Congregation B nai Israel of St. Petersburg 5779 Program Guide 2018-2019 Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Page 1
Program Guide Family Programming Highlighted Shabbat Services & Dinners Minyan, Aliyot and Holiday Services Adult Studies: Classes, Courses & Seminars Adult Studies: Monthly and Special Events & Writer s Group Global Day of Jewish Learning & Sunday Morning University CBI Hadassah Book Club & Philip Roth Retrospective Pauline Rivkind Early Childhood Education Center & Early Childhood Community Pauline Rivkind Talmud Torah (PRTT) Religious School, Junior Congregation & Family Services Guess Who s Coming to Shabbas? & Yoga at CBI Rosh Chodesh Women s Group & Jewbilees Mitzvah Day 2019 & Mitzvah Corps Sisterhood & Mitzvah Men s Club 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ABOUT US Founded in 1923, Congregation B nai Israel is a traditional Conservative egalitarian congregation. We welcome members and visitors alike and make it easy to participate in Jewish Life. We know each other and provide support in times of celebration and grief. We share the joys of Jewish worship and learning with family, friends and community. From generation to generation, CBI leaves none behind. Page 2
REGISTRATION FOR THE 2018 CHASE THE DREIDEL 5K IS NOW OPEN! This year s race will be held on Sunday, December 2nd at 4 PM. Early-Bird registration is only $25. Post Race Party Revised Race Course Updated Tech T-Shirt Register at: https://tinyurl.com/chasethedreidel2018 FAMILY PROGRAMMING SPECIAL EVENTS 9/16: Reverse Tashlich at Gandy Beach 9/23: Decorate the Sukkah 11/17: Havdalah on the Beach 12/2: Chase the Dreidel 5K 12/9: Congregational Hanukkah Party & Latke Bar 1/12: Havdalah in the City 3/3: Mitzvah Day 4/24: Passover BBQ (sponsored by Mitzvah Men s Club) 5/17: Kabbalat Shabbat on the Beach 6/28: Pride Shabbat UPDATED SUNDAY EVENING MINYAN LOCATION The CBI Sunday evening minyan is now across the street at our Jewish neighbor, the Toby Weinman Adult Living Facility, 240 59th Street North, beginning October 7. Please note: Sunday evening service will start at 6:00 p.m. On weekdays, we will continue to daven in CBI s Grossman Family Chapel at 7:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday morning minyan will continue in the CBI Chapel at 9:00 a.m. Page 3
HIGHLIGHTED SHABBAT SERVICES Disney Themed Shabbat Friday, October 12 at 6:30 pm Debbie Friedman Shabbat Friday, November 9 at 5:30 pm Veteran s Shabbat Saturday, November 10 at 9:00 am PRTT Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, November 30 at 6:30 pm Library Shabbat Saturday, December 1 at 9:00 am Sisterhood Shabbat Friday, January 18 at 6:00 pm followed by dinner Saturday, January 19 at 9:00 am Shabbat Shirah featuring CBI Choir Saturday, January 19 at 9:00 am Law Shabbat Saturday, February 2 at 9:00 am Shabbat of Inclusion Friday, February 22 at 6:00 pm followed by dinner Sephardic Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, February 15 at 6:00 pm Mitzvah Men s Club Shabbat Friday, April 5 at 6:00 pm followed by dinner Saturday, April 6 at 9:00 am Beatles Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, May 3 at 6:30 pm Educator s Shabbat Saturday, May 4 at 9:00 am Kabbalat Shabbat on the Beach Friday, May 10 at 6:15 pm at Upham Beach Pride Shabbat Friday, June 28 at 6:30 pm CONGREGATIONAL WELCOME SHABBAT DINNERS 9/28: Welcome Shabbat Dinner 12/7: Shabbat Channukah Family Dinner & Party 1/18: Sisterhood Shabbat Dinner 2/22: Inclusion Shabbat Dinner 4/5: Mitzvah Men s Club Shabbat and Dinner 5/11: Daven & Dine at the Kotel Israeli Dinner Page 4 SIMCHA SHABBAT Celebrate your birthday & anniversary with your cbi family September 15 October 13 November 10 December 8 January 19 February 16 March 9 April 6 May 11 June 15 - June & July
RELIGIOUS SERVICES Our Ritual Committee ensures our Congregation s spiritual needs are met while adhering to Jewish Law. We are proud to offer twice daily minyan in addition to regular Shabbat services and observance of Jewish Holidays. MINYAN Frame your day in fellowship CBI is the only synagogue on Florida s West Coast with an egalitarian twice daily minyan! Sunday & National Holiday Mornings at 9:00 am Monday Friday mornings at 7:45 am Monday Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm Sunday evenings: 6:00 pm at Toby Weinman ALF MINYANAIRES Will you be one in a minyan? Come to minyan 36 times in a year for special honors, a custom kippah, and the gratitude of your CBI family. PARTICIPATE IN ALIYOT Our Ritual Committee encourages worshipers to participate in services by participating in aliyot. If you would like to receive an aliyah, please call the synagogue office at (727) 381-4900 or speak to an usher when you enter the sanctuary. Those wishing to receive an aliyah on Shabbat morning are asked to arrive at services no later than 9:30 am. We look forward to your participation. MEAL AFTER MINYAN Come to evening minyan and receive special coupons for discounts at local restaurants. Attend for more details! Simchat Torah: Chatanei v Kallot hatorah Celebration Tuesday, October 2 at 9:00 am Hanukkah: Hanukkah Youth Group Kabbalat Shabbat December 7 at 5:15 pm Congregation Hannukah Party Sunday, December 9 at 5:30 pm Champagne Seudah Shlishit Saturday, December 29 at 6:00 pm Purim: Purim Megillah Reading & Parade Wednesday, March 20 at 6:30 pm Purim Spiel by David & Janice LeVine Passover: First Night Passover Seder at CBI Friday, April 19 at 6:00 pm Passover BBQ Wednesday, April 24 at 6:00 pm Daven at the Kotel Friday, May 17 at 6:00 pm Saturday, May 18 at 9:00 am Shavuot Sunday, June 9 at 9:00 am - Bounty of Babies Monday, June 10 at 9:00 am - Yizkor Page 5
KAVANAH Resolve to Learn with KAVANAH, an all ages learning experience. Learn with all your senses side by side at CBI. Events for the year ahead are still in the works. KIDDUSH TORAH STUDY First Shabbat of each month (unless otherwise noted), beginning Shabbat morning, October 6. TORAH CANTILLATION Join Maureen Sechan in the chapel after minyan to learn the Torah tropes. Classes will be held October 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th at 6:30 pm. Hebrew reading required. HEBREW READING CLASS Various levels, starting October 3rd. Contact Maureen Sechan for more information. HAFTARAH TROPE CLASS Beginner and refresher course on Haftarah trops with Maureen Sechan, starting October 3. Hebrew reading required. SERVICE LEADER TRAINING Ba al tefillah training and more. Individualized classes available. Hebrew reading required. Interested in one of these programs? To learn more, contact Maureen Sechan: maureen@cbistpete.org or 727-381-4900 x 1011. Page 6 GREAT JEWISH THINKERS COURSE From the 16th through the 20th century, a small group of Jewish thinkers attempted to answer a series of remarkably challenging questions about Judaism. Study the history of these thinkers, their questions and responses through a series of 24 facilitated video lectures (two each evening). Facilitated by Ann Haendel. Wednesdays from 7pm to 8:45pm immediately following daily minyan. From January 23, 2019 through April 17, 2019; free and open to the entire community; no advance preparation necessary. Sunday Morning Music Seminar Join Professor Joan Epstein of Eckerd College for an engaging look at the Jewish connections behind various musical works. Each seminar will cover a different topic, with topics TBA. 10:30 am on 2/17, 3/17 and 4/28. Ba al K riah Adult Golden Kippah Society Details coming soon. Join one of our cantillation or reading classes to get a leg up!
ADULT STUDIES Learning is a lifelong process With many interesting and diverse courses offered through our Adult Studies program, there is truly something for everyone. MISHNA & MUNCHIES WITH RABBI Thursdays, 12:15-1:15, beginning October 18th. Location TBD. LUNCH WITH RABBI Come enjoy a catered deli lunch and study Torah with Rabbi Weintraub. Dates: 10/17, 11/21, 12/19, 1/16, 2/20, 3/13, 4/17, 5/15 Call the office to RSVP. COFFEE TALK WITH RABBI WEINTRAUB Wednesdays at 9:00 am Location changes monthly. Topics will be provided. TALMUD MADE EASY WITH STEVE WEIN Participate in a lively discussion and learn the derivation and reason for many of our rules and customs of prayer. No prior knowledge of Hebrew or Aramaic necessary. Study materials are provided. Contact the office for schedule details. CBI WRITER S GROUP Poetry. Prose. Stories. Narratives. Essays. Etc. Whatever your heart desires. Themed writing aimed around the Jewish faith to be performed in front of an audience. Everyone has a story... Are you interested in writing yours? For more information, please contact: info@cbistpete.org or 727-381-4900. TORAH FOR SENIORS Join Rabbi Weintraub at 11:00 am at Philip Benjamin Tower for a meaningful Torah discussion, beginning in October 2018. Dates: 10/16, 11/13, 12/18, 1/15, 2/19, 3/12, 4/16, 5/14 Contact the CBI office for more information. Page 7
Global Day of Jewish Learning: Extraordinary Passages: Texts & Travels What are the journeys that matter most to us? From ancient adventures to the modern diaspora, spiritual to physical, experience the journeys of individuals and the Jewish people. Join us at CBI for the Global Day of Jewish Learning, a project of the Aleph Society. Save the Date: Sunday, November 11 Sunday Morning University Because knowledge is power. Join our adult studies event held at CBI on Sunday, January 20, 2019 in partnership with Temple Beth-El. Registration will be available on the CBI website after the Holidays. Come for a day of learning and fellowship as you attend educational sessions held by members of CBI, TBE and the community. Save the Date: January 20, 2019 Page 8
CBI Hadassah Book Club The CBI Hadassah Book Club meets monthly in the CBI library. Come for lively discussions focused on a different book each month. Fiction and nonfiction are read, all with a Jewish focus. If you re interested in facilitating discussion, please contact Sheila Wasserman at wassermansheila@hotmail.com Upcoming Dates 10/17: Meant to Be by Roslyn Franken 11/21: White Houses by Amy Bloom 12/19: The Bridge Ladies: A Memoir by Betsy Lerner 1/16: The Orphan s Tale by Pam Jenoff 2/20: Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly 3/20: All I Know and Love by Judith Frank 4/17: TBA (Passover 4/19 27) 5/15: TBA Mother s Day Reunion: Bringing the Band Back Together Join your CBI family for a Mother s Day brunch to remember, featuring the return of Solomon and the Wise Guys! More details coming soon. Save the Date: Sunday, May 12, 2019 Philip Roth Retrospective Class led by Dr. Elizabeth Unruh, Professor Emeritus, Hofstra University. Philip Roth is quoted as saying The epithet American Jewish writer has no meaning for me. If I m not an American, I m nothing. And yet, almost against his will, he was drawn again and again to writing themes of Jewish identity, anti-semitism and the Jewish experience in America. Participants will be asked to read several of Roth s novels in order to examine his understandings of what it means to be a Jew in America. Four sessions, beginning Tuesday, January 22nd at 6:30 pm after minyan. Page 9
PAULINE RIVKIND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER (PRECEC) LICENSE #C000365 Where Education is a Work of Heart Serving children and their families ages 2 months to 5 years Open Year Round (Excluding Jewish Holidays) 7:30 am - 6:00 pm, Monday - Thursday 7:30 am - 4:30 pm on Friday Weekly Experiences: Soccer Shots: Tuesdays Music with Morah Maureen: Thursdays Pre-Shabbat Experience: Fridays Special Events Throughout the Year: Reading with Rabbi Rosh Hashana Party Sukkah Decorating Purim Parade Pratice Seder Page 10 Teach children in the way they should go, and they will not stray from it even when they get older. Proverbs 22:6 Have you heard about our preschool programming? Our preschool playgroup, Gan Yom Rishon, meets every Sunday morning while PRTT is in session. Designed for our littlest learners, Gan Yom Rishon is free and no prior sign up is required! Children aged 2-5 and their caregivers are invited to come for Hebrew and Holiday songs, games, stories and a snack, of course! KIDS KIDDUSH SPOT Our newly expanded Kids Kiddush Spot is available in our Benjamin Family Social Hall for our youngest congregants to enjoy a space just for them with kid-sized tables, chairs, and Shabbat friendly toys.
At CBI we are committed to helping every student reach their full potential by providing experiences and instruction sensitive to the unique motivation and spark that exists in every child. Classroom experiences rely on art, movement, journaling, and multi-media techniques to engage our learners. PAULINE RIVKIND TALMUD TORAH (PRTT) RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Throughout our curriculum of Hebrew, Bible, History, and Holidays we continually seek to reinforce our special relationship to our faith and to each other by identifying the common thread of Torah and ethics. We place special emphasis on Tefillah (Prayer) and Tzedakah (Righteousness). From generation to generation, CBI leaves no one behind! Schedule: PRTT is held on Sundays at 9:45 am and Wednesdays at 4:30 pm, excluding federal and religious holidays. See the monthly bulletin or contact the CBI office for details. Jammies and Jeans A fun and casual Shabbat service for families with young children. Upcoming dates: Friday 10/12 (Disney Themed Shabbat) Friday 11/9 Saturday 12/15 Junior Congregation Shabbat morning youth services in the chapel at 10:30 am, grades K-8. Upcoming dates: 10/13, 11/10, 12/8 1/26, 2/23, 3/9, 4/6, 5/11 Young Families Havdalah Experience Join other families for an Undernighter movie night and youth group fundraiser! Saturday, December 15th Rosh Chodesh Family Fun Sunday Come enjoy a picnic and activities, and Be Happy: It s Adar! Date in March TBA. Page 11
Guess Who s coming to Shabbas? Page 12 Guess Who s Coming to Shabbas? is a monthly program connecting synagogue families and strengthening communities. The more hosts we have, the more guests we may include in the beautiful tradition of a Friday night Shabbat dinner. As we make new friends, we strengthen our kehilla. Please help us continue this beloved project, first brought to CBI by Leslie Weiss, z l. If you are interested in participating as a host or guest, please contact us. We are happy to answer your questions and to assist in creating a meaningful experience for all involved. Dates: 10/5, 11/2, 12/7, 1/4, 2/1, 3/1, 5/3, 6/7 Contact Maureen Shacter: (727) 393-3467 or weinma@gmail.com Or contact Kathleen Buns: (727) 278-3329 or kathleenbuns124@gmail.com Yoga at CBI Start the week by setting an intention - to honor the light, the spark of the Divine, within. The practice of Yoga is about focus - on the poses as well as on staying in the moment and in your body. This is a mindful, all levels class focused on stress relief, relaxation, improved flexibility, and full body strengthening. The pace allows you to focus on greater mind-body awareness and grow your practice in a comfortable, safe environment with a community. You should leave class feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and renewed. Come join us and experience your own personal bliss! Please bring a yoga mat; if you do not own one, bring a towel. Cost for the class will be a ten dollar donation to CBI. Schedule: Sunday mornings at 10:00 am in the Atrium, starting in October.
Rosh Chodesh Women s Group Jewish-American Women from 1850 to Now is the topic of lively discussion in this women-only monthly meeting. Group meets in different congregant s homes each month. For details, contact the CBI office. More information to come! Upcoming Dates: October 14: See below February 10: Laurie Reiskind, hostess Dorothy Bowser, facilitator November 11: Carol Einstein, hostess Sheryl Feinman, facilitator March 10: Leslie Kirsner, hostess Janet Augenbraun, facilitator December 9: Vicki York, hostess Ann Haendel, facilitator April 7: Hostess TBD Facilitator TBD January 13: Claire Yogman, hostess Ruth Lebowitz, facilitator May 5: Hostess TBD Facilitator TBD October 14: Special Author Event and Rosh Chodesh Women s Group Acclaimed motivational speaker Roslyn Franken presents a multi-media presentation of her book, Meant To Be on Sunday, October 14 at 10:30 am in The Benjamin Family Social Hall. Copies of the book will be available to purchase. This event is open to the public and kicks off our wonderful Women s Rosh Chodesh Group series. Jewbilees Come have fun and socialize with a group of fellow Baby Boomers. Enjoy activities, Shabbat dinners, film screenings, theater nights, social events, and more with a lively group of fellow congregants. For more information on what we do and how to get involved, contact Liz Sembler, Director of Engagement: liz@cbistpete.org Upcoming Events: 11/17: Meet for Dinner 1/12: Dinner at Meze 119... And more to come! Page 13
SAVE THE DATE: Mitzvah Day 2019 is Sunday, March 3 rd! Participate in CBI s Family Mitzvah Day and spend a few hours of your Sunday supporting our community side by side with CBI. Mitzvah Day Organizational Support needed! Call or text Judi Gordon (727) 641-8402 or call the office (727) 381-4900 for info. Mitzvah Corps See what s happening now and learn how you can make a difference - in a few hours or a few days; in your home or with others. These are a sample of current projects. See the Mitzvah Corps webpage www.cbistpete.org/mitzvahcorps/ for a full list. Gemilut Hasadim: Volunteer to help with sending cards designed by our children to shut-ins and the ill. You can do this from the comfort of your home, or take on the mitzvah of visiting with hospitalized members. Volunteers are always welcome. Contact Anita Helfand: (727) 421-6755 CBI Mitzvah Garden Volunteers are needed to help with planting and ongoing care of our farm to help it grow so we can use it for kiddush lunches and donate fresh food to food pantries. Contact Michael Barth: (727) 393-3467 Monday Morning @ The Free Clinic Food Pantry The third monday of every month, a great groupof people help at the food pantry from nine to noon. Drop in or contact Debbie Sokolov: debbie.sokolov@stpetersburgfreeclinic.org Menorah Manor Visit with residents at nearby Menorah Manor, providing much-needed company to local seniors. Play games, lead activities, or simply spend quality time together. Family Promise of Pinellas County Family Promise works with churches and synagogues to provide temporary housing, food, job finding and budget training to needy families. Volunteer to prepare and serve dinners and/or stay overnight with these families in their group housing. Contact Dorothy Bowser: (917) 584-5094 Page 14
Mitzvah Men s Club The Men s Club is active in all parts of synagogue life, providing a social, spiritual and educational outlet for all. Join the fun year round with variety of religious and social events. Looking for a fun guys night out? See what the Men s Club has to offer! For more information on how to join or help out, contact Eric Pastman: eric_pastman@yahoo.com or 727-954-4926 Upcoming Events: 2/3: World Wide Wrap 4/5-6: Men s Club Shabbat 4/24: Passover BBQ Putting up the Kotel Building the Sukkah... And more! CBI Sisterhood Come out to a meeting and connect with the vibrant gals of the CBI Sisterhood. We give from the heart to create a dynamic congregational family! Share a favorite recipe or come join us side-by-side as we learn and grow in our Jewish practice. We welcome you to join with us on Shabbat, special events and unique programs. Come offer your presence and continue the legacy of Sisterhood! For more information on how you can join or help out, contact Ricki Lewis: Upcoming Events: 9/23: Decorate the Sukkah 3/5/19 : Sisterhood Torah Fund Dinner 4/10/19: Sisterhood Program 5/8/19: Sisterhood General Meeting More TBA! Page 15
CONGREGATION B NAI ISRAEL of ST. PETERSBURG 300 58th Street North St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 (727) 381-4900 www.cbistpete.org Page 16