JANUARY 2018 STANDING FOR ISRAEL. Tevet - Shevat

Transcription

1 5778 JANUARY 2018 Tevet - Shevat STANDING FOR ISRAEL It can happen in a restaurant with friends, at a party, or in your home while listening to the news: someone offers a statement, a fact, a position, a logical argument about human suffering in the Middle East, which is, at the same time, a condemnation of the State of Israel. Suddenly, where once you felt comfortable with your sense of justice, you find it difficult to respond. Is it true? Where you once thought Israel stood for justice and democracy, is it possible that Israel has now emerged as a Goliathan oppressor of a defenseless, downtrodden people, who are struggling for their human rights? How do you respond? Are you quiet because you do not want to reveal your own confusion? Do you feel an instinct that makes you want to argue a point you are not equipped to make? Do you suddenly feel like an outsider, perhaps even unwelcome, among those with whom you thought you shared common values? If we are asking some of these questions or feeling some of these feelings, it behooves us to find some balanced information so that we can respond to the complex, competing and often emotional statements about Israel. Fortunately, there is a lot of information that is easily accessible. That s a good thing because we live in a hyper-speed world which requires us to do some fast learning as we seek the truth. Of course, this means we have to do some research, reading all we can on every side of the issue so that we can draw our own conclusions. When former President Jimmy Carter published his book Palestine: Peace not Apartheid, many people, who consider themselves supporters of Israel, were surprised because in his book he abandoned all objectivity and unabashedly acted as a virtual spokesman for the Palestinian cause. Mr. Carter said that the reason that he wrote the book was to provoke discussion. To my mind, there is one of two things we can do. We can put our head in Light Volume 75, Issue 10Eternal (continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 STANDING FOR ISRAEL (cont) Tevet - Shevat the sand and hope that if we don t respond, then those the likes of Mr. Carter will go away. Or we can educate ourselves about the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict so that we can participate in these discussions when we are called upon to do so. There are several easy ways to access reliable information. The first is to read the newly released book written by Daniel Gordis entitled Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn. This is the best and most current history of Israel I have seen. Read it! If you want to go online, read the writings of Dr. Mitchell Bard. Dr. Bard is a foreign policy analyst who lectures on U.S.-Middle East policy. You can access his work through and search for Myths and Facts: A Guide to the Arab-Israeli Conflict. You can also get good material from the Anti- Defamation League at Do a search for: Advocating For Israel: Facts and Talking Points. Finally, you can go to AIPAC s website, for great up to date information on the current issues. AIPAC is a non-partisan organization that acts as America s only pro-israel lobby. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of Donna and Hans Sternberg, we have frequent AIPAC events here in Baton Rouge. So if you want to learn about how you can get involved, you have a local resource. Whatever you do, don t miss the upcoming AIPAC event on January 8 th at CBI at 5 pm. David Horovitz will be in town to speak on Uniting to meet our common threats: The United States and Israel. (Information for how to register is on Page???) Once you feel you have some tools in your arsenal, you will feel better equipped to stand up for Israel when you find yourself in a situation where it is necessary to respond. Those who spew anti-israel rhetoric need to know that there are many of us out there who will set the record straight when necessary. In 2018, please do this important mitzvah for Israel: Read and study as much as you can so that you can be an advocate for the State of Israel. If we don t do it, nobody else will. Rabbi Jordan Goldson Join us for Shabbat Morning Tefilah & Torah Study Saturdays, 10 am In the Gary J. Weill Youth Room

3 Tevet - Shevat Page 3 President s Message by Jay Jalenak Welcome to our 160 th Year My first year as Congregation president was busy and fulfilling, and it passed quickly. I am enthusiastic as we enter our Congregation s 160 th year. History has rough on Jewish congregations across the South; yet, 160 years later, we continue to thrive. Our 160 th year is worthy of a great celebration and plans are in the works. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you at our annual meeting at 5 p.m., on Sunday, January 21. We will induct our new board, look back at last year s success and get our new board year underway. In addition, we will honor our recipient of this year s President s Award. Choosing a single recipient of a President s Award was an overwhelming task. I am in awe of the tireless work by numerous volunteers in support of this Congregation. For example, Andy Blumberg and Mark Sager work nonstop addressing maintenance, repairs and improvements to our building. Treasurer Warren Sager fights the neverending battle to keep us fiscally responsible. Without Art & Soul Chair Louann Bombet and her incredible team, this past year could not have been a success. Mike Kantrow worked with a surveyor to map our cemetery, and he chaired our cemetery cleanup. No one matches Cookie Dubois energy and spirit in support of CBI, and she and Bill cook fabulous meals for our events. In addition to wonderful music for services, Michael Roth also provides essential database support to our office. Past President Deborah Sternberg still accepts my calls, answers my endless questions, and proudly represents us nationally in the URJ Board. All are worthy of my recognition and eternal gratitude. But, this year I want to give special recognition to Lynn Weill. Lynn is dedicated to our Congregation and our community. As a board member, she has been active, hardworking and prepared. She does not accept the status quo, and she challenges us to strive for excellence. Lynn chaired our Development Committee and drafted allencompassing and much needed development policies. In 2016, when our community was devastated by the flood, our Congregation looked to Lynn s leadership to guide fundraising and the delivery of relief aid. Ultimately, Lynn s get-it-done attitude resulted in her chairing the combined flood relief efforts of Jewish Federation and both congregations. When there has been a tough task, Lynn has accepted the challenge. Therefore, while there are so many who do so much for Congregation B nai Israel, I am pleased to be able to specifically recognize Lynn for all that she has done and continues to do for CBI.

4 Calendar Page 4 Tevet - Shevat January January 1 OFFICE CLOSED January 4 WCBI Mah Jongg, 6pm January 5 Shabbat Service, 6pm January 6 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am January 7 NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL January 8 AIPAC Meeting, 4:30pm January 12 Shabbat Service, 6pm Union Prayer Book January 13 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am January 14 Religious School, 9:30am Confirmation, 12pm Israel Folk Dancing, 7-8:30pm January 19 Shabbat Service, 6pm January 20 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am January 21 Religious School, 9:30am CBI Annual Meeting, 5pm January 26 Shabbat Service, 6pm January 27 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am January 28 Religious School, 9:30am Confirmation, 12pm Israel Folk Dancing, 7-8:30pm February February 2 Shabbat Service, 6pm February 3 Tu B shevat Seder, 10am February 4 Religious School, 9:30am Confirmation, 12pm Israel Folk Dancing, 7-8:30pm February 6 Board Meeting, 6pm February 8 WCBI Mah Jongg, 6pm February 9 Shabbat Service, 6pm Union Prayer Book February 10 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am February 11 NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL February 13 OFFICE CLOSED February 16 Shabbat Service, 6pm February 17 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am February 18 Religious School, 9:30am Confirmation, 12pm Israel Folk Dancing, 7-8:30pm February 23 Shabbat Service, 6pm February 24 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am February 25 Religious School, 9:30am PURIM CARNIVAL February 28 MEGILLAH READING

5 Tevet - Shevat Page 5 B NAI ACADEMY LIFE LONG LEARNING / 5778 WINTER SEMESTER HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF As we study Jewish history from the time of Abraham to the present day, we will learn lessons that will help us to understand our lives. Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm.. Taught by Rabbi Jordan Goldson. Class dates TBA AN AMUSING JOURNEY THROUGH JEWISH HUMOR Discover why our humor continues to nourish and sustain us. Look with Rabbi Barry Weinstein at examples of Jewish humor from a variety of sources throughout the Jewish world over time. Wednesdays: 6:30-7:30 pm. Class dates TBA Classes offered through the B nai Academy are free to members of Congregation B nai Israel. Non-members are welcome to participate for a fee of $50. To register, or call Rabbi Jordan Goldson (rabbijg@bnaibr.org or x 203). Deadline to register is Friday, January 15th. You can also register online at Union Prayer Book Service Schedule Fridays at 6 p.m. January 12 February 9 March 9 April 13 May 11

6 Religious School Page 6 Tevet - Shevat RELIGIOUS SCHOOL NEWS: by Julie Tepper No Religious School January 7 th We return January 14 th Thanks to our wonderful volunteers who made all the latkes for the Chanukah Celebration Hilary and Hamilton Shaw Julie Suggs Allyson Bombet Jill Pike Shelly Mullenix Thank you to WCBI for their support of the Chanukah Celebration!

7 Tevet - Shevat Page 7 Confirmation class lit the Chanukah Candles: Neil Tepper Lail Shaw Hannah Kaplan Charlie Roth (not pictured)

8 To our Latke Judges Shelly Mullenix Sierra Sager Maggie Mullenix

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10 Thank you to the CBI Judaica Gift Shop for the donation of gifts for the M&M Celebration

11 Tu B Shevat Seder Saturday, February 3rd at 10am We will celebrate the New Year of the Trees in the Tradition of the ancient mystics by having a Tu B Shevat Seder. This Seder is similar to the Passover Seder (4 cups of wine, etc) yet the theme is appreciating the beauty of the natural world. Delicious fruits, nuts and juices will be served. Save The Date You are cordially invited to the Annual Meeting of January 21, 2018 Beth Shalom Synagogue 10am 11:30am Social Hall

12 Page 12 Tevet - Shevat CBI MEN S CLUB Thank you to all who contributed and volunteered for the Big Buddy Shopping Spree!

13 Page 13 Tevet - Shevat B I G B U D D Y S H O P P I N G S P R E E

14 Page 14 Tevet - Shevat 2017 IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BUILDING Thanks to donations to the Capital Campaign and the Building Fund, we are pleased that the following projects have been completed: Lights throughout the building were replaced with LED lights Security Cameras were upgraded and technology set up for smart phone control. Fence around the AC units by Religious School entrance was replaced for a more appealing look. Mechanical room was cleaned and organized with new shelving. Thermostats were upgraded to a web base system and smart phone control. The Jewish Cemetery was cleaned up and new services added to maintain a more beautiful cemetery. Push bars security doors replaced in social hall and back door entrance. New Air Condition Units replaced for the south classrooms and the hallway.

15 Tevet - Shevat Page 15 To Lisa Binder and Isabelle Posner for Dr. Gerald Posner being honored as an inductee to the Opelousas General Health System Hall of Fame. Mazel Tov to everyone who celebrates birthdays and anniversaries this month! to the Big Buddy Shopping Spree Volunteers and Contributors! to Rabbi Barry & Linda Weinstein for sponsoring the pre-oneg on Dec 8th to Mary Ann Sternberg for sponsoring the pre-oneg on Dec 22nd Congregation B nai Israel Annual Meeting January 21, :00 pm ONEG immediately following!

16 Page 16 Tevet - Shevat Designated Funds You may donate to the Temple in many ways. The designated Temple funds are listed below with a brief description of each. When making your donations, please designate your fund of choice. Chunky & Ellen Folks Building Fund: For maintenance, repairs & improvements to the building Camp Scholarship Fund: For need-based scholarships to a Jewish camp. Carolyn & Bernard Schmulen Cemetery Beautification Fund: To plant appropri ate shrubbery and trees, particularly in the new part of the cemetery, to create a more beautiful and peaceful setting Cemetery Maintenance Fund: Cemetery maintenance CBI Foundation - Endowment Fund: To establish a permanent base of financial support for Congregation B nai Israel. Gary Weill Youth Room Fund: For maintenance, upkeep and improvements of the Youth Room General Fund: For support of general operating expenses of the Temple Alvin & Janice Rubin Ner Tamid Break Fast Fund: To provide continued support for the Annual Yom Kippur Break Fast. Prayer Book Fund: To purchase new prayer books. Rabbi's Discretionary Fund: Support ofworthy charitable organizations & to assist members in need Sandy Sager Beautification and Garden Fund: For outdoor Temple beautification Sylvia Steiner Religious School Fund: To purchase needed items and provide scholarship assistance for Religious School Torah Repair Fund: For repairs to Torahs. The following memorials or dedications are also available: Tree of Life Leaf: $250 Tree of Life Stone: $1000 Yahrzeit Memorial Plaque: $250 Sanctuary Pew (1/2 side): $1500 DONATE ONLINE at Pay by credit card online with an easy form that allows you to choose a designated fund or the general donation fund and the purpose of your gift. Donations may also be mailed to 3354 Kleinert Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

17 Tevet - Shevat Page 17 Contributions General Fund Barbara Young- in memory of Jane Facto Dave Safer - in memory of Sarah Safer Edie & Ralph Bender - in memory of Paul Handmacher Edie & Ralph Bender - in memory of Matt Astrowsky Edie & Ralph Bender - in memory of Heidi Yellen Edie & Ralph Bender - wishing a speedy recovery to Josh Yellen Edie & Ralph Bender - wishing a speedy recovery to Barbara Jacobs Edie & Ralph Bender - in honor of President Jay Jalenak CBI Endowment Fund Mathile & Steven Abramson Sylvia Steiner Religious School Fund Monday Mah Johgg Group - Thanks for letting us play here. Gary Weill Youth Room Fund Lise & Charlie Kaufman - in honor of Felix Weill s birthday Louann & Ronnie Bombet - in honor of Felix Weill s 70th birthday Laurie & Harold Brandt - in memory of Betty Hirsch Laurie & Harold Brandt - in memory of Jerry Berkowitz Prayer Book Fund Barbara Young - in memory of Jane Facto

18 Yarzheits Page 18 Tevet - Shevat ז כ רוֹנ ם ל ב ר כ ה Zichronam Livracha May their memories be a blessing JANUARY 5 Edith Brenner Louis E. Gartner Ivan Greenspan Richard Hillman Barbara Howey Sophie Mann Vivian Quine Dula Mae Roby Mildred S. Suffrin Edna Ullman Violet Wolf Grandmother of Edie Bender Mother of Brenda Berg Grandmother of Scott Berg Grandfather of Rebecca Svensson Father of Justin Hillman Sister of Terry Howey Grandmother of Chip Mann Cousin of Jim Mayer Mother of Andy Roby Mother-in-law of RoseAnne Suffrin Grandmother of Rabbi Jordan Goldson Aunt of Victor Sachse, III JANUARY 12 Ruth Dunn Joan B. Frankel Aunt of Jim Mayer Mother of Laurie Frankel Ethel L. Jacobs Mother of Betty Schwartzberg Corinne S. Kaufman Grandmother of Carol and Lee Newman Anabelle B. Levy Grandmother of Laurie Frankel Charles B. Maas, Sr. Father of Charles B. Maas, Jr. Susan G. Riker Mother of Katie Sternberg Joseph W. Samuels Father of Marc Samuels Louis Turchen Doris Levy Weill Father of Judy Fishbein Grandmother of Felix Weill, Laurie Brandt Julie Nachman and Susan Dampf Great grandmother of David Weill, Paul Dampf, Lauren Ritchey and Paige Wormser

19 Tevet - Shevat ז כ רוֹנ ם ל ב ר כ ה Zichronam Livracha May their memories be a blessing Page 19 JANUARY 19 Laz Abraham Brian Hulse Alvin M. Labens Abe Levine Lewis S. Levy Louis Liss Fannie Lyman Carol Lewis Marx Bessie G. Mehl Grandfather of Eric Abraham Brother of Anne Fishbein Father of Steven Labens Grandfather of Bette Levine Father-in-law of Robert Blumberg Father of Ayan Rubin Mother of Doris Chesler Mother of Jill Kantrow Grandmother of Brock Kantrow and Emelie Alton Aunt of Harvey Schwartzberg Vera Mundt Miller Mother of Robbie Rubin Lisa Bertman Pate Daughter of Skip & Sandy Bertman Adolph Safer Dorothy Siegal Abe Stien JANUARY 26 Julia A. Bombet Fernand K. Eader Jay Jalenak, Sr. Father of David Safer Cousin of Maureen Corcoran Uncle of Dave Safer Mother of Ronnie Bombet & Julius Bombet Cousin of Betty Schwartzberg Father of Jay Jalenak, Jr. Rebecca N. Labens Mother of Steven Labens Isadore Lesser Barbara Perry Father of Eleanor Fraenkel Mother-in-law of Robert Blumberg Bernard Pressburg Husband of Gretchen Pressburg Harold Rubin Sylvia Steiner Ricky Stockner Uncle of Michael and David Rubin Mother of Maureen Corcoran Brother of James Stockner Yarzheits

20 Tevet - Shevat Page 20 VISITING THOSE WHO ARE ILL Congregation B nai Israel wants to make sure we care for our members and their families. If you have a family member or know of someone in our congregation who is in the hospital, has been in an accident, or is ill and recuperating at home, please call the Temple office at so Rabbi Jordan can contact them and arrange for a visit. HEALING Mi Shebeirach, the prayer for physical and emotional healing, is recited at the Friday evening Shabbat service. If you are ill and would like a Mi Shebeirach recited on your behalf, please call the Temple office at before noon on Thursdays, so the congregation may offer its prayers for you. If you know another person who needs the same, please ask the individual for permission to read his/her name before calling the office. YARZHEITS Yarzheit names are traditionally read during the Friday night Shabbat service prior to the anniversary of a loved ones death unless other arrangements are made through the temple office. We will now send out Yahrzeit reminders by unless requested mailed. By , you will receive a reminder 30 days, 15 days & Monday prior to the Friday before the Yahrzeit. If you do not receive a reminder, please contact the office by (office@bnaibr.org) or call the temple office. You may add your yahrzeit dates online at Click on contact us then Yahrzeit Reminder Form or call the office at Cemetery Security at The Jewish Cemetery: Security is on site at the cemetery every 2nd Sunday of the month from 10:00am - 2:00pm.

21 Community Tevet - Shevat Page 21 CLUB NEWS OR UPCOMING EVENT? To include your event in the newsletter, the information and any pictures or graphics that you want included to office@bnaibr.org. All requests are presented to Rabbi and/or the board for approval. Requests must be received before the 15th of the month preceding the newsletter. Israeli Folk Dancing at CBI CBI Social Hall from 7:00-8:30pm Dancers, experienced or novice, singles, couples or families, young or young-at-heart, are invited to attend free of charge. Or, if you prefer to, just come and listen to the lovely music of Israel on the following Sundays: Jan 14, 18 Feb 4, 18 Mar 4, 18 Apr 8, 22 May 13 Contact: David Kirshner at WCBI MAH JONGG EVERY MONTH on the 1st THURSDAY NIGHT - 6pm Do you want to learn how to play Mah Jongg? Lessons are now being taught in the Gary Weill Youth Room First Thursday of each month beginning at 6pm (play is until) Bring snacks to share (temple food restrictions apply). If you are interested, please call: Jill Roby ( ) LOOKING FOR A VENUE FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT? The newly renovated Social Hall and the Gary J. Weill Youth Room are available for your next event at a reasonable cost. For information, contact the office at

22 Page 22 Tevet - Shevat Judaica Gift Shop Did you know??? We have gifts for any age and any occasion Holiday, Wedding, B nai Mitzvah, Birthday! The gift shop is open during office hours or by appointment by calling Cathy Labens at Gift shop income supports WCBI! BaRFTY Shalom y all. Last month, Barfty celebrated Hanukkah with a get together at Rachael Morrison s house. We lit the menorah and ate lots of sushi. There was an event on the 20 th where Barfty helped cook at St. James Place. We are planning on having ice skating on January 14 th at Leo s. Winter KALLAH will be the weekend of January 26 th, hope everyone can sign up soon!! So register at Stay tuned, Hannah Kaplan Barfty Communications Vice President SPONSOR A PRE-ONEG SHABBAT If you would like to sponsor a Pre-Oneg Shabbat in 2018, you can do so by making a $36 donation in honor of a special event or in memory of a loved one. Wine and a cheese nosh will be served at 5:30 pm prior to services. Please join us for this wonderful time to connect with each other on Shabbat. Contact the Temple office to arrange your sponsorship.

23 Tevet - Shevat Page 23 Hadassah has some wonderful events planned to help us through the season of winter blahs. Please mark your calendars and join us for some, or all, of the following: January 13- Our annual trip to the Baton Rouge film festival. We will meet for dinner at 5 p.m. at Albasha on Corporate then on to see Denial which starts at 7:30 p.m. The movie stars Rachel Weisz and Timothy Spall. It is a story about an author, Deborah Lipstadt who wrote a book about the Holocaust and then was sued by a Holocaust denier and had to defend herself in a libel suit. Should be fascinating. January We will partner with the Red Shoes to sponsor an event called Oasis in Time: An Urban Spiritual Retreat led by Rabbi Diane Elliot. We will get help developing a spiritual practice through meditation, movement and nuanced interpretations. This should be a wonderful weekend on the path to spiritual awakening. There will be a Shabbat dinner, workshops and more. Please come to all or just some of the many events planned. Detailed flyer to follow. February 4- We will combine our Tu B Shevat celebration with the installation of our new officers. Stay tuned for exact time and location. Thank you for all you do for Hadassah. Jan 10-14, 2018 Manship Theatre Tickets are now on sale for the 12 th Annual Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival. The Festival has become one of the outstanding entertainment and cultural events of the city. If you have been to the previous Festivals, you know the quality of the films and speakers. If you have not attended the festival, don t let another opportunity go by. Call the Manship Theatre box office at or order online at Follow the Festival on Facebook, too, for the latest updates. Already a lifelong fan? Consider becoming a Patron. Patrons get free tickets to the Saturday night show as well as tickets to the pre-show dinner upstairs at the Shaw Center s 3 rd floor Turner Gallery. Contact the Federation office at for information on becoming a Patron of the Baton Rouge Jewish Film Festival. See you at the movies!

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26 Congregation B nai Israel 3354 Kleinert Avenue Baton Rouge, LA Address Service Requested BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jay Jalenak, President Deborah Sternberg, Past President Seth Kaplan, Vice President Warren Sager, Treasurer Andy Blumberg, Secretary Ronnie Bombet Shawn Folks Mike Kantrow Robbie Rubin Lynn Weill Linda Dubois Adrian Hirsch Donna Kunstler Norman Schwamberg Nathan Levy, Men s Club President Paige Wormser, Women of CBI President Max Sager, BaRFTY Co-President Eliana Levy, BaRFTY Co-President STAFF Jordan E. Goldson Rabbi (rabbijg@bnaibr.org) Barry Weinstein Rabbi Emeritus Cathy Duplechin Office Administrator (office@bnaibr.org) Jessica Yellen Religious School Co-Director (relschool@bnaibr.org) Julie Tepper Religious School Co-Director (asst.relschool@bnaibr.org) James Hickman, Custodian TEMPLE OFFICE VOLUNTEERS (TOV) Edie Bender Edie Bernard Laurie Brandt Robbie Rubin Congregation B nai Israel ANNUAL MEETING Sunday January 21st 5:00 pm