ETERNAL LIGHT. Continued on page 3. November 2018 / Cheshvan - Kislev 5778

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1 ETERNAL LIGHT Over the holidays, someone mentioned to me in an off-handed manner that he doesn t attend synagogue much because he is not much of a believer. Then he said, You should really excommunicate me! My first thought was, we don t do that. And then I thought about Baruch Spinoza who hundreds of years ago was excommunicated by the Sephardic Jewish community in Amsterdam for what they felt were heretical beliefs. This great thinker was cut off from his community at the age of 23 for the view of God that eventually would be called non-dual theology. It is said that Albert Einstein was once pressed by a rabbi to announce whether or not he believed in God. He famously replied that he believed in the God of Spinoza. I don t think that is a bad endorsement for taking Spinoza s theology seriously. Born in Amsterdam in 1632, Baruch Spinoza excelled in his Jewish studies but his passion for philosophical speculation led him into fields considered heretical by the relatively liberal Jewish community. At the heart of his argument, Spinoza rejected the notion that mind and matter are differentiated from each other. He believed that God and the universe are in fact one. Spinoza has been labeled a pantheist for good reason. Nevertheless, I prefer the label non-dual theology. Non-dual theology has been compared to polytheism, paganism, and atheism. Yet, it is none of those. Rather, it is a humble admission that we cannot understand the mystery of the universe but we can feel we are inextricably part of that mystery. Continued on page 3 November 2018 / Cheshvan - Kislev 5778

2 FROM THE PRESIDENT 2

3 Rabbi s Message (cont from page 1) Mystics over the centuries understand this recognition and have given it different names, as have Transcendentalists, religion professors and sociologists. Spinoza s influence over modern Jewish thought is so comprehensive that often his foundational work is taken for granted. His greatest gift to Jewish theology may be providing language to describe this kind of divine understanding. Of course, Spinoza s actual writing is difficult to understand, and the medieval doctrine of non-dualism, found in the Kabbalah and reflected in Hasidism, does not find many modern readers. Nevertheless, mainstream spiritual practice in Israel reflects a strong non-dual aspect, such as the bumper sticker that says, Ein Od Milvado (there is nothing but God). Jay Michelson, in his book, Everything is God: The Radical Path of Nondual Judaism, explains that religion is not about belief in God, myth, or fundamentalist ideas of scripture but love, and the obligations which spring from it. Meditation is not about cultivating special states of mind, but learning to accept that everything in life even suffering, pain, and injustice as God. This is an interesting approach that we should think about, especially those skeptics among us. Join us for Shabbat Morning Tefilah & Torah Study Saturdays, 10 am In the Gary J. Weill Youth Room 3

4 CALENDAR November 2 Shabbat Service, 6pm November 3 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am November 4 Religious School, 9:30am Confirmation, 12pm Israeli Folk Dancing, 7pm November 9 Shabbat Service, 6pm Union Prayer Book led by Rabbi Barry Weinstein November 10 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am November 11 TURKEY TRAIN Confirmation, 12pm November 13 Board Meeting, 6pm November 16 Shabbat Service, 6pm November 17 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am November 18 NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Israeli Folk Dancing, 7pm November OFFICE CLOSED November 23 Shabbat Service, 6pm November 24 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am November 25 NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL November 30 Shabbat Service, 6pm December 4 Religious School, 9:30am Confirmation, 12pm Israeli Folk Dancing, 7pm December 7 160th Anniversary Service, 6pm and Chanukah Party December 8 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am December 9 Religious School, 9:30am December 11 Board Meeting, 6pm December 12 Men s Club Shopping Spree, 5:30 pm December 14 Shabbat Service, 6pm Union Prayer Book December 15 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am December 16 Religious School, 9:30am Confirmation, 12pm Israeli Folk Dancing, 7pm December 21 Shabbat Service, 6pm December 22 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am December 23 NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL December OFFICE CLOSED December 28 Shabbat Service, 6pm December 29 Shabbat Tefilah & Torah Study, 10am December 30 NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL December 31 OFFICE CLOSED 4

5 OFFICE CLOSED: The temple office will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 22nd and Friday November 23rd. Union Prayer Book Service Schedule Fridays at 6 p.m. November 9 December 14 January 4 February 15 March 15 FOR YOUR INFORMATION: The road is still closed at Claycut / Acadian Thruway due to bridge repair on Claycut Rd. between Marwede Ave. and Acadian Thruway. Best access to the temple from Acadian Thruway is via Broussard St. If you are out of town or ill, watch Shabbat Services on Facebook Live. Some of the Shabbat Services will be live-streamed on Facebook: To be notified when we re live, find Congregation B nai Israel on Facebook and friend us. You will then get a notification from Facebook that we are live. You can also go back and watch it again. 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: Contact: David Kirshner at for more information 5

6 Invest in our future! Youth programs Religious School Teacher Training Family Education Barfty JYG Camp Scholarships Adult Programs Adult B nai Mitzvah Conversion Classes Jewish Spirtuality Classes Women of CBI Men s Club Interfaith Couples Group Worship B nai Mitzvah Confirmation Shabbat Dinners Purim Schpiels Torah Study Study Minyan Temple Community Rosh Hashanah Oneg Yom Kippur Break Fast Tashlich by the Lake Sukkot Picnic Chanukah Celebration Community Gatherings Social Action Mitzvah Day Turkey Train Big Buddy Shopping Spree Habitat for Humanity Food Bank Drive Southern Comfort Committee Donate online at or mail your check with memo High Holy Days to: 3354 Kleinert Ave., Baton Rouge, LA

7 Men s Club Big Buddy Shopping Spree Dear Members of CBI Congregation: The Annual CBI Men's Club Shopping Spree" is set for Wednesday, December 12, 2018 beginning at 5:30 pm. Once again, we are partnering with the Big Buddy Program of Baton Rouge and Macy s Mall of Louisiana. Contributions from our congregants provide the crucial funding for us to bless children and their families, who are less fortunate than ours, with a holiday time worth remembering. Over the past 40 years, we have helped over 1000 children bring the holidays into their homes. On average, it costs us $150 for a single child to put a few wrapped gifts under their tree. To take 35 kids on the spree, it costs about $5, Imagine what we could do if each member family sponsored just one child! So with the holiday spirit in mind, I ask that you please consider sponsoring that one child. I understand that not everyone can afford a full sponsorship for a child, but every donation, no matter what the amount, is appreciated. Please send contributions, big or small, in the form of a check payable to the B'nai Israel Men's Club at the temple address or donate online at (under DONATE tab - then Mens Club Shopping Spree). Money donations aren't the only way to help out with this important event. We also need volunteers to help the young children choose good gifts for their family members, and help them wrap the presents when they are done. The Shopping Spree will be held 5:30-8:00 pm at Macy's in the Mall of Louisiana. For students who are involved with community service hours, the Big Buddy program can officially sponsor your volunteer hours. If you would like to participate, or if you have any questions, please contact Nathan Levy at nathanl2000@att.net. Thanks in advance! Nathan Levy CBI Men's Club, c/o Nathan Levy 3354 Kleinert Avenue 7

8 4th Grade - Slime Heading to snacks Bnai Mitzvah Prep PreK- making Challah New Torah for Consecration Pre-K - Shabbat 8 3rd Grade - Stained Glass Project

9 3rd Grade Family Education 9

10 JUSTINE HERZOG - LIFE LONG LEARNING Torah Writing Workshop Thanks to the Justine Herzog Memorial Fund for Lifelong Learning Grant 10

11 TURKEY TRAIN The TURKEY TRAIN is coming on November 11! Get your ticket aboard the 10 th annual Congregation B nai Israel Religious School Turkey Train for families in need this Thanksgiving! There are 2 ways you can participate in this mitzvah: Donate $20 for the purchase of a turkey by NOVEMBER 4. Matherne s Market Downton is joining us in the mitzvah by providing a discount and free delivery! Please bring your donation to Religious School, pay online ( or mail a check to the Temple. Be sure to put Turkey Train in the subject line and make checks payable to: Congregation B nai Israel Religious School Bring a frozen turkey to Religious School on the morning of Sunday November 11 Due to space restrictions we cannot accept frozen turkeys before this day. All students will have a hand in the mitzvah by participating in our train of passing each turkey from the kitchen to the truck(s). The turkeys will then be delivered to St. Vincent de Paul, where they will be feeding the hungry families throughout the long Thanksgiving weekend. Bring mittens/gloves to wear on November 11 and participate in the mitzvah of feeding the hungry this Thanksgiving by joining us on THE TURKEY TRAIN at 11:30 a. m.! Congregation B nai Israel Religious School 3354 Kleinert Avenue Baton Rouge, LA x205 asst.relschool@bnaibr.org 11

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16 BUBBE S KITCHEN & ZAYDE S BAR 16

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18 Happy Birthday B nai Hanukkah Party! December 7, 2018 lighting the night with a Shabbat service, an awesome oneg with a big B nai birthday cake and featuring the ultimate party band the New Orleans Klezmer Allstars No Tickets Necessary for Members, Their Family and Friends HISTORY OF CONGREGATION B NAI ISRAEL Presented by Rabbi Jordan Goldson 18

19 COMMUNITY CLUB NEWS OR UPCOMING EVENT? To include your event in the newsletter, the information and any pictures or graphics t hat 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. 19

20 Mazel Tov to everyone who celebrates birthdays and anniversaries this month! To Robbie and David Rubin for the birth of their grandson Alvin Michael Rubin SoCoCo (Southern Comfort Committee) Contact Rabbi if you are in need of assistance at Call the office or send an to if you want to volunteer to cook. BaRFTY So far so good! BARFTY has been having so much fun this fall. We went to Mitzvah Corps last month and reunited with all our friends, having a blast! Also, the High Holiday food drive was just amazing this year. We raised $571 and 322lb of food between the two synagogues!! We really thank everyone who helped out. We do have some super fun events coming up, such as volunteering at the No Kill Animal Shelter on November 4 th, we would love to see you there. November 18th we are hearing the story of Miriam Bensman at Beth Shalom. Thank you for supporting BaRFTY, we are looking forward to the next events! Josh Black 20

21 DONATIONS Condolences to Hamilton Shaw and Family On the death of his father Lail Hamilton Shaw, Jr. May his memory be a blessing. Condolences to Charles and Carolyn Bombet and Family On the death of their son Seth Abraham Bombet May his memory be a blessing. 21

22 DESIGNATED FUNDS 22

23 YAHRZEIT ז כ רוֹנ ם ל ב ר כ ה Zichronam Livracha May their memories be a blessing 23

24 YARHZEIT We mourn with our entire community the loss of those murdered in Pittsburgh. Joyce Fienberg Richard Gottfried Rose Mallinger Jerry Rabinowitz David Rosenthal Cecil Rosenthal Sylvan and Bernice Simon Daniel Stein Melvin Wax Irving Younger 24

25 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. 25

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28 3354 Kleinert Avenue Baton Rouge, LA Address Service Requested BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jay Jalenak, President Seth Kaplan, Vice President Warren Sager, Treasurer Andy Blumberg, Secretary Scott Berg Linda Dubois Mike Kantrow Donna Kunstler Michael Roth Robbie Rubin Norman Schwamberg Julie Suggs Lynn Weill Nathan Levy, Men s Club President Paige Wormser, Women of CBI President Julia Sager, BaRFTY Co-President Maggie Mullinex, 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 The TURKEY TRAIN is coming November 11th 28