Israeli Activist to Discuss Pluralism

Transcription

1 Volume 159, Number 4 Cheshvan/Kislev 5778 November 2017 November Highlights Give the Gift of Light Our popular fundraiser, The Gift of Light, returns. Help us build a warmer community by giving fellow congregants Chanukah candles. See Page 2. Our Tremendous Challenge B nai Israel faces a crucial challenge, Rabbi Prosnit says: We must find ways to sustain our regional diversity and keep our congregants of all ages connected to each other, no matter what town they live in. See Page Years of New Starts Bonim Preschool celebrated its 30 th anniversary with a special Shabbat service. Join the festivities on Page 6. Rewrite the Ending It is time to take action to rewrite the ending to the anti-semitic storyline unfolding in the United States. It is time to become part of The Something, Temple Educator Ira Wise writes on Page 7. A Thanksgiving Mitzvah Help those struggling in our community enjoy a satisfying meal this Thanksgiving. There are many ways to get involved, including this month s Mitzvah Morning. See Page 8. Also Inside: Bulletin Board...P.2 Rabbi Schultz...P.5 BIFTY...P.6 Adult Learning...P.8 High Holy Day Appeal...P.15 Shabbat Services...P.15 Israeli Activist to Discuss Pluralism Join us on Monday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. for a special presentation by Israeli activist Anat Hoffman, who will speak on Between the Stones and the Hard Place: Moving Pluralism to the Top of the Israeli Agenda. Hoffman serves as Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC). She is the director and founding member of Neshot HaKotel, also known as Women of the Wall. In 2013, the Israeli newspaper Ha aretz named her Person of the Year, and The Jerusalem Post listed her fifth on its list of 50 Most Influential Jews for forcefully and successfully bringing the issue of women s rights at the Kotel to the forefront of the consciousness of world Jewry. Heading in a Positive Direction Congregation President Michael Blumenthal delivered his annual address at Rosh Hashanah morning services. Following are excerpts: Some of you may recall that last year I began my remarks by discussing Mailchimp, which is the program we use to send out our weekly Hashavua and other communications to the congregation. This year, I am going to do something totally different and speak to you instead about Survey Monkey. We utilized Survey Monkey to conduct our recent Congregational Survey, and this morning I want to share some of the results with you. The High Holy Days offer a chance for individuals to reflect Anat Hoffman This program will take place at B nai Israel with the support of an anonymous gift and is co-sponsored by Temple Israel of Westport and the Federation of Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County. on what they do well and where they can improve, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to share a similar perspective for our synagogue. First, I would like to thank all of you that participated. Over 325 of you responded to the survey, which was 39 percent of everyone invited to participate, which was every adult for whom we have an address. As you can imagine, 39 percent is a very high response rate for an online survey, and that makes us feel comfortable that the results are meaningful. I would also like to thank three people who were instrumental in designing and conducting the survey Susie Kamin, Perry Molinoff and Continued on Page 4

2 Welcome, New Members 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. Michael Soltz & Laura Stern, Calla and Benton Valley Road, Fairfield Miklos & Philana Gudricza, Layla and Jack Knapps Highway, Fairfield Jordan & Beth Posner, Bradley, Molly and Halley Flintlock Road, Southport Sherry Fogel, Allison and Charles Surrey Lane, Trumbull Nancy Kern Hoydens Hill Road, Fairfield Edward & Jill Banks, Steven and Justin Anson Street, Stratford David & Marcy Breitbart, and Josh Thornhill Road, Fairfield Erica Hoffman, Caitlin, Micaela and Gaelen Villa Avenue, Fairfield Ariel & Wendy David, Joshua and Elana Home Fair Drive, Fairfield Robert & Judy Witter, David and Margot Singing Oaks Drive, Weston Arlene Murphy Millard Street, Fairfield Brett & Kimberly Sherman, Austin, Owen and Dylan Hanford Drive, Fairfield Sincere Sympathy We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of: Donna Benamoz, sister of Ken West Donald Sappern, father of Laurie Gaugler and Matt Sappern Esther Manashowitz, mother of Sheryl Santiago Evelyn Locke Shirley Beresin Rabbi Israel Stein Barbara Klein Anne Nowitz, mother of Barbara Liberman Bernice Rosenblatt, mother of Paul Rosenblatt Bernard Glucksman, father of David Glucksman 2 Give the Gift of Light for Chanukah Share the warmth of Chanukah this year with your fellow congregants by taking part in this year s Gift of Light fundraiser. It will be a gift for yourself, the Temple and our community. The holiday begins Tuesday, December 12, but now is the time to send beautifully packaged Chanukah candles to your family and friends at B nai Israel. This annual initiative goes well beyond providing candles and raising funds for our temple. It helps expand and strengthen our community. Each recipient will receive a single box of candles with personalized messages from every sender. Each box is hand-packaged and hand-delivered Renée and Rick Beitman, in celebration of the marriage of daughter, Sara, to Jason Heaps. Artie and Suzanne Weisman, in celebration of the marriage of son, Lee, to Sarri Harper. Dan and Terri Green, in celebration of the marriage of son, Zach, to Michelle Abrams. Jonathan and Emily Green, in celebration of their marriage. Blood Drive on November 1 B nai Israel again will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, November 1, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. If you would like to donate, please contact the Red Cross at RedCross. If you would like to volunteer to register donors or to prepare sandwiches or bake cookies for the donors, please Judy Rudikoff at judithrudikoff@optimum. net. Temple Alum Gains Fellowship Congratulations to Gabby Tropp, daughter of Lauren and Jonathan Tropp, for receiving a Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion Sharing Our Joy Bulletin Board by a special team of Chanukah helpers. Orders are due by Sunday, December 3. Our online system makes placing an order fun and easy. Just click on the personalized link you receive via this month. You also can join our team to help wrap candles on Thursday, November 16 and/or deliver the candles on Sunday, December 10. For more information, please contact Marcia Cohen at mcohen@cbibpt.org or call the Temple office at (203) With your help, we can make this year s Gift of Light more successful than ever! Rob and Francine Morris, in celebration of the birth of granddaughter, Gabriella, daughter of Liz and Matthew Croughan. Jonathan and Lauren Tropp, in celebration of the marriage of daughter, Sarah, to Eric Pacelli. David Abbey and Deborah Goodman, in celebration of the birth of granddaughter, Remy Olivia, daughter of Rachel and John. Founders Fellowship. The Fellowship is an all-expenses paid, yearlong experience for college students. The experience begins with a weekend seminar in New York City, where fellows learn with HUC-JIR faculty and alumni, build community within their cohort, and hone an idea to bring Progressive Jewish ideas and programs to their campuses in the winter/spring semesters. Fellows receive mentorship, ongoing opportunities for connection and learning once the weekend ends, as well as funds to implement their incubated project. What s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly . Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org. Continued on Page 4

3 From the Rabbi s Desk/Rabbi James Prosnit One of B nai Israel s Biggest Challenges I had an aha moment last spring that revealed one of the biggest challenges we have as a congregation. I was meeting with a group of first-grade parents, and as I typically do, I asked each to introduce themselves to one another. As we went around the room, it was clear that many did not know each other. They came from a diverse array of neighboring towns. Among the first 10 who spoke, there were probably eight different communities represented: Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, Trumbull, Monroe, Fairfield, Southport and Easton. Later that same week I was meeting with our Confirmation class parents. Their children were all sophomores in high school. Most knew each other pretty well, but when we went around the room, they came from Fairfield, Fairfield, Fairfield, Fairfield, Trumbull, Fairfield you get the picture. So the question is, are we as a congregation expanding our demographic base so that newer congregants are coming from more diverse places in the Great Bridgeport area, or are children who come from the more distant towns with fewer Jewish families more apt to drop out of religious school, perhaps right after Bar and Bat Mitzvah? I fear it s the latter. So a tremendous challenge awaits and it s not new. If we pride ourselves You can see the High Holy Day sermons and Congregation President Michael Blumenthal s address on the B nai Israel website at in being a regional congregation that draws families from many different communities, how do we best integrate the children and their parents so that all will want to stay? A Catch-22: Some of the programs in our religious school are designed to make sure the students get to know each other. But here s the scenario I envision in the home of say a Monroe family: A weekend retreat at Camp Eisner is planned; one of the goals is to connect the kids who come from the various towns, but a child from Monroe tells his or her parents that he or she doesn t want to go because they don t know anyone. The parent decides not to push it and tells their child they don t have to. I understand that. But a program designed especially to bring the kids together ends up being populated mostly by the students from the same communities who know each other already from their secular middle schools. Our recent Temple online survey, while overwhelming positive in its results (See Michael Blumenthal s presidential remarks from the High Holy Days on Page 1) pointed to some of these concerns. As a follow-up to that survey, several focus groups are being organized to address some of the challenges. We would love for you to participate, especially if this column resonates with some of your concerns. CHAI (x 5) Longtime B nai Israel congregation member Elaine Rosoff, left, celebrates her 90th birthday recently with Cantor Sheri Blum. One of the strengths of B nai Israel is its diversity. Another is its willingness to talk about and tackle the challenges before us. Please help us nurture a spiritual community where folks feel comfortable and connected, no matter where they are from. Donation Item of the Month: Canned soups or vegetables for Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach Initiatives. 3

4 SURVEY... From Page 1 especially Larry Levine, who has done a tremendous job tallying and summarizing the results. Overall, the results of the survey were very positive. The first question we asked was whether you consider B nai Israel a warm and inviting community, and 93 percent of you agree that we are. While of course we would like 100 percent of congregants to feel that we are welcoming, we are gratified that over 300 of 326 respondents believe we are. On other questions we consider core to how congregants feel about B nai Israel, the results were also very strong. Ninetyfour percent of you agree that our community exhibits Jewish values and practices that resonate with you, and the same percentage would also recommend B nai Israel to others looking for a synagogue. In fact, only four people are unlikely to recommend B nai Israel. In other questions related to the Temple overall, 97 percent feel we do a good job with communications and 95 percent feel that our office staff is friendly and helpful. I am sorry about the single person that does not, but I was thrilled to share those great results with our wonderful office staff of Lynn, Chris, Lindsay, Beth and Tammy. Our Bonim preschool got very high marks in the survey, with positive responses well over 90 percent. Feedback for our Religious School was generally favorable as well. Some areas of focus were highlighted, and Temple Educator Ira Wise will address them with our Religious School Committee. Not surprising to me, input on our clergy was extremely favorable, as 97 percent of you agreed that they provide spiritual guidance to the community and are accessible. I don t want this to go their The High Holy Days offer a chance for individuals to reflect on what they do well and where they can improve, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to share a similar perspective for our synagogue. heads, but an amazing 94 percent said that their sermons and commentary resonate with you, and the same proportion said they provide comfort and support. Beyond the numbers, you submitted over 500 comments, and we are looking at every one of them and sharing them with the appropriate staff and lay leaders. You submitted the most input on ways to improve connections at temple, and there were also many comments about our finances, services and religious practices. To address all your input, we are establishing a Look to the Future Committee, which will study priorities and trends and what we should do going forward. As a result of the work of the original Look to the Future Committee about 20 years ago, B nai Israel implemented plans to add a second rabbi and to expand the building. If you did not respond because you are not very involved at temple, I hope you will consider participating more going forward. To make it easy for you, we have added a spot on our website that provides a list of ways to get involved. To conclude, I would like to thank everyone for the support and encouragement you have given me personally during my first year as president. I have greatly enjoyed the role, and the kind words from many of you help make it even more fulfilling. And finally, I can t help myself.; for those of you that don t, I would still like you to read Hashavua. L Shanah Tova BULLETIN BOARD From Page 2 Gabby is a sophomore at Lafayette College. Shabbat About Town B nai Israel congregants will participate in Shabbat About Town on Friday, November 10, gathering as neighbors, friends and temple members in small groups to enjoy Friday night dinner at home. If you wish to learn more or are interested in participating in future events, please reach out to Shari Nerreau at snerreau@ cbibpt.org. Get Medicare Assistance Medicare open enrollment closes on December 7. The open enrollment permits you to change your plan and possibly save a significant amount of money. Jerry Demner is a Choices Volunteer Counselor who provides free Medicare advice to seniors and their caregivers. Contact Jerry with any questions or to make an appointment to meet at medicarehelper@optimum.net. Arts of Israel Benefit Join Volunteer Celebration Committee Members (and B nai Israel congregants) Philip and Yael Eliasoph for the America Israel Cultural Foundation s 78 th Annual Celebration of the Arts of Israel Benefit on Sunday, November 19 at 3:00 p.m. at Jazz at Lincoln Center s Rose Theater in Manhattan. The event will feature choreographer Igal Perry s Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, cellist Zvi Plesser, pianist Miri Yampolsky, jazz pianist Alon Yavnai s big band, 13-year-old violinist Yanir Eldorot and other extraordinary Israeli talents. For tickets and Information, go to Follow us on Instagram at Cbibpt

5 From the Rabbi s Study/Rabbi Evan Schultz Reflections on Sukkot The following is adapted from my October 6 sermon: It has been three days now since I put the finishing touches on our family sukkah, getting the bamboo roof and lattice walls up just in time on Wednesday afternoon to then shower and make it on time to Sukkot services here at the synagogue. Just yesterday, on Friday morning, I sat in the sukkah for the first time, gathered with some friends for coffee and conversation before heading off to work. It had rained the night before; I went out and wiped away the water that had pooled on the table and beaded on the chairs. As our group sat and enjoyed conversation, I noticed that several of the people sitting in the sukkah had to shield their eyes from the light of sun, rising before them. It s funny how Sukkot can change our perceptions on most days of the year, having to wipe away the night s rainfall at 7:30 in the morning could feel like an inconvenient task. Having the glare of the sun shining in our eyes can be an annoyance. Our instincts on most days would probably prompt us to just move inside no glare of the sun, no puddles of rain to wipe up. But Sukkot is different. Sukkot prompts us to notice the drops of rain that fell from the sky during the night. This festival of booths encourages us to bask in the morning sunlight and offer a blessing to God of thanks for the light that guides our way each day. Sukkot whispers to us to find a sense of joy in the everyday, to find wholeness in life s simplicities the light of the sun in our face, the morning dew, sitting around a table with friends, offering blessings of thanks with family. On Sukkot we are prompted to build not with stones and bricks, but rather with HOLIDAY SPIRIT The Rosenbergs from left, Sam, Patti and Hannah gather in their sukkah for a joyous Sukkot moment. much simpler materials wood, cloth, lattice, branches. It in this structure, the sukkah, where we as Jews are prompted to feel a sense of wholeness, to realize the immense capacity of God s creation, to place our faith in the word that God spoke. In a sense, Sukkot pushes us to challenge all of our instincts, for seven days to flip our perception of the world, to reconsider that which we really need to feel whole and complete. Instead of sitting in our homes, we sit in a flimsy, temporary dwelling. Instead of worshipping all of our stuff, we live with just the basic needs shelter, food, clothing and our fellow human beings. Instead of grasping on to more permanent relics, such as a menorah or Seder plate, our symbols of Sukkot, the lulav and Etrog, are delicate pieces of nature that we hold in our hands, n tilat, raising up God s creation, sensing the delightful aroma of the Etrog, sun in our eyes, dew upon our sukkah tables, realizing completeness is found not in a storage bin in our basement, but upon our trees and in the grass. This is what I so dearly love about being Jewish our holidays are not simply for the sake of busying ourselves or fulfilling God s ancient words, but rather to offer us a full shift of perception, of seeing the world in a completely different light for seven days out of the year, of prompting us to look at all we have and ask ourselves, what is it I truly need to feel complete, where should I focus my gratitude and joy in the world? That sacredness is found less in material objects and spaces of grandeur built with stone, but in simple structures, open to guests and friends, around a table, dew from the evening beading upon our seats, sun rising, light shining upon our face instead of moving inside to be more comfortable, offering a blessing of thanks, modem anachnu lach, for God s majestic creations, for the world and we were created in seven days. We venture outside, lulav and Etrog in hand, for seven days to also find completeness, gratitude, joy and fresh eyes to the world around us. Follow us on Twitter We ll follow back! 5

6 Bonim Buzz/Alexa Cohen, Early Childhood Director Bonim Marks 30 Years of New Beginnings Bonim friends new and old gathered on Friday, October 6, to celebrate the 30 th anniversary of the preschool at B nai Israel. The evening began with a very special Shabbat service featuring a blessing from Rabbi James Prosnit to all the teachers and volunteers who have been involved in our school. Rabbi Arnold Sher told the story of how the preschool came to be and the struggles that he and Educator Emeritus Bob Gillette faced. Both Bob Gillette and Rabbi Sher knew that Jewish education should begin well before religious school age and fought hard to make it happen. Rabbi Sher recalled all the first teachers (with the help of his wife, Serena, who happened to be one of them) as well Gail Weinstein, who was honored as the preschool s first director. Bonim Preschool teachers from across 30 years gather on the bimah on October 6 during a special Shabbat service to mark the preschool s three decades. Attendees enjoyed a celebratory dinner and shared stories of their preschool memories. Allison Burger shared poignant memories about being in the very first class (1987). Gail Weinstein and her husband, Peter, traveled from Florida to share in this momentous occasion. Tables were adorned with drawings made by our current four- and five-yearold students depicting what they would want to see in a new playground. The room was filled with pictures, yearbooks, blueprints of the very first playground, and a rendering of a new playground to be built in the coming years. Several attendees pledged their support to make this project happen. BIFTY teens Sophie Lipset and Jackson Weiss have been coming regularly since their freshman year. Here is why they enjoy BIFTY: What is your favorite part of BIFTY? SOPHIE: My favorite part is the bonding. It s so great to find a Jewish community without a ton of structure, where I can just hang out with friends BIFTY Experience a Cornucopia Of Judaism at BIFTY and do something fun. JACKSON: My favorite part is being able to hang out with my friends regularly, but with a Jewish theme. What event are you looking forward to? SOPHIE: I m looking forward to the holiday program. I love the holidays, and sharing it with BIFTY will make it great. JACKSON: I am looking forward to Donald Glover Appreciation Day. Why should new members join BIFTY? SOPHIE: Because BIFTY IS THE BEST! JACKSON: New members should join to connect with their Judaism and to have fun. Come to BIFTY, and bring your friends! We meet Thursdays from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. in the BIFTY Lounge on the second floor of the Religious School wing. This month s fun includes: November 9 Donald Glover Appreciation Day November 16 High School Musical Extravaganza November Activities November 30 Be Israeli with our Israeli Emissaries And make sure to follow us on Facebook at BIFTY and Instagram at cbi.bifty. If you have questions, advisor Marisa Underberger at munderberger@cbibpt.org. If BIFTY were something at Thanksgiving, what would it be? SOPHIE: BIFTY would be the whipped cream or ice cream on top of the pumpkin pie, which is the best part. JACKSON: We would be a cornucopia because it encompasses everything, like friendship, fun, Jewish learning, leading services, and more. 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 Tiki Torches and the Nothing I want to talk about Charlottesville and a children s book. I know I do not need to go into great detail about Charlottesville the Tiki Torch march, the Unite the Right rally and the tragic attack by a white supremacist with a car. Most of us have seen the video of police standing still while neo-nazis brandished (and fired) automatic weapons and terrorized not just a community but the entire nation. We saw what my parents and grandparents generations told us could happen, and many of us never thought we would see it in America. Somewhere else, perhaps, but not here. Rabbi Prosnit spoke powerfully about this and anti-semitism in general on Rosh Hashanah. (You can see that sermon at bit.ly/rh5778jp). The threat of anti-semitism, neo-nazis and White Supremacists (let s not provide polite cover by using alt-right ) is real. As individuals, as a community and as a people, we need to fight this evil and find allies wherever we can. We already had scheduled parent-child programs with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for Kitot Daled, Vav and Chet (fourth, sixth and eighth grades) long before the tiki torches were purchased in Virginia. Fighting prejudice is what they do, and we need to learn how to be part of that effort. As I said, the threat is real. I do not think, however, that it is the largest existential threat we face. The NeverEnding Story is a book (and a film based on the book) by Michael Ende about a boy who reads a magical book that tells a story of a young warrior whose task is to stop a dark storm called the Nothing from engulfing a mystical world. As the nothing rolls through Fantasia, everything just ceases to exist. I believe the Nothing is the greatest threat currently facing the Jewish people. Sociologists tell us that the fourth or fifth post-immigrant generation tends to shed most of the characteristics of the culture left behind in the old country. With a few exceptions notably those who left the former Soviet Union in large numbers most American Jews are fourth generation or later. (Full disclosure: One pair of my grandparents were immigrants, the other pair were third or fourth generation themselves.) Even though the culture they left was not always a specifically Jewish culture, many American Jews have made being Jewish a less engaged part of their daily identity. There are many couples made up of a Jew and a non-jew who have made the decision and followed through on their intent to raise their children as Jews. There are also many who either did not make that decision or did not follow through. Finally, we have the Millennials. I will not go into the research and there is a lot that documents how many of this generation have opted out of existing religious institutions like churches and synagogues. They have engaged in other forms of spiritual seeking, creating new institutions or not engaging in their faith tradition at all. Take a page from The NeverEnding Story and become part of the Something. your shadow. There is almost no way of making contact. But we are trying. And we need your help. If you are reading this, then you are part of the Something, not the Nothing. Reach out to your friends. Connect your family. Light candles together on a Friday night. Bring a friend and/or one of your children or grandchildren to a service and stay for bagels on a Saturday morning. Maybe even study Torah. Tell your children that staying enrolled and attending Religious School until 12 th grade is just something we do in our family. Attend an Adult Jewish Learning Session (see Page 8). Attend more than one. Do Jewish things in your home. Send candles through the Gift of Light to friends (see Page 2). Then invite them for latkes. We can beat the Nothing. We just have to do Something. White supremacists march through Charlottesville, Va., this summer. And so we have the Nothing. Fighting the Nothing is like boxing L shalom, Ira J. Wise, D.J.R.E. Director of Education Like Us on Facebook. Visit the Congregation B nai Israel page and join us online. 7

8 Adult Jewish Learning at Congregation B nai Israel Why Do Jews Answer Questions with Another Question? Fridays, Nov. 3, 10, 17, and Dec. 8 at Noon Contemporary Jews descend from a long line of questioners. Join Rabbinic Intern Stephanie Crawley for this four-week course exploring the Jewish inclination towards questioning. We will look at some of the most important questions in Jewish text and tradition, the role of the question as a tool for learning or subversion, and dive into some questions of our own. And You Shall Teach Them Diligently To Your Children: Yad Vashem and How We View the Shoah Mondays, November 13 and 20 at 7:00 p.m. Scott Verchin has been teaching Shoah (Holocaust) to our teens for five years. His primary focus has been on the heroes, fighters and rescuers. This past summer Scott went to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Memorial Center in Jerusalem, for a weeklong seminar for Jewish teachers like him. There he was presented with new approaches to understanding and teaching the meaning and significance of the Shoah to his students. For two nights, we have asked Scott to share what he learned and how he is applying it to his teaching. (See the story on Page 16.) Scott s trip and this class were made possible in part by a grant from the Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County. Between the Stones and the Hard Place: Moving Pluralism to the Top of the Israeli Agenda Monday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. Special guest speaker Anat Hoffman, an Israeli activist and passionate voice for Religious Pluralism and Human Rights in Israel, serves as Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC). She is the director and founding member of Neshot HaKotel, also known as Women of the Wall. In 2013, the Israeli newspaper Ha aretz named her Person of the Year and The Jerusalem Post listed her fifth on its list of 50 Most Influential Jews for forcefully and successfully bringing the issue of women s rights at the Kotel to the forefront of the consciousness of world Jewry. This program will take place at B nai Israel with the support of an anonymous gift and is co-sponsored by Temple Israel of Westport and the Federation of Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County. An Afternoon of Jazz and Chanukah Lights Sunday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. Join us for Hot Chanukah/Cool Jazz, a new riff on the holiday featuring some amazingly talented musicians including flautist Jamie Baum and Rabbi Greg Wall on sax. Join your fellow congregants at the Temple on Sunday, November 19, to assemble Thanksgiving food packages for the clients of the Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach Initiative (NPOUI) food pantry. It s a wonderful way to help those in our community who are less fortunate. We will gather from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., first for bagels and coffee, then to put together the food packages. Children of all ages are welcome to join us for assembling the packages or creating Thanksgiving cards to add to the packages. Help Create a Thanksgiving Mitzvah Whether or not you can make it on November 19, please consider donating food items or purchasing gift cards to Stop & Shop or Price Rite. There will be a collection box in the Temple s coat closet. The food items needed are stuffing, cranberry sauce, canned yams, canned vegetables (green beans, corn, carrots, etc.), turkey gravy, canned fruit and boxed macaroni and cheese. Stop & Shop gift cards can be purchased through the Rotary Club, which also supports social action with the proceeds, by contacting George Markley at gcmarkley@aol.com. Gift cards will be donated to NPOUI and St. John s Family Services for their clients use and to purchase turkeys. If you are planning to come on Nov. 19, or if you can help with delivering the packages, please fill out the online sign-up sheet at: NovMitzvahMorning. If you have questions, please contact Marcie Berson at marcieberson@gmail.com or Ted Portnay at ted.portnay@gmail.com. 8 Leave a lasting legacy; participate in the Buy a Brick Campaign. Contact the Temple office at (203) for details.

9 Donations Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing. Rabbi Prosnit Discretionary Fund Joe and Louise Bobrow, in honor of Ellen Sheiman s birthday. Ed and Luise Mann Burger, in appreciation of Rabbi Prosnit for participating in Adrienne and Marc s wedding. Vinnie Castagna (Coastal Home Improvement), a donation. Elaine and Juda Chetrit, in memory of Esther Manashowitz, mother of Sheryl Santiago. Sandy and Jack Germain, in memory of Stanton Merriam. Bernie and Jan Jacobs, in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Robert M. Josovitz, in appreciation of Rabbi Prosnit for leading the memorial service at Eintracht Cemetery. Alice and George Kelly, in memory of mother, Ruth Zimroth. Brenda and Justin Kreuzer, in memory of our beloved dads, Dr. Matthew Furman and Barton Kreuzer; in appreciation of Rabbi Prosnit. Richard and Joanne Krantz, a donation. Shirley Jacob Lantz & Family, in memory of our beloved Rabbi Jack Lantz. Sam and Ellen Rost, in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Robert J. Ruskin, in memory of Evelyn Ruskin, and with thanks to Rabbi Prosnit, Rabbi Schultz and Ronnie Dubrowin. Annie, Janet, Jonny and Hugh Solomon, in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon. Esther Spiegel, in memory of Esther Manashowitz, mother of Sheryl Santiago. Steve and Ellen Tower, in appreciation of Rabbi Prosnit s kindness to the family of Evelyn Locke. Lori, Dan, Shira, Marisa and Ally Underberger, in celebration of Jake s engagement. Gail and Peter Weinstein, in memory of sister, Susan Weinstein Shapiro. Tracie and Paul Wizda, in honor of Sam s Bar Mitzvah. Sheila and Burton Yaffie & Family, in loving memory of father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Arthur H. Yaffie. Rabbi Schultz Discretionary Fund Renée and Rick Beitman, in honor of the marriage of daughter, Sara, to Jason Heaps; with thanks to Rabbi Schultz. Daniel and Shana Greenwald, in honor of the baby naming of daughter, Lyla; in appreciation of Rabbi Schultz. Ellen and John Korz, with thanks for a great beach service. Howard and Esther Weiner, a donation. Samuel Wizda, with thanks and in appreciation to Rabbi Schultz. Music Fund Donations in memory of Helen Appleton, mother of Liz Nigrosh, were made by: The Elbaum Family Anne and Mark Kirsch George and Chris Markley Shari and Brian Nerreau The Yurdin Family Linda and Brian Barlaam, in memory of Esther Manashowitz, mother of Sheryl Santiago. Carol and Nate Barsky, in memory of brother, Donald Quint; in memory of aunt and uncle, Eleanor and Harold Woodman. Judi and David Beier, in honor of Cantor Blum s special birthday. Michael and Judy Green Blumenthal, in honor of Cantor Blum s 60 th birthday. Cynthia H. Goldstein, in memory of Fred Brown, husband of Nancy Brown. Ilse Levi, in memory of beloved husband, Peter Levi. Debbie and Michael Weisman, in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Tracie and Paul Wizda, in honor of Sam s Bar Mitzvah and in appreciation to Cantor Blum. Enhancement Fund Donations in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon, were made by: Michael and Judy Green Blumenthal Edward and Luise Mann Burger Shari and Brian Nerreau Marcy and Larry Shinbaum The Yurdin Family Wendy Bender, in memory of father, Mortimer Aaron. Audrey and Larry Bernstein, in honor of Ilse Levi. Michael and Judy Green Blumenthal, in memory of Helen Appleton, mother of Liz Nigrosh; in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Edward and Luise Mann Burger, in memory of aunt, Phyllis Zelnick; in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross; in memory of Helen Appleton, mother of Liz Nigrosh; in celebration of Adrienne and Marc s marriage; in loving memory of Beatrice Burger. Phyllis and David Fleischman, in honor of granddaughter Brooke Berry s upcoming Bat Mitzvah. Phyllis G. Goldberg, in memory of husband, Dr. Norman Goldberg. Victor and Irma Gurvits, in memory of Frieda Gurvits. Elena R. Halady, in loving memory of parents, Pearl and Ernest Rabine. Lucy Lehman, in memory of Evelyn Locke. Shari and Brian Nerreau, in honor of Jake s engagement to Jenna. Mila and Debbie Nishball, wishing Ilse Levi a Happy 95 th Birthday. Glen and Kelly Reznikoff, in memory of Esther Manashowitz, mother of Sheryl Santiago. Bernice Rosch, in memory of dear mother, Sophia Miller. Marcy and Larry Shinbaum, in memory of Esther Manashowitz, mother of Sheryl Santiago; in memory of Donald Sappern, father of Laurie Gaugler and Matt Sappern. Norman Solomon, in memory of Louis Solomon. Jody and Gerry Webber, in memory of parents, Lois and Ben Feld. Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education Fund The Carasso Family, in memory of Dr. William Tom Thomas. Lisa Knicos, Happy 95 th Birthday to dear friend, Ilse Levi. Nursery School Enrichment Fund Elaine and Juda Chetrit, in honor of Gail Weinstein, and the 30 th anniversary of Bonim Preschool. Alan and Joan Newman, in memory of Meir O Brien. Donation Item of the Month: Canned soups or vegetables for Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach Initiatives. Continued on the next page 9

10 DONATIONS From Page 9 Barbara Rifkin, in honor of Gail Weinstein, and the 30 th anniversary of Bonim Preschool. Lori, Dan, Shira, Marisa and Ally Underberger, in memory of Helen Appleton, mother of Liz Nigrosh. Debora and Michael Weisman, Beth and Randy Reich and Laura and Bruce Braverman, in honor of friend, Gail Weinstein, and the 30 th anniversary of Bonim Preschool. Nursery School Scholarship Fund Gail and Peter Weinstein, Mazel tov to Jane and Kenny Speicher on their special anniversary. Rabbi Martin Library Fund Judith and David Pressler, Maxine, Paul, Aviva and Joshua Teller, in loving memory of Esther Unger Farber, mother of Judith Pressler, grandmother of Maxine Teller. Prayer Book Fund George and Chris Markley, in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Religious School Enrichment Fund The Elbaum Family, in memory of Alvin Yerkes, father of Susan Preminger. Anne and Mark Kirsch, in memory of Alvin Yerkes, father of Susan Preminger. Adam Giglietti, with thanks to Ira Wise for all of his help. Samuel Wizda, with thanks and in appreciation to Audrey and Ira Wise. Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action Fund Carol and Nate Barsky, in memory of sister, Gertrude Kelly; in memory of sister-in-law, Jeanette Barsky. Cynthia H. Goldstein, in memory of Yale Hirshberg, brother of Gloria Katz. Barbara Green and Jeffrey Orell, in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Eric and Ruth Gross, in memory of Esther Manashowitz, mother of Sheryl Santaigo. George and Chris Markley, wishing Ilse Levi a Happy 95 th Birthday; in loving memory of Mary Nahabedian. Shari and Brian Nerreau, in memory of Alvin Yerkes, father of Susan Preminger. Jon Orleans and Linda Liefland, in memory of Ellen Orleans. Suzanne Phillip and Steven Soberman, in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Sue, Bob and Carleigh Sussman, in memory of Toba Buxbaum, mother of Ruth Gross. Etz Chaim Living Torah Fund Kenneth and Danielle Revelson, commemorating Ilse Levi s 95 th Birthday. Jim Abraham Education Fund for Jewish Leadership Carol and Nate Barsky, in honor of Ilse Levi s 95 th Birthday. Bob Ford, in memory of Samuel Goldbaum. Jonathan and Cleo Sonneborn, in fond memory of Shirley Beresin. Lee & David Lester Kesher Fund Lee Lester, in memory of beloved brother, Nelson 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 Affiliates Marisa Underberger... BIFTY Advisor/Youth Engagement Specialist Max Fink & Jenna Rosenstein... BIFTY Co-Presidents Scott L. Smith... Bulletin Editor Congregation B nai Israel, founded in 1858, seeks to be a vibrant Reform synagogue dedicated to the perpetuation of Jewish life and values within the framework of contemporary American Judaism. We are a gateway to Judaism for all. The Congregation B nai Israel Bulletin publishes monthly 11 times a year (except July). 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 submissions for length or style. Gillette Judaic Enrichment Fund Anne and Mark Kirsch, in memory of Esther Manashowitz, mother of Sheryl Santiago. George and Chris Markley, Mazel Tov to Marc Rottman and Adrienne Levi on their recent marriage. Suzanne Phillip and Steven Soberman, in memory of Donna Benamoz, sister of Ken West. Nancy and Irv Silverman, in appreciation and in honor of our son-inlaw, Don Hindman, converting to Judaism. BIFTY Greenwald Scholarship Fund Shirley Jacob Lantz & Family, in memory of Bernie Postyn, Jack s uncle. Arnold & Doris Tower Fund Holly and Jerry Swirsky, in memory of Evelyn Locke. Steve and Ellen Tower, in appreciation of a beautiful service by Ellen Sheiman. Habitat for Humanity The Elbaum Family, in memory of Derek Solomon, husband of Barbara Solomon. 10 What s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly . Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org.

11 Please Support Our Advertisers 3,200sq.ft of Creative Ballroom Space Sunday Brunch Dedicated Event Coordinator Attractive Rates for Your Next Event / Room Block! Call or for more details 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 Matrimonial & Family Municipal Personal Injury Physicians Practices Real Estate Securities Securities Arbitration Tax and Trusts & Estates Telecommunications & Utilities BRIDGEPORT DANBURY WESTPORT ORANGE (Gasoline) Roy Friedman Standard Companies President David Cohen Executive Vice-President Who said Jewish learning is just for your kids? Join one of our Adult Learning courses for free. Details on Page 8. 11

12 Please Support Our Advertisers Steven M. Soberman, M.D. Daniel S. Gottschall, M.D. Certified Mohalim Obstetrics & Gynecology Board Certified 3180 Main Street Bridgeport, CT Phone: (203) Hansen s Flower Shop Family Owned and Operated Since 1920 Shop 24/7 By Phone or Website Bar, Bat Mitzvahs and Weddings Our Specialty (203) The financial community supports the B nai Israel Bulletin: Edward P. Burger, CPA Luise M. Burger, CPA Success Tutoring LLC means successful learning Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah Begins at the Courtyard Shelton Amy L. Kaplan Director Amy@SuccessTutoringLLC.com All Subjects ACT & SAT Prep EVENTS UP TO 200 GUESTS CREATIVE CUISINE SPECIAL ROOM RATES Contact Event Planner Nicole Knapik at nknapik@waterfordhotelgroup.com or by calling (203) The following members of the legal community join together in their support of the B nai Israel Bulletin: Ken Beck Eric Broder Marcia Cohen Mark A. Kirsch Richard Krantz Andrew R. Lubin George Markley Daniel Schopick 780 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, CT sheltoncourtyard.com 12 Do you teenagers think B nai Israel is just about Religious School? Encourage them to join the fun at BIFTY. Details on Page 6

13 Please Support Our Advertisers The following members of the medical community join together in their support of the B nai Israel Bulletin: Dr. Andrea Hagani Dr. Howard B. Twersky Dr. Geoffrey Gladstein Dr. Robert D. Chessin Dr. Martha Yepes Small Dr. Rachel E. Sheiman Dr. David F. Bindelglass Dr. Edward Portnay Dr. Brian King Dr. Alan M. Nelson Dr. Michael Connolly Dr. Abraham Fridman Dr. Glenn M. Rich Dr. Kenneth Kingsly Dr. Katherine J. Pesce Dr. Lawrence Dinkes Dr. Mark J. Hotchkiss Dr. Nicholas Blondin Dr. Kenneth Rabine Dr. Andrew Levi Dr. George P. Kelly Dr. Jared Selter Make this Chanukah special for you and our congregation. Participate in our Gift of Light fundraiser. See Page 2. 13

14 Please Support Our Advertisers 55 Greens Farms Road Westport, CT (203) Eric J. Broder: Carole Topol Orland: Celebrate Deliciously G&H GareliC k & Herbs THE ExclusivE c a TEr E r for MORA MORA the SPOT FOR PARTIES Contact our Events Specialists at garelickandherbs.com Westport Southport New Canaan Greenwich 14 What s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly . Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org.

15 Friday, November 3 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Vayera, Gen. 18:1-22:24 Haftarah 11 Kings 4:1-37 Saturday, November 4 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 Andrew Kortmansky, son of Jeremy and Debra Kortmansky Friday, November 10 5:30 p.m. Mishpacha Shabbat Off Site 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Haye Sarah, Gen. 23:1-25:18 Haftarah 1 Kings 1:1-31 Shabbat Service Schedule (Fridays at 6:00 p.m. where indicated, preceded by an Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m.) Saturday, November 11 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. B nai Mitzvah of Jenna and Owen Smith, daughter and son of Mark and Susan Smith Friday, November 17 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Tol dot, Gen. 25:19-28:9 Haftarah Malachi 1:1-2:7 Saturday, November 18 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. B not Mitzvah of Brooke Berry, daughter of David and Caryn Berry, and Emma Lopes, daughter of Dane and Shari Lopes Friday, November 24 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Vayetze, Gen. 28:10-32:3 Haftarah Hosea 12:13-14:10 Saturday, November 25 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. Bat Mitzvah of Rebecca Fink, daughter of Neal and Pamela Fink Pillar of Congregation Barbara Abraham Judi and David Beier Lisa and Jim Greenberg Bob and Helen Natt Jim Prosnit and Wendy Bloch Allan and Claire Shumofsky Jon and Cleo Sonneborn Richard and Susan Walden Ken and Cindy West Ronni and Fred Zinn Benefactor of Congregation Elaine and Juda Chetrit Karen and Peter Montagna Amy and Glenn Rich Joseph and Leslie Varon President s Circle David Abbey and Deborah Goodman Jeffrey and Wendy Bender Mark and Barbara Edinberg Eric and Ruth Gross Janet Jurow Debra and Jeremy Kortmansky Samuel Miller Shari and Brian Nerreau Caren and Bill Schwartz Marc and Elaine Silverman Judy and Marty Waldman High Holy Day Appeal Contribution Bonnie Alterman Bonnie and Seth Appel Diana and Jon August Linda and Brian Barlaam High Holy Day Appeal Carol and Nate Barsky Stacey and Duane Berlin Marilyn Bissell Jacob Bogner Samuel and Barbara Boyarsky Barbara Bresler Nancy Brown Lisa and Yoav Burger Elaine Clayton David and Alexa Cohen Lilla Cooper Jerome and Dale Demner Joanne and Tim Derwallis Randy Dorfman Bari Dworken Linda and Michael Epstein Laurie and Dean Gaugler Marvin and Joann Gelfand Stacy and Rob Giglietti Robert and Marsha Gillette Sam and Deborah Goldstein Donna and Avie Goldstein Laurel and Hank Greenberg Bennett and Nancy Hersch Don and Wendy Hyman Roger Jackson Anne Lampert and Michael Jacobson Jack Kadden Dan and Carrie Kasov Janice and Marc Katz Myrna Kaufman Beryl Kaufman Randye Kaye Carol and Stephen Landsman Beth Lazar Richard and Gail Lopatin Ruth Madwed Muriel Mann Charlene and Allen Marx Melissa and Perry Molinoff Alan and Joan Newman Nancy and Jeff Oberman Louis and Roberta Pabian Barbara Panisch David and Judith Pressler Steven and Julie Pressman Judy Rankell Julie and Howard Rosenbaum Edward and Winsome Rosenthal Michelle and Joseph Salem Barbara and Gilbert Saltman Naomi Schaffer Stephanie and Adam Schecter Abigail Schine Harriet Schorr Beverly Silverman Norman Solomon Rhea Spiegel Esther Spiegel Francine Stein Stephen and Ellen Tower Matthew and Lesley Vainder Debbie and Dan Viens Lois Wallman Artie and Suzie Weissman Tracie and Paul Wizda Adele and Larry Zuckerman Howard and Ondy Zuckerman Donation Item of the Month: Canned soups or vegetables for Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach Initiatives. 15

16 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 171 Fairfield, Conn. Congregation B nai Israel 2710 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT Religious School Teacher to Share Insights of Yad Vashem If you have a recent or current seventhgrader in our Religious School and you ask them about the Holocaust, chances are good they will start their reply with, Well, Mr. Verchin says For the past five years, Scott Verchin has made a deep impact on our Kitah Zayin students with his classes on the Holocaust, with a particular focus on those who resisted the Nazis by fighting them or helping Jews. This June, B nai Israel helped Scott expand his teaching knowledge by funding a study trip to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust research center, museum and memorial in Jerusalem. Yad Vashem, for the curriculum I teach at B nai, exceeded expectations. I learned so much, Scott says. I had the opportunity to meet academics, journalists, survivors, and spend quality time with them. And I was in a program with two dozen other educators from around the U.S. and we all had the chance to learn off each other as well. Yad Vashem, it s Ground Zero for Holocaust education. Scott is already imparting his new insights to his latest cadre of seventh-graders on Monday nights. He also wants to share them with the adults in our congregation, beginning on Mondays, November 13 and 20, with his Adult Learning class And You Shall Teach Them Diligently to Your Children: Yad Vashem and How We View the Shoah. The class will Yad Vashem, for the curriculum I teach at B nai, exceeded expectations. I learned so much. It s Ground Zero for Holocaust education. Scott Verchin take place from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Temple Library (See more details in the Adult Learning listings on Page 8). I feel like I can dig deeper into the conversations, the philosophies, the real intricate parts of this, where the kids it would go right over their head. So it s more of a comprehensive conversation, he says. So what we ll talk about is really taking a certain subject, a certain component of it, and having more twoway discourse. But I have a feeling that a lot of the adults, unless they ve done something like I ve done or they have a deep passion for this, are going to be learning a lot more than they ever knew before. He says that includes details like the priests in various countries who stood up to the Nazis to save Jews or unexpected nations like Albania, which saved every one of its Jewish population from extermination. So join Scott this month and find out how the insights of Yad Vashem can impact you and maybe even change your perspective of the Holocaust.