CBI November 2015 Kolenu

I want to extend an invitation to all of you to join me in Washington D.C. Sunday through Tuesday, March 20-22, 2016 for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee AIPAC Policy Conference. AIPAC's website is www.aipac.org and the Policy Conference website is www.policyconference.org/index.asp.

What is AIPAC? The mission of AIPAC is to strengthen, protect and promote the United States – Israel relationship in ways that enhance the security of Israel and the United States. AIPAC's staff and citizen activists educate decision makers about the bonds that unite the United States and Israel and how it is in America's best interest to help ensure that the Jewish state is safe, strong and secure. Cooperation between the two countries is advantageous for both nations. As America's bipartisan pro-Israel lobby, AIPAC urges all members of Congress to support Israel through foreign aid, government partnerships, joint anti-terrorism efforts and the promotion of a negotiated two-state solution – a Jewish state of Israel and a demilitarized Palestinian state. (Please remember – Shevi'im Panim L'Torah – There are 70 sides to the Torah – one does not have to agree with everything.)

How does AIPAC work? AIPAC empowers pro-Israel activists across all ages, religions, races and political parties to be politically engaged and build relationships with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to promote the United States – Israel relationship. The vital work of AIPAC is made possible by its dedicated membership participating in AIPAC's Clubs, investing with the AIPAC Tomorrow Campaign, and engaging politically with members of Congress. More than 100,000 citizens from across the country work with their elected officials and AIPAC staff to strengthen the bonds between the United States and the Jewish state.

AIPAC is not a political action committee (PAC) and does not rate or endorse candidates for elected or appointed office. AIPAC members in all 50 states are encouraged to be politically active and develop relationships with their members of Congress to help educate them about the importance of United States – Israel ties. A strong United States – Israel relationship is a cause that concerns a broad spectrum of Americans. As such, AIPAC professionals work with a wide range of communities to promote pro-Israel political activism nation-wide. AIPAC works to foster the next generation of American pro-Israel leaders, by working on hundreds of college and high school campuses, empowering and educating student activists to answer Israel's detractors and use political involvement to build support for Israel. More than 100,000 citizens from across the country work with their elected officials and AIPAC staff to strengthen the bonds between the United States and the Jewish state.

The AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, DC on Sunday March 20, 2016 through Tuesday, March 22, 2016 is the largest gathering of America's pro-Israel community. Through demonstrations of groundbreaking Israeli innovations, keynote speeches by American and Israeli leaders, inspiring moments on stage, and intimate educational sessions, Policy Conference delegates experience the full scale of pro-Israel activism in three powerful days. The conference culminates with the opportunity for delegates to lobby their members of Congress in support of legislation that enhances the relationship between the United States and Israel. You might ask who attends the Conference – more than 14,000 pro-Israel Americans; more than two-thirds of Congress; over 2,300 students from more than 490 campuses; 260 Student Government Presidents from all 50 states; AIPAC members from across the country; and more than 275 synagogue delegations – and I hope a delegation from Congregation B'nai Israel!

You can register for the AIPAC Policy Conference at www.aipac.org/pcreg. There is a special discount if you register by November 13. In addition, you can call the Policy Conference Hotline at 202-639-5363 or email [email protected] with any further questions. There are registration flyers about the AIPAC Policy Conference in the lobby of Congregation B'nai Israel. (continued on page 7)

Words from Wolintz-Fields

What is the AIPAC Policy Conference?

November 2015

Kolenu Congregation B’nai Israellarwy y nb tlyhq

Cheshvan–Kislev 5776

Upcoming EventsWine, Steak, and Scotch DinnerSunday, November 85:00pm

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November 2015 Cheshvan–Kislev 5776

Congregation B'nai Israel Service Schedule

Friday/Holiday Evening Services: 7:30pmFriday Junior Congregation: 7:30pmShabbat Morning Serivces: 9:00am

Shabbat Junior Congregation: 10:15amSunday Morning Services: 9:00am

Monday through Friday Morning Minyan: 7:45am

November 2015Cheshvan–Kislev

Friday, November 6, 2015Candle Lighting 4:30pmAnniversary ShabbatEvening Services

Saturday, November 7, 2015Parashat Chaye SarahShabbat Morning ServicesTorah Study Group

Friday, November 13, 2015Rosh ChodeshCandle Lighting 4:24pmEvening Services

Saturday, November 14, 2015Parashat ToldotShabbat Morning Services Bat Mitzvah - Hannah Repole

Friday, November 20, 2015Candle Lighting 4:18pmEvening Services

Saturday, November 21, 2015Parashat VayetzeShabbat Morning ServicesBat Mitzvah - Kayla JoynerJunior Congregation

Thursday, November 26, 20159:00am Morning Service

Friday, November 27, 2015Candle Lighting 4:15pmEvening Services

Saturday, November 28, 2015Parashat VayishlachBirthday ShabbatShabbat Morning Services

Clergy

Rabbi Ellen S. [email protected]

Hazzan Steven [email protected]

Rabbi Richard Hammerman, D.D. Rabbi Emeritus

Cantor Daniel GreenCantor [email protected]

Staff

Office Manager/BookkeeperLaurie [email protected]

Administrative AssistantChristine [email protected]

Officers

PresidentBob Van [email protected]

1st Vice PresidentMichele [email protected]

2nd Vice PresidentJeremy [email protected]

TreasurerFred [email protected]

Financial SecretaryPosition Open

Recording SecretarySteve [email protected]

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Do you find yourself waking up before 7:00am, whether you like it or not? Are you looking for a way to connect with other people, and/or with God? Are you looking for an opportunity to add a spiritual component to your daily life? Are you in the search for more meaning? Do you want to help your fellow Jews out?

If you said yes to any of the above questions, the Daily Minyan may be just what you're looking for. It's a great way to start your day with a half hour to forty-five minutes of prayer alongside your fellow Minyanaires. It's a great mitzvah to help those who need to say Kaddish for their loved ones, and it's a wonderful way to connect with a few of your dedicated congregants.

If the only thing holding you back is the fact that you don't feel comfortable with the service, either because you don't know the words, or what they mean, or why we're there – worry no longer. Starting in November on Monday mornings after minyan (which starts at 7:45am every weekday, and ends between 8:15am and 8:30am) I will be leading a discussion on all aspects of the Daily Minyan from its Origins through its meaning and artistry all the way to the nuts and bolts of how to participate in the service, or even lead it.

I hope to see you on Monday mornings, and at other mornings for the Morning Shaharit Service.

Hazzan Steven Walvick

It is an honor and privilege to serve as President of Congregation B'nai Israel celebrating 65 years as the Conservative Jewish Community in Toms River. It was wonderful to the see large numbers in attendance at our recent 65th Anniversary Celebration last month. The attendance shows our Kehilla is still strong and that Congregation B'nai Israel will be continuing to make history in Toms River for many generations. Thank you to Phil Brilliant for chairing the celebration and all who participated on the committee to make this a memorable event for all of us.

Mazel Tov to Rabbi and Jonathan on their daughter Cameron becoming a Bat Mitzvah last week. Thank you for sharing your simcha with the entire congregation. Cameron, you were outstanding this week at all the services you led and participated in and we have no

doubt that you will be a vibrant leader in the Jewish Community in the very near future. Mazel tov and best wishes on all your future endeavors. Congregation B'nai Israel is extremely proud of you.

November is upon us and soon we will all be celebrating Thanksgiving Day. I would like to thank everyone who generously made a contribution to the Holiday Appeal. Without the congregation's support of this appeal, it would be almost impossible to meet our financial obligations. Your commitment to our Kehilla is deeply appreciated. For those who overlooked the Holiday Appeal, the books have not been closed so there is still time to make a pledge and take advantage of year-end tax deduction.

The Executive Board is closely monitoring the rising concern of anti-semitism in our community. We are meeting regularly and discussing what action we need to take, if any, as Conservative Jews in our community. Anyone who has concerns, please feel free to contact Rabbi, myself or anyone on the Executive Board to advise or discuss with us.

A Message from Our President Bob Van Bochove

Join PJ Library!

PJ Library is a Jewish family engagement program implemented on a local level throughout North America. We mail, high-quality Jewish children's literature and music to families across the continent on a monthly basis.

PJ Library is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations. Today, families in hundreds of communities across the United States and Canada are able to explore the timeless core values of Judaism through books and music. The Jewish Federation of Ocean County is the local funder for this program.

All families raising Jewish children from six months up to six years old are welcome to sign up. Grandparents and other relatives can buy subscriptions on line for children who do not live in our community and do not have a sponsor in the child's families community. For more information, go to www.pjlibrary.org.

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It's Not Too Early to Start Thinking About ChanukahChanukah, Oh Chanukah.…No excuses this year not to shop at the Sisterhood Judaica Shop! We will be open for all your holiday purchasing ! Visit us for a full week (varied hours each day) in the synagogue lobby:

Tuesday, December 1 – 6:00-7:30pmWednesday, December 2 – 4:00-7:00pm (Open to Talmud Torah students during class time – suggested amount $10)Thursday, December 3 – 11:00am-2:00pmFriday, December 4 – 10:00am -1:00pmSunday, December 6 – Chanukah FairMonday, December 7 – 10:00am-4:00pm (vicinity of gift shop area & classroom 1)Wednesday, December 9 – 4:00-5:30pm (Talmud Torah Hours)

Sisterhood

Make us your #1 stopby first shopping in our

CBI Judaica Sisterhood Gift Shop

Forget buying at the local malls in NJ or small strip malls. Keep it within the CBI family and shop with us instead!

(no big markups and no sales tax)

New beautiful merchandise has arrived, much from Israel. Don't delay many – original one

of a kind pieces! We can also special order from our catalogs or online if the order is

large enough to permit.

For more information contact Terri at 732-864-1566 or Susan at 732-279-0443.

Sisterhood Book ClubTuesday, December 15th 7:30pm

The Sisterhood Book Club will be meeting on Tuesday December 15th at 7:30pm to discuss The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks. The meeting will take place at the home of Sandy Welsher. Please RSVP so that Sandy can give an accurate list to the gatehouse security.

Congregation B'nai Israel SisterhoodDues Payment & Membership Sign-up

2015–2016Please complete this information form and mail it in (or drop it off at the synagogue office) to Congregation B'nai Israel, 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, NJ 08753, with your $36 check made out to CBI Sisterhood.

Name

Address

Email Address

Phone #

Questions? Suggestions? Please contact: Marion Pardes at 732-363-4521 or email at [email protected]

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Congregation B'nai Israel Men's ClubDues Payment & Membership Sign-up

2015–2016Please complete this information form and mail it in (or drop it off at the synagogue office) to Congregation B'nai Israel, 1488 Old Freehold Road,

Toms River, NJ 08753, with your $36 check made out to CBI Men's Club.

Name

Address

Email Address

Phone #

You can also pay via the "Men's Club" check-off box on your new synagogue dues bill. If you're

interested in volunteering for Men's Club activities and events, or have a constructive idea/

suggestion, please contact Men's Club President, Michael Perks.

Men's Club

November 2015 Update by Michael Perks, Men's Club President

I hope everyone had a pleasant and meaningful High Holyday experience, both at home and here at CBI...friends, prayer and tradition are really all one could ask for during this special season. And now, Men's Club is busy getting ready to move into year 5776 full-force. On November 11th, the FJMC "Man of the Year" Dinner & Awards will be held at Congregation B'nai Tikvah, North Brunswick. This year, CBI Men's Club has two Man of the Year honorees: Michael Collins, who plays a very significant part as "producer" of some of our most outstanding activities, and Lou Bonus, who has been a major player for Men's Club in the past. USY President, Steven Glassoff, is being honored as "Youth of the Year" for all of his great work with USY and his other volunteer work. These three outstanding individuals deserve accolades of praise from all of us (see the flier this issue of the Kolenu and on lobby table). Men's Club is still accepting dues for 2015-2016 membership, mail in your $36 and join us for another great year!

SAVE THE DATE!

CBI MEN'S CLUB PRESENTS...MOVIE NITE & CHINESE BUFFET DINNERThursday, December 246:30pmPlease join us for an evening of delicious food and quality entertainment...Dinner will be served before the Israeli film, For My Father, Dessert will be served after the film. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be served (must be 21 or older). This event was a really big hit last year! Look for complete information and RSVP form in the December issue of Kolenu.

Upcoming Men's Club Events:

SundayNovember 8th 5:00pm Wine, Steak & Scotch Everyone (aged 21 and older) is invited. Please see announcement in this issue on page 11. RSVP required.

WednesdayNovember 11th 6:00pm Regional Man of the Year Dinner & AwardsIf you would like to attend, please contact Joel Kurtz. See page 7 in this issue of the Kolenu. Additional information can be found and on the table in the synagogue foyer.

SundayDecember 6th Chanukah FairMen's Club is handling concessions and volunteers are needed. Please contact Michael Perks if you are available to help out.

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November 1 – Herman AdlerCarla FriedmanJamey Langer

November 2 – Jonathan Fields Luke Geneslaw Janet MillerNovember 3 – Chris Fried Francesca SullivanNovember 4 – Terri Gibbor Peter WeissNovember 5 – Rachel King Joseph Mandrowitz Alice PomaskiNovember 7 – Cheryl Gertner Bess KathrinsNovember 8 – Cameron Fields Jean Glass Jay Grunin Roslyn Sherman Jessica WeintraubNovmeber 9 – Rabbi Robert SandmanNovember 10 – Kayla Joyner

November 11 – Brian Haimowitz Sarah Musicant Craig NewmanNovember 12 – Madelyn WikoNovember 13 – Herbert Katz Hannah RepoleNovember 14 – Harriet WolfNovember 15 – Marty Goldstein Sandra OttenbergNovember 16 – Robert SlotnickNovember 17 – Ella Babinski Richard Kathrins Adam RosenNovember 18 – Elaine Collins HaleyWikoNovember 19 – Penny LeiferNovember 20 – Rachel BabinskiNovember 21 – Erin Collier Jan Salis November 22 – Jacob NadellNovember 23 – Elsa Abrahamovic Ardith Namenson

November 25 – Barbara Balasiano Rabbi Deborah MillerNovember 26 – Helen Manela Dr. Danielle Musicant Penny PetersNovember 27 – Jeanne DicklerNovember 28 – Dr. Robert Rabinowitz Nancy ShechterNovember 29 – Paul Halpern Hyman Schechter

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Anniversariesאני לדודי ודודי לי

November 1 – David & Phyllis WaldmanNovember 4 – Patrick & Jamie DispotoNovmeber 4 – Avrum & Averil GlazierNovember 7 – Hy & Megina MittlebergNovember 8 – Hyman & Perle Schechter

November 9 – Daniel & Julie BergerNovember 10 – Neil & Michelle BrodskyNovember 14 – Irving & Selma DavisNovember 19 – Irving & Betty NierenbergNovember 20 – Stanley & Harriet Brown

November 25 – Bryan & Debra KayNovember 25 – Joel & Lynn PerlmutterNovember 26 – Michael & Marlene PerlmutterNovember 27 – Greg & Stella ConstandakiNovember 27 – Marvin & Phyllis Kerr

Birthda�sיום הולדת שמח

Mazel TovSandy Gottesman and the birth of her great-grandson Yaakov Yisrael

Daniella and Terrence Joyner on their daughter Kayla marking her Bat Mitzvah

Harold and Fran Lowenfels on the birth of their grandson Dean Lowenfels

Dr. David and Janet Miller on the marriage of their daughter Amy to Steve Kravetz

Dr. Adam and Michelle Repole on their daughter Hannah marking her Bat Mitzvah

Joseph and Henny Schwartz on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson Noah Schwartz

Lillian Sokolow on the birth of her great-grandson Miles Shay Polonski

With ThanksHy & Megina Mittleberg to our CBI family for being honored as Hatan Torah and Kalat Beresheet

Our CondolencesSeymour Benninson

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I hope to have a Parlor Meeting about the AIPAC Policy Conference. Please contact me if you are interested in attending, or would like more information.

Jonathan, Cameron, Coby, Samuel and I are very grateful that we were able to celebrate the wonderful occasion of Cameron marking her Bat Mitzvah with our B'nai Israel Family. Thank you for sharing this amazing milestone with us. Cameron was touched and honored that so many people were able to attend and share in her simcha. We all thank you for your warmth, love, and friendship. We have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. We thank our B'nai Israel Family for adding to the many blessings in our lives.

Words from Wolintz-FieldsWhat is the AIPAC Policy Conference? (continued)

Northern New Jersey Region FJMCpresents the

2015 Man of the YearDinner & Awards

This year's Congregation B'nai Israel recipients are:

Man of the Year: Michael Collins and Lou Bonus

Youth of the Year: Steven Glassoff

Wednesday, November 11, 2015Congregation B'nai Tikvah

1001 Finnegan's LaneNorth Brunswick, New Jersey

6:00pmExpanded Cocktail Reception

7:30pmMa'ariv, D'var Torah, and Awards

8:45pmDessert

Cost: $54 per personFor directions, go to www.classicalcaterers.com or visit www.nnjr.org.Deadline for reservations is Monday, November 3rd. Please mail your check, along with the RSVP form below, to: CBI, 1488 Old Freehold Road, Toms River, N.J. 08753.

Please make checks payable to “Men’s Club CBI” Write Man of the Year on your check and put attention to Joel Kurtz on your envelope.

We hope to see you there to celebrate the achievements of these three deserving Award-Winners!

Man of the Year RSVP Form

Name(s): Number Attending:

Address:

Email Address:

Phone Number:

Amount Enclosed:

Be a Patron Oneg or Kiddush SponsorCelebrating? Any occasion – be it important events in your child's life, your work life, or your home life; a graduation, anniversary, anniversary of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah, birthday, engagement, retirement….

A Patron sponsorship is designed to allow you, the congregant, to celebrate special occasions with your congregation family when you are not inviting many outside guests. The food provided by a Patron sponsorship will be ample for the usual number of congregants attending Shabbat Services plus a few invited guests. Consider becoming a Patron sponsor of a Friday night Oneg Shabbat or a Saturday morning Kiddush. Just contact the Synagogue Office to make arrangements for sharing your simcha with our whole Congregation!

Thank you to Sponsoring our Oneg and Kiddush:Men’s Club and Sisterhood for sponsoring our Kiddush in honor of Men’s Club and Sisterhood ShabbatDr. David and Janet Miller for enhancing our Kiddush in honor of the Auf Ruf of their daughter Amy Miller and Steve KravetzFred & Evelyn Weil for sponsoring our Kiddush in honor of the 67th anniversary of his Bar MitzvahHarold and Fran Lowenfels for sponsoring our Oneg in honor of the birth of their grandson Dean LowenfelsCantors Daniel and Ruth Green for sponsoring our Oneg in honor of their anniversaryCarol Wolintz for sponsoring our Oneg in honor of her granddaughter Cameron marking her Bat MitzvahJonathan and Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields for sponsoring our Kiddush in honor of their daughter Cameron marking her Bat Mitzvah

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Talmud Torah

Poignant Points from the Principal by Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

November is a short month for Talmud Torah between Teacher's Convention Week and Thanksgiving break. Hence, please make every effort to make sure that when we do have class, that your children do attend Talmud Torah and that they are on time, and stay the entire duration of class.

The following are the dates that Talmud Torah is in session: November

Wednesday – 11, 18Sunday – 15, 22

DecemberWednesday – 2, 9, 16

Sunday – 6, 13, 20 Junior Congregation, led by Max Silverstein, takes place from

10:15–11:30am on Shabbat mornings, and 7:30– 8:30pm on Friday nights: Saturday, 11/21 & Friday, 12/4

The following is a writing by my friend and colleague Rabbi Rebecca Sirbu about Judaism and Thanksgiving: How can Jews bring Judaism into celebrating Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday because it focuses us on the things in life we have to be thankful for. Take a moment to think of those things for yourself. If you are like me, you may think of family, friends, a safe house to live in, and having plenty of food to eat. Many families have a Thanksgiving tradition of going around the table and having each person say something that they are thankful for before eating the festive meal. I find this tradition moving each year.

It is not a stretch to bring Judaism in to your Thanksgiving celebration since being grateful for what you have and saying thanks is a core value in the Jewish tradition. The prayer "Modeh ani Lifanecha" a prayer recited by religious Jews every morning upon waking up thanks God for the ability to wake up. Another prayer thanks God for allowing our bodies to function,

and another thanks God for restoring our souls to us each morning. In fact, almost every blessing we utter is in fact a way of saying thank you to God.

Let's look at the Motzei, the prayer for eating bread "Baruch ata adonai, elokenu melech ha olam, hamotzei lechem nim ha'aretz." Blessed are you Adonai our God, ruler of the world, for bringing forth bread from the earth. We bless God and thank God for giving us bread. Therefore an easy way to bring Jewish traditions to your Thanksgiving table is to add some traditional Jewish blessings. I would recommend saying the blessing over the bread above. You can also bless wine, "Baruch ata adonai , melach haolam, boreh pri hagafen." Blessed are you Adonai our God, ruler of the world, for creating the fruit of the vine.

I would also recommend reciting the Shehechianu prayer. Which is "Blessed are you Adonai our God, ruler of the world, for sustaining us, and keeping us, and bringing us to this time." I can't think of a better Jewish prayer to recite in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Thank you God for bring us here, for allowing us to celebrate with friends and family, and for putting food on the table.

If none of these traditional prayers feels quite right to you, then by all means make up your own prayer. Judaism values prayers of thanksgiving said from your heart as much as the prayers we find in the prayer book. I pray that you have a meaningful Thanksgiving!

May all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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First Steps will meet on the third Sunday of each month. For more information and to register, please contact the synagogue office at 732-349-1244.

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B'not Mitzvah Spotlight

Hannah Repoleפעשא איטאNovember 14, 2015Parashat Toldot

Hannah Isabel Repole was born November 13th, 2002. At birth she had the distinct features of a "Whovian," but further testing proved she belonged to Michelle and Adam.

At an early age she was called "Hurricane Hannah," an affectionate nickname given to her by her Nana. We always thought it was because of her endless energy and outgoing personality. More recently we are reminded of this name whenever we are brave enough to venture into her room.

As a means to harness her boundless energy Hannah has been involved in sports starting from a young age. She played soccer for many years until her retirement a year ago from the TRFC. Currently Hannah swims for the Ocean County YMCA and has been for many years.

One of Hannah's true passions is swimming. It is rumored that Professor Snape slipped Gillyweed into her baby food one day then threw her in the pool. The experiment was a great success because Hannah hasn't stopped swimming since then. In fact, Hannah's mitzvah project is to help teach young children to swim at Ocean County YMCA.

Hannah has enjoyed the past eight summers at Pine Grove Day Camp with her mother, sister, and brother. She has truly embraced the camp motto of PG4L (Pine Grove for Life). Her fondest memories of camp are playing gaga, pool trash, and participating in color war.

Hannah has also followed in the path of her older siblings and her grandfather with her love of music and performing. Hannah sings, plays piano, and was a lead in last years Intermediate North stage production. She is currently writing the first Dr. Who/ My Little Pony musical review to be performed at next years Bronycon.

Hannah is proud of her heritage and being Jewish. Some of her fondest memories have been celebrating the Jewish holidays at the home of her Bubbie and Papa Gene. She plays an active role in Kadima and has made some great friends through this organization. She has worked hard to prepare for her Bat Mitzvah. We are extremely proud of her and her accomplishments.

Mazel Tov, Hannah! We love you!Mom, Dad, David, & Rachel

Kayla was born November 10, 2002. She currently is in the eighth grade and attending Manchester Middle school. Kayla's goals are to study law at Princeton University when she graduates high school, which she is determined to accomplish. Kayla enjoys dancing toe, tap, ballet, and hiphop which she has been attending dance school since the age of 3 years old. Kayla has 3 sibblings Steven, Diona, and Tuval which she is a tremendous help with. She truly adores them. Kayla loves cooking, and is great at it.

We wish only the best in life, reach as high as you can.

Love,Mom and Dad

Kayla Joynerקליה אברהNovember 21, 2015Parashat Vayetze

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Around the Synagogue

Ocean County has been a great place to call home. Now is the time to make it your permanent home!We never know when the end of life will come. The only thing we know for sure is that our own death will be at a very inconvenient time. Let us admit that it will probably be our spouse or our children who will have to make the funeral and burial arrangements. But do we even own a burial plot?

If we do not make these hard decisions during our own lifetime, our family members will have to do so without being able to ask our opinion. And they will have to do it hastily. Is that really what we would want?

End-of-life decisions should be for each of us to make – not anyone else. We ourselves deserve to choose our own burial placeand funeral arrangements. Let us not leave these for others to decide in haste.

Congregation B'nai Israel urges you to visit our synagogue office or main lobby and take home a copy of our B'nai IsraelMemorial Park Guide & Policies. Then contact our Cemetery Chairman to reserve plots for yourself and loved ones in ourbeautiful Jewish cemetery, which is lovingly maintained by dedicated volunteers from our congregation. Your family will beeternally grateful.

B'nai Israel Memorial Park is located at the corner of West Whitty Road and Old Freehold Road in Toms River. For more information please contact Fred M. Weil, Cemetery Chairman, at 732-797-0197 or [email protected].

Cantors Ruth and Daniel Green to Present Chanukah ProgramMonday, December 7 at 1:00pm

On Monday, December 7, 2015, the first day of Chanukah, Cantors Ruth and Daniel Green will present a musical program at 1:00pm at Congregation B'nai Israel. The program will be sponsored by the combined Hadassah chapters of Toms River, Leisure Village West and the Renaissance.

Ruth Katz Green served as Cantor of Temple Beth Shalom in Manalapan for twenty years and is now their Cantor Emerita. Daniel Green, Ruth's husband, is Cantor Emeritus here at Congregation B'nai Israel.

All are invited to come celebrate the joy of Chanukah and join in singing Chanukah song favorites. Admission is open to both men and women and is free of charge. Refreshments will be served.

"Grief After Loss" MeetingEvery Monday, 1:00–2:00pm

Jewish Family & Children's Service of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County in conjunction with Congregation B'nai Israel is pleased to announce the continuation of:

"Grief After Loss"Every Monday from 1:00pm–2:30pmat Congregation B'nai Israel

For more information, or to register please contact: Jewish Family & Children's Service at 732-363-8010.

New Addition to the Library

Do you know that Congregation B'nai Israel has a Library Fund? Consider a donation to the Fund as a special way to honor or remember someone.

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Sunday, November 8, 2015 5:00pm ‘til it’s over

Congregation B’nai Israel Men’s Club invites you to join us for our annual

Wine, Steak and Scotch w/Chef Mark Silverstein

All men and women of CBI are invited! Open to non-members as well, so please invite friends and family.

Come and enjoy a delicious 5-course dinner prepared by our Master Chef, Mark Silverstein (and crew)….please choose from the following entrée selections: cooked-to-perfection steak or salmon….(and, of course, a delicious dessert will be served)….we promise that your palate will be pleased!

Cost: $50 per person/$90 per couple

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"If you will it, it will not be a dream" – Theodor HerzlI had the privilege to speak at Congregation B'nai

Israel's magnificent 65th anniversary celebration on Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, October 13, 2015. I was asked if I would share excerpts from my remarks through an article in the "Kolenu." I do so with pleasure and express my great thanks and appreciation to all of those who were involved in the joyful 65th anniversary celebration.

"For the record," in recording the history of Congregation B'nai Israel we should know that the first Jewish religious service was held on the sun porch of the Novins home in Pine Beach, NJ sometime before 1950 (date unknown) with a Torah which the Novins family purchased in Philadelphia and later donated to the synagogue. This was told to me by Judge Ben Novins. He also shared this story of B'nai Israel's earliest beginnings with Hebrew High School students at his lovely home overlooking the Toms River. Incidentally, the former bimah chairs which graced our synagogue bimah for decades, and now reside in the Cantor's office, were the dining room chairs from the Novins home!

The organizational meeting for the formation of Congregation B'nai Israel, in early 1950, was held at the Washington Street home of Jack and Virginia Lamping. Jack was a very devoted lay leader of the First United Methodist Church and was known as "Mr. Ocean County." He served as Public Relations Director of the county for decades. A good friend of Si Schwartz, Mort Goldman and Sol Soloff, it was Jack Lamping who later introduced the annual Yom HaShoah–Interfaith Holocaust Memorial Service to the community and shared a liturgy which still forms the basis of the annual Toms River/Ocean County Yom HaShoah service. I don't know if any other synagogue can boast that an active Methodist served as midwife for a synagogue!

It is important to know both the history and the historiography of Congregation B'nai Israel. History is the record of events. Historiography is the meaning of the events recorded in history. B'nai Israel's historiography teaches us that our synagogue, like all synagogues, has its own personality and character. The Hebrew expression (though it was originally written in German) which best characterizes Congregation B'nai Israel is the message of Theodor Herzl when he first envisioned a Jewish State: "Im tirtzu, eiyn zo agadah." "If you will it, it will not be a dream."

It was only five years following the close of World War II that Congregation B'nai Israel was formed out of the Religious Committee of the Community of Jewish Farmers. The Community of Jewish Farmers was a Jewish social and cultural institution. Since many of its members were the "idealists" of their day, Communists and Socialists, they had little interest, and amongst some

CBI 65th Anniversary Celebration

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disdain for religion, Jewish education and religious practice. When our Guest Speaker, Rabbi David Soloff's mother, Yetta (former President of CBI's Sisterhood), agreed to move to Toms River from Lakewood she told her soon-to-be husband Sol (Dr. Solomon Soloff, first President of CBI) that she would only move to Toms River if it had a synagogue and a proper religious school to bring up Jewish children. She insisted that she wouldn't bring up children as uncultured barbarians without a Jewish community to support them!

"Im Tirtzu, eyn zo agadah," "if you will it, it will not be a dream." The seeds of B'nai Israel were planted. Despite adversity, lack of universal local Jewish support, difficulty in bringing religious school teachers from Lakewood – without proper roads or transportation – the foundations were set. B'nai Israel was formed.

On Chanukah, 1959 Congregation B'nai Israel's original building was opened. 1959 was also the year of the bust and near total bankruptcy of the poultry industry in Ocean County. Farmers were leaving their property in the middle of the night, because they couldn't pay their mortgages. They owed more money to the feed company than their farms were worth. Competition from huge poultry farms in Georgia and Florida put the Mom and Pop Ocean County poultry farms at great risk. It cost more to feed the chickens than they could recoup by selling the eggs. It was that same year, when the economy was suffering, that the leadership of Congregation B'nai Israel again said: "Im Tirtzu, eyn zo agadah," "if you will it, it will not be a dream."

In the early 1980's, it became apparent that B'nai Israel's synagogue building was inadequate. Talmud Torah classes were being held in the lobby, in the sanctuary and in Cantor Green's office, which was originally the coat closet! The social hall was too small for celebrations. The active youth groups deserved a real Youth Lounge. In 1983, right before Rosh HaShanah, the construction walls were removed and the synagogue size doubled. Despite the economy, which again was in difficulty, the construction loan was turned into a mortgage. Within a few years that mortgage, like the first mortgage, was burned. "Im Tirtzu, eyn zo agadah," "if you will it, it will not be a dream."

Congregation B'nai Israel always recognized that a synagogue is not a Jewish social club. A synagogue is a vehicle to bring God's presence and God's will into the community. It is no wonder that B'nai Israel, since its earliest days, was active in Zionism, supported the Jewish National Fund, Solomon Schechter Academy and helped to form the Ocean County Jewish Federation (later, Jewish Federation of Ocean County) and raised millions of dollars through Israel Bonds. B'nai Israel never had blinders on. It always looked outside to meet the real needs of the community. Congregation B'nai Israel helped to create Homes for All (affordable housing), Interfaith Hospitality Network (assistance for the homeless), Caregivers (serving those who cannot leave their homes easily), Kosher Meals-on-Wheels, House of Hope (providing social services to those who come knocking on the synagogue and Church doors for handouts) and many other important services to the community.

What began with a few dreamers, has become a reality bringing blessings to Israel, the Jewish People throughout the world, the community, the USA and the world. Congregation B'nai Israel's personality and character is that of a synagogue which sees what is near impossible, and accomplishes it. May we continue to dream, and see our dreams become reality. "Im Tirtzu, eyn zo agadah," "if you will it, it will not be a dream."

Affectionately,Richard Hammerman Congregation B'nai Israel Rabbi 1975-2006Congregation B'nai Israel Rabbi Emeritus


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1. Hy and Megina Mittleberg2. L-R: Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields, Mayor Thomas Kelaher, Hazzan Steven Walvick, and CBI President Bob Van Bochove3. Ernest and Ruth Guenzburger4. Eta Estomin

A wonderful time was had by all

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5. L-R: Irwin Natter, Lauren Rosen, David Rosen, and Phyllis Natter6. Rabbi David Soloff and Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields7. Harold and Elaine Isaacson8. L-R: Marty Gertner, Adina Steele, and Cheryl Gertner

celebrating 65years at CBI!

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Rabbi's Discretionary Fund

- In honor of Cameron Fields marking her Bat Mitzvah - Myra Drozdoff and Alan Baum

- In honor of Hy and Megina Mittleberg, Hatan Torah and Kalat Beresheet - Harriet Wolf

- In honor of Rabbi Wolintz-Fields, thank you for being at my farewell lunch - Jeanne Littman

- In honor of Rabbi Wolintz-Fields, thank you for your kindness during Yom Kippur Services - Jack and Jan Houseman

- In memory of Carol and Sheldon Binder - Yvette Lawrie

- In memory of Aaron and Ruth Jablon - Michelle Bellay and Edna Mostarda

- With appreciation to our CBI Family for our Simchat Torah Honors - Hy and Megina Mittleberg

- Contribution by - Max Frielich- Nelli Kuchuk

Educational Endowment Fund

- In honor of Hy & Megina Mittleberg, Hatan Torah and Kalat Beresheet- Steve and Marion Pardes- Toby Schier- Sandy Welsher

- In honor of Fred Weil's 80th birthday - Hy and Megina Mittleberg

- In honor of the birth of Irene Wolinsky's great-grandchild - Harriet Wolf

- In honor of the birth of David & Elaine Yelner's great-grandchild - Bernard and Irma Dansky

- In memory of Sadie Gibbor - Dr. Brian and Ruth Kerr

Rosen Adult Education Fund

- In memory of Hyman Rosen - Zev and Fran Rosen

Yahrzeits

- In memory of Herbert Bunis - Marc and Jill Bunis - Dr. Brian and Ruth Kerr

- In memory of Leo Dansky - Bernard and Irma Dansky

- In memory of Henry and Else Greenbaum - Alan and Dina Greenbaum

- In memory of Nellie Bacharach - Ruth Guenzburger

- In memory of Judith Follick - Hal and Diane Halvorsen

- In memory of Thelma Golden - Charlotte Krupnick

- In memory of Clara Posner - Lillian Levine

- In memory of Eva Lieberman - Steve and Sharon Lieberman

- In memory of Elaine Samson - Steve and Marion Pardes

- In memory of Edward Sanders - Barbara Berman and Clifford Lee

- In memory of Alfred Madison - Joel and Lynn Perlmutter

- In memory of Naomi Wolen - Joel and Lynn Perlmutter

- In memory of Frances Schlesinger - Howard and Carol Schlesinger

- In memory of William Shames - Shirley Shames

- In memory of Joel Miller - Evelyn Shulman

- In memory of Ira Shulman - Evelyn Shulman

- In memory of Nathan Spector - Morris Spector

- In memory of Stephan Miles Welsher - Sandra Welsher

- In memory of Gus Yacker - Sandra Welsher

- In memory of Ossie Winderbaum - Scott J. Winderbaum

- In memory of Lillian Wolinsky - Irene Wolinsky

Kiddush Fund

- In honor of Men's Club and Sisterhood Shabbat - Men's Club and Sisterhood

- In honor of the Auf Ruf of their daughter Amy Miller and Steve Kravetz - Dr. David and Janet Miller

- In honor of the 67th anniversary of Fred Weil's Bar Mitzvah - Fred and Evelyn Weil

- In honor of the birth of their grandson Dean Lowenfels - Harold and Fran Lowenfels

- In honor of their anniversary - Cantors Daniel and Ruth Green

- In honor of her granddaughter Cameron marking her Bat Mitzvah - Carol Wolintz

- In honor of their daughter Cameron marking her Bat Mitzvah - Jonathan Fields and Rabbi Ellen S. Wolintz-Fields

Congregation B'nai Israel Gratefully Acknowledges the Following Contributions

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Synagogue Funds

Arielle Eytan Memorial Fund: Provides materials for the Nursery School Program. Mitzvah Care Fund: Helps needy families and individuals within our Congregation. Educational Endowment Fund: Perpetual support for our Talmud Torah educational programs. Esther and Frank Simon Youth Lounge: Provides and maintains items and furnishings in our Youth Lounge. Harry and Molly Garson Fund: Used for special annual programs for the children of Congregation B’nai Israel Talmud Torah. General Fund: Used to support the ongoing needs of Congregation B'nai Israel. Goldsmith Endowment Fund: Used for the education of our youth. Memorial Plaques: Installed in the Sanctuary to memorialize dear ones who are deceased. Music Fund: Provides for musical programs and ongoing musical needs for Congregation B'nai Israel. Prayer Book Fund: Used to purchase Chumashim and weekly Sabbath and High Holy Days prayer books. Books may be dedicated to specific individuals.

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund: Used for needy individuals and causes.Ramah-Youth Scholarship Fund: Provides scholarships for summer educational and cultural programs for our youngsters (Camp Ramah, USY on Wheels, Israel Pilgrimage, etc.) Ritual Fund: Used to purchase new siddurim, tallitot and other ritual items needed to benefit and assist the Congregation. Rosen Adult Education Fund: Perpetual support for Adult Education. Talmud Torah Fund: Used to support the Religious Schools of B'nai Israel and to enhance our educational program. Tree of Life: Leaves may be purchased in honor of special occasions and family simchas. USY Fund: Used for scholarships toward regional or national events and programs for the youth of our synagogue. Yahrzeit Fund: Supports Talmud Torah in memory of dear ones. Yizkor Fund: Memorializes dear ones who are deceased. All requests must be in writing accompanied with payment to the Synagogue Office.

Congregation B'nai Israel Gratefully Acknowledges the Following Contributions

This is a perfect time to share your simchas of your loved ones by dedicating a Leaf for those who you love. Please consider adding a Leaf to our Tree of Life now. Your check for $150.00 each is made payable to Congregation B'nai Israel. You get 4 lines and 29 spaces per Leaf. Share your children and grandchildren's simchas by adding a Leaf to our Tree of Life with any simcha. What a lovely gift!

The Leafs are falling from our Trees outside and it is the perfect time to add to our Tree of Life while helping our Congregation. Add a leaf to our Tree of Life or reserve some for the future. Please call Arlene Neugarten at 732-929-0545 or call the office at 732-349-1244 for more information. You can also chip in with friends to share a special birthday, marriage, anniversary, bar/bat mitzvah, graduation, birth of a child or grandchild, etc. Hoping to hear from you.

Thank you to those who added the following to our Tree of Life:It is a tree of life to those who uphold it – Proverbs 3:16-8

TO A SPECIAL COUPLEMEGINA & HY MITTLEBERGSIMCHAT TORAH 10-6-15

WITH LOVE, YOUR FRIENDS

TO CAMERON FIELDS ON HERBAT MITZVAH 18 HESHVAN 5776

WITH LOVEADINA STEELE & TAMMY ROTHSPAN

TO ELAINE & MIKE COLLINSFOR FRIENDSHIP, LOVE & CARING

ADINA STEELEHESHVAN 5776

HANNAH ISABEL REPOLEBAT MITZVAH NOVEMBER 14, 2015

WITH MUCH LOVE AND PRIDEMOM, DAD, RACHEL & DAVID

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CBI Academy for Learning and Journeying 5776

Women's Rosh Chodesh Study Group 10:30am–12:00pmJoin us for an informative, lively, and confidential gathering of women sharing in the celebration of the new Hebrew month. Rosh Chodesh is a time for women to gather for insightful study through various activities and conversation on the topic of the new month. Coffee and nosh are always served.

Wednesday, November 11 – Rosh Chodesh Kislev – Women WarriorsWednesday, December 16 – Rosh Chodesh Tevet – Why Jews Eat the Way We Do?Thursday, March 10 – Rosh Chodesh Adar II – More About Jewish Food and Eating HabitsThursday, April 7 – Rosh Chodesh Nisan – Does Pluralism Really Work?Monday, May 9 – Rosh Chodesh Iyar – All Begins with a DateThursday, June 9 – Rosh Chodesh Sivan – Wedding Bells

Lunch and Learn iEngage 2.011:30am–1:00pmEngaging Israel: from the Shalom Hartman Institute Lecture Series – A video produced by the Shalom Hartman Institute, featuring Hartman scholars discussing these topics, will be watched and then discussed. Lunch at each session will be served. Please RSVP the Monday before each session. These programs are open to men and woman.

Thursday, November 19 – Religious Pluralism and Human Rights: As a democracy, Israel is committed to being religiously pluralistic and to providing equal rights to all of its citizens, Jews and non-Jews alike. Does Israel's Jewish dimension serve or hinder these commitments? What principles and ideas ought to govern Israel's policies on these issues?

Thursday, December 17 – Values Nation: Israel is the project of the Jewish people, in which Jewish values and ideals meet the challenges of governance and everyday life. What resources within the Jewish tradition can contribute to the shaping of Israel as a paragon of moral and democratic values and help fulfill the aspiration of Israel to be a nation of values?

Thursday, March 17 – The Jewish People as a Tribal Family: Explores how the Jewish tradition conceptualizes the Jewish people as a tribal family. It recognizes that Jewish collective identity has always been a divided and tribal one, requiring the balancing of collective consciousness with individual and tribal sensibilities.

Thursday, May 19 – The "Orthodox" Jewish Tribes: Explores two Jewish tribes within Israel that conceive of orthodoxy as the only authentic form of Judaism: the ultra-orthodox and religious Zionists. It presents a nuanced understanding of the defining characteristics of each tribe, the challenges they face, and their place within the broader mosaic of Israel society.

Monday, June 6 – The "Liberal" Jewish Tribes: Examines the four Jewish tribes within Israel that reject the monopoly of orthodoxy – Masorti (traditional), "Jewish" secular, Israeli secular, and "Jewish Non-Jewish."

Evening iEngage 2.0 - Central Themes of Dilemmas of Faith 7:00pm–9:00pmWednesday, December 2 – What Does it Mean to Believe? The Challenge of the Rational and the Reasonable: Explores the challenges of faith in a world defined by personal choice. What makes a life of faith compelling? Rabbi Dr. Donnie Hartman argues that modern Jews will only choose faith if it is both rational and reasonable.

Wednesday, March 2 – Dilemma of Biblical Theology: What is the Redeeming Idea of Monotheism? Explores how the Bible wants us to understand God and holiness. Dr. Micah Goodman suggests that biblical monotheism is about the absolute uniqueness of a God who is beyond nature and beyond the world. Since our beliefs in God shapre our vision for humanity and the world, Jewish theology strives to instill the ethos that perfection is not possible in the human realm.

Wednesday, May 11 – Dilemma of Theodicy: Where is God in the Midst of Suffering? Addresses the problem of understanding God, God's power, and God's goodness in the face of evil. Rabbi Lauren Berkun suggests that there has never been one response to the problem of theodicy. She offers several different traditional Jewish approaches to the question of evil and G-d's in the world.

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November 2015 Events Calendar

KolenuSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

No Talmud Torah 1:30pm & 7:00pm Federation Jewish Film Festival Series

2

No Hebrew HighUSY Chicago Trip (November 2-6)

3 Election Day

1:00pm Hadassah Board Meeting

4

No Talmud Torah

5

7:30pm Executive Board Meeting

6 Anniversary Shabbat4:30pm Candle Lighting7:30pm Evening Services

7

9:00am Shabbat ServicesTorah Study Group

8

No Talmud Torah5:00pm Wine, Steak, and Scotch Dinner

9

Hebrew High School1:30pm & 7:00pm Federation Jewish Film Festival Series

10

7:30pm CBI Board Meeting

11

Talmud Torah10:30am Women's Rosh Chodesh Study GroupMen's Club Man of the Year Dinner6:00pm USY Board Mtg.6:30pm Tzofim Program

12 Rosh Chodesh 13 Rosh Chodesh

4:24pm Candle Lighting7:30pm Evening Services

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9:00am Shabbat ServicesBat Mitzvah - Hannah Repole

15

Talmud TorahUSY Program

16

Hebrew High School

17

1:00pm Hadassah Regional Meeting

18

Talmud Torah6:30pm Kadima/TzofimDodgeball

19

11:30am Lunch & Learn iEngage

20

4:18pm Candle Lighting7:30pm Evening Services

21

9:00am Shabbat ServicesBat Mitzvah - Kayla Joyner

22

Talmud TorahMen's Club Pancake BreakfastKadima Broadway Trip

23

Hebrew High

24 25

No Talmud Torah

26 Thanksgiving

Office Closed9:00am MinyanVolunteer Food Kitchen

27

Office Closed4:15pm Candle Lighting7:30pm Evening Services

28

Birthday Shabbat9:00am Shabbat Services

29

No Talmud Torah

30

No Hebrew High

CBI November 2015 Kolenu

Documents

Transcript of CBI November 2015 Kolenu