Building a Better Community: Help Honor Those Helping Us All

Transcription

1 Volume 157, Issue 7 Sh vat/adar I 5776 February 2016 FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS Building a Better Community: Help Honor Those Helping Us All Cyber B nai Israel The ways you can connect with B nai Israel keep expanding. Find out more about our online resources on Page 2. Silent Action Is talk overrated? Do our ancient texts warn against centuries of Jews traditions? Read Rabbi Schultz s column on Page 5. Scholar in Residence Join Scholar in Residence Dr. Samuel Kassow next month for a series of events on Eastern European Jewry. The weekend highlights our many Adult Learning options. See Page 6. Start Them Young Preschool should be just the start of your B nai Israel journey, for children and families alike. See Page 7. Mark May 26 on your calendars and join us to honor three people who make us a better congregation and better community. B nai Israel s annual gala dinner this year will honor Edward Burger, Philip Eliasoph and Karen Ferleger for their contributions. Ed serves on the Board of Trustees for the Union for Reform Judaism and was the chairperson of the 2013 URJ Biennial. The URJ is the central organization for Reform Judaism in North America. Philip is a pioneering professor of Art History at Fairfield University. In 1996 he was the founder, director and onstage host/moderator for the university s popular Town Hall public affairs series: OPEN VISIONS FORUM, which brings students, fellow faculty experts and the community into dialogue with many global and national notables, authors, artists, broadcast media anchors, social activists, humanitarians, prominent opinion-makers. Karen serves as co-chair of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County. The Federation works together to meet vital needs in the community, Israel and around the world, cultivating a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community, now and for future generations. Look for more details in the coming months in the Bulletin, as well as on the website and in Hashavua. More Inside Bulletin Board... P.2 BIFTY... P.4 Mazel Tov... P.4 Donations... P.8 Marketplace... P.11 Shabbat Services... P.15 B NAI ISRAEL IN ISRAEL B nai Israel s 2016 traveling group to Israel gathers on the Golan Heights, with Syria in the background. Read more about the importance of connecting with Israel in Rabbi Prosnit s column on Page 3.

2 Mitzvah Morning: PM Edition Join the next B nai Israel Mitzvah Morning on the afternoon of Sunday, February 7. This month s edition will take place from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach Initiative Clothes Closet at the United Congregational Church in Bridgeport. This is another wonderful opportunity for B nai Israel families to engage, experience and enjoy doing mitzvot. All ages are welcome! Yes, it s Super Bowl Sunday, but do not worry; you will be in home in plenty of time for kickoff. If you have any questions or to participate, please Shari Nerreau at snerreau@ cbibpt.org. Bulletin Board New & Recycled B nai Israel will institute its new recycling program, beginning February 1. The single stream recycling system will include cardboard, junk mail, office paper, newspapers, plastic bottles, glass and cans. More information to come! Make a College Connection We want to keep our college students connected to B nai Israel. Let us know how you are doing, what you are up to and any big news. To send you little holiday surprises and for you to keep connected with your temple friends, we need your school address and address. Please send your information to Lynn in the main office at lynn@cbibpt.org. Be Patient, Art Lovers Over the past few years, B nai Israel displayed the artwork of congregants in the Pavilion during February. For those wondering where the paintings, photographs and sculptures went this year, the event is being repositioned as a biennial exhibition. So B nai Israel artists, start preparing your offerings for Sharing Our Joy Judy and Michael Katz, in honor of the wedding of son, Benjamin, to Elizabeth Gaffney. Ken and Cindy West, in honor of the wedding of son, Aaron West, to Rachel Schiffres. Dale and Jerry Demner, in honor of the birth of granddaughter, Sadie Blachman Demner, daughter of Dara and Maury Demner, sister of Zachary. Randy Dorfman, on the birth of grandson, Matthew Nico Dorfman, son of Howard and Jenny. Paul and Marge Krubiner, on the engagement of son, Steven, to Aviva Sufian. The Bulletin arrives monthly, but B nai Israel is a click away every day, with a wealth of resources ready for you. Go to our website at and you are sure to find something that will interest you. You will find all of the information you want about our congregation, from events to Jewish practices, to even a look back at our storied history. You will even find a copy of the Bulletin, if you have misplaced yours. What else will you find? Click Into B nai Israel Sincere Sympathy We extend our sympathy to the bereaved families of: Rosalind Gordon Carol Dworken, mother of Jeffrey Dworken Edward Kamens, husband of Anne Kamens If you have a child preparing for his or her Bar or Bat Mitzvah or are just curious what that might entail look in the Worships section under the Lifecycle tab to find out what goes into the process for this event. Maybe you cannot get enough of your fellow congregants accomplishments, like we highlight in the Mazel Tov column (see Page 4 this month). Under the About tab, there are more milestones to be found. We would love to add yours, too, so if you or somebody you know has something to add, contact Lynn in the main office at llynch@cbibpt.org. Perhaps you are looking for ways to support your child s education, from preschool to Religious School, to even Continued on Page 7 2 Help determine the physical improvements for the Temple. Join the Building Committee. Contact Bernie Jacobs at bjacobs@cbibpt.org.

3 From the Rabbi s Desk/Rabbi James Prosnit Away Message Traveling to Israel A challenge of Bulletin timing is that I m writing this article a few days before leaving for Israel, and you ll be reading it a couple of weeks after our return. So while follow-up articles may discuss particulars about our trip, this one will be generic. It s a periodic message about the centrality and importance of Land for a true understanding of Judaism and the Jewish People. One of the paradoxes of the Jewish experience is that in order to be at home in the Diaspora, our existence and survival has been enhanced because we have had a fixed point of orientation the land that God promised the Patriarchs, the land of Israel. For much of our existence as a faith and a people, we have been scattered all over the globe, but we have kept Jerusalem as a focus. At various points and times, some have tried to make light of the paradox, but in so doing have falsified Jewish history and theology. Early Reform Jews, who saw Cincinnati as the homeland and forgot Jerusalem, would come to see the failure of that ideology. But at the same time, Israelis who say life outside of Zion is a wasteland for Jews haven t understood the vitality of Diaspora communities and their contribution to Jewish life. Judaism is both Diaspora and Israel it can never be less to be true to itself. And that s why I m so excited to be once again traveling with members of the congregation, some of whom will be experiencing Israel for the first time. I hope after our safe return a few weeks from now, they will agree there was something a bit different about this trip than others they have taken. The most recent group of B nai Israel travelers got to see firsthand the beauty of Israel. You can see more of their photos on the B nai Israel Facebook page ( There is a power to our Jewish identity that we gain from experiencing Israel and its people. There is a sense of mitzvah and pilgrimage as we link ourselves both to the biblical past and the very remarkable achievements of the present. There is a power to our Jewish identity that we gain from experiencing that land and its people. There is a sense of mitzvah and pilgrimage that comes with a trip to Israel as we link ourselves both to the biblical past and the very remarkable achievements of the present. There is something about walking the footsteps, seeing the light reflect off the Jerusalem stone and hearing the stories of those who on a daily basis speak the language and breath the air of our ancestors. If you are not traveling with us now, I certainly hope you will choose to do so in the future. With perils throughout the globe, Israel may well be one of the safest places to visit! It is also one of the reasons why we try so hard to promote Israel Trips and Birthright experiences for our teenagers and young adults. Time in Israel may not be an inoculation, ensuring a strong Jewish identity, but it can definitely help. We can enjoy this place because our gaze is fixed on the place that is ours by Divine decree. We can enjoy Connecticut because on some level we belong to Jerusalem. Donation Item of the Month: Cereal for Operation Hope. 3

4 BIFTY Is A Fun Ride For Teens Ally Underberger and Melanie Delangelo are BIFTY s communication chairs. They post on our Facebook group and on our Instagram page (follow us at cbi.bifty), and create our bulletin board. Read below to learn about their favorite programs and why you should join BIFTY! What has been your favorite event so far? MD: My favorite event was our Halloween Murder Mystery. We split the group into suspects and detectives, and it was really fun! AU: I enjoyed Kindergarten Games. It was fun and creative, and playing foursquare was a great throwback! What are you looking forward to in 2016? MD: I m just really excited for BIFTY to start back up again. All the ideas we have brainstormed and the programs we ve started planning are really good and will be really fun, like always! AU: I am looking forward to all the events! All BIFTY events are great, and I always look forward to each event every Thursday February Events BIFTY meets every Thursday from 7:00 to 8:30pm in the BIFTY lounge. It is never too late to join. Here are the February events: February 11 Valentine s Day February 18 Human Scattergories February 25 Israel Fun! Above, BIFTY Board members show their group pride at the Regional Board Meeting. Below, BIFTY members doing a mummy wrap at a recent activity. Why should teens join BIFTY? MD: BIFTY is filled with really great people who are excited about meeting new people and want them to come. Also, BIFTY is always very fun and is a great break from doing homework. AU: Teens should join BIFTY because you get a break from your work and get to meet new Jewish teens. If BIFTY were a winter activity, what would it be? MD: It would be either ice skating or skiing because whether you re participating or just watching, it is still very fun and entertaining. AU: BIFTY would be sledding because the programs are always fun, but preparing and writing is always a little work, just like it is when you have to travel up the hill for your next run. Mazel Tov There is a changing of the guard in Leroy Kelly retired at the end of last year after 24 years as the security guard at B nai Israel. Leroy was a friendly face and comforting presence for congregants of all ages. Leroy was honored by the congregation at the December 18 Shabbat service. He is now keeping his eye (and his fishing lures) on the fish of South Carolina. Beth Lazar will be honored on Saturday, March 19 by the Al Aziz Islamic Center. She is being recognized as one of the women who are positive examples in the community. Educational consultant Joanne Lippman joined Coll-Edge Partners, LLC, a Fairfield-based college consultancy. Leaving Our Mark B nai Israel has long made a big impact on the Bridgeport area. A prime example is the Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport, now a prime venue for the Fairfield Theater Company. The concert facility was a gift to the city by original congregant Bernhard Klein. Klein was a successful businessman and civic leader in Bridgeport one of many congregants over the years who took an active role in the wider community around the synagogue. In addition to becoming Bridgeport s first Jewish alderman in 1876, he was the father of the city s first Jewish attorney, Jacob Klein. (Source: A Light to the Generations: Celebrating 150 Years, ) 4 What s happening at the Temple? Get Hashavua, our weekly . Send your request to Lynn at lynn@cbibpt.org.

5 From the Rabbi s Study/Rabbi Evan Schultz What?! You want me not to talk? The old saying goes Two Jews, three opinions. I always thought this meant that talking a lot was just a part of the Jewish cultural fabric. Recently, however, I found that our ancient rabbis actually challenged this notion they seemed to think that talking could lead to bad stuff while silence could lead to good things; so, in actuality, sometimes we re better off closing our mouths rather than opening them. I recently discovered this as I began studying the classic Jewish text Pirkei Avot, which is a compendium of sayings and wisdom from the ancient Jewish sages. It is considered one of our greatest Jewish texts, and chances are you ve heard at least one saying from Pirkei Avot ( Find for yourself a teacher, acquire for yourself a friend; If I am not for myself, who will be for me? ). It is an accessible and interesting book to study, and really gives a sense of who the rabbis were and what they cared about. Chapter One of Pirkei Avot concerns itself in many ways with the topic of speech, and that silence is often preferable to speaking. Consider these two examples: Shammai says, Say little and do much, and receive everyone with a cheerful face. Shimon, son of Rabban Gamliel, says, All my days I have been raised among the sages, and I found nothing better for oneself than silence. Hold on a minute, why exactly is it better to stay silent than speak, according to these rabbis? There are, of course, many interpretations of these verses. Some suggest the rabbis were very concerned with gossip and slanderous speech, so they issued these warnings against speaking too much. Another commentary shared that if you sit around and talk too much, you ll never actually go out and do any mitzvot, commandments. Rabbi Rami Shapiro echoes this latter idea in his commentary on Pirkei Avot, offering this explanation, Silence trumps talk, for talk is always about the known, and the known is always about the past only silence allows you to rest in the present. Action trumps talk, for talk leads to the delusion of action; you imagine you are doing because you are talking about doing. It is not the thought that counts, and certainly not the talk about the thought. Practice rooted in silence is the way of the sage. So perhaps we should alter the classic phrase and follow the wisdom of our ancient rabbis. Perhaps instead of Two Jews, three opinions, it should be Two Jews, two doers! Let us remind ourselves that talk is no substitutes for real action and powerful change in the world. Let us find a few more moments for silence, and may those lead to more doing, more moments of engaging in our sacred commandments, and the act of tikkun olam, the betterment of the world. Raising Kids Jewish in an Interfaith Marriage Join Rabbi Schultz on Thursday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. for a conversation on raising children Jewish as an interfaith couple. The discussion will center on David Gregory s book, How s Your Faith? An Unlikely Spiritual Journey. Gregory, the former host of Meet the Press, writes about his spiritual journey and raising his kids Jewish along with his wife Beth, who was raised Christian. I think there would be great value in reading the book together and using it as a starting point for conversations around interfaith relationships and raising Jewish families, Rabbi Schultz says. For anyone in our community who has approached me seeking some kind of meaning in Judaism, I think Gregory s book is an excellent place to begin the conversation. We are on Twitter now! Follow us We ll follow back! 5

6 Adult Jewish Learning At Congregation B nai Israel Security Changes Adult Roundtable Thursday, February 4 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. The Sacred Encounter: Jewish Perspectives on Sexuality Fridays at Noon, February 5, 12 and 19 Rabbi Prosnit explores classic and contemporary views of sex and sexual identity, and the challenges and opportunities of changing mores and times. Rosh Chodesh with Rabbi Suri Krieger Thursday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. The waxing and waning of lunar cycles has been a guiding force for women throughout the ages, both literally and spiritually. Since the Jewish feminist movement reclaimed Rosh Chodesh in the 1970s, women have been gathering on a monthly basis to acknowledge and celebrate. The form of this celebration has taken on many faces ancient text, contemporary outreach, food and fantasy. Women are invited to join Rabbi Suri Krieger to celebrate the new Hebrew month and for spiritual growth. Introduction to Kabbalah Jewish Spirituality Mondays February 22 and 29; March 7, 14, and 21, 7:00-8:30 p.m. What is the meaning of life? What am I doing here? What does it mean to be Jewish? How do I overcome circumstances? What happens after death? How can I make my life more meaningful and 6 fulfilled? Once I know these answers, what should I do?? The Jewish answers to these questions will be revealed during this course with Justin C. Beck. Kabbalah, the deeper understanding of the Torah, is not an abstract body of thought; it is meant to transform the way one perceives and experiences the world. Practical applications and weekly handouts will be provided at each session. Studying Kabbalah nourishes the soul, contributes to individual and collective redemption, and elevates the souls of our ancestors. Recommended texts are Endless Light, The Ancient Path of Kabbalah, by David Aaron, and The Power of the Kabbalah, by Yahuda Berg. Who Will Write Our History? Dr. Samuel Kassow, Shabbat Scholar in Residence March 11 and 12 Dr. Kassow s topics will be of special interest not only to those traveling to Eastern Europe in August, but to all who are interested in contemporary European Jewish History. Join us for Dr. Kassow s lectures and presentations Friday, March 11 (following services and Shabbat dinner) and on Saturday March 12 at 9:30 a.m. and an afternoon session. Dr. Kassow is the Charles Northam Professor of History at Trinity College in Hartford and the author Who will Write our History: Emanuel Ringelblum and the Secret Ghetto Archive (University of Indiana Press, 2007), which is currently being turned into a documentary movie produced by Nancy Spielberg. Kassow was also a consultant to the Museum of the History of Polish Jews that just opened in Warsaw. A child of Holocaust survivors, Dr. Kassow was born in a Displaced Persons camp in Germany. Like Us on Facebook. Visit the Congregation B nai Israel page and join us online. With the retirement of our longtime security guard, Leroy Kelly, we are making changes to our security procedures for our Religious School. The purpose is to control the flow of people in a way that makes our security team more effective. We ask for your help as we implement these changes. Monday Evenings The school doors will remain locked all evening. Students and parents are asked to enter through the main synagogue doors under the canopy. You may leave via the school doors, but they will lock behind you. You may continue to line up at the curb as before. Tuesday and Thursday Afternoons The school doors will be unlocked from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., and students and parents may enter through this door. If parents arrive before 6:00 p.m. or if you are picking up early, please enter through the main synagogue doors under the canopy. You may leave via the school doors, but they will lock behind you. We continue to ask you to park your car and come to the curb at 6:00 p.m. for pick up. Students will not be permitted to step off the curb without an adult. Sunday Mornings The school doors will be unlocked from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., and students and parents may enter through this door. The school doors will remain locked after that time. If parents arrive before noon or if you are picking up early, please enter through the main synagogue doors under the canopy. For Etgar parents arriving at 11:00 a.m., please enter through the main doors and pick up in the Social Hall. We also are asking Gan (K) parents to enter through the main synagogue doors. As always, Gan pickup is in Room 122 at 11:55 a.m., and for all other students still with us at noon, pickup is in the Social Hall.

7 From the Education Center: Alexa Cohen & Ira J. Wise RED ROVER, RED ROVER, LET THE WHOLE FAMILY COME OVER Most of us remember the children s game Red Rover. A team calls the name of a player from the other team and tries to capture him or her, making that player part of the former team. We do something like that here at B nai Israel. Our Bonim Preschool is filled with young children, many of whose families have not become members of the larger congregation yet. Some will become members through the Chaverim program, which offers special rates and programming to encourage those families to become members. Some will wait until their oldest is ready for Religious School. Others may not ever join perhaps they are already members elsewhere or not Jewish. Our rabbis, cantor and temple educator all interact with the children and parents of the preschool. We do it because they are a part of the congregation, even if they have not yet become members. And we do it because we want to help those families get a glimpse of what membership can offer their families. Our Bonim Preschool and Young Families Havurah continue to provide a base from which to draw younger members and keep the membership vital and growing. We find that once young children are familiar with our surroundings, it is natural for them to continue their Jewish education in our Religious School. In preschool, the children are given the foundation of a Jewish background. They are eager to sing songs and tell stories of their heritage to parents The Bonim Preschool and Young Families Havurah years are only the beginning of what B nai Israel can be for an entire family. and grandparents. They form Jewish friendships and enjoy seeing their preschool friends at Shabbat and High Holiday services. This enthusiasm that the children bring home gives parents the incentive to support this interest by practicing Jewish rituals and affiliating with the synagogue and Religious School. Friendships made during the preschool years can grow even deeper during Religious School. As everyone scatters to different elementary schools for kindergarten, B nai Israel can be the glue that holds these friendships together. The Bonim Preschool and Young Families Havurah years are only the beginning of what B nai Israel can be for an entire family. We want to give families with children preparing to enter elementary school an opportunity to get to know us even better. If the young children in your life are grandchildren, we hope you will share this with their parents. So RED ROVER, RED ROVER, LET YOUR WHOLE FAMILY COME OVER! Please join us at the Next Steps Shabbat on Friday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m. to find out more about B nai Israel s Religious School. We will have a little dinner, a little music, a little praying and a lot of fun! Please contact Alexa Cohen (acohen@cbibpt.org) or Ira Wise (iwise@cbibpt.org) for more information and to let us know you are coming! L shalom, Alexa Cohen, Bonim Preschool Director Ira J. Wise, R.J.E., Temple Educator Click Into B nai Israel... From Page 2 college. There are plenty of scholarship opportunities waiting for you under Scholarships in the Learning section of the website. Of course, we have more ways to connect via social media. Like us on the B nai Israel Facebook page or follow us on Twitter or on Instagram. You are sure to find something that will interest you on the temple website. Have the kids left home? Then it s a perfect time to ReConnect with B nai Israel. Contact Mindy Siegel at msiegel@cbibpt.org. 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 Bonnie Alterman, in memory of Miriam and Ed Payess. Jon August, in appreciation for all of your help with my mother s unveiling, and also for her yahrzeit. Ed and Luise Mann Burger, Mazel Tov to Rabbi Prosnit for receiving the ADL Community Leadership Award. Alyssa Cohen, in memory of mother, Marcia Cohen. Jerry Demner, in honor of David Beier. Michael and Diane Farber, a donation. Stacy and Rob Giglietti, in memory of Michael Giglietti. Laurel and Hank Greenberg, in honor of Rabbi Prosnit for receiving the ADL Community Leadership Award, and with thanks for the Friday noon classes. Larry and Robin Greenhall, a donation. Judy and Michael Katz, in loving memory of parents, Hyman and Helene Brier; in memory of Gloria Sacks, mother of Debbie Viens. Beth Lazar, in loving memory of my aunt, Janet Greenberg. Shelley and Howard Levinson, in memory of Barbara Norton, mother of Brad Norton. Joanne and Neil Lippman, Mazel Tov to Rabbi Prosnit on his ADL award. Carol and Andy Lubin, a donation. Alice Madwed, in memory of Steven Madwed. Ivan Maisel and Meg Murray, in honor of Leroy Kelly s retirement; in memory of Gloria Sacks, mother of Debbie Viens; in honor of Rabbi Prosnit for all that he has done for our family. Susan Ann Sherman, in memory of parents, Ralph and Frances Howard. Sanford and Roberta Small, in memory of Edward Small, father of Sanford Small. Inna and Philip Trager, in honor of Milton Cooper s special birthday. Steve and Gail Unger, in memory of Arthur Unger, father of Steve Unger; in memory of Jane Unger, late wife of Steve Unger. Debbie, Dan, Matthew and Jaime Viens, with gratitude. Fred and Ronnie Zinn, in memory of father, David Zinn. Rabbi Schultz Discretionary Fund Ed and Luise Mann Burger, in appreciation. Beth Lazar, in loving memory of my aunt, Roz Greenberg. Margot Lazar and Sarra Martin, in appreciation for giving us our Hebrew names. Carol and Andy Lubin, a donation. Debbie, Dan, Matthew and Jaime Viens, in appreciation. Music Fund Miriam and Bob Caston, in honor of Dorothy Blaustein s birthday. Judy and Michael Katz, in honor of the wedding of son, Benjamin, to Elizabeth Gaffney. Margot Lazar and Sarra Martin, in appreciation for the beautiful music of Cantor Blum and Mark Edinberg. Judith and David Pressler, in memory of aunt, Cynthia Farber Stern. Steve and Gail Unger, in memory of Boris Muntner, father of Gail Unger. Debbie and Michael Weisman, in memory of mother, Mary Frauwirth; in memory of father, Max Frauwirth; in memory of sister, Nancy Frauwirth. Enhancement Fund Bobby Bresler, in memory of mother, Rena Milgram Pious. Ed and Luise Mann Burger, in loving memory of Samuel Burger; in loving memory of Herbert Mann; in memory of Robert Warren, father of Jeff Warren; Mazel Tov to Don and Wendy Hyman on the birth of granddaughter, Margot. Marvin Gelfand, in memory of Cyril Gelfand and Nathan Gelfand. Gloria Katz, in honor of Barbara and Derek Solomon, on the birth of grandson, Jonah Miles Solomon. Eli and Katerina Kharaz, Happy Chanukah! Alida and Al Kleban, in loving memory of father, Irving Kleban. Joanne and Neil Lippman, in memory of Robert Greenhall, father of Larry Greenhall. Bernard Levine, in memory of mother, Gertrude Levine. Carol and Andy Lubin, in honor of Leroy Kelly s retirement; a donation. Ruth Madwed, in memory of father, Jacob Dolid, and son, Steven Madwed. Irving and Wilma Mark, in memory of father, Hyman Mark. George Markley, with deepest thanks to Ruth and Eric Gross. Nora Mayerson, in memory of dear husband, Ken Mayerson. Paul Rosch, in memory of mother, Mollie Rosch. Patti and Samuel Rosenberg, in memory of Carol Dworken, mother of Jeffrey Dworken; in appreciation of Leroy Kelly. Matt and Nancy Ruben, in honor of the baby naming of Addison Bishop. Arnold and Serena Sher, in appreciation of Patti and Samuel Rosenberg. Mindy and Jeff Siegel, in honor of the New Year 2016! Robert A. Spitz and Family, in memory of wife, Judith C. Spitz, mother of Shari Pearlman, grandmother of Lilly Pearlman; and a thank-you to Rabbi Schultz for presiding over the graveside funeral. Chrisanna and Martin Voight, in honor of Larry Levine. Sylvia Prosnit Adult Education Fund Donations made in memory of Rosalind Gordon were made by: Barbara Abraham Judi and David Beier The Carley Family Elaine and Juda Chetrit Dale and Jerry Demner John and Ronnie Dubrowin Roslyn and James Fletcher Marjorie Freeman The Greenberg Family Rabbis Rachel Gurevitz and Suri Krieger Carol and Charles Gursky Gloria Katz Mollie Keller Beth Lazar Ilse Levi Gerry and Harvey Levine Sylvia and Alan Neigher Patti and Samuel Rosenberg Daniel Ruskin and Angela Capinera Robert and Evelyn Ruskin Naomi Schaffer and Roger Jackson Esther Spiegel Audrey, Ira, Ethan and Harper Wise William and Lorraine Smith, in memory of brother, Harry Smith; in memory of stepmother, Fannie Smith. Nursery School Enrichment Fund Donations made in memory of Gloria Sacks, mother of Debbie Viens, were made by: Elaine and Juda Chetrit Alexa and David Cohen Robin and Larry Greenhall Janice, Marc and Matthew Katz 8 Reach more than 700 families. Advertise in the Bulletin. Contact Sam Rosenberg at srosenberg@cbibpt.org.

9 Donations Please note that only contributions of $10.00 or more will be acknowledged with a card and Bulletin listing. The Kirsch Family Joanne and Neil Lippman Audrey, Ira, Ethan and Harper Wise Nursery School Scholarship Fund Donations made in memory of Gloria Sacks, mother of Debbie Viens, were made by: Linda and Joel Bernstein Stacy and Rob Giglietti Gail and Peter Weinstein Gail and Peter Weinstein, congratulations to Doreen and Andy Testa on the birth of grandson, Louis. Rabbi Martin Library Fund Marilyn and George Bissell, in memory of Herbert Kaster, brother of Muggs Lefsetz. Jerry and Dale Demner, in memory of Jessie Demner, mother of Jerry Demner; in memory of Lorraine Hirsch, sister of Jerry Demner. Elaine and Marc Silverman, in memory of Gloria Sacks, mother of Debbie Viens. Steve and Gail Unger, in memory of Mary Unger, mother of Steve Unger; in memory of Ida Blam, mother-in-law of Steve Unger. Mazon Beth Lazar, in loving memory of my uncle, Robert Lazar. Darren Ruskin, a donation. Religious School Enrichment Fund Michael and Judy Green Blumenthal, in memory of Thomas Prestianni, father of Alexa Cohen; in memory of Gloria Sacks, mother of Debbie Viens. Don and Wendy Hyman, in memory of Jackie Adrian. Carol and Andy Lubin, a donation. Rabbi Arnold Sher Social Action Fund Carson and Robert Berkowitz, in memory of Gloria Sacks, mother of Debbie Viens. Gerry Eckber, in memory of Herbert Kaster, brother of Muriel Lefsetz. Ilene Greenberg, in memory of Sylvia Rosenberg, beloved mother of Paula Herzlinger. Bea and David Lazar, in honor of Beth Lazar. Leonard Lazar, in honor of Beth Lazar. Ilse Levi, in appreciation of the many good wishes accompanying the Gift of Light Chanukah candles. Susan Ann Sherman, thank you to Sam and Patti Rosenberg, Joe and Leslie Varon and Matthew and Patti Wunder and family for the beautiful Chanukah candles. The Stratfield Book Group, in memory of Jill Tarlov. Steve and Gail Unger, in memory of David Muntner, brother of Gail Unger. Jim Abraham Education Fund for Jewish Leadership Barbara Abraham, in honor of Randy Dorfman, on the birth of grandson, Matthew Nico Dorfman, son of Howard and Jenny; in honor of Paul and Marge Krubiner, on the engagement of son, Steven, to Aviva Sufian. Lee & David Lester Kesher Project, a donation. Judith Brav Sher Family Education Fund Andrea Goodman and Jeff Ackerman, in honor of Barbara and Derek Solomon, on the birth of grandson, Jonah Miles Solomon. Prayer Book Fund Elaine and Juda Chetrit, Mazel Tov to Barbara and Derek Solomon, on the birth of grandson, Jonah Miles Solomon. 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, R.J.E.... Temple Educator Robert H. Gillette, R.J.E.... Educator Emeritus Alexa Cohen... Early Childhood Director Abby Rohinsky... Director of Facility The Nerreau Family, in memory of Gloria Sacks, mother of Debbie Viens; in appreciation of Marcia Cohen, for all of her work on the Gift of Light fundraiser. (203) The Bulletin of Congregation B nai Israel is published every month except July. Officers Samuel J. Rosenberg... President Michael Blumenthal... 1st Vice President Larry Levine... Vice President Shari Nerreau... Vice President Julie Pressman... Vice President Lori Underberger... Treasurer Jim Greenberg... Assistant Treasurer Evelyn Rubak... Secretary Joe Varon... Financial Secretary Mindy Siegel... Immediate Past President Affiliates Marisa Underberger... BIFTY Advisor/Youth Engagement Specialist Becky Molinoff & Caroline DelAngelo... BIFTY Co-Presidents Scott L. Smith... Bulletin Editor Donation Item of the Month: Cereal for Operation Hope. High Holy Day Appeal -- Update Thank you to everyone who donated Pillar of Congregation Liz and Mark Nigrosh Arthur and Ann Nishball Benefactor of Congregation Robin and Larry Greenhall Carol and Peter Mack High Holy Day Appeal Contribution Carol and Nate Barsky Carson and Robert Berkowitz Marty and Alayne Burger Victoria J. Heilweil Amy Kaplan Lou and Dee Landman Alice Madwed Alan and Sylvia Neigher Ken and Nina Rabine Julie and Howard Rosenbaum 9

10 Why Go to Biennial? Rabbi Schultz s Greatest Hits The latest Union for Reform Judaism Biennial occurred in November, but it is never too early to look ahead to the next one. Why should you put aside time in December 2017 to attend the next convention? Rabbi Schultz wrote after returning from the recent gathering in Orlando: In one sense, I went to Biennial to soak up new ideas and learn about best practices taking place in synagogues around the country. On the other hand, I was there to be part of something bigger, to engage with my own Judaism in a new way, to fulfill my commitment as a Reform Jew to learning, Israel and social justice. Last month, he gave the Temple Board of Trustees a more detailed account of his first Biennial. Here are some of Rabbi Schultz s favorite sessions from Orlando: Expanding the Boundaries: The Spiritual Call for Audacious Hospitality What was once written in jest about newspapers has often been said both about the role of social activism and the role of religion: to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. This collection of leaders lead by example in exploring and expanding the boundaries of audacious hospitality. They led us in the conversation about one of our sacred texts, by reflecting on how that text animates their thinking and work, by engaging with participants in that conversation, and by reconnecting all of us with our core purpose. Three Rabbis Walk into a Bar An evening of comedy with Rabbis Molly Kane, David Segal and Matt Soffer. Moses Speech: An Example of Reel Theology We discussed what can be learned from the leadership of Moses by considering excerpts from The King s Speech. Innovative Models of Synagogue- Based Youth Engagement We explored a framework for understanding youth engagement and learned from congregations who have turned their programs around and significantly impacted the number of teens involved in congregational life. B nai Mitzvah Innovations: Stories from Congregational Leaders An opportunity to meet with, learn from and ask questions of congregational leaders who are driving b nai mitzvah innovations in their congregations. We talked about what b nai mitzvah preparation and celebration could look like in our communities. If you want another reason to attend the next Biennial, aside from the convenience of it taking place in Boston December 6-10, 2017, consider it will have a B nai Israel flair. Our congregant, Luise Burger, is serving as co-chair of the Biennial. I am Jews praying And children playing I am the walls that were not here until A committee long ago said let there be walls And there were walls And there was praying And playing For I am the Congregation I am the praying And the playing And the walls And 150 years of song I am the men and women I AM THE CONGREGATION By Jon Sonneborn Boys and girls praising God tonight And I am the generations who prayed And played and sang And rest now with God in the dust I am the Congregation I can see a larger picture, not within, For I am of a thousand hearts not one, Celebrating the Goodness of a Creator. The beneficence of one God, I am the praying And the playing And the walls And 150 years of song I can feel Your might and Your glory For You are everything to me The Father who protects The Mother who nurtures Ready to listen to our wishes Watch over our sick Faithful in all works Near to all who call So I will praise You God Bless Your name (Excerpted from A Light to the Generations: Celebrating 150 Years, ) 10 We want you in the Bulletin! Send your news to editor Scott Smith at ssmith@cbibpt.org.

11 Please Support Our Advertisers Celebrate Deliciously G&H GareliC k & Herbs THE ExclusivE c a TEr E r for MORA MORA the SPOT FOR PARTIES 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 Contact our Events Specialists at garelickandherbs.com Westport Southport New Canaan Greenwich The following members of the legal community join together in their support of the B nai Israel Bulletin: Michael Becker Ken Beck Eric Broder Marcia Cohen Irving J. Kern Mark A. Kirsch Richard Krantz Andrew R. Lubin George Markley Daniel Schopick Nancy Wechsler Appellate Bankruptcy Commercial Finance Common Interest Communities Corporate Elder Law & Long Term Care Planning Employment & Labor Land Use & Zoning Litigation Not Just a Law Firm. Your Law Firm. Matrimonial & Family Municipal Personal Injury Physicians Practices Real Estate Securities Securities Arbitration Tax and Trusts & Estates Telecommunications & Utilities BRIDGEPORT DANBURY WESTPORT ORANGE Join us for the next Mitzvah Morning on Sunday, February 7. Details in the Bulletin Board on Page 2. 11

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15 Shabbat Service Schedule (Fridays at 6:00 p.m. where indicated, preceded by an Oneg Shabbat at 5:30 p.m.) Food For The Soul Friday, February 5 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Mishpatim, Exod. 21:1-24:18 Haftarah Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26 Saturday, February 6 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, February 12 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Terumah, Exod. 25:1-27:19 Haftarah 1 Kings 5:26-6:13 Saturday, February 13 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, February 19 5:30 p.m. Mishpacha Shabbat 6:00 p.m. Service with the Junior Choir Torah Portion Tetzaveh, Exod. 27:20-30:10 Haftarah Ezekiel 43:10-27 Saturday, February 20 8:00 a.m. Service 9:00 a.m. Brotherhood Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Young Families Havurah 10:45 a.m. Shabbat Service with Rabbi Schultz in the Library Friday, February 26 6:00 p.m. Service Torah Portion Ki Tisa, Exod. 30:11-34:35 Haftarah 1 Kings 18:1-39 Saturday, February 27 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 Emma Bella Bass-Lawrence, daughter of Daniel Bass and Anna Lawrence We need your help! Before each Shabbat service on Friday nights, the temple provides a small Oneg in the lobby. These small (nut-free) snacks and drinks are a great ice-breaker as you meet fellow congregants, a perfect quick bite if you re ravenous after a long day, and a helpful distraction for toddlers and younger children. However, they do not appear by magic. If you can volunteer to bring in treats 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! OUR CHRISTMAS GIFT TO THE COMMUNITY B nai Israel volunteers spread Christmas cheer throughout the area in December. Above and lower left, congregants of all ages gathered to prepare and serve food at the Norma Pfriem Urban Outreach Initiative s Food Pantry/ Feel the Warmth in Bridgeport on Christmas Eve. Lower right, other B nai Israel members prepared food in the Operation Hope kitchens. Donation Item of the Month: Cereal for Operation Hope. 15

16 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 171 Fairfield, Conn. Congregation B nai Israel 2710 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT A Really Interesting Podcast Upcoming Holidays Rabbi Schultz recently debuted an interesting project his new podcast, Really Interesting Jews. The program features one-on-one conversations with noteworthy doers and thinkers in the Jewish world. I created this podcast to connect American Jews with the ideas, conversations and projects that are changing the face of the American Jewish community, Rabbi Schultz said. These are people that matter, and my hope is that their stories will spark conversations in your homes, communities and synagogues. Rabbi Schultz has talked already with Rabbi Shai Held, co-founder, dean and chair of Jewish Thought at Mechon Hadar, an egalitarian community of learning in New York City, and Rabbi Sara Luria, executive director and founder of ImmerseNYC. For more information, check out the podcast website at com, or follow Really Interesting Jews on Facebook ( com/reallyinterestingjews) or Twitter (@ RIJpodcast) March 24 Purim April Passover May 5 Yom HaShoah May 11 Yom HaZikaron May 12 Yom HaAtzma ut June Shavuot 5777 October 2 Erev Rosh Hashanah October 3-4 Rosh Hashanah October 11 Erev Yom Kippur October 12 Yom Kippur