Congregation B nai Torah Megilla

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Nursery School News by Joan Watnick Congregation B nai Torah Megilla The Center Of Jewish Family Life In The Greater Trumbull Area Vol.

Before school ends we will say goodbye to them and release them on the playground. On Yom Ha'Atzma'ut, Lital, a 19 year old emissary from Israel, visited our Nursery School.

After creating Israeli flags we marched in a parade and sang. We baked and ate yummy blue and white cookies for Israel's birthday.

1 Nursery School News by Joan Watnick Congregation B nai Torah Megilla The Center Of Jewish Family Life In The Greater Trumbull Area Vol Issue 10 June 2009 So much has been happening in Nursery School as our school year draws to a close. We are thrilled to watch our caterpillars transform into cocoons and finally butterflies. Before school ends we will say goodbye to them and release them on the playground. On Yom Ha'Atzma'ut, Lital, a 19 year old emissary from Israel, visited our Nursery School. She showed us where she lives on a big map of Israel and we learned some new Hebrew words. We made pictures for Lital to put in the Kotel and milked a pretend cow with surgical glove udders. After creating Israeli flags we marched in a parade and sang. We baked and ate yummy blue and white cookies for Israel's birthday. We each made something special for our very special moms for Mother's day. We learned about community helpers and had a visit from a nurse (thank you Debbie Velthuizen), a Trumbull firefighter and his truck, and a dental hygienist. The Four year old class went on a trip to Trumbull EMS for a tour. In May we celebrated a heartwarming Nursery School Family Shabbat. We were very fortunate to have a Trumbull kindergarten teacher and a Fairfield public school social worker present an important parent workshop on Kindergarten Readiness. We look forward to our end of year celebrations this month with picnics in the park for each class and an exciting interactive animal program from the Connecticut Audubon Society. What a wonderful year we've had, what a joy to participate in the growth and development that occurs during the preschool years. Thank you to Rabbi Colin, Shirley Cohen and Bernice Tobin for adding to our program. Thank you to our devoted teachers for their outstanding efforts, and to Sharon and Deno for the support that enables school to run smoothly.

It seems therefore appropriate to reflect on some of our joint accomplishments as a congregation in the past 2008- As a congregation, we're all about our members. Our membership has increased.

2 President s Column by Robert Velthuizen 2009 board year. As you read this, a new board will have been elected to take the helm on July 1. As we did last year, the new board will meet and try to define the goals for the year. It seems therefore appropriate to reflect on some of our joint accomplishments as a congregation in the past As a congregation, we're all about our members. Our membership has increased. A good number of families, often with Talmud Torah age children have joined and many have become active. Many have joined, they tell us, because it feels good to be part of our community - I cannot think of a better compliment. As a synagogue, prayer plays a critical role. Our worship has expanded to include Junior Congregation, grade services on Saturday, and we've started family service dinners. These activities have brought in many of our youngsters, making the synagogue more inclusive. While many organizations bring people together, one aspect that makes us a Jewish community is our desire to make this a better world. The Social Action committee has done a marvelous job in increasing awareness, and providing opportunities to attack hunger and poverty. Similarly, the Ma'Asim Tovim committee has helped provide help to those that need it. A previously vacant position for VP Ways and Means has successfully been leveraged to raise funds, but also to bring us the wonderful Sunday Morning breakfast. Together with wonderfully successful Bingo, Chai Award Dinner and Scrip the financial stresses on B'nai Torah seem to have relaxed a little. Many more good things have happened in the past year, too many to name here. There still is much to be done. We already have plans for Adult Education, a youth group, further programming and events you will want to be part of. The Megilla is the official synagogue bulletin of Congregation B'nai Torah and is published about 11 times per year. Congregation B'nai Torah serves as the focal point of Jewish life for the greater Trumbull community. Publisher: Congregation B'nai Torah 5700 Main Street Trumbull, CT Phone: (203) Fax: (203) ; info@bnaitorahct.org; website: Committee: Editor in Chief: Vince Woodward. Lay out, binding and mailing: Sharon Nagy. Printing: Susan Elkodsi Thanks also to: Jeff Levi, Donna Frankel. Subscriptions: The Megilla is mailed to all members of Congregation B'nai Torah and to those expressing an interest in receiving it. Please contact the synagogue office to be included on the mailing list. I say specifically that these are accomplishments we can all take credit for and be proud of. Much of the progress comes from who we are - a wonderful, warm and personable community. Page 2 The Megilla June, 2009

Editor's Note by Vince Woodward It is my great pleasure to bring you the June 2009 edition of the B'nai Torah Megilla. Thanks you to all who made it possible. The economic crisis continues.

3 Editor's Note by Vince Woodward It is my great pleasure to bring you the June 2009 edition of the B'nai Torah Megilla. Thanks you to all who made it possible. The economic crisis continues. It is affecting our regional community, whose various members are increasingly concerned about their personal financial stability and security. Many are concerned their job opportunities will dry up, while the media is increasing the level of fear and uncertainty with speculation whether the economy has hit bottom. As a result, people are questioning the institutions they previously trusted on the financial decisions made over the past decade. Now more than ever there is need for Jewish community. B'nai Torah is that community. The Megilla is B'Nai Torah's newsletter, a friendly voice inviting you to participate. Last Friday we all took enormous pleasure in watching the current Hebrew school eighth grade graduates conduct evening services. Mazel tov and yasher koach to you all! Many thanks to Beth Tepper and her staff for their dedicated hard work! It was, however, a bittersweet event. We realized that the years which the students had spent together, growing and learning, were coming to a close. Rabbi Colin expressed his hopes that many of the students gathered on the bema would continue their Jewish education at Merkaz High School. I myself can attest that Merkaz is an incomparable experience. My daughter Sophie graduates this summer, her visit to Poland for the 2008 March of the Living and to Israel for the 60th anniversary celebrations, still fresh in her young mind. Please continue to send your ideas and writings to me at the address below. If you do not have , mail your typed submissions to Sharon at the office. Sharon would also be glad to receive your content if you would like to advertise in these pages. Keep reading and writing. Make the Megilla yours! Vince Woodward Phone: (203) Vince.woodward@gmail.com Cards sent by the Rabbi and Congregation by Shirley Cohen Arlene Rosenberg - Speedy recovery Bernard Ferszt - Thinking of you and missing you Susan & James Hersh & family - In memory of Susan's father and also grandfather Sandy & Sanford Schwartz & family - In memory of Cindy Schwartz wife of Sandy mother of Malerie & Dustin Wendy Zencheck/Cavuoto - In memory of grandfather Yasher Koach to all the wonderful people who helped with the spaghetti supper on May 1st They are: Chuck and Barbara Lipetz, Shelley Hall, Robert & Rita Marino, Bernice Dietz, Gale Antell, Deborah Velthuizen, Sandy LaRue. Robert Marino made the Italian bread from scratch. It was a long, warm process - and the results were absolutely delicious! June, 2009 The Megilla Page 3

4 In the Spotlight: Debbie Velthuizen by Robert Velthuizen Over the past year, each Megilla included a president's pick to highlight a volunteer. Some of those "picked" had been volunteering for a very long time, while others were put in the spotlight for a particular outstanding spirit. In the last pick of this board year, I'd like to choose someone who takes my breath away. Debbie reignited the B'nai Torah Sisterhood by thinking "outside the box". She just created opportunities to meet, do things together, and have fun. Friendships developed and soon enough, others stepped up to help out, wanting to be part of this fun group. The B'nai Torah Sisterhood now has about fifty mostly active members. While this new Sisterhood wasn't very strongly tied to "synagogue-like" activities, very beautiful things have been done and developed. Regular talks on challenging topics such as advanced directives delve deep. Debbie is jump-starting kiddushes and catering for events and finds a growing number of members interested in sharing in the ruach. With Debbie's leadership, B'nai Torah now has a wonderful Ma'Asim Tovim committee, which is able to provide help when needed. This committee is one of the cornerstones of what we are about - looking after each other. Debbie has been tireless and spends more time on the phone than I considered humanly possible. Her diligence, care and passion have made much of the Sisterhood activities a success. On a personal note, Debbie has been there for me too. I've been spending more of my time dedicated outside the family; Debbie has been wonderful in letting me do my thing, still providing a warm, loving home to provide a safe haven. I'm the luckiest guy on the planet! B'nai Torah Nursery School s Summer Program offers your child seven weeks of summertime fun that includes enrichment programs, art, music, water and sand play, as well as play time in our well-equipped (air-conditioned) indoor and outdoor play areas. Each week will feature a different theme. Group size is small, and individual attention as well as group interaction is stressed. The summer program will run for seven weeks, form June 22 to August 7. Children who will be three years old by December 31, 2009 attend Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m p.m. Children turning four or five years old by December 31, 2009 attend 3 or 5 days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Don't miss out on the fun. Registration has begun. All are welcome for any number of weeks. For more information please call Joan Watnick at Page 4 The Megilla June, 2009

Arthur Glass, Mrs. Arthur Friedman, Mrs. Ronald Framson, Mrs.

journal December 22, 1962 June, 2009 The Megilla Page 5 From the

.. In such an atmosphere, it feels good to work hard, make a

5 A look back at B nai Torah: 1962 Above: Newsletter Committee Mrs. Francis Rubin, Mrs. Harold Dvorchik Right: Gift Shop Committee Mrs. Alvin Josephson, Mrs. David Comen Below: Program Committee Left to Right: Mrs. Leo Golub, Mrs. Arthur Glass, Mrs. Arthur Friedman, Mrs. Ronald Framson, Mrs. Jerome Shalen All photos from the B nai Torah Building Dedication journal December 22, 1962 June, 2009 The Megilla Page 5 From the President... In such an atmosphere, it feels good to work hard, make a difference, and feel appreciated. As before, I'd like to encourage you to share your questions, comments and thoughts with the board. You can reach me on president@bnaitorahct.org, or leave a message on Shalom! Robert

6 Nursery School Family Shabbat Page 6 The Megilla June, 2009 June, 2009 The Megilla Page 7

7 Reflections by Shirley Cohen How many of you have received of jokes about getting older? Did you think they were funny? Perhaps, provided you were not over 50. Since I am well past 50, I do not laugh at aching joint or drooping portions of the body jokes. I have found many things about aging that aren't so terrible. No doubt the first thing that everyone would probably mention is senior discount. Naturally that is something I readily agree works well for those of us whose incomes have been severely depleted with the high cost of everything from food, heat and taxes. Do stop and think how it also helps the stores, restaurants and etc. who would lose our patronage if we couldn't afford their services. Another plus for me is seeing my grandchildren grow up, making me proud of their progress. Do you find that now if you make any suggestions they actually listen? They are finding that not all questions are answered by Googling the Internet. I am speaking of not just your grandchildren alone. Perhaps some little bit of wisdom does accompany age. Now next comes when I am thinking selfishly about just me. I can now come and go as I please, doing what I enjoy, read late into the night, eat whatever time that I feel hungry and not have to please anyone but myself. You are no doubt counting all my references to the first person but if I don't enjoy myself now, when shall I? Special Announcement If you would like to make a donation to any of the B nai Torah funds in honor of memory of someone, or for a special occasion, please contact Bonnie Lobel (203) If you would like to send a card from the congregation, please contact Shirley Cohen (203) Either can be for a happy or sad occasion. Perhaps you just want to say Mazel Tov! No one should be left out! Shirley Cohen reads a story to the B nai Torah Nursery School Fours class. Thanks Miss Shirley! Monday Night Bingo Needs Volunteers! We are offering pizza and need someone to help us with sales and distribution. If you are interested, please contact Sharon at the office. Page 8 The Megilla June, 2009

8 Donations RABBI'S DISCRETIONARY FUND To Susan & Jim Hersh & Family, in memory of Jack Katz, from Eve Galewitz To Rabbi Amanda, thinking about you, from Gerry & Zelik Zacharow To Bernard Ferszt, thinking about you, from Trudie & Mordka Knopf To Gayle Frohwirth, thank you for being a wonderful sister, from Joyce & Alan Levenson To Rabbi Brodie, thank you for prayers & kindness, from Roz Belinkie To Rabbi Brodie, thank you for beautiful baby naming of granddaughters Rebekah & Joanna, from Eleanore & Herb Yanowitz To Mel & Barbara Steig, thinking about you, from Helen Weiner To Jodi Toad, thinking about you, from Helen Weiner To Sandy, Malerie & Dustin Schwartz, in memory of Cindy Schwartz, from Jeffrey & Judy Zakim & Family NURSERY SCHOOL ENRICHMENT FUND To Marty Schwartz, thinking about you & wishing you full & speedy recovery, from Renee Rubin To Manny Lobel, sorry about fall & feel better, from Gerry & Zelik Zacharow To Manny Lobel, mazel tov on 60th Bar Mitzvah anniversary, from: Beverly & Irwin Peck, Eleanore & Herb Yanowitz, Rich & Joan Watnick, Trina & Bill Berkowiz, Linda & Jonathan Schulman To Lou Seide, thinking about you & wishing a full & speedy recovery, from Renee Rubin Stan Kaplin, Beverly & Irwin Peck To Susan & Jim Hersh & Family, in memory of Jack Katz, from: Marge & Richard Labinger, Linda & Jonathan Schulman, Joan & Rich Watnick, Gale & Paul Antell, Bonnie & Manny Lobel RITUAL FUND To Dr. Steve Saunders, in memory of father, from Charles & Barbara Lipetz Yahrzeit of Rose Lipetz, from Charles & Barbara Lipetz Yahrzeit of Hyman Lipshutz, from Sandra Wiener Yahrzeit of Jacob Bernstein, from Martin Bernstein To Susan Elkodsi, thank you for assistance at baby naming of granddaughters Rebekah & Joanna, from Eleanore & Herb Yanowitz Yahrzeit of Herman Heyum, from Jay & Barbara Resnick GENERAL FUND Yiskor of Arja, Elda & Sam Ferszt & Family, Abraham Waller & Family, & Perelsztein Family, from Bernard & Leah Ferszt To Linda Joyce Toch, "in honor of your new knee", from Harriet, David, Sherry & Andrew Goldstein HANDLEMAN FUND Yahrzeit of Howard Handleman & Jerome Handleman, from Gert Kantrowitz In memory of Jerome Handleman, Abe Kantrowitz, & my parents from Aaron Handleman To Irene Handleman, happy special birthday, from: Trina & Bill Berkowitz, Adrienne Boehm, Marge & Richard Labinger, Gale & Paul Antell, Bonnie & Manny Lobel To Sandy, Malerie, & Dustin Schwartz, in memory of Cindy Schwartz, from: Charlotte & Jeffrey Denenberg, Marge & Richard Labinger, Eileen & June, 2009 The Megilla Page 9

9 Action Committee for Israel: A Great Success by Paul Antell The program featuring Cantor Helmreich sponsored by the Action Committee for Israel was a huge success. Over 60 members of the congregation listened to a talk given by Cantor Helmreich on the topic "Does Israel Have a Future" and had ample time to ask questions on a myriad of topics regarding Israel, the spread of Islam extremism around the world, the rise of anti-semitism and the influence of Iran in South America. I would like to recognize the following individuals and families who have helped make this event possible through their generosity. They are: Elaine and Ed Bader, Marilyn & Henry Banach, Judy and Mel Cooper, Shari & Andrew Elias, Beverly & Michael Fein, Roberta & Sy Hirsch, Audrey & Sam Marks, Barbara & Jay Resnick, Marlene & Jay Rosen, Linda & Jonathan Schulman, Alvin Zalowitz, Bernice & Ephriam Tobin, and David Arron. I would like to also thank my right hand woman Gale Antell and the other individuals Roni & Sheldon Yessenow, Roberta & Sy Hirsch, Beth Schwartz, Elliott & Judy Rudnick, Ellie & Al Berger, Jeff Levi, Linda Schulman, Joan Watnick, Mindy Gotleib and of course, last, but certainly not least, Deno for giving of their time and talent to make this weekend a success. Of course this weekend would not have been a success without your participation, so thank-you all for coming. We look forward to having many more programs in the future, and I invite anyone interested in serving on the Action Committee for Israel to contact me. Candle Lighting June 5 8:04 p.m. June 12 8:08 p.m. June 19 8:11 p.m. June 26 8:12 p.m. July 3 8:11 p.m. July 10 8:09 p.m. To determine the time for Havdalah, add one hour & 10 minutes (to be safe) to candlelighting time. sponsored by IRWIN PECK William Pitt/Southeby s International Realty Ext. 305 ipeck@wpsir.com I Make House Calls When buying or selling a home, call me. You can expect expect results. Calendar of Events Sunday, June 14 Sisterhood Lecture: Nutrition & Wellbeing 11 a.m. Monday, June 15 Bingo 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16 Ballroom & Latin Dancing 7p.m Friday, June 19 Sisterhood Shabbat 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 22 Bingo 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25 Ballroom & Latin Dancing 7p.m Wednesday, July 8 Board meeting 7:30 p.m. Nursery School Artwork Display B'nai Torah Nursery School will display students' artwork during the month of June in the lobby display window at the Trumbull Library on Quality Street. Come on down and view our masterpieces. Page 10 The Megilla June, 2009

10 Donations... PRAYER BOOK To Ellen & Steve Mendell, on receiving the Chai Award, from Elana Lichtenstein, Jay Haberman & Mike Sachs (AIPAC) To Elaine Baran & Family, in memory of Peter Baran, from Eileen & Stanley Kaplin To Arlene Rosenberg, speedy & fully recovery, from Sam & Cheryl Green To Manny Lobel, on 60th bar mitzvah anniversary, from Estelle & Arnold Rynston To Manny Lobel, on 60th bar mitzvah anniversary, from Ann & Fred Yerman To Susan & Jim Hersh, in memory of Jack Katz, from Roni & Sheldon Yessenow BT 2000 To Susan & Jim Hersh & family, in memory of Jack Katz, from Roberta & Sy Hirsch To Elaine & Ed Bader, mazal tov on 50th wedding anniversary, from Roberta & Sy Hirsch MACHZOR In honor of grandson Eli Wasserman's bar mitzvah, from Lorraine & Buddy Hillman TALMUD TORAH FUND To Lloyd & Shari Baron & Family, in memory of Peter Baron, from Judy & Jeff Zakim JEROME MENDELL FUND To Ellen & Steve Mendell, on receiving Chai Award, from Evelyn Shapiro June, 2009 The Megilla Page 11

11 Talmud Torah Update by Beth Tepper The past month has been filled with much enthusiasm and effort from all! Our Talmud Torah has participated in the wonderful project of the creation of hand-made butterflies. These butterflies were produced as part of a greater effort to collect over 1.5 million hand made works representing each of the innocent children who perished as a result of the Holocaust. Our children then took part in a very moving service which involved readings from a literary book as several butterflies were cut down off the ceiling in Hersher Hall, representing the shortened lives of these young individuals. Come visit Hersher Hall to see the remainder hung from the ceilings. Our celebration of Israeli Independence Day followed the theme of butterflies as our children participated in the creation of our own special garden. Special thanks to Michelle Scinto for the organization of the art project and for Jason and Samantha Goldfarb, Matt Berkowitz, Yacov, Oren, Yarden, and Sivan Tepper for the preparation of the gardening area. Special thanks also to Keri and Andy Kanik for the expertise and wisdom to plant our garden. Also thanks to the Kaniks, Scintos, Schulmans, and Agway for the donations of plants. A special kudos to Karen Knepler (second grade teacher) for the plants and mulch! Visit it, enjoy it, and remember how each of you has offered your children the wings to learn! CONGREGATION B NAI TORAH 5700 MAIN STREET TRUMBULL, CT Return Service Requested NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D TRUMBULL, CT PERMIT NO. 144

Congregation B nai Torah Megilla

Congregation B nai Torah Megilla The Center Of Jewish Family Life In The Greater Trumbull Area Vol. 5771 Issue 2 December, 2010 From Rabbi Colin: Congregations Gone Wild Bet that got your attention! This