GareliC k & Herbs THE ExclusivE c a TEr E r for MORA MORA the SPOT FOR PARTIES For questions and information on current or future services: info@jseniors.org Contact our Events Specialists at garelickandherbs.com Westport Southport New Canaan Greenwich 55 Greens Farms Road Westport, CT (203) Eric J. Broder: ebroder@broderorland.com Carole Topol Orland: corland@broderorland.com 14 Like Us on Facebook. Visit the Congregation B nai Israel page and join us online.

15 Friday, December 2 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Toldot, Gen. 25:19-28:9 Haftarah Malachi 1:1-2:7 7:00 p.m. Shabbat Dinner and Discussion with Ahmed Ebrahim What is Islam? Saturday, December 3 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 11:00 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Tobey Sappern, son of Matthew and Rianne Sappern Friday, December 9 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Vayetze, Gen. 28:10-32:3 Haftarah Hosea 12:13-14:10 Shabbat Service Schedule (Fridays at 6:00 p.m. where indicated, preceded by an Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m.) Saturday, December 10 8:00 a.m. Service 8:00 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Elaine Clayton 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah Friday, December 16 6:00 p.m. Service with the Junior Choir Torah Portion Vayishlach, Gen. 32:4-36:43 Haftarah Hosea 11:7-12:12 7:00 p.m. Chanukah Dinner Saturday, December 17 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah Friday, December 23 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Vayeshev, Gen. 37:1-40:23 Haftarah Amos 2:6-3:8 Saturday, December 24 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah Friday, December 30 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Mikketz, Gen. 41:1-44:17 Haftarah Zechariah 4:1-7 Saturday, December 31 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah Jewish Holiday Calendar 5777 Chanukah Saturday, December 24, 2016-Sunday, January 1, 2017 Tu BiShvat Saturday, February 11 Purim Sunday, March 12 Passover Tuesday, April 11-Tuesday, April 18 Yom HaShoah Monday, April 24 Yom HaZikaron Monday, May 1 Yom HaAtzma ut Tuesday, May 2 Shavuot Wednesday, May 31-Thursday, June 1 HARVEST JOY The sukkah was teeming with youthful energy this year, as the B nai Israel community joined together to build the Temple s ReSukkah. Donation Item of the Month: Canned fruit, including low sugar, for the Salem Lutheran Church Food Pantry. 15

16 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 171 Fairfield, Conn. Congregation B nai Israel 2710 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT Month of Multiple Mitzvahs Join us for a few hours in December to help those less fortunate. We have two chances to do so this month. Everyone is invited to participate, even if you have not in the past. It is a wonderful way to connect with others in the B nai Israel community, while helping those that can use our support. Sunday, December 18, 9:30 a.m.-noon Join us at the temple for a giftwrapping party. We are conducting a toy collection at the temple, with boxes in the coat closet and Bonim preschool. Our mini mitzvah makers are joining Al s Angels to reach the goal to collect and distribute toys to over 10,000 children and families battling cancer, rare blood diseases and/or severe financial hardship. A massive effort by so many incredible people and companies will allow us to collect over 10,000 toys and gifts for children in need. Please consider donating and helping to wrap on the 18 th. If you have questions or want to sign up to participate, contact Nicole Bush at nfbush@optonline.net While at the temple, pick up Gift of Light candles to deliver. Contact Marcia Cohen at mcohen@cbibpt.org. to reserve your delivery route. See Page 1 for more details. Thursday, December 22, 3:30-7:30 p.m. Join us to help prepare and serve a holiday meal to our less fortunate Bridgeport neighbors. We will be helping to cook a special meal at the United Congregational Church, 877 Park Avenue, through the Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach Initiative. Bob Sussman, a B nai Israel congregant and vice president of NPUOI, says, This time of year my thoughts always turn to our less fortunate neighbors in the South End of Bridgeport. Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach has become a very important B nai Israel volunteers assist the Green Village Initiative at the Hough Avenue community garden in Bridgeport during the October Mitzvah Morning. part of those lives who depend upon our outreach each week for a home-cooked meal at our Feel the Warmth supper or fresh veggies and food to take away at our weekly food pantry. Contact Shari Nerreau at snerreau@ cbibpt.org with questions and to sign up to participate.